~ A.D. and A.L. ~

By Gerald (Jerry) L. Carver
Senior Grand Warden
January 2004

I would like to wish each Brother and his family the best for the New Year 2004 AD or 6004 AL. The letters AD after the year 2004 is an abbreviation of the Latin words “Anno Domini “, which means in the year of our Lord. So our current year is reflected as the 2004th year since the birth of Jesus Christ. On most Masonic documents, cornerstones, and monuments, another date is usually reflected with the abbreviation AL. The letters AL after the year 6004 is an abbreviation of the Latin words “Anno Lucis”, which means in the year of light. It has been accepted by Ancient Craft Masons that the World was created in 4000 BC (Before Christ) when God said “Let there be light”, as recorded in the Holy Scriptures, the Great Light of Masonry, in the Book of Genesis, Chapter 1, verse 3. Therefore our current AL year or Year of Light is computed by adding the 4000 BC years to the current AD year.

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