Appendant Orders

There are many Masonic and Masonic-related orders or organizations in which membership is predicated, to varying extent, upon membership in a Masonic lodge. Included are such well known bodies as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Shrine, the Eastern Star, and many others.

The blue lodge, as it has been referred to and described in the preceding chapters, is recognized as the root and foundation of all Freemasonry. Once a man has received the three symbolic degrees in a blue lodge, thus becoming a Master Mason, he is often invited to become a member in one or more of the appendant orders. Many Master Masons accept these invitations and eventually become quite active in various areas of Free masonry, being constantly reminded all along the way that they must remain faithful to their blue lodges.

Masonic lodges, in cooperation with other Masonic and Masonic-related orders, often sponsor various youth organizations in which the teachings are much like those a Mason receives during the three degrees. It is not the purpose of this booklet, though, to go beyond the blue lodge. For the reader, Mason or non-Mason, that seeks information concerning Masonic and Masonic-related organizations other than the blue lodge, there are many fine publications available. In fact, this booklet has only scratched the surface of symbolic (blue lodge) Masonry, being aimed at the individual wishing to receive a summary of Freemasonry. The serious researcher should contact local libraries and various Masonic headquarters for information on procurement of the many Masonic histories available.