valley of firelands scottish rite exploring the royal secret

Scottish Rite: Exploring The Royal Secret

Sandusky TempleSandusky, Ohio

2017

Short Presentation on the Valley of the Firelands And the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction


Presentation

History of the RiteValley of the Firelands Program

Events HeldUpcoming Events

The origin of the name comes from the French word “Ecossais” or Scottish. As deposed King James fled from England to France in the later 1600’s to avoid strife in his homeland, there is supposition that some “higher degrees” traveled with them.

Frenchman & Master Mason Etienne (Stephen) Morin was issued a patent in 1761 to communicate to Masons the “high” degrees (Rite of Perfection) in the New World.

Morin and the patent traveled from France (lived in Bordeaux region – 1732) to Santo Domingo in 1763. In 1764, Morin met with and communicated the Degrees to Brother Henry Andrew Francken. Bro. Francken copied the Degrees and headed to New York in 1767.

Bro. Francken established the Ineffable Lodge of Perfection, the 4th through 14th Degrees in Albany, New York in 1767. The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction was created in 1813 in New York.

In the beginning, Morin, Francken and others sold and communicated the degrees that were known as The Rite of Perfection. There were twenty-five degrees (25). The twenty fifth degree was known as “Knight of St. Andrew.” From 1801 to today, the 32nd Degree is titled: Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

As you may know the Grand Lodge of Ohio formed in Marietta in 1808. The first Valley formed in Cincinnati in 1853, Cleveland in 1860, and the Valley of Toledo in 1880.


The Degrees are philosophical works originally communicated in a private setting “table degrees.” One of the themes with this new Valley is to relive this method of delivery while also creating a “degree study” setting separately.

The Scottish Rite is often described as the “university” of Freemasonry.

The Masonic Philosophies expounded upon in the first Three Degrees are expanded upon in the Scottish Rite.

In each Scottish Rite Degree, a Prologist explains what the audience shall witness in the work on stage. A team of Scottish Rite Masons then portray the work.


The Valley of the Firelands is comprised of four concordant bodies, working under dispensation conferred June 4 2016: Firelands Lodge of Perfection – 4th through 14th Degrees

Known as the Ineffable Degrees: amplify the legend of the Master Mason Degree and the building of King Solomon’s Temple

Firelands Council Princes of Jerusalem – 15th & 16th Degrees Portray the times before 500 BC: return of captives to Jerusalem,

rebuilding of the Temple

Firelands Chapter of Rose Croix – 17th & 18th Degrees Portray deeper understanding of Religion, Philosophy, Ethics, & History

and the Herod Allegory

Firelands Consistory – 19th through 32nd Degrees Known to portray many Chivalric Degrees: and a variety of lessons;

Native Americans, Woodsmen, Civil War figures, WWII Chaplains, etc.


The work is fashioned to be an extension of the lessons within three degrees in the Symbolic Lodges.

The Rite is thought of “as a natural next step in the development of the Freemason.”

The requirements are straight forward: be a Master Mason in good standing and petition your local Scottish Rite Valley. There will be a initiation fee and subsequent annual membership dues.

There is no requirement for memorization of ritual as in the Symbolic Lodge Degrees to become a member.


Should you desire involvement beyond witnessing degree portrayals, there are many opportunities to engage in stagecraft as a sound & music technician, costuming & actor makeup arts, stage setup, the various “ speaking” and “walking” actor parts, or as an usher.

Valley of the Firelands Scottish Rite members gather at Degree Days in Temples and Lodges several times a year. Blue Lodges as members of the SR are encouraged to “take on and portray one or more Degrees.


However, there are several member, family and public events that occur outside of these gatherings:

Ohio Scottish Games – Wellington OH - Saturday June 24th 2017

Society of St. Andrew – Highland Games – Livonia MI Saturday August 4th 2017

Fellowship Night – Camden Falls, OH


Lodge Degree Night – Galion Lodge


Come join us in sharing history, tradition, promoting wholesome values and

great fellowship in the Valley!


Mobile Friendly Website - http://ValleyoftheFirelands.org

http://valleyofthefirelands.org/

valley of firelands scottish rite exploring the royal secret

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