Cambridge in Guernsey County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Scottish Rite in Ohio

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 15, 2007

1. The Scottish Rite in Ohio Marker

Inscription. The first Scottish Rite body of Free-Masonry west of the Alleghenies was formed in Cambridge, Ohio, in 1852 by Killian H. Van Rensselaer, an honorary 33rd Degree Mason. He lived in this city from 1851 to 1867. Van Rensselaer was superintendent of construction of the present railroad tunnel west of Cambridge. He died in Cincinnati in 1881, at age of 80.

Erected 1978 by the Officers and Members of the Masonic Lodges in the 23rd Masonic District and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 4-30.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 40° 1.488′ N, 81° 35.226′ W. Marker is in Cambridge, Ohio, in Guernsey County. It is on Wheeling Avenue (U.S. 40) east of 9th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 935 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge OH 43725, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Signing of Declaration of Independence Memorial (here, next to this marker); Dr. Charles E. Jefferson (within shouting distance of this marker); Guernsey County Revolutionary Heros Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The McCracken Scott House (about 800 feet away); Purple Heart Memorial (about 800 feet away); Guernsey County Desert Storm Memorial (about 800 feet away); Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients (about 800 feet away); Guernsey County Veterans Memorial (about 800 feet away); Guernsey County Vietnam Conflict Memorial (about 800 feet away); Guernsey Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge.

More about this marker. According to the Ohio Historical Society, this should be marker number 3-30.

Also see . . .
1. Bodies of Masonry. Brief definitions of Masonry, the Scottish and York Rites, and Shrine. (Submitted on May 25, 2007.)

2. Scottish Rite. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on May 25, 2007.)

Marker and Commemorative Tablet at the Masonic Temple image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 15, 2007

2. Marker and Commemorative Tablet at the Masonic Temple

Bicentennial Commemorative Tablet image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 15, 2007

3. Bicentennial Commemorative Tablet

The tablet reads: 1776–1976. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Fremasonry, Valley of Cambridge, on July 4th 1976 in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Spes mea in Deo est. The latin motto on this plaque is the motto for Scottish Masonry’s 32nd degree. It translates to “My hope is in God.”

The Scottish Rite Temple and Auditorium in Cambridge, Ohio image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 15, 2007

4. The Scottish Rite Temple and Auditorium in Cambridge, Ohio

The Scottish Rite Temple image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, October 21, 2022

5. The Scottish Rite Temple

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,111 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 25, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on October 28, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.