What does Crafting Our Story say about the Scottish Rite today? Illustrious Brother Sandy Karstens reflects on the video’s emotional impact, its message of brotherhood, and why shared experience matters now more than ever.
When Brother Sandy Karstens, 33° watched Crafting Our Story, a new video from the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ), the quality and emotional pull stood out immediately. What follows is Brother Karstens’ personal reflection on Crafting Our Story, including what resonated with him, how the video’s message reflects his experience in Scottish Rite Freemasonry, and why Brotherhood and shared purpose matter right now.
What was your immediate reaction when you watched Crafting Our Story, and what stood out to you most?
The first thing that hit me was how well it was put together. The music, the visuals, the pacing—it all works. It pulls you in right away. You can tell a lot of thought went into it.
I also found it genuinely inspiring. It didn’t feel like someone talking at you or trying too hard to make a point. It just presents something in a way that makes you stop and pay attention. Even as someone who’s already a Scottish Rite Mason, I watched it and thought, “This is really cool.”
Why does this kind of storytelling matter to you as a member?
Because it shows the Scottish Rite, NMJ takes what it’s doing seriously. It sets the tone for what we, as a fraternity, are trying to represent. This isn’t something that feels rushed or cheap. When you put something like this in front of people, it says “This matters.”
It also helps members. A lot of us care about the Scottish Rite, but it’s not always easy to explain what it is or why it matters in a quick conversation. Having something like this gives you a clear, honest way to show—not explain—what we’re about.
What does the message of Crafting Our Story mean to you, and how does it connect to your Scottish Rite journey?
To me, the message is that Scottish Rite Freemasonry is something we actively build, not something you just join. The word “crafting” is important. It implies effort, participation, and time.
For me, the Scottish Rite is about being invited to engage more intentionally with the ideas that are already part of Freemasonry. The degrees put meaningful themes in front of you and give you space to think about them, talk about them, and see how they show up in your own life.
And the “story” part feels true, too. You’re adding to not only your Masonic journey, but to something that’s been unfolding for generations. I think Crafting Our Story reflects the true Scottish Rite experience in that you get what you put in. You show up, you get involved, and over time, you help shape what this fraternity becomes.
What does brotherhood in the Scottish Rite look like?
Brotherhood is the foundation. Without it, the Scottish Rite doesn’t work the way it’s meant to.
What I like about Crafting Our Story is that it shows our Scottish Rite Brotherhood without making it cheesy. You see members spending time together, doing things, and being present for each other. It feels natural.
That kind of connection is important, especially now. A lot of men don’t have many places where they can connect with other men in a healthy, meaningful way. The friendships you form here are different. They’re built on trust—the kind where you know someone’s got your back. You can’t really replace that.
How does your role leading Masters of the Rite reflect the values shown in the video?
For me, Masters of the Rite grew out of something I was already doing. I’ve always enjoyed talking with Brothers about the degrees, what they mean, and how they show up in real life. Early on, I found myself sitting down with people before or after degrees and just having conversations. And right there, you’ve got fellowship.
That’s what I hope Masters of the Rite encourages more of. It’s not about being an expert or giving a lecture. It’s about creating space for conversation. When Brothers sit together and talk about what something meant to them, you build connection. You build trust. That’s really what this is all about.
It’s the same message the video is pointing toward: the Scottish Rite isn’t just about watching something. It’s about engaging with the ideas and with each other.
What do you hope someone takes away after watching Crafting Our Story?
I hope they see the Scottish Rite as something living, something shaped by the people who participate in it. It isn’t static. It grows as people show up and contribute.
More than anything, I hope it prompts reflection. What are you adding? What are you building? That’s how the story keeps getting crafted.