posted on Jul, 11 2009 @ 10:55 AM
Originally posted by Jnewell33
i4.ebayimg.com...
Just wanted to throw this on here, this was similar to what my friend has.
edited to add comments
[edit on 11-7-2009 by Jnewell33]
This is a Master Mason (3rd Degree) card issued by the Grand Lodge of Alabama. It's similar to membership cards issued by other Grand Lodges (each
one is a little different) If your friend is, indeed, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, he would have a card similar to the one you sent the link
to. It would have the Grand Lodge of the State in which you reside, the name and number of his lodge, and his name stating that he is a Master Mason
in good standing. These are issued each year when dues are paid.
Additionally he would have a card from the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (either Northern or Southern Jurisdiction...depends on
which state he became a member in) and it would have his name with "33 Degree" afterwards. These, too, are issued each year when dues are
paid.
So a member of any appendant Masonic body (like the Scottish Rite) would have at least two dues cards sent to him each year. A lot of us have several
cards sent because we belong to various other Masonic groups and pay dues to each.
As an interesting aside to some on this list who believe the 33rd Degree is "highest" or that 33rd Degree Members have more authority, etc. Lets
say that a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason did not pay his 3rd Degree Dues to the local lodge and was suspended. He's immediately suspended from
the Scottish Rite as well.
If he is expelled from the local (3rd Degree/Master Mason) Lodge, he is expelled from the 33rd Degree (and any other Masonic group to which he
belongs) too!
The Master Mason (3rd Degree) is indeed the Highest Degree of Freemasonry, despite the higher numbers used by the Scottish Rite.
EDIT TO ADD:
There's a scan of a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Dues Card here;
s286.photobucket.com...
The card is the same for K.C.C.H. (Knight Commander of the Court of Honour) and the 33rd Degree members.
[edit on 11-7-2009 by senrak]