History of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

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Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Material and Methods
The History of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite practiced by Freemasons
Freemasonry Nowadays
The Issue of Climate Change
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Abstract

Climate change and people’s awareness of it is a serious issue that can lead to the deaths of many people and the planet. Large organizations can significantly contribute to helping the environment by addressing the problem and donating to appropriate charities, researches, and projects. An example of such an organization can be considered Freemasonry. While examining the history of the Masonic fraternity, the research discovered proof that the organization can offer great help to the environment. The history shows the great conviction of freemasons to their values; exceptional unity across nationalities, races, and religions; the desire to help others and spread the message of tolerance and brotherly love. Today the fraternity is able to support many people through charities and donations. With the help of Freemasonry, environmental issues can gain significant publicity across the world. Such an organization can support environmental research and projects, drawing the discovery of the climate change solution nearer.

Introduction

Freemasonry is believed to be one of the most acknowledged communities, being the older initiatory society in the West that does not depend on religion. Its roots go back to the medieval guilds of stonemasons; it has survived for hundreds of years, despite skepticism, suspicions, and persecutions. Freemasonry is both a successful and controversial society that is far from being extinct despite a decline in the number of members.

Throughout the course of history, Freemasonry was not only able to survive but also maintain the free spirit of its people. It has supported and united the members of the guild, despite their race or religious beliefs. While examining the fraternity’s history, it can be considered to have the power to mitigate the damage of the current environmental situation and solve the issue of people’s awareness of climate change.

With the increasing temperature of the Earth, pollution, emission, rising sea level, millions of people have been suffering from the impact of climate change all over the world. Without a unified effort to save the planet and ultimately humankind, the situation will only worsen over the years. While governments, scientists, and large organizations propose various solutions, individuals can also limit the negative impact on the climate. For this, such organizations and fraternities like Freemasonry could attempt to spread awareness of the problem and help mitigate the damage.

Material and Methods

The history, practice, and rituals of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite were reviewed to answer the research question. Materials used for the study include articles and books describing the research topic. The literature was analyzed to determine the usual methods Freemasons used to discuss, promote, and help to mitigate a certain social or cultural problem. Based on the analysis, the topic of spreading awareness and mitigating the damage caused by climate change as a way for Freemasons to act was discussed. The conclusion was drawn based on the idea of help that could be provided by an organization like The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

The History of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite practiced by Freemasons

America

Freemasonry is not a religion, but they claim their values and traditions are timeless and above religious or political differences. Discussing these topics is forbidden in a lodge since they are often a source of disharmony and division (Bogdan & Snoek, 2014). They attempt to act honestly, ethically, and law-abidingly to set a good example for the people around the world. Fraternal ceremonies often include moral lessons; the masonic gatherings address development, acknowledgment, and establishment of regulations (Waite, 2013). The Masonic Fraternity is known for its secrecy and rituals. The rituals are used to instruct new candidates in the teachings of Freemasonry and test their skills. The secrecy of their teachings can derive from the use of metaphors of stonemasons’ tools and terms as a reminder of how the fraternity was originated.

Today the fraternal organization does not associate itself primarily with the Christian faith; it accepts men of all religions and sometimes even atheists. However, early Masonry is traced back to biblical times, formed from the myth of the craft of Masonry that came to England in the reign of King Athelstan (Mackey, 2012). There is no certain date of the establishment of Masonry; it is only known to be developed in a recognizable form in England and Scotland around the 17^th century (Mackey, 2012). The Premier Grand Lodge of England was formed there with its constitutions and rituals.

The spread of Freemasonry from the British Isles started during the Colonial Era. The earliest American lodges took place in Pennsylvania, but they appeared in every state after the American Revolution, with George Washington as the first Grand Master (Bullock, 2011). Despite a large part of freemasons supporting the abolition of slavery, African Americans were refused to join early American lodges (Dunbar, 2012). However, since the Masonic fraternity attracted Prince Hall and 14 other free black men, they were able to form the first African Lodge (Dunbar, 2012). Their power was limited until the end of racial segregation in the 1960s.

