The Masonic Family

Also known as: Symbolic Lodge, Craft Lodge, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (AF&AM / F&AM)

The Blue Lodge is the foundation of all Freemasonry. Every Mason begins here, progressing through three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The Blue Lodge teaches moral and ethical lessons through allegory and symbolism drawn from the building trade — the square, the compass, the gavel, the level. It is not a religion, a political party, or a secret society. It is a brotherhood of men committed to self-improvement, service, and mutual support.

Also known as: Holy Royal Arch, Capitular Masonry

The Royal Arch is considered by many to be the completion of the Master Mason degree. It reveals the recovery of the Lost Word and provides the conclusion to the Hiramic legend. The Chapter confers four degrees and is widely regarded as the most beautiful and profound work in all of Masonry.

Also known as: Council of Royal & Select Masters, Cryptic Masonry

The Cryptic Council preserves the secrets that were hidden in a vault beneath King Solomon's Temple. The degrees explain events that chronologically precede the Royal Arch degree, filling in crucial gaps in the Masonic narrative. The Council degrees are some of the most dramatic and historically rich in all of York Rite Masonry.

Also known as: Knights Templar, Chivalric Masonry

The Commandery confers the chivalric orders of Masonry, rooted in the traditions of the medieval Knights Templar who protected pilgrims during the Crusades. It is the only Masonic body that requires a profession of Christian faith. The Orders of the Commandery emphasize duty, honor, and the defense of the innocent.

Also known as: AASR, A&ASR

The Scottish Rite confers degrees 4° through 32°, exploring philosophy, morality, history, and symbolism in extraordinary depth. The degrees are organized into four bodies: Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°), Chapter of Rose Croix (15°-18°), Council of Kadosh (19°-30°), and Consistory (31°-32°). The 33° is an honor conferred by the Supreme Council for exceptional service. In the United States, there are two Supreme Councils: the Southern Jurisdiction (headquartered in Washington, D.C.) and the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (headquartered in Lexington, MA).

Also known as: Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.)

Shriners International is known worldwide for its network of Shriners Children's hospitals, which provide specialized pediatric care regardless of a family's ability to pay. Shriners combine philanthropy with a spirit of fun and fellowship — parades, circuses, and social events are hallmarks of the organization. The red fez is the most recognizable symbol in all of Masonry.

Also known as: ROJ

A social and fun-oriented body within the Shrine family. The Jesters emphasize fellowship, humor, and good times. They maintain a museum of historical humor artifacts.

Also known as: OES

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. Founded in 1850, it teaches lessons through the stories of five biblical heroines: Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa. Each represents a virtue: fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith, and love. OES chapters are active in charity, community service, and fellowship.

Also known as: Amaranth, Court of the Amaranth

The Order of the Amaranth is a fraternal organization for Master Masons and their female relatives. It takes its name from the amaranth flower, which in legend never fades — symbolizing immortality. The Order promotes truth, faith, wisdom, and charity. Courts of the Amaranth are active in charitable work and community service.

Also known as: SOOB

The Social Order of the Beauceant is the only ladies' fraternal order whose eligibility is determined by a Sir Knight's membership in the Commandery. Founded in 1890 in Denver, Colorado, when Knights Templar asked their wives to help host the 25th Triennial Conclave. The name comes from the banner ("beauceant") used by the medieval Knights Templar. The SOOB promotes loyal friendships, charitable works, and the support of Knights Templar activities.

Also known as: Order of DeMolay

Founded in 1919 in Kansas City by Frank S. Land, DeMolay is named after Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. DeMolay teaches seven cardinal virtues: filial love, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness, and patriotism. Many prominent men were DeMolays, including Walt Disney, John Wayne, and numerous U.S. Senators and astronauts.

Also known as: Rainbow Girls, IORG

Founded in 1922 by Rev. W. Mark Sexson in McAlester, Oklahoma, Rainbow for Girls teaches leadership, service, and self-confidence through ritual, community service, and social activities. The organization takes its name and symbolism from the rainbow — each color representing a virtue: Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, and Service.

