YORK RITE FREEMASONRY

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   The York Rite, or more correctly, the American Rite, is based on the early remnants of Craft Masonry that were practiced in the early 1700’s. The formation of the first Grand Lodge of England in 1717 specified that the lodges were to confer only the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, all other degrees being considered spurious. However, many lodges had been conferring other degrees that they considered an integral part of Masonry, in particular that of the Royal Arch, and formed their own Grand Lodge in 1751, terming themselves the “Antients” and the other Grand Lodge members the “Moderns.” With the merger of the two Grand Lodges in 1813 into the United Grand Lodge of England, the lodges agreed that only the three accepted degrees of Masonry would be used by the lodges, but the degree of the Royal Arch would be attached to Chapters allied directly to these lodges and bearing the same number as the lodge, though as a separate body. Thus, unlike the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which claims to hold the power of conferring the first three degrees of Masonry in addition to those under its jurisdiction, those found in the York Rite have rightfully acknowledged the fact that they are considered appendant to those of Ancient Craft Masonry. It is still the practice in English Masonry that a Masonic member is not considered to be in possession of all the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry until he has been exalted to the Royal Arch.

   Early American Lodges operated in a similar manner until the establishment of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. For a period in US history, the Cryptic degrees were controlled by various state Grand Chapter jurisdictions, until the establishment of the General Grand Council. The Chivalric Orders have been controlled by the Grand Encampment since the early 19th century in the United States. All three bodies are technically autonomous Masonic entities, only the requirement of membership in the Royal Arch connecting the Cryptic degrees and Chivalric Orders together.

   Appendant to the York Rite Bodies are several additional Masonic bodies, most of which are invitational in nature. Membership in many of them is predicated on membership in the Royal Arch, though some have memberships predicated on other bodies of the York Rite, or membership in all of the York Rite bodies. Many are found in other jurisdictions outside of the United States, but several are uniquely American in their origin. 

Mt. Horeb Chapter No. 57, Royal Arch Masons, was set to work and chartered 164 years ago on Wednesday, June 24th, 1857. We are a member of Capitular District Number 18 of the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas, located in Mahomet, Burnet County, Texas. Our Chapter is home to 36 Companions.

Meeting Time: 4th Saturday @ 4:30 PM

Most Excellent High Priest: Wayne Knutson, Cell 254-291-4990

Secretary: Paul M. Plourde, Cell 254-449-5269 

Physical Address:  10845 FM 243,  Florence, TX 76527  (10 Miles N.E. of Bertram) 

Mailing Address:

2407 Winchester Dr.
Copperas Cove, TX 76522 

Website: http://yorkritetexas.org/chapter/chapter_info.html?chapter=72

Mt. Horeb Council No. 41, Royal & Select Masters, was set to work and chartered 114 years ago on Tuesday, December 3rd, 1907. We are a member of Cryptic District Number 18 of the Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas, located in Mahomet, Burnet County, Texas. Our Council is home to 36 Companions.

Meeting Time: 4th Saturday @ 5:30 PM

Thrice Illustrious Master: Wayne Knutson, Cell 254-291-4990

Recorder: Paul M. Plourde, Cell 254-449-5269

Physical Address: 10845 FM 243,  Florence, TX 76527  (10 Miles N.E. of Bertram) 

Mailing Address:

2407 Winchester Dr.
Copperas Cove, TX 76522 

Website: http://council.yorkritetexas.org/council_info.html?council=75

Burnet Commandery No. 113 was set to work and given a charter by The Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas on April 22, 2002.

Burnet Commandery No. 113 has been doing good works for the past years. Our officers of Burnet Commandery No. 113 are working diligently to perform degrees and floor work. They could be the best in the state, come see us at our next meeting to see us work. We support many charities and works; from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to the Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage to Scholarships and much more.

Burnet Commandery No. 113 has included numerous men of distinction. Why not add your name to the list!

Meeting Time: 4th Thursday @ 7:30 PM (Nov. and Dec. is 2nd Thursday) 

Eminent Commander: Jim Cooney, Cell: 830-693-2753

Recorder: Thomas N. Turner, Cell: 830-693-2753

Physical Address: 310 South Main Street, Burnet, TX 78611-3109

Mailing Address:

P. O. Box 266
Burnet, Tx 78611-0266

Website: http://commandery.yorkritetexas.org/info-Commandery-list.php