The Austin Scottish Rite Temple

The Austin Scottish Rite Temple and Theatre was constructed in 1871. The 19th-century-style architecture provides a stark contrast to the modern office buildings located nearby in Austin's historic capital district.

The building was constructed by a German social organization called Turn Verein. It came to be known as Turner Hall, (an Americanization of the German name), and, when it opened, was proclaimed "the finest stage and hall in the state."

1872 Advertisement for Turner Hall

Austin Scottish Rite street sign

The Scottish Rite sign, located on the corner at the intersection of 18th Street and Lavaca is seen by tens of thousands of people each week.

As visitors enter the temple from the 18th street entrance, one of the first things they see is the historical plaque mounted next to the door.

Historical plaque at the Austin Scottish Rite

The Hall of Masonic Heroes

Upon entering the building, the first room you see is the Hall of Masonic Heroes. This room honors the many Masons who played an important role in Texas' War of Independence, and the Republic of Texas. One of them is Colonel William B. Travis, a Freemason who was in command of a force of 200 "Texicans" who perished at the Alamo. Another is Anson Jones, who would become the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas: Brother Jones was issued a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana to create Holland Lodge, the first lodge in Texas. He carried that dispensation in his saddlebag during the battle of San Jacinto at which Texas won its independence from Mexico.

One of the men we pay tribute to in the Hall of Heroes is Sam Houston, first President of the Republic of Texas

Sam Houston

George Washington

A bust of George Washington is proudly displayed in the Hall of Masonic Heroes.

As you look down the hallway from the Hall of Heroes, you can see the temple's main waiting room.

The view from the Hall of Heroes.

Waiting Room

A comfortable waiting room is available for Scottish Rite members and their guests before and after a meeting.

A small statue of a cowboy on horseback reminds us that Texas was once a part of the Old West.

Curtain with symbol of double-headed eagle A closer view of the curtain

The Austin Scottish Rite Theatre can seat several hundred people, and is where the Scottish Rite meetings and ceremonies take place. Several hand-painted backdrops and curtains are used during those ceremonies. These curtains, which date back to the early 1900s, were originally used at the Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

This exquisite backdrop is used during the Scottish Rite initiation ceremonies.

Another hand-painted curtain

Stained glass

This stained-glass window is 85 years old.