The orders and degrees that meet at Franklin Rooms
Our Orders
Freemasonry begins in the Craft lodge and is completed in the Royal Arch. Beyond these, many Freemasons join further orders, each with its own ceremonies, lessons and governing body. All the orders below meet at Franklin Rooms.
Craft Freemasonry
Where every Freemason begins, through three degrees.
13 lodgesRoyal Arch
The completion of ‘pure antient masonry’.
9 chaptersMark Master Masons
The stone the builders rejected — a friendly, ‘happy’ degree.
3 lodgesRoyal Ark Mariner
The story of Noah and the Ark.
1 lodgeRose Croix
The Ancient and Accepted Rite, working the 18th degree.
1 chapterKnights Templar & Malta
A Christian order of chivalry, recalling the protectors of pilgrims.
1 preceptoryRoyal Order of Scotland
One of the oldest orders, meeting only in Provincial Grand Lodges.
1 Provincial Grand LodgeAllied Masonic Degrees
Five historic degrees gathered under one Grand Council.
1 councilRoyal & Select Masters
The Cryptic degrees, linking the Mark and the Royal Arch.
1 councilKnight Masons
The former Red Cross degrees, preserved from Ireland.
1 councilOrder of Athelstan
Commemorating King Athelstan and the York assembly.
1 courtOrder of St Thomas of Acon
A Christian order founded in honour of St Thomas Becket.
1 chapel
Your Masonic journey
Which orders are open to you, and what each requires.
Start
Every Freemason begins here
Next
Open to Master Masons
Further
Requires both the Mark and the Royal Arch
For Christian Freemasons
Ask the secretary for membership details
Want to join? Freemasonry starts with a Craft lodge — enquire through the Province of East Kent .