Iowa Masonic Library presents York Rite Freemasonry exhibit

On July 6, the Iowa Masonic Library will open a new exhibit that will feature the York Rite of Freemasonry. The exhibit, titled “York Rite Freemasonry: The Story Continues,” will show the history of the York Rite, one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry. Using regalia, photographs and documents from the collection of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, visitors will be able to trace the history of the Royal Arch, The Cryptic Rite, and the Knights Templar from the late 18th century to the present day.

The symbolism of the York Rite continues the story of the construction of Solomon’s Temple, the second Temple, the search for the “Lost” word, and the chivalric orders. The term “York” is used as a reference to York, England, where the first guilds of stonemasons were organized, perhaps as early as 600 A.D. The exhibit will continue through the end of the year.

The Iowa Masonic Library and Museums, 813 First Ave. SE, are open for tours Monday through Thursday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The library is open for research by appointment only. Face coverings are encouraged, especially for those who have not yet been fully vaccinated. For more information, or to schedule a group tour, contact Bill Kreuger at (319) 365-1438 or bill.kreuger@gl-iowa.org.