Grand York Rite of California

The Grand York Rite of California is the governing body for three distinct Masonic bodies in California: the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Grand Council, Cryptic Masons; and the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar. It serves to handle the routine business, coordinate meetings, and manage other administrative matters for these state-level organizations, which offer additional degrees and a continuing experience for Master Masons. 

The York Rite is a series of degrees that a Master Mason can choose to join after completing the basic three degrees of symbolic Masonry (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason). It is a continuation of a Mason's journey, designed to provide a deeper understanding of Masonic principles. The York Rite is a collection of separate but associated Masonic bodies and degrees. It is primarily a term used by American Freemasons and focuses on themes derived from Biblical history and the Medieval Crusades.