A Guide to the Sometimes Bewildering Array of Masonic and Masonically- Related Organizations, Groups, and Bodies Jim Tresner The Masonic Family The Blue Lodge The Blue or Symbolic Lodge The Oklahoma Lodge of Research
Concordant Organizations The York Rite of Freemasonry The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (The Shrine) The Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (The Grotto) Tall Cedars of Lebanon
Androgynous Organizations The Order of the Eastern Star The Order of the Amaranth The White Shrine of Jerusalem
Appendant Bodies The International Order of DeMolay The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls The International Order of Job’s Daughters
1 Sororal Organizations (Ladies only) Social Order of the Beauceant The Daughters of the Nile
Specialized Masonic Organizations
Allied Masonic Degrees Knight Masons of the USA Knights of the York Cross of Honor Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederalis National Sojourners Philalethes Quatuor Coronaati Correspondence Circle Red Cross of Constantine York Rite College
Service Organizations The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma The Masonic Service Association of North America
2 any people do not realize just how many large and diverse Morganizations are included in the word “Masonry.” There are organizations for men, for women, for men and women, and for young people. There are organizations for almost every interest and providing almost every activity. This pamphlet outlines several organizations active in Oklahoma. It’s a rich and rewarding association.
3 The Blue Lodge / The Symbolic Lodge ll Masonry begins with the Blue Lodge, also known as the ASymbolic Lodge. This is the oldest form of Masonry, and membership in all other Masonic organizations (except two of the Youth Organizations and organizations for ladies only) require a connection with the Blue Lodge. If a man should discontinue membership in Blue Lodge, his membership in all other Masonic organizations would automatically terminate. Blue Lodge is organized in Lodges located in most towns in Oklahoma. It arose from the guilds of stone masons in the Middle Ages and takes much of its symbolism and ceremony from that time. Its purpose is to assist the Mason in self-development as an ethical, caring person. It also is responsible for many acts of charity and community improvement. To join, a man must be at least 18 years of age, of good character, and must profess a belief in God—although Blue Lodge Masonry makes no religious requirement past that, and men of all religions are welcome as members. The process of joining is by petition and initiation. The man gets a petition from a member of the local Lodge, fills it out, and is visited by a committee who will explain the fraternity to him, answer his questions, and confirm the information on the petition. He then comes to the Lodge and receives the first or Entered Apprentice Degree (a Degree is a level of membership). After meeting the requirements for that Degree he takes the Fellow Craft Degree and then the Master Mason Degree. At that point, he is fully a Mason.
4 The Oklahoma Lodge of Research
Research Lodges (sometimes called “enlightenment Lodges,” “education Lodges,” or “teaching Lodges”) are designed for Masons who are interested in learning more about various aspects of the Fraternity. There are international research Lodges as well as those organized within states. The Oklahoma Lodge of Research does not initiate Masons; one must be a member of another Lodge to join. Rather, its meetings are dedicated to discussion and research. The Lodge of Research publishes books written by its members, on the history of Masonry in Oklahoma or related topics. For information about joining the Oklahoma Lodge of Research, contact the Secretary, John E. King, 1128 North Lee Street, Altus, Oklahoma 73521. Home Phone Number 580-477-0892 e-mail [email protected]
5 Concordant Organizations Concordant organizations are organizations for men which require Blue Lodge membership.
ork Rite Freemasonry is open to Master YMasons. It consists of three groups known as the Chapter, the Council and the Commandery. Its Degrees continue the legendary setting of the Master Mason Degree and then draw on the traditions of the Knights Templar, an order of fighting monks operating in the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Any Master Mason in good standing can petition to receive the Degrees of the Chapter and Council. The Commandery Degrees are restricted to Masons of the Christian faith. York Rite groups are organized on a local level and generally meet in Masonic Lodge buildings. There are also state and national organizational levels. Initiations are conducted locally and at larger, often state-wide events called “Field Days.” The York Rite Bodies have several charitable projects. For example, the Commandry’s charities include the Eye Foundation which provides vision-saving eye surgery to those who cannot afford it, and the Pilgrimage program which pays the costs of ministers to visit the Holy Land for study and inspiration. A petition for the York Rite can be obtained from any York Rite Member.
6 he Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of TFree-masonry is a system of 29 Degrees (4° through 32°). In Oklahoma, all the Degrees are received in a single weekend, at a meeting called a Reunion. All Degrees of the Scottish Rite are open to Master Masons of any religious faith, and religious toleration is one of the central teachings of the Rite. Since the Degrees of the Scottish Rite are fully staged and costumed plays, larger facilities are required, and thus the Rite is organized into geographic areas called Valleys, each of which is served by a Scottish Rite Temple. In Oklahoma, Temples are located in Guthrie, McAlester and Tulsa. Nationally, the Rite is organized into the Southern and Northern Jurisdictions. The primary charity of the Scottish Rite is the RiteCare Childhood Language Program for childhood learning and language development. The Rite has clinics in which children with learning or language differences are treated free of charge. The clinics also do screening programs in schools to discover children with language problems, and the Rite, working with the state educational leaders, also provides training for teachers in a technique which has been proven more than 85% effective in teaching dyslexic children to read. A petition for the Scottish Rite can be obtained from any Scottish Rite member.
