What is Freemasonry?

The main tenets of Freemasonry include Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Its purpose is to promote a way of life that binds like-minded men through the teaching of these principles.

Freemasonry is not a secret society. On the contrary, its meeting halls are often the centers of our communities. Members make no effort to hide their affiliation, often wearing emblems of the Craft.

Well-known personalities throughout the histories of the nation and world have belonged. Men such as George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Paul Revere have joined Mozart and Lafayette.

The worldwide brotherhood transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational barriers, and strives to serve God, family, country, and community.

What is Scottish Rite?

Although there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason, the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite serve to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge. A Mason who chooses to further his Masonic experience by becoming a 32° Scottish Rite Mason will be expanding upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. The moral and ethical lessons will allow him to be constantly reminded of his duty to God, family, country, and fellow man.

Is there a national headquarers for the Scottish Rite?

There are two headquarters in the United States. Each is responsible for its own jurisdiction. The Northern Jurisdiction, based in Lexington, Massachusetts, is comprised of 15 northeastern and midwestern states. The Southern Jurisdiction, based in Washington, DC, supervises Scottish Rite activity in the remaining 35 states.

Is there a national headquarters for Freemasonry?

Each state is governed by its own Grand Lodge. The various Grand Lodges recognize each other but have no jurisdictional control outside their own territory.

Who can join the Scottish Rite?

A Mason who belongs to a local Masonic lodge under a recognized Grand Lodge is eligible to join the Scottish Rite.

What is the 33rd degree?

This degree is conferred only on a limited number of 32nd degree Scottish Rite Masons who have performed outstanding service within Scottish Rite or the Masonic fraternity or those who have given exceptional service in some other field of endeavor.

Do you have to go to Scotland to recieve the 33rd degree?

That myth continues to crop up but is not true. The 33rd degree is conferred at the jurisdictional headquarters level, which is called a Supreme Council.