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. |
