Scottish Rite Officers - October 2025

From the Venerable Master (October 2025)

Greetings Brethren,

So far this summer we have been blessed with mild weather and I hope everyone has been able to enjoy themselves.

Grand Lodge Communications will be held on the 24th thru the 26th.

It is open to all masons and is a good way to see how our Grand lodge is run and to meet with Masons from other areas.

The Lodge of Perfection is hosting a get-together at Apple Park 10600 N Tantau Ave Cupertino on October 12th at 2PM. It is an interesting place to visit, have coffee, and a snack. There is also the latest Apple products, a view of the inside of the building and finally glass monoliths from most of the deserts of the world.

We will be having our fall reunion on November 14 and 15. Please talk to you brothers in your lodges about joining Scottish Rite.

I would like to quote an article on the Masonic Apron. It is from a book called Masonry Defined.

A Mason’s apron must be made of lambskin. No other substance, such a linen, silk, or satin, could be substituted without entirely destroying the emblematic character of the apron, for the material of the Mason’s apron constitutes one of the most important symbols of his profession. The lamb has always been considered as an appropriate emblem of innocence. And hence we are taught, in the ritual of the first degree, that, “by the lambskin, the Mason is reminded of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides.”

The true apron of a Mason must then be of unspotted lambskin, from 14 to 16 inches wide, from 12 to 14 deep, with a fall about 3 or 4 inches deep, square at the bottom, and without device or ornament of any kind. The usage of the Craft in this country has, for a few years past, allowed a narrow edging of blue ribbon in the symbolic degrees, to denote the universal friendship which constitutes the bond of the society, and of which blue is the Masonic emblem. But this undoubtedly is an innovation for the ancient apron was without any edging or ornament. In the Royal Arch degree the lambskin is, of course, continued to be used, but according to the same modern custom there is an edging of red, to denote the zeal and fervency which should distinguish the possessors of that degree. All extraneous ornaments and devices are in bad taste, and detract from the symbolic character of the investiture. But the silk or satin aprons, bespangled and painted and embroidered, which have been gradually creeping into our Lodges, have no sort of connection with Ancient Craft Masonry. They are an innovation of our French brethren, who are never pleased with simplicity, and have, by their love of tinsel in their various newly invented ceremonies, effaced many of the most beautiful and impressive symbols of our Institution. A Mason who understands and appreciates the true symbolic meaning of his apron, would no more tolerate a painted or symbolic meaning of is apron, would no more tolerate a painted or embroidered satin one than an artist would a glided statue. By him, the lambskin, and the lambskin alone, would be considered as the badge “more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, and more honorable that the Star and Garter.”

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

From the Wise Master (October 2025)

Dear Brethren and Families,

As we have approached the fall of this year in Masonry and Scottish Rite, we look forward to change and anticipate the future with new leadership, and support each other in our endeavors to move forward. I recently returned from Los Angeles, where my son is beginning another part of his academic journey toward a PhD in Computational Biology. It seems like just yesterday, we were rooting him on as he played High School baseball while taking too many Advanced Placement classes. His journey, like mine in masonry, is an amazing transformation of knowledge and character building, and I’m enjoying the journey. Though everyone’s path is different, masonry, Scottish Rite, and academia are successfully bringing heterogeneous individuals together to share an amazing experience. Let us all enjoy our different paths, yet share our common experiences in Masonry.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY AND THE REWARD!

The Scottish Rite has built an amazing legacy. I found this great article that sheds some light on the building of this legacy that I am so proud to be a part of:

The Legacy of the Scottish Rite: History, Philosophy, and Social Impact

Introduction

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has played a prominent role in shaping both the internal life of Masonry and its wider cultural and philanthropic contributions. Emerging in eighteenth-century France, the Rite developed into one of the most influential Masonic systems worldwide, comprising a series of philosophical and ethical degrees beyond the foundational “Blue Lodge” of Craft Masonry. Its legacy can be measured in three domains: historical development and institutional formation, philosophical and intellectual contributions, and philanthropic and civic engagement.

