Structure of Freemasonry

Masonic Steps

Craft Lodge

Freemasonry, the oldest fraternal organization in the world, is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Freemasonry welcomes into its midst men of any race or religious belief, as long as they profess a belief in one supreme being. It is not a religion, but does encourage its members to be faithful to their own particular beliefs. It is an organization dedicated to personal betterment through education of the inner self. It encourages its members to place high value on morality and virtue.

Taken from the Grand Master’s Message and the Grand Lodge of Canada in Ontario

1st Degree Entered Apprentice
2nd Degree Fellowcraft
3rd Degree Master Mason

York Rite

The York Rite, or more correctly, the American Rite, is based on the early remnants of Craft Masonry that were practiced in the early 1700's. The formation of the first Grand Lodge of England in 1717 specified that the lodges were to confer only the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, all other degrees being considered spurious. However, many lodges had been conferring other degrees that they considered an integral part of Masonry, in particular that of the Royal Arch, and formed their own Grand Lodge in 1751, terming themselves the "Antients" and the other Grand Lodge members the "Moderns."

With the merger of the two Grand Lodges in 1813 into the United Grand Lodge of England, the lodges agreed that only the three accepted degrees of Masonry would be used by the lodges, but the degree of the Royal Arch would be attached to Chapters allied directly to these lodges and bearing the same number as the lodge, though as a separate body. Thus, unlike the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which claims to hold the power of conferring the first three degrees of Masonry in addition to those under its jurisdiction, those found in the York Rite have rightfully acknowledged the fact that they are considered appendant to those of Ancient Craft Masonry.

It is still the practice in English Masonry that a Masonic member is not considered to be in possession of all the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry until he has been exalted to the Royal Arch.

Taken from the York Rite Website

Holy Royal Arch Mason

Allied Organizations

click image below for description

Male Members

Shriners
Tall Cedars of Lebanon
The Grotto
DeMolay

Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine
(The Shriners)

In 1870 a group of Masons gathered frequently for lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage on Sixth Avenue in New York City. At a special table on the second floor a particularly fun-loving group of men met regularly. Among the regulars were Walter M. Fleming, M.D. and William J. “Billy” Florence, an actor. The group frequently talked about starting a new fraternity for Masons – one centered on fun and fellowship, more than ritual. Fleming and Florence took this idea seriously enough to do something about it.

Billy Florence had been on tour in France, and had been invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The exotic style, flavors and music of the Arabian-themed party inspired him to suggest this as a theme for the new fraternity. Walter Fleming, a devoted fraternity brother, built on Fleming’s ideas and used his knowledge of fraternal ritual to transform the Arabian theme into the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.).

With the help of the Knickerbocker Cottage regulars, Fleming drafted the ritual, designed the emblem and costumes, formulated a salutation and declared that members would wear the red fez.

The first meeting of Mecca Shriners, the first temple (chapter) established in the United States, was held September 26, 1872.

Taken from the Shriners International Website

Tall Cedars of Lebanon

Our Tenets:
To promote a stronger bond with ALL Freemasons and to further the goals and tenets of Freemasonry

To find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy and neuromuscular diseases.

To recognize mans' need for fun and relaxation among his family, friends and neighbors...Thus

Our Creed:
"Fun Frolic & Fellowship"...we offer every Master Mason an opportunity to enjoy a fuller more enriching life.

Taken from Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America Website

Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (The Grotto)

The Grotto was founded in the summer of 1889 by LeRoy Fairchild who, along with other members of Hamilton Lodge #120 in Hamilton, New York, met to organize and hold informal meetings for fun and good fellowship. At their meeting on September 10, 1889, they decided to call the group the "Fairchild Deviltry Committee" and restrict membership to Master Masons in good standing.

The idea of the Order proved to be attractive, and many Masons joined. In response to requests, other groups were formed in other areas, and on June 13, 1890 the former "Fairchild Deviltry Committee" duly established and formed the Supreme Council, Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. Its purpose was to add in greater measure to the Masonic fraternal spirit the charm of radiant cheerfulness and to maintain within the fraternity an impetus of royal good fellowship.

It is a social organization for Master Masons, and as such, all Master Masons are welcome to join. It encourages renewed interest in the Blue Lodges, though it makes no claim to be a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry.

Members are distinguished by a black fez with a red tassel and a Mokanna head in the middle.

Taken from Wikipedia

DeMolay

DeMolay is the largest youth fraternity in the world.

