The Arcana Veritas Distinction Awards Committee is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 edition
The prestigious award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Grand Committee Hall of the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland in Edinburgh.
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Winners 2024
Arcana Veritas Distinction Awards 2024
The Award Ceremony took place on November 27, at Grand Lodge's Grand Committee Hall, Edinburgh.
The official announcement launching ARCANA VERITAS DISTINCTION AWARDS - AVDA was made at the Annual Communication and Installation of Grand Lodge Office-Bearers of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, held on November 30, 2023, in Edinburgh.
The Arcana Veritas Distinction Award, is established to commemorate and celebrate outstanding contributions to Masonic literature. The award is dedicated to writers and authors who have demonstrated exceptional skill and insight in exploring Masonic subjects relating to history, symbolism, degrees, rituals, or other subjects within the Masonic teachings.
The Arcana Veritas Distinction Award seeks to honor those whose work has not only enriched the Masonic community but has also contributed to a deeper understanding of the principles and traditions that define Freemasonry.
The criteria for the award includes evaluating research, clarity, and a ability to contribute to further promoting masonic knowledge and discourse within the fraternity.
AVDA encourages submissions from a diverse range of perspectives, welcoming contributions that shed light on different aspects of Masonic philosophy and practice.
As we embark on this journey to recognize the outstanding literary achievements in our fraternity, we invite Masonic writers and authors to submit their work for consideration.
Each year, AVDA will be presenting distinction awards for the finest
Masonic books and papers published in English.
Submission Guidelines
Brother David J. Cameron (Dr.)
Brother David J. Cameron, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in Ontario, has held notable positions within the Masonic community, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to the craft. He has served with distinction as Chair of Masonic Education, Chair of Lodge Resources, and as a member of the Management Committee. Furthermore, he served as a Director of the Masonic Foundation of Ontario, contributing to the advancement of Masonic principles and philanthropy within the region.
Prior to his esteemed positions, Dr. Cameron made significant contributions as the editor of Reflections and as an original member of the G15 education group, highlighting his dedication to Masonic scholarship and education. As a Past Master of Grand River Lodge No. 151 and New Light Daylight Lodge No. 744 in Waterloo, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to the Masonic ideals. Cameron's dedication extends to various Masonic bodies, including Heritage Lodge No. 730, Kitchener Chapter of R.A.M., Medwayosh Council of A.M.D., the London Scottish Rite Valley, and Moore Sovereign Consistory. His commitment to the craft has been recognized through several honorary memberships and his attainment of the 33° of the Scottish Rite.
In addition to his numerous accomplishments, Bro. Cameron is a Fellow of the College of Freemasonry. He is currently the Secretary of Templum Lucis Lodge No. 747 and a member of the Board of the Masonic Restoration Foundation
Brother David Harrison (Dr.)
Bro. David Harrison gained his initial degree in Welsh History and Archaeology at the University of Wales, Bangor, in 1997, and went on to gain his MA in 2000, and then his PhD in 2008, both at the University of Liverpool. Harrison also gained a Certificate of Education from the University of Manchester in 2000. He has worked as a History lecturer for the University of Liverpool and the University of Hope, Liverpool, and has worked as a project coordinator for various History groups around Liverpool and Merseyside.
Harrison has had 15 works published on the history of Freemasonry and Fraternalism and has had numerous academic papers and letters published on the subject in various journals. His works include The Genesis of Freemasonry (2009), which was Harrison's PhD thesis, The Lost Rites and Rituals of Freemasonry (2017), The Rite of Seven Degrees (2021) and his most recent work The Life and Death of John Yarker. He became a Freemason in Cheshire, England, in 1998, and is a Past Master of the Lodge of Lights no.148 in West Lancashire.
He is currently Assistant Secretary of Coronation Lodge No.2927 under the United Grand Lodge of England, and is an active member of the SRIA.
Brother Stuart Clelland
Bro. Stewart Clelland is a distinguished teacher of Philosophy and Religious Studies in the North East of Scotland, boasting a rich educational background with a Master's Degree in Western Esotericism, a PGDE in Religious, Moral, and Philosophical Studies, and a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art and Philosophy. His academic achievements are matched by his recognition as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland since 2021 and as a full member of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE).
Bro. Clelland's research focuses on esoteric spirituality, heterodox religious traditions, and the experiences of marginalised and persecuted religious communities, both historical and contemporary. His scholarly work navigates the Western Esoteric or Hermetic tradition within religious, masonic, and philosophical thought. His contributions to the field include notable publications like "The Master's Voice: The Letters and Ritual of Martines de Pasqually 1767-1774" and peer-reviewed articles in several masonic journals, including Heredom and The Philalethes Society.
Bro. Clelland is a member of several lodges and societies, including The Operative Mason's Lodge of Dundee No. 47, Lodge Sir Robert Moray No. 1641, the Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia, and The Royal Order of Scotland.
The Judging Methodology
The methodology used by the judges will be objective and rigorous. Each submission will be evaluated based on the criteria established by the awarding organization or committee. The judges will be asked to provide detailed feedback on each submission, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses and making recommendations for improvement. The judges may also consider the broader context of the work, such as its potential impact on the Masonic community and the wider public.
The Panel of Judges may consult with each other during the evaluation process and may request additional information or clarification from the authors if necessary.
Ultimately, the Panel of Judges will make their decision based on the quality of the work and its contribution to the field of Masonic scholarship, ensuring that the winning submission is truly deserving of the award.
Submission Process
A set of two evaluation committees will be formed:
1- The Valuation Committee
2- The Judging Panel
All submitted materials and papers will undergo a preliminary examination by members of the valuation committee to check for submission errors or omissions.
The valuation committee, comprising three distinguished brethren, will, after successfully reviewing each submitted material, forward it to a judging authority panel to be evaluated and noted.
The author will be contacted to acknowledge acceptance of his work and again if further information is needed.
A- Books will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Quality of writing, depth of research, originality of ideas, relevance to the Masonic community, and contribution to the understanding of Freemasonry and its principles.
B- White Papers will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Quality of research and analysis, originality of ideas, relevance to the Masonic community, and contribution to the understanding of Freemasonry and its principles.