Valley of Chicago to Host Supreme Council
Chicago will be the site of this year's annual meeting of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Approximately 1,800 Thirty-third Degree Masons and their ladies from 15 northeastern states are expected at the meeting on Aug. 28-30.
The 2011 Session will be highlighted by the conferral of the Thirty-third Degree upon 173 Scottish Rite Masons who were elected for this high honor at last year's meeting in Philadelphia. The Thirty-third Degree is awarded for outstanding achievement within the fraternity or for significant contributions to others, reflecting credit on Freemasonry. The impressive ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Attendance at the Degree is reserved for Thirty-third Degree Masons only.
Introductory luncheons honoring the Thirty-third Degree candidates and their ladies are on the schedule for Sunday at noon. The Sheraton Chicago Ballroom will be the scene of the traditional Supreme Council Vesper Service during the afternoon.
The Executive Session, attended by the officers of the Supreme Council, will be held on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27.
Sovereign Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton will preside over a General Session of the Supreme Council on Monday, Aug. 29. In the course of this session, prominent leaders from other Masonic organizations in the United States and throughout the world are expected to be in attendance.
A number of other events have been scheduled, including a Monday luncheon in the River Exhibition Hall of the Sheraton Hotel for our registered guests.
That evening, entertainment in the ballroom will feature “The Second City” improvisational troupe for members and their ladies.
In addition to the major events sponsored by the Supreme Council, a Masonic Marketplace will allow vendors to offer Masonic-related items for sale.
The 2011 meeting will end with the announcement of the names of those elected to receive the Thirty-third Degree at Cleveland in August 2012. The 200th anniversary meeting is slated for Washington, DC, in 2013.
