HONORS AND AWARDS
An Explanation of Honors and Awards as provided to our Members:
The Degrees and Orders of the York Rite of Freemasonry are not designated by numbers,
but are known by significant, symbolic names. They are divided into three groups or Masonic Bodies: –
A Chapter at Royal Arch Masons;
Council of Royal and Select Masters
and a;
Commandery of Knights Templar.
The York Rite Degrees are a continuation of the Symbolic Degrees of the Blue Lodge, which you
have already received.
The Order at the Temple is the summit of Freemasonry as exemplified in the York Rite
Now that you have been Knighted as a Knights Templar which is the summit of Freemasonry as exemplified
in the York Rite of Freemasonry, the noble heritage of York Rite of Freemasonry is yours to take:
"not that decorations may be proudly worn, not that you may be known as a Mason of "High Rank."
but that you may the more abundantly realize in your own lifetime the Fatherhood of God and the
Brotherhood of Man.
We now invite you to claim this heritage.
There are for those Craftsman who bear heat and the burden of the day, honors, awards, and other
methods of proper recognition.
"and have now come up to help, aid, and assist in the noble and glorious work, without the hope of fee or reward."
HONORS AND AWARDS AVAILABLE
TO YORK RITE FREEMASONS
ALLLED MASONIC DEGREES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
This is an invitational organization, which requires that all members be Royal Arch Masons. These
Royal Arch Masons invited are to be active in their local York Rite programs. A Council of the Allied Masons Degrees is limited
to 27 members and all members are encouraged to do research in Masonic Subjects and to present their papers at regular meetings.
KNIGHT MASONS OF THE UNITED STATES of AMERICA
An invitational organization and all candidates must be Royal Arch Masons, be sponsored by a member
and pass a unanimous Ballot.
KNIGHT OF THE YORK CROSS OF HONOUR (KYCH)
To be elected a Knight of the York Cross of Honour requires that an individual be elected Master
of a Symbolic Lodge, High Priest of his Chapter, Illustrious Master of his Council and Commander of his Commandery. The aspirant
must pass a unanimous ballot. This honorary degree is one of awards for leadership in the York Rite Freemasonry.
RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE
An invitational organization and is considered by many the highest honor that can be awarded within
York Rite Freemasonry. The membership is limited. An individual must demonstrate a high level of dedication and performance
in Masonic activities. He is proposed by a member of the order and must pass a unanimous ballot.
ORDER OF THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD
Those Excellent Companions who have been elected and installed to preside over a Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons are eligible for this Order. Also known as a "Chair Degree". The recipient must have elected to preside over a
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
ORDER OF THE SIVER TROWEL
Those Illustrious Companions who have been elected to preside over a Council of Royal and-Select
Masters are eligible for this Order. Also known as a "Chair Degree". The recipient must have elected to preside over a Council
of Royal and Select Masters.
KNIGHT CRUSADERS OF THE CROSS
Those Sir Knights who have presided over a Commandery of Knights Templar are eligible for this
Order. Also known as a "Chair Degree". The recipient must have been elected to preside over a Commandery of Knights Templar.
YORK RITE SOVEREIGN COLLEGE OF NORTH AMERICA
Membership in a College is by invitation, and is restricted those who have membership in Chapters, Counci1s
and Commanderies. The aspirant must be active in the York Rite of Freemasonry. The College purpose is to foster a spirit of
cooperation and coordination and to strengthen York Rite Freemasonry.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS REQUIRING MASONIC MEMBERSHIP
MASONNIC SOCIETAS ROSICRUCIANA
IN CIVITATIBUS FOEDERATIS
Membership in this organization is limited to Christian Master Masons by invitation, limited to
number of members by their rules. The purpose is record matters within the purview of the philosophy of Freemasonry.
THE YORK RITE SYSTEM
The Loca1 York Rite Royal Arch Chapters, Councils of Royal and Select Masters, and Commanderies of Knight Templar elect
their Officers, who once a year elect their state of Officers of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of North Carolina,
Grand Counci1 Of Royal and Select Masters in North Carolina,
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of North Carolina.
These North Carolina Officers serve at the will and p1easure of the Companions and Sir Knights
during the year they are elected to serve, have the privilege during their term of office Local York Rite Masons to serve
or the:
Grand Committees of the State of North Carolina,
and also appoint:
District High Priests,
District Masters,
District Commanders
to carry out their programs and plans for their year of service to the York Rite.
The Elected Grand Officers-also appoint:
District Capitular Lecturers,
District –Cryptic Lecturers,
District Instructor/Inspectors.
who serve and instruct in the Ritual of the York Rite during their year(s) of service and term of appointment.
There is a Certified Lecturer program and Certificates are awarded for those Companions and Sir
knights who have demonstrated their proficiency in the several York Rite Rituals.
"Whoever would be great among— you must be your servant, and whoever would be first
among you must be your slave; even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve".
Matt. 20:26;26-28.
