This special issue of the Scottish Rite Journal introduces the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to our Master Mason Brothers and others throughout the Southern Jurisdiction. It is designed to be a useful tool for general public relations and membership enhancement in the Rite, for there is much within these pages for which we, as Scottish Rite Masons, can be very proud. The Scottish Rite is, after all, an organization built upon pride—the pride of fraternity, pride in being a man, pride in our moral and ethical teachings, pride in making a difference in the world.

After the Blue Lodge, the Scottish Rite is the premier Masonic organization in the world today. The emblem of our Fraternity, the double-headed eagle, has been the symbol of kings and the icon of empires. It is known the world over for representing power, protection, and vigilance. As Scottish Rite Masons, it reminds us of the rich and beautiful legacy of our fraternal past and the values upon which we continue to build for the future.

In the Rite, we seek to develop ourselves and our society. We teach the importance of becoming more patient, generous, tolerant, compassionate, and thoughtful. Yet, we also help society develop by supporting education, funding museums, benefiting the arts, assisting with medical research, aiding the needy, and giving both time and money to many projects which help society grow and develop. It is a fundamental teaching of the Scottish Rite that we build our nation while benefiting all its citizens.

Through the Reunion process of becoming 32° Masons, the 3° Master Mason Candidate goes through or witnesses a series of one-act plays, the Scottish Rite Degrees. These teach the lessons of the Rite in dignified ceremonies. No memorization is necessary. We study mankind's greatest questions and problems. And we have fun doing it because we do it together as men in fraternity sharing dramatic, philanthropic, and social events. Our lessons trace the history of man's thought while raising important ethical and moral questions. The Scottish Rite asks us to consider just how those principles relate to our everyday lives. You will discover within the pages of this issue why the Scottish Rite is often called the "University of Freemasonry." If you are a man who believes in the teachings introduced in your Blue Lodge, you will be impressed by the expanded lessons of the Rite.

But the Rite is more than just the development of the individual. We also believe in making a difference in the lives of others. That is why we are America's largest private organization involved with remedying communication disorders in children. As of this printing, we sponsor 150 Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinics, Centers, and Programs nationwide. Our efforts have been recognized by national awards for our work in speech and language development in children.

We selected childhood language and learning disorders because they affect more children than all other childhood conditions combined. To hear, to speak, to understand—these are the essentials in the development of every young mind. When these essentials are missing in otherwise normal, healthy children, the results are tragic. But today, because of caring Scottish Rite Freemasons, thousands upon thousands of children across the nation are getting help each year. In 1999 and 2000 alone, we aided 85,596 children. For them, the barriers to the gifts of speech and learning are being removed. For us, it is a matter of doing good because that is the right way to live.

That is the essence of the Scottish Rite—to learn to be better and to do good in the world. It's men just like you and me—Master Masons who want to learn more about Masonry, find new ways of expressing Masonry in the world, make a difference in the lives of others, and have a great time doing it!

I think you will like the Scottish Rite experience. On behalf of all the Scottish Rite Masons, Southern Jurisdiction, let me invite you to share what we have found. I welcome you to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry!

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