Overview
The York Rite Bodies
The York Rite is a collection of Masonic bodies that confer degrees beyond the Blue Lodge. In the Prince Hall tradition, the York Rite in Louisiana is composed of three principal bodies, each conferring a unique series of degrees that illuminate the deeper teachings of Freemasonry.
First Body
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
Mark Master · Virtual Past Master · Most Excellent Master · Royal Arch
The Chapter confers four degrees culminating in the Royal Arch Degree, often called the "completion of the Master Mason Degree," which reveals what was lost.
Second Body
Council of Royal & Select Masters
Royal Master · Select Master · Super Excellent Master
The Cryptic Degrees are conferred by the Council. They preserve the secrets of the Royal Arch and illuminate the events surrounding the construction and destruction of King Solomon's Temple.
Third Body
Commandery of Knights Templar
Order of the Red Cross · Order of Malta · Order of the Temple
The Commandery confers chivalric orders upon Royal Arch Masons who profess the Christian faith, tracing the pilgrimage of the ancient Knights Templar.
Appendant Body
KYCH — Knights of the York Cross of Honour
York Cross of Honour
The Knights of the York Cross of Honour is an invitational honorary body that recognizes York Rite Masons who have served with distinction in all three York Rite bodies — the Chapter, Council, and Commandery.