Update on Ritualistic Matters

C. DeForrest Trexler, 33° is an Active Member of the Supreme Council and Chairman of the Committee of Ritualistic Matters

A number of extensive changes were made to the degree ritual and the organizational structure of the Scottish Rite during the 2004 Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council in Milwaukee. These changes include a completely new ritual for the 4th Degree, substantial revisions to the rituals of five other degrees, and a realignment of the 30th, 31st, and 32nd Degrees. Also this year the Supreme Council completed the transition from printed ritual books to degree rituals in electronic format.
 
 Introduction of a new ritual for the 4th Degree is intended to address concerns over the increasing prevalence of shortened or abbreviated reunions and "one day classes" and to restore the viability of the Scottish Rite degree system. Presented for the first time during the 2005 Spring Reunions, the new 4th Degree ritual introduces the candidate to the Scottish Rite as he identifies with the exemplar on his journey through four scenes, representing the four coordinate bodies of the Rite. In effect, the 4th Degree, "Master Traveler," provides the candidate with a preview of the Scottish Rite degrees. It now is the required initial degree for all candidates in the Scottish Rite.

Moreover, membership in the Scottish Rite now is based on the 4th Degree, rather than the 14th Degree. Upon receiving the 4th Degree, every candidate will become a member of the Lodge of Perfection and will be obligated for the full amount of the initiation fee and annual dues of the Valley. However, he will not be able to witness the degrees of any other Scottish Rite body or be eligible for any office until he has received the constitutionally required prerequisite degrees.

Extensive revisions have been made to the rituals of the 11th, 13th, and 21st Degrees. These revisions significantly impact dialogue, playing time, casting and staging requirements, while retaining the dramatic scheme and essential message of the degree. The aim is to facilitate degree presentations and improve audience receptivity.

The ritual of the 30th Degree, "Grand Elect Knight Kadosh," which dates from 1873 and has existed in its present form since 1939, has been discontinued and withdrawn from use. Reasons for discontinuance of this ritual are its inordinate length, obscure dialogue, and complex staging, as well as the feeling that it no longer communicates a meaningful message for Scottish Rite Masons.

The discontinued ritual of the 30th Degree has been replaced by the extensively revised ritual of the former 31st Degree, re-designated as the 30th Degree, "Grand Inspector." The revised ritual of the replacement 30th Degree retains the dramatic scheme and message of the former 31st Degree. However, it has been considerably shortened in playing time and the archaic English dialogue has been rewritten for a contemporary audience.

The new 31st Degree ritual, "Knight Aspirant," previously was the Allegory of the 32nd Degree and is virtually unchanged.

The Ceremonial Section of the 32nd Degree remains in place as the ritual of the 32nd Degree, climaxing with the dubbing of the candidates as Sublime Princes, the flag presentation, and the Commander-in-Chief's dialogue on patriotism.

Finally, the Supreme Council has ceased the practice of issuing degree rituals in printed form and has recalled all extant ritual books. Each Valley has received a computer disk on which is recorded the text of all 29 degree rituals, together with historical notes and other explanatory material. A new disc will be issued each year, incorporating the latest changes and revisions. This innovation has resulted in considerable cost savings and greatly facilitates the implementation of current degree rituals.