01/26/2025
2025 • Vol. 5 • Issue 1
Most Venerable
Sovereign Grand Master
John C. Elkinton, KGC
What Is Masonic Week?
By Rt. Ven. Bro. Clyde H. Schoolfield, Jr., K.G.C.
Grand Treasurer
Each year Freemasons from around the United States (and the world) gather together for what has become known as “Masonic Week.” Historically, this event was held in Washington, D.C., around the time of George Washington’s birthday, in conjunction with the annual meetings of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. The Conference of Grand Masters has long since moved on, leaving Masonic Week to what were quaintly referred to as the “Smaller Groups.”
The Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the U.S.A. moved its Annual Communication from North Carolina to Washington, D.C., in 1938 and has met in the area ever since. As one of the larger of the “Smaller Groups,” the Allied Masonic Degrees has always taken a leadership role in organizing and administering Masonic Week.
The 2025 edition of Masonic Week is being held February 6th - 9th, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The seventeen organizations participating in the event include:
Allied Masonic Degrees
Athelstan
Blue Friars
C.B.C.S.
Grand College of Rites
H.R.A.K.T.P.
Knight Masons
Knights Preceptor
Masonic Society
Nine Muses
Philalethes Society
Pilgrim Preceptors
St. Thomas of Acon
The Operatives
Y.R.S.C.N.A.
Order of the Bath
Order of Corks
Each of these organizations is quite distinctive and, as such, there will be a very diverse set of activities during the week. These will include such things as degree conferrals, banquets, educational presentations, festive boards, etc. For more information about Masonic Week 2025, including the schedule of events, registration information, and hotel information, visit:
Masonic Week | Allied Masonic Degrees
Note that some events will be open to all attendees, while others will be open only to members of a particular organization; please contact the individual organizations for details about their meetings.
The Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the U.S.A. will convene for its Annual Communication at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 8th, 2025. While all A.M.D. members are welcome and encouraged to attend, the voting delegates will include the following officers of our constituent Councils: Sovereign Masters, Past Sovereign Masters, Senior Wardens, Junior Wardens, Secretaries, and Treasurers.
Schedule of Events
Masonic Week 2025 – Allied Masonic Degrees
Masonic Week 2025
February 6th to 9th, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia
Registration Information
All Masons attending any event during Masonic Week must complete and submit the Registration Form. Meal tickets may also be reserved and purchased using the same Registration Form.
https://amdusa.org/wp/masonic-week-registration-form/
The deadline for meal reservations is Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 5 PM Eastern Time.
After that date, additional meals may be purchased in-person at the Masonic Week registration desk. A surcharge of 25% per meal will be charged for in-person registrations.
Hotel Information
The Conference Hotel is the Hyatt Regency Crystal City — 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, Virginia 22202
Room block: Monday, February 3rd – Monday, February 10th, 2025.
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/WASRC/G-QWFV
The deadline for hotel reservations is Monday, January 13th, 2025.
HOTEL INFORMATION UPDATE:
The reserved room block at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City has been depleted, with only limited availability remaining. You may need to break your stay into multiple reservations that exclude specific nights if you would like to take advantage of the negotiated rate. Otherwise, standard room rates will apply.
Overflow Housing Options:
Renaissance by Marriott
Arlington Capital View
2800 South Potomac Avenue
Arlington, VA 22202
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/waspy-renaissance-arlington-capital-view-hotel/overview/
Courtyard by Marriott
Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National Airport
2899 Richmond Highway
Arlington, VA 22202
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wasct-courtyard-arlington-crystal-city-reagan-national-airport/overview/
Residence Inn by Marriott
Arlington Capital View
2850 South Potomac Avenue
Arlington, VA 22202
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wasry-residence-inn-arlington-capital-view/rooms/
Words from the Grand Secretary
As another year comes to close in the life of this Grand Council, I want to once again extend my appreciation to the Secretaries of our Constituent Councils. This year's annual return process has been going very smoothly and we are right on track with where we need to be. Thank you for your continued hard work and support of your Council.
With Masonic Week just around the corner, I'm looking forward to meeting many of you in person. Please, feel free to come up and introduce yourself. It is always helpful to put a face with a name! The Masonic Week planning team has labored diligently to bring you a great program, building on our past successes while incorporating additional features that were garnered through feedback. It will be a fantastic week!
