THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ORDER OF SCIOTS
The Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots is a
little-known fraternity comprised entirely of Master Masons in good
standing, similar to the Grotto and the Tall Cedars
of Lebanon. It has local units called "pyramids" in California,
New Jersey and Illinois.
The Order was established first in 1905, when a
number of Masons met in the Mission Masonic Temple, in the City of San
Francisco, for the purpose of forming a social club, where Masons could get
together on an equal footing, free from the restraint of the lodge room, yet
organized for the purpose of furthering Masonic teachings and applying, in a
practical way, in everyday business affairs, the teachings of the
Fraternity.
The idea was an instant success. It was
recognized that such an organization filled a long-felt want because it
brought the Brethren into close contact in their daily lives; fostering the
true spirit of fraternity; caused men to forget their worries, troubles,
and cares of life; made them look upon the brighter side of things; and
gave them new hope and joy. Their slogan was: BOOST ONE ANOTHER!
In 1910, the group decided upon a name, adopting
the Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots, established a ritual, and
designated their headgear to be the
fez, similar to the Shrine and the
Grotto.
The Order's
ritual is based upon events that supposedly occurred on the "Isle of
Scio," near present-day Syria in 1124
BC. The brotherly love and support that
the Sciots rendered to one another is said to have impressed the
Pharaoh of Egypt so much that he invited
the Sciots to his royal palace "for feasting and merry-making every third
moon."
To commemorate this, the order offers one degree
designated as the "League of Neighbors." Candidates for membership
in the Order also promise to attend their Blue Lodge once a month.
The Order is comprised of a few local units
(approximately twenty "pyramids"), each ruled by a "Toparch."
The governing body is called the "Supreme Pyramid" headed by a "Pharaoh"
and meets semi-annually. Presently, the Order has approximately 1,800
members. The primary charity of the Order is to raise funds for
disadvantaged children.
Supreme Office
Located at:
13360 Portofino Dr.
Del Mar, CA 92014-3557
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 501801
San Diego, CA 92150-1801
Telephone or FAX
(858) 755-0931
A
special "Thank You" to Brother Denis McGowan for submitting the wonderful
description and pictures of the AEO Sciots above!
