Frank W. Thompson Lodge, A.F. & A.M.

What is Freemasonry?

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History of the Freemasons

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Masonic Organizations

Freemasonry's family consists of many organizations; some are parts of Freemasonry, some are appendant bodies of the fraternity where an entrance requirement is that a man be a Master Mason.

Ancient Arabic Order,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
(The Shrine)

Known as the playground of Masonry, the Shrine was founded in 1872 by 13 men belonging to the Masonic Order. It was originally established to provide fun and fellowship for its members. Shiners are known throughout the world for their exceptional philanthropy and their specialized hospitals that treat children with a variety of ailments — free of charge.

York Rite

The “York Rite” is colloquially referred to by Masons as the “American Rite.” The York Rite takes its name from the city of York, England, where in about 926 A.D. King Athelstan assembled Masons to receive their charter. It is one of the two main branches of Freemasonry in the United States which a Master Mason may decide to join for further exposure to Masonic knowledge. The bodies of the York Rite include the Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons and Knights Templar.

ROYAL ARCH

A Chapter of Royal Arch Masons confers four Degrees. It fills in background information of ancient craft Masonry.

- Mark Master Mason Degree
- Past Master Degree
- Most Excellent Master Degree
- Royal Arch Degree

This is the first body of the York Rite.

COUNCIL

A Council of Royal and Select Master Masons confers three
Degrees, which continue to fills in background information of ancient craft Masonry and the depositing of the Ark of the Covenant.

- Royal Master Degree
- Select Master Degree
- Super Excellent Master Degree

This is the second body of the York Rite

COMMANDERY

A Commandery of Knights Templar confers three
Degrees, called "Orders" Commandry is specialized in that membership is limited to Christian Masons.

This is the third body of the York Rite

Scottish Rite

Founded in the 17th Century in Bordeaux, France, the Scottish Rite is one of the branches of Freemasonry to which a Master Mason may proceed after he has completed the first three degrees of the Symbolic or “Blue Lodge.” The Scottish rite consists of the Lodge of Perfection, Princes of Jerusalem, Rose Croix, and Consistory, which include degrees 4° through 32°, and its degrees are lessons taught through allegory in the forms of plays. The plays are based upon both Biblical and historical references.

Lodge of Perfection
4° through 14°

These degrees focus on the building of the temple in the days of King Solomon and of King David before Solomon ascended the throne.

The first body of the Scottish Rite

Council of Princes of Jerusalem
15° and 16°

These degrees focus on Zerubabbel and his work to lead the Jewish people out of their Babylonian captivity.

The second body of the Scottish Rite

Chapter of Rose Croix
17° and 18°

These degrees tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, portrayed in a format that is accepted by all Masons, regardless of their religion. A great lesson in faith presented in an impressive degree.

The third body of the Scottish Rite

Consistory
19° through 32°

A 32° Mason is called a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. Various lessons are taught through the degrees. There is a wide range of periods covered by these degrees, from the days of the crusades all the way through the American Revolution and to the Second World War. Note: the 33° is an honorary degree conferred upon 32° Masons who have contributed outstanding service to Freemasonry or Scottish Rite or who have exemplified, in their daily lives, the true meaning of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God.

The fourth body of the Scottish Rite