Centennial Cornerstone Campaign
Welcome to the home of the Centennial Cornerstone Campaign, a transformative three-year, $20 million capital initiative launched by the Dayton Masonic Center. In 1926, community leaders gathered to lay the cornerstone of what would become one of Ohio’s most magnificent architectural achievements. Today, exactly one century later, we are calling upon our esteemed brothers, civic partners, and the wider Miami Valley community to secure this historic masterpiece for the next 100 years.
The Centennial Cornerstone Campaign is not merely an investment in historic bricks and mortar. It is a strategic effort to establish a permanent operational endowment. This endowment ensures the Center continues to thrive as a vibrant hub for regional culture, performing arts, and community connection.
🎯 Strategic Campaign Pillars
Our $20 million fundraising goal directly funds three critical areas of long-term sustainability:
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Endowment & Operational Security: Establishes a protected financial foundation to support the rising operational costs of a massive historic facility.
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Structural & Architectural Preservation: Funds major restorative masonry, roof upgrades, and specialized upkeep for our National Register of Historic Places landmark.
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Civic & Cultural Investment: Modernizes our facilities to expand public access for local nonprofits, theatrical groups, weddings, and massive community celebrations.
🏛️ Preserving a Century of Character
For generations, the Dayton Masonic Center has served as a beacon of philanthropic service and architectural wonder. Rising high above downtown Dayton, our facility plays host to the region’s most memorable events. The campaign protects iconic spaces like:
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The Historic Ballroom: The premier grand venue for regional weddings, large civic banquets, and major cultural gatherings.
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The Schiewetz Auditorium: Home to a legendary 2,000-pound theatrical backdrop that has remained beautifully intact since 1928.
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The Rotunda: A breathtaking greeting space built to foster deep community connection before major regional performances.
✍️ Build a Legacy That Endures
The visionaries who built this center a century ago did so for the generations that followed them, without thought of personal gain. Now, the responsibility falls to us to protect that legacy. Whether you are a member of the fraternity or a local resident who loves Dayton history, your contribution leaves an indelible mark on our city.
Please visit the Events page to RSVP for our open house, learn about our fundraising auction events. To make a direct, tax-deductible contribution to the campaign click one of the links below.