What Are the Allied Masonic Degrees? History, Degrees, Symbolism and Regalia
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What Are the Allied Masonic Degrees? History, Degrees, Symbolism and Regalia
The Allied Masonic Degrees, commonly abbreviated as AMD, are a collection of historic Masonic degrees preserved under a single governing body. Unlike the progressive degree systems found in Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch or the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the Allied Masonic Degrees bring together several ceremonies that developed independently and do not form one continuous sequence.
These ceremonies survived because generations of Freemasons recognised their historical, moral and educational value. Today, the Order offers qualified Brethren an opportunity to explore lesser-known traditions that expand upon themes encountered in Craft, Mark and Royal Arch Masonry.
Explore the complete Allied Masonic Degrees Regalia Collection at Luxe Regalia.
Why Are They Called the “Allied” Masonic Degrees?
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many additional Masonic ceremonies were practised by individual Lodges and groups of Freemasons. Some were connected with biblical history, while others concentrated on morality, leadership, humility, truth or fidelity to principle.
As the major branches of Freemasonry became more formally organised, a number of these independent degrees were left without a permanent administrative home. Rather than allowing them to disappear, they were eventually brought together—or allied—under one governing authority.
The Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees in England and Wales was established during the late nineteenth century, with its headquarters at Mark Masons’ Hall in London. Its purpose was not to create a completely new Masonic system, but to preserve and regulate ceremonies that had previously existed independently.
Because AMD traditions vary between countries, the degrees, membership requirements, titles and regalia used in one jurisdiction may differ from those used in another.
Who Can Join the Allied Masonic Degrees?
Membership requirements depend upon the governing constitution.
Under the English system, a prospective candidate must generally be:
A Master Mason;
A Mark Master Mason; and
A Royal Arch Mason.
The five degrees worked under the English Grand Council are open to qualified Brethren of any faith. In other jurisdictions, particularly parts of the United States, AMD membership may be honorary, invitational and restricted to a limited number of members within each Council.
A Brother should therefore confirm the requirements of his local Grand Council before purchasing or wearing any particular regalia.
Brethren preparing for related Masonic Orders can also explore:
Order of Mark Master Mason Regalia
General Masonic Regalia and Accessories
How Is the Allied Masonic Degrees Order Organised?
Local AMD bodies are normally known as Councils, rather than Lodges or Chapters. Each Council operates under the authority of its Grand Council and conducts meetings, ceremonies, lectures and administrative business according to the rules of its jurisdiction.
The presiding officer of a Council is commonly styled the Sovereign Master. Other offices and titles may differ according to the constitution under which the Council operates.
The Order is particularly valued for its combination of:
Historic ritual;
Biblical and moral instruction;
Masonic research;
Fellowship between experienced Brethren;
Dramatic ceremonial work; and
The preservation of rare Masonic traditions.
The Five Allied Masonic Degrees Under the English Constitution
The Grand Council of the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and Districts and Councils Overseas administers five principal degrees.
1. St Lawrence the Martyr
The Degree of St Lawrence the Martyr is the first degree received under the English system.
It recounts the example of St Lawrence, who remained loyal to his responsibilities and principles despite persecution and the threat of death. Its central teachings include:
Integrity;
Courage;
Faithfulness;
Fortitude;
Responsibility; and
Refusing to betray one’s principles for personal safety.
The traditional jewel is associated with the gridiron upon which St Lawrence is said to have suffered martyrdom.
2. Knight of Constantinople
The Knight of Constantinople Degree concerns the relationship between an emperor and his subjects. Although parts of the ceremony may be light-hearted and entertaining, it communicates a serious lesson about humility.
The Degree warns against becoming overly impressed by rank, authority or outward importance. It reminds the candidate that genuine honour is demonstrated through character and conduct rather than titles alone.
Its teachings include:
Humility;
Equality;
Responsible leadership;
Respect for others; and
Avoiding pride and self-importance.
3. Grand Tilers of Solomon
The Grand Tilers of Solomon is a dramatic ceremony associated with a secret vault beneath King Solomon’s Temple.
Its principal lesson concerns the danger of acting upon incomplete information. The Degree encourages the candidate to examine evidence carefully and avoid making serious judgments in haste.
Its teachings include:
Patience;
Justice;
Caution;
Proper investigation;
Loyalty; and
The danger of premature judgment.
The symbolism of the Degree makes extensive use of the Temple tradition and emblems connected with secrecy, guardianship and sacred responsibility.
4. Red Cross of Babylon
The Red Cross of Babylon explores events associated with Zerubbabel and the return from the Babylonian captivity.
