Links to Appendant Masonic BodiesThe Masonic family is a loosely defined grouping of those bodies with practices and beliefs complementary to Freemasonry that also either restrict their membership to regular Freemasons in good standing or to relatives of regular Freemasons in good standing. Those restricted to Freemasons are generally termed concordant while those restricted to relatives are generally termed appendant. There is little agreement on the use of these terms; in the narrowest sense only the Scottish and York Rites are styled concordant while the Shrine and Grotto, not conferring degrees, would be defined as Masonic clubs.
The York Rite takes its name from the old English city of York. It is said that Athelstan, a British king, was converted to Christianity in York and that he granted the original charter to the Masonic guilds in that city nearly a thousand years ago. The York Rite is not a religion. Like the Craft lodge, the Chapter and the Council are based upon the building of King Solomon's Temple. The Preceptory has a theme of Christian chivalry.
What is the Scottish Rite?
The Scottish Rite, sometimes called the "College of Freemasonry", uses extensive dramatic plays and allegory to emphasize the content and messages of its degrees. A Freemason, after viewing these dramas, will eventually attain the 32nd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry. In the Scottish Rite a Master Mason may become a member of three bodies — Lodge of Perfection, Rose Croix, and Consistory. Scottish Rite includes the Degrees from the Fourth to the Thirty-third, inclusive. To a non-Mason this may sound like the member is a high ranking Mason, however, this would be a misconception. The highest degree in Freemasonry is the 3rd or Master Mason degree. Degrees as they relate to the Scottish Rite indicate the level of knowledge that a Master Mason has attained. It would be rather awkward to allude to a member as an Act 32 Freemason. In the Scottish Rite, the 33rd degree, an honorary degree, is bestowed on members of the Scottish Rite who have given outstanding service to Freemasonry or to their communities.
is the Grotto?
Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, whose subordinate bodies
are the Grottoes, is an organization by and for Master Masons. While in no
way connected with Masonry proper, its membership is restricted absolutely
and exclusively to Master Masons in some fun and frolic, it also has its
serious side. Its slogan is GOOD FELLOWSHIP, and in contact with our
fellow man, this principle is exemplified to a marked degree.
In addition to this original and unique ritual with its spectacular
ceremonies, there are also many fun units in each Grotto where a Master
Mason can find an outlet for his energy and enthusiasm. Almost every
Grotto has musical units, drill teams, drum and bugle corps, clown units,
choral groups and many other impressively colorful and attention getting
aggregations. Other Grottoes meet by the rules of the Old Festive Board
staging their meetings around a luncheon or a dinner.
The Shrine of North America
The Shrine of
North America is known for its colorful parades, circuses and clowns. But
there is also a serious side to this international fraternity of
approximately 525,000 men belonging to 191 Shrine Temples, or chapters,
throughout North America. For 75 years, the Shrine has operated a network
of specialized hospitals that treat children with orthopedic problems,
burns and spinal cord injuries, up to their 18th birthday, free of charge.
Job's Daughters is an organization of young women between the ages of 11 and 20 who are related to a Master Mason, and share a common bond. We have members in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines We have fun together at activities such as swimming parties, dances, family picnics, slumber parties, miniature golf, marching in parades, travel . . . well, you get the picture. By working closely together, you will make new friends that will last a lifetime. We also help others. Throughout the year, we perform service projects to help our community, the less fortunate, and other charities. We actively support the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund, which purchases hearing assistive devices for hearing impaired children. We learn leadership. By holding various offices in Job's Daughters, you will gain valuable leadership experience, be a part of a team, and learn democratic principles. Job's Daughters can qualify for various scholarships that are offered on a state-wide and a national level. All Job's Daughters are members of a local chapter called a Bethel. Members of a Bethel elect their own officers, decide their own activities, and plan their own events. In short, Job's Daughters International offers the qualities that today's young women want and need from organizations that earn their commitment . . . fun, friendship, helping others, and the chance to learn organizational and leadership skills.
Rainbow for Girls
Rainbow is open to girls between the ages of 11 and 20,
regardless of race, creed, color or national origin. You do not have to be
Christian to be a member. You can be assured that the values promoted by
Rainbow are strong and basic to many religions. The teachings found in the
Rainbow ceremonies are based on Christian scripture, and often quote the
sayings of Jesus. However, you do not have to be a Christian to be a
Rainbow member. Girls of all faiths are welcome to be members of the
organization, if they have a belief in a Supreme Being. No
“recruiting” for any Christian organization is included in Rainbow;
the teachings reflect morals and values common to many religions.
What is DeMolay?
DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.
DeMolay alumni include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Walter Cronkite, football Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton, legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, news anchor David Goodnow and many others. Each has spoken eloquently of the life-changing benefit gained from their involvement in DeMolay.
About the Order Of The Eastern Star
What It Is: The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter.
Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other.
While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.
Purposes. The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific; but there is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using beautiful and inspiring biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.
Projects. Concrete evidence of the charitable nature of the organization as it affects others is the millions of dollars which have been raised within the membership to support national, jurisdictional, and local charities. Many Grand Jurisdictions have homes for their senior members.
The Order of the Amaranth
The Order of the Amaranth is a fraternal organization composed of Master Masons and their properly qualified female relatives. In its teachings, the members are emphatically reminded of their duties to God, to their country and to their fellow beings. They are urged to portray, by precept and example, their belief in the "Golden Rule" and by conforming to the virtues inherent in TRUTH, FAITH, WISDOM and CHARITY they can prove to others the goodness promulgated by the Order.
The extent of its Charitable Work and overall Benevolence is limited only by the opportunities that exist, and the ability to secure adequate funding. Its Philanthropic project is the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation. The flag of the appropriate country is prominently displayed at all meetings creating a strong sentiment of patriotism and devotion to the respective land that we love.
Conspicuously upon the Altar is placed the Holy Bible, the inspired word of God. Its divine truths send forth its sacred luster to all parts of the globe and is used among us as a symbol of the will of God. It reminds us of the omnipresence of the "Almighty" overshadowing us with His Divine Love and dispensing His blessings among us.
The leaves of the Amaranth plant (like the "Laurel") is indicative of distinction and honor, and when formed into the "Amaranthine Wreath" with its never ending circle, is typical of the bond of fraternal friendship which encircles our beloved order, and which has a central place upon our Standard (Ceremonial Flag), surrounding the "Crown and Sword".