As of right now, I must concede that if you join the York Rite in our area, we’re still a work in process. Big difference is some of us are trying, as we’d like the Royal Arch, etc. to be something meaningful, and advanced.
You can ask to join, and we could also recommend and vote on you for membership, if we feel you might take an interest in the York Rite once you have received the degrees. The Scottish Rite was the same way (that’s how I joined), and is likely that way right now.
Some wonder about the efficacy of having more Masonic groups appendant to the Masonic Blue Lodge. I view it as this question: Would you want Freemasonry to be like several campuses, such as a high school, junior college, 4-year college with Master’s and Doctorate programs, or would you rather have Freemasonry as a big one-room schoolhouse? This decision would direct what kind of education could go to which groups. Many of the questions you have asked in the previous threads could be answered in the ‘advanced’ groups, which would be the concordant bodies, while the basic fundamentals would be presented and explained at the Blue Lodge level. There are many people out there that might be quite intrigued at the items you have mentioned, but would be confused without a proper background. Kind of like trying to figure out quantum physics without having a solid understanding and proficiency of arithmetic and algebra. So, in a way, the Blue Lodge would be educating its membership on the “arithmetic and algebra” while the concordant bodies would be teaching the “Calculus and Trigonometry” in one Concordant body, “Quantum physics” in another concordant body, and perhaps “molecular theory” or “organic chemistry” in another concordant body. This would allow the student different options on what direction to go, or perhaps to eventually cover, and master, all of them over the course of a lifetime.
I think if Freemasonry ran their educational “curriculum” in a similar manner, it’d not only gain and retain more members, it’d also regain the importance of having these concordant bodies, and gain their membership as well.
That's a nice summary. So, given my interest in the astronomical part of education first, what concordant body would you recommend, and where is the nearest one to centralia?
In my view (others might certainly have a different perspective) the greatest opportunity to learn the more esoteric side of Freemasonry, beyond the Craft Lodge is the Scottish Rite.
The nearest SR Valley to you (Valley = Lodge) is either Olympia or Kelso. I am unfamiliar with either of these Valley's, so do not know if you would find men who share your interests within them. You would want to talk with the men in them prior to petitioning I think.
I think that truly getting something out of the Scottish Rite though is a commitment to a few things. It is taking the Master Craftsman program, all three courses. It is taking the College Of The Consistory program. And, I imagine it is a trip to Guthrie Oklahoma to see all of the Degrees. Do those things, and I think you would be very pleased.
I don't think that one has to be a member of the Scottish Rite to take the Master Craftsman program, but I think it would be much better if he was, so that he will have a good understanding of the Degrees. I've done Master Craftsman, years ago, and found it quite superb. It is also an exceptional value:
It is my understanding that Guthrie Scottish Rite (in non Covid times) does a reunion a year at which all of the Degrees are conferred, and which people visit from all over to experience:
Scottish Rite Degrees are different than your Blue Lodge Degrees. In the Scottish Rite a Valley will typically, at least in my experience, confer the Degrees once or twice a year, in long weekends called Reunions. There will be lots of candidates. The degree will be conferred on one of the candidates, the others will watch as it is done. I think that most Valleys, including mine, confer a handful of the Degrees, and the rest are 'communicated.' In those that are communicated, information about the Degree is read to the candidates. As I understand it, the large reunion at Guthrie is different because all of the Degrees are actually conferred, and there is additional activity between them for those who are interested. I've never attended though, so am just going off what I've heard.
In a nutshell, I would say that there is tremendous knowledge within the Scottish Rite, but the Rite will make you work for it through its educational programs.
My advice would be to use great care in selecting a Valley to join, don't just settle for that which is closest, make sure it is a match for what you are looking for.
The practical stuff out of the way in my other reply to your question, I think some further explanation of what these Rites actually are is important too.
The Three Degrees in Masonry, within the United States, under their respective Grand Lodges, is a complete system of Masonry. It stands alone. It is related to the York Rite, in that our Craft or Blue Lodges are properly York Rite Lodges. (Except for a very small number of Lodges within the US that actually confer the Scottish Rite Craft Degrees)
In England (and its massive jurisdiction) there is a variation, in that the Three Degrees of Masonry, plus the Royal Arch, under the United Grand Lodge of England is a complete system of Masonry. To replicate that here, one would be a member of one's Craft Lodge, plus the Royal Arch.
The Scottish Rite, outside of the United States, is also a complete system of Masonry. It is easiest to think of it as a competing grand lodge system. In other words, and most American Masons don't seem to know this, the Scottish Rite also confers the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry. They just don't do it in this country, because the Scottish Rite can only exist in this country through treaty with the various Grand Lodges.
So, in a nutshell:
In the US we join a Lodge. We don't really think of it as such, but it is a York Rite Lodge.
In Mexico we join a Lodge. It is likely a Scottish Rite Lodge.
There are exceptions to this. There are a tiny number of Regular Lodges within the US that confer the Scottish Rite Craft Degrees. There is also a York Rite Grand Lodge within Mexico, that if you were to visit you would find to be performing the exact same work as the GL of Washington. It is however dwarfed in size compared to the Scottish Rite there.
While I don't think I will ever join the York Rite, because the Knights Templar violates a fundamental precept of Freemasonry, and is considered to be the crowning jewel of the York Rite (at least to us outsiders) I certainly don't want to see the York Rite collapse.
So I am glad to know that there are active men within it, trying to improve things so that it can appeal to a new generation of men.
The York Rite, or more correctly, the American Rite, is based on the early remnants of Craft Masonry that were practiced in the early 1700's. The formation of the first Grand Lodge of England in 1717 specified that the lodges were to confer only the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, all other degrees being considered spurious. However, many lodges had been conferring other degrees that they considered an integral part of Masonry, in particular that of the Royal Arch, and formed their own Grand Lodge in 1751, terming themselves the "Antients" and the other Grand Lodge members the "Moderns." With the merger of the two Grand Lodges in 1813 into the United Grand Lodge of England, the lodges agreed that only the three accepted degrees of Masonry would be used by the lodges, but the degree of the Royal Arch would be attached to Chapters allied directly to these lodges and bearing the same number as the lodge, though as a separate body. Thus, unlike the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which claims to hold the power of conferring the first three degrees of Masonry in addition to those under its jurisdiction, those found in the York Rite have rightfully acknowledged the fact that they are considered appendant to those of Ancient Craft Masonry. It is still the practice in English Masonry that a Masonic member is not considered to be in possession of all the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry until he has been exalted to the Royal Arch. https://www.yorkrite.org/Degrees/#3
The reason I became a Freemason; I was a Church Administrator working in my office creating a computer graphic that had Knights and I had found pictures of Masonic Knight Templars and added them to my graphic art. I had no knowledge about Masonry. Two Church Brothers (& Masons) saw my computer screen and asked me if I wanted to become a Knight Templar. They explained and then I asked to become a Mason.
I am a Past Worshipful Master, Past High Priest, Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Past Eminent Commander, all in Centralia. Red Cross of Constantine, Tacoma York Rite College and currently Sovereign Master of Pacific Council No.30 Allied Masonic Degrees.
The main reason I joined the York Rite was for knowledge and my life long research of God’s Truth. What I know now is that I need about 20 more years to begin to understand the York Rite Degrees and Orders fully.
