Past Temples
Albert Pike Cathedral
1896 - 1902
The Albert Pike Cathedral was originally a Jewish synagogue that was located on the corner of 3rd and Center Streets. The synagogue was the first building in the world to be used exclusively to be used by the Scottish Rite. The first reunion in this building was held in October 6th-9th in 1896. In just six short years the Scottish Rite in Arkansas was busting at the seams and needed more space. Plans for a new Albert Pike Consistory were put into motion.
Albert Pike Consistory
1902 - 1913
A lot on the corners of 8th and Scott Streets was purchased while still meeting in the Albert Pike Cathedral, this site would prove to be the home of the Scottish Rite for the next 100 years. In 1902, the Scottish Rite in Arkansas dedicated a new building to be known as the Albert Pike Consistory. This was the first Scottish Rite temple in the world and it was so magnificent it was dubbed "The Gem of the Southern Jurisdiction."
The Second Albert Pike Consistory
1913 - 1924
In just ten year after the first consistory, the Scottish Rite in Arkansas was still booming and had already outgrown the consistory building. The Scottish Rite had purchased the adjoining lots and it was obvious that another expansion was necessary. So in 1913, the second the Albert Pike Consistory was dedicated as the new home of the Scottish Rite in Arkansas. Although this building was built to house the Scottish Rite for many years, it was not to be, it was again time to expand.
Albert Pike Memorial Temple
1924 - Present
Now in the roaring 20s, fraternalism was still surging and the Scottish Rite in Arkansas was still bringing men in by the hundreds. Just eleven years after the Second Consistory was dedicated, there was another need for more space. This time plans were drawn up for an edifice so beautiful and so massive, that it would be the headquarters for Freemasonry in Arkansas. The Albert Pike Memorial Temple would not only house the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, two blue lodges, and the Grand Lodge would now call it home as well. Our beautiful temple still stands as a symbol of Freemasonry and it remains our Scottish Rite home to this day.
Fort Smith Masonic Temple
1929 - 2015
The Fort Smith Masonic Temple, a historic landmark that opened its doors in 1929, was one of the final projects overseen by SGIG Charles E. Rosenbaum. Spanning approximately 53,000 square feet across four stories, the Bedford Stone structure housed three expansive banquet halls, a commercial kitchen in the basement, and a grand auditorium with seating for 1,100 people. Placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1992, the temple sadly transitioned from its original purpose in 2015 when it was sold and transformed into a concert and wedding venue, marking the end of an era that once saw it as the home of the Valley of Western Arkansas and two Masonic lodges.