In 1926, a grand hall was erected as the new home for two local Masonic organizations, Elgin Lodge #117 and Monitor Lodge #552. At the time, the new Masonic Temple was Elgin's largest indoor meeting space. In addition to lodge functions, it hosted many public concerts, performances, banquets, meetings, and ceremonies of all types, including Elgin High School graduations. For thousands of Elginites, the building held many special memories. In 1990, when the Masons could no longer afford to maintain it, the building was sold. The two lodges relocated to nearby communities, and a series of small businesses and churches occupied the building. One of these churches objected to the Masonic symbols on the building, and in 2005 it removed the cornerstone, the large terra cotta Masonic emblem from the facade, and all the symbolism from the interior.