Pennsylvania Rite

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The Pennsylvania Rite, also known as the Ancient York Rite, is a unique system of Masonic ritual and tradition practiced solely by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. As one of the oldest Masonic jurisdictions in the United States, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has preserved rituals and customs from early Freemasonry that are distinct from those practiced by other American grand lodges. The Pennsylvania Rite descends primarily from the Ancient Grand Lodge of England and maintains many archaic features of 18th century ritual. For over 250 years, the Pennsylvania Rite has served as a living link to the origins and evolution of Freemasonry in colonial America.

Origins

Early Freemasonry in Pennsylvania

The first indications of organized Freemasonry in Pennsylvania date to 1715, when a letter by prominent Philadelphian John Moore referenced Masonic activity in the city. Moore had likely been made a Freemason while living in England, and joined existing Masonic circles after his arrival in Philadelphia in 1703. These early speculative lodges probably developed out of the medieval guilds of stonemasons who built Philadelphia's first public buildings.

As the population of Philadelphia rapidly expanded in the 1720s, more lodges began organizing under the ancient charges and customs of operative masonry guilds. They initiated members and conducted business, but lacked formal warrants of constitution. Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette makes reference to "several Lodges of Free-Masons" existing in Philadelphia as early as 1730.

Formation of First Grand Lodge

The first Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania was organized on June 24, 1731, with the election of William Allen as Grand Master. This also marked the founding of the first warranted lodge, St. John's Lodge No. 1 in Philadelphia. The Grand Lodge began issuing further warrants to Pennsylvania lodges in 1732.

Pennsylvania Masons likely modeled their first Grand Lodge on the original 1717 Grand Lodge of England, which likewise began as an association of independent lodges. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania regarded itself as a fully sovereign body not subordinate to any other Masonic authority. It practiced a system of rituals and customs known as "Modern" Masonry, which reflected the early 18th century rituals of the Premier Grand Lodge of England before the schism with the Ancients.

In 1749, as new unrecognized "Ancient" lodges were appearing in Pennsylvania, Grand Master Franklin sought to legitimize the existing Grand Lodge by asking Provincial Grand Master of New York, George Harrison, to deputize a Provincial Grand Master for Pennsylvania. Harrison appointed William Allen, former Grand Master, as Provincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania in 1750. While technically subordinate to the Grand Lodge of England, this reorganization effectively changed little about the self-governing status of Pennsylvania Masonry.

Ancient vs Modern Grand Lodges

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania remained aligned with the original Premier Grand Lodge of England until 1758. That year, a group of Masons formed a new "Ancient" lodge in Philadelphia and sought a warrant from the newer Ancients Grand Lodge of England. This began a rivalry in Pennsylvania between partisans of the two English Grand Lodge systems.

The Ancients espoused an alternate form of Masonry that hearkened back to the earlier "operative" lodges of medieval masons guilds. They considered the Premier Grand Lodge to have made innovations that diluted ancient Masonic customs. Ancient Masonry appealed to newer American Masons by its traditional rituals and democratic governance.

Through the 1760s and 1770s, most Pennsylvania lodges gradually adopted the Ancient York system. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was reorganized on Ancient lines in 1783. This transition away from Modern Masonry allowed Pennsylvania to maintain its autonomous status and rituals after the reconciliation of the English Grand Lodges in 1813.

Key developments in the evolution of the Pennsylvania Rite

• 1730s-1750s: Early lodges in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania use varied rituals brought over by immigrant Masons. Lodges are under multiple English grand lodges.
• 1731: Earliest Grand Lodge formed in Pennsylvania, adopting English "Moderns" practices.
• 1758: Lodge No. 2 formed in Philadelphia, using "Ancient" English ritual. Becomes basis for future Grand Lodge.
• 1761: First Provincial Grand Lodge of the "Ancients" formed in Pennsylvania by Lodge No. 2 members.
• 1764: Pennsylvania Provincial Grand Lodge begins standardizing Ancients ritual across state.
• 1782: After American Revolution, Provincial Grand Lodge becomes independent Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
• 1796: Rev. William Smith develops first printed Pennsylvania ritual monitor, based on existing oral traditions.
• 1800s: Pennsylvania ritual continues to evolve with Monitor revisions, eventually settling into current form.

