About York Rite Freemasonry
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization. The York Rite is a system of degrees practiced mainly in America for Master Masons who desire further knowledge and experience in the craft of Freemasonry.
The York Rite creates deeper meaning and relationships while examining the fundamental lessons taught in Freemasonry. It provides additional tools to help answer the questions: What is my relationship with God? What is my relationship with other people? What is my purpose? We discover, preserve, and defend the truest principles of time.
The Three Bodies
Royal Arch Chapter
The Chapter confers four degrees: Mark Master, Past Master (Virtual), Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason. These degrees complete the Master Mason degree and explore the deeper mysteries of ancient craft Masonry.
Cryptic Council
The Council confers three degrees: Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master. These degrees focus on the preservation and protection of the ancient mysteries and provide context for the Royal Arch degree.
Knights Templar Commandery
The Commandery confers three orders: Order of the Red Cross, Order of Malta, and Order of the Temple. These are Christian orders emphasizing chivalry, honor, and the defense of the Christian faith.
Membership Requirements
- •Must be a Master Mason in good standing
- •Profess a belief in the Holy Trinity (for Commandery)
- •Desire to further your Masonic knowledge and experience
- •Commitment to regular attendance and participation