Masonic Temple building sold

The 99-year-old landmark Masonic Temple building in downtown Havre has been sold to two Kalispell brothers.

Havre Masons said they could not afford the upkeep on the structure.

The building was officially sold Oct. 22.

Emily Mayer, local history buff and owner of the Hi-Line Heritage House, said that the building was constructed in 1915.

Mayer also said that the temple was designed by architect, Frank Bossout. Bossout was responsible for a number of architecturally significant buildings in Havre, including the Hill County Courthouse and Donaldson Hall at Montana State University-Northern.

Terry Grant, a member of the Masons, who has been involved with the group for around 17 years, said that taxes played a huge role in deciding to sell the building.

"When we took a look at the amount we received for rent, versus what the monthly bills were - we were having trouble with that," he said.

Grant added that maintaining the building was difficult for his group.

"We were not maintaining it the way it needed to be because we did not have the money," he said.

He believes the group has until July 1 to continue using the building as a meeting location.

Grant said the new owners, Jon Johnston and Jeff Johnston, are trying to help the group find a permanent meeting place.

"We have mentioned possibly renting some space. It is going to be up to (the new owners) to decide what to do," he added.

Grant said that the Masons have multiple backup plans.

"The Eagles have said that we would be welcome to come over and use their space because it is very similar to what we use right now," Grant said.

He said there are many things that need to be done, such as finding a place to store their belongings.

Sylvia Murray, the treasurer for the Order of Eastern Star, which is associated with the Masons, said she has been involved in the Masons her entire life.

"My grandfather was a 50-year Mason, and my dad is a 60-year Mason," she said.

Murray said that economics was a major factor in the decision to sell the temple, but they did not want to see the historic building torn down.

"We're aging, and we are not replacing as fast as people are passing away. What happens then is you have a smaller and smaller pool of people and funds coming in - at a certain point, the balance is gone. We wanted the best for the community," Murray said.

Murray also said that the Johnston brothers are very nice people.

"They really want to fix up this building because of its history and such," she said.

She added that the Johnston brothers have big plans for the facility.

"They are going to renovate all of these rooms for the existing renters and for new ones coming in, and try to make it kind of like the destination spot to have a business."

Murray also said that this whole process is bittersweet because the building has such historical value.

"It's better that it moves on and is renovated and keeps existing," she added.

Jon Johnston, one of the new owners, said that nothing is concrete regarding what his team is planning for the use of the facility.

"We've got a lot of ideas and definitely want the town people involved," he said. "We are trying to definitely have it be something the community is going to progress with, something that helps the city overall - and gets people kind of involved and excited about what we're doing - that's the game plan."

Johnston added that businesses will still be able to rent spaces in the temple and that the Masons are welcome to have meetings in the facility for now.

He also said he and his team are excited about owning a business on the Hi-Line.

"We think Havre has got good things going for it," Johnston said.

Johnston also said that it is a possibility that the Masons would be able to rent a space in the facility.

"At the same time, it is about a forward motion. In the light of what's happening with the town, we are going to try to be real cognitive of what the city needs and wants, and overall what will work best - and it just depends on that," he added.

Johnston and his team are planning on renaming the building, but the new name of the facility is not set in stone at this time, he said.

Facts about the Havre Masonic Temple

• Constructed in 1915

• Sold on Oct. 22, 2014

• Architect was Frank Bossout, who designed several other Havre buildings

including Donaldson Hall at Montana State University-Northern

• Architecture: Egyptian Revival architecture

• Elevator: It has the oldest operating elevator in Montana

• Location: 3rd Avenue at 3rd Street in downtown Havre