Masonic Bodies

Understanding the Structure of Freemasonry

African Grand Lodge No.459 F.&A.M Prince Hall Affiliation

Freemasonry is organized into several distinct bodies, each with its own purpose, degrees, and traditions

While Craft Masonry (Blue Lodge) forms the foundation of all Masonic membership, various appendant and concordant bodies offer additional degrees and opportunities for Masonic education and fellowship. Understanding these bodies helps illuminate the rich tapestry of Masonic tradition and the paths available for continued Masonic growth.

Masonic Bodies - African Lodge No. 459

Blue Lodge (Craft Masonry)

The Foundation of All Masonry

The Blue Lodge is the foundation of all Freemasonry. Every Mason begins his journey here and must maintain membership to participate in any other Masonic body. The three degrees of Craft Masonry contain the fundamental teachings of the fraternity.
Three Degrees:
  • Entered Apprentice (1st Degree)
  • Fellow Craft (2nd Degree)
  • Master Mason (3rd Degree)
African Lodge No. 459 Meetings:
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Masonic Temple, Westlands, Nairobi

Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite

Degrees 4° through 32°

The Scottish Rite expands upon the moral and ethical teachings of the Blue Lodge through 29 additional degrees (4th through 32nd). These degrees explore philosophical themes, historical allegories, and moral lessons that build upon Craft Masonry's foundation.
Requirements:
  • Master Mason in good standing
  • Belief in Supreme Being
  • Commitment to Scottish Rite principles
  • Regular Blue Lodge attendance
Organization:
Southern Jurisdiction
Prince Hall Affiliation
Contact Lodge Secretary for local information

York Rite

Chapter, Council & Commandery

The York Rite consists of three separate bodies that work together: the Royal Arch Chapter, Cryptic Council, and Knights Templar Commandery. These bodies continue the Hiramic legend and explore Christian themes in Masonry.
Three Bodies:
  • Royal Arch Chapter (Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, Royal Arch)
  • Cryptic Council (Royal Master, Select Master, Super Excellent Master)
  • Knights Templar (Order of Red Cross, Malta, and Temple)
Requirements:
Master Mason in good standing
Christian faith (for Knights Templar)
Progressive membership through bodies

Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.)

Prince Hall Shriners

The Shrine is often called "the playground of Masonry." While maintaining the serious principles of Freemasonry, Shriners focus on fellowship, fun, and philanthropy. The organization is famous for its children's hospitals and medical centers.
Requirements:
  • Master Mason in good standing
  • Member of either Scottish Rite (32°) or York Rite (Knights Templar)
  • Commitment to charitable work
  • Spirit of fellowship and fun
Focus Areas:
Children's Healthcare
Burn Treatment Centers
Orthopedic Hospitals
Fellowship and Social Activities

Order of the Eastern Star

Prince Hall Affiliated

The Order of the Eastern Star is open to Master Masons and their female relatives. Based on biblical characters, it teaches moral lessons through five degrees and promotes charity, truth, and loving kindness.
Membership:
  • Master Masons in good standing
  • Wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, and granddaughters of Master Masons
  • Widows of Master Masons
  • Belief in Supreme Being
Five Points:
Adah (Blue) • Ruth (Yellow)
Esther (White) • Martha (Green)
Electa (Red)

Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kenya

Governing Body

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kenya governs all Prince Hall affiliated lodges within the jurisdiction. It provides oversight, coordination, and support for individual lodges while maintaining Masonic law and tradition.
Functions:
  • Chartering new lodges
  • Maintaining Masonic law and procedure
  • Coordinating inter-lodge activities
  • Facilitating Masonic education
Annual Events:
Grand Communication
Officer Installations
Educational Seminars
Charity Coordinations
Masonic Bodies - African Lodge No. 459

Want more Information?

All Masonic bodies require membership in a Blue Lodge as the foundation. For more information please, contact African Lodge No. 459 to begin your Masonic journey.

Lodge Secretary
Brother Lijodi
Email
info@africangrandlodge.org
Phone
+254794 583 145
Meeting Location
Masonic Temple, Nairobi