Reasons to Be a York Rite Mason: Expansion, Clarification, and Discovery of Blue Lodge Teaching

Many Blue Lodge Masons mistakenly believe that once they have completed the first three degrees that is all there is.  This is the equivalent of claiming to have completed elementary school so now one is qualified to be the architect of a great cathedral. 

Before one may become the architect of a great cathedral, however, there are many concepts to be learned to which an elementary school student is not privy.  Likewise, there are many concepts that MOST Masons are not aware of that truly qualify them to be MASTER craftsmen.  The York Rite degrees clarify and expand upon the teachings of Craft Masonry and help those who want to become a MASTER Mason to better learn that craft. 

Reasons to be a York Rite Mason: Blue Lodge Masons are Already York Rite Masons

This is a brief introductory article for a short series looking at the York Rite and its relationship to the Temple at Jerusalem. This is not intended to be academic work, but is rather researched conversation for your investigation.

Reasons to be a York Rite Mason

Blue Lodge Masons are already York Rite Masons

A first reason is that the blue lodge Mason is already a member of the York Rite.  The first three degrees in Masonry teach character lessons that are associated with stonemasonry during the building of King Solomon's Temple, the FIRST Hebrew Temple at Jerusalem.   

 

But the "first temple OF Jerusalem" might go to “Melchizedek King of Salem.” Very briefly, the significance of Melchizedek was that he was described as both a priest of God most high, AND as the King of Salem that we now know as Jerusalem. Psalms 76:3 indicates “Salem” is just another name for – Jerusalem (“His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.“).  

What the Hermits Teach Us

The Three Hermits portrayed in our Order are often glossed over parts, and I dare say, seldom paid attention to.  They are worth taking a closer look.  Each of the three Hermits ask and greet the Pilgrim with the concept os “who approaches?  I don’t have riches, but what I have I will share. Come inside, rest and refresh yourself.  Let me share some of my food and water with you.” The Hermits teach us, and exemplify, both hospitality and  charity.  But moreover they share wisdom with the Pilgrim. They don’t just tend to his physical needs, but also to his emotional and spiritual needs as well.  Let’s look at what the Hermits in the Order of the Temple teach us, if we will but pay attention.

We have already mentioned the lessons of hospitality and charity, but each of the three lessons is different, and intended to cheer the pilgrim as he travels, and to assure of the success in his pursuits. 

In our last article we looked at The Mark Master Degree and learned about the 3,300 Masters, or Overseers. Let’s delve a bit deeper into the Overseers of the Mark Master’s Degree. 

We observe three overseers in the Mark Master’s Degree, the Junior, Senior and Master Overseers.  Junior, Senior and Master.  Does that sound like three officers that you are familiar with in Masonry? 

The first section of the Mark Master’s Degree presents us with a drama as we observe craftsmen from the quarries with work for inspection.  We observe the overseers each perform their responsibilities in inspecting the work of the craftsmen. We see the junior officer inspect, measure and determine that the work is suitable for further inspection by a more senior officer.  We also see that the more senior officer determines that not only the work is suitably inspected, but also verifies that the one presenting the work is the artist that created it.

The Mark Master Degree and 3,300 Masters, or Overseers

The premier Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse.  What some forget, though, is that there were only two degrees worked at that time, the Entered Apprentice and the Fellow-Craft.  It wasn’t until the 1720’s that we begin to see evidence of further degrees, in 1725 we have evidence that High Degree Masonry is introduced to the Craft in the form of the Master Mason degree.  Throughout the next few decades, more and more Masonic degrees come and go, some are taken and adopted into the fold of Masonry and some are cast off. The Royal Arch, the Mark Master, Scotch Masters, Knight Templars, the Ancient and Honourable Order of Kilwinning, and many more were being developed and worked during this time. The Allied Masonic Degrees possess and offers many of these degrees for review and discussion to keep them alive. Other degrees developed into other bodies and orders.  All have a lesson to share.

During this period the degrees of Masonry were not codified in their ritual and progression. For example we have evidence that the Five Points of Fellowship were an element of the operative Fellow Craft degree, the Five Points of Fellow-ship, that at some point moved to the Master Mason Degree. Two of those elements of Masonry that were never answered for you during your three degrees but were answered during the degree in the Mark Masters Degree.  

Brenham Commandery’s NEW MEETING DATE & PLACE

Sir Knights,

We have received our dispensation to temporarily relocate to Orphan’s Friend Lodge in Anderson Texas.   

Consequently, our: 

NEXT 

Brenham Commandery Meeting 

Is planned to be held

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

At 7:00 PM

at

Orphan’s Friend Lodge in Anderson Texas 

April 18 Meeting Summary

We had enough Sir Knights present that Brenham Commandery opened in informal business session.  We affiliated a new member and determined that we need three, maybe five, jewels to complete our set of officer’s jewels.  We may also require Generalissimo and Capt. General Shoulder Boards.  

Our dispensation for relocation is anticipated to be received in the near future so we may be able to meet in Anderson on the first  Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM beginning May 1.  Watch here for further information when it becomes available.

We reviewed our sir Knight’s and their families for needed remembrance for sickness or distress.