Chapters’ Temples


The Architecture of Illinois Holy Royal Arch Freemasonry


Celebrating the operative masonry of the Masonic temples our chapters call home

To see Temples that once housed Illinois Chapters, click here

If your temple is not depicted, or if you have images of current or former Masonic Temples in Illinois, please email images of them to the Grand Webmaster. Thank you.

Alton’s (Upper Alton’s) Franklin Masonic Temple



Located at 1513 Washington Avenue, in what was formerly Upper Alton,
Franklin Masonic Temple (named for Franklin Lodge No. 25) is the home of
Franklin Chapter No. 8, whose convocations are held on the third Wednesday in January, April, July, & October, at 7:30 p.m.

The images to the left were captured by Google Streetview.

Aurora’s current Masonic Temple


Located at 1513 Washington Avenue, Aurora’s current Masonic Temple is home to Aurora Chapter No. 22, who meet on the third Wednesday of January, April, July, and October, at 7:30 p.m.

The image to the left was captured Google Streetview.

Belleville Masonic Temple


Located at 225 East A Street, the Belleville Masonic Temple is home to
Belleville Chapter No. 106, who meet on the second Wednesday of each month.

The first image was captured by Flickr contributor, Courtney Chesley.
Click here to see Ms. Chesley’s portfolio. 

The second image is from a postcard, courtesy of the Illinois Lodge of Research’s Louis L. Williams Masonic Library.

Bement Masonic Temple


Located at 151 East Bodman Street, Bement Masonic Temple is the home of Bement Chapter No. 65, whose convocations are held on the second Monday of each month at 8:30 p.m.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Bloomington Masonic Temple



Located at 302 East Jefferson Street, the temple is the home of Bloomington Chapter No. 26 whose convocations are held on the third Wednesday evening of each month.

Please click here for images of Bloomington Chapter’s hall (known as the “Gold Room”) in the Bloomington Scottish Rite Cathedral.

The first image comes courtesy of the Scottish Rite Valley of Bloomington.

The second image is from a postcard, courtesy of the Illinois Lodge of Research’s Louis L. Williams Masonic Library.

The third and fourth photographs were captured by Companion David Miley on 21 September 2008.

Bridgeport Masonic Temple


Located at 201 Washington Street, Bridgeport’s Masonic Temple has been the home of Henry Godeke Chapter No. 38 since the chapter removed from the Olney Masonic Temple on 25 May 2008.

Henry Godeke Chapter’s convocations are held on the fourth Monday evening of each month. Click here to visit the chapter’s website.

The imagery to the left come to us through the courtesy of the
Bridgeport York Rite bodies.

Cahokia Masonic Temple


Located at 815 Water Street, Cahokia Masonic Temple is the home of
Cahokia Chapter No. 156, whose convocations are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., apart from July and August when the chapter is dark.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Canton’s current Masonic Temple


Located at 1165 North Main Street, Canton Masonic Temple is the home of
Eureka Chapter No. 98, whose convocations are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Carlinville Masonic Temple



Located at 257 North Broad Street, Carlinville Masonic Temple is the home of Macoupin Chapter No. 187, whose convocations are held on the Monday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m.

The images to the left were captured by Google Streetview.

Cary Masonic Temple


Located at 28 South Northwest Highway, Cary Masonic Temple is the home of Cary-Grove Chapter No. 36, whose convocations are held on the
first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Centralia Masonic Temple


Located at 203 South Poplar Street, Centralia Masonic Temple is the home of Centralia Chapter No. 93 whose convocations are held on the second Tuesday in January, June, & October.

The image is from a postcard, courtesy of the Illinois Lodge of Research’s Louis L. Williams Masonic Library.

Champaign’s 1972 Masonic Temple


Located at 14 Bel Air Court, Champaign’s Masonic Temple is the home of
Champaign Chapter No. 50 whose convocations are held on the first Wednesday evening of each month.

These photographs were captured by Companion David Miley on 14 September 2008.

