Entered into negotiations for purchase of the Archibald Building from Mrs. Charles Ringling.

Special Lodge meeting called to discuss finances and purchase of building. Rent on the building they were then in was being raised to $75 a month (up from $35) The members voted:
1) not to buy the Archibald Building. 
2) raise the dues from $6.00 to $8.00 per year and access each member $2.00 for 1945. 
3) set aside 50% of fees for the building fund and 
4) raise the fees to $100.

The first donation for the building fund was given by Brother Robert Stickney - $100.

Final approval to raise the new fees to $35.00 - $25.00 - $15.00, to raise dues to $8.00 and to put 50% of fees to the building fund.

The Building Committee - Chairman Brother Robert Shoptaugh with Brother Johnny S. Nicholas and Brother Robert C. Lape reported on the finding of the property on Main Street for sale by the County of Sarasota for back taxes only. By unanimous consent the committee was authorized to bid as high as $1,500 for the property.

Brother Shoptaugh reported that the abstract of title, for which the Lodge had to pay, showed the title to be clear. Brother Paul C. Albritton, attorney, donated his services in examining the abstract. Total price for the lots, including the abstract was $1,332.

A kick-off banquet was held at Johnny's Coffee Shop to discuss ways and means of raising money to build a Masonic Lodge on the Main Street property. 100 members were in attendance.

At a special meeting the Lodge voted in favor of forming the Sarasota Temple Association under the Laws of the State of Florida. This association was to be responsible for the construction of the building and to turn same over to the Lodge when completed. $50,000 was to be available before construction was to start.

Motion was carried to reduce the amount from $50,000 to $15,000. Brother Hector Pelletier, architect, announced that plans for the building would soon be ready.

Lodge voted approval for the Temple Association to go ahead with the building.

It was decided to change the plans of the building to a one story building and attempt to get the approval from the Grand Master.

Ground was broken for the new building.

First concrete was poured, and with the dedicated help of Brother Carl Simmons who served as the General Contractor the Lodge building went up.

Proposal was made to raise fees to $100.

Horse Show held - raised $453.

Lodge voted to sign deeds to the property over to the Temple Association in order to obtain a loan to finish building.

The Lodge sponsored a show at the Florida Theatre raised $166.

Sponsored football game - raised $607.

Free dinner was held at the new unfinished Temple building - collected $1,002.

Spaghetti dinner at the Dude Ranch owned by Mr. John H. Reynolds - raised $500.

The first meeting was held in the new building, still not finished. W. D. Housen was the Worshipful Master.

RW Brother Oren Wilkins presented lights with square and compass filaments to the Lodge.

Brother Joseph Wesley, retired artist, presented the emblems hanging on the walls, to the Lodge.

MW A. Wayne Connor paid an official visit to the 19th Masonic District, with the meeting held in the new Masonic Temple. The Bronze plaque's at the entrance were furnished by MW Brother Conner. Later in 1949, a drive was started to purchase permanent theatre seats for the Lodge.

Dues were raised from $8.00 to $10.00 a year, with activities continuing on.

The 19th Masonic District was changed to the 24th Masonic District. This same year the Lodge received good news from the Temple Association that the $10,000 mortgage had been reduced to $4,200