Commanders of the Rite
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 as Sovereign Grand Inspectors General are in the United Supreme Council and Sublime Princes operate the local bodies.
SGC Lewis created a poem to emphasize the importance of the conglomerate entitled…
We are the “CRÈME de la Crème”
Draped in the color of royalty and engulfed with the color of purity in thought and action,
In this order many dream to be, but in reality few are chosen for this final and honorary degree of masonry.
Those who are elected, join the distinguished men at the apex of the Masonic order,
That is why the commanders of the Rite are the Creme de la Crème.
Our elevation to the 33rd degree is simply the acknowledgement that we are duty to enlighten and
educate our masonic family. Heralded as the guardians of the masonic tradition and heritage.
we are the commanders of the Rite.
From The realm of the masonic kingdom to the no-masonic sphere, this world has felt the worth, strength,
wealth, courage, ingenuity, humbleness, fortitude and service of the brotherhood of
the commanders of the Rite, the Crème de la Crème.
Strengthened by our worship of God, affirmed by the masonic brotherhood and teaching.
and clothed with the symbols of our order we have sought to defend the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of masonry
Our Actions speak for us and for this we make up no apology:
We are the Commanders of the Rite, the Crème de la Creme
The Commanders of the Rite took root in the Northern Jurisdiction in fits and starts with some Orients warming to the idea and others not implementing it completely. It was not until May 1982, when Illustrious Grand Minister of State S.G.I.G. B. Albert Ford 33° suggested its universal adoption, did every Orient create their own group.
INTRODUCTION TO THE NORTHERN JURISDICTION
At its inception for the Northern Jurisdiction the object and purpose of the Commanders of the Rite was—
Section 1 To provide a forum for the enlightenment and development of Illustrious Peers (Grand Inspector Generals) through lectures, workshops and research assignments.
Section 2 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.
Section 3 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.
Section 4 To stimulate, encourage and aid, wherever masonically possible; down-trodden humanity in its effort to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.
Introduction to the Orient of Ohio
The Commanders of the Rite was established in the Orient of Ohio in October 1983 by then-Deputy for the Orient of Ohio S.G.I.G. Samuel Brogdon Jr. 33°.
“The Commander of the Rite, an organization of Thirty-Third Degree Masons, was organized this morning with the following as officers:
Ill. President: Ill. Ernest Terry
Ill. 1st Vice President: Ill. Lawrence Hawkins
Ill. 2nd Vice President: Ill. Curtis C. Carter
Ill. Secretary: Francis S. Brooks
Ill. Treasurer: Albert B. Herald
The primary purpose of the Commanders of the Rite is to provide a forum for the enlightenment and development of Ill. Sir (Grand Inspectors General) through lecturer, workshops and research assignments.”
The first President was then-G.I.G. Ernest W. Terry 33° (15) (1983–1990) followed by…
Clarence Walker (24) 1990–1994
Aron Moss Jr. (26) 1994–2005
Clamion M. Marshall (21) 2005–2017
Current Officers
S.G.I.G. Gregory S. Snead 33°
President
Bezaleel Consistory No. 15
G.I.G. Mark C. McBee 33°
Treasurer
St. Matthews Consistory No. 24
Valley Vice-Presidents
S.G.I.G. William E. Spence Sr. 33°
Valley Vice President
Bezaleel Consistory No. 15
S.G.I.G. Lawrence E. Coleman Sr. 33°
Valley Vice President
King Solomon Consistory No. 20
G.I.G. Kennedy C. McCall 33°
Valley Vice President
L.D. Easton Consistory No. 21
G.I.G. Greg Hopkins, Sr. 33°
Valley Vice President
St. Matthews Consistory No. 24
G.I.G. Robert M. Estelle Jr. 33°
Valley Vice President
Miami Consistory No. 26