by Larissa P. Watkins and Tamera L. Fannin
Purchase
Since its founding on May 31, 1801, the Scottish Rite has, like all aspects of Freemasonry, made an impact on America. The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accept Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction, USA, has been particularly blessed to have had a significant number of our most decorated members serve in the Congress of the United States. This book, years in the making, provides a carefully researched and documented biographical dictionary listing the members of Congress who held the highest honor of Scottish Rite, that of the 33rd degree. This reference volume should prove useful to researchers of general history, but most especially to Masonic researchers.
Our Council and our members are deeply grateful to Ms. Larissa Watkins, our Librarian, for her dedicated multi-year authorship of this important volume. We are also grateful to Ms. Tamera L. Fannin, our Director of Data Management and Operations, whose precise data work and tireless editing have made this project possible.
Masonic ritual refers to the fact that “the greatest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters” of the Craft of Freemasonry. Prior to the official establishment of our Supreme Council, Freemasons such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere were instrumental in the founding of our country during the Revolutionary War period. It is therefore only natural that future leaders of Congress, including the names of Richardson, Truman, Dole, Nunn, Byrd and many others, can be found in the pages of this excellent manuscript.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is often referred to as the “University of Freemasonry,” owing to our focus on continuing Masonic education. Because humans generally learn from other humans, our governmental leaders are an important source of knowledge and enlightenment. At different times and in different manners, mortal men were called upon to serve their fellow man in public service.
Herein is the story of those who served so that today we can enjoy the fruits of a free society.
Westphalia Press 