A. E. Waite

Arthur Edward Waite (1857–1942) occupies a unique place in the history of Western esotericism. An American-born poet, mystic, and occult scholar who spent nearly his entire life in England, Waite wrote prolifically on the subjects of mysticism, ceremonial magic, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, and alchemy. He was also the co-creator of the Rider–Waite Tarot deck, the single most influential tarot pack of the modern era. R. A. Gilbert, Waite’s biographer, observed that Waite’s importance lies in the fact that he was “the first to attempt a systematic study of the history of Western occultism.” Waite’s career was marked by his constant search for what he called the “Secret Tradition”, a hidden stream of mystical Christianity preserved within the symbols of esoteric societies and texts.

Early and Personal Life

A. E. Waite was born on October 2, 1857, in Brooklyn, New York, to Charles F. Waite, a Captain in the American merchant marines, and Emma Lovell, daughter of a wealthy London merchant involved in the East India trade. Charles and Emma never married, and Waite and his sister Frederika were thus illegitimate. When Charles died at sea, Emma returned to England with her two children, raising them in poverty on the margins of London society. Rejected by her family, Emma converted to Roman Catholicism when Waite was 6 years old, a decision that would shape his religious outlook for the rest of his life.

Waite, unable to receive a formal education, educated himself and became a voracious reader. He spent two terms at St. Charles’ College at 13 years old before leaving formal schooling. Much of his education came through voracious reading, ranging from cheap novels and romances to medieval and mystical texts. In 1874, the death of his sister deeply shook him, weakening his Catholic faith and setting him on a lifelong quest for spiritual consolation. By age 21, he was studying esotericism in the British Museum Library, exploring Spiritualism, Theosophy, and eventually the works of Éliphas Lévi, whose writings ignited Waite’s enduring fascination with the Hermetic and mystical traditions of the West.

In 1888, Waite married Ada Lakeman, whom he affectionately called “Lucasta,” and they had one daughter, Sybil. Between 1900 and 1909, he supported his family as a manager for the Horlicks company. Lucasta’s death in 1924 was a personal blow; in 1933, he remarried Mary Broadbent Schofield, with whom he spent his final years in Kent.

Writer and Scholar

Waite’s literary output was vast. He authored, translated, or edited works on alchemy, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, and ceremonial magic, in addition to devotional poetry and mystical theology. His ‘The Builders’ became a popular Masonic classic, distributed widely in America, and in 1916 he was honored by the Grand Lodge of Iowa with the rank of Past Senior Grand Warden.

His book ‘Devil-Worship in France’ (1896) was particularly influential, as it exposed the notorious Taxil Hoax, which had alleged Masonic involvement in Satanism. Waite’s careful analysis demonstrated the fraudulent nature of the claims and earned him the gratitude of both Masonic and occult leaders like William Wynn Westcott. While non-Masonic reviewers thought Waite had perhaps overstated the case, the work effectively put an end to popular interest in “Masonic Satanism.”

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

Waite joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1891, entering the Second Order in 1899. He was involved with the Order until 1914, save for a break between 1893 and 1896 when he became disenfranchised with the activities of some of his superiors in the order. He founded his own branch, the Independent and Rectified Order of the Golden Dawn, in 1903, but dissolved it in 1914.

Waite’s approach to esotericism emphasized mysticism and Christian spirituality, a contrast to figures like Aleister Crowley and W. B. Yeats who favored ceremonial magic and practical occultism. Crowley, in particular, mocked Waite in print, calling him “Dead Waite” and lampooning him in ‘Moonchild.’ Yet Gilbert and other scholars argue that Crowley’s animosity stemmed from Waite’s insistence that true magic pointed beyond occultism toward mystical union with the divine.

“Crowley’s hostility centred on his awareness that Waite had perceived the true nature of magic and pointed to another way — that of the mystic. Unwilling to accept what he knew inwardly to be true; Crowley turned to verbiage and venom, at the same time belittling himself and ensuring that future generations of occultists should know of Waite and be curious.” 

- R.A. Gilbert

Masonic Career

A.E. Waite was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 19, 1901, in Runymede Lodge No. 2430 at Wraysbury in Buckinghamshire. As a courtesy to Runymede Lodge, Waite was raised as a Master Mason on February 10, 1902, in St. Marylebone Lodge No. 1305 in London. He would serve as Worshipful Master of Runymede Lodge in 1910. He was admitted to the Grade of Zelator in Metropolitan College of the SRIA on April 10, 1902. He would later serve as Exponent of this College in 1913. He was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in Metropolitan Chapter No. 1507 on May 1, 1902. A week later, he was installed as a Knight Templar in King Edward VII Preceptory.

His most treasured initiation came in February 1903, when he traveled to Geneva to receive the Rectified Scottish Rite and the grade of Chevalier Bienfaisant de la Cité Sainte (CBCS). Waite regarded the Rectified Scottish Rite as the purest expression of the mystical Christian “Secret Tradition.”

“The ceremony throughout was read or recited, the rituals not being committed to memory as in English Masonry. The effect was in reality much better, but it is possible that the ritual lends itself especially to this kind of delivery as it was more narrative and exhortatory than are the Craft degrees. I wish in any case to record that as regards both grades the rites could have scarcely been simpler, more impressive or worked with more smoothness and dignity.”

In 1905, he was initiated into Mark Masonry, which he saw as a purer form of Craft Masonry, not the ‘muddled Deism of Anderson's Constitution.’ In 1930, he was still actively promoting the Mark when he became a founder and first Master of Tower Hamlets Mark Lodge No. 892. He was a founding member of Sancta Maria Preceptory of Knights Templar in 1906 and served as Preceptor in 1909 before serving as Registrar from 1910 to 1940. He received the Chevalier-Profès (Professed Knight) and Chevalier-Grand Profès (Grand Professed Knight) by correspondence in 1907; he did not make a second visit to Geneva. He was perfected (initiated) in the Orpheus Chapter Rose Croix No. 79 in 1909, becoming its Sovereign in 1915, and, from 1918 onwards, he was its Recorder.In 1914, Waite resigned from the SRIA after failing in his bid to be elected as Celebrant of Metropolitan College.

After 1920, his association with Craft Masonry faded, although he remained a member of his mother lodge until his death. By this time, he was a member of virtually every rite that was worked in England, and he had played an active role in many of them, including the Holy Royal Arch, the Knights Templar, the Knights of Malta, the Swedenborgian Rite, the Red Cross of Constantine, and the Secret Monitor.

