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 NEW! While cataloguing the contents of the Wilshire Temple, Personal Representative Ill. Xavier "Sam" Pitassi, 33º, found a curious little notebook. Typewritten inside is a historical treasure for our Valley, outlining the concepts, events and personalities attending the contruction of the Los Angeles Scottish Rite Masonic Temple. Preserved digitally for posterity by S.K. Wesley G. Pitts, 32º KCCH, you can view it here in two formats: • View virtual Notebook (requires Flash) • View as PDF |
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 The Los Angeles Bodies were organized in 1885 at 125 North Main Street. Albert Pike's desire to establish the Scottish Rite in all parts of California led to a organizational meeting in the "City of the Angels", a small town of about 12,000. Pentalph Lodge No. 202 on Main Street was the scene of the constitution of King Solomon Lodge of Perfection No. 14, Robert Bruce Chapter of Rose Croix No. 6 and the Hugues Despaynes Council of Kadosh No. 3. The Bodies met at the Main Street Location for less than two years when they moved to First and Spring Streets where they held meetings for ten years. At that time only the Grand Consistory of California in San Francisco conferred the Consistory Degrees. The distance and expense involved prompted the constitution of a "Particular Consistory" in Los Angeles. By 1895 the "lodge room" in the Bonebreak Building on First and Spring became inadequate and an Impressive three story Masonic Hall was built at 431 Hill Street. It was occupied by the Scottish Rite Bodies, the York Rite and three blue Lodges. By 1900 the membership had reached about 200 and so a larger Temple was erected at 929 Hope Street, "with a little money and a lot of faith." In spite of the losses to Santa Barbara (1931) and Bakersfield (1945) when they were instituted, the growth continued. The membership in 1950 reached 7,378 with a class of 300. It was time for another new Cathedral. After diligent search was made the Rite purchased four lots on Wilshire Boulevard to build a new Temple. |
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