Welcome to the New York Council of Deliberation
Our Vision
“We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members.”
New York Scottish Rite Upcoming Events
Excelsior Initiative Sessions coming soon. Watch News for more information.
About The Scottish Rite
32° Scottish Rite Masonry expands upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, exploring Masonic teachings more deeply. Building upon the ethical and philosophical teachings of the blue lodge, 32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry reveals a wealth of knowledge about Masonry not found in the other degrees. It seeks to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge in order to help good men become even better.
A member of 32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry seeks to:
- Aid mankind’s search for identity and destiny in God’s universe
- Produce wiser men in a wiser world, happier men in a happier world, and therefore better men in a better world
- Promote the dignity of every person and the humanity in all activities
The Scottish Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason may join for further exposure to the principles of Freemasonry.
In the United States the Scottish Rite is officially recognized by Grand Lodges as an extension of the degrees of Freemasonry.
The Scottish Rite builds upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the craft lodge, or blue lodge, through dramatic presentation of the individual degrees.
Our core values are:
Reverence for God
Devotion to Country
Integrity
Justice
Tolerance
Service to Humanity
Supreme Council
In the U.S. there are two Supreme Councils. The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ) is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, and the Southern Jurisdiction (SJ) in Washington, DC.
The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction refers to state organizations as Councils ofDeliberation and the local bodies are organized into Valleys.
The System of Degrees
Lodge of Perfection
(4°–14°)
Council of Princes of Jerusalem
(15°–16°)
Chapter of Rose Croix
(17°–18°)
Consistory
(19°–32°)
Allegiance
The New York Council of Deliberation acknowledges and yields allegiance to the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose Grand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts and whose officers are:
Ill∴ Walter F. Wheeler, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander
Ill∴ Steven E. Smith, 33°
Grand Lieutenant Commander
Ill∴ Laurel “Arby” Humphrey, 33°
Grand Minister of State
Ill∴ G. Michael Morris, 33°
Deputy for New York State
Active Members for New York
Ill∴ Steven C. Stefanakos, 33°
Ill∴ David E. Barnes, 33°
Ill∴ Richard J Powell, 33°
Ill∴ John R. Patterson, Jr., 33°
Active Emeritus Members for New York
Ill∴ Richard H. Welkley, 33°
Ill∴ Frederick D. Greene, 33°
Ill∴ Edward R. Trosin, 33°
Ill∴ Harold L. Aldrich, 33° – Past Grand Minister of State – Past Deputy for New York Ill∴ P. Michael Nielsen, 33°
Ill∴ David P. Spencer, 33° – Past Deputy for New York
At Large
Ill∴ Peter J. Samiec, 33°
Past Sovereign Grand Commander
Our Mission
To Provide:
Inspiration for our members through meaningful programs and degrees.
Convenient opportunities for our members to enhance their lives.
Enjoyable programs and fellowship activities for our members.
Latest News
156th Convocation of the NYCOD: Registration is NOW Open
STATE OF NEW YORK 156th CONVOCATION Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America And the Meeting of New York Scottish Rite Charities, Inc. March 27, 2025 Dear Brother: The 156th Convocation...
Excelsior Initiative: 50th Anniversary of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
In April 2025, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library will launch a year of celebratory anniversary programming, including special gallery talks, engaging lectures, and two new gallery exhibitions. Join us on March 5th as we chat with the SRMML Director &...
Keep the Date: Annual Meeting NYCOD June 6-7, 2025
The 156th Annual Meeting of the New York Council of Deliberation will be held on June 6-7, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Syracuse, NY. The Official Announcement and registration information will be sent out in mid-March.
Masonic Youth Lodge/Chapter Initiation Reimbursement
The New York State Council of Deliberation has a trust fund which was established to reimburse the initiation fee of Masonic Youth Group members who join a Masonic Lodge or a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. The application form, which can be downloaded below, should be made available to members of your groups who join the adult Masonic groups after August 1, 2019.