The ceremony explains how Zerubbabel sought permission to continue rebuilding the Temple at Jerusalem. It therefore helps connect important themes found in Craft Masonry with those encountered in the Holy Royal Arch.
Its great lesson is the supreme importance of truth. Authority, wealth and influence may have power, but truth remains enduring and ultimately victorious.
Its teachings include:
Truth;
Fidelity;
Courage before authority;
Perseverance;
Restoration; and
Service to a sacred purpose.
5. Grand High Priest
The Grand High Priest is often regarded as an especially solemn and uplifting ceremony. The candidate is symbolically anointed, consecrated and set apart for service in the High Priesthood.
Many members consider it appropriate for this Degree to be received after the other four, although local practice and ceremonial sequencing may vary.
Its teachings include:
Spiritual responsibility;
Consecrated service;
Reverence;
Leadership;
Dedication to God; and
The duties associated with sacred office.
Allied Masonic Degrees in Other Countries
The structure of AMD is not identical throughout the world.
In the United States, Allied Masonic Degrees Councils preserve a larger collection of detached or honorary degrees. Membership is traditionally invitational and may be limited to a fixed number of members in each Council.
Some degrees or titles found in American AMD practice are administered by completely separate Masonic Orders in England, Australia or other countries. Likewise, a sash, apron, jewel or title that is correct in one jurisdiction may not be appropriate in another.
This makes it important to check:
The governing Grand Council;
The member’s exact degree or office;
The approved colours and dimensions;
Whether the item is for a member, current officer, past officer or Grand Officer; and
Local rules governing jewels and ceremonial dress.
Allied Masonic Degrees Regalia
AMD regalia differs considerably between jurisdictions and ranks. It may include:
Aprons;
Collars and collarettes;
Breast jewels;
Sashes;
Officer jewels;
Degree jewels;
Past Sovereign Master regalia;
Grand Officer regalia; and
Composite jewels representing several AMD degrees.
One of the most recognisable items is the Allied Masonic Degrees Composite Breast Jewel. Its pentagonal design incorporates emblems associated with the five degrees worked under the English system and is suspended from a green ribbon.
Members may also require the Member Green Apron – Allied Masonic Degrees, depending upon their jurisdiction and local dress regulations.
For those serving as the presiding officer of a Council, Luxe Regalia offers the Worshipful Master Green Apron – Allied Masonic Degrees. Local terminology may use “Sovereign Master,” so the purchaser should confirm that the design corresponds with the requirements of his Council.
Brethren who have completed service in the chair can view the Past Sovereign Master Apron – Allied Masonic Degrees.
Officer or honour jewels may be displayed from an appropriate Allied Masonic Degrees 50mm Collarette, subject to the regulations of the wearer’s Grand Council.
The Meaning of Green in AMD Regalia
Green is strongly associated with Allied Masonic Degrees regalia in several jurisdictions. It is traditionally connected with:
Life;
Renewal;
Growth;
Hope;
Knowledge;
Immortality; and
Continued development in Masonic understanding.
The use of green also gives AMD regalia a distinctive visual identity, separating it from the blue of Craft Masonry, the crimson of the Royal Arch and the many colours associated with other appendant Orders.
However, not every AMD degree uses green exclusively. Individual degree jewels and sashes may incorporate red, orange, blue, grey, black or gold according to their particular symbolism.
Why Do Freemasons Join the Allied Masonic Degrees?
The Allied Masonic Degrees appeal particularly to Brethren who enjoy Masonic history, ritual, symbolism and research.
The Order gives experienced Freemasons the opportunity to examine ceremonies that might otherwise have disappeared. Each degree presents a separate moral lesson rather than simply increasing the member’s numerical rank.
Members frequently value AMD for:
Its preservation of historic ceremonies;
Its smaller and more intimate Councils;
The quality of its ritual work;
Its connection with Mark and Royal Arch traditions;
Opportunities for Masonic research and education;
Fellowship between active and experienced Brethren; and
The distinct moral lesson contained within each degree.
AMD should therefore not be understood merely as a collection of additional titles. At its best, it is a school of Masonic history and morality in which old ceremonies are preserved, studied and presented for the instruction of future generations.
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Luxe Regalia supplies a growing selection of AMD aprons, jewels, collarettes, sashes and ceremonial accessories for members and officers working under different Masonic constitutions.
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Before ordering, please verify your correct rank, office, jurisdiction and regalia requirements with your Council Secretary or governing Grand Council. Designs and permitted styles can differ between countries, constitutions and individual degrees.