A Publication of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

Washington Artifacts Mark Anniversary

On April 20, 1975, the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Mass., opened its doors, in concert with the start of the American Revolution Bicentennial celebration. This year, as the institution marks its 30th anniversary, the museum is hosting an exhibit on Bro. George Washington.

Among the artifacts on display is the “Washington Bible,” on loan from St. John’s Lodge No. 1 of New York. It was used at the first presidential inauguration, and many times since then. Several portraits and broadsides of our first president are on display, as well. Also at Lexington for the exhibit is the Master’s chair from the replica room at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, believed to have been a part of the original furniture from 1802.
From the Massachusetts Grand Lodge comes an urn, crafted by Bro. Paul Revere, containing a lock of George Washington’s hair.

The National Heritage Museum is sponsored by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Museum to Publish New Masonic Book

Bro. Mark Tabbert, 32°, curator of the National Heritage Museum’s Masonic and Fraternal Collections, has written a book exploring the role played by Freemasons in the development of the nation. It starts with an overview of Freemasonry’s origins in England and Scotland before exploring its evolving role in our nation’s history. American Freemasons continues by examining seven reasons why men have joined the fraternity, each placed in chronological order.

The 280-page, hardbound book also contains more than 200 color illustrations. Many of the items depicted are part of the museum’s collection.

American Freemasons grew from a current museum exhibition, “To Build and Sustain.”

The book, published jointly by the National Heritage Museum and New York University Press, will be available in bookstores soon or can be ordered through the museum’s Heritage Shop (781-457-4108) or at the NMJ website (www.supremecouncil.org).

What Is a Deputy?

Within the Scottish Rite, the meaning of the term “Deputy” differs between the two jurisdictions in the United States.

In the Southern Jurisdiction, the term refers to the person who is appointed by the Sovereign Grand Commander to supervise Scottish Rite activity in a state where there is no resident Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG or Active Member). The S.J. Constitutions provide for only 33 SGIGs, or voting members of the Supreme Council. As an SGIG vacancy opens up, a Deputy may be elected to fill the void.

The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction provides for as many as 66 Active Members with voting power, each of whom must retire by age 75. That number was created in 1867 when two competing jurisdictions in the north agreed to merge. Currently, there are only 48. Among the 15 states in the jurisdiction, some of the smaller states have two Active Members, while others have as many as five. One of the Active Members in each state is elected to serve as Deputy for not more than nine years. He becomes the chief ranking officer in that state and is responsible for Scottish Rite activity within its borders.

Also, the term “SGIG” in the Northern Jurisdiction refers to anyone who has received the 33°. He also becomes an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council.