Part 696: The San Francisco Scottish Rite, Feb. 6, 1905 – April 18, 1906
The cornerstone for the Albert Pike Memorial Temple in San Francisco was laid on July 9, 1904 by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F. and A.M. of California. The name causes a slight problem, as nearly two decades later an Albert Pike Memorial Temple would be built in Little Rock, Arkansas. In Little Rock, the Scottish Rite Masons left their previous home in the 1902 the Albert Pike Consistory Building to join other Little Rock Masonic orders at the Albert Pike Memorial Temple.
Cornerstone laying ceremony for the San Francisco Scottish Rite, 1904.
The San Francisco Scottish Rite’s Albert Pike Memorial Temple was located at 1859 Geary Street in San Francisco, between Steiner and Filmore Streets, the building occupied a 86 feet by 137 feet lot. On February 6th, 1905, the new home of California Scottish Rite bodies was dedicated and a Scottish Rite Reunion commenced..
Fred J. H. Rickon was the president of the Albert Pike Memorial Temple Association, a group that consisted of some of the most prominent Masons in San Francisco. Other memebers were Frank B. Ladd, William Crocker, W. I. Brobeck and W. C. Ordway. Bestor G. Brown, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas and western sales manager for M. C. Lilley & Co., not only outfitted the new theater with scenery, stage machinery, lighting and costumes, but also “made the presentation speech, paying a graceful tribute to the energy of local fraters” (San Francisco Call, 7 Feb 1905, page 2). Other than the costumes, the theater’s scenery, stage machinery, and lighting were subcontracted to Sosman & Landis of Chicago, Illinois.
In “The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free-Masonry Transactions of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America” from 1905, there was a report from W. Frank Pierce, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Valley of San Francisco. He stated:
“Only one reunion has been held in this jurisdiction, This one was at the dedication of the Albert Pike Memorial Temple, San Francisco, and held for the purpose of allowing the brethren from various parts of the State to witness the conferring of all degrees in a temple equipped with the most modern paraphernalia and stage fittings to present their dramatic part of the work.”
On February 6, 1905, the San Francisco Call included the article “Albert Pike Memorial to be Dedicated.” The article reported, “On this occasion the degrees will be conferred with full scenic effects and historically correct paraphernalia for the first time in California. Over $100,000 has been invested in this magnificent structure, of which fully $25,000 is in scenery and costume alone. It is anticipated that many of the craft from all over the State will take advantage of this occasion to receive these degrees, and it is thought that many prominent and distinguished visitors from other jurisdictions will grace the meeting with their presence” (“Albert Pike Memorial to be Dedicated.” 11 Dec. 1904, page 50).
Like many buildings in San Francisco, the Albert Pike Memorial Temple was destroyed during the fire that followed the 1906 earthquake on April 18. By April 22, 1906, the San Francisco Chronicle described the Masonic ruins after the fire: “On Geary street between Filmore and Steiner, two large, new, partly constructed brick and stone buildings, one the Albert Pike Memorial Temple and the other the Congregation Beth Israel Church, both practically collapsed, the roofs falling in. Not far away, on Sutter and Steiner streets, a large new building being constructed for the Golden Gate Commandery of the Scottish Rite fell with a crash” (page 6).
Image of the San Francisco Scottish Rite after the earthquake in 1906, from the San Francisco Public Library.Image of the San Francisco Scottish Rite after the earthquake in 1906, from the San Francisco Public Library.Image of the San Francisco Scottish Rite after the earthquake in 1906, from the San Francisco Public Library.
Part 695: Transactions of the Supreme Council, 1905
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free-Masonry Transactions of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America.
One of the more interesting publications to peruse is “The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free-Masonry Transactions of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America.” There is an abundance of information tucked away in reports, statistics and recorded travels completed by the Grand Commander and other Supreme Council representatives. I have discovered more about the early use of stages and degrees productions here than in may othet records.