 

Chicago – 1912 Jefferson Park Masonic Temple


Constructed in 1912 at 5418 West Gale Street, Jefferson Park Masonic Temple has been home to La Fayette Chapter No. 2 since the chapter’s
removal from the
Chicago Scottish Rite Cathedral in December 2006. The cornerstone was laid 13 September 1912, and the temple was dedicated 4 January 1913.[1]
Fellowship Chapter No. 235 met there until that chapter’s merger into
Irving Park Chapter No. 195 on 17 January 1964.

La Fayette Chapter’s monthly convocations are held on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month.
Click here to visit the chapter’s website.

 

The mid-construction photograph and the blueprints, both shown to the left, come to us through the courtesy of Hesperia Lodge No. 411,
A.F.&A.M. 
[1]

See Bruce Barnes, ed.,
“History and Rededication of Jefferson Masonic Temple,” The Hesperian (Chicago), vol. 70, no. 3 (July 2005): 1, 16. See also Edward E. Gaunt, A Historical Account of the First 100 Years of Providence Lodge No. 711, A.F.&A.M., (date unknown [c. 1968?]).

Chicago – Mont Clare Masonic Temple


Located at 6910 West Grand Avenue, Mont Clare Masonic Temple is the home of Irving Park Chapter No. 195 whose convocations are held on the second Tuesday evening of each month, less July and August when the chapter is dark.

Clinton Masonic Temple


Located at 926 East Main Street, Clinton’s Masonic Temple is home to
Goodbrake Chapter No. 59, whose convocations are held on the third Tuesday evening of each month.

 

Collinsville Masonic Temple


Erected in 1912 C.E. (2442 A.I.) at 213 West Clay Street, Collinsville’s Masonic Temple is home to Unity Chapter No. 182, whose convocations are held on the second Friday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m., less July and August when the chapter is dark.

These photographs were captured by Waymarking user BruceS.

 

Decatur’s 1928 Masonic Temple




Located at 224 West Williams Street, Decatur’s Masonic Temple’s cornerstone was laid on 24 March 1928. It is the home of Macon Chapter No. 21 whose convocations are held on the third Thursday evening of each month.
Click here to visit the chapter’s website.

The images of the token commemorating the 24 March 1928 cornerstone laying ceremony come to us through the courtesy of eBay seller LakeTownTreasures.

DeKalb Masonic Temple


Located at 402 East Fairview Drive, DeKalb’s Masonic Temple is the home of DeKalb Chapter No. 52 whose convocations are held on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Please click here to visit the chapter’s website.

Please click here to visit the chapter’s website.

The imagery to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Downers Grove Masonic Temple


Located at 923 Curtiss Street, the Downers Grove Masonic Temple is the home of West Suburban Chapter No. 207 whose convocations are held on the first Monday of the month in October through June, and the third Monday in September; the chapter is dark in July and August.

The imagery to the left come to us through the courtesy of Grove Lodge No. 824A.F.&A.M.

Please click here to visit the chapter’s website.

Effingham Masonic Temple



Located at 300 South 5th Street, Effingham Masonic Temple is the home of
Effingham (f/k/a Norton Ewing) Chapter No. 87, whose convocations
are held on the second Monday evening of each month, at 8:00 p.m.

The first image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

The second image to the left was captured by Flickr user plasticfootball.

Elmhurst’s 2012 Masonic Temple



A former Lutheran Church, and located at 159 West North Avenue, Elmhurst Masonic Temple is the home of M.I.B. Red Chapter No. 233, whose convocations are held on the third Monday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m.

Please click here for images of the interior of Elmhurst Masonic Temple.

Equality Masonic Temple


Located at 210 Lane Street, Equality Masonic Temple is the home of
Equality Chapter No. 6, whose convocations are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Evanston Masonic Temple


Located at 1453 Maple Avenue, the Evanston Masonic Temple is home to Evanston Chapter No. 144 whose convocations are held on the first Monday evening of each month. It is also home to Stanley J. Harris Chapter No. 60, of the Prince Hall Grand Chapter.

