Our History
The First Temple of the Sylvania Lodge No. 287 (1856-1903)
The first Sylvania Masonic Lodge, established in 1856, was a two-story brick building located on Monroe Street, east of Main Street. Initially rented from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Masons gradually acquired full ownership by 1858. While the upper floor hosted lodge meetings, the first floor served multiple community purposes—housing local businesses, the Village of Sylvania offices & Village Hall (for over 30 years), a council meeting room (rent was $15/year!), and even the town jail the basement. In 1898, it became Sylvania’s post office before the Masons relocated to a newly built lodge on 5633 Main Street in 1903. Sold in 1907, the building saw various uses, including a feed store, a battery shop, and a meeting space for the American Legion. Eventually, in 1937, it was demolished to make way for Howard Motor Sales, marking the end of an era for a structure deeply woven into Sylvania’s history.
THE Second TEMPLE OF THE SYLVANIA LODGE NO. 287 (1903-1961)
In 1902, Sylvania Masonic Lodge No. 287 purchased property at 5633 Main Street from Sylvanus Judson to construct a new lodge. After securing a $5,000 loan from Farmers & Merchants Bank, the old structure on the site was demolished, and lodge members assisted with hauling stone and preparing the foundation. On August 9, 1902, the Ohio Grand Lodge laid the cornerstone, and by June 20, 1903, the new Masonic Temple was dedicated at a total cost of $6,695.77.
The three-story building was designed for both lodge use and rental income. The first floor housed four office spaces, initially occupied by tenants such as Rob Stroup, the Sylvania Tanning Company, and dentist Dr. John Counter, with rent set at $35 per year. The second floor served as a dining hall for lodge events and was also rented out, including to the Eastern Stars and the Protected Home Circle organization. The third floor was dedicated as the official Masonic lodge room.
By 1904, the basement was cemented with lodge members contributing labor under penalty of a $1 fine for non-attendance. Over the years, various businesses operated on the first floor, including Koepfer Hardware Store (1906–1937), Holliday’s Variety Store (1937–1950), and Jerry’s Clothing Store (1950–1961). From 1907 to 1910, the local telephone company occupied offices on the second floor.
In 1920, the lodge celebrated its financial success with a dinner and a ceremonial burning of the mortgage, marking the lodge’s freedom from debt. The Masons continued to own and occupy the building until June 16, 1961, when they sold it to Gerald L. Weintraub for $17,125. He continued operating Jerry’s Clothing Store on the first floor while converting the upper levels into apartments.
Today, this historic building still stands as a reminder of Sylvania’s past, reflecting the legacy of the Masonic community and its impact on the town’s development.
The Third Temple of the sylvania Lodge No. 287 (1961-Present)
In 1954, Sylvania Masonic Lodge No. 287 sought a new location for a modern temple with improved accessibility and parking. A building committee, led by Worshipful Master William Schofield, purchased an 8-acre property at 3510 Holland-Sylvania Road from Joseph Nagy for $7,000. Construction began in 1960, with the cornerstone laid on November 6 in a ceremony attended by Ohio Grand Master Charles H. Strayer.
Completed without a mortgage, the new temple cost $69,316.82, thanks to generous donations of money, materials, and labor. The dedication ceremony occurred on October 1, 1961, with esteemed Masonic leaders in attendance, including Grand Master of Masons of Ohio, Charles H. Strayer, and Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Keith A. Porter. The lodge officers at the time included Worshipful Master Raymond L. Edwards, Senior Warden Donald F. Brown, and Junior Warden John G. Joseph, among others.
By 1961, several Masonic-affiliated organizations held meetings in the new building, including the Henry E. Burnham Chapter of DeMolay, Sylvania Assembly No. 82 of the Rainbow Girls, Sylvania Chapter No. 149 of the Eastern Stars, and Sylvania Chapter No. 229 of the Royal Arch Masons.
Over the years, portions of the original 8-acre property were sold for development, reducing the temple grounds to 1.57 acres by 2006. Additionally, in 1972, ten feet of the property’s frontage were sold to Lucas County for sewer installation and road widening. Despite these changes, the temple remains a significant landmark in Sylvania’s Masonic history.