Appendant Bodies

---

Within the Masonic family, there are many appendant bodies that a Mason may choose to join after becoming a member of the local Lodge—often called the Blue Lodge.  The following section provides an overview and links to the appendant bodies connected with Plymouth‑Kilwinning Lodge.

The Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ) serves to supplement the first three degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry by offering 29 additional degrees (4°–32°) that explore philosophy, ethics, and history. Its purpose is to foster brotherhood, encourage self-improvement, and promote the dignity of all people.  Scottish Rite Freemasonry uses "valleys"  as the term for their local, regional administrative centers, which organize the 4th through 32nd degrees and foster community among members. These Valleys, often spanning large geographic areas, are designed to bring together members from multiple local lodges to confer degrees, offer education, and perform philanthropy.  Members of Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge can become members of the South Bend Valley when they join the Scottish Rite.  https://www.southbendscottishrite.org

The York Rite (or American Rite) is  a progressive series of appendant Masonic degrees in the U.S. and Canada, available to Master Masons to expand upon Blue Lodge teachings. It consists of three distinct bodies—Chapters (Royal Arch Masons), Councils (Cryptic Masons), and Commanderies (Knights Templar)—totaling ten degrees focused on Biblical history, the Temple, and chivalric tradition. As mentioned, the first body of the York Rite is the Royal Arch.  A Royal Arch Mason is 

a Master Mason who has pursued further knowledge ("more light") by joining a Chapter to complete the degrees of symbolic Freemasonry, specifically through the York Rite.  Often called the "root and marrow" of Masonry, this branch focuses on the rebuilding of the Temple and provides historical context and deeper philosophical insights.  Members of Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge who join the Royal Arch can become members of Plymouth Chapter #49, which meets in this building the second Wednesday of each month. https://www.indianaroyalarchmasons.org

Shriners are members of Shriners International, a 200,000 member organization based on Masonic principles that supports children's healthcare. Founded in 1872, they are known for wearing red fezzes, participating in parades, and operating the nonprofit Shriners Children's hospitals, which provide specialized pediatric care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.  Our local Shrine is Orak Shrine, located in Michigan City.  https://www.orakshrine.org

The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm  or "The Grotto," is a social organization for Master Masons founded in 1889 to promote fun, fellowship, and charity. While requiring members to be Masons, it is not part of symbolic craft Masonry. Known for wearing black fezzes, they support special needs dentistry.  The local Grotto is Zanzibar Grotto, which makes it home at Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge and meets on third Tuesday of each month.  https://www.facebook.com/ZanzibarGrotto/

The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association (WSMRA) is an international motorcycle riding association for Master Masons, founded in the 1990s to promote Freemasonry within the motorcycling community. Members, who must be Masons in good standing, ride to support charities, specifically aiding widows and orphans of Masonic brethren.  Its purpose is to promote Freemasonry in the motorcycle world, introduce motorcycling to Masons, and raise funds for charity.  Technically, the Widows Sons are an independent organization and not a true appendant body.  The local Widows Sons chapter is the Brothers Of The East Chapter and they meet the third Tuesday of the month.  Annually, the Brothers Of The East hold a charity ride: The Widows Sons Run, which starts at Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge and raises thousands of dollars for charities in Marshall, Starke, St. Joseph and Kosciusko counties. https://brothersoftheeast.com

The organizations listed above represent only a small portion of the many groups connected to the Freemason fraternity.