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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.
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.
Scottish Rite LocationsFive 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) 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.
Scottish Rite is a part of the greater FreemasonryThe 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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Iowa Scottish Rite Bodies © 2006 | All Rights Reserved | |
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Scottish
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
