DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE YORK RITE
What You Might Not Know
Becoming a Master Mason is a profound achievement, but it does not have to be the end of your Masonic education. The York Rite offers a natural path forward—one that continues the story, expands the lessons of the Blue Lodge, and invites you to seek further light.
ONE CONTINUING JOURNEY
The Story Does Not End with the Third Degree
The Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason establish the foundation of a Mason’s symbolic education. They introduce enduring lessons of character, duty, morality, fidelity, and brotherly love.
Yet the Master Mason Degree intentionally leaves important parts of its story unresolved. The York Rite continues that narrative through the Degrees of the Royal Arch and Cryptic Council, followed by the Christian Orders of the Commandery.
Each body adds context, perspective, and new lessons. Together, they offer the Master Mason a broader understanding of the traditions, symbolism, and moral teachings that began in the Blue Lodge.
The York Rite does not replace the Blue Lodge—it builds upon its foundation and continues the journey.
A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING
The Connection Between the Craft and the York Rite
The relationship between the Symbolic Lodge and the Royal Arch is deeply rooted in Masonic history and tradition.
THE ROYAL ARCH CONNECTION
An Historic Completion of the Craft Journey
When the rival English Grand Lodges united in 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of England, their Act of Union described “Pure Antient Masonry” as the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
1813
The English Grand Lodges united under one constitution.
A Close Relationship
The Royal Arch was explicitly linked to the Craft journey.
American York Rite Masonry is organized differently, but the central idea remains meaningful: the Royal Arch offers the Master Mason a natural opportunity to continue his voyage of discovery and explore the fuller context of the Masonic story.
“Pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.”
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
From Master Mason to Companion and Sir Knight
The York Rite provides a connected progression through three bodies, each contributing its own lessons and traditions.
THE FOUNDATION
Master Mason
The Blue Lodge establishes the moral and symbolic foundation for the journey ahead.
CHAPTER
Royal Arch Mason
The Royal Arch continues the story and brings key themes of the Master Mason Degree into fuller perspective.
COUNCIL
Cryptic Mason
The Cryptic Degrees reveal earlier events and hidden connections surrounding the building of King Solomon’s Temple.
COMMANDERY
Knight Templar
The Christian Orders emphasize faith, courage, sacrifice, charity, and service.
THERE IS MORE TO DISCOVER
Continue Your Search for Further Light
The York Rite invites every qualified Master Mason to continue learning, deepen his fellowship, and explore the lessons that follow the Blue Lodge. Speak with a York Rite Mason or contact the Grand York Rite of Nevada to begin the next chapter of your Masonic journey.