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Hope Abbey Mausoleum
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Detail of West Facade
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| Location: | Eugene, Oregon |
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| Built: | 1914 |
| Architect: | Ellis F. Lawrence |
| Architectural style: | Egyptian Revival |
| Governing body: | Eugene Masonic Cemetery Association |
| NRHP Reference#: | 80003336[1] |
| Added to NRHP: | 1980 |
Hope Abbey is a mausoleum at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery in Eugene, Oregon, United States.[2] It was designed in the Egyptian Revival style by Ellis F. Lawrence and dedicated in 1914. Its distinctive architecture includes a massive entrance archway, with lotus blossom urns and bundles of papyrus on either side of the copper-clad doors. Details include Egyptian symbols above the entrance: the circular disc representing the sun, twin cobras denoting death, and vulture wings symbolizing protection and maternal care. The history of the mausoleum has been extensively researched, including its restoration after years of neglect.[2] It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[3]
Hope Abbey Mausoleum[4] was dedicated on June 14, 1914 at the southwest corner of the Eugene Masonic Cemetery which, in turn, was founded in 1859 by Masonic Lodge #11 at the request of the city. Over the years, both the cemetery and the mausoleum had been vandalized repeatedly, and Masonic Lodge #11 did not have the resources for the upkeep of the cemetery or Hope Abbey. In 1995, with the active assistance of the City of Eugene, ownership of the cemetery, including Hope Abbey, was turned over to the Eugene Masonic Cemetery Association (EMCA), a non-profit organization, whose Board of Directors members are volunteers.
Since 1995, Hope Abbey has been largely restored. A new roof, proper drainage, a wheelchair accessible front porch, electrical service and a working lavatory are among the improvements. The eighty glass clerestory windows that had been bricked up as protection against vandalism have been reopened and reproduction stained glass windows by local glass artisan John Rose allow sunlight to once again illuminate the interior. Additional work will continue as funds permit.
Hope Abbey, with crypts and niches still available for purchase, is normally kept secure and locked, but the huge doors are opened to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month except December, as well as on special occasions such as Memorial Day weekend or for musical events.