Scottish Rite Temple 15th and Morrison St, Portland Oregon 1903
The members of the Portland Valley in the Orient of Oregon have the privilege of conducting their work in a beautiful, distinctive and historic build. A building that has significance to all of Scottish Rite. In 1890 the Orient of Oregon was teetering on the edge of dissolution. The idea of turning in the charter had been put forward with concerns about the Orients viability. Fortunately that choice was rejected in favor of starting a Consistory and going all in. Through the efforts of a dedicated group of Brothers led by Philip Schuyler Malcolm the fortunes of Oregon Scottish Rite were turned around and within a few years the Rite was thriving. Twelve years after the decision was made to continue on, funds had been raised and a new building was built for the sole purpose of the work of Scottish Rite in Oregon. We read in the History of the Oregon Scottish Rite:
“Fulfillment of the long-cherished dream of a Scottish Rite Temple came to fruition when a Grand Opening was held May 19, 1903 in the form of a Grand Concert Organ Recital and Ball. This was the first Scottish Rite Temple built in the United States solely for Scottish Rite functions and purposes. Requests for blueprints came from all over the United States; so many copies were made and sent, the original blueprints were misplaced. Architects from many cities were sent to study the Temple Building and its plans, and, at that time, the Portland, Oregon Scottish Rite Temple was recognized as one of the Outstanding Scottish Rite Temples in the United States!”
The building was designed by Illustrious Brother Richard Martin, Jr. (see bio in the March 2015 blog below). As noted much interest was shown in Brother Martin’s plans, and the “offspring” of our building began to be erected throughout the United States and in other parts of the world. Some of those building still stand.
This summer there was an article in the Scottish Rite Journal issued July-August 2015 “The Masonic Hall in Athens” on page 22. This showed the building erected in Athens, Greece in 1931. During World War II the Nazi’s, who had proclaimed Freemasonry illegal, commandeered the building, destroyed the furniture and took the documents and records (what became of them is still unknown). The Nazi’s used the building during the war and left it in very poor condition. The building was restored and survived until the 1960’s when it was replaced by the current building. The Athens building holds many of the distinct features of the Oregon building and it would be of interest to see the interior layout for comparison. There is little doubt in the mind of this author that the Athens building was based on the plans of the Oregon building.
After the loss of my mother in September, my return trip brought me to Dallas, Texas to visit my aunt and uncle. In a journey into downtown Dallas with my aunt we went to see the Dallas Valley Scottish Rite building. At first glance it was clear that this was another of the “offspring” of our Portland build, whose construction was based on the plans of Richard Martin, Jr. Any doubt was laid to rest after touring the building. We were guided through the building by Brother Scott Stanton commander of the KSA, who generously took time out of his day to show us this magnificent structure. Although the building is grander, bigger and more ornate, the layout is roughly the same.
As can be seen the Dallas building has stairs to the main floor outside as opposed to Oregon’s which are inside. However the internal grand stairways are nearly identical and the main floor leads into the dining room in both buildings. The interior rooms have different uses and in the case of Dallas are bigger, but the placement is roughly the same. The auditoriums are also placed in the same parts of the buildings except as you enter Portland’s the stage is on the right and Dallas’ is on the left. The Dallas auditorium also has an Egyptian motif.
From the Dallas Valley webpage we are informed that “The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry entered Dallas with the permanent charter of Dallas Lodge of Perfection granted on October 20, 1897.
Plans for a new home began when “The Dallas Scottish Rite Cathedral Association” was organized in 1903. No Reunion had up to this time been held in The Valley of Dallas for lack of suitable quarters. In May, 1904, the first Reunion of the Rite took place in Turner Hall at Harwood and Canton Streets on the site on which the Masonic Temple now stands. They continued to be held there until November, 1908, when the tenth Reunion was held in the new Cathedral.”
The Dallas building is more spacious, and contains more beautiful marble and plaster work then the Portland building, but there is no doubt that the Dallas building was based on the Portland blueprints and the architectural work of Ill. Bro. Richard H. Martin.
Dallas hosts the largest Scottish Rite Valley in the world with approximately 4,700 current members. Twice a year, using a team of about 220 members and crew, the Valley puts on all 29 Scottish Rite degrees in full Reunions in the Spring and Fall,. They also host a one day five terminal degrees Reunion in the Summer. Scottish Rite Brethren are welcomed and encouraged to visit and attend these Reunions. There is no charge for members of any valley. Just pay for breakfast and lunch if you want to eat.
In conclusion my brothers as you travel keep an eye out for the “offspring” of the Portland Valley Scottish Rite building, and be sure to take pictures and report back your findings.
Michael D. Robinson 32° KSA, was the second Master Mason Raised in Esoterika Lodge #227, and the first member Raised in that Lodge to serve as Worshipful Master. He was elected Master in 2013 and 2014, and currently serves as Chaplin for that Lodge. Brother Robinson was appointed Historian for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Orient of Oregon in December of 2014, and Secretary of the Eugene Valley in March of 2015. He also serves as Historian for Research Lodge #198 and Eugene Lodge #11. He is the recipient of the “Novus Astorum” from the Scottish Rite in 2010, and the Hiram Award from Esoterika Lodge in 2012.
Brother Robinson has a degree in History from Colorado State University, class of 1982,