York Rite Masonry
What is the York Rite?
Freemasonry is a progressive science, and as such has many levels of education and involvement.
The first step that a man must complete in Freemasonry is that of Symbolic Masonry (often referred to as Ancient Craft Masonry or the "Blue Lodge").
Once the three degrees of that body have been completed, the Master Mason may optionally pursue a deeper understanding of the symbols and allegories of the organization by seeking admission into the "higher degrees."
One group of degrees which endeavors to enculcate a higher level of understanding is the York Rite.
The York Rite consists of three seperate bodies (Chapter, Council, and Commandery), each of which has its own progression of degrees, much like Craft or Blue Lodge Masonry.
In fact, some of the degrees under the Royal Arch Chapter were commonly conferred at one time as part of the Blue Lodge, but have been seperated out over the years into their own organizational structure.
Capitular Degrees (Chapter of Royal Arch Masons)
The Capitular degrees are very similar to the first three degrees of Freemasonry.
Anyone who elects to receive these degrees will be struck with their similarity to the degrees that have already been conferred upon him.
They are a logical extension of the first three degrees, and are both enlightening and impressive.
In the degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter, the candidate is given instruction relative to the completion of King Solomon's temple, and learns some of the secrets which were lost during its construction.
The Capit degrees are:
- Mark Master
- Past Master
- Most Excellent Master
- Royal Arch Mason
Cryptic Degrees (Council of Royal and Select Masters)
The degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry are not told in a chronological manner.
This is done intentionally so that as one advances in education and understanding of the degrees, they will be more impressive and have a more lasting impact on the candidate.
In the degrees of the Council, the remaining questions and gaps in all of the preceding degrees are explained in a very dramatic fashion.
The final degree of this body, that of Super Excellent Master has no direct connection to the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, but serves to depict events leading up to the destruction of the temple, and inculcates impressive lessons on truth and fidelity.
The Cryptic degrees are:
- Royal Master
- Select Master
- Super Excellent Master (optional)
Chivalric Orders (Commandery of Knights Templar)
The orders of knighthood are the pinnacle of the York Rite, and serve to explain the Christian interpretations and applications of Freemasonry.
These orders are very chivalric in nature, and represent some of the most solemn and beautiful work in all of Freemasonry.
The Chivalric orders are:
- The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
- The Order of Malta
- The Order of the Temple (or Knights Templar)
