Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Scottish Rite Temple

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

1. Scottish Rite Temple Marker

Inscription. Built as the Scottish Rite Temple in 1925-25, this distinguished structure was designed by architect Carl Werner. The entry portico, with its six Ionic columns and unusual Egyptian ornamentation, lends the buildings special grandeur. In 1981, the building was rehabilitated and reopened as the San José Athletic Club.

Erected by City of San Jose.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1981.

Location. 37° 20.399′ N, 121° 53.428′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. Marker is on North 3rd Street south of Saint James Street, on the right when traveling north. Building is located on the southeast corner of North 3rd Street and East Saint James Street across from St. James Park and the marker is attached to a pole mounted in the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 196 North 3rd Street, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Unitarian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagles Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sainte Claire Club (about 300 feet away); St. James Park

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(about 500 feet away); First Church of Christ, Scientist (about 500 feet away); Henry Morris Naglee (about 600 feet away); Trinity Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Trinity Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Regarding Scottish Rite Temple. The local Masonic order, at first located in what we now refer to as Eagles Hall, commissioned Carl Werner to design a new temple at the corner of Third and St. James. The result was a massive three-story neo-classical structure with elements of Beaux Arts styling and Egyptian ornamentation. The massive facade is consistent with several other buildings around the park, particularly the Courthouse which faces it on the west. Now the home of the San Jose Athletic Club, the exterior of the temple has been restored, and its maintenance has been assured.
[ Source: http://www.preservation.org/stjames.html ]

Also see . . .
1. History of San Jose Scottish Rite. The History of the San Jose Scottish Rite dates from May 1883 at the old Auzerais Hotel. (Submitted on May 1, 2010.)

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

2. Scottish Rite Temple Marker

2. Downtown San Jose History Walk. This building is featured on the Downtown San Jose History Walk along with 30 additional sites. (Submitted on May 1, 2010.)

Scottish Rite Temple image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

3. Scottish Rite Temple

Egyptian Ornamatation image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

4. Egyptian Ornamatation

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

5. Egyptian Ornamatation

A twin pillar flanks the opposite side of the entrance steps.

Ornamatation Above Entrance Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

6. Ornamatation Above Entrance Door

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,207 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 1, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.