Abstract: Electrode blocks and multiple-piece assemblies are provided for electric, glass-melting furnaces to reduce the occurrence and extent of cracking which occurs in monolithic electrode blocks from thermal stresses induced by a high temperature gradient between such blocks or the block assembly and a fluid-cooled electrode and from thermal shock encountered in repositioning the electrode. An insert block of a high thermal stress and glass corrosion/erosion resistant refractory material is configured to receive an electrode assembly. A holder block, which may be of the same material or another material, including a material having less thermal stress strength or less glass corrosion/erosion resistance than the insert block material, has a passageway therethrough to receive at least part of the insert block with electrode assembly therethrough.