Scottish Rite is one of the variants of Freemasonry. It was very popular during the 1920's, as this building attests. Completed in 1929 at a cost of $2.5 million, it is the largest Scottish Rite Cathedral in the world.

The architect was George E. Schreiber, a member of the organization, who incorporated many of its principles into the design. Every dimension is divisible by three, the number of degrees of Freemasonry, and many of them divisible by 33, the age of Jesus Christ at the time of his crucifixion.

The Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the United States. In addition to the DaVinci Code like symbolism behind its various dimensions, notable features include the 212 foot bell tower containing a 54 bell carillon, and a “floating ballroom” on the second floor that sits on springs.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral was judged one of the world's most beautiful buildings by the International Association of Architects when it opened. The ornate interior of the building is open to the public and guided tours are available. About 100,000 people per year visit the building.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.