By Brother Jim Hunt
On August 15, 2026, Brothers gathered in Wisconsin for the 2nd Annual Allied Masonic Degrees and Knight Masons Ingathering, a day that beautifully brought together Masonic ritual, education, heritage, and fellow-ship. The Ingathering united Great Lakes Council No. 273, Allied Masonic Degrees; Heart of Wisconsin Council No. 331, Allied Masonic Degrees; and Crown ‘N Cork Council No. 44, Knight Masons.
Brothers from different Councils, Lodges, and Masonic backgrounds came together not simply to conduct meetings or confer degrees, but to enjoy the Craft together, deepen their Masonic knowledge, preserve import-ant traditions, welcome new members, and strengthen the bonds of Brotherhood.
Preserving and Studying the Craft
The Allied Masonic Degrees, commonly known as AMD, is an invitational appendant body dedicated to preserving a collection of historic Masonic degrees while encouraging the study of Masonic history, philosophy, symbolism, and tradition.
Membership in an AMD Council is by invitation only. Councils are intentionally limited in size, creating close-knit groups in which members can participate fully, exchange ideas, and enjoy genuine fellowship.
During the Ingathering, Great Lakes Council No. 273 conferred the Master of Tyre Degree, preserving another meaningful piece of Masonic ritual and tradition. Heart of Wisconsin Council No. 331 complemented the degree work with an educational presentation examining Pythagoras and Euclid and their connections to geometry, philosophy, and Masonic symbolism.
Knight Masonry and the “Green” Degrees
That same commitment to preserving and sharing Masonic tradition continued with Crown ‘N Cork Council No. 44, Knight Masons. Knight Masonry preserves three historic degrees commonly known as the “Green” degrees: Knight of the Sword, Knight of the East, and Knight of the East and West. Through episodes surrounding Zerubbabel, the degrees offer lessons of fidelity, perseverance, courage, duty, and commitment to a worthy pur-pose. Knight Masonry also places great importance on Masonic education, character, service, charity, and warm fellowship among its members.
During the Ingathering, Crown ‘N Cork Council conferred all three Knight Mason degrees upon 15 candidates. For these Brothers, the day marked the beginning of another chapter in their Masonic journey. For those participating in the degree work, it was an opportunity to preserve these traditions and pass them forward with the dignity and care they deserve.
Yet the true beauty of the Ingather-ing could be seen in everything happening between the degrees and presentations. Brothers talked, laughed, renewed old friendships, and began new ones. Men who might seldom have the opportunity to sit together found themselves sharing stories, experiences, and Masonic knowledge.
The 2nd Annual Wisconsin AMD and Knight Masons Ingathering was truly a beautiful day of Masonry. More than anything, it reminded us that preserving our Masonic heritage is not simply about protecting what was handed down to us. It is about living it together, learning from one another, strengthening the bonds of Brotherhood, and faithfully passing our traditions forward to those who will follow.
