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Cathedral included on National Register of Historic Places
A celebration and concert are planned for May 29.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — The Scottish Rite Cathedral has made history.
The landmark structure has been accepted for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that will improve tourism and funding opportunities, according to a facility official.
The Cathedral Foundation, which owns and operates the building, was notified several months ago that its application has been approved.
Now, the Foundation is ready to celebrate. It is inviting the community to a gala event May 29 that will be highlighted by a Glenn Miller Orchestra concert.
The application process for the historic designation took well over two years, said Richard Sbarro, events coordinator. It culminated in a letter of acceptance that was received in December.
Sbarro said the long process was nerve-wracking at times.
“The first step was to invite William Callahan of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to tour our facility, as all applications must first go through the state for approval,” said Sbarro. “Mr. Callahan was pleased with the architecture of the building and the fact that it has been kept in great shape and we have strived to keep it true to its original condition.”
The cathedral worked with architect Michael Eversmeyer, who specializes in historic structures, to document and categorize the building’s many unique details which make it worthy for consideration by the National Register. With his help, an application was then sent to the state.
“The state sent inquiries back, asking for more information and details,” said Sbarro. “This back and forth took a few months. Finally we got the good news that the state had approved our application. The next step was to pass it along to the U.S. Department of the Interior for final approval. The board that reviews the applications only meets a few times a year, so again, a nervous waiting game. But lo and behold, a letter came to us [from the Department of the Interior] in December!”
The Interior department has installed a plaque at the building that announces its status with the National Register.
The Cathedral Foundation, which operates the building, hopes the new designation will increase tours of the Cathedral. Sbarro also said the recognition will encourage the community to support the building and will also open up new funding sources from both private foundations and government agencies.
The monolithic Cathedral building houses a 2,800-seat acoustically sound auditorium, a ballroom and other rooms for gatherings. The exterior of the white stone building is marked by its large arched windows. Its dimensions are 244 feet by 181 feet and it reaches a height of 110 feet. Six 32-foot stone columns grace the front of the building, which encloses nearly three million square feet.
The building’s story begins in 1926, when construction began. It was built as a meeting place for members of Scottish Rite, an organization affiliated with the Freemasons.
During the Depression, the building was lost to the county for unpaid back taxes. In 1944, a group of citizens formed the Cathedral Foundation to acquire it from the county. The foundation has maintained and managed the building to this day.
The Cathedral today is used as a rental facility for many purposes. It has spaces for small parties and large functions for up to 1,000 people. It has a wedding chapel and a full-service caterer, which permits weddings and receptions to be held in one building.
For the last eight years, the auditorium has hosted a three-concert series by the world-renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Other regular events include high school graduation ceremonies, proms, theater and performances by the New Castle Regional Ballet.
The 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center for Children is also located in the Cathedral.