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Information For New Members
As an introduction to your experience, some questions frequently asked by candidates are answered here. We look forward to seeing you at the next Reunion.
TEMPLE LOCATION The Houston Scottish Rite is located at the Houston Valley Scottish Rite Temple near NRG Stadium at 2401 West Bellfort Ave. When you arrive at the Houston Scottish Rite, feel free to park in the lot located inside of the gate. You should enter the building through the front door under the canopy. You will be registered as soon as you arrive. We have much work to do so please try to be prompt. Give careful attention to the registration time on the Degree schedule. DRESS SUGGESTIONS A coat and tie is the suggested attire for Stated Meetings and Reunions. Pictures will be taken on the first day of the Reunion. FEES AND PAYMENT The total degree fee for the Scottish Rite is $275. It may be paid by cash or check and should accompany your petition. Endowed membership is $1250, but if purchased together the total is $1500. Send a photocopy of your Blue Lodge dues card with your petition. It is a law of the Scottish Rite that you must be in good standing in your Blue Lodge before you can become a member of the higher Masonic Bodies, and to remain a member you must maintain good standing in your Blue Lodge. MEALS Meals are prepared for Candidates at no additional charge. During a typical Reunion, you will receive breakfast and lunch on the day(s) of the Reunion. 14° RING Each candidate who becomes a Master of the Royal Secret will receive a 14° ring encased in a Lucite pyramid. If you prefer a ring to wear, as many SR masons do with real pride, your finger will be sized and a 10K ring is available for purchase at several masonic web sites. ENGLISH PATENT When you become a Scottish Rite Mason, you will receive from the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction, an English Patent inscribed on parchment with your name. These usually are mailed from the Supreme Council 30-45 days after your initiation and are suitable for framing. LAPEL PIN AND LITERATURE You will receive a 32° lapel pin and publication from the Scottish Rite entitled “A Bridge to Light.” This book provides a concise explanation of the teachings, symbolism, and history of each degree and is an important publication for your personal review and study. At the conclusion of the degrees, you will receive a packet of various publications and items of interest. CAPS 32° Scottish Rite caps are presented to Candidates free of charge after the 32° Master of the Royal Secret. The Black Cap Ceremony is performed by the Chairman or the General Secretary of the Valley. Caps must be worn at Stated Meetings, Feasts, and Reunions by “rule,” and we have a few extra for those that forget theirs. HOW DOES THE SCOTTISH RITE IMPART ITS TEACHINGS? The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are all conferred or communicated from our state-of-the-art Main Auditorium. In splendid panorama, with the aid of a huge screen that almost wraps around the entire room, along with the use of lights, props and costumes, the Degrees present the wisdom of the ages. In much the same format as community theatre, the degree teams, stage and wardrobe workers, and sound and lighting personnel, all render volunteer service and strive to make each Reunion successful in every way. The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are dramatic, emotional, and exciting. They inspire us to be better than we are with their great lessons in Morals and Ethics. They help us to understand the nature of human perfection. NO MEMORIZATION REQUIRED The Scottish Rite does not require candidates to pass an examination on their proficiency as in the degrees of the Blue Lodge. No memorization is required in the degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry. For those who have not been active in their Blue Lodge for some time, the Scottish Rite offers a comfortable and easy way for a brother to get back in touch with the fraternity. CHARITIES Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders, and learning disorders, like dyslexia. Today, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children provides ongoing care for more than 14,000 children each year. There is no charge for treatment at the Hospital and admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years of age. Our children are tomorrow’s citizens and the hope for our world. To help children overcome their challenges is a major contribution to our future. LET THERE BE LIGHT The Scottish Rite is an institution which affords Master Masons an opportunity to give of themselves and of their talents to the building and beautifying of that glorious temple of the spirit – “that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” The membership of the Scottish Rite is composed of Master Masons to whom the Symbolic Degrees have given inspiration, energy and a love for the principles of Masonry, and have caused them to seek new and larger areas of service and a greater knowledge of that primary truth which Masonry has given to the world. The Master Mason who receives the degrees of the Scottish Rite sees Masonry not only in terms of his membership in his own Blue Lodge, but in terms of a great worldwide institution that casts its shadow of influence upon mankind within the borders of every nation. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE “BODIES” OF THE SCOTTISH RITE? There are four “Bodies” in the Scottish Rite organization: the Lodge of Perfection conferring the Ineffable Degrees (4° to 14°), Chapter of Rose Croix conferring the Historical and Religious Degrees (15° to 18°), the Council of Kadosh conferring the Philosophical and Chivalric Degrees (19° to 30°), and the Consistory conferring the Ceremonial and Official Degrees (31° and 32°). Each Body is complete in itself and is self-governed, although the financial affairs of the entire group are vested in the Lodge of Perfection. THE KNIGHTS OF ST. ANDREW The Knights of St. Andrew is a black cap “only” organization which you will be eligible to join once you become a 32° Mason. This order is dedicated to the service of the Valley of Houston an it's leadership. OFFICE HOURS The Scottish Rite Office is located on the first floor of the Temple. Regular office hours are 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. The office staff may be reached at 713-432-1980. The mailing address is 2401 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77054. Our web site is www.houstonscottishrite.org Please feel free to call us for any assistance you may need or for any questions you may have. |
Scottish Rite Learning Center
Scottish Rite Hospitals
Almoner's Fund
Contact Us
Phone:
713-432-1980 Email: [email protected] Address: 2401 West Bellfort Houston, TX 77054 Website: www.houstonscottishrite.org |