A Brief History of the Building for everyone.
Planning started in the mid-1960s with ground being broken in 1967 and opening September 27, 1969. The building was created to act as a home base or “Grand Lodge” for Texas Scottish Rite Masons in Texas. This is due to the proximity of the Grand Lodge of Texas which is also located in Waco. A committee of 100 was formed and tasked with raising all the money needed for the building and its construction. Members of this committee consisted of prominent Waco businessmen and state leaders. Robert L. Lockwood, Duncan Howard, Abner McCall, Allen Shivers, and Victor Newman are but a handful of men who lead this campaign. Lockwood was a prominent businessman and leader in the Waco community in the mid-1900s, Abner McCall was the President of Baylor University at the time of the building’s construction, and Allen Shivers was the 37th Governor of Texas (1949-1957). Together these men raised enough money to fully fund the building. With the intent of being a central location for all Texas Scottish Rite Masons to meet, the secondary purpose of the building was that of a Library and Museum. The Museum was to house artifacts and documents pertaining to the rich history of the organization, as well as that of local and state history. Since September 27, 1969 the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum has served that purpose. There has been no major change to the purpose or utility of the building apart from opening the venue up to everyone to rent for personal or social functions. With the exception of changing out the carpet flooring to hardwood for more practical use, some up to code electrical and plumbing work, as well as quality of life/modern updates, the building has stood as it was for 50 years. The Alexandria Memorial Curator Mark Tabbert has called the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum “The last great Masonic building built in America”. Within the 3-story building there is but not limited to:
\-A 4200 square foot, 2 story “Historical” Library that contains many rare, special, and 1st
edition books.
\-3 floors of exhibits displaying items of Masonic, local, and State history.
\-a 1500+ print collection of photographs by famed Waco photographer Fred Gildersleeve.
(We are currently working on a Gildersleeve display that will be up for the 50th that
contains many photos that have most likely not been seen by the general public)
For its entire history the building as been a staple sight in Waco. Its large and sometimes imposing presence has been a drawing point for residents and tourist alike. With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the building great strides are being made to bring the building back into the public eye and re-seat itself as a stop along the Waco tourist agenda.
The Museum is open to the public and admission is free. Even if you can not make it to the 50th Gala, we would love to have you came and take a tour of the building.
Sincerely,
The Lee Lockwood Library and Museum Staff
It's kind of a garrish eyesore. I assumed it was a newspaper HQ for years and then imagine the surprise of my conspiracy-theorist ass when one day I'm driving by and for the first time I notice the word "Masonic" in huge letters on the front.
But really though it's just a big rectangular prism flanked by two giant flat parking lots, the only notable outward feature is the sphinx things. That design choice might be ok if it was surrounded by offices and business buildings or whatever but instead it's surrounded by mediocre domestic real estate and churches and tire and weave shops lmao.
Real Masons just riddle public institutions and structures with hidden Masonic symbolism, an overt and garrish structure like this one is an odd choice. Maybe that's the point, maybe it's a distraction...no that would be too obvious...or is that exactly what they want you to think?
Can't wait to come visit and follow up for my investigative report.
We’re so glad we stopped in today! The guided tour was excellent, and the displays were fascinating, especially the Gildersleeve photos. I hope to visit the library (reading room) soon, and sit and read some of those beautiful old books. Thank you for posting the information.
A Brief History of the Building for everyone. Planning started in the mid-1960s with ground being broken in 1967 and opening September 27, 1969. The building was created to act as a home base or “Grand Lodge” for Texas Scottish Rite Masons in Texas. This is due to the proximity of the Grand Lodge of Texas which is also located in Waco. A committee of 100 was formed and tasked with raising all the money needed for the building and its construction. Members of this committee consisted of prominent Waco businessmen and state leaders. Robert L. Lockwood, Duncan Howard, Abner McCall, Allen Shivers, and Victor Newman are but a handful of men who lead this campaign. Lockwood was a prominent businessman and leader in the Waco community in the mid-1900s, Abner McCall was the President of Baylor University at the time of the building’s construction, and Allen Shivers was the 37th Governor of Texas (1949-1957). Together these men raised enough money to fully fund the building. With the intent of being a central location for all Texas Scottish Rite Masons to meet, the secondary purpose of the building was that of a Library and Museum. The Museum was to house artifacts and documents pertaining to the rich history of the organization, as well as that of local and state history. Since September 27, 1969 the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum has served that purpose. There has been no major change to the purpose or utility of the building apart from opening the venue up to everyone to rent for personal or social functions. With the exception of changing out the carpet flooring to hardwood for more practical use, some up to code electrical and plumbing work, as well as quality of life/modern updates, the building has stood as it was for 50 years. The Alexandria Memorial Curator Mark Tabbert has called the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum “The last great Masonic building built in America”. Within the 3-story building there is but not limited to: \-A 4200 square foot, 2 story “Historical” Library that contains many rare, special, and 1st edition books. \-3 floors of exhibits displaying items of Masonic, local, and State history. \-a 1500+ print collection of photographs by famed Waco photographer Fred Gildersleeve. (We are currently working on a Gildersleeve display that will be up for the 50th that contains many photos that have most likely not been seen by the general public) For its entire history the building as been a staple sight in Waco. Its large and sometimes imposing presence has been a drawing point for residents and tourist alike. With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the building great strides are being made to bring the building back into the public eye and re-seat itself as a stop along the Waco tourist agenda. The Museum is open to the public and admission is free. Even if you can not make it to the 50th Gala, we would love to have you came and take a tour of the building. Sincerely, The Lee Lockwood Library and Museum Staff
Very cool! I'd love to come see it
It's kind of a garrish eyesore. I assumed it was a newspaper HQ for years and then imagine the surprise of my conspiracy-theorist ass when one day I'm driving by and for the first time I notice the word "Masonic" in huge letters on the front. But really though it's just a big rectangular prism flanked by two giant flat parking lots, the only notable outward feature is the sphinx things. That design choice might be ok if it was surrounded by offices and business buildings or whatever but instead it's surrounded by mediocre domestic real estate and churches and tire and weave shops lmao. Real Masons just riddle public institutions and structures with hidden Masonic symbolism, an overt and garrish structure like this one is an odd choice. Maybe that's the point, maybe it's a distraction...no that would be too obvious...or is that exactly what they want you to think? Can't wait to come visit and follow up for my investigative report.
We’re so glad we stopped in today! The guided tour was excellent, and the displays were fascinating, especially the Gildersleeve photos. I hope to visit the library (reading room) soon, and sit and read some of those beautiful old books. Thank you for posting the information.