Grand Officer Elections 2013

Saturday, 04 May 2013 13:18 Written by Grand Orient USA

2013 ushers in many new changes at the Grand Orient of the United States that maintain our constant push for liberty and freedom. Wherever Freemasonry flourishes so does the individual rights and freedom of people.

M. W. B. Richard Ehrlich was reelected in a unanimous vote to serve a second term as Grand Master. The Assistant Grand Secretary, R.W.B. Bradley Davis, was elected to the office of Grand Secretary. M.W.B. Dale Brown was reelected to the office of Grand Treasurer. The Grand Wardens and other officers are all new and come from various lodges across the country. This represents the first year where the majority of the Grand Orient’s officers are from new lodges, and is indicative of the steady growth of traditional Freemasonry in the United States. What began as a small group of dedicated Freemasons from Halcyon, Sirius and Regulus lodges is blossoming into the future form of all American Freemasonry.

Congratulations to all our new Grand Officers.

State Grand Lodges

Thursday, 27 December 2012 13:17 Written by Grand Orient USA

Due to the size and diversity of the United States the Grand Orient USA will begin issuing Charters to form new state Grand Lodges. In the future these new Masonic bodies will form the Council of the Order, and the Grand Orient will be the annual meeting of the newly formed confederation of Masonic entities. Under the new model the Grand Orient will act to resolve disputes between the Grand Lodges, and ensure the integrity of the fraternity across the country.

Reforming American Freemasonry

Wednesday, 26 December 2012 09:54 Written by Grand Orient USA

At some point all American Freemasons will begin to realize that American Freemasonry cannot be reformed from within the existing system. The Grand Lodge system was redesigned in the early 20th century to be self-perpetuating. The Constitutions and By-Laws were re-written in such a way that meaningful changes could never be made. The only solution to the problems faced by our fraternity is to re-build it from the ground up.

The level of frustration in the existing system is driving many men away from Freemasonry. They try desperately to fix the fraternity from within, but are stopped by the rules designed to perpetuate the existing system. Some are expelled for trying, while most simply walk away, never to return.

The Grand Orient USA was created as an alternative to the existing system. It focuses on the needs of lodges and Masons, and implements the strategies proposed in Richard Graeter’s paper Reform Freemasonry.

If you are tired of reading about the humiliating scandals like those below, and you demand something better, you will have to help create it.

These scandals in American Freemasonry will continue until the good Masons take a stand for what they know to be morally right. Are you ready for real and meaningful changes in Freemasonry? Let’s work together to build a better Masonic system for the future.

Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut

Friday, 14 December 2012 13:52 Written by Grand Orient USA

The Grand Master, Wardens, officers and members of the Grand Orient of the United States of America, Accepted Freemasons, extend our deepest sympathies to the families whose lives have been shattered by the violent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut. You will be in our prayers.

Building Masonic Communities

Wednesday, 12 December 2012 20:13 Written by Grand Orient USA

We believe in people, and as an organization the Grand Orient strives to exceed their expectations. A part of those expectations is the ability to build unique lodges and Masonic communities that focus on a variety of things that are important to Masons. Whether it’s esoteric studies, astronomy clubs, or social activities such as motorcycling or golf, we help our members create meaningful groups and lodges that provide the social, intellectual, and spiritual experiences they desire. Freemasons across America have been asking for more freedom, and the ability to openly explore the many Rites and rituals the fraternity has created over the past three hundred years. Within the Grand Orient all of these things are available to you, and the brothers in your lodge.

What we’re building can change American Freemasonry and restore the concepts of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Together we can bring an end to religious intolerance, unlawful expulsions, and the racial divide in Freemasonry. It can begin with allowing the Scottish Rite the freedom to practice their symbolic degrees, universally recognizing Prince Hall Freemasonry, and bringing an end to the harassment of the Shrine by rogue Grand Masters. We can create new types of lodges that meet the needs of all brothers, and open the doors to Traditional Observance across the country. It’s all possible if enough Masons are willing to believe in the future of the Craft, and make the changes required to reclaim its rightful place in American society.

The Grand Orient is a new beginning for American Freemasonry. It’s what Freemasonry was meant to be. If you’re looking for a new kind of Masonic experience, contact us and learn more about what the future can be with your help. Together we can build a better Freemasonry that can make a real difference in the lives of its members, and the world in which we live.

The future is in your hands. There is nothing American Masons can’t accomplish when we speak with one united voice.

People Of All Faiths Can Be Masons

Wednesday, 12 December 2012 17:34 Written by Grand Orient USA

We adhere to the true and unquestionable Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry. Membership in the Grand Orient of the United States is open to people of all faiths and beliefs. Freemasonry requires only that you believe in a primary source of all things. Some will see this as God, while others may view it in more scientific terms. Freemasonry does not discriminate based on any form of human spirituality.

The vast majority of Masons are men, but there are also female Masons. The Grand Orient recognizes female Freemasonry as a completely legitimate form of the Craft, and is actively working with female and mixed-gender lodges to create a new organization to represent them. This new organization will be fully recognized by the Grand Orient.

Each year the Grand Orient carefully evaluates many possible changes to the fraternity. We listen to what Masons want and expect from the Craft, and then implement the changes necessary for reform and change.

Gran Logia Symbolica de Columbia

Monday, 25 June 2012 23:51 Written by Grand Orient USA

We are proud to include the brothers and sisters of the Grand Symbolic Lodge of Columbia in our list of friends having signed a new Treaty of Amity just a few days ago. This is another step in providing the America’s with Freemasonry that’s inclusive and respectful of others despite their religion, ethnicity or gender.