ORIGIN
Beginning as the brainchild of Sovereign Grand Commander John G. Lewis Jr. 33°, United Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, the Commanders of the Rite was launched began in 1969. Commander Lewis envisioned it as a body composed solely of Grand Inspectors General.
INTRODUCTION TO THE NORTHERN JURISDICTION
The Commanders of the Rite took root in the Northern Jurisdiction over a number of years in fits and starts with some Orients warming to the idea and others not implementing it completely. It wasn’t until 1986 when the Illustrious Grand Minister of State B. Albert Ford 33° suggested its universal adoption did every Orient create their own group.
At its inception for the Northern Jurisdiction its purpose was:
“To provide a forum for the enlightenment and development of Illustrious Peers (Grand Inspector Generals) through lectures, workshops and research assignments.”
“To prepare its members for not only active roles in the development and guidance of all masonic bodies; but also to disseminate and inculcate those Masonic ideals among those with whom its members come in contact.”
“To prepare its members for greater usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom and dignity of the individual; by promoting programs and sponsoring activities which will enhance the image of Prince Hall and Scottish Rite Masonry within the local community and/or throughout the state.”
“To stimulate, encourage and aid, wherever masonically possible; down-trodden humanity in its effort to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.”
At its inception for the Northern Jurisdiction its purpose was:
“To provide a forum for the enlightenment and development of Illustrious Peers (Grand Inspector Generals) through lectures, workshops and research assignments.”
“To prepare its members for not only active roles in the development and guidance of all masonic bodies; but also to disseminate and inculcate those Masonic ideals among those with whom its members come in contact.”
“To prepare its members for greater usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom and dignity of the individual; by promoting programs and sponsoring activities which will enhance the image of Prince Hall and Scottish Rite Masonry within the local community and/or throughout the state.”
“To stimulate, encourage and aid, wherever masonically possible; down-trodden humanity in its effort to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.”
COMMANDERS OF THE RITE ARRIVES IN OHIO
The Commanders of the Rite was established in the Orient of Ohio in 1983 by Sovereign Grand Commander Samuel Brogdon Jr. 33°. The first president was then G.I.G. Ernest W. Terry 33°. The current president is S.G.I.G. Gregory S. Snead 33°.
S.G.I.G. Gregory S. Snead 33°
President, Ohio Commanders of the Rite
S.G.I.G. William E. Spence Sr. 33°
Vice President
G.I.G. Gregory F. Clifford 33°
Secretary