Historical Development

Contrary to its name, the Scottish Rite did not originate in Scotland. Most scholars trace its development to France in the mid-1700s, where Étienne (Stephen) Morin introduced a system of “high degrees” later known as the Order of the Royal Secret (Lester, 2006). This structure was eventually consolidated into the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite with the establishment of the first Supreme Council in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1801 under John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho (Scottish Rite, 2025a). The so-called “Grand Constitutions of 1786,” though of contested authenticity, provided an important constitutional framework for the Rite’s governance and its thirty-three degree system (Bullock, 1996).

Philosophical and Intellectual Contributions

The Scottish Rite’s system of degrees is notable for integrating allegory, symbolism, and moral lessons that draw from Biblical, classical, and chivalric traditions. Its most famous philosophical exposition, Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma(1871), articulated the Rite’s intellectual ethos, emphasizing universal morality, comparative religion, and human progress (Pike, 1871/2011). Although criticized for its density and eclecticism, Pike’s work exemplifies the Rite’s Enlightenment-inspired commitment to rational inquiry, moral reflection, and tolerance.

Scholars argue that the Scottish Rite’s intellectual legacy lies in its ability to integrate diverse traditions into a symbolic frame-work that encourages self-improvement and ethical citizenship (Jacob, 1991). In doing so, the Rite helped cultivate a civic ethos that resonated with nineteenth-century ideals of democracy, moral universalism, and cosmopolitanism.

Philanthropy and Civic Engagement

Perhaps the most visible legacy of the Scottish Rite lies in its philanthropic endeavors. Since the 1950s, the Rite has become a leader in supporting children with speech and language disorders through its RiteCare Childhood Language Program (Scottish Rite, 2025b). Today, more than 170 clinics, centers, and educational partnerships provide free or low-cost services to children regardless of family income or creed. Examples include the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and the California Scottish Rite Foundation’s Fresno State Speech and Language Clinic, both of which partner with universities to provide free treatment while training graduate students (Radford University, 2025; California Scottish Rite Foundation, 2025).

This philanthropic work reflects the Rite’s larger mission of applying Masonic values to civic life. By emphasizing communication, literacy, and inclusion, the Rite translates its symbolic focus on enlightenment and moral clarity into tangible social benefit.

Critiques and Challenges

Despite its contributions, the Rite faces challenges and controversies. Membership in Masonic organizations has declined sharply since the mid-twentieth century, raising questions about sustainability and relevance (Bullock, 1996). Furthermore, its claims of historical antiquity—such as supposed Templar or medieval origins—are widely regarded by historians as mythic or constructed traditions (Jacob, 1991). Critics have also pointed to the esoteric and exclusive nature of its rituals, which can obscure its philanthropic contributions in the eyes of the broader public.

Conclusion

The legacy of the Scottish Rite lies in its multifaceted role as a fraternal, intellectual, and philanthropic institution. Historically, it provided structure and cohesion to the proliferation of Masonic “high degrees.” Intellectually, it offered a philosophical framework rooted in Enlightenment universalism and moral reflection. Socially, it demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy, particularly in the areas of speech and language therapy. While facing challenges of membership decline and public perception, the Scottish Rite continues to embody the Masonic principle of improving both the individual and society.

References

• Bullock, S. C. (1996). Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order, 1730–1840. University of North Carolina Press.
  

• California Scottish Rite Foundation. (2025). Fresno State Speech and Language Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.casrf.org/fresno
  

• Jacob, M. C. (1991). Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth-Century Europe. Oxford University Press.
  

• Lester, D. (2006). Look to the East: A Ritual of the First Three Degrees of Freemasonry. Cornerstone Book Publishers.
  