The 1905 “Report of Committee on Doings of Inspectors and Deputies” provides a sneak peak into the goings on of Scottish Rite Valleys througout the Southern Jurisdiction. Keep in mind that this was in the midst of a Scottish Rite building boom that began at the turn of the twentieth century. Each representative (Sovereign Grand Inspector General, or SGIG for short) was making a two-year report at each biennial session. In 1905, it was for the two years ending June 30, 1905.
This was an exciting time for the Southern Jurisdiction as membership rapidly increases and funds pour in, especially from the western region. I looked for the report by Harper S. Cunningham, Sovereign Grand Inspector-General from the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma and Indian Territories. I sought out more information pertaining to the McAlester scenery photographed in 1904, that was later sold to the Scottish Rite in Santa Fe, and rediscovered in Charleston by Rhett Bryson in 1995. Here is Cunningham’s 1905 report:
“I have the honor to report that Scottish Rite Masonry has made satisfactory progress in Oklahoma and Indian Territory during the past two years.
The bodies located in the Valley of Guthrie have prospered sufficiently to practically complete payment of the debt outstanding against their new temple, and now contemplate additional improvements that will make the temple more commodious, especially as regards the entertainment feature, by providing a banquet hall commensurate with the needs of the craft. In the Valley of South McAlester I revived the Chapter of Rose Croix and during the past year have granted letters of temporary for the Council of Kadosh and the Consistory. These bodies are thoroughly equipped as far as paraphernalia needs are concerned. They have temporary quarters, where the degrees are worked in style and manner second to none. They have a corps of enthusiastic workers, and much enthusiasm for the Rite is shown among the brethren. They have purchased a magnificent site for a temple, and have agreed upon the plans and specifications, and already contracted for the excavation and building of the basement. The temple will be 100 x 150 feet in size, and will contain all of the improvements which have been suggested by the experience of our sister bodies, for the exemplification of the degrees. All things considered, the bodies of South McAlester are progressing undermost favorable auspices, and I predict them great success in their work. They are holding a reunion during the present week, October 9 to 12, inclusive, at which they confer the degrees upon a large class. The work will be manifested in their returns and application for permanent charters. The Honorary 33ds of my jurisdiction are all enthusiastic in the cause of Scottish Rite Free-Masonry and bear their honors worthily.”
A couple of things to consider. The building being discussed (100 x 150) would necessitate grander scenery for a larger stage, thus supporting the sale of the existing scenery to the Valley of Santa Fe while their 1912 cathedral was being planned and built. The used scenery would prepare Santa Fe Masons for a new theater.
In looking at activities across the country during 1905, I wasn’t to mention a few other reports.
Frank Pierce, SGIG of the Valley of San Francisco noted, “Only one reunion has been held in this jurisdiction, This one was at the dedication of the Albert Pike Memorial Temple, San Francisco, and held for the purpose of allowing the brethren from various parts of the State to witness the conferring of all degrees in a temple equipped with the most modern paraphernalia and stage fittings to present their dramatic part of the work.” This was another Sosman & Landis delivery.
Francis J. Woodman, SGIG (Valley of Washington, D.C.), reported, “Harmony prevails throughout our valley, and ard and faithful work is being performed in the exemplification of the degrees of the Rite, which will now compare favorably, I believe, with that done in other Valleys of the Southern Jurisdiction.” Translation: they are staging degrees.
Edward Tears Taubman, SGIG of (Valley of Aberdeen) State of South Dakota noted, “Our regret was that the visit could not have been extended to the bodies at Deadwood, where you would have also observed that they were well-equipped for the work…” Traslation: they are using scenery to stage the degrees. We know that Twin City Scenic Equipment Co. provided some early Scottish Rite scenery to the Deadwood Scottish Rite.
