Masonic appendant bodies
Encyclopedia
The fraternity of Freemasonry
, also known as "Free and Accepted Masons," is organized by private groups of members variously known in English as lodges, chapters, councils, commanderies, consistories, etc., which can be collectively referred to as Masonic bodies.
The basic unit to which an individual member belongs is the Masonic Lodge
, which alone can "make" a Mason. This is done by conferring the three masonic degrees, being those of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft (or Fellow Craft), and Master Mason.
Many masonic bodies use numbers as an informal way of referring to or identifying the degrees they confer, but the most important and therefore "highest" degree is the third, or Degree of Master Mason. Whilst there is no degree in Freemasonry higher than that of Master Mason, the degree of the Holy Royal Arch
is of great antiquity, and has a special importance in many masonic systems, including those of all three of the oldest 'Constitutions' (masonic authorities), namely the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland, in all of which it is considered (by varying constitutional definitions) to be the completion of the mainstream masonic structure, A number of related organisations which have as a prerequisite to joining that one be a Master Mason, such as the Scottish Rite
, the York Rite
, and a large number of 'stand-alone' Orders and Degrees.
There are also organizations affiliated with Freemasonry which admit both Master Masons and non-Masons who have some relation to a Master Mason, such as the Order of the Eastern Star
, International Order of Job's Daughters (Job's Daughters International
) and the Order of the Amaranth
. Still other affiliated organizations like the Order of DeMolay and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
admit non-Masons and have no requirement that an applicant be related to a Master Mason.
A number of terms, such as "appendant," "affiliated," "concordant," or "in amity" are used, sometimes interchangeably, to describe these bodies.
, formed in 1717, frowned on anything beyond the first three degrees, viz. the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason.
However, the Antient Grand Lodge of England
, formed in 1751, claiming to be of an older tradition, with strong ties to the Freemasonry of Ireland and Scotland, allowed a wider range of more elaborate rituals to be worked. The Antients believed, rightly or wrongly, that their possession of the Royal Arch Degree gave them the older, more complete tradition, and they derisively called the Masons of the Premier Grand Lodge "the Moderns." When the two Grand Lodges merged in 1813, Article Two of the Articles of Union agreed that "pure ancient Masonry consists of three degrees, and no more," although by semantic wordplay that agreement included the "Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch" and allowed some "chivalric degrees"
The period from 1740 to 1813 saw a host of Masonic rites, orders and degrees emerge. These new rituals enlarged the scope of Masonry and encompassed many elaborations, some of which included elements which had previously been practiced within the craft. Many rites proved to be transient and died out (some being no more than a written record without evidence of having been practiced), but some proved more resilient and survived.
. Others require prior membership of other groups, or having held specific office in a group.
Membership is sometimes open, and sometimes invitational. In the United States, the York and Scottish Rites make petitions available to all Master Masons but reserve the right to reject petitioners, while other groups, such as the Knight Masons, require that one be asked to join by a current member.
there are a large number of separately administered degrees and orders open only to craft freemasons, of which the following are some of the most popular:
Two principal groups of degrees each administered from their own offices are:
Amongst many others are
The following orders are administered in England, but have Conclaves and Units in Scotland
there are a number of degrees and orders that are administered separately and are open to Master Masons either by petition or by invitation.
Invitational Degrees
.
is strong in France, Luxembourg, Greece, Brazil, and formerly Louisiana.
The following affiliated organizations admit both Masons and female relatives of Masons:
Freemasonry
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge...
, also known as "Free and Accepted Masons," is organized by private groups of members variously known in English as lodges, chapters, councils, commanderies, consistories, etc., which can be collectively referred to as Masonic bodies.
The basic unit to which an individual member belongs is the Masonic Lodge
Masonic Lodge
This article is about the Masonic term for a membership group. For buildings named Masonic Lodge, see Masonic Lodge A Masonic Lodge, often termed a Private Lodge or Constituent Lodge, is the basic organisation of Freemasonry...
, which alone can "make" a Mason. This is done by conferring the three masonic degrees, being those of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft (or Fellow Craft), and Master Mason.