The 1928 temple was designed by world-famous architect, the late Companion John A. Holabird, and replaced a previous temple built downtown in 1889.

Note that the temple’s street address, 1453, is equal to the number of
columns supporting the First Temple (i.e., King Solomon’s Temple) in Jerusalem.

Please click here for our page featuring Evanston Chapter’s “Doric Hall”.

The second photograph on the left is a screen capture from Toth and Parsons Productions’ The Freemasons: The Mystery, Myth and Truth (1995, 2005), which was filmed almost entirely in and around Evanston Masonic Temple, Medinah Shriners’ former ‘mosque’ in Chicago,
and the former Scottish Rite Cathedral in Chicago.

The third photograph was captured by Companion David Miley.

Freeport Scottish Rite Cathedral


Located at 305 West Stephenson Street, the Freeport Scottish Rite Cathedral is home to Freeport Chapter No. 23.

Freeport Chapter’s monthly convocations are held on the first Tuesday evening of each month, less July and August when the chapter is dark.

The upper image is from a postcard, courtesy of the Illinois Lodge of Research’s Louis L. Williams Masonic Library.

The lower image is from the website of the Valley of Freeport.


Geneva’s current Masonic Temple





The upper portion of the two-storey commercial building located at
10 South 2nd Street, has held Geneva’s Masonic Hall since the temple association purchased the structure in 1944. It is home to Fox River Chapter No. 14 whose monthly convocations are held on the 2nd Thursday evening of each month, less July and August when the chapter is dark.
See “Geneva Masonic Lodge 139 History”.

Click here to visit the chapter’s website.

The first image, looking roughly south-west shows both the building’s Main Street façade and 2nd Street side. The second photo, facing essentially west, reveals the 2nd Street entrance for the stairs up to
the chapter hall on the 2nd storey. An illuminated sign on the building’s
north-east corner, announces which body is meeting. At the bottom is the plaque on the north edge of the east wall, proclaiming the lodge and chapter.

These four photographs were captured by Companion Dave Miley, on 27 June 2010 during the town’s annual Swedish Days festivities.

Click on any of the images for a high-resolution version.

Glenview Masonic Temple


Located at 1450 North Lehigh Avenue, the Glenview Masonic Temple is home to Oracle Chapter No. 180.

Oracle Chapter’s monthly convocations are held on the second Thursday evening of each month.
Click here to visit the chapter’s website.

The images were captured by Companion, Richard E. YenaMost Excellent Past Grand High PriestRight Excellent Grand Secretary
(Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest at the time), on 12 January 2008.

Granite City Masonic Temple


Located at 1940 Cleveland Boulevard, the Granite City Masonic Temple is home to Granite City Chapter No. 221.

Granite City Chapter’s monthly convocations are held on the first Thursday evening of each month, less July and August when the chapter is dark.

Hillsboro Masonic Temple


Located at 903 South Main Street, Hillsboro Masonic Temple is the home of Hillsboro Chapter No. 197, whose convocations are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m., less July and August when the chapter is dark.

Click here to see the chapter hall configured to confer the supreme degree of Holy Royal Arch Mason.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Jacksonville Masonic Temple





Constructed in 1932 at 345 West College Avenue, Jacksonville’s Masonic Temple is the home of Jacksonville Chapter No. 3 whose convocations are held on the second Monday evening of each month.

The first photograph to the left are here through the courtesy of Companion Franklin E. ClineMost Excellent Past Grand High Priest.

The remaining three photographs are here through the courtesy of
Facebook site, “Historic Masonic Lodges and Temples (A Photo Tour)”.

Joliet’s 1967 Masonic Temple


Located at 350 North Midland Avenue, Joliet’s current Masonic Temple, the cornerstone of which was laid in 1967, is the home of Joliet Chapter No. 27
whose convocations are held on the fourth Thursday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m.

These images were captured by Waymarking user JBDiver.

