J O I N T  M E M O R A N D U M

From the Offices of the Sovereign Grand Commanders of the Supreme Councils, 33°, U.S.A.

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, NMJ, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421

Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, 1733 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Monday, April 4, 2022

To All Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions, USA:

Greetings!

For more than two centuries, our members have benefited from the close ties enjoyed between our Supreme Councils. Our Brethren, during the past two years, have often been constrained by the restrictions of the pandemic and unable to fully enjoy the benefits of our in-person meetings and fraternal events.

As Sovereign Grand Commanders, we stand united in strongly encouraging our members, wheresoever dispersed, to once again partake of opportunities to meet with their Brethren. We emphasize that the doors of every Valley in both of our jurisdictions are open to Scottish Rite members in good standing, regardless of their jurisdictional affiliation.

Therefore, members of any Southern Jurisdiction Valley are encouraged to enjoy the fellowship and programs offered by any Valley event in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Likewise, members of any Valley within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction are encouraged to enjoy the fellowship and programs offered by any Valley event in the Southern Jurisdiction.

Should you receive an invitation from a Valley outside your jurisdiction, feel free to accept it and enjoy the visit. If you’re traveling in an area where a Scottish Rite Valley is located, feel free to take advantage of any opportunity to attend an upcoming meeting or program.

Our Fraternity thrives on a longstanding tradition of reciprocal travel and visitation. We think the time is right for the Brethren of the Scottish Rite to take full advantage of any inter-jurisdictional opportunities to share the Brotherly love and affection we cherish.

Enjoy some time with your Brethren with our blessing. Regardless of where your Masonic journey began, remember, we are all fellow travelers upon the same level of time. Enrich your journey by enjoying Masonic light from another source whenever you can.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Peter J. Samiec, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.

James D. Cole, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.