The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program By Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, Lt. Grand Commander and SGIG in Utah Why Masonic Education? • • • • We aren’t fulfilling our promise. New members want to know. Existing members don’t know. Informed members have ownership. The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Why Masonic Education? • Masonic Education— » Promotes participation and involvement » Aids in new member recruitment » Provides a basis for growth The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Scottish Rite Master Craftsman “Knowledge is Power.” —Francis Bacon The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 & procedures of the Rite The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Part One—Basic Course • Open book exam for each lesson • Graded and returned with next lesson • No time limit on lessons • Recognition at completion of course The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Director of Education • Responsible for all Educational activities • Keep track of course participants • Administer Mentoring Program • Arrange recognition events • Education at meetings The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Basic Course Curriculum • • • • • Masonic & Scottish Rite Basics Lodge of Perfection Chapter of Rose Croix Council of Kadosh Consistory of Masters of the Royal Secret • Scottish Rite Honors The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Sample Question How many degrees were there when the first Grand Lodge was organized? a. One b. Two c. Three d. Four e. Five The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Sample Question What is the meaning of “Kadosh”? a. Holy/Consecrated b. Sublime Temple c. Unspeakable d. Without Darkness e. Original The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Uses of Program • • • • • • Individual Study Study Groups Reunion Classes Mentoring Program Requirement for Leadership Educational Features The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program 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 The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Advanced Course • • • • Administered by Supreme Council Specific curriculum being developed Emphasis on essays Lessons available later this year The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program What Next? • • • • Now is the time to start. Material is available—today! Promote it in your Valley. The results will be positive. The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program Questions The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman Program By Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, Lt. Grand Commander and SGIG in Utah