The York Rite is a body of Freemasonry. The York Rite bodies allow a Master Mason to advance beyond these Blue Lodge degrees, providing a greater historical background on the work and meaning of Freemasonry. The symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, as conferred in the United States, are considered to be part of the “York Rite”.

By joining the York Rite, a Master Mason has the opportunity to become a member of three bodies that confer ten additional degrees or orders:

• Royal Arch Masons confer the Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Degrees.
• Council of Cryptic Masons confers the Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master (only at selected times and is not mandatory) Degrees
• Commandery of Knights Templar confer Chivalric Orders – the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, the Order of the Mediterranean Pass and Malta, and the Order of the Temple

Memorization is not required for the Mason to advance from one degree (or order) to the next. Of special interest to Master Mason’s is that the Lost Master’s Word is revealed in the Royal Arch Degree. Any Mason seeking further light and knowledge should consider petitioning the York Rite.

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Howard Chapter #14 meets on the 1st Wednesday night of the month.

San Jose Commandery #10 meets on the 2nd Wednesday night of the month.

San Jose Council #20 meets on the 3rd Wednesday night of the month.