The teachings of Freemasonry are symbolical, ceremonial, and allegorical. Rites, almost with out number, were formed by degree-makers (lur ing the past one hundred and fifty years, but most of them had hut a short existence. There are now ten Masonic rites or systems in use throughout the world, all having as their founda tion the three symbolic degrees of Entered Ap prentice, Felloweraft. and Master Mason. The two rites that are ranked as universal are the York or English rite, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish rite of thirty-three degrees. The Eng lish rite comprises the three fundamental sym bolic degrees, and the Royal Arch degree. ap pended in 1813. The English rite has been en larged and changed in this country and Canada and is known as the American rite. It consists of thirteen degrees, grouped as follows: Entered Apprentice, Fellowera ft. and Master Mason, con ferred in symbolic lodges: Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master. and Royal Arch, conferred in chapters of Royal Arch Masons; Royal Master, Select Master, and Super-Excellent Master, conferred in councils of Royal and Select Masters; and Orders of the Red Cross, Knight Templar, and Knight of Malta, conferred in commanderies of Knights Templars. Of the thirty-three degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scot tish rite the first three or symbolic degrees are never conferred, all control of them and right to use them having been relinquished by the Supreme Councils of the Scottish Rite to the Grand Lodges of the States and Canada. The degrees from the fourth to the fourteenth are conferred in the Lodge of Perfection; these are Secret Master, Perfect Master, Inti mate, Seeretary, Provost and Judge, In tendant of the Building, Knight Elect of Nine, Knight Elect of Fifteen. Sublime Knight Elect, Grand Master Architect. Knight of the Ninth Arch, and Perfect and Sublime Mason. The degrees Knight of the East or Sword and Prince of Jerusalem are conferred in eouncils of Princes of .Terusalem. The degrees of Knight of
the East and West and Knight of Rose Croix are conferred in ehapters of Dose Croix. In con sistories of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret are conferred the following degrees: Grand Pon till', Master ml ritant or Master of All Symbolic Lodges. Noachite or Prussian Knight, Knight of the Royal Axe or Prince of Libanus, Chief of the Tabernacle, Prince of the Tabernacle, Knight of the Brazen Serpent, Prince of Mercy, Knight Commander of the Temple. Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept, Knight of Saint Andrew. Knight Kaddish, Inspector Inquisition Commander. and Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. The thirty third and last degree, that of Sovereign Grand Inspeetor-General. is conferred in the Supreme Council upon Masons: who have rendered distin guished services to the craft. The English and t he Scot tish rites are the only two that are prac ticed in the United States and are recognized by Masons generally. The Scottish rite in the 'United States is controlled by two bodies. the Supreme Conn•ils of the Northern and Southern Masonic jurisdictions. They are in fraternal communion with each other and with the Supreme Council of France as well as those of England. Scotland. Ireland, Belgium, Brazil• Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay. Peru, Portugal• Italy, Mexico, Colom bia, Chile, Central America, Greece, Canada, Cuba. Switzerland, Egypt. Timis. and Spain. The number of subordinate bodies in these jurisdic tions is: Northern .Turisdietion, 239. with a mem bership of 34.0:15: Southern Jurisdiction. 267, with a membership of 11.SG7. There are in addition to the foregoing a number of societies in the United States, which. though not in any sense Masonic in character, yet require as a pre requisite to uniting with them membership in :Masonic bodies. The largest and most popular is the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. (See MYSTIC SHRINE. ANCIENT