Ancient Craft Masonry, commonly called the Blue Lodge, is the foundation of Freemasonry. It is the part of Masonry through which every Freemason begins his journey and is often described as the “heart” or “core” of the fraternity. Regardless of whether a Mason later joins appendant bodies such as the Scottish Rite or the York Rite, his membership and standing in the Blue Lodge remain the basis of his Masonic identity.

Holy Royal Arch Masonry is one of the most significant and respected systems within the Masonic family. In many jurisdictions, it is considered the completion or culmination of the lessons begun in Ancient Craft Masonry (the Blue Lodge). While terminology and structure vary around the world, Royal Arch Masonry seeks to reveal deeper meanings behind the symbolism introduced in the Craft degrees and to continue the Mason’s search for truth, light, and divine understanding.

Cryptic Masonry, often referred to informally as the “Purple House,” is the branch of Masonry that bridges the teachings of the Royal Arch and the chivalric orders of the York Rite. It is governed through Councils of Royal and Select Masters and focuses on preserving and explaining events connected to the Temple of Solomon that occur both before and after the events portrayed in the Blue Lodge and Royal Arch degrees.

Knights Templar (Chivalric Masonry) is the branch of Freemasonry that applies the principles of knighthood, honor, and Christian virtue to the moral teachings of the Craft. It is most commonly represented by the Knights Templar, the culminating body of the American York Rite system. While Blue Lodge Masonry teaches a man how to build character, and the York Rite degrees teach him to seek, preserve, and recover truth, Chivalric Masonry challenges him to live those truths through faith, service, and honorable conduct.

Often called the “Black House” because of its traditional black uniforms, mantles, and chapeaux, Knight Templar Masonry represents the chivalric culmination of the York Rite journey. Unlike the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, and Cryptic Council, which are open to Master Masons regardless of religious affiliation, the Orders of Knighthood require a profession of faith in Christianity.

The Knights of the York Cross of Honour (KYCH) is an invitational and honorary body within the York Rite of Freemasonry that recognizes outstanding service and leadership. Membership is reserved for those who have served as the presiding officer of each of the four principal York Rite bodies: a Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Cryptic Council, and Knights Templar Commandery.