Chapter of the Rose Croix
17° Through 18°
Chapter of the Rose Croix
The Chapter of Rose Croix attempts to provide the candidate with a deeper understanding of religion, philosophy, ethics and history though a variety of complex "historical degrees". The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees are numerous, and at times overwhelming and can take years to master. A thorough reading of the chapters related to them in Morals and Dogma and in Legenda and Readings is essential to achieve even a basic comprehension of their true meaning.
Officers
Most Wise Master
William J. DeLuca, 32°
| Senior Warden Glenn S. Carlson, 32° |
Junior Warden Robert T. Goff,32° |
Orator James E. Lapastora, 32° |
| Master of Ceremonies John B. Paliotta, 32° |
Captain of the Guard Albert J. Capobianco, 32° |
Thurifer Michael S. Brito, 32° |
| Cross Bearer Craig S. Sherman, 32° |
LESSONS OF THE SCOTTISH RITE, PRINCES OF JERUSALEM
There are two degrees assiciated with the Prices of Jerusalem, 15° through 16°
17° Knight of the East and West
The lessons of the 17° are to work, reflect and pray; to hope, trust and believe; to teach the truths that are hidden in allegory and concealed by the symbols of Freemasonry.
The lessons of this degree are that loyalty to God is man's primary allegiance, and the temporal governments not founded upon God and His righteousness will inevitably fall. The apron is of yellow satin, with crimson and gold, and with a sword and Tetractys (of the Tetragrammaton) on it. The jewel is a heptagon of silver and gold, with crossed swords on a balance on the obverse, and a lamb on the Book of Seven Seals on the reverse. The jewel is hung from a double order -- one black (left-to-right) and one white (right-to-left), representing good versus evil. A gold coronet is also presented.
18° Knight of the Rose Croix
The lessons of the 18° are to practice virtue; to labor to eliminate vice; to purify humanity; to be tolerant of the faith and creed of others.
This degree teaches that life and it's strengths come from God. The rose signifies the dawn and the cross is a sacred symbol of antiquity in many cultures. To be tolerant of others errors and faults. The apron is of white leather or satin, bordered in red, with a skull and cross-bones, a red passion cross, and three red rosettes. The grand jewel is a gold compass open on a quarter circle. A rose-cross is between the legs of the compass, and under it is a pelican, tearing its breast to feed it's seven young, on the obverse, and an eagle with wings extended, on the reverse. On the circle are the letters I.N.R.I.