The Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots is a fraternity comprised entirely of Master Masons in good standing, similar to societies of the Grotto and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. The society has local units called "pyramids" in California, Illinois, and New Jersey.

The Order was established initially in 1905, when several Masons met in the Mission Masonic Temple, in San Francisco, CA, in order to form a social club, where various masons could get together as equals. They would be free from the restraint of the lodge room, yet organized to further Masonic teachings and apply the teachings of the Fraternity to everyday business affairs.

The organization filled a long-felt need because it brought the brethren into close contact during their daily lives, fostering the true spirit of fraternity. The Order allowed men to forget their worries, troubles, and cares of life, plus made them look upon the brighter side of things, as in positive thinking, giving them new hope and joy. Their slogan was: "BOOST ONE ANOTHER!"

In 1910, the Order decided upon an official name, adopting the title "Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots" and established a ritual, plus designated their headgear to be the fez hat, similar to the Shrine and the Grotto.

References

"The Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots" (history), Phoenixmasonry, Inc., 2006, webpage: PhoenixMasonry-AEOS, accessed 2006-12-04.