Despite his wide involvement in Masonic bodies, Waite was often critical of mainstream Freemasonry, which he felt had lost its spiritual depth in favor of worldly ceremony and social respectability. By the 1920s, he had largely withdrawn from active Masonic life, though he remained affiliated until his death.

Martinism and Tarot

One of the lesser-known but crucial influences on Waite’s spiritual development was Martinism, the mystical Christian philosophy derived from Louis Claude de Saint-Martin (“the Unknown Philosopher”) and later systematized by Gérard Encausse (“Papus”). Waite encountered Martinism in the late 19th century, shortly after his exposure to Lévi. Whether Waite formally joined Papus’s Martinist Order remains uncertain, but his writings and ritual work demonstrate a deep assimilation of Martinist themes.

At the core of Martinism lies the doctrine of humanity’s fall from divine unity and the possibility of reintegration with God through inner purification and the cultivation of divine wisdom. Waite absorbed this theology and wove it into his broader search for the “Secret Tradition.” His Fellowship of the Rosy Cross reflected Martinist emphases on mystical ascent, Christian esotericism, and the symbolic use of ritual to awaken the soul to divine realities.

Fellowship of the Rosy Cross

In 1914, he resigned from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the SRIA, which coincided with the decline of his Independent & Rectified Rite of the Golden Dawn. He directed all of his energies to the rituals and creation of the Fellowship of the Rosy Cross (FRC), a Christian Order structured in a series of grades that represented a symbolical ascent of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. The Fellowship of the Rosy Cross was founded on July 9, 1915, with the consecration of Salvator Mundi Temple at De Keyser's Hotel on Victoria Embankment, London. Waite’s Order was supposed to be Christian and mystical, rather than pagan and magical, and it synthesized elements from Freemasonry, Kabbalah, alchemy, Martinism, and Tarot in its rituals. Unlike the Golden Dawn, the FRC rejected magical practices in favor of contemplative mysticism and sacramental ritual. For Waite, the FRC represented the culmination of his lifelong quest to reconstruct the “Secret Tradition” as a living spiritual path.

The Tarot

Waite is best known for his involvement with the Rider–Waite Tarot deck, first published in 1910 and illustrated by his fellow member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Pamela Colman Smith. He also authored the deck’s companion volume, ‘The Key to the Tarot’, which was republished in expanded form in 1911 as ‘The Pictorial Key to the Tarot’. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Waite viewed the Tarot as a book of spiritual doctrine. The Rider–Waite deck embodies this vision: its imagery is infused with Christian mysticism, Rosicrucian allegory, and echoes of Martinist philosophy. The Fool’s journey, in Waite’s interpretation, is not merely a tale of chance or fate but a spiritual pilgrimage toward divine union. By fully illustrating all 78 cards (when most decks at the time depicted only the 22 Major Arcana), Waite and Smith introduced narrative and symbolic coherence to the entire Tarot, encouraging its use not simply for divination, but as a meditation on the stages of the soul’s return to God. Although Waite authored dozens of works, it is the Rider–Waite Tarot and its companion volume that secured his enduring fame. The deck revolutionized Tarot practice and has since become the foundation upon which nearly every modern Tarot deck is built, ensuring Waite’s lasting influence on the esoteric tradition.

Death and Legacy

Waite spent his final years in Bishopsbourne, Kent, where he died on May 19, 1942, at the age of 84. He was buried in the local churchyard. While often mocked by contemporaries such as Crowley and even caricatured by H. P. Lovecraft, Waite’s reputation has grown steadily among scholars of esotericism. His insistence on the distinction between occultism and mysticism, his rejection of sensationalism, and his quest for the “Secret Tradition” have left a lasting legacy. As Fort Newton remarked in 1916, Waite “warns us against the dark alleys that lead nowhere, and the false lights that lure to ruin.”

References

1. A.E. Waite. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Waite 

2. Arthur Edward Waite. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Province of Greater London for the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia: https://srialondon.org/arthur-edward-waite/ 

3. Arthur Edward Waite. (n.d.). Retrieved from Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/biography/esoterica/waite_a/waite_a.html 

4. Arthur Edward Waite — The Man Behind the Modern Tarot. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mister Tarot: https://www.mistertarot.com/arthur-edward-waite%E2%80%94designer-of-the-modern-tarot/ 

5. Gilbert, R. A. (1986). The Masonic Career of A. E. Waite. Retrieved from Skirrit: https://skirret.com/papers/waite/masonic_career.html 

6. Higgins, S. (2013, December 11). A. E. Waite and the Occult. Retrieved from The Oddest Inkling: https://theoddestinkling.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/a-e-waite-and-the-occult/ 

7. Steele, E. C. (2015, October 2). Arthur Edward Waite is Born. Retrieved from MasonryToday: https://www.masonrytoday.com/index.php?new_month=10&new_day=2&new_year=2015

2025 Rocky Mountain SRICF Conference

Another Rocky Mountain SRICF Conference has concluded. Idaho College hosted the event this year, and I had the honor of serving as Co-Chairman alongside the Chief Adept. We welcomed Fratres from Idaho, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Alaska, and New Jersey. During the conference, we initiated two Zelatores, two Theorici, three Practici, and five Philosophi. This was followed by two presentations and a wonderful practical exercise led by the Junior Deputy Supreme Magus. We then enjoyed a dinner with excellent food and drink, followed by lively socializing well into the evening. 

I had such an amazing time with all the Fratres. There’s something truly rejuvenating about the Society.

2024 SRICF High Council

Another successful meeting for the High Council of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis has ended. I came into this weekend on the tail end of a work trip to Pennsylvania where I was able to attend a York Rite Unity Banquet in Harrisburg and then a Lodge meeting in Hershey.

Once I made it to Louisville, KY, we toured the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY, and then spent the day catching up with friends and socializing with the Fratres and other guests.

The Opening Procession kicked off late morning on Friday and I had lunch with Fratres from Latin America. While an exemplification of the Grade of Zelator was performed, I prepared with my fellow officers for the Eighth Grade conferral. Friday night, I had the pleasure of serving as the presiding officer for the conferral of the Grade of Magister (VIII) on several worthy Fratres. This is my third time and I am still astonished to have been selected for this honor.

