In the Scottish Rite, caps symbolize the consecration of one’s physical and spiritual attributes to the betterment of humanity. These caps are rooted in centuries-old customs and serve as tangible manifestations of brotherhood and shared values among Masons. The black silk cap, adorned with the recognizable Scottish Rite double-headed eagle, is worn by those who have achieved the 32nd Degree. The blue cap, decorated in front with a gold number 50, is worn by those who have completed the work on a Brother’s rough ashlar thus far.
The Scottish Rite cap serves as a reminder that the physical must be subject to the spiritual and that, like knights, we must valiantly endeavor to maintain honor and respect. The purpose of the Scottish Rite cap is for Masons to show to Almighty God and identify a degree and any honors one may have achieved in the Scottish Rite.
Elected officers of the Council wear yellow caps bearing the scales of justice. The Council degrees are part of our “tentpole” system of required degrees before joining the Scottish Rite. A white cap indicates a 33° Inspector General Honorary, a red cap means a 32° Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (KCCH), and a light blue cap signifies a 50-year Scottish Rite Mason.
The apron worn in the Scottish Rite is yellow and contains an arm holding a sword, a winged figure holding a key in the left hand, and the right forefinger on the right. Truth, candor, and generosity are the foundation of Scottish Rite Masonry, which should be used to shape our lives and make us proud members of this prestigious organization.
📹 What is Scottish Rite?
Scottish Rite Masons talk about the journey. How they evolve in character. How we expand their knowledge of the Craft and their …
What is the highest honor in the Scottish Rite?
The Grand Cross of the Court of Honour represents the pinnacle of individual recognition within the Supreme Council, reserved for those who have demonstrated truly exceptional and extraordinary service as Thirty-third Degree Masons. The cap is white with a blue band.
What do the different colored hats mean in Scottish Rite?
The cap, which serves as a public badge for Scottish Rite Masons, is a component of the uniform and is worn by those attaining the 32nd degree. The various colors serve to indicate the degree of wear to which the cap has been subjected. Those seeking further information on Freemasonry are directed to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry website (scottishrite. org) and the Grand Lodge of Washington website (freemason-wa. org).
What do the different colored hats represent?
The four hats of caution, optimism, creativity, and control are employed to anticipate unfavorable outcomes, identify promising prospects, and oversee the operations of an organization. Those who adopt a black hat perspective predict negative outcomes, whereas those who adopt a yellow hat perspective seek positive outcomes.
Who was a famous Scottish Rite Mason?
The U. S. military is a symbol of public service, with Freemasons striving to serve their community and nation, particularly in the Scottish Rite, where Devotion to Country is one of their six Core Values. The Masons, including Brother Winston Churchill, Douglas MacArthur, James “Jimmy” Doolittle, Leonard “Bud” Lomell, and Brother Sammy Lee Davis, 33°, exemplified courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to brotherhood and moral uprightness. Their Masonic virtues influenced their leadership and their contributions continue to inspire generations.
Brother Sammy Lee Davis, 33°, is known for his courageous acts during the Vietnam War, where he crossed a river to rescue three wounded American soldiers. He was awarded a Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson for his heroism.
What are the yellow hats?
The Tibetan Buddhist sect, which was established following religious reforms in the 14th century, is a religious sect that places an emphasis on the transmission of teachings and the practice of meditation.
Is Scottish Rite part of the Masons?
The Scottish Rite is a full Rite of Freemasonry, not an appendant body. Master Masons from other rites may join the upper degrees starting from the 4th degree due to its popularity. The Scottish Rite builds upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the Craft (or Blue) Lodge through dramatic presentations of its individual degrees. The term “Blue Lodge” refers to the first three degrees of Masonry, regardless of the Rite being practiced.
Records of lodges conferring the degree of “Scots Master” or “Scotch Master” as early as 1733 include a lodge at Temple Bar in London, a lodge at Bath in 1735, and the French lodge, St. George de l’Observance No. 49 at Covent Garden in 1736. These references indicate special meetings held for performing unusual ceremonies, probably by visiting Freemasons.
The Copiale cipher, dating from the 1740s, says that the rank of a Scottish master is an entirely new invention. French writers Jean-Marie Ragon and Emmanuel Rebold first claimed that the high degrees were created and practiced in Lodge Canongate Kilwinning at Edinburgh, which is entirely false.
What is the difference between a Mason and a Scottish Rite?
