ADVANCED

Perspectives From The New Sublime Princes

Degrees. And I must say, it was a lot of information. What was more impressive, was after the Degree Ceremonies, we had class! A working lunch, with a PowerPoint presentation, broke down the basics of the organization that we just obligated ourselves to. At that point, I know then that these Illustrious brothers were serious!

I’m extremely excited about continuing my Masonic journey in the Scottish Rite and I look forward to working hard for Jonathan Davis Consistory No. 1 and the Orient of the District of Columbia!

I saw a lot and learned different lessons. I also learned the reason why everything is not presented at the beginning of a Masonic journey. I learned that Tolerance is the key to this part of Masonry. That the camp of Kadosh is an armed man who is also armed with steel but also with love and faith for God and his Fellow man.

I also learned that each camp has its focus such as truth, reason, and tolerance, and that Masonry is timeless and will remain the same. I feel an even greater responsibility to conduct myself in a manner that is in line with being a Sublime Prince of the Orient.

Since being raised off the floor from a dead level to a living perpendicular in September 2014, I have dedicated an extensive amount of time to understanding Craft Masonry. I thought that the story ended at that Sublime Degree until about 2018 when I learned that there were opportunities to further my knowledge. When the Deputy for the Orient of the District of Columbia, Sovereign Grand Inspector General Eric Konohia, told me that they were having a class this year, I could not turn down the opportunity to submit my petition. I didn’t know what to expect. With the Deputy, being a friend of mine, I knew he was a serious guy and his Masonic knowledge is expansive, so I knew that I could trust him in providing me with the Masonic Light that I have been searching for!

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, the Illustrious brothers of this Orient performed the degrees at the highest level. I was extremely impressed how the degree teams were able to impress upon our class the most important information from the 4th thru the 32nd

The only expectations from my perspective were twofold, first to achieve more light in Masonry and second to receive the 32nd Degree. I was recommended for the Scottish Rite by a 32nd Degree Mason, and I was not informed of anything but took a leap of faith in joining, which is the same faith that I had when joining the Blue House. The invitation to fill out the petition was a big deal for me and I was honored to be recommended by such a dedicated member of Masonry.

To be totally transparent I expected a partial re-enactment of the 3rd Degree with parts that may have been excluded from the ceremony with minimal explanation simply reciting of the work. Although lines are also very important, I left my raising with more questions and in need of extrapolation.

The ceremony exceeded my expectations, every introduction was carefully crafted and offered insight into each degree while highlighting the properties that birth the outcomes. Seeing the pentagon while having each section broken down and delineated to outline the construction of the lodges still blows my mind (3,5,7,9). inquired whether I thought about seeking further light in the Consistory or something to that extent. The question amazed me because, for ten years, I knew nothing outside of my Mother Lodge, and I didn’t, at least I assumed I didn’t, know any Consistory members; nevertheless, I immediately replied “yes sir.” From there, I was directed to another man I knew and respected, who provided me with detailed instructions, and it was at that moment that my process began. clearer to me and I look forward to traveling that brick road once it illuminates, but until then I am walking toward and responding to the voices of those men of the Orient I respect.

It still seems surreal, but becoming a sublime prince is a great privilege and honor and not to be taken lightly; this new journey is that of a lifetime. Knowing that expectations are high and there is always a brother close by that is consistently aiming to be better today and tomorrow than yesterday is priceless. My motto is Steele sharpens Steele and we will only be as strong as our weakest link so continuing to force ourselves out of our comfort zones and away from the norm breads true growth and Tolerance. Consistency and dedication to the craft will allow me to uphold our standard of setting the bar and keeping it high.

The Orient was always intriguing to me. As soon as I became a Mason, I instantaneously retrieved and read the files for two of my great-uncles and found out they were Jonathan Davis No. 1 Consistory members. Although I didn’t know what a 32nd-degree Mason was, I knew If I ever traveled that path, I wanted to be part of the organization they joined. I also learned, from talking to other men in my lodge, that Jonathan Davis No. 1 was the trajectory for our members. Since my big brothers and my uncles, who were wise men, joined this Consistory, I understood their expectations, of me, would be high and so my expectations of the Consistory were high.

