The Masonic Temple at 505 Locust St. that's facing potential demolition is not safe to be inside.
While the historic structure has a unique past, it "has fallen into significant decay," according to a statement from the Masonic Temple Association shared by lawyer John Dupree. "Therefore, the Masonic Temple Association has suspended all meetings and activities at the property and, for the safety of its members, its neighbors and the public, has applied for a demolition permit." The building's decline is attributed to antiquated construction standards.
Community members on social media have expressed disappointment over the possibility the temple could be torn down.
Knox Heritage, a nonprofit that seeks to preserve Knoxville's historic spaces and
places, announced in a post earlier this week that it was trying to reach the owners in hopes that they would "reconsider demolition, or, if that is not possible, allow Knox Heritage the opportunity to document the building so its history and architectural significance can be preserved for future generations."
As of Aug. 7, 2026, Knox Heritage had been told their request to discuss the temple's future had been shared with "pertinent officers of the Masonic Temple Association." The statement provided by Dupree notes that the Masons have a reverence for the past and honor many traditions, including community relief, medical research and educational scholarships."
Because the temple is a historic structure, there's a 60-day delay before the permit is approved, but the clock is ticking. It was set in motion when Knoxville-Knox County Planning completed its review July 27. The delay isn't meant to prevent the demolition, but rather to allow time for documentation, salvaging or dismantling of historic materials or potential relocation before it is approved, according to Knoxville Building Code.
History of 505 Locust St.
The temple has been a Freemason meeting site since the 1910s. Before that, it was the mansion of Charles McClung McGhee, a financier, philanthropist and railroad executive who was the great-grandson of Knoxville founder James White.
McGhee's mansion was built by Knoxville architect Joseph Baumann in the early 1870s, according to Knox Heritage. The Masonic Temple Association hired A.B. Baumann to remodel the building as a temple in 1915, and it was completed in 1916. Some parts of the original interior remain.
In addition to his involvement in the booming railroad industry, McGhee served on the Board of Trustees for the University of Tennessee and in the Tennessee legislature. He was instrumental in starting the Lawson McGhee Library in 1885, and McGhee Tyson Airport is named for his grandson, Charles McGhee Tyson, a U.S. Navy pilot who was shot down and killed in World War I.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternal order that dates back more than 300 years. Its members prioritize core values of "brotherly love, relief and truth."
Each lodge has a lodge room where meetings and ceremonies take place. The lodge room features Masonic symbols, such as checkerboard flooring.
Famous Masons include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock, and well-known local Masons include John Sevier, Winfield Dunn, Andrew Johnson and Andrew Jackson.
Hayden Dunbar Evans is the storyteller reporter. Email: hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com. Instagram: @knoxstoryteller.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Masonic Temple up for demolition is considered unsafe and decaying
