C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander

Historically, Masonry and the Scottish Rite have responded and adapted to change.

Of the many myths in Freemasonry, one of the greatest proclaims our Fraternity is immune to change. The truth, however, is that while the fundamental tenets of the Fraternity have remained unchanged, the vehicle of their expression-meaning our ritual-has been anything but static. As a ritual-based system that inculcates Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, as well as Faith, Hope and Charity, Freemasonry employs metaphor and symbol to express concepts intended to make members more fully aware of our duties to God, our neighbors, and ourselves. We are "initiatic" because our ceremonies initiate, that is, they set our feet upon paths intended to cause a heightened self-awareness, a new sense of duty, morality, social responsibility, and personal self-development.

For two centuries, Scottish Rite rituals have provided the symbolic tools needed to help transform rough ashlars into smooth ashlars, but some contemporary voices suggest that our traditional methods of initiation are losing, or have lost, their effectiveness. Time is perhaps a more valuable commodity today than ever before. Do our ceremonies still inspire, or have they lost their appeal in a technology-based society that demands immediate gratification via the Internet or pay-per-view television?

Considered historically and organically, Freemasonry is a dynamic system, responding and adapting to environmental and sociological changes. By implementing this adaptive quality, it has both grown and matured. Where are we today? Is it time for more change?

The question has also been asked, "How can Freemasonry effectively carry its message of brotherhood and truth into the future?" The answer, I believe, is the same as it always has been: "We will do it by our rituals and, by natural extension, through our example."

By their very nature and in a purely abstract and esoteric sense, Masonic rituals lend themselves to multiple layers of interpretation. This ingenious method of instruction, inherited from the past, can continue to carry us forward effectively into the future. Ritual is uniquely fitted to the task because our symbols speak at several levels simultaneously, thus allowing initiates the opportunity to obtain multiple insights while participating in the same ceremonies. The knowledge and life experience of each Candidate enrich his Masonic journey by allowing the symbols to speak to him in a personal way that transcends superimposed, mundane, or arbitrary interpretations.

For symbols to be effective they must have a natural affinity with, and relationship to, the concepts they represent. Moreover, it is a grave error to confuse a symbol with the thing it symbolizes. Hence, the controlled setting of Masonic ritual suggests an appropriate interpretation. An old adage maintains that those who forget the past are destined to repeat it. For this reason, many Masonic rituals employ quasi-historical settings for their ceremonies. Be it the building of King Solomon's Temple, an encampment of Knights Templar, or another setting, almost every Masonic Degree presents a quest or trial which becomes the focus of the ritual. Throughout the Degrees, the parables taught become parallels for living. Our Candidates, identifying with the protagonist, are moved by and learn from these experiences. Thus, participants may gain knowledge and share insights not normally available in everyday life. This participation lies at the heart of the transformative process of ritual.

The world may be forever ideologically fragmented. Technology aside, modern society differs from the past only in scale. There are still famines, floods, pestilence, and disease. Brutality, prejudice, and ignorance continue to divide men. Today, as in the past, zealots happily kill their neighbors, thinking they are doing God's will. Because human nature has not changed since our Fraternity began, our teachings must continue to convey and expound the timeless moral and philosophical truths intended to improve the quality of life for all humankind. To bring "Light" to the world is the goal of every true Freemason.

The Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, has long recognized the need to adapt its ritual in a meaningful way to meet the needs of contemporary society. The original founders of the Supreme Council revised and improved the rituals they had available to them. Continuing this revision process, Albert Pike began his own ritual work in 1855 and continued to refine the rituals for another 40 years. Pike carefully studied every Degree to discover its core teachings. He also studied the great poets, philosophers, historical figures, and religious authorities whose thought contributed to the dignity and significance to our ceremonies. Pike's methodical approach to understanding and interpreting the Scottish Rite Degrees subsequently influenced the rituals of almost every Supreme Council worldwide. This fact alone testifies to his creative genius and organizational foresight.

In the past few years, our Supreme Council has continued this process of refinement. Continuing to employ traditional Masonic themes and settings, a Revised Standard Pike Ritual has been developed and is now being edited. Our revision committee adopted a methodical approach similar to Pike's. Again, as heretofore, the emphasis and focus are to expound the fundamental and unchangeable tenets that distinguish our Fraternity by deed, symbol, and word.

The general theme of this conference is Opus Magnum, Opus Futurum: "The Great Work Is the Work of the Future." Historically, the Opus Magnum or Great Work was, by definition, the basis for symbolic alchemy. Outwardly, the Great Work was the transformation of lead into gold. Esoterically, the alchemist was himself the object of his experiments: he sought to improve and transform himself.

Freemasons likewise seek a personal transformation, and thus we hope to influence the world at large. If we are to appeal to and positively influence men in today's society, we must maintain our focus on our fundamental tenets. Contrary to the rhetoric preached by the commercial advertising world, happiness is neither purchased nor obtained by acquiring material objects. Contentment, happiness, and serenity lie solely within the confines of the human breast, or they are not found at all. Freemasonry hopes to contribute to this happy state by helping all men realize we are brothers.

We meet upon the level. Irrespective of race, culture, or socioeconomic standing, we extend our hand in the grip of fellowship to the world at large. This is our message. The language and methods used to teach this and other truths may differ from place to place, but our message remains constant. This message will continue to appeal to those men worthy to become Freemasons.

Our Craft employs symbolism derived from the operative masons' trade. We refer to our activities as "work" and "labor." We erect "temples to virtue and build prisons to vice." All of this labor is part of the Great Work. Let us join with one another in the quarries and there work for the benefit of the world at large. So mote it be.