York vs. Scottish?

Jacky Roberts · 03-28-2007, 05:41 PM

I think I'm ready to seek further light in one of these two bodies. After speaking with my Worshipful Master, I am still completely at a loss of which direction I should go. Can someone give me some help in making this choice? Thanks.

cyberclown · 03-28-2007, 05:54 PM

Brethren,

I would also like to hear a bit more about these two appendant bodies and their different "ways" ... Not why one is better than the other, but simply (neutrally) what each stands for ...

Maybe one is more philasophical than the other etc. ?

Bro. Markus

David Herman · 03-28-2007, 10:04 PM

I'll take a stab at this. Please note, they are not mutually exclusive - I am a 32° KCCH in the Scottish Rite (Southern Jurisdiction), and a Sir Knight in the York Rite.

The degrees of any order is should not be considered a "higher" degree than that of Master Mason. These additional orders seek to give the candidate more insight into his own nature.

The Scottish Rite degrees are set in various time of the past, from ancient Egypt through to the Crusades, and attempt to expose the candidate to moral lessons through these cultures. The Scottish Rite is entirely non-denominational, and open to every Master Mason.

The York Rite degrees are usually divided into three separate bodies - the Chapter, Council, and Commandery. Like the Scottish Rite degrees, each of these bodies attempts to expose the candidate to moral lessons through various settings. The Chapter, sometimes called "Capitular Masonry", is set after the Lodge degrees; the Council, sometimes called "Cryptic Masonry", is set before the Lodge degrees. The Commandery, sometimes called "Chivalric Masonry", takes place during the Crusades, and membership is restricted to those who consider themselves Christians.

Perhaps my chart will help explain the organization:

Jacky Roberts · 05-03-2007, 09:19 PM

I've decided to go through the Scottish Rite this year and through York rite in 2008.

David Herman · 05-03-2007, 10:37 PM

Good deal - I hope you enjoy each of them.

lionsbreath · 07-06-2007, 10:18 AM

I just finished Sottish Rite last month and I want to o the York Rite next. I jut went with wich one was having a reunion first.

Jacky Roberts · 12-03-2007, 01:23 PM

I went through Scottish Rite in the Boston Valley in November. Definitely worthwhile for those interested.

witnessofjesus · 12-04-2007, 12:35 AM

Thanks for the link to the GoodSearch site so I can help raise money for the MESH, or Masonic Eastern Star Home of Washington D.C.

I was going to do the York Rite, but decided against it as I am on order to Japan for three years and I was informed that there were no York Rite bodies in Japan for me to affliate with, at least not the area where I'll be stationed, so I've decided to postpone these until I return from Japan in 2011.

I hope you enjoy both the bodies, I think I'll do the Scottish Rite first, then the York Rite upon my return.

witnessofjesus · 12-04-2007, 12:36 AM

David,

Thanks for the chart, very well laid out.

F&S,

Eric

Baldman · 01-22-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witnessofjesus

Thanks for the link to the GoodSearch site so I can help raise money for the MESH, or Masonic Eastern Star Home of Washington D.C.

I was going to do the York Rite, but decided against it as I am on order to Japan for three years and I was informed that there were no York Rite bodies in Japan for me to affliate with, at least not the area where I'll be stationed, so I've decided to postpone these until I return from Japan in 2011.

I hope you enjoy both the bodies, I think I'll do the Scottish Rite first, then the York Rite upon my return.

Have you looked into a Royal Arch Chapter linked to an UGLE Craft lodge? That would get you into the first bit of York Rite as we call it. Also a RA Chapter would probably be a neat experience. Remember outside the USA many lodges follow the UK model and Royal Arch is linked to the local lodge. As well as a Mark Lodge which is the 4th Degree in our YR experience.

Hope I haven't confused you.

Yours Aye and Fraternally,