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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 |
