Old Masonic Temple - Smithville Commercial Historic District - Smithville, TX - NRHP Historic Districts - Contributing Buildings on Waymarking.com

"The W.J. Nixon Lodge 421 moved into the second floor of the McCaskill Building soon after it s completion in 1897. A few years later, the Masons decided to construct a new temple building at the northwest corner of Third and Main. George E. Dickey, an architect from Houston, was hired to design the building. Dickey was educated in Boston and arrived in Houston in 1878. The Sweeney, Coombs and Frederick Building in Houston(NR1974) is an extant sample of his numerous commissions. On November 12, 1902, construction began. The three-story red brick building was completed in February 1903. The top floor was reserved as the Masons meeting hall while the other floors were leased. Perhaps the best remembered tenant was Hainey's Grocery. The Masons continued to meet in the building through the 1970's but concern over the safety of members climbing three flights of stairs prompted the construction of a new temple building. The Masons moved to their new facilit y in 1973. The Old Masonic Temple Building is now used as a furniture showroom and warehouse."