Masonic bodies

There are many organisations and orders which form part of the widespread fraternity of Freemasonry, each having its own structure and terminology. Collectively these may be referred to as Masonic bodies, Masonic orders, Concordant bodies or appendant bodies of Freemasonry.

The terms "Appendant body" and "Rite or Concordant body" in Freemasonry can sometimes be confusing, even for those familiar with Masonic traditions.

A "Rite" or "concordant body" in Freemasonry is a system that includes various degrees for initiating a newcomer. Although not all Rites practice the conferral of all these blue Lodge degrees, they are included within its structure. Essentially, a Rite is at the heart of the Masonic journey.

In contrast, an "Appendant body" is an organization that is affiliated with Freemasonry and recognized by the Grand Lodge. However, it does not include a system of Blue Lodge degrees or upper/side degrees.

Understanding these distinctions helps to deepen the comprehension of the complex world of Freemasonry. It's also worth noting that a Rite is sometimes referred to as a "Concordant Body", which means that its ritual is in harmony with the Grand Lodge.

The basic unit of Freemasonry is the Masonic Lodge, which alone can "make" (initiate) a Freemason. Such lodges are controlled by a Grand Lodge with national or regional authority for all lodges within its territory. A masonic lodge confers the three masonic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft (or Fellow Craft), and Master Mason.

Whilst there is no degree in Freemasonry higher than that of Master Mason, there are additional degrees that are offered only to those who are Master Masons. Most of these are supervised by their own "Grand" bodies (independent from the Grand Lodge).

The United Grand Lodge of England (which has no direct authority over other Grand Lodges, but as the world's oldest Grand Lodge, has a historical influence in terms of regularity and practice) defines "pure, ancient Freemasonry" as consisting of the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, including the supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.