MASONIC TEMPLE
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The freemasonry in the US is characterized by its transparency. It has about 2 million members out of 50 Large Loges; the federal structure of the country giving each state its own Grande Loge. The imposing Broad Street building is therefore the Masonic Center of the State of Pennsylvania. The first stone of the building weighs 10 tons and was laid in 1868. The construction was completed five years later. For the anecdote, the trowel used was the same as that used by President George Washington (himself self-styled) when laying the first stone of the Capitole in 1793. The architect James Windrim, a member of the Philadelphia lodge, was only 27 years old at that time. The fascinating visit of the temple makes it possible to discover seven boxes in which the Franc Masons always gather. You feel like you're entering a secret, and every room, inspired by different styles, is a real surprise.
Oriental Hall is an incredible copy of the rooms of the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Completed in 1896, the room has 150 seats.
Corinthian Hall is the largest meeting room in the temple, 36 meters long and almost 18 meters high. The columns around the walls are inspired by the temple of Lysicrates in Athens.
Renaissance Hall reminds you of an Italian church. Its decoration was completed in 1908. The ceiling is so high that, to change a light bulb, you have to climb on the fifth floor and lift removable panels.
Ionic Hall is named as a tribute to a former Greek province of Asia Minor. The portraits on the wall represent the main masters of the Pennsylvania Lodge, including Richard Vaux, one of the leaders during the construction of the Temple.
Egyptian Hall was completed in 1889. It's probably one of the most impressive dressing rooms. Several francs-masons spent 3 years in Egypt studying historic sites, the decoration lasted 12 years and each symbol can be checked and translated. The twelve columns, made from the temples of Louxor, symbolize the months of a year.
Norman Hall is an example of Rhine architecture. The entrance, built in granite from Quincy, is copied from St. Mark's Cathedral to Venice.
Gothic Hall was first used in 1873. The cross and the crown above the throne appeared on banners during the crusades in Europe. The Latin inscription translates into «you will defeat through this sign».
The 1 st Floor Corridor contains portraits of the heroes of the French Revolution, including those of two French: the Marquis de Lafayette, who became a honourary member of Pennsylvania and the merchant and businessman Etienne Girard who worked very hard on Philadelphia.