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Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Distinguishing a secret society from an organization that merely possesses secrets is central to understanding the fraternity. The United Grand Lodge of England states that Freemasonry is not a secret organisation, operating similarly to private bodies regulated under modern privacy legislation. Historically, legislative debates—such as those in the French National Assembly in 1848—and statutory exemptions in British law in 1799, 1817, and 1846 recognized that Masonic lodges do not conceal their existence or their targets. The Craft makes its existence public, marks its halls openly, prints its Constitutions and annual Proceedings, and maintains open libraries and publications.
FriedrichsMackeyWilmshurstugle.org.uk
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What is the York Rite in Freemasonry?
Historically, the York Rite refers to the system organized or modified around the Revival of 1717 and practiced for fifty years by the Constitutional Grand Lodge of England. In its original form, it consisted strictly of the three Symbolic Degrees of Craft Masonry, with the Master Mason degree originally containing within itself the secrets later transferred to the Royal Arch. This early system was subsequently carried to France and America.
Mackey
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Provide a full list of higher, progressive, side or appendant orders in freemasonry
No single complete list of every appendant, higher, or side degree exists across Freemasonry, as different jurisdictions and governing bodies maintain their own distinct Rites and degree structures. The literature details several specific lists and administrative groupings across different systems.
WaiteMackeyLomas
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What is the role of the York Rite in Freemasonry?
Historically, the York Rite refers to the system organized or modified around the 1717 Revival and practiced by the Constitutional Grand Lodge of England, consisting strictly of the three Symbolic Degrees—with the Master Mason degree originally containing the secrets later transferred to the Royal Arch. William James Hughan argued that no such Rite exists in modern practice, a position Albert Mackey accepted regarding its pure historical form while noting that its legacy remains on record as the oldest of the Rites.
Mackeyugle.org.uk
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The end of the stream
That is 4 on American Rite.
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