A. B. Chamberlain, SGIG of the Valley of Galveston, State of Texas, reported, “With the organization of their Consistory (Dallas), the brethren began in earnest to provide means for the erection of a cathedral, one that would not only answer their present needs, but those for many years to come, and to that end they appointed a committee to take charge of the same….the bodies of Galveston have shown the same prosperity as in the preceding two years. The members have determined to remodel their stage and equip same with necessary scenery and electric equipment. This will enable them to confer the degrees equal to any.” Translation: Dallas is starting the construction of a Scotish Rite facility; there wil be a stage for future generations. Galveston already uses scenery, but is going to remodel their space house and purchase better versions to make their degree productions more impressive.
John W. Morris, SGIG of the Valley of Wheeling, State of West Virginia reported, “The interest shown by the brethren in ritualistic work is far greater than when the last report was made. Since the last session, we have purchased a very desirable piece of property 90×100 feet, costing $23,000, all paid for and a little cash left. We are now contemplating the erection of a Scottish Rite cathedral and will begin when we perfect plans and schemes to raise the money.” Translation: We are planning to build a Scottish Rite like everyone else, complete with a stage, howevre, we are just waiting to see which plans work best in other states.
Frank M. Foote, SFIG from the Valley of Evanston, State of Wyoming reported, “Scottish Rite Masonry in the States of Wyoming and Utah has made during the past two years satisfactory progress. The bodies of the Rite in Utah have lately purchased land in Salt Lake City for a Scottish Rite temple, and have let the contract for the building, which will be completed and occupied in less than a year from this date…The bodies in Cheyenne, Wyoming, have rebuilt and refurbished the temple, which was destroyed by fire early in 1903.” Translation: The Utah Scottish Rite is almost complete; there will be a stage. We know that the Cheyenne Scottish Rite were using some scenery, the fire was an opportunity to facilitate the inclusion of even more staged degrees.
My research suggests the there were twenty-five Southern Jurisdiction Valleys that were staging degrees by 1905: Little Rock, Arkansas; Wichita, Topeka, Salina, Fort Scott, Lawrence, and Kansas City, Kansas; Guthrie and McAlester, Oklahoma and Indian Territory; St. Louis, Joplin, and Kansas City, Missouri; Fargo, North Dakota; Yankton, South Dakota; Omaha, Hastings, and Lincoln Nebraska; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Portland, Oregon; Butte, Montana; Galveston, Texas; Duluth, Minnesota; San Francisco, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and Washington, D. C. There are likely more, especially in Iowa, but I have not confirmed the exact dates when stages were constructed and/or scenery was purchased. Considering the first Southern Jurisdiction stages were completed in 1896, (Oakland, California, and Little Rock, Arkansas), this number shows amazing growth in less than a decade!
Part 694: The Scottish Rite in McAlester, Oklahoma, 1904
There was something else happening in the world of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry when the Scottish Rite in Kansas City, Kansas, was dedicated. In 1904 the Scottish Rite in McAlester, Oklahoma, photographically documented a few of their scenes, complete with costumed characters for the corresponding degrees. I first encountered these photographs while restoring the Scottish Rite scenery collection in the 1929 Masonic Temple. In a room with south-facing windows, a glass display case held a handful of photographs. There were several old photographs that depicted a small Scottish Rite stage and costumed degree teams.
One of the photographs in a display case at the Masonic Temple in McAlester, Oklahoma. This image depicts a degree team from 1904.
The typed card that accompanied the photographs stated:
“These are pictures taken of McAlester Scottish Rite degree teams in 1904, taken on stage “The Tabernacle,” McAlester’s first Scottish Rite Temple. It was located on the south side of Washington Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets, where the drive in facility of the Bank, NA, is presently situated.”
As with many onsite discoveries, I carefully tucked this little bit of information away and went on with my work for about a decade. I did not think about the photographs again until I was working on “The Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple: Freemasonry, Architecture and Theatre” book (Museum of New Mexico Press, 2018). We were trying to track down some interesting images of Harper S. Cunningham, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of New Mexico, when the Santa Fe Scottish Rite was being planned. Cunningham had also functioned as the S.G.I.G. of Oklahoma Territory before moving to Santa Fe to help with the impending plans for constructing a new home with stage. Cunningham was referred to as the “Temple Builder.” As possible images were passed back and forth, one included Cunningham seated in front of a candidate class. This was taken in front of Santa Fe’s first Scottish Rite stage on Water Street.
