Securing a Legacy: The Centennial Cornerstone Campaign for Dayton Masonic Center

Securing a Legacy: The Centennial Cornerstone Campaign for Dayton Masonic Center

Charity AceCharity Ace
3 min read

The Dayton Masonic Center embarks on a transformative journey with the Centennial Cornerstone Campaign, a three-year initiative to preserve its historical essence while ensuring its continued service to the Dayton community. Through a blend of architectural admiration and community spirit, this campaign seeks to raise $20 million to maintain the Center as a vibrant community hub.

Found this article helpful?

Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!

TLDR
Quick Summary for Different Perspectives

  • This initiative offers a unique opportunity to invest in Dayton's heritage, securing a prestigious connection to its historical and cultural legacy.
  • The Centennial Cornerstone Campaign aims to raise $20 million over three years through online fundraising, focusing on renovations and the establishment of a sustainable endowment.
  • By preserving the Dayton Masonic Center, this initiative promises to enrich the community, ensuring a space for cultural, civic, and educational gatherings for future generations.
  • Imagine attending events in a historic building with a 1,700-seat auditorium made of Vermont marble and Tennessee marble, right in Dayton.

A Monumental Effort to Preserve History

The Dayton Masonic Center, a beacon of culture and fraternity in Dayton, Ohio, has launched an ambitious online fundraising initiative named the Centennial Cornerstone Campaign. This initiative aims to secure a bright future for the historic building, ensuring it remains a cornerstone in Dayton for generations to come. With a goal of raising $20 million over the next three years, the campaign kicked off with an online virtual fundraising auction, inviting supporters to contribute to the preservation of this architectural gem.

More Than a Building: A Home of Memories and Service

Located in the Grafton Hill historic district, the Dayton Masonic Center stands as a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture. Constructed in 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, its walls have witnessed countless civic, cultural, and fraternal events. Doug Sorrell, a 33rd Degree Mason and Past Potentate of the Antioch Shrine, expressed his pride in the campaign, emphasizing the Center's role as a place where memories are forged and service begins. The campaign not only celebrates the building's legacy but also focuses on renovating its facilities, establishing a sustainable endowment, and introducing new programs to maintain its status as a vital part of Dayton's cultural fabric.

Supporting Community and Heritage

The Centennial Cornerstone Campaign aims to create a $20 million endowment, which would generate approximately $1 million annually for operations and improvements. This financial backbone will ensure the Dayton Masonic Center continues to serve as an accessible venue for a wide array of events, fostering community bonding and civic pride. The campaign calls upon supporters to be a part of this historic effort, preserving the Center's legacy for future generations. For those interested in contributing, more information is available on their Fundraising Auction Event Page.

Since its inception in 1926, the Dayton Masonic Center has been more than a mere building; it has been a landmark of architectural beauty and a hub of community engagement in Dayton, Ohio. This campaign represents a critical step towards ensuring that it continues to fulfill this role, embodying both the heritage it stands to preserve and the community it serves to unite. As we look towards the future, the Centennial Cornerstone Campaign invites us all to be part of a legacy that will continue to inspire and serve generations to come. For more details on how to support this noble cause, please reach out to Tim Lile at bidnowllc@gmail.com or call (937) 689-1846.

Charity Ace

About Charity Ace

At Charity Ace, we’re your fundraising flight crew—here to help you raise more, risk nothing, and stay mission-focused every step of the way. As your year-round strategic partner, we guide you through the full fundraising cycle with data-backed strategies, donor-aligned offerings, and no-risk packages that inspire generosity.

Whether you're juggling tight budgets, big expectations, or limited staff, we’ve got your back. From the first strategy call to post-event follow-up, we make the entire process smoother, simpler, and way more successful.

We help you design your fundraiser and your online promotion.

View all posts by Charity Ace