Odd Fellows Temple, Lexington

The Odd Fellows Temple is a striking vestige of 19th-century civic pride. Constructed in 1869鈥�70 and designed by local architect Cincinnatus Shryock, the building showcases a blend of Italianate elegance with a Second Empire mansard roof. This distinctive design feature, combined with ornate arched windows and decorative detailing, marks it as a visual gem amid the city鈥檚 historic Main Street.

Originally built for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF)鈥攁 global fraternal organization founded in Baltimore in 1819鈥攖he temple symbolized charitable ideals such as friendship, love, and truth. The IOOF was among the first fraternal groups in the U.S. to accept women in 1851, underlining its progressive mission to support widows, orphans, the sick, and the bereaved. The Lexington lodge鈥檚 temple featured not only meeting halls but also public-facing clock tower structures, including 鈥淪kullers Clock鈥� installed in front of the building.

As Lexington's commercial heart evolved, the Odd Fellows Temple adapted. It later housed the Skullers Jewelry company, yet retained its characteristic mansard profile and facade. Recognizing its architectural and historical importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and remains a featured highlight on walking tours of Lexington's historic downtown.

For visitors, the Odd Fellows Temple offers more than just a photo op鈥攊t鈥檚 a story of community, architecture, and fraternal service. When you visit, take a moment to admire Shryock's craftsmanship, envision the lodge meetings and civic events that took place within, and reflect on how this modest yet elegant structure has witnessed generations of Lexington鈥檚 civic life.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lexington. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Odd Fellows Temple
Sight Location: Lexington, USA (See walking tours in Lexington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Historical Buildings

Walking Tours in Lexington, Kentucky

Create Your Own Walk in Lexington

Creating your own self-guided walk in Lexington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Historical Buildings

Historical buildings in Lexington, Kentucky, serve as time capsules, reflecting the architectural and cultural history of the region. A good number of these structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, each having its own story to tell. Let's explore a few notable structures that have made significant architectural contributions to the cityscape of Lexington.

The... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

Lexington Introduction Walking Tour

Lexington is Kentucky's second-largest city and the Fayette County seat. The city is most famous for the Thoroughbred racing industry but has so much to offer besides attractions related to racing. This city dates back to 1782 when Kentucky was still part of the Commonwealth of Virginia and was settled by frontiersmen under the leadership of William McConnell.

During the 19th century, the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles

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