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    The first preliminary meeting for the organization of Scottish Rite in  Sacramento, California occurred on August 7, 1867 when thirteen Brethren, recognized by each other as 32nd Degree Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons in good standing, assembled at the new Masonic Hall at 6th and K Streets for the purpose of taking necessary steps for the establishment of a Lodge of Perfection. At that meeting a petition for charter to Ebenezer Hamilton Shaw, Illustrious Inspector General for California was prepared, approved and signed by those present and Illustrious Shaw being present at the meeting was pleased to grant the prayer of the petitions and there and then opened a Lodge of Perfection.     This Lodge known as Palestine Lodge of Perfection #3 had few meetings during the next several years and finally the Charter of Palestine Lodge of Perfection was revoked on January 15, 1874 due to inactivity. Scottish Rite was revived in Sacramento in 1895 and the first recorded regular meeting of the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies as we know them today was held on April 3, 1895 at the Masonic Hall at 6th and K Streets. Edmund C. Atkinson was the first Venerable Master. Sacramento Chapter of Rose Croix was instituted on January 19, 1901. Sacramento Council #5 Knights Kadosh was instituted on February 28, 1903 when a class of twenty candidates received the degrees. Ellis Franklin was elected Charter Preceptor. Sacramento Consistory was instituted on March 17, 1905 with twenty-nine charter members.     The successful formation of all Bodies of the Rite by 1905 marked the most important aspect of the organization for the first decade of the new century. They all continued to grow steadily though not heavily, in membership. At a meeting on June 20, 1905 Professor E. C. Atkinson the first Master of Kadosh of the Consistory stated that Inspector General Pierce had granted the Sacramento Scottish Rite a jurisdiction of twenty miles from and around Sacramento.      It is evident that the establishment of a Relief Fund was an early project of the founding fathers as it was reported at the meeting of May 15, 1906, that $1,200 had been furnished by the small membership for the relief of the distressed occasioned by the San Francisco fire and earthquake which took place during the month of April that year. The annual returns of 1910 showed a total of 132 members.     The decade from 1910-1920 from a historical standpoint was the period of expansion. Reunion classes became common and with the growth in membership came the formulation of plans for the acquisition of property, construction and occupancy of a Scottish Rite Temple. The first recorded discussion took place in 1908. In 1910 a committee was  appointed to look into the advisability of buying a lot on L Street for the exclusive use of the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies. A short time later a lot at 28th and L Streets was purchased for $13,000.00 Articles of incorporation under the name of the Scottish Rite Cathedral Association were drawn up in 1911 and $5,000.00 set aside by the Bodies for the building fund.      Work on the Temple which was to cost $135,000 for the building itself, and $30,000 for the scenery and fixtures to be installed was begun and the formal ceremonies of laying the cornerstone were held on May 27, 1916. The first meeting in the new building was held on May 15, 1917.  The Sacramento Bodies occupied the 28th and L Temple until the fall of 1958 when fire of unknown origin destroyed the building.     From 1959 to 1965 regular Scottish Rite meetings were held in the Masonic Temple at 12th and J Streets and Classes and Reunions were held at Governors Hall on the grounds of the California State Fair and Exposition. The present Scottish Rite Masonic Center was first occupied in 1965. Two additions to the 1965 structure have been made. In 1970 the Lester G. Bruno Memorial Wing was added to the existing facility and in 1986 a new administrative wing was added to make room for the Sacramento Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders which first opened its doors in 1987.     Why Scottish Rite? The degrees of the Scottish Rite are dramatic presentations staged with costume, scenery, special effects and music to convey and expand the lessons of Freemasonry. The degrees examine different philosophies, ancient religions, morality and ethics and endeavor to provide answers to universal questions which men of all ages have attempted to discover.  The Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry from the Fourth through the Thirty- second are a liberal education leading to the discovery of the Royal Secret. The Scottish Rite Degrees put into picturesque but explicit language the civic and social ideals implicit in the Blue Lodge degrees.     Freemasonry is a compelling and conquering spiritual force and the reason are revealed in the Scottish Rite Degrees. The Scottish Rite makes application of the doctrines of Freemasonry to every realm of human activity. The Master Mason is taught to put into practice in his personal life and thought the lessons learned in the Blue Lodge. The Sacramento Scottish Rite offers: • The Scottish Rite Masonic Center, a beautiful facility on nine acres seating 1400 people theatre style and 700 for banquets. A premier venue located opposite California State University Sacramento in one of Sacramento's most beautiful and prestigious areas. • Professional Stage, sound and lights. • The Lester G. Bruno Memorial Room, a Lodge room which will accommodate up to 400. • The C. E. Spilman Memorial Library, on of the finest Masonic Libraries in Northern California. • On site free parking for over 500 vehicles. • The Sacramento Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders offering speech, language, learning services to children and adolescents with speech language or learning disabilities at no charge. • Outstanding monthly programs of current interest or entertainment. • Opportunities for leadership and service. • Two annual golf tournaments. • Travel program. • Nine Scottish rite Clubs in strategic location in the 22 county service area of the Valley of Sacramento. (1)    Bibliography Sources        1.  E-mail: Ill:. Michael L. Sellick, 33 o , General      Secretary, Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies.