Masonic Research Bodies

Philalethes

The Philalethes Society was founded in 1928 for Freemasons desirous of seeking and spreading Masonic Light. Since 1946, the Society has published Philalethes: The Journal of Masonic Research and Letters, a highly-regarded quarterly magazine focusing on Masonic history, symbolism, philosophy, ritual and art.

Among the original forty Fellows were Harold V. B. Voorhis, Rudyard Kipling, Robert I. Clegg, Louis Black, J. Hugo Tatsch, Charles S. Plumb, Harry L. Haywood, Oswald Wirth and Charles C. Hunt. Other Fellows have included Carl H. Claudy (1936), Arthur Edward Waite (1937), Ray Denslow (1945), Allen E. Roberts (1963), S. Brent Morris (1980), John Mauk Hilliard (1981), Wallace McLeod (1986), Thomas W. Jackson (1991), Robert G. Davis (1993), Leon Zeldis (1994), and Jay Kinney (2010).

Membership is $50 annually, and includes a subscription to the quarterly magazine, Philalethes, as well as other benefits. The Philalethes Society's magazine is currently edited by a brother of Academia Lodge. Those who wish to join this organization may do so securely online.

The Masonic Society

The goal of The Masonic Society is not just to look backward at the history of Freemasonry, but to foster the intellectual, spiritual and social growth of the modern Masonic fraternity. Three of the founding members of Academia Lodge were nominated to be Founding Fellows of TMS.

Membership is $39 annually, and includes a quarterly magazine focusing on Masonic history. Those who wish to join this fine organization may do so online.

The Scottish Rite Research Society

The Scottish Rite Research Society is the most respected Masonic research body in the United States. All SRRS members receive a hardbound copy of its annual journal, the Heredom. It is probably the finest Masonic periodical published in the United States. In addition, members receive the Society's informative quarterly newsletter, the Plumbline, as well as a free bonus book or other gift once per year.

Membership is $45 annually, and life membership (individuals only) is $750. Both can be purchased online.

The Cornerstone Society

For the past decade, this society has held an annual conference at Freemasons Hall in London. There are no publications, but the website features transcripts of many of the presentations.

Canonbury Masonic Research Centre

Canonbury Masonic Research Centre was founded in October 1998 and began work in December the same year. Its purpose is the study of western esotericism and related fields, in particular that of Freemasonry and the traditions linked to it. Our eventual aim is the development of an academic programme.

The Grand College of Rites

The Grand College of Rites of the United States of America is a regular Masonic body open to any Master Mason. It was established in 1932 with the following aims:

• 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.
• 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.
• The collection and preservation of rituals of various Rites, Systems and Orders of Freemasonry ordinarily not available to Masonic students.

The G\C\R\ is concerned largely with preserving the large body of ritual material produced by the now-defunct Masonic Rite of Memphis-Misraïm. Membership is $10 annually and includes their journal, Collectanea.

Northern California Research Lodge

According to W∴ Bro∴ Guy M. Chalmers, a Past Master of the NCRL, the Northern California Research Lodge is focusing on ways in which "we can use the lessons taught in Masonry in our lives and in talking with non-Masons." The NCRL is seeking original papers, but not necessarily scholarly papers, though they are welcome. Instead their emphasis is on "stories from our own lives, written and spoke in plain and everyday language about what Masonry means and how it has changed our lives."

The NCRL meets in various locations around the Bay Area. Anyone desiring more information should contact the NCRL at billmiklos@sbcglobal.net.

The Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield

Established by the university in 2001, the Centre undertakes and promotes objective scholarly research into the historical, social and cultural impact of Freemasonry, with an emphasis on British Masonry. The Centre is developing bibliographies, guides to research resources, and other research aids. The CRF also offers lectures, seminars and conferences. Many of the papers from these events may be found on their website. Topics include fascinating treatments such as "Druidic Myths and Freemasonry."

Of particular interest is their new Masonic CD-ROM series entitled Documents in Freemasonry. The CRF will publish books, and other important primary sources in an affordable electronic format for the convenience of scholars. The first release is a digital version of Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, which includes 9 editions of the book, a browsing and searching interface, analysis of the text's evolution and some digitized images of the 1788 edition.

Although it is not possible to "join" the Centre, their website and other publiclations will remain a major resource for Masonic scholars.

The College of the Consistory

The Guthrie Scottish Rite Bodies started the College of the Consistory in 2000. The College is a home study program on the degrees of the Scottish Rite. The College consists of four schools:

• The School of Perfection (4-14°)
• The School of Religion (15-18°)
• The School of Philosophy (19-30°)
• The School of Masonry (31-32°)

The object of the College is to foster a new generation of Masonic scholars. The College is open to any Scottish Rite Mason in the United States free of charge. Students are expected to pass open-book exams on the Scottish Rite degrees and also to write term papers on each of the Scottish Rite rituals in turn from 4° to 32°. The program requires five years to complete.

If you are interested, it is possible to join online. There is no charge for the course of study.

Southern California Research Lodge

The SCRL is perhaps best-known for its wonderful program whereby they supply a free copy of Allen E. Roberts' book The Craft and Its Symbols to any California Entered Apprentice.

Being a member of this group means receiving monthly a fascinating newsletter packed with tidbits of Masonic information from around California and the world. Often included are issues of the Northern Light, the official magazine of the Scottish Rite's Northern Jurisdiction, USA. Interested brethren are encouraged to apply today.

Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle

Quatuor Coronati Lodge № 2076 is England's Premier Lodge of Masonic Research. Since 1886, QC has been the most productive Masonic research body. While membership is limited in the Lodge itself, many of the benefits of membership are extended to all Masons via the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle. Most notable among these is a subscription to their annual journal, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum—well-known for its critical approach to questions of Masonic history and development.

Members of Academia Lodge are encouraged to become QCCC members. Although the website for QC is antiquated and difficult to use, application materials are available there.

Dormer Masonic Study Circle

The Dormer Study Circle was founded in 1938, and is devoted to the study of Masonic esotericism, rather than historical or academic subjects. "The aim of the Circle is to teach and uphold the highest ideals of Freemasonry, to help brethren towards a better interpretation of Masonic allegory and symbolism, and to guide them to a move profound knowledge and appreciation of the true meaning and purpose of the Craft system. We believe that the Wisdom, the Power, and the Beauty of Freemasonry are the basic forces which can bring Light and inspiration to all who are properly prepared to receive them."

Links

Several sites maintain links for Masonic research bodies. Unfortunately, the majority do not have websites and a significant number of them have been at a diminished activity level for some time. Still, these listings are offered as a means of locating additional resources.

• Research Lodges Worldwide (Swiss Alpina Research Group)
• Paul M. Bessel's List of Masonic Research Lodges