How Many Masonic Orders Are There?

A Masonic lodge confers the three Masonic degrees of Entry Apprentice, Fellowcraft (or Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. While there is no degree in Freemasonry higher than Master Mason, there are additional titles that are only offered to those who are master Masons. The craft lodges of Freemasonry, where Masons begin their journey through Freemasonry, have three ranks or grades. Once they have completed them, members can continue their studies through “attached Masonic bodies”, which offer even more ranks. The Masonic Order is a system of degrees and titles that are conferred upon members of the fraternity.

It is important to note that these titles do not indicate any superiority over other Masons. Rather, they are a way for members to recognize each other's achievements and progress within the fraternity. The Royal Arch is an Order open to English Masons that seeks to give a Christian interpretation of the Office and the Royal Arch. Job's Daughters International (JDI) is a Masonic youth organization for girls between 10 and 20 years old.

Members are girls and young women who are related to a Mason teacher or are sponsored by a Mason teacher and believe in a higher power. The Scottish Rite is one of the most popular attached Masonic organizations. Through 29 additional degrees, Scottish Rite Masons come together in search of fellowship, fraternity, and the opportunity to explore the core values of Freemasonry. To become a Fellow of this Order you must be a Master Mason, Mark, Master Mason and Companion of the Holy Royal Arch.

In Masonry, a rite is a series of progressive degrees that are granted by several Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. It refers to the thirty-third honorary degree awarded by the Scottish Rite, a Masonic organization that is an extension of Freemasonry. Once you are a Master Mason, you can choose to obtain supplementary degrees, also known as honorary degrees, through attached Masonic organizations such as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, or the Sanctuary (among many others). In conclusion, there are many different Masonic orders and organizations that offer various degrees and titles to their members.

These titles do not indicate any superiority over other Masons but rather serve as recognition for their achievements within the fraternity.