Scottish Rite
The men of Scottish Rite Freemasonry are select, worthy, and deeply bound by our Core Values: Integrity, Justice, Service to Humanity, Tolerance, Devotion to Country, and Reverence for God.
In 32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry, a Master Mason builds upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the first three degrees of Blue Lodge. A Scottish Rite Mason seeks to delve deeply into the tenets of the Symbolic Lodge in order to continue the journey to more light and greater wisdom and self-improvement.
Our Core Values
Reverence for God
Devotion to Country
Integrity
Justice
Tolerance
Service to Humanity
The Scottish Rite Experience
Inspirational, convenient, and enjoyable for our members and their families, 32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry, through its 29 degrees, expands upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, exploring Masonic teachings more deeply. We challenge men by advancing the philosophy of Freemasonry and providing an environment of personal and spiritual growth throughout their journey.
Our Vision
"We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members."
Our Mission
The Scottish Rite enhances a Freemason's journey towards wisdom and enlightenment.
Our Organization
32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry builds on the ethical teachings of the first three degrees offered in the Blue lodge. The 29 Scottish Rite degrees delve deeply into the tenets and philosophy of the Craft. Through the study of additional degrees, like-minded, worthy men share their passion and commitment to Masonry while connecting to something bigger.
Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies. Each body confers a set of degrees. In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the bodies are:
Lodge of Perfection 4°–14°
The Lodge of Perfection is where a Scottish Rite Mason’s journey begins. This body confers the 4th through the 14th degrees. These degrees investigate and contemplate spirituality and amplify the Hiramic Legend and lessons from the Biblical era.
Council of Princes of Jerusalem 15°–16°
The Council of Princes of Jerusalem confers the 15th and 16th degrees, known as the historical degrees. These two degrees explore the conflicts and politics in the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon.
Chapter of Rose Croix 17°–18°
The Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 17th and 18th degrees, known as the philosophical degrees. These degrees make use of Christian symbols and historical settings, but their spiritual message is universal for all Masons, who are united in the belief of a Supreme Being.
Consistory 19°-32°
The Consistory is responsible for conferring the 19th through the 32nd degrees. These degrees demonstrate the challenges of social and moral conflicts, drawing on lessons from the age of chivalry through modern day.
Our 33rd Degree, Sovereign Grand Inspector General
The Supreme Council confers the 33° of Sovereign Grand Inspector General upon members of the Scottish Rite in recognition of outstanding service to the Scottish Rite, Freemasonry, or society. The 33rd degree is a title of honor and distinction. Master Masons in good standing may pass through the degrees, from Entered Apprentice, through the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite, as well as the degrees of the other esteemed appendant bodies. The 33rd degree is an honor that can only be bestowed upon a Scottish Rite Mason; members cannot campaign to receive it.
https://scottishritenmj.org/about
The Southwest Region (formerly the Valley of Grand Rapids) of the Valley of Michigan -Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite NMJ is the preeminent appendant body of Freemasonry in Grand Rapids, Michigan, based on membership and geographical service area. Commonly referred to as the "University of Freemasonry", the Southwest Region Scottish Rite calls this Masonic Temple its home and meets twice a year, in May and October for its reunions, to confer these degrees in a grand manner.
Past History of the Valley of Grand Rapids:
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
Moriah Lodge of Perfection, P. and S. M. Organized April 23, 1868. P.T.G.M., E. D. Benedict; H.T.D.G.M., P. V. Fox; G.K. of S. and A., Charles T. Hills. Officers for 1906 were W. R. Andrus, P.T.G.M.; S. Eugene Osgood, Deputy: Charles S. Coburn, S.W.; R. R. Hayslett, J. W. This is now called Lighthouse Lodge of Perfection 4°–14°.
Cyrus Council Princes of Jerusalem. Organized April 24, 1868. First officers: M.E. S.P.G.M., J. W. Champlin; V.G.S.K. of S. and A., George Voorhis. Officers for 1906 are as follows: M.E.S.P.G.M., L. B. Weinsor; Deputy, Mark Morris; S.W., J. H. Thompson; J.W., H. S. Hoebeck. This is now called Lake Superior Princes of Jerusalem 15°–16°.
