Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/18929
NOVEMBER 2010 THE BEST OF LONG BEACH 56 WRIT TEN BY KEVIN HUNTER Sights of the City Looking for a permanent indoor facility and home for local Scottish Rites Freemasons to congregate and fellowship, the Scottish Rite Cathedral on the northwest corner of Ninth Street and Elm Avenue was the dream of former city commissioner and freemason Aubrey Rivers Parks. Parks was also the first Venerable Master from 1925-59. Established in 1924 and the first in Southern California, the Cathedral broke ground in December 1925 and was completed in August 1926. The three- story, 44,000-square-foot building cost $500,000. To offset much of that cost, many members contributed financially. Membership immediately jumped from 950 to 1,670 members. In 1975, the Cathedral saw a huge boost in membership where it shot up to more than 7,700 members. "Early on, many members were connected with the movie industry," said Joseph W.R. Ashwill, Personal Representative of the Valley of Long Beach. "Not only did we have, and still do have many celebrities, but top judges, attorneys, medical and civic professional that are members." The city of Long Beach was once a hotbed for celebrities and was the home of Balboa Studios. Membership included stars such as Richard Dix, Tom Nix, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Norm Crosby and Academy Award winner, Ernest Borgnine, to name a few. The Temple plans to dedicate and name its 800-seat theatre after Borgnine in a ceremony in the near future. Among its outstanding features is one of the most extensive Masonic libraries in the United States, a restaurant-style kitchen, a board room, ball room, and children's clinic. The board room features photos of 17 presidents who were freemasons from George Washington to Gerald Ford. The photo of Ford was autographed when he visited the facility. For more information, call 562.436.3983. Best Landmark for Freemason Fellowship — Scottish Rite Cathedral 855 Elm Avenue As the fifth largest city in California and the 38th largest in the nation with a population of just under 500,000, Long Beach has a charm and diverse culture like no other. It even has the distinction of being the 8th most walkable city in the nation. Sandwiched between the city of Los Angeles and Orange County, Long Beach, which was incorporated in 1897, is the home to many city, state and national landmarks, with the two most famous being the Port of Long Beach and the Queen Mary. There are many other landmarks that highlight the city in every district. The following is a sample of some of the popular and hidden gems that have had and continue to have a great impact on the citizens and tourists from all over.