Friday night was filled with brotherhood and socializing. I finally made it to bed around 3am and got a few hours of sleep before the second day of the High Council kicked off. There were so many great presentations given by some learned men. We had the banquet for the Society on Saturday night where the Knight Grand Cross was awarded to the Chief Adept of Kentucky and Chief Adept of Ohio, both of whom have been instrumental in the success of the High Council meetings since it came to Louisville, KY.

Now, I'm on my way home just in time to get ready for my next adventure.

MW SRICF Conference

Today I attended the first Midwest Regional SRICF Conference in Dayton, OH. I flew in Friday night and jumped into the fellowship with some libations and some great philosophical discussions.

Saturday we started around midday with Fratres representing 11 Colleges from all over the United States myself from Idaho, the Chief Adept of New Mexico, and the Chief Adept of Montana. The Junior Deputy Supreme Magus and the Grand Master of Masons in Ohio were also in attendance. We had several excellent presentations:

"Internal Energy Among Different Cultures" by Frater Morosko, VII°

"Rosicrucianism and Christianity" by Frater Simmons, IX°

"Mysticism in 18th Century Russia" by Frater M. Doxsee, VII°

"Not as Above, Not as Below" by Frater Gilbert, VII°

"Spiritual Healing" by Frater P. Vaughan, IX°

James E. Olmstead College (Ohio) then conferred the V° on several worthy Fratres. The officers did an excellent job. The Chief Adept of the Ohio Colleges then hosted an excellent banquet. I am heading to bed early to catch my flight home in the morning, but I loved the hospitality and fellowship exhibited by the Midwest Regional Colleges.

Thurman C. Pace

I'm saddened to learn of the death of Brother Thurman C. Pace, Jr. of New Jersey. He was 99 years old (next week he would have turned 100). While I had only met him a few times, I learned how dedicated he was to Freemasonry.

Thurman was a World War II Veteran who was present when the Dachau Death Camp was liberated. After the end of the war, he returned to the States and earned a Bachelors degree from Auburn University. He retired in 1987 as Financial Executive of the corporation and President of the United States Mutual Liability Insurance Company. In 1950 he married his wife Betty and they had three children: Donna, Arthur, and Susan. They were married for 74 years.

As another Mason said, "Sir Knight Thurman's Masonic record is an enviable one. He's presided over more than 30 Masonic organizations during his life. Again, space does not permit their listing. It would be far easier to list what Thurman hasn't done!"

Thurman was a 33° and former Deputy of New Jersey for the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the USA; Past Commander of the Legion of Honor Preceptory for New Jersey DeMolay; a Most Illustrious Past Grand Chancellor and Knight Grand Cross in the Grand College of Rites; Past Grand Commander and Past Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of New Jersey, Past Department Commander of the Northeastern Department (1982-1985), recipient of the Knight Commander of the Temple, and an Honorary Most Eminent Past Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar USA; a Most Excellent Past Great Chief of the Grand Council of Knight Masons USA; an Honorary Most Venerable Past Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the USA; a Most Illustrious Past Grand Sovereign of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine; the founder and first Grand Preceptor of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor (he served for over 25-years as Grand Preceptor); and a Most Worthy Past Supreme Magus and a Knight Grand Cross of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis where, in 2002, he also chaired the proclamation ceremony for the formation of the Societas Rosicruciana in Lusitania (Portugal) and the investiture of the Supreme Magus for the newly formed High Council.

I'm sure I missed an accomplishment of this truly amazing Mason and his death will be felt around the world of Freemasonry. Requiesce in pace.

Farewell 2023

Another year has come and gone. 2022 had been a fantastic year and I was looking forward to what 2023 had to bring. The year started with work trips to Iowa and South Dakota (you know...the good times to visit the Midwest). In Iowa, I had a chance to visit with my Masonic Brothers.

February brought Masonic Week and it was a busy one. I received the rank of Past Grand Herald from the outgoing Grand Master. I was also elected as Commander-General of the Masonic Order of the Bath for the USA after we initiated 85 candidates into the order. I also received the Knight Commander of Zerubbabel in the Knight Masons.

In April, the annual sessions of the Grand York Rite of Idaho were held. I was elected and installed as Honorable Grand Commander of the Left Wing for Syringa Order No.121 of the Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill, the Master of Templars for Idaho Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, and the Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho.

After attending the Grand York Rite of Montana at the beginning of June, I spent the rest of the month on the road for work. 

In July, I attended the Rocky Mountain SRICF Conference in Las Vegas. Fratres from Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and New Jersey were present. We conferred the four Grades of the First Order to four candidates from Nevada. I then flew from there straight to another work trip.

I attended the 72nd Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International and the 48th Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International in August. It was my final duty as a Deputy General Grand High Priest to attend and turn over my collar and apron to my successor.

At the beginning of September, I attended the 88th Annual Conclave of the Convent General of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor where I watched a good friend installed as the Deputy Grand Master-General. A few weeks later I attended the 156th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Idaho (first time since 2019). September was busy in general because I also attended two meetings for my Lodge, one meeting of my Commandery, and one meeting for the Masonic Order of Athelstan.

In October, I had more work trips, but then attended the first Joint Southwest-Northwest York Rite Conference in Salt Lake City which also included a meeting for the Northwest Province of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon. October ended with me attending the conferral of the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

November was a busy month. I went to Massachusetts for work, but was also able to get in a lot of sightseeing. I then attended the annual meeting of the High Council of the SRICF. I spent Thanksgiving in Hawaii with several members of my family.

In December, I attended the meetings of Tri-Valley College of the York Rite Sovereign College, St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Redemption Tabernacle of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and Salish Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. I spent Christmas with my family and I couldn't have asked for a better day. 

2024 is going to be a big year for me and I look forward to it all.

2023 High Council

Another High Council has come and gone. It was a pleasure to see old friends and make new ones. As is customary, a few of us flew in a day earlier so we could tour a distillery. This year we visited Angel's Envy in downtown Louisville. Thursday evening a group of us had an excellent dinner at the Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse (one of the best places I've ever eaten at).

Friday morning I attended some training in the morning and then it was time for the Opening Processional. I got upstairs and placed myself near the door when I was informed that I was to be introduced as the Commander-General of the Bath. I hadn't registered as a dignitary so this caught me by surprise and I thank the Most Worthy Supreme Magus for honoring me. The various Masonic organizations were well represented including the Grand Master of Hawaii and Prince Hall Grand Master of Hawaii. It was also great to see representation from our sister Societies in England, Scotland, and Portugal present at the meeting. At the business session, the members of the High Council approved the chartering of a College in Manitoba and the formation of a new officer called the Director of Studies. That afternoon we had presentations by the Supreme Magus of Scotland, then by a Past Junior Deputy Supreme Magus (and our new Director of Studies), and a Texas Frater. Friday night, I again had the greatest honor of conferring with two good friends the VIII° of the Society upon several worthy Fratres. After some were elevated to the IX°, I spent most of the night in the hospitality suite hosted by Kentucky and Alabama Colleges.