Until we meet again,
Seth C. Anthony
Grand Secretary
The Doves In the Clefts of the Rock:
Ruffians Receive Further Light - Part 2
by Bro. Aaron Sherman, 2021
Presented Anchor & Ark #499, 2021-11-20
Part 2: The Martyrdom of the Ruffians
The Ruffians have met with failure repeatedly, and they are clearly miserable. Their horrifying transgression has led to receiving none of the secrets that they were promised, had they simply continued their work. What’s more, though they have thus far remained free from justice, their attempts to flee to another country have failed and they are homeless and fearful. Their position in the clefts of the rocks affords some protection, but this sanctuary is still close to the source of their fear: the retribution of Solomon.
In this despair, they undo themselves with their cries of lamentation. Each of them cries out to proclaim their guilt and wish not just that they had not done it, but for the punishments that they know they have earned.
This is the standard interpretation of the ruffian’s lot as the Fellow Crafts go out seeking them. But let’s look at this with a lens informed by what we have discovered about the clefts of the rock. The ruffians have traveled a great deal, and as we know from the third degree, travel is a metaphorical allusion to the process of enlightenment, literally the acquisition of further light. They began with a horrible transgression and sought what they believed to be a path to their salvation. But a guard was stationed in their path and refused them entrance. From there, they sought refuge in the clefts of the rock… a place that we now understand relates to the bosom of God.
In this place, their wish is granted. Their lamentations draw the attention of the other Fellow Crafts and they ultimately carry out the sentence of Solomon according to the Ruffians’ own imprecations. The salvation sought in God and their judgment are, the ruffians find, one and the same.
We are, then, left with a strange litany of questions: is the visitation of just and freely accepted punishment a form of redemption? If the Ruffians die according to the punishments that they felt they deserved, are they to be forgiven for their crime? Have they been granted the same sort of protection in the cleft of the rocks as God promised to Moses… or is there a distinction in this case?
It seems, given that the lamentations occur within the same cleft of the rocks where the sentence is carried out, that we are being shown two sides of the same coin, as further alluded to by the phrase that we discussed in the earlier section. It is within the cleft of these rocks, protected from earthly assault, that the Ruffians confront the one force that cannot be denied: the fiery justice of God, delivering to them both punishment and release in the same stroke. Is their crime forgiven? In a sense, it cannot be. The crime itself will always exist, but the Ruffians gain from this crime a great reward. By martyring themselves on the altar of their own guilt, they discover that which was hidden in the “secret places of the stairs.” Is it the secret that they began this terrible endeavor in search of? I suppose we cannot know that, as that secret is yet lost to us, but interestingly, the only clue that we have as to its location was given to us by the Ruffians. They certainly did not need to divulge that clue, as they were about to die for their crimes… So why deliver it at all?
Was the clue the location of the evidence of their crime or of that which the Fellow Crafts and Solomon seek? The Fellow Crafts find no evidence of the latter. Was it perhaps in the giving of that evidence itself that the clue rested? Is the degree directing us to follow the finger pointing to the grave or to the one pointing? Sadly, all I can do is leave you with these questions. There is no correct answer, only the benefits that we gain from pursuing the work of investigation.
"Dedicated to the memory of Excellent Jeremy Adam Gross, late of Anchor & Ark Council #499 and Cambridge Royal Arch Chapter, whose effulgence inspired the present work."
PRESIDING OFFICER DEGREES
According to Article XVI, Section 6 of the Constitution of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the U.S.A., every Sovereign Master of a constituent Council must be invested with the grade of “Installed Sovereign Master.” This is an actual Masonic degree, which we have derived from Scotland, and not what we think of as the usual installation ceremony. The ceremony centers around the legend of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
The Installed Sovereign Master degree will be conferred during Masonic Week at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7th, 2024. The ceremony will be open to all current and past Sovereign Masters of constituent Councils. No registration or fee is required. However, a commemorative certificate will be available for purchase by those who wish to do so.
Every constituent Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees has “moored” to it a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. (See Article XIX of our Constitution.) The officers of the Royal Ark Mariner Lodge are the officers of the Council, with the Sovereign Master serving as “Worshipful Commander Noah.” In like manner to the Installed Sovereign Master degree, there is an “Installed Commander Noah” degree.
Furthermore, every constituent Council has attached to it a Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor. (See Article XXI of our Constitution.) The officers of the Secret Monitor Conclave are the officers of the Council, with the Sovereign Master serving as “Worthy Supreme Ruler.” And once again, in like manner to the Installed Sovereign Master degree, there is an “Installed Supreme Ruler” degree.
The Installed Commander Noah and Installed Supreme Ruler degrees will be conferred during Masonic Week at 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. (respectively) on Friday, February 7th, 2024. The ceremonies will be open to all current and past Sovereign Masters of constituent Councils. No registration or fee is required. However, commemorative certificates will be available for purchase by those who wish to do so.
