Those new to Western Springs often ask about the small, church-like building located at 1215 Chestnut Street.
Western Springs Masonic Lodge
Methodist Church – circa 1940
According to the Western Springs Historical Society archives, the building in question dates back to 1893 when it was the Swedish Methodist Church While it went through several renovations over the years, the original building remains largely intact.
By 1950, the Methodist congregation had outgrown the church and built their current place of worship at 43rd Street and Howard Avenue. They then sold the original church building to Masonic Lodge No. 1136, which has used it as their Masonic Temple since 1951. However, according to the Mason’s website the lodge itself has been active for 85 years, making it one of the oldest such fraternal groups in the area.