Masonic Dating Systems
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| Masonic Group |
Abbreviation Full Name Translation How Computed |
Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Common practice | A.D. Anno Domini Year of Our Lord current year |
Said to date from the birth of Jesus Christ (which actually probably took place around 4 B.C.) |
| Craft Lodges (“basic” Freemasonry) |
A.L. Anno Lucis Year of Light add 4,000 to current year |
It is said that Bishop Usher in 1611 computed that date the world began as 4,000 B.C. (actually he said 4,004 B.C.) |
| Royal Arch Freemasonry | A. Inv. Anno Inventionis Year of the Discovery add 530 to current year |
The 2nd Temple in Jerusalem was begun in 530 B.C., and it is said that certain items were discovered then. |
| Cryptic Masonry Royal & Select Masters |
A. Dep. Anno Depositionis Year of the Deposit add 1,000 to current year |
King Solomon’s Temple is said to have been completed in 1,000 B.C., and certain items are said to have been deposited then. |
| Knights Templar Commandery |
A.O. Anno Ordinis Year of the Order subtract 1,118 from current year |
The medieval Knights Templar Order was founded in 1118 A.D. |
| Scottish Rite | A.M. Anno Mundi Year of the World until Sept. add 3,759 to current year after Sept. add 3,760 to current year |
Same as the Hebrew calendar, from the supposed creation of the world in 3760 B.C. |
| Order of High Priesthood | A.B. Anno Benefacionis Year of Blessing add 1,913 to current year |
Abraham is said to have been blessed by the High Priest Melchizedek in 1913 B.C. |
| Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests | A.R. Anno Renascent Year of Revival subtract 1,686 from current year |
This Order is said to have been revived in 1686 A.D. |