The Scottish Rite stands as a full Rite of Freemasonry and not an appendant body. ( 9 ) Master Masons from other rites may, in some countries, join the Scottish Rite’s upper degrees starting from the 4th degree due to its popularity. ( 10 ) ( 11 ) This Rite builds upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the Craft (or Blue) Lodge through dramatic presentations of its individual degrees. It is crucial to note that the term “Blue Lodge” refers to the first three degrees of Masonry, regardless of the Rite being practiced. In the Scottish Rite system, the first three degrees are considered Blue Lodge degrees rather than “Red Lodge”. ( 12 )
There are records of lodges conferring the degree of “Scots Master” or “Scotch Master” as early as 1733. ( 13 ) ( 14 ) ( 15 ) A lodge at the Devil (Tavern), Temple Bar in London is the earliest such lodge on record. ( 16 ) Other lodges include a lodge at Bath in 1735, and the French lodge, St. George de l’Observance No. 49 at Covent Garden in 1736. The references to these few occasions indicate that these were special meetings held for the purpose of performing unusual ceremonies, probably by visiting Freemasons. ( 17 ) : 5 The Copiale cipher, dating from the 1740s ( 18 ) says, “The rank of a Scottish master is an entirely new invention…” ( 19 )
French writers Jean-Marie Ragon (1781–1862) and Emmanuel Rebold, in their Masonic histories, first claimed that the high degrees were created and practiced in Lodge Canongate Kilwinning ( 20 ) at Edinburgh, which is entirely false. ( 21 )
What are the colors of the Scottish Rite?
Craft Freemasonry uses blue as the fundamental color, but alchemical colors like red, black, and white are the mainstay of Scottish Rite color symbolism. Green is also frequently used as a sign of life, renewal, and rebirth. The main colors in the liturgy of each Scottish Rite degree are the Lodge Room color, regalia (apron, sash, collar, gloves), and wearing robes or capes. Secondary colors used for lining, edging, or decorations are enclosed within parentheses.
Sometimes, the collar is replaced by a ribbon worn diagonally over one shoulder. The study is based on the works of Paul Naudon and Rex Hutchens, who provide color indications based on their extensive work on the history and symbolism of Scottish Rite degrees. When both sources disagree, they are both noted, with Naudon’s description marked with an (N) and Hutchen’s with an (H).
What is the royal secret in the Scottish Rite?
The 32nd degree of Freemasonry espouses the belief that humans are endowed with the Royal Secret, which is described as the eternal gift of God, namely love. This secret is not transferable and was bestowed upon humanity at the moment of creation, when the Father instilled life into man and thus made him a living soul. The cherishing of this love is a divine attribute and serves as evidence that all humans are the children of God.
What is the Scottish colour code?
The flag of Scotland, also known as the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland, featuring a white saltire defacing a blue field. It is the correct flag for private individuals and corporate bodies to fly, and is flown from Scottish Government buildings every day from 8:00 am until sunset. The use of the flag was first recorded with an illustration of a heraldic flag in Sir David Lyndsay’s Mount’s Register of Scottish Arms, c. 1542. It is believed to be based on a precedent from the late 15th century, with a white saltire in the canton of a blue flag reputedly made by Queen Margaret, wife of James III.
What do Scottish Rite Freemasons believe in?
The Scottish Rite Masonry aims to aid mankind’s search for identity and destiny in God’s universe, produce wiser, happier men, and promote the dignity of every person and humanity in all activities. The fraternity fulfills its Masonic obligation to care for its members and believes in individual judgment and conscience in civil life. 32° Scottish Rite Masonry expands upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, exploring Masonic teachings more deeply.
Building upon the ethical and philosophical teachings of the blue lodge, 32° Scottish Rite reveals a wealth of knowledge about Masonry not found in other degrees. It seeks to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge to help good men become even better.
📹 Masonic Secrets of the Scottish Rite Cathedral (Indianapolis,Indiana)
When I was a little boy, I knew my Grandpa was a Mason. But it was only later, as an adult, that I realized: he lived a life I knew …
Such a . moving and beautiful depiction of the Scottish Rite and the Masonic Order. My Grandfather and my Dad were both members and they lived and loved the lessons of life learned in the temple, We all toured this beautiful Landmark in Indy and were forever touched by the solemn grace and historywithin these walls!
Top quality as always Roger! We always appreciate your rock solid filming and sound. I’m sure Your Grandfather would have been so proud of you filming and preserving his part as a Mason. That building is nothing short of amazing! I love good architecture like that. It’s always good to see your articles pop up in my feed.
I had the great opportunity as a young man to visit this incredible edifice while I was a member of the Order of DeMolay, a Masonic sponsored fraternity for boys. What a tribute to your grandfather and I am quite sure he would have given his approval. Of your articles I have seen so far, this is certainly one of your best. Your use of a personal connection into a historical topic was just amazing and I am sure, very gratifying and enlightening.
My dad and his father were both Masons. There was a lot I didn’t know about the Masonic lodge. I think my dental assisting graduation was at the Scottish Rite cathedral in 1974 and I think I went to a wedding there about fifteen years or so ago. It was a very large mysterious place to me also. Thanks for sharing
What a fantastic article. I journeyed to the Cathedral from Detroit in 2022, also to honor my grandfather. I also paid a visit to the Grand Lodge (across the street) and was able to get a copy of not only his Masonic record, but I found out HIS father was a Mason as well. Several months later, I found another generation of Masons in Indiana. The trip to the Scottish Rite Cathedral was powerful for me; and seems it was for you, too. Perhaps one day, you’ll follow in his footsteps. I did, and I’ve never once regretted it. — A fifth generation Mason
The wood isn’t carved. They save the sawdust and mix it with wood glue. Then they cast the “carvings” from molds stored in the cathedral itself. They can repair a damaged door in a few hours where it would take days even for a CNC to carve it. I like to make stuff so I talked to them about how the building was constructed to learn some of the secrets.
