Seaport Lodge Turns 100

Following a devastating fire in 1922, the Freemasons in Astoria, Oregon financed the construction of a unique new building which would house the Masonic Fraternity, and its appendant bodies, for 100 years and beyond.

Temple Lodge No. 7 was the seventh Masonic Lodge chartered in the Oregon territories in 1854, predating Oregon’s statehood by five years. It quickly became the hub for Masonic activity on the Oregon Coast. A second Lodge, Harbor Lodge No. 183, formed in Astoria and both Lodges shared the building along with the Fern Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a Scottish Rite chapter, a York Rite chapter, the Demolay, Job’s Daughters, the Rainbow Girls, and even the Boy Scouts. Today it is home to the rebranded Seaport Lodge No. 7. Located at 1572 Franklin Ave. in a Historic District on the National Registry of Historic Places in Astoria, it stands as a marvelous example of the “Greek Revival” style. Nestled just outside of the downtown area, the building sits on a hill overlooking the beautiful Columbia River. It was designed by architect R.R. Bartlett. In those days, Masonic Lodges were often situated above a tavern or retail store, which served as a source of revenue for the Lodge. It was much rarer to see a building built for the singular purpose of housing the fraternity. Designed with a spacious Grand Hall, the first floor of the building has served as a meeting place for parties, dinners, and special events since it was opened. Many local high school dances were held there, as well as countless wedding receptions. Today the building is still occasionally used by the community to host events.

By 1979 the building had fallen into disrepair and the combined tenants of the building pooled their resources to form the Astoria Masonic Temple Association, each organization being issued shares of ownership in exchange for their investment. In 1980, a “grand reopening” was underway to celebrate the newly remodeled building. Members of the community, along with the press, gathered to celebrate the building upon its renovation. In 1993, Temple Lodge No. 7 and Harbor Lodge No. 183 voted to merge and Seaport Lodge No. 7 was formed with a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Oregon. Today, Seaport Lodge No. 7 is the only surviving group of the original Astoria Masonic Temple Association and is now the sole owner of the building.

Much like in 1979, the unrelenting weather of the Oregon Coast has caused much of the exterior beauty of this building to fade. But all hope is not lost. A new generation of young Masons have begun to step forward to carry on the torch and bring light to those who need it. Working together with our Brothers who came before us, and have shepherded the Fraternity for many long years, this new generation of Freemasons has an eye on preserving the important foundations of our past while bringing a modern approach to Masonic life which will help keep it footed in the 21st Century. In 2022 efforts began for repair and renovation, to see that it will be continued to be used for years to come. Working with the Grand Lodge of Oregon and their generous Lodge Repair grants, work began with minor fi xes and weather protection. Seaport Lodge No. 7 was awarded an Oregon Opportunity Grant in 2022 by the State of Oregon for continued efforts to restore our beloved building. Improvements include a new metal cap to protect the building from rainfall and the purchase of large scaffolding to access the building for future projects.

To walk in the footsteps of hundreds of men who came before me, hold the vessel that contained our first charter issued in 1854, gaze at the pillars and arch used at the laying of the cornerstone in 1923, is truly an honor and privilege. The Grand Master and his off icers honoring our milestone with a rededication ceremony is a memory I will always cherish.

- W.B. Quinn A. Haas

Coinciding with this new preservation effort, the Lodge commissioned a new sleek website, SeaportMasonicLodge.com, and launched a fundraising campaign through Go Fund Me in an effort to reach Masons and historical preservation enthusiasts the world over. That campaign can be found at GoFund.me/8cca1de3

Continuing to partner with our community is an important piece of our continued success. Working with the Historical Preservation program at Clatsop Community College allows students to learn the important skills needed to succeed by having workshops at our building. The Lodge receives repairs to plaster and paint, windows and woodwork, while students get hands-on experience. It’s a win-win! Seaport has also looked for ways to donate the use of the space of the building to support community efforts for wellness and success. In recent years the building was home to a free philosophy lecture class and a community workshop group focused on mental health and wellness. Seaport also continues to support education in the community by providing scholarships and partnering with the Grand Lodge of Oregon in recognizing the amazing work of teachers with the Classroom of the Month program.

Submitted by W.B. Quinn A. Haas, Master of Seaport Lodge No. 7