Masonic Appendant Bodies
Organizations that extend and complement the Masonic experience
Beyond the Blue Lodge
The three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason—known as the "Blue Lodge" or "Craft Lodge"—form the foundation of Freemasonry. However, many Masons choose to expand their Masonic journey through appendant bodies.
These organizations offer additional degrees, specialized teachings, fellowship opportunities, and charitable programs. While they require Masonic membership, they are governed independently from Blue Lodge Masonry.
Major Appendant Bodies
Scottish Rite
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
Degrees/Structure
4th - 33rd degrees
Requirement
Master Mason
Primary Charity
Scottish Rite Learning Centers for children with dyslexia
The Scottish Rite continues the philosophical and moral teachings of Freemasonry through a series of degrees that expand on the lessons of the Blue Lodge. The degrees are presented as theatrical plays with elaborate costumes and staging.
Highlights:
- •Expands Masonic philosophy through 29 additional degrees
- •32° is the highest earned degree; 33° is honorary
- •Operates major learning centers and speech therapy programs
- •Features the famous "House of the Temple" in Washington D.C.
York Rite
American Rite
Degrees/Structure
Multiple bodies and orders
Requirement
Master Mason
The York Rite consists of three separate bodies: Chapter (Royal Arch Masonry), Council (Cryptic Masonry), and Commandery (Knights Templar). Each body has its own degrees and focuses.
Highlights:
- •Royal Arch: Completes the Master Mason story
- •Cryptic Masonry: Explores the hidden vault
- •Knights Templar: Christian chivalric order
- •Only path to become a Knight Templar
Component Bodies:
Shriners International
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
Degrees/Structure
Fez-wearing fraternity
Requirement
Master Mason
Primary Charity
Shriners Hospitals for Children (over $2 billion donated)
Known for their distinctive fez hats, parades, and circuses, Shriners combine fun and fellowship with a serious charitable mission. They operate the renowned Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Highlights:
- •Operate 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children
- •Provide free orthopedic and burn care to children
- •Famous for parades with miniature cars and motorcycles
- •Active social and fraternal events
Order of the Eastern Star
OES
Degrees/Structure
Five degrees based on Biblical heroines
Requirement
Master Mason or female relative of Mason
Primary Charity
Various charities including cancer research and scholarships
The largest fraternal organization to which both men and women may belong. Based on teachings from the Bible, it emphasizes charity, truth, and loving kindness.
Highlights:
- •Open to Master Masons and their female relatives
- •Five degrees: Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa
- •Strong emphasis on charitable works
- •Active social and service programs
Grotto
Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm
Degrees/Structure
Fun and fellowship organization
Requirement
Master Mason
Primary Charity
Grotto Humanitarian Foundation (dental care for children)
A fun-oriented Masonic organization focused on fellowship and humanitarian service, particularly for special needs children.
Highlights:
- •Emphasis on fun and fellowship
- •Support for special needs children
- •Active social events and activities
- •Known for humanitarian dentistry programs
Tall Cedars of Lebanon
Supreme Forest
Degrees/Structure
Fun and charitable organization
Requirement
Master Mason
Primary Charity
Muscular Dystrophy Research
A fun-oriented organization that focuses on muscular dystrophy research and support while providing fellowship opportunities.
Highlights:
- •Primary charity is muscular dystrophy research
- •Known for "Fun, Frolic, and Fellowship"
- •Active social events
- •Pyramid-shaped hats are distinctive
Masonic Youth Organizations
These organizations provide leadership development and community service opportunities for young people with Masonic connections.
DeMolay International
Young men ages 12-21
Named after Jacques DeMolay, last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Teaches leadership, civic awareness, and personal responsibility.
Job's Daughters International
Young women ages 10-20
Based on the story of Job from the Bible. Teaches leadership skills and community service.
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
Young women ages 11-20
Teaches leadership through community service. The "Rainbow" represents the beauty and benefits of hard work.
Important Note
While appendant bodies offer additional degrees (up to 33° in Scottish Rite), these do not outrank the Master Mason degree. A 33° Scottish Rite Mason holds no authority over a 3° Master Mason in Blue Lodge matters. The Third Degree remains the highest degree in Freemasonry; appendant body degrees are supplementary, not superior.