Even though in plain sight, the Tonkawa Masonic Temple might be a well kept secret to most Oklahomans as well as Tonkawa residents. But it is filled with historical importance. As Tonkawa was developing, some of the citizens were Masons, holding membership in other towns. In 1900, these men petitioned for a lodge in Tonkawa, Oklahoma Territory. Fifteen men signed the petition. On December 24, 1900, a special dispensation was granted to Tonkawa Lodge No. 57, A.F. & A. M. For the next 25 years meetings were held in the building located at the Northwest corner of Grand Avenue and North Seventh Street. A charter was granted to the Tonkawa Lodge on February 13, 1901.
Membership grew to be over five hundred. Facilities became inadequate and a need for a larger lodge was evident. In 1923, a Building Association was formed. The trustees appointed were: Fred French, John Starr, John Fredrick, Ray See, R. E. Patterson and Dr. John Jones. The Tonkawa Masonic Temple was completed in 1925 at a cost of $104.000. It is the largest Masonic Building in the state, (having 18,000 square feet), devoted entirely to Blue Lodge Masonry. The upper level has a starry canopy ceiling with 184 lights. This has been the meeting room for the Masons. The main floor has been the Eastern Star Hall. In years past the Order of Rainbow and the Order of DeMolay also met on the main floor. The lower level is the Egyptian Room and dining room. When Oklahoma became a state all lodges had the number 100 added, hence the Tonkawa Lodge became No.157.
Hawk and Parr was the Architectural Firm for designing the Tonkawa Temple. This was an outstanding firm for the time. They designed many large buildings including the Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie.
Hard times fell on the Tonkawa Masonic Temple during the Depression years, forcing a bankruptcy. Fortunately, at the bankruptcy sale, two lodge members were able to buy the temple back and in turn deeded it back to the lodge.
A very important project of the Masons is to lay cornerstones for churches, public buildings and monuments, if requested. Currently the Tonkawa Lodge membership is 101. Meetings are held twice a month. Master of the lodge is Roland Jones.
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