The Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation
The Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation is the authority for Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and works under the governance of the Supreme Council, 33° for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America. It is the largest in total membership in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
The Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation possesses the legislative and judicial powers not reserved to the Supreme Council and not inconsistent with the Constitution and Regulations. It is composed of the Active and Honorary members of the Supreme Council resident in the Commonwealth, the first three Officers of the Consistories and Chapters of Rose Croix, the first four Officers of the Councils of Princes of Jerusalem and the Lodges of Perfection, and the Past Commanders-in-Chief of the Consistories, the Past Presiding Officers of each Coordinate Body.
The Deputy is the ex-officio Commander-in-Chief. The Commander-in-Chief of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation is Ill. Keith E. Parkinson, 33°, Deputy for Pennsylvania and Active Member of the Supreme Council.
Our Deputy and Active Members (click on the photos)
What is the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite?
The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite is the largest of the major branches in Freemasonry through which a Master Mason may proceed to seek further light and knowledge after he has completed the three Degrees of the Symbolic or 'Blue' Lodge Masonry.
Scottish Rite Bodies are grouped in what is known as a 'Valley.' A Valley usually consists of four Bodies; a Lodge of Perfection (4° -14°), a Council of Princes of Jerusalem (15° & 16°), a Chapter of Rose Croix (17° & 18°) and a Consistory (19° - 32°).
Each of the Bodies within a Valley is an independent organization within itself. Each has its own corps of officers, and each has responsibility for the Degrees in its structure.
A Word From The Deputy
Brethren,
The Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation just had its 155th Annual Meeting in Harrisburg. Thank You to all who were able to attend.
We all realize that membership is an ongoing issue. We are all on the Membership Committee, so we all need to do our part in helping to Recruit, Retain, and Restore our brethren. By doing this we are helping our valleys to maintain and grow.
Remember that Scottish Rite is family friendly so please promote and attend Valley events when you and your family are able. If your family has a great time they will ask when the next event is.
When you are able, please support the various charities of the PA COD and the NMJ. By supporting the different charities we are helping our brethren.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and Be Proud To Be A Mason.
Fraternally and Sincerely,
Keith E. Parkinson, 33⁰
Deputy for Pennsylvania
PS: TAKE TIME TO THANK A VETERAN
"We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members."
Allegiance
Pennsylvania Scottish Rite and its affiliated Valleys acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council, Thirty-third Degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose Grand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts and whose Officers are:
Ill. Walter F. Wheeler, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander
Ill. Steven E. Smith, 33°, Grand Lieutenant Commander
Ill. L. Arby Humphrey, 33°, Grand Minister of State
Ill. Douglas R. Policastro, 33° Grand Secretary General
Ill. G. Michael Morris, 33°, Grand Treasurer General
Ill. Keith E. Parkinson, 33°, Deputy for Pennsylvania
Ill. Thomas R. Labagh, 33°, Active Member for Pennsylvania
Ill. Paul J. Roup, 33°, Active Member for Pennsylvania
Ill. Stephen Gardner, 33°, RWPGM, Active Member for Pennsylvania
Ill. Mark A. Haines, 33° Active Member for Pennsylvania
Ill. C. DeForrest Trexler, 33°, Active Emeritus
Ill. William L. McCarrier, 33°, Active Emeritus
Ill. Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°, RWPGM, Active Emeritus
Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33°, Active Emeritus
Ill. George Nakonetschny, 33°, Active Emeritus
Ill. Robert J. Bateman, 33°, RWPGM, Active Emeritus
The Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and Last Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States is the governing body of the Rite. It is founded upon and governed by the Regulations of 1762, the Constitution of 1786 as modified, and the unwritten principles of Freemasonry. The Supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree consists of not exceeding sixty-six active members; also Emeritus, Past Active and Honorary Members. Each state in the Jurisdiction is entitled to at least one Active Member. The authority of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction extends over the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.