I’ve heard stories that there are tunnels that lead in and out of that Cathedral. My three times great-grandfather it was an officer in the Civil War for the North has a giant marker on his gravestone of the Masonic symbol. Also my first real job when I got out of high school, I literally work for stonemasons for a period of 6 years is a hod carrier. That cathedral downtown is absolutely impressive. I would imagine they have a tunnel straight over to the Masonic headquarters not but a couple blocks over. Which itself seems to be an imposing structure. I think it would be interesting to be a part of that club
Wow, I haven’t seen this in years! My Aunt always took me downtown indianapolis, before Christmas and we would take a tour. At that time all the department stores had beautiful Christmas windows…I’ve just dated myself 😅😮 I love all your articles as I grew up in Southern Indiana, my mom being from Bloomfield, Indiana. Thank You!
When I was a young teenager, in the early eighties, I visited what I think was a Scottish Rite Cathedral in Terra Haute. But it was not anything like the one in Indy. I would assume there could be other smaller ones in Indiana cities. Have you visited the World War Memorial catty-corner from the Cathedral? It’s quite a building, and museum, as well. I noticed that it said 33 deg. on that document that you showed. I don’t know for sure, but your Grandfather might have been a Shriner as well.
This is probably my favorite article you’ve put out, to date !? I’ve always been interested in the story of the Freemasons . Had a chance to be in the apprentice program . (I lived outside of Marion Indiana at the time .) Was actually told i was a lock to get in ? My dad and step-mom were getting a divorce so, i had to move back to Madison with my mom . Lost contact with the neighbor that was trying to get me in and never heard anything else about it ? 🤷
I enjoyed the article Roger. My father and I are not Masons, but a few of my distant ancestors were. I am not a big fan of oath bound societies with secret rituals, but I was amazed at the architecture of the Scottish Rite temple. When doing genealogy I discovered that my 1st great grandfather Pierce or an older cousin of his with the same first name was both a Mason and an Oddfellow, and once represented the (no longer existent) West Baden Oddfellows at a statewide convention. Keep the articles coming.
Excellent article! Thank you. That place was beautiful! Great story too. I have the Masonic encyclopedia. It said I’m not supposed to read it. It’s secret. I want to read it now because i have found out alot of things about Mason’s. I have my great uncle’s watch fob too. It’s gold an worth a pretty penny. It’s round an all the sides open. Have a great day Roger.
yea its ornate, seen actual churches though that are more ornate, but as you say some things are better left unknown, there is some stuff that is great and terrorable, and better to not be known, for all the things they do to help in masonry, some say there are very troubling rites that go on at the top and espouse beliefs antithical to Christianity, this has been stated many times by former practicing masons, they do many things though and have large influance in the usa since day 1, and do make some of the prettiest buildings, and theaters that is true, the old scottish rite in fort wayne now part of the the university of st frances is pretty nice, and one cant deny the ornateness of the murat shrine theater at the old national center, or the medina building in chicago.
That leather bound book should have been returned to the lodge upon death. There should be a line or 2 on the inner firs or second pages about that. His gold 14 degree ring goes back as well. At least thats how its supposed to be in our jurisdiction. Good article though. Well shot. Well thought out. Good stories.
I’ve always been a fan of the history and the architecture of the Free Masons. Went to the Masonic Theatre in Detroit for a band called “Sleep Token”, and I’ve never felt such an ominous feeling. Constantly delivering food to the temple here in Fort Wayne and I get a similar feeling. This is an amazing article Roger! I was really close to my grandpa, him and my grandma took care of me. So this article was just all around heart warming but mysterious at the same time. Loved it!
I had relatives that were masons and there was something called the Eastern Star for women. I do not know what rite they all were. This was in Montana. In Northwest Florida there are also masons and the temple for the Pensacola area use to rent out it temple for functions. Years ago one of the high schools tried to rent it out. They got turned down for a prom i think it was since they would not allow back students in. They use to hold gunshows there too. But a white mason would help a black mason that was in distress such as broken down on the highway. It used to be an important connection for politics and I believe that catholics could not join, but I am not sure about that.
When I first realized there was something dark about my dad, who I only met a few times in life, I began a shallow journey, off and on, about the Freemasons. I was told he was a Shriner..never thought much about anything with my dad until he showed me his Rolls Royce with 666 on the license plate. I was still technically a Catholic ( a cult as far as I’m concered) but even not knowing Jesus or the Bible until years later, I knew that was a dark clue about where he was in life. As I watch this article, I realized that if my own parent is crony of the devil, I need to stay as close to Jesus as I can. Where I am at right now us close Mirmon country. My studies of Mormonism, enlightened me about the connection, rituals and symbols that interconnect, Mormons with Freemason. We won’t even talk about Bohemian Grove..its a scary world out there. I’m glad I have Jesus as my Lord and Savior………..