Highlands Masonic Temple

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3550 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211

A Brief History...
The original Highlands Masonic Temple Association was incorporated on August 23, 1904. The first permanent home for the different organizations that comprised the Association was located at what is now Historic Delmonico Hall at 32nd and Federal. That building was finished in September of 1905. That original Association was dissolved on February 12, 1911 and a committee was appointed to oversee the running of the building. By 1920, the building became full of tenants including three lodges, a commandery of Knights Templar, a chapter of Royal Arch Masons and two chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star. A new Temple Association was incorporated in July of 1921 for the purpose of finding another property to build on and meet in.
The current property between 35th and 36th Avenues on

Federal Blvd. was purchased for $25,000 in September of 1921. The minutes of the November 15, 1922 indicate that the Board favored the preliminary design submitted by architect John Hoyt. After some revisions, final plans were approved in October of 1924 and $52,800 was raised to begin construction. Permits were obtained in March 1925 and bids for the excavating and foundation work were opened on March 20, 1925 and was awarded to F.R. Cowell for $10,705. Ground was broken on April 1, 1925. Bids were opened for construction of the main building on April 20, 1926 and David Olson was chosen as the contractor.
    Due to the deteriorating economy in Denver, the plans for an auditorium on the top floor were scrapped although the structural components beneath remained. A new contract was awarded on July 26, 1926. The outside brick is wire cut face, stiff mud brick made by the Golden Fire Brick Company.
    The cornerstone was laid by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Colorado on March 12, 1927. There was a procession from the old temple that was led by 150 Knights Templar and the El Jebel Shrine Band with an estimated 1,000 in line. The board sold bonds for a first mortgage in order to finish the work. After the interior was completed, The Grand Lodge of Colorado dedicated the building on October 30, 1928 and was occupied the following month. The old building was then sold to the Knights of Pythias for $8,000.
    The mortgage for the building was burned in 1950. The bust of George Washington and ornamental lamps were donated by Julia Keepers to honor her late husband Charles who was Worshipful Master of Highlands Lodge #86 in 1902. The bust was made for Highlands Lodge #86 by Bryant Baker who made the George Washington statue in the George Washington National Monument at Alexandria, Virginia.
    As of the mid-eighties, the Highlands Masonic temple was home to five Masonic Lodges, a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a Commandery of Knights Templar, three chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and two Bethels of Job's Daughters, a Masonic youth group. The Highlands Masonic Temple is currently home to two lodges, Highlands Lodge #86 and Liberty Lodge #134 one Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and one Court of the Order of Amaranth. Two lodges of comasons (which allow women) two lodges of Rosicrucians and a yoga class also meet there.
    Alcohol was allowed inside Masonic buildings only three years ago for the purpose of raising money to maintain and improve the buildings. This has allowed the Temple Association to remodel the kitchen with a new floor, ceiling, paint, oven, stove and stainless steel. The Temple Board is currently in the process of improving the south entrance. The Highlands Masonic Temple Association is always trying to take care of deferred maintenance and make improvements to the building with its limited resources.