York Rite

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In the US, York Rite refers to Masonic order – separate from regular Lodges – that confers degrees. A Master Mason can join the York Rite to enhance his understanding of the tenets of Freemasonry. In the US, the York Rite is a group of very different Rites joined by the Royal Arch Masons, the Capitular Rite, the Chivalric Orders, or the Knights Templar.

The first Chapter in the York Rite

When a Master Mason first joins the York Rite he joins a first order or first Chapter, known as Royal Arch Masonry. From this Chapter, the Master Mason may earn several progressive degrees:

  • The Mark Master Mason degree. In some Jurisdictions, however, this is the second degree of the Blue Lodge.
  • The Past Master degree. In some Jurisdictions, the requirements of this degree are similar to the requirements of a Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge.
  • The Most Excellent Master.
  • The Royal Arch Mason degree. Once this degree is completed, the Mason can proceed to Cryptic Masonry or go join the Knights Templar if his specific Jurisdictions allows.

The Mark Master degree is a very highly respected degree and is among the oldest degrees in Freemasonry. Masons pursuing this degree learn practical lessons that impact everyday living. Other degrees in Royal Arch Masonry teach Masons a great deal about the symbolism of Freemasonry.

Cryptic Rite

A Mason who has joined the York Rite and has attained the four degrees of Royal Arch Masonry can membership in the Council of Cryptic Masons. This is also known as Cryptic Masonry, the Council of Royal and Select Masters, or the Cryptic Rite. In some areas, you do not need membership in the Cryptic Rite to become part of the Knights Templar. There are three degrees that can be attained:

  • Royal Master
  • Select Master
  • Super Excellent Master

The Super Excellent Master degree is considered among the most dramatic and beautiful in all of Freemasonry. All the Cryptic Rite degrees have symbols of underground cavers and crypts.

Knights Templar

In the York Rite, The Knights Templar is the final order that a Mason can join. While much of Freemasonry is non-denominational, to become part of the Knights Templar, a Mason must be a Royal Arch Mason in good standing and must also take an oath to defend Christianity. A local Knights Templar group is known as a Commandery or a Preceptory. Knights Templar is made up of three degrees:

  • Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
  • Order of the Knights of Malta (also known as the Order of Malta)
  • Order of the Temple

The Knights Templar are officially known as The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta. To become members of the Knight Templar, a Master Mason must have an invitation and must sign a declaration that he acknowledges the Doctrine of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. The Knights Templar are the logical choice for the Christian Freemason seeking a greater knowledge of Freemasonry and how it applies to his beliefs.

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