About the Order
The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine occupies a unique and respected place within the family of Freemasonry.
Hero Introduction
The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine occupies a unique and respected place within the family of Freemasonry. It is an Order in which Christian faith, chivalric tradition and enduring fellowship come together to create one of the most distinctive and rewarding experiences in Freemasonry.
Building upon the foundations of Craft Freemasonry and the Holy Royal Arch, the Order invites members to explore timeless principles of faith, duty, loyalty and service through beautiful ceremonial traditions and a welcoming community of like-minded brethren.
Whether you are an existing member, a visiting Knight Companion or a Freemason wishing to learn more about the Order, we are delighted to welcome you.
The Heritage of Constantine
The traditions of the Red Cross of Constantine draw inspiration from the life and legacy of Emperor Constantine the Great and one of the most significant periods in the history of the Christian Church.
According to the traditions upon which the Order is founded, Constantine experienced a vision of a cross before a decisive battle. Inspired by this event, he adopted the Labarum as his standard and encouraged those Christian soldiers who openly professed their faith to wear the symbol of the Red Cross.
These traditions continue to provide the symbolic and moral framework upon which the Order is built, reminding members of the enduring virtues of faith, courage, loyalty and service.
The Order Today
Although inspired by ancient traditions, the modern Red Cross of Constantine is a vibrant and active Masonic Order.
Following its reorganisation in England in 1865, the Order has flourished both nationally and internationally under the Grand Imperial Conclave at Mark Masons' Hall in London.
Today, members enjoy some of Freemasonry's most distinctive ceremonies together with a strong sense of fellowship, friendship and shared purpose.
Within the Division of Kent, fifteen Conclaves meet throughout the county, welcoming members into a thriving Christian Masonic community.
At the heart of the Order lies a clear commitment to the Trinitarian Christian faith.
The Red Cross of Constantine builds naturally upon the teachings of Craft Freemasonry and the Holy Royal Arch, encouraging members to reflect more deeply upon the Christian traditions that underpin the Order.
Its ceremonies are thoughtful, symbolic and inspiring, providing opportunities for personal reflection while strengthening the friendships that develop through regular meetings, shared experiences and mutual support.
The Appendant Orders
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre
One of the Appendant Orders associated with the Red Cross of Constantine, the Holy Sepulchre draws upon traditions surrounding Saint Helena and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Rich in symbolism and ceremony, it encourages reflection upon faith, sacrifice and devotion.
The Order of St John the Evangelist
The second Appendant Order explores themes of perseverance, fidelity and the search for truth through another distinctive ceremonial experience. Together with the Holy Sepulchre, it forms an integral part of the wider journey enjoyed by Knight Companions.
Membership extends far beyond the Conclave meeting itself.
Across the Division of Kent, members enjoy a rich programme of Conclave meetings, Divisional events, church services, charitable activities and opportunities to visit fellow Conclaves throughout England and Wales.
The friendships formed through the Order often become one of its greatest rewards, bringing together men who share common values, a Christian faith and a desire to continue their Masonic journey in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Continue Your Journey
Whether you would like to learn more about the Division of Kent, explore one of our Conclaves or discover whether the Order could become the next step in your own Masonic journey, we invite you to continue exploring our website.
