OES was founded by a Master Mason who wanted a fraternal organization that could include both female relatives of Master Masons and Master Masons as well. The Order continues in this tradition.
Women who are relatives of past or present Master Masons in good standing of a regular Lodge of the Masonic Fraternity. The necessary relationship is by birth, marriage or adoption.
Examples:
Members of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls or Job's Daughters International, who have either attained Majority or were active for three (3) years and have obtained the age of 18, are also eligible regardless of Masonic relationship.
The Sublime Degree of Master Mason is often thought of as the ultimate degree of Freemasonry. However, many Masonic scholars agree that the narrative of the Craft, as illustrated in the three degrees, is not the whole story. The Degrees of York Rite Masonry complete the story and provide answers to many questions that the newly-raised Master Mason may have.
Like other forms of Masonry, the York Rite is not a religion. Nevertheless, it does develop Biblical themes in addition to themes based on the Medieval Crusades. In the York Rite, A Master Mason may become a member of three bodies — actually, a group of separate Rites joined in order. These include a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; a Council of Royal and Select Masters; a Commandery of Knights Templar.
To become a member of the York Rite and take your first step in the Royal Arch, one must first be a Master Mason in good standing in a lodge belonging to a Grand Lodge in amity and fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Maryland.(each body has its own application process allowing a new Royal Ach member to decide when and how many bodies he would like to join.)
