The Temple Building was built in 1890. Recently we have taken on some repairs to maintain this historic building.
It was built when Ellensburg was still Ellensburgh – as the ironwork out front shows:
So every now and then repairs are needed. Right now we are in the process of remodeling the kitchen and dining room.
Tedd Hansen has been spearheading this project. Below are some pictures:
What sort of sign or symbol is this hidden in the rubbish of the temple?
The repairs are not just cosmetic. A few structural concerns were identified as part of a grant that Tedd applied for and received from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. This valuable information along with several other cash grants from the City of Ellensburg landmarks and design committee and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation have allowed us to make structural improvements. This involved work in the basement – new footings for beams and eventually some new trusses in the roof structure. We have received some excellent help along the way from Mr. George Botcher of Ellensburg and Zane Kanyer of Swenson Say Faget Engineers in Seattle.
Here are a few pictures of the “sweat equity” portion of the project:
There was big round of repairs in 2007 as well.
Here are some older photos of the building over time:
It’s good to see building work going on. I’m Gary Heger. Born & raised here. I now live in Skagway, Alaska, for 30 yrs., & am a member of White Pass lodge #1.
I come to Ellensburg occasionally to visit family. My grandfather was a member of your lodge, Glen Busby. I’ve never been in your lodge. I’ve tried to be here when the lodge is open, but haven’t succeeded so far. One of these days, I’ll make it.