Freemasonry stands as one of the most enduring institutions in the world, a beacon of moral principles and brotherly love. Among the many ideals that form the cornerstone of our Craft, unity is arguably one of the most essential. Unity is not merely a convenient notion for Masons—it is the very essence of what it means to be part of this fraternity. As brothers, we strive for unity both within ourselves and with one another, seeking to form a harmonious whole that reflects the higher ideals of justice, equality, and love. But unity is not static; it is a dynamic force, requiring continual nurturing and expanding understanding. This is where the Scottish Rite, often called the "university or college of Freemasonry," plays a vital role in deepening both the bonds of unity among Masons and the intellectual and moral foundation of the Craft.

The Scottish Rite offers a journey into deeper knowledge, helping to expand our minds while reinforcing the principles of unity. It teaches that unity is not simply the absence of conflict but a purposeful, shared pursuit of truth, enlightenment, and self-improvement. Together, Masonic unity and the expanded knowledge provided through the Scottish Rite form a powerful combination—binding us in brotherhood while also broadening our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

The Foundations of Masonic Unity

From the moment a man first kneels at the altar of a Masonic lodge, he is introduced to the concept of unity. The very structure of the Blue Lodge—the three degrees, the tools and symbols, and the allegorical lessons—instills in him the understanding that unity is not only an aspiration but a necessity. The Great Lights of Masonry, including the Volume of Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses, all symbolize unity in various forms. The Volume of Sacred Law reminds us of our shared moral obligations to a Supreme Being and one another. The Square teaches fairness and equality, while the Compasses represent the importance of self-restraint and balance in fostering harmony.

Masonic unity is more than simply working together toward a common goal. It is about transcending our individual differences and building a fraternity based on mutual respect, brotherly love, and shared values. This idea of unity is embodied in the allegory of King Solomon’s Temple, which symbolizes not just physical construction but the spiritual and moral edifice that Masons build together. Each member, regardless of rank, is a vital part of the greater whole, contributing to the success of the fraternity through cooperation and harmony.

Yet, Masonic unity is not about uniformity. The strength of Freemasonry lies in its ability to unite men from diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures, all under the banner of brotherly love. Freemasonry unites men of “every country, sect, and opinion,” bringing together brothers who might otherwise never have found common ground. This unity in diversity is one of the most beautiful aspects of the Craft, teaching us that what unites us is far more powerful than what divides us.

The Scottish Rite: Expanding Knowledge and Deepening Unity

While the Blue Lodge provides the foundation for Masonic unity, the Scottish Rite builds upon this by offering Masons a path to expanded knowledge and a deeper understanding of universal truths. The Scottish Rite consists of 29 additional degrees that go beyond the teachings of the first three, exploring philosophical, moral, and esoteric themes that broaden a Mason’s worldview. This deep intellectual pursuit is not undertaken alone; it is a journey shared with fellow Masons, fostering an even greater sense of unity through the collective search for enlightenment.

The Scottish Rite is often described as the "university or college of Freemasonry" for good reason. Its degrees take Masons on a journey through history, philosophy, and spiritual understanding, offering lessons that transcend time and cultural boundaries. Each degree reveals new layers of wisdom, encouraging Masons to see beyond the mundane and seek out higher truths. For example, the 14th Degree, known as the Perfect Elu, stresses the importance of fidelity, justice, and brotherhood—essential qualities that bind us together in unity. The 18th Degree, the Knight Rose Croix, teaches self-sacrifice and the triumph of good over evil, reinforcing the idea that unity and brotherhood are vital to achieving the greater good.

Through the Scottish Rite, Masons gain a deeper understanding of the universal principles that connect all people, fostering a greater sense of brotherhood not just within the fraternity, but with all of humanity. This expanded knowledge strengthens the bonds among Scottish Rite Masons, as they engage in a shared intellectual and spiritual pursuit. They are united not just by their common experiences in the Craft but by their commitment to a lifelong journey of self-improvement and enlightenment.

If you would like to explore the topic of Unity further through the lens of the Scottish Rite Degrees, I highly recommend that after reading A Bridge to Light by Rex R. Hutchens, you continue deepening your understanding by reading Pillars of Wisdom: The Writings of Albert Pike, also by Rex R. Hutchens. This insightful book delves deeper into the philosophical teachings of Albert Pike, providing greater context on unity and the broader principles of the Rite. The book is available for purchase through the Scottish Rite Book Store at (https://srbookstore.myshopify.com/).

The Valley of Columbus is establishing a paver garden in front of the Scottish Rite Center. It will start at the bottom of the steps on both sides of the front porch and extend to the end of each side of the building. It will be similar to the pavers at the Masonic Children's Home in Macon. This is a great opportunity to support the Valley of Columbus Building Fund by purchasing a paver, and to honor those people or organizations that have a special meaning to you (to include yourself!). Complete the order form in this issues of The Ashlar or open in a new window HERE.

As a result of our Power of 3 Program plan to raise $3M in 3 years to provide low- or no-cost intervention to help Georgia children with communication disorders find their ‘voice,’ I asked Ryan Gilliam, the Chief Operating Officer of KNR Therapy, how potential RiteCare donations could be used by KNR Therapy at the Autism Learning Center in Columbus. Below is his response:

“Thank you for considering us for your continued generous support. Below, I have provided detailed information regarding our staff, client numbers, the impact of various donation amounts, and our future growth plans.

Current and Projected Staff and Client Numbers:

• Current Clients: 60

• Current RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians): 35

• Current BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts): 7

Projected Numbers in the Next Few Months:

• Clients: 71

• RBTs: 50

• BCBAs: 15

Impact of Donation Amounts:

• $20,000 Donation: This would cover advanced training materials for staff development or specialized toys/equipment for client therapy, allowing more clients to have PECS communication tools and resources.

• $50,000 Donation: Could fund technology upgrades (like tablets for interactive learning) or support a series of parent training workshops, providing essential learning materials or therapy tools for all KNR clients.

• $100,000 Donation: This would significantly contribute towards advanced therapy equipment or furnishing a therapy room (sensory room) to enhance the therapeutic environment. We have a room in the clinic that needs a shower and plumbing removed to repurpose the space for our clients.

Potential Funding Utilization Ideas:

• Supporting Columbus State University's ABA Program: Establishing a chair at Columbus State University to develop an ABA program aligns perfectly with our mission to grow the BCBA population. This initiative will benefit our clinic and the wider community by increasing the availability of qualified professionals.