French Rite
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The French Rite (French: ''Rite français'') is one of the oldest
masonic rites A Rite, within the context of Freemasonry, refers to a comprehensive system of degrees that hold the capability to initiate and advance a newcomer through various stages of Masonic knowledge and experience. In some cases, a Master Mason can be i ...
, and the most widely practiced in
France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
and
Belgium Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. Situated in a coastal lowland region known as the Low Countries, it is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeas ...
. It is the direct heir and one of the best preserved ritual of speculative masonry as practiced by the Premier Grand Lodge of London in the early 18th century. Today, it is primarily practiced by over 900 lodges of the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
with approximatively 45,000 Masons and also by the
Grande Loge Nationale Française The Grande Loge Nationale Française (; abbr. GLNF) is a French Masonic Grand Lodge. It was founded in 1913, by two lodges, "Le Centre des Amis" Lodge splitting from Grand Orient de France and "L'Anglaise" lodge, an independent lodge based in Bo ...
and other French obediences, making it the predominant rite in France, it is also worked in several other masonic jurisdictions worldwide. The French Rite consists of seven degrees: three "blue" or craft degrees (
Entered Apprentice Freemasonry (sometimes spelled Free-Masonry) consists of fraternal groups that trace their origins to the medieval guilds of stonemasons. Freemasonry is the oldest secular fraternity in the world and among the oldest still-existing organizati ...
, Fellow Craft, and
Master Mason Freemasonry (sometimes spelled Free-Masonry) consists of fraternal groups that trace their origins to the medieval guilds of stonemasons. Freemasonry is the oldest secular fraternity in the world and among the oldest still-existing organizati ...
) and four additional Orders of Wisdom (''Ordres de Sagesse''), which were codified between 1781 and 1786 by the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
. It is characterized by its simplicity of ceremony, its emphasis on both tradition and progressive philosophical thinking, and its maintenance of practices from early speculative masonry that have been modified or abandoned in other jurisdictions. Historically significant, the French Rite underwent several major transformations, notably in 1877 with the removal of religious requirements, establishing the principle of absolute freedom of conscience. Today, it exists in several variants, including the Groussier Rite, the Modern French Rite, and the Philosophical French Rite, each reflecting different approaches to masonic tradition and philosophy. Unlike many other masonic rites, the French Rite maintains several distinctive features from early speculative masonry, including the placement of both Wardens in the West and the use of three large candlesticks in specific positions within the lodge. These characteristics, along with its historical development and philosophical orientation, make it a unique repository of early masonic practices while remaining adaptable to contemporary societal evolution.


History


Origins (1725-1750)

The French Rite traces its origins to the introduction of speculative Freemasonry in France around 1725. As recorded by Jérôme de Lalande in his "Mémoire historique sur la Maçonnerie" (1777), the first documented lodge was established in Paris by English Freemasons, including "Milord Dervent-Waters, the chevalier Maskelyne, d'Heguerty, and several other Englishmen." This lodge met at Hurre's tavern, an English establishment in the Rue des Boucheries. Within a decade, it had attracted between five and six hundred members, leading to the establishment of additional lodges including Goustaud's (run by an English
lapidary Lapidary () is the practice of shaping rock (geology), stone, minerals, or gemstones into decorative items such as cabochons, engraved gems (including cameo (carving), cameos), and faceted designs. A person who practices lapidary techniques of ...
), the Louis d'Argent lodge, and the Bussy lodge (later renamed Aumont lodge when the Duke of Aumont became its Master).Jerome de Lalande, ''Mémoire historique sur la Maçonnerie'', 1777 The earliest French masonic practices are documented in a 1737 police report commissioned by René Hérault, Lieutenant General of Police in
Paris Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, largest city of France. With an estimated population of 2,048,472 residents in January 2025 in an area of more than , Paris is the List of ci ...
. The report, obtained through surveillance involving a police informant known as Mademoiselle Carton, provides the first detailed description of French masonic ceremony. This document reveals that early French masonic ritual closely followed English " Premiere Grand Lodge" practices, including specific elements such as: The examination of candidates left to their reflection in a darkened chamber for about an hour, The removal of metals and partial disrobing and other ritualistic practices still used to this day.Roger Dachez, ''Le Rite Français - Un aperçu historique'', Que sais-je?, PUF, 2016 Despite opposition from both civil and religious authorities, including a police ordinance in 1737 and
Pope Clement XII Pope Clement XII (; ; 7 April 16526 February 1740), born Lorenzo Corsini, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 12 July 1730 to his death in February 1740. Clement presided over the growth of a surplus in the papal ...
's bull " In Eminenti" in 1738,
French Freemasonry The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
continued to grow. By 1742, there were twenty-two lodges in Paris and a similar number in the provinces.''Cahiers Bleus'', "Le Rite Français - Un aperçu historique", 2016


