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WELCOME BRETHREN!
Please share the information and features below with your fellow brethren around the state and encourage them to subscribe to this newsletter for future issues and publications.
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"The great duties that are inculcated by the lessons taught by the working-instruments of a Grand Master Architect, demanding so much of us, and taking for granted the capacity to perform them faithfully and fully, bring us at once to reflect upon the dignity of human nature, and the vast powers and capacities of the human soul; and to that theme we invite your attention in this Degree. Let us begin to rise from earth toward the Stars. Evermore the human soul struggles toward the light, toward God, and the Infinite."
- 12°, MASTER ARCHITECT
Morals and Dogma
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All across the world right now people of every race, class and creed are being called to reflect upon the "dignity of human nature, and the vast capacities of the human soul." As this "Great Pandemic," as it has been called, forces itself into the consciousness of nearly every living being, the human stage has been set to be tested on how well we work together as a community, how calmly we keep our cool, and how passionately we strive to make it through the foggy hysteria and back into the Light, together. As we traverse this escalating road of uncertainty, one thing does remain certain: The teachings, principles and history of Freemasonry are once again called from simply being true and noble standards on which to base one's life, to being absolutely necessary to be exemplified and shared with others on a daily basis. If there were ever a time to rise to the occasion of upholding what we all hold dear as a beacon of light for others who may be stuck in the mental shadows, it is now.
For the past year, this E-Newsletter has gone through each month and highlighted certain passages, symbols and lessons taught by each consecutive Masonic Degree, starting from the very first degree of Entered Apprentice. It is only fitting that, at this time in human history, at this exact moment, we arrive at the 12th Degree of Master Architect, which serves as the bridge between the typical lessons of morality, to the loftier reaches of philosophy, symbolizing the true ascent to Wisdom and the vast potentials of the human soul. As we look around at the current human predicament through our Masonic eyes, we are called to reflect on the potential we have as a global community to ascend higher together towards the True Masonic Light, which is Wisdom, as the following highlighted lessons from the 12th Degree bring to our attention.
"To waken that slumbering consciousness into life, and so to lead the soul up to the Light, is one office of every great ministration to human nature."
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All over our land, we are seeing a daily call-to-action to assist in the amelioration of the suffering of all those less fortunate than we are. We are seeing people and communities come together by a natural tendency to simply be of aid to one another. We are seeing the truest and most noble Masonic teachings exemplified through the actions and examples of people who have had their lives shaken through one great paradigm shifting anomaly in Nature. This time in history will be remembered as a great wake-up call to many, and we have yet to make it past even the first few pages of this new chapter in human existence. Nevertheless, we continue to stand united as one global family, and thank God for His infinite Wisdom, Strength and Beauty he has adorned us with to be able to make it through these temporary shadows, back into the Light.
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Nearly all of our local communities have recently been charged into action by the current pandemic, and are working together to address the very real needs of our regions' most vulnerable communities that have been affected. Below is a short compendium of some of the major outlets in each of our Valley's communities, providing an organized coalition of charitable, business and government partners responding to this crisis. The great Masonic tenet of RELIEF calls on each one of us to answer at this moment, as we are able, and encourages all who feel compelled to rise to this occasion to assist others in dire need.
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SPECIFIC COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUNDS
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NEW MASONIC FACEBOOK GROUP HIGHLIGHT
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Refracted Light: Bending the Light In a New Medium is an effort by Freemasons from across the country to provide fellowship, education, and a sense of community to those affected by the current Pandemic conditions. All education and presentations provided will be open to all, and hosted on multiple platforms.
NOTE: This group is not sponsored, endorsed, or funded by any Grand Jurisdiction, nor does it represent any views or opinions of the same.
EXTRA NOTE: Some groups, presenters, and participants may only allow certain audiences for their particular stuff. Just a friendly FYI.
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View Past Issues of the Orient E-Newsletter:
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"Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal."