Saturday morning, the Supreme Magus installed new Chief Adepts to include the new one for Idaho. That role is being filled by my best friend and constant traveling companion Jeremy. The rest of the day was filled with more educational presentations on various esoteric and occult topics. They were excellent, to say the least.

After a fun night in the hospitality suite with friends and Fratres, I am now at the airport awaiting my flight home. Including my trip to Massachusetts, I have not been home in 10 days and I am ready to relax for a few days.

William Wynn Westcott

Born on December 17, 1848, in Leamington, Warwickshire, England, William Wynn Westcott was the only child of Dr. Peter Westcott, but would be raised by his half-uncle (who was also a doctor) after his parents died before William was 10 years old. William was educated and attended University College in London where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine. After his education left London and worked with his half-uncle at his medical practice.

William was involved with his community and served in many capacities and appointments such as Factory Surgeon, Public Vaccinator, Medical Officer of Health, and Quartermaster to a Battalion of Volunteers.

On February 18, 1873, he was married to Elizabeth Burnett. Together they had four children and moved back to London in 1879. From 1879 to 1881, he seemed to have taken a sabbatical where he studied Kabalistic, Hermetic, Alchemical, and Rosicrucian philosophy and teachings.

In 1881, he was appointed Deputy Coroner for Central Middlesex and Central London. In 1894, he was appointed Coroner for Northeast London; he served in this position until 1918. In 1918, he moved to South Africa.

William Wynn Westcott was initiated into Parret and Axe Lodge No. 814 in Crewkerne (England) on October 24, 1871. Little is known about his advancement, but he served as the Lodge's Master in 1877. He was also a member of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, the premier Lodge of Research in the world, and served as its Worshipful Master in 1893. He would also serve as Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in Somerset and be awarded the rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon by the United Grand Lodge of England. 

In Capitular Masonry, he was exalted into the Chapter of Brotherly Love No. 329 on April 30, 1873, and served as the First Principal (equivalent to Excellent High Priest in the United States) in 1889. He would go on to be a Past Grand Standard Bearer of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England.

Unlike the US, Mark Masonry is a separate body in England. Westcott was advanced to Mark Masonry in William de Irwin Lodge No. 162 and served as its Master in 1887. He would serve as the Provincial Grand Senior Warden of the Mark Province of Somerset.

He is said to have joined the Order of the Temple or Knights Templar, but the dates are not known nor what offices he held, if any. This claim is disputed.

He joined the Ancient & Accepted Rite in 1875 and was promoted to the 30° in 1878.

He was a member of Rose and Lily Conclave No. 10 of the Red Cross of Constantine.

He was a member of the Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri where he was instrumental in reviving and reorganizing the order, and served as its Grand Master and its senior Knight Grand Cross.

He was admitted to the Swedenborg Rite in 1876 where he served as Worshipful Master of Emanuel Lodge No. 1 and Junior Warden of Hermes Lodge No. 8 in 1886, District Senior Grand Warden and Supreme Grand Senior Deacon in 1877, Worshipful Master of Pythagorean Lodge of Instruction in 1887, and Supreme Grand Junior Warden and Supreme Grand Secretary in 1891.

Westcott joined the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA) on April 15, 1880, at Metropolitan College. He was admitted to the Grades of the Second Order on December 12, 1881. In 1883 he served as Secretary General of the Society. In 1889, he served as Celebrant of Metropolitan College, and in 1891 he was enthroned as Most Worthy Supreme Magus of the SRIA.

Westcott was targeted by anti-Masons of the age. In 1896, he was listed as the “Chief of English Luciferians” in a French anti-Mason publication called “Mémoires d'une Ex-Palladiste”. This was supposedly written by Ms. Diana Vaughan which of course was a pseudonym used by the hoaxer Leo Taxil.

Westcott was also a member of several non-Masonic esoteric societies like the Hermetic Society and Theosophical Society. The latter organization he advanced to the “inner circle.” But it was with another group that Westcott is highly remembered, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

In 1887 Westcott acquired a ciphered manuscript that proved to be a series of initiatory rituals. In working with his fellow Rosicrucian Frater, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers worked the rituals into a workable form. He, Mathers, and Dr. William Robert Woodman (the then Supreme Magus of the SRIA) established the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in February 1888.

Being a public official (the Coroner), he was pressured into retiring from his public life as a member of the Golden Dawn and stepped down from his officer roles. There also seems to have been an internal dispute between him and Mathers who accused Westcott of being a forger and liar. Some speculate that it was Mathers who had informed Westcott's superiors of his involvement in the Golden Dawn to force him out of power. Mathers accuses Westcott of fabricating the documents authenticating the origins of the Golden Dawn. 

William Westcott died of Brights Disease (a kidney disease) on July 30, 1925, in Durban, South Africa. He was predeceased by his wife in 1921, both of his sons (1906 and 1907), and both of his daughters (1918 and 1924). While some of his life may be left in controversy, he was clearly a revered and respected Mason in his time and left a legacy with the Golden Dawn as well. While unknown to most Masons in the US, he was a contemporary of men like AE Waite, John Yarker, Theodore Reuss, and Albert Pike.

References

1. Dr. William Wynn Westcott. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: https://hermeticgoldendawn.org/biography-dr-william-wynn-westcott/ 

2. Gilbert, R. A. (1987, February 19). William Wynn Westcott and the Esoteric School of Masonic Research. Retrieved from ARS QUATUOR CORONATORUM: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/aqc/westcott/westcott.html 

3. Parsell, H. V. (n.d.). Dr. William Wynn Westcott: An Appreciation. Retrieved from Societas Rosicruciana in America: https://sria.org/dr-william-wynn-westcott-an-appreciation/ 

4. Westcott, William Wynn. (n.d.). Retrieved from Occult World: https://occult-world.com/westcott-william-wynn/ 

5. William Wynn Westcott. (2016, August 14). Retrieved from Geni: https://www.geni.com/people/William-Westcott/6000000009428109687 

6. William Wynn Westcott and the Esoteric School of Masonic Research: Appendix A. (n.d.). Retrieved from MasterMason: http://www.mastermason.com/luxocculta/appendix4.htm

Rocky Mountain SRICF Conference

Last weekend I attended the 2023 Rocky Mountain SRICF Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Normally, the SRICF College of that State would host the conference, but there is no College currently in Nevada so a few of us came together to plan and coordinate putting on this conference.

