What is Freemasonry?
What is the York Rite?
What is the Scottish Rite?
What is the Shrine?
What are Masonic War Veterens?
What is Eastern Star?
What is DeMolay?
What is Rainbow?
What are some other Masonic
organizations?
What is a 33rd degree Mason?
ANSWERS:
What is Freemasonry?
Masons, also known as Freemasons, belong to the oldest and largest fraternal
organization in the world. There are more than 2 million Freemasons in North
America. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within
the fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons come from diverse political
ideologies, yet meet as friends. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and
creeds, yet all beleive in one God. One of the most fascinating aspects of
Freemasonry is how so many men, from so many walks of life, can meet together
in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling
each other "Brother".
Freemasonry is a fraternal order whose basic tenets are brotherly love, relief
(philanthropy), and truth. We strive to enjoy the company of our brother
Masons, assist them in times of personal trouble, and reinforce essential moral
values. There is an old adage that Masonry "takes good men and makes them
better", which is our goal. It has often been observed that men are the
products of everything they come into contact with during their lifetime.
Masonry offers a man an opportunity to come into regular, enjoyable contact
with men of good character, thus reinforcing his own personal moral
development. Of course, Masonry is also meant to be enjoyed by its membership,
so the order should not be viewed simply as a philosophical club, but rather a
vibrant fellowship of men who seek to enjoy each other's company, a fraternity.
To maintain this fraternity, discussion of religion and politics within the
Lodge is forbidden, as these subjects are those which have often divided men in
the past. Masons cover the spectrum of both religious and political beliefs and
encourages a man to be religious without advocating a particular religion, and
to be active in his community without advocating a particular medium of
political expression.
While there probably are some actual stone-workers who are Masons, Masonry does
not teach is membership the literal techniques of stonework. Rather, it takes
the actual "operative" work of Medieval Masons and uses it as an
allegory for moral development. Thus, the symbols of Masonry are the common
tools that were used by medieval stonemasons: the gavel, the rule, the compass,
the square, the level, etc. Each of these has a symbolic meaning in Masonry.
For example, Masons are said to meet "on the level", meaning that all
Masons are brothers, regardless of social status, personal wealth, or office
within the Lodge or in the world at large. Similar symbolism exists for other
tools.
Masonry is distinguished from other fraternal orders by its emphasis on moral
character, its ornate rituals, and its long tradition and history, which dates
back to at least the 17th century in modern form, the 14th century (c.
1350-1390) in the written evidence of its precursors, and back to the mists of
antiquity in its origin. Masonry has a continuously documented paper history
(i.e., Lodge to Lodge) since 1717, though historical analysis shows Masonry to
be much older. There are also a great many things that Masonry is NOT: a
religion, a secret society, etc., some of these issues are covered in more
detail in the FAQ.
There are three degrees in Masonry (Blue Lodge). Other appendant or concordant
bodies confer additional degrees, up to the 32nd (or the honorary 33rd) of the
Scottish Rite, but in symbolic Masonry proper, there are only three. At the
Blue Lodge, Masons receive the degrees of Entered Apprentice (EA) (first
degree), Fellowcraft (second degree), and Master Mason (third degree).
Promotion generally requires the mastery of a small body of memorized material,
the contents of which varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some
jurisdictions, only the signs, tokens, and grips of each degree must be
learned; in others, a longer amount of material. Of course, no Mason would ever
look down upon a Brother simply because he was of a lower degree-- the degrees
do not exist to create a pecking order or to confer rank. Rather, they are a
system of initiation that allows men to become familiar with the august and
ancient history and principles of Masonry at a comfortable pace.
