This monumental building in the nation’s capital has been the headquarters of The Supreme Council since 1915. The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia laid the cornerstone in 1911. Designed by the distinguished architect John Russell Pope, the building is an adaptation of the famous Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World."
In this magnificent building there are impressive ceremonial rooms and office suites of the Sovereign Grand Commander, the Grand Executive Director, and the Scottish Rite Journal, as well as the Archives, Museums, and Library of The Supreme Council. Special display areas include the Cornerstone Hall of Freedom, the Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia, the Temple Architects Hall of Honor, the Pillars of Charity Alcove. It is not surprising then that the House of the Temple is of great interest to the many visitors who are shown through the building each weekday and, by special arrangement for groups, on weekends. More than $2 million was spent in 1915 to build and furnish this beautiful Temple. Today, it is valued at many millions more, and a continual program, funded by annual contributions inspired by a beautiful picture calendar received by all members, maintains and improves the House of Temple so that it meets modern needs while preserving its architectural heritage in pristine condition. Every two years the past converges with the present as The Supreme Council convenes in Biennial Session. The incomparable Temple Room, the stately Executive Chamber, and the many other rooms of the spacious Temple provide an extraordinary atmosphere for the Session’s important reports, celebrations, discussions, decisions, and actions.
This foundation, established under federal regulations as a public foundation, is authorized to take and hold under bequest, devise, gift, purchase or lease, either absolutely or in trust, any property, real or personal. Donations to the foundation will be used towards the maintenance and historic preservation of the House of the Temple, the priceless museum and the administrative headquarters of The Supreme Council, 33°. This historic landmark was designed by the famous American architect John Russell Pope and dedicated on October 18, 1915. The primary objective of the foundation is to preserve the House of the Temple as one of the greatest architectural wonders of Freemasonry.
The foundation has tax exempt status under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). Therefore, contributions to the foundation under gifts and bequests are deductible for federal income tax purposes as well as for federal estates tax and state inheritance and gift tax purposes. Gifts and bequests should be designated as follows:
We invite correspondence with those who are interested in making donations to the foundation and who desire further information.
C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, President
H. Douglas Lemons, 33°, Vice President
William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Secretary
David Kruger, 33°, Assistant Secretary
All of the rooms and collections described in this booklet are open to the public for tours from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The full tour takes about two hours. Group tours of 25 or more, available on weekdays and weekends, may be arranged in advance by contacting the Grand Executive Director, 1733 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103 (Tel. 202–232–3579.)
"The House of the Temple" slide-tape set, containing more than 100 beautiful color 35mm. slides, carousel, and audiotape, along with a copy of the dialogue, is available from The Supreme Council for $100.00. Also, a videotape tour of the building is available for $10.00 (including shipping and handling). This website also contains an interesting and informative virtual tour of the Temple as well as other Masonic information.
