College of Masonry
Joining the College of Masonry
Are you contemplating continuing and enhancing your Masonic journey by joining the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry alternatively referred to as the College of Freemasonry? I hope you are! As a primer please read the following about our organization –our origins, who we are and what we do!
ORIGIN
The true origins of the Scottish Rite dwells in antiquity, but the traceable portions date to about 1733 in continental Europe. A formal Scottish Rite presence was established in the United States in 1801. Concerning the Scottish Rite among Prince Hall Masons, the first acknowledged organization began in Philadelphia circa 1820 culminating in the formation of this United Supreme Council is 1881. Since that time our Jurisdiction has expanded to 24 Orients comprised of 29 states generally north of the Mason-Dixon line; 1 territory (Guam); 3 countries (The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, and the Philippines) and a presence in 7 other countries (Bahrain, Canada, England, Germany, Japan, Korea, and Kuwait).
Who We Are
Welcome to a Brotherhood like none other where you can join together with like-minded men and explore, more in Depth, the moral and social virtues inculcated in the Ancient Craft Degrees and apply these studies to the rectitude of your life. As you progress from the 4th through 32° the moral lessons provided assist you in combating the modern day enemies of Ignorance, Superstition, Fanaticism, Despotism, and Ambition and are designed to resonate with and enhance your level of understanding of freemasonry. Membership in the Scottish Rite requires a belief in a Supreme Being and accepts men of all faiths. It is not a religion, but rather a way of life. Alongside every successful man is a successful woman and that adage rings especially true concerning our ladies auxiliary – the Golden Circle. This valued group is comprised of the wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters of the membership.
What We Do
As the Scottish Rite is an extension of Ancient Craft Masonry, the same basic concepts of personal and fraternal development; community outreach; and extension of charity exist here as well on a larger scale. The United Supreme Council Northern Jurisdiction is engaged in a number of ongoing endeavors to include;
- Ownership of the Scottish Rite House and Scottish Rite Tower located in the 1500 Block of Fitzwater Street; a combined 231 units of affordable housing for South Philadelphia’s elderly population.
- Operation of the “Saving our Youth – From Cradle to College” mentoring program.
- Extension of charity to multiple organizations annually through our Benevolent Foundation.
- Awarding financial assistance to need-based college students in underserved communities through educational grants to our Orients.
CONCLUSION
Has what you have just read intrigued you? Are you ready to embark on the next level of your Masonic journey? Do you desire to help your fellow man and Brother? Will you commit to improve the future conditions of today’s youth? If so please contact the Illustrious Secretary and Keeper of the Seals and Archives of your local Scottish Rite body and request a petition for membership. I hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Melvin J. Bazemore
Sovereign Grand Commander
(Chief Executive Officer)