Chronology of the York Rite

Submitted by Tracy W. Harris, MEGHP 2026-2027, adapted from Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas

Relative to Illinois York Rite Masonry

926
According to Masonic tradition, Prince Edwin, under the patronage of King Athelstan, received a Charter at York, England, and convened a General Assembly of Masons. This event has long been regarded as the traditional beginning of organized Masonry and remains an important part of Masonic heritage.

1390
The Regius Manuscript, the oldest known Masonic manuscript, records the customs and regulations of medieval stonemasons and refers to annual assemblies of Masons.

c. 1600
The Lansdowne Manuscript further preserves and expands the traditional account of King Athelstan and Prince Edwin.

1705
The Grand Lodge of All England at York became closely associated with the York tradition in Freemasonry.

1717
The Premier Grand Lodge of England was organized in London, marking the beginning of modern Grand Lodge Masonry.

1723
Dr. James Anderson published the first Constitutions of the Free-Masons, preserving many of the traditional accounts surrounding the York Assembly.

1751
The Ancient Grand Lodge ("Antients") was organized in England and strongly championed the Royal Arch Degree as the completion of Ancient Craft Masonry.

1756
The Moderns established the first Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

1771
The Antients organized their own Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

1797
The General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International was organized in Boston, Massachusetts.

1813
The Antients and Moderns united to form the United Grand Lodge of England, officially recognizing the Holy Royal Arch as completing Ancient Craft Masonry.

1816
The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America was organized.

1817
The English Grand Chapters united to form the Supreme Grand Chapter of England.

1818
The Cryptic Degrees began to be organized under Grand Councils in the United States.

December 9, 1826
The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois was constituted at Vandalia, Illinois, becoming one of the earliest Grand Chapters established in the United States.

1824
The Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Illinois was organized.

1880
The General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters International was organized in Detroit, Michigan.

1882
The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Illinois was organized, completing the York Rite structure in Illinois.

Illinois York Rite Today

The York Rite in Illinois is composed of three independent Grand Bodies:

• Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois (1826)

• Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Illinois (1824)

• Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Illinois (1882)

Together, these organizations preserve and promote the Capitular, Cryptic, and Chivalric traditions of the York Rite through ritual excellence, Masonic education, leadership, charity, and service to the Craft.