Prince Hall and Lodge of State AASR question

[Bro. Thornton]

Hello Brothers,
Being that Mainstream A.A.S.R. NMJ & SMJ, share mutual recognition with its Prince Hall Brothers, can a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason in good standing and in a state that has mutual recognition and intervisitation, join a Scottish Rite Valley under a Lodge of State, and vice-versa? As I am sure the answer in clear cut, I appreciate any light that can be shed on the subject, I am genuinely curious. Especially being that these are appendant bodies and not Blue Lodges.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ripcord22A]

My understanding is yes. The AASR doesnt fall under a particular state GL...it answers to the Supreme Council of the SJ/NJ. If you are in an area that doesnt have a PHAASR then you should be good

 

[Ripcord22A]

Heres a question....since the AASR does have recognition and intervisitation with its PH counterpart....are you able to go to an AASR meeting if you are a PHAASR mason in a jurisdiction whose GL doesnt recognize/have intervisitaion...also what if you are traveling and your jurisdiction doesnt recognize but the jursdiction you are in does and a PHA brother comes to lodge.....?

 

[Bro. Thornton]

Thank you for your answer. Now that is a tough question. Technically I would say yes one could attend an AASR meeting, however being in a state that didn't recognize one another, it seems like it would create disharmony. Besides, those Masons would be breaking their obligations no? on both sides. I really don't know.
My two cents on your second question, I would assume the "When in Rome" rule would apply here, however, in that situation, I would make sure not to find out what affiliation he was and continue lodge. I am a relatively new Prince Hall Affiliated Mason and looking to travel as much as possible.

 

[Warrior1256]

As far as I know you can petition here in Kentucky.

 

[chrmc]

I think it's often murky to be honest and will depend a lot on each state. Technically the appendant bodies are usually sovereign unto themselves, but still falls under the Grand Lodge scopes. It's a little tricky.

Best advice I think would be for you to write to the General Secretary of the Valley you want to visit and see what he says. If he says ok go visit (and don't make a big deal about it). If not then try the next one.

 

[dfreybur]

Scottish Rite in each jurisdiction is subject to the rules of that local jurisdiction. The rules of the SR jurisdiction can only further restrict that.

Petition example - When California jurisdictions recognized each other MWPHGLofCA+HI asked that the agreement not allow affiliation as they were a single-lodge style jurisdiction. That agreement has been copied by GLofCA in all PHA recognition offers. Because California does not allow affiliation petitions across jurisdictions at the blue lodge level, affiliation petitions are also not allowed at the valley level.

Visitation example - If you're in a state without local recognition, your SR dues card is valid to enter a valley but because the local blue lodge jurisdiction does not allow visitation the most restrictive rule wins. No entrance.

More complex visitation example - You are a member in a state without recognition. You are visiting a valley in a state with recognition. A PHA brother shows up to visit and as usual is accepted. Do you leave? That depends on the details of your own jurisdiction. Some GLs have a rule to act like the locals so you stay. Some GLs have a rule to act like you are at home so you leave.

 

[Glen Cook]

Scottish Rite in each jurisdiction is subject to the rules of that local jurisdiction. The rules of the SR jurisdiction can only further restrict that.

Petition example - When California jurisdictions recognized each other MWPHGLofCA+HI asked that the agreement not allow affiliation as they were a single-lodge style jurisdiction. That agreement has been copied by GLofCA in all PHA recognition offers. Because California does not allow affiliation petitions across jurisdictions at the blue lodge level, affiliation petitions are also not allowed at the valley level.

Visitation example - If you're in a state without local recognition, your SR dues card is valid to enter a valley but because the local blue lodge jurisdiction does not allow visitation the most restrictive rule wins. No entrance.

More complex visitation example - You are a member in a state without recognition. You are visiting a valley in a state with recognition. A PHA brother shows up to visit and as usual is accepted. Do you leave? That depends on the details of your own jurisdiction. Some GLs have a rule to act like the locals so you stay. Some GLs have a rule to act like you are at home so you leave.

Agreed, and thus, you need to check with your GL and Orient

 

[Bro. Thornton]

Wow, thank you for shedding some light on the subject, it is much appreciated!