History

How it began

At the 1998 Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences, Brethren encouraged the participation of Scottish Rite Fellows - younger members from each Valley who had evidenced interest and leadership in local activities. They were invited to speak their minds and chart directions for jurisdictional and local Scottish Rite policy.

Declaring that the Scottish Rite Fellows would "empower the leadership of tomorrow," Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht announced the establishment of the Scottish Rite Fellows Program in 1997. His intent was to draw individuals of high promise to the leadership conferences for more personal involvement in the Scottish Rite. In
2000, Scottish Rite Fellows—young 32° Scottish Rite Masons— were invited to attend, participate in seminars, and help us to understand the Mason of today and tomorrow.

"During the 2002 Leadership Conferences, I had the opportunity not only to meet with the outstanding men and Masons who form our present leadership cadre but also to greet the Scottish Rite Fellows, Brethren who, because of their dedication and ability, will lead us in the future, said C. Fred Kleinknecht, Sovereign Grand Commander. "Many of these men will serve as officers in their Valleys, as chairmen of committees, or leaders of local Scottish Rite organizations. I have seen them sharing their ideas and learning from the conference presenters. The future will require bold thinking, and these men are well qualified to develop innovative approaches and creative programs."

"These younger Masons face problems squarely. They have few illusions, but plenty of hope and energy. They understand that the Scottish Rite makes a difference in the world by making a difference in men," said Kleinknecht.

In 2004, Grand Commander Seale continued the tradition of “Fellows.” Each Valley was asked to select their future leaders — relatively new members who have a burning passion for the Scottish Rite. Each Valley was invited to nominate relatively young and fairly new members to be Fellows.The Fellows met with Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale, 33°, and and discussed four broad questions: 1) How could Scottish Rite better serve its existing members and their families? 2) How could Scottish Rite better serve Masonry? 3) How could Scottish Rite better serve its community? 4) How could Masonry make itself more attractive to potential members? The Fellows were then commissioned by the Grand Commander to return to their Valleys and implement one new program they learned at the Leadership Conferences. The Fellows met with the Grand Commander Friday afternoon for a give-and-take session: what can they do for the Rite, and what can the Rite do for them. The Fellows had a wrap-up session on Saturday with the Grand Commander before the conference closed.

In 2005, there was a Follow up "Reunion" meeting in Denver, Colorado where Fellows had the opportunity to meet with Grand Commander Seale and S. Brent Morris to discuss how things had developed in their Valleys.

The mission of the Scottish Rite Fellows Program is to encourage active participation and service to the fraternity. Grand Commander Seale recently highlighted the importance of the Leadership Conferences saying, “If the Scottish Rite is to meet the challenges facing Masonry in the future, our leaders must be informed and inspired. They must know what works and act to make those programs effective in their Valleys. I hope to see every key member of our Valleys at a Leadership Conference....”

In 2006, Fellows discussed the Supreme Council's Strategic Plan. Fellows were asked to answer some questions and explore how Scottish Rite could better serve its members. A Reunion meeting was held in 2007 in Washington, D.C. to compare notes on what had happened since the Leadership Conferences.

The program, as envisioned by Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale, was, "to give the Fellows first hand experience with the workings of the Scottish Rite and to increase their sense of participation in the fraternity." In return for the Fellowship years, the Grand Commander expects the Fellows to repay that privilege when they left by "contributing to their local lodges and Scottish Rite Valleys." He hopes the Fellows will contribute to the fraternity as future leaders.




To be continued....

Photos (top): A total of 264 Scottish Rite Fellows attended the 2002 Leadership Conferences. Pictured here are the 82 Fellows attending the Conference in Reno, Nevada. Photo: Bro. John T. Caselli, 32°

Second: Grand Commander Ronald A. Seale, 33°, listens to comments from a Fellow at the Wichita leadership conference. Over 250 Fellows were nominated by their Valleys and selected by the Grand Commander to attend the conferences. These are young (in age or Scottish Rite membership) members who have been commissioned by the Grand Commander to help implement change in their Valleys.

Third: Dr. S. Brent Morris meets with a group of Fellows to discuss how their Valleys have implemented the Strategic Plan.