Concordant &
Appendant Bodies
After a man has completed his Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Masons Degrees in a Craft Lodge, he may choose to explore other rites and bodies that make up the Masonic Family of organizations, hundreds of which are located in particular parts of the world or exclusive to only those invited to their ranks.
The following are the major Rites and organizations for our part of the world, but many more exist, such as High Twelve, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Daughers of Mokanna, and various motorcycle associations. There are even special intertest "square clubs" like the Police Square Club of the City of New York, Masonic Railroad Club, and the The Masonic Yacht Club.
York Rite
Royal Arch
The Fourth to Eighth Degrees found in the Chapter Degrees of Royal Arch continue the story of the Craftsmen and the legend of the construction, completion, destruction, and rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon used for the backdrop of Masonic teachings. Royal Arch Masonry has deep roots in New York Masonry and their charitable efforts have made lasting impacts in the communities that Masons serve.
Cryptic Masons
The Cryptic Degrees found in the Council continue both the stories of the Craft Lodge Three Degrees and the Degrees of the Chapter. Only conferring two regular degrees and one special degree, Cryptic Masonry is the smallest body in New York State, but it offers one of the deepest and most impactful degrees offered anywhere in Freemasonry.
Knights Templar
The Commandery offers the chivalric orders in a four-order cycle. Very different from other Masonic organizations, Sir Knights of the Commandery must profess a preference for Christianity and complete their Royal Arch Degrees. The Knights Templar has foundational roots in New York State, and Sir Knights contribute liberally to charity and community support statewide.
Scottish Rite
The Scottish Rite in New York is governed over by the Council of Deliberation of New York and is part of the the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Different from the Royal Arch system, Masons may receive the Fourth through 32nd Degrees in their local valley—an organization similar to a Masonic lodge.
The degrees are operated by four separate sub-organizations found in each valley, comprised of Master Masons who are also Scottish Rite Masons. The Scottish Rite is often considered the "college" of Freemasonry as its Ritual offers a deeper dive into the core principles of Masonry: brotherly love, relief, and truth. The degrees offered in most valleys are highly choreographed stage plays, similar to those of local theaters.
The charitable work of the Scottish Rite is legendary even among Masonic organizations. For example, the Grand Almoners offer no-strings-attached support to Masons and their families in their time of need, living up to the Scottish Rite mission to “strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members."
The Scottish Rite is also home to the legendary 33rd and Last Degree of Masonry. A Scottish Rite Freemason may attain the 33rd Degree, which honors outstanding service to the brotherhood and recognizes individual accomplishments in private life, business, government, and the arts—as well as leadership and service within the fraternity.
Women's Organizations
Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of The Eastern Star is the largest Fraternal Organization in the world to which both women and men can belong. Its objectives and purpose are the cultivation of charitable and fraternal practices and to maintain an institution for its worthy members. The fundamental principle of membership is an obligation to aid and assist fellow members in time of need. Like other Masonic related organizations, the Order of the Eastern Star uses emblems and symbolism to teach moral lessons we use as a guide to make our lives more useful, both to ourselves and to others.
Order of the Amaranth
The Order of the Amaranth, is a fraternal, social, and charitable organization composed of woman and master masons. Although a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being known as the “Golden Rule”. In Amaranth is part of being a member, we welcome members whose faith is represented by many. Our virtues and teachings are Truth, Faith, Wisdom, and Charity, which is represented in our Ritual and Order. It is these teaching that our members pride themselves on being better individuals, to show exemplary work in our communities and charities.
Charitable Organizations
The Shriners
Shriners International—formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine—is a Masonic society established in 1870 in New York City’s Mother Mecca Shrine.
While its headquarters is in Tampa, Florida, Shriners are free to meet in the Grand Lodge building on 23rd Street in New York City. Less serious than a Masonic lodge, the Shrine started as a place for fun and fellowship, embracing and amplifying the fellowship aspects of the fraternity. As the Shrine evolved, it became one of the most philanthropic organizations to ever exist in the United States.
The work of the Shriners Hospital and its care for children suffering from burns and orthoptic maladies is world-renowned. The work of the Shriners everywhere ensures that a child in need of care will not go wanting; in most cases, Shriners cover the cost of world-class care provided in their 22 hospitals.
The Grotto
Formally known as the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (MOVPER) or Grottoes International, the Grotto is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting Goodfellowship, Friendship, and fun amongst Master Masons.
It's primary charitable focus is special needs dentistry.
Masonic Youth Organizations