-The Scottish Rite Creed
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From the Introduction of this month's suggested reading:
THE JOURNEY OF ELU TO ENLIGHTENMENT
by Illustrious Brother Robert G. Davis, 33°, Grand Cross
"The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are among the most dramatic and instructive in all of Freemasonry. They are meant to inspire us to pursue knowledge, gain wisdom, and live strong in life. Such motivation is the best path of practical living. The labors on this path are the Way of the Mysteries; of unveiling the mysteries of our own being. It is the true way of the craftsman.
The teachings of the Scottish Rite are a course in comparative religion, philosophy, ethics, history and mythology; all taught through the medium of allegory and symbols. These teachings add significantly to, and contribute a deeper understanding of the degrees of the Blue or Symbolic Lodge, within which we have all become initiated men and begun our journey to self and spiritual improvement. The goal of every Masonic Degree, of whatever Rite, is to inspire the individual pursuit of knowledge and meaning. The Scottish Rite focuses on the history of man’s search for truth. We do not assert the accuracy of its legends or offer a single interpretation of the lessons of its Degrees. They are only presented as worthy of our consideration. For the search for truth lies within each man."
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See more details about this month's suggested reading near the bottom of this newsletter, under Masonic Education & Philosophy
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12°, MASTER ARCHITECT
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- - - Selected passages from Morals and Dogma - - -
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"There is a loneliness in deep sorrow which the Deity alone can relieve. Alone, the mind wrestles with the great problem of calamity, and seeks the solution from the Infinite Providence of Heaven, and thus is led directly to God. There are many things in us of which we are not distinctly conscious. To waken that slumbering consciousness into life, and so to lead the soul up to the Light, is one office of every great ministration to human nature."
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"Heaven is above us and all around and close to us; and Eternity is before us and behind us; and suns and stars are silent witnesses and watchers over us. We are enfolded by Infinity."
"Above, is that awful majesty; around us, everywhere, it stretches off into infinity; and beneath it is this little struggle of life, this poor day's conflict, this busy ant-hill of Time."
"Man is encompassed with a dome of incomprehensible wonders. In him and about him is that which should fill his life with majesty and sacredness. Something of sublimity and sanctity has thus flashed down from heaven into the heart of every one that lives."
"Life is no negative, or superficial or worldly existence. Our steps are evermore haunted with thoughts, far beyond their own range, which some have regarded as the reminiscences of a pre-existent state. So it is with us all, in the beaten and worn track of this worldly pilgrimage. There is more here, than the world we live in. It is not all of life to live."
"Upon all conditions of men presses down one impartial law. To all situations, to all fortunes, high or low, the mind gives their character. They are, in effect, not what they are in themselves, but what they are to the feeling of their possessors. The King may be mean, degraded, miserable; the slave of ambition, fear, voluptuousness, and every low passion. The Peasant may be the real Monarch, the moral master of his fate, a free and lofty being, more than a Prince in happiness, more than a King in honor."
"Life is what we make it, and the world is what we make it. The eyes of the cheerful and of the melancholy man are fixed upon the same creation; but very different are the aspects which bears to them. To the one, creation; but very different are the aspects which it bears to them. To the one, it is all beauty and gladness;... The other idly or mournfully gazes at the same scene, and everything wears a dull, dim, and sickly aspect. … The eye makes that which it looks upon; the ear makes its own melodies and discords; the world without reflects the world within."
"Let the Mason never forget that life and the world are what we make them by our social character; by our adaptation, or want of adaptation to the social conditions, relationships, and pursuits of the world."
"We must, by necessity, embrace the great truths taught by Masonry, and live by them, to live happily. “I put my trust in God,” is the protest of Masonry against the belief in a cruel, angry, and revengeful God, to be feared and not reverenced by His creatures.”
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"We do not describe the world we see. We see the world we can describe.. If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life, you doubt - as far as possible - all things.. Doubt is the origin of Wisdom."
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Excerpt from Vested In Glory
Essay by Ill. Bro. Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross
12th Degree – MASTER ARCHITECT
“Wisdom is the True Masonic Light”
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"The Twelfth Degree begins the climb of the Scottish Rite Mason into the reaches of philosophy, as opposed to the emphasis on the morality typical of the earlier Scottish Rite Degrees.."
