Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple – Haunted Masonic Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma

The Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple stands as an imposing architectural masterpiece in downtown Guthrie. This massive structure has witnessed over a century of secretive Masonic rituals and mysterious gatherings.

Visitors and members alike report strange occurrences within its ornate walls. The building’s reputation for paranormal activity has grown steadily since its dedication in 1919.

Standing at over 200,000 square feet, this is one of the largest Scottish Rite temples in the world. Its limestone facade and towering presence dominate the historic Guthrie skyline like a castle.

The temple houses numerous ceremonial rooms, each designed for specific Masonic degree work. These elaborately decorated spaces create an atmosphere that feels frozen in time and thick with energy.

Historical Background

Construction on the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple began in 1916 under the direction of architect Joseph Foucart. The building was completed and dedicated on April 14, 1919, at a cost of nearly one million dollars.

The temple was built to serve as the headquarters for Oklahoma’s Scottish Rite Masons. Guthrie had recently lost its status as Oklahoma’s capital to Oklahoma City in 1910.

The Masons chose to construct their grand temple here as a statement of permanence. They wanted to ensure Guthrie would remain an important cultural center despite losing political power.

The building served thousands of Masons who traveled from across the state for initiations and ceremonies. Its massive auditorium could seat over 1,200 people for theatrical degree presentations and gatherings.

During Prohibition, rumors swirled about secret passages and hidden rooms within the temple. Some locals believed bootleggers used the building’s extensive basement network for illegal activities.

The temple fell into disrepair during the 1980s as membership declined dramatically. Restoration efforts began in the 1990s, but large sections remain closed to the public.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Shadow figures are the most frequently reported phenomenon within the Scottish Rite Temple. Witnesses describe dark forms moving through hallways and disappearing through solid walls with alarming regularity.

Disembodied footsteps echo through empty corridors, especially on the building’s upper floors. These phantom sounds often occur during daylight hours when the building is otherwise completely silent.

Cold spots manifest suddenly in specific rooms, particularly in the basement and auditorium. Visitors report sudden temperature drops of 20 degrees or more without any logical explanation.

Objects move on their own throughout the building, from chairs sliding across floors to doors opening and closing. Staff members have witnessed these occurrences during both day and night shifts at the temple.

Electronic devices malfunction with disturbing frequency inside the temple walls. Cameras drain batteries instantly, and recording equipment picks up unexplained voices and static patterns.

The ghost of a former member still dressed in full Masonic regalia appears regularly. Multiple witnesses have described seeing this distinguished older gentleman in the main hallway near the auditorium.

A female apparition in early 20th-century clothing haunts the third-floor ballroom area. She appears most frequently near the windows overlooking Oklahoma Avenue below the temple.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The spirit of William “Bill” Tabor, a longtime temple custodian, reportedly never left the building. Bill worked at the temple for over 40 years before his death in 1967.

Witnesses claim to see Bill in the basement, still performing his nightly maintenance rounds. He appears as a solid figure before vanishing when approached or called to directly.

Staff members report finding tools and cleaning supplies moved from their usual locations. These items appear in places where Bill traditionally stored them decades ago in his time.

The mysterious woman on the third floor is believed to be connected to social events. During the 1920s and 1930s, the temple hosted elaborate dances and community gatherings regularly.

Some researchers speculate she may have died during one of these events. No historical records confirm a death, but witnesses describe her appearing sad and searching desperately.

She has been seen looking out windows as if waiting for someone to arrive. When observers approach, she turns toward them with a mournful expression before fading into nothing.

The auditorium hosts the most dramatic paranormal experiences reported at the temple. Multiple witnesses have heard full orchestral music playing when the room stands completely empty at night.

Theater seats flip up and down on their own during these phantom performances. Security guards have documented these occurrences on multiple occasions throughout the building’s history and operations.

A Masonic brother in full ceremonial apron and regalia appears in the Scottish Rite Room. This ornate chamber features Egyptian-inspired decorations and was used for specific degree ceremonies traditionally.

The spirit seems unaware of living witnesses and continues performing ritual gestures. He has been described as being in his sixties with a distinctive white beard.

Children’s laughter echoes through the building despite no children being present at the location. This phenomenon particularly affects the second floor where youth programs once met regularly during meetings.

Investigators have captured these sounds on recording equipment multiple times over the years. The laughter sounds joyful rather than sinister, suggesting playful spirits rather than malevolent entities or forces.

Most Haunted Spot

The basement level generates the most intense paranormal activity within the entire temple complex. This sprawling underground area contains numerous small rooms, storage areas, and mysterious locked chambers.

Visitors describe overwhelming feelings of being watched in the basement’s southeastern corner. Shadow figures dart between support pillars and disappear into walls that show no doorways.

The old boiler room produces particularly unsettling experiences for anyone who ventures inside. Witnesses report hearing whispered conversations in languages they cannot identify or understand at all.

One specific storage room labeled “Chamber 7” seems to be a focal point. Staff refuse to enter this room alone after multiple disturbing encounters and experiences.

People report extreme anxiety, nausea, and disorientation within Chamber 7’s confines and immediate area. Equipment stored there frequently malfunctions or breaks down completely without any logical mechanical explanation.

Can You Visit?

Yes, the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple is open to the public for tours. The temple operates as both an active Masonic facility and a historic landmark.

Tours are available by appointment and during special open house events throughout the year. General admission typically costs between $5 and $10 per person for standard historical tours.

The Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple offers guided tours led by knowledgeable docents and volunteers. These tours cover the building’s history, architecture, and some paranormal stories that have emerged.

Photography is generally allowed during tours, though flash photography may be restricted in certain areas. Visitors should ask their tour guide about specific photography policies before beginning their exploration.

