GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – More than 2,100 33rd degree Masons and their wives heard an update on Masonic charitable endeavors during the recent meeting of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

The charities are supported by voluntary contributions from the 240,000 32 degree Masons throughout the 15-state jurisdiction. The National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Mass., was built in 1975 through their efforts to provide changing exhibits on American history.

Learning Centers for children with dyslexia have been providing free one-on-one tutoring at 53 locations. Within the next few years, the number of centers will increase to 59. Other projects include scholarships for college students and fellowships for schizophrenia research.

Each of the 15 Grand Lodges within the Northern Jurisdiction was represented. Also attending were officers from allied Masonic organizations across the country as well as representatives from eight Scottish Rite Supreme Councils around the world.

The week-long meeting concluded with the conferral of the 33rd degree upon 236 members who were selected for dedicated service to Scottish Rite Freemasonry or service reflecting credit upon the fraternity.

The degree is the highest honor of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. The 2005 recipients were chosen from 15 northeastern and midwestern states that comprise the 240,000-member Northern Jurisdiction of the United States.

The names of 237 nominees were announced to receive the 33rd degree at next year’s meeting in Chicago on Aug. 29. Named from the area were Warren S. Chase, Lewiston, Retired, U.S. Coast Guard, and Robert J. Landry, West Gardiner, retired.