Ritual and Customs

Over two centuries, the Pennsylvania Rite has preserved unique aspects of early Masonic ritual handed down among generations of Freemasons.

Language and Lectures

The language used in Pennsylvania rituals and lectures preserves archaic turns of phrase from 18th century Masonry. This reflects the evolution of Masonic texts over centuries, from medieval manuscript Constitutions through Enlightenment era exposures. The use of King James Bible language reinforces Masonic traditions.

Rather than standard catechisms, the symbolic lodge degrees utilize long didactic lectures uncommon in American Masonry. These discursive lectures contain moral exhortations and esoteric teachings. Their style of delivery allows candidates to reflect on each point instead of memorizing set questions and answers.

Regalia and Paraphernalia

Distinctive regalia, aprons, and jewels follow traditional 18th century patterns. Aprons have a bib rather than flap. Officers wear nine-pointed stars with elongated bottom rays. The Masonic altar features candlesticks of unique design used by early American lodges.

Governance

The Grand Lodge grants the Grand Master broad authority to issue absolute rulings called edicts. These edicts remain in force until changed by a future Grand Master. The Grand Lodge does not have a Jurisprudence Committee to review edicts for adherence to existing law. This consolidates power under the Grand Master but provides flexibility to quickly address new issues.

Edicts have been used to resolve conflicts, provide moral guidance, and preserve Masonic secrecy. Famous edicts include the 1780 renunciation of Masonic ties to England and the 1921 ban on dual membership with the Eastern Star. Such expansive Grand Master authority derives from the Ancient concept of the "inherent powers" of the office.

Recognition and Intervisitation

The Pennsylvania Rite does not officially recognize Rituals from other jurisdictions or allow reading of exposes. Visiting Masons must demonstrate their proficiency separately before Pennsylvania lodges.

This insular policy maintains secrecy and the integrity of Pennsylvania Ritual. It also reinforces the status of Pennsylvania Masonry as a unique preservation of old Masonic tradition. However, a 1993 revision of the Ahiman Rezon allows dual membership between Pennsylvania lodges and one other jurisdiction.

Mouth to Ear Tradition

All instruction in the Pennsylvania Rite is transmitted mouth to ear without written rituals. Even Monitor books with descriptions of rituals are prohibited.

Oral transmission maintains the secrecy, integrity, and esoteric character of Pennsylvania's rituals. Rote memorization from oral instruction also aids proficiency. In the 20th century, concerns about maintaining ritual purity led to the restriction of printed Masonic expositions in Pennsylvania.

Lodge Culture

Ritual Style

The ritualism of the Pennsylvania Rite is noted for its archaic didactic style that varies considerably from modern American Masonic performances.

In opened and closed lodge, all movement and speaking is performed by the Master and officers alone in a choreographed order. The brethren remain silently seated.

In degree work, the candidate is addressed through discursive lectures with little drama. The officers engage in precision floor movements but generally do not impersonate historical Masonic figures. Costumes and props are not utilized.

Ritual proficiency is essential for officers. Lodge business is conducted only after opening and closing in full ceremonial form, which reinforces the esoteric qualities of Masonic tradition.

Membership and Advancement

The Pennsylvania Rite maintains high petitions standards and strict progression between degrees. Candidates undergo extensive investigation and must be unanimously approved. There is no appeals process for rejected candidates.

Advancement is based solely on demonstrating proficiency in the preceding degree, without time requirements. Members unable to progress remain in perpetual Fellowcraft or Master Mason status. No elections or installations occur without exhibiting the proper sign of each degree.

Formality and Secrecy

Meetings of Pennsylvania lodges observe strict 18th century protocols. Brethren wear formal attire and comportment that reinforce the sacral nature of Freemasonry. Even funerals utilize special ceremonial symbols and rituals for the fallen brother.

Secrecy and privacy are strongly emphasized. The names of candidates are not disclosed prior to voting. Ballots are secret and destroyable. Minutes do not record rejected candidates. Lodge business is not disclosed outside meetings.

This formality maintains the mystique of Freemasonry. It also prevents profane or derisive language that might detract from the sanctity of Masonic occasions.

See Also

• Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
• Ancient Grand Lodge of England
• Masonic manuscripts
• Masonic bodies
• Masonic ritual and symbolism

References

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