Regular visiting hours vary by season, so calling ahead is strongly recommended for planning. The temple also hosts special paranormal investigation events for groups by special arrangement only.

Private paranormal investigation bookings can be arranged for serious research teams and groups. These after-hours experiences provide exclusive access to areas not included in standard daytime tours.

Best Time to Visit

Paranormal activity intensifies during late evening hours between 10 PM and 3 AM. This timeframe aligns with historical patterns of Masonic meetings and ceremonial work schedules.

October through December shows increased supernatural occurrences according to longtime staff members and researchers. The building’s anniversary in April also produces heightened activity levels throughout the entire structure.

Full moon nights generate particularly active paranormal episodes within the temple’s walls and grounds. Many investigators specifically schedule their visits to coincide with lunar cycles for better results.

Weekdays when the building is less active with living visitors often produce clearer phenomena. The spirits seem more comfortable manifesting when fewer people occupy the vast building complex.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

Tour guide Margaret Henderson reported seeing the Masonic brother apparition in 2015 during closing procedures. She described him as translucent but clearly visible, standing near the Scottish Rite altar.

Henderson stated he looked directly at her before raising his hand in a traditional gesture. She blinked, and he had completely vanished from the otherwise empty ceremonial room entirely.

Local historian James Patterson documented strange occurrences during a 2008 research visit to archives. While alone in the library, books flew from shelves and scattered across the floor.

Patterson reported the temperature dropped dramatically during this incident, and he heard heavy breathing. He immediately left the library and refused to return alone for any subsequent research sessions.

A paranormal investigation team from Oklahoma City recorded compelling evidence in 2012 during overnight access. Their equipment captured clear EVP recordings of a male voice saying “We meet again.”

This same team photographed a full-bodied shadow figure in the main auditorium area. The figure appeared to be wearing a hat and long coat typical of early 1900s.

Maintenance worker Robert Cruz experienced a physical encounter in the basement during 2018 renovations. He felt invisible hands push him forcefully while he worked alone near the boiler.

Cruz sustained minor injuries from the fall and immediately quit his position at the temple. He gave multiple interviews describing the incident as absolutely terrifying and completely unexplainable to others.

Local Legends & Myths

Local folklore claims that a secret underground tunnel connects the temple to other buildings downtown. Some versions suggest these tunnels were used for mysterious Masonic ceremonies away from public eyes.

No concrete evidence of these tunnels has been verified, but the legend persists strongly. Paranormal investigators theorize that spirits might use these alleged passages to move throughout downtown areas.

Another persistent legend involves a curse placed on anyone who steals from the temple. Multiple thefts over the years allegedly resulted in misfortune befalling the perpetrators within weeks.

One story describes a burglar who stole Masonic ritual items in the 1970s era. He reportedly suffered a series of accidents and returned the items anonymously after three weeks.

Some locals believe the building sits on Native American ceremonial grounds from centuries past. This theory attempts to explain the intense spiritual energy that permeates the entire structure.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple has hosted numerous professional paranormal investigation teams since 2005. Organizations like Oklahoma Paranormal Research and Investigation have conducted extensive multi-night studies at the location.

Investigators consistently document EVP phenomena throughout the building using specialized audio recording equipment and techniques. These electronic voice recordings include names, dates, and responses to direct questions posed aloud.

Thermal imaging cameras have captured unexplained cold spots moving through rooms and hallways independently. These temperature anomalies appear as dark patches that shift and move with apparent intelligence.

EMF detectors spike dramatically in certain areas without any electrical sources nearby to explain it. The Scottish Rite Room and basement produce the highest and most consistent electromagnetic readings.

Spirit box sessions have yielded remarkable results according to multiple investigation teams and researchers. Responses seem to indicate multiple distinct entities inhabiting different areas of the massive building complex.

One investigation in 2016 captured full-spectrum video of a shadow figure crossing the auditorium. The footage shows a clearly defined humanoid shape moving against the ambient light sources available.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

Visitors must stay with official tours and never wander into restricted areas of the building. Some sections have structural concerns including weakened floors and unstable ceiling materials that pose risks.

The basement level contains numerous trip hazards including uneven floors and exposed pipes throughout. Proper footwear is essential for anyone granted access to these lower levels during investigations.

Trespassing is strictly prohibited and prosecuted to the fullest extent under Oklahoma state law. Security systems monitor the building 24 hours daily, and police respond quickly to any alarms.

The temple remains an active Masonic facility, so certain areas are always off-limits to public. Respect for the organization’s privacy and sacred spaces is absolutely required of all visitors.

Some visitors experience anxiety, nausea, or disorientation in certain high-activity areas of the building. Anyone with heart conditions or severe anxiety should exercise caution during paranormal investigation activities here.

Cursed or Haunted Objects

An antique chair in the Grand Master’s office reportedly moves on its own regularly. Staff members have photographed this chair in different positions despite the room being locked overnight.

The chair dates to the temple’s opening in 1919 and belonged to an early leader. Multiple sensitives claim the chair retains the energy of its original owner strongly.

A large painting in the main hallway depicts early Oklahoma Scottish Rite leaders gathered. Witnesses report the eyes of the subjects seem to follow visitors as they walk past.

Some brave souls claim the figures in the painting shift positions slightly over time. Photographic comparisons over the years show subtle differences that cannot be easily explained away.

An old Masonic Bible in the library opens to specific passages without anyone touching it. Security cameras have captured this book opening independently multiple times during overnight hours clearly.

The passages that appear are often relevant to recent events or questions posed aloud. This phenomenon has convinced several skeptical investigators that intelligent forces operate within the temple walls.