The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is one of two branches of Freemasonry to which a Master Mason may proceed after he has completed the first three degrees of the Symbolic or "Blue" Lodge. The Scottish Rite includes the degrees from the 4° through the 32°. Although there are many Scottish Rite members of Scottish ancestry, the Scottish Rite actually originated in France in the early 18th century. During the 18th century, lodges of perfection were organized in the United States, with the first being established in Albany, NY by Henry Andrew Francken. The first Scottish Rite Supreme Council was founded in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1801.

A Mason who chooses to further his Masonic experience by becoming a 32º Scottish Rite Mason will be expanding upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. The moral and ethical lessons will allow him to be constantly reminded of his duty to God, family, country and fellow man.

Degree Structure
Whereas a Symbolic Lodge appears in almost every community in the United States, the Scottish Rite units tend to be regional and are called "Valleys". Most Valleys have four distinct parts, individual organizations that are responsible for some of the Scottish Rite Degrees.  However, in some areas a candidate may be required to continue his degrees in a neighboring Valley.

The Lodge of Perfection confers the 4º-14º. These are commonly referred to as the ineffable degrees. In the 11 lessons the candidate will observe many references, scenes and characters which recall and amplify the three Symbolic degrees.

The Council of Princes of Jerusalem confers the 15º and 16º which teach lessons using settings based on the Babylonian captivity of the Hebrews and the buildling of the second Temple.

The Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 17ª and 18º, and is the spiritual heart of Scottish Rite. These degrees teach that the only lasting Temple is in the soul of man.

The Consistory confers the 19º-32º. These degrees portray many memorable lessons that range in settings from the days of chivalry through the 20th Century.

New Hampshire Scottish Rite is comprised of five Valleys: Concord, Keene, Lancaster-Littleton, Nashua and Portsmouth-Dover. The state has one Consistory, located in the Valley of Nashua. These Valleys typically cover the same area as one or two districts set up by the Grand Lodge.  A Mason will often join the Valley covering the area of his Masonic District. Visit the Valley page to see those regions.