As we all know too well the Covid-19 virus has made lodges and Grand lodges cancel many of the events we have grown accustomed to attending through the years. Masonic Appendant and concordant bodies haven’t been immune to such cancellations either.
Many of the bodies like the Imperial Shrine sessions and the General Grand Council have chose to conduct their business in a virtual format via the internet instead of postponing their business until a later date. While unorthodox these meetings have been effective in keeping their organizations running during this world wide crisis. It is in this manner the The Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has been looking into the possibilities of holding “Virtual Scottish Rite reunions”
Since local laws in many local and state municipalities forbid the gatherings of large groups during the pandemic spring reunions had to be cancelled. This caused the Rite’s leadership to look to creating a contingency plan for the fall in case members were still placed in quarantine.
In a video released today Sovereign Grand Commander David Glattly announced how these virtual reunions will be conducted. The announcement read:
While small gatherings are now permitted in some states, we fully understand that many Valleys have made the difficult decision to postpone their in-person Fall Reunions — but don’t despair! Scottish Rite, NMJ, for the first time ever, is hosting three Virtual Reunions on the Saturdays listed below.
Approved candidates can use the opportunity to be initiated into the Scottish Rite through the Virtual Reunions. Current members are encouraged to participate too, using the online event to make new members feel welcome, and interact with Brothers from across our 15-state jurisdiction.
The events will run from 9 a.m to approximately noon EDT on these dates:
- October 3, 2020
- October 24, 2020
- November 14, 2020
“We simply can’t let the momentum that we’ve built for Scottish Rite, NMJ go to waste. The solution for us was simple: offer reunion opportunities from a safe distance,” said Sovereign Grand Commander David A. Glattly.
Check out our official video announcement below, and look for full registration details coming soon!
Each candidate will receive the fourth degree and three more degrees (Different degrees will be performed each weekend virtually, which will make him a Scottish Rite Mason. The candidate will wait until a future date to see the thrifty second degree until he can experience that degree performed live in his home valley.
