welcome to york rite sovereign college of north america
The York Rite Sovereign College of North America exists primarily to be of service to the York Rite of Freemasonry. Constituent colleges must declare fealty to the Grand Lodge of their respective jurisdictions. The pre-requisite for membership, which is by invitation only, is good standing in all four York Rite bodies: Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery or Preceptory (Canada.)
A Great Future Starts Here
FOUNDERS MEETING – June 5, 1957
(Left to right) George J. Ristow, Clifford A. Taylor, W. Edward Dewey,
Francis M. Dodge, James Fairbairn Smith, Richard W. Lewis
Robert S. Spencer
Lewis and his companions were beginning to evolve a different concept, a different approach to the problem of coordination of York Rite activities. To overcome the problem of separation and self-interest, they conceived of a new York Rite Body which would require its members to belong to Chapter, Council and Commandery, and would have as its primary purpose the giving of whatever aid was most appropriate to the other York Bodies in its area. It would provide a place for York Rite Masons to meet and work together, not as Chapter, Council, or Commander members, but as York Rite Masons. Excerpt from York Rite Sovereign College History Book
A Message from our Governor General
Dear Distinguished Brethren and Companion Knights,
Welcome to the York Rite Sovereign College webpage!
Please take the time to look around, as it has a lot of information that should be useful to you.
I especially hope that you look at the RESOURCES section. Here you will find the many forms needed for the proper operation of your respective Colleges, and copies of the Directory and Proceedings. It is planned that we will soon have an EDUCATION section, where you will find many articles that you can use for College presentation, as well as being able to present these articles to the Lodges, Chapters, Council or Commanderies or Preceptories in your areas. Your Education Committee is working hard to have these ready for you in the next few months. There are also plans to have suggestions for PATRIOTIC programs added as well.
As we embark on this new Biennium, allow me to congratulate Grand Governor Bobbie E. White from Missouri and his entire team for a very successful 65th General Assembly. I also want to offer my personal congratulations to the newest Associate Regents of the Gene H. Schaber class. You witnessed a TERRIFIC conferral by the OPC Team. My hardiest congratulations to them as well. WELL DONE!
Our emphasize this biennium will be on education, patriotism and our youth. By providing programs to assist our colleges with education and patriotism, we can accomplish two of the purposes of our Order. And I feel we need to stress our support for our youth.
Companion Knights, please consider a visit to one of their conclaves or assemblies. Your financial support is always welcomed, and needed, but it is important for us to demonstrate our support in a more visual manner. Your presence and your encouragement will go a long way in accomplishing this objective.
Let’s work together to make our Colleges stronger and continue to lead in our respective jurisdictions.
M.Pre.Em.Dist.Bro. J. WILLIAM RIGGS, KCPC, KGCY
Governor General 2022 – 2024
Get Involved
SPENCER AWARD
The fundamental purpose of the Spencer Award is to encourage all Colleges to participate in activities that promote the York Rite of Freemasonry and fulfill the purposes of the College as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws. The purposes of the College are:
- To foster a spirit of co-operation and co-ordination among all bodies of York Rite Masonry.
- To assist in worthy efforts to improve the ritualistic and dramatic presentation of York Rite work.
- To conduct an educational program in order to inculcate greater appreciation of the principles, ideals and programs of York Rite Masonry.
- To strengthen York Rite Masonry in every way possible.
- To build up a love of country and to aid and support genuine Patriotism.
- To reward outstanding service to York Rite Masonry by awards, honors and other methods of proper recognition.
- To support charitable and benevolent endeavors of Freemasonry.
Each College submits, with its Annual Returns, an “Activity Report” covering the period from June 1st to May 31st the following year. A comprehensive set of variables is considered when evaluating each College’s Activity Report. Each variable is weighed, and the total number of points accumulated determines the strength of the College. A copy of the Activity Report can be viewed in the Forms.
OBJECTIVES and AWARDS
The Spencer Award is designed to bring Companion Knights together by:
- Strengthening the College by providing a guideline for activities.
- Fostering effectiveness of the Officers by encouraging leadership and service.
- Emphasizing a balanced program by providing a diverse range of activities.
- Providing a simple means of reporting College activities.
- Providing recognition for accomplishment.
- Providing a means of documenting activities to facilitate future planning.
- Each College achieving 100 points or more is designated an “Honor College” for that year and its name is published on the list of “Honor Colleges” in the Proceedings.
- The “Top Ten” Colleges and their Governors are recognized at the General Assembly of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.
- The College and its Governor achieving the most points is recognized at the General Assembly of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America and presented the “Spencer Award Plaque” to keep for the year. It has its name and the year engraved thereon as a permanent record.
York Rite Crusader
Stay up-to-date on our latest news, download the latest crusader here.
Announcement
The 63rd General Assembly has been turned into two separate virtual meetings.