Royal Arch Masonry

Capitular Masonry is the first step in the completion of the York Rite. In the United States, a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons confers the degrees of Mark Master, Virtual Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and The Most Sublime Degree of the Holy Royal Arch, which all symbolically take place during the actual construction of King Solomon’s Temple. Freemasons who hold membership in a Royal Arch Chapter are called “Companions”.

 Cryptic Masonry is the next step in the completion of the York Rite. In the United States, a Council of Royal and Select Masters confers the degrees of Royal Master and Select Master, with the optional addition of the Super Excellent Master degree, which endeavor to instruct those aspiring to its mysteries on the preservation and recovery of the Lost Word referenced in the Blue Lodge. Freemasons who hold membership in a Council of Royal and Select Masters are called “Companions”. 

 Chivalric Masonry is the culmination of the York Rite system. By building on what is taught in the Blue Lodge, the Knights Templar provide a path for those who wish to continue their journey through Freemasonry by adding the lessons of Christian chivalry and devotion to duty that so marked the ancient Templars. In the United States, a Commandery of Knights Templar confers the Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta and the Order of the Temple. Freemasons who hold membership in a Commandery of Knights Templar are called “Sir Knights”.