Published Jan 22, 2024 • 2 minute read
Windsor Masonic Temple committee chair and member Cameron Adamson is shown in the Blue Room during a public unveiling of the historic building’s renovations on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Madeline Mazak /Windsor Star
One of Windsor’s historic downtown landmarks opened its doors to the public on Saturday to celebrate its centenary following a series of renovations to the 100-year-old structure.
Established in 1922, the Masonic Temple at the corner of Ouellette Avenue and Erie Street — a longtime regional home to Freemasons — had a delayed celebration of its milestone after the COVID-19 pandemic postponed any anniversary festivities.
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The public was welcomed to the open house to tour the many alcoves of the heritage building while enjoying poetry, dance and musical performances.
“To me this building is a home,” said Masonic Temple committee chair and member Cameron Adamson.
“It’s a community home as much as it is a masonic home. Especially in 2024, it feels like so many heritage community spaces aren’t available like they used to be.
“Having people work on having it here for another 100 years is a signal that community is part of what we are and part of what we do.”
Rehabilitating the structure’s façade was a major component of the restoration projects led by Felix Culpa Architecture and Sealcon Ltd.
Work was also carried out inside the building, including modernizing the elevator, automation of all doors, and improvements to security systems.
“We tried to focus on four areas,” said Adamson.
“Making the temple as accessible as possible, making it as energy efficient as possible, extending its useful life and preserving the heritage features.”
A historic landmark, Windsor’s Masonic Temple celebrated a centennial of community service on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Madeline Mazak /Windsor Star
Groups from Michigan and Toronto attended the event, as well as Windsor downtown Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino, Windsor-Tecumseh PC MPP Andrew Dowie and Windsor West NDP MP Brian Masse.
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The Windsor Spitfires were also on hand to present a jersey to Thomas Hogeboom, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
“This is life pumped back into masonry in this community,” said Hogeboom, adding freemasonry is witnessing an “upward boom” following the pandemic.
“If the last one hundred years are any indication, I see nothing but great things,” he said. “I’m sure it (Masonic Temple) will continue to be maintained and supported like it is today.”
Architect Brad Smith from Felix Culpa Architecture (left) explains the Masonic Temple restoration process to an attendee of an open house on Saturday. Photo by Madeline Mazak /Windsor Star
Funding was provided by the City of Windsor’d development and heritage standing committee, the Department and Canadian Heritage, and other local supporters.
Adamson said additional funding is being sought for ongoing projects.
“There’s always going to be something to improve,” said Adamson.
“That’s something we talk about a lot in Freemasonry. Your work is never done, whether it’s working on yourself or working on the building.
“You’re always trying your best to improve it.”
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