McAlester Scottish Rite Temple

The McAlester Scottish Rite Temple is a Masonic temple in McAlester, Oklahoma, distinguished by its white stone and buff brick exterior. The building is crowned by a large illuminated sphere on the roof and features massive stage sets inside.

The temple was built between 1907 and 1930, representing the architectural expansion of Freemasonry in the early 20th century. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 recognized its place in American architectural history.

The temple serves as a gathering place for Freemasons and houses one of the largest stages in the Southern Jurisdiction, where ceremonies and events take place. Visitors can see the hand-painted backdrops that define the interior and reflect considerable craftsmanship.

The building is located in downtown McAlester and is easy to reach, with parking available nearby. Tours are offered that allow visitors to see the impressive interiors, so it's helpful to check ahead about when access is available.

The temple museum preserves costumes from the film 'The Ten Commandments', an unexpected connection between cinema and Masonic tradition. This film memorabilia sits alongside ceremonial objects, creating an unusual blend of entertainment history and lodge heritage.