Lodge of Perfection

The degrees from the Fourth to the Fourteenth, comprising the Lodge of Perfection, and being a continuation of the three degrees of the Blue Lodge, have their inception in the Old Testament and are called The Ineffable Degrees. 

They teach TRUTH, INDUSTRY, HONESTY, BENEVOLENCE, JUSTICE, TOLERATION, PATRIOTISM, and LOVE OF COUNTRY. Each individual Mason must discover the secret of Masonry for himself by reflecting upon its symbols and a wise consideration for what has been said and done in the work. We receive as much Divine Light as we are capable of understanding. God has arranged His great purpose so that man has a work to do, a duty to perform to help in the great plan of enlightenment and growth. The Master Khurum (Hiram) said, "Sleep little, study much, say little, hear and think much."

Famed Mason Albert Pike presided at the meeting held on April 23, 1883 and the Lodge of Perfection was chartered on April 25, 1883. Below is the original charter and is signed by Albert Pike. Albert Pike himself attended the chartering ceremonies and it had been said that he was looking out the second floor window towards the mountains and asked what the name of the range was. When the reply was"the Santa Rita Mountains," that is what he named the first Lodge of Perfection here.

The Ineffable Degrees (4th to 14th)

The degrees from the Fourth to the Fourteenth, comprising the Lodge of Perfection, and being a continuation of the three degrees of the Blue Lodge, have their inception in the Old Testament and are called The Ineffable Degrees.

They teach TRUTH, INDUSTRY, HONESTY, BENEVOLENCE, JUSTICE, TOLERATION, PATRIOTISM, and LOVE OF COUNTRY. Each individual Mason must discover the secret of Masonry for himself by reflecting upon its symbols and a wise consideration for what has been said and done in the work. We receive as much Divine Light as we are capable of understanding. God has arranged His great purpose so that man has a work to do, a duty to perform to help in the great plan of enlightenment and growth. The Master Khurum (Hiram) said, "Sleep little, study much, say little, hear and think much."

4th Degree – Secret Master

Duty, reflection and study are the gateway to opportunity, as such one honors those relationships to God, family, country, Masonry. The apron is white and black, with a letter "Z" and all-seeing eye. The jewel is an ivory key with the letter "Z" on the wards. Teachings: secrecy, obedience, and fidelity.

5th Degree – Perfect Master

Teaches Masonic honor: honesty and trustworthiness as the cornerstone of all undertakings. Apron: white and green, with a cubic stone and Hebrew YOD. Jewel: compass open to 60°. Teachings: Honesty, Sincerity, and good Faith.

6th Degree – Intimate Secretary

Expands knowledge of duty, charity, and toleration. Apron: white and red, with Hebrew YOD HEH and triangle with BETH, NUN, SHIN. Jewel: gold triangle with same letters. Teachings: charity, self-control, peacemaking.

7th Degree – Provost and Judge

Impartial justice protects person, property, happiness, and reputation. Apron: white edged with red, with key and five rosettes. Jewel: golden key. Teachings: patience and impartial judgment.

8th Degree – Intendant of the Building

Strive for perfection through love, charity, morality, and kindness. Apron: white with red and green, with balance, star, and triangle with BETH, YOU, ALEPH. Jewel: gold triangle with same letters.

9th Degree – Elu of the Nine

Truth, candor, and generosity form the foundation of Scottish Rite Masonry. Apron: white lined with black, sprinkled with blood, with arm holding dagger and severed head. Jewel: dagger with gold hilt and silver blade.

10th Degree – Elu of the Fifteen

Teaches tolerance and respect for differing ideologies. Apron: white with black flap, three arch-shaped gates with heads on spikes. Jewel: dagger as in 9th degree.

11th Degree – Elu of the Twelve

Teaches sympathy and compassion. Apron: white lined with black, with flaming heart. Jewel: dagger on black cordon inscribed "Vincere aut Mori" – to die rather than betray the cause.

12th Degree – Master Architect

Teaches faith in moral virtues and in God. Apron: white shell lined with blue and gold, with protractor, scale, sector, and compasses. Jewel: gold triangle with Hebrew ALEPH and five pillar types.

13th Degree – Royal Arch of Solomon

Liberty of mind and heart, motivated by duty and honor. Apron: purple bordered with white, with Enochian delta. Jewel: gold triangle with Enochian delta and scene of vault discovery.

14th Degree – Perfect Elu

Teaches self-reflection and fidelity to God. Apron: white silk bordered in gold, with Ineffable Delta. Jewel: quadrant with crown and nine-pointed star (obverse), blazing five-pointed star with Tetragrammaton (reverse). Compass inscribed with 3, 5, 7, 9.