Would I advise the new Master Mason to join one or both? NO, I rather encourage a Brother to fully understand the Master Mason Degrees and go thru the chairs. The spark for further knowledge has to come from within the Brother not from a recruiting Brother, Companion or Sir Knight in search of warm bodies…
In my experience, most of my Senior York Rite Brothers are also Senior Scottish Rite Brothers… A truth I have concluded is that the basic structure of the Blue Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Royal Arch, Council and Commandery are similar, Military formations that probably came from the Knights Templar Military influence.
There are many layers of symbolic knowledge and truths in our Beliefs, Rituals and Traditions. I may not agree with some yet that is the beauty for civil rhetoric and personal preference. Of all the Temples that The Knights Templar build, they were dedicated to Mary or St. John, none for Jesus Christ, why? Templars were Gnostics yet Christians to the Mother Christian Church. What does the “G” stand for?
>>"Thus, unlike the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which claims to hold >>the power of conferring the first three degrees of Masonry..."
Thank you for pointing this out. It is important around the world, and interesting, but I know that a lot of our Masons are not aware of it. In parts of the world, the Scottish Rite is the predominant system of Masonry.
Reading about the competition between the two Rites in some other nations is fascinating. Long ago in Mexico for example, there was a very brief shooting war between them, each side having raised an army. Some digging through Google will tell that story, or better yet back issues of the New Age Magazine (former name of the Scottish Rite Journal.)
I got the above statement from the internet, with it's link and I do not agree with it....I believe that the Scottish Rite and the York Rites are the caduceus of Freemasonry, that there is a special Gnosis that those Brothers that belong to both Rites achieve. I am not one of them.
I joined the Scottish Rite about a year after I was raised, but only because they were offering a discount on the fees. I enjoyed the degrees enough.
But attending the meetings were just more of the same of blue lodge. Talking about money. Passing around the almoners box. Getting asked to join even more parts (KSA) which meant spending even more money for what I perceived as the dish washer society while wearing a kilt, even though I am not Scottish. I still belong, I still pay my dues, but haven’t had the urge to go back to meetings. The biggest hindrance is that they hold their meetings on the same night as my blue lodges practice nights, and blue lodge comes first. I’ve been too busy going through the chairs in my home lodge and supporting that failing lodge that eventually merged with us to get involved elsewhere. I had always thought that once the lodge didn’t need me to fulfill a function in the meetings that I would find something else to fill my time. But, covid.
Now, the Scottish Rite valley I belong to does offer the master craftsman course, outside of the meetings, which is something that I am interested in, but this past year has put a damper on that as well.
I too am not active in my Scottish Rite Valley. I think that my experience was similar to your own.
I will say though, that the Scottish Rite is still my great love. Not because of the meetings, which I don't attend, but because of the philosophy it has, and the extremely serious commitment of the Southern Jurisdiction to promote Masonic knowledge and education.
I am, frankly thrilled with my long standing membership in the Scottish Rite Research Society, eager to learn more though the SJ's new Masonic Book Club, and found the Master Craftsman to be truly superb.
I do plan on returning to regular Scottish Rite attendance someday, after I've completed my Blue Lodge journey.
My Valley also does the Master Craftsman through group study, but I did it alone, and found no detriment to doing it alone if that interests you.
Happy Friday!! I pray you and yours are well and in good spirits.
I’m one of those brothers that joined everything straight out the gate, York Rite, Scottish Rite, National Sojourners and Shrine.
I joined for the fellowship since the brothers in my Lodge belong to one or more of them; however, I quickly learned that I bit off more than I can chew and couldn’t give as much time as I wanted because my focus was on Silverdale Lodge and my journey to the East. I still belong to all of them and I’m active in Scottish Rite and Shrine.
My advice to a new Master Mason is to focus on their blue lodge, learn the ritual, become an officer and confer the degrees and not be so quick to join other bodies of Masonry. As time goes on and they’ve learned how to divest their time and are proficient in their blue lodge, they can and should seek further light.
Your advice is superb. It is what I received from my Lodge when I was initiated. They told me to hold off joining anything else for at least a year. I ended up holding off quite a lot longer than that.
I did in time join the Scottish Rite, and the Order of the Eastern Star. I'm not active in either of them, but I do maintain those memberships.
I also joined a small group that was called the Prestonian. It was sort of a table lodge, but with its own ritual. I absolutely loved it, and was as active as could be. Unfortunately, it died out due to a lack of membership.
I think if you want to join the Rites, you should do it for the right (pun intended) reasons. Personally, I find that additional education helps explain the things they don't teach you at the Lodge (Blue Lodge) level. I am a member of the Scottish Rite. I have gone through the Master Craftsman program and am currently in the College of the Consistory. It is a fascinating journey of ideas, theology, philosophy, and history that gives context to everythting you learn in the first three degrees. The Rites are a next-level reflection of your Masonic Lodge. Some people join because it adds to their universe of friends. Others may join because of the philanthropic opportunities that may supplement what you do in the Blue Lodge. Being a member of the Scottish Rite is a refreshing opportunity to grow in knowledge, spirituality and personal growth.
I want to begin the College of the Consistory, and I think that I should take the Master Craftsman again. When I took it there were only two parts, and I imagine that there have been other large changes made through the years.
First though, I must finish my current course though Craft Masonry, so that I have the time to devote to those further studies.
Master Craftsman is expanded beyond two parts. The base textbook is Bridge to Light, followed by Pike's Esoterika. Morals & Dogma is a challenge to get through because much of the language is 19th Century Victorian and subject to different interpretations. It is not an easy read. College of Consistory is more like a post-doc course where much of the work is essay-based and you are challenged in your positions and interpretations. The core text here is Magnum Opus, which is even more difficult to interpret than Morals & Dogma.
I love M&D, but you are right, it is not an easy read. I do though find that the new annotated edition is much better, not that there is any difference to the text of course, but because of the footnotes that put so many of the references into context.
For finding things within the text though, I do find the old version of the index to be much more helpful than the new.
I have a copy of the Magnum Opus, but haven't started it yet.
Yes, Scottish Rite. I joined the Scottish Rite because I was told it was the University of Masonry. Upon entry I was impressed by the degrees, and was very excited to learn more about the symbols and interpretations of the degrees, but more than that I hoped the work of the Rite would explore those degrees. For the most of my time in the Rite meetings have been very similar to Blue Lodge meetings. The additional education did not come. Resources are available for those self motivated to seek it, and there are brothers who share that motivation. Would I advise a MM to join? Depends on the MM. If he is going to explore the Rite and is self motivated, then yes. If not, then no. I think he should wait until he has been in the Blue Lodge long enough to master its ritual, and serve his Lodge before he moves on.
I'd like to pose an additional question, if that's OK? In the case of the Scottish Rite, where there are 33 degrees, 32 of which are given on entrance to the order. While we are not required to perform all the degrees, some being 'communicated' I think everyone agrees the degrees we actually perform are better. So, I think most if not all Valleys give all of these degrees as quickly as possible, in fact I got all of mine in one weekend. My question is this, should we consider slowing that down and treating the degrees as university classes? Rather than rushing thru them, offering them over longer periods with instruction on the degree, its symbols, the mythology and history portrayed in the degree? As it stands if a Valley decides to give all the degrees, thats 29 rituals, and if they do those on meeting nights, and that Valley meets twice a month then they can't even do it in a year without doubling up. Pike wrote a massive tome to expand on each degree, filled with information that could take weeks to unwind for each degree and its clear that these degrees are meant to be transformational, BUT the way we do it right now there isn't time to digest the degrees. I would wager that many, if not most, could not expand on those degrees and their lessons without reviewing the material. It's my belief that these degrees as written original by Pike are gems, something to be enjoyed, savored and expanded on. Potentially life and society altering acts. I would love my advancement in a degree to mean I had integrated the information of that degree. I realize this is a radical idea, and would not be easy to implement. I get that.