Kankakee Masonic temple


Located at 124 South Harrison Avenue, Kankakee Masonic Temple is the home of Kankakee Chapter No. 78, whose convocations are held on the
second Tuesday of each month, less July and August when the chapter is dark.

The image to the left was captured by Flickr contributor, Courthouselover.

Kewanee Masonic temple


Located at 112 South Chestnut Street, Kewanee Masonic Temple is the home of Kewanee Chapter No. 47, whose convocations are held on the
fourth Thursday in August, November, February, and May, at 8:00 p.m.

This image is from a postcard, courtesy of the Illinois Lodge of Research’s Louis L. Williams Masonic Library.

Knoxville Masonic Temple


Located at 149 North Public Square, Knoxville’s Masonic Temple has been the home of Galesburg Chapter No. 46 since the chapter removed from
Galesburg.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Lincoln Masonic Temple


Located at 2022 North Kickapoo Street, Lincoln’s Masonic Temple is the home of Lincoln Chapter No. 147 whose convocations are held on the third Thursday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m., exclusive of July and August when the chapter is dark.

The images to the left were captured by Google Streetview.

Moline Scottish Rite Cathedral


Located at 1800 7th Avenue, the cathedral of the Scottish Rite Valley of Moline is the home of Rock Island Chapter No. 18, whose convocations are held on the fourth Monday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Click here to view the chapter hall.

The image to the left was captured by Panoramio contributor, embryojoe.

Mount Pulaski Masonic Temple


Located in the 200 block of North Market Street, Located at 119A South Lafayette Street, Mount Pulaski’s Masonic Hall is the home of Mount Pulaski Chapter No. 121 whose convocations are held on the second Thursday evening of each month at 7:30 p.m..

This photograph was captured by Waymarking user JBDiver.

Mount Vernon Masonic Temple


Located at 124 North 10th Street, Mount Vernon’s Masonic Temple is home to Andrew D. Webb Chapter No. 160 whose convocations are held on the fourth Thursday evening of each month at 7:30 p.m.

This image was captured by Companion Patrick B. Jones, then our Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner, on 11 February 2012.

Murphysboro Masonic Temple


Located at 1115 Chestnut Street, Murphysboro’s Masonic Temple is home to Murphysboro Chapter No. 164 whose convocations are held on the fourth Monday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m.

These images were captured by Waymarking user Math Teacher.

Naperville Masonic Temple


Located at 34 West Jefferson Avenue, this temple is the home of Euclid Chapter No. 13 whose convocations are held on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

The cornerstone was laid in an elaborate ceremony on 9 September 1916. The following is the newspaper account from the 13 September 1916 issue of the former
Naperville Clarion:

Corner Stone Laid For Masonic Temple

The corner stone of the new Masonic Temple in this city was laid on Saturday afternoon with impressive Masonic ceremonies, before a large assemblage of residents and Masons of the city and from surrounding counties. Bro. Ralph H. Wheeler, Grand Master of
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois, officiated, assisted by an occasional Grand Lodge composed as follows: Brothers H. H. Benjamin, Deputy Grand Master; C. W. Reed, Senior Grand Warden; C. A. Ashley, Junior Grand Warden; Claude V. Leffler, Grand Treasurer; Isaac Cutter, Grand Secretary; A. E. Randell, Grand Orator; Harry Woodward, Grand Chaplain; C. V. Wellner, Senior Grand Deacon; Edward Enck, Junior Grand Deacon; Wm. H. Bird, Grand Marshall; C. F. Wm. Schultz, Grand Pursuiviant; John Eisele, Senior Grand Steward; Earnest Rich, Junior Grand Steward; Ralph Steele Shepardson, Grand Architect; C. S. Gurney, Grand Tiler; John A. Bell, Master of Oldest Lodge.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master was escorted from the depot to the Masonic Hall by Aurora Commandery No. 22Knights Templar, under Commander F. Merritt Pepper and Captain-General C. E.
Cooley, which was headed by the Lounge Factory Band and the G. A. R. Drum Corps of Aurora.

