Degrees of the Rite
and Initiation Fees
The Degrees of the Rite
Our Supreme Council has in its Archives
copies of the Degrees of the Rite of Perfection and of additional
Degrees, including the 33°, which were in use at Charleston in
1801. Some of these old Degree documents are fragmentary, and some
Degree manuscripts have not survived the centuries.
In
the mid-19th century, Grand Commander Albert Pike (photo left) revised
these Degrees. He retained the original titles, substance, and sequence.
Out of his own great scholarship and knowledge of ancient philosophies,
he added new substance and significance to the Degrees, which enhanced
their importance. The Southern Jurisdiction has continued to use the
basic Albert Pike Rituals. While the Rubrics permit variations in
the manner of their rendition, the Degrees have remained otherwise
relatively unchanged. The Pike versions are also widely, although
not exclusively, used elsewhere. For the past several years, as authorized
by the Supreme Council and its Committee on Ritual and Ceremonial
Forms, Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, Grand Cross, author of several
authoritative books about Pike’s writings, has worked with a
resource team of experienced Brethren to modernize the language,accent
the significance, and enhance the dramatic performance of the Pike
Degrees. The Revised Standard Ritual maintains the moral vision and
philosophical integrity of the original Pike Degrees while making
them more accessible to contemporary Brethren. The new Degrees are
being honed through authorized trial performances in Valleys throughout
the Southern Jurisdiction and is the official Ritual of the Scottish
Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
The Subordinate Bodies usually confer the Degrees
in one of two ways: in a Class which meets once a week over a period
of several months, in the spring and in the autumn; or at a Reunion
at which the Degrees are conferred or communicated over a period
of one or more days.
The candidates are not required to memorize
any portion of the Degrees. Every member is encouraged, however, to
witness the Degrees thereafter as frequently as possible so that he
will become more fully aware of the nature of each Degree and the
lessons it teaches.
A comprehensive and concise book, A
Bridge to Light by Dr. Hutchens, summarizes our Scottish Rite
Degrees and assists in a ready understanding and appreciation of our
Ritual. Also, it frequently returns to the great cornerstone of our
Order, Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma, by presenting eloquent
quotations that clearly fix the meanings of each of the Degrees and
places them within the context of the modern era.
Having become a valuable aid, A Bridge
to Light may be used by the Ritualist desiring to improve his
work and as a cordial guide to the Brother reaching for a better understanding
of the beauty and significance of the Scottish Rite Degrees. A copy
of this book is provided to each new Fourteenth Degree initiate in
the Southern Jurisdiction and is available from the Supreme Council
to any interested party.
Initiation Fees
The Supreme Council Statutes fix the
sum of $100 as the minimum fee to be charged for the Degrees from
the Fourth through the Thirty-second, with the approval of the Sovereign
Grand Inspector General or Deputy in the respective Orient. Special
reductions are available to Masons ages 21 to 30.
