Craft Freemasonry
Feemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progressive series of morality stories, delivered as ceremonies. Members are expected to be of good character and high moral standing. All Freemasons are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry. For initial research about world-wide constitutional "English" Freemasonry, visit the website of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). For further detail about Craft Freemasonry in Colchester, click here.
Royal Arch Masonry
The Royal Arch is the continuation of Craft Freemasonry. Its members, called Companions, meet in Chapters under a Grand Chapter. In England the Royal Arch has four ceremonies: the exaltation ceremony to bring in new members and an installation ceremony for each of the three Principals. The exaltation ceremony is in two parts: a rather dramatic presentation of the principles of the Order followed by three Lectures in which the history, symbolism and principles of the Royal Arch are further explained. Like Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch is open to men of all faiths. Visit the website of Supreme Grand Chapter for further information abot the Order. Click here for further information about Royal Arch Masonry in Colchester.
Rose Croix Freemasonry
As the craft degrees have evolved, so too have independent Orders of Freemasonry and rituals peculiar to them. Prominent among them in England and Wales is the Ancient and Accepted Rite, whose Chapters are grouped into Districts and administered by a Supreme Council, which is also responsible for certain Districts and Chapters overseas. It chooses to accept the three craft degrees of UGLE as a qualification for entry into a Chapter, rather than administering entry degrees of its own. Progression to further degrees is then within Chapters, and in ceremonies generally conducted by the Supreme Council itself. For further information about Rose Croix Freemasonry make the website of the Supreme Council your first stop. For further information about Rose Croix Freemasonry in Colchester, click here.
Mark Masonry
Similarly to Craft Freemasonry, the Mark Degree conveys moral and ethical lessons using a ritualised allegory based around the building of King Solomon's Temple. The events of the degree require the candidate to undertake the role of a Fellowcraft, thus the degree is seen as an extension of the Fellowcraft Degree. The legend reconciles the Anglo-American version of the Hiramic legend with the 3,300 Master Masons of Anderson's constitutions, making them Mark Masters, or overseers. The candidate is helped to choose a Mason's mark, and thereby introduced to another extension of the Hiramic myth, relating to the manufacture, loss, and re-finding of the keystone of the Royal Arch of that degree. The link between the degrees of Master Mason, Mark Master Mason and the Royal Arch is further demonstrated in the Order of Royal and Select Masters. An explanation of Mark Masonry and its history can be found here. Further further information about Mark Master Masonry in Colchester, click here.
Order of Athelstan
The Masonic Order of Athelstan is a relatively new order having been formed in 2005. The ceremonial aspect uses legend and allegory to tell a story and highlight good ethical conduct and behaviour. The Order uses the legend of Athelstan's York Assembly of 926 as a framework and conduit, aiming to bring to life the 926 Court held in York to educate and raise the quality of masonry in 10th Century England and in so doing to prompt further study and research. As such meetings are held in a Court and candidates are ‘Instructed’ into the Order. For further information visit the Grand Court Website. For further detail about the Order of Athelstan in Colchester, click here.