Brethren, I'm a MM here in Kansas City, I've trying to find my footing in my lodge, but I'm still rather new to the craft (3years) I would like to join the York Rite, but I'm unsure. I find myself hesitating, due mostly to the high cost, and the other obligations I have to my Lodge, and to the DeMolay chapter i advise. Any help or advice would be welcome. Thank you
The cost of the yearly dues is not much here, can't speak for anywhere else. The Chapter, Council, and Knights Templar all have separate dues. The Knights Templar uniform is expensive but you do not have to buy one unless you want to take part in ritual or hold office. As for the obligations you only have to take on as much as you want. I have found it very rewarding and worth while.
I love the YR. I would dare say if it wasn't for the Chapter I would probably have left Freemasonry. My chapter was the first place I received actual Masonic education. It also seemed to be a more focused group than my lodge. I know everyone's experience is different. I oddly didn't find it to be a burden at all time wise.
I just joined the York rite back on August 5th. I love it so far. Sent from my SM-G360T1 using My Freemasonry mobile app
The York Rite is my favorite body in Masonry. It helps fill in the blanks and answers questions pertaining the Master Mason degree. If you become a Knights Templar and want to work in, or become an officer you have to have a uniform. You can purchase a Knights Templar uniform jacket and pants with the correct patches for $130.00. You can also purchase a sword for about $40.00. The big expense is normally the sword belt and Chapeau. I'm not sure what cover your jurisdiction wears, could be a Chapeau or hat. Most Commanderies have extra Chapeaus you can borrow. You can find them as well as the sword belt on ebay for a reasonable price. Don't let the cost stop you, purchase items when you are able, or borrow if needed.
Everything Warrior1256 said is true. I won't presume to speak as to what is and isn't expensive to someone else, and I don't know what the dues are in your area, but here, dues for the three main YR bodies combined are about half of what our BL dues are. You don't have to purchase an entire Commandery kit right out of the gate. It can be pieced together over time, and Matt L gave you good advice on how to go about it. Perceived expense isn't as bad as you think. Matt L and others are correct about the YR filling in blanks you honestly don't even know are there. I'm obviously biased, but I highly recommend YR.
Very true. I bought my Knights Templar uniform by putting back a little money here and there for about a year. I didn't buy one as soon as I joined.
I am a new MM myself (2 months) and I have already joined the York Rite. Of course it is frowned upon to do so, I don't worry about that. The degrees and the lectures used in this organization is an awe inspiring experience! You receive information and lessons that "fill in" your first 3 Degrees. I didn't understand much about that first 3 degrees until I received the York Rite Degrees. My Brother, I think you've had plenty of time to spend in your Blue Lodge. Remember, Freemasonry is a P.S!
And all of my 3 bodies meet once a month. Doesn't interfere with Blue Lodge and the dues are reasonable! No memorization of work.
Ditto. Generally, it is not. Our colleague may have encountered an opinionated grouch. Not me. One of the others. Just last night I helped exalt a candidate. I instructed him that the HRA is at once the foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic structure (Midlands working). I encourage all Masons to complete the Royal Arch.
I think he meant it's frowned on to join so soon after being raised Sent from my SM-G386T using My Freemasonry mobile app
