In 1880, The Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degree was established. This consisted of St Lawrence the Martyr, Knight of Constantinople, Red Cross of Babylon and Grand High Priest.

In 1902 the Degrees of Grand Tiler of Solomon, Secret Monitor and 33 Degrees of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest were added. In 1925 Knight Templar Priest degrees were given back to Grand College in Newcastle. In 1931 the degree of the Secret Monitor was returned to the Degree of that name. Whilst colourful regalia represents each degree, members are only required to wear 5 jewels, usually miniature form or single composite jewel.

There are five Degrees that are worked in the Order which is open to all Brethren who are both Mark and Royal Arch Masons and of any faith.

St Lawrence the Martyr: This degree must be taken first and explains how Lawrence gave his life rather than betray his principles; Responsibilities, Integrity and Fortitude are lessons to be learned. The Jewel: Gridiron in silver suspended from an orange ribbon with royal blue edging.

The other degrees can be taken in any Order of sequence.

Knight of Constantinople: This Degree concerns the relationship between the Emperor Constantine and his subjects. The ceremony is entertaining and amusing but at the end, the candidate is left in no doubt of the importance of the virtue of humility.

The Jewel: Maltese Cross in gold or gilt suspended from a green ribbon on which are 3 poniards in gold or gilt with the point downwards.

Grand Tiler of Solomon: This degree is very dramatic set In the secret vault beneath the Temple. It reflects on the danger of hasty judgement.

The Jewel: Triangle with the apex pointing downwards in black enamel edged with gold or gilt. Inscribed with the Hebrew characters 27 and on the obverse the Ineffable name in Cabalistic Order suspended from a fiery Red Ribbon with a pale grey edging either side of which is a hand holding a dagger with the point downwards and surmounted by 3 crowns, all in gold or gilt.

Red Cross of Babylon: This Degree fills the gap between the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch and deals with Zerubbabel obtaining permission to commence the rebuilding of the Temple. The lesson here is of the supreme importance of Truth.

The Jewel: Consisting of a7 pointed star on which are two crossed swords which point upwards, in gold or gilt on a green enamel circle suspended from a green ribbon.

Grand High Priest: Many believe that this should be the last Degree taken; the Candidate is anointed, consecrated and set apart to the service of God in the High Priesthood.

This is truly an uplifting ceremony which is rather special.

The Jewel: Consisting of a mitre superimposed on a triangle, apex pointing upwards, in gold or gilt, suspended from a red ribbon.

The Allied Masonic Degrees are open to brethren who are Mark Master Masons and Royal Arch Masons and of any faith.

Website: www.alliedmasonicdegrees.co.uk

Further Information e-mail: dgs@alliedmasonicdegrees.co.uk