I know where Mike’s coming from. I received all the degrees in one day. I think they called it a reunion. It was all at once, and it felt like a weird dream after eating too much Summer Sausage for dinner the day before. I didn’t understand hardly any of it afterwards, and for the years I did attend, the Stated Meetings were extremely short, and covered no education on any of the degrees. After I stopped attending, the Olympia Valley that I joined began conferring the 4th, 14th, 18th, 30th and 32nd degrees on different meeting nights, which was a step in the right direction for me. But by that time, Chehalis Lodge (which met the same nights) was my new focus, and I haven’t been to a Scottish Rite meeting since. However, if they took some time and did an educational class on at least the above mentioned degrees on the other meeting nights, rather than a brief, 5-10 minute open-and-shut meeting, it’d work even better for our Valleys. Perhaps they’re working in that direction in some Valleys, and if they are, keep up the good work!
I too feel that something very important is lost when Degrees are communicated instead of conferred. I received my Degrees in a three day period. The entire thing was a massive production that took the work of a great many men, but between the fact that most Degrees were communicated, and that so much was thrown at us all at once, I'm not sure how much anyone gets out of it.
I think it would be vastly better if a Valley were to confer each Degree, one at a time. Giving the candidate the opportunity to at least skim the surface lessons of each Degree before moving on to the next.
I feel that maybe Valleys do these quick reunions because everyone wants to be a 32nd Degree Mason, but what would be wrong with being a 6th Degree Mason for awhile? Give it a couple weeks before becoming a 7th Degree Mason. I know of nothing that is truly gained by going fast, but can see where much could be gained by slowing down.
I also think it would be better for the Valley. Work would be spread out over time instead of requiring a herculean effort. It would also give something for the Valley to work on each month instead of once or twice a year.
In addition to this idea, it would also add some credibility to the prestige of being a 32 degree Scottish Rite Freemason. In my travels, I hear a lot of “Oh, the Freemasons! My Grandfather was a 32nd degree Freemason!” I hardly hear the words “Scottish Rite”, but I hear “32nd degree” a LOT. I even heard it back before I joined the Lodge, but then I became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason in one day, and only had about a tenth of the knowledge needed to prove it to another Scottish Rite Freemason, other than my dues card and some recollections of the ritual and costumes. I remember only the passwords of the 4th degree, and another higher degree one because one of the Brothers taught us an informal mnemonic to remember it. (It worked, good for that Brother!)
In a nutshell, over the last few decades, we’ve been making Knights Templar and 32nd Degree Freemasons way too quickly, giving Brothers an attestment without the work to earn it. Kind of like giving a student a Master’s degree in one day because they showed up on the College campus and put down the tuition to receive it. It’s not fair to the Brothers, and for sure, it accounts for the current retention rate.
I think I left my reunion even worse than you. I don't think that I knew any of the modes of recognition.
But yes, the general public certainly seems to think that the 32nd Degree is high attainment, little do they know that it is achieved in a weekend, or apparently even less.
I do think that we contribute to that false perception with those stupid placemats and posters that show Craft Masonry at the very bottom of a system, with the Degrees of both Rites soaring above it.
Your point about high speed contributing to poor retention is certainly well taken.
I think your point that a man needs to be self motivated if he is to learn within the Scottish Rite is exactly correct. In my experience it isn't a matter of learning through presentations or programs at Scottish Rite meetings, it is rather learning through Scottish Rite self study programs, and the SJ's publishing of important books.
I too have zero regrets about joining the Scottish Rite. As mentioned, I'm not active within my Valley, but I have greatly benefited from the educational programs, and am perpetually thrilled at the quality of the SR Research Society.
After I became a MM I was approached by several brothers who explained Scottish Rite was the University of Masonry. I was wanting to learn as much as I could about Masonry so I joined. I really liked meeting new brothers from the other lodges that made up the Valley. I enjoyed the degrees (what I could understand of them) and I received my cap, patent and copy of Morals and Dogma. I continued attending and enjoying the the different events such as Rose Croix. I never asked why certain things were done, such as the placement of your hand when speaking, but learned to mimic. After a year or so the brother that was the SW in the Lodge of Perfection became ill and I was asked to sit in his chair, which I gladly did. The next year I was installed as the VM. I wasn’t ready for that, but fulfilled the duties as best I could. After my year as VM, I began being disillusioned and my attendance dropped off. I didn’t attend the meeting when officers were selected and I was chosen to be the leader without so much as a phone call. This happened again the following year and I submitted my demit. I realize that you only get out what you put in, but I never experienced any “higher education” in Masonry. I was encouraged to complete the Master Craftsman program and was about half way through when I remitted. The focus seemed to be solely on initiating new members and doing more degrees. If I could do it over, I probably wouldn’t have joined Scottish Rite. I would never discourage a brother who was interested in joining but also wouldn’t say it was something it wasn’t, at least for me.
I think that there is likely great variation from Valley to Valley. Much like with our Lodges. I do intend on becoming active within the Scottish Rite again, but I plan to visit some other Valleys, to try and find one that suits me better.
I never really 'clicked' with the Valley I joined for some reason.
I joined Scottish Rite about 30+ years ago, but couldn't make all the meetings, and was transferred around the country. I was also inactive in Blue Lodge for many years until 2012, when I came back to Lodge and started to get active. VERY active! Since then, I have come back to active status in Scottish Rite, and have started to work my way through the Master Craftsman course. I enjoy the self-study, find it to be rewarding and stimulating, tickling my desire to learn more.
I would recommend that the newly-Raised Master Mason wait for at least a year before reaching out to other Rites. I have seen far too many Brothers rush to join ALL the concordant and appendant bodies, only to be disappointed, lose interest, and leave.
My plan is to become as proficient as I can in Blue Lodge, while studying Scottish Rite to learn even more about Masonry. I always enjoy the fellowship and opportunities for further knowledge, and as an officiant, enjoy making the rites of Blue Lodge as enjoyable and meaningful as I am able.
I too enjoyed the self study in the Master Craftsman. I think it is all online now, but back when I took it they would mail me the study guide, quiz, essay directions, then I'd do it all and mail it back, then they would check it out, make comments and send it back to me.
How cool it was when I would get those back, and have comments from a famous Mason! I remember one essay I wrote that I thought was a very unique take on one of the Degrees. I was quite proud of it, and when I got it back, the comments on it were from S. Brent Morris. That was, to me, just about the coolest thing ever. Still have that on my bookshelf, still have all of my Master Craftsman work actually.
I belong to the Scottish Rite and was a member of all York Rte bodies. I am now only member of Royal Arch. I left the other two chapters as they were depressing to me (low attendance, poor ritual, no fun)
I find in one of my blue lodges the same depressing meetings.
My other blue Lodges are very satisfing with one focusing on research being great.
I focus mainly on the Scottish Rite as it meets my need for friendship, education, special events and of course the beautifuul degrees (when presented well). It also is beeter opportunity to get involved in Lodge activities.
I certainly do advise/recommend Masons to join Scottish Rite.
>>"I find in one of my blue lodges the same depressing meetings."
>>"My other blue Lodges are very satisfing with one focusing on research being great."
I'm always struck by how vastly the personality changes from Lodge to Lodge, and I presume Valley to Valley. Even when those Lodges are quite close in proximity to each other, and even when some percentage of regular attendees are the same men.
