ANCIENT & ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE · SOUTHERN JURISDICTION
About the Valley
Valley of Northeast Kansas · Orient of Kansas
∴ ORDO AB CHAO ∴
OUR HISTORY
A Century of Light
The Valley of Northeast Kansas has been a beacon of Masonic light since its founding in 1869. Chartered under the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, our Valley has guided countless Master Masons into the deeper philosophical teachings of the Rite.
The Scottish Rite builds upon the foundation of Blue Lodge Masonry, expanding its symbolic teachings with degrees that explore history, philosophy, morality, and the great questions of human existence.
Our Brethren uphold these principles through degree work, education, and charity — particularly through our RiteCare program serving children with speech and language disorders.
THE SUPREME COUNCIL
Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
The Supreme Council, 33°, Mother Council of the World, was founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 1801. It governs the Scottish Rite in 35 states and U.S. territories, with its House of the Temple in Washington, D.C.
The motto “Deus Meumque Jus” — God and My Right — reflects the Rite’s commitment to individual conscience and universal brotherhood.
“The Scottish Rite is not a religion, but it is religious. It does not take the place of the Church, but it supplements it.”
— ALBERT PIKE · MORALS AND DOGMA, 1871
THE FOUR BODIES
The Degrees of the Scottish Rite
The Scottish Rite confers degrees 4° through 32° through four subordinate bodies, each with its own ancient symbols and lessons for the seeker of light.
DEGREES 4°–14°
Lodge of Perfection
The Delta (triangle) bearing the Hebrew letter Yod (י) — the first letter of the Ineffable Divine Name — is the symbol of this body. It signifies divine perfection, truth, and the eternal search for the Word.
Eleven degrees explore the Temple of Solomon, the legend of Hiram Abiff, and the moral architecture of personal character. Presided over by a Thrice Potent Master.
SYMBOL: DELTA WITH YOD · COLOR: BLUE
DEGREES 15°–18°
Chapter Rose Croix
The Pelican in her Piety — feeding her young with blood from her own breast — stands beneath a Rose Croix cross and a royal crown, framed by the Compass and Square. This emblem of the 18° Knight Rose Croix represents self-sacrifice, resurrection, and the highest charity.
These degrees explore death, resurrection, and the search for the Lost Word — a philosophical journey through faith and enlightenment.
SYMBOL: PELICAN OF PIETY · COLORS: WHITE & CRIMSON
DEGREES 19°–30°
Council of Kadosh
Crossed swords and the skull-and-crossbones are symbols of the Council of Kadosh — Kadosh meaning “consecrated.” These chivalric degrees remind the Mason that virtue and honor must be defended, and that mortality calls every Knight to live justly.
These degrees trace the history of knighthood, the Crusades, and Western moral philosophy. The 30° Knight Kadosh is one of the most solemn degrees in all the Rite.
SYMBOL: CROSSED SWORDS · COLOR: BLACK
DEGREES 31°–32°
Consistory
The Cross Potent (XXXII) — a gold cross with four potent arms bearing a green laurel wreath — is the defining emblem of the Consistory and the 32° Master of the Royal Secret. The laurel wreath symbolizes victory, honor, and the peace of achievement.
The 32° brings together all threads of Masonic philosophy: virtue, justice, liberty, and fraternal love. Presided over by a Venerable Master.
SYMBOL: CROSS POTENT XXXII · COLORS: GOLD & BLACK
“It is the province of the Scottish Rite to take good men and make them better — to take truth-seekers and make them finders.”
∴ DEUS MEUMQUE JUS ∴
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ELIGIBILITY
Who May Petition?
Master Mason
You must have received the three degrees of Symbolic Lodge Masonry and be in good standing with your Blue Lodge.
Good Character
A belief in a Supreme Being and a commitment to the brotherly virtues of Masonry are required of all petitioners.
Seek Knowledge
The Scottish Rite is for those who seek deeper understanding — of Masonry, philosophy, themselves, and their duty to God and humanity.