Iowa Scottish Rite
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Special News

Masonic Author S. Brent Morris visits the Des Moines Valley

S. Brent Morris, Director of Membership Development for the Supreme Council 33°, Southern Jurisdiction, visited the Des Moines Valley April 7 & 8, 2006 as part of the University of Freemasonry series.  He presented on Masonic history and also enjoyed a presentation by Des Moines Valley members on Masonic Music.    The weekend wrapped up with steak dinner in honor of Brother Morris and the Spring 2006 Reunion Class.

S. Brent Morris - Picture source: http://www.srmason-sj.org/web/news7-12-04.htm
S. Brent Morris

Picture source
 
 

 

 

 

Upcoming Reunions

Valley of Cedar Rapids
 
Valley of Clinton
March 23
 
Valley of Davenport
May 15
Oct 21
 
Valley of Des Moines
March 24–25
March 31– Apr 1
Jun 24
Oct 20–21
Nov 3–4
 
Valley of Sioux CIty
March 24–25
March 31– Apr 1
Oct 20–21
Oct 27–28
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the Scottish Rite?

The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization based around principles of freedom and self determination.  Scottish Rite Masonry traces its history in the United States to 18th Century.  Learn more about Scottish Rite began in Iowa.

Today the Scottish Rite represents the 4th through 33rd Degrees of Masonry (29 total).  The Degrees of Masonry are allegorical tales that impart life lessons on the participants.  The Scottish Rite Degrees focus strongly on citizenship, honor and fidelity with a reverence for God. 

The membership of the Scottish Rite consists of Masons who are members of local lodges throughout Iowa.  All Masons in Good Standing are eligible to petition to join the Scottish Rite. Traditionally, prospective members choose to join the Scottish Rite organization nearest to their home, but each member makes this decision individually. 

Members of the Des Moines Valley enjoy their annual Charity Golf OutingScottish Rite members hold regular meetings throughout the year, where organizational business is handled.  Along with meetings, each Valley, or regional division, has a variety of "fun" and charitable events, which vary according to the traditions of each Valley.  These events are varied, whether a charitable golf tournament (at left), helping with a community event or just watching a football game as a group.  It's a membership-driven group.

Additionally, each valley holds several Reunions, generally in the Spring and Fall - when new members officially join and major meetings take place.  The Reunions usually take place over a weekend and give all the members a chance to catch back up on each others lives.

 Gary Sissel
  Sovereign Grand Inspector General
The Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) leads Scottish Rite Mason in Iowa and appoints personal representatives to each of the five Iowa valleys. 

As the SGIG, he represents Iowa in the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite (Southern Jurisdiction).  Outside of Masonry, Brother Sissel is an University of Iowa graduate and accomplished attorney living in the Quad Cities. 

 

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Scottish Rite Locations

Five Iowa communities house Scottish Rite organizations.  These organizations are known as "Valleys."  These Valleys are located in Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, Des Moines and Sioux City.  (Back to Top)

             
  Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite      
 

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What does the Scottish Rite Stand For?

Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal.   -- The Scottish Rite Creed. 

The Scottish Rite Creed summarizes the beliefs of the Scottish Rite succinctly.  To become a member of the Scottish Rite, a person must only profess a belief in God and sincerely desire to better themselves.   

George Washington Bust

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Scottish Rite is a part of the greater Freemasonry

The Scottish Rite, officially known as the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, is a continuation of the greater Masonic community.   Under the Masonic umbrella, there are individual Masonic Lodges in most Iowa communities.  If a Mason has been active in his community lodge, they may choose to join other organizations, such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shriners or a host of other organizations.  All of these groups offer opportunities for the specific interests of each member while including the core beliefs of Masonry and good citizenship. 

The York Rite is a Masonic group aimed at Christians.  The Shrine, commonly known as the Shriners, are a group that well-known for their juvenile Burn Hospitals and for participation in parades.  Like the Scottish Rite, they build on the principles for the local Masonic lodges and the interests of each member.  Many Masons belong to all four groups above and may belong to even more not mentioned. 

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