Friday night, a few of us had dinner and talked until the restaurant had to kick us out so the custodial staff could clean the place. Saturday afternoon, once the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference was concluded, the SRICF Conference started with a practicum performed by Frater Jaime Lamb from Arizona College. After him, Frater Piers Vaughan, Junior Deputy Supreme Magus of the SRICF, gave a presentation on the Kabballah. The Fraters and some guests went and had dinner.

Sunday morning, Frater Piers opened Supreme Magus College and we conferred all four Grades of the First Order upon several worthy candidates from Nevada. We've laid the foundation for establishing Rosicrucianism permanently in Nevada and getting an SRICF College chartered. Now, I’ve flown across half the country and onto another work trip.

Presiding Over the Red Cross

Today was a great day in Masonry. We held a meeting of Idaho College of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, Star Garnet Council No. 560 of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Idaho Priory No. 13 of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor, and St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine.

We initiated one Zelator (I°) and two Theorici (II°) at Idaho College. I am so thankful for the officers that I serve with.

We initiated two new members in Star Garnet Council and exemplified the Master of Tyre degree. Our Sovereign Master was also elected to receive the Knight Commander of the Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri.

We had a quick business meeting for Idaho Priory and made some nominations that will be initiated at our annual meeting.

I had the pleasure of presiding over a joint meeting of St. Michael Conclave and St. Charles Conclave along with their Puissant Sovereign. We also had the Intendant General of Idaho and a Past Grand Sovereign in attendance. After the meeting, we had an excellent dinner overlooking the Snake River. Now, it’s time for bed before the long drive home in the morning.

What a Year!

While I've seen a few memes saying that 2022 sucked, this year was great for me. I did start it off still recovering from a partially torn ligament, but I was on the mend and the year kicked off with work trips to Wyoming, Alaska, and Oregon. During the Wyoming trip, this site crashed and it took weeks to get it back up. I came really close to shutting it all down for good.

With February came Masonic Week where, among other meetings, I received the Fourth Grade (Councillor) of the Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord. The rest of the month I spent in California for work.

I attended the Grand York Rite of Alaska during the first weekend of March. The next weekend was the Special Conclave for the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar in Indiana where Sir Knight Michael Johnson was removed as Grand Master. While what was done was necessary, I still consider this one of the lowest points of my Masonic career.

April, May, and June were filled with work trips as well as attending the Grand York Rite of Oregon, Grand York Rite of Idaho, Grand York Rite of Washington, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Saskatchewan, Grand York Rite of Montana, and the College of Montana, SRICF.

After working most of the month of July in Louisiana and California, I took the last weekend off and attended the SE SRICF Regional Conference in Birmingham, AL.

The last two weekends of August were filled with York Rite appendant bodies in Idaho and the Convent General of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor in Salt Lake City.

I attended the Grand York Rite of Colorado and the Grand York Rite of Wyoming in the first half of September. Wyoming was a bit tense as the Grand Master that was removed back in March is from Wyoming and was present at the Grand Commandery of Wyoming, as was his right.

With October came the annual Northwest York Rite Conference in Boise where I presided over the Chapter portion. I'd like to thank Chad Burks, General Grand Scribe for his assistance and educational presentation.

I along with three other Fratres flew out to Kentucky to attend the annual meeting of the High Council of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis where I presided over the conferral of the VIII° (or Magister) on several worthy candidates on Friday, presented a paper on the Mithraic Mysteries on Saturday, and was appointed Guardian of the Caverns for the 2022-2025 Triennium. Following this meeting, I spent the night in Manhattan before flying out to Israel where I spent 9-days touring the Holy Land.

On the first Friday in December, I was asked to give the Staircase Lecture in the Fellow Craft degree. I did pretty well considering that I had not given it in 14 years. The next day was the first weekend in December which brought the meetings of Tri-Valley College No.178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, Redemption Tabernacle No.XL of the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priest where I was appointed V Pillar, and St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine where I was elected Puissant Sovereign.

I spent 211 days on the road, 5,694 miles driven (not counting drives into work or around town), and 78,426 SkyMiles flown.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Years' Eve and New Years' Day! I'll be spending the evening with some old Army buddies who always throw a New Years' Eve Party.

My Top Posts from 2022

The Rite of Baldwyn: https://www.travelingtemplar.com/2022/06/the-rite-of-baldwyn.html

Templar Titles and Terms: https://www.travelingtemplar.com/2022/05/templar-titles-and-terms.html

Temple Church: https://www.travelingtemplar.com/2022/07/temple-church.html

What is Monasticism? https://www.travelingtemplar.com/2022/02/what-is-monasticism.html

2022 SRICF High Council

This week was one for the books. A few of us flew in on Wednesday and spent Thursday touring the Makers Mark distillery. It is in the middle of nowhere, but it is a beautiful campus. 

Friday morning started with the opening procession of the High Council by Most Worthy Frater Jeffrey Nelson, IX°, KGC. There were several distinguished guests introduced from other Masonic appendant bodies and from other Rosicrucian High Councils from around the world.

After lunch, Right Worthy Frater Piers Vaughn, IX°, KGC, of New Jersey College, gave a presentation called "In Measure, and Number, and Weight." Next, Worthy Frater Matthew McColm, IV°, of California College, gave a presentation called "An In-Depth Look at Astral Projection - Myth or Science?" Then Right Worthy Frater Myron Deputat, VIII°, of New York College led a Practicum Exercise called "The Use of Sound and Light in Meditation." Once the business of the day was concluded, several of us hung out at the Hospitality Suites hosted by Kentucky College; Alabama and Gulf Coast Colleges; and Arizona, Illinois, and Prairie Land Colleges.

Friday night the VIII° and IX° were conferred on those chosen for these honorable distinctions. I had the pleasure of serving as the Celebrant for the VIII° conferral team. I don't have to tell you that I was nervous, but I think it went off without a hitch. I want to thank the Most Worthy Supreme Magus for appointing me to this position and the Frater who gave him my name. I also want to thank Right Worthy Frater Jack Harper, IX°, Chief Adept of Texas and Director of Ceremonies for the High Council, and Right Worthy Frater Jim McGee, IX°, Chief Adept of Alabama and Conductor of Novices for the High Council, who also served on the conferral team. I also need to thank Patrick “Sully” O’Sullivan, VIII°, Planning Director - Logistics who assisted in organizing the candidates before and during the conferral.

