Welcome to all Fellows and Visitors
The Grand College of Rites is a regular Masonic body, dedicated to preserving the history and rituals of defunct and inactive Masonic orders.
The Grand College of Rites was formed at 9:25pm on May 12, 1932 in Washington, D.C. when the Sovereign Sanctuary of the Egyptian Masonic Rite of Memphis unanimously voted to “surrender the Sovereignty of its three Rites for the purpose of being absorbed by the Grand College of Rites about to be convened.” After its formation several other Masonic organizations also transferred their final authority into the bosom of the GCR, making it the only regular Masonic body in the United States with authority over the Rites of Memphis, Misraim, the Free and Accepted Architects, and more. Those interested can read the full details of the formation of the GCR USA by visiting the following pages – “History of the GCR“, “Constitution of the GCR“, and “Story of the Innovators.”
Any Master Mason holding membership and in good standing in a regular symbolic Lodge recognized by a majority of the Grand Lodges of Freemasonry in the United States of America may petition for membership (click here for a petition) in the Grand College of Rites.
The Grand College of Rites of the United States of America meets annually at the time and place of the Annual Meeting of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America.
The Grand College of Rites publishes its transactions annually. These transactions are known as “Collectanea” and are privately printed for the fellows of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America. Collectanea contains the rituals of various organizations lawfully deposited within our archives. All dues current fellows will receive a copy of the current volume of Collectanea during the first quarter of each year.
Previous volumes of Collectanea are available in limited quantity for purchase by current dues paying fellows only. They may request an Order Form of available back issues by contacting the Grand Registrar using the information contained on the “Contact Us” page on this website.
For additional information including a listing of Current Officers, Past Grand Chancellors, Knight Grand Cross Recipients, and Current News, please visit the “About” page using the menu bar at the top of this page.