The Masonic Temple in London, Ohio is now located at 65 North Main St, on the northwest corner of Main and Fifth Ave. Chandler Lodge was charted by the Grand lodge of Ohio on October 21st 1846. At the time the lodge was located downtown. By 1856 they shared a lodge hall with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows on South Main St. In 1889 the lodge was moved to the location now occupied by the State Theater in downtown London. A fire on February 20, 1929 consumed the building and destroyed the lodge all its records. The lodge remained prosperous and rented the third floor of the Exchange Bank Building. It was after this last move that it was decided to find a more suitable location with room for growth, and a known landmark for the growing farming community of London.
The cornerstone for the current temple was laid on July 10th, 1932. The dedication ceremony of the lodge was a grand affair with a parade through downtown with many community leaders and Masonic dignitaries on hand. The new temple was opened and commenced its Masonic duties on February 7th 1933. The temple contains one of the largest and nicely ornamented meeting halls in the district. In addition it contains a second smaller meeting room, offices, a large sitting and informal meeting room, and a full kitchen and dining room for 150 people that have been recently remodeled. Today the 'new' Temple is a well known 'old' landmark and meeting place for citizens of London.
The Masonic related bodies that meet at the temple include:
- Chandler Lodge #138 F & A.M. Chartered October 21st, 1846 (2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.)
- Adoniram Chapter #73, Chartered October 18th, 1856 (2nd Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
- London Council #41, Chartered October 13th, 1866 (2nd Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
- Order of the Eastern Star; London Chapter #386, Chartered October 25th 1916 (1st Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
- Willis Commandery #82, Chartered October 9th, 1951 (4th Thursday 7:30 p.m.)
- John L. Owsley Council of Allied Masonic Degrees #217, Chartered in 1986
Besides the stated meetings of the Masonic bodies and other community organizations, the Temple also is part of many annual events in the city of London, such as the Strawberry Festival, Cobra Car Show, The Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration, and an annual Christmas Party for the Children of Madison County.
The London Masonic Temple is available for public use. Groups needing space and facilities for meetings, dinners, and general parties may contact theThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for rental information.