For more information about the conferral of the Installed Sovereign Master degree, visit:
Degree Conferrals | Allied Masonic Degrees
For more information about the conferrals of the Installed Commander Noah and Installed Supreme Ruler degrees, visit:
Degree Conferrals | Allied Masonic Degrees
WILLIAM O. WARE LODGE OF RESEARCH AND CO-HOSTS,
LEXINGTON LODGE NO. 1, THE RUBICON MASONIC SOCIETY,
AND THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
Exploring the Role of Masonic Research Lodges in the 21st Century
Conference and Festive Board
Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20, 2025
Spindletop Hall, Lexington, KY
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Conference is to open and facilitate discussion on the role of Research Lodges in 21st century Freemasonry.
Rev. Joseph Fort Newton wrote of approaching the matter of Masonic Education “from the right end;” and in Short Talks on Masonry, published in 1928, he offered an approach to the delivery of Freemasonry’s message that was, “neither impossible nor impracticable, if we really mean business in the matter of Masonic education.” The 2025 Conference will explore and expand upon Rev. Newton’s themes, particularly with respect to how Research Lodges may best deliver the message of Freemasonry to not only the current generation of Masons, but also to future generations of men who enter the Craft.
To date, thirty-six Research Lodges and Masonic societies from twenty jurisdictions including Scotland, England, and Australia, have expressed interest in participating and attending the Festive Board and one day Conference. The Conference is designed to give participants the opportunity to share their efforts in delivering the message of Freemasonry and learn how other Lodges of Research conduct their business. Each participant will be expected to add his voice to the several discussions being held through moderated panel discussions.
This unique Conference will offer the opportunity for participants to network with leaders and members of other Lodges of Research and aid in further development of the labor of our respective Research Lodges.
FESTIVE BOARD OVERVIEW
The 13th Annual Rubicon Masonic Society Festive Board will be co-hosted by William O. Ware Lodge of Research at historical Spindletop Hall in Lexington, Kentucky on Friday, September 19, 2025.
The evening begins with a Reception from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Call to Tables at 7:00 p.m., Introductions then dinner at 7:15 p.m. The evening consists of the 7 Traditional Toasts and Songs throughout. The Keynote Speaker is PGM John L. Cooper III (California) on the topic of Delivering the Message of Freemasonry. Following discussion, the evening will conclude with a Chain of Union and Closing Charge.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRAVEL
Hotel Accommodations are at the Lexington Downtown Hilton where a block of rooms at a special rate are reserved under The Rubicon Masonic Society Event.Reservations may be made on line or by phone for Thursday, September 18 through Saturday, September 20th.
Reservations can be made by calling 1-859-231-9000, or toll free 1-877-539-1648 or online at https://www.hotels.com/ho115603/hilton-lexington-downtown-lexington-united-states-of-america.
Airports Servicing Lexington
Bluegrass Airport (Lexington) – LEX (6 miles to Hotel)
Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport – CVG (80 miles to Hotel)
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport - SDF (77 miles to Hotel)
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
The Conference will be hosted by William O. Ware Lodge of Research on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Spindletop Hall in the renowned Oak Room.
The Conference will open at 8:30 a.m., with a Welcome and Introductions by W.B. John W. Bizzack, who will frame the program for the day and the issues faced by Research Lodges and Societies.
SPEAKERS:
W.B. John W. Bizzack is the Master of William O. Ware Lodge of Research.
A brief overview of the History of Research Lodges by W.B S. Brent Morris
Conference Moderators:
W.B. Rich Hanson is a member and Past Master of Ted Adams Lodge of Research in Kentucky.
M.W. Bro. David James Cameron served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario from 2019 to 2022
R.W. Brother Andrew Hammer is the author of Observing the Craft: The Pursuit of Excellence is Masonic Labour and Observance
R.W. Brother David L. Daugherty is a member and Past Master of the Ohio Lodge of Research.
For registration information, full bios of speakers and moderators, pricing and more, scan the QR Code below or visit our website at https://rubiconmasonicsociety.com/conference2025/
The Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri is said to be derived from a very ancient Order in Ireland, consisting of Freemasons and said to have been erected and patronized by the Kings of Ireland. Legend has it that Bro. F. G. Irwin, while Worshipful Master of the Inhabitants Lodge No. 178 at Gibraltar in 1858, received the Order at the hands of the Captain of an American trading vessel, to whom it had been transmitted from father to son, dating back to 1757, when his Irish forbear emigrated to New York while a District Grand Master of the Order. Major Irwin is then purported to have restored and reorganized the degree in England. The Order eventually came under the control of Bro. John Yarker who, in 1933, granted the authority to confer the Order in America to the Allied Masonic Degrees.
