As you begin your journey into Scottish Rite Freemasonry, we  understand that you may have questions about what to expect. To help  guide you through your experience, we’ve compiled answers to some of the  most frequently asked questions by new candidates.

This resource is designed to provide clarity, build confidence, and  help you feel more connected to the traditions and values of our Valley.

We look forward to welcoming you at the next Reunion, where you’ll begin to experience the rich heritage and brotherhood that define the El Paso Scottish Rite.

The El Paso Scottish Rite Temple is located in the heart of downtown El Paso, at the intersection of Santa Fe Street and Missouri Avenue. The main entrance is situated on Santa Fe Street, and the official address is:

301 W. Missouri Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79901

Visitors may park in either of the following designated areas:

• The Triangle Lot on Prospect Street
• The rear parking area accessible from Missouri Avenue

Entry to the building is available through both the main entrance on Santa Fe Street and the rear entrance.

Candidate registration will take place immediately upon arrival. As  the schedule of activities is extensive, we kindly request that you plan  to arrive slightly ahead of your designated time to ensure a prompt start.

If you are uncertain about your registration time, please contact the office at 915-533-4409 for clarification.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Temple and appreciate your commitment to the Scottish Rite.

For all Reunions and Stated Meetings, the suggested attire is coat and tie, reflecting the dignity and tradition of the Scottish Rite.

📸 Please be advised that photographs will be taken throughout the Reunion to document and celebrate the occasion. Your participation implies  consent to be included in these images, which may be used for archival  or promotional purposes.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain the decorum and spirit of our gatherings.

The total fee for submitting a petition to the El Paso Scottish Rite is $275.00. 

A non-refundable deposit of $100.00must accompany the petition at the time of submission.

Degree Fees must be paid in full prior to initiation. Candidates may pay the remaining balance at any time before the Reunion, either in full or through installments. Payments are accepted up to and including the day of the Reunion and may be made by cash, check, or credit card at the El Paso Scottish Rite Office.

Optional Endowment Membership

An Endowment Membership is available at the time of initiation for $1,500.00. This includes all Degree Fees and represents a $25.00 savings.

Included & Optional Items

• The 32° black cap is included in the Degree Fee.
• A cap case is available for purchase during registration for $40.00.

Blue Lodge Requirement

Please include a photocopy of your current Blue Lodge dues card with your petition. In accordance with the laws of the Scottish Rite, all petitioners must be in good standing with their Blue Lodge to be eligible for membership in the Scottish Rite. Continued membership in the Scottish Rite also requires maintaining good standing in your Blue Lodge.

Meals are provided to all candidates and members at no additional charge during the Reunion.

A typical Reunion includes:

• Continental breakfast
• Boxed lunch

These meals are offered as part of our commitment to hospitality and fellowship. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to connect with fellow members and enjoy the camaraderie of the Scottish  Rite experience.

Upon completion of the Degrees and your investiture as a Master of the Royal Secret (32°), each candidate will receive a 14° ring as part of the Reunion ceremony. This ring symbolizes your advancement and commitment within the Scottish Rite.

In addition, you will receive an official English Patent, inscribed on parchment with your name, issued by the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction. These Patents are typically mailed directly from the Supreme Council within 30 to 45 days following your initiation and are suitable for framing.

• If you reside locally in El Paso, your Patent will be formally presented to you during a Stated Meeting.
• If you reside outside the El Paso area, your Patent will be mailed to your address on file.

We encourage you to safeguard this document as a lasting symbol of your membership and achievement within the Scottish Rite.

As part of your initiation into the Scottish Rite, you will receive a copy of A Bridge to Light, a publication provided by the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction. This book offers a concise and insightful overview of the teachings, symbolism, and history of each degree and serves as an essential resource for your personal study and reflection.

At the conclusion of the degrees, each candidate will also receive a packet containing various publications and items of interest, designed to support your continued engagement and understanding of Scottish Rite Masonry.

At the conclusion of the Reunion, each candidate will be presented with a 32° Scottish Rite cap, signifying their investiture as a Master of the Royal Secret.

In accordance with established custom and rule, the cap is to be worn at all official Scottish Rite functions, including:

• Stated Meetings
• Feast of Tishri
• Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal
• Reunions

While members are expected to bring and wear their caps to these  events, a limited number of extra caps will be available for those who  may forget theirs. 

All Degrees of the Scottish Rite are conferred or communicated from the stage of the Main Auditorium, which serves as the heart of the El Paso Scottish Rite Temple. These presentations unfold in a splendid panorama, enhanced by beautifully crafted scenic drops, artistic settings, lighting effects, color, and period-appropriate costumes.

Much like a community theater production, the Degrees are brought to life by dedicated degree teams, stage and wardrobe personnel (affectionately known as the Ducks), and sound and lighting technicians—all of whom volunteer their time and talents to ensure each Reunion is executed with excellence.

The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are dramatic, emotional, and inspiring, offering profound lessons in Morals and Ethics. They encourage reflection and personal growth, helping us better understand the nature of human perfection.

Unlike the Blue Lodge, the Scottish Rite does not require candidates to pass a proficiency examination, nor is memorization required. For those who may not have been active in their Blue Lodge for some time, the Scottish Rite offers a welcoming and accessible path to reconnect with the fraternity and its enduring values.

The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is recognized as one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, select neurological disorders, and learning differences, including dyslexia.

Each year, the hospital provides ongoing care to more than 14,000 children, with no charge for treatment. Admission is open to Texas residents from birth through 18 years of age, ensuring that children across the state have access to world-class care regardless of financial circumstances.

Through the efforts of our Almoners, transportation is available for children from El Paso and surrounding areas, helping families access the specialized services they need.

Our children represent the future—tomorrow’s citizens and the hope of our world. Supporting them in overcoming their challenges is one of the most meaningful contributions we can make to a brighter tomorrow.