The Scottish Rite Temple - Guthrie, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 35° 52.682 W 097° 24.857
14S E 643142 N 3971581
This temple, constructed from 1920-1929 continues to be the state-wide focal point of Masonry in Oklahoma.
Waymark Code: WMHN21
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 07/25/2013
Views: 10
"As a trade center for a large farming district, and a pleasant residence city, Guthrie has maintained itself well and has become in a sense the first capital of Masonry. The Scottish Rite Temple (open 8-5 weekdays; 10-5 Sun.), is the largest structure of its type in Oklahoma and is said to be the largest in the world devoted exclusively to Masonic uses. Designed bu J.C. Parr, Oklahoma City, and built at a cost of $2,500,000, this light-yellow brick structure of Greek Doric design is set in a ten-acre park near the eastern edge of the city. Its auditorium, with a stage sixty-two feet wide and ninety feet deep, has seats for 3,500; the dining room accommodates fifteen hundred; and the lobby is 52 by 190 feet." [Oklahoma: A Guide to the Sooner State, 1941]
Construction on the Temple began in May, 1920. The exterior was completed in 1923, with interior work completing in January of 1929. Designed by the renowned architectural firm of Parr & Hawk, the building was constructed by James Stewart Construction Company out of New York. The temple has been the center of state-level Masonic activities since 1923.
There are four main elements to this temple: The west entry and facade, a large auditorium, and two small appendages which flank the auditorium on the north and south. The impressive western entrance has four sets of stairs and landings, leading to a flat-roofed portico supported by large Doric columns. Smaller Doric columns frame the multi-light window units. There are numerous bronze plaques in the entrance area commemorating various events and dedications. Above the entrance, the pediment is engraved with "To the Glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe".
The interior of the temple is extremely elaborate in its construction and decor. Rooms are named, and designed and furnished to coincide with their name: Eqyptian, Assyrian, Pompeiian, Crystal, Blue, Rose, Italian and Indian. To take a virtual tour of the interior of this magnificent building, visit this website, selecting "Temple" and "Virtual Tour". http://www.guthriescottishrite.org/templetour.aspx