Many masonic bodies use numbers as an informal way of referring to or identifying the degrees they confer, but the most important and therefore "highest" degree is the third, or Degree of Master Mason. Whilst there is no degree in Freemasonry higher than that of Master Mason, the degree of the Holy Royal Arch
Holy Royal Arch
The Holy Royal Arch is a degree of Freemasonry. It is present in all main masonic systems, though in some it is part of 'mainstream' Freemasonry, and in others it is an 'additional' degree....
is of great antiquity, and has a special importance in many masonic systems, including those of all three of the oldest 'Constitutions' (masonic authorities), namely the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, and Ireland, in all of which it is considered (by varying constitutional definitions) to be the completion of the mainstream masonic structure, A number of related organisations which have as a prerequisite to joining that one be a Master Mason, such as the Scottish Rite
Scottish Rite
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry , commonly known as simply the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry...
, the York Rite
York Rite
The York Rite or American Rite is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as 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...
, and a large number of 'stand-alone' Orders and Degrees.
There are also organizations affiliated with Freemasonry which admit both Master Masons and non-Masons who have some relation to a Master Mason, such as the Order of the Eastern Star
Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization that both men and women can join. It was established in 1850 by Rob Morris, a lawyer and educator from Boston, Massachusetts, who had been an official with the Freemasons. It is based on teachings from the Bible, but is open to people of all...
, International Order of Job's Daughters (Job's Daughters International
Job's Daughters International
Job's Daughters International is a Masonic-sponsored youth organization for girls and young women aged 10 to 20. The organization is commonly referred to as simply Job's Daughters, and sometimes abbreviated as JDI...
) and the Order of the Amaranth
Order of the Amaranth
Order of the Amaranth is a Masonic-affiliated women's organization founded in 1873. As in the Order of the Eastern Star, members of the Order must be age 18 and older; men must be Master Masons; and women must be related to Masons as wives, mothers, daughters, widows, sisters, nieces, aunts, et...
. Still other affiliated organizations like the Order of DeMolay and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a Masonic youth service organization which teaches leadership training through community service...
admit non-Masons and have no requirement that an applicant be related to a Master Mason.
A number of terms, such as "appendant," "affiliated," "concordant," or "in amity" are used, sometimes interchangeably, to describe these bodies.
History
Until the first two decades of the 18th century, Freemasonry in the British Isles seems to have consisted of only one degree, although there have survived some references to symbolic elements that now appear in both the second and third degrees. Following the introduction of the second and third degrees in the 1720s, the Premier Grand Lodge of EnglandPremier Grand Lodge of England
The Premier Grand Lodge of England was founded on 24 June 1717 as the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster and it existed until 1813 when it united with the Ancient Grand Lodge of England to create the United Grand Lodge of England. It was the first Masonic Grand Lodge to be created...
, formed in 1717, frowned on anything beyond the first three degrees, viz. the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason.
However, the Antient Grand Lodge of England
Antient Grand Lodge of England
The Ancient Grand Lodge of England or Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of England, according to the Old Constitutions was a rival Grand Lodge to the Premier Grand Lodge of England. It existed from 1751 until 1813 when the United Grand Lodge of England was created. They called themselves the...
, formed in 1751, claiming to be of an older tradition, with strong ties to the Freemasonry of Ireland and Scotland, allowed a wider range of more elaborate rituals to be worked. The Antients believed, rightly or wrongly, that their possession of the Royal Arch Degree gave them the older, more complete tradition, and they derisively called the Masons of the Premier Grand Lodge "the Moderns." When the two Grand Lodges merged in 1813, Article Two of the Articles of Union agreed that "pure ancient Masonry consists of three degrees, and no more," although by semantic wordplay that agreement included the "Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch" and allowed some "chivalric degrees"
The period from 1740 to 1813 saw a host of Masonic rites, orders and degrees emerge. These new rituals enlarged the scope of Masonry and encompassed many elaborations, some of which included elements which had previously been practiced within the craft. Many rites proved to be transient and died out (some being no more than a written record without evidence of having been practiced), but some proved more resilient and survived.
