I.O.O.F. Building

On the National Road, in Lisbon, Howard County, Maryland.

 

The Maryland Historic Trust Historic Sites Survey includes the following description for this structure:

 

The I.O.O.F. building faces south on the north side of Route 144, east of HO-487 Mannings

Frame House. It is a two bay wide, four bay deep, two story high, gabled roof (running

north-south) frame building (covered with white rusticated metal siding, resting on a

stone foundation. A rectangular, double paneled south entrance is located in the east

bay, covered by a gabled roof portico, supported by two Doric columns. Four cement

steps, flanked by an iron railing lead to its landing.

 

Two second floor windows rest above, similar to the other windows of the building

which are vertically aligned, proportionally scaled, rectangular and double-hung,

holding six-over-six lights.

 

The west elevation holds four such first and second floor windows while the east elevation

holds four similar second floor windows and has a one story high, shed roofed addition,

one bay wide and four bays deep, along its entire wall.

 

The building presently houses the Church of the Open Bible and its school and office

space. It is in excellent condition, retaining original doors and woodwork as well

as a front staircase.

 

The foundation has been recently excavated and a cinder block basement constructed

beneath the building.

 

 

8. SIGNIFICANCE

 

SPECIFIC DATES circa 1860

 

The I.O.O.F. Building, which now houses the Church of the Open Bible is significant

architecturally, historically and in the social/humanitarian area.

 

Architecturally it is significant as one of three large public nineteenth century

buildings located in the town of Lisbon which are all similar in scale and proportion,

having gabled roofs running north-south, though each is now unique in its own stylistic

detail. The others are HO-244, The Lisbon M.E. Church and HO-205, Lee's Store and House.

 

Historically, this building is noteworthy as one of three social centers in the

nineteenth century town of Lisbon; the other two centers being the general store and

the church. This building housed the Rainbow Lodge No. 96 of the Independent Order

of Odd Fellows in 1860 and is delineated on both the 1860 Martenet Map and the 1878

Hopkins Atlas. It has served as one of the focal centers for the social life of this

community since 1860.

 

On January 27, 1857 this property was deeded to Charles C, Owings by William A.

Webb, part of lot #20 on the plat of the Village of Lisbon.

 

On July 21, 1860 Charles C. and Amelia Elizabeth Owings, owner at that time,

conveyed this property to the Grand Lodge of Maryland of the Independent Order of Odd

Fellows, for the sum of $100 (WWN21-62)

 

In later years it was owned by Robey Mullinix and conveyed to Edgar T. Barnes

on August 18, 1936 CBM Jr. 155-23). Later acquired by the Manning Family, it was

sold to the Church of the Open Bible September 24, 1976 (787-666).

 

Again a social focal point for the community in its use as a church, it also

serves the community by providing a school.

 

Significant architecturally, historically and in the social/humanitarian area,

the I.O.O.F. Building along with the entire village of Lisbon should be placed on

the National Register of Historic Places and the State Critical Areas Program.

Done