There are currently six ranks of the Order awarded in America: Man-at-Arms, Esquire, Knight, Knight Commander, Knight Grand Cross, and Knight Supreme Grand Cross. A constituent Council may honor a member of its Council, for distinguished service to the Allied Masonic Degrees, by electing him to be awarded one of first four ranks listed above. (See Article XX of our Constitution.) The last two ranks listed above may only be awarded by the Grand Council. There are particular eligibility requirements for each of the ranks.
The Knight Commander rank will be conferred during Masonic Week at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, February 7th, 2024. The ceremony will be open only to Knight Commanders and nominees (candidates) for that honor. Registration and a fee are required.
For more information visit: Degree Conferrals | Allied Masonic Degrees
ANCIENT AND MASONIC ORDER OF THE SCARLET CORD
The Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord is based on an earlier Order developed in the British Isles in 1889, which was itself derived from 18th Century documents from the Amsterdam Masonic archives. The rituals of the Order are taken from Old Testament times, commencing at the period of Joshua, the fall of Jericho, and the story of Rahab.
There are currently six grades of the Order: Ostiarius (or Doorkeeper), Lector, Fellow (or Healer & Exorcist), Councillor, Keeper of the Hidden Secret, and Prince of Jerusalem. The Ostiarius grade was first conferred in America during Masonic Week in 2009. Since then several of the grades have been conferred during Masonic Weeks and during regional In-gatherings around the country.
Any member of the Allied Masonic Degrees in good standing is eligible to receive the first three grades. Only members who have served as Sovereign Masters of a constituent Council are eligible to receive the fourth grade. (See Article XXII of our Constitution.)
The first three grades of the Scarlet Cord will be conferred during Masonic Week at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8th, 2024. The ceremony will be open to all A.M.D. members. Registration and a fee are required. For more information visit:
Degree Conferrals | Allied Masonic Degrees
The fourth grade of the Scarlet Cord will be conferred during Masonic Week at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 8th, 2024. The ceremony will be open only to current and Past Sovereign Masters who have also received the first three grades of the Scarlet Cord. Registration and a fee are required. For more information visit:
Degree Conferrals | Allied Masonic Degrees
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
Since its founding in 1928, the Philalethes Society has been an association "for Freemasons who seek Light, and those who have Light to impart" and may be best known for its excellent quarterly Journal. The Society has been a regular participant in Masonic Week for many, many years.
The Philalethes Society will be hosting the Friday Night Banquet during Masonic Week. The featured speaker will be Billy J. Hamilton, Jr., Past Master of the Texas Lodge of Research; his topic will be "The Victorian Innovators." Bro. Hamilton will focus on Kenneth R. H. Mackenzie and his influential correspondence circle, including Major Frances George Irwin, John Yarker, and William Wynn Westcott.
The Philalethes Society will be holding its 97th Annual Assembly during Masonic Week on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, beginning at 10:30 A.M.
The Banquet and Annual Assembly are open to all Masonic Week attendees and their guests.
For more information, visit: Masonic Week | Allied Masonic Degrees
Brothers, if you wanted to see some of the Presentations available from AMD, please visit the education page on the new AMD website: https://amdusa.org/wp/education/
AMD EVENTS PAGE
Brothers, within our new Allied Masonic Degrees webpage, there is an event tab that will take you to a calendar to show all the upcoming events and activities, such as Constitutions and Ingatherings, across the nation.
You can see the events here: https://amdusa.org/wp/events/
Right Venerable Brother
Seth C. Anthony
Grand Secretary
Venerable Brother
J. Robert Mullis
Publications Committee Chair
Brother
Adam L. Buffington
Editor
Allied Times is the electronic newsletter of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America. Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Articles published in Allied Times articulate the understandings only of their writers, and not the Grand Council or any other organized Masonic body. The writers are free to publish their own articles elsewhere, but attribution, identifying Allied Times as the original publisher, is requested. Having work published in Allied Times in no way bestows or promises membership in the AMD or in any other Masonic body. Submit copy and art to the editor here. Receipt of submissions by the editor is not a guarantee of publication, and submissions are edited for length, style, and content.
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The Allied Masonic Degrees (commonly abbreviated AMD) is an invitational, appendent body of Freemasonry that superintends several degrees that are not found within other orders in the United States.
