About the Masonic Order of Athelstan

The Masonic Order of Athelstan is an invitation-only Masonic Order inspired by the life of King Athelstan, who in the early 10th century united the various kingdoms of England to become the first King of all the English. During his reign, he introduced many laws and regulations, including charges and rules for operative masons—principles that continue to influence modern Freemasonry to this day.

Like many Masonic Orders, Athelstan uses legend and allegory within it ritual to convey moral lessons. It aims to provide members with both a guide for living and a thirst for further knowledge. The ritual centres on the story of a young Master Mason attending the Grand Assembly at York and the lessons he receives on Operative Masonry in the 10th century.

Since its foundation in 2005, the Order has grown remarkably, now with Provinces across England and Wales, North and South America, Europe, and the Far East. In addition, standalone Grand Courts thrive in Australia and India.

In England and Wales, the Order’s Provinces are, where possible, arranged to reflect the original kingdoms established by King Athelstan. The Province of Mercia includes the counties of Derbyshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

  The Province of Mercia covers the areas of Shropshire,
Staffordshire, Derbyshire,
Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire.
In England and Wales, the Order of Athelstan is structured so that its Provinces, wherever possible, reflect the ancient Kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxon Period.
In the Masonic Order of Athelstan, individual units are not referred to as Lodges but as Courts, in line with the Anglo-Saxon setting of the Order.
At present, there are seven Courts spread over the vast area of Mercia.

 

 Court Officers are similar to, but not the same as, the Officers in a Craft Lodge. 

For the purpose of comparison, lister below is the Craft equivalent to each Athelstan Officer where appropriate:

Worshipful Master

Eminent Prior (Chaplain)

Senior Warden

Junior Warden

Secretary

Treasurer

Marshall (Director of Ceremonies)

Almoner

Deputy Marshal (ADC)

Senior Deacon

Junior Deacon

Organist

Captain of the Guards (Inner Guard)

Burghs (Stewards)

Guard (Tyler)

The Order is invitational, with existing members inviting suitably qualified brethren to consider joining. However, any Brother with an interest in the Order is warmly encouraged to make that interest known.

Subscriptions are kept to a minimum, and the annual charges levied by both the Province and Grand Court are modest. There is only one alms collection each year, taken at the Installation meeting.