The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed to supplement and amplify the Blue Lodge degrees, affording historical background on the work and meaning of Freemasonry. The York Rite takes its name from the old English city of York. The York Rite is not a religion in itself, it does, however, develop themes based on the Medieval Crusades.

The York Rite degrees are characterized as the Royal Arch, Cryptic Council and Knights Templar. These bodies provide opportunities for additional contemplation of the lessons taught in Craft Masonry, but a brother who progresses through all the bodies in Freemasonry is no “more a Mason” than one who is only a Master Mason.

Bloomington York Rite - Website

The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason’s education of the first three degrees. It is a more recent evolution, and developed as additional lessons to those taught in the York Rite.

Unlike the York Rite, Scottish Rite degrees are simply numbered 4°–32° and an honorary 33°, which is awarded for exceptional service. Moreover, as in the York Rite and as all Masons understand, a 32nd or 33rd Degree Mason is again no “more a Mason” than any other Mason.

Valley of Bloomington Scottish Rite - Website

There are approximately 340,000 members from 195 temples (chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the Republic of Panama, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Europe and Australia.

Among its many public and charitable functions, the Shrine is especially noted for its operation of the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children®, providing innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education in four specialized areas of care – orthopedic, burn, spinal cord and cleft lip and palate.

Mohammed Shriners Central Illinois - Website

The members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated women and men who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together by giving of their time to meaningful projects that benefit their local communities, states, and mankind in general.

The OES mission is to make a positive difference in the world with charitable works, lasting friendships, and loving kindness to all mankind.

Normal OES - Facebook Page

There is a Masonic organization for every member of the family. For example, DeMolay is for boys, and Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls are for young ladies.

DeMolay - Using timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men ages 12 to 21 by helping them develop the civic awareness, personal responsibility, and leadership skills so vitally needed in our society today. DeMolay takes a fun approach to this serious mission by building important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide. Illinois Demoley - Website

Job's Daughters - Job’s Daughters is a Masonic youth organization for girls ages 10 to 20 who are relatives of Master Masons. Job's Daughters offers the qualities that today's young women want and need from organizations that earn their commitment: fun, friendship, helping others and the chance to learn organizational and leadership skills. Illinois Job's Daughters - Website

Rainbow for Girls - The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a character building organization for girls ages 11 to 20. The supreme effort of Rainbow is to create strong effective leaders and individual character. By precept and example, it continually emphasizes to every Rainbow Girl the lessons taught and symbolized by the colors of the Rainbow, including church membership (of their choice), patriotism and love of country, love of home and family, dignity of character, effective leadership, and service to humanity and the community. Illinois Rainbow Girls - Website