Brethren,

The Masonic Order of Athelstan was constituted in the USA on February 8th, 2011 during AMD Week with two Courts established, one in North Carolina and the other in Pennsylvania. The order is relative new in its founding country of England in that it has only been in existence for a little over five years. A slow and deliberate rate of growth has been chosen as the best method to ensure positive results. As you will learn from the attached background information, the Masonic Order of Athelstan instructs its members on many symbols and their meaning that has in some jurisdictions been removed from the Craft Lodge. Where these symbols have been retained you will find that they are presented in a more esoteric manner than they are in the Craft Lodge which leads the serious Masonic student down a totally different path of learning and perception. The Masonic Order of Athelstan not only complements the Craft Lodge experience, it stimulates the mind to various new areas of research while renewing the one’s interest in the Craft and Chapter Degrees.

The body is referred to as a “Court”. It is an invitation only organization. Having stated this, if you are interested in joining the Order or establishing a Court in your local jurisdiction please contact me and the appropriate information will be provided to start the process.

Those wishing to join an existing Court, will upon request, be sent a membership application form. Once received, it will be sent to the Screening Committee of the appropriate Court for review. The Screening Committee will make a determination if an invitation is warranted. You will be notified of their decision. The current joining fee is $ 250.00. The annual dues are currently set by the individual Courts and they range from $ 40.00 to $ 60.00 a year.

Those who are interested in possibly establishing a new Court in their Masonic Jurisdiction will be advise of the necessary steps to be taken to obtain approval. No new Courts will be established without the written permission of your respective Grand Lodge. To form a new Court it will require a minimum of 15 active local members to ensure the successful formation of the Court and give it the best chance of not only surviving, but experiencing future growth. After the initial formation of a Court, you are allowed to induct only two individuals per meeting. It is not necessary to have 15 existing members of the Order to form a Court.

Once you have reviewed this information, should you have further questions or need additional information, please contact me. As you may have gathered, I travel extensively for various National and International Masonic Organizations, which on many occasions delay me in responding. But, rest assured each inquiry is important to me and will receive due attention upon my return.

Fraternally Yours,
Bryce B. Hildreth
Deputy Grand Master
bbhildreth@gmail.com