A Year in Review: Sovereign Grand Commander Wheeler's Top 5

Hello My Brothers,

As we approach the close of another transformative year within the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, it is with great pleasure and a sense of profound gratitude that I extend my warmest wishes to you and our entire Scottish Rite community.

This past year serves as a testament to the strength of our collective spirit and the resilience of our shared values. In the face of social, political, and economic challenges, our Brotherhood has stood unwavering, united by the principles that have guided us for generations. The bonds of brotherhood and the pursuit of knowledge continue to be the cornerstone of our journey.

Reflecting upon the accomplishments achieved, it is evident that the Rite’s commitment to fostering enlightenment, charitable endeavors, and personal development has borne fruit. As we bid farewell to 2023, it is with great pleasure and pride that we reflect upon the significant milestones and shared experiences that have defined this remarkable year for the Scottish Rite, NMJ. Here is my “Top 5 Year in Review”:

1. More Light. In addition to our ongoing Pathfinder and Hauts Grades Academy member programming, we kicked off January 2023 with Season 4 of Thursday Night at the Rite (TNR). As a prelude to TNR, we also hosted “Join the Rite Nights,” an online initiation event where new Scottish Rite candidates can witness the 4^th degree and immediately embark upon their Scottish Rite journey. As a result of our Join the Rite Nights, we welcomed more than 300 new Scottish Rite Brothers to our ranks!
2. Innovations & Advancements. On the heels of a wildly successful Thursday Night at the Rite season, we launched a new website – (same bat channel at SRNMJ.org) in the spring of 2023. The website provides an enhanced user experience with in-depth degree education and exploration, upgraded “Journey On” campaign assets, and a seamless recruitment page to help grow our fraternity.
3. The Path Forward Continues. Also in the spring, we reached out to thousands of men to learn more about their perception of Freemasonry. 3,500 respondents helped us assess what messaging is resonating, and what needs improvement. The findings have been aggregated and analyzed by agency partner Cercone Brown and our internal marketing and communications team. Linda Patch, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications will present these findings at the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in February. Our Path Forward continues in 2024 as we work to recruit, retain, and restore members.
4. Service to Humanity. Your charitable contributions set a record this year, with more than $760,000 raised at our “A Night of Charity” event. Your generous gifts enable us to continue helping our Brothers and their families in need; helping children overcome dyslexia; assisting youth with higher education; reserving Masonic history; and bringing educational enrichment to the forefront of our member experience. Your incredible generosity has not only enriched the lives of our members but has also left an indelible mark on the communities we serve.
5. Brotherhood, Above All Things. The Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, remains a beacon of inspiration, fostering a legacy that transcends time. In the words of Brother William Clark III, an honored guest at our recent Giving Tuesday telethon, “Freemasonry is hope.”

As we turn the page on this year and anticipate the opportunities and challenges that the future may hold, let us stand together, bound by the ties of brotherhood, and continue our journey with renewed vigor. May the coming year be filled with growth, enlightenment, and the deep fulfillment that comes from taking the path forward.

In closing, I express my deepest gratitude to you, my Brothers, for your unwavering commitment to the Core Values of the Scottish Rite, confident that the legacy being built will endure for generations to come.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with prosperity, peace, and the boundless light of brotherhood.

Journey On!

Walter F. Wheeler

Sovereign Grand Commander