ABOUT

Among the various Freemasonry rites is the York Rite, sometimes known as the American Rite. A Rite is a progression of degrees awarded by several Masonic bodies or organizations, all of which are governed by a central body. In particular, the York Rite is a conglomeration of distinct Masonic Bodies and related Degrees that function separately elsewhere. The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal & Select Masters or Council of Cryptic Masons, and the Commandery of Knights Templar are the three main organizations in the York Rite. Although they are run separately, they are all regarded as being a part of the organization. Although there are other groups that are either directly affiliated with the York Rite or require membership in the York Rite, such as the York Rite Sovereign College, the York Rite is often thought to consist of the aforementioned three. Although only mentioned in the lectures of the York Rite Sovereign College, the name of the Rite is taken from the city of York, which is said to have hosted the earliest Masonic meetings in England.

One of the independent Freemasonry organizations that a Master Mason might join to increase his Masonic knowledge is the York Rite. However, the York Rite is not a single system prevalent all over the world, and there are frequently notable distinctions in ritual and structure found outside of the York Rite. However, each unique Order has recognized brotherly inter-relations with the corresponding Grand Body within the York system, for the most part, as long as the Grand Body in question views the parent "Craft" jurisdiction as regular.