About Freemasonry
The York Rite, also known as the American Rite, is one of several Rites of Freemasonry. It is named after York, in Yorkshire, England, where the Rite was supposedly first practiced. The York Rite is a collection of separate Masonic Bodies and associated Degrees that would otherwise operate independently. While these bodies and degrees are present worldwide, the term is primarily used by American Freemasons.
The three primary bodies in the York Rite are:
- Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
- Council of Royal & Select Masters (or Council of Cryptic Masons)
- Commandery of Knights Templar
Each of these bodies is governed independently but is considered part of the York Rite. There are also other organizations directly associated with the York Rite, such as the York Rite Sovereign College, which require York Rite membership to join.
The York Rite is one of the concordant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason may join to further their knowledge of Freemasonry. However, it is not found as a single system worldwide, and outside of the United States, there are often significant differences in ritual and organization. Membership in the Royal Arch is always required and must be maintained to keep membership in the other two bodies.
This summary provides an overview of the York Rite for inclusion on the Tampa York Rite Masonic Bodies website, highlighting its structure, primary bodies, and the significance of its name and origins.
Citation: York Rite – Wikipedia
York Rite Freemasonry
York Rite Freemasonry is one of the two main branches of Masonic appendant bodies in the United States (the other being the Scottish Rite). It offers Master Masons additional degrees that explore and expand upon the teachings of the Blue Lodge (the first three degrees of
Freemasonry). The York Rite is deeply rooted in Biblical history and symbolism and emphasizes Christian values, especially in its later stages.
The York Rite is divided into three primary bodies, each with its own degrees and leadership:
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Royal Arch Chapter
- Degrees: Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason
- Focus: Completion of the Master Mason degree, especially regarding the rebuilding of the Temple and the recovery of lost Masonic knowledge.
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Cryptic Council (or Royal and Select Masters)
- Degrees: Royal Master, Select Master, and often Super Excellent Master
- Focus: Hidden truths and spiritual wisdom, particularly the preservation of sacred knowledge during times of peril.
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Commandery of Knights Templar
- Orders: Order of the Red Cross, Order of Malta, and Order of the Temple
- Focus: A chivalric Christian path rooted in medieval knighthood. Unlike other Masonic bodies, membership in the Knights Templar requires a belief in the Christian faith.
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