It was built by a Masonic Temple Association formed from 14 Masonic groups.

The building was finished in 2 years and 9 months, by 450 workers, most of whom were Masonic Brethren, of whom it was said "Without thought of honor or gain, these men gave unstintingly of their time, abilities and means, sparing neither themselves nor their personal interests to advance this building project to its happy fulfillment.

It is made of steel, cement, and stone, including 55,000 cubic feet (1,600 m3) of Bedford stone and 15,000 cubic feet (420 m3) hard limestone and marble from Vermont, Alabama, and Tennessee.

[1] It is a contributing property in the Steele's Hill-Grafton Hill Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

[2] The building is also included in a locally designated historic district.