Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ), is a significant part of the broader framework of Freemasonry in the United States. It operates in fifteen states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

History

The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction was established in 1813, when an officer from the Supreme Council at Charleston initiated several New York Masons into the Thirty-third Degree and organized a Supreme Council for the jurisdiction[1][3]. This jurisdiction experienced significant developments and faced internal challenges over the years, including a schism in 1860 that led to competing Supreme Councils until the Union of 1867, when the NMJ merged with the Cerneau Supreme Council[1][3].

Organization

The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction is structured into "Valleys," each responsible for conferring specific sets of degrees. The subordinate bodies within a Valley are:

• Lodge of Perfection: Confers degrees 4 through 14.
• Council of Princes of Jerusalem: Confers degrees 15 and 16.
• Chapter of Rose Croix: Confers degrees 17 and 18.
• Consistory: Confers degrees 19 through 32[3].

Mission and Values

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, NMJ, focuses on personal development and Masonic education through its degrees. It emphasizes core values such as reverence for God, integrity, justice, tolerance, devotion to country, and humanity[4]. The Scottish Rite is an extension of Craft Freemasonry, providing additional moral lessons and symbolic teachings to help members become better individuals[4].

Inter-Jurisdictional Cooperation

The NMJ, along with the Southern Jurisdiction, encourages inter-jurisdictional visits and participation in events to foster brotherly love and shared experiences among Scottish Rite Masons across the United States[5]. This cooperation reflects the broader Masonic principles of unity and fellowship.