This old Masonic Lodge building is a historical landmark that has served as a cornerstone for the community for over many years. The Coffeeville Masonic Lodge was established in 1852 as Lodge No. 122. The first building was replaced with the current building around 1905 after it was severely damaged by a storm. The current building retained the classic two-story, frame-gable style common to rural Alabama lodges of the era.
The current building has undergone several changes over the years to make it more usable for the community. The original building had an outside staircase leading to the second floor. In 1946, it was moved to the interior of the building to improve access and security. A kitchen and toilet facilities were added in 1958 to make the building more versatile for community gatherings. The ceiling was lowered and paneling was added in 1968. The outside of the building was covered in siding in 1976, which protected the wood but also covered much of the original window trim. “Bubble” canvas awnings are mounted over the doors.
Over the years this building has been used for several other purposes beyond its primary role for the Masons. The building was also used as the meeting place for the Eastern Star until 1991, when they disbanded, and is now used as a meeting place for the local Women’s Club. When the local elementary school burned in 1938, the lodge was a site, along with local churches, for temporary classrooms until a new school could be built. The Coffeeville Baptist Church also used the building when their building was being renovated.
On January 22, 2009, the Coffeeville Masonic Lodge building was officially added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage, recognizing its long-standing significance to the history of Clarke County.
This building is located on the west side of Alabama Highway 69 approximated 0.3 mile north of the intersection of Alabama Highway 69 with US Highway 84 (Google Maps – 31.761067, -88.089606).
The pictures that are provided were taken December 15, 2015.
Source: “Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage” nomination form for the Coffeeville Masonic Lodge Building