Completed in 1927 and situated on the western banks of Lake Merritt, the Oakland Scottish Rite Temple is one of Oakland’s most iconic landmarks. Home to fraternal and public events, the temple is evocative of Oakland’s 1920s–1930s building boom. For example, the era’s rapidly changing architectural styles were displayed in succession on the building’s façade, which was resurfaced from 1936 to 1938 from Beaux-Arts neoclassical to an Greek-influenced Art Deco style.

Although Craft Freemasonry in California was established in 1849, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is one of many expressions of this international fraternity. The “Scottish Rite,” with its luxurious and elaborate degrees focusing on the historical journey of humanity’s search for wisdom and social harmony, came to the state in 1861 and began its activity in Oakland in 1883. Its members were some of the leading personalities in the town, the state, and the nation.

The Lakeside Drive temple is the fourth building to house the fraternal, social, and benevolent activities of the Oakland Scottish Rite. Each has been an Oakland landmark, reflecting the interests and aesthetics of the growing city.

This page will highlight the Oakland Scottish Rite’s civic history, expressed within its building’s glorious architectural flourishes, its community involvement, and the vibrant artifacts and books contained within its public research library. It will also celebrate the historical contributions of this unique community in Oakland, the San Francisco Bay, and beyond.

After the long years of COVID-19 isolation, we are excited to reconnect with our dear Oakland residents and celebrate our vision for a new future of arts, music, and education.