Scottish Rite Officers - September 2025

From the Venerable Master (September 2025)

Greetings Brethren,

Summer is in full swing. The weather has been pretty mild and I hope everyone is enjoying themselves.

The Building HVC system should be up and running soon as all the parts are finally in.

I would like to quote an article on the meaning Hearing, Friendship, and High Twelve. It is from a book called Masonry Defined.

Hearing, One of the five senses, and an important symbol in Masonry, because it is through it that we receive instruction when ignorant, admonition when in danger, reproof when in error, and the claim of a brother who is in distress. Without this sense, the Mason would be crippled in the performance of all his duties; and hence deafness is deemed a disqualification for initiation.

High Twelve the hour of noon or twelve o’clock in the day, when the sun is high in the heavens, in contradistinction to low twelve, or midnight, when the sun is low down beneath the earth. The expression is always used, in Masonic language, to indicate the hour of noon, at which time, as the tradition tells us, the Craft in the Temple were called from labor to refreshment. The phrase was used in the earliest of the last century. The answer in the old catechisms to the question, “What is a clock?” was always, “High Twelve.” Friendship – Leslie, in 1741, delivered the first descant on Friendship as peculiarly a Masonic virtue. He was followed by Hutchinson, Preston, and other writers, and now in the modern lectures, it is adopted as one of the precious jewels of a Master Mason. Of universal friendship, blue is said to be the symbolic color. “In regular gradation,” says Munkhouse, “and by an easy descent, brotherly love extends itself to lesser distinct societies or to particular individuals, and thus becomes friendship either of convenience or of personal affection.” Cicero says, “Amicitia nisi inter bonos non potest,” Friendship can exist only among the good.

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

From the Wise Master (September 2025)

My brethren at the San Jose Scottish Rite. I have to step back a little from my blue lodge and Scottish Rite duties, as I took a promotion at work. The hours are currently not conducive to my participation. I will return when they are.

Here are some iconic figures who have made a mark within the world of Scottish Rite Freemasonry:

Prominent Scottish Rite Masons

1. Albert Pike

A towering figure in Scottish Rite history, Pike served as Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction from 1859 until his death. He developed much of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction’s ritual framework and authored Morals and Dogma, a foundational philosophical text for the Rite.

2. Manly P. Hall

A celebrated esoteric scholar and author of The Secret Teachings of All Ages, Hall was initiated in 1954 and received the 33° in 1973. He remains highly influential in bridging Masonic and esoteric thought.

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 32nd President of the United States, he attained the 32° Scottish Rite degree in Albany in 1929 affirming the connection between Masonic service and national leadership.

4. Harry S. Truman

Truman received the 33° and even served as Grand Master of Missouri. He famously considered that honor the greatest of his achievements and was laid to rest with a full Masonic funeral.

5. Andrew Johnson, James Garfield & Gerald Ford

• Andrew Johnson: First U.S. President to become a 32° Scottish Rite Mason.

• James A. Garfield: 20th President who was also a Scottish Rite Mason.

• Gerald Ford: 38th President and recognized member of the Scottish Rite.

6. Simón Bolívar

The “Liberator” of several South American nations—Bolívar participated in Scottish Rite and Knights Templar degrees, and founded a Masonic lodge in Peru.

7. Astronauts: Buzz Aldrin, John Glenn & Gordon Cooper

• Buzz Aldrin: A 33° member and one of the first men to walk on the Moon.

• John Glenn: Astronaut-turned-U.S. Senator and 33° Mason.

• Gordon Cooper: NASA astronaut and Scottish Rite Mason.

8. Cultural Icons: John Wayne, Clark Gable, Cecil B. DeMille, Mel Blanc, Oliver Hardy, Red Skelton

• John Wayne: Achieved the 32° and embodied Masonic values through his film career.

• Clark Gable: Known as the “King of Hollywood,” he was an active Mason engaged in Scottish Rite.

• Cecil B. DeMille: Legendary filmmaker and a Scottish Rite Freemason.

• Mel Blanc: “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” dedicated Mason and Scottish Rite member.

• Oliver Hardy: Part of the Laurel & Hardy comedic duo, active in Scottish Rite circles.

• Red Skelton: Renowned comedian and 33° Mason who earned the Scottish Rite’s Gourgas Medal.

