Masters of the Rite is a degree supplement program, led by Ill. Brother Sandy Karstens, 33°, allowing Scottish Rite Masons to delve even deeper into the Craft.
Brothers, we’ve heard your calls for more in-depth degree education, and we’re thrilled to deliver with an inspiring online program known as Masters of the Rite!
This monthly, seasonal workshop is designed to help Scottish Rite Masons delve deeper into the Craft and uncover the profound lessons within our degrees. Coinciding with the Thursday Night at the Rite (TNR) season, Masters of the Rite sessions provide live, interactive discussions led by Illustrious Brother William (Sandy) Karstens IV, 33°. Together, you’ll explore the degrees featured in that month’s TNR broadcasts, ask questions, and reflect on the timeless allegories and teachings alongside like-minded Brothers.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your connection to the Craft or discover fresh insights into the values and lessons of our degrees, Masters of the Rite offers an unparalleled opportunity to enrich your Masonic journey.
Who Can Attend Masters of the Rite?
Masters of the Rite is open to all Scottish Rite, NMJ Masons eager to expand their understanding of the degrees. While attending TNR isn’t required, witnessing the degree beforehand will enhance your experience in the workshop.
Not Yet a Scottish Rite, NMJ Brother?
Don’t worry—you can still join us! Complete your application online, and once accepted, witness the 4° at your local Valley or through our virtual initiation program, Join the Rite Night.
What is Join the Rite Night?
Join the Rite Night is our virtual initiation experience held 30 minutes before each TNR broadcast. By attending, you’ll officially become a Scottish Rite Mason online and unlock access to all member benefits, including that evening’s TNR and the corresponding Masters of the Rite held the following week.
When is Masters of the Rite and How Do I Tune In?
We are kicking off our 2026 season of Masters of the Rite on January 22, 2026! View the full schedule at this link. No registration is required, but the event will be streamed through J365, so you will need to be logged in through your Member Center account to join. If you have not set up a Journey365 account at MyNMJ.org you can create one at any time. Need help creating your account? See our step-by-step member registration guide or call the Help Desk at (781) 465-3352.
Meet Your Instructor: Ill. Brother William (Sandy) Karstens IV, 33°
Illustrious Brother William “Sandy” Karstens IV, 33° will host and guide each Masters of the Rite workshop.Meet your Masters of the Rite host, Ill. Brother William “Sandy” Karstens IV, 33°. Brother Karstens, from the Valley of Burlington, VT, brings an impressive background that uniquely qualifies him to guide Brothers through the intricacies and profound lessons of the Scottish Rite degrees.
In Freemasonry, Brother Karstens’s leadership is well known. He was raised in Washington Lodge #3 in Williston, Vermont in 2004 and received his 32° that same year. In 2010, he was coroneted with the 33° in Philadelphia, PA. Throughout his career in Freemasonry, he has held several positions such as:
- Master of Washington Lodge #3
- Deputy Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of Vermont
- Deputy’s Representative
- Membership Chair for Vermont Council of Deliberation
In the Scottish Rite, Brother Karstens served as Commander-in-Chief for the Valley of Burlington. He is an Active Member of the Supreme Council and Deputy for Vermont. He is also a member of the Supreme Council’s Ritualistic Matters Committee.
You may also recognize Illustrious Brother Karstens for his continued thought leadership with the Scottish Rite, where he’s participated in our panel discussions and has contributed guest articles. He is also active in DeMolay and York Rite Freemasonry.
Illustrious Brother Karstens spent the majority of his career as a physics professor at St. Michael’s College where he also served as chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, as well as president of the college’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter and of the Vermont Chapter of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society.