Masonic Lodge 150 yrs+ 116 yr Bldg, Las Vegas, New Mexico

This video shows parts of the Chapman Lodge #2, that have never been shown to the public, including the very private "Lodge Ceremony room", the "private pool room and reading room", the basement that may have been a central hub of secret underground tunnels, as well as artifacts, antiques, and historical references.

The Chapman Lodge #2, in Las Vegas, New Mexico has it's 150 year anniversary in 2012. This lodge build a magnificent Masonic Temple, in 1894-5, and is probably the finest Richardsonian Romanesque building erected in New Mexico. It's only near equals were a few school buildings which are now demolished. Louise Ivers, respected expert, noted similarities between this building and Richardson's own Cheney Block (1875-6) in Hartford, Connecticut. "An end tower with pyramidical cap, the intimation of a tower at the opposite end, a recessed, vertical grouping of windows set between massive piers and topped by round arches, and the use of rough faced, red sandstone."

The Chapman Lodge, originally at Fort Union moved to Las Vegas and it's leadership built Las Vegas into the largest city in New Mexico. Only when the Freemasons of Las Vegas began to enter a declining phase, did the city of Las Vegas also decline. It was said that every new successful business of Las Vegas from 1894-1960 owed it's success to the influence, power, and ability to get financing, of the Masonic Lodge. This building hosts a banquet hall, a lodge room that will seat 80 or more, furniture and artifacts brought to Las Vegas on "covered wagons" via the Santa Fe, Trail. The facility has a pool room and lounge for guests. A public cafe and coffee shop. It offers free internet for members and lunch guests. It has a trove of antiques and authentic historic documents and artifacts.

The sandstone exterior was "free hand" sculptured by, a "master mason" who probably was a FreeMason. Foliated relief stonework, decorates the capitals of piers and the main entry.

Historically, notables such as President Teddi Roosevelt (himself a Mason) visited this lodge. The second floor housed the Montezuma Club, a group of wealthy bachelors which included Miguel Otero, Territorial Governor (1897-1906) of New Mexico. The building, built in 1894-5 has a cornerstone with the year of the Masonic Calendar, dating back from the construction of Soloman's Temple.

The basement, shows the exposed stone walls which are load bearing walls 12" to 24" thick. Portions of the stone walls show areas which were at one time doorways or passages. A recurring local story is that there were underground tunnels from the Masonic Lodge leading to key buildings in Las Vegas.

This is a fascinating building, still filled with mystery, symbols and intrigue. The Chapman Lodge has created a tax free foundation which owns the facility and maintains it.

Over the 150 year history of the lodge, the Chapman lodge has, and still does, support limitless charitable and children's projects. The lodge has been noted for it's support of progress and good business in the community. As recent as 2011, the Freemasons of the Chapman Lodge #2 encouraged the City of Las Vegas to support "Water Desalination" as a progressive solution to the city water shortage. The influence and network of the Masonic Lodge in Las Vegas is noted and respected.

This video was directed and produced by Ben B. Boothe, Sr., a Freemason, a business executive, and publisher of www.bootheglobalperspectives.com, as well as over 65 video productions. This production was done "pro-bono" for the Chapman Lodge because of Ben's high regard for the Mason's and their philosophy of tolerance for opinion, tolerance for other religion and a 'no politics' policy of Freemasonry.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Masonic Temple
• Las Vegas
• New Mexico
• Las Vegas History
• Las Vegas Historical Buildings
• Freemasons in New Mexico
• Chapman Lodge # 2
• Masonry
• Masonic Lodge Freemasonry
• Teddi Roosevelt
• Scottish Rite
• Templars
• Shriners
• Ben Boothe
• Ben B. Boothe
• www.benboothe.com
• antiques
• secrets
• mysteries
• powerful people

[benboothe]

Hey Brother. Please imbed this video into the Chapman Foundation site. I am sorry it isn't better, but over 122 people around New Mexico have already viewed it, so I think it will create interest in our lodge. You guys did a wonderful job and keep up the good work!. Ben Boothe

[benboothe]

Images rarely seen by the public. Wonderful building. Wonderful service to the community.

[jimmycpm]

Hey Brothers, I hope to be able to visit this Lodge someday. This Lodge has a lot more history that could be put in this short vidio. I really enjoyed the vidio and will be sharing it with all of the Brothers that I know.

James Carlton PM Monaghan Lodge #251 Greenville, SC