What is the York Rite?
The York Rite is a term normally used to refer to three separate Masonic Organizations, namely a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a Council of Cryptic Masons, and a Commandery of Knights Templar. They are progressive in that one must first be a member of a Chapter before joining a Council and be a member of both a Chapter and Council before joining the Commandery. All of these Bodies of the York Rite require the petitioner to be a Master Mason in good standing. The York Rite provides the Candidate with additional Masonic knowledge, building upon their experiences in becoming a Mason.
Who is Prather York Rite?
The York Rite is made up of three separate bodies, each having a separate Statewide or Grand Body, and having authority over a number of Degrees or Orders. On the local level at Prather these three Organizations work together as one “Prather York Rite” to accomplish the task of creating new York Rite Masons.
The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Indiana granted a Charter to Prather Chapter #157 in 1922 and it is though this Charter we are able to confer the first four Degrees of the York Rite.
The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Indiana charted Prather Council #100 in 1924 granting us permission to confer the Council Degree.
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Indiana granted a Charter to DeMolay Commandery #62 in 1923. Commandery #62’s Charter has moved around and the name of it’s Commandery has changed a number of times but in 1995 Trinity Commandery #62 was united with Prather Chapter and Council at Calvin W. Prather Lodge #717. In 2009 Commandery #62 was Re-Chartered and Re-Dedicated as Prather Commandery #62 and as such confers the Chivalric Orders as part of the Prather York Rite.