About

red cross logoMembership of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine is open to all those Masons who have joined the Royal Arch.

Since the establishment of Grand Imperial Conclave in 1865, the Order has steadily grown with Conclaves formed throughout the English-speaking world.

Why Constantine?

Candidates in this degree recognise how Christianity can be embraced by seeing how the legend of Constantine’s conversion is set within the Masonic Ritual that is linked with the history of the Roman Empire

Constantine, a Roman, was destined for the college of Emperors, but following the death of his father, he was hailed by the Legions in York as Augustus and became the Governor of Britain and Gaul. After several successful battles across the Alps and Italy, he eventually established himself as the lawful Emperor of both East and West and transferred the capital of the Empire from Rome to Byzantium later to be named Constantinople after him.

He was the first Roman Emperor to openly encourage Christianity and his conversion began one evening after a long day’s march with his army, when, in what he believed was a sign from heaven, he and his army saw in the evening, sky, and by the rays of the setting sun, a pillar of light in the form of a Special Cross.

To sanctify the minds of his pagan army, he had made a Standard bearing a Cross-like the one he had seen; he then ordered it to be carried before him in his wars.
Several Christians in his army came forward and avowed their faith following which Constantine directed that they should wear on their armour a Red Cross.

Having been successful in battle it is said that Constantine with the help of his Chief Bishop, Eusebius, opened a Conclave of the Knights of the Order whose members became the Bodyguard of their Sovereign.

The Order

The Christian Order is in two parts. The first ceremony consists of the Candidates admission, Obligation and then the Installation as a Knight-historical basis of the Order is also detailed.

In separate ceremonies the Knight Companion builds on what he has already been taught, and in the ceremony of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and St. John the Evangelist this knowledge is further expanded and the ultimate aims of Freemasonry are revealed. These, together with the two Installation Ceremonies leading to the Principle Chairs in the Red Cross of Constantine, are undoubtedly among the most impressive Ceremonies in the whole of Masonry.

Regalia

Regalia for the Order are simple, just a sash and a jewel.

Meetings

On average our Conclaves meet three or four times a year.

The Annual Meeting of the Division is held at Tapton Hall, Sheffield or Castle Grove, Leeds on the second Saturday in April followed by a luncheon.

Contact

If you are interested in finding out more about the Red Cross Order please contact us via the form here