Gazing up at this majestic building, one can almost hear the echoes of history whispering from the Scottish Rite. The Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, a monumental structure on Wilshire Boulevard, stands as a testament to a rich past. Completed in 1961, this imposing edifice, with its Italian Travertine marble exterior, mosaics, and gold lettering, once housed the Los Angeles Valley of the Scottish Rite. The Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Freemasonry, a path a Master Mason can follow after completing the three degrees of Symbolic Lodge Masonry.
The Los Angeles Valley’s roots trace back to 1885, a time when Los Angeles was a town of just 12,000. Albert Pike’s vision brought the Scottish Rite here. The first meetings took place on Main Street. From there, the Valley moved to First and Spring Streets, eventually building a three-story Masonic Hall on Hill Street in 1895, shared with the York Rite and Blue Lodges. By 1900, the Valley outgrew the Hill Street location. A new Temple rose on Hope Street, built with “a little money and a lot of faith.”
The Scottish Rite continued to flourish. By 1950, membership reached over 7,000. This growth prompted the construction of the magnificent edifice we stand before today, the Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Dedicated in 1961, it served the Scottish Rite for over three decades. This building was more than just a meeting place. It was a hub of cultural activity. An orchestra, established as early as 1911, and a Scottish Rite Male Chorus filled its halls with music. The Scottish Rite Players entertained brethren and their families with theatrical productions.
The Los Angeles Scottish Rite’s commitment extended beyond its members. In 1977, they dedicated the Los Angeles Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center. The center quickly expanded its services to meet the growing need for childhood language treatment. By the late 20th century, the Los Angeles Valley was one of the largest in the Southern Jurisdiction. However, changing times brought new challenges. Zoning changes made it difficult to generate revenue from the Wilshire Boulevard Temple. In 2013, the building was sold. Today, the Los Angeles Valley continues its work. Although they meet elsewhere, the legacy of the Scottish Rite remains etched in the stones of this magnificent building. The Scottish Rite Masonic Temple stands as a reminder of a vibrant past and a testament to the enduring spirit of Freemasonry.