Consolidated Rite

The Consolidated Rite of Freemasonry is one of several Rites of Freemasonry. A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. Rather than an organisation in its own right, it is a recommended path or 'course of action' for Freemasons under the United Grand Lodge of England. It does not have a central authority, administrate its own ritual or charge subscription fees. The Consolidated Rite is a collection of separate Masonic Bodies and associated Degrees that would otherwise operate independently. The three primary bodies in the Consolidated Rite are the Craft Degrees, the College of Instruction, and the Rose Croix Degrees. − studied as extension of the 1°
** Mark Master Mason − taken as extension of the 2°
** Royal Arch Mason − worked as extension of the 3°
* Rose Croix Degrees which are taken in the Ancient and Accepted Rite:
** 4º to 18° − conferred on regular members of a Rose Croix Chapter
** 19° to 30° − for those who have served in the chair of the Chapter
** 31° to 33º − conferred in recognition of outstanding service
Teachings
The Consolidated Rite considers the three Craft Degrees, as worked by the United Grand Lodge of England, to compose the first three degrees of Freemasonry (1º − 3°). Jackson writes, 'what is regarded to be pure masonry is to be found within the degrees of the Craft, and all other rites and degrees are no more than amplifications and elaborations.'
The three components of the College of Instruction are considered to be important extensions to the 1°, 2° and 3° but neither superior nor subordinate to these degrees. Brethren are encouraged to study the "Lectures of the three Degrees in Craft Masonry" as an extension of the 1°, to become a Mark Master Mason as an extension of the 2°, and to become a Royal Arch Mason as an extension of the 3°. After the Craft Degrees and their Extensions, the Brethren are encouraged to take a series of further degrees in Freemasonry (4° − 18°), part of the Rose Croix Degrees. Progression beyond the 18th Degree of Freemasonry is restricted to those who have served in the chair of a Rose Croix Chapter.
Organisation
The Rite is open to Freemasons in good standing with a regular and recognised Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England. In pursuing the Consolidated Rite, the Brother joins successive Masonic bodies in a given order: In England, the three degrees of the Craft are worked in Lodges warranted by the United Grand Lodge of England, the Mark Master Mason ceremony is worked in Lodges warranted by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales at in London, the Royal Arch Mason ceremony is worked in Chapters warranted by the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England at Freemasons' Hall, London and the Rose Croix Degrees are worked in Chapters warranted by the Supreme Council 33° for England and Wales. The Consolidated Rite does not issue warrants, have its own Masonic regalia or ritual. Membership is strictly 'by participation' only and candidates are required to fulfill the membership criteria as set out by the organizations which administrate the various elements or 'constituent components' of the Consolidated Rite. The regalia are identical to those worn in Lodges and Chapters elsewhere.<ref name="consolidated"/>

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