Info Request: Grand College of Rites of the United States of America

[Tony Siciliano]

I've noticed the designation "F.G.C.R." in their signature block. After a quick bit of Google-Fu, I discovered the GCR.

Fellows of the GCR: What can you tell us about the GCR? It looks interesting, but (in true Masonic organization fashion) the website is a little... thin.

Thanks.

 

[Bill Lins]

a quick bit of Google-Fu

Is that the same thing as Kung-Foogle? :wink:

 

[tom268]

The GCR brings up great publications about no longer operated rituals and degrees. It is a bit like a research society. They meet once a year at the Masonic Week. Otherwise, response is usually very slow. You need patience to contact them. Maybe it is better from within the USA. I tried to become a member, but besides the fact that I wait a bit over a year now for a reply (although I know a brother among the officers), it is too expensive from my country to pay the dues. I would have to pay $60 bank transaction fee to pay the $40 annual dues. Bad deal! But I think, from inside the US, it will be much easier to get in contact.

 

[chancerobinson]

Dues are $15 annually with first year application fee and dues totaling $35. As the brother stated with membership you will receive an annual publication of no longer operated rituals and degrees, titled Collectanea and currently compiled by Brother Arturo de Hoyos. For 2009 the publication included the Degrees of the Egyptian Rite of Memphis (19° - 45°). And as the brother stated his experience, in my experience also it was some time before a response was received regarding my submitted petition, but in due time such was received.

 

[tom268]

Sorry for mixing up with the dues and the application fee. You are right, of course.

 

[chancerobinson]

In response to your original question Brother Siciliano, as Brother Tom stated the group meets annually during Masonic Week and provides an annual book of defunct Masonic Rites and degrees. Essentially I consider my membership an annual $15 purchase of a book of defunct degrees as I do not attend Masonic Week in DC.

My understanding is that the Grand College of Rites is essentially a keeper of all degrees and rites not currently worked by regular Masonic bodies. In addition to providing Masons the privilege of reading and studying now defunct degrees with its annual publication; the GCR also serves to eliminate attempts to sporadically resuscitate defunct degrees and rites such as the 96 degrees of the Rite of Memphis.