Marvelous isn’t it? This is the House of the Temple. A stunning example of Neoclassical architecture. It stands proudly in Washington DC. It’s more than just a building. It’s the headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction USA. Think of it as the heart of Freemasonry in the Southern United States.
The House of the Temple was designed by John Russell Pope. He was a prominent architect. Pope also designed iconic buildings like the Jefferson Memorial and the National Archives. The House of the Temple though was his first large-scale project in Washington DC. It was completed in 1915. The design is based on the Mausoleum of Maussollos one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Construction began in 1911. The cornerstone was laid using the same tools used by George Washington himself when he laid the cornerstone for the US Capitol. Isn’t that fascinating? It is a testament to the enduring traditions of Freemasonry. This place has so much history hidden within its walls.
The House of the Temple isn’t just beautiful on the outside. Inside you’ll find intricate details. There are 33 outer columns. Each is 33 feet high representing the 33rd degree of Freemasonry. The atrium floor is paved with exquisite marble. It’s a stunning sight to behold. Even the chairs are special modeled after a High Priest’s seat in the theater of Dionysius.
The building has hosted a community garden. It was located on its grounds for many years. But it closed in 2011 to make way for renovations. The House of the Temple holds the remains of Albert Pike. He was a Confederate general and a prominent Freemason. His presence adds another layer of historical significance to this place. It also houses one of the world’s largest collections of materials related to Robert Burns. He was a Scottish poet and Freemason.
The House of the Temple has won many awards. In the 1920s architects praised it as one of the three best public buildings in the United States. In 1931 it was voted the fifth most beautiful building in the world. In 1932 it was ranked among the top ten buildings in the country.
So take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the House of the Temple. It’s more than just a building. It’s a monument to history architecture and the enduring spirit of Freemasonry. It is a treasure of Washington DC. It deserves your attention.