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The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite used in the U.S. in the Symbolic Degrees

guajiro1

Registered User
There are approximately twenty-nine Lodges in the United States using the "Scottish Rite" version of the ritual of the three symbolic degrees, these are concentrated in New York, New Orleans, California. Awareness of the location of "Scottish Rite Blue Lodges" can help a brother interested arrange their travel plans to include a visit to one of the Masonic cities mentioned above.

In the lodges that use the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, They are commonly known as "Scottish Rite Lodges" and are:

1. Lodge Le Progress de l'Oceania No. 371, Honolulu
2. Etoile Polaire Lodge No. 1. New Orleans
3. Perseverance Lodge No. 4 New Orleans
4. Cervantes Lodge No. 5 New Orleans
5. Germania Lodge No. 46 New Orleans
6. Kosmos Lodge No. 171. New Orleans
7. Union Lodge No. 172 New Orleans
8. Dante Lodge No. 174 New Orleans
9. Galileo Mazzini Lodge No. 368 New Orleans
10. Albert Pike Lodge No. 376. New Orleans
11. Paul M. Lodge Schneidauer No. 391 New Orleans
12. Alba Lodge No. 891, New York City
13. Archimede Lodge No. 935, New York City
14. Cavour Lodge No. 872, New York City
15. Dante Lodge No. 919, New York City
16. Garibaldi Lodge No. 542, New York City
17. Italy Lodge No. 786, New York City
18. La Clemente Amitie Lodge No. 410, New York City
19. Fraternity Lodge No. 387, New York City
20. The Sincerità Lodge No. 373, New York City
21. The Universal Lodge No. 751, New York City
22. L'Union Francaise Lodge No. 17, New York City
23. Leonardo Lodge No. 937, New York City
24. Mazzini Lodge No. 824, New York City
25. Roma Lodge No. 854, New York City
26. The Parfaite Union Lodge No. 17, San Francisco
27. Italian Speranza Lodge No. 219, San Francisco
28. Vallee de France Lodge No. 329, Los Angeles
29. Aurora Lodge No. 30, Milwaukee

Suffice to say that the continued use of these different rituals in Louisiana, New York, California, etc. is unique, and Brother Masons from other jurisdictions that have witnessed the ceremonies of different grades, had nothing but praise for their beauty, eloquence and depth of meaning.

Emilio R. Ruiz 32º
 
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AhimanBeard

Registered User
woah, wait. Are these regular/recognized lodges affiliated with a good standing Grand Lodge? If so, I would love to see the degrees done the old fashioned way rather than the theatrical.
(speaking of which, last night I got my Rose Croix and Prince of Jerusalem)
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
I'd like to have an answer to that one myself. For instance, if the Grand Lodge of Louisiana recognizes the New Orleans lodges, aren't we connected?
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
woah, wait. Are these regular/recognized lodges affiliated with a good standing Grand Lodge? If so, I would love to see the degrees done the old fashioned way rather than the theatrical.
(speaking of which, last night I got my Rose Croix and Prince of Jerusalem)

Yes, theses "Red Lodge" degrees are supported by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, a LARGE amount of GL officers show up to these ceremonies to support them. Yes, the GLoTX received it's charter from the GLoLA and is recognized. Yes, Texas Brothers are encouraged to attend these degrees.

Yes, I have personally seen some of these degrees and it was my great pleasure to have been examined by sitting GL officers prior to the degrees.

The only "catch" to viewing any of these degrees is that you must be a MM in good standing (dues card, drivers license) and expect to be examined beforehand. GLoLA requires all work to be preformed in the Masters Degree, then the lessor opened.
 

AhimanBeard

Registered User
well it's highly unlikely that I'll be down south anytime soon to witness these degrees. It is, however, fascinating to know that some lodges still work the A.A.S.R. in its initial ritualized fashion (Rather than the theatrical one).

Furthermore, as a ritualist at heart, I would love to witness the Rose Croix, which was beautiful in so many ways, done in its initial form.

Having been examined for the first time the other week, I feel more confident in traveling to meet with brethren and being examined (understandably and respectfully) .
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Anyone. Did this rumor spur the Grand Lodge of Texas communication of a month or so ago regarding degree work?

