History

The Governing Structure

Just as Symbolic Masonry is governed by a Grand Lodge jurisdiction in each state(s), the Scottish Rite is governed by a Supreme Council in each jurisdiction. Their composition is wholly different. The Grand Lodge consists of Masters and Wardens of various Blue Lodges comprising the Grand Lodge with certain permanent members. Supreme Councils in this country limit themselves to thirty-three Active Members (Southern Jurisdiction). Sixty-six Active Members (Northern Jurisdiction). The active members; all having previously attained the thirty-third degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, are elected by their fellows and for life.

The Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction elect their active members for life while the Northern Jurisdiction elects for three years and there are no restrictions on how many terms can be served in the same office. The Sovereign Grand Commander in the Southern Jurisdiction is Ronald A. Seale. The Grand Commander of the Northern Jurisdiction is Robert O. Ralston. The Secretary General of the Southern Jurisdiction is David Kruger and his Northern Jurisdiction counterpart is Philip L. Hall.

Scottish Rite Masons in many states have erected and occupy beautiful and impressive building and campuses especially designed for Scottish Rite work. One of the most, if not the most, beautiful structure in the world is the ?House of the Temple? home of the Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction in Washington, D.C. This magnificent edifice, in which is also found the Great Library, has a Supreme Council Chamber. The Great Chamber is not exceeded in its beauty and dignity anywhere else in Scottish Rite Masonry. Sessions of the Supreme Council are held every two years.

Scottish Rite Masonry is devoted to interests affecting the nation at large as well as their own peculiar Masonic labors. The George Washington University School of Government was endowed with one million dollars by the Southern Jurisdiction. The Northern Jurisdiction affords funds for education and for conducting research into the cause, prevention and cure of dementia praecox; one of the most malignant and prevalent mental disorders from which humanity suffers. Sometimes known as militant or dogmatic, both jurisdictions are engaged in the practice of charity in a manner which makes all Scottish Rite Masons proud. Both jurisdictions are adherents to the cause of education and public schools. Complete is all Masonic causes, Scottish Rite Masons uphold and command respect for the dignity of all legitimate Masonry. Thank you.