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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions About the York Rite

What is a “Rite?”

In Freemasonry, a “Rite” is a collection of “degrees” (initiations), always beginning with the first three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.

What is the “York Rite?”

The York Rite is a system of Masonic degrees that is spread out between four organizations: the Symbolic Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Cryptic Council, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. Each organization’s degrees focus on a different theme, and together, they create a larger story that teaches Freemasons valuable lessons through initiation.

Are you really the Knights Templar?

Masonic Knights Templar are inspired by, but not descended from, the actual Knights Templar. Masonic Knights Templar seek to emulate this ancient Order in their conduct and devotion to Jesus Christ.

What is a Companion?

Members of a masonic lodge call each other by the title “Brother.” Members of Royal Arch Chapters and Cryptic Councils call each other by the title “Companion.” Knights Templar call each other “Sir Knight.”

Questions From Master Masons

How do I join?

You will need to print out a petition and bring it to the Secretary of your local Royal Arch Chapter. You can find a Royal Arch Chapter close to you by referring to our directory of constituent Chapters.

Do I have to be a Christian to join the York Rite?

No. The Royal Arch Chapter and Cryptic Council are open to Master Masons of all faiths. Only the Commandery of Knights Templar requires Christian belief.

Are the degrees of the York Rite a “solo experience,” or are they performed in a group setting, like Scottish Rite?

Both. Many Chapters, Councils, and Commanderies confer the Degrees and Orders one-by-one on individual candidates, just like in the Craft Lodge. Others may ask you to receive your degrees through a “York Rite Festival,” wherein you receive multiple degrees in a group setting. If you have a preference, please talk to the Chapters, Councils, and Commanderies in your area before petition, and see which method they prefer.

What can the York Rite offer me?

The York Rite provides powerful initiatic experiences and uniquely close fellowship. Many Master Masons find that the friendships they make in the York Rite are long-lasting and deep. We are not just a fraternal brotherhood – we are family.

What level of time commitment should I expect?

Each Chapter, Council, and Commandery will have its own business to conduct and its own degrees (or orders) to perform. Chapter and Council often operate in parallel, making their business quite streamlined. Every experience will vary, but it is common for the time commitment to them to be about the same as joining a second craft lodge.

How does the York Rite fit in with the Blue Lodge degrees?

The York Rite degrees actually begin in the “Blue Lodge” (or Symbolic/Craft Lodge), and it is considered the first of the four York Rite bodies. The vast majority of lodges in the United States use variations of Preston-Webb Ritual, which was the result of Thomas Smith Webb’s revisions of Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery ritual. The Council became part of the York Rite some years afterwards.

What are the dues and degree fees?

Just like lodges, different York Rite bodies will vary in their dues and degree fees. It’s best to talk to your local York Rite bodies’ secretary/recorder to see what they charge.

Does it matter which Rite I join first?

Both the Scottish Rite and York Rite are very beneficial to one’s masonic education. If you are interested in joining both, it is most beneficial to join the York Rite first, as the story told in the York Rite ritual is more closely connected to Symbolic Lodge ritual in the United States. The Scottish Rite ritual will be easier to understand if you see the York Rite ritual first.

Do I have to turn in any memory work?

In Texas, York Rite members do not need to turn in any proficiencies or memory work.

What’s the difference between the York Rite and Scottish Rite?

The primary differences between the York Rite and Scottish Rite are:

• Ritual origin
• Organizational structure
• Educational format

The Scottish Rite degrees are French in origin, but were organized into an actual rite in Jamaica, then revised in the United States. The York Rite degrees originated in England, France, and the United States, and were revised in the United States.

In terms of structure, Scottish Rite is one organization (per Jurisdiction). In Texas, the Scottish Rite exists as the “Orient of Texas.” However, in Texas, the York Rite is divided into:

• The Grand Lodge of Texas
• The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas
• The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas
• The Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of Texas

These four bodies are independent from each other, but work together in harmony.

Learning in the Scottish Rite occurs primarily through self-study after receiving the degrees. It is known as a more “academic” form of learning. Learning in the York Rite occurs primarily through active participation after receiving the degrees and orders. The York Rite experience focuses more on the initiatic aspect of learning.’

What is the High Priesthood?

The Order of High Priesthood (also known as the Order of Melchizedek) is a degree that is available to Companions who have been elected & installed “High Priest” (Worshipful Master / President) of their Royal Arch Chapter. It tells the story of Abraham meeting Melchizedek, which is found in the Book of Hebrews.

The Order of the Silver Trowel is the equivalent degree for the Council, and tells the story of Solomon taking over for David as King of Israel. The Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor is the equivalent degree for the Commandery.

What if I only want to join the Royal Arch?

In Texas, you are not obligated to become a Knight Templar, but we do require that a Master Mason who petitions a Royal Arch Chapter for the Capitular Degrees also petition a Council of Royal & Select Masters for the Cryptic Degrees.

Questions From York Rite Masons

What’s the deal with invitational bodies?

Invitational bodies within the York Rite seek to gather together like-minded men and promote specific causes within Freemasonry. Different invitational bodies serve different purposes.

Do I have to wear the chapeau?

There are three forms of authorized headgear for Knights Templar in Texas. The Chapeau and Military Style Black Dress Cap are both appropriate to wear with a “Full Dress” Uniform (also known as “Class A” uniform). There is also a Cap which is worn with the Cap and Mantle uniform, which looks more like a Scottish Rite prayer cap. Check with your Commandery to see which uniform (and headgear) would be appropriate for you to wear.

Do I have to go to every meeting?

You are strongly encouraged to make as many meetings as your cabletow allows. Just like lodges, York Rite bodies only succeed when members are active and participating.

Who can wear a colored jacket?

Any Companion can wear a colored jacket.

Do I need to get a red or purple jacket?

It is not mandatory to buy a red or purple jacket.

When is it appropriate to wear colored jackets?

It is appropriate to wear red jackets at all Chapter functions and purple (“eggplant”) jackets at all Council functions.

Do I have to buy a Commandery uniform?

As a member, you do not need to buy a Commandery uniform, but you will need to purchase a Commandery uniform to serve as an officer in your Commandery.