In Summary
The 8th degree of the Scottish Rite, known as the Intendant of the Building, is symbolically associated with the number 9 and its multiples. It is believed to focus on the importance of passing on the principles of Freemasonry to future generations. The Intendant of the Building Society, a charitable organization within the Scottish Rite, honors those who support the continuation of these principles through their generosity.

Initial Note:
The True Mason, believes that his agonies and sorrows are ordained for his chastening, strengthening, his elaboration, and development…
He who industriously sows and reaps is a good laborer, and worthy of his hire. But he who sows that which shall be reaped by others, by those who will know not of and care not for the sower, is a laborer of a nobler order, and, worthy of a more excellent reward.

Regalia Notes:
The apron is white, lined with red, and bordered with green; in the center is an embroidered nine-pointed star and over that a balance. On the flap is a triangle, with Phoenician letters at each angle.

The three colors white, red, and green, the chief symbolic colors of Scottish Rite Masonry, teach us to imitate the purity of morals and zeal for the service of Masonry which has made our deceased Master immortal in the recollection of men.

The jewel is a delta of gold. On one side are engraved or enameled the words ‘ben-khurim’ in Samaritan, or Hebrew. Both mean ‘nobles’ or ‘freeborn’; on the reverse, the letters are Samaritan and stand for Achad, or ‘our only God, chief, and source of all’. Pike derives this interpretation from its root which means ‘first’. The triangular shape is the most fundamental symbol of the Deity.

The cordon is a broad watered crimson ribbon, worn from right to left; the jewel is suspended from it by a green ribbon.

Duties are:
• Be benevolent and charitable.

For Reflection:
• Is this life more than a portal to another?

Lessons:
• Benevolence and charity demand we correct our own faults and those of others. That which a man knows dies with him; therefore, transmit your knowledge. Labor is Honorable if done with sobriety, temperance, punctuality, and industry.

Important Symbols:
• Triple triangle, a nine-pointed star, the color crimson, green, and white.

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Additional Notes:
Pike reminds us in Morals and Dogma that these degrees are not for those who will refuse to explore the mines of wisdom in the teachings of the Scottish Rite. We may become more adept at uncovering and interpreting the meaning of the ceremonies and symbols of Masonry but this is not sufficient. Only when we have learned to practice all the virtues they inculcate are we prepared to receive its lofty philosophical instruction and to scale the heights upon whose summit Light and Truth sit enthroned. In addition to presenting direct instruction on Masonic virtues, this degree is the first of the Ineffable Degrees to provide a summary of the important political lessons concealed within the preceding degrees.

Sources:
Purchase ‘A Bridge To Light‘ by Rex R. Hutchens
Purchase ‘Morals & Dogma‘ by Albert Pike.