Today in Wheeling History: March 5--The first Scottish Rite Cathedral, located at the corner of 14th and Byron Streets in Wheeling, West Virginia, was destroyed by a fire (1915).
The Scottish Rite Cathedral in Wheeling, West Virginia, has a rich history dating back to 1908, when the first cathedral was built on the corner of 14th and Byron Streets. Tragically, this initial building was destroyed by a fire on March 5, 1915. Undeterred, the Masonic community erected a second Cathedral building on the same grounds in 1916, designed by Wheeling architect Frederick F. Faris. Over the decades, the Scottish Rite Cathedral served as a hub for Masonic activities and community engagement, fostering personal growth, enlightenment, and fraternity.
In 2020, Roxby Development acquired the property through a seller-financed promissory note, with plans to renovate and revitalize the historic building while allowing the Scottish Rite to continue utilizing portions of it. Renovations began in 2021, and the cathedral opened its doors to the public for special events, concerts, and community gatherings. However, Roxby Development faced financial difficulties, failing to meet payroll and owing money to various creditors. In June 2023, a trustee's sale was held, and the Scottish Rite Cathedral was returned to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry of the City of Wheeling after Roxby defaulted on the terms of the deed of trust. The future of the historic building now lies in the hands of the Scottish Rite, who may seek a new partnership or potentially sell the property.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/yc7e3jzb) (https://tinyurl.com/5n6wa5v4) (https://tinyurl.com/2un3a3b4) (https://tinyurl.com/56en6fj6)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Drypignment.net
The Scottish Rite Cathedral in Wheeling, West Virginia, has a rich history dating back to 1908, when the first cathedral was built on the corner of 14th and Byron Streets. Tragically, this initial building was destroyed by a fire on March 5, 1915. Undeterred, the Masonic community erected a second Cathedral building on the same grounds in 1916, designed by Wheeling architect Frederick F. Faris. Over the decades, the Scottish Rite Cathedral served as a hub for Masonic activities and community engagement, fostering personal growth, enlightenment, and fraternity.
In 2020, Roxby Development acquired the property through a seller-financed promissory note, with plans to renovate and revitalize the historic building while allowing the Scottish Rite to continue utilizing portions of it. Renovations began in 2021, and the cathedral opened its doors to the public for special events, concerts, and community gatherings. However, Roxby Development faced financial difficulties, failing to meet payroll and owing money to various creditors. In June 2023, a trustee's sale was held, and the Scottish Rite Cathedral was returned to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry of the City of Wheeling after Roxby defaulted on the terms of the deed of trust. The future of the historic building now lies in the hands of the Scottish Rite, who may seek a new partnership or potentially sell the property.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/yc7e3jzb) (https://tinyurl.com/5n6wa5v4) (https://tinyurl.com/2un3a3b4) (https://tinyurl.com/56en6fj6)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Drypignment.net
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