Become a Member

Your journey as a 32º Mason

You took the necessary steps to become a Master Mason. You earned the right to become a part of the oldest and greatest fraternal organization in the world. Now, you have an opportunity to expand upon your knowledge of Masonry, to widen your circle of acquaintances, and to serve humanity in unique ways.

You may approach a 32° Mason to take the next step into the Scottish Rite, or he may approach you to suggest that you continue your Masonic journey, which should be a never-ending path. There is always room for improvement in our lives. 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.

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Degree Structure

Whereas a Symbolic Lodge appears in almost every community in the United States, the Scottish Rite units tend to be regional and are called “Valleys.” Most Valleys have four distinct parts; although, in some areas, a candidate may be required to continue his degrees in a neighboring Valley.

The Lodge of Perfection confers the 4° through 14°. These are commonly referred to as the Ineffable degrees. In the 11 lessons, the candidate will observe many references, scenes and characters, which recall and amplify the three Symbolic degrees.
The Council of Princes of Jerusalem confers the 15° and 16°, which teach lessons using the settings based on the Babylonian captivity of the Hebrews and the building of the second Temple.
The Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 17° and 18°, and is the spiritual heart of the Scottish Rite. These degrees teach that the only lasting Temple is in the soul of man.
The Consistory confers the 19° through 32°. These degrees portray many memorable lessons that range in settings from the days of chivalry through to the 20th century.

A Scottish Rite degree can offer a new reflection each time it is performed or observed. The lessons are taught through parables in the form of plays, allowing Masons the opportunity to bond through theater, stage work, costuming, makeup, set design and musical activities. Cast members present the lessons, which are taken from Biblical and modern historical events, to candidates who learn from observing the performances.

How long will it take?

A Master Mason may become a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in one day, or he may take each body of degrees separately over a period of time. Each degree requires elaborate stage preparation, so not every degree is presented in full form during a degree-conferring session. The lessons for degrees not performed are summarized for the candidates. Every 32° Mason should strive to witness in future years as many degree presentations as possible. Each degree is performed at least once within a six-year period.

Following initiation, a member gains entrance to the meetings of any Scottish Rite Valley by presenting a current dues card. A new member receives a 32° passport which is used to record the date that each degree is witnessed.

Benefits of being a member

Further light in Masonry through the exemplification of the 4° – 32°
Being part of a fraternity that puts the Masonic obligation of caring for each other at the center of all we do
Expanded network of 3500 32° Masons in the Valley of Chicago

Additional online educational resources for members only so you can go even deeper into the degrees
Interactive programming with Scottish Rite leaders and Brothers to keep us connected
An ongoing, online private forum to discuss any and all things Masonic

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