Scottish Rite Cathedral, Masonic temple in Shreveport, Louisiana
The Scottish Rite Cathedral sits on Cotton Street and features a three-story auditorium with twin marble staircases designed in the Beaux Arts style. Inside are a banquet hall, a masonic library, and various spaces used for community events and offices.
The structure was completed in 1917 by architect Edward F. Neild and marked a major architectural addition to Shreveport. The substantial construction cost at that time reflected the financial strength of the local Masonic lodge in the early 1900s.
The building functions as a gathering place for Masonic members and houses a speech clinic that serves local children free of charge. This dual purpose reflects how the institution has stayed rooted in community life over the decades.
The building sits on a main street and is easy to locate with clearly defined spaces for different functions throughout. It is helpful to call ahead if you want to see specific areas, as certain spaces may be reserved for events.
Architect Neild went on to work on notable national projects including renovations of the White House and the Truman Memorial Library in Missouri. His work on this local temple showed the skills that would later take him to major government commissions.
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