Masonic Library of Detroit

10/14/2026

The Masonic Library of Detroit turns 144 years old today! 🎂
On October 14th, 1882, brothers from 10 Masonic lodges, and 6 York Rite bodies joined together to form a Masonic library in Detroit. Our library began modestly, but has grown to include approximately 10,000 volumes, as well as countless documents, manuscripts, & artifacts relating to Freemasonry in Detroit. The collection is currently in storage while we search for a new home for the Library to begin its next chapter. If you have a lead, let us know!

Photograph scanned from Volume 2 of "Freemasonry in Michigan" (1896) by Jefferson S. Conover, 33°.

09/18/2026

On September 18, 1922, the cornerstone for The Detroit Masonic Temple was laid during a ceremony attended by thousands. The invitation, showing an embossed symbol of a trowels surrounded by the cross and crown of the Knights Templar, is held in our collection.

Learn more about the Masonic Temple: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/masonic-temple

09/18/2026

09/15/2026

These beautifully decorated floral china plates with gilt rims were made as souvenirs for the 1895 cornerstone-laying ceremony and the 1897 dedication of the Masonic Temple formerly located at First St. & Lafayette Blvd in Detroit. Ornamental plates such as these were viewed as the pinnacle of fashionable décor in the Victorian era. Sadly, very few of them survive today given their delicate nature.

[From the Masonic Library of Detroit permanent collection]

Photography courtesy of MICHIGAN MASONS - Official Page of the Grand Lodge of Michigan

08/03/2026

The Detroit Masonic Country Club was a short-lived private social club for masons and their families with amenities rivaling those of other local private clubs like the Detroit Athletic Club. The D.M.C.C. officially opened in 1923 and was located on the shores of Lake St. Clair at Jefferson Avenue & Masonic Boulevard. Following the stock market crash in 1929, the club closed its doors, briefly re-opening as the Lake Shore Country Club. The building was later demolished in 1939 and the land was re-developed for what is now known as Veterans Memorial Park. Artifacts from the D.M.C.C. are scarce, so we are always happy to acquire them when they turn up!

[Brochure from the Masonic Library of Detroit permanent collection]

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

07/31/2026

Our latest acquisition has arrived!

07/30/2026

Detroit is home to some of the oldest Masonic lodge minutes in the United States, the first entry being 232 years ago. Those familiar with Detroit history (or streets) may recognize some familiar names on these pages such as Cass, Woodward, Macomb, Sibley, Palmer, Caniff, McDougall, Canfield, Whitney, Kercheval, Brush, Campeau, & Piquette - all members of Zion Lodge No. 1 F & AM. These records have miraculously survived several catastrophic events including the Great Fire of 1805 and the Surrender of Fort Detroit during the War of 1812.

Photography courtesy of MICHIGAN MASONS - Official Page of the Grand Lodge of Michigan