Although Rajah Temple had its beginning in 1892, the year 1893 brought the actual setting up of the Mystic Shrine organization in Reading and the beginning of work in the Order.  The minutes of the first Recorder, Philip Bissinger, shows that the first meeting of Shriners here to plan establishment of a new Temple, Yemem it was to have been called, was on January 4, 1892. 

The first organization was that of Lu Lu Club of Reading”, so named because most of the members, if not all, were members of Lu Lu Temple, Philadelphia.  It was formed on January 4, 1892 with Henry P. Keiser, later city solicitor of Reading, as chairman.

The yearly membership fee was one dollar.  George E. Haak was elected “Sheik”; Charles W. Edwards, first mufti; George F. Hageman, second mufti; Philip Bissinger, secretary and treasurer, and O. M. Weand, Frederick P. Heller, F. T. Berhnart, Henry P. Keiser and Dr. H. L. Johnson, executive committee.

On August 24, Lu Lu Club of Reading dissolved and all its records and members became part of the proposed new Rajah Temple.  This followed favorable action by the Imperial Council at its meeting in Omaha Nebraska on August 15^th and 16^th at which Noble Henry P. Keiser presented the case for Rajah Temple.

An agreement was entered into for the purchase of St. Matthew Lutheran Church property at Pearl and Franklin Streets as a home for the new Temple. 

George E. Haak was elected Illustrious Potentate; Henry P. Keiser, Chief Rabban; William H. Kessler, Assistant Rabban; J. William Jost, High Priest and Prophet; James Lewis Rake, Oriental Guide; George P. Zieber, Treasurer and Philip Bissinger, Recorder.

On December 5^th, Imperial Potentate Melish visited the new Temple and on December 14^th the first regular meeting of Rajah Temple was held.  A large delegation from Lu Lu Temple was present along with many guests from Syria Temple in Pittsburgh, Mecca Temple, and Los Angeles Temple. 

The second home of Rajah Temple was purchased in 1917.  It was the former Academy of Music, one of Reading’s largest theaters, on North Sixth Street, site of the present Sovereign Center for the Performing Arts. 

On May 21, 1921, after a big social affair the night before in the third floor ballroom, the Temple was swept by fire.  The front portion, housing the club rooms, as well as the theater were burned.   In 18 months, a new Temple and theater were built on the same site.  The Temple experienced two more fires, both in 1935.  These fires were not as extensive and the Temple recovered rapidly from them. 

In 1954, Rajah Temple held a special program to celebrate the burning of the mortgage.  At long last, the Rajah Temple had redeemed itself and owned its present quarters.

In 1967, at the annual business meeting, Temple officials approved the purchase of Willow Glen Park, Sinking Spring.  The park was 21 acres and located in Sinking Spring, Spring, and South Heidelberg Townships.  Rajah had been holding it’s annual picnics at the park since 1963.