Our legacy

Our Legacy

Our Scottish Rite facility has long been considered a distinguished landmark in the Milwaukee and southeastern portion of Wisconsin. Built in 1889 as the Plymouth Congregational Church, its design included three of the City of Milwaukee's most prominent architects of the period, Edward T. Mix, and the architectural firm of Leenhouts and Guthrie. Prior to this present remodeling, our building has undergone two major remodelings in becoming today's Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center.

The Plymouth Congregational Church, which opened in 1889, became the home for Scottish Rite Masons of Wisconsin in September 1912. This was primarily due to an expanding residential population of Milwaukee's Upper East Side which necessitated a move for the church. Accordingly, the relatively new church building was put on the market. By coincidence, the Scottish Rite Masons had been searching for such a building and, in 1912, obtained the church for $40,000. Leenhouts and Guthrie Architects prepared theBrass Plate conversion plans.

The original Romanesque style of brick trimmed with rock-faced limestone and the massive corner tower which was capped with a slate-covered conical roof were all kept in place. The architects matched the outside by staining the new brick to match the color of the adjacent weathered walls. Interior modifications were made and all interior paint finishes and wood stains were applied to match those of the original sections. Additionally, a large stage and meeting room were added on a 40-foot lot which the Scottish Rite purchased just south of the church.

Within 10 years, the Scottish Rite members considered this building inadequate and in need of repairs which would require reconstruction of the whole building at a prohibitive cost. A committee determined it would be more expedient to build a new facility. Plans went ahead for this new building and the membership purchased a lot near the lake on Juneau Avenue. The newly planned cathedral was announced and for the next eight years enthusiasm built towards the goal of a $1 million building. However, this enthusiasm was sobered due to the Depression of the early 1930s. Because of this, the membership realized that the erection of a new facility was beyond reason.

However, the need for more space persisted so the original plans were ultimately scraped and it was decided to remodel the existing building. In May 1936, plans were made to do a major renovation and to build another 40-foot addition to the south. Herbert W. Tullgren, 32° was the architect who helped to create this renovated facility with the goal of keeping the cost under $350,000.

The detailed design preserved the building’s integrity by retaining the exterior walls, covering them with limestone, and by using the original window openings which greatly reduced this renovation's expense. However, the old roof was removed and replaced with dormers added to the mansard-type sloped portions.

Life-sized sculptures representing monks, Rose Croix wardens and bishops, Knights of St. Andrew, and the Teutonic Knights still decorate the corner tower. This work was done by Adolph Rogner in 1936. The familiar Scottish Rite two-headed eagle and other Masonic symbols are seen throughout the exterior and interior stone, stained glass, and ornamental designed plaster. This ornamental designed plasterwork was done by Bart Bastiani, 32°.

A lavish interior of room paneling, beam works, carved wood, ornamental designed plaster, antique furniture, elaborate lighting fixtures and a spectacular collection of paintings were included with the renovation plans and are maintained to this day.

This 1936 building renovation greatly pleased the Scottish Rite membership and made it a sound and serviceable building. The integrity of the building design has been kept looking new by the high standard of maintenance programs throughout the subsequent years.

Today, we serve as a landmark for community leadership through our programs in education, the arts and historic preservation.