The North Carolina Mason

Master in 2017. During his work in the Blue Lodges, Brother Gene also found himself captivated by the history, ritual, and message in Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Historically, the Scottish Rite is a set of French Masonic degrees established during the turbulent 18th Century. The animosity between Great Britain and France at that time prevented the British system of Masonry (the basis for most American Grand Lodges' form, function, and ritual) from being welcomed and utilized on the European continent. Ever resourceful, the French found the "Auld Alliance" with Scotland a fertile plain from which to grow and develop a parallel system of initiatic degrees and moral lessons. Being founded during the beginning of the Romantic Era, French Masonry's roots were alleged to be older than England's and, striving for legitimacy, termed their French Degree System the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. By the turn of the 19th century, the French system was spread across France's colonies, much like English, Scottish, and Irish Masonry spread throughout the English speaking world. It was during Thomas Jefferson's presidential administration (Jefferson was a Francophile) that the French system of Masonic degrees became popular in the United States – entering through the port at Charleston in 1801, which was economically and socially very closely linked to many French colonial ports in the Caribbean. Following a century of refinement and reconfiguration by Albert Mackey and Albert Pike, the Scottish Rite became a historic system of degrees through which Masons could also gain perspective on moral truths and internal improvement. It was this system of Masonry, appendant to Blue Lodge Masonry, that Brother Gene also found a calling. Its lessons were similar to Craft Masonry, but with a continental flair and dramatic presentation. After many years as a volunteer and degree team leader, Brother Gene was elevated to be Personal Representative of then-Sovereign Grand Inspector General William Brunk in Greensboro, serving as such for eight years. Despite a quest for retirement, Brother Gene was quickly returned to the Masonic fold, being nominated to serve as North Carolina's Deputy to the Supreme Council and overseer of this jurisdictions Scottish Rite Valleys. He quickly reviewed the Orient of North Carolina's operations and championed the embrace of technology and efficiency, as well as Scottish Rite Charities and a closer working relationship with the Grand Lodge. He also worked on the national stage to plan and prepare the National Leadership Conference, and several other regional events. In his new capacity, he holds one of only 33 votes on the Supreme Council and also serves as Grand Chaplain. "It is, first and foremost, my sincerest hope to strengthen the foundation of Masonry in North Carolina through our Blue Lodges and the Grand Lodge," Brother Gene said. "The Scottish Rite is another mechanism for us, as Masons, to refine nd improve ourselves and our communities." The Orient (jurisdiction) of North Carolina could not be prouder than its own native son, Illustrious A. Gene Cobb, Jr., 33°. As Brother Gene says at the end of every meeting, "Always work with the Right-Rite heart!" To learn more about Scottish Rite Masonry, scan this QR code. FA L L 2 0 2 3 | 23

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