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

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

 

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)

 

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?

 

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) .

 

I heard that rumor too.

 

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?

 

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.

 

I had heard the incoming Grand Master wanted to yank recognition of the Scottish Rite all together....

 

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....

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

Did anything about this come up at Grand Lodge?