House of the Temple
In the heart of the nation's capital, stands one of the city's most beautiful monuments. It's been called a marvel of architecture, a wonder in stone, the spirit of the Scottish Rite captured for a moment in time.
The House of the Temple is a Masonic temple which serves as the headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. It is located at the corner of 16th Street and S Street in the northwest section of the city. The Temple was modeled after the Mausoleum of Maussollos (a provincial king in the Persian Empire). Ground was broken on May 31, 1911 and the cornerstone was laid on October 18, 1911. The building was dedicated four years later on October 18, 1915. An alcove in the temple holds the remains of Confederate general and noted freemason Albert Pike.
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Bronze standing lamp with the head of Hermes. The top is made of alabaster.
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Dedication plaque - ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF JAMES DANIEL RICHARDSON - SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER - 1901 - 1914
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Carved and gilded ceiling beams are made of solid oak.
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Carving within the ceiling beams are of Grecian design and look simular to a starpoint of a compass.
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Bronze frieze located on the top of the Atrium. There is a candle lighting the darkness. Lux Inens Nos Agit. Translation "The inner light leads us on."
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Bronze frieze located on the top of the Atrium. This is the emblem of the 18 degree Mason.
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Bronze frieze located on the top of the Atrium. This emblem represents the 15 degree.
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Bronze frieze located on the top of the Atrium. This emblem represents the 29 degree.
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Bronze frieze located on the top of the Atrium. This emblem represents the 14 degree.
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There are four bronze friezes with the double-headed eagle (symbol of the Scottish rite).
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4 large solid bronze chandeliers light up the atrium. The alabaster bowls. On the bowls there are Grecian figures surrounding the bowls.
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A closeup of the chandelier shows Medusa surrounded by twelve greek figures. *
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Front view of the Egyptian style statue at the foot of the Grand Staircase. The hieroglyphic inscription reads - Established to the Glory of God" and "Dedicated to the teaching of wisdom to those men working to make a strong nation."
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Side view of the Egyptian style statue at the foot of the Grand Staircase.
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Bronze candelabra used to light passageways during Egyptian times. A Jewish Mason, Moses Michael Hays, helped introduce the Masonic Scottish Rite in America. Paul Revere served under him as Deputy Grand Master.
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