Recognition
Different Masonic jurisdictions vary in their relationships with appendant bodies, if any. Some offer formal recognition, while others consider them wholly outside of Freemasonry. This leads to some such bodies not being universally considered as appendant bodies, but rather separate organizations that happen to require Masonic affiliation for membership.Membership
Each Masonic body sets its own Membership requirements, which vary greatly. Many of these, especially those that actually confer additional Masonic degrees and orders, limit membership to Master Masons only. Others require the candidate to either be a Master Mason or have a familial relationship to one. Some require the candidate to be a Trinitarian Christian, which is more religiously specific than Craft Masonry, which accepts candidates of any faith as long as they declare a belief in a Supreme BeingSupreme Being
The term Supreme Being is often defined simply as "God", and it is used with this meaning by theologians of many religious faiths, including, but not limited to, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Deism. However, the term can also refer to more complex or philosophical interpretations of the...
. Others require prior membership of other groups, or having held specific office in a group.
Membership is sometimes open, and sometimes invitational. In the United States, the York and Scottish Rites make petitions available to all Master Masons but reserve the right to reject petitioners, while other groups, such as the Knight Masons, require that one be asked to join by a current member.
England
In England after the degrees of craft freemasonryFreemasonry
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge...
there are a large number of separately administered degrees and orders open only to craft freemasons, of which the following are some of the most popular:
- The Holy Royal ArchHoly Royal ArchThe Holy Royal Arch is a degree of Freemasonry. It is present in all main masonic systems, though in some it is part of 'mainstream' Freemasonry, and in others it is an 'additional' degree....
. Under the English Constitution, the Royal Arch degree is conferred only by Royal Arch Chapters (which are each attached to a Craft Lodge) under the governance of the Supreme Grand Chapter, which has many officers in common with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). The Holy Royal Arch is the only degree formally recognised by the UGLE as part of "pure, antient Freemasonry" along with the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry, and membership is widespread. Other orders and degrees are however referred to and acknowledged by the Grand Master, and all their members are necessarily masons subject to UGLE.
Two principal groups of degrees each administered from their own offices are:
- The Order of Mark Master Masons. Under the English Constitution this degree is only conferred in independent Mark Masters' Lodges; some of which are also warranted to hold Royal Ark Mariners Lodges.
- The Ancient and Accepted Rite (colloquially called "The Rose Croix"). In England, this Rite has no reference to Scotland. Although it is derived from the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction of the U.S.A., the Mother Supreme Council of the World, and the names of its degrees are the same, it has different requirements for membership and the progression through its degrees is much more restricted.
Amongst many others are
- The Knights Templar
- The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the EvangelistRed Cross of ConstantineThe Red Cross of Constantine, or more formally the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Appendant Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist is a Christian Order of Freemasonry...
, colloquially known as the Red Cross of Constantine. (This is an entirely different order from the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross in the U.S. Knight Templar system.) - Order of the Secret Monitor
- Royal and Select Masters colloquially known as the cryptic degrees.
- The Allied Masonic DegreesAllied Masonic DegreesThe Allied Masonic Degrees are a series of Masonic degrees conferred by Councils of the Allied Masonic Degrees. They are side degrees that can be conferred only by invitation...
- Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, also called the Order of Holy Wisdom, or colloquially KTP.
Scotland
In Scotland after the three degrees of craft freemasonry most Master Mason are advanced as Mark Master Masons, this Royal Arch degree is worked in Craft lodges thanks to a special agreement between the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland. there are a number of additional orders open only to craft freemasons, of which the following are some of the most popular:- The Royal ArchRoyal ArchThe Royal Arch was erected in Dundee between 1849 and 1853 to commemorate a visit to the city by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1844.The Royal Arch, , consisted of a large, triumphal arch, flanked by two smaller side arches, and surmounted by two central turrets. It was 80 feet across...
This order consists of three Degrees, the Mark Master Mason, Excellent Master and Royal Arch Degree. In addition the Royal Arch in Scotland also administers the combined order of Royal Ark Mariners and Knight Masons (usually called the Lodge & Council) as well as the three Cryptic degrees of the Royal and Select Masters.