7 Why Blue Lodge and the Rites?
The real purpose of Freemasonry isn’t charity. Charity is simply an expression—an outgrowth—of the real purpose. That purpose is self- development. Some ideas can be traced back to the beginning of humanity; they seem to arise from our very nature as men, and they are true across many different cultures and many different eras. One of the most important of these is Initiation. Nature clearly tells a girl when she becomes a woman, but there is no such dramatic moment in the life of a boy. Probably for that reason, every culture has had a way of marking that point at which a male enters into full adult participation in the society. That means of transition is almost always by initiation, the ritual of ending childhood and beginning a new life as an adult. Psychologists such as Maslowe, Rogers, and Jung, as well as experts in mythology such as Campbell and cultural anthropologists such as Meade have shown that the need is still alive in males today, and that without some rite of passage, many males never find their full identity as men. Masonry is the last great system of initiation left in the Western world. Our task, literally, is to take good men and make them better.
8 ncient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine is Athe official name, but most people know the members as “Shriners.” Originally organized simply to have fun, the Shrine has become best known for their major philanthropies—the Shriners Children’s Hospitals and the Shriners Burns Institutes. All treatment is completely free of charge, and the care and research in burns, orthopedic problems and spinal injuries are literally the best in the world. Membership in the Shrine requires membership and good standing in Blue Lodge. The Shrine is organized into Temples or Mosques, (now frequently called “centers”) serving different parts of the state. In Oklahoma Bedouin Temple is located in Muskogee, Akdar Temple is located in Tulsa, and India Temple is located in Oklahoma City. A petition for the Shrine can be obtained from any Shriner.
ystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm M"The Grotto" Open to all Master Masons. No limits on membership numbers. The local organizations are called “Grottos.” There are two in Oklahoma, one in Bartlesville and one in Tulsa. The Grotto is primarily social and charitable in nature with activities for couples as well as for the family. The major charity is a program of dentistry for children with certain illnesses which require highly specialized dental care. Membership is by petition.
9 he Tall Cedars of Lebanon - The Tname refers to the cedar trees on Mount Lebanon which were felled to build the Temple of Solomon. When the group was incorporated in 1902, with any Master Mason eligible to petition, the group mixed fun and fellowship with the very serious nature of Freemasonry itself. The primary charity of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon is muscular dystrophy, and the group makes grants to colleges and universities for research in the treatment of the disease. Ask any member for a petition.
Androgynous Organizations
Androgynous Organizations are Masonic organizations for both men and women. All require some sort of Masonic Affiliation. While there are some minor differences between bodies, generally a man must be a Master Mason, while a woman must have a Masonic relative, either living or in good standing at the time of his death. It is not necessary that the Mason join the Androgynous Body for his wife or other female relative to be a member.
he Order of the Eastern Star is one of Tthe oldest and largest of the Androgynous Bodies. Often known simply as The Star, it meets in groups called Chapters. The Chapters are organized locally. Usually, an Eastern Star Chapter meets in a Blue Lodge room, although
10 several Chapters have their own buildings. The name of the organization is taken from the Biblical passage, “We have seen His star in the East and are come to worship Him.” The Star has many charitable programs, especially focusing on the care of the elderly and infirm and support of Masonic Homes, but ranging over scholarships, leadership training for youth, and many other areas. Members of the Eastern Star will be happy to provide a petition.
he Order of the Amaranth arose originally in Sweden. Brought T to America and adapted to American usage by James Taylor, the local organization is known as a Court and usually meets in a Masonic Temple. Organizations also exist on the state and national level. The ritual remains essentially the one developed in Sweden and teaches many beautiful lessons in ethics and morality. One of its documents describes it as a “fraternal order, having, for its purpose, service to humanity set to the music of fraternal love.” A petition for the Order of the Amaranth can be obtained from any Amaranth member.
passage from the brochure of the White Shrine of Jerusalem Areads: “In the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, there is but one Degree. Candidates for the Order must confess a belief in the Christian religion.” Shrines (as the local organizations are known) generally meet in Masonic Temples. There is no state or
11 national organization, but the local Shrines are guided by the Supreme Shrine which is international. The primary philanthropy of the White Shrine is known as the Material Objective. It provides assistance with rehabilitation costs following injury or illness. A petition for the White Shrine of Jerusalem can be obtained from any White Shrine member.