9. From the Hall of Honor (Scottish Rite, S.J., USA)

Portraits include:

• Audie Murphy: WWII hero and film star.

• Arnold Palmer: Legendary golfer and 33° Mason.

• Sam Nunn: Long-serving U.S. Senator.

• Norman Vincent Peale: Influential author and clergyman.

Burl Ives and others: Each honored for contributions to society and the Scottish Rite

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

From the Commander of Kadosh (September 2025)

My worthy Scottish Rite brethren,

Luckily for all of us, we have had a reasonably mild summer, temperature wise. I hope you all are having a wonderful time with your families.

I was considering the origins the in our masonic ritual, that gives credit to the Greeks. Here is a little article about that very topic. I hope you all enjoy it.

What are the contributions to masonry and the Scottish rite from the Greeks? No offense to any of our Roman brethren.

The influence of Greek thought and culture on Freemasonry, particularly the Scottish Rite, is a fascinating topic. While Freemasonry itself is a medieval European development, its foundations and symbols were significantly shaped by a variety of earlier traditions, including those of ancient Greece. Several key contributions from the Greeks can be identified in the philosophical, symbolic, and organizational aspects of the Scottish Rite.

1. Philosophical Influence:

The philosophical principles of ancient Greece, especially those stemming from the Hellenistic period, left a lasting impact on Freemasonry. The Scottish Rite, in particular, integrates many philosophical teachings and concepts that echo the teachings of Greek philosophers, such as:

• Platonism: Freemasonry is rich in allegory, symbolism, and idealism, much like the philosophy of Plato. The idea of the "ideal" man and the pursuit of knowledge for personal transformation aligns with Platonic thought. The Rite emphasizes self-improvement, moral and spiritual development, and striving toward a greater understanding of the divine and the universe, which is a key aspect of Platonic philosophy.
  

• Neoplatonism: The mystic traditions of Neoplatonism, which evolved out of Greek philosophy, also played a role in shaping the spiritual aspects of Freemasonry. The notion of achieving unity with the divine, especially through esoteric practices, can be seen in the deeper layers of Masonic ritual and teaching. Neoplatonism’s emphasis on inner enlightenment, the ascent of the soul, and its interaction with the divine are reflected in the Scottish Rite's focus on esoteric knowledge and personal transformation.

  
  

• Stoicism: Stoic ideas of virtue, self-discipline, and rationality align well with the moral and ethical teachings found in Masonic rituals. The Stoic idea that we must control our desires and live in harmony with nature and the divine is mirrored in the Ma-sonic pursuit of wisdom and self-mastery.

2. Symbolism and Rituals:

Greek symbols, myths, and legends have also significantly influenced Masonic rituals, especially within the Scottish Rite. Some key examples are:

• The Temple of Solomon: While the idea of Solomon’s Temple is rooted in Jewish tradition, the architecture and symbolism of the temple often echo Greco-Roman ideals. The use of columns and the idea of constructing a spiritual temple or "perfect self" in Freemasonry may be inspired by Greek architectural and philosophical notions of harmony and proportion.

  
  

• The Three Pillars: The three pillars in Freemasonry, representing wisdom, strength, and beauty, are a direct reference to the classical Greek conception of the virtues and the ideal balance in human life. These virtues are akin to the core values promoted by the ancient Greeks.

The Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences: Freemasonry, especially in the higher degrees like those of the Scottish Rite, often references the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. This ancient concept—rooted in Greek thought, particularly as outlined by Aristotle and Plato—forms the basis for education in many Masonic teachings. These arts (grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy) were considered essential to the education of a well-rounded individual in both the Greek and Masonic traditions.

3. The Role of Geometry: Geometry holds a special place in Freemasonry, and it has deep roots in Greek philosophy. Ancient Greeks, particularly Pythagoras and Euclid, advanced the study of geometry to a level of intellectual importance, which heavily influenced the development of Masonic symbolism:

• Pythagorean Influence: The Pythagoreans were known for their belief in the mystical and philosophical significance of numbers and geometry. This is echoed in Freemasonry’s emphasis on the square, the compass, and the number 3—symbols that are foundational in Masonic rituals and teachings. Pythagoras himself is often revered within Masonic tradition for his contributions to mathematics and his belief in the divine order of the universe.
  

