Description of Historic Place

The heritage site consists of the old Masonic Temple building (Now The Studio) and the city lot it sits on at 11 11th Avenue South, Cranbrook, B.C.

Heritage Value

The Masonic Temple is recognized for its historic value to the community of Cranbrook.

Archival papers state "The Masonic Order is ready to erect an edifice suitable to meet the needs of the progress of the local Lodge." This shows the faith the Masons had for the future progress of Cranbrook and area. The architectural firm of Sedgar and Pownall of Victoria designed the hall and the contract was let to D. J. Johnson for $10,000. The corner stone was laid November 1909 and the grand opening was held in June 1910. It remained the Masonic meeting place for many years.

The building was described as "Colonial with massive colonial pillars" and the Font Portico is the most prominent feature in an effort to copy the classical "temple" front, complete with entablature and triangular pediment. There was a large meeting hall on the main floor and large chambers upstairs which made this building very useful and versatile for the Masons.

This building was purchased by the city in 1973 to save it from being torn down and the lot was used as a parking lot for a local hotel. The custodianship of the building was handed over to the Cranbrook Community Theatre Group. The theatre group has done sympathetic restoration to the building, converting the upstairs to an intimate theatre space and including handicapped access facilities to the building.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Masonic Temple and lot include its:

- External "temple" front with massive pillars, entablature, and triangular pediment
- External changes made to original structure that do not detract from its overall impressive appearance.
- The original corner stone and some of the original time capsule still in place
- Original-style wooden clapboard siding
- Original location facing 11th Street South, on a major route through Cranbrook downtown to access "Baker Hill" properties.
- Massive, imposing, structure on a street which includes an historic hotel, Cranbrook police station and our historic Fire Hall.