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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. On
January 19, 2008, Lewis & Clark York Rite College #199
received its charter, complimenting the rich tradition of
"Freemasonry in Siouxland."
PURPOSES
The purpose of the York Rite Sovereign
College of North America, as set forth in its Constitution and
By-Laws, are as follows:
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To foster a spirit of cooperation an
coordination among each of the Bodies of York Rite
Masonry.
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To assist in worthy efforts to improve
the ritualistic and dramatic presentation of York Rite
work.
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To conduct an education program in order
to inculcate a greater appreciation of the principles,
ideals and programs of York Rite Masonry.
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To strengthen York Rite Masonry in every
possible manner.
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To build up a love of country and to aid
and support genuine Americanism.
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To reward outstanding service to York
Rite Masonry by awards, honors and other methods of proper
recognition.
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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 |
