What exactly is Scottish Rite? My grandfather was a member, but none of us knew anything about it, because back then, it was like, secret.
The Scottish Rite is an appendant body, kind of like expanded freemasonry. The degrees build on the lessons and symbolism of the Blue Lodge (the first 3 degrees of Masonry). Also, since in the US it’s a national organization instead of a state one, it has more money for its charities - help for children with language and learning disorders (kind of like the Shriners with their hospitals). 32 or 33 degree masons are all Scottish Rite as far as I know (York Rite is approximately equal, but I don’t know their degree system since they require a vow to defend Christianity)
Some guys that join the Freemasons are the type that like belonging to clubs, so Scottish and York Rites give them (us) an opportunity to join something else while still remaining within the philosophy that attracted many of us.
Shriners, also masons, are fundamentally different. They’re what one might call the “fun” part of the club. While I greatly respect the charitable works they do, I joined the Elks to have fun and get cheap drinks and Masonry to improve myself.
eta – Check out this, Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction FAQ.
“Southern Jurisdiction” is misleading, it’s not just the South.
Meh, The Freemasons are old hat matey.
It’s The Stonecutters you really want in
To expand a little on the Shriners, their childrens’ hospitals are an amazing charity just to give to, even if you have no intention of joining their organization. They’re seriously top hospitals which were founded to deal with polio, but now they deal with all pediatric issues with a special emphasis on burns and orthopedic stuff. They don’t even have a billing desk at those hospitals - there is quite literally never any fee whatsoever. When you think about what that must cost, you realize the Shrine is a fundraising powerhouse.
I mean, the rest of Freemasonry does some great work for charities, but those hospitals are really an amazing accomplishment.