I've got a couple of Lodges (that I visit) that are an absolute delight, each and every time. One is large, the other is small. One is quite rich, the other is poor. I've also got a Lodge that I visit, and a Lodge that I belong to that are as you say, depressing.
Whenever a man gives up on Masonry, I always wish that instead of him giving up, we could have convinced him to just go in search of another Lodge. One that better suited him. I'm not sure how we get that message out though, without Lodges taking it wrong and starting to believe that their neighbors are trying to poach their Masons.
I joined the Scottish Rite about 20 years ago, as the Valley voted on my membership and elected me, and informed me that I was elected. There were about 6 of us who went through all the degrees in one day. Like mentioned throughout this thread, the ritual was excellent, but getting all of them in one day was a little much. I now know that the Valley spreads them out over the course of half a year, which is much better. As Glenn noted, Blue Lodge is the priority, and Chehalis Lodge met the same night as the Olympia Valley. So I haven’t been to a meeting in several years, but I still pay my dues. I get the Scottish Rite Journal and I do read it.
At the time I joined, the meetings were short; there was a little education, but the meetings were incredibly short. The Almoner came around every meeting, and the members would all stuff $20 bills in it, which was WAY out of my league. I got worried, but even more so when a Brother sitting next to me said, “Don’t worry, they can afford it.” Well, that’s nice. I couldn’t. I felt out of place by that time, and that also helped me focus on Chehalis Lodge, of which I wasn’t a member at that time. That renewed focus is likely what prompted the Lodge to purchase a Life membership for me several years later.
York Rite. I joined through some flim-flamming by a well-known Brother at the time, who took 5 of us, and told each of us that the other 4 were also joining. It worked, as the Centralia York Rite was moribund at the time, and the Commandry had recently had its Charter pulled for lack of membership. The 5 new members woke that Chapter and Council up, and we were having fun with the props and learning the ritual. Many of the new members joined the Commandry in Tacoma or Montesano, and eventually, the Montesano York Rite merged into Centralia, giving Centralia all 3 Bodies as well as some financial security. I am currently the Excellent High Priest of the Chapter, and presided over the Council in 2012.
The advantage of the York Rite is the close relationship is has with the Craft Degrees (Blue Lodge.) Even Albert Pike makes such references in Morals and Dogma. So if you really are a student of our Master Mason ritual, you’ll want to get at least the Royal Arch degree. It gives you a MUCH better understanding of the Blue Lodge degrees. And the Council of Royal & Select Masters gives a better understanding of the Royal Arch degree, furthering your education. The Royal Arch has the Children’s Heart Foundation, and the Council of R&SM has the medical research philanthropy, which is great.
The chief problem with the York Rite is the regular meetings. Most of our education has to be specific to our ritual, as most Masonic Education can be presented at a Blue Lodge meeting. That being said, one of our members has been taking the York Rite equivalent of the Master Craftsman course; it’s called Companion Adept of the Temple. He’s been sharing the questions with us, and it’s been providing valuable education that had been somewhat lacking in years past. The meetings are actually becoming fun! There is hope for the York Rite, and if you have time, I encourage you to consider joining the York Rite.
But all this being said, and as much as I’d like to see both Concordant Bodies gain membership, I do advise, to the new Master Mason, to focus on the Blue Lodge for a few years. Learn how the ritual works, the meaning behind it. Do some research. Attend some Masonic Education presentations in your Lodge and neighboring Lodges. If you join the Concordant bodies too early, the ritual will not have the meaning that it is intended to have, because you haven’t had the time to truly understand what it’s based on. It’s kind of like being sure you know your arithmetic and algebra well before attempting to learn Trigonometry and Calculus. I believe if the leadership of these two concordant bodies take this route, they would have better membership retention.
Bottom line: Both of these concordant bodies are worth joining. IF you take the time and get familiar with your Blue Lodge and what it offers first.
I think that the best thing that Craft Masonry can do to help both Rites is to improve our own Blue Lodges. If we can do that, we will be able to better retain the men that eventually will help to fill the ranks of all the other Masonic bodies.
I also think that if we can build a culture of excellence within our Lodges, that will easily transfer over into every other Masonic group as men who demand it of themselves go off to find further Masonic opportunity in one or more of our other Masonic organizations.
That was a real problem back when I joined Freemasonry in 1996; we had numerous Freemasons who were members of the Concordant bodies, OES, Shrine, etc. who never stepped foot in their Blue Lodge. When they did show up, they didn’t even know the passes to get in. It did not sit well with the newer members. Fortunately, this isn’t nearly as much a problem as it was, probably because those Brothers in the concordants who didn’t show up to Blue Lodge have since passed away.
I am proud to say that all of the active members of our York Rite in Centralia are not only active, but also officers in their Blue Lodges. And from what I’d seen in the Olympia Valley newsletters, almost all of the officers in that valley that I know, are also active in their Blue Lodges. There are names I’m not familiar with, but the Lodges in Tumwater have done a lot of degree work, so I might have missed some of them. Nevertheless, it’s still good news, and it shows things might be turning around.
That is excellent! I've often heard concerns about men who are active in other bodies, but not in their Lodges. I do think that both the Shrine and the SR SJ & NMJ have been pushing their members pretty hard to remain active Lodge members.
I imagine that with it's closer tie to our local Lodges, the problem was probably never as pronounced with the York Rite.
I have absolutely no interest in either York Rite or Scottish Rite. I am just too busy doing what I am doing right now....and plan on backing off on my involvement as I am approaching retirement and travel is a HUGE part of my retirement plans.
For awhile I was disappointed in not being "asked" to join either rite.....but now am glad I never was....I managed to fill in my time with the 3 groups I am presently involved with
Please don't take 'not being asked' as any kind of statement about you or your practice of Masonry. The Rites, like our Lodges, look to be asked. I imagine that there are some instances when they do the asking, as someone mentioned above, but I think generally not.
The only Masonic organization that I was ever asked to Join was the Grotto. It seems like fun, but it is a long distance from home, and I just figured that I'm overly busy as it is.
We will miss you when you pull back, but you will greatly enjoy traveling through retirement!
Right now I am on hold as a Royal Arch Mason. From this vantage point it seems to me there is too much advancement without proficiency in the proceeding degree. I want to self impose a restraint on myself until I feel I have a better understanding of the Royal Arch Degree before I move on to Council. Perhaps I am misreading what I have witnessed but is seems to me those who would be mentoring me advanced before understanding and thereby have little to teach me.
I also can't see doing this advance for the sake of advancement in Scottish Rite until I have gone as far as I want in York Rite first.
Based on what has transpired in this discussion, I think that your plan to slow things down a bit is a very good one. I don't of course know the Council Degrees, but it would seem that one would benefit from having a good understanding of the Royal Arch first.
There is lots of time for the Scottish Rite once you are ready. As you say, there isn't much point in pushing through yet another too fast. I seem to recall you mentioning in the past that you had joined the SR Research Society. You will enjoy that without being a member of the SR. It stands quite well alone.
No.
I don't know
N/A
N/A
N/A
I don't even know where I can either one or how to go about joining. Is it like blue lodge where I have to ask?
As of right now, I must concede that if you join the York Rite in our area, we’re still a work in process. Big difference is some of us are trying, as we’d like the Royal Arch, etc. to be something meaningful, and advanced.
