Giving Back

From its inception, the Scottish Rite has been keenly conscious that benevolence is a primary function of Freemasonry, and the fraternity has always been active in that field. The four major charitable efforts of the 32º Scottish Rite Masons in this jurisdiction provide the opportunity to put Masonic principles to work. The common thread for each is “improvement of the mind.” The charities are supported through voluntary contributions.

Almoners Fund

Valley of Chicago brethren know that charity is one of the great virtues of the Masonic Fraternity. Our Valley practices this virtue through the Scottish Rite Almoner’s Fund, Inc, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Together with endowed income, donations keep the Almoner’s Fund replenished and ready to assist distressed worthy Scottish Rite Masons and their loved ones in need. Learn More

Children’s Dyslexia Center

The newest charity was established in 1994 to provide dyslexic children with specialized one-on-one tutoring, enabling them to cope with deficits in reading and writing. While dyslexia cannot be cured, it can be treated. The Children’s Dyslexia Centers are situated throughout the 15-state jurisdiction. Students are accepted into the Centers’ program at no charge to their parents nor to any schools from which they are referred. Applications are not judged based on economic status, race, religion, or Masonic affiliation.
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Leon M. Abbott Scholarships

In 1922, a college scholarship program was inaugurated with an initial appropriation from Surpreme Council funds. In 1932, Leon M. Abbott bequeathed additional funds to establish an Education and Charity Fund. The first Abbott scholarship was not awarded until 1951 when the fund reached the financial goal set by Abbott. For many years, the scholarships were presented to journalism students at selected universities throughout the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. In 1984, it was was voted to expand the scholarship program by awarding grants to children and grandchildren of Scottish Rite members, and to young people active in the youth groups affliliated with the Masonic fraternity. The first academic year was 1985-86, when the funds were allocated for 68 scholarships. As the allocation increases so does the number of recipients.

National Heritage Museum

Opened in 1975 as a bicentennial gift to the nation from the 32º Scottish Rite Masons, the National Heritage Museum provides changing exhibits of Americana, interspersing the role of the fraternity in American life. The facility is in Lexington, Massachusetts adjacent to the Supreme Council headquarters, and is open to the public seven days a week with no admission charge. In addition to the exhibition galleries, the building also contains an extensive Masonic library and a large collection of fraternal paraphernalia. Traveling exhibits expand the museum’s scope to reach those living at a distance.
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