The Montgomery County York Rite family: three appendant bodies, one continuing Masonic story.
The Montgomery County York Rite is a collection of Appendant Bodies that operate independently of each other. Each body continues the Masonic story beyond the three degrees of the Symbolic Lodge, and each confers its own degrees or orders.
If you are a Master Mason in good standing from a regular Jurisdiction, you may be eligible to join.
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 TemplarThe three bodies form a recognized progression within the Rite:
Each body is separately constituted and operates independently, while the three together make up the York Rite family in Montgomery County.
Every degree and order also carries its own story. Short public histories are collected on the degree histories page, and each is linked from its body’s page.
The bodies meet at Pentalpha Lodge #194 in Germantown, Maryland. See the contact page for the address, directions, and meeting times, or check the events calendar for upcoming activities.