Appendant Orders
YOUTH ORDERS are designed to meet the needs of young men and women. While they are not “junior Masonic Orders,” they are sponsored by Masonic Bodies.
rder of DeMolay is the world’s Olargest fraternity for young men 13 to 21 years of age. The name comes from the last Grand Master of the Knights of the Temple--a crusading Order in the Middle Ages. Membership does not require relationship to a Mason. DeMolay helps its members develop civic awareness and responsibility. It provides young men with leadership and social skills. Local organizations are Chapters. The basic lessons taught by DeMolay include love of parents, respect for the religious beliefs of others, courtesy, friendship, faithfulness, cleanness, and patriotism.
12 ounded in McAlester, Oklahoma, in F1922, The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is open to young women between the ages of 11 and 21, without regard to Masonic relationship. The Rainbow program includes an active competition schedule in bowling and softball as well as competitions in ritual, choir, drill teams, scrapbooks, etc. Local meetings of Rainbow groups are called Assemblies. A full social schedule and opportunities for young women to learn leadership skills are special benefits of the Order. In addition to support for charity, Rainbows are encouraged to give volunteer time, entertaining children in hospitals, playing bingo with the elderly in nursing homes, and candy-striping at the Masonic Homes.
ob’s Daughters is an international Jorganization for young women, ages 11 to 20, who are relatives of Master Masons. A local organization is known as a Bethel. The Order is based on the Biblical Book of Job. Leadership and self-reliance are especially stressed in the meetings. The principal officers wear Grecian robes, as a reminder of the ancient Athenian virtues of democracy and equality. The young women of Job’s Daughters are responsible for planning and carrying out various charitable projects during the year, not only as a matter of helping others but also as a way of learning organizational skills which will be helpful throughout life.
13 The Youth Orders do an important job in helping young men and women transition into the roles of adult like. It is amazing just how much poise and self-confidence the typical young person gains from membership in one of the Orders.
Sororal Organizations
There are “women only” organizations in the Masonic Family as well as organizations for both men and women.
ocial Order of the Beauceant SOOB The Social Order of the SBeauceant was organized in Denver, in 1890. Membership is limited to the wives and widows of Knights Templar (Commandery) which is a part of the York Rite of Freemasonry. Men cannot belong. The Beauceant {BOW-see-AWNT} was the black and white battle flag of the medieval Knights Templar—a group of warrior monks dedicated to the protection of pilgrims in the Holy Land. The modern Masonic Knights Templar takes its inspiration from the historic organization. It is one of the few Masonic organizations which is open only to the followers of the Christian faith. The members of the SOOB assist with the social and charitable activities of the Knights Templar. A petition can be obtained from any member.
14 aughters of the Nile was founded in D1913 “by 22 progressive women with strength of purpose and vision.” It is open to women who are related by birth or marriage to Shriners. The major purpose of the Daughters of the Nile is philanthropic support of the Shrine Children’s Hospitals and Burn Centers. So far, the organization has contributed more than thirty-six million dollars. More than money, the members give their time and talents in making clothing and gifts for the children, reading to them, holding parties for them, and doing everything they can to make the children in the hospitals happier. “Daughters of the Nile enjoys its heritage through its close fraternal association with the Shrine of North America. We stand tall and strong in our effort to make a difference. . . . We join hands with all who care about the future—our children.” You can get a petition from any member.
Specialized Masonic Organizations
There are also several Masonic organizations, specialized either in purpose or in membership requirements.
llied Masonic Degrees Preserves many Aof the old rituals and Orders of Masonry. Organized in Councils with a limit
15 of 27 members per council. There are two in Oklahoma. Membership is by invitation - must be a Royal Arch (York Rite) Mason.
night Masons of the USA - Open to Kmembers of the York Rite, membership is by invitation, but is not limited to a specific number. Knight Masons of the USA began Oklahoma operations in 1997.
nights of the York Cross of Honor - KOklahoma Priory ¹ 9 Open to members of the York Rite who have served as Presiding Officer in Lodge, Chapter, Council & Commandery
asonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus MFoederalis “Masonic Rosicrucians” Organization especially dedicated to the study of alchemical imagery and symbolism in Freemasonry. Organized into Colleges, with a limit of 72 members per college. There is one college in Oklahoma. Membership is by invitation.
ational Sojourners Open to Master Masons Nwho were/are commissioned officers, warrant officers, and senior non-commissioned officers in the United States military. Membership: by Petition. Chapters in Oklahoma City, Fort Sill, McAlester, Tulsa
16 uatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle (local Qbody of the Research Lodge in London) Open to all Master Masons. Membership is by application.
hilalethes (Masonic Research Organization) Popen to Master Masons who are members of International Philalethes Society. Membership by application and payment of dues.
ed Cross of Constantine Requirement: Royal RArch (York Rite) Membership: by Invitation Limited to 50 members per Conclave. In Oklahoma, McAlester - St. Luke Conclave; Oklahoma City - St. Omer Conclave; Muskogee - Prince of Peace Conclave
ork Rite College - (Oklahoma York Rite YCollege ¹ 75) Open to York Rite Members. Number of members not limited. Membership is by petition.
