Affiliations of Freemasons

From About Freemasons

Orders for Masons

The Masons are closely linked or affiliated with other orders. These groups no not confer degrees or orders but do admit Masons. Some of these groups have similar philosophies and histories as the Masons:

• The Shriners. Known officially as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, (A.A.O.N.M.S.), The Shriners, as they are better known, are perhaps the most recognized affiliation. Members of this order meet in Shrine "temples," and are recognized by the their maroon fezzes. The Shriners are known for their parades, and for their endless support of children's hospitals.
• Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. This order is most popularly known as "The Grotto." Members of the grotto are easily recognized by their black fezzes.
• National Sojourners. The National Sojourners are an American patriotic organization. Membership is made up entirely of Master Masons who served in the U.S. Armed Forces as Officers, senior non-commissioned Officers, or as warrant Officers.
• Royal Order of Jesters (R.O.J.). The R.O.J are better known as "Jesters." This order holds "courts" that receive thirteen initiates each year. Shriners in good standing can apply to be Jesters, but must be invited and must pass a vote process to become Jesters.
• Heroes of '76. An American patriotic order, the Heroes of '76 are closely affiliated with the National Sojourners.
• Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Master Masons in good standing can join this order, which is mainly a social order and does not confer degrees. Members of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon abide by the motto “Fun, Frolic, & Fellowship” and wear pyramid-shaped hats.
• Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill. This is another American patriotic order. It is found on the U.S. east coast.
• Order of Quetzalcoatl. More commonly called "The Q", this order is for members in the West and Southwest regions of the US.

Orders for Non-Masons and Masons

Some affiliated orders accept non-Masons as well as Masons in good standing. Such orders include:

• Order of the Eastern Star. Master Masons and their immediate female relatives – such as wives, grandparents, grandughaters, grandsons, step relatives, sisters, daughters, in-laws, and nieces -- can join this order. Chapter of the order are run by the women.

Masons who are part of the United Grand Lodge of England, however, cannot join the Order of the Eastern Star.

• Social Order of the Beauceant (S.O.O.B.). This order allows the Knights Templar, as well as their wives and widows, to join.
• Order of the Amaranth. American Master Masons and their immediate female relatives can join this order.
• White Shrine of Jerusalem. This is another order for American Master Masons and female relatives.
• Daughters of the Nile. Wives of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine can join this social order.

Youth Affiliations and Orders

Sometimes called Masonic Youth Organizations, these groups admit Mason children and relatives as well as youth. Some of the youth who join these groups become Masons at adulthood. These orders are mainly found in North America:

• International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. This order exists in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Bolivia, Japan, Brazil, Italy, and the Philippines and is open to girls between 11 and 20 years of age.
• Job's Daughters. Daughters of Master Masons or adult Job's Daughters are eligible to join this order. Members are 10 to 20 years old. This order exists in Brazil, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, and the United States.
• DeMolay International. This order is open to any young men between 12 to 21 years of age.
• Order of Boy Builders. Although most groups of the Order of Boy Builders became part of the DeMolay, some independent Orders of Boy Builders still exist in Kentucky.
• Girls of the Golden Court. Headquartered in New Jersey, this order is for girls 12 to 18 years of age. The order is affiliated with the Order of the Golden Chain.
• Organization of Triangles. This order exists in New York State and is designed for young women between 10 and 21 years of age.
• A.J.E.F. (Asociacion de Jovenes Esperanza de la Fraternidad). This order is popular in Latin American, the US, and Mexico among boys aged 14 to 21.
• Order of the Constellation of the Junior Stars. This junior affiliate of the Order of the Eastern Star is open to young women only.