Before coming to the Orient and receiving further light, I subconsciously transfigured into a comfortable being who was neglectfully and lackadaisically stagnated. I was so complacent with Freemasonry that I totally forgot the Temple had other opportunities, for me, to become better. I was also distracted by personal obligations that I started to convince myself I had no more time for anything outside of the Mother Lodge.

I remember, at the jurisdictional cookout, I was approached by a man whom I have a lot of respect for in the jurisdiction and he

Even though I had my mind made up, the negative comments about Scottish Rite Freemasonry concerned me. I heard comments like “Scottish Rite Freemasonry gives you a bunch of degrees all at once, but they desert their members and do not teach them.” There were strong recommendations to travel the York Rite path instead. At the same time, I heard rumors about confusion and disharmony within the Consistory, which, of course, disturbed my spirit, but after speaking with the Most Illustrious Commander-in-Chief & Deputy for the Orient of D.C. Eric F. Konohia, I calmed down.

I am glad I followed my heart because I feel blessed to be included as a member of the Orient. After joining, I quickly realized I know more Consistory members than I thought, and those rumors about Scottish Rite Freemasonry just giving you degrees and abandoning you were untrue. The forecast that was once cloudy is becoming

Throughout my journey in Masonry, I have always searched for more Light. Striving to understand and comprehend the esoteric meanings behind lectures and when observing edifices in towns and cities. I witnessed that the hands of the Initiated are definitely hidden in plain sight as a constant reminder of our Oaths. I always wanted to understand the context in which they were created.

As I searched for more Light, I endeavored to complete the Capitular Degrees in York Rite Masonry before I became a Worshipful Master of my Lodge. I felt that maybe in those degrees I would find the mysteries that I sought. Enabling me to better understand the mysteries of Masonry, hence making me a better man, a better Brother, and a better leader.

I found myself deconstructing every lecture that I heard, to find the crux of its allusions. In an attempt to ferret out the knowledge and truth, to share that Light with my Brethren.

But alas, the focus in York Rite Masonry, as practiced in our Lodges, is not predicated at all on sharing and spreading Light. It is so tied up in procedures and dogma that the propagation of Light is usually a tertiary activity. Even when we are Initiating, Passing, and Raising candidates, the focus is on passing the “test” and not fully understanding the meaning and lessons of the Degree itself!!

We skip over so much potential understanding just to say we achieved some accomplishment. My enthusiasm for York Rite Masonry has indeed waned.

Before proceeding into the Scottish Rite Masonry rituals, I had a perception that it was going to be more of the same. I assumed that I might learn a little more about the common allegories in Masonry and hopefully make some new associations with Brothers. But, as a new Sublime Prince, my eyes have been opened to a whole new way of approaching Masonry. The aspects and emphasis are on “Thinking” and not just performing dogmatic activities. This was extremely refreshing for me. While going through the rituals of the Scottish Rite, the context by which was clearly explained. I realized quickly that there was so much Light that it would take some time to even grasp it all. I felt as if my lamp was being refilled with oil. My enthusiasm for Masonry was restored. My search of more Light in Masonry returned. I am renewed and am looking forward to the journey and continual learning.

Sovereign Grand Inspector General

Before becoming a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rites, Jonathan Davis Consistory #1, I really didn’t know what to expect before the advancement ceremony at the temple as I wanted to keep an open mind and trust the process. What I came to witness and experience through the advance- ment of the various degrees really impressed me. Each individual “house” was so organized and professional as I sat in awe of the wisdom, discipline, and floor work that they bestowed that day. The leadership, coordination, and execution were something to behold. I remember commenting to a couple of brothers seated next to me that “this is next level”.

As we concluded and gathered for a group photo, looking around the lodge and seeing the fraters I felt very honored and privileged to be a part of such a historic and proud fraternity of men. I’m truly looking forward to learning and growing in Scottish Rites and continuing the great legacy that this fraternity has become since its inception.