Scottish Rite Express

We made the goal!!!

Air Conditioning Fund-Raising Celebration

"One person can make a difference
and every person should try."
~John F. Kennedy


You made the difference. In just a few short months the
"Friends of the Des Moines Consistory"
came together to reach another important milestone in the renovation of our Scottish Rite building, the air conditioning of the Tapestry Lounge.

It is now time to celebrate!

Please join us for cocktails and dinner on
Thursday, June 12, 2008

in the Tapestry Lounge

at half after six in the evening for the celebration.

$15 per person
RSVP by June 10th with the SR Office
rsvp@dmscottishrite.org or 515-288-8927

Des Moines Consistory
519 Park Street ~ Des Moines

A big thank you and a pat on the back to all SR Masons, their ladies, and friends who supported the air conditioning of the Tapestry Lounge and the Blue Lodge room. A special thank you to Capital Lodge #110 and the Des Moines York Rite bodies who each donated $10,000.00 to the project.

Mark your Calendar

University of Free Masonry

291st Anniversary of Founding of the Grand Lodge of England

Wednesday or Thursday, July 16/17
6 PM - Royal Mile Pub

A traditional pub dinner, program, and toasts. We will celebrate the Founding of the 1st Grand Lodge at the "Goose and Gridiron Ale House", early Masonic documents, and the tradition of "Festive Board and Toasts".

$20 per person
Open to Master Masons Only
Seating is limited to 65 Reservations per night
Reservations and advance payment required
by contacting the SR Office 515-288-8927
sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org

Univ. of Free Masonry - Wednesday June 25

Master Architect - 12th Degree

The Des Moines Valley will be starting a degree reading and discussion program. We will read through the degree, and then discuss the symbolis and lessons contained in the degree.

We will use the degree script for the reading but may use additional sources to provide background and information.

There will be one member who coordinates the reading and facilitates the discussion but all SR Masons are encouraged to participate. It is our goal to continue our Masonic education and develop a deeper understanding of our Scottish Rite degrees.

The first degree we will read and study will be the 12th degree, the Master Architect.

This degree teaches faith in morality and virtue and in God. "Life is what each man makes of it; the optimist turns a trial into a blessing. The apron of the 12th degree consists of a white outer shell, lined with blue and gold (symbolizing the Craft degrees), with a protractor, plain scale, sector, and compasses. The jewel is a heptagonal medal of gold.
As the ritual will be read and discussed, these events are open only to SR Masons. The reading will begin at 7:00 pm and conclude by 9:00 pm. There is no cost to attend.


Did you know?

Iowa SGIG's

The leader of Scottish Rite Free Masonry in Iowa is know as the Sovereign Grand Inspector General. Our current SGIG is Ill. Bro. Gary L. Sissel 33° of the Davenport Valley. Since Scottish Rite was founded in Iowa there have been 11 SGIG's



Below is a little about our 1st SGIG, Theodore S. Parvin
SGIG for the State of Iowa (1859-1901)
Appointed SGIG, by Gen. Albert Pike, SGC
Served as Grand Secretary and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa
Served as Grand Minister of State for the Supreme Council