Masonic Temple Fire -- Aftermath

All photos in this post from the C.W. Witbeck collection at the MDAH online archives. 

Close up of the date and entryway of the building. 

Train Engine Plates salvaged from the fire ...

The following narrative is from the Brookhaven, MS, Masonic Lodge No. 241 website, with some information redacted for brevity's sake: 

• "A group of 14 Brookhaven Masons interested in the organization of a Masonic lodge at Brookhaven met on August 16, 1859, at the residence of Ezara J. Knapp for the purpose of organizing a Masonic lodge ... to be called Brookhaven Lodge No. 241.
  
  
• The lodge moved into its first Masonic Temple on December 27, 1862, on the campus of Whitworth College. 
  
  
  This lodge was destroyed by fire on the evening of April 14, 1899.
  
  
• The second Masonic Temple corner stone was laid on August 10, 1899, at Cherokee and Jackson streets. This building was used and enjoyed by the Masonic fraternities until it was destroyed by fire on Easter Sunday, March 25, 1951. 
  
  
  This was one of several buildings destroyed during that time period by a juvenile arsonist.
  
  
• On April 15, 1953, the cornerstone of the present temple was laid by Lawrence C. Corbin, Grand Master, with the appropriate ceremonies. On Monday, March 15, 1954, the Lodge had its formal opening with the Reverend Carl L. Oaks, Grand Master, giving the principal address."