Also known as: JDI, Bethel

Founded in 1920 in Omaha, Nebraska by Ethel T. Wead Mick, Job's Daughters is based on the Book of Job, Chapter 42, Verse 15: "In all the land there were no women so fair as the daughters of Job." Local units are called Bethels. The organization emphasizes faith, respect for parents and elders, and charitable service. The HIKE Fund (Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment) is Job's Daughters' primary philanthropy.

Also known as: Widows Sons, WSMRA

The Widows Sons are Master Masons who ride motorcycles. Brotherhood on the road, charity rides, and Masonic fellowship define the organization. Chapters are active in community service, fundraising, and supporting Masonic widows and orphans. The name references the Masonic legend of Hiram Abiff, the "widow's son."

Also known as: Heroes of '76

National Sojourners promotes patriotism and Americanism among Masons and in the community. Founded in 1900 at a military post, the organization brings together Masons who have served their country. The "Heroes of '76" program presents patriotic programs to schools, civic groups, and lodges. Sojourners also support ROTC/JROTC awards, youth leadership programs, and essay contests.

Also known as: Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm

The Grotto is a fun-oriented Masonic body emphasizing fellowship, social activities, and charitable work. Often called "the Masonic playground," the Grotto supports cerebral palsy research and dental care for special needs individuals as its primary philanthropies. Grottoes are known for their lighthearted approach to Masonic fellowship.

Also known as: TCL

The Tall Cedars of Lebanon is a fun and fellowship organization for Master Masons. Founded in 1902, the Tall Cedars support muscular dystrophy research as their primary philanthropy. Local units are called "Forests," and the organization is known for its pyramid-shaped hat and lighthearted approach to brotherhood.

Also known as: Philalethes

Founded in 1928, the Philalethes Society is one of the oldest and most respected Masonic research societies in the world. It publishes "The Philalethes" magazine quarterly, promoting Masonic scholarship, education, and the exchange of ideas. The Society brings together Masonic writers, historians, and thinkers.

Also known as: SRRS

Founded in 1991, the SRRS promotes scholarly research into the Scottish Rite and Freemasonry generally. It publishes "Heredom," an annual transactions volume of peer-reviewed Masonic research, considered the gold standard of Masonic academic publishing. Approximately 4,000 members worldwide.

Also known as: TMS

Founded in 2008, The Masonic Society publishes quarterly research and promotes thoughtful engagement with Masonic ideas. Unlimited Fellows membership with a focus on accessible Masonic education and dialogue.

Also known as: GCR

Founded in 1932, the Grand College of Rites is the repository and publisher of extinct and inactive Masonic rituals. It preserves the history and ritual of degrees and orders that are no longer actively conferred, publishing them in an annual volume called "Collectanea." The GCR ensures that no Masonic ritual is permanently lost.

Also known as: AMD

The AMD preserves and confers "detached" degrees — historical Masonic degrees that have no other governing body in the United States. Founded in 1892, the AMD is the largest York Rite invitational body. Its councils confer degrees including the Royal Ark Mariner, Order of the Secret Monitor, Knight of Constantinople, Saint Lawrence the Martyr, Grand Tilers of Solomon, and others — each a complete ritual with its own history and lessons.

Also known as: Knight Masons, OKMUSA, "The Green Degrees"

The Knight Masons confer the "Green Degrees" — ancient degrees that historically predated the Master Mason degree. Originating in Ireland, these degrees were once worked under Royal Arch Chapters and later under Knight Templar Preceptories. The degrees tell the story of the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian captivity.

Also known as: RCC, Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine

The Red Cross of Constantine commemorates the Emperor Constantine's elevation of Christianity from a persecuted sect to the official religion of the Roman Empire. It confers three degrees plus two appendant orders and two honorary ranks. The RCC cultivates social virtue, preserves fraternal customs, and fosters fellowship between Masonic branches.

Also known as: YRSC, York Rite College

The York Rite Sovereign College fosters cooperation among the York Rite bodies, improves ritualistic presentation, conducts education programs, and recognizes outstanding service. It confers the Knight of York degree. The highest honor is the Order of the Purple Cross of York, designating recipients as Associate Regents.

