By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Leaders of the historic Masonic Temple on the southside of Providence, destroyed by a fire on Christmas Day are vowing to rebuild, launching a Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds to aid in the effort.
The fire that gutted the Prince Hall Grand Lodge on Eddy Street, a South Side landmark, remains under investigation.
“Absolutely we’re going to rebuilding, without a doubt,” said Kyle Bennett, the Mason’s Right Worshipful Grand Senior Warden in a news conference Thursday morning outside the Temple. He said the fire was sad, not only for the Masons who called it home, but for the entire South Side community.
“It’s a place where folks have birthday parties, quinceañeras, baby showers, repasts after a funeral service. It’s a place where our community gathers during a time of need, but also to express joy, and to share in love and brotherly love with one another,” Bennett said.
The Masons lost meaningful documents in the fire, Bennett said, but no one was hurt, adding that they had insurance, but that won’t cover rebuilding costs, so they’ve started a Go Fund Me effort… to support the “Prince Hall Capital Campaign Fund”.
Donations can be sent to: PO Box 27900, Providence, RI 02907.
Donations can also be made online: https://charity.gofundme.com/PHGLFA
