To the general public, the “32 degrees” of Scottish Rite Masonry can sound mysterious. To a Mason, they are better understood as a continued journey of learning.
The first three degrees of Masonry are received in the Blue Lodge: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The Scottish Rite does not replace those degrees. It builds upon them, offering Master Masons additional lessons through drama, symbolism, history, philosophy, and moral reflection.
In the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the 29 Scottish Rite degrees are grouped into four bodies: Lodge of Perfection, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Chapter of Rose Croix, and Maine Consistory. Each body helps a Mason think more deeply about character, service, faith, duty, and how to live as a better man.
Yates Lodge of Perfection: Building the Foundation
Yates Lodge of Perfection includes the 4th through 14th degrees. This is where the Scottish Rite journey begins for a Master Mason.
These degrees ask a man to look inward. What does he believe? How does he handle responsibility? Can he remain faithful to his values when life becomes difficult? The Lodge of Perfection reminds Masons that “perfection” does not mean a man is flawless. It means he is committed to improvement.
For the public, this section of Scottish Rite Masonry can be understood as the foundation. It teaches that good character is built over time through honesty, humility, patience, and perseverance.
Portland Council Princes of Jerusalem: Learning Through History
Portland Council Princes of Jerusalem includes the 15th and 16th degrees. These are often described as historical degrees, drawing lessons from conflict, rebuilding, leadership, and responsibility.
These degrees remind Masons that communities are not built by accident. They require courage, cooperation, and men willing to do difficult work for something larger than themselves.
For Masons of every degree level, this is a meaningful lesson. Whether a man is newly raised as a Master Mason or has traveled further in the Rite, he is called to be a builder — not only of buildings or organizations, but of trust, stability, and community.
Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix: Faith, Reflection, and Universal Lessons
Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix includes the 17th and 18th degrees. These degrees use spiritual and philosophical lessons to encourage reflection, compassion, and a deeper understanding of mankind’s shared moral responsibilities.
For the general public, this does not mean the Scottish Rite tells a man what religion to follow. Freemasonry welcomes men of faith who believe in a Supreme Being. The Rose Croix degrees encourage a Mason to think seriously about mercy, tolerance, sacrifice, and love for others.
These lessons matter in everyday life. They ask a man to consider how he treats his family, his neighbors, his Brothers, and even those with whom he disagrees.
Maine Consistory: Living the Lessons
Maine Consistory includes the 19th through 32nd degrees. This is the broadest section of the Scottish Rite journey and brings together many lessons about leadership, justice, service, patriotism, and moral courage.
The Scottish Rite, NMJ describes its Core Values as Reverence for God, Devotion to Country, Integrity, Justice, Tolerance, and Service to Humanity. The Consistory degrees help Masons explore how those values apply in real life.
This is where the message becomes especially practical. A Mason is not simply learning ideas. He is being challenged to live them.
A Journey for Every Mason
The 32 degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry are not about status. They are about growth.
For the public, they offer a window into how Masonry teaches through story, symbol, and shared experience. For Master Masons, they offer a deeper path of reflection. For Scottish Rite Masons, they are a reminder that the work of becoming a better man never truly ends.
In the Valley of Portland, Yates Lodge of Perfection, Portland Council Princes of Jerusalem, Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix, and Maine Consistory each play a role in that journey. Together, they help carry forward a simple but powerful idea: Masonry is not just something a man joins. It is something he lives.
Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.
New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.
