OUR PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES
Further Light for the
Journey Ahead
The York Rite continues and expands upon the lessons of the Blue Lodge, helping Master Masons deepen their faith, strengthen their character, serve others, and prepare for their further travels upon the level plane of time.
WHY WE EXIST
Continuing the Lessons of Freemasonry
The York Rite of Freemasonry continues and explains the lessons introduced in the Blue Lodge Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.
Through a progressive series of Degrees and Orders, the York Rite gives the Master Mason an opportunity to deepen his understanding of Freemasonry, continue his moral and spiritual growth, and discover answers to questions intentionally left unresolved in the Symbolic Lodge.
The Degrees of the York Rite fill in important portions of the Masonic story and bring many of the lessons begun in the Blue Lodge into their fuller context. For many Masons, the York Rite is an essential part of a complete and well-rounded Masonic education.
The York Rite is also a foundation for charitable service. Through the charitable causes supported by Chapter, Council, and Commandery, Master Masons are given meaningful opportunities to improve their communities and make a difference in the lives of others.
Our principal purpose is to help Master Masons continue growing within the fraternity so they may better serve God, their families, their communities, and their fellow man.
We seek to make good men better and prepare ourselves for our further travels upon the level plane of time.
THE YORK RITE JOURNEY
Chapter, Council, and Commandery
The York Rite follows a connected path that begins in the Blue Lodge and continues through three distinct Masonic bodies.
Royal Arch Masonry
The Royal Arch Degrees are a direct continuation of the Blue Lodge Degrees. They address important questions left unanswered in the Symbolic Lodge and bring many of its teachings into their fuller perspective.
- Mark Master
- Past Master
- Most Excellent Master
- Royal Arch Mason
Upon completing these Degrees, the Mason is welcomed into a Royal Arch Chapter as a Companion.
Cryptic Masonry
The Cryptic Degrees return to important events connected with King Solomon’s Temple. They reveal circumstances that help explain the lessons presented in the Royal Arch and Symbolic Degrees.
- Royal Master
- Select Master
- Super Excellent Master
These Degrees teach lessons of fidelity, preservation, duty, sacrifice, and spiritual truth. Members of a Council are also known as Companions.
Knights Templar
The Orders of the Commandery form the culmination of the regular York Rite journey and challenge the candidate to reaffirm his faith and practice the virtues of Christian knighthood.
- Order of the Red Cross
- Order of Malta
- Order of the Temple
The final Orders are Christian in character. Upon completing them, the member is welcomed into a Commandery as a Sir Knight.
CHARITY AND SERVICE
Charity Is More Than Financial Giving
Charity is a fundamental obligation of every York Rite Mason, but it is not limited to giving money. Every person has time, experience, compassion, or ability that can be used to help another.
True charity requires more than distant sympathy. It asks us to care deeply, become involved, and place ourselves in the position of those who are suffering.
- Giving time to a worthy cause
- Visiting the sick, elderly, or lonely
- Mentoring and encouraging young people
- Supporting families experiencing hardship
- Sharing professional knowledge or experience
- Listening patiently and without judgment
- Standing beside someone during grief or uncertainty
- Defending those who cannot defend themselves
Through the charitable foundations and programs associated with Royal Arch Masonry, Cryptic Masonry, and Knights Templar, members are given additional opportunities to transform these principles into meaningful action.
LESSONS FOR LIFE
Teachings Intended to Be Lived
The Degrees and Orders of the York Rite are not intended merely to be witnessed. Their lessons should be studied, discussed, internalized, and applied in daily life.
Faith and Spirituality
Understanding our relationship with God and allowing faith to shape our conduct, decisions, and service.
Integrity and Responsibility
Fulfilling our obligations, protecting the trust of others, and accepting responsibility for our words and actions.
Leadership and Courage
Developing the wisdom and courage needed to lead with humility, fairness, compassion, and conviction.
Charity and Compassion
Recognizing the needs of others and transforming concern into meaningful service and assistance.
Freedom and Justice
Preserving human dignity, respecting lawful government, and working peacefully to improve society.
Preparation for Further Travels
Reflecting upon life, mortality, faith, and the lasting value of the good we accomplish for others.
MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER
The Journey Is Personal, but Never Traveled Alone
The measure of a York Rite Mason is not found only in the Degrees he has received, the titles he has held, or the honors he has earned. It is found in the way he lives, the people he helps, the trust he keeps, and the difference he makes.