Proceeding from Entered Apprentice to Master Mason in the US can take as little
as three months, while in England, the degrees are spaced apart by a year's
interval. Most Lodges have regular communications (meetings) once a month, that
are also referred to as "business meetings". In the US, these are
typically only open to Master Masons. In England, these meetings are usually
opened in the first degree, and EAs may attend). Conferring of degrees is
usually done at other meetings during the month. While conferral of degrees and
mundane business do take up a lot of a Lodge's time, there are a host of other
activities that Masons engage in within the fraternity. Charitable work is
often done, in the form of fundraisers, community volunteer work, etc. And
there are also a great many things done for the simple pleasure of company:
monthly breakfasts or dinners, picnics, card/chess matches, lecturers on
Masonic history, you name it. Masonry is a fraternity, and its membership seeks
to have fun.
Local Masonic Lodges are organized under Grand Lodges. In the United States,
each state has its own Grand Lodge, which is a peer with every other Grand
Lodge. There is not "Grandest Lodge"-- each Grand Lodge is supreme in
its jurisdiction (e.g., in the US, in its state) but has no authority
elsewhere. Of course, this does not mean that Masonry in New York is radically
different than Masonry in Scotland or New Mexico. Masons are very traditional
and the differences between Grand Lodges are usually minor. The head of a Lodge
is given the title Worshipful Master. This, of course, does not imply that
Masons worship him; it is merely a stylish title. Masonic Lodges can be found
in many cities, of all sizes, around the world. There are presently
approximately 5 million Masons, half of which are in the United States. If you
are interested in more information on becoming a Master Mason
click here.
Master Masons meet at Hoffman Lodge No.
412, F. & A. M. (Middletown Masonic Temple), Middletown, NY - on
the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 PM
What is the York Rite?
The York Rite, like the Scottish Rite, is an appendant body of Masonry, and
confers degrees beyond the Blue Lodge's three degrees. It consists of nine
additional degrees: Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal
Arch Mason; the Cryptic Degrees of the Royal Master, Select Master, and Super
Excellent Master; and the Chivalric Orders of the Order of the Red Cross, Order
of the Knights of Malta and the Order of Knights Templar. The Temple degrees,
which comprise the top degrees of the York Rite are specifically Christian. Or
at least, it can be stated that the oath is: in some Grand Lodges in the US and
abroad, one need not be a Christian, but rather only be willing to take a
Christian OATH. The difference here is that there are some who would willingly
swear to defend the Christian faith on the grounds that they would defend any
man's faith. The Chapter (or Royal Arch) and Council Of Royal And Select
Masters (Cryptic Rite), which comprise the first two sections of the York Rite,
are not specifically Christian. As with most things Masonic, discuss any
concerns with your local York Rite, who can advise you regarding your
eligibility.
If you are a Master Mason and wish additional information about York Rite,
contact Dan Jonas.
Midland Chapter No. 240
R.A.M. (Royal Arch Masons) meets at the Middletown Masonic Temple - on
the 3rd. Thursday of the month. For more information contact Dan Jonas.
Goshen Councel No. 93
R.&S.M. (Royal & Select Masons - Cryptic Rite) meets at the
Middletown Masonic Temple - on the 4th Thursday of the month. For more
information contact R:.W:. Dan
Jonas
Cyprus Commandry No. 67 K.T.
(Knights Templar) meets at the Middletown Masonic Temple - on the 2nd
Thursday of the month.For more information contact .
What is the Scottish Rite?
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is one of two 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 includes the degrees
from the 4° through the 32°. Although there are many Scottish Rite
members of Scottish ancestry, the Scottish Rite actually originated in France
in the early 18th century. During the 18th century, lodges were organized in
the United States with the first Scottish Rite Supreme Council founded in
Charleston, South Carolina, in 1801. The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction was
formed in 1867 and includes the 15 states east of the Mississippi River and
north of the Mason-Dixon Line and the Ohio River, including Delaware. The
Southern Jurisdiction encompasses the 35 remaining states, the District of
Columbia and the United States territories and possessions. The Northern
Jurisdiction officially recognizes and enjoys friendly relations with many
other jurisdictions around the world. Scottish Rite shares the same belief of
all Masonic organizations that there is no higher degree than that of Master
Mason. The Supreme Council and its subordinate bodies acknowledge the Masonic
supremacy of the Symbolic Grand Lodges and Grand Masters within their
jurisdictions. Scottish Rite degrees are in no way higher than the degrees of
the Symbolic lodges. The work of the Scottish Rite serves to elaborate on and
amplify that of the Symbolic lodge. The Scottish Rite degrees are lessons
taught through allegory in the form of plays. The lessons are taken from
Biblical as well as more modern historical events. Cast members use costumes
and makeup to look like the characters who they represent. Candidates learn the
lessons by observing the presentation. Memorization of material presented is
not required. The Scottish Rite is open to all Master Masons in good standing.