I am quite aware of the work in the "Red Lodge" degrees and find them to be very stimulating, rich with symbolism and meaning. But I understand the York Rite heritage of the degrees here in Texas.

That leads to another question. Does anyone have information as to how the grand lodges involved reconciled the differences?
 

dbindel

Registered User
Does anyone have information as to how the grand lodges involved reconciled the differences?

I am not sure of the internal Grand Lodge mechanisms that were involved in Louisiana, but essentially, the lodges practicing the Scottish Rite were grandfathered in, and all newly chartered lodges work the Preston-Webb symbolic degrees.

Each lodge in New Orleans originally had its own version of the Scottish Rite degrees since they came from different countries and spoke different languages (French, Italian, Spanish, and English). As I understand it, they have all since standardized the Scottish Rite ritual used in New Orleans, and it is in English form. However, each of them have retained some of their own deviations and traditions they follow that give special character to each degree.

Interestingly, after visiting some of the Scottish Rite lodges in New Orleans last year, it became apparent that they are not purely Scottish Rite, but now actually work an amalgamation containing elements from both the Scottish and the York Rites.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Not just him & that's the reason we may be getting "red" Lodges. Didn't I say something a while back about shooting ourselves in the feet?
 

Frater Cliff Porter

Premium Member
Not just him & that's the reason we may be getting "red" Lodges. Didn't I say something a while back about shooting ourselves in the feet?

Are you saying that Texas would revoke recognition and then try to run lodges with the Scottish Rite's ritual under the Grand Lodge after revoking recognition of the 4th through the 32nd degrees? That seems extra wrong....
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
No- the way I hear it is that GLoT wants control of SR in Texas, which ain't gonna happen. Thus, GLoT would revoke recognition of SR, forcing SR Masons to choose between SR & GLoT. Then, SR would open their own Lodges & confer the 1st through 32nd Degrees.

Most areas can barely support one Lodge as it is- what do you think would happen if our Lodges split up into SR v. GLoT? Personally, I think it might be the end of Masonry in Texas. I can only hope cooler heads prevail.
 

Frater Cliff Porter

Premium Member
Man Brother I didn't realize it was that bad of a deal. I honestly can't imagine the SR just opening lodges. I would think they would try to stay calm and ride the wave of megalomania until relations were restored.

I will keep you guys in my prayers. I hope that it works out.

If the rumors I heard a true, the reasons for revoking the recognition probably won't sit well with most.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Interestingly, after visiting some of the Scottish Rite lodges in New Orleans last year, it became apparent that they are not purely Scottish Rite, but now actually work an amalgamation containing elements from both the Scottish and the York Rites

So I've been told by other traveling brethren. Louisiana has many charters including those from Port Au Prince and Pennsylvania. I suppose there was much levity through the 1830s when things began to come together. Talk about a true melting pot; gotta love my home state.
 

Dave in Waco

Premium Member
I think it will be a very sad day for Masonry in Texas Bro. Bill. I also think that GL would be more then shooting itself in the foot in cutting relations with SR. I would especially so since I know many of the mainstays and fixtures around GL in Waco are big time into Scottish Rite including at least one candidate for the Grand South this year.

Plus I think that could put GL on an island with other Grand Jurisdictions IMO. In this day and time, we need to pulling our brothers and appendent bodies closer, not separating from them.

I haven't looked it up, but say if they did wish to revoke recognition what would that take?
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
I honestly can't imagine the SR just opening lodges. I would think they would try to stay calm and ride the wave of megalomania until relations were restored.

They wouldn't have a choice. GLoT Masons couldn't attend without getting kicked out of GLoT, in which case they couldn't attend because they would no longer be Masons. If SR didn't open their own Lodges, they'd have no other option but to close the Valleys.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
I think it will be a very sad day for Masonry in Texas Bro. Bill. I also think that GL would be more then shooting itself in the foot in cutting relations with SR. Plus I think that could put GL on an island with other Grand Jurisdictions IMO. In this day and time, we need to pulling our brothers and appendent bodies closer, not separating from them.

I agree entirely.

I haven't looked it up, but say if they did wish to revoke recognition what would that take?

AFAIK, the GM could just issue an edict. Of course, it would have to be ratified @ GL, but by then the damage would already have been done. :sad:
 
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