Source: MIGM of Royal & Select Masters of Florida (2009)

On a recent exchange of conversations, the MIGM Carl Gilmore chose to reveal some of the "best kept secrets in Masonry" by providing basic framework and structure of the four bodies of York Rite Masonry.  With his permission, the following information is provided for your York Rite edification:

"In Florida, as in most states, The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, The Most Illustrious Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters and the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons are each the supreme officer of their fraternal Body and serve one year as such. There are national advisory organizations, but they cannot direct these Grand Presiding Officers.

"However, the Commandery is different. There is a National Organization, the Grand Encampment, to which the Grand Commandery and therefore the Grand Commander is subservient. The presiding officer of the Grand Encampment is the Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA and he may direct the Right Eminent Grand Commander of each of the States.

"The Grand Encampment, as well as the National advisory bodies for the Chapter, the General Grand Chapter, and the Council, the General Grand Council, run not on one year cycles, but on three year cycles, called Triennials. The men who are elected to the bottom of each of these Bodies progressive lines therefore serve three years in each of their stations and generally can expect a minimum of 12 years of service in the Line.

Samuel A. Tish, Illustrious Master
Orlando Council No. 5
Orlando York Rite