Gerard O'Donnell
[I]Originally posted by MrNECROS[/I]
…So far no one has actually discussed the rite or posted any additional resources for it yet, we have a couple of hundred postings in the thread all of which seem to be directed at me rather than the topic along with a multitude of self expressed opions all of which are completely unsubstantiated by ANY material whatsoever that basically say that everything I've posted is somehow deliberately misleading, ignorant etc... Heaven forbid anyone actually posting the correct material if what I'm presenting is untrue (it isn't.)
[I]Originally posted by Masonic Light[/I]
…Descriptions of the ceremonies of this Degree, and commentaries thereon, can be found in the following books:
“A Bridge To Light” by Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, G.C.
“The Magnum Opus” by Albert Pike, 33°
“Clausen’s Commentaries On Morals and Dogma” by Henry C. Clausen, 33°
“Vested In Glory: The Regalia of the Scottish Rite” by Dr. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C.
“Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry” by Albert G. Mackey, 33°
A comparison of the ritual posted by “Mr. Necros” with the descriptions of the actual degree ritual illustrates the fundamental differences, as well as why uninformed non-Masons like Necros have difficulty separating fact from fiction, and understanding Freemasonry.
[I]Originally posted by Mirthful Me[/]
What you have come upon is the basic stage setting, including costume and makeup, list of characters, and outline of the 32nd degree which is communicated by performing a play! A skit! A staged reenactment of Masonic lore. Sherlock you're not, because there are far more interesting aspects of Freemasonry than what you choose to dwell upon.
[I]Originally posted by Masonic Light[/I]
As mentioned, anyone who wants a description of the 32° initiation ceremony as practiced in the Mother Jurisdiction need only read Dr. Hutchens’ “A Bridge To Light”, which gives details of all the rites from the 4° to the 32°. The book is given as a gift to all new 32° Masons, but is available to the general public for 10 bucks.
I am very familiar with Brother McLenachan’s book. I own a personal copy, and we have 3 or 4 copies in our Lodge library. But there’s a few things you don’t seem to understand about the Scottish Rite.
Firstly, McLenachan’s Obedience was the Supreme Council of England, which operates independently from the Mother Council. The English ritual of the Scottish Rite is used only in the UK, not in any other country.
Secondly, McLenachan’s descriptions do not completely match the ritual used today in England. In his day, the degrees were not actually conferred in ceremonial form, they existed only on paper. A 3° Mason who was approved for membership in the Rite was given the 32° by proclamation, and then they gave him the rituals to study. The rituals described by Bro. McLenachan were never actually staged.
[I]Originally posted by Masonic Light[/I]
Unlike yourself, I haven’t cut and pasted anything. I’ve patiently explained the hierarchy, ritual, and statutes of the Scottish Rite, and have given references to the official books and statutes of the Order. You, on the other hand, have apparently read one book that is over a century old, and believe you know what you’re talking about, although every Scottish Rite Mason on this board has had to correct you.
To back up your arguments, you have been unable to reference current rules, regulations, and rituals, but keep going back to Bro. McLenachan’s book, which was never even adopted as official. If you wish to continue this debate, you must familiarize yourself with today’s official Scottish Rite Masonry, which anyone can do by reading he books I’ve already mentioned, along with “Forms and Traditions of the Scottish Rite” by C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Past Grand Commander, which supercedes all books of Forms and Traditions in the Mother Jurisdiction that were previously adopted by the Supreme Council.
The Official Books of the Mother Supreme Council (which detail ritual, and explain statutes and laws) can be purchased here: www.srmason-sj.org... and here: www.srmason-sj.org...
