Craft then What Next?

Now this is a question that many Mark Masters in Scottish ask? Most will be directed to the Royal Arch series of degrees which includes the Excellent Master (a super gateway from the Craft to the Royal Arch and other orders— it is instantly recognizable to all Craft masons.).

Below are the Scottish Orders within freemasonry: (a) KT is the Knight Templar which is a chivalric order related to the Templars but no direct line. (b) GIC (Grand Imperial Council) which administers the Red Cross of Constantine and the story of the emperor allowing Christianity to flourish with two other grades relating to the Mark Master & RA vault idea. Although not an invitational order, new members are sought out. (c) A&AR—the Ancient and Accepted Rite which is better know as the 18th Degree or

Rose Croix and the 30th etc. This only required the candidate to be a MM but usually after a number of years of service. (d) The SRIS (Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia) which is a none grade rite relating to the

Rosicrucian ideas and is unlike any masonic system. (e) RO (Royal Order of Scotland) is not Scottish, but was written using the Ecossaise degrees of foreign origin. Its roots go back to the days of Robert the Bruce and the impressive catechisms bring in many aspects of all masonry. Again this is an invitational order.

There are other orders, but these are the main orders Scottish brethren should focus on (in my opinion). In terms of what’s next, it is purely a matter of choice, often which is in a lodge or when friend invites them. My suggestion is read the websites of the Orders, talk to friends in an Order or if you have an interest in an aspect (e.g. templars, Constantine, military, etc) then find out more from the ‘Grand Secretary’ of that Order.

KT

My plea would be, don’t stop after the Mark Degree but when you do join an Order, keep supporting your lodge.

RA A&AR

GIC

Craft

SRIS

RO