• Pike, A. (2011). Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Reprint). Forgotten Books. (Original work published 1871)
  

• Radford University. (2025). Scottish Rite of Freemasonry supports free speech-language-hearing services for children. Retrieved from https://www.radford.edu/news/2025/scottish-rite.html
  

• Scottish Rite. (2025a). History of the Scottish Rite. Retrieved from https://scottishrite.org/about/history/
  

• Scottish Rite. (2025b). RiteCare Childhood Language Program.

  Retrieved from https://scottishrite.org/philanthropy/ritecare/

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

From the Commander of Kadosh (October 2025)

Hello Brethren and Families,

As we emerge from some of the hotter days, we are getting to the finish line. The Council of Kadosh is hosting a fantastic DJ and Dance Night at the Scottish Rite Center that will be a scholarship fundraiser.

Please join us on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. It will be $25.00 per person to be paid at the door with a check or cash. Please RSVP to our General Secretary, Bud Ramsey by September 25th.

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

From the Master of Kadosh (October 2025)

The Feasts of Tishri: A Time of Reflection, Atonement, and Joy The Hebrew month of Tishri (or Tishrei), falling in the autumn, is the most sacred and festival-laden month of the Jewish calendar. These festivals—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot—are not only deeply meaningful religious holidays but also an essential part of Jewish identity and tradition. The month begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which takes place on the first two days of Tishri.

• A spiritual awakening: Though a celebration, Rosh Hashanah is observed with solemnity and prayer. It is considered a time of judgment.
  

• The call of the shofar: A central tradition is the sounding of the shofar, a ram's horn, in the synagogue. Its powerful and ancient blasts are a call to repentance and spiritual reflection. Sweet traditions: Festive meals include symbolic foods that express hope for a sweet new year. The ten-day period following Rosh Hashanah, known as the Days of Awe, culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
  

• A time for repentance: It is the holiest day of the Jewish year and is dedicated to seeking forgiveness for sins committed over the past year.
  

• Fasting and abstaining: The day is observed with a 25-hour fast, abstaining from food and drink to focus on spiritual matters. Observers also wear white as a symbol of purity. Final judgment: Yom Kippur concludes the period of judgment that began on Rosh Hashanah. At the end of the final service, a long blast of the shofar marks the closing of the gates of heaven, symbolizing that the final judgment has been sealed for the year. The somber period of repentance gives way to the seven-day festival of Sukkot, beginning on the 15th of Tishri.
  

• A harvest festival: One of the three ancient pilgrimage festivals, Sukkot has its origins as a harvest festival, celebrating the bounty of the earth.
  

• Dwelling in sukkahs: Its most notable tradition is the building of a sukkah (plural: sukkot), a temporary hut with a roof of natural material. This structure commemorates the fragile dwellings the Israelites lived in during their forty years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt.
  

• The four species: Observance also includes reciting blessings over the lulav (a palm frond bound with willow and myrtle branches) and the etrog (a citron fruit), which are waved in all directions to symbolize God's presence everywhere. The Season of Our Rejoicing: After the seriousness of the High Holidays, Sukkot is a time of unbridled joy and hospitality, often called Z'man Simchateinu, or the "Season of Our Rejoicing" The Feasts of Tishri continue to resonate deeply with modern Jewish communities.
  

• A cycle of renewal: The holidays collectively represent a powerful annual cycle of introspection, repentance, and renewal. They provide an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and reaffirming one's faith and relationship with both God and community.
  

• A lesson in impermanence: The building of the temporary sukkah during Sukkot serves as a physical reminder of the impermanence of life and material possessions, prompting a deeper appreciation for relationships and community. Masonic tradition: Interestingly, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry also observes a "Feast of Tishri." Their tradition commemorates the dedication of King Solomon's Temple, which is said to have occurred during the biblical Feast of Tabernacles. This observance symbolizes the Masonic commitment to brotherhood and building peace in the world.

The Feasts of Tishri are a profound journey through the full range of human and spiritual experience. From the solemn self-reflection of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to the celebratory joy of Sukkot, the month encourages all who observe it to reconnect with their faith, their community, and their inner selves. In addition, we had Bocce ball event this September 14th

.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Bocce ball event; your presence and enthusiastic participation made it a truly memorable day. We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we look forward to seeing you at our next gathering.

