Did you ever wonder why the U.S has two different (VERY different) "mainstream" Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Supreme Councils - one for the Northern (NMJ) and one for the Southern (SJ) jurisdictions?
The AASR-SJ's Illus. Grand Archivist Arturo De Hoyos and the two Sovereign Grand Commanders - Jim Cole (SJ) and David Glattly (NMJ) - spell it all out for you in this video that was recently posted by the Scottish Rite of the District of Columbia.
In the first ten minutes, Art explains where the two groups originated and why, the differences in practices and philosophies of their dramatically dissimilar degree rituals, even the "wings up/wings down" controversy. The second half of the program is a back-and-forth interview with the two SGCs.
The message this video conveys is a celebration of the differences and similarities, not a claim as to which of the two jurisdictions is "better or worse." And as Art points out, if you are truly obsessive about it, you can be a member of both jurisdictions simultaneously (although you have to decide on an official "home" valley through which you receive your honors and benefits).
Thanks, Illustrious Brother, Chris.
ReplyDeleteThis video is a good relaxed short educational commentary on one of Freemasonry's most successful Rites by three of it's highly honored Illustrious Brethren.
I enjoyed the humor and love the neck tie worn by Illustrious Brother, Arturo De Hoyos. Gonna get me one!