You can ask to join, and we could also recommend and vote on you for membership, if we feel you might take an interest in the York Rite once you have received the degrees. The Scottish Rite was the same way (that’s how I joined), and is likely that way right now.
Some wonder about the efficacy of having more Masonic groups appendant to the Masonic Blue Lodge. I view it as this question: Would you want Freemasonry to be like several campuses, such as a high school, junior college, 4-year college with Master’s and Doctorate programs, or would you rather have Freemasonry as a big one-room schoolhouse? This decision would direct what kind of education could go to which groups. Many of the questions you have asked in the previous threads could be answered in the ‘advanced’ groups, which would be the concordant bodies, while the basic fundamentals would be presented and explained at the Blue Lodge level. There are many people out there that might be quite intrigued at the items you have mentioned, but would be confused without a proper background. Kind of like trying to figure out quantum physics without having a solid understanding and proficiency of arithmetic and algebra. So, in a way, the Blue Lodge would be educating its membership on the “arithmetic and algebra” while the concordant bodies would be teaching the “Calculus and Trigonometry” in one Concordant body, “Quantum physics” in another concordant body, and perhaps “molecular theory” or “organic chemistry” in another concordant body. This would allow the student different options on what direction to go, or perhaps to eventually cover, and master, all of them over the course of a lifetime.
I think if Freemasonry ran their educational “curriculum” in a similar manner, it’d not only gain and retain more members, it’d also regain the importance of having these concordant bodies, and gain their membership as well.
That's a nice summary. So, given my interest in the astronomical part of education first, what concordant body would you recommend, and where is the nearest one to centralia?
In my view (others might certainly have a different perspective) the greatest opportunity to learn the more esoteric side of Freemasonry, beyond the Craft Lodge is the Scottish Rite.
The nearest SR Valley to you (Valley = Lodge) is either Olympia or Kelso. I am unfamiliar with either of these Valley's, so do not know if you would find men who share your interests within them. You would want to talk with the men in them prior to petitioning I think.
I think that truly getting something out of the Scottish Rite though is a commitment to a few things. It is taking the Master Craftsman program, all three courses. It is taking the College Of The Consistory program. And, I imagine it is a trip to Guthrie Oklahoma to see all of the Degrees. Do those things, and I think you would be very pleased.
I don't think that one has to be a member of the Scottish Rite to take the Master Craftsman program, but I think it would be much better if he was, so that he will have a good understanding of the Degrees. I've done Master Craftsman, years ago, and found it quite superb. It is also an exceptional value:
https://scottishrite.org/scottish-rite-master-craftsman-program/
One does have to be a member of the Scottish Rite to participate in the College Of The Consistory. It is provided without cost:
https://www.guthriescottishrite.org/index.php/college-of-the-consistory/
It is my understanding that Guthrie Scottish Rite (in non Covid times) does a reunion a year at which all of the Degrees are conferred, and which people visit from all over to experience:
https://www.guthriescottishrite.org/
Scottish Rite Degrees are different than your Blue Lodge Degrees. In the Scottish Rite a Valley will typically, at least in my experience, confer the Degrees once or twice a year, in long weekends called Reunions. There will be lots of candidates. The degree will be conferred on one of the candidates, the others will watch as it is done. I think that most Valleys, including mine, confer a handful of the Degrees, and the rest are 'communicated.' In those that are communicated, information about the Degree is read to the candidates. As I understand it, the large reunion at Guthrie is different because all of the Degrees are actually conferred, and there is additional activity between them for those who are interested. I've never attended though, so am just going off what I've heard.
In a nutshell, I would say that there is tremendous knowledge within the Scottish Rite, but the Rite will make you work for it through its educational programs.
My advice would be to use great care in selecting a Valley to join, don't just settle for that which is closest, make sure it is a match for what you are looking for.
The practical stuff out of the way in my other reply to your question, I think some further explanation of what these Rites actually are is important too.
The Three Degrees in Masonry, within the United States, under their respective Grand Lodges, is a complete system of Masonry. It stands alone. It is related to the York Rite, in that our Craft or Blue Lodges are properly York Rite Lodges. (Except for a very small number of Lodges within the US that actually confer the Scottish Rite Craft Degrees)
In England (and its massive jurisdiction) there is a variation, in that the Three Degrees of Masonry, plus the Royal Arch, under the United Grand Lodge of England is a complete system of Masonry. To replicate that here, one would be a member of one's Craft Lodge, plus the Royal Arch.
The Scottish Rite, outside of the United States, is also a complete system of Masonry. It is easiest to think of it as a competing grand lodge system. In other words, and most American Masons don't seem to know this, the Scottish Rite also confers the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry. They just don't do it in this country, because the Scottish Rite can only exist in this country through treaty with the various Grand Lodges.
So, in a nutshell:
In the US we join a Lodge. We don't really think of it as such, but it is a York Rite Lodge.
In Mexico we join a Lodge. It is likely a Scottish Rite Lodge.
There are exceptions to this. There are a tiny number of Regular Lodges within the US that confer the Scottish Rite Craft Degrees. There is also a York Rite Grand Lodge within Mexico, that if you were to visit you would find to be performing the exact same work as the GL of Washington. It is however dwarfed in size compared to the Scottish Rite there.
While I don't think I will ever join the York Rite, because the Knights Templar violates a fundamental precept of Freemasonry, and is considered to be the crowning jewel of the York Rite (at least to us outsiders) I certainly don't want to see the York Rite collapse.
So I am glad to know that there are active men within it, trying to improve things so that it can appeal to a new generation of men.
In Brief;
The York Rite, or more correctly, the American Rite, is based on the early remnants of Craft Masonry that were practiced in the early 1700's. The formation of the first Grand Lodge of England in 1717 specified that the lodges were to confer only the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, all other degrees being considered spurious. However, many lodges had been conferring other degrees that they considered an integral part of Masonry, in particular that of the Royal Arch, and formed their own Grand Lodge in 1751, terming themselves the "Antients" and the other Grand Lodge members the "Moderns." With the merger of the two Grand Lodges in 1813 into the United Grand Lodge of England, the lodges agreed that only the three accepted degrees of Masonry would be used by the lodges, but the degree of the Royal Arch would be attached to Chapters allied directly to these lodges and bearing the same number as the lodge, though as a separate body. Thus, unlike the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which claims to hold the power of conferring the first three degrees of Masonry in addition to those under its jurisdiction, those found in the York Rite have rightfully acknowledged the fact that they are considered appendant to those of Ancient Craft Masonry. It is still the practice in English Masonry that a Masonic member is not considered to be in possession of all the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry until he has been exalted to the Royal Arch. https://www.yorkrite.org/Degrees/#3
The reason I became a Freemason; I was a Church Administrator working in my office creating a computer graphic that had Knights and I had found pictures of Masonic Knight Templars and added them to my graphic art. I had no knowledge about Masonry. Two Church Brothers (& Masons) saw my computer screen and asked me if I wanted to become a Knight Templar. They explained and then I asked to become a Mason.
I am a Past Worshipful Master, Past High Priest, Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Past Eminent Commander, all in Centralia. Red Cross of Constantine, Tacoma York Rite College and currently Sovereign Master of Pacific Council No.30 Allied Masonic Degrees.
The main reason I joined the York Rite was for knowledge and my life long research of God’s Truth. What I know now is that I need about 20 more years to begin to understand the York Rite Degrees and Orders fully.