Drop curtain created for the first Scottish Rite stage in McAlester, Oklahoma.Curtain created for the first Scottish Rite stage in McAlester, Oklahoma, used by the Santa Fe Masons at their Masonic Hall on Water Street.
As with many Scottish Rite Valleys, the stage was constructed at the end of a Masonic hall. The intent of this stage was to get the members used to staging degrees, as they were planning a new theater in the proposed Scottish Rite building. Cunningham had directed the Snat Fe Scotish Rite to purchase the used scenery from the McAlester Scottish Rite Masons as they had just built a new stage and ordered new scenery.
Small stage constructed at the end of the Masonic hall on Water Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
As I looked at the photograph of Cunningham stoically seated amongst a candidate class of twenty-two men, I noticed the tassels on the drop curtain behind. Many Scottish Rite drop curtains during the first two decades of the twentieth century have a similar feel and composition, but I have yet to find two that are identical. When I compared the drop curtain in the Santa Fe photograph and the McAlester photograph, I realized that they were identical. The used scenery purchased from the McAlester Scottish Rite during the planning and construction of the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Cathedral was sitting in a display case in McAlester, Oklahoma.
At the time I documented the McAlester degree team images, they were deteriorating from direct exposure to sun and heat. I realized that it was unlikely a conservator had swept in after my departure from McAlester and removed the photographs form the cases to care for these significant images. I simply treasured the images that I already had and requested additional photographs depicting the scenery installed for the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Masons on Water street to get an understanding of the collection’s scope.
Jump ahead to the fall of 2018. I am carefully adding the research files of Professor Emeritus Lance Brockman to my own files. Years earlier, I had already added the research of Larry Hill, who thoughtfully sent me boxes of slides and past research about historic scenery, stage machinery, and panoramas upon his retirement. As I tucked Brockman’s “McAlester Scottish Rite file” in with my own, I quickly flipped through the contents. In one manila folder, there was a color copy of a 1995 letter from Rhett Bryson at Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina). It an old newspaper clipping. Bryson also traveled with Brockman and Hill across the country, documenting Scottish Rite scenery during the 18980s and 1990s.
The first 2” x 3” color image pictured in the letter was recognizable as the scenery behind the degree team for the 1904 McAlester Scottish Rite degree team photo. This was huge! Rhyson indicated that there were thirteen drops clearly marked “So. McAlister” on the back. This meant that the original scenery created for the McAlester Scottish Rite was used by the Santa Fe Scottish Rite and then shipped to and used by the Charleston Scottish Rite. The scenery had three lives! I was curious to see what I could find about the Scottish Rite stage in Charleston that used the scenery.
Part 693: The Scottish Rite Rivalry between Little Rock and Portland
By 1902, Sosman & Landis studio had delivered Scottish Rite scenery and stage machinery to the Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite Valleys in Little Rock Arkansas (1896, 1898, 1902); Oakland, California (1896); Wichita, Kansas (1898); Guthrie, Oklahoma (1900); Fargo, North Dakota (1900); and Salina, Kansas (1901). In 1902 another Scottish Rite scenery collection was contracted for installation the western region of the United States. The Portland, Oregon, Scottish Rite began the construction of their new home that would later be dedicated in 1903. Portland was just one on many Scottish Rite buildings to include a theater with scenery for degrees in the Southern Jurisdiction at this time, yet they are the only one to remain, as installed during this period..
In 1904, New Age Magazine published an article written by Charles E. Rosenbaum about the Albert Pike Consistory Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas. At that point, a rival began between Portland and Little Rock; Little Rock was getting a little too much attention throughout the Southern Jurisdiction.
