YORK RITE BODIES
Franklin Chapter #2, Franklin Council #134, DePayens Commandry #11
Stated Meeting 2nd Monday, 6:00 pm
Lifetime memberships are available in all Franklin York Rite Bodies.
Contact A.B. Church, Jr., 794-5233 for further details.
OFFICERS
Franklin Chapter #2
| HP | Michael Albert |
| King | Art Milbert |
| Scribe | John Sylva |
| Treas. | Jesse Riggs, PHP |
| Sec. | Jim Howard,PHP |
| RAC | Michael Albert |
| PS | Joe Kindoll, PHP |
| COH | Jimmy Darnell |
| M3V | Wayne Harrell |
| M2V | Jack Bledsoe |
| M1V | Alan Potts, PHP |
| Sentinel | A.B. Church, Jr. PHP |
| Keyman | A.B. Church, Jr. PHP |
| IM | Craig Feldner |
| DM | Art Milbert |
| PCW | John Sylva |
| Treas. | Jesse Riggs, PIM |
| Rec. | Jim Howard, PIM |
| Chaplain | Russ Wharton, PIM |
| C of G | Mike Johnson |
| Steward | Wayne Harrell |
| C of C | Jimmy Darnell |
| Sentinel | A.B. Church, Jr., PIM |
| Keyman | A.B. Church, Jr., PIM |
DePayens Commandry #11
| Commander | Joe Kindoll, PC |
| Gen | Craig Feldner |
| CG | Mark Mizell |
| Rec/Treas. | Jesse Riggs, PC |
| Prelate | Jim Howard, PC |
| SW | Russ Wharton, PC |
| JW | Michael Johnson |
| St Bearer | Jimmy Darnell |
| Swd Bearer | John Sylva |
| Sentinel | Allan Potts |
| Warder | Art Milbert |
What is the York Rite?
Freemasonry is a progressive science, and as such has many levels of
education and involvement. The first step that a man must complete in
Freemasonry is that of Symbolic Masonry (often referred to as Ancient
Craft Masonry or the "Blue Lodge"). Once the three degrees of
that body have been completed, the Master Mason may optionally pursue a
deeper understanding of the symbols and allegories of the organization by
seeking admission into the "higher degrees." One group of
degrees which endeavors to enculcate a higher level of understanding is
the York Rite.
The York Rite consists of three seperate bodies (Chapter, Council, and Commandery), each of which has its own progression of degrees, much like Craft or Blue Lodge Masonry. In fact, some of the degrees under the Royal Arch Chapter were commonly conferred at one time as part of the Blue Lodge, but have been seperated out over the years into their own organizational structure.
Capitular Degrees (Chapter of Royal Arch Masons)
The Capitular degrees are very similar to the first three
degrees of Freemasonry. Anyone who elects to receive these degrees will be
struck with their similarity to the degrees that have already been
conferred upon him. They are a logical extension of the first three
degrees, and are both enlightening and impressive. In the degrees of the
Royal Arch Chapter, the candidate is given instruction relative to the
completion of King Solomon's temple, and learns some of the secrets which
were lost during its construction. The Capit degrees are:
- Mark Master
- Past Master
- Most Excellent Master
- Royal Arch Mason
Cryptic Degrees (Council of Royal and Select Masters)
The degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry are not told in a
chronological manner. This is done intentionally so that as one advances
in education and understanding of the degrees, they will be more
impressive and have a more lasting impact on the candidate. In the degrees
of the Council, the remaining questions and gaps in all of the preceding
degrees are explained in a very dramatic fashion. The final degree of this
body, that of Super Excellent Master has no direct connection to the
degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, but serves to depict events leading up
to the destruction of the temple, and inculcates impressive lessons on
truth and fidelity. The Cryptic degrees are:
- Royal Master
- Select Master
- Super Excellent Master (optional)
Chivalric Orders (Commandery of Knights Templar)
The orders of knighthood are the pinnacle of the York Rite,
and serve to explain the Christian interpretations and applications of
Freemasonry. These orders are very chivalric in nature, and represent some
of the most solemn and beautiful work in all of Freemasonry. The Chivalric
orders are:
- The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
- The Order of Malta
- The Order of the Temple (or Knights Templar)
