Steven Hawkins
Lodge of Perfection
Our degrees are in
addition to and are in no way "higher" than Blue Lodge degrees. Scottish
Rite work amplifies and elaborates on the lessons of the Craft. It should
never be forgotten that termination of a member's Symbolic Lodge standing
automatically terminates his Scottish Rite membership, whether his rank be
140 or 33rd degree
There are four
coordinate divisions in the Scottish Rite:
The Lodge of Perfection constitutes the "Ineffable Degrees"
The Chapter of Rose Croix constitutes the "Historical & Philosophical Degrees"
The Council of Knights Kadosh constitutes the "Traditional and Chivalric Degrees"
4th degree Secret
Master. The Fourth Degree emphasizes duty, fidelity,
integrity, and the necessity for secrecy in all confidential
relationships.
5th degree Perfect
Master. This degree teaches that trustworthiness is more
precious than life and is the foundation of Masonic honor. Also, we must
pay due resect to the memory of a deceased worthy Brother.
6th degree Intimate Secretary. This degree
teaches that devotion to one's friends and zealousness in per-forming
one's duties are rewarding virtues.
7th degree Provost
and Judge This degree teaches us to judge righteously,
without respect to person, and that one law and one custom shall apply to
all Let justice be impartial, tempered with deserved mercy.
8th degree
Intendant of the Building. This degree teaches that each new
honor is meant to be a step toward perfection in the moral code.
9th degree Master Elect
of Nine The lessons taught in this degree are that we should
be careful not to be too zealous in executing justice, even in a good
cause, and that we should avoid injuring or harming any person by hasty or
irresponsible action.
10th degree Master
Elect of Fifteen The teachings of this degree are that
ambition and jealousy can tempt men to evil deeds, that righteousness will
eventually triumph over evil, and that evil doers will be punished
11th degree Sublime Master
Elected This degree dwells on good citizenship. Evil doings
should be punished. Honesty and respect for others should be rewarded. Be
earnest, honest and sincere.
12th degree
Grand Master Architect. This degree teaches that the Mason,
as he learns to use the tools and instruments of his trade and skill, also
learns to contemplate the many aspects of life and deal with them as a
child of God, steadily advancing to those heights of experience which we
call perfection.
13th degree Master of the Ninth
Arch This degree teaches that difficulties and dangers,
however great, should not deter the true and faithful brother from
progressing onward to perfection. It teaches the great truth that the
finest things in life come only as the result of constant and often
painful effort
14th degree Grand Elect Mason In the Scottish Rite, this
degree is the summit of Ancient Craft Masonry. As the crowning degree of
the Lodge of Perfection, its essence is the holiness of God and reverence
for His Holy Name. God will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in
vain. Council of Princes of Jerusalem
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