THE ORDER

An Introduction to the Allied Masonic Degrees

The vast majority of the ‘additional’ degrees worked in England in the early part of the nineteenth century originally came under the patronage of warrants granted by the ‘Antients’, who held that Craft Warrants entitled Lodges to work any Masonic degree to which they had knowledge and members available who could work it. Upon the formation of the United Grand Lodge various groups of degrees were gradually organised into separate Orders each with their own governing body.

By the end of that century a large number of unrelated Degrees of no direct interest to any Grand Body was still being worked in different parts of the country. In the late 1870’s it was agreed by the then Grand Secretaries of the Craft, Mark, and Ancient and Accepted Rite to establish a ‘Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees in England and Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown’. The headquarters would be at Mark Masons’ Hall.

It was also agreed that no new body purporting to be a Masonic body could be legally established in England without the consent of the Governing Bodies of the Knights Templar, the Ancient and Accepted Rite, the Mark Masters, the Red Cross of Constantine, the Royal and Select Masters, and the new Grand Council; and that any new body established with such consent should be under the direction of the Grand Council. Thus was born Grand Council, which we know now as the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and Districts, and Councils Overseas.

The Degrees

St Lawrence the Martyr

This Degree must be taken first and explains how Lawrence gave his life rather than betray his principles; responsibilities, integrity and fortitude are the lessons to be learned here.

Jewel: Gridiron in silver suspended from an orange ribbon with royal blue edging.

Knight of Constantinople

This Degree concerns the relationship between the Emperor Constantine and his Subjects. The ceremony is entertaining and amusing but at the end, the candidate is left in no doubt of the importance of the virtue of humility.

Jewel: Maltese cross in gold or gilt suspended from a green ribbon on which are 3 poinards in gold or gilt with the points downwards.

Grand Tilers of Solomon

This Degree is very dramatic set in the secret vault beneath the Temple. It reflects on the danger of hasty judgment.

Jewel: Triangle with the apex pointing downwards in black enamel edged with gold or gilt. Inscribed with the Hebrew characters 27 and on the obverse the Ineffable Name in Cabalistic Order suspended from a fiery red ribbon with a pale grey edging either side of which is a hand holding a dagger with the point downwards and surmounted by three Crowns, all in gold or gilt.

Red Cross of Babylon

This Degree fills the gap between the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch, and deals with Zerubbabel obtaining permission to commence the rebuilding of the Temple. The lesson here is of the supreme importance of truth.

Jewel: Consisting of a seven pointed star on which are two crossed swords, points upwards, in gold or gilt, on a green enamel circle suspended from a green ribbon

Grand High Priest

Many believe this should be the last Degree taken; the candidate is anointed, consecrated and set apart to the service of God in the High Priesthood. This is a truly uplifting ceremony which is rather special.

Jewel: Consisting of a mitre superimposed on a triangle, apex pointing upwards, in gold and gilt, suspended from a red ribbon.

How to join

To join us in this most interesting Order you must be a Royal Arch Mason as well as a Mark Master Mason as the five degrees worked will add to your knowledge of both. As in all Masonic Orders there are useful lessons to be learned from all of the degrees, three of which are fairly short and it is not unusual to take two or sometimes three during one meeting.

Firstly refer to the Council Meeting Dates contained in the list of London Councils and then make contact with us using the form under Membership Enquiry.

List of London Councils

Membership Enquiry

List of London Councils

Membership Enquiry

Regalia

All regalia can either be obtained through the Masonic regalia supplier Mark Masons’ Hall at the shop at Mark Masons Hall or, at possibly more competitive prices, through the District Secretariat who may be contacted via the District Grand Secretary. The regalia is relatively simple consisting of either the tie of the Order or District tie and either a composite jewel (£20 or less) or a more elaborate bar of individual miniature jewels (around £110). If Brethren subsequently achieve District or Grand Rank, regalia comprises of an appropriate collar of the office.

If you happen to know of any member of the Order who no longer has need of his regalia and, assuming that it is in good condition, and would like to pass it on to a new member of the Order, please do let us know. There is always a great demand for good quality second hand regalia. Please contact the District Grand Secretary via the ‘Contact us’ section of this web site.