Sometimes brethren with more time in the fraternity forget the natural confusion that comes from a brother going to his first Scottish Rite stated meeting. It's always daunting starting something new, but not understanding the mechanics of an organization can make it significantly more challenging than it needs to be.
Sovereign Grand Inspector General or Deputy to the Supreme Council:
The Sovereign Grand Inspector General “SGIG” or Deputy to the Supreme Council is responsible for the ordering and administration of an Orient, often a state, territory, or country. He is responsible for the actions of all the Valley and bodies in his Orient. He appoints his Personal Reps. for the Orient and Valleys, Secretaries, Treasurers, and the Chairmen of Orient committees. He is the Orient's link to the Supreme Council and submits the names of brethren who he deems to be worthy of honors.
Personal Representative of the SGIG for the Orient:
This brother serves as the eyes and ears of the SGIG across the Orient or jurisdiction for which he is appointed. Sometimes, such in Arkansas, he is invested with the authority to make decisions as it pertains to the finances and the day to day running of the Orient.
Personal Representative of the SGIG to the Valley:
This brother serves as the eyes and ears of the SGIG at a Valley. The SGIG of each Orient appoints his Personal Rep. “PR” for a term of 1 Biennial or two years. The “PR” serves as the eyes and ears for the SGIG or Deputy of the Supreme council. He can be invested with powers of appointment for certain offices such as Director of Work or Chairmen of various Valley committees. At the conclusion of his two year appointment the SGIG can choose to renew his appointment or appoint a new PR. Some Orients have a tradition of having their PR write a letter of resignation and present it to the SGIG.
The Masters:
If you'll remember your Reunion there are 4 bodies that compose the modern Scottish Rite: The Lodge of Perfection, The Chapter Rose Croix, The Council of Kadosh, and the Consistory. Each of these bodies has an officer line composed of 3 principle officers, like a symbolic lodge, whose head sits upon the dais. The Lodge of Perfection has the “Venerable Master, Senior, and Junior Wardens. The Chapter Rose Croix has the Wise Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, The Council of Kadosh has the Commander of Kadosh, 1st, and 2nd commanders. The Consistory has the Master of Kadosh, Prior, and Chancellor. Each body is responsible for their “Feast” and in some jurisdictions the Masters are responsible for the degrees which comprise their body.
Treasurer and Secretary:
These are the components of a Valley that is very nearly identical to a symbolic lodge. The Valley secretary is responsible for keeping the minutes, informing the Valley of deaths, and receiving dues. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping up with the finances of the Valley and its investment accounts.
This article was published in the August 2024 edition of the Voice of the Orient.
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