On December 2, 2025, the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction hosted its annual A Night of Charity, a signature Giving Tuesday celebration that brought together Brothers, their families, and communities from across the jurisdiction. Broadcast live from Supreme Council headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts, the evening spotlighted the life-changing work of Scottish Rite Charities.
Thanks to generous support from our most generous Valleys, in-person attendees and online viewers, this year’s event raised $1,050,278 in donations and pledges, ensuring continued support for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Program, the Grand Almoner’s Fund, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and the Membership Education Fund.
Brother P.J. Roup, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander Walter Wheeler, 33°, and Senior Director of Charities Bridget Steele on stage with representatives from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the State of Rhode Island, and the Valley of Peoria during A Night of Charity 2025.What A Night of Charity Is and Why It Matters
A Night of Charity is the Supreme Council’s centerpiece Giving Tuesday event. It’s an opportunity to highlight the real, human impact of Scottish Rite Charities and inspire renewed commitment to our Masonic obligation of caring for others.
The 2025 celebration brought members together at Supreme Council headquarters in Lexington, MA, for a reception, Museum tour, and live broadcast experience. More viewers from across the jurisdiction joined online, creating a shared moment of unity.
The goal of the evening was simple:
- Highlight the impact of our charitable programs
- Share authentic stories from charity recipients
- Strengthen the spirit of giving this holiday season
- Expand the reach of the Scottish Rite, NMJ’s charitable work
The livestream featured powerful testimonials from children, families, students, and Brothers whose lives have been changed by Scottish Rite Charities.
Children’s Dyslexia Centers: Helping Children Thrive
This year’s broadcast featured inspiring testimony from students, parents, and board members across the Children’s Dyslexia Centers network. Their stories highlighted the emotional and academic challenges children with dyslexia face before arriving at the Centers, and the confidence, skills, and self-belief they gain through free, research-based instruction.
During a special on-stage interview, Maura Mitchell, mother of CDC student Mary Mitchell, reflected, “The Children's Dyslexia Center has become such a big part of both of my children's childhood. It's such a nurturing environment; they always want to go. The tutors are second to none, they're fantastic.”
Across the jurisdiction, families agreed that the CDC experience gave their children a brighter, more confident path forward.
Senior Director of Charities Bridget Steele interviews Children’s Dyslexia Center student Mary Mitchell and her mother, Maura, during A Night of Charity 2025.Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Program: Opening Doors to the Future
Several Abbott Scholars spoke about how the Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Program helped them pursue their educational goals by relieving financial pressure and providing much-needed stability.
Students pursuing engineering, education, medicine, and public service reflected on how the Scottish Rite’s support allowed them to choose meaningful academic paths without the weight of overwhelming debt.
One scholar shared, “The Abbott Scholarship has made it possible for me to follow my dreams.”
Their stories reinforced the long-term value of investing in the next generation.
A Story of Support from the Grand Almoner’s Fund
The broadcast also featured a powerful message from Brother Brady Sprague, who spoke about the help he received from the Grand Almoner’s Fund during his cancer treatment. When he faced overwhelming medical and financial challenges, Scottish Rite Brothers stepped forward to ensure he wasn’t alone.
“It was such a weight off my shoulders when the Craft stepped up to help me in my moment of greatest need.”
Brother Brady Sprague, a Grand Almoner’s Fund Recipient, sharing his story during A Night of Charity.Support from the Fund allowed Brother Sprague to pursue advanced testing that led to a new treatment option, and gave his family a sense of stability during a difficult time. His story captured the true meaning of our Masonic obligation to care for one another.
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library: Preserving Our Story
The 2025 broadcast included a special look at the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, highlighting its mission to preserve and share the history of American Freemasonry. Leadership reflected on the Museum’s founding vision, its growth over five decades, and the vital role it plays in safeguarding Masonic heritage.
During the segment, Assistant Curator Stacey Fraser described a new anniversary exhibition designed to honor the institution’s origins. She explained:
“We’ve highlighted a selection of objects from the founding collection and more recent acquisitions in an exhibition that tells the story of the Museum & Library’s origins.”
Event host, Brother P.J. Roup, 33°, welcomes Executive Director Richard Elliott, 33°, and Assistant Curator Stacey Fraser to the stage during the Museum & Library segment of A Night of Charity 2025.This exhibition, along with ongoing research, education, and preservation initiatives, showcases how the Museum & Library continues its work of documenting and interpreting the stories that shaped Freemasonry and American history.
Membership Education Fund: Strengthening Masonic Learning
During the closing remarks, the Membership Education Fund was highlighted as a vital part of Scottish Rite Charities. This fund supports leadership development, educational tools, and programs that help Brothers deepen their understanding of Freemasonry. These initiatives include:
- Thursday Night at the Rite
- Masters of the Rite
- Hauts Grades Academy
- Pathfinder
- …and more!
Its work ensures that education, mentorship, and brotherhood remain at the core of the Scottish Rite experience.
A Record-Breaking Giving Tuesday
Throughout the evening, Valleys across the NMJ announced gifts to support local Dyslexia Centers, Abbott Scholars, the Grand Almoner’s Fund, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and the Membership Education Fund. Donors were recognized from Maine, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and beyond.
By the close of the broadcast, Scottish Rite Masons and supporters had contributed $1,050,278—a remarkable testament to the compassion and unity of our Brotherhood.
It was a milestone year for A Night of Charity and a testament to the generosity and unity of Scottish Rite Masons. Thank you to everyone who participated and who continues to support our charitable efforts!
Watch the Full 2025 Broadcast
Relive the stories, testimonials, and highlights.