The foundation stone of the Masonic Hall in Singapore was laid on 14 April 1879 and the building was completed and consecrated in 1886. Designed by Architect Donald McLeod Craik, the two-storey grey building once had an imposing gate of black spikes. For many years, the locals called the building rumah hantu, meaning "haunted house" in Malay, as few knew of what happened in this exclusive clubhous
e and people often thought "strange ceremonies" took place here. Non-members are only allowed on the ground floor where there is a bar, a dining room, a billiard table and a jackpot room. The area upstairs is known to the Freemasons as the Temple, and is used for gatherings and ceremonies which have been continuing for more than a hundred years.
