
Audubon Masonic Temple
The Highland Theater era
The structure that is known today as the Audubon Masonic temple has stood for well over 100 years, being built in the early 1900's. It was originally known as the Highland theater, then renamed to the "New" Highland theater in the mid 30's.
![]() Highlands theater and neighbors - early 1900's | ![]() Highlands Theater early 1900's | ![]() Highlands Theater early 1900's |
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![]() Highlands Theater early 1900's | ![]() Highlands Theater early 1900's |
1952 Construction of the Temple
The New Highland Theater closed down and then became the new home of Audubon Lodge. In 1952, the brothers of the lodge began construction on the theater to convert it into a Masonic temple. Much of the original architecture including fixtures can still be found in the building today. For example, we still use the old theater lightning in our ceremonies!
![]() The hallway to the candidate preparation room | ![]() Renovated restrooms | ![]() A view of the completed "West" of the lodge room from the "East" |
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![]() A view of the temple including altar, sidelines from the balcony | ![]() Renovated restrooms with the doors open | ![]() Reconstruction of the basement which will become the kitchen and eating area |
![]() Brothers laying the sub floor in the main theater room. The original floor was angled toward the old screen so decking needed to be laid which you can still see under to this day in one of the closets in the temple | ![]() Brothers working in the main theater room | ![]() More work in the main room |
![]() Brothers posing for a photo during construction of the downstairs | ![]() Construction of the lodge room continues | ![]() Entrance to the lodge room being finished |
![]() Brothers pausing their labors for refreshment downstairs | ![]() More time for camaraderie and refreshment in our downstairs eating area | ![]() Deconstruction of the original theater seats and screen to begin to build the lodge room |
![]() Meal time with brothers and workmen | ![]() Reconstruction of the upstairs balcony and parts of the lodge room | ![]() Reconstruction o the lodge room, taking down the old screen |
![]() Craftsmans room | ![]() Brothers building out our downstairs | ![]() |
![]() Renovation of the front lobby. The stairs on the right in the background are no longer there and has been replaced with a cloak room. |
The Temple Today
While not much has changed since the transformation from Highland theater to Audubon Masonic temple in 1952, the future is still yet to be written. The temple currently hosts other lodges and appendant bodies, and as we continue to open our doors to the public, we anticipate many more renovations in the future. While we have grandiose plans for renovations and improvements in the future, those come with a significant cost being such an old building.
If you would like to make a donation to our building restoration fund, please let us know on our Contact form or speaking with one of our members during an event. If you are a Mason and would like to contribute, please consider buying one of our custom designed shirts in our online store where all proceeds go to the lodge
![]() Setup for the Audubon Cub Scouts Pack #106 Pinewood Derby - Feb 2019 | ![]() Setup before the Pinewood Derby - Feb 2019 | ![]() View of the interior of the lodge room during the Pinewood Derby, February 2019 |
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![]() The local Cub Scout recruiting night, August 2019 | ![]() Saying goodbye to a brother moving out to Texas, 2017 | ![]() The lodge room prior to a meeting |