APPENDANT BODIES
In Freemasonry, appendant, concordant, and side bodies are affiliated organizations that expand upon the core teachings of the Craft, or Blue, Lodge. To join most of these groups, an individual must be, or be affiliated with, a Master Mason.
These bodies build directly upon the initial three degrees of Freemasonry, offering further historical, philosophical, and ethical teachings.
THE SCOTTISH RITE
Thr Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite confers the 4th through the 32nd degrees (with the 33rd degree awarded as an honorary distinction). It is divided into four sub-bodies including:
Lodge of Perfection
Chapter of Rose Croix
Council of Kadosh
Consistory
THE YORK RITE
A collection of separate Masonic bodies that form a cohesive system of degrees. It consists of three primary branches:
Royal Arch Masonry
Cryptic Masonry
Knights Templar
These groups emphasize fellowship, community service, and large-scale charitable work.
SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL
The Shriners are a Masonic fraternity founded in 1872 to emphasize fun and fellowship alongside Masonic principles. Today, they are also known for their philanthropic work.
THE GROTTO
The Grotto, formally the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, is a Masonic organization for Master Masons. It promotes friendship, fun, and good fellowship while supporting charitable work.
TALL CEDARS OF LEBANON
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon is an appendant Masonic organization that brings Freemasons together for friendship, fellowship, and fun. It also supports charitable work, including aid for children and families affected by muscular dystrophy.
HIGH TWELVE INTERNATIONAL
High Twelve International brings Masons together in fellowship and encourages them to put Masonic ideals into practice in their communities. It also supports youth education and the principles of individual rights and representative government.
These organizations allow both Master Masons and their female relatives to join.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization for women and men, rooted in Masonic tradition and guided by values of charity, truth, and loving kindness. Its members build fellowship and serve their communities through charitable work.
ORDER OF THE AMARANTH
The Order of the Amaranth is a fraternal and philanthropic organization for men and women with Masonic affiliation. It promotes fellowship and the virtues of truth, faith, wisdom, and charity, and supports charitable causes.
DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE
The Daughters of the Nile is a women’s fraternal organization founded in 1913, centered on friendship and service. Its philanthropy supports Shriners Children’s through endowment and relief funds.
ORDER OF THE WHITE SHRINE OF JERUSALEM
The Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem is a Christian fraternal organization for people connected to Freemasonry, with fellowship and service at its heart. Its mission is to live out Christ’s teachings through kindness, charity, and support for people in need.
While not requiring Masonic membership themselves, these organizations are sponsored by Masonic bodies and mentored by adult Masons.
DEMOLAY INTERNATIONAL
DeMolay International is a youth leadership organization for young men ages 12 to 21, helping them develop character and leadership skills. Through friendship, service, and hands-on activities, members learn to become leaders in their communities.
RAINBOW GIRLS
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a youth service organization that helps girls build leadership, confidence, and good citizenship. Members learn through activities, friendship, and community service.
JOB'S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL
Job’s Daughters International is a leadership organization for girls ages 10 to 20, helping members build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Its philanthropic project, the HIKE Fund, helps provide hearing devices to children.
