This tour, as part of our new “Get to Know Your Town” series, will explore the history and the architecture of the Scottish Rite Temple.

The Scottish Rite Masonic Center, built in 1911–12, is a significant example of the Spanish Moorish Revival Style in Santa Fe. The largest fraternal society in the United States was the Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons. The Scottish Rite, a division of the organization, came to New Mexico with members of the US Army in the 1850s. The membership totaled 256 by 1909 and needed a center to support the ritual activities necessary to advance within the order and foster the spiritual and moral lessons of Masonry. The membership selected the Los Angeles–based firm of Sumner Hunt and Silas Reese Burns, who offered a California Mission Style Revival design with Moorish influence, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Today, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center continues as a Masonic facility, with membership drawn from across the state of New Mexico.

 From Old Santa Fe Today, 5th edition by Audra Bellmore with photographs by Simone Frances.