The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Louisiana offers all Freemasons the opportunity to enter the “College of Freemasonry”. Simply joining and becoming a member will not accomplish your goals. Your active  participation is required.

Scottish Rite Masonry is not Scottish, it is actually handed down from the French. In the early days of Masonic lodge formation, the early 1700’s. Masonry spread from the British Isles into Europe and became very popular, particularly during the later 1700’s period known as The Enlightenment. European Masonry used and transformed many of the early English, Scottish and Irish rituals into their own form. Thus, the French / Scotch Rite forms became very popular on the Continent. Today, most non-English speaking nations, particularly those colonized by European powers, follow the Scottish Rite form of Masonry. So most European, Asian, South and Central American, and many African Masonic lodges follow the Scottish Rite form of ritualistic presentation with some of their own minor variations. English speaking nations generally follow the “York Rite” form of ritualistic presentations in their Masonic lodges.

Any Master Mason in good standing is eligible and welcome to become a member of the Scottish Rite. An application process, or petition is required (accompanied with a Joining Fee). This fee includes the first years dues, subscription to the Scottish Rite Journal, and access to  the Master Craftsman courses and reference materials.  Membership is then determined by a favorable vote of the current membership – annual Dues are also required. All members are encouraged to become Endowed Members by paying a life-time Dues fee.

Each Valley offers many programs for members – regular meetings are held monthly, and in addition, many events are planned for members and their families. Events such as golf tournaments, horse shows, trips to places such as Branson, MO, special band concerts, family picnics, patriotic programs, special cooking shows with celebrity chefs, and other activities are a part of our different Valley programs. Special leadership workshops are offered annually to incoming officers and members, and continuing programs on education are held. Membership includes a national magazine and state magazine, each published every other month and full of useful and information materials.

Scottish Rite offers lessons in many areas through the presentation of twenty-nine degrees (lessons presented in the form of stage plays), that offer thoughts on character, morality, religious tolerance, self-inspection, historical significance and inspirational messages. These Degrees compliment and add to the lessons in the three Craft Degrees conferred in the Masonic Lodge. The Degrees are performed in our five Scottish Rite Valleys (local organizations) usually twice a year. Our Valleys are located in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, and Shreveport.

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Louisiana welcomes you to inquire about our organization, as we are not a secret organization, our addresses and telephone numbers are listed in the area telephone directories. You may also find our Valley information by looking at this site under “LA Valleys” or clicking on the CONTACT US button below.

Thank you for your interest in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry in Louisiana and I look forward to meeting you.