Dallas Scottish Rite Temple
Harwood and Young Sts., Dallas, TXConstructed as an official headquarters for use by the Scottish Rite Masons and other local Masonic lodges and affiliated organizations, the monumental Scottish Rite Temple in Dallas is a fine example of early 20th-century Beaux Arts Classical architecture in Texas. With its architectural integrity virtually intact, the structure has continued, since its construction in 1913, to serve the purpose for which it was designed. Official meetings and conventions, as well as social events, are held here throughout the year. The grandiose temple stands as a symbol of the Scottish Rite Bodies which continue to serve the Dallas community through their philanthropic endeavors which include active participation in, and contribution to various charitable organizations in Dallas. Other humanitarian causes sponsored by the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies include the Dallas Hospital for Crippled Children, the Scottish Rite Dormitory for Girls at the University of Texas at Austin, the Masonic Home for Aged Masons in Arlington, and the Masonic Orphan's Home in Fort Worth.
The history of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, which was established in Dallas when the permanent charter of the Dallas Lodge of Perfection was granted on October 20, 1897, is closely bound to the early history of the city of Dallas. A portion of the land now occupied by the Temple was originally granted to John Grigsby on January 28, 1842, by Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas. Prior to the establishment of a Scottish Cathedral, the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies had been meeting at the Stafford Building at 1704 Elm Street. The Bodies then moved their center to the Dan Sullivan Building at 219 Commerce Street until their new shrine could be completed.
On June 16, 1903, articles of incorporation were granted to "The Dallas Rite Cathedral Association," whose first head was Sam P. Cochran. Mr. Cochran, who headed one of the largest general insurance agencies in the Southwest, was perhaps the most instrumental figure in the planning and construction of the new building. One of the most prominent figures in Masonry in Texas, Cochran served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Shrine Crippled Children's Hospital from 1901-1934 and was responsible for the foundation of the Home for Aged Masons in Fort Worth. As a memorial to his early leadership and community services, a monument was erected on the west lawn of the Scottish Rite Temple in 1920.
Two years after the incorporation of the association, contracts were drawn up for the construction of the Scottish Rite Temple on its present site. In April 1906, the ground was broken for the new building and on March 7, 1907, the formal cornerstone ceremony was held. Although the structure was not completed until 1913, official functions were held inside the building as early as 1908. Besides the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies, several other Masonic Bodies, such as the Order of DeMolay and the Order of Eastern Star, meet regularly in the building and sponsor events held in the auditorium and Crystal Ballroom. The structure is continually maintained and is presently being restored to its original beauty. Future plans for the Dallas Scottish Rite Temple include the expansion of the museum of early Dallas Masonic memorabilia and sponsorship of periodic events to be opened to the public.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.