USCSJ HQ MEMPHIS – On September 7, 2002, Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., 33º, signed the Statement of Unity Agreement, on behalf of the United Supreme Council, 33º, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, Inc., in Washington, DC, at the House of the Temple, headquarters of the Supreme Council – Southern Jurisdiction, Mother Council of the World.

On the occasion, SGC Hawkins, 33º was joined by his fellow Conservators of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry: SGC James Cole,33º (Supreme Council – SJ), SGC Melvin Bazemore, 33º (USC-NJ), and SGC Pete Samiec, 33º (Supreme Council – NMJ), to sign the treaty, coined the “Statement of Unity”.

The Statement of Unity highlighted the principles of the four regular and legitimate Supreme Councils of the United States of America. It outlined the relationship between the Supreme Councils and their irrevocable connection to and support of Ancient Craft Masonry (Grand Lodges). The agreement further summarized the established rules of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry, by stating emphatically, “We agree and affirm that no other Supreme Council may be recognized or legitimately exist within the United States of America without the proper recognition of one or more of our Supreme Councils, in accordance with our rules and procedures for fraternal recognition.” Most importantly, the agreement serves as a mechanism for the Supreme Councils to support and aid each other in their endeavors to further the practice of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

To view the Statement of Unity Ceremony, please visit: https://youtu.be/oi16BZ9e5Qk.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to sharing this historic occasion for Scottish Rite Freemasonry with you! Please be sure to share this event with your membership and colleagues.

Fraternally yours,

Dr. L. Ken Collins, II, 33º
Grand Secretary-General, H∴E∴