HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Scottish Rite Cathedral

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Scottish Rite Masonry in San Antonio dates to 1912, when a charter was granted by the Soverign Grand Inspector General of Texas. The orgnization grew slowly until World War I, when many soldiers stationed in San Antonio became members. This site was purchased in 1919,and plans were made to erect a new temple. Construction began in 1922 on this structure. Completed two years later at a cost of $1.5 million, the Cathedral was dedicated in June 1924. It soon became the center of Masonic activities for South Texas. Features of the five-and-one-half story clasical revival temple include an imposing gable front bay, eight Corinthian fluted columns a terra cotta frieze on the primary temple building, and stepped central mass. The elaboarately sculpted bronze front doors, executed over two-year period by noted artist Pompeo Coppini (1870-1957), feature figures of George Washington and Sam Houston, both members of the Masonic fraternity. The Scottish Rite Cathedral has been a San Antonio attraction since its construction. In recent years it has become a center for the performing arts and other cultural activties. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1987

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Scottish Rite Masonry took hold in San Antonio in 1912 and swelled during World War I as soldiers stationed nearby joined the fraternity. The order bought this site in 1919 and, beginning in 1922, raised a monumental Classical Revival temple, dedicating it in 1924 at a cost of $1.5 million. Its eight fluted Corinthian columns and sculpted bronze doors — the work of noted artist Pompeo Coppini, depicting fellow Masons George Washington and Sam Houston — made it a South Texas landmark, and in recent decades it has become a hub for the performing arts.

Why it matters

A grand fraternal temple turned cultural center, the Cathedral reflects the civic ambition of early-twentieth-century San Antonio and the enduring public role of Masonic institutions in American communities.

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Related people

  • · Pompeo Coppini
  • · George Washington
  • · Sam Houston

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EducationLandmark

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