During the ceremonies of a past Reunion we spent a few minutes discussing the probable formation of a Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew in Charlotte. This venture is new to Charlotte but continues to enjoy considerable success in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it was founded and in several other Chapters in that state and also in the State of Kansas.

Our purpose in creating this body is two fold 1) to bring members of the Class closer together in an ongoing program of fellowship, dedicated to service within the Rite and 2) to strengthen your personal ties to our teachings. It can be arguably stated that the Ancient and Accepted Rite is the University of Masonry. By the time one reaches the 32° he has been exposed to more philosophical truths, which reach back through the earliest civilized times of human history, than the average man encounters in a lifetime. It will take some considerable time for you as an active Scottish Rite Mason to assimilate these truths. It follows my brother that you are in the infancy of your Scottish Rite career, not the end of it; you have much to learn.

The Order of the Knights of St. Andrew is a prestigious organization; composed exclusively of “black hats” who are the 32 Masons and Masters of the Royal Secret in this Valley. The Chapter is limited to thirty- two members including its officers. In future years, members of the Order who become Honor men will drop out of the organization and have their places taken by members form future classes, which is a way to ensure continuing vigor in the Chapter. Many active members of the Valley participate in our activities by commuting from Aberdeen, Morganton, Asheville, and other outlying areas. It is not intended to restrict membership in the Chapter to Charlotte residents but to include all of our “black hat” masons.

Each Chapter has a Constitution, by- laws, opening and closing ceremonies, much the same as the Craft Lodges, initiation ritual and a Charter of authority to operate. The officers are elected for a term of one year. The Knights set their own programs and operate under the authority of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in North Carolina and his Personal Representative in this Valley.

Although the Scottish Rite does not derive from Scottish origins, the Knights of St. Andrew have adopted a Scottish theme for their clothing and music. Members of the founding class will be the red, Royal Stewart Tartan; future members will be clothed in a tartan chosen by that class, probably the blue Graham or perhaps the Black Watch. It is possible that class members will change this code and eventually invest five or ten year serving men with the Royal Stewart to keep it active. That will be a decision for the Chapter. Initiated members will also wear the jewel of the Order. In Guthrie the Knights wear full Highland dress. Perhaps to begin, the Charlotte Chapter could adopt a broad over the shoulder sashes. Music used in escorting duties is from the pipes and drums.

The Knights should be involved in activities that will significantly impact the life of the Valley. Each member should regard himself as a future leader and potential Honor man.

Suggestions to this end include:

-- The formation of degree teams to exemplify Craft work or the DeMolay degrees, which presented by a polished, Scottish Rite team wearing the tartan is certain to generate curiosity in the Rite and so become a recruitment source. You might also consider staging one of the Scottish Rite degrees during a reunion or presenting one of the dramas now in, or intended for, production.

--Serve as greeters, conduct dignitaries such as the S.G.I.G., the Grand Master or Foundation Officers to the dais or podium, during ceremonials or reunions, assist the General Secretary during reunions by taking a small group of candidates and making them familiar with the Center, the cast and members of the props and control rooms, in part to satisfy their curiosity but also to prime them as future assistants.

-- All branches of Masonry have charitable programs. The Scottish Rite Foundation, funds the professional treatment of preschool children who are challenged with learning disorders.