A Mark of Distinction 10/18/07

KYCH is the shortened name of the Knights York Cross of Honour.

It is an organization (invitational) for Masons who have presided over their Lodge as Master, their Chapter as High Priest, their Council as Illustrious Master and their Commandery as Commander.

It is not an honor that you can be given but one which must be earned. It is not even offered to everyone who has done all of the activities listed above. I suppose that is why it is called an Honour because you don't automatically get it.

If you think about it there is a lot of time and effort which goes into getting this honor. A Mason generally works for six to seven (or more) years to attain the office of Master of his Lodge. For each of the other bodies there are at least four years each to become High Priest, Illustrious Master and Commander.

Another honor which this organization gives is the Knight Grand Cross of Honour. If a man has served as the head of the State organization such as Grand High Priest he is designated with this honor and is entitled to a "Grand Quadrant" for each body he has served. I have a red one on mine (right) since I was a Grand High Priest and the Chapter color is red. I have seen men with four grand quadrants. That represents a lot of service. (Not sure if I really approve of that because I believe in spreading the leadership around).

This is from the official Web site of the Convent General, the National body of KYCH

"The meaning of membership in K.Y.C.H. can best be explained by a closing statement of Most Eminent Knight Donald E. Friend, Grand Master General, at his Convent General Session in 1995 , "As a Knight of the York Cross of Honour, you are a proven servant of the Masonic Fraternity , your inspiration has came from your Past, your duty is in the present , your Hope is in the Future, I ask you always to remember—In all you do , In all you say, In all of your actions, take a good look at yourself, you are someone impression of Freemasonry "

That is actually good advice to any Mason. It goes along with a part of the charge in the First Degree.

"[Duty] to yourself, in avoiding all irregularity and intemperance which may impair your faculties or debase the dignity of your profession. A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public and private esteem."

Good advice for anyone. If you want to know more about the history of KYCH you can read about it here. And oh yes, they really do use the British spelling for honor (honour) in their name.