The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-08-23
THE SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL.
The Edl1ce at Wichita the Best Equipped and
Finest West OF the Mississippi River.


To the numerous attractions in the way
of fine buildings and edifces, veritable
architectural master pieces which Wichita
possesses, another has been added. This is
the Scottish Rite cathedral situated on the
northeast corner of Market and First
streets. Some time in the early part of
last spring the Scottish Rite Masons of
this city, whose consistory numbers the
best people of the city and of the state,
and which is of the largest in numbers
in the west, purchased the old Baptist
| brick church edifice. Work was begun on
| the building some time in June, and has
been altered considerably. Partitions
were taken out and others substituted
while some changes, such as were neces-
sary as the work of the order required,
were made in the building After two
months of hard labor, the workmen. by
frequently bringing into requisition the
triangle, the square, compass, trowels and
other implements Of trade peculiar to
masonry, the old church has been
converted into one of the finest
Scottish Rite cathedrals in the country.
The work in this order differs
materially from the work of the other
branches of Masonry. The work in the
various degrees is dramatized which re-
quires stage, a drop curtain and scenery
the same as in theatres. Besides these,
other beautiful effects are produced by
numerous mechanical appliances. The
scenery and drop curtain have OF yet
been completed, but when ready will be
some of the finest in the country. The
lodge room proper is situated in the CEN
ter, almost, of the building. and is 50X30
feet in size. At the north end the stage is
located while at the opposite end a bal
cony has been erected. In the balcony is
found an organ and place reserved for
the choir. This is partitioned off from the
lodge room by heavy curtains, while the
rest of the balcony is set apart for mem
bers of the order, from whence the cere-
monies can be witnessed. A door on the
east side of the balcony leads into a small
apartment for the use of the choir, who
are called out by a system of bells at the
times when music and song form part of
the work This is done as it is usually the |
case that not sufficient talent is found |
among the members to form a good choir. |
In the rear of the lodge room, under the |
balcony is the lobby, which leads into |
ante-rooms, and the preparation room, |
which is found on the west side of the |
lodge room. a nicely furnished toilet |
room is also found on this side of the |
building, while in the northwest corner of |
building, west of the stage, is a property
room which leads onto the stage. On the
east side of the lodge room proper,
is neatly furnished vestry room which
leads into the lobby and into the parlors
on the east side of the lodge room. These
are !SX25 feet in size. Between the parlOr
and a room on the east of this are double
doors which lead into the banquet room,
which is an 1880 feet hall A kitchen
with all the necessary equipments is
found north of this room. On the north
Of the parlors and between the lodge room
and the kitchen are rooms belonging to the
council of KodOsh. These the reporter
was not allowed to explore, but peep
into them afforded him a sufficient reason
FOR staying out of his own accord, besides
it has been said by parties who know, that
IN the old rooms in the Hacker & Jackson
block, were found, after the belongings of
the order had been partially removed,
grim skeletons and other hideous devices,
which gave the draymen who assisted in
moving the same the horrors. The lodge
room is furnished with opera chairs. All
The rooms are finely carpeted, papered,
frescoed and ornamented with various en-
In the lodge room the cell
ng is papered to represent the armament.
IN a background of beautiful olive blue
ire set golden stars, which are dimmed at
places by light feathery clouds. The Pro-
cenium arch is decorated with gold crowns,
md in cOlors of light and dark terra Gotta,
With various colors of bronze. Besides
here are other features. such as lights
orming numerous emblems suspended in
he room.
The Wichita consistory is the only one
n the state, and west of the Mississippi
md east of Denver, which sproperly fitted
up. There are other cities where consisto
les have charters, but the work is not ex-
,mplified. The first meeting will be held
n the new cathedral in October, at the
line of the reunion, when the same will
De dedicated. Work will soon be COM
nenced on the exterior of the building, at
which time the surroundings will be beau
ified in general. This new acquisition is
one the city may feel proud of.
BOARD OF TRADE.