The Award Ceremony
will take 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 Process
The submission process provides a platform to recognise Masonic authors. We invite all authors, publishers, researchers, and scholars who are interested to submit their works for review.
The submission deadline was on May 31, 2024, and the announcement of winners will take place during the AVDA ceremony scheduled for November 27, 2024 at Grand Lodge's Grand Committee Room, Edinburgh.
The Juddging Panel
The AVDA panel of judges was selected from a pool of respected Masonic scholars, researchers, and practitioners who have a deep understanding of the principles, values, and practices of Masonry from around the globe.
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 Martin Faulks
Brother Faulks, is the Managing Director of Lewis Masonic, a long-established firm, founded in the nineteenth century, specializing in the publication of Masonic texts and literature. Brother Faulks is an expert in memory and meditation, renowned for his remarkable demonstrations of recall and mind over matter. With over 20 books authored on or related to mind sciences, Martin is an advocate of philosophy, history and self-development which led him to extensively travel the world to train with teachers from diverse traditions and cultures.
He was initiated into Burlington Lodge No. 96 in December 2001, rising to the Third Degree in 2003 and assuming the chair in 2009. Actively involved in Burlington, Martin has held roles such as Assistant Director of Ceremonies and Charity Steward, currently serving as the Lodge Mentor. Burlington Lodge, one of the earliest founded in England, boasts historical significance as the first to establish an Inner Guard and one of the founding lodges of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement.
His Masonic journey also includes membership in Cabbell Lodge No. 807 and serving as Master in 2008. He is a Past Master of Canonbury Tower Lodge, known for its scholarly environment at Canonbury Tower in Islington, London.
He was honored with London Grand Rank by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge in London the same year. In 2021, Martin was elected as a member of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076 and appointed as Assistant Secretary. Additionally, he was promoted to the rank of Past Senior Grand Warden in the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy.
Brother Gérard Icart
Brother Gerard Icart has dedicated his life to scholarly pursuits and fraternal service. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades. As a scholar, Brother Gerard Icart's expertise in literature has been showcased through his tenure as a revered Professor of Classics, where he imparted knowledge and inspired countless students over the years. His academic prowess is further complemented by his extensive involvement in Freemasonry, where he has served as a steadfast member for an impressive 38 years in GLNF and 27 years in UGLE.
Brother Gerard Icart has held esteemed positions, including that of a Past London Grand Rank and PAGM & Grand Chancellor of the National Grand Lodge of France. These roles underscore his dedication and commitment to the principles and traditions of Freemasonry, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers.
Moreover, Brother Gerard Icart has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape within the Grand Lodge, serving as a steward of knowledge and wisdom for approximately twenty-five years.
Beyond his service within Freemasonry, Brother Gerard Icart's influence extends to the realm of literature and historical discourse. As the Director of the esteemed "Transmitting History" Collection, he has curated a repository of invaluable works that illuminate the rich tapestry of human history and heritage. Additionally, he is the esteemed author of around ten scholarly works, delving into diverse subjects such as education, instruction, history, and the origins of traditional Freemasonry
The Juddging 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.