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.
Temple Location
The Austin Scottish Rite is located at the Historic Scottish Rite Temple and Theatre across from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin’s Historic Capitol District at 207 West 18th Street.
When you arrive at the Austin Scottish Rite feel free to park in the lot located in the side. You should enter the building through the front door under the canopy. You will be registered as soon as you arrive.
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 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.
What do all the symbols mean?
There are simply too many symbols used in Masonry to explain them all, but probably the most common symbol people see is the square and compasses. The square reminds Masons to “square” their actions by the “square of virtue,” and the compasses remind them to “circumscribe” their passions. In other words, Masons are reminded to keep their actions virtuous and their passions in control. Additionally, in the U.S. there is usually a “G” in the middle of the square and compass symbol. This letter stands for “geometry” and “God” and reminds Masons that geometry was central to the stone mason’s life as God should be to his.
What is the official name of the Supreme Council?
The name of the Supreme Council reveals history, tradition, and accomplishment. The official, full name of this Supreme Council is: “The Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the Inspectors General Knights Commander of the House of the Temple of Solomon of the Thirty-third degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America.”
What are the caps for?
If the apron is a badge of a Mason in Blue Lodge, the cap can be said to be the public badge of a Scottish Rite Mason. It is considered a part of the uniform and the different colors indicate the degree of the wearer. (black – 32°, red – KCCH, white – 33°)
What do the Fourteenth Degree Rings mean?
The Scottish Rite Fourteenth degree ring is a flat, plain band of gold, and embossed thereon is a plate in the form of an equilateral triangle and within the triangle is the Hebrew letter yud, the initial letters of Jehovah in Hebrew (yud he vau he). Inside the ring is inscribed the Fourteenth Degree Motto: Virtus Junxit, Mors Non Separabit (Virtue has united and death shall not separate). The rings circle expresses the unbreakable fraternal bond between Masons of all generations. Upon the death of the owner, the ring should go into the hands of his widow, eldest son, the friend who was loved above all others, or another Scottish Rite Mason.