~ 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.
Webmaster's Note: This article was edited to contain only Masonic
Education material. The rest of the actual article contains "Thank you"
from the Senior Grand Warden.
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