Once the grades were conferred, the election of High Council officers was held:

Supreme Magus: Jeffrey N Nelson, IX°, KGC

Senior Deputy Supreme Magus: D. Craig McFarland, IX°, KGC

Junior Deputy Supreme Magus: W. Bruce Renner, IX°, KGC - Piers Vaughn

Treasurer General: Ara Maloyan, IX°, KGC

Secretary General: Gary E Brinley, IX°, KGC

Saturday morning started with some quick business, After his allocution, the Most Worthy Supreme Magus installed several new Chief Adepts. The High Council also approved several new Colleges

A break was held to transition to more presentations. Right Worthy Frater Thomas D. Worrel, VIII, of Golden State College, gave a presentation called "The Noble Knights of the Golden Cord: A Lost American Rite of Esoteric Freemasonry." Very Worthy Frater Tim Brinkmeyer, VII°, of Indiana College, gave a presentation called "A Narrative of the Royal Arch: Its Important Connection in ancient and modern Craft Masonry." 

After lunch, I had the pleasure of being the presenter. I gave my presentation "The Mysteries of Mithras". I thought it was well received and had a great Q&A following my presentation. Following me was Worthy Frater Thomas Harper, IV°, of Kentucky College who gave a presentation called "Portal: An Ophthmalmologist's Esoteric Perspective on the Eye."

The meeting ended with announcements and remarks from the visiting Supreme Magi. The night was filled with the Gala Banquet and socializing in the hospitality suites. Now I'm on a plane to NY so I can catch my flight to my next adventure. Stay tuned.

SE SRICF Conference

June and July kept me so busy that it was nice to get away for the weekend. On Friday, I flew into Atlanta and then drove to Birmingham, AL, where the two Colleges in Alabama hosted the first Southeast SRICF Conference.

Friday night was a presentation by George Ladd and Joe Kindall, both of Tennessee College, who shared their knowledge and insights about planning, research, and constructing research papers.

At the opening of the College on Saturday, I counted 75 Fratres present including 8 Chief Adepts, 5 High Council officers (some of which are also Chief Adepts), and the Most Worthy Supreme Magus. We had attendees from Arkansas College, Tennessee College, Mississippi College, Alabama College, Gulf Coast College, Georgia College, South Georgia College, South Carolina College, Florida College, Texas College, Prairie Land College (Illinois), Montana College, North Dakota College, and Idaho College.

After some introductions of the more distinguished Fratres, Gulf Coast College conferred the Grade of Philosophus (IV°) and Tennessee College conferred the Grade of Practicus (III°).

During Lunch, Worthy Frater W. John Simmons, IV° of Tennessee College, gave a presentation called "Grain, Wine and Oil: The Wages of a Mason?"

In the afternoon, Georgia and South Georgia Colleges conferred the Grade of Theoricus (II°), and South Carolina College conferred the Grade of Zelator (I°). Then Very Worthy Frater Robert Elsner, VII° of Gulf Coast College, gave a presentation called "Truth, Light, and the Lectures."

Before the closing, the Chief Adepts of the attending Colleges gave their remarks then Right Worthy Frater Jim McGee, IX°, Chief Adept of Alabama, gave some remarks before turning over the mic to Most Worthy Frater Jeff Nelson, IX° KGC, Supreme Magus of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis who complimented the excellent ritual work and then discussed the schedule of the High Council meeting in November.

The Celebrant of Gulf Coast College then closed the College and we adjourned to the dining room for a delicious meal.

I'd like to thank Frater McGee for inviting me to this conference back in March at Fort Wayne. I had a great time and it was nice to be able to sit on the sidelines and just enjoy the ritual work.

From R-L: Me, Supreme Magus of the High Council SRICF, Sixth Ancient of the High Council SRICF, Director of Ceremonies of the High Council SRICF, and Conductor of Novices of the High Council SRICF

Happy St. John's Day

Happy St. John the Baptist's Day to all!

The Rite of Baldwyn

Outside of the Blue Lodge, the family of concordant and appendant bodies is a complex system of degrees, orders, grades, and rites. This is especially true with the American York Rite and the organizations that stem or are affiliated with it which seems to be a never-ending rabbit hole to explore. It is even more complex when you start exploring the difference between American Masonry and those corresponding degrees and orders in England. Whether the Scottish Rite, the Royal Arch, or the Knights Templar, there are noticeable differences between the two nations. In studying these differences and researching early Templary in England, I came across an unusual rite located in Bristol called the Rite of Baldwyn (also known as the Baldwyn Encampment or Camp of Baldwyn) which claims to exist from “time immemorial.” This expression is important to its future relationship with governing bodies of Templary, the Royal Arch, and the Scottish Rite (known as the Ancient & Accepted Rite in England).

 The Rite, or Camp, of Baldwyn, takes its name from the early Crusader kings of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. After the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099, the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem was established, and Godfrey de Bouillon became the first king (though he used the title of “Defender of the Holy Sepulchre” rather than that of "king"). After his death the following year, the crown was passed to his brother, Baldwyn. After his death in 1118, the mantle of the king was placed on a cousin, also named Baldwyn, and it was Baldwyn II who played an important role in the formation of the Knights Templar and their residence in the Stables of Solomon.

The Baldwyn Rite is an amalgamation of usually separate Masonic bodies and degrees including the Rose Croix, Knights Templar, and Holy Royal Arch. It is described as being 7 degrees, but really, these degrees could also be described as a body of its own as you will see. The I° is Craft Masonry, composed of the degrees of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The II° is the Holy Royal Arch. The III° to the VII° is referred to as the Camp of Baldwyn. The III° is the Knights of the Nine Elected Master. The IV° is the Ancient Order of Scots Knights Grand Architect which is composed of the Order of Scots Knights Grand Architect and the Order of Scots Knights of Kilwinning. The V° is the Knights of the East, the Sword, and Eagle. The VI° is the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta which is composed of the two orders of Knights of St John of Jerusalem and Knights Templar. The VII° and final is the Knights of the Rose Croix of Mount Carmel. They operate out of Freemason’s Hall in Bristol and it is by invitation only. It is curious to note that Bristol is the only city that is itself a Province within Freemasonry.

