If ever there was a classically-based structure in Astoria, this is it.

Constructed in 1923, the magnificent Masonic Temple at 1572 Franklin Ave. was designed by architect and engineer Robert Rensselaer Bartlett. Steeped in ancient Greek details, the temple is one of Astoria’s most grand structures.

The temple seen today is not the first constructed for the Astoria lodge. The earliest known temple was erected in 1862, eight years after the organization was formed, on the southwest corner of Ninth and Commercial streets. The Italianate-style building was said to be the largest and best furnished lodge room in Oregon.

In 1914, a new temple was proposed on the same site. However, the three or four-story, $60,000 to $70,000, fireproof structure was never built. Instead, lodge members continued to meet in the original, two-story, wooden building.

Five years later, the Masons purchased a 150- by 150-foot lot on the northwest corner of 16th Street and Franklin Avenue. The property and extant Victorian house were purchased from the estate of pioneers Col.

James and Esther Taylor. A $50,000

structure was proposed, though not constructed immediately.

In 1922, the Great Fire destroyed the Ninth Street lodge, compelling the Masons to gather in the former Taylor home. After securing sufficient funds, they began construction of a $40,000 structure. But first, the site had to be cleared. The old Taylor mansion was picked up, placed on rollers, moved around the block to Exchange Street and remodeled into the Chalet Apartments. Interestingly, a walnut fireplace surround was salvaged from the Taylor house and installed in the Eastern Star social room of the new temple.

On Jan. 15, 1924, several days before the temple was to be dedicated, arsonists set fire to wood chips and paper stashed below the grand staircase. Besides destroying the stairs, the floor of the building’s main entry was incinerated. Heat blistered varnish throughout, smoke deposited soot everywhere and fire hoses soaked most surfaces. Damage was estimated at $12,000 to $15,000, though repairs were completed swiftly.

The Masonic Temple was dedicated May 3, 1924.

Today, the monumental structure dominates the streetscape and serves as an apt reminder of the Masons’ long-time association with Astoria.

John E. Goodenberger is a historic building consultant who lives in Astoria. His column featuring the architecture and history of the North Coast appears in The Daily Astorian on the last Friday of each month.