ORIGIN OF THE COLLEGE

The York Rite Sovereign College of North America came into being in the City of Detroit, Michigan on January 6, 1957. It was the result of a meeting called by Richard W. Lewis, Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Michigan, and attended by the heads of the four Michigan York Rite grand Bodies and a number of distinguished Masonic leaders from other States. These founders, responding to a need which had long been recognized in the York Rite, outlined the structure and purpose of the new organization and arranged for its incorporation.

PURPOSES

The purpose of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, as set forth in its Constitution and By-Laws, are as follows:

• To foster a spirit of cooperation an coordination among each of the Bodies of York Rite Masonry.
• To assist in worthy efforts to improve the ritualistic and dramatic presentation of York Rite work.
• To conduct an education program in order to inculcate a greater appreciation of the principles, ideals and programs of York Rite Masonry.
• To strengthen York Rite Masonry in every possible manner.
• To build up a love of country and to aid and support genuine Americanism.
• To reward outstanding service to York Rite Masonry by awards, honors and other methods of proper recognition.
• To support Charitable and Benevolent Endeavors of Freemasonry.

YORK RITE COLLEGES

The first York Rite College was constituted on June 15, 1957 in the City of Jackson, Michigan. From here, the new organization spread rapidly from coast to coast and from north to south and by 1970 Colleges had been established in fourteen States and one Province of Canada.

Membership in a College is by invitation, and is restricted to those who hold membership in all of the other York Rite bodies. Since the primary object of every College is to foster a spirit of service and to promote and support the York Rite in every way possible, it is no surprise to find many of the leaders of the Craft numbered among its ranks. Here they find a common ground from which the can act for the welfare of all York Rite bodies without special favor to any. Colleges have been active in the organization of York Rite Festivals, degree teams, drill corps, and many other functions which serve to assist, coordinate, and unify the Rite.

*Information from the York Rite Sovereign College of North America Detroit, Michigan