The Relevant Rite, the Supreme Council's theme for the year 2000 Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences, is exactly accurate, and the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) is a major factor in that relevance. What is being offered to the members of the Society is the continuance of the excellence in Masonry that has become the hallmark of the Southern Jurisdiction.

I recently overheard a man say, "I'm too told for this stuff." No one grows old, but one does become old when he stops growing. The Scottish Rite Research Society is here to help your Masonic growth and to make that journey to light both exciting and satisfying. The Society leads the Masonic world both in membership growth and in the production of quality materials. It has accomplished this amazing feat due to the leadership, scholarship, and the personal support of the Grand Commander, of the Supreme Council, and of the Brethren who have become members of the Society.

Last year, in addition to Heredom, Vol. 7, a collection of scholarly papers published by the Society, the SRRS sent a bonus volume, Albert Pike's Book of the Words, free to 1999 dues-current members. And this year, we have another great bonus book, Vested in Glory (pictured at left), for year 2000 dues-current members. (And dues are very low, only $20!) Written by one of Masonry's most popular and capable authors, Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C., Vested in Glory is fully color-illustrated. In addition to exploring, Degree by Degree, the history and symbolism of the Rite's regalia, this 224-page book has four appendices. They are discussions of the origins of the Scottish Rite, the 31st (Egyptian Court of the Dead) Degree, Masonic symbols (many presented with color graphics), and the Rite's crosses. Costing $12.50 (softcover) and $25.00 (hardcover) to non-members, this volume alone is worth the $20 year 2000 membership dues. Plus, there are many other books and past volumes of Heredom available to members at special reduced prices. Vested in Glory, The Regalia of the Scottish Rite, will be reviewed in the August Scottish Rite Journal, but if you wish to get your bonus softcover copy now, send in the SRRS membership form at the end of this article and join Masonry's fastest growing, most dynamic research group.

In the past few years, with the Society as part of its plan, the Southern Jurisdiction has mounted a significant program of education and renewal that has led us to the year 2000 and the right to say, "We are the relevant Rite!" Freemasonry has always shaped, formed, and molded itself to impact the existing culture. Wherever we have had loss of prestige, idealism, purpose, and self-esteem, we have had failure to comprehend the magnificence of our heritage and the reality of our worth. The Scottish Rite Research Society has two major thrusts.

• First, we offer a factual and intriguing look at who we were, who we are, and what we have. We offer an introduction to the most impressive moral and philosophical men's society the world has ever known. If you do not know where you have been, it will be very difficult to know where you are or how to get where you want to go.
• Second, the Society is far more than just a journey into yesterday. Research means involvement in our future. Under the guidance of the Society's Vice President, Ill. H. Wallace Reid, 33°, and the team of scholars and writers who constitute the core of the Society's leadership, we are producing a series of studies that will be presented to each Valley for use with a Scottish Rite Research Society Study Club. It is time for each Valley to have a Study Club sponsored by the members of the Society. Of those responding to our recent poll of the 51 U.S. Grand Lodges, 87 percent replied with a strong positive endorsement in favor of the formation of SRRS Study Clubs in their Grand Jurisdictions. The time has come for the promotion of Study Clubs within our Scottish Rite Valleys, and we are prepared to meet that challenge. Every Scottish Rite Mason needs to be a member of the Society and a part of these new Scottish Rite Study Clubs.

You can be a living part of this grand process by joining and promoting your Scottish Rite Research Society.

The Scottish Rite Research Society is Freemasonry's fastest growing research group. If you become a member in 2000 or pay your year 2000 dues, you will receive free the Society's new lavishly color-illustrated bonus book, Vested In Glory: The Aprons, Cordons, Collars, Caps, and Jewels of the Degrees of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C. In addition, you will receive the Society's quarterly newsletter, the Plumbline, and a hardbound copy of Heredom, Vol. IX, the society's annual collection of papers by members, available in late fall 2001. Membership is a bargain at $20 annually, and life membership (individuals only) is $300. Make checks (domestic only) payable to the Society or send VISA or MasterCard information to: Scottish Rite Research Society, 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009–3103