Line Officer Caps
Lodge of Perfection consists of degrees 4 through 14. Elected officers of the Lodge of Perfection wear yellow caps with this emblem upon their hats. The degrees of the Lodge of Perfection center around many Biblical settings in and around the time of Solomon’s Temple. The head of the Lodge is styled “Thrice Potent Master.”
Council of Princes of Jerusalem consists of the 15th and 16th degrees. Elected officers of the Council wear yellow caps bearing the scales of justice. The Council degrees are part of our “tentpole” system of required degrees before a member is invited to the 32nd degree ceremony. The head of the Council is styled “Sovereign Prince.”
Rose Croix consists of the 17th and 18th degrees. Translated as “Rose Cross”, the symbolism of this degree has a deep and meaningful connection in several esoteric societies. Scottish Rite Masonry uses these degrees to teach the “New Law of Love” for our members to emulate in their daily lives. Elected Chapter officers wear yellow caps bearing the rosy cross. The head of the Chapter is styled “Most Wise Master.”
Consistory consists of degrees 19 through 32. The Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction prides itself as the “University of Freemasonry” and the degrees of the Consistory contain timeless lessons that are taught through allegories in a wide variety of historical settings. Elected Consistory officers wear a yellow cap bearing the double-headed Eagle of Lagash. The head of the Consistory is styled “Commander-in-Chief.”
Distinguished Caps
The Black Cap is a basic uniform component for a Scottish Rite Mason. Once out of fashion, the Valley of the Akron has returned the black cap to a mark of distinction in Ohio Scottish Rite Masonry. Every Scottish Rite Mason may receive a black cap upon having completed the Black Hat Program.
The Meritorious Service Award is conferred upon those who have served the Valley of the Akron with distinction. Limited in number of conferrals, the recipients are named by the line officers and recognized with special honors during the annual Ohio Council of Deliberation, traditionally held each June. MSA members are distinguished by their red caps.
The thirty-third degree, Sovereign Grand Inspector General is the highest degree to be granted and is conferred by the Supreme Council. A brother cannot apply for this degree. Each year at the annual meeting of the Supreme Council, a select few of Thirty-second Degree Masons are elected to receive the Thirty-third Degree. Nominations for this degree are made by the Deputies of each of the fifteen states after consultation with their fellow Active Members. Nominations are then submitted to the entire Active Membership of the Supreme Council for ballot. Following election by unanimous vote, candidates await the next annual meeting when the Degree is conferred in full ceremonial form. Honorary members of the Supreme Council are distinguished by wearing the white cap.
The Supreme Council is composed of 49 trustees and are known as Active Members. Each of the 15 states within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has an Active Member designated as a Deputy. The Deputy serves as the executive officer for Scottish Rite Freemasonry within his state. He is supported by the remaining Active Members of the state. Active members of Supreme Council are distinguished by their purple caps.
Jewels
The “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret” Jewel is a pocket jewel worn in your suit coat jacket. It is awarded by the Supreme Council to a member who has witnessed all 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite twice, encouraging our membership to revisit the degrees as part of a culture of lifelong learning and reflection.
33° – Sovereign Grand Inspectors General
Achieving the 33° is an honor that can be bestowed upon a Scottish Rite Mason. It is not campaigned for. It is granted solely by the Supreme Council. A 33° Mason is a Master Mason who has exhibited knowledge, passion and sacrifice to his Craft.
The Supreme Council awards the 33° as a way of honoring outstanding and selfless work performed in the Rite or in public life. At its annual session the Supreme Council elects members of the Rite to receive the degree. Members unanimously so elected become Honorary Members of the Supreme Council.
Meritorious Service Award
The Meritorious Service Award (MSA) may be conferred upon members of the Rite in this Jurisdiction who have attained the 32° and who by reason of meritorious service of a Masonic character are deemed worthy of such recognition.
Hauts Grades Academie
At full completion, a graduate will earn the honor of becoming a Scottish Rite Hauts Grades Academic, and will be entitled to include the letters HGA after his name. A certificate and HGA jewel will also be awarded upon completion. The overall goal of this program is an enriching educational experience. Sapere Aude!