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Ashlar College of Freemasonry Constitution

Preface

Freemasonry is a deeply personal journey—one that is neither casual nor “drive-through.” Instead, it is a profound and sincere pursuit of knowledge, self-discovery, and enlightenment. When the directions and signs along the way are carefully observed and interpreted, the traveler is led to uncover the blueprint for a moral and purposeful life:

“To raise a super-structure perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder.”

To fully benefit from this journey, one must invest both time and thoughtful reflection. The Ashlar College of Freemasonry (ACF) provides brethren of this jurisdiction with the opportunity to engage in a structured program of Masonic Enrichment, which consists of research-based coursework, written papers, suggested readings, and personal assignments.

An appropriate allegory for such a program comes from the words of G. Hopkins, a researcher of some time ago:

“In a country rich in gold, observant wayfarers may find nuggets along their path, but only systematic mining will provide the currency of nations.”

Constitutions

  1. The College shall be called Ashlar College of Freemasonry (ACF). It shall operate under the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. Annually, the ACF shall apply to the Grand Lodge for a license to operate.
  2. The purpose of the ACF is to provide brethren within this jurisdiction the opportunity to acquire a deep and structured understanding of Freemasonry through directed study. It encourages Masonic research and in-depth learning, helping each student develop the ability to share their knowledge with others.
  3. The Diploma Program consists of three levels, with each level divided into two semesters, totaling a maximum of 18 units of study.
  4. The Administrator assigns coursework to students, and an Adjudicator is designated to each course. Students submit assignments to their Adjudicator for review and discussion. The Adjudicator provides feedback and informs the Administrator once the coursework is successfully completed, at which point the next course is assigned.

Board of Directors

  1. The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than five (5) well-skilled brethren. A quorum shall include at least three (3) members—the Chairman and/or Vice-Chairman plus two others. The Grand Master shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Board.
  2. The Board shall consist of the following officers:
    • Chairman
    • Vice Chairman
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer
    • One additional member
  3. The Dean of the College (also known as the Administrator) is not a member of the Board but is directly accountable to it.
  4. The duties of the Board include:
    • Holding an annual meeting
    • Regularly reviewing and updating the curriculum
    • Receiving and reviewing financial statements from the Treasurer
    • Making recommendations to improve the College’s structure and coursework
    • Advising the Dean (Administrator) and Bursar on administrative matters
    • Overseeing the general operations of the College
  5. The Board shall convene at least once a year, typically the day before the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. If the Chairman is unavailable, the Vice Chairman shall call the meeting.
  6. The Grand Master appoints all Board members annually under {R50a}. Elections for Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer are conducted among the Board Members.
  7. Each Board Member serves a maximum of five (5) years. After the initial year, the first group of five members will stagger their tenures as follows:
  • One member serves 1 year
  • One member serves 2 years
  • One member serves 3 years
  • One member serves 4 years
  • One member serves 5 years
  • After the first year, all subsequent terms shall be 5 years
  1. Under section R52a of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon Constitution, once the Grand Master issues a license, the Board is responsible for displaying it at all Board meetings.
  2. The Chair of the Board must submit a list of Board Members (including proposed new members) to Grand Lodge each January.
  3. A yearly report on the College’s progress is submitted to Grand Lodge before May 15th.

Certifications and Diplomas

  1. Upon completion of each level, the student will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.
  2. The following diplomas are awarded:
  • Associate of Ashlar College of Freemasonry (AACF) – Awarded upon completing two levels
  • Fellow of Ashlar College of Freemasonry (FACF) – Awarded upon completing all three levels
  1. Certificates and diplomas are typically awarded at Grand Lodge Annual Communication. If a student is unable to attend, the DDGM of their district will present the diploma on their behalf.
  2. The designations AACF and FACF may be used after the recipient’s name in all Masonic settings within this Grand Jurisdiction.

Administration

  1. The Administrator (Dean) shall:
  • Report regularly to the Board on student enrollments and course progress.
  • Maintain student records, including coursework completion.
  1. Eligibility:
  • Any Master Mason in good standing with the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon may apply.
  • Masons from outside jurisdictions may enroll upon proof of membership in a recognized jurisdiction. However, non-jurisdictional students may only access general Masonic courses.
  1. The Administrator will:
  • Collect all course fees and distribute coursework accordingly.
  • Assign coursework to Adjudicators and facilitate communication between students and adjudicators.
  1. Financial Oversight:
  • Fees are assessed annually by the Board.
  • All funds are managed by the Bursar and deposited in a CDIC-insured financial institution.
  1. Course Evaluation:
  • All written coursework and responses submitted by students remain their intellectual property.
  • The Administrator will provide additional coursework upon successful completion of prior assignments.

Course Flexibility and Amendments

  1. Customized Study Tracks:
  • In Level 3, students may substitute two courses with Topics of Interest, provided they receive prior approval from the Administrator.
  1. Continuous Enrollment:
  • A student remains active on the College’s roster until they choose to withdraw.
  1. By-Law Amendments:
  • Proposed changes to the by-laws must be circulated at least 30 days before a scheduled Board meeting to ensure due consideration.

Final Thoughts

Ashlar College of Freemasonry stands as a beacon of Masonic education, offering an unparalleled opportunity for brethren to expand their knowledge, deepen their understanding, and refine their personal Masonic journey. With a well-structured curriculum, dedicated governance, and flexible learning opportunities, the College provides a strong foundation for Masonic enrichment.

 

 

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