During the 125th Anniversary of it's dedication.

Renovations and refurbishing to portions of the Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, were begun on Dec. 29 and are expected to be completed by late Spring. Building on the past and looking toward the future, James L. Ernette, R.W. Grand Master, seized upon the year of the 125th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Masonic Temple to bring the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania back to the high standards that were established long ago by the planners of the outstanding Masonic architectural wonder.

The Grand Master's office has been returned to the first floor, where it had been from the earliest days of the building's opening. The area includes the office of the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff, and all of the Grand Master's support staff. The Grand Secretary's suite has been completely refurbished, including a most pleasant and inviting reception area. The entrance from North Penn Square, which opens into the Building Superintendent's area, is most inviting to all of the Temple's guests, both members and non-members. The Grand Master's Conference Room, reception rooms, and private office also have been refurbished.

The Grand Banquet Room has received a face-lifting, which included painting, new drapes, and the addition of a magnificent Steinway grand piano. The Reference Room of the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania was returned to its location of two years ago. The Gift Shop of the Library and Museum, the offices of the Librarian and Curator, and the Curator have been moved to the areas which previously housed the Masonic Education Committee. The Masonic Education Committee Office has been relocated to the lower level. The office of the Executive Director of the Library and Museum has been returned to the area adjacent to the Museum.

In the lower level, Room No. 4 has been renamed the John Wanamaker Dining Room and a new staff lunch room has been installed, which includes a new snack machine, coffee machine, and a microwave oven. Committee Room No. 2 is the new home of the Masonic Education Committee. The Accounting Office and the Office of the Pennsylvania Foundation for Children, previously in the lower level, are now on the fourth floor.

Also included in this project was the painting of a majority of the rooms mentioned, and the installation of new carpeting. An order for a new three-manual electronic organ for Corinthian Hall has been placed with installation scheduled by the June Quarterly.

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