First National Bank / Masonic Temple

This building embodies a long Masonic tradition of erecting lodges whose size and bulk symbolize the permanency and stability of Masonry. Though it appears to be a colossal white stucco box, it is actually made up of three earlier structures: the First National Bank and the Fogarty Block, both built by real estate speculators in 1884, and a substantial rear addition constructed by the Masons in 1903. A 1954 renovation unified all three structures by infilling windows and stuccoing the main facades, creating a striking mid-century Modern appearance. On North Second Street, a large decorative panel reflects Masonic symbolism and rituals through etched scenes of Egyptian builders, architectural elements, and hieroglyphs. Livingston Lodge #32, organized in 1883 and chartered in 1885, has met in the bank building since 1890. After the 1903 expansion added a banquet room and a two-hundred-seat meeting room, other groups also met here, including the Elks, Eagles, Odd Fellows, and many trade unions, while first-floor commercial tenants included Tolhurst Taxidermy, "Taxidermist for the tourist," and Western Union.

Livingston, Montana · United States