For over a century this building has served our community as a beacon for religious, civic, and philanthropic service. Constructed in 1918, it is located within the North Washington Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building first served as the home of the Church of Christ (C0C) until 1971 when the growing congregation moved to a new location. The building, for next 53 years, became a lodge for the Ed Worsham chapter of the Freemasons.
This Gothic Revival building reflects the romantic and decorative forms of the medieval period to include external buttresses, and six lancet style-stained glass arched windows on the front along with eight 10ft tall double-sash cathedral glass windows on either side of the building.
This style is common in the churches built in the immediate area. The Christ Episcopal Church, listed on the National Register in 1979, is an example of this style and features Gothic Revival style elements as is the Temple Adas also listed on the National Register in 1979. Additionally, The First United Methodist Church is also built in the Gothic Revival Style.
The neighborhood was developed in the nineteenth century by Brownsville’s pioneers and merchants who wanted their residences and churches to be in close proximity to their places of business. When first constructed these houses of worship formed the cornerstones of the residential community and framed downtown Brownsville. This site for both the COC congregation and the Masonic membership has been the location of worship, solace, spiritual growth, charitable giving, fellowship and brotherhood; it is historically a place of our collective heritage.
Officially charted in 1879, the Ed Worsham Masonic Lodge recently merged with the Alamo Masonic Lodge ending 145 years of a longstanding tradition of community support and charitable activities in Haywood County.
In October 2024 the building became the home for the Haywood Heritage Foundation with the intent of preserving and renovating the building as well as continuing its historical role of service to our community.
When fully renovated “Heritage Hall” will be focused on meeting the needs of business, industry, government, and professional organizations for a state-of-the-art flexible open space facility suitable for large and small group presentations, workshops, exhibitions, education and training events. Additionally, it will offer suitable office and meeting space for local non-profit groups.
Renovating a 107-year-old building is not without its challenges as it is estimated that the project will cost approximately $750,000. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, ADA requirements, and applicable fire codes will need to be addressed while simultaneously maintaining the historical integrity of the building.
To this end Haywood Heritage has raised $700,000 from local donations and a State of Tennessee Economic and Community Development Grant.