floor between the office of the Scottish Rite Journal and the office of the Director of Development, the Hall is an educational and inspirational highlight for many visitors touring the House of the Temple. It consists of 36 original oil paintings by Bro. Robert H. White, 32°.
Brother White has won plaudits throughout his career as an artist from many notable art critics. Martin Amt, Curator of the Freer Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, for instance, said: "He is one of the relatively few painters in this country who continues to maintain the traditions of the past and has my whole-hearted endorsement of his talent as a painter."
Among members of the Scottish Rite, Brother White is well known for his 1989 painting "Time for Lodge." This was the first of the series of original oil paintings commissioned by the Supreme Council, 33°. Its success, both as a painting and as an art print, encouraged the Supreme Council to commission "The Lodge Room Over Simpkins' Store" by Robert Soulé for the 1991 Biennial Session and "George Washington Laying the Cornerstone of the U. S. Capitol, Sept. 18, 1793" and 1999's "George Washington's Inauguration as the 1st President of the United States," by Brother John D. Melius, 33°, for the 1993 Biennial Session. In fact, Brother White completed another major oil painting, "Tools of the Craft," released by the Supreme Council as part of the celebration of the 1997 Biennial Session.
The concept behind the Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia was for Bro. White to create an artistic and ultra-realistic still life of the various elements (apron, cap, cordon, baldric, jewel, ring, gloves, etc.) of each of the Scottish Rite Degrees (4th through 33rd), including the honors of the Knight Commander Court of Honour and the Grand Cross. Also, for historical purposes only, paintings of the aprons for the first three Scottish Rite Degrees, as envisioned by Albert Pike, were also created. Brethren, unfortunately, seldom see some of the regalia associated with the non-obligatory Degrees. By having this regalia accurately and beautifully presented in the Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia, there is now a permanent, impressive record of these Masonic elements available via the paintings themselves to visitors to the House of the Temple and via color photographic reproductions on a special order basis to Brethren everywhere.
Custom cove lighting, modeled after that in the Temple Architects Hall of Honor, was installed in the Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia so that each painting is individually and dramatically illuminated. In addition, a bronze plaque placed under each painting in the Hall indicates the number of the Degree, its title, and a brief statement of its duties. Finally, a self-portrait by Brother White has been placed in the Hall as a recognition of his dedication to the Rite and to this special project.
The Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia accomplishes at least four goals. It is a significant addition to the House of the Temple as a museum, a magnificent tribute to the material culture of our Order, an educational medium whereby Brethren can gain instruction on the symbolic and historical roots of the Scottish Rite, and an inspiration for us all to live by the duties of each Degree.
Self-Portrait by Bro. Robert H. White, 32°, Artist
Go to the Hall of Honor |
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