Announcing Masters of the Rite!
Brothers, we’ve heard your calls for more in-depth degree education, and we’re thrilled to deliver with an all-new, inspiring online program: Masters of the Rite!
This monthly and 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 Register?
Masters of the Rite will take place online on:
- January 23, 2025, 7 PM (ET)
- February 20, 2025, 7 PM (ET)
- March 20, 2025, 7 PM (ET)
To register, click here. Please note that Masters of the Rite is only available to Scottish Rite Masons; you will need to register in advance at this link.
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 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.
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.
Masters of the Rite will premiere on January 23, 2025, at 7 PM ET with a discussion on the 26°, Friend and Brother Eternal. We hope to see you online soon!