Travis Simpkins: The Masonic Pageant: Scottish Rite Degrees of the Supreme Council, NMJ. by Frank Conway, 33°

The Masonic Pageant

The Scottish Rite Degrees

of the Supreme Council, NMJ

by Frank Conway, Ph.D., 33°, MSA

Cornerstone Book Publishers, 2017

Notes by Travis Simpkins

Altogether informative, entertaining and essential, The Masonic Pageant by Frank Conway has filled a vacant space within the educational experience of the Scottish Rite Degrees conferred by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. For a very long time there has not been a written companion to the material presented on stage in NMJ Valley Reunions. This long-awaited book both compliments and enhances the value of lessons that the NMJ instills to each candidate through a unique system of Degrees that differ from those of it's counterpart in the Southern Jurisdiction. Adhering to Masonic oaths, the book does not reveal the ritual itself but rather serves as a monitor and reference guide. Each of the Degrees (4° to 32°) is covered in three parts: The Stage Drama, Historical Background and a Comparison with the same number Degree in the Southern Jurisdiction. The text could certainly be read cover to cover, but I expect that it will prove most effective when explored and experienced one degree at a time, offering further insights into the profound moral lessons conveyed in person on stage. Also containing a brilliant foreword by Christopher Hodapp, this book is truly outstanding. It should be sought out by all new NMJ candidates and current members.