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 Nov. 19th. Since its construction in 1926, the Center has hosted countless civic, cultural and fraternal events, 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, offering a stunning view 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. "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," said Doug Sorrell, 33rd Degree Mason and Past Potentate of Antioch Shrine.
The campaign aims to establish a $20 million endowment, generating approximately $1 million annually for operations and improvements. This ensures the Dayton Masonic Center remains an active, accessible venue for civic events, cultural celebrations, and community programs. Supporters are encouraged to participate in this historic effort to preserve and enhance the Center’s legacy by visiting their Fundraising Auction Event Page.
Since 1926, the Dayton Masonic Center has served as a historic architectural landmark and a vital community space in Dayton, Ohio. Recognized for its stunning design and its historic significance within the Grafton Hill district, the Center hosts a wide range of civic, cultural, and fraternal events that promote community bonding and civic pride. The campaign aims to preserve this treasured building and ensure it continues to serve Dayton’s residents well into the future.
