[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 59 (Wednesday, May 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FLINT MASONIC TEMPLE

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Flint Masonic Temple. The building was dedicated on 
May 16, 1911 and has been in continuous use since that time. A 
celebration will be held in honor of this milestone on May 7th at the 
Temple.
  The Flint Masonic Temple is the home to several Masonic organizations 
including Flint Lodge 23, Fellowship 490, the Flint Shriners, the York 
Rite, the Scottish Rite, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Over the 
years many other organizations have utilized the building for their 
meetings and events. In 1947 the Battiste Family opened the Temple 
Dining Room and it became a very popular eating spot in downtown Flint. 
The third generation of the Battiste Family continues to operate the 
Dining Room today.
  Many prominent citizens and leaders of Flint were involved in the 
planning and construction of the Flint Masonic Temple. The cornerstone 
was laid in 1909 and the building itself was constructed to incorporate 
the ritual work themes given to candidates as they progress through the 
first three degrees for full membership in a Masonic Lodge in Michigan. 
The building's east-west orientation and the use of big blocks are 
reminiscent of the Masonic ritual of building King Solomon's Temple. 
The State of Michigan listed the site on its State Registry of Historic 
Places in 1981.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Flint Masonic Temple. The 
Masons devote their time, talent, and resources to make the Flint 
community a better place. The Flint Masonic Temple is a landmark and 
stands as a testament to the goodwill of our Masonic organizations. I 
pray that the Flint Masonic Temple will continue to be a place of 
fellowship for many, many years to come.

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