IF YOU ARE NOT A MASON….
Before you can join the Scottish Rite, you first must become a Master Mason in a Lodge under a Grand Lodge that belongs to the Conference of Grand Masters in North America (COGMINA) or to a Grand Lodge recognized by a COGMINA Grand Lodge. In Texas, that means joining a Lodge that is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas. There are many Lodges in southeast Texas and over 30 in the Houston area alone. The best and easiest way is to contact someone who you know to be a Mason and tell him you are interested in joining his Lodge. If you are not acquainted with a Mason, you can find a Lodge near you by following this link:
Grand Lodge of Texas Lodge Locator
ONCE YOU ARE A MASTER MASON IN GOOD STANDING….
Out-of-state Masons who reside in the Houston area are also eligible to join, as long as their jurisdiction is regularly recognized by the Grand Lodge of Texas. The next step is to download and fill out a printable petition and turn it into the office at the Houston Scottish Rite, together with the membership fee. For further information, contact the Houston Scottish Rite Valley at 713-432-1051, who will assist you in the petitioning process. Once you have been voted in you will be invited to receive your Degrees at a Reunion, which is usually held twice a year on a Saturday. (Check the calendar for the next reunion.)
IF YOU ARE A BLUE LODGE MASON INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT MORE LIGHT IN MASONRY….
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is commonly known as the Scottish Rite. It is one of several groups that are part of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. The Scottish Rite is the largest and most widely practiced Masonic Rite in the world and employs a Lodge system.
It is our mission to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family, and country.
While there is no Masonic degree more important than that of Master Mason, there is a long tradition — almost as old as Freemasonry — of “high degrees” that expand upon and elaborate the teachings and lessons of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite degrees teach a series of moral lessons culminating in the 32°, Master of the Royal Secret. The Scottish Rite continues a Master Mason’s education in many ways:
- 4° – 32° Degree work
- Speakers at meetings
- Leadership conferences
- Scottish Rite Journal
- Publishing Masonic books
- Scottish Rite Research Society
- Be a Master Mason in good standing in a regular lodge;
- Complete a petition and include the appropriate fee;
- Attend a “Reunion” where the Scottish Rite Degrees are conferred.