The Degrees of the Scottish Rite

The first three degrees of Freemasonry are conferred in a Symbolic, or Craft Lodge, sometimes called a Blue Lodge. These Degree are:

• 1st Degree - Entered Apprentice
• 2nd Degree - Fellowcraft
• 3rd Degree - Master Mason

These degrees are under the direct control of the Grand Lodge who chartered the Lodge conferring the degrees. A man must belong to a Craft Lodge and have taken the three degrees prior to petitioning for the Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

The Scottish Rite Degrees from the 4th to the 32nd are conferred by one of the bodies of a local Scottish Rite Valley. These bodies and the degrees they confer are:

• Lodge of Perfection - 4th to 14th Degree
• Council of Princes of Jerusalem - 15th and 16th Degree
• Chapter of Knights of Rose Croix - 17th and 18th Degree
• Grand Consistory - 19th to 32nd Degree