Dayton Masonic Center Launches $20 Million Preservation Campaign

The Dayton Masonic Center has launched the Centennial Cornerstone Campaign, a three-year, $20 million initiative to preserve the historic building and secure its future as a vibrant hub for the Dayton community. The campaign kicks off with an online virtual fundraising auction running through November 19th. This preservation effort is crucial because the Center has hosted countless civic, cultural, and fraternal events since its construction in 1926, and the campaign aims to ensure it remains a cornerstone in Dayton for generations to come.

Located in the Grafton Hill historic district, the Dayton Masonic Center is a commanding structure on the bank of the Great Miami River with stunning views of downtown Dayton. The 265-foot by 190-foot building is constructed of Bedford stone, Vermont marble, Alabama limestone, and Tennessee marble. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, it features a 1,700-seat auditorium, a 600-seat banquet hall, Masonic lodges, and the Dayton Dyslexia Center. The fundraising campaign's goal is to celebrate this architectural masterpiece's legacy while investing in renovations, a sustainable endowment, and new programs that will keep the Center a vital part of Dayton's cultural fabric.

The importance of this initiative extends beyond mere preservation. Doug Sorrell, a 33rd Degree Mason and Past Potentate of Antioch Shrine, emphasized the building's significance, stating, "I am proud to be a part of this initiative to ensure the future of this historic and iconic home of the fraternity I have loved for decades. The Dayton Masonic Center is more than a building. It's where memories are made and service begins." This sentiment underscores why preserving such historic structures matters—they serve as living monuments to community heritage and continuity.

The fundraising campaign aims to establish a $20 million endowment, which is projected to generate approximately $1 million annually for operations and improvements. This financial strategy ensures the Dayton Masonic Center remains an active, accessible venue for civic events, cultural celebrations, and community programs. Supporters can participate in this historic effort to preserve and enhance the Center's legacy through their Fundraising Auction Event Page at https://www.daytonmasoniccenter.com/auction. The campaign represents a strategic investment in both the physical structure and the community programs it supports, ensuring that this historic landmark continues to serve as a gathering place that fosters civic pride and cultural enrichment for years to come.