MARYLAND YORK RITE
APPENDENT BODIES OF THE MWPHGL OF MD
MARYLAND YORK RITE
APPENDENT BODIES OF THE MWPHGL OF MD
Welcome to Maryland York Rite PHA
Join Maryland York Rite PHA - A Community for Growth
The York Rite is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. The York Rite specifically is a collection of separate Masonic Bodies and associated Degrees that would otherwise operate independently.
The three primary bodies in the York Rite are the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Council of Royal & Select Masters or Council of Cryptic Masons, and the Knights Templar, each of which is governed independently but is considered to be a part of the York Rite. Other organizations are deemed to be directly associated with the York Rite, or require York Rite membership to join, such as the Knights of the York Cross of Honour, but, in general, the York Rite is considered to consist of the aforementioned three.
The Rite’s name derives from the city of York, where, according to a Masonic legend, the first Masonic meetings in England took place. The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason may join to further his knowledge of Freemasonry. But the York Rite is not found as a single system worldwide, and outside the York Rite, there are often significant differences in ritual and organization. However, in most cases, provided that the Grand Body in question regards the parent “Craft” jurisdiction as regular, each distinct Order has recognized fraternal inter-relations with the respective Grand Body within the York system.
Since the York Rite is actually a grouping of separate organizations joined in order, each body operates with relative autonomy. And though they are referred to as one rite, it is common for individuals to be members of some bodies and not others. For example, in many jurisdictions, Cryptic Masonry (Royal & Select Masters) can be skipped, allowing a person to be a member of only the Royal Arch and the Knights Templar.
It is also common for non-Christians to join only the Royal Arch and Council of Royal & Select Masters, as the Knights Templar require members to be of the Christian faith. But no matter what, the Royal Arch is always needed, and membership in that body must be maintained to maintain membership in the other bodies.
Upcoming Events
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resources
Education
Administration
Administration
PHAAROS — Prince Hall Ancient Rites & Order Studies University is a scholarly institution dedicated to the study, preservation, and advancement of the Ancient Craft, Scottish Rite, and York Rite traditions. Rooted in the legacy of Prince Hall Masonry, PHAAROS serves as a lighthouse of disciplined learning, unifying the teachings, symbols,
PHAAROS — Prince Hall Ancient Rites & Order Studies University is a scholarly institution dedicated to the study, preservation, and advancement of the Ancient Craft, Scottish Rite, and York Rite traditions. Rooted in the legacy of Prince Hall Masonry, PHAAROS serves as a lighthouse of disciplined learning, unifying the teachings, symbols, and philosophies of the Rites under one academic structure.
Administration
Administration
Administration
The Administrative Resources section provides York Rite members with centralized access to essential tools and services. Here, members may download official forms and templates, submit petitions, and securely complete required semi-annual payments. This portal supports efficient administration, consistency across jurisdictions, and timely compliance with organizational requirements.
Our Programs
Administration
Our Programs
We offer a variety of programs and initiatives that are designed to support our members and promote economic growth in the region. From networking events to professional development opportunities, we have something for everyone.