Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots

HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF SCIOTS

In 1905 a number of Masons met in Mission Masonic Temple, in the City of San Francisco, for the purpose of forming a social club, where Masons could get together on an equal footing, free from the restraint of the lodge room, yet organized for the purpose of furthering Masonic teachings and applying, in a practical way, in everyday business affairs, the teachings of the fraternity. The result of this meeting was the organization of the "Boosters." Charles H.S. Pratt, known for many years for his activity in boosting his brethren and wherever he could render assistance or boost them along, was chosen head of the order and given the title of Kadih Al Malik, or King of the Ceremonials. A Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, which vested the Government of the Organization in a Council of Twelve. The purpose of the Organization was set forth as follows.

It is to be one family of boosters and brothers and has the same right of protection, as has the household. Its membership shall be composed of our best citizens, moral, upright, virtuous, law-abiding fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, and all of them Masons in good standing.

The idea was an instant success. It was recognized that such an Organization filled a long-felt want because it brought the brethren into closer contact in their daily lives; fostered the true spirit of fraternity; caused men to forget their worries, troubles and cares of life; made them look upon the bright side of things and gave them new hope and much joy . The slogan was:

BOOST ONE ANOTHER

The first Ceremonial and Banquet was held at Pioneer Hall, San Francisco, December 12, 1905, and the Organization as a live factor in Masonic Circles came into being. The earthquake and fire of April 18, 1906, having destroyed the meeting place and reduced a part of San Francisco to ruins, the Sciots devoted their time and money to such relief as came under their observation.

In the course of time, it was discovered that on account of the popularity attained by this Organization there were a number of other organizations that had taken the name of "Boosters." A general meeting was called for January 23, 1910, at which time the name was changed to "Sciots" as typifying everything that it stood for in the way of ritual assistance, social and fraternal intercourse. They adopted the following preamble:

"To bind closer the ties of Masonic Brotherhood, to promote the well-being and elevate the condition of its members, to widen the field and increase the harvest of brotherly love; to cultivate the Social and Fraternal Instincts and increase the Happiness of those who are or may become Members of it; to provide for its Government, and to lay the foundation of a permanent Fraternal and Social Organization."

At the same time the official name was declared to be:     "ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ORDER OF SCIOTS"