By Bro Gerrit Roebert Ockerse DGMembership Officer KwazuluNatal
The York Rite is one of the several Rites of Freemasonry, an appendant body to the mainstream craft of Freemasonry, which includes the Blue Lodge (or Craft Lodge). It is a system of Masonic degrees that continues the journey of a Mason beyond the basic three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. The York Rite is particularly popular in North America and derives its name from the city of York in England, where some believe the first Masonic Grand Lodge was established.
The York Rite is composed of four main bodies, each with its own set of degrees:
1. Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
– Royal Arch Mason: This degree is considered the culmination of the Masonic journey, revealing the lost word (the name of God) and teaching profound lessons about faith and the endurance of the human spirit.
2.Order of Mark Master Masons
Mark Master: This degree teaches lessons about the dignity of labour and the value of regularity and discipline in Masonry.
- The Royal Ark Mariner
this is a beautiful degree that is appendant to the Mark degree
3. Council of Royal and Select Masters (Cryptic Masonry) :
1 – Select Master: This degree focuses on the safeguarding of the secrets of the Temple and the lessons of loyalty and integrity.
2 – Royal Master: This degree delves into the preparation of the Temple and the value of patience and persistence.
3 – Most Excellent Master: This degree celebrates the completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple.
4 – Super Excellent Master: An optional degree, it portrays the events related to the destruction of the first Temple and highlight’s themes of fidelity and duty.
4. Knights Templar:
it deals with crusades and honour, truth and Fidelity in guarding holy places. And as below “Order of the temple” not these words but the rest of.
- Order of Malta: This order, also known as the Order of St. John, emphasizes the Christian virtues and the knightly duties of a Mason.
- Order of the Temple: The most well-known and prestigious of the York Rite degrees, this order is rich in Christian symbolism and is designed to inspire the Masonic Knight to live a life of purity, honour, and service.
Participation in the York Rite requires a Mason to be a Master Mason in good standing in his Blue Lodge. The York Rite provides a deeper exploration of Masonic symbolism, history, and philosophy, and it places a strong emphasis on Christian values, particularly in the Knights Templar. While it is Christian in nature, the York Rite is open to Masons of all faiths, though the religious aspects of the higher degrees may appeal more to those with a Christian background.