Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1910-12-01
MASONIC TEMPLE At
WASHINGTON To
Be MARVEL
Home of Scottish Rite in
National Capital to Be Most
Magnificent of Its Kind in the
World,
Morning Journal Bureau,
6l3 Munsey Building,


Washington, II. g., NOV. : &
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish
| Rite Of Freemasonary for the south
ern Jurisdiction Of the United States
viii soon commence the erection of a
mammoth temple In Washington. -.
G., which it is expected will be the
largest and most magnificent of its
kind in the world.
The cost Of tho site wos $164. 600,
and the cost of the new temple when
completed Will exceed $1,0O0,0 600,
Classic in design, the structure win be
of white marble. four stories high,
with two easements. The building
will be square In shape, the frontage
1876 feet and depth the same. and
have a gold dome rising 100 feet from
the street level.
The steps leading to the temple viii
be sympobilc of the Mosaic degrees
The plaza, which will extend the fun
width of the building, leads from the
sidewalk with three steps 10 the first
rise and five steps to the second, be.
fore the terrace is reached. Across
the terrace Will be two other rises
of seven and nine steps respectively
which viii lead to the portals of the
entrance.
ON the terrace will rest symbolical
statuary. over the massive portals of
the entrance to the temple VIII be =
golden s%unburst, the rays of which
will flash from the symbolic double
eagle and triangle OF the 33rd degree,
Above this will rise great columns, 33
in all, each 33 feet high, which Will
surround the temple on three sides
and support the entablature, from
which rises the square-shaped golden
dome.
Each one Of the thlrty-three states
i'm the southern council Will be pro-
vided with an apartment on the main
floor. each room TO have separate
symbols and emblems representing
each of the thirty-three degrees In
Masonry. Besides q suite of rooms on
this floor for the grand commander,
a library for 200. 000 or more volumes
will also be provided. Then there
is to be the executive chambrc, 40
feet squar which viii contain 33 or
chestra chairs for each active inspec-
tor general.
The cathedral. which viii be the
browning glory Of the temple, VIII oc~
cupy the entire upper floor of the
building. II Will represent a hollow
cube IS feet square, rising to a
height of IS feet. surmounted by the
curved interior of the golden dome.
OIl the Jour EtbiH VI tillS NfHt At'ii
the interior curve of the dome Will
be broken by four arches, one on each
side. supported hY massive pillars and
entablature. Between them will be
ornate statuary and other embellish-
mcnts.
In the Grand East" where the
great dais OF state OF the sovereign
commander is placed. high above the
columns, will be another immense
sunburst flashing from the symbolic
double eagle and triangle Of the 3Sd
degree. II will be located In "a Goth
ic arch. on the opposite VIII be he
dais of the lieutenant grand com
mander.
on a balcony on the east side of
the cathedral Will be located the great
pipe organ and choir gallery. ON the
north and south sides win be elabor-
ate orchestra chairs and desks for
each Of the inspectors general. b
great chair OF state, In which the
commander general viii sit Will re-
semble the throne of a king. with "a
canopy top s-urmounted by "a large
crown with draperies falling 10 either
side. one OF the easements Will De
occupied by q printing office Of the
Rite.
The temple viii DE completed In
time for use Of the international Con-
ference Of Supreme Councils Of the
world. twenty-six ia All. which meets
with the Southern Council ia Wash
.ingtou ia October. 1912