- The Knights Templar, properly called the United Religious, Military, and Masonic Orders of the Temple, and of St.John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta.
- The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the EvangelistRed Cross of ConstantineThe Red Cross of Constantine, or more formally the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Appendant Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist is a Christian Order of Freemasonry...
, titled the Imperial, Religious and Military Order of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine, Holy Sepulchure and St. John the Evangelist work five degrees.
- The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite - work similar degrees to the English and American orders but only confer the 18,30,31,32 and 33 Degrees, in Scotland they order is controlled by the Supreme Council for Scotland and all the degrees above the 30th are conferred in small numbers.
The following orders are administered in England, but have Conclaves and Units in Scotland
- Order of the Secret Monitor
- Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests
United States
In the United States there are two main Masonic appendant bodies:- The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of FreemasonryScottish RiteThe Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry , commonly known as simply the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry...
.
- The York RiteYork RiteThe York Rite or American Rite is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as 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...
(sometimes called "The American Rite"), which, aside from the craft lodge, comprises four separate and distinct bodies: the Royal ArchRoyal Arch MasonryRoyal Arch Masonry is the term used to denote the first part of the York Rite system of Masonic degrees. Royal Arch Masons meet as a Chapter, and the Chapter confers four degrees: Mark Master Mason, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason.-Chapter level:A Chapter is in many ways...
Chapter (Capitular Masonry), the Council of Royal & Select Masters (Cryptic Masonry), the Commandery of the Knights TemplarKnights TemplarThe Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon , commonly known as the Knights Templar, the Order of the Temple or simply as Templars, were among the most famous of the Western Christian military orders...
, and the York Rite College. The York Rite also includes Priories of Knights of the York Cross of Honor.
Canada
In Canada there are two main Masonic appendant bodies:- The York RiteYork RiteThe York Rite or American Rite is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as 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...
, being the older of the two, which, aside from the craft lodge, comprises four separate and distinct bodies: the Royal ArchRoyal Arch MasonryRoyal Arch Masonry is the term used to denote the first part of the York Rite system of Masonic degrees. Royal Arch Masons meet as a Chapter, and the Chapter confers four degrees: Mark Master Mason, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason.-Chapter level:A Chapter is in many ways...
Chapter (Capitular Masonry), the Council of Royal & Select Masters (Cryptic Masonry), the Commandery of the Knights Templar, and the York Rite College. The York Rite also includes Priories of Knights of the York Cross of Honor.
- The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Ireland
In Ireland, after the Craft degrees conferred under the authority of the Grand Lodge of IrelandGrand Lodge of Ireland
The Grand Lodge of Ireland is the second most senior Grand Lodge of Freemasons in the world, and the oldest in continuous existence. Since no specific record of its foundation exists, 1725 is the year celebrated in Grand Lodge anniversaries, as the oldest reference to Grand Lodge of Ireland comes...
there are a number of degrees and orders that are administered separately and are open to Master Masons either by petition or by invitation.
- The Royal Arch in Ireland is unique, and regarded widely as being the oldest Royal Arch working in the world. Members of Royal Arch in England, Scotland or America would notice a great many differences in the theme of the degree from what they are used to. Royal Arch Chapters in Ireland also work the Mark Master Mason degree, which a Mason must obtain before being made as a Royal Arch Companion. Irish Royal Arch chapters operate under the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland and both the Mark Master Masons and Royal Arch degrees are recognised by Grand Lodge as being part of "pure, ancient Freemasonry."