The Grand Lodge was then convened at the Masonic Hall where together with a delegation of Master Masons, the procession was again formed, the line of march being east on Jefferson Ave. to Washington St., south to Water St., west to Main St. to Jefferson Ave., and east to the Temple site. The Grand Lodge then counter-marched through the line of procession and assumed their places on a tastefully decorated platform, erected for the occasion.

Worshipful Master Sankey S. Good, after a few introductory remarks, then requested the Most Worshipful Grand Master and the Grand Lodge, on behalf of Euclid Lodge No. 65, to officiate at the ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone, which was performed with Masonic honors. The occasion was most impressive and will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to witness it.

Appropriate vocal selections were rendered in the course of the ceremonies by the Oriental Quartet of Chicago and a feature most appreciated was an oration delivered by Rev. A. E. Randell, the gist of which was the relation and benefits of Masonry to society in general and the fact that the importance and desirability of any edifice to a community, no matter how beautiful architecturally, rested absolutely on the nature of the institution which it houses.

The corner stone was the gift of Bro. Arthur R. Beidelman, a member of Euclid Lodge No. 65; it is exceptionally beautiful in design and will be a lasting and worthy monument to Masonry and to the beneficence of Bro. Beidelman.

Please visit the history section of Euclid Chapter’s website to see the buildings that formerly served as their temple.

These images are presented through the courtesy of Euclid Chapter No. 13.

Oak Lawn Masonic Temple



Constructed in 1954 at 9420 South 52nd Avenue, Oak Lawn Masonic Temple is the home of Logan Chapter No. 196, whose convocations are held on the second Friday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m.

The first image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

 

The second image, showing the cornerstone, was captured by Companion David A. Miley on 5 January 2013.

Ottawa Masonic Temple



Located at 916 Columbus Street, Ottawa Masonic Temple is the home of
Shabbona Chapter No. 37, whose convocations are held on the second Thursday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m.

The first image was captured by Panoramio user bmont69.

The second image is from a postcard, courtesy of the Illinois Lodge of Research’s Louis L. Williams Masonic Library.

Palatine’s 2011 Masonic Temple


Located at 455 West Dundee Road, this former station of the Palatine Fire Department is the home of Loyal L. Munn and Palatine Chapters No. 96 and 206. Click on their names or numbers to see their respective meeting nights and in what months they are each dark.

The chapters moved into this temple on 15 December 2011.

These photographs are here through the courtesy of Palatine Lodge No. 314.

Paris Masonic Temple


Located at 301 South Central Avenue, Paris Masonic Temple is the home of Edgar Chapter No. 32, whose convocations are held on the second Friday evening of each month at 7:30 p.m.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Paxton Masonic Temple


Located at 149½ North Market Street, Paxton’s Masonic Temple is the home of Ford Chapter No. 113 whose convocations are held on the third Thursday evening of each month.

Notice the globe lights bearing the symbols to indicate the various Masonic organisations in the temple, including the triple-tau, equilateral triangle, and circle, representing the supreme degree of Holy Royal Arch Mason, and thus Ford Chapter No. 113.

This photograph was captured by Companion David Miley.

Pekin’s 1931 Masonic Temple




Located at 338 Elizabeth Street, Pekin’s Masonic Temple’s cornerstone was laid by Most Worshipful Grand Master Edward Claude Mullen on 2 July 1931.

This temple is the home of Pekin Chapter No. 25. Pekin Chapter’s convocations are held on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.; they are formal in odd numbered months, and informal in even numbered months.

The second image to the left comes to us from Flickr user Plasticfootball, and shows the annunciator lamps which indicate which body is meeting at a given time.

Peoria Heights Masonic Temple


Located at 3819 North Prospect Road, Peoria Heights Masonic Temple is the home of Peoria Chapter No. 7, whose convocations are held on the first Wednesday evening of each month, at 7:00 p.m. (formal in January, April, July & October; informal in other months).

The image to the left comes to us from Grand View Lodge No. 1112.

