Masonic Temple, Detroit: Horror Story, Facts, History & Information

The Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan has a long and storied history, but one of its most chilling tales involves a former caretaker named George. According to the legend, George was hired in the early 1900s to maintain the building’s boilers and heating systems. He lived in the temple’s basement, which was also used as a storage area for the many props and costumes used in the temple’s elaborate productions.

Over time, George became increasingly obsessed with the temple and its secrets, spending more and more time in the basement among the props and costumes. Eventually, his behavior grew erratic and he was fired from his job. However, he refused to leave the basement and instead barricaded himself inside.

Several days later, the temple’s caretakers heard strange noises coming from the basement and discovered that George had hung himself from the rafters. His body was surrounded by dozens of mannequins and costumes, which had been arranged in a macabre scene.

Ever since then, there have been reports of strange occurrences in the basement of the Masonic Temple, including the sounds of footsteps and disembodied voices. Some visitors claim to have seen ghostly apparitions or felt a cold breeze that seems to come from nowhere.

While there is no definitive proof that George’s ghost haunts the Masonic Temple, the legend has persisted for decades and adds to the eerie atmosphere of this historic building.

Information & History of Masonic Temple, Detroit

The Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan is a historic building that has been an important cultural and social center for over a century. The building was constructed between 1920 and 1926, and is located on Temple Avenue in the city’s Cass Corridor neighborhood. It was designed by architects George D. Mason and Smith, Hinchman & Grylls.

The Masonic Temple is an impressive structure that covers over 1 million square feet and features multiple theaters, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and offices. It is also home to the Masonic Temple Association, a fraternal organization that promotes philanthropy and community service.

Throughout its history, the Masonic Temple has hosted a wide variety of events, including concerts, theatrical productions, lectures, and weddings. It has also been used as a filming location for movies and television shows, including the 1989 film “Batman.”

The Masonic Temple is known for its ornate architecture and decorative details, which include sculptures, stained glass windows, and murals. It is also home to one of the largest pipe organs in the world, which was built by the Skinner Organ Company in 1926 and has over 6,000 pipes.

Over the years, the Masonic Temple has faced financial challenges and has been threatened with closure several times. However, it has always managed to survive and has become a beloved institution in the Detroit community. Today, it continues to host a wide variety of events and serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Facts about Masonic Temple, Detroit

Here are some interesting facts about the Masonic Temple in Detroit:

1. The Masonic Temple is the largest Masonic temple in the world, covering more than 1 million square feet and containing over 1,000 rooms.
2. The building contains three main theaters: the Scottish Rite Cathedral, the Jack White Theater, and the Detroit Masonic Temple Theater.
3. The Masonic Temple was originally built to serve as a meeting place for the various Masonic lodges in Detroit, as well as a center for community events and cultural activities.
4. The building is known for its intricate architectural details, which include sculptures, carvings, and stained glass windows.
5. The Masonic Temple is home to one of the largest pipe organs in the world, with over 6,000 pipes.
6. The building has hosted many famous musicians over the years, including Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.
7. The Masonic Temple was used as a filming location for the 1989 movie “Batman,” starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson.
8. The building has faced financial challenges over the years and was almost sold to a developer in 2013, but was ultimately saved by a group of Detroit-area business leaders.
9. The Masonic Temple continues to be an important cultural and social center in Detroit, hosting a wide variety of events and serving as a symbol of the city’s rich history and heritage.

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FAQ about Masonic Temple, Detroit

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Masonic Temple in Detroit:

What is the history of the Masonic Temple in Detroit?

The Masonic Temple was built between 1920 and 1926 and was designed by architects George D. Mason and Smith, Hinchman & Grylls. It was originally built to serve as a meeting place for the various Masonic lodges in Detroit, as well as a center for community events and cultural activities.

What events and activities are held at the Masonic Temple?

The Masonic Temple hosts a wide variety of events and activities, including concerts, theatrical productions, lectures, weddings, and other special events.

What are the different theaters located within the Masonic Temple?

The Masonic Temple contains three main theaters: the Scottish Rite Cathedral, the Jack White Theater, and the Detroit Masonic Temple Theater.

What is the significance of the Masonic Temple’s architecture?

The Masonic Temple is known for its ornate architecture and decorative details, which include sculptures, stained glass windows, and murals.

Is the Masonic Temple open to the public for tours?

Yes, the Masonic Temple offers guided tours of the building for visitors. The tours cover the history and architecture of the building, as well as its significance in the Detroit community.

What is the largest pipe organ in the world, and where is it located?

The Masonic Temple is home to one of the largest pipe organs in the world, with over 6,000 pipes.

What famous musicians have performed at the Masonic Temple?

The Masonic Temple has hosted many famous musicians over the years, including Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.

Has the Masonic Temple faced financial challenges over the years?

Yes, the Masonic Temple has faced financial challenges over the years and was almost sold to a developer in 2013, but was ultimately saved by a group of Detroit-area business leaders.

What is the current state of the Masonic Temple?

The Masonic Temple is still standing and continues to be an important cultural and social center in Detroit. It hosts a wide variety of events and serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history and heritage.