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

From the Chief Knight

(October 2025)

Hello my Brethren and Families from the Scottish Rite and Knights of Saint Andrew,

I recently had the honor and pleasure to attend the Scottish Games at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. It was an amazing cultural extravaganza. From traditional games, music and dancing, and Scotch Whisky, there was really something there for everyone. My only wish was that the weather was cooler. Other than that, there was excellent fellowship and I think everyone had a great time. I would like to thank everyone who helped to set it up, and tear it down at the end. If you couldn't make it this year, put it on your calendar for next year.

The History and Legacy of the Scottish Highland Games

The Scottish Highland Games are one of the oldest and most revered traditions in Scottish culture. These games, which combine athletic competitions, music, dancing, and cultural displays, are a celebration of Scottish heritage and history. Their roots trace back to ancient times, evolving over centuries, and have left a lasting legacy that continues to thrive today.

Origins and Early History

The origins of the Highland Games are shrouded in myth and legend, but they are believed to have originated as early as the 11th century. The first documented mention of the games dates back to 1054, when King Malcolm III of Scotland organized athletic contests for his subjects to test their strength, agility, and skill. These early events were often held during royal gatherings or celebrations and were part of the larger Celtic tradition of festival and combat training. The games were initially designed to provide an opportunity for men to showcase their physical prowess and readiness for battle. Strength and endurance were highly valued in the rugged land-scape of the Scottish Highlands, where survival often depended on these attributes. Over time, these contests grew in popularity and became a central part of Highland culture.

Evolution Through the Centuries

By the 18th and 19th centuries, the Highland Games had become a formalized series of events, though their original martial purpose had faded. Following the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745, the British government, seeking to suppress Highland culture, enacted laws that banned the wearing of tartan and the playing of bagpipes, among other restrictions. Despite these op-pressive measures, the Highland Games endured as a form of cultural resistance and were often held in secret or on a smaller scale. The mid-19th century saw a resurgence in the popularity of the Highland Games, thanks in part to Queen Victoria’s love for Scottish traditions. After her visits to the Scottish Highlands, the games became more formalized and were often held as public festivals. They became a way to showcase the cultural distinctiveness of the Scottish people, with an emphasis on preserving traditional customs such as the tossing of the caber, tug-of-war, and the heavy stone put.

Modern Highland Games

Today, the Highland Games are celebrated worldwide, from Scotland to North America, Australasia, and beyond. The games have maintained many of their traditional events, including the hammer throw, weight for height, and tug-of-war. The most iconic event is the caber toss, where athletes must flip a tall log so that it lands in a particular way, symbolizing the connection to the land and nature. The Highland Games have also become an important cultural festival, bringing together people from all walks of life.

Beyond athletic competitions, the events include traditional Scottish music, with bagpipes and fiddles, as well as Highland dancing, showcasing the art forms that are closely tied to the games. The games offer a unique space for both Scots and those of Scottish descent to celebrate their identity and heritage.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

The legacy of the Highland Games is not just athletic but cultural. The games have contributed to the preservation and global promotion of Scottish traditions. They have fostered a sense of national pride, particularly in the context of Scotland’s tumultuous history of war and political suppression. Today, they serve as a symbol of resilience and continuity, connecting generations of Scots to their roots. Additionally, the games have played a crucial role in the wider Scottish diaspora. In countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, the Highland Games have become an important way for people of Scottish descent to stay connected to their ancestral culture. These events are often interwoven with family reunions, local festivals, and cultural exchanges, ensuring the continuation of Scottish identity around the world.

The Highland Games, with their blend of athleticism, music, and culture, are more than just a series of events. They are a vibrant reflection of Scotland’s rich history, its ability to adapt to changing times, and its unshakable commitment to preserving its traditions. As long as the spirit of the games endures, Scotland’s cultural legacy will remain strong and proudly displayed for future generations. 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