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WELCOME TO THE
SCOTTISH RITE
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ORIENT OF
TEXAS
VALLEY OF
DALLAS
"Wherever Freemasonry flourishes there will be found the highest type of citizenship and the best standard of living.”
Albert Pike, 33°
These immortal words of Grand Commander Pike (1809-1891), leader of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry from 1851 until his death and one of the greatest Masonic scholars of all time, most eloquently conveys the essence of the Rite.
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry today is the outstanding organization upholding and protecting those ideals that make the best of all nations. These principles are supported by leaders in our community and national life. To become a Mason of the Scottish Rite therefore means that one has enlisted in the cause of Freedom and Humanity. The Rite is for the man who seeks knowledge. It is for the man who is not afraid to think. It is for the man who is willing to confront the great problems of faith and philosophy and the fundamental issues of life.
In the Scottish Rite, you will indeed find an untold wealth of knowledge. It will teach you more about Masonry. It will answer some of the questions raised in the Blue Lodge degrees. It is a sort of “graduate course” in Masonic teachings. In fact, it aids, supplements and reinforces the Blue Lodge in every way. As organizations, these Bodies are mutually dependent because they strengthen each other.
It is even more than that. It is also a rich and rewarding source of brotherhood. Scottish Rite Reunions arejust that -- held for the purpose of mutual improvement in all that is required to make us good citizens.
THE VALLEY OF DALLAS
WELCOMES YOU TO THE SCOTTISH RITE
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 Scottish Rite Temple is located in downtown Dallas at the intersection of Harwood and Young. The street address is 500 South Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75201-6210. The Temple is on the National Register of Historic Places.
When you arrive at the Dallas Temple feel free to park in the lot located in the rear of the Temple adjacent to Harwood street. You should enter the building through the side 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.
HOW TO DRESS
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 fee for the Scottish Rite is $175. It may be paid by cash or check and should accompany your petition.
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 will be ordered for you for an additional fee.
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, to those who attend the Black Cap Presentation, by the members of the KCCH - Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. The Black Cap Ceremony is performed twice a year. Your Lady and any family members and friends you wish to invite are welcome. Caps must be worn at Stated Meetings and Reunions by “rule,” and we have a few extra for those that forget theirs.
32 Scottish Rite caps are presented to Candidates free of charge, by the members of the KCCH - Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. Your Lady and any family members and friends you wish to invite are welcome.
HOW DOES THE
SCOTTISH RITE
IMPART ITS TEACHINGS?
The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are all conferred or communicated from the stage of the Main Auditorium – the heart of the Temple. In splendid panorama, with the aid of beautiful scenery drops and embellished by special effects of artistic settings, along with the use of lights, color 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 lightning personal, 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. ANDREWS
The Knights of St. Andrew is a black cap “only” organization which you will be eligible to join once you become a 32° Mason.
Details of the organization can be found at: www.dallasKOSA.com .
OFFICE HOURS
The Scottish Rite Office is located on the second floor of the Temple. Regular office hours are 8 to 4:30 Monday thru Friday. The office staff may be reached at 214-748-9196 . The mailing address is 500 South Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75201-6210. Our Web site is www.dallasscottishrite.org . Please feel free to call us for any assistance you may need or for any questions you may have. |
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