WONDER WHAT’S IN THERE?

                        WONDER  WHAT’S  IN  THERE?

                               NORMAN  V.  KELLY

 

I am almost as old as that incredible building situated there at 400 Perry Street in Peoria, Illinois.  I, like so many of you, have driven by this building countless times over the last seven decades.  When I am driving or riding past it I always look over at it, admire it and wonder what is going on in that place.  It says it is a cathedral, does that mean it’s a church?  I have been told by people that think they know everything that it is a church and it is owned by The Masons. Of course the question is who or what is a Mason?  I have no intention of telling you simply because I am not qualified to do so.  Anyway this is not a story about the Masonic folks it is a story about that beautiful building.  That sign facing west says, ‘Scottish Rite Cathedral.’  I mean that’s what they called it…a cathedral…so it must be a church right?  Have you ever thought about turning right on Perry and pulling into their parking lot get out of your car and walk right up to the door?   Should you knock or go right on in?  I bet you thought about that but never had the nerve to do it…right? Well I did just exactly that but I went there by invitation to speak to some members of that fabulous place. I thought that I would give you a little tour and see if it warrants a visit by you.

 

Oh, the members, there are 1,500 of them and they know exactly what people say about them. They watch TV and they have friends that wonder about what they do in there.  They are aware that a lot of people think they are some kind of religious cult, a secretive bunch of men going through all kinds of weird rituals, and that they are people to be feared.  They have heard it all.  Truth is fraternities, boy scouts, private clubs, all kinds of ‘Member’s Only’ clubs have rituals and secrets.  I am telling you that if you want to visit this magnificent building you are more than welcome.  You can have a banquet there, get married or have a reception or a party.  You can stage a big fancy dance and I can guarantee you that there are more make-up chairs and mirrors than you have ever seen in your life.   You and your ‘secret group’ are welcome and in fact they need your business to help them raise money to maintain and up grade their magnificent cathedral.  They have cozy little coves, and a huge auditorium with a massive steam organ that is truly beyond description as to its complexities.  The cafeteria would seat 300 easily and although they prefer you use your own caterer, there is a myriad of ways to accommodate your party, both big and small.  You can have a small or large business meeting there or stage your Christmas party there this year.  It has a lot of small rooms, some kinda dark and scary, a great place to have a Halloween Party.

                       

                    THE  SCOTTISH  RITE  CATHEDRAL

 

They call it a cathedral because it looks like one but it is not a church. Edward Ulysses Henry visited the massive cathedrals of Europe and when he came back to Peoria he knew exactly how he wanted his building to look.  It took some years to build and on January 13, 1925 it was finally dedicated.  It has been standing there majestically for all those years.  At one time there were over 7,000 members but today the roles have shortened to around 1,500.  For all you architectural fans the building has a flying buttress, incredible stained glass and an auditorium that is awesome as the kids love to say.  The beautiful Gothic Cathedral has the interior of an English Great Hall.  On different levels, a balcony and a mezzanine there are just over 1,000 seats.  The organ is extensive with 4,000 connecting pipes to supply the steam power.  It has lounges, a library, card rooms, offices and a lot of stairs…I mean a lot of stairs.   They do have a lift chair but the building needs an elevator to accommodate the older members and the guests that are invited to view the interior of this magnificent architectural wonder.

 

This building can be seen from the interstate and it towers above the skyline like some building from ancient Europe.  It was constructed over a period of almost three years and cost $400,000.00 to complete.  The local builder was Val Jobst and sons, and the parking lot adjacent to the building has space for at least 300 cars.  It is convenient since it is located in the downtown area and easy access and exit to the expressway that runs nearby.  Most Peorians recognize this building as a historical, important building and it would be a shame to see this place deteriorate to a point where it would no longer be viable. The current membership is lessening with each passing year and the money to keep this building in operating order is hard to come by.

 

Believe me, I have been here for 85 years, I know Peoria and Peorians and there are people living here that would not offer one dime to help this building and the current members are not asking for charity.  They have all kinds of programs in force soliciting funds and would welcome any help that they could get. They sponsor a scholarship fund and the building houses the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Peoria, Illinois. What they would ask of you is to consider renting the facilities whenever you have the need.  They are always looking for new members and they are there waiting to answer any questions that you may have as to who they are and what you might gain by joining their organization.

 

Along with the opportunity to rent the place, they want you to come and see the interior.   All of this would have to be coordinated, because they do not have a touring department. The leadership at the Scottish Rite Cathedral want the people here in Peoria to share in their magnificent cathedral.  The fees for each facility are in place and if you call 309-676-4472 a friendly voice will get you to the person you need to talk to. You can see a lot of the building, but most of it will require your ability to climb steps, so keep that in mind.

EDITOR’S  NOTE:  Norm is a Peoria Historian, author and a monthly contributor to ASO.                 norman.kelly@sbcglobal.net