Masonic Calendar

The Following Information regarding dates adopted by the various bodies of Masonry, should be of interest.

Ancient Craft Masons commence this era with the creation of the world, calling it Anno Lucis (A.L.), "in the year of light." Add 4000 years to the common era, thus: 1995 + 4000 = 5995.

Royal Arch Masons date from the year the second temple was commenced by Zerubbabel, Anno Inventionis (A.I.), "in the year of the discovery." Add 530 years to the common era, thus: 1995 + 530 = 2525.

Order of High Priesthood dates from the year of the blessing of Abraham by the High Priest Melchisedec, Anno Benefacio (A.B.), "in the year of blessing." Add 1913 to the common era, thus: 1995 + 1913 = 3908.

Cryptic Masons date from the year in which the temple of Solomon was completed, Anno Depositionis (A. Dep.), "in the year of the deposit." Add 1000 years to the common, thus: 1995 + 1000 = 2995.

Knights Templar commence their era with the organization of their Order, Anno Ordinid (A.O.), "in the year of the Order." Take 1118 from the common era, thus: 1995 - 1118 = 877.

Scottish Rite is the same as Ancient Craft Masons, except the Jewish chronology is used, Anno Mundi (A.M.), "in the year of the world." Add 3760 to the common era, thus: 1995 + 3760 = 5755. After September add another year.