The Guard was formed during the early days of our history and has been contributing to the esoteric and service needs of these bodies since it's inception into the Bodies.
The Purpose of the Scottish Rite Guard
To participate in the ritualistic degrees of the Rite when requested by the Director of Work.
To form an escort of Honor at the funeral of a deceased Brother of the Rite, and to form a Reception Committee for any assembly of the Rite of whatever nature when called upon to do so
To be a service organization of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Jacksonville.
To assist the Personal Representative and the regular officers of the Rite in maintaining decorum and harmony in all areas of the Center and the Rite.
To assist and carry out the requests and wishes of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General or Deputy, in the Orient of Florida and /or his Personal Representative in the Valley of Jacksonville, and to assist in carrying out the
programs of the Executive Committee and the Heads of the Four Coordinate Bodies of the said Rite, when requested of the Captain of the Guard.
To invite desirable Master Masons, who have passed their proficiency examination, or have been a Master Mason for no less than six months, to apply for the Scottish Rite degrees and to work generally for the up-building of the Rite.
To attend all assemblies of the Scottish Rite Guard and all regular meetings of the Scottish Rite Bodies and to wear the uniform of the Guard when instructed by the Captain.
Since the Jacksonville Scottish Rite Guard may consist of no more than sixty-five Regular members and thirty five probationary members, membership is special. Our Past Captains are not counted as part of the sixty-five regular member limit.
Probationary members are balloted upon after due investigation by the Membership Committee and in order of the application seniority. All probationary members are afforded to all the rights and privileges of a regular member, with the exception of the ballot and signing a membership application.
The new probationary is governed by the same rules and regulations as a regular member. After a time period of service the probationary may be initiated into regular membership. His initiation will depend upon his service and attendance record.
