As many of my longtime readers know, I like to write about things I have personal story or connection with, and today’s column is one of those examples.
In 2014, after earning the third degree in Freemasonry, I followed my father, grandfather, great grandfather and several uncles by obtaining the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. It was a very special couple of days to be able to participate in the same rituals and ceremonies that three generations of Brown men had done years before.
All of this took place in a large historical limestone building at 700–724 Scott Street in Little Rock, the Albert Pike Memorial Temple. The temple is named for Albert Pike, a prominent figure in the history of Arkansas who played a major role in the establishment of Freemasonry in Arkansas and the U.S. In fact, Pike, a former Confederate general, attorney and teacher, is the only Confederate with a statue erected in his honor in our nation’s capital.
As a Freemason, I can tell you that every masonic lodge I’ve visited in Arkansas has paintings of two men prominently displayed — President George Washington (“The Father of American Freemasonry”) and Albert Pike. So yes, in Masonry, Albert Pike’s a big deal.
Freemasonry was first brought into what is now Arkansas in the early 1800s. Many members of the fraternity have served as important figures in the state’s history by becoming governors, representatives, judges, Supreme Court justices and prominent businessmen.
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry was introduced in Arkansas by Boston native Albert Pike, who settled in Arkansas in the 1830s. Pike became a Freemason in 1850, and in 1858, he was elected to the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the United States. In 1859, Pike became the Grand Commander of the Supreme Council.
Pike is probably most notable for his book, “Morals and Dogmas of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.” The book — lengthy and complex — is considered a reference for the fraternity. After I became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason, I was given a beautifully bound copy of "Morals and Dogma," along with the “Cliff’s Notes” version to help understand Pike’s writings. The substance of masonic degrees 4-32 comes from Pike’s book.
The Albert Pike Memorial Temple is not only the headquarters of the Scottish Rite in Arkansas, but it's also home to the offices of the governing body of Freemasonry in Arkansas and the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. The current structure was built to replace the original masonic temple in the state capitol at 5th and Main streets. That building was destroyed by fire in 1919.
In its current form, the Albert Pike Memorial Temple was completed in 1924 and dedicated in May of that year. Unfortunately, on May 7, 1952, another fire destroyed part of the building. The rebuilt temple was completed in September 1956.
The building covers an entire block from 7th to 8th streets. Two sculptures featuring double-headed eagles — the most recognized symbol of the Scottish Rite — stand in front of the temple’s entrance on Scott Street.
Inside the building, on the first floor, are dining rooms, an industrial size kitchen and staff offices. On the second floor are the auditorium and library. The exterior of the building features Bedford limestone. In the northeastern corner is a cornerstone made from a block of Batesville marble. On it is chiseled the date of the laying of the cornerstone and the names of the members of the 1924 board of trustees.
For those interested, the Albert Pike Memorial Temple is open to the public during the week. The building’s auditorium and other facilities are now available to non-Masons and non-Masonic organizations for events. For more information, contact (501) 375-5587.
And as someone who has been all over this building, I can promise you there are no hidden treasure maps or a book of secrets — at least that I can tell you about.
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