Vested
In Glory: The Regalia of the Scottish Rite by Jim Tresner,
Published for the Scottish Rite Research Society by the Supreme
Council, 33°. 1733 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103,
July 2000, 224 pages, softbound $12.50, hardbound $25.00, or FREE
as the bonus book for year 2000 dues-current members of the Research
Society. For VISA and MasterCard book orders or to become a SRRS
member, call 202–232–3579, Ext. 136.
If you know Dr. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C., Book Review Editor for and frequent contributor of articles to the Scottish Rite Journal, then you know he has a special way with words. One cannot read Brother Jim's work without feeling a bit more enlightened and inspired. He loves Masonry. In fact, he lives and breathes it. It is also clear, when reading his new book Vested In Glory, that he loves Masonic symbols and symbolism. In fact, he lets the reader know up-front that Freemasonry's effectiveness is largely centered on its use of symbols and the meanings they convey.
This beautifully illustrated book is a special treat for those who like to think about symbols and how they apply to the elaborate paintings and images found on the regalia of the Scottish Rite Degrees. Each chapter in the book represents a Degree of the Rite and provides a concise summary of the teachings of that Degree, plus an explanation of how the details of the regalia are relevant to an overall understanding of the Rite. As an example of the book's approach, its Eighteenth Degree essay and that essay's illustration are presented in this issue. As the 18° essay demonstrates, each chapter of Vested In Glory offers a brief glimpse regarding how the colors and associations of the emblems on the aprons, cordons, collars, and jewels combine to give an expanded view of the teachings intended by the words of the Degrees.
In February 1995, Brother Tresner began a series of short regalia-oriented articles about the Degrees for the Scottish Rite Journal. As of this issue (August 2000), 14 essays have been presented, and the remaining 17 will be featured in upcoming issues of the Journal. But you can have all the essays and their illustrative material in one book by ordering Vested In Glory now. Or, since the volume is the bonus book for year 2000 Scottish Rite Research Society membership, become a member of the Society today and get the book free. Membership information is included at the end of this article.
More exploration than analysis, Brother Jim's essays proved so popular with Brothers reading the regalia articles as they appeared, Degree by Degree, in the Scottish Rite Journal that the Board of Directors of the Research Society decided to gather and publish all the essays in one book. The essays cover the 4° through 33° as well as the K.C.C.H. Investiture and Grand Cross Court of Honour. I join with thousands of Masons in expressing my gratitude to the Society for this decision. In particular, Vested In Glory shows how important lessons can be gained from one's own interpretation of each Degree's symbols and images. Brother Jim would be the first to point out that each chapter represents his way of thinking about the meanings of the Degrees. As in all of Masonry, a central fact regarding symbols is that each person is free to work out his own associations. Still, Vested In Glory certainly lays a meaningful foundation from which we can work.
As if that were not enough, the book also includes a chapter on the first three Scottish Rite Degrees written by Grand Commander Pike but generally not performed, except for historical demonstration or, if conferred, only with the approval of the appropriate Grand Lodge. In addition, there are four substantive appendices. Appendix I, by Ill. Arturo deHoyos, 33°, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the Supreme Council, discusses the historical background of the Scottish Rite Degrees. Appendix II explains the Egyptian context of the 31°. Appendix III lists, pictures, and describes many of Masonry's most important symbols. And Appendix IV details the various crosses used in the Scottish Rite.
Finally, this book is worth purchasing just for the elaborate illustrations that accompany each section. The beautiful paintings of the regalia of the Scottish Rite Degrees, done by Brother Robert H. White, 32°, are presented in full color, adding much to the value and richness of the text. The original paintings are now displayed in the Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia at the House of the Temple.
Vested In Glory promises to become a central resource in the Supreme Council's ever-growing arsenal of worthwhile books on relevant Masonic education. It is a must for every Masonic library, and I can't think of a better book for introducing the average Mason to the symbols of the Scottish Rite. In essence, these symbols, as Brother Jim points out, help us to "think clearly and behave better."
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T. Michael Fegan began his Masonic career in high school as an active member in Central Chapter Order of DeMolay, Junction City, Kansas. He was made a Master Mason in Union Lodge No. 7, Junction City, serving as Master in 1991. He serves as Treasurer of his Lodge and is President of the Union Masonic Building Corp. M.W. Fegan petitioned membership in the Salina, Kansas, Scottish Rite Bodies in 1985, was invested with the K.C.C.H. in 1991, and coroneted a 33° in 1995. He is a member of many Masonic Bodies and has served on several committees of the Grand Lodge of Kansas. Aside from involvement in Fegan Enterprises, a Kansas corporation managing real estate in Kansas and Missouri, Ill. Fegan is very active in his community. He was on the City Commission of Junction City, served four years as Mayor, and held office under Governor John Carlin on the Kansas Council of Employment and Training, a division of the Kansas Department of Human Resources. |