Scottish Rite Cathedral, Pasadena

The Scottish Rite Cathedral in Pasadena, California, is a striking architectural landmark built in 1925. It exemplifies the Moderne and Zig Zag Moderne styles, which were avant-garde for the time, showcasing features such as guardian sphinxes at its entrance. This building is not just an architectural feat but also a piece of social history, closely linked to the Scottish Rite, an appendant body of Freemasonry.

Designed by architects Joseph J. Blick and W.C. Crowell, the cathedral cost approximately $300,000 and was celebrated for its lavish furnishings. It was officially dedicated on February 18, 1925, in a grand ceremony attended by around 1700 high-degree Masons and their families. Joseph Blick, known for his contributions to residential architecture in Pasadena, marked a significant achievement with this project.

Despite its historical and architectural significance, the building was not listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the owner's objection, although it was deemed eligible in 1984. This cathedral continues to serve the Scottish Rite organization and is a venue for various events, including musical and dramatic performances.

Adding to its mystique, the steps of the Scottish Rite Cathedral were the scene of an unsolved 1930s murder. Leonard Seiver, a well-known dentist and playboy, was fatally shot near the sphinxes. Despite extensive investigations involving the questioning of 700 young men, the murderer was never apprehended.

Today, the cathedral remains a prominent fixture in Pasadena, reflecting both the grandeur and the intriguing history of its time.