Scottish Rite Officers - May 2025

From the Venerable Master (May 2025)

Greetings Brethren,

Our spring reunion on April 4th and 5th had eighteen candidates. The degrees were exemplified by our degree teams in a manner that made us all proud, and hopefully, made a good impression for each candidate. I thank those who participated and helped in putting on the degrees.

Our Scottish Rite Library in the Scottish Rite building is very special. Have you spent any time there? If you have not, make it a personal requirement. You will be impressed, and want to take valuable time to learn more about the library just across from the office.

Did you know Our Craft could be traced back to a manuscript written in England in 1390? At that time all Freemasons were Operatives (workers engaged on buildings). There were several kinds of masons. Freemasons were those builders of a superior type, who designed, supervised and erected the great cathedrals and other marvelous Gothic structures.

Operative Freemasons worked with high degree and skill in the middle ages. Young beginners at the age of 10 or 12 were called Apprentices. Once an apprentice had served sufficient time, (usually 7 years) he was required to submit to exacting tests of his proficiency before being accepted into a full membership in the Craft.

This piece of Masonic history is from our library book “The MAKING of a MASON”.

Take the time to wander around in our Library to check this book or other books about Masonry. It is rewarding. Just remember to return the book so another member can enjoy and learn more about Masonry.

San Jose Lodge of Perfection Richard Rosenberg, 32° KCCH 2024 Venerable Master

From the Wise Master (May 2025)

Brothers & Friends, Well, here we are. Hope everyone had a nice Easter holiday. Spring is in the air. A great time to get out and enjoy nature’s bounty. We had a very nice Maundy Thursday where we honored our departed brethren. This event makes me even more proud of our fraternity as we honor each other, even after death. The heads of the Scottish Rite bodies are planning some fun activities and are looking at several options. Please let any of us know if you have any preferred activities we can do as a group.

For this month, I would like to present the following information as I continue to look at various societal connections to our craft:

The Pythagorean Theorem holds deep symbolic and practical meaning in Freemasonry, especially within the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees. Here’s how it ties in:

1. Symbolic Importance

   • The Pythagorean Theorem (a² + b² = c²) relates to the right triangle, which symbolizes balance, order, and harmony—key themes in Masonic philosophy.

   • The 47th Problem of Euclid (which is the Pythagorean Theorem) is especially revered in Masonry. It’s often called “the jewel of the Master Mason”, representing the importance of geometry and knowledge in the building of character and the universe.

   • It symbolizes moral uprightness, where the square (right angle) is a metaphor for virtue and rectitude.
     

2. Practical Origins in Stone Masonry

   • Operative Masons (the real stonemasons of medieval times) used the Pythagorean Theorem to create perfect right angles, which were essential in constructing stable, symmetrical buildings especially cathedrals, temples, and lodges.

   • The 3-4-5 triangle (a common Pythagorean triple) was a practical tool: lay out a triangle with sides of 3 units, 4 units, and 5 units, and the angle opposite the 5-unit side is guaranteed to be 90 degrees.
     

3. Pythagoras and Esoteric Meaning

   • Pythagoras himself is considered a proto-Mason by some Masonic traditions, admired not just for his mathematics but for his mystery school teachings, which parallel the symbolism and secrecy found in Masonic lodges.

   • The theorem is often seen as a key to understanding the divine order of the universe, aligning with Masonic themes of seeking light, truth, and universal knowledge.

San Jose Chapter of Rose Croix Chris Boyes, 32° KCCH 2024 Wise Master

From the Commander of Kadosh (May 2025)

Brethren,

In case anyone was curious. I have been thinking, since there is a Southern Jurisdiction, there must be a Northern Jurisdiction. In fact, there is a Northern Jurisdiction with some distinct differences.

For those who are interested, please

read them below:

The Scottish Rite, one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry, is divided into two main jurisdictions in the United States: the Southern Jurisdiction (SJ) and the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ). While both promote similar values and degree systems rooted in Freemasonry, they have distinct histories, organizational structures, rituals, and styles. Here's a breakdown of the key differences and similarities: Similarities

Core Purpose	Both promote moral and spiritual values through Masonic teachings.	Emphasize personal development, philanthropy, and community involvement.
Degree Structure	Both confer degrees from the 4° to the 32°, with the honorary 33° conferred later.	Share many thematic and philosophical elements in the degrees, though the content and names may vary.
Connection to Craft Masonry	Candidates must be Master Masons (3°) to join the Scottish Rite.
Use of Ritual and Symbolism	Both make heavy use of allegory, symbolism, and dramatic presentation in degrees.

