Thursday Night at the Rite Season 7: A Season Worth Celebrating

Another season of Thursday Night at the Rite (TNR) is in the books. Whether you joined us online, in-person at a Valley watch party, or caught up on demand, thank you, Brother. You made space for reflection, connection, and the continued pursuit of light.

Across six episodes, our talented Brothers gave their best performances, allowing Brethren to find new meaning, wisdom, and reflection in our cherished degrees. Alongside the return of both Masters of the Rite and the ever-popular TNR On Demand, it was a season worth celebrating.

Read on for more highlights from this season!

Thursday Night at the Rite: A Season to Remember 

What happened? From January 15 through March 16, 2026, six Valleys presented inspiring Scottish Rite degree performances every other week. 

Who was there? Thousands of Brothers joined us online, seeking more light and finding fellowship along the way.

Brothers also gathered at in-person watch parties to share the experience and engage with the lessons of the degrees side by side. However you participated, you weren’t just watching—you were engaging with the work in a way that fit your life.

For many, that flexibility made all the difference.

How did it come to life? Did you know TNR degrees are filmed almost a year in advance? This season would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of each performing Valley and Brother. Make sure to give kudos to: 

• The Valley of Chicago, IL presented the 6°, Master of the Brazen Serpent 
• The Valley of Cambridge, OH presented the 9°, Master of the Temple
• The Valley of Portland, ME  presented the 11°, Sublime Master Elected 
• The Valley of Wilmington, DE presented the 15°, Knight of the East
• The Valley of Rutland, VT presented the 22°, Prince of Libanus 
• The Valley of Columbus, OH presented the 29°, Knight of Saint Andrew 

What happened after? If you were unable to attend TNR live, on-demand recordings were available, giving you an additional opportunity to enrich your Masonic education and seek more light, at your convenience.

What did Brothers think? From opening doors to greater reflection to participating in a shared journey, your fellow Masons had a lot to say about season seven: 

“The convenience of TNR makes it possible to remain engaged in Scottish Rite. It allows me to work on my passport even though I have a young child at home. Being at home also allows me to contemplate the lessons of the degree in a way I don’t when watching it live. More importantly, it helps me feel like a member of the broader organization.”

— Brother Kyle A Holz, 32°, Valley of Fort Wayne

“The actors were flawless. The 11° was filmed by the Valley of Portland and presented seamless transitions between scenes—no delays, no noise distractions on stage preparing for the next scene, as commonly witnessed in live performances.”

— Brother Gary A Byram, 32°, Valley of Waterbury

“Even though we talk all the time about the values of camaraderie and taking care of the brethren, the “how” presented tonight gives the real context of those values.”

— Brother Luis Fernando Arias, 32°, Valley of Chicago

“Watching these allegories enacted is not only entertaining but most useful in advancing our knowledge in Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite. It is not about filling your passport—that is a destination. Rather, it is a never-ending journey toward truth and knowledge.”

— Brother Ralph Joseph Onesti, 32°, Valley of Philadelphia

The Return of Masters of the Rite 

This year, Masters of the Rite returned for another season of deeper exploration. Host and Brother Sandy Karstens, 33°, guided the conversation, drawing Brothers deeper into the lessons and symbolism woven through each degree shown at TNR. This season, more than 400 Brothers gathered to sit with the work, reflect, ask questions, and delve further into the Craft.

Because sometimes the real insight comes after the curtain falls. 

If you haven't yet joined a MOTR session, next season will offer another opportunity to explore the degrees alongside your Brothers - stay tuned.

"Having participated in both seasons of Masters of the Rite, I can say the experience has been a meaningful part of my Masonic journey. Brother Karstens is a fantastic teacher and facilitator...Programs like Masters of the Rite add real value to the member experience. It’s an outstanding offering, and one I highly recommend to any member looking to go deeper in their journey." — Brother Keith D. Patch, 32°, Valley of Boston 

Join the Rite Night: Welcoming New Brothers! 

Each TNR was paired with a Join the Rite Night (JTRN) where accepted Master Masons witnessed the 4° and formally joined the Brotherhood. Afterward, they stayed on for TNR to witness an additional degree that same evening, jumpstarting their journey toward the 32° alongside their Scottish Rite Brothers.

This season, approximately 250 Master Masons took the next step and became Scottish Rite Masons through JTRN, and our fraternity is better for each and every one of them.

Not a member, but want to join the Scottish Rite? If you missed JTRN this season, the door is still open. Valleys across the jurisdiction host Reunions where you can witness the 4° and begin your Scottish Rite journey in person. Once your application is accepted, reach out to your local Valley Secretary to arrange your initiation. Your Brothers are waiting.

See you next season! 

Thank you to all the Valleys, Brethren, and dedicated participants who made this season a success. You made the time. You stayed curious. You brought your perspective. And in doing so, you help create an experience that benefits every Brother involved. 

We look forward to seeing you online for season eight!

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