Masonic Temple of Philadelphia
Huge masonic hall in Philadelphia with lavishly themed rooms
Category Rites and Rituals, Curious Places of Worship
The Masonic Temple of Philadelphia or as it's properly known "The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging" is an astonishingly lavish building and was described in 1873 in the New York Times as "the largest, costliest, and most magnificent structure consecrated to Masonry in the World."
Freemasons are the subject of many conspiracy theories, and have been for as long as they have existed. Originally an actual type of trade union, the beginnings of the modern Freemasons are somewhat unclear, what is known is that by the 1700s the masons had been taken over by aristocrats, noblemen and politicians, who couldn't have build a building if their life depended on it. The new freemasons were a part of a number of new clubs and movements that allowed members to talk freely about heretical ideas, the founding of democracy, and other enlightenment philosophy.
In this context it is unsurprising the both George Washington and Ben Franklin found themselves drawn to the organization, which like any club also allowed for a great deal of networking and opportunities. The Masonic movement in Philadelphia existed long before America was even founded (originally the Modern Masons in 1730 which were later eclipsed by the "Ancient" Masons in 1761) and was likely a hotbed of revolutionary thought and planning.
Building was begun on Philadelphia's current massive Masonic temple building in 1868 during the height of Masonic wealth and influence. With massive mounts of money to spend and extensive political influence in Philadelphia the Masons held nothing back. Each room was decorated in a theme and done in a highly ornate style. Besides a massively grand staircase, the temple contains an Egyptian room, a Corinthian room, a Moorish Room, a Renaissance hall, a Norman Hall, in Rhenish Romanesque style, and the Ionic Hall, with full length portraits of "Right Worshipful Past Grand Masters" among others.
It is said that every room has had one mistake purposefully inserted into the architecture or decoration to show that no man is perfect as compared with God.
Lacking in the kinds of funds and influence they had in the 1800s the Masons are struggling to pay for the upkeep of the massive building and the Halls can be rented out for weddings and other various non-mason functions.
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- Address One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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