Like much of early Freemasonry, it is difficult to study the Baldwyn Rite as there is little documentation that properly traces their lineage. The earliest reference to the Baldwyn Encampment is in January 1772 when a reference to a meeting of Knights Templar at the Rose and Crown Inn in Bristol is recorded in Felix Farley's Bristol Journal. From such a casual mention of the Knights Templar, it seems that this wasn’t anything new or that the readers of this publication were already familiar with the meetings of that group. One theory is that the records were burned during the Stuart Rebellion (1745-1746).

The most well-known document associated with the Baldwyn Encampment is the 1780 Charter of Compact that was established when this Templar group constituted themselves as the “Supreme Grand and Royal Encampment of Knights Templar of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitallers, and Knights of Malta etc.” From my research, many believe there was an earlier document that established this Camp and others like Camp of Antiquity in Bath (as well as in London, York, and Salisbury), but none has ever been found or brought to public knowledge. Some legends state this Templar rite stems from the medieval Templars who had a large presence in Bristol:

“A tradition exists that the Baldwyn Encampment is the lineal successor of an institution founded in Bristol by the warrior monks whose Order there dwells in name, though its glory has passed away.”

The 1780 Charter contains 20 articles that provide for the officers, dress and regalia, petitioning and balloting procedures, fees and dues, and other administrative details. In this Charter, it names the following officers:

Most Eminent Grand Master

Grand Master of the Order

Grand Master Assistant General

Standard Bearers

Until 1791 there was no governing body over Templary in England. In January of that year, a Grand Conclave, now called Great Priory, was formed that took the official name of "Grand Conclave of the Royal, Exalted, Religious and Military Order of H.R.D.M., Grand Elected Masonic Knights Templar K.D.S.H. of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, etc." This formal name would be amended down the road when the Ancient & Accepted Rite was established. The presiding officer on this body was called “Grand Master” and the Sir Knights selected Thomas Dunckerley to be their first. Some sources state that Bristol was on board with the formation of a national governing body, although later actions seem to contradict this, but some state that when Dunckerley presided, he did not interfere with the ritual and operations of an individual Encampment and it wasn’t until later Grand Masters that the relationship between the Baldwyn Encampment and the Grand Conclave degraded. Within a short period of time, Dunckerley constituted 10 new Conclaves. Thomas Dunckerley is a topic of discussion of its own as he accomplished a great deal for and in Freemasonry.

After the death of Dunckerley in 1795, relations between the Grand Conclave and the Camp of Baldwyn were kept. In 1809 the Charter of Constitution was established, but the Camp of Baldwyn asserted that the Grand Conclave must acknowledge the rights and privileges of Baldwyn, and should any derivation from the customs and usages occur, the Camp of Baldwyn would break away and resume their independence. In the 1820s, during the reign of Prince Augustus Frederick, the Duke of Sussex, the Grand Conclave slipped into a state of dormancy while the Baldwyn Encampment was said to have prospered during the same period of time.

Attempts were made in 1819 to form a Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite in England, but it wouldn’t be until the 1840s that this would be accomplished. By 1847, Robert Crucefix, Master of Ceremonies for the Grand Conclave of Knights Templar, was instrumental in establishing a Scottish Rite Supreme Council in England, and by this time an effort was being made to sever the Rose Crucis and Kadosh degrees from the Templar Encampments. With the exception of the Encampments of Bath and Baldwyn, the effort was accomplished. In fact, Baldwyn criticized the Grand Conclave for giving up their “birthright for a mess of pottage.”

In 1856, reconciliation between the Grand Conclave and the Camp of Baldwyn was tried, but failed due to the “unmasonic and presumptuous conduct of some members of the Grand Conclave.” The Encampments of Baldwyn and Antiquity (Bath) both declared their independence and that they would live in accordance with the 1780 Charter of Compact. Baldwyn Encampment would go on to issue warrants and establish encampments in Birmingham, Warwick, Salisbury, Highbridge, and Adelaide (South Australia). The South Australian Preceptory is still the only other Preceptory outside of the Baldwyn Encampment that is authorized to work the Baldwyn rituals.

In 1862, a reconciliation was finally reached between the Grand Conclave and Baldwyn Encampment where the former agreed to recognize and give precedence to Baldwyn, making it its own Provincial body and allowing them to practice the degrees they have had since time immemorial. In 1881, an agreement was reached between the Supreme Council of the Ancient & Accepted Rite of England and the Baldwyn Encampment concerning the Rose Croix degree where the latter was recognized preceding the Supreme Council and was allowed to continue its own conferrals.

As mentioned above, the Baldwyn Rite is composed as follows:

Iº - Craft Freemasonry:

Entered Apprentice

Fellowcraft

Master Mason

IIº − Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch

Camp of Baldwyn (or Five Royal Order of Knighthood)

IIIº - Knights of the Nine Elected Masters

IVº - The Ancient Order of Scots Knights Grand Architect

Order of Scots Knights Grand Architect

Order of Scots Knights of Kilwinning

Vº - Knights of the East, the Sword, and Eagle

VIº - Knights of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta

Knights of St John of Jerusalem (or Knights of Malta)

Knights Templar

VIIº - Knights of the Rose Croix of Mount Carmel

The three degrees of Craft Masonry compose the first degree or body of the Baldwyn Rite and are worked by the United Grand Lodge of England. The Royal Arch degree, the IIº, worked in the Baldwyn Encampment is unique in England and has rituals closer to those found in the US or in Continental Europe. The IIIº, IVº, and Vº are said to be unique to the Baldwyn Rite, but their names remind me of degrees worked in the Scottish Rite and Allied Masonic Degrees. The VIº is composed of the Knights of Malta and the Knights Templar is conferred by the Baldwyn Encampment which falls under the authority of the Great Priory of England and Wales. The final degree of the Baldwyn Rite is the Knight of the Rose Croix of Mount Carmel which is worked in the Bristol Chapter of Rose Croix under the authority of the Supreme Council of the Ancient & Accepted Rite of England and Wales. It is curious to note that if a candidate of the Baldwyn Rite already has gone through the Templar, Malta, and Rose Croix degrees elsewhere, he is considered a full member of the Rite. The rituals of the Baldwyn Rite, particularly the orders of knighthood, are not copied and are jealously guarded.

