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York Rite

The York Rite is one of the two main branches of Freemasonry after the Blue Lodge, the other branch being the Scottish Rite. Some obediences of the Scottish Rite may confer some of these degrees in countries where the York Rite is not active. The divisions within the York Rite and the requirements for membership differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the essentials are the same. In all the workings the one requirement is that all applicants be in possession of the 3°, that is raised to the degree of Master Mason.

As in other Masonic bodies, York Rite uses drama to demonstrate the lessons and special qualities of the degrees and has several various means of identification, such as grips or tokens (handshakes), signs and words.

The bodies of the York Rite are:

Table of contents

Royal Arch Masonry

The Chapter works the following degrees:

Royal & Select Masters (Cryptic Masonry)

Knights Templar

(This body is called a Commandery in the United States and a Preceptory in Canada)

It has has three orders:

The York Rite Sovereign College

An invitational Masonic body open to members who are members of all four York Rite bodies and who have shown exceptional proficiency in them. The College confers only one degree:
The following is outside the system of degrees of the York Rite, but is considered closely allied to it.

Order of the Red Cross of Constantine

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