Freemasonry
Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. It unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind. Freemasonry offers a system or blueprint for the good man to further improve his character and actions through its system of degrees, symbols, and fellowship opportunities.
In order to become a Shriner, a man must first be a Mason. The fraternity of Freemasonry dates back hundreds of years to the time when stonemasons and other craftsmen gathered in shelter houses or lodges. Over the years, formal Masonic lodges emerged, where members bound together not by trade, but by their own desire to be fraternal brothers.
The basic unit of Masonry is the Blue Lodge, where members earn the first three Masonic Degrees known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. There is no higher degree than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree).
After he becomes a Master Mason, he can belong to many other organizations which have their roots in Masonry and which have Blue Lodge Masonry as a prerequisite.
Scottish Rite
Scottish Rite Creed
Human progress is our cause,
liberty of thought our supreme wish,
freedom of conscience our mission,
and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth, while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values, including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family, and country.
York Rite
The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry. York Rite Masonry, which takes its name from the old English city of York, dates back 1744 in the U.K., has been described as the oldest and purest of the Rites.
Like other forms of Masonry, the York Rite is not a religion. Nevertheless, it does develop Biblical themes in addition to themes based on the Medieval Crusades. In the York Rite, A Master Mason may become a member of three bodies — actually, a group of separate Rites joined in order. These include a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; a Council of Royal and Select Masters; a Commandery of Knights Templar.
Grottoes of North America
The Grotto is a social organization for Master Masons, and as such, all Master Masons are welcome to join. It encourages a renewed interest in the Blue Lodges, though it does not claim to be a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry. A black fez with a red tassel distinguishes members.
Grottoes International is a non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting Good fellowship, Friendship, and Fun amongst Master Masons.
The Humanitarian Foundation conducts the Dental Care for Children with Special Needs Program for Grottoes International.
Tall Cedars of Lebanon
Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America is a side degree of Freemasonry organization devoted to fostering friendship and fellowship among Freemasons and to all mankind. Its motto, "Fun, Frolic, and Fellowship"
The name is derived from the cedars of Lebanon that King Solomon used to build his Temple. The Tall Cedars of Lebanon of the North America was founded in 1902 in Trenton, New Jersey. Glassboro Forest #1 was the first charted forest. The organization adopted its present official name in 2023 now known as Tall Cedars of Lebanon International.
The Tall Cedar Foundation exists as the body's charitable arm, supporting research into muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases. The Tall Cedars’ Foundation is the official philanthropy of The Tall Cedars of Lebanon International.
High Twelve International, Inc.
High Twelve is an association dedicated to the unification of Master Masons, independent of the formal ritual of the Lodge, but dedicated to service to the fraternity. Just a few of our accomplishments have been to develop long-lasting friendships, encourage and support our public school systems and participate in constructive community activities and to preserve the principles of good government based on the rights of the individual.
The club’s two philanthropic objectives are youth and education; supporting the Order of DeMolay, Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters, and the Wolcott Foundation, which was established to provide scholarships for students at George Washington University who seek public service careers in government.
