Freemasonry Resources

This week I got to participate in two Masonic events that were both very enjoyable and good learning experiences.

I am a member of Arcturus Council U.D. Royal and Select Masters. Some jurisdictions call Councils of Royal and Select Masters "Cryptic Councils." This new council Under Dispensation has been working this year to complete the requirements for our charter. One of those requirements is conferring both the Royal Master and the Select Master Degrees. I participated in Royal Master Degree this week as the Conductor of the Council. The Royal Master Degree further illumines the history of the 3rd Degree and was a very enjoyable experience! John Iles, our Deputy Master, led the degree. Major parts were given by Tom Gruis, Charlie Smithson, and Ken Brickman and we had help from other brethren present. The Royal Master Degree is one of my favorite York Rite degrees.



Also this week we held the University of Freemasonry at the Scottish Rite. Members of the valley read through the 12th Degree. While the Des Moines Valley regularly confers 24 of the 29 Scottish Rite degrees the 12th is one that has not been seen recently. We read through the degree led by Brother Charlie Smithson. The graphics for the lodge arrangements were put together by Brother Kurt Hoffman. You can see photos of the event on Des Moines AASR Blog written by Brother Jay Simser. I led a discussion of the symbolism of the degree.

Because this event was so well attended and enjoyed we are going to hold a similar program for the 19th degree. Also the 12th degree will be conferred in full form in our up coming reunion.

I also want to thank Brother Jay for his kind commentaries about my blog. Thanks Brother!

All in all a very good Masonic week!