Memphis-Misraim organisations and recognition
Memphis-Misraïm organisations have different constitutions, membership policies and relationships with other Masonic bodies. The name of the rite alone does not identify a single worldwide obedience.
Examples of organisations
The following examples are drawn from official public descriptions checked in September 2026. They are not an exhaustive directory or a ranking of claims to succession.
| Organisation | Publicly stated position |
|---|---|
| Grand Orient de France (GODF) | Lists the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm among the rites practised by its lodges.[1] |
| Grand Ordre Égyptien (GOE), GODF | Describes itself as the Grand Orient's Egyptian higher-degree jurisdiction, using a scale of 33 degrees.[2] |
| Grande Loge Mixte de Memphis-Misraïm (GLMMM) | Its membership description includes mixed lodges, women's lodges accepting male visitors, and men's lodges accepting female visitors. It states a commitment to freedom of conscience.[3] |
| Grande Loge Féminine de Memphis-Misraïm (GLFMM) | A women-only obedience. It dates its independent foundation to 1981 and identifies Julienne Bleïer as its first Grand Mistress.[4] |
| Grande Loge de Misraïm | Maintains a distinct organisation under the name of Misraïm. The separate name should not be silently changed to Memphis-Misraïm.[5] |
| Grand College of Rites, USA | A body concerned with preserving and studying historical rites. Its founding account records the surrender of a Memphis Sovereign Sanctuary's authority in 1932. Its claim to American jurisdiction is the College's stated position; it does not describe all organisations worldwide.[6] |
Recognition and visiting
Recognition is a relationship between particular Masonic authorities. The United Grand Lodge of England defines it through its assessment of a Grand Lodge's formation and practice and the resulting possibility of intervisitation. It publishes a list of recognised Grand Lodges and directs its members to their Metropolitan, Provincial or District office for visiting advice.[7]
Consequently, “Memphis-Misraïm is recognised” and “Memphis-Misraïm is not recognised” are incomplete statements unless they identify the bodies concerned. A historical charter, a high degree number or an agreement with one obedience does not establish recognition by another. See Masonic regularity and recognition.
Succession and membership
Historical disagreements over authority predate the modern organisations. Bricaud and Chevillon's chronology records objections to Garibaldi's appointment in 1881 and competing leadership claims after his death.[8] These disputes are a reason to describe a documented branch by name rather than present one succession list as binding on every body.
The official descriptions above also show why statements about women, mixed membership or religious requirements need a named jurisdiction. Rules can change. A dated constitution or an organisation's current public policy is more useful for that purpose than a general description of “the rite”.
References
- ↑ Grand Orient de France, “Rejoindre le GODF”, section describing its rites. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- ↑ Grand Ordre Égyptien du Grand Orient de France, official home page, description of its 33-degree system. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- ↑ Grande Loge Mixte de Memphis-Misraïm, “Présentation”, especially “La Mixité dans les Travaux”. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- ↑ Grande Loge Féminine de Memphis-Misraïm, “À propos”, organisational history and membership statement. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- ↑ Grande Loge de Misraïm, “Connaître la Grande Loge de Misraïm”. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- ↑ Grand College of Rites of the United States of America, official home page and account of its foundation on 12 May 1932. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- ↑ United Grand Lodge of England, “Foreign Grand Lodges”, explanation of recognition and visiting. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- ↑ Jean Bricaud, historical notes on Memphis-Misraïm (1933), updated by Constant Chevillon (1938), reproduced by L’Initiation as “Historique de Memphis-Misraïm”; an account written by leaders of the rite. Accessed 25 September 2026.
Memphis-Misraïm: Overview · Misraïm · Memphis · History · Degrees and organisation · Egyptian symbolism · Organisations and recognition · Regalia and imagery · Sources and further reading
People: Bédarride brothers · Marconis de Nègre · John Yarker · Giuseppe Garibaldi · Papus · Jean Bricaud · Constant Chevillon · Robert Ambelain
Background: Hermeticism · Martinism · Masonic glossary · Comparison with related traditions
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