Scottish Rite Cathedral (Long Beach, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scottish Rite Cathedral |
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Scottish Rite Cathedral, September 2009
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| Location | 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach, California |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Wright & Gentry (Parker O. Wright) |
| Architectural style(s) | Romanesque Revival |
| Governing body | Private |
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The Scottish Rite Cathedral in Long Beach, California, is a really old and important building. It's known as a Long Beach Historic Landmark. This huge five-story building was made for a group called the Scottish Rite, which is part of Freemasonry. It was built in a cool style called Romanesque Revival. The city officially made it a historic landmark in 1980.
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Discover the Cathedral's Design
This amazing five-story building was specially built for the Scottish Rite group. It has a unique look called Romanesque Revival. The building was constructed between 1925 and 1926. It has a strong steel frame and reinforced concrete. The outside is decorated with granite and special terra cotta tiles.
Who Designed This Landmark?
The architects who drew up the plans were Wright & Gentry. Parker O. Wright was one of the main architects. They also designed another important building in Long Beach. The company that built the cathedral was W.E. Campbell.
Inside the Grand Auditorium
The building has a huge auditorium that is truly special. Many people think it's a great example of fancy designs from the early 1900s. The ceiling is 30 feet high, which is super tall! It has beautiful designs painted by hand. The stage is also very big, measuring 27 feet wide and 40 feet deep. This space is used for plays, weddings, and other fun events. There are enough seats for 800 people to watch.
A Look Back at the Cathedral's History
Work on the Scottish Rite Cathedral started in July 1925. The steel frame, which weighed about 500 tons, was put up incredibly fast. It only took 27 days! About 250 tons of decorative terra cotta were also used. This material came from a company in Los Angeles.
Why Steel Was Chosen
The architect, Parker O. Wright, explained why they picked steel. He said, "Steel was selected because buildings of this type are more enduring and more nearly earthquake proof than those of any other material." This means steel made the building strong and safe, especially in an area where earthquakes can happen.
Opening Day and Special Recognition
The cathedral officially opened in September 1926. There was a three-day celebration! During this time, hundreds of people joined different levels of Masonry. When it first opened, the Los Angeles Times newspaper called it "one of the most beautiful structures of its kind in the West." The total cost to build and furnish the cathedral was about $500,000.
In 1980, the Scottish Rite Cathedral became the eighth building to be named a Long Beach Historic Landmark. At that time, the Los Angeles Times described it as an "enormous" building. They also mentioned its "imposing facade" and its "elaborately decorated main auditorium."
