An update on the building.
We have been hard at work with efforts to repair and restore our beloved historic building in its 100th year. Built in 1923 and remodeled once in 1980, our classic “Greek Revival” style building has suffered from the continued onslaught of Oregon Coast weather. Keeping in mind that all organizations like Freemasonry (which is volunteer ran), had continued to see a decline in memberships since the peak of the “Age of Fraternalism” in the 1960’s which only compounds the issue of building maintenance. Less memberships means less dues being paid. Less dues means less income. Unlike many buildings owned by Fraternal Orders, this building does not have retail space on the ground floor to generate income. It was built solely to house the Masonic family including: the Order of the Eastern Star, The Commandry, The Scottish Rite, and the youth groups those organizations supported. Today, only Seaport Lodge #7 (the combination of a merger between Temple Lodge #7 and Harbor Lodge #183) is left using the building. Which means it falls on the one Masonic Lodge left to undertake the task of saving this historic building from continued disrepair.
But we are up for the challenge. Masonry has seen something of a revival in the last 10 years and more and more men are seeking some form of civic service, fellowship with good quality men, volunteer work, and a welcoming “home away from home” for members who are all recognized and treated as equals. Masonry offers just that. While we begin this new era of Freemasonry and explore what it means to be a 21st Century Mason, we keep a watchful eye on the past. When you walk through the stunning temple room in our building you can feel the presence of thousands of people who graced the room in the last 100 years. We believe that history is worth saving. Prominent figures in the history of Clatsop County, from George Flavel to the Van Dusen family, were once members of this lodge. We believe that history is important to more than our Fraternity alone.
In 2022 we were awarded a Preserving Oregon grant from the State of Oregon. This is a 50/50 matched reimbursement grant for $20,000. This meant in order to utilize this grant, we would need to spend $40,000 on repairs, and apply to be reimbursed for the $20,000 through the grant. We wanted to prioritize preventing water from getting into the building and we found some areas around the portico or porch above the columns and the front door which seemed to be the main point of entry. We authorized the spending of $40,000 to remove damaged portions of the portico, fabricate new material, and reattach it with more sealing and protection for the effected areas. Permits were issued, contractors were hired, the work was set to begin. Then came the bad news.
Once the work had begun and the damaged material was being removed, we discovered more issues with the layers under the surface of the exterior portions. This prevents us from moving forward with our current repair plan. Making things worse, now that we have taken off some of the outer layers, this leaves the building more exposed to rainstorms which will be returning in the fall. We must act quickly.
Working with the fine folks in the grant department and under the counsel of experts in restoration like our friends at the Historical Preservation program at Clatsop Community College, we have devised a new strategy to still utilize the grant funds (which will expire if not used by June 30th) which will include: building a “cap” to top the portico and direct rainwater off the building while also purchasing a significant amount of scaffolding to be put up around the damaged areas. If we can act quickly, this will allow us to not lose out on the grant funds, and buy us the much-needed time to keep the building safe while we continue our fundraising efforts to restore the portico.
And you can help. We currently have an active GO FUND ME campaign which will be used to raise funds to help with matching grants, and remolding the building. As we move to the next phase, we will be creating all manner of events and opportunities to get involved as a donor, a volunteer, or just building relationships with experts and those passionate about seeing out town’s history preserved. Be on the lookout for more information on our website, our Facebook page, and through our networks here in Astoria about how you can get involved. In the meantime, please consider making a donation through our Go Fund Me, or contact us at SeaportMasonicLodge@gmail.com if you’d like to make a direct donation. Thank you for your support.
