Grand Jurisdictions

Today in Masonic History we discuss Grand Jurisdictions.

Grand Jurisdictions is an organizational structure of Freemasonry.

A Grand Jurisdiction is the area controlled by a Grand Lodge or a Grand Orient depending on its location.

In 1717 the first Grand Lodge was formed by four lodges in London, England. A Grand Lodge or Grand Orient is responsible for the organization, governing policies and functioning of what are called subordinate lodges. These are often referred to as regular lodges particularly those associated with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).

When the four original lodges formed the first or Premiere Grand Lodge, they became what are called "time immemorial lodges." Time immemorial lodges are in the unique position to have variances from the normal constitutions of the UGLE. Only three of the original four lodges are still in existence.

As new Grand Lodges and Grand Orients formed it became necessary for the Grand Jurisdictions to recognize each other. There are various levels of recognition between them. The highest level of recognition is amity. When two Grand Jurisdictions seek to have amity it is generally the newer who petitions the older. Part of this process is the review of the landmarks and constitutions associated with each Grand Jurisdiction. They are not required to be identical, although generally are close in content.

In the late 1800's a split came in the nature of Grand Jurisdictions particularly in Europe. The schism came when the Grand Orient of France (GOdF) changed their constitution removing references to the Grand Architect of the Universe (GAOTU). This caused the UGLE to break off amity with them causing the two Grand Jurisdiction systems to be formed. The two systems were the Continental style and Anglo style. The Continental style models itself after the Grand Orient of France (Grand Orients), where the Anglo style models itself after the UGLE (Grand Lodges).

There are countless Grand Jurisdictions around the world. Every one is self governed and recognize amity with other Grand Jurisdictions of their choosing. The one thing they share in common is for their Jurisdiction and subordinate lodges there is no higher authority. The decisions of any one Grand Jurisdiction are not necessarily shared by another.

Prior to the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, individual lodges possessed the power to create new lodges. After their creation, there was little to no oversight by the "Mother Lodge."

The formation of the Grand Lodge of England also created confusion for some, in and out of the fraternity. The 1717 date is often mistakenly believed to be the start of Freemasonry, specifically it's speculative form. There is an abundance of evidence contradicting this opinion.

The formation of Grand Lodges (or Orients) became a radical shift in the governance of Freemasonry.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.