The Masonic Lodge

634 High Street

Images: (1) The Masonic Lodge; (2) c. 1900 with stables and Gilbert House (torn down) visibile at 17 E New England; (3) Interior of the second floor, 1913

This building is the oldest Masonic Temple in continuous use west of the Allegheny Mountains. New England Lodge #4 was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut in 1803. James Kilbourn was the first Master of this lodge. In 1820 Arora Buttles constructed the building and received 8 dollars for each 1000 bricks he laid.

Worthington carpenter Chauncey Barker was named as the "architect" on the plaque in the cornerstone. The original Federal-style brick building is oriented to the main street with a gabled two bay entry.

During the 2010s, the first floor of the 1820 building was converted to commercial space, however the second floor lodge retains its exceptionally fine cornice and Masonic symbols.

An architecturally compatible building was added in the 1950’s, that has now been converted to condominiums with many new additions and renovation including commercial space on the first floor of the lodge.