"Shaping a New Stone: Three Small Acts that Build Strong Brothers"

From the September/October 2025 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal.  Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.


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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Scottish Right Journal Podcast, an audio presentation
of the Scottish Right Journal, brought to you by the
Supreme Council of the Scottish Right Southern Jurisdiction Mother Supreme
Council of the World. This week's article is Shaping a
new Stone. Three small acts that build strong Brothers, by
Brother Richard A. Kratockville, thirty second degree and comes from

(00:24):
the September October twenty twenty five issue of the Scottish
Right Journal. The Reunion is over, our work begins. Has
it ever occurred to you that our real work is
after the reunion and after we have initiated and passed
members to the degrees. While the rituals may be complete,

(00:44):
the experience of brotherhood is still being formed. More often
than not, it is not the grand gestures or lofty
speeches that leave the deepest impression. It is the small things.
Here are just a few small things to help build
our newest brother and two strong active members. Small act

(01:04):
I do not assume explain what's happening. As seasoned Scottish
Rite members, we have grown comfortable with the rhythms and
rituals of our meetings. What is second nature to us
may be a complete mystery to a new brother walking
into his first meeting. I still remember my first meeting vividly.
During that gathering, the lodge was presenting certificates called Millionaire Awards.

(01:29):
At the time, I had no idea what those awards
represented or why they were important. It was not until
months later, after watching others receive them several times, that
I finally asked. The experience is a powerful reminder we
can easily get caught up in our routines and forget
to explain what is happening to those who are new.

(01:49):
Take a moment to describe traditions, awards, or any unusual
meeting elements to help new brothers feel included and connected
from the start. Small act to two be heard because
every word matters. There is nothing more frustrating than being
in a meeting, a degree, or a presentation and not

(02:09):
being able to hear what is being said. For our
new brothers, who are still absorbing the language, symbolism, and
structure of our right, missing even a few words can
leave them feeling confused, disconnected, or excluded. Whether you are
delivering a report, offering a reflection, or greeting the room,
always use the microphone provided if you are one of

(02:31):
those fortunate few who can project clearly across the room,
ensure that everyone actually can hear you. Being heard is
not just about sound, but about making sure every brother
feels included in the conversation and thus keeps returning small.
Act three brotherhood engagement is a matter for all. Finally,

(02:53):
engagement is not just the purview of those invisible roles,
but a matter for all. You do not need a
title or a white jacket to make someone feel welcome,
just a handshake, a smile, or a simple greeting. Sit
with them at dinner, ask what the new member thought
of a particular degree. Not just ritual, but camaraderie and support.

(03:15):
The Scottish Right is not built on ceremonies alone, but
on camaraderie, support and brotherhood. When we go out of
our way to make new brothers feel wanted, not just welcomed,
we reinforce that they are not just joining a rite,
they are joining a family. Keeping this ever in mind
will make all the difference. Like and share this article

(03:38):
and don't forget to subscribe to the channel. If you
wish to comment, please leave one and as a reminder,
hit the notification spell. Any accompanying photographs or citations for
this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.
The Scottish Right Journal is published by the Supreme Council
of the Scottish Right Southern Jurisdiction, Mother Supreme Council of

(03:59):
the World. World Mark Dreisenstock, thirty third degree Managing Editor.
I'm your host, Matt Bauers