Since 1883, the Oakland Scottish Rite has been one of the city’s leading organizations. As a popular institution of civic engagement and charitable aims, its membership rosters have included notable local individuals such as Supreme Court Justice and California Governor Earl Warren, Oakland Mayor and California Governor George Pardee, and US Representative and Oakland Tribune publisher Joseph Knowland. Throughout its history, the building has hosted numerous community events, concerts, and an impressive array of important historical figures such as former presidents Nixon, Obama, Clinton, Senator Robert Kennedy, General Jimmy Doolittle, and many others.
Designed by California-based architect Carl Werner (1875 – 1943), the Scottish Rite Temple was completed in 1927 and is one of Oakland’s most iconic historic buildings. The pillared structure stands prominently over Lake Merritt, a recognizable landmark on Oakland’s skyline for ninety-five years. Its 1936 Art Deco façade and iron doors are decorated with mysterious and striking Masonic symbols. The temple’s lavish interior rooms, auditorium, and ballroom are distinguished by their exquisitely ornate Beaux-Arts Italian Renaissance designs. In addition to the building’s exquisite architecture, fascinating history, and membership, it features an impressive public research library and museum. Visitors may experience first-hand the rich local, statewide, and international history of Freemasonry through exhibits and tours.