The Sioux Falls Freemasons and Architecture Incorporated opened a 95-year-old time capsule that was hidden in the cornerstone of the Sioux Falls office building.

Freemason Time Capsule Opened After Nearly 100 Years

Architecture Incorporated, in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Freemasons, opened a 95-year-old time capsule on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Architecture Incorporated purchased the former South Dakota Masonic Grand Lodge Library Building at 415 South Main Avenue in Sioux Falls from the Masons in 2000. The time capsule was laid with full ceremony on June 6, 1924.

Architecture Incorporated hired Advanced Masonry Restoration (AMR) to restore the terra cotta facade of the building that is being funded in part by a grant from the South Dakota State Historical Society’s Deadwood Fund. AMR determined that they would be able to access the time capsule without damaging the surrounding terra cotta tiles so an invitation was extended to Grand Master DaNiel Wood along with other Masons to join our staff on June 19 to remove the contents, photograph them, and then return them to the capsule along with a few more items. The timing happens to coincide with the annual Grand Lodge of South Dakota which is scheduled to take place June 20-22 in Sioux Falls.

Architecture Incorporated has completed two renovations of the building since purchasing it in 2000. The first renovation won the Sioux Falls Mayor’s Historic Preservation Award. The second project completed in 2016 for the firm’s 40th anniversary created a more efficient, modern studio space while preserving the historic integrity of the building’s rotunda.

Click here for coverage of the event as covered by the Argus Leader: https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/2019/06/19/freemason-time-capsule-opened-after-nearly-100-years/1492396001/