Charles E. Rosenbaum pictured in the 1904 article in “New Age” about the Albert Pike ConsistoryAlbert Pike Consistory stage and scenery pictured in the 1904 article in “New Age” written by Charles E. Rosenbaum
Here is the article, “Rivalry in Scottish Rite. Mr. C. E. Rosenbaum Speaks for Arkansas and praises Oregon,” as published in the Daily Arkansas Democrat::
The New Age, a splendid new magazine published under the auspices of the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, at Washington, D. C., contains the following article in its current number:
Fraternal Rivalry.
Our editorial in the November number of this magazine on “Fraternal Rivalry” has brought us a letter from Brother Charles E. Rosenbaum, 33 degree, S.G.I.G. Arkansas.
He says that if the Oregon brother who made a complaint about the statements inn his article about “Albert Pike Consistory” were incorrect had read his article carefully, and had been as familiar with affairs in his own jurisdiction of Oregon as he thought he was, he would have found no ground for complaint.
He declared that his statements were correct and are easily proven. He did not say that Albert Pike Consistory in Little Rock was the largest of the most expensive building in the country, for there are others which are larger and more expensive. What he did say, and he reiterates it, was that their building is the “most perfect in its equipment and in its arrangement,” and that “it is the only building in America erected and used for the sole purpose of Scottish Rite Masonry.”
Commenting on the Oregon brother’s statement that the Scottish Rite building in Portland is “much the largest and most complete yet constructed for the sole use of the Masonic fraternity,” Brother Rosenbaum says, “That it is larger than ours I frankly admit, but it is not the largets yet constructed;” and again he says, “That it is the most complete I beg to dispute, because I know of my own personal knowledge that their equipment is not near so complete as ours either in robing, stage scenery, or other paraphernalia.” Not only this, but he was informed by the “Recognized official head of the government power of the building,” while on a visit as the representative of the Sovereign Grand Commander, that, “the reason for building the auditorium with some of its special features was to permit the renting of it for lectures, concerts, and other high-class entertainment; that the reason for finishing the banquet hall on the plan adopted was that it could be rented for dancing purposes to social clubs and other organizations.”
So, “if it is to be used exclusively for Scottish Rite Masonry, then they have enlarged their plans since June, 1903,” says our contributor, and he adds: “In the light of the statements made to me while in Portland, the statement that I made should not be questioned.”
Our correspondent then continues, paying this handsome tribute to the bodies and to the brethren of the Rite in Oregon:
Now as to the Portland building and the brethren there. After maintaining my position in the article, permit me to say that in Portland they have a building which would be the pride in any city or set of Scottish Rite bodies which might be fortunate enough to possess it.
It is a beautiful building, and larger than ours, much mmore expensive in its construction, I think, and, so far as it had been equipped, the very best that could be produced has been installed. Its furnishings are not only tasteful, but of the highest quality, and it is indeed worthy of a place in the history of progress in the southern jurisdiction. The brethren themselves are enthusiastic, earnest, and energetic. That they are loyal to the organization is evidenced by the fact that the brother so promptly champions their cause in the article which I have referred.
Between Oregon and Arkansas there is no rivalry, not even a friendly one, for there is nothing that we could do to be of any service to Brother Malcom and his associates that we would not cheerfully and promptly try to do. I am sure that he and his loyal and lovable brotherhood would gladly render us any possible service that they could.
I trust that the same kindly feeling may always exist between us, and so far as it is in own power to maintain it we will do so, and I feel sure they too will maintain the same brotherly regard for us.
Another thing, which has no particular bearing on this subject, is well worth noting because it is so very unusual. When we opened the building for the first class we had to initiate in it, we had a bonded debt, all held by our own membership, and which bore interest at four percent. These bonds aggregated nearly forty thousand dollars. We had, in addition, accumulated outstanding open accounts for stage equipment, furnishings, and a balance on various contracts, amounting to about fifteen thousand dollars. We have now called in the last of these bonds, and checks have been drawn for the payments we should be so fortunate as to be able to discharge the last obligation with this magnificent enterprise within a trifle over two years from the time it was completed and opened.