"The apron itself shows a plain scale, a sector, and the compasses arranged to form a triangle. The choice of these three to form a triangle is interesting, remembering that the triangle is a symbol of Deity. The scale is an instrument of measurement, the sector of computation, and the compasses of spirituality and creation. They might, therefore, be considered symbols of the justice (measurement), wisdom (computation), and creativeness (spirit) of God.."
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"It is interesting to note that all the instruments shown are instruments of calculation and creation. The instruments of testing which play so large a part in the Blue Lodge Degrees - the plumb, square, and level - are absent. This is because we are now moving away from the operative and fully into the speculative or philosophical aspects of Freemasonry. The instruments are emblems, of course, of the ethical duties of man and the duties he owes to himself - to study, to learn, to develop, and especially to THINK. Only then can a Freemason be a Master Architect."
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"Wise men know that God is in Things and that divinity is latent in Nature.. All things are in the Universe, and the Universe is in all things: We in it, and it in us. In this way, everything concurs in a perfect unity."
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Excerpts from A BRIDGE TO LIGHT
Lecture by Ill. Bro. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, Grand Cross
12th Degree – MASTER ARCHITECT
“Wisdom is the True Masonic Light”
LESSONS
Wisdom is a gift from God and should be preferred over riches.
Wisdom and knowledge bring honor, discretion and understanding.
Wisdom teaches the knowledge of God.
Wisdom enables immortality.
DUTY
Seek Wisdom Through Knowledge
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It is in this degree that we first encounter the Seal of Solomon - two interlaced triangles, one white and the other black - hinting at the principle of duality. In the center of the 9 triangles, in old Samaritan characters, is one of the names of God, a substitute to the Hebrew for the true name of God which is ineffable.
We are reminded that Masons do not need any knowledge of geometry and mathematics as sciences to advance because the instruments of the architect and geometrician are also allegorical and symbolic.
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The entire lecture deals with the dignity of human nature and the vast powers of the human soul. Contemplation and knowledge, leads to the object of a Mason’s everlasting search: WISDOM. Through this wisdom is human wisdom, it nevertheless arises from the Deity and is a mirror of one of His attributes. Pike presents a convincing argument that each man can be and should be in control of his life. He conveys a beautiful and inspiring philosophy of life.
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"In the universe, there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between, there are doors.. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is: infinite."
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Excerpt from the Lecture of the 12th Degree Ritual – MASTER ARCHITECT
“Wisdom is the True Masonic Light”
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"In this degree you are taught the symbolic meanings of the Master Architect’s tools, the most important of which instructs us to solve the great problems presented by the univer, to know and understand the lofty truths of philosophy and to communicate it freely to others, particularly by our actions. Only the best and wisest in us and among us should rule. For if it be any other, the low and the ignoble will presume, and soon prevail."
WISDOM
STRENGTH
BEAUTY
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"WISDOM to contrive, STRENGTH to support, and BEAUTY to adorn. We also know these attributes as wisdom, power and harmony, and by them the universe was formed and is. Mark well my words: to know what these three truly represent is to penetrate a veil that conceals the Divinity. These three are the active and primary agents of creation, the three principal hieroglyphs of the Divine Name, and a symbol of dynamic harmony. If you will apply yourself to study these hints, you will find a mystery which may also grant to you wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Heed my words, and continue on your journey."
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"GET WISDOM!"
"Exalt her, and she shall promote you. She shall bring honor when you embrace her. She shall give to your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory shall she deliver.
No evil can overcome wisdom. For it is she who teaches the knowledge of God and is the expounder of His works."
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"The excellence of the soul is understanding; for the man who understands is conscious, devoted, and already god-like."
