Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Pleasured to Join AMD and KM

Recently it was my immense pleasure to join the Allied Masonic Degrees and Knight Masons. A little history on the two organizations, if you aren't familiar.

First, AMD:
The Allied Masonic Degrees are an invitational organization, and requires membership in the Royal Arch as well as the Symbolic Lodge. Membership is limited to 27 members per council.
...

The Allied Masonic Degrees are detached degrees some of which, many years ago, were conferred under Craft warrants and formed part of the then loosely governed Freemasonry of the period.

Many of these detached degrees became dormant in some places, although in others they were conferred as side degrees. In time, the better of these degrees were grouped together in an organized body under the title of Allied Masonic Degrees.

...
In addition to perpetuating these degrees, there is still another and equally important purpose. It is to bring together, in small groups, Freemasons who are interested in the advancement of all Masonry, preparing themselves to better serve the Craft through the medium of study and research.
Study? Research? Oh my, you're talking my language here. As someone who loves to study the history and development of our Craft, I think I'm right at home. Judging by the works printed in Miscellanea, their research journal, I've joined an educated and well-versed group of gentlemen.

Also, a bit of history on the Knight Masons:
The Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States of America, in consideration of its origin strives to:

1. Perpetuate the ancient rituals of the Irish Masonic Canon, (the "Green" degrees) by promoting their frequent and regular conferral inits constituent councils, and by its expectation that such conferral will be executed with an accuracy, a precision, and a dramatic power congruent with the highest traditions of the Masonic institution.

2. Elevate to membership in its constituent councils only those Freemasons who in their character and persons have amply and thoroughly demonstrated in their Masonic lives, by means of a faithful attachment to the institution, a true and honorable record of service to its goals, and a genuine dedication to its high ideals.

3. Foster in its constituent councils the regular exploration and study of the Masonic Tradition and Heritage by means of an aggressive program of scholarly inquiry and research, and to pursue that Masonic learning in the spirit of our Celtic forbears who kept the light of faith burning in times of darkness.

4. Encourage its constituent councils to discover in the pleasures and diversions of the festive board that warm fellowship and that joyous fraternity, which have ever characterized and actuated the great spirit of this Ancient Craft.

5. Promote the charitable dimension so central to, and inherent in, Masonic life and tradition by obliging its constituent councils to contribute with customary Masonic liberality to those institutions, both Masonic and non-Masonic, which serve the needs of the greater community. 
I found the Knight Masons to have similarity to Knights Templar, with some obvious differences. I will have to compare/contrast the degree work. Perhaps I've found a subject for an AMD research paper?

Unfortunately the groups only meet every six months and are nearly three hours' drive away. The trip is well worth it however. The group of Brothers and Cousins that invited me to join is a diverse collection of personalities and ages. I eagerly look forward to our Spring meetings!





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