Share the Light
With any venture we undertake in our lives, we must ask questions to become more knowledgeable before taking that first step. We all did so when deciding to join Freemasonry and Scottish Rite. Sharing the light of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is something we all should strive towards, but being able to answer questions may not be the easiest. Here are some questions that often come up about Scottish Rite and easy responses that help any Master Mason learn more about the twenty-nine degrees.
With any venture we undertake in our lives, we must ask questions to become more knowledgeable before taking that first step. We all did so when deciding to join Freemasonry and Scottish Rite. Sharing the light of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is something we all should strive towards, but being able to answer questions may not be the easiest. Here are some questions that often come up about Scottish Rite and easy responses that help any Master Mason learn more about the twenty-nine degrees.
Why Scottish Rite?
Men join Scottish Rite for many of the same reasons they joined their Blue Lodge; to find fulfillment and better themselves. While there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason, the following twenty-nine degrees serve to enrich the philosophy of the Blue Lodge. Scottish Rite provides many opportunities for brotherhood and service.
What is the purpose of Scottish Rite?
Scottish Rite strives to be a fraternity that fulfills the Masonic obligation to care for its members. This can happen in a variety of ways; from providing a helping hand to a brother in need or providing prospects of enrichment.
How long will it take to join?
The Valley of Boston holds a One Day Class where Master Masons can join and become fully-fledged Scottish Rite Masons. Each One Day Class hosts seven degrees (one from each body and concluding with the 32°). Brothers are encouraged to attend other degrees beyond their initiation to see the remaining twenty-two degrees.
What are the degrees?
The twenty-nine degrees in Scottish Rite are split between four separate bodies, Lodge of Perfection, Princes of Jerusalem, Rose Croix and Consistory. Lodge of Perfection confers the 4°-14°, which recall and amplify the first three degrees in Freemasonry. Princes of Jerusalem confers the 15° and 16°. These degrees teach lessons based on those Hebrews that were held captive in Babylon and the building of the second Temple. Rose Croix, charged with the 17° and 18°, show a man that the only lasting Temple is in his soul. The final 19°-32° are conferred by Consistory and portray many lessons from the days of chivalry to the 20th century.
Have more questions that need answers? Find your response on the Scottish Rite FAQ page.
webmaster@scottishriteboston.org | All Rights Reserved
The Bodies of the Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council, 33°, of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose Grand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts.