The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey is an organization devoted to promoting the study of Freemasonry and its allied subjects. It is a unique body which brings together members of all recognized Masonic Orders, who are willing to demonstrate their commitment to the Craft by joining in fellowship and taking part in its activities. The organization currently has over 800 members from across Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex, covering a wide range of Lodges and Chapters. The aim of the Allied Masonic Degrees is to widen the knowledge and appreciation of Freemasonry through regular meetings, lectures and discussions.
The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey is an order of Freemasonry that is dedicated to the study and practice of the philosophy and principles of Freemasonry. It is open to all Master Masons who are members in good standing of a Craft Lodge recognized by a Grand Lodge with whom the Supreme Council for England and Wales is in Amity. It consists of three degrees: Knight Templar, Red Cross of Babylon and Knight of Constantinople.
History and Background
The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) is a concordant body of Freemasonry, which is in amity with the United Grand Lodge of England. It has its own distinct rituals, but it is not a separate masonic organization. The AMD was created in 1845, when several masonic degrees were brought together to form a single organization. The main purpose of the AMD was to provide additional instruction for Master Masons who had already attained the degree of Master Mason in their respective lodges. The AMD consists of three degrees: Knight of Constantinople, Secret Monitor and Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. Each degree has its own distinct history and symbolism.
Knight of Constantinople
The Knight of Constantinople is one of the oldest degrees within the Allied Masonic Degrees and it is based on an old legend about the Knights Templar and their involvement in a battle at Constantinople during the Crusades. The degree focuses on the idea that while valor and courage are important, true wisdom comes from faith in God and obedience to His laws. It also provides instruction on how Freemasons should conduct themselves both inside and outside their lodges.
Secret Monitor
The Secret Monitor is another ancient degree within the Allied Masonic Degrees. It focuses on an old story about two brothers who were secret monitors to King Solomon during his reign, and how they helped him resolve a difficult situation by using loyalty, fidelity, discretion and courage. This degree serves as a reminder to Freemasons about their duty to keep secrets that have been entrusted to them by their brethren, as well as to be faithful to their lodge obligations even when facing challenges or adversity.
Knight of the Holy Sepulchre
The Knight of the Holy Sepulchre degree revolves around an old legend about two knights who defended Jerusalem during the Crusades against Saladin’s army until they were eventually captured by him. This degree teaches Freemasons that courage and loyalty are essential qualities for any Mason worthy of being called a knight. It also serves as a reminder that they should never forget what happened at Jerusalem, no matter how difficult times may become for them or their brethren.
History of Allied Masonic Degrees
The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) is a system of degrees that are worked under the jurisdiction of different Grand Councils. The system is composed of three main categories: Council, Cryptic, and Chivalric. Each degree has its own distinct purpose and symbolism, drawing from both ancient and modern sources. The AMD is not connected to any particular branch of Freemasonry, but rather is open to all who have been Master Masons in a recognized Grand Lodge. The system consists of 33 degrees in total, with the first three being the most commonly worked.
Purpose of Allied Masonic Degrees
The purpose of the AMD is to provide further instruction in the principles and teachings of Freemasonry. Through a series of lessons and rituals, members learn more about the history and philosophy behind Freemasonry, as well as how to better apply its teachings in their daily lives. The degrees also serve as an opportunity for members to meet and mingle with other Freemasons from around the world.
Structure of Allied Masonic Degrees
The structure of the AMD is based on three distinct categories: Council, Cryptic, and Chivalric. Each category consists of 11 degrees that are unique in both their symbolism and purpose. The first three degrees—the Craft Masonry degrees—are open to all Master Masons; however, access to the remaining 30 degrees requires permission from one’s Grand Council or Lodge Master. Once a member has been granted access to a particular degree or series of degrees, they must complete them in order before gaining access to higher levels.
The structure also allows for multiple paths within each category. For instance, within the Council category there are two separate paths: one focusing on morality and another focusing on history; while within the Cryptic category there are three separate paths: one focusing on spiritual growth, one focusing on self-improvement, and one focusing on community service. Members can choose which path they wish to follow depending on their individual interests.
For those seeking additional instruction or advancement beyond the 33rd degree—the highest rank within this system—there are seven honorary or “honorary” degrees available through various Grand Councils around the world.
Who Can Join the Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey?
The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey is a Masonic organization which is exclusive to those who hold a Master Mason degree. To become part of the Allied Masonic Degrees, you must be a regular Freemason in good standing in your lodge and have been initiated into the third degree of Freemasonry. The purpose of the Allied Masonic Degrees is to promote fellowship, as well as to provide education and knowledge of the Craft.