Key Differences

	Southern Jurisdiction	Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
Geography	Covers 35 states, mostly in the South, West, and International	Covers 15 northeastern and midwestern states
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.	Lexington, Massachusetts
Founded	1801 – the Mother Council of the World	1813, branched from SJ
Degree Names and Content	More traditional; uses Pike's "Morals and Dogma"	Degrees revised for modern relevance; less esoteric
Degree Conferral	Usually not all 29 degrees are conferred – key ones selected	All 29 degrees offered in a structured cycle
Ritual Focus	Heavily philosophical and mystical, based on Albert Pike’s writings	More practical and moral lessons with updated language
Public Image/Style	More traditional and symbolic	More modern in presentation and out- reach
Charitable Arm	Scottish Rite Foundation, various local programs	Children’s Dyslexia Centers, other philanthropies

Example: 14th Degree

• Southern Jurisdiction: 14° – Perfect Elu, focuses on the search for truth and spiritual enlightenment.

• Northern Jurisdiction: 14° – Grand Elect Mason, with similar themes but updated ritual presentation.

San Jose Council of Kadosh Max Mora, 32° 2024 Commander of Kadosh

From the Master of Kadosh (May 2025)

Warmest congratulations to each of our new Scottish Rite brothers on your advancement towards your degree! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. Wishing you all the best as you continue to your next degrees and reach even greater lights.

The month of May, with its blossoming flowers and warmer days, brings a sense of renewal and celebration. For Scottish Rite brothers, it is an opportune time to reflect on the values that bind them together and to strengthen the bonds of fellowship.

May is associated with renewal, making it an ideal time to revisit the core values of brotherly love, relief, and truth. It is a period for reflection on personal goals and for setting new intentions for growth and improvement.

Engage in introspection and shed old habits that no longer serve a purpose. Embrace positive changes and cultivate an open mindset for new experiences and learning.

May offers numerous opportunities to come together and celebrate through various activities and events that emphasize unity and camaraderie.

Honor the rich history and cultural heritage of the Scottish Rite with lectures, discussions, or exhibitions.

Dedicate May to enhancing skills and knowledge through workshops, seminars, and study groups focused on various aspects of Freemasonry.

Study and rehearse ceremonies to ensure precision and reverence, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Channel the spirit of May into community service and outreach initiatives to embody the Masonic principle of relief and to make a positive impact.

Organize charity events and fundraisers in collaboration with local organizations to support resonant causes.

Volunteer time and expertise to mentor younger members or individuals in the community, offering guidance and support.

In conclusion, May offers numerous opportunities for Scottish Rite brothers to celebrate their shared values, strengthen bonds, enrich knowledge, and positively impact their communities. Let this month be a time of reflection, action, and unity, upholding the timeless principles of Freemasonry.

San Jose Consistory Eddie Hermano, 32° 2025 Venerable Master of Kadosh

From the Chief Knight

(May 2025)

Brethren, I hope everyone is well and having a great spring season with their families! On May 18th, KSA will be hosting a Potluck barbecue at 1pm at the San Jose Scottish Rite Center. Please come join us. All are welcome.

I wondered about the origins of the Knights and the Arch of Steel. Here’s what I found:

The Knights of St. Andrew organization itself was established in 1993 in Dallas, Texas, at the Valley of Dallas Scottish Rite. It was created as a service organization within the Scottish Rite for 32° Masons to assist in events, degree work, and ceremonial functions.

The “Arch of Steel” draws from older military and Masonic honor guard traditions, where crossed swords or sabers were used as a symbolic gesture of respect or protection. This type of ceremony likely predates the formation of the Knights of St. Andrew but was adopted and formalized by them sometime after 1993 as part of their ritual practices.

So, while the ceremonial act has older symbolic roots, the specific “Arch of Steel” by the Knights of St. Andrew likely originated in the 1990s, aligned with the group’s founding and growth.

We have several exciting events coming up:

• April 20th is Easter so our meeting will be held one week later on Sunday, April 27th

• May 18th KSA meeting and SOI for accolade/promotion. Please also join us after for BBQ around 1pm.

• June 15th is Fathers day so we will meet on June 8th. For KSA members, we will have a School of Instruction by Past Chief Knight Tim Lynch.

• July 8th Grand Master Festive Board – KSA will perform Arch of Steel and Flag Escort.

Finally, please mark you calendars for Labor Day weekend and get your tickets to the Highland Games at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds.

San Jose Knights of St. Andrew

Chris Boyes, 32°

2025 Chief Knight, KSA

The Knights of Saint Andrew 2025 Officers

Chief Knight	Bro. Chris Boyes 32º
First Knight	Bro. Alan Porjesz 32º
Knight of the Watch	Bro. Mike Lammer 32º, PCK
Secretary	Bro. Tim Lynch 32º
Monk Knight	Bro. Angelo Encarnacion 32º
Sentinel	Bro. John Absalon 32º