tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post8569642992341636676..comments2024-03-26T12:05:58.591-04:00Comments on Freemasons For Dummies: Arson Suspected in New Zealand Lodge FireChristopher Hodapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-36786736797248251042013-04-18T15:45:16.057-04:002013-04-18T15:45:16.057-04:00Tragic. I wish I could say I have faith that the a...Tragic. I wish I could say I have faith that the authorities will make every effort to find the culprits, but I don't.<br /><br />Many years ago the Masonic building in Waltham, Massachusetts was burned down by an arsonist who was never caught. It was a beautiful building from "the golden age of fraternalism," with a massive hall, huge ceilings, and a classic mosaic pavement floor. It was all very suspicious, for years the bank next door had been trying to buy the property so they could raze it and expand their parking lot, and in the end they were able to get it at a "fire sale" price. The city refused to issue permits for the building association to rebuild in the same location, which of course contributed to the bank getting the property for cheap because you don't have much leverage when the government isn't allowing you to use your own land. They agreed to rebuild in another part of town, bought the land, hired (and paid) an architect, got the permits...and then at the last minute the permits were yanked with no explanation. The lodges that met there were eventually forced to move to Newtonville, severing their connections to the Waltham community.<br /><br />Dave<br />Garden City Lodge, Newtonville, MAgotham77https://www.blogger.com/profile/06673302463186612933noreply@blogger.com