In order to join the Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey, you must be recommended by two members of your Lodge who have also joined the Allied Masonic Degrees. The recommendation must be signed by both members and include their full name and Lodge affiliation. The recommendation will then be examined by a committee appointed by the Provincial Grand Master.
Once approved, you will need to complete an application form which includes questions about your background in Freemasonry as well as any other organizations or affiliations you may have. You will also need to provide proof of membership in your Lodge and a letter from your Lodge confirming that you are in good standing. After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the committee and if approved, you will receive an invitation to attend their meetings and join as a member.
The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey provides members with access to educational resources related to Freemasonry, including lectures, books and other materials which can help deepen their understanding of the Craft. Members are also able to participate in social events held throughout the year such as dinners, banquets and other activities which help foster camaraderie amongst members.
Joining the Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey is an excellent way for regular Freemasons who have achieved the third degree to further their knowledge and understanding of Masonry while enjoying fellowship with other like-minded Masons from around Surrey. By joining this organization, Masons can gain access to valuable resources that can help them on their journey towards enlightenment within Masonry while at the same time making new friends among fellow Masons from all walks of life.
History
The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) is an administrative organization of several small masonic degrees, numbering three in England and four in Scotland. It was formed in 1845 by the union of two older organizations: the Order of the Royal and Select Masters, and the Order of Knights Templar Priests. The AMD has grown to become an international order with members in many countries throughout the world. It is a Christian-oriented body, whose members must profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal savior. The AMD’s principles and beliefs are based on those of both the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, as well as on those of other Masonic orders.
Structure
The Allied Masonic Degrees is composed of three distinct units known as ‘Councils’: Councils of Royal & Select Masters, Councils of Knights Templar Priests, and Councils of Cryptic Masons. Each Council administers its own individual rituals and ceremonies for its members to become proficient in its teachings. All three Councils have their own Grand Master who governs them independently but still within the general framework of the Allied Masonic Degrees.
Principles & Beliefs
The Allied Masonic Degrees are based on both Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry, as well as other Masonic orders. Its beliefs include faith in God, respect for all people regardless of religion or race, service to humanity through charitable work, fidelity to truth and justice, respect for law, maintenance of secrecy with regard to rituals and ceremonies performed by its members, development and preservation of fraternal relations between its members worldwide, promotion of a moral life style amongst all Freemasons, and an unwavering commitment to tolerance amongst all men regardless of creed or color.
In addition to these core principles, AMD also stresses the importance of charity work; many AMD Lodges run regular fundraising events for local charities or other organisations that help those less fortunate than themselves. They also believe that Freemasonry should be used as a tool to benefit society as a whole by promoting brotherhood between men from different backgrounds and building strong relationships between individuals from different cultures or countries. This helps create greater understanding between nations which can lead to peace through mutual understanding rather than conflict through misunderstanding or ignorance.
Ceremonies and Rituals in the Allied Masonic Degrees
The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) are a set of supplementary Masonic degrees open only to Master Masons in good standing. These degrees are mostly based on the historical and allegorical connections between Freemasonry and other orders of chivalry, such as the Knights Templar. The AMD has its own unique ceremonies and rituals that are based on the symbolism of Freemasonry, as well as some of the ritual elements associated with other fraternal organizations.
The AMD is divided into two distinct sections: the Historical Degrees and the Chivalric Degrees. The Historical Degrees are four in number – Grand Master Adam, Grand Master Noah, Grand Master Moses and Grand Master Solomon – which focus on themes related to early Christian history and biblical figures. The Chivalric Degrees consist of four additional degrees – Knight of Constantinople, Knight Crusader of Jerusalem, Knight Kadosh and Knight Rose Croix – which focus on themes related to medieval chivalry and Christian military orders.
Each degree is accompanied by its own set of rituals and ceremonies that are designed to convey a moral lesson or spiritual truth. These rituals often involve symbolic objects such as swords, books or candles that represent certain virtues or qualities that a Mason should strive for in his life. For instance, in the Knight Kadosh degree the candidate is presented with a sword as a symbol of courage and strength in defending justice. In addition, certain degree ceremonies also contain dramatic enactments which illustrate certain moral truths or principles.
AMD ceremonies also contain various forms of symbolism which have been adapted from other fraternal orders or societies. For example, during some AMD rituals symbols such as crosses or stars may be used to represent particular virtues or aspects of Christian faith. Furthermore, many AMD rituals involve specific words that have been chosen for their symbolic meaning rather than their literal meaning; these words may be taken from ancient languages such as Latin or Greek, or from other fraternal organizations’ traditions.