Would I advise the new Master Mason to join one or both? NO, I rather encourage a Brother to fully understand the Master Mason Degrees and go thru the chairs. The spark for further knowledge has to come from within the Brother not from a recruiting Brother, Companion or Sir Knight in search of warm bodies…
In my experience, most of my Senior York Rite Brothers are also Senior Scottish Rite Brothers… A truth I have concluded is that the basic structure of the Blue Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Royal Arch, Council and Commandery are similar, Military formations that probably came from the Knights Templar Military influence.
There are many layers of symbolic knowledge and truths in our Beliefs, Rituals and Traditions. I may not agree with some yet that is the beauty for civil rhetoric and personal preference. Of all the Temples that The Knights Templar build, they were dedicated to Mary or St. John, none for Jesus Christ, why? Templars were Gnostics yet Christians to the Mother Christian Church. What does the “G” stand for?
>>"Thus, unlike the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which claims to hold >>the power of conferring the first three degrees of Masonry..."
Thank you for pointing this out. It is important around the world, and interesting, but I know that a lot of our Masons are not aware of it. In parts of the world, the Scottish Rite is the predominant system of Masonry.
Reading about the competition between the two Rites in some other nations is fascinating. Long ago in Mexico for example, there was a very brief shooting war between them, each side having raised an army. Some digging through Google will tell that story, or better yet back issues of the New Age Magazine (former name of the Scottish Rite Journal.)
I got the above statement from the internet, with it's link and I do not agree with it....I believe that the Scottish Rite and the York Rites are the caduceus of Freemasonry, that there is a special Gnosis that those Brothers that belong to both Rites achieve. I am not one of them.
Yes, you petition in the same way as you did when becoming a Mason.
I joined the Scottish Rite about a year after I was raised, but only because they were offering a discount on the fees. I enjoyed the degrees enough.
But attending the meetings were just more of the same of blue lodge. Talking about money. Passing around the almoners box. Getting asked to join even more parts (KSA) which meant spending even more money for what I perceived as the dish washer society while wearing a kilt, even though I am not Scottish. I still belong, I still pay my dues, but haven’t had the urge to go back to meetings. The biggest hindrance is that they hold their meetings on the same night as my blue lodges practice nights, and blue lodge comes first. I’ve been too busy going through the chairs in my home lodge and supporting that failing lodge that eventually merged with us to get involved elsewhere. I had always thought that once the lodge didn’t need me to fulfill a function in the meetings that I would find something else to fill my time. But, covid.
Now, the Scottish Rite valley I belong to does offer the master craftsman course, outside of the meetings, which is something that I am interested in, but this past year has put a damper on that as well.
I too am not active in my Scottish Rite Valley. I think that my experience was similar to your own.
I will say though, that the Scottish Rite is still my great love. Not because of the meetings, which I don't attend, but because of the philosophy it has, and the extremely serious commitment of the Southern Jurisdiction to promote Masonic knowledge and education.
I am, frankly thrilled with my long standing membership in the Scottish Rite Research Society, eager to learn more though the SJ's new Masonic Book Club, and found the Master Craftsman to be truly superb.
I do plan on returning to regular Scottish Rite attendance someday, after I've completed my Blue Lodge journey.
My Valley also does the Master Craftsman through group study, but I did it alone, and found no detriment to doing it alone if that interests you.
Happy Friday!! I pray you and yours are well and in good spirits.
I’m one of those brothers that joined everything straight out the gate, York Rite, Scottish Rite, National Sojourners and Shrine.
I joined for the fellowship since the brothers in my Lodge belong to one or more of them; however, I quickly learned that I bit off more than I can chew and couldn’t give as much time as I wanted because my focus was on Silverdale Lodge and my journey to the East. I still belong to all of them and I’m active in Scottish Rite and Shrine.
My advice to a new Master Mason is to focus on their blue lodge, learn the ritual, become an officer and confer the degrees and not be so quick to join other bodies of Masonry. As time goes on and they’ve learned how to divest their time and are proficient in their blue lodge, they can and should seek further light.
Your advice is superb. It is what I received from my Lodge when I was initiated. They told me to hold off joining anything else for at least a year. I ended up holding off quite a lot longer than that.
I did in time join the Scottish Rite, and the Order of the Eastern Star. I'm not active in either of them, but I do maintain those memberships.
I also joined a small group that was called the Prestonian. It was sort of a table lodge, but with its own ritual. I absolutely loved it, and was as active as could be. Unfortunately, it died out due to a lack of membership.
I think if you want to join the Rites, you should do it for the right (pun intended) reasons. Personally, I find that additional education helps explain the things they don't teach you at the Lodge (Blue Lodge) level. I am a member of the Scottish Rite. I have gone through the Master Craftsman program and am currently in the College of the Consistory. It is a fascinating journey of ideas, theology, philosophy, and history that gives context to everythting you learn in the first three degrees. The Rites are a next-level reflection of your Masonic Lodge. Some people join because it adds to their universe of friends. Others may join because of the philanthropic opportunities that may supplement what you do in the Blue Lodge. Being a member of the Scottish Rite is a refreshing opportunity to grow in knowledge, spirituality and personal growth.
I want to begin the College of the Consistory, and I think that I should take the Master Craftsman again. When I took it there were only two parts, and I imagine that there have been other large changes made through the years.
First though, I must finish my current course though Craft Masonry, so that I have the time to devote to those further studies.
Master Craftsman is expanded beyond two parts. The base textbook is Bridge to Light, followed by Pike's Esoterika. Morals & Dogma is a challenge to get through because much of the language is 19th Century Victorian and subject to different interpretations. It is not an easy read. College of Consistory is more like a post-doc course where much of the work is essay-based and you are challenged in your positions and interpretations. The core text here is Magnum Opus, which is even more difficult to interpret than Morals & Dogma.
I love M&D, but you are right, it is not an easy read. I do though find that the new annotated edition is much better, not that there is any difference to the text of course, but because of the footnotes that put so many of the references into context.
For finding things within the text though, I do find the old version of the index to be much more helpful than the new.
I have a copy of the Magnum Opus, but haven't started it yet.
Yes, Scottish Rite. I joined the Scottish Rite because I was told it was the University of Masonry. Upon entry I was impressed by the degrees, and was very excited to learn more about the symbols and interpretations of the degrees, but more than that I hoped the work of the Rite would explore those degrees. For the most of my time in the Rite meetings have been very similar to Blue Lodge meetings. The additional education did not come. Resources are available for those self motivated to seek it, and there are brothers who share that motivation. Would I advise a MM to join? Depends on the MM. If he is going to explore the Rite and is self motivated, then yes. If not, then no. I think he should wait until he has been in the Blue Lodge long enough to master its ritual, and serve his Lodge before he moves on.
I'd like to pose an additional question, if that's OK? In the case of the Scottish Rite, where there are 33 degrees, 32 of which are given on entrance to the order. While we are not required to perform all the degrees, some being 'communicated' I think everyone agrees the degrees we actually perform are better. So, I think most if not all Valleys give all of these degrees as quickly as possible, in fact I got all of mine in one weekend. My question is this, should we consider slowing that down and treating the degrees as university classes? Rather than rushing thru them, offering them over longer periods with instruction on the degree, its symbols, the mythology and history portrayed in the degree? As it stands if a Valley decides to give all the degrees, thats 29 rituals, and if they do those on meeting nights, and that Valley meets twice a month then they can't even do it in a year without doubling up. Pike wrote a massive tome to expand on each degree, filled with information that could take weeks to unwind for each degree and its clear that these degrees are meant to be transformational, BUT the way we do it right now there isn't time to digest the degrees. I would wager that many, if not most, could not expand on those degrees and their lessons without reviewing the material. It's my belief that these degrees as written original by Pike are gems, something to be enjoyed, savored and expanded on. Potentially life and society altering acts. I would love my advancement in a degree to mean I had integrated the information of that degree. I realize this is a radical idea, and would not be easy to implement. I get that.
