Part 200: Welcome to the New Age
“I’m waking up,
I feel it in my bones
(enough) to make my systems blow
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
Welcome to the new age, to the new age”
My mind keeps playing “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons every time I think of when Scottish Rite degree work was first staged. It established a new expectation and standard for the Fraternity during the mid-nineteenth century. I also think of the Merriam-Webster definition of Radioactive – “having or producing a powerful and dangerous form of energy (called radiation).” Albert Pike probably viewed the theatrical staging of degree works in the Northern Jurisdiction as radioactive.
By 1904, the Scottish Rite would even publish “New Age Magazine,” a publication that would later morph into Scottish Rite Journal. However, today’s publication is a far cry from the original “The New Age Magazine.” The excitement and vibrancy of the Scottish Rite early-nineteenth-century membership was apparent throughout the articles. Topics included the history of freemasonry, interpretations of early fraternal documents, the opening of new Masonic buildings, notable individuals, poetry and other artistic, historical or interesting topics and events. The first year included an in-depth examination of the Albert Pike Consistory in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was written by Charles Rosenbaum and signaled a rallying cry for degree productions in the Southern Jurisdiction.
Remember that at this time degree work had been theatrically interpreted in one form or another for quite a while in the Northern Jurisdiction – at least 40 years. Scottish Rite Bodies in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction had renovated many spaces to include elaborate theater stages. The purchase of regalia, scenery and other properties necessitated the organization to seek extensive funding from an anticipated and an ever-increasing membership base.
In 1863, seven Masons met in Indianapolis, elected another sixteen petitioners to receive the degrees, and established an initiation fee of $50. They met in a rented space for $300 a year where Killian Van Rensselaer attended some of the meetings. By 1864, 45 men had received their 14th degree in the Adoniram Lodge of Perfection. In 1867, the Lodge appointed a committee to secure “larger and more suitable” rooms for their meetings and degree work.
There were more than 400 members by 1881. Their second rental space included a 40×36 feet main hall with a height of 29 feet. A gallery was constructed on all three sides of this and a subscription campaign was initiated to raise $2000 to cover the expenses. Placing a gallery on three sides would certainly accommodate more members and provide a space for the audience during other performances conducted by the Scottish Rite Dramatic Association (founded in 1878). In 1882, a new venue for the Scottish Rite was sought and an existing building selected. The Indianapolis Scottish Rite “Special Committee on Buildings” favored the Townsley and Wiggins “Pork House.” Yes, a slaughterhouse and processing plant for pork.
To be continued…
