Jack White Pays Tax Bill To Save Detroit Masonic Temple From Foreclosure

Musician Jack White recently came to the rescue of one of his hometown's most beloved sites.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the musician has been revealed as the anonymous donor who paid $142,000 to save the Detroit Masonic Temple from foreclosure. The donation provided the total needed to cover the back taxes owed on the landmark.

The property was scheduled to be included in the Wayne County, Mich., tax foreclosure auction being held in September, reports The Detroit News. Housing two ballrooms, 16 bowling lanes, a cafeteria, dining rooms and several theaters, the temple has hosted plays, concerts, graduations and city events for decades.

White himself has performed at the temple as both a solo artist and as a member of The White Stripes. And his mother worked at the building as an usher, says Consequence of Sound.

In honor of his donation, the Masonic Temple Association renamed the Cathedral Theater the Jack White Theater. Detroit Masonic Temple Association President Roger Sobran was deeply moved by White's actions, saying he "could not be more humbled" to rename the theater after the singer.

“Jack’s donation could not have come at a better time, and we are eternally grateful to him for it," he said. "Jack’s magnanimous generosity and unflinching loyalty to this historic building and his Detroit roots is appreciated beyond words.”

The temple had previously launched the Masonic Building Preservation Fund to help cover the costs of maintaining the historic building. Donations can still be made to fund through the Detroit Masonic Temple website.