Draft:Order of Athelstan

The Order of Athelstan (Masonic Order of Athelstan in England, Wales and its Provinces Overseas) or Masonic Order of Athelstan is a strictly invitational, Masonic order that has 'Courts' based around the world. The order was founded in 2005. It takes into account Æthelstan's history and legends surrounding the King, while also focusing on the History and development of Freemasonry. The ceremonial rituals use allegory to encourage strong ethics, and surround the legend of Athelstan's York Assembly in 926.

Units of the Order are called Courts, which are assigned to a Province. In England and Wales the provinces represent ancient kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxons.

History
The Masonic order was founded by a group of Freemasons who were focusing on early Masonic history and the Ancient Charges of Freemasonry, over time this developed into a Masonic order with its own ceremonies and units known as 'Courts'.

The first court was established in 2005, with the first Court being consecrated on the 22nd of October in Newmarket. Since its foundation, the order has expanded beyond England and Wales, with courts now established in India, Australia, the United States from 2011, Spain and Romania there are close to 3,000 members worldwide.

Membership Requirements
Candidates for 'Instruction' (similar to an Initiation) must be invited to join and are required to meet the following requirements:


 * Be a subscribing Master Mason of a Grand Lodge in amity with United Grand Lodge of England


 * Be a subscribing Holy Royal Arch Mason of a Grand Chapter in amity with the Supreme Grand Chapter of England



Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great
Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great is a separate, sovereign, and invitational Masonic order, which invites its members exclusively from the Masonic Order of Athelstan, based on merit and ability. The order gained its own sovereignty on 1 July 2023.

The order is named after Alfred the Great, the grandfather of King Æthelstan .Members grades are as follows:


 * Knight (KAG)
 * Knight Commander (KCAG)
 * Knight Grand Cross (GCAG)