ALLIED DEGREES

The following are the different rituals of the allied (or side) degrees worked in the British Federation. Some of these belong to the York Rite, others are gathered from chivalric rites.

These degrees, including those of the York rite, are quite distinct from the Antient & Accepted Scottish rite and are also known as the "allied or "side" degrees. These degrees, although they may in some ways be considered an adjunct to the main Scottish rite, have enormous value in their own right.

As you might suspect from their names, the York Rite and chivalric Orders are British in origin, although several are practised now in more than ten federations within our Order.

The allied degrees, some approved by the Supreme Council as early as 1910, comprise the Mark, Royal Ark Mariner and Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem degrees and the chivalric Orders of Knights Templar and the Royal Order of Scotland. They also include other degrees, not currently practised, such as the Red Cross of Constantine, the Order of the Secret Monitor and several others.

The naming convention derives from the time when the male Craft in this country comprised two rival orders, each claiming to have the true masonic teachings. Thus, there are some areas of overlap with aspects of the Antient & Accepted Scottish Rite. However, the main content of these degrees might be considered quite unique and will add considerably to the insights afforded by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, particularly in understanding the origins of Freemasonry.

There are two main types of side degree; those derived from english rituals, and the Sydney workings, written especially for our Order and our Federation. The side degrees form a considerable masonic heritage. The optional side degrees of the York Rite and chivalric Orders contain, if not in entirety, significant portions of knowledge, harmonious with the A. & A.S.R. which are not found in the A. & A.S.R.

THE MARK

There are currently two Mark workings in our Federation. The English, or "Keystone" working is more dramatic and visual than the Sydney working which tends to be more subjective in approach and may suit those of a more reflective disposition.

ROYAL ARK MARINER

Although each degree has its own symbolism and specific teaching, it would be fair to say that the Royal Ark Mariner Degree is perhaps the most unusual of all Masonic Degrees. Very little is known about the history and antecedents of this fascinating Degree, but it probably was developed some time in the 18th century. In these days the Lodge was referred to as 'a vessel'.

HOLY ROYAL ARCH

There are three workings of the degree currently available within the British Federation.  The Sydney Working came into being in 1925 and is not based on a documentary historical past; it was created by a member living at the time in Sydney and he claimed that it was communicated to him. The Sydney Ritual is based on Hindu philosophy and anyone familiar with books such as Veda or Bhagavad Gita, would feel very much at home with it.

The English Working will be familiar to english male masons.

There is also another working, the Scottish working.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREES – THE GREAT PRIORY

The Knights Templar ceremonies are composed of two separate parts: rituals separated in 1974 following a decision of United Grand Lodge whose practice is followed. These parts are:

The whole of the degree is worked under the aegis of "The Great Priory" of the "United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple, and of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta, of England and Wales and its provinces overseas." This rather cumbersome title reflects the troubled history of the Templars and the subsequent rift that gave rise to the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND

Information to be advised.