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 plaque is banner of the Supreme Council with American flags on both sides. The double-headed eagle is the unique symbol of the Scottish Rite, and the motto of the Thirty-third Degree is Deus meumque jus (God and my right).
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A bust of Albert Pike on middle eastern section of the Grand Staircase. Above the bust is an inscription - WHAT WE HAVE DONE FOR - OURSELVES ALONE DIES WITH - VS. WHAT WE HAVE DONE FOR OTHERS AND THE WORLD REMAINS AND IS IMMORTAL - ALFRED PIKE
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A Bronze Bust of Albert Pike, an early advocate of native American rights.
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A closeup view of the Bronze Bust of Albert Pike.
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Bronze lamps around a winding Bottcino marble Staircase lights the way to the Temple Chamber.
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Bronze styled alabaster lamps are crowned by three serene faces of Egyptian beauty.
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The walls of the Grand Staircase show simularity to John Russell Pope's masterful curves of the National Gallery of Art and the Jefferson Memorial.
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Upward view of the Grand Staircase.
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The Tylers or guardians seat is located across from the doors to the Temple Room. There is an inscription "KNOW THYSELF" on the top of the marble seat.
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DEVS MEVMQVE JVS - AMEN
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