The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-07-24
By WALDON FAWCETT.
LNIosT within the shadow of the

A LNIOST within the shadow Of the
n United States Capitol in this
\ city. there stands a building
fraught with the deepest interest, not
only for MaSons in America. but for
members of the order throughout lie
world The Holy House Of the Temple
finds its special significance in TIE fact
that it is the executive and administra-
tive home of the Supreme Council.
Thirty-third Degree Southern JUrisdic-
ton Of the United States. Of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freema-
sorry. and it is the official home OF the
grand commander.
The Scottish Rite membership IN this
country. and its new possessions, is IN
der the authority Of two supreme bodies,
exercising control Of territorial spheres
known respectively as the Northern and
Southern Jurisdictions. The designation
Southern Jurisdiction is, however, dis
tinctly a misuOmeT since the body
which mas its headquarters at the Ma
tional Capital IS invested with response
bility FOR the policies Of the order not
only in the domain south Of Pennsyi-
vania,. but In the States and Territories
west OF the Mississippi River, in Alaska.
Hawaii Porto Rico, the army and navy,
the Philippines. China, and Japan.
Center of Masonry.
However, the universal interest mani
Tested IN the stately structure at the
American seat Of government Is by no
means dependent upon the fact that IL
constitutes the center Of Masonic ac-
tivity for a jurisdiction that embraces,
geographically speaking, three-fourJIs
OF Uncle Sans domain.
Even more potent is the affection
which il i2splres as the longtime home
and office OF Gen. Albert Pike and thc
reverence which attaches TO it by reason
Of its well-merited distinction o.
Mother Supreme Council Of the World. ."
for from this fountain head in the city
on the Potomac have sprung, directly OF
indirectly. all Of the other legitimate
supreme bodies whose jurisdictions now
encircle the globe.
The House of the Temple. the UMPIRE
tentious but dignihed home OF the Su-
preme Council of the Southern Jurisdic-
ton, is most adyantageOusly situated
IN the worlds most beautiful city. LO-
Gated but a few squares distant from
the United States Capitol. and that cen
ter Of learning the Library OF Congress,
Il Is set down in the heart OF a section
Of the city famous in the early annals
OF the Republic, and amid the former
homes Of many men who. in days gone
by, were instrumental in mOldiug the
nations destiny.
Is Well Located.
A short block distant is the beautiful
memorial statute Of Gen. Albert Pike
and finally. 70 take into consideration
the convenience Of the visitors Of the
future. IL may be noted that this Masonic
mecca is most advantageously located
with reference TO the new Union Sta
tion-thc most magnificent railway sta
tion In the world-which is now in
course Of erection at Washington al
an expense Of approximately $4,000 900.
The building Is a three-story and base
ment house Of red brick. located on a
corner with almost equal frontage on
two streets. and the rather severe sim
plicity OF its exterior gives no hint OF
the attractive interior. IL is distinguish
ed from the residences in the neighbor-
hood only by its unusual size. and by
the appearance above the arched door