The 33° is conferred annually, at the meeting of the Supreme Council, upon
a select number of 32° Scottish Rite 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. A recipient must be at least 33 years of age and may not
apply for the degree. Scottish Rite members meet in local or regional
"Valleys" and are organized into four parts; Lodge of Perfection,
4° - 14°; Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 15° - 16°;
Chapter of Rose Croix, 17° - 18° and Consistory, 19° - 32°.
Some individual Valleys do not contain all four parts.
If you are a Master Mason and wish additional information about Scottish Rite,
contact Louis Irizarry II,
32° .
Middletown Lodge of Perfection (Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite 14°) meets at the Middletown Masonic Temple on the
2nd. Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM
What are Masonic War Veterans?
Candidates must be amember in good standing in a Blue Lodge in this State or a
Lodge of a sister jurisdiction which has frternal relations with the Grand
Lodge of New York. Candidate was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or
commissioed in the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Merchant
Marine, or any other federal armed force that, by federal law or regulation or
by the State of New York may be accorder veteran Status. The eligibility status
shall apply whether the service was active or reserve, and shall also apply to
nationals of any other country who, in alliance with the United States,
participated in military or naval activity against a common enemy.
Masonic War Veterans duties are to act as a strong right arm to the Grand
Master and to the District Deputies in all Districts, presenting Colors at all
official visits, aiding in patriotic celebrations and Memorial Services. To
sponsor and conduct visitations to V.A. Medical Center and New York State
Extended Care Facilities consisting of comfort item distribution, worship
service assistance, ward and birthday parties and therapeutic recreational
activities.
If you are a Master Mason and a Veteran and wish additional information about
Masonic War Vets, contact Bob Clawson 845-386-4668
Beth-El Post No. 29 - Masonic War
Veterans meet at the Middletown Masonic Temple on the 4th Wednesday of the
month at 7:00 PM
What is the Shrine?
The Shrine is not an appendant body of Masonry, though the distinction would
escape many. The Shrine confers no additional degrees. It was founded in 1872
(the Mecca Temple in New York City) and an Arabic theme was chosen. Hence, the
distinctive red fez that Shriners wear at official functions. Members of the
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles the Mystic Shrine for North America (AASONM
is an anagram for "A MASON") are members of the Scottish Rite's 32nd
degree, and/or Knights Templer of the York Rite. The Shrine is most noted for
its emphasis on philanthropy and its jolly outlook on life-- it has been called
"the playground of Masonry". This is expressed as "Pleasure
without intemperance, hospitality without rudeness, and jollity without
coarseness." The Royal Order of Jesters is a group drawn from Shrine
membership, by invitation only.
The Shrine of North America is an international fraternity of approximately
515,000 members throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Panama. The
Shrine's official philanthropy is
Shriners Hospitals for
Children, a network of 22 hospitals that provide expert, no-cost
orthopaedic and burn care to children under 18. If you know a child Shriners
Hospitals might be able to help, call them toll-free at 1-800-237-5055 (in the
U.S.) or 1-800-361-7256 (in Canada).
If you are a 32° Master Mason and wish additional information about The
Shrine, contact Murry Cohen.
Orange County Shrine Club of Mecca
meets at Johnny D's Restaurant - Rt 211E in Middletown, NY - on the 2nd Tuesday
of the month.
