Masonic Orders

Beyond The Craft in Jamaica

One matter that most confuses Brethren is the references to other Freemasonry Branches, often expressed cryptically. There is nothing secret about the structure of the Order of Irish Freemasonry. In Jamaica, there are three branches of Freemasonry working under the Irish Constitution, whilst a number of other systems are working under other Constitutions. The three Branches operating in Jamaica are the Craft, the Royal Arch and the Order of Knight Masons (the Council).

The Craft’ is a term used to describe the entire Lodge structure, with its three Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow-Craft and Master Mason, and the additional Degree of Installed Master, together with the Lodges scattered around the World, and the governing Grand and Provincial Grand Bodies.
The Craft is not only the most basic but also the most important of all the different branches of Freemasonry which flow from it. This Craft Branch is sometimes referred to as ‘the Blue’, a reference to the predominating colour of the regalia.

Some of the other Branches are called the Higher Degrees indeed, they are of higher standing and reputation. However, they are not more important than the Craft. They complement it and provide scope for further advancement in knowledge of Freemasonry, but you should always bear in mind that, in Masonic terms, it is entirely acceptable for you to restrict your membership to your Lodge or, on the other hand, to work your way up to the highest Degrees over the years.

A fundamental point to note is that membership in the various Masonic Bodies requires that you maintain membership in your Lodge.