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Lodge History
The first meeting of any Masonic Body in Rochelle was held in the
Masonic Hall located on the third floor of a building called the "Corner
Brick" or the "Republican Block". This was a 3 story building standing
on the site of the present National Bank of Rochelle building. It was
errected in 1856. The first Masonic meeting was held in this building
on June 2, 1857 when Horicon Lodge 244 A.F & A.M. was instituted
under dispensation. In the year 1873, Rochelle Chapter R.A.M was
instituted and the two Masonic bodies met in that building.
In 1878 the Bain Opera House was completed and the Lodge and
Chapter moved to new quarters on the third floor of this building. In
1906 the Lodge and Chapter moved to the new quarters on the third
floor of the Stocking and Binz buildings. The Masonic emblems are
visible on the building today.
Just prior to the expiration of the lease, plans for a Masonic Temple
were made. The present Temple erected in 1925 and 1926 was made
possible through the generosity of Brother Emmanuel Hilb ans Sister
Pauline Hilb. The corner stone was laid under the auspices of the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge on August 8, 1925 with Right Worshipful
Brother, Edward C. Mullin, Chairman of the Board of Grand Examiners,
officiating. The building was dedicated on November 9, 1926 by the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinios with Brother Owen Scott, Right
Worshipful Grand Secretary, officiating.
The first stated meeting was held in the Masonic Temple on
September 7, 1926.
What is a Freemason · Becoming a Mason · Frequently Asked Questions · Newsletter · Officers · Lodge History · Tribute · Maps · Related Links