Join the York Rite in Ohio

Freemasonry in Ohio

A path that builds on the Blue Lodge and leads deeper into York Rite Masonry.

The York Rite is a collection of Masonic degrees that build upon the foundational teachings of the Blue Lodge. In Ohio, that path is often understood through four distinct bodies: Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery.

Each body offers unique lessons and experiences that deepen your understanding of Freemasonry and the values every upstanding man is encouraged to live by.

Ohio York Rite bodies of Freemasonry

How the York Rite is structured

  • Symbolic Lodge is the starting point for all Freemasons, where a man becomes an Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
  • The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons confers the Capitular Degrees, which enhance and complete the story introduced in the symbolic degrees of the Lodge.
  • The Council of Royal and Select Masons confers the Cryptic Degrees, showing how the secrets of Masonry were preserved.
  • The Commandery continues the journey through the Christian chivalric orders of Knights Templar Masonry.

Why men continue into the York Rite

  • Deepen your Masonic knowledge and experience.
  • Engage in meaningful charitable activities.
  • Build lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals.
  • Participate in unique and enriching rituals.
1. Lodge

Symbolic Masonry

The Blue Lodge is the foundation of Freemasonry. It is where every Mason begins and where the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason are received.

Focus

  • The moral teachings, symbols, and obligations that shape the Masonic life.
  • The groundwork for the York Rite bodies that follow.
2. Chapter

Royal Arch Masons

Known as the Chapter, these degrees expand the lessons and story laid out in the Master Mason degree and bring added light to the journey begun in the Lodge.

Degrees Offered

  • Mark Master
  • Past Master
  • Most Excellent Master
  • Royal Arch Mason

Key Themes

  • Recovery and preservation of ancient knowledge.
  • The importance and history of the Master's Word.

Benefits

  • Gain deeper insight into Masonic teachings.
  • Participate in meaningful symbolic rituals.
3. Council

Royal and Select Masons

Known as the Council, this body is home to Cryptic Masonry and centers on the preservation of Masonic secrets and the continuation of the Temple story.

Degrees Offered

  • Royal Master
  • Select Master
  • Super Excellent Master

Key Themes

  • The construction, furnishing, and preservation of King Solomon's Temple.
  • The importance of secrecy and fidelity.

Benefits

  • Explore the hidden mysteries of Masonry and build upon the Chapter degrees.
  • Gain further understanding and expansion of the Masonic story.
4. Commandery

Knights Templar

Known as the Commandery, the Knights Templar is a chivalric order with Christian themes that emphasizes knighthood, honor, faith, and Christian virtue.

Orders Offered

  • Order of the Red Cross
  • Order of Malta
  • Order of the Temple

Key Themes

  • The journey of a knight in service of faith.
  • The principles of honor, courage, and charity.

Benefits

  • Participate in dramatic and inspiring rituals.
  • Join a brotherhood committed to charitable works.

How to Join

Take the next step in Ohio York Rite Masonry.

  • Membership is open to Master Masons in good standing.
  • Contact your local York Rite body for more information.

Find Your District

Locate the district nearest you and connect with a local Chapter.

Use the Ohio district map below to jump directly to a district page and find nearby York Rite information.

Ohio York Rite district map

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