Development and Codification (1773-1786)

A crucial period in the development of the French Rite began with the reformation of French Freemasonry in 1772-1773 and the formation of the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
(GODF). This reorganization established the principle of collective
sovereignty Sovereignty can generally be defined as supreme authority. Sovereignty entails hierarchy within a state as well as external autonomy for states. In any state, sovereignty is assigned to the person, body or institution that has the ultimate au ...
of
blue lodges A Masonic lodge (also called Freemasons' lodge, or private lodge or constituent lodge) is the basic organisational unit of Freemasonry. It is also a commonly used term for a building where Freemasons meet and hold their meetings. Every new l ...
and introduced the election of Worshipful Masters by secret ballot, marking a significant departure from previous practices.''
La Chaîne d'Union ''La Chaîne d'Union'' is the quarterly journal of Masonic, philosophical, and symbolic studies of the Grand Orient de France. Founded in London in 1864 by exiled French Freemasons fleeing the authoritarian regime of Napoleon III, it celebrates it ...
'', "Le Rite Français, aux origines de la Franc-Maçonnerie", 2017 https://shs.cairn.info/revue-la-chaine-d-union-2017-1-page-20?lang=fr
Between 1781 and 1786, the GODF undertook the systematic codification of ritual practices. This work was primarily led by Alexandre-Louis Roëttiers de Montaleau (1748-1808), who was initiated in 1774 at the Lodge of Friendship in Paris. The Chamber of Degrees (Chambre des Grades) was established to harmonize ritual practices while preserving their "ancient purity." This effort culminated in the adoption of standardized rituals for the three craft degrees in July and August 1785.Roger Dachez, ''Histoire de la franc-maçonnerie française'', PUF, 2003 A significant development occurred in 1784 when a group of 80 Brothers, including 27 GODF Officers, created the
Grand Chapitre Général du Rite Français Grand may refer to: People with the name * Grand (surname) * Grand L. Bush (born 1955), American actor Places * Grand, Oklahoma, USA * Grand, Vosges, village and commune in France with Gallo-Roman amphitheatre * Grand County (disambiguation), s ...
. This body was formally integrated into the GODF on February 17, 1786, by a vote of 39 to 7. The integration established a complete system of seven degrees: the three craft degrees plus four
Orders of Wisdom The Orders of Wisdom (French: ''Ordres de Sagesse'') is the contemporary designation for the high Masonic degrees of the French Rite. Originally designated as ''Ordres supérieurs'', they were published in 1801 in a compendium entitled ''Le Régu ...
(Élu, Écossais, Chevalier d'Orient, and Rose-Croix). The Orders were carefully structured to provide a philosophical progression while avoiding excessive "sacerdotal" elements.''
La Chaîne d'Union ''La Chaîne d'Union'' is the quarterly journal of Masonic, philosophical, and symbolic studies of the Grand Orient de France. Founded in London in 1864 by exiled French Freemasons fleeing the authoritarian regime of Napoleon III, it celebrates it ...
'', "Les fondamentaux du Rite Moderne", 2017 https://shs.cairn.info/revue-la-chaine-d-union-2017-1-page-20?lang=fr


Revolutionary Period and First Empire (1789-1815)

