The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program

1. The Scottish Rite Master CraftsmanProgram By Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, Lt. Grand Commander and SGIG in Utah

2. Why Masonic Education? • We aren’t fulfilling our promise. • New members want to know. • Existing members don’t know. • Informed members have ownership.

3. Why Masonic Education? • Masonic Education— • Promotes participation and involvement • Aids in new member recruitment • Provides a basis for growth

4. Scottish RiteMaster Craftsman “Knowledge is Power.” —Francis Bacon

5. Scope of the Program Designed to educate ALL members about the Scottish Rite Candidate education as follow-on to Reunion experience Continuing member education through self- and/or group-study Curriculum developed and provided by the Supreme Council

6. Scope of the Program • Two Part Program • Part One –Introduction to the Rite • Origin and history of the Rite • Structure and governance of the Rite • Themes of the four bodies of the Rite • Nature of the ritual • Basic policy & proceduresof the Rite

7. Part One—Basic Course • Open book exam for each lesson • Graded and returned withnext lesson • No time limit on lessons • Recognition at completion of course

8. Part One—Basic Course • Low cost: $35, plus s/h • Resource material provided • Administered by Supreme Council • Conducted at Valley level • Recommend Director of Education

9. Director of Education • Responsible for all Educational activities • Keep track of course participants • Administer Mentoring Program • Arrange recognition events • Education at meetings

10. Basic Course Curriculum • Masonic & Scottish Rite Basics • Lodge of Perfection • Chapter of Rose Croix • Council of Kadosh • Consistory of Masters of theRoyal Secret • Scottish Rite Honors

11. Sample Question How many degrees were there when the first Grand Lodge was organized? a. One b. Two c. Three d. Four e. Five 

12. Sample Question When was the territorial jurisdiction between the Southern and Northern Masonic Jurisdictions established? a. 1804 b. 1811 c. 1813 d. 1827 e. 1842 

13. Sample Question How many American states are in the Southern Jurisdiction? a. Twenty-two b. Twenty-eight c. Thirty-three d. Thirty-five e. Forty-five 

14. Sample Question What is the meaning of “Kadosh”? a. Holy/Consecrated b. Sublime Temple c. Unspeakable d. Without Darkness e. Original 

15. Sample Question List the Principal Officer for each: a. Lodge of Perfection b. Chapter of Rose Croix c. Council of Kadosh d. Consistory e. Supreme Council

16. Uses of Program • Individual Study • Study Groups • Reunion Classes • Mentoring Program • Requirement for Leadership • Educational Features

17. Scope of the Total Program • Part Two—Advanced Principles • Esoteric Aspects of the Rite • Philosophic and religious traditions • Kabbala and Hermeticism • Understanding signs, symbols, metaphors, and allegories

18. Advanced Course • Curriculum being developed by the Scottish Rite Research Society • Electronic lecture series to provide essential information to interpreting and understanding the teachings of the degrees

19. Advanced Course • Will include a list of websites, resources, and recommended reading lists to aid in study • Syllabus of themes, ideas, concepts, and applications of each degree

20. Advanced Course • Administered by Supreme Council • Specific curriculum being developed • Emphasis on essays • Lessons available later this year

21. What Next? • Now is the time to start. • Material is available—today! • Promote it in your Valley. • The results will be positive.

22. Questions ?

23. The Scottish Rite Master CraftsmanProgram By Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, Lt. Grand Commander and SGIG in Utah