GRAND COLLEGE of RITES

Constitution of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America

The Grand College of Rites is a "regular" Masonic body, dedicated to preserving the history and rituals of defunct and inactive Masonic orders. -more info ("more info" will link to the Constitution of the GCR)

Preamble
The Grand College of Rites has for its major objects:

  1. The study of the history and ritual of all Rites, Systems and Orders of Freemasonry not under the control, jurisdiction and/or stewardship or regularly existing and recognized Masonic bodies.
  2. The elimination of sporadic efforts to resuscitate or perpetuate Rites, Systems and Orders of Freemasonry in the United States, except to bring them under control of the Grand College of Rites.
  3. The collection and preservation of rituals of various Rites, Systems and Orders of Freemasonry ordinarily not available to Masonic students.


Article I--Name
This organization shall be known and designated as "The Grand College of Rites of the United States of America"

Article II--Authority
The Grand College of Rites, as such, in loyal recognition of the regularly and accepted standing of the organized Masonic bodies actively operating in the United States, shall refrain from any encroachment upon their ritualistic systems.

Article III--Membership
Membership (termed "Fellow") in the Grand College of Rites, may be obtained by application of any Master Mason holding membership and in good standing in a regular symbolic Lodge recognized by a majority of the Grand Lodges of Freemasonry in the United States. Members may use the title "F.G.C.R." as a particular designation.

Fellows not residing in the United States or its territories (excluding Canada whose brethren may become normal Fellows) may be elected "Honoris Causa" (Honorary), without paying an entrance fee or yearly donation. Such brethren must be proposed by a Fellow at the Annual Convention."

Those Master Masons who meet the above criteria may obtain a membership petition by clicking here.

Article IV--Fees and Donations
There shall be a joining fee of $10.00 [USD] for membership in the Grand College of Rites. Each Fellow shall contribute a donation of $10.00 annually, to defray the cost of publications of the Grand College, and operating expenses.

A Fellow who fails to donate for two years may be suspended from membership in the Grand College. Reinstatement of any Fellow may be made by payment of donations due at the time of his suspension, plus the current year donation.

A Fellow who has held membership in the Grand College of Rites for thirty years, shall become a Life Fellow, without any further payment of donations. There may be elected Life Fellows, so elected because of outstanding contributions made to Grand College, who shall be exempt from further donations.

Article V--Insignia
The official seal and insignia of the Grand College of Rites shall be a special adaptation of a Greek Cross superimposed on a pair of crossed swords saltaire pointing down, the dross containing: a circle in the center, a square on the bottom arm, a triangle pointing up on the top arm, a five pointed star with one point up surrounding a pentagon on the left arm and Seal of Solomon on the right arm.

Article VI--Officers
The Officers of the Grand College of Rites, all of whom shall be elected by a majority vote at the Annual Convocation, and be installed forthwith, are:


M.Ill. Grand Chancellor
R.Ill. Senior Vice-Chancellor
R.Ill. Junior Vice-Chancellor
R.Ill. Grand Registrar
R.Ill. Grand High Prelate
R.Ill. Grand Archivist
R.Ill. Grand Redactor
R.Ill. Grand Mareschal
R.Ill. Grand Seneschal


Article VII--Titles
The title of the Grand Chancellor and the Past Grand Chancellors shall be "Most Illustrious," and that of the other Grand Officers and Past Grand Officers "Right Illustrious."

Article VIII--Convocations
Meetings of the Grand College of Rites shall be termed "Convocations." There shall be an Annual Convocation at such time and place in February as determines by the Most Illustrious Grand Chancellor, who may convoke Special Convocations at such time and place as may be expedient, by notice to the Fellowship fifteen (15) days before the date of any such Convocation. In case of emergency the Most Illustrious Grand Chancellor may change the time and place of the Annual Convocation-with due notice to the Fellowship.

Article IX--Quorum
A quorum of the Grand College of Rites shall be fifteen Fellows, including one of the first three Grand Officers. In the absence of the first three Grand Officers, the Most Illustrious Grand Chancellor shall designate and appoint any Past Grand Chancellor to preside, who will have the powers and rights of the Most Illustrious Grand chancellor during the Convocation. Honorary Fellows shall have a voice but no vote in Grand College.

Article X--Committees
The Standing Committees of Grand College shall be appointed by the Grand Chancellor and shall include:

1) Financial Review
2) Publications
3) Necrology
4) Registration
5) Grand Chancellor's Allocution
6) Board of General Purposes
7) Nominating

Article XI--Amendments
This Constitution may be amended, altered or changed at any Annual Convocation of the Grand College of Rites by and affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Fellows present and voting.

(Adopted: May 12, 1932; Amended: 2/21/37, 2/22/58, 2/2/70, 2/22/91, 2/18/94, 2/24/95)