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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, many of the upcoming events in our Scottish Rite Valleys have either been canceled or postponed until further notice. Please contact your Valley leadership for specific details regarding any upcoming events that were previously scheduled. All Scottish Rite Masons, Scottish Rite Committees and Scottish Rite Valleys of Missouri are highly encouraged to utilize tele-communication networking tools during this time to stay in touch with virtual meetings.
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Register now for this historic gathering of Scottish Rite Leaders from both the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions alongside a continuing education opportunity for Language Therapists, Dyslexia Specialists and Speech-Language Pathologists.
All Scottish Rite Members care deeply about children’s education and preparation for a happy and successful life. Removing the barrier of challenged communication from dyslexia, literacy or speech by providing free and accessible care is our common goal. The Conference is essential to each of us and will provide cutting edge communication speakers with topics relevant to all on future breakthrough programs for our kids.
The conference will be hosted by the Orient of Missouri and will take place Wednesday, September 9 (6:00pm) - Friday, September 11 (1:30pm).
Programming will include four areas:
- Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders
- Literacy and Dyslexia
- Interprofessional Collaboration (Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy)
- Scottish Rite Sessions with Keynote Speakers from both the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions
For more information, email 2020conference@moritecare.org.
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Please submit your Valley events to news@moscottishrite.org for inclusion in future issues
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MASONIC EDUCATION & PHILOSOPHY
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"Until you make the unconscious conscious,
it will direct your life and you will call it fate."
-Carl Jung
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THIS MONTH'S SUGGESTED READING
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The Journey of the Elu to Enlightenment:
A Contemporary Interpretation of the Teachings of the Scottish Rite
Robert G. Davis
Get this book on Amazon
The Scottish Rite is the most philosophical of all the branches of Freemasonry. It meets the brother immediately following his awakening to the condition of his own life, with all its challenges and victories. It directs him on a new journey of self-discovery; of personal and spiritual growth. It provides him a higher understanding of how this newly discovered light and mindfulness can then be played out in the real world and become a guiding force in his life. The Rite offers a facilitated path for each Initiate to find and apply the best that is within him in all activities of his life. The journey is nothing less than the journey to the mature masculine soul.
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This book takes a new look at how the teachings of the Scottish Rite serve both the individual and humanity in advancing the ideals of peace, enlightenment, and freedom for all mankind. It introduces the themes and quests of the Rite, and outlines how each degree or level of instruction fulfills an important element in the attainment of three of Freemasonry's highest principles; enlightenment, freedom and toleration.It also recognizes that the historical settings, language, pageantry, and form of instruction of the degrees were all penned during the 18th and 19th centuries. As beautiful and meaningful as these are, the presentations can create a disconnect between the ancient settings of the teachings and the contemporary life of the men who experience them.This work is an effort to bridge the gap between the ancient symbols, themes, quests, and philosophies offered by the Scottish Rite; and how these profound ideas can be communicated, understood, and applied to today's world.
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Historic Partnership to Advance Freemasonry in North America
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Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Master Craftsman Program
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The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman (SRMC) program is an exciting, by-mail correspondence course designed and administered by staff at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C., under the guidance and leadership of the Supreme Council, 33° of the A&A Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA. Currently, three courses and a Group Studies program constitute the SRMC. |
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CLICK HERE for Full Information about the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program.
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The Scottish Rite Research Society
"Studying our past to illuminate our future"
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Since its formation in 1991, the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) has become one of the most dynamic forces in contemporary Masonic research, pursuing a publication program that emphasizes quality—both in content and in physical form. The Society has grown to over 4,000 members worldwide since inception. Its publications have redefined the standards of Masonic scholarship. Anyone who is interested in deepening his or her understanding of Freemasonry would benefit from Society membership.
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The Masonic Roundtable is a weekly panel of Masons from around the United States who discuss the latest and greatest in Masonic news, events, scholarship, and happenings.
Thursdays at 9:30 PM Eastern / 8:30 PM Central
Join the conversation!
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Whence Came You?
Masonic Podcast
"Providing Light for Freemasons and People Interested in Freemasonry."
