The History of Scottish Rite in San Diego
The history of the San Diego Scottish Rite is intimately connected to the history of Freemasonry in San Diego as well as that of the city itself.
In 1887, fourteen years after their lodge was chartered, Masons of San Diego Lodge No. 35 instituted the Constans #8 Lodge of Perfection. The Constans Chapter of Rose Croix, Council of Kadosh, and the San Diego Consistory were afterward instituted in quick succession.
The Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction approved a name change in 1920 giving all four bodies the name “San Diego.”
Sixth and Market Street Temple
As the city of San Diego grew, so did its Masonic community as new lodges were chartered and attracted a growing membership.
By 1910, the Scottish Rite Bodies of San Diego outgrew the building it shared with the International Order of Oddfellows at Sixth and H (now Market) Streets.
In 1912, it moved into its own newly built temple at the northeast corner of Fifth and Ash Streets. By 1941, that temple was noticeably inadequate for supporting the number of lodges and other Masonic organizations using its facilities.
Third and Cedar Street Temple
In 1942, the Scottish Rite moved into a multi-storied building at Third and Cedar Streets (today the California Western School of Law) that was expected to serve San Diego Masonry for years to come.
The 1950’s, however, saw an explosive period of growth and by 1960, the Valley was once again looking for a new and more spacious home.
Mission Valley
In what many would consider a stroke of genius, the Building Committee found a huge, 80-lane bowling complex in Mission Valley that was facing closure and recognized its potential in terms of location and space.
The Cathedral Board authorized the purchase and the building was gutted and remodeled to include three lodge rooms, an auditorium, a large banquet hall and two smaller dining rooms supported by a modern kitchen, office space, and rooms designated for what are today the Albert Pike Library and our Childhood Language Center.
As the years have passed, total membership has waxed and waned like those of other fraternal organizations but the Scottish Rite Valley of San Diego has remained consistently active and its Center has successfully established its reputation as the hub of Masonic activity in the community.
Mission Valley Part II
After a number of changes, the Masonic Center housed six lodges. Various Masonic orders and organizations including youth groups, ladies’ groups, and York Rite bodies used Masonic Center facilities. A number of commercial and Masonic social events occurred throughout the year.
In addition to regular Masonic and commercial activities, the RiteCare® Childhood Language Center became an integral part. It provided professional, one-on-one speech pathology services to its young clienets free of charge.
You can read a complete History of the San Diego Scottish Rite from 1920 until 1990.
Mission Valley Part III
On August 4, 2022, we broke ground for a new Masonic Temple in the heart of San Diego on vacant land owned by the San Diego Scottish Rite that was adjacent to the existing Masonic Temple. The event was attended by Members, state and local Masonic dignitaries, San Diego City officials, and local guests.
The groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by Ill. John Schneidmiller, 33°, the Personal Representative of the Deputy Grand Inspector General of California. The Master of the Ceremony was Ill. Randall Brill, 33°, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California.
You can see the result if you go to The New Building.
Cornerstone Ceremony
The Cornerstone Ceremony was April 30, 2023. A local photographer captured the new building mid-constuction on the day of the Cornerstone Ceremony.
Lined up to march in
Chino Torres leading Grand Master Randy Brill
Hillside re-grading
Lined up to march in
Thanks to Mark Read for this great view!
Photographer/Videographer/Drone Pilot
SteepGrade Productions Vista, CA