The Family Of Freemasonry
Beyond the symbolic lodge, there are a number of additional Masonic-affiliated organizations.
The Three Most Well Known Appendant Bodies Are:
Shriners International
32º Scottish Rite Freemasonry
York Rite
Each of these appendant bodies hold as its membership prerequisite that a man remain a Master Mason in good standing.
Shriners International
In 1872, a group of Masonic brothers seeking to infuse more joy and camaraderie into fraternity life founded the Shriners organization. To join, a man must first become a Master Mason, demonstrating full commitment to Freemasonry’s core values of brotherly love, truth, and charity.
Shriners are known for their spirited temple activities, family-friendly events, and a variety of social groups including sports teams, motor corps, homebrew clubs, and more—each centered around fun, fellowship, and service. Yet beyond the enjoyment, every Shriner plays a vital role in a profound mission: they are all part-owners of Shriners Hospitals for Children®—a world-renowned health system with 22 facilities and outreach programs providing specialized, life-changing medical care to children, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
Today, Shriners International includes nearly 200 temples and over 200,000 members worldwide. While the majority of members are in North America, the fraternity continues to grow internationally with thriving temples in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Germany, Panama, and the Philippines. Shriners exemplify how fun and philanthropy can work hand in hand to make a meaningful global impact.
32º Scottish Rite Freemasonry
The 32° Scottish Rite is an extension of Freemasonry that enriches and deepens the teachings first introduced in the Symbolic Lodge (commonly known as the Blue Lodge). While the Symbolic Lodge imparts the foundational three degrees—Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason—the Scottish Rite offers 29 additional degrees, providing Master Masons with a more profound understanding of Masonic philosophy, ethics, and values.
Through these degrees, Scottish Rite Masons engage in a journey of intellectual and moral growth, building lasting bonds of brotherhood and fellowship. The degrees focus on timeless principles such as justice, integrity, tolerance, and service, encouraging members to apply these teachings to their everyday lives.
Becoming a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason is not merely about acquiring titles or honors—it’s about living Freemasonry’s values through charitable action and a lifelong commitment to personal development.
In the United States, the Scottish Rite is organized into two distinct jurisdictions:
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ)
Southern Jurisdiction (SJ)
Each jurisdiction operates independently but shares the same dedication to enriching the lives of Freemasons and making a positive impact on the world around them.
York Rite Freemasonry
The York Rite, also known as the American Rite, is one of the primary appendant bodies of Freemasonry that allows Master Masons to deepen their understanding of the Craft. Rooted in the earliest traditions of Craft Masonry, the York Rite is composed of three distinct and independently governed bodies:
The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
The Council of Royal and Select Masters
The Commandery of Knights Templar
Each body offers its own unique set of degrees and teachings, yet all are united under the shared purpose of expanding a Mason’s journey toward personal growth and enlightenment.
The degrees within the York Rite draw heavily on Biblical narratives, medieval symbolism, and chivalric tradition, offering rich historical and moral lessons. Through these experiences, Master Masons are encouraged to strengthen their faith, leadership, and sense of duty—both within the fraternity and in service to others.
In addition to its spiritual and philosophical focus, the York Rite is actively engaged in charitable endeavors, making it a meaningful path for those who seek to make a lasting impact in their communities.
MASONIC YOUTH GROUPS
Demolay International
DeMolay is the world’s leading youth leadership organization dedicated to helping young men grow into leaders of integrity and character. Rooted in timeless values and guided by a commitment to personal development, DeMolay empowers its members to lead lives defined by purpose, responsibility, and service.
Each young man in DeMolay plays an active role in shaping his own journey. From developing ideas and planning events to managing logistics and carrying out initiatives, members take full ownership of their Chapter’s success. This hands-on experience builds practical leadership skills in a supportive environment.
Chapters are guided by trained adult Advisors trusted mentors from the local community who help ensure every member receives the support they need to thrive. With this structure, every Chapter can reflect the unique interests and goals of its members.
DeMolay welcomes young men from all backgrounds and simply asks that they hold a belief in a higher power. Through this inclusive and empowering experience, members develop into well-rounded citizens prepared to lead with character and compassion.
RainBow Girls
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a youth organization dedicated to preparing girls for a meaningful and responsible adulthood. Through focused character and leadership development, Rainbow encourages selfless service, strong moral values, and effective teamwork and communication skills.
Members engage in a variety of fun and enriching activities—building friendships, attending events, and traveling to new places all while experiencing the joy and fulfillment of living a productive, purpose-driven life.
Whether volunteering for charitable causes, developing public speaking abilities, or embracing the life lessons taught through Rainbow, members are empowered to overcome challenges and grow in confidence. The organization offers a safe, supportive, and family-oriented environment where older girls mentor younger ones, fostering a spirit of sisterhood, compassion, and leadership that lasts a lifetime.
Job’s Daughter
Job’s Daughters International (JDI) is a Masonic youth organization for girls ages 10 to 20, with active chapters called “Bethels” located across the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines. Rooted in Masonic values, JDI empowers young women to develop leadership skills, public speaking abilities, respect for family and elders, and a lifelong commitment to charity and teamwork.
Members take part in a variety of enriching and fun activities, including bimonthly meetings, community service projects, leadership workshops, fundraisers, social events, and themed celebrations. Through these experiences, girls build confidence, form lasting friendships, and cultivate the tools they need to become compassionate and capable leaders.
Membership is open to girls who are related to or sponsored by a Master Mason and who believe in a higher power. Job’s Daughters is more than an organization it’s a place where young women grow, lead, and thrive.