Masonic Temple Investigation 1/15/2011

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Freemasonry is the largest and oldest fraternal organization in the world. With millions of members, Masons are represented by some of the most famous names in the history of politics, religion, and entertainment. There are also many in the ranks who hold prominent positions within their own community. To be a Mason you have to be a man who agrees with their values and principles. One of the main guiding principles within the organization is a shared moral center. One must also have a belief in God. The brotherhood strives toward self-improvement and making the world a better place. They also enjoy spending time with others of whom they like and respect. Therefore, to work toward these goals they meet regularly in a lodge, also referred to as a temple.

Friendship Lodge No. 84 A.F. & A.M. out of Hagerstown, Maryland was chartered on May 22, 1827. In 1897 they purchased a parcel of land with intent to build. The first cornerstone was laid on the vacant lot April 21, 1898 and on March 8, 1899, only eleven months later, it was dedicated. The Masonic Temple is located at 54 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, Maryland and has served as a permanent home for the Masons to present day.

The lodge was built on a 0.23 acre lot in Historic Downtown. The original three story building which also has a basement, was designed by J.H. Hunter. Construction was executed by Thomas Carnes, a local contractor. Stonework was carved by J.R. Jackson, also a local of Hagerstown. Solidity and strength of this structure is apparent in this well preserved example of late nineteenth century Romanesque influenced commercial architecture. The stone facade is decorated with foliated scupture and Masonic emblems. The front of the building is divided into three arcades on the upper levels and has a heavy arched entrance way with flanking fluted columns. The ground floor originally contained a shop front to the north of the entrance way. It originally house the post office and later was rented out. Unfortunately, the tenants left the shop trashed and the Masons elected to have it remodeled. The old entrance and windows to the shop were replaced with two large windows and the shop was converted to a lounge area for use by the Freemasons. It is remarkable that even with the remodel the facade looks untouched because the stones match up perfectly! Another renovation occurred in 1939 when there was an addition to the original building, an auditorium where they held fancy dinners and debutante balls. The auditorium along with the rest of the building is still in use today and remains home to Friendship Lodge No. 84.

Other organizations/ chapters also make use of the temple for their meetings such as the Knights Templar, Order of the Eastern Star, and Jobs Daughters all of which are branches off of the Freemasons.

2/2012- Update. There are new leads into the history of the property of the Masonic Temple. Shannon Greene and one of the current members are actively researching this remarkable location.

Recent meetings have yielded the agreement to perform certain renovations to the building. Replacement of ceiling tiles in the Banquet Area (basement) and 1st Floor hallway, replacement and painting of paneling in front Hallway (basement) and painting of the cement flooring (basement). Antietam Paranormal Society hopes to help the Masons in any way and continue to feature Ghost Hunts with all proceeds going to facilitate these renovations.

~Research of the Masonic Temple Hagerstown, Maryland (Friendship Lodge No. 84) was compiled and prepared by Cathy Gasch and Shannon Greene for the use of Antietam Paranormal Society