The Ancient & Accepted
Scottish Rite
of Freemasonry in Australia
Ordo Ab Chao
Order from Chaos
The Ancient & Accepted
of Freemasonry in Australia
Ordo Ab Chao
Order from Chaos
Our Heritage
EST. 1845 IN AUSTRALIA
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite traces its origins to the great Masonic traditions of Europe, arriving in Australia in the mid-nineteenth century. From the goldfields of Victoria to the harbours of New South Wales, the Rite established itself as a cornerstone of fraternal life across the continent.
The Scottish Rite provides a continuation of the philosophy and moral teachings of Craft Masonry. Through a structured system of degrees, from the 4th through the 33rd, it explores the great themes of human thought: justice, truth, tolerance, and the search for understanding. Each degree is a chapter in a grand narrative that has been refined across centuries of practice.
In Australia, the Rite operates under the authority of Supreme Councils that maintain the integrity, regularity, and dignity of the degrees as practised since time immemorial. Our members include men from every walk of life, united by a common pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Regard for the whole human species as one family, created by one Almighty Being. We are bound together by the common pursuit of truth and understanding.
The duty of every Mason to soothe the unhappy, sympathise with the misfortunes of others, and extend compassion to those who are in need.
The foundation upon which all Masonic philosophy rests. To seek truth in ourselves, in nature, and in the grand design of the universe.
Respect for the right of every person to form their own opinions and to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.
The Scottish Rite is an educational institution. Through its degrees, it teaches philosophy, history, ethics, and the liberal arts — a university of Freemasonry.
A fellowship of men of good character who meet upon the level and part upon the square. Our bonds transcend profession, background, and geography.
Australian Scottish Rite Masons contribute to charitable causes across the nation — from children's literacy programs to disaster relief and community health.
The Journey
The Scottish Rite continues the Masonic journey through 29 additional degrees, grouped into four distinct Bodies. Each degree builds upon the last, forming a comprehensive system of moral and philosophical instruction.
4TH THROUGH 14TH DEGREE
The foundational body of the Scottish Rite. These degrees elaborate upon the legend of the Temple and explore the deeper meanings of the first three degrees of Craft Masonry. Themes include duty, fidelity, integrity, and the search for Divine Truth.
15TH THROUGH 18TH DEGREE
These degrees transition from the Old Testament to the New, exploring themes of spiritual rebirth, faith, hope, and charity. The 18th Degree, Knight Rose Croix, is considered one of the most beautiful and profound in all of Freemasonry.
19TH THROUGH 30TH DEGREE
The philosophical degrees. This body examines the great questions of justice, governance, and the struggle between tyranny and freedom. "Kadosh" means "Holy" or "Consecrated," and these degrees demand the highest standards of conduct and thought.
31ST THROUGH 33RD DEGREE
The culminating degrees of the Rite. The 32nd Degree, Master of the Royal Secret, reveals the grand design of the Scottish Rite. The 33rd Degree, Inspector General Honorary, is conferred by invitation only upon those who have rendered outstanding service to Freemasonry and humanity.
"The 33rd Degree is not a goal to be sought, but an honour to be bestowed upon those who have given exceptional service to Masonry and to mankind."
The Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree
Across the Nation
The Scottish Rite operates across every state and territory of Australia, with active Valleys maintaining the traditions, degrees, and fellowship of the Rite in communities from coast to coast.
WA
Valley of Perth
NT
Valley of Darwin
QLD
Valley of Brisbane
SA
Valley of Adelaide
NSW
Valley of Sydney
Supreme Council Seat
ACT
Valley of Canberra
VIC
Valley of Melbourne
TAS
Valley of Hobart
Each Valley operates under the authority of the Supreme Council and maintains the full system of Scottish Rite degrees. Contact your nearest Valley to learn about upcoming degree work and fellowship events.
Begin Your Journey
Whether you are a Master Mason considering the Scottish Rite, a Brother seeking to connect with a Valley near you, or simply curious about our traditions, we welcome your enquiry.
Supreme Council
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite
of Freemasonry for Australia
Masonic Centre
Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Australia
Key Offices
Office of the Supreme Council
Correspondence & administration
Financial stewardship
To petition for membership in the Scottish Rite, a candidate must be a Master Mason in good standing under a regular Grand Lodge. The Scottish Rite is open to men of all faiths and backgrounds who meet this Masonic prerequisite.
