York Rite
The York Rite is one of several Rites of Freemasonry affiliated with masonry. A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. The York Rite specifically is a collection of separate Masonic Bodies and associated Degrees that would otherwise operate independently. The three primary bodies in the York Rite are the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Council of Royal & Select Masters or Council of Cryptic Masons, and the Commandery of Knights Templar, each of which is governed independently but are all considered to be a part of the York Rite. There are also other organizations that are directly associated with the York Rite or require York Rite membership to join such as the York Rite Sovereign College but in general, the York Rite is made up of the three bodies above. The Rite's name is derived from the city of York, where, according to one Masonic legend, the first meetings of Masons in England took place. The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason may join to further his knowledge of Freemasonry. But the York Rite is not found as a single system worldwide, and outside of the United States, there are often significant differences in ritual, as well as organization. However, in most cases, provided that the Grand Body in question regards the parent "Craft" jurisdiction as regular, each distinct Order has recognized fraternal inter-relations with the respective Grand Body within the York system.
What is York Rite Masonry?
By S.K. Charles “Chic” Cicero, EGG, KTCH
The Sublime Degree ofMaster Mason is often thought of as the ultimate degree of Freemasonry. However, many Masonic scholars agree that the narrative of the Craft, as illustrated in the three degrees, is not the whole story. The Degrees of York Rite Masonry complete the story and provide answers to many questions that the newly-raised Master Mason may have. The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry. York Rite Masonry, which takes its name from ethe old English city of York, dates back 1744 in the UK has been described as the oldest and purest of the Rites. Like other forms of Masonry, the Your Rite is not a religion. Nevertheless, it does develop Biblical themesin addition to themes based on the Medieval Crusades. In the York Rite, a Master Mason may become a member of three bodies–actually a group of separate Rites joined in order. These include a Chapter of RoyalArch Masons; a Council of Royal and Select Masters; a Commandery of Knights Templar. (Each body has its own application process allowing a new Royal Arch Member to decide when and how many bodies he would like to join.)
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
Grand Rapids Chapter #7 Royal Arch Masons is the premiere Masonic organization located in the Grand Rapids Masonic Center.Building upon the tenants of brotherly love, relief and truth, the Royal Arch Masons have a duty and responsibility to diffuse light and information to all uninformed brothers.Through leadership, discipline, and mental fortitude, Royal Arch Masons are the very definition of what a Mason should always aspire to.
The Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA) is the primary charity associated with the Royal Arch Masons.RARA helps children with auditory disabilities through research and the most up to date medical procedures helping children live more productive and fruitful lives.
For additional and amplifying information regarding Royal Arch Masons of Michigan or the Royal Arch Research Assistance, visit:
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
The Knights Templaris a fraternal order affiliated with freemasonry and is the final order joined in the York Rite. A local Knights Templar division is called a Commandery and operates under a state level Grand Commandery as well as The Grand Encampment of the United States of America. DeMolai Commandery of Grand Rapids Michigan was organized on July 23, 1856, under dispensation granted by the General Grand Encampment of U.S.A. on May 13, 1856. The Bylaws were adopted August 29, 1856. DeMolai Commandery was Chartered on September 10, 1856, by the General Grand Encampment of the U.S.A.
The head of the local Commandry is called the (Eminent) Commander, followed in rank is the Generalissimo, Captain General, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and everyone has the title of Sir Knight.The Commandry supports different charities which includes the Eye Foundation, Holy Land Pilgrimage, and the Educational Foundation. Today the Sir Knights hold their meetings the second Friday of the months of September to June at 7:30 PM in the 5thFloor Amphitheater and the York Rite office is located next to the Amphitheater. During the year they participate in honor guards at funerals, lodge installations, and flag ceremonies at public events and parades.
Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Michigan
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar U.S.A.
