Masonic Building

251 NE 3rd Street  |  Established 1914

The Masons constructed this square three-story building of native Willamina clay brick in 1914 on the
southwest corner of 3rd and C streets (now Third and Cowls). The cornerstone reads: “Union Lodge
No. 43 A, F. & A. M. laid by M. W. Grand Master October 18, 1913.” It replaced a two-story Masonic
building, constructed in 1882, which featured Bishop Clothiers on its ground floor.

David M. Nayberger operated a mercantile store from the spacious ground floor of the new structure
until 1930. Pay and Take It occupied the space in the early 1930s, followed by Columbia Grocery from
the late 1930s through the early 1950s. Rutherford’s Variety Store relocated here from the Schilling
Building in the mid-1950s, featuring a lunch counter, fabrics, toys, and other items. Harvest Fresh
opened its doors here in 2015, offering natural foods and a popular lunch spot for locals. The second
floor features offices, and the Masonic lodge hall continues to occupy the third floor.

The Masons have long served the community through charity work, fellowship, and support for local
causes. In 1876 the lodge established the Masonic Cemetery, one of McMinnville’s early pioneer burial
grounds. Over the years the lodge sponsored DeMolay for young men and Rainbow Girls for young
women. In 1990, Lafayette Union Lodge No. 3 consolidated with Union Lodge No. 43, changing its
recognized name to McMinnville Masonic Lodge Union No. 3 A. F. & A. M.

As you pause before its solid brick façade, imagine the buttery scent of popcorn drifting from the ground
floor of Rutherford’s or the steady stream of foot traffic here, spanning over a century. The Masonic
Building endures as a landmark and testament to McMinnville’s fraternal and commercial life, and
continues to serve a role at the heart of the historic downtown district.

For images of the the property, and further details, check out the link below:

Historic Resources Inventory Documentation