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choppersteve03

Premium Member
i was raised last month, and i stll have a need for more light. whats the difference between sr and the york rite? i want to join the sr but, i dont know how to go about joining are there yearly dues, am i gonna get an awsome education out of it. is what i really want to know is it worth the 305bucks or should invest it else where, or go york rite.
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
I'm a Scottish Rite mason. I don't live near my Valley (2 hours away), so I can't make it to any meetings there, but I do attend our local club meetings when I have time. One of the neatest things I think you can do is help with the dramatic presentations of the SR degrees, and I hope to do that once I'm done with school. You are essentially a member of a production team, actor, etc.

I did appreciate the degrees, and the Master Craftsman program is worth its weight in gold.

The degrees give you cause for further study in Masonry. Each one is unique, and they address different facets of life and living. I genuinely believe the Scottish Rite to be "the College of Freemasonry" it claims to be. The Guthrie, OK Scottish Rite has a wonderful program called the College of the Consistory, which gives you a real good opportunity for deeper study in the degrees. It is an essay based program where your essays are reviewed by your peers in the College. You essentially must write a paper for each of the degrees, starting with the 4th.

I hope that helped.
 
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JJones

Moderator
If you want more light I'd recommend the York Rite. It picks up almost directly where the MM degree leaves off and it answers several questions that still remain after a man is raised. I know in England you're not really considered a Master until you receive the Royal Arch degree. As taken from http://www.texasyorkrite.org/chapter/Education-Why-York-Rite.php :

All Symbolic Masonry has its source In the Grand Lodge of England. Section I of the Constitution of the United Grand Lodge of England declares that "pure, ancient Masonry consists of three Degrees and no more, Viz., those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch."

That it's to say I think they are right or wrong but I think it shows how closely York Rite expands on and compliments the MM degree.

I don't know enough about Scottish Rite to give an educated opinion, I'm not a members and I have no plans to join. :)

I should also add that I'm 90% sure that Scottish Rite degrees are all conferred in festivals where the majority of the candidates just watch. I can't speak for everyone but I find that I get more out of the degree by actually participating in it. York Rite does festivals as well but unless I'm mistaken you might be able to find a Chapter/Council thats able to give you a more personal experience.
 
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choppersteve03

Premium Member
i talked to a brother today who is a sr mason he said, it was worth it and i should look into it further. so i have one sr mason on my petion just need one more and its , scottish rite here i come!
 

chancerobinson

Registered User
Brother Steve,

I have enjoyed both the Scottish Rite and the York Rite tremendously and I strongly recommend both bodies, but as with anything you will only get out of these additional degrees what you are able to put into it.

There is so much to learn in the Blue Lodge. I would encourage you to build your foundation in the Blue Lodge before you potentially try to make a 24 inch gauge into a 48 inch gauge. A deeper understanding of Masonic philosophy, traditions, and history will only make your Masonic experience that much more fulfilling when you do pursue the degrees of either of these worthwhile bodies.

This I am speaking from experience, not example. Although I have been a Mason for only a short time, I have in some ways over extended myself with involvement in various aspects of the craft ... sometimes I regret not focusing more of my time in building a more solid foundation rather than shall I say attempting to lay a cornerstone and place the final keystone at the same time. I encourage you to await the time with patience before petitioning these other bodies and spend some time reading and involving yourself in your Blue Lodge. Take time to visit other lodges in your area, and then when you feel the time is right petition the Scottish Rite, York Rite, or both. That time might be 1 year, 6 years, or 6 months, but don't be to hasty in your decision, you have a lifetime for Masonry enjoy every minute of it.

I wish you the best in your continued journey for more light, my brother.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Chance Robinson
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
Chance makes a few good points, brother.

One thing I've taken away from your post history is that you're not happy with your current Lodge. I would not look to the Scottish or York Rite to replace the Blue Lodge, but rather supplement it. Without the Blue Lodge, you're lacking in a foundation in basic Freemasonry.