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"Whence Came You was born out of a need for Masonic Education world wide. When lodges fell short explaining symbolism and the deeper aspects of our craft, it became apparent that something needed to be done. Bro. Robert Johnson began to record the papers he read and the response was tremendous. Reading a few pieces each week, and regularly releasing them to thirsty minds everywhere, the show began to take off and quickly became a staple for Masons, new and old."
"Join us each week, Sundays at 9:30 PM Central time for new episodes.
Always on and always on the level."
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X-Oriente
A Podcast for the Thinking Freemason
"The New Voice of Brotherhood"
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"The purpose of X-Oriente is to help unite Masons who feel that Masonry should be more than just a nice meal with friends. It is a 20-40 minute Podcast that revolves around ideas that might be of interest to Freemasons, exploring the whys and wherefores of Masonry.
Each show will explore an idea or topic. Sometimes the topics will extend from Masonic practice into civics, philosophy, social sciences, literature and art. X-Oriente also is a passionate advocate for critical thinking skills. We'll never stop asking why, and we'll always look for evidence to back up our assertions."
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In Kabbalah Revealed, an enlightening 16 episode series, Anthony Kosinec introduces “what Kabbalah is” and “what Kabbalah isn’t,” in this overview of some of its basic concepts, and the difference between authentic Kabbalah and how Kabbalah is popularly viewed. He speaks from the perspective of “practical Kabbalah,” as taught today by Rav Michael Laitman, PhD. Essentially, this is the process of how to reveal Kabbalah’s hidden aspect: the Upper Worlds—what is hidden behind our five senses.
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The official podcast of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, 33°, S.J. USA. News, stories and interviews all about Freemasonry, by Brothers, for Brothers.
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The Freemason Network is a social networking site that connects you to thousands of other Masons around the U.S. and 147 countries around the World! It’s simple to use, gives you the latest news and opinions about Masonic topics and connects you to your Brothers near and far.
Free membership includes:
- Masonic news and events from all over the U.S.
- Share the Light in discussion forums, create your blog
- See Masonic pictures and videos
- Join the Group for YOUR Grand Lodge!
The Freemason Network is hosted by The Supreme Council, 33° in Washington. You must be a Mason to join the Freemason Network.
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SCOTTISH RITE CONNECTIONS
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CONNECT WITH YOUR ORIENT COMMITTEES BELOW
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CONNECT WITH THE SCOTTISH RITE FOUNDATION OF MISSOURI
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FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Missouri, Inc. to enhance the lives of the children of Missouri by actively embracing high social, moral and spiritual value through the RiteCare Childhood Language Program, Youth Programs, Scholarships and Disaster Relief.
FOUNDATION HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The Scottish Rite Foundation of Missouri, Inc. was originally incorporated in 1946 as the Scottish Rite Endowment, Philanthropic, and Educational Foundation, Inc. Its purpose was to provide the public charities of the Order and go beyond that given by the Almoner to needy brethren.
The Foundation concentrates on four principal charities:
- To provide financial support of the Orient RiteCare Clinics;
- To grant undergraduate scholarships to deserving individuals attending an accredited college or university and pursuing a bachelor’s degree;
- To give financial assistance for medical, dental, and personal needs to children who would otherwise have to do without the treatment or benefit; and
- To give financial assistance to Missouri DeMolays to offset their expenses related to leadership training and education.
It has been a matter of custom and precedent to urge those financially able Scottish Rite members who are 32° to give $32, those who are KCCH to give $32.50 and 33° brethren to give $33 annually to the Foundation. There is also an Albert Pike Society which is composed of members who give $10,000 to the Foundation. The contribution may be made in lump sum or over a period of ten years. Donors receive recognition by having their names inscribed on a plaque which lists every member and which is displayed in each of the Valleys.
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CONNECT WITH THE SUPREME COUNCIL, 33°
SOUTHERN JURISDICTION, U.S.A.
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CONNECT WITH THE SUPREME COUNCIL, 33°
NORTHERN MASONIC JURISDICTION, U.S.A.
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MISSOURI RAINBOW FOR GIRLS
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