Sep
23
2008
Freemasonry - Ancient York Rite Grand Lodge
The symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, as conferred in the United States, are degrees of the York Rite. York Masonry is the oldest and best known of all Masonic Rites. It takes its name from York, England, where the earliest known record of Masonry exists, dating from about A.D. 923. Masonry´s first written record is centered around York, the seat of the Ancient York Grand Lodge. In 1813, this Grand Lodge merged with another group called the Modern Grand Lodge, to form the United Grand Lodge of England. This is the basis upon which our present system of Symbolic Lodge Masonry is built.
You, as a Master Mason, have received the first three degrees of
the York Rite. Having begun your Masonic work in the York Rite, it is
natural that you should want to continue with it. According to Masonic
legend, every man raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason
received “substitute secrets”, as the “true secrets” were lost. It may
prove a surprise to the average man, believing his work is completed,
to be told that the secrets pertaining to the ceremony will not be
given to him! This is unfortunate, but the veil is lifted in the degree
of the Royal Arch, and in that degree only. Hence, no man actually
becomes a Master Mason until he is exalted to that holy order.
0 comments - Posted by Sam Tish at 12:43 AM - Categories: 1.Chapter | 2.Council | 3.Commandery
