Resolution 230508

..Title Honoring and congratulating the Philadelphia Masonic Temple on its 150th Anniversary celebrations and the rededication of its historic building. ..Body WHEREAS, The Masonic Temple is the headquarters for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (Masonic fraternity) and the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, The Masonic Temple, which opened on September 26, 1873, contains artwork, frescos, stained glass, murals and sculptures which connect both Freemasons and non-Freemasons to an inspirational world of art, architecture and history; and WHEREAS, This National Historic Landmark building is located at One North Broad Street in Center City, Philadelphia, right across from Philadelphia City Hall; and WHEREAS, Public tours of the Masonic Temple building began in 1873 and in 2016, One North Broad was launched, which hosts weddings, concerts and other events at the Masonic Temple; and WHEREAS, The exhibit hall at the Masonic Temple features a wide assortment of artifacts related to the history of the Masonic fraternity in Philadelphia and beyond, including letters from George Washington and Ben Franklin (a Mason), along with other items associated with Philadelphia Masons Stephen Girard and John Wanamaker, among others; and WHEREAS, Guided tours of the beautiful building are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday at various times with free public tours offered the first Sunday of April, May and June; with a public rededication of the building and free tours on Saturday, June 24, 2023; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate 150 years of rich history and culture at the Masonic Temple; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates the Philadelphia Masonic Temple on its 150th Anniversary celebrations and the rededication of its historic building. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Executive Director Mike Mckee, in recognition of this occasion, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End