Excellent question! I've got my own thoughts, but first look forward to hearing what others have to say!
I know where Mike’s coming from. I received all the degrees in one day. I think they called it a reunion. It was all at once, and it felt like a weird dream after eating too much Summer Sausage for dinner the day before. I didn’t understand hardly any of it afterwards, and for the years I did attend, the Stated Meetings were extremely short, and covered no education on any of the degrees. After I stopped attending, the Olympia Valley that I joined began conferring the 4th, 14th, 18th, 30th and 32nd degrees on different meeting nights, which was a step in the right direction for me. But by that time, Chehalis Lodge (which met the same nights) was my new focus, and I haven’t been to a Scottish Rite meeting since. However, if they took some time and did an educational class on at least the above mentioned degrees on the other meeting nights, rather than a brief, 5-10 minute open-and-shut meeting, it’d work even better for our Valleys. Perhaps they’re working in that direction in some Valleys, and if they are, keep up the good work!
I too feel that something very important is lost when Degrees are communicated instead of conferred. I received my Degrees in a three day period. The entire thing was a massive production that took the work of a great many men, but between the fact that most Degrees were communicated, and that so much was thrown at us all at once, I'm not sure how much anyone gets out of it.
I think it would be vastly better if a Valley were to confer each Degree, one at a time. Giving the candidate the opportunity to at least skim the surface lessons of each Degree before moving on to the next.
I feel that maybe Valleys do these quick reunions because everyone wants to be a 32nd Degree Mason, but what would be wrong with being a 6th Degree Mason for awhile? Give it a couple weeks before becoming a 7th Degree Mason. I know of nothing that is truly gained by going fast, but can see where much could be gained by slowing down.
I also think it would be better for the Valley. Work would be spread out over time instead of requiring a herculean effort. It would also give something for the Valley to work on each month instead of once or twice a year.
In addition to this idea, it would also add some credibility to the prestige of being a 32 degree Scottish Rite Freemason. In my travels, I hear a lot of “Oh, the Freemasons! My Grandfather was a 32nd degree Freemason!” I hardly hear the words “Scottish Rite”, but I hear “32nd degree” a LOT. I even heard it back before I joined the Lodge, but then I became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason in one day, and only had about a tenth of the knowledge needed to prove it to another Scottish Rite Freemason, other than my dues card and some recollections of the ritual and costumes. I remember only the passwords of the 4th degree, and another higher degree one because one of the Brothers taught us an informal mnemonic to remember it. (It worked, good for that Brother!)
In a nutshell, over the last few decades, we’ve been making Knights Templar and 32nd Degree Freemasons way too quickly, giving Brothers an attestment without the work to earn it. Kind of like giving a student a Master’s degree in one day because they showed up on the College campus and put down the tuition to receive it. It’s not fair to the Brothers, and for sure, it accounts for the current retention rate.
I think I left my reunion even worse than you. I don't think that I knew any of the modes of recognition.
But yes, the general public certainly seems to think that the 32nd Degree is high attainment, little do they know that it is achieved in a weekend, or apparently even less.
I do think that we contribute to that false perception with those stupid placemats and posters that show Craft Masonry at the very bottom of a system, with the Degrees of both Rites soaring above it.
Your point about high speed contributing to poor retention is certainly well taken.
I think your point that a man needs to be self motivated if he is to learn within the Scottish Rite is exactly correct. In my experience it isn't a matter of learning through presentations or programs at Scottish Rite meetings, it is rather learning through Scottish Rite self study programs, and the SJ's publishing of important books.
Scottish Rite KCCH 21 years. Best for further light and education. Don't regret one little bit....
I too have zero regrets about joining the Scottish Rite. As mentioned, I'm not active within my Valley, but I have greatly benefited from the educational programs, and am perpetually thrilled at the quality of the SR Research Society.
As always we must grow and learn, or wither on the vine.
Yes indeed! And these are great resources for that learning. I've tried to promote especially the SSRS as heavily as I am able through the years.
After I became a MM I was approached by several brothers who explained Scottish Rite was the University of Masonry. I was wanting to learn as much as I could about Masonry so I joined. I really liked meeting new brothers from the other lodges that made up the Valley. I enjoyed the degrees (what I could understand of them) and I received my cap, patent and copy of Morals and Dogma. I continued attending and enjoying the the different events such as Rose Croix. I never asked why certain things were done, such as the placement of your hand when speaking, but learned to mimic. After a year or so the brother that was the SW in the Lodge of Perfection became ill and I was asked to sit in his chair, which I gladly did. The next year I was installed as the VM. I wasn’t ready for that, but fulfilled the duties as best I could. After my year as VM, I began being disillusioned and my attendance dropped off. I didn’t attend the meeting when officers were selected and I was chosen to be the leader without so much as a phone call. This happened again the following year and I submitted my demit. I realize that you only get out what you put in, but I never experienced any “higher education” in Masonry. I was encouraged to complete the Master Craftsman program and was about half way through when I remitted. The focus seemed to be solely on initiating new members and doing more degrees. If I could do it over, I probably wouldn’t have joined Scottish Rite. I would never discourage a brother who was interested in joining but also wouldn’t say it was something it wasn’t, at least for me.
I think that there is likely great variation from Valley to Valley. Much like with our Lodges. I do intend on becoming active within the Scottish Rite again, but I plan to visit some other Valleys, to try and find one that suits me better.
I never really 'clicked' with the Valley I joined for some reason.
I joined Scottish Rite about 30+ years ago, but couldn't make all the meetings, and was transferred around the country. I was also inactive in Blue Lodge for many years until 2012, when I came back to Lodge and started to get active. VERY active! Since then, I have come back to active status in Scottish Rite, and have started to work my way through the Master Craftsman course. I enjoy the self-study, find it to be rewarding and stimulating, tickling my desire to learn more.
I would recommend that the newly-Raised Master Mason wait for at least a year before reaching out to other Rites. I have seen far too many Brothers rush to join ALL the concordant and appendant bodies, only to be disappointed, lose interest, and leave.
My plan is to become as proficient as I can in Blue Lodge, while studying Scottish Rite to learn even more about Masonry. I always enjoy the fellowship and opportunities for further knowledge, and as an officiant, enjoy making the rites of Blue Lodge as enjoyable and meaningful as I am able.
I too enjoyed the self study in the Master Craftsman. I think it is all online now, but back when I took it they would mail me the study guide, quiz, essay directions, then I'd do it all and mail it back, then they would check it out, make comments and send it back to me.
How cool it was when I would get those back, and have comments from a famous Mason! I remember one essay I wrote that I thought was a very unique take on one of the Degrees. I was quite proud of it, and when I got it back, the comments on it were from S. Brent Morris. That was, to me, just about the coolest thing ever. Still have that on my bookshelf, still have all of my Master Craftsman work actually.
I belong to the Scottish Rite and was a member of all York Rte bodies. I am now only member of Royal Arch. I left the other two chapters as they were depressing to me (low attendance, poor ritual, no fun)
I find in one of my blue lodges the same depressing meetings.
My other blue Lodges are very satisfing with one focusing on research being great.
