1733 16th Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20009–3103

The Scottish Rite Research Society is the best source today for substantive Masonic education and inspiration.

"There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads to fortune....On such a full sea we are now afloat; and we must take the current when it serves or lose the venture."
William Shakespeare
Julius Caesar, Act IV

These words from England’s immortal bard accurately describe the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS) today. It is the largest and fastest growing Masonic research group in the world. In less than a decade, it has grown from a small group of founding members into a society of over 6,000 Brethren and others interested in Masonic research. Our goal is 10,000 members by 2001, the bicentennial year of The Supreme Council. With your help, we will achieve that goal!

This is an opportune moment in the history of Freemasonry. American males are socially, emotionally, and intellectually ready to receive what our Craft has to offer. The Scottish Rite, by its very structure, power, and history of being proactive has set the stage for Masonry not only to survive but to grow in the next millennium. The SRRS is the main engine within the Rite to accomplish this mission. In the past several years, it has become the platform within the Fraternity where educated and interested Brethren gather to publish and share their knowledge. The last issue of Heredom (Volume 5) has been acclaimed a world-class Masonic book. The small sampling of its riches, as represented by several of the articles in this special issue of the Scottish Rite Journal, demonstrates that the SRRS has become a major force for Masonic education not only within the Scottish Rite but throughout Freemasonry.

The majority of Masons today are eager to learn and grow. Often, they are younger men, college graduates, and leaders in their professions. Also, many are products of our newer systems of Masonic work and ritual, systems that encourage questions and enhance understanding. The SRRS is supporting Grand Lodges and has accepted the obligation to provide these Brethren with the materials, methods, and guidance they need to become knowledgeable members of the Craft.

In our Fraternity, we have those who know all the rules and regulations. We have some who know how to act on stage, memorize the ritual, speak their lines, set the stage, and produce the music of our rituals with flair. We need these specialized Brethren. The new revised Pike ritual will both challenge and reward those who master it.

Now, we need to develop a third, more general area: understanding who and what we are. The Master of the Royal Secret should be a man who knows and understands the history and background of the whole Masonic experience—statutes, the drama, the music, the staging, the ritual. The creation of this fully developed Brother is the goal of the SRRS today. And it is a goal that has deep roots. The Rite was founded almost 200 years ago by a small group of men from South Carolina, men who through their personal associations and shared learning wanted to create an organization where they could come together and, by sharing fellowship and knowledge, grow in their understanding of how they fit in the vast scheme of God’s universe.

Simply stated, they wanted to become stronger and wiser and better men. Over the years, the Scottish Rite has been a proven leader in providing such opportunities to its members. Our rituals provide experiences and insights which nurture intellectual and moral growth. Thus, over the years, the Rite has been looked upon by many as the "College of Freemasonry."

Today, we have more Masonic writers, and scholars, and teachers in that college than ever before. They have more skills and better sources. The problem is no longer availability of talent and material. The table has been set, the banquet spread, and everyone is invited. What we must do is take advantage of the richness Masonry offers, and one of the best ways for you to do that is to join the thousands of other Brethren who are now members of the SRRS. The society is, without a doubt, the best source today for substantive Masonic education and inspiration.

Aside from Heredom (the annual hardbound, custom-covered volume of essays contributed by SRRS members), each member receives The Plumbline, the society’s quarterly newsletter. In addition, there are "bonus" books and other items that can be purchased at significant discounts through the society. Annual dues are only $20.00, and Life Membership (individuals only) is just $300.00. Clearly, this is a phenomenal deal, unequaled anywhere. Don’t let it slip by!