“My Hope is in God.” Those words are etched into the facade of the Scottish Rite Cathedral Plaque. They offer a glimpse into the heart of this magnificent structure. Here before us stands a testament to Scottish Rite Masonry in San Antonio.
Let’s journey back to 1912. That’s when the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of Texas granted a charter. This marked the beginning of the organization. Growth was slow initially. World War I changed everything. Many soldiers stationed in San Antonio became members.
In 1919, this very site was purchased. Plans were drawn up for a new temple. Construction began in 1922. Two years later, in June 1924, the Scottish Rite Cathedral was dedicated. The cost was $1.5 million. It quickly became the center of Masonic activities for South Texas.
Notice the five-and-one-half story Classical Revival design. The imposing gable front bay commands attention. Eight Corinthian fluted columns rise majestically. A terra cotta frieze adorns the primary temple building. The stepped central mass adds to its grandeur.
Pause for a moment to appreciate the elaborately sculpted bronze front doors. Noted artist Pompeo Coppini created them over two years. Coppini was a thirty-second degree member of the San Antonio Consistory. The doors feature figures of George Washington and Sam Houston. Both were members of the Masonic fraternity. In 1936, Coppini delivered an address at the doors’ dedication.
Since its construction, the Scottish Rite Cathedral has been a San Antonio attraction. In recent years, it has transformed into a performing arts and cultural center.
Inside, the Reception Room’s formal beauty strikes you immediately. Its ornate ceiling features chandeliers. The parquet floor is unusual. Special museum exhibits add to the room’s allure. The library is an important source of Masonic history. Visitors and researchers use it for genealogical and historical information.
In the Grand Foyer, notice the four major Scottish Rite emblems. The great double-headed eagle is inlaid in the floor’s center. Four 16-foot solid Italian marble columns flank it. These columns were shipped from Genoa, Italy. Overhead, a vaulted ceiling rises 32 feet.
The Cathedral boasts four lodge rooms. The magnificent auditorium is acoustically perfect. It seats 2,062. The ceiling is equipped with twinkling stars and blazing planets. This creates the atmosphere of a clear summer sky.
A major attraction is the M.P. Moller concert organ. It’s custom-made for the auditorium. It stands as one of the best in the United States. The Hall of Honor displays the names of local Masonry leaders. You’ll find business, civic, and political leaders from San Antonio. A portrait of Brother George Washington in Masonic regalia also resides here.
Freemasonry came to San Antonio in the mid-1840s. Alamo Masonic Lodge 44 was the first. Today, over 30 Masonic lodges are in the area. The Scottish Rite Learning Center of South Texas operates in the Cathedral. It helps children with dyslexia. This service is free of charge.
This Texas Historic Landmark has stood since 1987. It represents not only Masonic history but also San Antonio’s cultural heritage.