As is true of life itself, a man's Masonic career is a continuing search for more and more light. In recognition of this, the architect uses light to lead us through the building toward the Temple Room itself. Following the light up the great staircase in the apse, we come to one of the most famous quotations from Albert Pike, who served as Grand Commander from 1859 to 1891 and gave the Scottish Rite its present form.

The marble staircase leads in a great sweep from the Atrium to the Temple Room itself. On the middle landing is a bronze bust of Albert Pike. Carved into the stone above it are perhaps his most famous words: "What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us: What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."