The French Revolution and subsequent Napoleonic period brought significant challenges to the French Rite's development. While masonic activity was curtailed during the Revolution, the GODF resumed operations under the Consulate and
Empire An empire is a political unit made up of several territories, military outpost (military), outposts, and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a hegemony, dominant center and subordinate peripheries". The center of the ...
, experiencing what some historians describe as a "golden age." However, this period also saw the beginning of the rite's transformation. The emergence of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR) in 1804 presented a significant challenge to the French Rite's system of high degrees. The attractiveness of the AASR's additional degrees, particularly the 30th (Kadosh) and 33rd degrees, led many chapters to transition to the Scottish Rite system. While the French Rite remained predominant in blue lodges, its Orders of Wisdom entered a period of decline that would last for nearly 150 years.''La Chaîne d'Union'', "Le Rite Français - Un aperçu historique", 2017 https://shs.cairn.info/revue-la-chaine-d-union-2017-1-page-20?lang=fr


Nineteenth Century Evolution

The
nineteenth century The 19th century began on 1 January 1801 (represented by the Roman numerals MDCCCI), and ended on 31 December 1900 (MCM). It was the 9th century of the 2nd millennium. It was characterized by vast social upheaval. Slavery was abolished in ...
brought significant philosophical and structural changes to the French Rite. Between 1849 and 1877, the rite underwent a fundamental transformation regarding its relationship with
religion Religion is a range of social system, social-cultural systems, including designated religious behaviour, behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, religious text, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics in religion, ethics, or ...
. In 1849, the GODF had adopted principles requiring belief in God and the immortality of the soul. However, in 1877, these requirements were removed, establishing the principle of absolute freedom of conscience. This decision led to a break in relations with the
United Grand Lodge of England The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the governing Masonic lodge for the majority of freemasons in England, Wales, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Claiming descent from the Masonic Grand Lodge formed 24 June 1717 at the Goose & Gridiron ...
, which viewed this change as a deviation from traditional masonic principles.Roger Dachez, ''Le Rite Français - Un aperçu historique'', Que sais-je?, PUF, 2016 https://www.quesaisje.com/le-rite-francais From 1887 onward, physical trials and certain symbolic elements were gradually replaced by rationalist discourses. However, this period also saw the development of various paramasonic practices, including funeral ceremonies, spousal recognitions, adoptions, and white (public) ceremonies (Private white ceremonies and public white ceremonies). In 1922, new closing formulas were introduced that remain in use today.


Modern Revival and Development (1938-Present)

A significant revival of the French Rite began under
Arthur Groussier Arthur Groussier (16 August 1863, Orléans - 6 February 1957) was a French politician. At first he joined the Federation of the Socialist Workers of France (FTSF). In 1890 he joined the Revolutionary Socialist Workers' Party (POSR). In 1896 he j ...
(1863-1957), who was initiated in 1885 at the Lodge L'Émancipation. As Grand Master of the GODF from 1925 to 1945, Groussier led a restoration of the rite's symbolic and initiatic character. His revised version of the ritual, adopted by the Council of the Order in 1938 and widely distributed in 1955, reintroduced many traditional elements while adapting them to contemporary sensibilities.''La Chaîne d'Union'', "L'avenir du Rite Français", 2017 https://shs.cairn.info/revue-la-chaine-d-union-2017-1-page-20?lang=f The late twentieth century saw renewed interest in the complete French Rite system. In 1999, the GODF formally reconstituted the Grand Chapitre Général, restoring the original system of three degrees and four Orders of Wisdom. Today, the French Rite exists in several forms: *The
Modern French Rite Modern may refer to: History *Modern history ** Early Modern period ** Late Modern period *** 18th century *** 19th century *** 20th century ** Contemporary history * Moderns, a faction of Freemasonry that existed in the 18th century Philosophy ...
(closest to the original English practice, Modern is an allusion to the premiere grand Lodge) *The Groussier Rite (considered the most secular version) *The Restored Modern French Rite (seeking to recover 18th-century practices) *The Traditional French Rite (also known as the Franco-Belgian Rite, rituals that were preserved in Belgium and returned to France) *The Philosophical French Rite (adopted by GODF in 2002) The French Rite remains the predominant form of Masonry within the GODF and French Freemasonry as a whole, in the GODF is it practiced by over 900 lodges and around 45,000 Masons, the rite is also practiced as a Major Rite in most French obediences. It has expanded beyond France's borders it is the dominant rite in Belgium, Luxembourg, and is practiced in South and
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, Southern and Central Europe, and
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, demonstrating its continued vitality and adaptability to different cultural contexts.


