He led the successful efforts in raising the necessary funds for a permanent masonic temple building in town. For five years he raised the money necessary to purchase the land from Oliver D. Mead's old homestead which is where Havemeyer Place meets Milbank Avenue. Austin was the first to turn the sod on the Mead lot and the building still stands proudly at 28 Havemeyer Place (though the lodge no longer meets there having sold it many decades ago).
He spearheaded the successful fundraising campaigns to establish a permanent Masonic temple building in town. For five years, he secured the funds required to purchase the land from Oliver D. Mead's former residence, situated at the intersection of Havemeyer Place and Milbank Avenue. Austin was the first to break ground on the Mead property, and the building remains standing at 28 Havemeyer Place (although the lodge no longer occupies it, having sold it many years ago).