Rochester, MN Valley Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite

03/24/2026

Things to ponder

What are you afraid of losing, when nothing in the world actually belongs to you?

Imagine that every person in the world is enlightened but you. They are all your teachers.

The Road to heaven feels like hell. The road to hell feels like heaven

Chinese proverb says He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself Is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived.

We often suffer more in imagination than in reality. By Seneca

03/07/2026

As the year unfolds, many of us look back at the promises we made on January 1st. Some we’ve kept, some we’ve outgrown, and some… well, life simply had other plans. And that’s okay.

Charitable giving isn’t about perfect follow-through or sticking to a resolution. It’s about compassion in the moment. It’s about seeing a need and choosing—right now—to make a difference, no matter the date on the calendar.

When we give, we’re not checking a box. We’re lifting someone up. We’re strengthening our community. We’re reminding ourselves that kindness doesn’t run on a schedule.

If your heart is nudging you today, follow that feeling. Not out of guilt, but out of the quiet joy that comes from helping someone else stand a little taller.

Every act of generosity matters. And it’s never too late to start.

03/02/2026

Freemasonry’s timeless values of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth give men a framework for living with integrity and purpose. These ideals are not relics; they’re deeply relevant in a culture that often rewards speed over reflection and appearance over character.

Truth encourages ethical behavior and lifelong learning.
Relief inspires charitable action and service.
Brotherly Love fosters empathy and unity in a divided world.

These principles help members navigate modern pressures with steadiness and clarity.

02/23/2026

Curious about a deeper side of Masonry?

The Rochester Valley of the Scottish Rite is growing, learning, and building something meaningful — and there’s a place for good men who want to be part of it.

Whether you’re exploring the Craft for the first time or looking to reconnect, join us for fellowship, education, and the kind of conversations that stay with you long after the meeting ends.

Message us to learn more

12/14/2025

12/03/2025

We work on making ourselves better and the lessons of the Scottish Rite allow each of us to reflect more directly on individual portions of self improvement.

11/05/2025

Brothers, just a reminder that Thursday we have a guest speaker, Ill. Jacob W. Thompson, 33°, Personal rep for the Scottish Rite - Valley of Saint Louis and Chairman of their Education Committee.
Jacob has always been active in providing education and knowledge within the Scottish Rite and within Blue Lodge Masonry. He was a driving force during the Covid pandemic to continue to bring education to Scottish Rite members across the country with a series of zoom presentations on the different degrees, delving deeply into the esoteric sides of Scottish Rite Masonry and serving as a moderator during the discussion portions. We are excited to announce that he has willing to provide a 30 min educational presentation on some of the lessons built on the 4-10th degree during our meeting on Thursday November 6 at our 7 pm.

02/18/2025

The Scottish Rite: A Journey of Enlightenment

The Scottish Rite is one of the most well-known and distinguished bodies within Freemasonry, offering a path of further knowledge, self-improvement, and spiritual enlightenment. Joining the Scottish Rite is a profound commitment to personal and collective growth, as members explore deeper philosophical, moral, and esoteric teachings.

The Scottish Rite, often referred to as the "College of Freemasonry," is a branch of Freemasonry that confers degrees from the 4th through the 33rd. It builds on the foundational principles of the Blue Lodge (the first three degrees of Freemasonry) and delves into more complex themes such as ethics, philosophy, history, and symbolism.

The 29 degrees beyond the Master Mason degree, each with its own lessons and allegories are divided into four sections:
- **Lodge of Perfection** (4th to 14th Degrees): Focuses on the early history of the ancient Hebrews and the building of King Solomon's Temple.
- **Chapter of Rose Croix** (15th to 18th Degrees): Explores themes related to the New Testament and emphasizes the principles of hope and renewal.
- **Council of Kadosh** (19th to 30th Degrees): Examines the philosophical and chivalric traditions of the Middle Ages.
- **Consistory** (31st to 32nd Degrees): Culminates in the philosophical teachings of the Rite and the pursuit of wisdom.

The Scottish Rite provides several key benefits:
- **Education and Knowledge:** Members gain access to extensive educational resources and teachings that delve into the rich history and philosophy of Freemasonry.
- **Community and Camaraderie:** The Scottish Rite fosters a strong sense of brotherhood, allowing members to connect with like-minded individuals who share their values and interests.
- **Personal Growth:** The lessons and principles imparted through the degrees encourage members to reflect on their own lives and strive for continual self-improvement.

The Scottish Rite offers a unique journey for those seeking to expand their understanding of Freemasonry and its deeper teachings. By joining, members embark on a path of enlightenment, fellowship, and personal transformation. If you’re ready to explore the profound mysteries and timeless wisdom of the Scottish Rite, consider taking the first step and becoming part of this esteemed brotherhood.

02/06/2025

As a reminder tonight's Remembrance and Renewal ceremony and the 18th degree are being conducted at the Red Wing Masonic Lodge.

01/31/2025

Question: What body within the Scottish Rite is this?

The degrees of this body are very complex. They attempt to invest the candidate with a deeper understanding of Religion, Philosophy, Ethics, and History. The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees, is at times overwhelming, and can take years to master. A thorough reading of the chapters related to them in Morals and Dogma and in the Legenda and Readings is essential to achieve even a basic comprehension of their true meaning.