The Historic Journey of Oriental Lodge #33’s Buildings
Oriental Lodge #33, Chicago's oldest Masonic lodge, has been a significant part of the city's architectural and cultural heritage since its inception. The Lodge’s journey through two iconic buildings on LaSalle Street highlights its resilience and commitment to the community.
Oriental Building I (1867-1871)
Oriental Building I (1867-1871)
The first Oriental Building, designed by architect W.W. Boyington, stood on 122 N. LaSalle Street between Washington and Madison Streets. Completed in 1867, this five-story structure was renowned for its elegance and functionality. The Chicago Evening Post on May 16, 1867, praised the building's luxurious Oriental Billiard Parlor, which members now can surely relate to. We continue to enjoy playing billiards to this day in our current home over 175 years later.
The building’s fourth floor housed the Masonic Lodge’s meeting rooms, described in the July 26, 1867 edition of the Chicago Evening Post as among the most elegant in the United States. The main Lodge room, adorned with stained glass windows, rich Brussels carpets, and intricate woodwork, was a masterpiece of design and luxury. The dedication ceremony for this hall was a grand event, highlighting the significance of the Lodge in the city's social fabric and included the officers of the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
Headline of the Chicago Evening Post, July 26, 1867
Dedication Ceremony of Oriental Lodge #33's New Hall
The dedication ceremony of the Oriental Lodge #33's new hall commenced at nine o'clock in the evening on July 25th, 1867 with the opening of the Lodge, presided over by J. W. Clyde, the Worshipful Master of Oriental Lodge. The officers of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois took their places, marking the beginning of the solemn event.
The ceremony included the Worshipful Master's request to the Grand Master to dedicate the hall, the Grand Architect's resignation of his implements, and a series of traditional Masonic rites. The Grand Lodge performed the consecration, dropping the corn of plenty, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of nourishment upon the perfect ashlar, followed by an invocation and the chanting of a Masonic ode.
Dr. J. Adams Allen delivered an eloquent oration, and the ceremony concluded with the singing of a Masonic hymn.
Officers of the Oriental Lodge # 33 present at the dedication:
J. W. Clyde, Worshipful Master
W. G. Swan, Senior Warden
E. Powell, Junior Warden
A. G. Burley, Treasurer
D. B. Fairman, Secretary
F. P. Cram, Senior Deacon
G. R. Stearns, Junior Deacon
B. S. Downer, Senior Steward
E. M. Bennett, Junior Steward
J. Billings, Chaplain
J. P. Ferns, Tyler
Grand Lodge officers in attendance of the dedication of the first lodge hall
Tragically, this magnificent structure was short-lived. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 ravaged the city, including the Oriental Building, marking the end of its brief but impactful existence.
View from State and Madison, in the after math of the Great Chicago Fire (1871)
Oriental Building II (1872-1907)
The rebuilt Oriental Hall, 122 N. Lasalle (1872-1907)
Determined to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire, the Lodge commissioned architect John M. Van Osdel to design a new Oriental Building on the same site. Completed in 1872, this building epitomized the city's resilience and ambition. The May 12, 1872, edition of the Chicago Tribune lauded the building's blend of bold and monumental design elements, featuring a grand entrance and a Mansard roof, making it one of the most distinguished structures in the city.
Oriental Hall II as drawn by Clough Stone Co. who provided the stone for the building
The new building continued to house the Masonic Lodge on its top floors, boasting a lodge room that was 75 by 43 feet and two stories high, an architectural marvel of its time. The rest of the building accommodated various prestigious tenants, including the Liverpool & London & Globe Insurance Company, as highlighted in the October 1872 edition of The Land Owner. It also was the first permanent home of the Medinah Shrine.
The second Oriental Building also faced its share of challenges. Over the years, it withstood multiple fires, including a significant one on January 22, 1907, which was reported by The Inter Ocean. The building’s fire escape saw a dramatic rescue of 40 union men, thanks to the timely warning from "Malt," a local cigar maker’s dog. “Malt” the dog, was declared the official lodge mascot by Worshipful Master of Oriental Lodge # 33, Anthony Popelka, on Wednesday July 3rd, 2024.
A cigar makers dog, named “Malt” saved the lives of 40 men by alerting them to a fire in the building.
Legacy and Transition
By the late 19th century, the Oriental Building had become a landmark, celebrated for its architectural grandeur and its role as a hub for various fraternal organizations and business enterprises. The second Oriental Building, completed in 1872, continued this legacy until its demolition in 1907. Despite the changing urban landscape and the loss of these iconic structures, the legacy of Oriental Lodge #33 remains a significant chapter in Chicago's rich history.
Oriental Lodge #33 continues to thrive and prosper to this day, proudly carrying on the legacy of Freemasonry in Chicago as its oldest lodge. The story of the Oriental Buildings is a tale of ambition, resilience, and community, reflecting the spirit of the city and the enduring impact of its oldest Masonic Lodge. These buildings stand as testaments to the Lodge's historical and cultural contributions to Chicago, a legacy that endures through the continued strength and prosperity of Oriental Lodge #33.
Sources:
https://chicagology.com/prefire/prefire041/
https://chicagology.com/rebuilding/rebuilding042/