Why the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America?
By Roger S. VanGorden
Founding President
The Masonic Society
There are those who asked why The Masonic Society chooses the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America as our center of union. We read that since the meeting at the Goose and Gridiron in June, 1717 Freemasons have cemented under a Grand Master as their center of union.
Some may disagree, but practice proves that only grand lodges have the authority to judge regularity and grant recognition. We understand that there are numerous obediences. However, this society was founded by Freemasons whose grand lodges belong to the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America. It was their desire to unite brothers interested in the study of Freemasonry under that common bond. This permits a free flow of fellowship without concerns regarding the regularity and recognition of some of the membership becoming divisive. The Masonic Society is simply working within the well-established recognition parameters of the U.S. grand lodge system. Our membership requirements are based solely on the decisions of US and Canadian grand lodges concerning regularity. If they change, likewise, our policy changes automatically.
There are internet discussion forums and list servers in which anyone with an interest in Freemasonry may participate. There is an established research society in which anyone with an interest in Freemasonry may be a member. There is also an established research society in which membership is open to anyone from a Grand Lodge which is regular according to Anderson’s Constitutions. Of course this would exclude members of feminine, co-Masonic, or adogmatic Grand Lodges.
Nevertheless, many opportunities exist for those who may not adhere to the membership requirements of this society. Someone may wish to form a study and research society in which anyone with an interest in Freemasonry may become a member. Certainly, technology provides the opportunity to do so.
For those Freemasons whose Grand Lodges are members of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America, or recognized by a member Grand Lodge, we cordially invite you to join with us in this work.
(If you are not a Freemason and are interested in learning more about joining a Masonic Lodge, please click here.)