- The Knight MasonOrder of Knight MasonsThe Order of Knight Masons is a secular, chivalric Masonic order, open to all Master Masons who are also members of a Mark Lodge and a Royal Arch Chapter...
degrees make up the last part of "Universal" Irish Freemasonry. They are open to any member of the Craft and Royal Arch. They are frequently known in other constitutions as the Red Cross Degrees, namely, Knight of the Sword (formally Red Cross of Babylon or Red Cross of Daniel), Knight of the East (formally Jordan Pass), and Knight of the East and West (formally Royal Order). These degrees had previously been administered by Knights Templar Preceptories and some Royal Arch Chapters. In 1923 the Grand Council of Knight Masons was established to support and preserve the Degrees and the Councils that confer them. Irish Knight Masonry is now a worldwide masonic body and is continuing to grow. The Red Cross Degrees practiced under the Grand Council of Knight MasonsOrder of Knight MasonsThe Order of Knight Masons is a secular, chivalric Masonic order, open to all Master Masons who are also members of a Mark Lodge and a Royal Arch Chapter...
are conferred in the correct chronological order and are given in far greater detail than any similar body anywhere else in the world. In other jurisdictions, it is invitational.
Invitational Degrees
- The Military Order of the Temple, often known as the Masonic Knights Templar, confers Templar and Malta degrees. Membership of the Order of the Temple is strictly invitational.
- The Ancient and Accepted Rite of Ireland has strict requirements for membership. It is by invitation only and membership of Knight Templar is required. The degree structure is extremely close to the more famous Scottish Rite in America; however, as in the Ancient and Accepted Rite in England, progression through each individual degree is strictly by invitation only.
Northern Europe
In northern Europe Freemasonry exists mostly in the form of the Swedish RiteSwedish Rite
The Swedish Rite is a variation of Freemasonry that is worked in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. A slight variation is common in parts of Germany under the Große Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland. Also other craft masonic bodies are working in the nordic countries...
.
France
The French RiteFrench Rite
The French Rite of Freemasonry is a Rite of Freemasonry. It was founded in France in 1786.-History:The French Rite is intimately linked to the birth of Freemasonry in France and was founded in France in 1786. British exiles brought the "Modern" rite to France and this was little by little passed...
is strong in France, Luxembourg, Greece, Brazil, and formerly Louisiana.
Other orders and degrees
The following affiliated and/or appendant bodies confer Masonic degrees. Those who petition or are invited to membership must be at least Master Masons, although each body may have additional qualifications for membership:- Allied Masonic DegreesAllied Masonic DegreesThe Allied Masonic Degrees are a series of Masonic degrees conferred by Councils of the Allied Masonic Degrees. They are side degrees that can be conferred only by invitation...
. In the U.S., councils of the A.M.D. exemplify twelve Masonic degrees. In Canada, councils exemplify nine degrees in addition to the installation ceremony. In England, councils confer only five degrees. - Royal Ark Mariners. In the U.S., it is part of the Allied Masonic Degrees. In England, separate lodges of Royal Ark Mariners are administered by the Mark Lodges under the Mark Grand Lodge. See Mark Master LodgeMark DegreeThe Order of Mark Master Masons is an appendant order of Freemasonry that exists in some Masonic jurisdictions, and confers the degrees of Mark Man and Mark Master.-Administrative structure:...
. In Canada, the degree is associated with the Cryptic Rite. In Scotland the degree is worked in the combined order (along with the Knight Mason degrees) titled the Lodge and Council, and is controlled by the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland. - The Order of the Secret Monitor. In the U.S., the degree is exemplified as a part of the Allied Masonic Degrees. In the UK, separate conclaves of the Order confer three degrees.
- The Red Branch of Eri and The Order of Eri. In the U.S. and Canada, it is part of the Allied Masonic Degrees. In England, the Order of Eri consists of three degrees.
- Ye Antient Order of Noble CorksYe Antient Order of Noble CorksYe Antient Order of Noble Corks also known as The Cork, is an informal degree allied to Freemasonry. It is described as a "fun" degree.-Origins:...
. A part of the Allied Masonic Degrees. In Scotland, and in some other countries, it is conferred separately, usually on Royal Arch Masons. - The Knight MasonsOrder of Knight MasonsThe Order of Knight Masons is a secular, chivalric Masonic order, open to all Master Masons who are also members of a Mark Lodge and a Royal Arch Chapter...
