What Are Appendant Bodies?
Freemasonry doesn't end at the three degrees.
Every Master Mason completes the three degrees of Craft, or "Blue Lodge," Masonry — Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. For brothers who want to keep going, several appendant bodies extend that education with additional degrees, symbolism, and fellowship. You don't need to hold Lodge office or wait years to petition — any Master Mason in good standing is eligible to join the bodies below.
The Scottish Rite
Called the "University of Freemasonry."
The Scottish Rite confers 29 additional degrees, 4° through 32°, through four bodies — the Lodge of Perfection, Chapter of Rose Croix, Council of Kadosh, and Consistory — each expanding on the philosophy and symbolism introduced in the Blue Lodge.
Carrollton brothers who want to continue their Masonic education typically petition the Valley of Dallas, meeting at the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Dallas. Nationally, the Scottish Rite is closely associated with the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas — a cause our own Lodge already supports through the Lamar Scholarship program.
Visit the Valley of DallasThe York Rite
Three bodies, one continuing story.
Also called the American Rite, the York Rite is made up of three bodies conferred in sequence: the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal & Select (Cryptic) Masons, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. The first two are open to Master Masons of any faith; the Commandery, a chivalric order, asks members to profess belief in the Christian religion.
Carrollton Lodge has a long-standing relationship with York Rite Masonry close to home — Love Field Chapter & Council and Dallas Commandery No. 6 both supported our founding back in 1963, presenting our first Holy Bible, altar gavel, and Tiler's sword.
Learn About York Rite TexasThe Shrine
Fun, fellowship, and a hospital system built on both.
Shriners International is best known for two things at once: a reputation for fellowship, parades, and genuine fun, and Shriners Children's — a network of nonprofit pediatric hospitals that provides care regardless of a family's ability to pay. Since 2000, any Master Mason in good standing can petition the Shrine directly, without first joining Scottish Rite or York Rite.
The Dallas area's Shrine temple, Hella Shriners, is based in nearby Garland and welcomes petitions from Master Masons across North Texas.
Visit Hella ShrinersReady to Go Further?
Talk to us before you petition anywhere.
If you're a Carrollton Lodge member curious about any of these bodies, start with our Lodge Secretary or a Past Master. Several of our own brothers already belong to one or more of them and are glad to walk you through what to expect, what it costs, and which might fit you best.
Email the Secretary