PAUL C. HOWELL, P.M., P.G.H.P.

In order for me to describe for you who and what the York Rite of Washtenaw County is it is probably best that I begin at the beginning. The York Rite of Freemasonry consists of four (4) distinct and separate Sovereign Masonic Bodies:

1. The Symbolic Lodge
2. The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
3. The Council of Royal and Select Masons
4. The Commandery of Knights Templar

The Symbolic Lodge teaches us lessons of spiritual and moral morality and growth. It uses symbolism and allegory as a method of stressing the major tenants of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Masonry uses what we call degrees in order for us to convey these lessons. The Symbolic Lodge has three degree or Lessons for teaching us to subdue our passions and improve ourselves as men and Masons. It teaches us to understand and show a greater respect for the importance of Deity and imparts to us many moral lessons through the 4 Cardinal Virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice and teaches us to prepare ourselves for the world to come of eternal life. These lessons are taught using the biblical references found in the Bible dealing with King Solomon and the building of his great and magnificent Temple or edifice that caries his name.

For reference hereafter we will consider the York Rite Branch of Freemasonry to be consisting of the Chapter, Council and Commandery.

The Chapter and Council continue the explanation of the Degrees and lessons taught in the Symbolic Lodge. They are the educational and informational branches of the Masonic Fraternity. Most of the information presented in these degrees was originally a part of the original three (3) degrees of the Symbolic Lodge have been maintained for the spiritual and fundamental growth of the Mason so that he is better prepared to improve himself to benefit and support his family, community and country.

The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons have four (4) degrees which they confer. The fourth degree in Masonry, or the first degree of the Chapter is called the Mark Master Degree. It is probably the oldest degree in Masonry. We are taught the lesson of humility.

The Past Masters Degree instructs us in all of the implements of the Lodge and the proper use of each.

The Most Excellent Master Degree teaches us to be more faithful to our God and to preserve all that is good for future generations.

The Royal Arch Degree teaches us that though our travels may be difficult and dangerous, if we stay focused we will prevail and find the right through the light that we shall find therein. The Royal Arch Degree is considered the Capstone of the Masonic Degrees. It brings together and to light most of what had been lost to the craft, for centuries.

The Council of Royal and Select Masons consists of three (3) degrees.

The Royal Master imparts sublime teaching of a useful labor on earth giving instruction as to the preservation of valuable secrets.

In the Select Master Degree we are imparted information to make the Degrees of the Symbolic Lodge and Chapter completely understood. The Super Excellent Masters Degree stresses that a man should do all in his power to improve the life here on earth. He should do all he can to consider his life here to be a part of his immortality and act accordingly. This degree is considered one of the most beautiful of all of the degrees.

The Commandery is the only truly Christian Organization in the Masonic Fraternity. It bases its beliefs and teachings on the glorious history of the chivalric Knights of the Templar, the Crusaders who fought so valiantly in the defense of Christianity.

In all of the other organizations we use what we refer to as degrees to convey our messages. In the Commandery we use what we refer to as Orders instead of Degrees.

The first Order is that of the Red Cross and is founded upon the Lesson of TRUTH - a divine attribute, the foundation of every virtue. The Order of Knights of Malta, originally known as the The Order of the St. Johns of Jerusalem, is known to have been in existence as early as 1099. It is the First organized body whose avowed purpose was the succor and care of the injured on the battlefield.

In the Order of the Temple the candidate is Knighted as a Christian Warrior to prompt him to be ever ready to defend the weak, the innocent, the helpless and the oppressed and to do all that is right in the Brother's cause. Most believe that there is nothing more solemn, impressive and soul searching than the Order of the Temple. The Masonic Fraternity is not a Philanthropic Society, however, it gives over 3 million dollars a day to Charity and Relief in North America, alone. This does not include the countless hours of volunteer work that they provide. The York Rite has several philanthropic activities that they support. The Chapter sponsors the Royal Arch Research Assistance, which sponsors research in Audio Perception Problems. This research is conducted at Colorado State University at Fort Collins, Colorado. This is a problem which afflicts primarily young men. They have, in their research, made many great discovers and produced many new programs that have been patented in the area.

The Council of Royal and Select Masons support the area of Vascular Biology Research which is conducted at Indiana State University.

The Commandery has three charities that it sponsors:

1) Holy Land Pilgrimage where they send Christian Ministers to the Holy land to improve their teachings by gaining first hand knowledge of the area of their teachings. This program was started in Michigan and has been expanded to most all of the states in North America. Last year, because of the unrest in the area, they were unable to send any ministers. This year it is the hope in Michigan that they will be able to send 25 ministers to the Holy Land.

2) Knights Templar Eye Foundation which provides surgical procedures for those unable to afford them.

3) Knights Templar Education that provides low cost loans, up to $3,000.00, for students in the last two (2) years of their College Education. The interest on these loans does not begin until they have completed their education.

None of the Philanthropic Programs of Masonry the Masonic Fraternity discriminates upon any individual due to race, religion or national origin.

The York Rite in Washtenaw County has been active since January 1850 when Washtenaw Chapter No. 6 in Ann Arbor was Chartered. There are currently three (3) Royal Arch Chapters in Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor - Washtenaw Chapter No. 6; Ypsilanti - Excelsior Chapter No. 25 and Milan - York Chapter No. 150. There are 8 state presiding officers that the Chapters have provided for leadership: 4 from Ann Arbor, 2 from Ypsilanti and 1 each from Chelsea and Manchester. The first being Benjamin Watts in 1888 and the last being myself in 1997. Union Council No. 11 was chartered in Ypsilanti in January 1895. They remain active along with Ann Arbor Council No. 86. Together they have provided 5 state presiding officers. The first being John Kingsley in 1903 and the last being Harold Blaess in 1986.

Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13 was chartered in June 1895. They remain active along with Ypsilanti Commandery No. 54. They have provided 3 state presiding officers in their tenure. Williams G. Dody presided in 1890 and the last being Arthur Trevithick who presided in 1978.

There are two other York Rite Masonic Bodies that reside in Washtenaw County. These are: The Tri-County Royal Arch Association and Southern Michigan York Rite College.

The Tri-County Association is comprised of Royal Arch Chapters from the Counties of Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw. They work together for mutual support in organizing and planning of activities. They also meet quarterly in friendship and fellowship with a family dinner and meeting to follow, for the above purpose.