Both origins and people are forgotten over time and histories take on a life of their own. What was once important to Scottish Rite Masons a century ago may not be important to the current generation of stewards. As I examined the history of Scottish Rite theatre in Portland, Maine, one particular article caught my attention. It concerned the artist who painted the auditorium murals, making headlines in 2017. This was only two years after Sarah Bouchard was appointed artistic director of the building. Here is a link the 2015 article: https://thebollard.com/2015/04/01/welcome-to-the-masonic-temple/. The article included a picture of the Scottish Rite auditorium during a degree production with the headline “Welcome to the Masonic Temple, Freemasons open their sacred space to the arts.” The 1911 building was described in detail, including the first floor Scottish Rite Reading Room, the second floor Corinthian Hall, the third/fourth floor auditorium and fifth floor Eastern Star Hall. As with other Masonic buildings, a host of small meeting areas and lodge rooms were also mentioned. In 2015, there was an interest to preserve not only the architectural ornamentation in the Scottish Rite, but also many artworks, especially the auditorium murals.
Early in 2017, the Portland’s Scottish Rite Masons decided to restore and preserve the murals for future generations, recognizing that the images had darkened under 77 years of accumulated dirt and varnish. The Maine Project for Fine Art Conservation was brought into work on the paintings. Every Thursday during the summer of 2017, MEAC conservators worked on the paintings high above the auditorium floor.
Let’s look at the big picture. The murals were installed almost three decades after the stage scenery was designed, painted and delivered to the Portland Scottish Rite. Since the building opened, the main feature of the auditorium was the stage work. The addition of murals was similar to a makeover. This was common. For many Scottish Rite theaters between 1940-1960 members tried to update their spaces. New scenery, new costumes, improved lighting systems, new seating, or a fresh coat of paint became a priority. Just like those who introduced the stage elements to Scottish Rite ceremonies, a new generation again attempted to improve the ritual experience. The problem remains that Scottish Rite stage settings are seldom considered large-scale artworks by nationally recognized artists. Too often, the membership perceives a scenery collection as mere backings for degree work. Just imagine if the artists who painted Scottish Rite settings received the same attention as those artists who decorated the auditorium.
The Portland Scottish Rite auditorium murals were credited to fresco artist Harry Cochrane. A Maine artist, Cochrane was 80 years old when he completed the 17-foot murals in his Monmouth studio during 1940. Cochrane’s artistic contribution made headlines in 2015 when conservation work commenced, prompting renewed interest in his work. Linda Johnston, who specializes in Cochrane, described the life of this “untrained” artist in a BDN Portland blog article on August 18, 2017. Cochrane was born in 1860, Johnston explained, “He taught himself to draw and paint,” covering his father’s ledger books with drawings of horses and human faces as a boy. As he matured to adulthood, he became a decorator, focusing on religious edifices, schools, municipal offices and other buildings, such as Masonic Temples. Cochrane also designed fancy plaster moldings, stained glass and furniture. Here is a link to read more about Cochrane: http://portland.bangordailynews.com/2017/08/18/history/painters-final-works-kept-hidden-in-downtown-portland-for-77-years/
Scottish Rite buildings contain a wealth of significant artifacts ranging from rare books and documents to decorative painting and fine art works. But the scenery is especially significant and often created by nationally recognized fine artists. When examining color, composition, technique and the artistic provenance for many stage settings in Masonic edifices, they should not be discounted as “old drops” or mere stage backings; they are large-scale artworks. Furthermore, they often have more artistic provenance than many other artifacts in the building. However, as time slips by, the historical significance of Scottish Rite scenery is forgotten, even in Portland. Portland’s Scottish Rite Masons decided to restore and preserve the Cochrane murals for future generations; a fantastic choice as they look toward the future. Will their scenery for degree productions receive the same consideration?
To be continued…
