The York Rite is the other appendant body of Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed to supplement and amplify the Blue Lodge Degrees, affording historical background on the works and meaning of Freemasonry.

The York Rite takes its name from the old English city of York.  It is said that Athelstan, a British King, was converted to Christianty in York and that he granted the original charter to the Masonic guilds in that city nearly a thousand years ago.  Although the York Rite is not a religion in itself, it does develop themes based on the Christian Crusades.

In the York Rite, a Master Mason may become a member of three bodies -- a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a council of Royal and Select Masters, and a commandery of Knights Templar.

To petition to become a a member in the YORK RITE a man must first attain the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.