Appendant Bodies

Andalusia Lodge 434 F&AM

Making Good Men Better

Appendant Bodies

The Blue Lodge of Free & Accepted Masonry has many Appendant Bodies that are associated with The Craft. There are some that are suited for Brothers and some that are comprised of family members of Masons. Most have one thing in common and that is Charity. Each has its own agenda and focus on a particular disability or illness and all are for the good of children. We recognize that children are our future and God blesses us with them, but some children are born different or with disabilities that hender them in life. The charge of these bodies is to help any way they can to assist these children and families with making them more functionable and healthy. It is a way for Masons to give back to the Fraternity and the world.

Scottish Rite
The Scottish Rite is an extension of Freemasonry. It is comprised of 32 degrees and a 33rd degree only given to Masons who have gone above and beyond to help the rite. It is a rite of instruction in which it defines the symbols and allegories, presented through the degrees, in the light of history and philosophy. It helps us understand what it takes to be better father, friend, husband, and person. The Scottish Rite's focus is on children with particular learning disabilities. They raise money through fund raisers and donations to fight these illnesses and are quite successful in doing so. In Alabama, the Scottish Rite has the Alabama Dyslexia Foundation. For more info on how to become a Scottish Rite Mason click HERE.

York Rite
The York Rite Bodies is also an extension of the Blue Lodge and is sometimes called the "military" arm of Freemasonry. It's history goes beyond the other appendant bodies and some believe the York Rite is the foundation of the Blue Lodge and was the beginning of the Fraternity. Its roots are from Christianity and a Mason must profess the Christian faith unlike the Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite. They have several philanthropies including the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. To learn more about the York Rite Bodies or want join, click HERE. If you would like to petition the Dothan York Rite Bodies, fill out the online petition and mail it to the address on the form.

Shriners
The Shriners group was formed by a group of Masons in the late 19th century as a way for Masons on meet, have a good time, and help children. It began as an American philanthropy and has spread to Canada and South America since inception. It has no other agenda other than helping children and having a good time while doing so. They have the Shriners hospitals and operate 22 facilities in North America. To be a Shriner, click HERE.

The Shriners raise over 80 million dollars annually to operate the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Children with specific disabilities are treated and have ongoing treatment if necessary with no charge to parents. They will even help with temperary stay for the parents during treatment and school for the kids that miss during treatment.

DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.

DeMolay alumni include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Walter Cronkite, football Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton, legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, news anchor David Goodnow and many others. Each has spoken eloquently of the life-changing benefit gained from their involvement in DeMolay.

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter. Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other. While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.