Lakewood
Masonic Temple

Situated along Detroit Avenue, the Lakewood Masonic Temple, designed by James W. Chrisford in Classical Revival style, has been making a strong architectural statement since its completion in 1916. The building is among other Neoclassical structures located within a two-block stretch including the former First Church of Christ, Scientist, designed by architect Charles Draper Faulkner (1922) and the recently completed Lakewood Public Library designed by noted architect Robert Stern (2007). Leaving the busy traffic of the street, we ascend the massive twisting marble stairway and enter the seclusion of the third floor Egyptian-motif lodge room. Lotus flower accents abound on pilasters, carved furnishings, and even on the lower portion of the case of the two-manual 1916 Votteler-Holtkamp-Sparling organ (Opus 1287). Situated in the rear gallery, this instrument is a testament to quality craftsmanship as its tubular-pneumatic action still functions reliably. The role of the organ in Masonic ceremonies is largely undocumented and hence cannot be judged by the same standards as liturgical instruments used in religious houses of worship. The organ scholar will quickly take note that of the organ’s twelve ranks of pipes, six are of a diverse variety of string-pipe construction. The organ’s sole percussion stop is a single chime note! It is a short tubular “gong” similar to Deagan dinner chimes used to call railroad passengers to the dining car in the early 20th century. It is operated by a sprung stop tablet at the console. It is only appropriate that noted Chicago Masonic organist William Aylesworth will demonstrate this instrument.