Salt Lake Masonic Temple - Features

Features

The Salt Lake Masonic Temple has been considered Salt Lake’s best example of Egyptian Revival architecture. The Egyptian motif was chosen for several reasons: 1. the Egyptian style was the height of fashion at the time; 2. existing Temples largely followed elements of the classical orders of architecture, so the Egyptian motif would ensure a unique Masonic experience; and 3. it provided ample opportunity to incorporate Masonic symbols without disclosing their presences or disrupting the visual harmony of the edifice.

The exterior of the Temple is composed of "Temple Brick", a brick face specifically designed for the Salt Lake Masonic Temple, that subsequently became a popular decorative architectural element.

Light is perhaps the most significant symbol of Freemasonry, and the architect incorporated many Egypyian references to Light into the design of the Temple. Allusions to the Egyptian god Horus (then considered by Egyptologists to be a god of Light) occupy much of the building, including the cornice at the main entrance. There are three entrances to the Temple, alluding to the three Lights of a Masonic Lodge. The main entrance from the north of the building; as north is deemed a place of darkness in Masonic ritual, hence those coming through the front door are traveling toward light.

The funerary ramp located west of the main entrance is surmounted by a scarab, the Egyptian symbol of resurrection and immortality, and together with the seven acacia flanking the ramp allude to Masonic belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.

The main entrance is approached by a staircase of three flights respectively consisting of three, five, seven and nine steps. The staircase is flanked by two sphinxes. Each sphinx holds a single sphere, one celestial, one terrestrial, and each is arranged to contemplate its sphere.