Architects Comments

Almost a score of years has passed since the building was designed and time already has erased some of the story and closed the life span of some of those who could have told the story so well. The Temple was dedicated to the use of the Order November 20, 1927. So this recorded by the Temple Architect is intended to set forth some of the interesting facts he now recalls.

The Masonic Temple Association divided its responsibilities among several committees, and the successful financing and completion of the structure is the best evidence of their achievement. The planning of the building was in the hands of the Plans Committee and the Building Committee and this record deals with the manner in which their work was carried out on the trestle board, and in the completed structure. No organization ever had more diligent or effective committees and without exception each member made definite contribution to the success of the venture. The names of those and the other committees are appropriately inscribed in enduring bronze on the inscription plate at the entrance to the Temple.

Before starting the design, the Building Committee and Architect journeyed to other cities to visit Masonic structures in order that we might benefit by the experience of others. All sorts of such structures were inspected, some completed, some in the working-drawing stages, and some abandoned because of poor financing. Generally, the architectural designs were monumental, dignified, and pleasing. Some had excellent individual features; some had scarcely anything Masonic about them. Other than the use of three, five, and seven steps in some entrances, and sometimes the rather liberal use of Masonic degree symbols, in the cornice there was nothing of particular Masonic interest on their exteriors. Where the symbols were used, the effect was disappointing because there was no consistency of design or color and the effect was more that of a billboard than a monument.

The expression of the members of the Building Committee was quite unanimous that by the visits to other jurisdictions they had found what not to do rather than what to do. However, the experience was of excellent value and it can be easily shown that at least $150,000 was saved in cost by this investigation. The trip further left the committee with the conviction that whatever of Masonry should be incorporated in the structure of the Salt Lake Masonic Temple would be devised by Utah Masons rather than copied from Temples elsewhere.

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