The ceremonies associated with each individual degree can vary depending on jurisdiction; however there are some common elements that appear throughout all AMD rituals worldwide.
Benefits of Joining the Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey
Joining the Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey (AMDS) can bring many great benefits to members. There are a number of ways in which members can benefit from belonging to this organization, including:
- Mentorship and friendship: AMDS offers a supportive environment for members to connect with one another, offering advice and guidance. This can be especially helpful for those who are new to Freemasonry or those looking to further their knowledge.
- Networking opportunities: AMDS provides members with the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals in their area, as well as those from around the world. This can lead to great networking opportunities that could help a member’s business or career.
- A chance to give back: Through fundraisers, charity events, and other initiatives, AMDS encourages member involvement in local and global charities. Members are encouraged to use their talents and resources for the betterment of others.
- Education: AMDS provides regular lectures and seminars on a wide variety of topics related to Freemasonry. These events offer an opportunity for members to expand their knowledge base and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry.
In addition, AMDS offers social events throughout the year where members can come together and enjoy each other’s company. These events are a great way for members to relax and unwind after a long day at work or school. The organization also hosts conferences where members can share best practices with one another.
Overall, joining AMDS is a great way for Freemasons of all levels of experience to find friendship, networking opportunities, education, and more. With so many benefits available it’s no wonder why so many people choose this organization as part of their Masonic journey.
Events and Activities Organized by the Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey
The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey is a dedicated organization aimed at uniting Masons of good standing to foster greater fellowship and understanding among its members. They organize a variety of events and activities which are designed to bring together Masons from all walks of life, as well as encourage the growth of Masonry in the local area.
Some of these events include lectures on various aspects of Masonry, such as its history and development, its principles and practices, as well as its place in modern society. These lectures are open to all Masons, regardless of their rank or lodge membership. The lectures also feature guest speakers from around the world who are well-versed in the topic being discussed.
The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey also organizes social gatherings such as dinners and banquets for members to get together and enjoy each other’s company. These events are usually held at a local restaurant or hall where members can enjoy a meal together while discussing topics related to Masonry.
The organization also holds workshops on various aspects of Masonry which are open to both current and prospective members. These workshops typically involve lectures on topics related to Masonic philosophy, rituals, symbolism, and other related topics. They also provide an opportunity for members to interact with each other in a more intimate setting than is possible in large lecture halls or banquet halls.
The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey also organizes trips for its members throughout the year which provide an opportunity for them to visit places of historical significance related to Masonry or simply enjoy some leisurely activities in beautiful locations. These trips can range from day trips within the state or province where the lodge is located, all the way up to international excursions around the world.
Therefore, the organization organizes special events such as charity fundraisers or ceremonies commemorating important milestones within Masonry’s history. These activities allow current members to give back to their community while also helping prospective Masons understand more about what being a part of this fraternity entails.
In conclusion, The Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey offers a wide variety of events and activities that are designed to bring together Masons from all walks of life while encouraging further understanding and appreciation for this ancient fraternity’s values and principles.
Final Words On Allied Masonic Degrees Surrey
The Allied Masonic Degrees of Surrey represents an incredible opportunity for Freemasonry. It is one of the few societies that offers members the chance to explore a vast array of different topics and ideas, and it is also a great way to make connections with like-minded people. It is a great way to gain knowledge and understanding of Freemasonry, as well as helping members to further their own personal development.
The society has proved itself to be a valuable resource for both new members and existing members, providing them with the chance to learn and grow. It is also a great place to meet new people and build relationships that last beyond the society itself.
Overall, the Allied Masonic Degrees of Surrey represents an excellent platform on which to explore Freemasonry in all its forms. Its dedication to education and intellectual growth makes it an ideal choice for any aspiring Freemason. With its vast selection of topics, it provides a great opportunity for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of this fascinating subject.
In conclusion, the Allied Masonic Degrees of Surrey is an essential part of any Freemason’s journey. Its commitment to learning, understanding, and personal growth make it a great choice for anyone looking to take their studies into the depths of Freemasonry. It is well worth exploring this society in greater depth if you are interested in deepening your knowledge or looking for ways to improve your practice as a Mason.
Each degree is accompanied by its own set of rituals and ceremonies that are designed to convey a moral lesson or spiritual truth. These rituals often involve symbolic objects such as swords, books or candles that represent certain virtues or qualities that a Mason should strive for in his life. For instance, in the Knight Kadosh degree the candidate is presented with a sword as a symbol of courage and strength in defending justice. In addition, certain degree ceremonies also contain dramatic enactments which illustrate certain moral truths or principles.