The Order of DeMolay was started over 80 years ago in Kansas City, Missouri. DeMolay is a character building organization for young men who are 12 to 21 years of age. In over 700 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, these young men have the opportunity to develop management, leadership and social skills as they participate in community projects, sports, and other educational programs. DeMolay also has chapters in Brazil, Australia, Germany, Panama, Japan, Italy, and the Republic of the Philippines.

More than two million young men have been members of DeMolay. Alumni members include John Wayne, Pete Rose, Walt Disney, Dan Rather, Willard Scott, Burl Ives, Walter Cronkite and countless others. DeMolay's alumni are distinguished leaders including many U.S. senators, state governors, U.S. astronauts, professional athletes, and major U.S. corporation presidents. DeMolay is dedicated to providing a safe environment in an organization for young men who govern and direct their own activities under the "advisorship" of adults. The organization develops leadership skills and character building in the young men who work within the organization. It helps members to develop civic awareness and responsibility.

DeMolay provides young men the opportunity to practice leadership techniques and the real world application of the same through its chapter activities. The organization assists young men in growing into responsible adults with good moral character while providing them a place to go, have fun, companionship, be accepted by peers and develop solid values. DeMolay is not only teaching young people about the working tools of life, it is serving as the cornerstone of our next generation.

Taken from Demolay Ontario Website

Eastern Star

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are over 500,000 members under the General Grand Chapter.

Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives which make us near and dear to each other.
While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.

The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific; but there is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using the beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

Concrete evidence of the charitable nature of the organization as it affects others is the millions of dollars which have been raised within the membership to support national, jurisdictional, and local charities. Many Grand Jurisdictions have homes for their senior members.

Taken from Grand General Chapter Order if the Eastern Star Website

Rainbow Girls

Canada is a proud member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls - a non-profit youth group that teaches girls what matters most - leadership, confidence, and citizenship. Every day, across the globe, hundreds of thousands of girls come together to laugh, share, and grow through fun events and challenging workshops designed to empower girls of all ages. Rainbow Girls volunteer for their community and travel to other clubs. Along the way, they make new friends and gather invaluable life skills that help them become the best daughter, sister, and friend they can be.

Whether their dream is to become the CEO of their own company, a talented artist, or a loving mother, Rainbow Girls learn that they can accomplish anything, and in the process, they can make a difference in this world.

Taken from Canadian Rainbow Girls Website

Job's Daughters

Sample text. Click to select the text box. Click again or double Founded in 1920 by Mrs. Ethel T. Wead Mick, Job's Daughters International is an organization of young women with members in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines and Brazil.

Members have fun together at activities such as swimming parties, dances, family picnics, slumber parties, miniature golf, marching in parades and so much more. In Job's Daughters you will make new friends that will last a lifetime.

Job's Daughters perform service projects to help their community and the less fortunate. We actively support the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund, which purchases hearing assistive devices for hearing impaired children.

Job's Daughters can qualify for various scholarships that are offered on a state and national level. We also gain valuable leadership experience, serve as part of a team, and learn democratic principles as they run their own meetings, decide our own activities, and plan our own events.

In short, Job's Daughters International offers the qualities that today's young women want and need from organizations that earn their commitment: fun, friendship, helping others and the chance to learn organizational and leadership skills.

Taken from Job’s Daughter Internationalto start editing the text.

Daughters of the Nile

Daughters of the Nile is an international fraternal organization for women 18 years of age or older, who are related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason, or Daughter of the Nile.

Founded in 1913 in Seattle, Washington, Daughters of the Nile now totals over 32,000 members in 144 cities throughout the United States and Canada.

The members of Daughters of the Nile are proud of their long association with the Shrine of North America and their continuing support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children®.

Daughters of the Nile maintain two permanent endowment funds to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children®. In the United States, the Daughters of the Nile Foundation is a non-profit public charity, while in Canada it is entitled the Canadian Trust.

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a network of 22 hospitals throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico that specialize in orthopaedic conditions, burn injuries of all degrees, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate conditions totally without charge to the children and their families.

Shriners Hospitals for Children® are not only renowned for their expertise in medical surgery and treatment of children, but also for their extensive research program through their affiliation with the leading medical centers in North America.

Taken from Daughters of the Nile Website

Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America

The Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America (LOSNA) was founded over 110 years ago. The aim and goals of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, as set forth at the organizational meeting in 1903, are to promote sociability, good fellowship and the betterment of all Ladies connected with the organization. When the Shriners founded the Shrine Hospitals for Children and the first hospital was built in 1922, the Ladies committed to supporting the Shrine’s official philanthropy. The Shrine’s 22 hospitals offer treatment in orthopedics, burn care, cleft lip & palate and spinal cord injury. These treatments are provided regardless of the patient’s or family’s ability to pay.