What Is the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a men’s fraternity. In the state of Tennessee, F. & A.M. lodges are exclusively male. This practice has deep historical roots and is maintained by many jurisdictions around the world. However, it’s important to note that the policies regarding women in Freemasonry can vary significantly between different jurisdictions and countries.

In Tennessee, the Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A.M.) uphold the tradition of male-only membership. This policy is based on the longstanding customs and regulations that have defined the fraternity since its inception.

Yes. In the same manner that the President takes an oath to uphold the virtues of this nation, we as Masons take oaths to uphold our moral character and the character of the fraternity.

As with any fraternity there are certain methods whereby one Mason may be able to identify another.

To become a Freemason you must ask a Freemason. Freemasonry does not invite or solicit members. Every Mason who you meet made the decision for themselves that they wanted to become a Freemason and took the initiative on their end to pursue membership. For more information and to learn about local masonic lodges in Nashville and the surrounding areas, feel free to fill out the “contact” form on this website and ask questions in the “comments” field.

There are roughly 3 million Freemasons worldwide.

No. The foundation of Freemasonry is free will. Everything that a Freemason participates in is by his own choosing and there are no attendance requirements or statutes that dictate how a Mason must spend his time or what he does. However, if you want to truly benefit from Freemasonry then you must be prepared to invest time.

No. All Freemasons must believe in a Supreme Being, but there is no requirement or restriction as to what you choose to call that being. Freemasonry accepts Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Daoists, and men from all walks of spiritual life.

You are reading this on a public website… not so secret, eh? Freemasons openly wear rings and other items announcing their membership, we put signs on our buildings, hold public events, and advertise our meeting nights. Only in parts of the world where tyranny reigns do Freemasons have to hide their membership.

Yes many of the founding fathers were Freemasons. Freemasonry had an exceptionally strong impact and influence on the American Revolution.

If you are looking to join a meaningful group of men committed to learning, experience deep relationships that last a lifetime, and are willing to commit yourself to the lifelong goal of self improvement, then yes.

Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty.

When a man becomes a Freemason he is given a moral, philosophical, and spiritual education which allows him to be a stronger leader for both himself and those around him. He is connected to a worldwide group of men who share many of the same ideals and beliefs as he does and therefore never finds himself without a friend or brother to call on.

The prescribed requirements for membership in Tennessee are: being a man, at least 18 years of age, having a belief in a Supreme Being and in the immortality of the soul, being capable of reading and writing, being of good moral character, and being recommended by two Master Mason members of the Lodge to which he desires to apply, plus two references who may or may not be Masons. If you don’t know where to start, but want to knock on the door, fill out the “contact” form on this website and let us know.

Masons believe in the universality of mankind, the existence of a Supreme Being, and the importance of morality and virtue in one’s life.

A 32nd degree Mason is a member who has joined the Scottish Rite and received the degrees 4-32, furthering his masonic education.

A 33rd degree Freemason is a Mason who has joined the Scottish Rite and received the 33rd and final degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, often as a result of exemplary service and contribution to the Rite.

Freemasonry was designed to educate a man in morality, philosophy, and spirituality and through doing so create a more harmonious society.

The Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Freemasonry which teaches a member the degrees 4-32 if he wishes to study and learn more from Freemasonry after he has learned his first 3 degrees.

The York Rite is another appendant body of Freemasonry, much like the Scottish Rite, with different degrees that provide further education and philosophy.

Freemasons pay initiation fees and yearly Masonic dues for membership. Masons are informed about these financial commitments upon joining, which vary between lodges and jurisdictions. Typically, there’s an initiation fee, which is a one-time payment covering the ceremony and necessary materials.

Yearly dues are recurring payments essential for keeping the lodge operational. These Masonic dues help maintain the lodge, fund events, support charitable activities, and ensure a fulfilling experience for members.

Freemasonry isn’t profit-driven. The money from Masonic dues and fees supports the fraternity’s operations and Masonic charity. Many lodges are involved in significant philanthropic activities, benefiting local communities and educational projects.

Charity is a core value of Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to donate and volunteer beyond their dues, reflecting the fraternity’s commitment to positive social impact.

Freemasonry does not have one leader that resides over it all. In the United States each state has a Grand Lodge which holds jurisdiction over the state and is structured to allow qualified members to have a vote as to who represents them.