• Euclidean Geometry: The Scottish Rite often references the work of Euclid and his "Elements" as part of the intellectual training it provides. The Rite uses these principles of geometry as both a symbolic and practical means of understanding the world and the self. The precision and order found in Greek geometry are used as a metaphor for the way Masons are expected to structure their lives and beliefs.
  

4. The Influence of the Mystery Schools:

In addition to philosophical influences, the ancient Greek mystery schools (such as those of Eleusis and Dionysus) also contributed to the development of Masonic rituals and teachings. These mystery traditions were concerned with personal transformation, initiation, and a journey toward enlightenment, all of which are central to Masonic practice:

• Initiation Rituals: The Greek mystery religions, which often involved secret initiation rites and ceremonies designed to transform the initiate, provided a model for the Masonic system of initiation. The process of moving through various degrees in Freemasonry is similar to the mystery traditions, where initiates undergo symbolic deaths and rebirths as part of their spiritual development.

The Allegory of the Resurrection: This theme of death and rebirth is prominent in both the Greek mystery schools and the Scottish Rite. For instance, the Third Degree in Freemasonry—focused on the death and resurrection of Hiram Abiff—mirrors the themes of death, resurrection, and spiritual awakening found in Greek mystery religions.

5. Greek Gods and Goddesses:

While Freemasonry does not directly worship deities in the traditional sense, the use of Greek mythology as allegory is common in Masonic teachings, especially in the more esoteric degrees of the Scottish Rite. Masonic symbols often allude to figures from Greek mythology, representing various moral and philosophical lessons.

• Apollo: The god of light, knowledge, and truth is often associated with the Enlightenment ideals in Freemasonry. The pursuit of knowledge and illumination is central to Masonic philosophy, and Apollo’s association with these ideals provides a deeper connection to the Greek tradition of the pursuit of wisdom.
  

• Athena: As the goddess of wisdom, her symbolic role in Freemasonry can be seen in the emphasis on intellectual and moral development.

Conclusion:

While Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite have their roots in medieval European guilds and the early Renaissance, the influence of ancient Greek philosophy, geometry, mysticism, and mythology is undeniable. Freemasonry has absorbed many of the intellectual, symbolic, and ritualistic traditions from Greek thought, weaving them into its practices and teachings. This melding of ancient Greek influences with the medieval and Renaissance traditions forms the rich, symbolic, and philosophical tapestry that defines the Scottish Rite today.

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

From the Master of Kadosh (September 2025)

Freemasonry emphasizes camaraderie as a core principle, fostering strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood among its members. This camaraderie is cultivated through shared values, community involvement, and mutual support. Freemasonry provides a space where men can connect, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships based on shared goals and principles. Therefore,

Join Us for an Afternoon of Fun and Fellowship

We are delighted to invite you to a spirited afternoon of bocce ball, hosted by the 4 Bodies of Scottish Rite. This event promises not only lively competition, but also opportunities to connect and create memorable moments together. Seasoned players and newcomers alike are welcome—your enthusiasm will make the day special for all.

Bocce ball, a game with origins in ancient Rome, is cherished for its blend of strategy and camaraderie. Whether you play solo or as part of a team, you’ll enjoy the challenge of aiming your ball closest to the pallino, all while sharing laughs and friendly banter.

Event Details

Date and Time: September 14, 2025, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Location: Campo di Bocce of Los Gatos, 565 University Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95032

Fee: $25.00 per person

Attire: Comfortable clothing recommended

Equipment: All bocce supplies provided

Refreshments: Light snacks and beverages will be served

Registration: RSVP to Eddie at e.hermano@yahoo.com (maximum 50 participants)

Join us for this time-honored tradition—where all are welcomed to take part in the friendly competition and convivial spirit of bocce. We look forward to rolling out the balls and enjoying an afternoon filled with laughter, strategy, and the warmth of good company.

Another event of this month is Barbecue for all the brethren, family and friends. (details below)

Event Details

Date and Time: September 28, 2025, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: Scottish Rite Center, 2455 Masonic Dr., San Jose, CA 95125

Attire: Comfortable clothing Refreshments and beverages will be served; donations are always welcome.

Registration: RSVP to Eddie at e.hermano@yahoo.com

Join us for another fun afternoon and watch some football with friends and brothers.

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

From the Chief Knight

(September 2025)

No article this month. 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