About the Building

About-ExteriorThe Arlington Masonic Temple is a two-story building built in 1923 as a Masonic facility. The first floor includes a large assembly hall (the Lodge Room), a parlor, a club room, an expansive hallway, and two smaller rooms which serve as a lounge and coat room and the entry to the Mens and Ladies rest rooms. The building features fine woodwork and detailing, a terrazzo floor, and many period furnishings.

The building is owned and operated by the Arlington Masonic Temple Association, a 501(c)(2) holding corporation which is in turn owned by Mystic Valley Lodge, A.F. & A.M., instituted in 1797 under the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

The Temple is generally not suitable for “loud parties with high traffic volumes” as it is a historic building and has many valuable or irreplaceable furnishings and is located on a residential street. Users must respect the quiet residential neighborhood in one of the Town’s Historic Districts.

Capacity
The Lodge Hall will seat up to 175 in the built-in theatrical seating. Additional seating may be provided on the floor with folding chairs. The Dining Hall will seat up to 150 at tables, or 200 standing. Because the Masonic Temple is not equipped with fire sprinklers or alarms, the Arlington Fire Department requires the presence of a professional fire or police officer if the anticipated occupancy exceeds 99.

Heat and air conditioning
The building is heated in winter to a temperature of approximately 68 degrees. The building is not air conditioned, and may become uncomfortably warm in hot weather. Floor and window fans are available to renters and the building’s internal ventilation fans may be turned on by request. Air conditioners are allowed and can be rented from a local service, coordinated by the Rental Manager.

Electric service
The building has 15 and 20 amp outlet services. All outlets are grounded and most have been converted to 3 prong. If your event requires a significant amount of electric power (for theater lighting, sound systems, etc.) you should consult with the Rental Manager to determine if the electric service will be adequate.

Accessibility
The Arlington Masonic Temple is not an accessible building. There is no elevator or chair lift to the second floor. The main entrance stairways and the stairway to the dining hall may not be usable by persons with mobility limitations. A ramp accommodates wheelchair entrance to the ground floor from the parking lot. Most doorways in the building are wide enough for wheelchair access. The mens’ and ladies’ rest rooms are on the first floor, but the stalls are not wheelchair accessible.