Freemasonry in Texas, as in much of the world, extends beyond the foundational degrees of the Blue Lodge. Through appendant and concordant bodies such as the York Rite and Scottish Rite, Master Masons can deepen their understanding, expand their service, and continue their journey in search of Light.
These organizations are not separate from Freemasonry but are considered an extension of it, preserving ancient traditions, degrees, and teachings. Each offers unique lessons, degrees, and opportunities for fellowship, leadership, and charitable service.
The York Rite is a system of Masonic degrees that includes three distinct bodies: the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal and Select Masters (Cryptic Masons), and the Commandery of Knights Templar. Each teaches spiritual and moral lessons while preserving key parts of the Hiramic legend and the building of the Temple.
You can learn more by visiting the Lubbock York Rite web site.
The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas, the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas, and the Grand Commandery of Texas oversee York Rite Masonry statewide. Local York Rite Bodies are active across Texas, offering degrees and hosting charitable and community events.
The Scottish Rite is the most widely practiced Masonic Rite in the world, offering degrees that expand on the foundational teachings of Freemasonry. Its lessons culminate in the 32°—Master of the Royal Secret—while the honorary 33° is conferred for exceptional service to the Craft or to humanity.
Click here to visit the Lubbock Scottish Rite site.
Texas is part of the Southern Jurisdiction, governed by the Supreme Council 33° in Washington, D.C. There are several Scottish Rite Valleys in Texas, including Lubbock, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, each conferring degrees and providing educational programs, speech therapy centers, and scholarships.
Other appendant bodies of Masonry
Shriners International
The Shriners are best known for their philanthropy, particularly the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Membership is open to Master Masons who seek fellowship, family involvement, and charitable work in a more festive environment. Texas has several active Shrine Centers, including in Lubbock, Dallas, and Houston.
Grottoes of North America (M.O.V.P.E.R.)
The Grotto is a social organization for Master Masons that emphasizes good fellowship, fun, and fraternity. While light-hearted in nature, the Grotto supports dental care for children with special needs through its Humanitarian Foundation. There are several active Grottos in Texas.
Order of the Eastern Star (OES)
Open to both men and women, Eastern Star offers opportunities for service, leadership, and spiritual growth. Its teachings are based on biblical heroines, and the organization is deeply involved in charitable outreach and community service across Texas.
DeMolay, Rainbow, and Job’s Daughters
These are Masonic youth organizations that focus on leadership, public speaking, and moral development for boys and girls. Many Texas Lodges and appendant bodies sponsor active chapters to support the next generation of leaders.