The 1780 Charter of Compact set out the original hierarchy of the Baldwyn Rite, as mentioned earlier. Today, this Rite is overseen by a Grand Superintendent who is also, by virtue of his office, the Provincial Prior of Knights Templar in Bristol, Inspector General for the District of Bristol of the Ancient & Accepted Rite in Bristol

The regalia worn in the Iº, IIº, and VIº is generally the same as worn by their contemporaries in Craft Masonry, Capitular Masonry, and Knights Templar in England. The regalia worn in the IIIº, IVº, Vº, and VIIº is a breast jewel and apron (only for the VIIº) unique to the Baldwyn Rite. The jewel is a silver Maltese cross hanging from a black ribbon and the apron is adorned with a Pelican which used to be used in the Ancient & Accepted Rite of England and Wales, but is no longer used.

References

1. Baldwyn II. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Ashlar Company - Masonic Shop: https://masonicshop.com/encyclopedia/topics/entry/?i=5006

2. Bennett, J. R. (1907). The Origin of Freemasonry and Knights Templar. Cincinnati: Johnson & Hardin.

3. De Hoyos, A. (2014). Masonic Rites and Systems. In H. Bogdan, & J. A. Snoek, Handbook of Freemasonry (pp. 355-377).

4. History of the Order. (n.d.). Retrieved from Province of Somerset: http://somersetkt.org.uk/history.html 

5. Lindez, D. S. (2009, August 22). The Baldwyn Rite of Bristol, England: A Cohesive Remnant of Pre-1813 Freemasonry. Retrieved from Knights Templar: https://www.knightstemplar.org/KnightTemplar/articles/20090822.htm 

6. Mackey, A. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. 

7. Price, B. W. (2021). In The Steps Of The Templars. Lewis Masonic. 

8. Rite of Baldwyn. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite_of_Baldwyn 

9. Shetty, T. (2018, January 6). Rite of Baldwyn. Retrieved from Alchetron: https://alchetron.com/Rite-of-Baldwyn 

10. The Baldwyn Schism. (1862, June 7). Retrieved from Freemasons Magazine and Masonic Mirror: https://masonicperiodicals.org/periodicals/mmr/issues/mmr_07061862/page/9/ 

11. Vrooman, J. B. (1968, September). More About Baldwyn Encampment. Retrieved from Knights Templar magazine: https://www.knightstemplar.org/KnightTemplar/Magazine/1968/09.pdf

Grand York Rite of Montana and SRICF

This past Wednesday the wife of the Northwest Department Commander picked me up and took me to their house so I could leave my car back home. Thursday, the three of us drove all day to Montana. We had to take a detour to Missoula to pick up the Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Encampment and then it was onto Great Falls, MT.

Friday morning started with the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Montana where I represented the Most Excellent General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International. In the afternoon, the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Montana met. Friday night was the Grand York Rite Banquet where I had the pleasure of presenting several awards along with my predecessor Deputy General Grand High Priest. After the dinner, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Montana held a special ceremony for all Sir Knights present, called the "Passing the Cup" which was a ceremony that was about renewing the Vows of Knighthood.

Saturday morning brought the annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Montana. In the afternoon, the Montana College, SRICF, conferred the Grades of the Second Order (V° - VII°) on some of the Montana officers followed by the II° (Theoricus). The Chief Adept of Montana allowed me to confer the V° (Adeptus Minor) and VI° (Adeptus Major) while I assisted with the VII° (Adeptus Exemptus). After conferring Adeptship, we opened the College on the II° (Theoricus) and conferred that grade. Saturday night, Montana College held a dinner for members and candidates that would receive the Grade of Zelator (I°) on Sunday morning. The College did a great job conferring the Grades and I thank them for their hospitality.

Now, I'm at the Great Falls airport picking up a rental car, and I will be on my way to two back-to-back work trips in two different states.

An Update

It's been a busy first half of the year and I know most of my posts lately have been about my travels as Deputy General Grand High Priest, but I promise that some educational articles are on their way. I'm currently working on the following articles:

• Officers of a Tabernacle of the HRAKTP
• The Rite of Baldwyn
• Timeline of the Templars - Part II
• The Rule of the Knights Templar
• Temple Church
• Introduction to Gnosticism
• The Rosicrucian Manifestos - Part II

I'm hoping to get some of them out this month.

I've even written some more of my book, The American Rite.

End of the Year

2021 was a busy year. Between Freemasonry and work, I spent 172 nights in a hotel and flew over 55,000 miles in a plane. January kicked off with two separate work trips to Hawaii (I know, rough).

In February, Masonic Week was virtual and I presided over a quick meeting of the officers of the High Council of the Masonic Order of the Bath of the USA where we decided to keep the officers the same for the ensuing year. March was taken up with work.

With April came the Grand York Rite of Idaho which was the first York Rite jurisdiction in the Northwest region to meet in person. I presided over the Order of the Silver Trowel, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, and Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Idaho. I was also awarded the Order of the Secret Vault and Ephraim A. Kirby Awards. 

At the end of April, Idaho College SRICF and Star Garnet Council No.560 of the AMD were able to meet for the first time since the quarantine restrictions came down. The next weekend, my College's Secretary and I went to Wyoming for their SRICF College and York Rite College meetings.

My time in May and June was taken up with work trips. July took me to Alaska (it was weird having so much daylight). The next week I went to Phoenix to attend the Southwest Regional Red Cross of Constantine where I receive the College of Viceroys degree and the Southwest SRICF Conference hosted by Arizona College.

August took me to Minneapolis to attend the 68th Triennial of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA. I was surprised to be asked to serve as Chairman of the Special Committee on Communications.

The first half of September was taken up with attending the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Colorado and the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Wyoming. Except for Idaho, all of the other Grand Chapters in the Northwest had not met in person so much of my job as Deputy General Grand High Priest of the Northwest had been attending virtual meetings. That month I was also appointed as Assistant Alumni Adviser for the Kappa Rho Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In October I presided over a portion of the Northwest York Rite Conference in Boise, ID. Two weeks later, I drove nearly 8-hours to attend the Northwest York Rite Festival in Wenatchee, WA.

With November came the 2021 Annual Meeting of the High Council of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis in Louisville, KY. The next weekend was the conferral of the Chivalric Orders that the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho in Boise, ID.

In December I was appointed IV Pillar of Redemption Tabernacle No.XL of the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests and elected Eminent Viceroy of St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine.

I'm looking forward to this next year and it is going to be even busier than 2021!

God bless all of you and have a Happy New Year.