organized June 27, 1847
The General Grand Masonic Congress
Welcome to The Official Website of The G.G.M.C.
Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (A.F.& A.M.)
Org. June 27, 1847, Boston, MA.
Affiliated with The United Supreme Council (U.S.C.)
Southern & Western Jurisdiction
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (A.A.S.R.)
Ill. Michael Billingslea 33°
President General
Since June 27, 1847, our organization has stood as a beacon of Light for brotherhood, administrative excellence, and historic preservation. We invite you to explore or experience our proud heritage through this website or by becoming an Affiliate/Member of the General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C.).
As Masons, we are on a life long journey, traveling the levels of time throughout our various stations in life. One of our many missions are to uphold the noble age old traditions of the craft, to improve our community, and work to make Good Men & Women Better.
Our purpose is to accomplish these goals with the proper application of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth through the proper use of Wisdom , Strength, and Beauty...these are the pillars and moral values that hold up this August Organization that have withstood the tests of time for generations and will continue for generations to come. Hence, our historic non-profit fraternity is dedicated to keeping true to the moral lessons taught in our ceremonial rites. Join us in our mission with intentional purpose to build Leaders for tomorrow.
President General's Welcome
Welcome :
It is my distinct pleasure to greet you in brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The purpose of this website is to share with the World Freemasonry and Our rich history. We also endeavor to enlighten those seeking information about our August fraternal order. Freemasonry is known for taking in Good Men to help make them Better Upright Men that can meet on the Level, act on the Plumb, and part upon the Square. We provide for each of our Member and Affiliates an in-depth educational process and an opportunity to service their community with charitable philanthropic events. We take in Men from all backgrounds, customs, and traditions. And while our Order is not partial to a particular faith, what binds us together is a Belief and Trust in God. I encourage you to feel free to contact us directly or contact one of our Grand Lodges or Local Lodges in your State for more information... which can be found within this website.
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Words of Wisdom:
Inevitably down deep inside, everyone knows what to do to have their life filled with joy and true happiness. What is it, you ask? Stop hating and start loving. Quit being negative and start on a path of positivity. Don't let fear take you over, and spend more time thinking about how you can help others and not just yourself... then go out and do something for other people. Internally our inner man knows...But the wisdom of the test lies in these final words: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." "Know thyself, and to thy own self Be True."
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THE PRESIDENT'S DESK:
When performing degree work, one hears the words, "No man should ever enter upon any great and important undertaking without first evoking the blessing of Deity." So, in taking those words to heart, I now humbly ask the Grand Architect of the Universe (G.A.O.T.U.) for guidance during this year that I may serve with the honor and respect due this General Grand Masonic Congress platform for innovative ideas that may improve our great order. It is important to say that again-we look forward to serving you as we all strive for perfection.
Fraternally yours,
Look to the East and govern yourselves accordingly
Hon. Illustrious President General
Michael Billingslea 33°
United General Grand Masonic Congress
The United General Grand Masonic Congress (U.G.G.M.C.) is comprises of Five Separate Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic (A.F. & A.M) General Grand Masonic Congresses with their own Jurisdictions. Originally, this organization was composed of Independent Masons who were once 1 Organization, organized on June 27, 1847, in Boston, MA, as an Independent Group of A.F. & A. Masons with their various Grand Lodges from different States. Some of the early organizers were Edward H. Thomas, John A. Smallwood, Adolphis Hall, and others from the Washington, DC area. This National Body was originally called "The National Grand Lodge, Edward H. Thomas Affiliation."
Since that time, there have been 5 splits throughout the Continental United States, Canada, and its Territories. However, after 175 Long years of separation while working independently in their own respective Jurisdictions, these separate Congresses, led by their Individual President Generals, pictured below with various Grand Masters and other Noble High Degree Masons, agreed to make the Historic Landmark decision to reunify under One Banner. They agreed in Piece, Love, and Harmony, which is the Strength of most societies, most especially ours, to work together in Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth on Charitable Philanthropic events and endeavors. With this Network of Unified General Grand Masonic Congresses, the members, affiliates, and community will benefit enormously from the sheer numbers of 1000's of like-minded individuals seeking to obtain a common goal, which is to be Change Agents for the betterment of its people.