In Liberal Freemasonry

After the 1877 Great Schism, the Grand College of Rites of the Grand Orient de France decided on a new reform. This took place in 1879 and removed from the French Rite any formulas with religious connotations (such as the reference to the Grand Architect of the Universe and the duties towards God). An 1886 commission headed by Louis Aimable concluded an adogmatic form of the rite, giving it a hint of
positivism Positivism is a philosophical school that holds that all genuine knowledge is either true by definition or positivemeaning '' a posteriori'' facts derived by reason and logic from sensory experience.John J. Macionis, Linda M. Gerber, ''Soci ...
— after this date the rite is known as the "Aimable French Rite". It underwent less important reforms in 1907, and then remained unchanged until 1938. In that year
Arthur Groussier Arthur Groussier (16 August 1863, Orléans - 6 February 1957) was a French politician. At first he joined the Federation of the Socialist Workers of France (FTSF). In 1890 he joined the Revolutionary Socialist Workers' Party (POSR). In 1896 he j ...
(Grand Master of the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
) began a new reform initiative in an attempt to return the rite to its roots after the sum of additions and suppressions which had rendered it hard-to-understand and soulless. The definitive version — known as the "Groussier French Rite" — was completed in 1955 under the authority of Paul Chevalier. In the 1960s and 70s, several masons such as René Guilly sought the original essence of the French Rite and made a new attempt to reanimate its initiatory and symbolic character. René Guilly was the prime force behind the creation of a chapter of the Traditional French Rite, a chapter which still exists today within the National French Lodge. In 1974, another chapter was formed in Paris on the instigation of a member of the Traditional and Symbolic Grand Lodge of the Opéra. Through its offshoots, the latter led to the creation of a sovereign college of the Traditional French Rite, within a multi-jurisdiction framework.


Structure and Degrees


Overview

The French Rite consists of a complete system of three degrees plus four orders, seven total, called a organized in two distinct categories: the three "blue" or craft degrees worked in symbolic lodges, and four additional philosophical degrees known as the Orders of Wisdom (''Ordres de Sagesse'') worked in chapters. This structure was formally established between 1784 and 1786 when the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
(GODF) codified the rituals and established the Grand Chapitre Général.


The Fifth Order (''Le Ve Ordre'')

The Fifth Order occupies a unique position within the French Rite system, created not as a degree for conferral but as a scholarly and administrative body. In the 1780s, as the Chamber of Degrees (''Chambre des Grades'') worked zealously to codify the symbolic grades and select high degree rituals, they systematically selected, eliminated, and merged various degrees to establish the four Orders of the French Rite: Élu, Écossais, Chevalier de l'Épée, and Rose-Croix. During this process, numerous grades were set aside, leading to the creation of a fifth Order within the Grand Metropolitan Chapter of the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
. This Order was established as a venue for conversation, study, and ritual practice, containing "all physical and metaphysical grades." The extensive collection of 81 degrees was methodically organized into nine series: the first series encompassing the most primitive grades (such as Intendant of Buildings); the second series containing the Élu grades; the third series comprising intermediate grades without posterity; the fourth and fifth series consisting of Scottish grades that served as models for the Second Order; the sixth series including chivalric grades; the seventh series providing models for the Rose-Croix; the eighth series containing grades like Knight of the Temple and Knight of the Sun; and the ninth series encompassing alchemical, hermetic, and other grades. The Fifth Order developed a simple but effective structure, which, while incomplete in 1784, became fully active by 1808. Its governance centered on the Council of Nine, composed of Chapter members holding the highest grades, supported by three honorary officers. The Order's documents were secured in an ark at the Council's meeting place, protected by two keys - one held by the Council's dean and the other by a Council member. A class of proselytes, limited to 81 members selected from the Metropolitan Chapter, operated alongside the Council. These proselytes received instruction only in the knowledge and light contained within the first eight series. The Order's regalia, defined in the April 29, 1808 session, consisted of a white moiré ribbon with gold edges, bearing a distinctive medal. This medal, gilt for Council members and Honorary Officers but silver-plated for proselytes, featured an ouroboros encircling a radiant triangle containing the name of God in Hebrew characters, with the number 5 at its summit. The Order's activities ceased around 1813, when Adam (President), Vérité (Surveillant), and the Cherubim (Council members) conducted their final meetings. The Order remained dormant for approximately 150 years until its revival through the French Chapter of the French National Lodge under René Guilly-Désaguliers's leadership. The
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
later adopted this initiative with a new approach, aiming to standardize and create coherence in the pathways of an obedience whose blue lodges predominantly practiced the French Rite (all were administratively created under this designation before some requested authorization to cumulate rites from the Council of the Order). Today, the Fifth Order maintains its original purpose of researching and deepening understanding of the grades at the "summit" of the Rite. The rituals resulting from the Grand Chapitre Général's work demonstrate that masonic erudition can be practiced effectively in both modest and grand settings - "in a Romanesque chapel as well as in a Gothic cathedral." This unique institution continues to serve as both a repository of masonic knowledge and a center for ritual research and development within the French Rite tradition.


