Originally posted by Richardfromoxford
I've got enough guys! Although that wasn't what I was trying for.
What is the 96 degree? I maybe new, but not ignorant and unlettered in masonry history? what is that?
Officially there are only 3 degrees to Masonry, ending with degree-number-three. However, the Scottish and York rites include higher degrees for those
who wish. Scottish rites run to 33rd-degree. There are other "Rites" that offer even higher degrees but not all freemasons accept them. Memphis
Misriam was founded I think over 200 years ago and its always been a controversial part of the Masonic structure, with some refusing to acept its
validity. This one runs to 99 degrees and has been accussed of "degree-peddling": i.e., exploiting Masons by simply squeezing money out of them so
they can get a pretty collection of titles and medals. Its worth noting, however, that both Garabaldi (Italian Revolution leader) and Napoleon were
involved with Memphis-Misiram right, and this rite acquired a slightly unsavory reputation for alleged activities during the french revolution. Still,
it persists, although many Masons consider it "Irregular" or "unorthodox" freemasonry. They also have a slightly unsavory reputation and their
names come up a lot in connection with NWO and conspiracy theories.
