Much like the Fellowcraft Degree of Craft Masonry in the York Rite, the 16th Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (A.A.S.R.) is often perceived as perfunctory. The 15th Degree, tells the story of the rebuilding of the Second Temple after the Babylonian Captivity. The 17th Degree, furthermore, presents the drama of the false King and Roman Puppet Herod, his petty execution of Saint John the Baptist, and a purview of Saint John the Evangelist’s Book of Revelation. If we study the history of the 16th Degree of the Prince of Jerusalem, however, we not only gain a better understanding of earlier high grades Masonry but, also a deeper insight into one of the most important lessons in all of our beloved Craft.
In Estienne Morin’s Order of the Royal Secret and Albert Pike’s Masonic Formulas and Rituals, the role of a Prince of Jerusalem is clearly defined. Historically, the Princes of Jerusalem (consisting of council of five or more) were judicial auditors of the constitutions, ritualistic work, and actions of the preceding fifteen degrees. In much the same way, the 31st Degree, Inspector Inquisitor, holds the very same role for the succeeding 16th through the 30th Degrees. While not explicitly stated, the reason that these degrees serve a regulatory role is because at their particular place in the historical drama of the Scottish Rite rituals, the Temple is destroyed. The whole world, therefore, now serves as God’s Temple. Accordingly, we the Brethren are responsible for upholding the tenants of Freemasonry. Our Ancient Brethren, the earlier Princes of Jerusalem, were magistrates that ensured that our Craft stayed true to its purpose and did not stray from our Landmarks. While these operative responsibilities are no longer used, the duty of every Scottish Rite Mason is to understand our history so as to ensure that our speculative work remains true.
After the Civil War our Ill. Grand Commander and fellow Arkansan Bro. Albert Pike streamlined the administrative structure of the Scottish Rite SJ into the format we all now know. It was at this time that the Council of the Princes of Jerusalem was absorbed into the next body of the Scottish Rite the Chapter Rose Croix.
Editor’s Note: This body existed within the Grand Consistory of Arkansas, Orient of Little Rock. It was called the Kedron Council of Princes of Jerusalem.
This article was published in the April 2024 edition of the Voice of the Orient.
Arturo De Hoyas, Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (Washington D.C,, Masonic Publishing), 237.
Freemasonry’s Royal Secret: The Franken Manuscript (Washington, D.C.: Scottish Rite Research Society).
Masonic Formulas and Rituals (Washington, D.C.: Scottish Rite Research Society)
Rex Hutchins, A Bridge to Light: A Study in Masonic Ritual & Philosophy 4th Ed. (Washington, D.C.: Supreme Council, 33 ̊, 2010).
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