. Councils of Knight Masons confer what are sometimes known as the three Green Degrees: Knight of the Sword, Knight of the East, Knight of the East and West. In the U.S., the Grand Council of Knight Masons of the U.S.A. charters councils in amity with the Grand Council of Knight Masons which is based in Dublin, Ireland and is the Grand Council for all Irish Knight Masonry across the rest of the globe, In Scotland the degrees are worked in the combined order (along with the Royal Ark Mariner degree) titled the Lodge and Council, and are controlled by the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland. - Royal Order of ScotlandRoyal Order of ScotlandThe Royal Order of Scotland is an honor society linked to Freemasonry. Membership is an honour extended to Freemasons by invitation.-Organization:...
. The Grand Lodge of the Royal Order at Edinburgh, Scotland, controls approx. 85 Provincial Grand Lodges around the world, and confers two degrees. - The Rectified Scottish RiteRectified Scottish RiteThe Rectified Scottish Rite is a Christian Masonic rite founded in Lyon in 1778.- Origins of this Rite :The Rite was mainly elaborated by Jean-Baptiste Willermoz. This famous Mason reformed the French branch of the Templar Strict Observance at the Congress of Gauls in 1778, including some items...
, known as CBSC from its highest exoteric rank, Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cite Sainte, or Knights Beneficent of the Holy City. - The Rite of Baldwyn at Bristol. Practiced only in the city of BristolBristolBristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
, UK, the camp confers five degrees. - The Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests. A rite of 33 degrees, of which only the last degree is conferred in full form in "tabernacles."
- Societas RosicrucianaSocietas RosicrucianaThe Societas Rosicruciana is a Rosicrucian order which limits its membership to Christian Master Masons. The order was founded in Scotland, but now exists in England, Scotland, Canada, France, Portugal, Romania, Ireland and the United States...
. Colleges confer nine degrees, or "grades." - Order of St. Thomas of AconOrder of St. Thomas of AconThe Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon is an independent British Christian masonic organisation. Membership is restricted to those who are subscribing members of a Preceptory in amity with the Great Priory of the United Religious, Military and Masonic Order of the Temple of England and...
. A commemorative chivalric order. Organized in "chapels." - The Order of the Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers. Colloquially known as "The Operatives" and formed of seven degrees or "grades."
- The Hermetic Order of Gnosis, known as H.O.GN, organised in "Temples", confers two degrees, and is ruled by a council of seven. This Order is by invitation only.
- The August Order of Light. Temples of the Order confer three degrees. In England only.
- The Masonic Order of Athelstan. The Order is invitational, organised in "courts."
Other affiliated bodies
- Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, (A.A.O.N.M.S.). ShrinersShrinersThe Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also commonly known as Shriners and abbreviated A.A.O.N.M.S., established in 1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry, based in the United States...
, as they are known colloquially, meet in Shrine "temples," and are well-known for their maroon fezzes, lavish parades, and sponsorship of children's hospitals. - Royal Order of JestersRoyal Order of JestersThe Royal Order of Jesters is a fraternal organization affiliated with Freemasonry and the Shriners.- Formation :The original meeting resulting in the formation was held on February 20, 1911, by Shriners in the Captain’s office of the S.S. Wilhelmina on a pilgrimage to Aloha Temple, Hawaii. Noble A.M...
(R.O.J.) Colloquially known as "Jesters," local "courts" are limited to thirteen initiates yearly. Initiation, by invitation and unanimous ballot, is limited to members in good standing of the Shrine. - Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted RealmMystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted RealmThe Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, also known as M.O.V.P.E.R. or The Grotto, is an appendant body in Freemasonry.-Overview:...
. Colloquially known as "The Grotto;" members wear black fezzes. - National Sojourners. An American patriotic organization for Master Masons who served as officers, warrant officers, or senior non-commissioned Officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Heroes of '76. An American patriotic side order of the National Sojourners; see above.
- Tall Cedars of LebanonTall Cedars of LebanonThe Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America is one of the various appendant bodies of Freemasonry, open only to Master Masons in good standing in a regular Masonic Lodge. Unlike the York Rite or Scottish Rite, which confer Masonic degrees which extend or expound upon basic craft Masonry, Tall...
. - Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill. An American patriotic side order, focusing on Revolutionary War heroism, open to Master Masons in good standing in certain jurisdictions.
- Order of QuetzalcoatlOrder of QuetzalcoatlThe Order of Quetzalcoatl, colloquially known as the "Q", is a Masonic invitational body. It is heavily involved in philanthropy, and its main contribution is towards transportation funds for Shriners hospitals....
. Colloquially known as "The Q", a group mostly in the West and Southwest United States.
The following affiliated organizations admit both Masons and female relatives of Masons:
- Order of the Eastern StarOrder of the Eastern StarThe Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization that both men and women can join. It was established in 1850 by Rob Morris, a lawyer and educator from Boston, Massachusetts, who had been an official with the Freemasons. It is based on teachings from the Bible, but is open to people of all...
. Membership is limited to Master Masons and their close female relatives. The Chapter is run by the women; the Master Mason is just there to help open the Chapter. The female relatives are wife, sister, daughter, mother, and various grands, step relatives and in-laws Masons who are members of lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England are prohibited from joining this quasi-Masonic organization. - Order of the AmaranthOrder of the AmaranthOrder of the Amaranth is a Masonic-affiliated women's organization founded in 1873. As in the Order of the Eastern Star, members of the Order must be age 18 and older; men must be Master Masons; and women must be related to Masons as wives, mothers, daughters, widows, sisters, nieces, aunts, et...
. An American androgynous order for Master Masons and their female relatives. - Social Order of the Beauceant (S.O.O.B.). An American androgynous order for Knights Templar, their wives and widows.
- White Shrine of Jerusalem. An American androgynous order for Master Masons and their female relatives.
- Daughters of the Nile. Membership is limited to wives of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
- Scottish Amaranthine Order is a Scottish androgynous order for Master Masons and their female relatives.
Youth organizations
A number of Masonic-affiliated youth organizations exist, mainly in North America, which are collectively referred to as Masonic Youth Organizations.- DeMolay InternationalDeMolay InternationalDeMolay International , founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919, is an international organization for young men ages 12–21. DeMolay derives its name from Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar...
is the most common. Young men from 12 to 21 are eligible. - Order of Boy Builders, formerly folded into DeMolay, now apparently revived in Kentucky.
- A.J.E.F.A.J.E.F.A.J.E.F. Is an acronym which stands for Association of Youth Hope of the Fraternity . It is an appendant body to Freemasonry for youth aged 14–21 in México, United States and Latin America....
, Asociacion de Jovenes Esperanza de la Fraternidad, for boys aged 14 to 21, active in México, the United States, and Latin America. - Knights of Pythagoras, for boys aged 8 to 18; sponsored by the Prince Hall Masons.
- International Order of the Rainbow for GirlsInternational Order of the Rainbow for GirlsThe International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a Masonic youth service organization which teaches leadership training through community service...
. Young ladies from 11 to 20 are eligible. Rainbow, though not active in all of the United States, is active in Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Philippines. - Job's Daughters. Young ladies from 10 to 20, who are daughters of Master Masons or daughters of a majority Job's Daughter, are eligible. The "Jobies" have Bethels in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Philippines, as well as in many states of United States.
- Order of the Constellation of the Junior Stars, for girls, a junior affiliate of the Order of the Eastern StarOrder of the Eastern StarThe Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization that both men and women can join. It was established in 1850 by Rob Morris, a lawyer and educator from Boston, Massachusetts, who had been an official with the Freemasons. It is based on teachings from the Bible, but is open to people of all...
. - Gleaners are the Youth Department of the Order of the Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliated. The local units are Branches; the members range in age from 8 to 18.
- Girls of the Golden Court, for girls 12 to 18, sponsored by the Order of the Golden ChainOrder of the Golden ChainThe Order of the Golden Chain is a fraternal social organization for Freemasons and their immediate female relatives. It was founded in 1929 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Local units are called Links, and exist in northeastern US coastal states. Each has six officers known as "jewels". The Grand...
. - Organization of Triangles, confined to New York State, for girls and young women aged 10 to 21.