The first, 1869, marks the commencement of construction of the first Masonic Temple in Deer Lodge. The second, 1909, marks the commencement of construction of this, the second temple. Together (1869-1909) they mark the Masons' 50th anniversary of activity in Deer Lodge.
The fact that the Masons have been active in Deer Lodge for nigh on 145 years seems impressive, yet pales in comparison to the doorway through which they enter the inner sanctum. Surrounded by several thousand pounds of terra cotta, it was built to impress and intimidate, we're sure.
As well as the doorway and its beautifully decorated transom, there are terra cotta plaques high up on the building and interesting terra cotta work at the cornice.
The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons offered its members support, camaraderie, connections, and community. To the geographically mobile men of the Montana frontier, nothing was more valuable. In 1870, Deer Lodge became home to the fourteenth Masonic lodge chartered in the territory, and on February 22, 1870, some fifty Masons came together to dedicate its new hall. Lauded by the Deer Lodge newspaper as “the second best building on the west side of Montana,” the two-story frame structure cost approximately $6,000 to complete.
Fifty years later, Masons replaced that early hall with this brick edifice. The three-story business block incorporates Renaissance Revival features, including an ornate cornice and recessed arched brickwork above the third-floor windows. A variety store, barbershop, telephone company, and other offices rented space on this prime downtown corner. To assure privacy during secret Masonic rituals, no windows look into the lodge’s third-floor ceremonial rooms. Nearly 175 members attended the first meeting held here on March 16, 1920; weather and bad roads caused the Masons to delay the formal dedication ceremony, to allow “visiting brothers to come in their automobiles.”
From the NRHP Plaque