The ordinary Calendar, or vulgar era, is not generally used by freemasons in dating their official documents. They have one peculiar to themselves, differing according to their various Rites.
ANCIENT CRAFT MASONS in all parts of the World, add 4,000 years to the Christian Era, calling it Anno Lucis – Year of Light; abbreviated A.L. (This fact has a symbolic reference, not because they believe Freemasonry is, but that the principles and light of the institution are coeval with the creation.) Ancient Craft Masons (Blue Lodges) hold “Communications.”
ROYAL ARCH MASONS date from the beginning date of the building of the second Temple by Zerubbabel – 530 B.C. Their style is, therefore, Anno Inventionis – A. Inv. – in the year of discovery. Royal Arch Chapters hold “Convocations.”
ORDER OF THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD dates from the blessing of Abraham by the High Priest Melchizaedek, which occurred 1913 B.C. Their Style is Anno Benedistionis – A.B. – in the year of the Blessing. Councils of Anointed High Priest hold “Convocations.”
CRYPTIC MASONS date from the completion of Solomon’s Temple – 1000 A.Dep. (1,000 years before the Christian era) Their style is Anno Depositionsis – A. Dep. – in the year of Deposit. Royal and Select Councils hold “Assemblies.”
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR date from the organization of the Order in 1118 A.O. Their Style is, therefore, Anno Ordinis – A.O. – in the year of the Order. Knights Templar Commanderies hold “Conclaves.”
SCOTTISH RITE differs from the Ancient Craft in that they use the Jewish Chronology, Anno Mundi (A.M.) “In the Year of the World”.
ANCIENT CRAFT MASONS – Add 4,000 years
Thus: 2009 + 4,000 =A.L. 6009
ROYAL ARCH MASONS – Add 530 years
Thus: 2009 + 530 =A. I. 2539
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD – Add 1,913 years
Thus: 2009 + 1,913 = A.B. 3922
ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS – Add 1,000 years
Thus: 2009 + 1,000 = A.Dep. 3009
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR – Subtract 1,118 years
Thus: 2009 – 1,118 = A.O. 891
SCOTTISH RITE – Add 3760 years
Thus 2009 + 3760 = A.M. 5769
FESTIVAL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST – June 24th
FESTIVAL OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST – December 27th