Downtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Photographed by R. C.

1. Scottish Rite Cathedral Marker

Inscription. Scottish Rite Masonry in San Antonio dates to 1912, when a charter was granted by the sovereign grand inspector general of Texas. The organization grew slowly until World War I, when many soldiers stationed in San Antonio became members. This site was purchased in 1919, and plans were made to erect a new temple. Construction began in 1922 on this structure. Completed two years later at a cost of $1.5 million, the Cathedral was dedicated in June of 1924. It soon became the center of masonic activities for South Texas.

Features of the five-and-a-half story classical revival temple include an imposing gable front bay, eight Corinthian fluted columns, a terra cotta frieze on the primary temple building, and a stepped central mass. The elaborately sculpted bronze front doors, executed over a two-year period by noted artist Pompeo Coppini (1870-1957), feature figures of George Washington and Sam Houston, both members of the Masonic fraternity.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral has been a San Antonio attraction since its construction. In recent years it has become a center for the performing arts and other cultural activities.

Erected 1987

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by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4612.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1924.

Location. 29° 25.674′ N, 98° 29.069′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Downtown. It is on Avenue E near 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 308 Avenue E, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Flannery House (about 500 feet away); The Beversdorff House (about 500 feet away); In Re Ricardo Rodriguez (about 700 feet away); The Alamo in 1836 (about 700 feet away);

Photographed by R. C.

2. Scottish Rite Cathedral Marker

Acequia (Irrigation Ditch) (about 800 feet away); David Crockett (about 800 feet away); Hendrick Arnold (1804-1849) (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Scottish Rite Cathedral Vestibule image. Click for full size.

Photographed by R. C.

3. Scottish Rite Cathedral Vestibule