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Who We Are

The Scottish Rite, often referred to as 32° Freemasonry, is an appendant body of Freemasonry a Master Mason may join to journey deeper into the teachings of the Craft.

What is the Scottish Rite, NMJ?

32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry is an appendant body of Freemasonry open to Master Masons, offering more degrees, fellowship, and opportunities for philanthropic service. For more than 200 years, the Scottish Rite has welcomed men seeking deeper meaning, greater fellowship, and ways to put Masonic values into action.

Scottish Rite, NMJ Core Values

Reverence for God
Devotion to Country
Integrity
Justice
Tolerance
Service to Humanity

The Scottish Rite Experience

The Scottish Rite, NMJ is a fraternity of Master Masons who seek to journey deeper into the highest principles, teachings, and ideals of the Masonic Craft through the 4°–32° degrees.

Often called the “University of Freemasonry,” 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry™ uses allegory, dramatic presentation, and rich philosophical lessons to supplement and amplify the teachings of the Symbolic Lodge, exploring history, ethics, and the fundamental truths that guide a Mason’s life.

The Scottish Rite, NMJ helps men expand their understanding of character, purpose, and brotherhood as they advance toward the 32°.

Our Organization

32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry builds on the ethical teachings of the first three degrees offered in the Blue lodge. The 29 Scottish Rite degrees delve deeply into the tenets and philosophy of the Craft. Through the study of additional degrees, like-minded, worthy men share their passion and commitment to Masonry while connecting to something bigger.

Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies. Each body confers a set of degrees. In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the bodies are:

  • 14 degree Lodge of Perfection

    4°–14°

    Lodge of Perfection

    The Lodge of Perfection is where a Scottish Rite Mason’s journey begins. This body confers the 4th through the 14th degrees. These degrees investigate and contemplate spirituality, and also amplify the Hiramic Legend and lessons from the Biblical era.

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  • 16 degree Council of Princes of Jerusalem

    15°–16°

    Council of Princes of Jerusalem

    The Council of Princes of Jerusalem confers the 15th and 16th degrees, known as the historical degrees. These two degrees explore the conflicts and politics in the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon.

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  • 18 degree chapter of rose croix

    17°–18°

    Chapter of Rose Croix

    The Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 17th and 18th degrees, known as the philosophical degrees. These degrees make use of Christian symbols and historical settings, but their spiritual message is universal for all Masons, who are united in the belief of a Supreme Being.

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  • 32 degree consistory

    19-32°

    Consistory

    The Consistory is responsible for conferring the 19th through the 32nd degrees. These degrees demonstrate the challenges of social and moral conflicts, drawing on lessons from the age of chivalry through modern day.

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What is the 33rd Degree?

Sovereign Grand Inspector General

The Supreme Council confers the 33° of Sovereign Grand Inspector General upon members of the Scottish Rite in recognition of outstanding service to the Scottish Rite, Freemasonry, or society. The 33rd degree is a title of honor and distinction. Master Masons in good standing may pass through the degrees, from Entered Apprentice, through the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite, as well as the degrees of the other esteemed appendant bodies. The 33rd degree is an honor that can only be bestowed upon a Scottish Rite Mason; members cannot campaign to receive it.  

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Become a 32° Freemason

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