Front of Quincy Masonic Temple expected to stand

QUINCY, Mass. (AP) - A city official says the front section of the fire-damaged Quincy Masonic Temple likely can be saved.

Jay Duca, Quincy's director of inspectional services, said Wednesday that portion of the building has been stabilized.

He tells the Patriot Ledger that a structural engineer determined the brick rear of the building needs to be torn down, and that will be done soon.

The front, including its neoclassical facade, is made of Indiana limestone.

The state fire marshal's office says investigators found Monday's four-alarm fire was started accidentally when workers grinding and cutting some ductwork accidentally ignited nearby insulation. No one was hurt.

The temple was built in 1926 and didn't have a sprinkler system. It was assessed for $3 million, and was in the process of being sold.

Lodge members said the fire destroyed irreplaceable relics.

Cox Media Group