About the York Rite of Delaware · Delaware York Rite

The York Rite is one of the two great branches of Freemasonry open to a Master Mason after he has completed the degrees of the symbolic Lodge. It is not a single organization, but a family of cooperating bodies, each with its own degrees, officers, and charitable work.

In Delaware, the York Rite is governed by three Grand Bodies: the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. Each oversees local bodies that meet throughout the state. Several invitational and honor bodies complete the Delaware York Rite family.

The path of the degrees

The Royal Arch Chapter continues directly from the Master Mason degree, conferring the Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch degrees. The Cryptic Council preserves and explains the secrets entrusted in the Royal Arch. The Commandery, the chivalric capstone, confers the Christian Orders of the Red Cross, of Malta, and of the Temple.

Hand-painted Masonic apron with an arch, pillars, and working tools, owned by Meriwether Lewis — Masonic apron of Meriwether Lewis. Unknown maker, c. 1800. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Source

Rooted in Delaware

Freemasonry in Delaware traces its origins to military lodges and to the neighboring Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and Maryland. York Rite Masonry has flourished here for more than a century and a half. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Delaware was chartered in 1869. Cryptic Masonry followed in 1926, and our independent Grand Commandery was established in 1991.

The Capstone of Ancient Craft Masonry

Many Masonic scholars describe the degrees of the York Rite as completing the story begun in the symbolic Lodge. Royal Arch Masonry (Capitular) continues the allegory of the Temple and the recovery of that which was lost. Cryptic Masonry preserves and explains those secrets. The Commandery of Knights Templar offers the chivalric Orders for Companions who profess the Christian faith.

Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic

Membership is open to Master Masons in good standing under the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Delaware and under recognized Grand Lodges. Visiting Companions and Sir Knights from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and other sister jurisdictions are welcome at Delaware Chapters, Councils, and Commanderies. Confirm stated meetings before you travel.

At a Glance

The Three Grand Bodies

Royal Arch Masonry

Grand Chapter

The Royal Arch completes the Master Mason's degree and restores what was lost in the Craft. Brethren who have labored in the Blue Lodge will find the Chapter a natural and rewarding next step.

Visit the Grand Chapter

Cryptic Masonry

Grand Council

The Cryptic degrees preserve and explain the secrets entrusted in the Royal Arch. They deepen the lessons of the Chapter and bring the story of the Word to its proper completion.

Visit the Grand Council

Chivalric Templar Masonry

Grand Commandery

The Commandery is the chivalric crown of the York Rite. Royal Arch Masons who profess the Christian faith receive the Orders of the Red Cross, Malta, and the Temple.

Visit the Grand Commandery

In Art and History

The Stories Behind the Degrees

Engravings and paintings of the Temple and the Knights Templar, the scenes York Rite degrees draw upon.

The Rebuilding of the Temple Is BegunGustave Doré, 1866. Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Cyrus Restores the Vessels of the TempleGustave Doré, 1866. Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Dedication of the Temple of SolomonEngraving, Rijksmuseum collection, c. 1703 to 1762. CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Cedars Are Cut Down for the Jerusalem TempleGustave Doré, 1866. Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Ordination of Jacques de Molay at the Beaune Commandery, 1265François Marius Granet, 1843. Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
The TemplarFriedrich Wilhelm von Schadow, c. 1832. Public domain, Wikimedia Commons