The Swedish Rite.

A question was put to me recently regarding the Swedish Rite and asking if the Rite was Regular in that it had an unusual number of Degrees.

The Rite is Regular and I have managed to dig out a short piece of research on the subject.

The Rite is used throughout Scandinavia and in parts of Germany. J.W. von Zinnendorf obtained the Swedish Rite rituals from his friend Carl Eckleff in 1766. He used then in founding the Grosse Landeslodge in 1770 when he left the German "Three Globes Grand Lodge".  

Between 1819-32 Nettelblant made most extensive being the 11th. degree. The Swedish Rite is unique in Freemasonry, containing features not present elsewhere: 

more than three degrees within the Grand Lodge emphasis on the Christian religion and modes of recognition largely different from the rest of the world. 

Two of the six Craft Degrees are conferred in one ceremony, there being seven symbolic degrees. Multiple versions of the chivalric degrees are used. Placement of biblical characters in Craft degrees differ from the rest of the world. 

The first six degrees are classified as craft degrees of St. John the Baptist and the three degrees of the Scottish Masonry of St. Andrew are given in two separate Lodges. The symbolic conclude with the seventh degree- the transitional order of knighthood.

The degrees from the seventh upward are the pre-eminent degrees of knighthood, although all are degrees of knighthood in a broad sense.

Swords are worn in the first seven degrees except for the fourth and fifth when daggers are worn.

The three St. Andrews degrees may be French in origin. The first two (4th. & 5th.) are conferred together in a single ceremony in a dimly lit room representing a sepulchal chamber beneath the ruins of Solomon`s Temple. 

A black apron sash and collarette are worn. The first clue between the similarity between the 9th, 10th, and 11th. degrees of the Scottish Rite (Rose Croix) is the use of the title Elect St. Andrew`s Apprentice for the 4th. Degree of the Swedish Rite. These two degrees

The Chapter degrees are a Christian Knighthood system based on Templary.

The central idea of the Swedish Rite says that DeMolay just before he died inducted Franz von Beaujeau into the Templars and conveyed to him the highest secrets of the Order with instruction to continue the Knight Templars in his stead. 

The legend is incorporated in the Swedish Rite. The Patron Saint of the Order is St. John the Evangelist one of Christ`s inner circle of three , the others being Peter and James, this Rite adds Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemis.

Evolution.  

In 1759 Carl Eckleff a secretary in the Swedish foreign office established the first Swedish Rite Chapter. He established four levels of knighthood. Through the efforts of King Karl 8th. the first ten degrees were expanded and an 11th. was added. 

In the Provincial Grand Lodge Seminar which will be held on 28th. February 2004 a section on the Tours Masonic Exhibition will feature The Swedish Rite.