Robinson Chapter of Rose Croix de H-R-D-M. Organized at Kalamazoo under charter dated December 10, 1866. Reorganized at Grand Rapids, August 15, 1878. Officers: M.W. and P.M., W. P. Innes; R. and P.K. Treasurer, J. Barth; R. and P.K. Secretary, Richard D. Swartout. Officers for 1906 were: M.W. and P.M., E. S. Rankin; S.W., James Fraser; J.W., Isaac Goldberk. This is now called Great Lakes Chapter of Rose Croix 17°–18°
DeWitt Clinton Consistory S. P. R. S. 32 Degree. Organized at Kalamazoo. Date of charter, December 1, 1866. First officers: Commander-in-Chief, Charles H. Brown; Grand Minister of State and Grand Orator, Foster Pratt; Grand Chancellor, Colly A. Foster; Grand Secretary and Keeper of Seals and Archives, James W. Hopkins; Grand Treasurer, George G. Gale; Grand Engineer and Architect, John B. Robinson. August 15, 1878, the charter having been burned, they reorganized at Grand Rapids. The date of the charter is September 19, 1878. The officers in 1906 were the following: I.C.C., John H. P. Hughart; 1st Lieutenant I.C.C., John Rowson; 2nd Lieutenant I.C.C., Clarence W. Sessions; Secretary, R. D. Swartout. This is now called Michigan Sovereign Consistory 19°-32°.
From the Southwest Region of the Valley of Michigan, Ill. Walter F. Wheeler, 33° was Named in 2023 as the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
Commander Wheeler began his journey as a member of Grand Rapids Chapter, Order of DeMolay in 1970. He served as Master Councilor in 1973 and District Master Councilor of District #4 in 1974. He is a holder of the degree of Chevalier, as well as the DeMolay Legion of Honor. In 2012 he was inducted into the Michigan DeMolay Hall of Fame. He is an Active member of the DeMolay International Supreme Council. He is also a recipient of the Grand Cross of Honor from International Order of Rainbow for Girls and the Grand Triangle of Honor from Job’s Daughters International.
Commander Wheeler was raised a Master Mason in Grand River Lodge #34 (now Grand Rapids Lodge #34) in 1977 and served as Worshipful Master in 1985. He served the Grand Lodge of Michigan as Grand Master from 2006-2007 and Grand Treasurer from 2007-2010. He holds Honorary Membership in 25 Michigan Lodges. He is an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Commander Wheeler served as the Executive Director/CEO for the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation from 2009-2020.
He has been a Scottish Rite Mason since 1980 and is a member of the Valley of Michigan. He was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary member of the Supreme Council in 1997 in Grand Rapids. He served as Sovereign Prince of Cyrus Council Princes of Jerusalem in 1994-95, Commander-In-Chief of DeWitt Clinton Consistory in 2001-2002 and in 2009, was Thrice Potent Master in Moriah Lodge of Perfection.
He twice served as President of the Board of Trustees of the Valley of Grand Rapids, and from 2011-2020, he served on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Learning Centers. He is a Past President of the Grand Rapids Scottish Rite Club, and a holder of the Valley’s Thespian Award for distinguished service in the degree work of the Valley.
Commander Wheeler was made an Active Member of the Supreme Council in Boston in 2009.
Commander Wheeler is a member of all York Rite bodies and is a holder of the Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH). He is a Past Puissant Sovereign or St. Vincent’s Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, and a Past Sovereign Master of Mt. Moriah Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees. He is also a member of the York Rite Sovereign College, Shriners International, Eastern Star, High Twelve International, the Rosicrucian’s, and the Grotto (M.O.V.P.E.R.)
During his professional career, Commander Wheeler was a partner in several businesses in Michigan, including 2 bowling centers, 2 restaurants/lounges, a real estate holding company, a trucking company, and a marketing company.
He met his wife, Vickie, at a DeMolay Installation in 1972. At the time Vickie was a member of Job’s Daughters Bethel #67 in Grandville, Michigan. They have been happily married since 1976 and have three sons: Andrew, Justin, and Tyler and 5 grandchildren.
