WHAT IS THE SCOTTISH RITE?
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is the largest branch of Freemasonry, with millions of members worldwide. Our fraternity has a wonderful history, which dates back more than three centuries. It is one of the world's oldest secular fraternities, a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Founded on the three great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, it aims to bring together men of goodwill, regardless of background and differences.
THE MISSION OF THE SCOTTISH RITE
It is the mission of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the Principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity and Truth, while actively embracing high social, moral and spiritual values, including fellowship, compassion and dedication to God, family and country.
HISTORY OF THE GALVESTON SCOTTISH RITE
The Valley of Galveston, founded in 1867, is the oldest Scottish Rite body in the State of Texas. We are the home of the Mother Consistory of Texas, where the "high" degrees of Freemasonry began in our great state. With an illustrious history going back one hundred and fifty years, the Galveston Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite has survived in face of near insurmountable obstacles, from fevers, to floods, and fires. Throughout all of this the valley has contiued to thrive and be of invaluable service to its membership and community. Our history is rich and our future even more so.
Read the Complete History
THE SCOTTISH RITE CREED
• Human progress is our cause.
• The enfranchisement of human thought our supreme wish.
• The freedom of human conscience our mission.
• The guarantee of equal rights to all peoples everywhere the end of our contention.
THE STATEMENT OF ALLEGIANCE
The Bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry sitting in the Valley of Galveston, Orient of Texas, acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the Inspectors General, Knights Commander of the House of the Temple of Solomon, of the Thirty-third and last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose See is at the Grand Orient of South Carolina, now sitting at Washington D.C. of which...
Ill. Brack Jones, Jr., 33°
Personal Representative of SGIG
and Chairman of the Valley of Galveston