This Treaty to recognize one another and acknowledge the foundational works of Ill. H.C. Scott 33rd of Washington, D.C. and Ill. John G. Jones 33rd of Chicago, IL initiated the organization of the United General Grand Masonic Congress (U.G.G.M.C.). This Treaty amongst the Congresses Established the United General Grand Masonic Congress (U.G.G.M.C.) on February 26, 2022, it was then ratified and it was Incorporated on March 3, 2022; Its Holly See is in Chicago, IL. The newly formed U.G.G.M.C. held its 1st Historic meeting in Humble, TX...
a suburb of Houston, TX, on September 17, 2022, to discuss several action plans, its next meeting place, and joint service project which was agreed to be a scholarship banquet...
These Bold steps toward unification amongst
A.F. & A.M. brings the Wisdom of King Solomon back to Life... As stated in (Psalm 133)...
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, which ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments..."
Notably, It is also stated...
"For where two or three gather together in
My name, there am I with them."
(Matthew 18:20)
The General Grand Masonic Congress announces its legislative gathering for the 2026 Biennial, upholding centuries of tradition and administrative excellence.
The United Supreme Council, A.A.S.R. with all of its departments and auxiliaries will meet
August 5– 9, 2026 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
500 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 525-2500
Registration Deadline
July 5, 2026
In Loving Memory
OUR SOVEIGN GRAND COMMANDER
Illustrious. JOSEPH L. THOMAS 33°
To the memory of our Past Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, it is with profound respect and heartfelt gratitude that we honor the life and legacy of Illustrious Joseph L. Thomas 33rd, whose unwavering dedication and visionary leadership shaped the United Supreme Council of the Southern and Western Jurisdiction for more than four decades.
Illustrious Thomas devoted his life to service—not only to the state of Louisiana but to the entire fraternity. His commitment was marked by tireless effort, steadfast integrity, and an enduring passion for uplifting others. For over 40 years, he worked diligently to strengthen our organization, ensuring its growth and stability while preserving its cherished traditions.
Beyond his remarkable leadership, Illustrious Thomas was a mentor and guide to countless members. His willingness to invest in the next generation reflected his belief that true greatness lies in empowering others. Through his wisdom and generosity, he inspired future leaders to carry forward the torch of excellence.
Today, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life of honor, service, and devotion. Though he has passed from our sight, his influence remains etched in the history of our Council and in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
Rest in eternal peace, Illustrious Joseph L. Thomas. Your legacy will forever illuminate our path.
UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL A.A.S.R.
2026 Biennial Session
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THE CONGRESS IN ACTION
The General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C.) & Supreme Grand Chapter (O.E.S.), teamed up with the NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)... The Nation's leading mental health care provider... to help raise funds in 2023. Our collective efforts allowed us to raise Awareness with Donations through Sales of our High Quality Dri-Fit T-Shirts and by collecting Donations for our participation in their Nationwide walkathon. Each State’s Grand Lodge & Grand Chapter put in a Herculean Effort to do their part, along with your help. As promised, the proceeds went to NAMI Mental Health Centers All over the Nation where our Local Lodges are Located to help provide Free Mental Health Services to those in need....
All the Grand Lodges & Chapters Nationwide and Supporters like you, put on a unified display of support for our cause by wearing their Shirts on May 20th, National Mental Health Awareness Day, all across the nation. This did not only bring Awareness, it allowed us to raise over $15,000.00 dollars for Mental Health which was Donated to the NAMI Center in Louisiana at our Supreme Biennial Session. With more efforts like this, the G.G.M.C. and the Supreme Grand O.E.S. will continue to support worthy causes as an ongoing Campaign in the years to come...
The States' Grand Lodges and Grand Chapters that Raised the Most Funds for our NAMI Mental Health Campaign for 2023 was Thee Great State of Louisiana... They worked together to Raise over $5000.00 for this Most Import cause along with Awareness. Below are some of the NAMI Campaign Team Organizers and Committee Members Along with the M.W. Universal Grand Lodge of Louisiana's Grand Master Ill. Terry Moore 33° and Grand Matron Margaret Thompson being presented a Check for $4000.00 to Donate to the Louisiana Chapter of NAMI given to them by the G.G.M.C.'s President General Ill. Michael Billingslea 33° and Supreme Worthy Grand Matron Sister Betty Davis.
DONATIONS & SERVICE
Charity