What is the Eastern Star?
The Order of the Eastern Star is an adoptive rite of Freemasonry with teachings
based on the Bible and objectives that are charitable and benevolent. The
founder of OES was Dr. Robert Morris, a lawyer and educator from Boston,
Massachusetts, who was a Master Mason and Past Grand Master of Kentucky. Dr.
Morris intended his creation to become a female branch of Freemasonry, but he
failed to overcome the great opposition this idea engendered. After his first
published ritual in 1849-50, he became associated with Robert Macoy who wrote
and published a ritual based on Morris' in 1867. The first Grand Chapter was
organized in Michigan in the same year. (There is evidence for an organization
of the same name founded variously in 1788 or 1793, but this group was defunct
by 1867.) Subordinate (local) chapters operate under charter from state level
grand chapters which are responsible to the General Grand Chapter at the
International Eastern Star temple in Washington, D.C.
Members must be eighteen years or older and either Master Masons in good
standing or properly related to a Master Mason in good standing. The latter
category includes wives; widows; sisters; daughters; mothers; granddaughters;
step-mothers; step daughters; step-sisters; and half-sisters. In 1994 this was
expanded to include nieces, daughters-in- law, and grandmothers. Each chapter
has eighteen officers, some elected and others appointed. Two offices are
specifically male (Patron and Associate Patron) while nine offices are
specifically female (including Matron and Associate Matron). While the Worthy
Matron is considered to be the presiding officer of the chapter, the degrees
cannot be conferred without a presiding brother in good standing (hence the
Patron and Associate Patron).
The successful candidate must profess a belief in a Supreme Being and is
initiated in five degrees, which are conferred in one ceremony. (When Eastern
Star was created, it was intended to be the first of a three degree series. The
second and third degrees were Queen of the South and the Order of the Amaranth,
respectively.) Interestingly enough, OES requires only the belief in a Supreme
Being even though the degrees are based in both the Old and New Testaments.
If you are a Masons Lady, are related to, or know a Mason and wish additional
information about Eastern Star, contact Phoebe Huttner or Robert L. Clawson
(845) 386-4668 .
Queen Esther Chapter No. 163 O. E. S. meets
at the Middletown Masonic Temple the 1st. & 3rd. Fridays of the month at
8PM
What is DeMolay?
The International Order of DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing
young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach
on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors
for young men aged 12 to 21 by develop the civic awareness, personal
responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today.
DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important
bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.
DeMolay alumni include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Walter Cronkite, football
Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton, legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne,
news anchor David Goodnow and many others. Each has spoken eloquently of the
life-changing benefit gained from their involvement in DeMolay
The International Order of DeMolay is the world's largest fraternal
organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. The Order was founded
in Kansas City, Missouri on March 24, 1919 by Frank Sherman Land. DeMolay
Chapters are sponsored by Masonic Lodges, and some members of the sponsoring
body also serve as Advisors on the Chapter's Advisory Council. Structurally, it
is similar to Masonry. The officers of a Chapter are the Master Councilor,
Senior Councilor, Junior Councilor, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior
Steward, Junior Steward, Orator, Scribe, Marshal, Chaplain, Standard Bearer,
Sentinel, Almoner, and seven Preceptors. DeMolay Chapters hold monthly or
bi-weekly meetings with Masonic-like Ritual. Other activities include athletic
tournaments and events, social functions (joint activities with Rainbow are
encouraged), fund-raising activities, Masonic service activities, and civic and
philanthropic activities. DeMolays are taught the seven cardinal virtues of the
Order-- filial love, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship,
fidelity, cleanness, and patriotism-- and the importance of practicing them in
their daily lives. The Order's namesake is Jacques DeMolay, who was the last
Grand Master of the Knights Templar and who was executed by the Inquisition on
March 18, 1314. Louis Lower, the first DeMolay, and his group of friends, when
asked by Dad Land to choose a name for their group, believed that his heroic
fidelity and loyalty to his fellow Templars were qualities with which they
wanted their group to be identified.
