Masonic Temple (Cornerstone Center for the Arts)

Address: 520 E. Main Street
Year Built: 1920
Architectural Style: Collegiate Gothic
National Register: Masonic Temple; NR # 84001020; Listed 9/27/1984.

Muncie’s third Masonic Temple was designed by architect Cuno Kibele.[1] The temple features a 1000-seat public auditorium funded by a donation from the Ball brothers.[2] Standing at six stories tall, the building features projecting corner towers, adorned with parapets bearing Masonic symbols.[3] The main entrance leads to a grand lobby finished in silver, gray, and gold veined marble adorned with Masonic emblems and sculptural friezes. German-born artist Gustav S. Brand of Chicago created mural paintings depicting Biblical scenes which adorn the upper levels.[4] This building is currently in use as the Cornerstone Center for the Arts and is home to several events, including the 2023 Preserving Historic Places Conference![5]

[1] “Muncie Masons to Have New Temple At $250,000 Cost.” The Star Press, July 20, 1919.

[2] “Muncie Masons to Dedicate $1,000,000 Temple.” Muncie Evening Press, November 25, 1926.

[3] “Masonic Temple,” National Register of Historic Places Inventory, Nomination Form, Aug 27, 1984. NRID#84001020 https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/1c028c26-aa89-4a33-8d13-968dadad816c.

[4] "New Masonic Temple Will Be One of Finest in the Middle West.” The Star Press, June 25, 1922.

[5] Cornerstone Center for the Arts. “Weddings.” Accessed July 14, 2023. https://www.cornerstonearts.org/rentals-1