The York Rite [1][2][3] is one of several Rites of Freemasonry. 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 are governed independently but are all considered to be a part of the York Rite. The Rite’s name is derived from the city of York.
Sunset Grand Lodge York Rite Masonry
A.F. & A.M.
"I've got a seed in the ground, and God is leaning in my direction"
Royal Arch Masonry (R.A.M.)
The Capitular Degrees Royal Arch Mason (R.A.M)The Capitular Degrees are a set of four degrees controlled by the Royal Arch Chapter. They center on the construction phases of Solomon’s Temple, with the exception of the degree of Past Master, hence Read More ...
Knights Templar
Knights TemplarThe Chivalric Orders are a set of three Orders culminating in the grade of Knight Templar, and controlled by that body. This body is markedly different from its foreign counterparts, in that it exhibits a paramilitary structure and outlook Read More ...
The Cryptic Rite
No rite of Freemasonry has come into its own so much as the series of degrees known as the Cryptic Rite, also known as the Cryptic Masons. Its popularity is well deserved for there are no more beautiful or meaningful Read More ...
The Structure of a Council of Cryptic Masons
Blue Lodge Cryptic Masonry Worshipful Master Thrice Illustrious Master Senior Warden Deputy Master Junior Warden Principal Conductor of the Work Treasurer Treasurer Secretary Recorder Chaplain Chaplain Senior Deacon Captain of the Guard Junior Deacon Conductor of the Council Senior Steward Read More ...
The Antioch “Chalice”
Date: 500–550 Geography: Made in Antioch or Kaper Koraon (?) Culture: Byzantine Medium: Silver, silver-gilt Dimensions: Overall: 7 11/16 x 7 1/16 x 6 in. (19.6 x 18 x 15.2 cm) foot: 2 15/16 in. (7.4 cm) Classification: Metalwork-Silver Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1950 Accession Read More ...
The GOSPEL of NICODEMUS
Nicodemus helping to take down Jesus’ body from the cross (Pietà, by Michelangelo). formerly called the ACTS of PONTIUS PILATE. [Although this Gospel is, by some among the learned, supposed to have been really written by Nicodemus, who became Read More ...
THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
The Book of Joshua marks the fulfillment of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, for God fulfills his promises to Joshua, the successor to Moses, by leading them to the Promised Land. With God’s help, the tribes of Israel united as Read More ...