For More information on DeMolay Contact:
Orange-Rockland Central DeMolay Orange Rockland Central meets on the first
and third Tuesdays of each month in Goshen, NY
What is Rainbow?
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a junior organization for
girls between the ages of 11 and 21, who are from Masonic, Eastern Star,
Amaranth homes, and the friends of members of Rainbow girls. At the age of 21,
or upon marriage, which ever occurs first, girls who are members in good
standing are eligible for Majority Membership. A girl must be sponsored by two
other girls who are either active members in good standing or a majority
member, and at least one adult who must be a member in good standing of either
the Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, or Order of the Amaranth. The
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) is a service organization.
The girls learn about charity, hope, and service through their work and
involvement with their annual local and Grand (state or country) service
projects.
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls helps promote self-esteem and
leadership in its members. As a member, a girl will learn valuable public
speaking skills and will attend meetings presided over by girls her own age.
While there are always adult advisors to provide direction, all meetings are
conducted by the girls.
Members of the Rainbow are active in their churches, schools, and communities.
They raise money for various charities through bake sales, dinners and car
washes, and they extend themselves in service to their communities, churches
and their sponsoring organizations. Rainbow Girls have many fun activities and
opportunities to make lifelong friendships.
If you are a young lady 11-21 years old and wish additional information about
Rainbow Girls, contact Kate
Andrews.
Middletown Assembly No. 16 of the
International Order of Rainbow for Girls - meets at the Middletown Masonic
Temple on the 2nd. & 4th. Fridays of the month at 7:30PM .
What are some other Masonic organizations?
Order of Amaranth:
Open to Masons and their wives, mothers, daughters, widows, and sisters. At
least one Master Mason must be present at every initiation. It confers only one
degree.
Daughters of Mokanna:
An auxiliary organization of the Grotto comprised of the wives, mothers,
daughters, widows, and sisters of the Master Masons in the Grotto.
Daughters of the Nile:
An auxiliary organization for the wives, mothers, daughters, widows, and
sisters of members of the Shrine.
Desoms:
An organization for deaf Masons.
Grotto:
A fun organization open to Master Masons. It imitates the Shrine to a large
degree, but requires only that a member be a Master Mason rather than a 32nd
degree Mason or Knight Templar. Officially known as The Mystic Order of Veiled
Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (MOVPER).
High Twelve International:
An organization of Master Masons that usually meet for lunch, enjoy fellowship,
and support Masonic causes, with special emphasis on youth and patriotic
endeavors.
Job's Daughters:
Enrolls girls between the ages of 13 and 20 that have some Masonic relative.
They must profess a belief in God, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's prayer.
L.O.S. of N.A.:
The Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America. Another auxiliary for the wives,
mothers, daughters, widows, and sisters of Shrine members.
National Sojourners, Inc.:
Open to Master Masons which are U.S. citizens and who have served or are
serving as a commissioned or warrant officer in the United States military or
in any armed service of a nation allied with the US in time of war.
Philalethes:
A group for Masons interested in Masonic philosophy and history.
Royal Order of Scotland:
An organization for Christian Masons who have been 32nd degree Masons or
Knights Templar for five or more years.
Tall Cedars of Lebanon:
A fun organization for Master Masons similar to the Grotto. It confers the two
degrees of the Royal Court and the Sidonian.
White Shrine of Jerusalem:
For Master Masons and their wives, mothers, daughters, widows, and sisters.
Members must profess a belief in the defense of the Christian religion.
What is a 33rd degree Mason?
The Scottish Rite awards a special honorary degree, the 33rd, to those it feels
has made an outstanding contribution to Masonry, the community as a whole, and
to mankind. There is no way to "achieve" this degree or
"take" it, in the sense that one takes the 4th through 32nd degrees
in the Scottish Rite. It is a singular honor, rarely bestowed, and greatly
admired.
