The building at 12 East Main Street, Thurmont, Maryland 21788, is a historic commercial/fraternal structure currently serving as the home of Acacia Lodge No. 155 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. It has 3 floors, 1st floor commercial use and 2nd and 3rd are reserved for the lodge and has a total interior space of 3600 square feet and lot size of 1275 square feet. This structure symbolizes Thurmont’s fraternal and commercial heritage, evolving from a simple commercial building to a Masonic landmark.

Construction and Early History (1890–1898)

The primary structure was built in 1890, originally known as the Bussard Building (named after its presumed early owner or builder, though specific details on the Bussard family or pre-1890 use of the lot are not documented in available records).

Acquisition by the Masons and Modifications (1898–Early 1900s)

The lodge, which had been established in 1871 (first meeting on May 22, 1871, in a rented room on the third floor of the John Rouzer apartment house on Church Street), needed a permanent home so in 1898, the building was purchased by Acacia Lodge No. 155 under Worshipful Master Leonard Waesche.

The Masons strengthened the second floor and added a third story to create their lodge hall on the top floor. This modification marked the building’s transition to a mixed-use fraternal and commercial property. The first and second floors were rented out for various businesses, including a saddle shop, doctor’s office, pharmacy, two newspapers, and post office, providing income for the lodge.

Mid-20th Century Developments (1900s–1960s)

The building continued to house the U.S. Post Office on the first floor until 1959. In 1962, after the post office was vacated, the second floor was converted into a social room for the Masons.

Modern Era (1970s–Present)

The building remains owned by the Thurmont Masonic Temple Association Inc. With nearly 100 members, and celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021, it remains active in the community with events such as parades, building dedications (e.g., the setting of the Thurmont Library cornerstone), scholarships, and memorials.