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts denied the acknowledgment of African Lodge, but it did not make the Black freemasons abandon the fraternity. They declared themselves independent from the United Grand Lodge of England, becoming the African Grand Lodge of Massachusetts (Walker, 2010). The African-American jurisdiction became collectively known as Prince Hall Freemasonry and was not recognized legitimate by White Lodges (Popielarz, 2016). Even today, the integrated membership of Prince Hall and White Lodges, despite being officially recognized, is not practiced, especially in the Southern states.

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is one of the bodies of Freemasonry. They state that their mission is to improve the communities in which they live by teaching the principles of brotherly love, tolerance, charity, and truth (Pike, 2018). A Supreme Council governs the Scottish Rite; however, there is no international authority over them (Hoyos, 2010). Supreme Councils of every country are sovereign unto themselves in their own jurisdiction (Jolicoeur & Knowles, 1978). The Scottish Rite is practiced across the United States and Canada, France, where it first emerged, Romania, and the United Kingdom.

The first Scottish Rite appeared in Chicago in the middle of the 19^th century. The membership was limited, and the Scottish Rite faced constant conflicts for territory (Lipson, 2015). The truce between all of the organizations was negotiated not long before the Great Chicago Fire (Stevenson, 1990). Scottish Rite Masons agreed to merge into one organization and set all past differences aside, rebuilding the city and the community from the ashes (Lynch, 2015). In 2012, another unexpected disaster affected the lives of freemasons and the people around them (Dumenil, 2014). They started working on strengthening their Almoner’s Fund to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Europe

After the creation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, the unified Freemasons created policies and regulations for the fraternity. One of such policies was permission for others to join the guild, despite their nationality, race, or religious beliefs (Jacob, 2007). As such, the acceptance of Jews to Freemasonry began in England and spread to France and Germany, ignoring the growth of antisemitism in Europe (Cooper, 2010). At the end of the 19^th century, a Jewish fraternal lodge was created in Berlin. Some of them allowed not only Jews but also Muslims and Christians to join. Due to fraternal Jewish emancipation, Freemasonry was often accused and denounced.

In Europe, the 1940s was a difficult historical period in which many people were persecuted, tortured, and executed due to their race, views, and religion. The followers of Nazism and Fascism showed no mercy to anyone who differed from them. Some of the people whom they systematically oppressed were Freemasons, despite the lack of an obvious biological or racial identification hated by the Nazis (Schreiber, 2010). The reason for that was not only the contrast of ideologies and supposed assistance to the victims of persecution (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum). Hitler believed that Jews were able to avoid the racial and legal barriers that marginalized them in European society through the fraternity (Cooper, 2010). Due to being identified as willing members of the so-called Jewish conspiracy, Freemasons were considered to be one of the reasons for Germany’s defeat in World War I.

The immerging issue of antisemitism in Europe and the establishment of the Fascist party did not prevent Freemasonry from being a place for men of every race and religion. It united the people of Europe, giving them space to communicate and socialize (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum). Despite the threats and accusations, freemasons stayed true to their values of fortitude and prudence. During the war, many freemasons lost their lives to Nazis, yet the regime seeking to end the fraternity did not succeed.

Freemasonry Nowadays

Today the Masonic fraternity fully embodies its beliefs and values by doing charity work. They commit to the lives of all people around them, supporting men and women of all ages. According to MCF Strategy (2018), they provide treatment for children, fund medical research, and contribute to local community services. Nearly four million Masons worldwide continue to help face the problems of the 21^st century.

The Issue of Climate Change

Climate change is the biggest and the most dangerous issue our planet is facing. Despite that, some people are unaware of it or do not believe in it. The danger of climate change can seem abstract or unimportant to some people (Climate change, 2001). To endure one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever had to face, people need to unite and solve the problem together.

The fight for our planet starts with spreading awareness of the problem. It can be accomplished individually and collectively. One person can share the news on social media and get the attention of three more. However, large organizations have a better chance to encourage humankind of actions. Addressing the problem at public gatherings, creating petitions, participating and encouraging charity work, as well as relocating finances to support environmental research and changes can significantly mitigate the damage. It is not something a single individual is able to do. As such, the involvement of large organizations and communities is crucial to solving the problem of climate change and saving our planet and lives.

