Scottish Rite Cathedral celebrates 100 years open, looks back on evolution

The Scottish Rite Cathedral is celebrating a century of being a key part of the New Castle skyline. The landmark was originally built as a place for masonic groups to meet but has modernized over the years as a place for all.

Back in 1925, masonries built it from the ground up, pulling each pillar up steep Pennsylvania hills by dollies, creating a place large enough for all masonic groups to come together.

“It still has a magnificent presence when you look upon the north hill...That's why it's so majestic,” Janet Falotico, the Chairperson of the Cathedral’s 100 year Anniversary Committee said.  

The historic building originally welcomed only members as a place for fellowship. Over time community members were slowly allowed in, some just for tours but then becoming in awe of the detail.

“I remember as a child coming here back in the 50’s and I was mesmerized by the building… here it is 60 some years later I’m still mesmerized,” Rob Cummings, the Vice President of the Scottish Rite Cathedral Board said. 

Still holding masonic ceremonies today, the cathedral is also known as a hub for the county hosting weddings, graduations, bingo nights and even housing the Children's Dyslexia Center for Western Pennsylvania. 

“I think that's now showing you how they want to embody and bring in the public and do more to make this a wonderful place that the city of New Castle or the County of Lawrence can actually say ‘I live here, this is my place, that's my cathedral,’ ” Falotico said. 

The cathedral has several anniversary celebrations planned for the next year. Saturday, June 14 they will be having tours of their revamped museum and will be opening a time capsule for 1925.