Also known as: KYCH

The KYCH honors Masons who have presided over all four York Rite bodies. It is one of the most selective organizations in Masonry — a Mason must have been elected to lead at every level of the York Rite. Members who achieve Grand-level presiding officer status receive the title Knight of the York Grand Cross of Honor (KYGCH).

Also known as: HRAKTP, KTP

One of the most selective bodies in all of York Rite Masonry. The HRAKTP recognizes exceptional Templar leadership. Originally conferring 33 degrees, the body now confers one comprehensive degree. Tabernacles are limited by the number of active Commanderies per state. Historical roots trace to England in 1786 and references to a "Priestly Order" in Irish Templarism as early as 1755.

Also known as: SRICF, Soc. Ros., Rosicrucian Society

The SRICF is a Masonic Rosicrucian society that explores the esoteric and mystical aspects of Masonry and Christian philosophy. Constituted in 1880, its members study subjects including Kabbalah, alchemy, hermeticism, and the history of the Rosicrucian tradition. The Society confers nine grades organized in three orders.

Also known as: ROS

Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Royal Order of Scotland is one of the most prestigious and selective Masonic bodies in the world. It claims origins during the Crusades and confers two degrees: Heredom of Kilwinning and the Rosy Cross. Provincial Grand Lodges govern the Order in various countries.

Also known as: COSA, St. Thomas of Acon

The Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon revives the traditions of the medieval Knights of St. Thomas, an English crusading order founded during the Third Crusade. Revived in the UK in 1974, with a US Province founded in 2000. The Order recognizes dedication and contributions to Masonic bodies.

Also known as: Athelstan

Founded in 2005, the Order of Athelstan is inspired by King Athelstan (894-939 AD), the first King of England, who according to Masonic tradition granted the original charter to the stonemasons' guild in York in 926 AD. The Order explores the historical connections between the medieval guilds and modern Freemasonry.

Also known as: Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers, and Bricklayers

The Operatives further the legacy of the operative stonemason guilds from which speculative Freemasonry evolved. The Society confers seven grades with titles drawn directly from the medieval building trades: Indentured Apprentice, Fellow of the Craft, Fitter and Marker, Setter Erector, and others. It provides a unique connection to the operative roots of the fraternity.

Also known as: Blue Friars

Founded in 1932, the Society of Blue Friars honors outstanding Masonic authors and writers. With approximately 25 living members at any time and only one new member inducted per year, it is one of the most exclusive bodies in all of Masonry. There are no degrees, no dues, and no regular meetings — the honor IS the membership.

Also known as: SOKP, Knights Preceptor

Founded in 1977, the Knights Preceptor honor current and past Commanders of Knights Templar Commanderies. One chapter exists per Grand Commandery jurisdiction. Membership is limited and requires a unanimous ballot.

Also known as: R.E.R., CBCS

The Rectified Scottish Rite offers a distinctly Christian perspective on the Templar experience, rooted in 18th-century French Masonic tradition. It is one of the most time-intensive Masonic journeys — members spend years progressing through its grades. The full title of the highest grade is Chevalier Bienfaisant de la Cité Sainte (Knight Beneficent of the Holy City).

Also known as: OSM Scarlet Cord

Consecrated as a sovereign body in 2010, the Scarlet Cord confers six grades and is associated with the Order of the Secret Monitor. It explores additional aspects of the David and Jonathan narrative central to the Secret Monitor tradition.

Also known as: MOB

Founded in 1921 as "The Wahoo Band," the Masonic Order of the Bath is a "fun degree" emphasizing the social and charitable aspects of Masonic fellowship. It provides a lighthearted contrast to the solemn ritual of other Masonic bodies.

Also known as: Corks

Organized in 1868 as "The Jolly Corks," Ye Antiente Order of Corks is a fun and social degree emphasizing fellowship, good humor, and conviviality. The Corks degree is also conferred within the Allied Masonic Degrees.

Also known as: RSKO, "The Dinner Degree"

A "dinner degree" focused entirely on food, fellowship, and good company. Dues are equal to the price of dinner. The RSKO is a reminder that Masonry at its core is about brotherhood — and sometimes, that means breaking bread together.