In Scottish Rite Freemasonry, there is no higher order than the 33rd Degree.
Darryl Flagg, a Jefferson resident who has been a member of the Masons for 25 years, was honored with his 33rd Degree on Aug. 31.
“I was surprised when they asked me,” said Flagg, who, at 50 years old, is an exceptionally young 33rd-Degree Mason. “It’s a big honor.”
In order to achieve this level, members of the fraternity must be invited for their achievement within the organization or outstanding contributions to others that reflect upon Freemasonry, according to a press release issued by the organization.
Flagg is the only member of the Riverside Lodge – the Jefferson Masonic lodge – to ever be asked to receive the honor. He was elevated at a ceremony during the annual meeting of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, held this year at the Academy of Music Theater in Philadelphia.
Several thousand 33rd-Degree Masons attended the meeting, at which 163 Masons from around the country were given their 33rd Degree, including seven from Maine.
“The ceremony was really impressive. We were all required to wear a long-tailed tux,” Flagg said. “The sight of 2000 Masons walking down the street in Philadelphia in penguin suits was quite a sight.”
Flagg’s father was a Mason and Flagg joined because it was something they could do together, he said. Flagg has been the Thrice Potent Master of the Rockland Scottish Rite Lodge for the last five years, and his son is Master of the Riverside Lodge.
“Our family has three generations of Masters in that lodge,” Flagg said.
Although he joined to be with his father, Flagg quickly realized the organization’s work was something he could devote himself to.
The Masons are responsible for significant charitable work throughout the world, including the Shriners’ Burn Hospital, children’s education centers and the CHIPS program, an effort to help find missing or abducted children.
At the meeting in Philadelphia, the Masons passed around a collection jar for contributions to the children’s education centers. The Masons in attendance donated $11,000, Flagg said.
“You can’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands,” Flagg said. “You got to throw something back sometimes.”
Through charitable work and devotion to the temple, Flagg ascended through the three Degrees available to members of the local lodge, which Masons call a blue lodge.
Ten years ago he joined the Scottish Rite Freemasons, which have a regional lodge in Rockland. He then moved through the 32 Degrees within Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
He’s given so much time to the organization because he believes so strongly in what they do.
“It’s a fraternity based on core values of friendship and brotherly love,” Flagg said. “We’re involved in a lot of charities, and we do a lot for the area.”
Anyone interested in the joining the Masons can contact their local chapter to request information.
