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.

The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry. York Rite Masonry, which takes its name from the old English city of York, dates back 1744 in the U.K., has been described as the oldest and purest of the Rites.
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 and a Commandery of Knights Templar.