Just how amazing is the Portland Masonic Event & Wedding Venue? Pretty darn amazing! In fact, the Portland Press Herald hailed it as “some of the most magnificent interior spaces in Maine.” Let’s take a couple of minutes to walk through Fascinating Facts pertaining to the “Portland Masonic” as we take a guided tour through some of what this wonderful venue offers!
The Reading Room
Fascinating Fact: During World War II, the Scottish Rite Reading Room served as an Armed Forces Recreation Area, sponsored by the USO.
If you’re a certified Mainer, you’re very familiar with common Maine surnames such as Deering, Preble, Allen, and Drummond. Well, The Scottish Rite Reading Room is dedicated to Scottish Rite Masons in those venerable Maine families, as well as other Masonic families throughout Maine history. Featuring a majestic fireplace and an antique conference table, the Reading Room also includes original pool and snooker tables.
The Armory
Fascinating Fact: The Armory displays the first American flag ever flown by a Masonic Commandery in the United States of America.
Home to hundreds of lockers where York Rite Masons store their uniforms and personal effects, the Armory features a gorgeous Tiffany stained glass portrait of the Knight’s Templar (a large organization of devout Christians during the medieval era). During World War II, the Armory’s floor was replaced so it could be turned into a beautiful parquet dance floor for USO dances, so our soldiers could be sent off in style—dancing the night away—before going off to war.
Corinthian Hall
Fascinating Fact: Corinthian Hall is home to one of the largest working pipe organs in Maine, rivaled only by the one in the Merrill Auditorium next door.
One of Maine’s most majestic halls, Corinthian Hall—named after its architectural style—features striking Corinthian pillars that adorn the area’s two stories. The north side of the hall features a memorial to Augustus G. Schlotterbeck, a merchant and Mason whose will left the Portland Masonic the $1 million necessary to pay off the mortgage. Two eye-catching Tiffany stained glass portraits flank the Schlotterbeck memorial.
The Drummond Auditorium
Fascinating Fact: The Drummond Auditorium has—until now—featured resplendent plays only attended and enjoyed by Masons. But that could change. (See below.)
Between its terrace and the balcony, the Josiah H. Drummond Auditorium can comfortably accommodate up to 400 audience members. The scene of countless Masonic plays over the years, the stage features striking, hand-painted canvas scenery pieces, antique props, and costumes. The auditorium boasts a full pipe organ, a balcony for the orchestral ensemble, and a fully functioning light and sound system.
The Masonic Temple Foundation is raising funds needed to open the Drummond Auditorium to the general public. They need your help! To donate, please visit here.
Photos courtesy of Portland Masonic Gallery
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