Plans take shape for new Masonic lodge building in Excelsior Springs near U.S. 69
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – Plans are underway for a new Masonic lodge building in Excelsior Springs, a project to fulfill the organization’s desire to remain active and accessible in the community. The proposed lodge would be built on property near Crown Hill Cemetery, at the intersection of Crown Hill Road and U.S. 69 Highway, on land that was recently rezoned to allow for the development.
Jim Rice, a local insurance agent with Total Insurance Inc,, and longtime member of the Masonic lodge, said the decision to pursue a new building came after ongoing challenges with the group’s former meeting space. Rice has been a member since June 2013 and currently serves as treasurer. He previously served as secretary and is involved with both the cemetery board and the lodge’s building committee.
The lodge has met on the second floor of a building near South Main Street and Spring Street. Rice said the steep stairs became increasingly difficult for older members to navigate. While a stair chair was installed, maintaining it proved costly and unreliable, with replacement parts hard to obtain and batteries that no longer held consistent charge.
“That building just isn’t working for us anymore,” Rice said. “We want a place where our members can meet comfortably and safely.”
The new lodge is planned for property the organization already owns near Crown Hill Cemetery. According to city records provided by Mallory Brown, the property was rezoned in October from R-1 single-family residential to C-2 general commercial. A preliminary plat was approved at that time, though city staff have not received further communication from the property owner since the rezoning.
Rice said the lodge is currently working with a civil engineer to complete site planning, including drainage and infrastructure considerations. Once that phase is complete, the lodge plans to approach the city for permits and ensure the project complies with all zoning and building requirements.
While no final construction budget has been set, Rice said costs are still being evaluated and remain subject to change. If the process moves forward without major delays, lodge leaders hope the building could be largely usable by the end of the year.
Beyond accessibility, Rice said the new building is intended to support the lodge’s broader mission. Like many civic and fraternal organizations, the Masonic lodge has seen slower membership growth in recent years. A more functional, visible meeting space could help sustain participation and community involvement.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal organizations, with roots that trace back several centuries. Local lodges traditionally focus on fellowship, moral development and charitable work, operating independently while connected through a larger international network.
Rice said community service remains a priority for the local lodge. He pointed to a recent $6,000 donation to area schools to support backpacks and school supplies as an example of the group’s ongoing efforts.
Meetings are typically held on the first and third Mondays of each month, with occasional study sessions scheduled during months with a fifth Monday. Rice said meetings usually run from 6:30 to no later than 8:30 or 9 p.m.
He emphasized that lodge members are mindful of their surroundings and plan to be considerate neighbors once the new building is in use. The lodge would have safety in mind with security lighting that would also keep the comfort of neighbors in mind.
As planning continues, Rice said the goal remains creating a space that allows members to gather more easily and continue contributing to the Excelsior Springs community.
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