Historical development

The Orders of Wisdom experienced a significant decline in the early 19th century when many chapters transitioned to the newly established
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is a rite within the broader context of Freemasonry. It is the most widely practiced Rite in the world. In some parts of the world, and in the Droit Humain, it is a concordant body and ov ...
. They remained largely dormant until their revival in the late 20th century. In 1999, the GODF formally reconstituted the Grand Chapitre Général, restoring the complete seven-degree system to active practice. Today, the Grand Chapitre Général oversees more than 200 Chapters and 5,000 members. It maintains close relationships with other chapter structures, as evidenced by the signing of the Lisbon Charter in 2011 by 27 Grand Chapters and the activities of the Ramsay Committee.


Modern Variants

The French Rite exists today in several major forms, each representing different approaches to masonic tradition and philosophy. These variants emerged through various historical developments and reforms, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. While there exist many variations, the major ones are:


Groussier Rite

The Groussier variant, developed by
Arthur Groussier Arthur Groussier (16 August 1863, Orléans - 6 February 1957) was a French politician. At first he joined the Federation of the Socialist Workers of France (FTSF). In 1890 he joined the Revolutionary Socialist Workers' Party (POSR). In 1896 he j ...
between 1938 and 1955, represents a significant attempt to restore traditional elements to the French Rite while adapting them to modern sensibilities. As Grand Master of the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
from 1925 to 1945, Groussier sought to counter the extreme rationalist simplification that had characterized the rite's evolution during the late 19th century. Notable features include: * Reintroduction of traditional opening and closing ceremonies * Restoration of physical trials in initiation * Return of certain symbolic elements while maintaining secular principles * Integration of Anderson's Constitutions references * Simplified but meaningful chamber of reflection practices The Groussier version remains the most widely practiced form within the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
, representing a balance between traditional masonic symbolism and contemporary philosophical approaches.


Traditional French Rite

The Traditional French Rite (''Rite Français Traditionnel'' or RFT) emerged from research conducted by René Guilly and colleagues in the 1950s, aiming to recover the earliest forms of French masonic practice. This variant is characterized by: * Strict adherence to documented 18th-century practices * Maintenance of traditional religious elements * Preservation of original chamber of reflection procedures * Complex symbolic interpretations * Emphasis on historical authenticity The RFT is practiced primarily within the Loge Nationale Française and certain lodges of the Grande Loge Traditionnelle et Symbolique Opéra, representing what its practitioners consider the most authentic form of early speculative masonry.


Philosophical French Rite

Adopted by the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
in 2002, the Philosophical French Rite represents a modern synthesis attempting to combine historical authenticity with contemporary philosophical perspectives. Its distinctive features include: * Enhanced focus on philosophical interpretation of symbols * Integration of humanistic values * Maintained traditional forms with modern interpretations * Emphasis on progressive social thought * Balance between ritual practice and intellectual exploration This variant reflects the Grand Orient's effort to create a version of the rite that speaks to contemporary societal concerns while preserving essential masonic traditions.