Before pursuing an additional path of Light, I would recommend trying to fix what is broken in your current situation. I know I'm not alone when I say that my Lodge experience hasn't been perfect, but I've spent the years since I was raised striving to improve things. If they don't do education at your Lodge, then why don't you start it? There are bound to be other brothers in your area that would listen. Invite them, so you have at least a few people as a sympathetic audience the first time. ;)

Back on topic: Brother Jones also brings up an interesting point about the Rites. They each add something to the three degrees of Masonry you've already received. In the Scottish Rite, the Hiramic legend is a little bit different, and the Ruffians' capture is discussed in the 9th and 10th degrees (I believe). Each Ruffian represents a different vice or evil and the tools in their hands have different meanings as well.

You will find either Rite to be intellectually stimulating as a supplement to the Blue Lodge, in my opinion. I wish you the best of luck on this journey, and I especially pray that your Lodge experience become more fulfilling.
 

Nate Riley

Premium Member
I have done all three, York Rite, Scottish Rite and Shrine. All three we very enjoyable. If you live a considerable distance from the nearest Scottish Rite Valley, you might prefer to go York Rite, since it may be easier to find a good group of York Rite bodies closer to your residence.
 

choppersteve03

Premium Member
bro mac iam gonna take yours and bro chaces advise and study the blue lodge more, its to soon to join the sr with out making a better masonic foundation. but i will join the sr when its time, as for yr there are not really any around here, just the sr valley and shrine in des moines. thank you so much brothers for your gental guidance.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
That is a lot of writing, but sounds well worth it.

Good advice from Mac on the topic of the Scottish Rite. There is also much to learn from your Blue Lodge. Go back to your pamphlet handed out at your raising. Look up the bibliography and get with the GLoTx library and start reading. You're only out return postage. Pick up a couple of books, read them, and get in a pattern.

There's much light for the hungry. You just make sure you stay hungry! All good things will come with time. Keep an eye out for learned brethren. They are out there and can be identified quite easily to those who look. Each will be pleased to help in your education once they are convienced you are honestly seaking enlightenment.


You can go far. But it is all up to you.

God speed ... jwhoff
 

choppersteve03

Premium Member
thanks jw, i have decided to hold of on the sr, and wait till after my lodge gets done with being dim for the summer. whats a pamphlet? i didnt get anything after i was raised, the secratery still has my lambskin apron.
 

chancerobinson

Registered User
He was referencing a system of candidate information which is presented to all candidates in Texas following each degree and prior to the EA degree. There are four blue pamphlets filled with the high points of information regarding the three degrees of Craft Masonry.
 

choppersteve03

Premium Member
chance is there anyway, you could im or email me the pamphlets? granted iam not a texas mason, but an iowa mason, thoughs pamphlets sound like a good teaching tool and i wish the gloi would put them out.
 

Howard1977

Registered User
I am an Iowa mason and part of the York rite here in Iowa...my email is daermonsk@hotmail.com. please send me an email if you would. We should talk since we are Iowa masons

Life is tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid. - Bro. John Wayne


Brother, Companion, & Sir Knight Howard E. Hubbard. New Hope #480 Eldon, Iowa A.F. & A.M and Springville Lodge #139 A.F. & A.M. Springville , Iowa, Clinton Chapter #9 R.A.M, Ottumwa Council #31.R. & S. M., Malta Commandery #31 K.T, State of Iowa
 

Howard1977

Registered User
Above post was for choppersteve03 so everyone knows :)

Life is tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid. - Bro. John Wayne


Brother, Companion, & Sir Knight Howard E. Hubbard. New Hope #480 Eldon, Iowa A.F. & A.M and Springville Lodge #139 A.F. & A.M. Springville , Iowa, Clinton Chapter #9 R.A.M, Ottumwa Council #31.R. & S. M., Malta Commandery #31 K.T, State of Iowa
 

Howard1977

Registered User
GL of Iowa does give them out.......

Life is tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid. - Bro. John Wayne


Brother, Companion, & Sir Knight Howard E. Hubbard. New Hope #480 Eldon, Iowa A.F. & A.M and Springville Lodge #139 A.F. & A.M. Springville , Iowa, Clinton Chapter #9 R.A.M, Ottumwa Council #31.R. & S. M., Malta Commandery #31 K.T, State of Iowa
 
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