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Jack White Revealed As Masonic Temple Donor

DETROIT (WWJ) - The mystery is over.   It was revealed Tuesday that Detroit native musician Jack White was the anonymous donor who paid a $142,000 tax bill owed by Masonic Temple.

According to a statement released by the Detroit Masonic Temple Association, White has performed there on several occasions and his mother worked there as an usher.

In announcing Jack White's identity as the donor, the association President Roger Sobran stated: "Jack's donation could not have come at a better time and we are eternally grateful to him for it. Jack's magnanimous generosity and unflinching loyalty to this historic building and his Detroit roots is appreciated beyond words."

"In light of Jack's generosity and belief in the importance of a strong, vital Temple that should and will be available to future generations of Detroiters, the Masonic Temple Association will be naming, in Jack's honor, our Cathedral Theater, the 'Jack White Theater,' Sobran added.

Located in the Cass Corridor neighborhood north of downtown Detroit, the temple is home to several masonic organizations.

The 14-story Gothic structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, takes up an entire block and has more than 1,000 rooms. The theater is a concert site that for decades hosted some of the biggest acts in music, including The Who and the Rolling Stones.

The Temple Association and Wayne County in April reached an agreement to work out a payment plan and stop foreclosure proceedings on the struggling venue.

Those who wish to contribute to the cause are asked to visit www.themasonic.com and click on the "Support the Temple" tab on the far left side of the home page.

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