Jurisdictional variations

Different masonic jurisdictions have adapted the French Rite to their specific needs and philosophical orientations:


Comparative elements

While these variants share common roots, they differ in several key aspects: These variations reflect the French Rite's adaptability while maintaining its essential character as one of the oldest and most historically significant masonic ritual systems. The continued evolution and adaptation of these variants demonstrates the French Rite's vitality and relevance to contemporary masonic practice, while their coexistence illustrates the rite's capacity to accommodate different approaches to masonic tradition and philosophy.


Jurisdictions

In the Grand Orient de France, 80% of the Lodges practice a version of the French Rite. In the
Grande Loge Nationale Française The Grande Loge Nationale Française (; abbr. GLNF) is a French Masonic Grand Lodge. It was founded in 1913, by two lodges, "Le Centre des Amis" Lodge splitting from Grand Orient de France and "L'Anglaise" lodge, an independent lodge based in Bo ...
, it is worked by approximately 10–15% of the lodges. The French Rite is also very popular in Brazil. It has spread to Belgium, Luxembourg, Brazil, the Netherlands, Greece, Spain and Switzerland (and formerly in Louisiana), although outside France it is mainly a minority Rite (especially found in lodges founded by the Grand Orient of France).


Spirituality

The French Rite is often felt to be the most 'lay' rite of Freemasonry practiced within the
Grand Orient de France The Grand Orient de France (, abbr. GODF) is the oldest and largest of several Freemasonic organizations based in France and is the oldest in Continental Europe (as it was formed out of an older Grand Lodge of France in 1773, and briefly absorbe ...
, an adogmatic jurisdiction which removed such traditional elements as the Volume of the Sacred Law and all mention of the Grand Architect of the Universe from the rite. In the form practiced by the regular
Grande Loge Nationale Française The Grande Loge Nationale Française (; abbr. GLNF) is a French Masonic Grand Lodge. It was founded in 1913, by two lodges, "Le Centre des Amis" Lodge splitting from Grand Orient de France and "L'Anglaise" lodge, an independent lodge based in Bo ...
, it is the rite most similar to that of the 1717 Premier Grand Lodge
f London F, or f, is the sixth letter of the Latin alphabet and many modern alphabets influenced by it, including the modern English alphabet and the alphabets of all other modern western European languages. Its name in English is ''ef'' (pronounc ...
one of the possible founding rites of Freemasonry, perpetuating several fundamentals (such as the position of columns J and B and of the candlesticks around the lodge carpet, the 2 brief blows and one longer blow, the moving of the right foot) which the "Antient" lodge later changed.


See also

*
List of Masonic Rites A Rite, within the context of Freemasonry, refers to a comprehensive system of Degree (Freemasonry), degrees that hold the capability to initiate and advance a newcomer through various stages of Masonic knowledge and experience. In some cases, a ...
*
Rite of Memphis-Misraim The Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm is a masonic rite combining Western esotericism, esoteric spirituality with humanitarian ideals. Created in Naples in September 1881, it emerged from the fusion of two distinct masonic systems ...
* Adonhiramite Rite * Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry *
Ancient and Primitive Rite The Ancient and Primitive Rite, also called the ''Order of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Mizraim'', is a Masonic Rite first popularized by John Yarker. It has been considered irregular by Masonic organisations such as the United Gran ...
* Primitive Scottish Rite *
Rectified Scottish Rite The Rectified Scottish Rite historically known under the RER acronyme, also known as the Rectified Rite or rarely RSR, is a Christian Masonic rite with a long and complex history. It was founded in 1778 at the Convent of Lyon in France under the ...
*
Standard Scottish Rite The Standard Scottish Rite is a Masonic rite that originated dealing with the 32 further degrees in Freemasonry. It is considered one of the oldest rites in Freemasonry, with origins dating back to the late 16th century. The rite is known for its ...


References


External links


General Grand Chapter of the GOdF


* ttp://www.grandchapitrefrancais.com French Grand Chapter of the GLNF * {{usurped,
Article title
} * http://www.themasonictrowel.com/Articles/Symbolism/rituals_files/rituals_7_doors_to_freemasonry.htm Masonic rites
Rite Rite may refer to: Religion * Ritual, an established ceremonious act * Rite (Christianity), sacred rituals in the Christian religion * Ritual family, Christian liturgical traditions; often also called ''liturgical rites'' * Catholic particular ch ...