SR Express - Annual Meeting/Conferral of Lodge of Perfection

February 3, 2017 Full Form Consistory Opening  and Annual Meeting Sometimes it is easy to forget that the way we do things today are not the way things have always been done.  This is especially true in Scottish Rite.  When Scottish Rite was first formed the separation between the four bodies was more substantial than it is today.  Each of the four bodies met separately, had their own officers, meeting dates, elections, and installations.  Each body also had their own opening and closing ceremonies that were used for meetings and degree conferrals. Master of Kadosh Smithson thought it would interesting to exhibit the old full form opening of the Consistory at our annual meeting on February 15th.  We will be using a modified Pike 1867 Ritualistic opening and closing with the original officer titles and room layout.  This opening will give you a feel of the formality that was a part of the older openings as well as revealing how the passwords and signs were used.  We will have the Consistory auditorium set with full properties plus sound and lighting.  As the brethren in attendance will be giving the signs, passwords, and watchwords associated with this degree there will be instruction on those signs and words prior to the work commencing.  Shane Harshbarger will give a brief educational program on some of the changes from the older versions of the degree and the 32nd degree we do today.  For example in 1867, the 32nd degree was known as the Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret instead of Master of the Royal Secret as it is today. We will begin in the Consistory auditorium at 6:00 pm with the opening and Consistory annual meeting.  Following the annual meeting there will be hors de oeuvres and libations.  Please rsvp@dmscottishrite.org or at (515-288-8927).

Thursday, February 23rd-Special Conferral of the Lodge of Perfection 4th and 14th Degrees This will allow a candidate to begin his Scottish Rite journey on a Thursday evening rather than a weekend.   After receiving these degrees he will have the option of attending the full reunion March 24/25 &; April 7/8 to see all 29 degrees in order with the full reunion class or he can return on Saturday, April 8 for a shortened reunion consisting of the 18°,29°,30°,31°, &; 32°.  A candidate for the full reunion does not need to attend this evening unless he wants to do so.  Should you have questions, please contact Shane Harshbarger 288-8927 5:30 pm - Dinner  6:15 pm - Receive Class   6:30 pm - 4th Degree  7:15 pm - 14th Degree   8:15 pm - Social &; Libations