Another season of Thursday Night at the Rite (TNR) has come to an end. Thank you to the thousands of Brothers who joined us online!
TNR is the SRNMJ’s online degree program, providing members the opportunity to enhance their Scottish Rite journey through bi-weekly, virtual degree presentations. TNR broadcasts across our 15-state jurisdiction, offering not only a path to more light but also a way to connect with Brothers far and wide.
As we continue our Path Forward, Supreme Council strives to enhance and expand the membership experience – that’s why this season saw new additions such as on-demand viewing and Masters of the Rite, a virtual, discussion-based program where members could delve deeper into the degrees.
Read on for more highlights from this season!
Thursday Night at the Rite
Thursday Night at the Rite returned for season six on January 16, 2025, and continued through March 27, with an exciting lineup of degree presentations from Valleys across the NMJ. This season, over 10K Brothers tuned in to witness degrees and come together in fellowship during TNR!
Brothers from the Valley of Allentown, PA promoting their performance of the 17°, Knight of the East and WestThe dedication and hard work of our Valleys brought these degrees to life, enriching the TNR experience for all who attended. We'd like to extend a special thanks to the following Valleys for their performances:
- The Valley of Springfield, IL
- The Valley of Cleveland, OH
- The Valley of Indianapolis, IN
- The Valley of Allentown, PA
- The Valley of Cincinnati, OH
- The Valley of Boston, MA
Also in season six, members who couldn’t attend live could access TNR on demand for up to two weeks after each episode’s airdate. This feature provided greater flexibility, ensuring that more members could participate in the TNR experience while keeping our sacred degrees secure.
Here’s what Brothers had to say about this season of TNR:
“Such a good presentation. It is so nice to be able to see these degrees played out. It is the only Masonic contact I've been able to have in the last year. I appreciate these Night at the Rite presentations a lot.” – Brother Wally Loney, 32°
“I’m sad the season is ending. I greatly enjoy Thursday Night at the Rite as it is the only time I can view degrees due to my work schedule.” – Brother Jonathan Purdy, 32°, HGA
“Another great Thursday Night. I can’t wait for the next season.” – Brother Eduard Stalzer, 32°
“What a great night. I really enjoyed the videos tonight, as I am officially a Scottish Rite member. I look forward to more knowledge.” – Brother Dan Poel
“The 31°, My Brother’s Keeper was very meaningful and on point with our obligations. So, thank you TNR for having it tonight.” – Brother Patrick Whitlock, 32°
“My Brother’s Keeper was amazing.” – Brother Thomas Riemann, 32°
TNR Watch Parties Bring Brothers Together in Real Life
This season, TNR watch parties were particularly popular with several Valleys. Using our bi-weekly episodes, they brought Brothers together in person to watch, connect, and discuss the degrees in greater depth.
Scottish Rite Brothers from the Valley of Columbus gather for a viewing of Thursday Night at the RiteThe Valley of Cleveland had a standout event to celebrate their performance of the 23°, Knight of Valor. Renting out a local movie theatre to project their degree in comfort and style, over 100 Brothers were in attendance!
Over 100 Scottish Rite Brothers from the Valley of Cleveland gather at a movie theater to witness their performance of the 23° during Thursday Night at the RiteMasters of the Rite
Brand new this year, we introduced Masters of the Rite (MOTR), an interactive, virtual program created to accompany TNR. We heard your call for more education and are happy to see such positive reception and feedback for our pilot season.
Hosted once a month by Brother Sandy Karstens, 33°, MOTR provided a space for members to delve deeper into the lessons and symbolism of each degree and connect on their thoughts and interpretations. This season, over 1.5K Brothers participated live in MOTR!
Masters of the Rite host and Brother Sandy Karstens, 33°Members who couldn’t attend live could also access MOTR on demand, allowing even more Brothers to benefit from these enriching conversations.
See what your Brothers had to say about MOTR:
“It has been an excellent program. I met Bro. Karstens on a Zoom in 2020 during COVID. It’s great to see him talk now five years later as we unpack the meaning and symbolism of the degrees.” – Brother John Shekitka, 32°, HGA
“These have been so essential when witnessing degrees online. Many thanks to Brothers Karsten and McNaughton, and the SRNMJ team!” – Brother Ethan Stark, 32°
“One word: Awesome.” – Brother Franz D. Wiggert, 33°
“This was good to be a part of with my Brethren. I am thankful for everyone's thoughts and this discussion.” - Brother Alonzo Portlock
“I love this new way to share opinions. 10/10 after witnessing a degree!” – Brother Keven Cordero, 32°
Join the Rite Night
Each TNR was accompanied by Join the Rite Night (JTRN), our virtual initiation event where candidates witness the 4°, a requisite for membership, and officially join the SRNMJ!
New members could then stay online and view an additional degree at that evening’s TNR, immediately connecting them with their new Brothers and bringing them closer to earning the esteemed 32°.
This season, approximately 300 Master Masons joined our Brotherhood through JTRN!
If you missed JTRN this season but are interested in becoming a Scottish Rite, NMJ Brother, don't fret. Witness the 4° at a Valley Reunion or degree date. Once your application is accepted, contact your local Valley secretary to plan your initiation.
Click here to find Valley events near you.
Thank you to all the Valleys, Brethren, and dedicated participants who made this season a success. We look forward to seeing you online for season seven!