Our contributor has answered clearly and definitely his anonymous critic. The tone of his reply is admirable, and we hope this letter will result in a signed reply from our critic, accompanied by a full description of the Portland Scottish Rite building.”
Scottish Rite in Little Rock, Arkansas, built in 1902Scottish Rite in Portland, Oregon, built in 1903
Part 692: The Kansas City, Kansas, Scottish Rite, 1904
In 1904, Kansas Scottish Rite Masons constructed two new homes in Fort Scott and Kansas City. The Kansas City, Kansas, Scottish Rite was designed by architect W. W. Rose at the corner of 7th and Ann.
Postcard depicting the 1904 Kansas City, Kansas, Scottish Rite.The 1904 Scottish Rite building in Kansas City, Kansas.Postcard of the 1904 Scottish Rite building in Kansas City, Kansas.The 1904 Kansas City, Kansas, building. Notice the fly tower at the rear of the building.
On April 1, 1904, The Lincoln Journal included the article “New Temple. Kansas City Scottish Rite Masons Open Splendid Edifice With Big Reception.” Here is the article in its entirety:
“The new and very fine temple of the Scottish Rite Masons of Kansas City was opened for the first time Wednesday night, when the members tendered an elegant reception to their wives and friends. The building has been furnished in every detail and is fully complete, except for some changes in the lighting, and more than 1,500 persons accepted, the invitation sent out for the affair, that they might have a look at what is termed the palace of secret society work in the west. The building spacious as it is, was so crowded at times during the evening that it was badly congested, and lies of members had to be formed to keep the throng all moving one way, especially on the stairs.
The new building is well adapted for social purposes. One on entering steps into a spacious hall and finds the secretary’s office on the right, while on the left is a large parlor. Beyond the secretary’s office is the director’s room and back of all these is the great banquet hall, finished with a polished maple floor for dancing. Still in the rear is a perfectly appointed kitchen so that social functions may be given in the building without the necessity of calling upon a caterer.
On the second floor of the building one first enters a candidates’ room and passes from thence to the great cathedral, their sessions. This is a splendid room, with a beautiful ceiling, lighted in a novel fashion, and a gallery on three sides, including and organ and choir loft. The stage, which was concealed last night, is thirty-two feet deep and thirty seven feet to the gridiron and has a full equipment of scenery and appointments including a switchboard, which controls every light in the room from the stage. To the rear of the cathedral is the blue room, for smaller bodies, all fitted up in blue, in which is hung a fine portrait of the later Albert Pike.
All these apartments were thrown open to guests. The rooms were lavishly decorated with flowers and flags; in the banquet hall Zeiler’s orchestra played and a mandolin orchestra furnished music in the cathedral, while a pianist did the same in the blue room. In these three rooms were also booths from which punch was dispensed.
Every member of the order in Kansas City was a committee of one to show his friends through the new structure, and all callers were taken care of in good fashion. The music, lights and flowers, with women in pretty gowns and men in somber evening attire formed a delightful picture, and it was late when the affair broke up.
The 1904 Scottish Rite building is now the home of the Seventh Street Casino, run by the Wyandotte Nation.
The 1904 Scottish Rite building in Kansas City, Kansas, is now a casino.
I have been exploring the lighting specified for Scottish Rite stages during the first decade of the 20th century. Another example of a Scottish Rite stage using white red and green lights was Fort Scott, Kansas. The Fort Scott Tribune and the Fort Scott Monitor published an article on April 30, 1904 describing the opening of the Scottish Rite Cathedral and dedication ceremony.
Postcard depicting the 1904 Fort Scott Scottish RIte
Bestor G. Brown, Past Grand Master for the state of Kansas, gave an address during the event. Nespapers reported, “He made a fine impromptu talk which reflected great credit on his ability as an entertainer. He amused the audience and kept the guests in good humor all the time. In addition to his princely proclivities in this respect Mr. Brown is an orator and has a fine command of English.
