Colored Masonic Temple: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Colored Masonic Temple detail.jpg|right|thumb|375px|Detail over the entrance to the Colored Masonic Temple]] | [[Image:Colored Masonic Temple detail.jpg|right|thumb|375px|Detail over the entrance to the Colored Masonic Temple]] | ||
The '''Colored Masonic Temple''' (officially the '''Masonic Temple Building''') is a 7-story Renaissance-Revival style building located at 1630 [[4th Avenue North]]. It was constructed in [[1922]] for the [[Prince Hall Grand Lodge|Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free | The '''Colored Masonic Temple''' (officially the '''Masonic Temple Building''') is a 7-story Renaissance-Revival style building located at 1630 [[4th Avenue North]]. It was constructed in [[1922]] for the [[Prince Hall Grand Lodge|Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Alabama]] and is a contributing structure to the [[4th Avenue Historic District]]. | ||
The brick building features an engaged limestone temple front on the south facade. It was constructed by [[Windham Brothers Construction]]. | The brick building features an engaged limestone temple front on the south facade. It was constructed by [[Windham Brothers Construction]]. | ||
Throughout its history the building has housed the offices of notable African-American professionals, businesses and organizations. Its ballroom was used for meetings, ceremonies, concerts, dances and other special events. Three ground floor rooms were used for the [[Booker T. Washington Library]], the first public lending library open to Black citizens in Birmingham. | Throughout its history the building has housed the offices of notable African-American professionals, businesses and organizations. Its ballroom was used for meetings, ceremonies, concerts, dances and other special events. The Duke Ellington Orchestra and Count Basie's big bands played regularly at the Temple. | ||
Three ground floor rooms were used for the [[Booker T. Washington Library]], the first public lending library open to Black citizens in Birmingham. The offices of the [[NAACP]], in this building, were padlocked following the [[May 26]], [[1956]] order by Montgomery Circuit Judge Walter Jones banning the organization from operating in the state of Alabama. | |||
It is still used for meetings of the the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, but is otherwise underutilized. In January [[2009]] [[Main Street Birmingham]] hosted a workshop at the building to generate ideas for creative redevelopment. | It is still used for meetings of the the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, but is otherwise underutilized. In January [[2009]] [[Main Street Birmingham]] hosted a workshop at the building to generate ideas for creative redevelopment. | ||
Revision as of 11:17, 12 July 2015
The Colored Masonic Temple (officially the Masonic Temple Building) is a 7-story Renaissance-Revival style building located at 1630 4th Avenue North. It was constructed in 1922 for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Alabama and is a contributing structure to the 4th Avenue Historic District.
The brick building features an engaged limestone temple front on the south facade. It was constructed by Windham Brothers Construction.
Throughout its history the building has housed the offices of notable African-American professionals, businesses and organizations. Its ballroom was used for meetings, ceremonies, concerts, dances and other special events. The Duke Ellington Orchestra and Count Basie's big bands played regularly at the Temple.
Three ground floor rooms were used for the Booker T. Washington Library, the first public lending library open to Black citizens in Birmingham. The offices of the NAACP, in this building, were padlocked following the May 26, 1956 order by Montgomery Circuit Judge Walter Jones banning the organization from operating in the state of Alabama.
It is still used for meetings of the the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, but is otherwise underutilized. In January 2009 Main Street Birmingham hosted a workshop at the building to generate ideas for creative redevelopment.
References
- Ruisi, Anne (January 12, 2009) "Masonic Temple in downtown Birmingham draws preservationists." Birmingham News