Ground breaking for the foundation of the new Scottish Rite Temple
“the new Temple, which is to be modern and up-to-date in every respect, will be
erected at a cost of $80,000, and when completed will be one of the most magnificent
structures in Enfield” (source Enfield Progress 12/2/1924)
Messrs. Smoot & Forest, of Roanoke Rapids NC , the contractors, hope to have the
building ready for use by July 1925
Dec 2, 1925
Dedication of the New Masonic Temple
January 1926
Mr. Justin Rankoff, of Oxford, has leased the new Masonic Theatre and will present the
initial performance in the next few weeks. “Mr. Rankoff is a man of wide experience in
the show business, and guarantees the theatre-goers of Enfield the very best attractions
obtainable.” (source Enfield Progress, Jan 1926)
Jan 20, 1926
Grand Opening Event at the new Masonic Theatre
Mr. Justin Rankoff has allowed the Piedmont Bureau of Asheville NC to present
Lockhart and his Scotch Lasses in music, song and story. Under auspices of St. Aldemar
Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar.
Cost: Adults 0.50 cents and Children 0.25 cents
Feb 8, 1926
The Valentine Opera Company, May Valentine conducting, the 44th annual American
Tour of Balfe’s Bohemian Girl
With Marjory Montello, Primadona; Arthur Dan, Baritone; Arch Cannon, Tenor
Cost: $2.00, $1.50 and $1.00 plus tax
Apr 1926
The Phantom of The Opera Film with Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin
Added attraction: 2 reel comedy “Racing Romeo”
May 20, 1926
Annual Meeting of the Women’s Club
Retiring President, Miss Mary Collins gave a fine address. Mrs. Ivey Watson, chairman of the
town beautification committee, reported considerable work done in setting shrubs and
trees on nearly all the streets and the school grounds.
Circa 1939
Last performances at the Masonic Theatre under Mr. Rankoff’s tenure. Theatre closed
during the War.
Circa 1950
Theatre re-opened as the Ray theatre. From estimates and investigation it seemed to
have remained open for approximately 10 years.
Circa 1960-80
The Masonic Theatre was used primarily as a warehouse for Rives & Co. Hardware store
that was immediately next door. The upstairs Lodge building and theatre had been
continually utilized for Masonic meetings, business and degree programs up through the
late 1980s.
Dec 23, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Wirtz purchased the Masonic Lodge property from the Scottish Rite
Temple Corp., and began plans to renovate and restore the building into a full scale
theatre and music hall.
