The Foundation’s Purpose 

The Oakland Scottish Rite Historical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeks to maintain and preserve the Oakland Scottish Rite Temple’s historic architecture and local history. It also aims to display and interpret the Masonic material culture within the Scottish Rite Valley of Oakland’s archive and library.  

The Valley and its Temple

Since 1883, the Valley of the Oakland Scottish Rite has been one of the city’s leading organizations. As a popular institution of civic engagement and charitable aims, its membership rosters have included notable local individuals such as Supreme Court Justice and California Governor Earl Warren, Oakland Mayor and California Governor George Pardee, and US Representative and Oakland Tribune publisher Joseph Knowland. The building has hosted numerous community events, concerts, and an impressive array of important historical figures, such as former politicians, civic leaders, and many others. 

Designed by California-based architect Carl Werner (1875—1943), the Oakland Scottish Rite Temple was completed in 1927 and is one of Oakland’s most iconic historic buildings. The pillared structure stands prominently over Lake Merritt, a recognizable landmark on Oakland’s skyline for ninety-five years. Its 1936 Art Deco façade and iron doors are decorated with mysterious and striking Masonic symbols. The temple’s lavish interior rooms, auditorium, and ballroom are distinguished by their ornate Beaux-Arts design. In addition to the building’s exquisite architecture, fascinating history, and membership, the temple features an impressive public research library and museum dedicated to the history of the organization. Visitors may experience first-hand Freemasonry’s rich local, statewide, and international history through exhibits and tours.

Contact:

Adam Kendall 

Executive Director 

Email: akendall@scottish-rite.org