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The Masons are the world's largest and oldest men's fraternity. Our traditions are more than three centuries in the making and are founded upon the virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. These are traditions that our founding fathers held dear and that good men of every race, religion, and ethnic origin still value today.
Masons come from all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, businessmen, plumbers, farmers and factory workers meet together as equals to improve themselves and their communities.
Today there are over 73,000 Masons in Illinois who enjoy membership in 555 different local Lodges.
These men share a tradition of excellence which emphasizes personal integrity, commitment to family, and service to the community.
In the spirit of brotherhood, we Masons invite you to join in our traditions and our fraternity.
By becoming a member, you will walk in the footsteps of great men, perhaps like your father, grandfather, mentor or George Washington, our nation's father.
What is
Scottish Rite
Masonry |
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Masonic historians still seek answers to the origin of the Scottish Rite. The first reference to the Rite appears in old French records where the word "Ecossais" (meaning Scottish) is found. During the 17th century, when the British Isles were torn by strife, many Scots fled to France and resumed their Masonic interests there.
This influence may have contributed to the use of the word "Scottish." Records from the 18th century show activity of the Rite in Bordeaux, France. From there it spread to the West Indies and then to the colonies. Antecedents of Scottish Rite existed in Albany, New York as early as 1767.
As the Rite's growth continued, and to bring order out of chaos, a Supreme Council was established in Charleston, South Carolina in 1801, to control the activity of the Scottish Rite. This later became known as the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. A Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States was organized in 1813.
The Northern Jurisdiction headquarters is in Lexington, Massachusetts, and coordinates the activities of Scottish Rite within 15 Northeastern, Middle Atlantic and Midwestern states. The Southern Jurisdiction headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., and covers the remaining 35 states.
The 15 states in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Each state has a Deputy responsible for Scottish Rite activity within that state. Today, the Northern Jurisdiction has official—as well as friendly—relations with more than 50 Supreme Councils throughout the world. The CEO for each Supreme Council is referred to as the Sovereign Grand Commander.
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