Appendant Bodies
Beyond the Blue Lodge…
Pictured: The Structure (Steps) of Freemasonry
For Master Masons seeking to further their Masonic journey, appendant bodies offer opportunities for deeper knowledge, fellowship, and service. These organizations are open to Master Masons in good standing, each with its own unique traditions, teachings, and purposes.
Freemasonry encompasses a vast network of appendant bodies, some of which are by invitation only, while others are open for those who wish to explore beyond the Blue Lodge. Below, we highlight a few of the most well-known and widely recognized Masonic organizations.
Scottish Rite
Pictured: Scottish Rite Temple in Downtown Miami, Florida
The Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Freemasonry, often misunderstood by non-Masons as conferring the “highest degrees” of the Craft, a common misconception as illustrated below.
This organization offers a deeper exploration of Masonic esotericism, drawing connections between various philosophical traditions and teachings.
The Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, headquartered in Washington, D.C., governs the degrees conferred in this system.
Pictured: Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction Headquarters aka the House of the Temple in Washington DC.
Lodge of Perfection
4° – Secret Master
5° – Perfect Master
6° – Intimate Secretary
7° – Provost & Judge
8° – Intendant of the Building
9° – Elu of the Nine (Elected Knight of the Nine)
10° – Elu of the Fifteen (Illustrious Elect of the Fifteen)
11° – Elu of the Twelve (Sublime Knight Elect of the Twelve)
12° – Master Architect
13° – Royal Arch of Solomon (Knight of the Ninth Arch)
14° – Perfect Elu (Grand Elect, Perfect, and Sublime Mason)
Chapter of Rose Croix
15° – Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle
16° – Prince of Jerusalem
17° – Knight of the East & West
18° – Knight Rose Croix
Council of Kadosh
19° – Grand Pontiff
20° – Master of the Symbolic Lodge
21° – Noachite or Prussian Knight
22° – Knight Royal Axe, Prince of Libanus
23° – Chief of the Tabernacle
24° – Prince of the Tabernacle
25° – Knight of the Brazen Serpent
26° – Prince of Mercy or Scottish Trinitarian
27° – Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept
28° – Knight Commander of the Temple
29° – Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew
30° – Knight of Kadosh or Knight of the White & Black Eagle
Consistory
31° – Inspector Inquisitor
32° – Master of the Royal Secret
Court of Honour
The Scottish Rite confers a number of honors upon members who have contributed extraordinary service to the Rite, Masonry in general, and the world at large.
Knight Commander of the Court of Honour
33° – Inspector General Honorary
Grand Cross of the Court of Honour
The Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction has the following charities:
RiteCare: a program that helps children overcome speech impediments.
National scholarships for Scottish Rite members, their siblings, spouses, children, and grandchildren; it also has scholarships for youth who are in DeMolay International, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and Job’s Daughters International.
It also has a program of recognition for outstanding JROTC and ROTC students.
York Rite
Pictured: The Collective Bodies Which Comprise of York Rite
The York Rite is a collection of three distinct Masonic bodies in the United States and Canada, whereas, in other parts of the world, these bodies operate independently rather than as a unified system.
Unlike the degrees of Craft Freemasonry or the Scottish Rite, the degrees and orders within the York Rite are not numerically structured, each standing on its own with unique symbolism and teachings.
Royal Arch Masonry
Royal Arch Masonry continues the allegorical journey begun in the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry, expanding upon its teachings and deeper meanings. It consists of four degrees:
Mark Master Mason
(Virtual) Past Master
Most Excellent Master
Royal Arch Mason
This body is governed globally by the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International.
Cryptic Masonry
Cryptic Masonry further extends Masonic teachings, offering additional insights into the symbolism and philosophy of the Craft. It consists of three degrees:
Royal Master
Select Master
Super Excellent Master
This body is governed globally by the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International.
Chivalric Masonry (Knights Templar)
Formally known as The United Religious, Military, and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta, this branch of York Rite Masonry is commonly referred to as the Knights Templar. Membership is restricted to Master Masons who profess a belief in Christianity.
In most jurisdictions, candidates must have first completed the Royal Arch degrees, and in many areas, the Cryptic degrees are also required.
Unlike other Masonic bodies, the Knights Templar is structured into three orders rather than degrees:
The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
The Order of Malta
The Order of the Temple
There is no single global governing body for the Knights Templar. Instead, various national jurisdictions oversee their own orders. In the United States and several other countries, it is governed by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, USA. In England, it falls under the Grand Priory of Knights Templar, with similar structures in other jurisdictions worldwide.
The York Rite supports various charitable programs through its three distinct bodies: Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, and Knights Templar.
Each branch has its own dedicated philanthropy, focusing on medical research, education, and community support.
Royal Arch Masons
Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA) – Funds research and treatment for Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), a condition affecting how the brain interprets sound.
Cryptic Masons
Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (CMMRF) – Supports research focused on vascular health, particularly in preventing and treating atherosclerosis.
Knights Templar
Knights Templar Eye Foundation – Provides funding for ocular research to help cure and prevent childhood blindness.
Shriner’s International
Pictured: Shriner’s Hospital Tampa
Originally founded as The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.), Shriners International began as a social organization for Master Masons, emphasizing camaraderie, fun, and charitable work.
However, during the polio outbreaks of the early 20th century, the Shriners recognized a greater need for medical philanthropy. They began raising funds to support pediatric healthcare, groundbreaking medical research, and life-changing treatments for children in need.
Today, Shriners Children’s operates a world-renowned network of hospitals specializing in orthopedics, burn care, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate treatment—providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. With a mission rooted in brotherhood, compassion, and service, the Shriners continue to make a lasting impact on communities worldwide.
Today, Shriners International operates a global network of hospitals, with locations across the United States and in countries such as Mexico, Germany, and the Philippines.
Most Shriners Children’s hospitals specialize in treating pediatric patients with conditions such as:
Burn injuries
Cleft lip and palate
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Spinal cord injuries
Neuromuscular disorders
Beyond providing specialized medical care, Shriners have played a pivotal role in advancing modern medicine. Many of the vaccines, cures, and medical procedures used today in treating various diseases and injuries have been developed or improved with the support of Shriners-funded research.
Becoming a Shriner does not require a medical background. Instead, Shriners dedicate themselves to fundraising and philanthropy, ensuring that children receive world-class medical care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
While membership once required a Mason to be a 32° Scottish Rite Mason or a Knight Templar in the York Rite, today, the only requirement is that a Master Mason in good standing may petition to join.
The Grotto: The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm
Pictured: Feramo Grotto
The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (MOVPER), known as the Grotto, is a Master Mason-only organization focused on fellowship, fun, and charity. While not tied to Masonic governance, membership is strictly limited to Master Masons in good standing.
Founded in 1889 by a group of Master Masons from Hamilton Lodge No. 120, F.&A.M., in New York, the Grotto was created as a lighthearted escape from the formalities of Freemasonry. Led by LeRoy Fairchild, these Brothers established a fraternity dedicated to camaraderie and mirth. By 1890, interest spread beyond New York, leading to the formation of the Supreme Council and the rapid expansion of Grottoes across North America.
The Grotto’s “Good Fellowship” motto reflects its commitment to brotherhood and unity. Over the years, it has welcomed Masons from all walks of life, including U.S. Presidents Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Gerald R. Ford. Today, the Grotto continues its mission of fun, friendship, and service while honoring its deep Masonic roots.