17 Service Organizations
The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma - Even before Oklahoma was a state or the present Grand Lodge was formed, Masonic charity was an important force in Oklahoma. Both orphanages and homes for the elderly were established in Indian Territory by the Masons. As our state was formed and grew, Masonic charity grew with it. A Partner with Oklahoma Changing times and the improved Lodges to improve the lives governmental delivery of services have of all Oklahomans changed the specific ways in which some Charity Foundation programs work, but the goal is still the same, to benefit our members and their families, and, in a larger sense, all the citizens of our state. The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma is required by Federal law to be a completely separate organization from the Grand Lodge, in order to have a tax-exempt status. Some members of its Board of Directors are elected by Grand Lodge, and others are appointed by the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and the Eastern Star, but while acting as Board members, they have to “set their fraternal hats aside.” The funds of the Foundation, also, are, and must be, completely separate. Foundation funds cannot be used for fraternal expenses—the Foundation can’t help a Lodge put a new roof on its building, for example. The Grand Lodge and the Masonic Charity Foundation 18 are even located in different buildings; the Grand Lodge is located in Guthrie and the Charity Foundation is located in Edmond. But it’s important to understand that helping a member of the Fraternity who is in need isn’t a “fraternal expense” in the sense we are using the term. While the Foundation could not pay for a new roof for the Lodge building, there are circumstances in which it could help pay for a new roof on the home of a needy member. See a “Promises Matter” brochure for more information. The Foundation’s money comes from donations. Fifteen dollars of the money every man pays the Lodge when he joins Masonry is a donation to the Foundation. In addition, the Foundation receives gifts and bequests in wills from many people each year. These donations are never spent. Instead, they are carefully invested, and only the interest earned is spent. By law, the Foundation can only spend or give money to charitable or educational causes. To meet those “big picture” needs, the Charity Foundation has the Matching Funds program which allows local Lodges to raise funds for some educational or charitable need in their community, and then double those funds by applying to the Foundation. In addition, the Foundation supports the Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year Program, giving a major grant in the name of Masonry to the State Teacher and giving recognition to all teachers nominated for the honor. The Foundation also manages and funds the Senior Essay Contest for high school seniors, the State Superintendent’s Awards for Arts Excellence, and the Youth Scholarship Fund. The Foundation and the Lodges support Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, providing funding and
19 volunteer hours for screening the vision of tens of thousands of Oklahoma’s school children each year. There are many other projects as well.
The Promises Matter Program is one of the ways in which we care for our members and their families. Promises Matter provides ways for Lodges to help with substantial benefits, even when Lodge resources are limited. The program is too complex to explain here—complex because there are several ways in which needs can be met—but the Charity Foundation has explanatory brochures available, and representatives of the Foundation are always happy to come to the Lodge to explain the programs to the Lodge.
The Masonic Service Association of North America - One more organization you should know about. In 1918, Masonic leaders from across the nation gathered to form The Masonic Service Association. The purpose was to create a central clearing-house for contributions of time and money to help America’s veterans. The Hospital Visitation Program is in more than 157 Veterans Administration Medical Centers, 26 state-operated Veterans Homes, and a number of military hospitals. Hundreds of Masonic volunteers give more than a quarter-million hours each year to help America’s veterans, regardless of whether the veteran is a Mason. Today MSA not only continues its original purpose, it has become one of the most important sources of Masonic information anywhere. It publishes a “Short Talk Bulletin” each month with information of a different Masonic topic--literally 20 hundreds of different topics are available. It runs the Masonic Information Center, which serves the press as a source of information about the Fraternity, providing authoritative answers to questions about race relations, Masonic “conspiracies” and addressing other contemporary issues. MSA is supported by contributions from the Grand Lodges of North America.
Many interests, many needs. Freemasonry serves them all!
Freemasonry on the Net
Most Masonic Organizations have a National Web-site. Here are addresses for organizations active in Oklahoma.
The Grand Lodge of Oklahoma...... www.gloklahoma.com
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry...... www.ScottishRite.org
The York Rite of Freemasonry...... www.yorkrite.com
(Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) The Shrine...... www.shrinershq.org/shrine/index.html
The Grotto...... www.scgrotto.com
Tall Cedars...... www.mastermason.com/tcl/
Order of the Amaranth...... www.amaranth.org
Order of the Eastern Star...... www.easternstar.org
21 International Order of DeMolay...... www.demolay.org
International Order of Job’s Daughters...... www.iojd.org
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls...... www.iorg.org
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