A Q+A with Brother Andrew Roberts, 32°, HGA Graduate

The Scottish Rite, NMJ is often called the “College of Freemasonry” – and for good reason. Our 29 degrees, six Core Values, and premium enrichment programs build upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the Blue Lodge. One such enrichment program offered is the Hauts Grades Academy (HGA), designed to deepen members' understanding of the 29 Scottish Rite degrees through rigorous study and thoughtful reflection.

We recently spoke with Brother Andrew Roberts, 32°, HGA, a dedicated Scottish Rite Mason and history teacher who completed the program and now serves as a reviewer for Levels 2 and 3. In this Q&A, Brother Roberts shares his journey through HGA, his experience, and advice for fellow Brothers considering the program.

Tell us about yourself. How did you get involved in the Scottish Rite, NMJ?

I’m a Senior DeMolay and fourth-generation Mason, so the fraternity has always been a big part of my life. I have a daughter who is about to turn three and a tremendously understanding wife who also comes from a Masonic family. Currently, I serve my Grand Lodge as a Trustee of the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Library of Grand Lodge and Vice Chair of the Grand Lodge Masonic Youth Committee.  Outside of HGA, I am involvedin Scottish Rite via the Excelsior Leadership Initiative and Scholarship Committee of New York’s Council of Deliberation.

I joined the Scottish Rite in June 2022 as a surprise Father's Day gift to my dad, who was the Commander in Chief for the Valley of Utica at the time. 

I wanted to do something meaningful that connected the two of us even more, and the Scottish Rite was the perfect choice. I enrolled in the Hauts Grades Academy program in September 2022.

When and how did you first hear about Hauts Grades Academy? What inspired you to join?

I first heard about Hauts Grades Academy during the pandemic from a friend was going through the program, which was before I even became a member of the Scottish Rite. 

As a history teacher, I love learning, so when I saw how much my friend was getting out of the program, I was intrigued. Also, since I live far from my Valley and am raising a young family, HGA seemed like a great way to stay active and engaged in the Scottish Rite from home.

What was your HGA experience like?

It was both challenging and rewarding. When I enrolled in HGA, I had only seen five of the degrees up to that point. The program gave me exposure to the other 24, which allowed me to fill in those blanks and round out my understanding of the Scottish Rite experience. 

Level 2, in particular, was a great experience for me. My reviewer gave me thoughtful, constructive feedback and responded quickly. My first submission wasn’t stellar, but the reviewer pointed out specific ways I could improve. That guidance helped me grow as a writer and deepened my appreciation of the degrees. It felt like a journey of both personal growth and Masonic education.

Overall, the program let me experience the degrees without having to leave the comfort of home or take time away from my family. As a history teacher, I loved being able to study and reflect on the content—it made me feel like a full-fledged member of the Scottish Rite, even if I couldn’t be there in person.

Has HGA enriched your overall Scottish Rite membership experience? 

Absolutely—it’s been a game-changer. Since completing the program, I’ve become a reviewer for Levels 2 and 3, which has connected me with Brothers from different states. These new connections have expanded my Scottish Rite network far beyond what I could have imagined. 

It’s incredible to think about how many Brothers I’ve been able to connect with because of HGA. It’s given me a deeper sense of belonging and engagement within the fraternity. I’ve had the opportunity to form friendships and share insights with Masons from different states, which has enriched my journey in ways I never expected.

How has what you’ve learned in HGA affected your life outside Freemasonry?

One of the biggest takeaways for me was getting a deeper understanding of the Scottish Rite's Core Values, because you’re examining them closely throughout the program. This intense focus made me more aware of how I can live by these values every day.

Professionally, it’s been a game changer as well. For my Level 3 research, I chose to study President Franklin Delano Roosevelt because he’s one of the most well-known Masons, and there’s a wealth of literary work available about him. Using the Core Values as an evaluative tool gave me a unique angle for my research. Now, when I teach about FDR in my history classes, I have a much broader base of knowledge to draw from, which has made my lessons more engaging and informed.

But it goes beyond just one project—it rekindled my passion for research and learning, something that had waned over time. It reminded me that there’s so much more to uncover when you look beyond the surface, and that’s a mindset I’ve brought back into the classroom. It’s also opened up conversations with my students about the importance of research, using credible sources, and striving to find the good in everything we study. 

What advice do you have for Brothers interested in joining the next HGA class?

I’d say the most important thing is not to be afraid to ask for help. You don’t need to have a background in historical research or be a veteran Scottish Rite member to succeed in this program. I certainly didn’t have all the answers when I started, and approaching it with a clear, open mind made all the difference. Reach out if you need guidance—any HGA graduate would be more than happy to offer support.

Additionally, keep in mind that your reviewers are your Brothers, and they’re volunteers. Treat them with respect and be patient with the process. It might take a week or two to get feedback, but that’s because the reviewers want to take their time and give thoughtful responses. Remember, they also have busy personal, professional, and Masonic lives outside of HGA. Showing understanding and patience goes a long way and will make the experience better for everyone involved.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that this isn’t just a program for academics or those with extensive research experience. Any Scottish Rite Brother, regardless of education level or work background, can take part and succeed in HGA. It’s designed to be accessible and beneficial for everyone. The key is to put in the effort, because the more work you put into the program, the more you’ll get out of it. The experience is incredibly rewarding and can truly enrich your journey in the Scottish Rite.