Petersburg Masonic Temple


Located at 106 South 6th Street, and having a mailing address of 125 South 5th Street, Petersburg Masonic Temple is the home of DeWitt Chapter No. 119, whose convocations are held on the fourth Monday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m.

The image to the left comes to us from Google Streetview.

Quincy Masonic Temple



Located at 428 Jersey Street, Quincy’s Masonic Temple is the home of Quincy Chapter No. 5 whose convocations are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday evening of each month.

The temple was designed by architects John Batschy and G.P. Behrensmeyer. Its cornerstone was laid on 20 July 1910 by Most Worshipful Grand Master Albert B. Ashley.

The first two photographs to the left come to us from Facebook site, “Historic Masonic Lodges and Temples (A Photo Tour)”.

The remaining two images are vintage postcards, available for viewing at the Illinois Lodge of Research’s Louis L. Williams Masonic Library.

Rockford Masonic Temple



Located at 4525 Charles Street, Rockford Masonic Temple is the home of
Winnebago Chapter No. 24, whose convocations are held on the first Wednesday evening of each month, at 7:30 p.m.

The images to the left were captured by Google Streetview.

Rushville Masonic Temple



Constructed in 1954 at 219 North Monroe Street, Rushville Masonic Temple is the home of Lusk Chapter No. 20, whose convocations are held on the third Tuesday evening of each month, at 8:30 p.m.

The images to the left come to us from Rushville Lodge No. 9.

Shelbyville Masonic Temple


Located at 125 North Broadway Street and dedicated in 1963, Shelbyville’s Masonic Temple is the home of Jackson Chapter No. 55 whose convocations are held on the second Saturday morning of each month.

 

Springfield’s Scottish Rite Cathedral


Located at 1020 Rickard Road, the cathedral of the Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield is the home of Springfield Chapter No. 1 whose convocations are held at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month, aside from July and August when the chapter is dark.

This image of the cathedral’s exterior is here by the courtesy of the
Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield.

 

Stockton Masonic Temple


Located at 117 North Main Street, Stockton Masonic Temple is the home of
Stockton Chapter No. 248, whose convocations are held on the third Monday in January, March, May, June, September, & November, at 7:30 p.m.

The image to the left was captured by Google Streetview.

Tuscola Masonic Temple


Located at 105½ North Main Street, Tuscola’s Masonic Temple is the home of Tuscola Chapter No. 66 whose convocations are held on the first Monday in March, June, September & December, at 7:30 p.m..

This photograph was captured by Waymarking user gladtobehere.

Virden’s American Legion Hall


Located at 118 South Dye Street, Virden, Virden’s American Legion Hall has been the home of Girard Chapter No. 132 since the closure of the Girard Masonic Temple.

The chapter’s convocations are held on the second Wednesday evening of each month, at 8:30 p.m., less July and August when the chapter is dark.

The image to the left comes to us from the City of Virden.

Waukegan’s 1982 Masonic Temple


Since 1982, Waukegan’s current Masonic Temple, located at 127 North Genesee Street, has been the home of Waukegan Chapter No. 41 whose convocations are held on the third Tuesday evening of each month.

The temple has two entrances, being accessible from both Genesee Street and from the municipal parking lot abutting the temple’s south face.

These photographs were captured by Companion David Miley on 8 May 2010.

Wheaton Masonic Temple


Located at 120 West Wesley Street, Wheaton’s Masonic Temple is the home of Wheaton Chapter No. 242 whose convocations are held on the second Monday evening of each month.

This photograph was captured by Companion David Miley.

Wilmette Masonic Temple


Located at 1010 Central Avenue, Wilmette’s Masonic Temple is the home of Wilmette Chapter No. 253 whose convocations are held on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

Designed by architect Arthur Howell Knox (1880-1973), the cornerstone was laid in 1925, and the exterior is composed chiefly of yellow brick which compliments the surrounding community of largely Victorian and prairie-influenced craftsman style homes.
The west wall features a trio of modest, Masonic themed stained glass windows.

These photographs were captured by Companion David Miley on 13 November 2010.