I focus mainly on the Scottish Rite as it meets my need for friendship, education, special events and of course the beautifuul degrees (when presented well). It also is beeter opportunity to get involved in Lodge activities.
I certainly do advise/recommend Masons to join Scottish Rite.
>>"I find in one of my blue lodges the same depressing meetings."
>>"My other blue Lodges are very satisfing with one focusing on research being great."
I'm always struck by how vastly the personality changes from Lodge to Lodge, and I presume Valley to Valley. Even when those Lodges are quite close in proximity to each other, and even when some percentage of regular attendees are the same men.
I've got a couple of Lodges (that I visit) that are an absolute delight, each and every time. One is large, the other is small. One is quite rich, the other is poor. I've also got a Lodge that I visit, and a Lodge that I belong to that are as you say, depressing.
Whenever a man gives up on Masonry, I always wish that instead of him giving up, we could have convinced him to just go in search of another Lodge. One that better suited him. I'm not sure how we get that message out though, without Lodges taking it wrong and starting to believe that their neighbors are trying to poach their Masons.
I joined the Scottish Rite about 20 years ago, as the Valley voted on my membership and elected me, and informed me that I was elected. There were about 6 of us who went through all the degrees in one day. Like mentioned throughout this thread, the ritual was excellent, but getting all of them in one day was a little much. I now know that the Valley spreads them out over the course of half a year, which is much better. As Glenn noted, Blue Lodge is the priority, and Chehalis Lodge met the same night as the Olympia Valley. So I haven’t been to a meeting in several years, but I still pay my dues. I get the Scottish Rite Journal and I do read it.
At the time I joined, the meetings were short; there was a little education, but the meetings were incredibly short. The Almoner came around every meeting, and the members would all stuff $20 bills in it, which was WAY out of my league. I got worried, but even more so when a Brother sitting next to me said, “Don’t worry, they can afford it.” Well, that’s nice. I couldn’t. I felt out of place by that time, and that also helped me focus on Chehalis Lodge, of which I wasn’t a member at that time. That renewed focus is likely what prompted the Lodge to purchase a Life membership for me several years later.
York Rite. I joined through some flim-flamming by a well-known Brother at the time, who took 5 of us, and told each of us that the other 4 were also joining. It worked, as the Centralia York Rite was moribund at the time, and the Commandry had recently had its Charter pulled for lack of membership. The 5 new members woke that Chapter and Council up, and we were having fun with the props and learning the ritual. Many of the new members joined the Commandry in Tacoma or Montesano, and eventually, the Montesano York Rite merged into Centralia, giving Centralia all 3 Bodies as well as some financial security. I am currently the Excellent High Priest of the Chapter, and presided over the Council in 2012.
The advantage of the York Rite is the close relationship is has with the Craft Degrees (Blue Lodge.) Even Albert Pike makes such references in Morals and Dogma. So if you really are a student of our Master Mason ritual, you’ll want to get at least the Royal Arch degree. It gives you a MUCH better understanding of the Blue Lodge degrees. And the Council of Royal & Select Masters gives a better understanding of the Royal Arch degree, furthering your education. The Royal Arch has the Children’s Heart Foundation, and the Council of R&SM has the medical research philanthropy, which is great.
The chief problem with the York Rite is the regular meetings. Most of our education has to be specific to our ritual, as most Masonic Education can be presented at a Blue Lodge meeting. That being said, one of our members has been taking the York Rite equivalent of the Master Craftsman course; it’s called Companion Adept of the Temple. He’s been sharing the questions with us, and it’s been providing valuable education that had been somewhat lacking in years past. The meetings are actually becoming fun! There is hope for the York Rite, and if you have time, I encourage you to consider joining the York Rite.
But all this being said, and as much as I’d like to see both Concordant Bodies gain membership, I do advise, to the new Master Mason, to focus on the Blue Lodge for a few years. Learn how the ritual works, the meaning behind it. Do some research. Attend some Masonic Education presentations in your Lodge and neighboring Lodges. If you join the Concordant bodies too early, the ritual will not have the meaning that it is intended to have, because you haven’t had the time to truly understand what it’s based on. It’s kind of like being sure you know your arithmetic and algebra well before attempting to learn Trigonometry and Calculus. I believe if the leadership of these two concordant bodies take this route, they would have better membership retention.
Bottom line: Both of these concordant bodies are worth joining. IF you take the time and get familiar with your Blue Lodge and what it offers first.
I think that the best thing that Craft Masonry can do to help both Rites is to improve our own Blue Lodges. If we can do that, we will be able to better retain the men that eventually will help to fill the ranks of all the other Masonic bodies.
I also think that if we can build a culture of excellence within our Lodges, that will easily transfer over into every other Masonic group as men who demand it of themselves go off to find further Masonic opportunity in one or more of our other Masonic organizations.
That was a real problem back when I joined Freemasonry in 1996; we had numerous Freemasons who were members of the Concordant bodies, OES, Shrine, etc. who never stepped foot in their Blue Lodge. When they did show up, they didn’t even know the passes to get in. It did not sit well with the newer members. Fortunately, this isn’t nearly as much a problem as it was, probably because those Brothers in the concordants who didn’t show up to Blue Lodge have since passed away.
I am proud to say that all of the active members of our York Rite in Centralia are not only active, but also officers in their Blue Lodges. And from what I’d seen in the Olympia Valley newsletters, almost all of the officers in that valley that I know, are also active in their Blue Lodges. There are names I’m not familiar with, but the Lodges in Tumwater have done a lot of degree work, so I might have missed some of them. Nevertheless, it’s still good news, and it shows things might be turning around.
That is excellent! I've often heard concerns about men who are active in other bodies, but not in their Lodges. I do think that both the Shrine and the SR SJ & NMJ have been pushing their members pretty hard to remain active Lodge members.
I imagine that with it's closer tie to our local Lodges, the problem was probably never as pronounced with the York Rite.
I have absolutely no interest in either York Rite or Scottish Rite. I am just too busy doing what I am doing right now....and plan on backing off on my involvement as I am approaching retirement and travel is a HUGE part of my retirement plans.
For awhile I was disappointed in not being "asked" to join either rite.....but now am glad I never was....I managed to fill in my time with the 3 groups I am presently involved with
Please don't take 'not being asked' as any kind of statement about you or your practice of Masonry. The Rites, like our Lodges, look to be asked. I imagine that there are some instances when they do the asking, as someone mentioned above, but I think generally not.
The only Masonic organization that I was ever asked to Join was the Grotto. It seems like fun, but it is a long distance from home, and I just figured that I'm overly busy as it is.
We will miss you when you pull back, but you will greatly enjoy traveling through retirement!
Right now I am on hold as a Royal Arch Mason. From this vantage point it seems to me there is too much advancement without proficiency in the proceeding degree. I want to self impose a restraint on myself until I feel I have a better understanding of the Royal Arch Degree before I move on to Council. Perhaps I am misreading what I have witnessed but is seems to me those who would be mentoring me advanced before understanding and thereby have little to teach me.
I also can't see doing this advance for the sake of advancement in Scottish Rite until I have gone as far as I want in York Rite first.
Based on what has transpired in this discussion, I think that your plan to slow things down a bit is a very good one. I don't of course know the Council Degrees, but it would seem that one would benefit from having a good understanding of the Royal Arch first.
There is lots of time for the Scottish Rite once you are ready. As you say, there isn't much point in pushing through yet another too fast. I seem to recall you mentioning in the past that you had joined the SR Research Society. You will enjoy that without being a member of the SR. It stands quite well alone.