The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is an extension of the first three degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason) of Freemasonry. The members witness degrees from the 4° through the 32°. Each degree provides a moral lesson that can help the member be a better person and citizen.The 33° is conferred annually upon a select number of 32° Scottish Rite Masons who have contributed outstanding service to Freemasonry or Scottish Rite or who have exemplified in their daily lives the true meaning of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. A recipient must be at least 33 years of age. The degree may not be applied for as with other Masonic degrees. New Carlisle Lodge #100 is home to two 33° Masons: Illustrious Brother William Berry and Illustrious Brother David Stickel.
There are two Scottish Rite Jurisdictions in the United States. Each has its own governing body known as a Supreme Council. The headquarters for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, which covers Ohio, is located at Lexington, Massachusetts. The CEO, or Sovereign Grand Commander, is Robert O. Ralston.
The Northern Jurisdiction covers 15 Northeastern states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Within these states are located 109 geographic Scottish Rite Valleys where the 4° through the 32° are conferred. The 33° is conferred by the Supreme Council at its annual meeting. Lodge brethren of the Miami Valley region of Ohio, who join the Sottish Rite, are members of the Valley of Dayton (Ohio).
