Scottish Rite Cathedral
Why it's listed
Completed in 1924 on Avenue E at the edge of San Antonio's downtown, this Classical Revival Masonic temple rises 5 1/2 stories at its highest point. Its stone walls carry terra cotta ornament, and a colonnade of eight Corinthian columns marks the main facade. The massive bronze entry doors, sculpted by Pompeo Coppini, include more than 50 figures. Inside are a marble Grand Hall, a 2,200-seat auditorium with a large Moller pipe organ, a lodge room and a basement banquet hall. Herbert M. Greene prepared the plans, while Ralph H. Cameron supervised construction and contributed much of the interior design. The building is described as the largest and most extravagant Masonic temple in Texas and has served as the center of Scottish Rite and York Rite Masonry in San Antonio and South Texas. It was recognized for its architecture at the state level and for its role in social history at the local level. Several Masonic bodies still meet there, and it is also used for performances.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it one of the most successful Classical Revival buildings in San Antonio and the largest, most extravagant Masonic temple in Texas. It is an exceptional example of the work of Greene, Cameron and sculptor Pompeo Coppini. It has been the hub of Scottish Rite and York Rite Masonry in San Antonio and South Texas since 1924.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 96000068, listed February 16, 1996. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 308 Ave. E, San Antonio |
|---|---|
| County | Bexar County |
| Listed | February 16, 1996 |
| Reference number | 96000068 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1924-1945 |
| Architect / builder | Greene, Herbert M.; Cameron, Ralph H. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals: Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still used as a meeting hall and auditorium, and also as a performing arts venue, library and museum; exterior remains as originally built. |
| Acreage | 1.5 |
| Coordinates | 29.42771, -98.48730 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 96000068.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7437954
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.