ABOUT

Foundation

The full name of the Order is quite a mouthful: The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist in England and Wales and its Divisions and Conclaves Overseas. Fortunately, it’s more commonly known as the Red Cross of Constantine or simply the Red Cross.

This Christian Order is both Masonic and Chivalric. Membership is open only to Royal Arch Masons who profess belief in the Holy Trinity. Candidates declare their Christian faith upon joining and must uphold the Order’s principles: Faith, Unity, and Zeal—reflecting the virtues of Constantine, our central figure and Royal Founder.

Structure

The Order is governed by the Grand Imperial Conclave at Mark Masons’ Hall and is led by the Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign. It comprises 28 Divisions across England and Wales, with additional overseas Divisions and Conclaves in locations such as Malta, Jamaica, and Hong Kong.

The Division of Cumbria includes five Conclaves located at Dalston, Windermere, Maryport, Millom and Ulverston.

The officers in the Division of Cumbria include:

Intendant-General – R. Ill. Kt. Joseph Sudhakar Email

Deputy Intendant-General – V. Ill. Kt. David Stewart J.P, P.G.H. Almoner.

Divisional Eusebius (2025/26) – V. Ill. Kt. Norman Milburn

Prelate – Ill. Kt. Keith Young PGPref.

Registrar – P. Kt. Robert Nicholson

Treasurer – R. Ill. Kt. Norman J Thompson DL

Recorder – P. Kt. Andrew Moore

Assistant Recorder – P. Kt. Paul Baker

Almoner – Ill. Kt. Brian Harrison Drake PGChamb.

Marshal – V. Ill. Kt. Shane Huddart PGHAlm.

Deputy Marshal – Ill. Kt. Andrew Lister

Degrees

The Order consists of five degrees. The first involves the candidate’s admission and installation as a Knight-Companion, following the Christian journey of Emporer Constantine from Paganism to Faith. This is followed by the Appendant Orders: Knight of the Holy Sepulchre and Knight of St John the Evangelist which focus respectively on Christ’s resurrection and early Christian discoveries.

Advanced members may proceed to the fourth and fifth degrees, Priest-Mason and Prince-Mason, qualifying them to serve as Viceroy and, ultimately, Most Puissant Sovereign of a Conclave.

Roots

The historical figure behind our Order, Constantine the Great, was proclaimed Emperor in 306 AD in York (Eboracum) after the death of his father, Constantius Chlorus. Known as a formidable general and visionary leader, Constantine’s pivotal moment came in 312 AD at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, where, after a vision of the Cross with the words “By this sign conquer”, he embraced Christianity.

He later unified the Roman Empire, founded Constantinople, promoted Christian tolerance, and called the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. His eventual baptism marked the completion of a lifelong spiritual transformation, which our rituals seek to emulate.

Regalia

Unlike Craft Masonry, Red Cross Knights wear a sash, initially Imperial purple with gold tassels, and later white with black tassels as they advance. Officers may carry swords, and grand ceremonies often feature the Sepulchre Guard, whose presence adds dignity and splendour.

In Conclusion

The Red Cross of Constantine is a deeply meaningful Christian Masonic Order rooted in history, symbolism, and spiritual progression. Its ceremonies are solemn yet profound, offering Freemasons a unique opportunity to explore the faith-based narrative that underpins our Masonic journey.

Interested in joining? please contact us for further information.