Results

The results of the literature review show the history of Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite. Throughout the years, Freemasons were able to establish their organization, survive persecutions and not lose the focus on their values. European freemasons displayed courage, tenacity, and perseverance by defying the increasing popularity of antisemitism. Risking their prestige and lives, they remained true to their beliefs of the equality of all men and accepted Jews as members. By uniting men of different races, nationalities, and religions, the fraternal organization proved its ability to lead communities to a better future. The history of American Freemasonry can be viewed as an example of how the fraternity’s values can drive people to resist and overcome such complicated social issues as racial segregation. The Prince Hall Freemasonry endured years of racism but prevailed and established itself as a Grand Lodge. Today, Scottish Rite and American Freemasonry organizations continue to contribute to society.

Discussion

Examining the history and current activities of Freemasonry and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the required actions to mitigate the damage of climate change and spread the awareness of the issue can be discussed. The fraternal organization has previously managed to unite people of different nationalities, races, and religious beliefs. It can certainly be considered that such a vast worldwide community still connects people with these differences and political views today. Having followers in a variety of social spheres would efficiently spread the awareness of environmental issues. The Masonic Fraternity is also known to support medical research and donate to hospitals nowadays. As such, it can also support environmental studies, create petitions, and contribute to environmental charities by donating or participating. The topic of climate change can be addressed during the Masonic gatherings; saving the planet can be added as a value of freemasons.

Conclusion

The environmental issue is one of the most important discussions of today since climate change and global warming threaten the lives of all people and the safety of our planet. Despite that, many still disregard the problem or do not believe in it. The impact of environmental changes will affect all races, nationalities, and classes. Acknowledgment and recognition are desperately needed to solve this issue. Spreading awareness and mitigating the damage of climate change is in the power of large organizations.

Throughout history, Freemasonry and The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite have proved their ability to unite people despite many differences. They were able to remain true to their values despite many difficulties, persecutions, and repression. Black American freemasons exhibited their will and determination to commit to the values that are greater than them. The desire to spread brotherly love, justice, tolerance, and prudence led the fraternity to what it is today: a large worldwide organization that continues to help millions of people. With such conviction, it is possible for the Masonic Fraternity to spread awareness and mitigate the damage of climate change through publicly addressing the issue and contributing to environmental research and projects. It can set an example of valuing the environment and significantly contribute to saving the planet.

References

Bogdan, H., & Snoek, J. A. M. (2014). Handbook of Freemasonry. Brill.

Bullock, S. C. (2011). Revolutionary brotherhood: Freemasonry and the transformation of the American social order, 1730-1840. University of North Carolina Press.

Climate change 2001: Synthesis report: Third assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. (2001). Cambridge University Press.

Cooper, R. (2010). The red triangle: The history of the persecution of Freemasons. Lewis Masonic.

Dumenil, L. (2014). Freemasonry and American culture. Princeton University Press.

Dunbar, P. L. (2012). Hidden in plain sight: African American secret societies and Black Freemasonry. Journal of African American Studies, 16(4), 622-637.

Hoyos, de A. (2010). A brief history of Freemasonry and the origins of the Scottish Rite. Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide, 77-111.

Jacob, M. C. (2007). The origins of Freemasonry: Facts and fictions. University of Pennsylvania Press.

Jolicoeur, P. M., & Knowles, L. L. (1978). Fraternal associations and civil religion: Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Review of Religious Research, 3-22.

Lipson, D. A. (2015). Freemasonry in Federalist Connecticut, 1789-1835. Princeton University Press.

Lynch, A. P. (2015). That religion in which all men agree: Freemasonry in American culture. University of California, 553-665.

Mackey, A. G. (2012). The history of freemasonry: Its legendary origins. Courier Corporation.

MCF Strategy 2018-2022. (2018). Masonic Charitable Foundation. Web.

Pike, A. (2018). Morals and dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Creative Media Partners.

Popielarz, P. A. (2016). Moral dividends: Freemasonry and finance capitalism in early-nineteenth-century America. Business History.

Schreiber, J. (2010). Jews and Freemasonry in the nineteenth century: An overview of current knowledge. Archives Juives, 43(2), 30-48.

Stevenson, D. (1990). The origins of Freemasonry: Scotland’s century, 1590-1710. Cambridge University Press.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Freemasonry under the Nazi regime. Web.

Waite, A. E. (2013). A new encyclopedia of freemasonry. Cosimo.

Walker, C. D. (2010). A noble fight: African American freemasonry and the struggle for democracy in America. University of Illinois Press.

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