It is considered one of the oldest rites in Freemasonry, with origins dating back to the late 16th century.
However, evidence suggests its roots lie with medieval stonemasons guilds in Scotland and England.
[3] As work on cathedrals declined in the 16th century, lodges began accepting honorary members not employed in the masonry trade.
These gentlemen masons gradually transformed lodges into speculative societies focused on moral instruction and fellowship rather than stonework.
For example, most required members to learn secret modes of recognition to prove their identity as Freemasons.
[3] Lodges also incorporated moral allegories and teachings of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences into their rituals.
[3] These new lodges practiced early forms of the Scottish Rite, helping spread its teachings globally.
[1] The Standard Scottish Rite is renowned for being an oral tradition, with rituals and lectures committed to memory.
[8] Through commitment to their unique history and rituals, these lodges preserve the foundations of Freemasonry's oldest rite.