Above all else, the mission of the Scottish Rite is to explain “Life’s Truths.”

When an athletic team is having a difficult time, the phrase most frequently used by the coach is, “We need to practice the basics.” Our membership is declining, but membership isn’t really part of the “basics,” nor is philanthropy, nor a study of our history, nor precision in Stated Meeting work or Degree presentation. We do not need to redefine our Rite nor add anything new to the agenda. Just like an athletic team having problems, all we need to do is practice the basics.
The original purpose of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is clear. Over 200 years ago, as the Scottish Rite was being formed, the purpose was education. The first Three Degrees of Freemasonry are condensed, thus allowing Lodge presentation to be within a reasonable time period. The Scottish Rite has 29 additional Degrees to allow “Life’s Truths” to be explained in an individually pointed fashion. The stating of these truths and the reinforcing of the thought processes behind them are, I believe, the basic purposes of the Scottish Rite.
Consequently, every Scottish Rite meeting should include a presentation emphasizing the message of at least one of our Degrees. Each Degree can be boiled down to a philosophical “author’s message.” This message is always found in the Oration, where changes in the wording can make the message shorter and even more pointed and memorable. The Scottish Rite members deserve not only a well-planned meeting but also an outstanding message and purpose for being there. Members will find the messages of our Degrees an excellent reminder of why they joined the Scottish Rite and why they should encourage other Masons to join. The emphasizing of Life’s Truths is basic Scottish Rite Masonic education.
Let’s get back to the basics.

John M. Brett
is Worshipful Master of Fairweather Lodge No. 82, in Tacoma, Washington. He is also Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection in the Valley of Tacoma, a member of the York Rite Bodies, the Royal Order of Scotland, Pacific Council No. 30 of the Allied Masonic Degrees, and a member of the Divan of AFIFI Temple A.A.O.N.M.S.