Montgomery County · Maryland
A fellowship of Royal Arch, Cryptic, and Templar Masons. The Montgomery County York Rite is a collection of Appendant Bodies that operate independently of each other.
What is the York Rite?
The York Rite is one of the systems of Masonic degrees followed in the United States. In Montgomery County it is made up of three appendant bodies: a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a Council of Cryptic Masons, and a Commandery of Knights Templar, each with its own officers, degrees or orders, and traditions.
If you are a Master Mason in good standing from a regular Jurisdiction, you may be eligible to join.
Stated Meetings
Pentalpha Lodge #194, Germantown, Maryland
Meeting location details: see the contact pageThe Three Bodies
Each body confers its own degrees or orders and continues the story begun in the Symbolic Lodge.
First of the three bodies
The first part of the York Rite system
Royal Arch Masonry is the first part of the York Rite system of the Masonic degrees. Royal Arch Masons meet as a Chapter, which confers four degrees.
The Chapter: read more about Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
Second of the three bodies
The second part of the York Rite system
Cryptic Masonry is the second part of the York Rite system of Masonic degrees, and the last found within the Rite that deals specifically with the Hiramic Legend.
The Council: read more about Council of Cryptic Masons
Final of the three bodies
The final order joined in the York Rite
The Knights Templar is the final order joined in the York Rite, modeled on the historical medieval order to carry on its spirit.
The Commandery: read more about Commandery of Knights TemplarTradition & Fellowship
The York Rite takes its name from the English city of York, long associated in Masonic tradition with the early history of the Craft. Its degrees and orders draw on the building of King Solomon’s Temple, its destruction, and its rebuilding, and on the traditions of the medieval Knights Templar.
In Montgomery County, the three bodies meet together at Pentalpha Lodge #194 in Germantown, sharing in ritual, fellowship, and support for their communities.
Read more about the York Rite: on the About pageMeetings & Events
The bodies meet at Pentalpha Lodge #194 in Germantown. Upcoming degrees, festivals, and community events are kept on our public calendar.
If you want to find out more about the York Rite and its associated appendant bodies, please don’t hesitate to contact us.