The Neillsville Masonic Temple Lodge No. 163, currently
the Assembly of God Church, was erected in 1928 and
architecturally represents the Stripped Classicism style.
Designed by Eau Claire architect Edward J. Hancock
the building presents a centered projecting pavilion
flanked by massive piers. The parapet above the pavilion
merely suggests castellation, which is the essence of
Stripped Classicism. Decorative elements are hinted at
but not fully expressed. Limestone stringcourses appear
at the bottom and top of the main first floor and help
develop a relationship between the horizontal and vertical
lines of the building. Hancock designed the structures
interior around main central rooms on both the basement
and first floor level. For recreation, two "Brunswick Loop
the Loop" bowling alleys were installed in the basement. Click on image to enlarge
The gutters, alleys and ball return are of wood construction.
The ball return has a very large loop to channel the returning ball. This was the second type of bowling alley invented by Brunswick. Two of these identical alleys are located in the Bowling Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri. NR
EL – The structure is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
LR – The structure is on the Local Historic Register
NR – The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