“A Temple of Liberty.
Scottish Rite Cathedral Dedicated Last Night.
Fitting Ceremonies.
Hundred of People in Evening Dress Astonished at Magnificence of Structure and Furnishing.
The Scottish Rite Cathedral, the existence of which is due largely to the unceasing efforts of the officer of the Scottish Rite bodies and the members at large, was fittingly dedicated last night. The services were impressive and the program carried out consisted of a couple of impromptu addresses by members of the Consistory and several musical selections, all of which was hugely enjoyed. The door of the cathedral for the reception that preceded the short program opened at 8 o’clock and the scene that was afforded by the hundreds of guests that crowded into the spacious building was one of attractiveness, and everybody was so surprised at the luxury that predominated and was seen at every nook and corner and all expressed delight and congratulations for so magnificent a place. The dining room and kitchen, which apartments are in the south wing of the third floor of the building, and also the small lodge room on the second floor and in the back part of the north wing were not completed and consequently was not furnished, but the principal parts of the cathedral wer e furnished in elaborate style. The parlor, lobby, ant-roooms, and the main auditorium were carpetd with fine velvet carpet of exquisite pattern. The stage and scenery was the delight of all. Never did the people of Fort Scott suspect that such finery could be crowded into a place like the Rite cathedral, but all know the members of these bodies. Nothing is too good for them and never do they do things in halves. The decorations in the auditorium are simply fine. The hall is finished in white and gold with panel sides and the walls and ceiling are studded with rows of incandescent lights, surrounded with individual mirrors. On either side of te auditorium near the stage there are two imitation boxes, and while one of these is used for the music room the other is simply there to complete the architectural beauty. The balcny is one of the nice features of the auditorium. It has a large seating capacity and this, together with the auditorium, was jammed with humanity. When the auditorium is lighted up the scene is a rare one. Of the guests that were present last night from out of this city all expressed themselves most forcibly on the arrangement of the cathedral. To some extent the hall was patterned after the Little Rock cathedral, which is one of the finest in America. The magnitude is not so great but the arrangement and decorations are as fine.
The scenery which was installed at a cost of several thousand dollars, is the finest in the west beyond all question. The electrical effects are even greated and this arrangement was the work of Freeman Martin, who wired the building. The lights used on the stage are white, red and green and the effect is caused by their use is most brilliant to the eye. During the program last evening a half dozen scenes were displayed to the audience, and they excelled in effect and grandeur even the best opera houses in Kansas City and St Louis. Over 400 lights are used on the stage. All of the curtains are drops and this is not only more convenient than the slide scenes but is more satisfactory in other respects. The scene of hades was elaborate.”
The original Hades scene for the Fort Scott Scottish Rite was enlarged for their second stage.Detail of 1904 Hades drop for the Fort Scott Scottish Rite
On the eve of the Scottish Rite Cathedral dedication, a Mr. C. E. Benton gave a brief history of the Fort Scott Scottish Rite Bodies. He explained that the Fort Scott Consistory had only been established six years prior to the building. Those instrumental in getting a permanent home of the Fort Scott Scottish Rite bodies included Dr. C. A. Van Velzer and Joe Liepman. The current building was purchased for $20,000 by the Scottish Rite Association in Fort Scott. $40,000 was spent remodeling the hall after the purchase.
The newspaper reported, “He stated that the temple of all that is good and noble, the temple of justice and liberty and brotherly love would stand after we are dead; our children’s children are dead, as a school for Masonry. In closing he stated that the cathedral is a credit to the city and state and everybody should well feel proud of the undertaking.”
The building was home to the Scotttish Rte for only two decades. Grander plans began and the final Scottish Rite home was planned and constructed from 1924-1925. Again Thomas G. Moses of Sosman & Landis provided the scenery. The old scenery was returned on credit for the purchses of a new collection. However, a few scenes were reerved and enlarged for the new stage. One of the refurbished scenes was the scene of hades that the newspaper described as “elaborate.”
