Headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the Supreme Council, 33° Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite is the governing body for Scottish Rite Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

The Scottish Rite, NMJ oversees 15 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Vermont.

The role of Chief Executive Officer for the Scottish Rite, NMJ is performed by the Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious Peter J. Samiec, MSA, 33°, who was installed in August 2021. He has been a Scottish Rite Mason for 38 years. He became an honorary member of the Supreme Council and Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, in 1998. Commander Samiec has served as Grand Lieutenant Commander under both Commander McNaughton and Commander Glattly. Ill. Brother Samiec accepts the honor and responsibility to lead the Scottish Rite at a time of reinvigoration and growth for the fraternity.

 

The Supreme Council is composed of 49 trustees, known as Active Members.  Each of the 15 states within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has an Active Member designated as a Deputy.

The Scottish Rite, NMJ refers to state organizations as Councils of Deliberation.  The Deputy serves as the executive officer for Scottish Rite Freemasonry within his state.  He is supported by the remaining Active Members of the state. 

The role of Executive Officer for the Connecticut Council of Deliberation is performed by our Deputy, Illustrious Kevin J. Hecht, 33°, who was installed in August 2021. Ill. Bro. Kevin joined the Scottish Rite in 1990, was conferred the 33° in 1998, and served as Active for Connecticut since 2014. Ill. Bro. Kevin is also Director, Human Resources, Supreme Council, NMJ.

Local bodies within each State Council of Deliberation are organized into what are known as Valleys.  Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies, and each body confers a set of degrees.  The Valley of Hartford is a four body Valley.

The Connecticut Council of Deliberation has one additional Active. This role of Active is performed by Illustrious Bruce T. Work, 33°, who was installed in August 2021. Ill. Bro. Bruce joined the Scottish Rite in 1976 and was conferred the 33° in 1990. Ill. Bro. Bruce is also our immediate Past Deputy for Connecticut. Thank you for your your accomplished works as our Deputy and continued dedication to Connecticut Scottish Rite as our current Active.

Joining the Valley of Hartford is a way for a Mason to build upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the craft lodge (also known as Blue Lodge), which consists of the first three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. 

The Valley of Hartford holds what we call a Reunion.  This is where our degrees are conferred on a class of Candidates. The Reunion also provides the opportunity for social fellowship.  The Valley of Hartford also meets on an annual basis, at which time the business of the fraternity is conducted.