Whats the difference
between a Lodge, a Chapter, and a Council?
Not a lot really, if you only think of them as names used for
the local divisions or bodies of Masonic organizations.
However, when used properly they can precisely designate an
organization. Masons seem to have had fun picking good names for their local
bodies. A partial list of the names of Masonic bodies is given below.
Lodge:
Craft, Symbolic, Blue (1°3°);
Perfection (4°14°);
Mark Master Masons;
Royal Ark Mariners;
St. Lawrence the Martyr
Chapel:
St. Thomas of Acon
Chapter:
Royal Arch;
Rose Croix (15°18°, S.J./17°18°, N.M.J.);
Order of Knights Preceptors
College:
Masonic Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis;
York Rite Sovereign College;
Grand College of Rites
Commandery:
Knights Templar (U.S. local & state);
St. John the Evangelist
Conclaves:
Red Cross of Constantine;
Secret Monitor
Consistory:
30°32°, S.J./19°32°, N.M.J.
Council:
Royal & Select Masters,
Princes of Jerusalem (15°16°, N.M.J.);
Kadosh (19°30°, S.J.),
Allied Masonic Degrees;
Knight Masons
Encampment:
Knights Templar (U.S. national)
Forest:
Tall Cedars of Lebanon
Grotto:
Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm
Preceptory:
Knights Templar (U.K.)
Priory:
Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Knights Templar;
Knights Beneficent of the Holy City
Sanctuary:
Knights of the Holy Sepulchre
Tabernacle:
Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests
Temple:
Shriners
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