Cincinnati Masonic Center Sold, But the Phoenix Rises

(Google Maps)

by Christopher Hodapp

The Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati has just sold their 1928 downtown Masonic Center and Taft Theater to real estate development firm Western & Southern. The new owners are currently in the research phase of just how to renovate and develop the historic 30,000 square foot complex and are working with the city to determine their future plans.

But the Valley has amazingly bucked the usual trend of Masonic organizations over the last half century of shucking their magnificent early-20th century temples and moving into generic, bland and un-remarkable buildings.  Instead of fleeing to the suburbs and erecting a metal pole barn, or moving into an abandoned strip mall big box storefront, they purchased another historic downtown Queen City landmark—the Phoenix Event Center at 812 Race Street (photo above).

The Phoenix was bought by the Valley a year ago for $2.2 million and is officially their sixth home since their formation. Originally built as The Phoenix Club in 1893, the building was constructed by the first Jewish businessmen’s organization in this part of the country. In 1911, the place was bought by the Cincinnati Club and converted to a gymnasium and sporting club, with a lap pool and bowling alley in the basement. 

The building became a restaurant and public event center in 1983. Over the years it was a popular venue for weddings, receptions, private business meetings, and more—its long, Italianate, white marble Grand Staircase has popped up in countless wedding photos, and the building is decorated with impressive Tiffany glass, imported from West Germany in the early 1880’s. The 3rd floor Grand Ballroom has a 32-foot ceiling with unique 'Romeo and Juliet" balconies, and there are two other large ballrooms, along with several smaller rooms that were used as dining rooms.

Here are a few images from the Phoenix's former website:

The Valley hasn't officially released plans or architectural renderings of what they have in mind for the Phoenix' remodeling, but they've obviously wrestled with the reality of their membership falling from more than 6,000 ten years ago to just over 2,000 today. But they've contributed to their city's heritage by moving to a home that's as storied as the one they're leaving. 

As the new owners take possession, here's a last look at the beautiful Cincinnati Masonic Center, just shy of its 100 years of service to the fraternity.

Speaking Tonight at Valparaiso, Indiana's Crowned Martyrs Lodge

by Christopher Hodapp

I'll be speaking tonight at Crowned Martyrs Lodge 771 in Valparaiso, Indiana on the topic of the William Morgan Affair. The disappearance of Morgan two hundred years ago next year set off the most notorious anti-Masonic period in American history. My presentation will put the Morgan affair in its wider historical context, discuss some of the after-effects it had on the fraternity, and explore the most bizarre story ever inspired by mysterious fate of Morgan himself, the 19th century science fiction 'lost world' novel, Etidorpha.

The meeting begins at 7:00PM Central Time (Valpo being close to Chicago.)

Grand Lodge of Texas Issues Disaster Relief Message for Central Texas Floods

Photo: BatesvilleTribune.com

by Christopher Hodapp

The scope of the death and destruction from the horrific floods in Texas over the weekend continues to grow as recovery and relief efforts increase in the region. In the wake of this disaster, Grand Master Rayborn Reader of the Grand Lodge of Texas AF&AM has issued the following appeal for donations on social media:

Brethren, Family and Friends,

In the wake of the devastating floods that have struck Central Texas, our hearts are heavy with sorrow. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and entire communities upended. The loss of young children, families, and neighbors has touched us all deeply. 

To those grieving, know that you are not alone. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Masonic family are with you. We mourn with you, and we stand ready to help. 

As Masons, we are called to be men of compassion, action, and hope. Now is the time to lift our hands to help, open our hearts to give, and stand together as Brothers, united by faith, fraternity, and charity.

I encourage all who are able to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts. I ask all Texas Masons and those who support our work to stand together in aid of our fellow Texans.

 To support relief efforts, donations can be made to the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation:

Online: https://txmcf.org/donate Or go to www.txmcf.org

 Checks may be mailed to:

Texas Masonic Charities Foundation

P.O. Box 2156

Waco, TX 76703

Let us demonstrate that the Masonic spirit of Brotherly Love and Relief is not just words—it is action. May the Great Architect of the universe watch over us all, and may He bring comfort and strength to those in need.

Fraternally,
Raborn Reader Jr.
Grand Master 2025
Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.

Note that, as of this time, this is the only officially-operated relief charity of the Grand Lodge of Texas – they have NOT requested a disaster relief appeal through the Masonic Service Association. The Texas Masonic Charities Foundation is a 501c3 organization, and, like the MSA, donations to them are tax deductible.