Lodge of Perfection

Where the journey begun in the Blue Lodge finds its deeper meaning.

The Lodge of Perfection is the first and foundational body of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It confers the Fourth through the Fourteenth Degrees — known collectively as the Ineffable Degrees — and forms the cornerstone upon which all further Scottish Rite work is built.

If the Blue Lodge gave you the landmarks of Masonry — the three degrees that made you a Master Mason — the Lodge of Perfection invites you to explore why those landmarks matter. Here, the great allegory of Hiram Abiff is examined from new perspectives, the search for what was lost is renewed with greater urgency, and the moral and philosophical depth beneath Freemasonry's ancient symbols begins to reveal itself in full.

Membership in the Lodge of Perfection is open to any Master Mason in good standing who seeks a richer understanding of Masonic philosophy, a stronger fraternal brotherhood, and a deeper personal commitment to the values he professed when he first knelt at the altar.

The Ineffable Degrees have a single overarching mission: to take the Master Mason deeper into the meaning of his obligation. Through dramatic ritual, symbol, and allegory drawn from ancient tradition, Scriptural history, and philosophical inquiry, these degrees illuminate the nature of moral duty, the sovereignty of conscience, and the rewards of a life lived in fidelity to truth.

In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the Lodge of Perfection is where a Scottish Rite Mason first encounters the full breadth of what this Rite has to offer. The degrees here are not repetitive of Blue Lodge work — they amplify it. They supply context that transforms familiar symbols into profound lessons, and they introduce entirely new teachings that the three degrees of the Symbolic Lodge were never intended to convey alone.

At its heart, the Lodge of Perfection asks its members to pursue what Freemasonry has always called the search for that which was lost — not merely as a legend retold, but as a living practice: the daily labor of becoming a better man, a more honorable citizen, and a more faithful steward of the light entrusted to every Mason.

In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, these eleven degrees are conferred through a combination of full ritual exemplification and richly produced dramatic presentations. Each degree contributes a distinct lesson to the Mason's ongoing education. Together they form a unified arc — from the sorrow of loss, through the discipline of faithful labor, to the radiance of discovery.

Degrees in the Lodge of Perfection

4 Master Traveler

The Fourth Degree opens the door to Scottish Rite Masonry. Rather than beginning with a single narrow lesson, the Master Traveler is given a sweeping preview of the moral truths, philosophical teachings, and Masonic principles he will encounter on his journey through all that follows. It is a degree of orientation and invitation — a first step on a long and rewarding road.

5 Perfect Master

The 5° teaches that a Mason must be a perfect master of himself before he can master anything else. The degree emphasizes honesty, integrity, and the importance of living a life worthy of the trust placed in us by our brethren.

6 Intimate Secretary

The 6° conveys lessons of zeal, fidelity, and devotion to one's obligations. The candidate learns the danger of curiosity without purpose and the virtue of acting with proper authorization and pure motive.

7 Provost and Judge

The 7° teaches that justice must be impartial and equal for all. The degree emphasizes equity in judgment and warns against favoritism, reminding the Mason that true justice knows no rank or privilege.

8 Intendant of the Building

The 8° focuses on charity, care for others, and the moral architecture of a good life. The Mason is called to build not just in stone, but in virtue — caring for the welfare of his brethren and the community around him.

9 Master of the Temple

The 9° teaches perseverance in the face of adversity. The candidate learns that great works — whether of stone or of character — require sustained effort, courage under trial, and loyalty to a higher purpose.

10 Master Elect

The 10° addresses the pursuit and punishment of wrongdoing. It teaches that evil must be confronted, not ignored, and that those entrusted with authority bear a responsibility to uphold righteousness in their communities.

11 Sublime Master Elected

The 11° honors the humility of those who serve faithfully and without expectation of reward. It reminds the Mason that true elevation comes not from rank, but from the quality of one's deeds and the sincerity of one's heart.

12 Master of Mercy

This degree teaches that every honor a Mason earns is not a destination but a step — each new responsibility calling him to a higher standard of conduct. The Master of Mercy is reminded that the pursuit of moral perfection is a lifelong labor, and that the greatest of Masonic virtues is not strength or wisdom alone, but the mercy that tempers both.

13 Master of the Ninth Arch

The 13° teaches that the search for truth demands courage, endurance, and faith. Inspired by the legend of Enoch, the degree challenges the Mason to descend into darkness in pursuit of sacred knowledge — and to trust that light awaits.

14 Grand Elect Mason

The 14° is the summit of the Lodge of Perfection. Here the Mason receives the fullness of the Ancient Craft's wisdom, learning the true name and perfecting his understanding of duty to God, his country, and his fellow man. It is a degree of profound spiritual significance.

2025-26 Lodge of Perfection Officers

Richard W. Storms
Stephen E. Inzer
Daniel P. Whalen
Ronald G. Hoopes
Jeffrey S. Moyer, 33°
Herbert K. Swisher, 33°
Gary L. Dukeman, 33°
Brian M. Ewing
Brett J. Treichler
Brian P. Deese
Jeffrey C. Rhein

Thrice Potent Master

Deputy Master

Senior Warden

Junior Warden

Treasurer of all Four Bodies

Secretary of all Four Bodies

Hospitaler of all Four Bodies

Orator

Treichler Master of Ceremonies

Captain of the Guard

Tyler for all Four Bodies