Whats the difference between AF&AM and F&AM?
F&AM means “Free & Accepted Masons.” AF&AM means “Ancient Free & Accepted Masons”. In practical terms, there is no difference, since the jurisdictions that are termed “ancient” F&AM are no different than those that are simply F&AM. The distinction is a historical one, owing to differences in Grand Lodge names.
Today, there is no difference. F&AM means “Free & Accepted Masons”; AF&AM means “Ancient Free & Accepted Masons”. In 1723, a second Grand Lodge formed, which styled itself as ancient. It issued charters in the colonies, as did the original Grand Lodge. By the time the two Grand Lodges united in 1813, many U.S. Grand Lodges had been formed in the United States, and each adopted one or the other designations.
F&AM means “Free & Accepted Masons.” AF&AM means “Ancient Free & Accepted Masons”. In practical terms, there is no difference, since the jurisdictions that are termed “ancient” F&AM are no different than those that are simply F&AM. The distinction is a historical one, owing to differences in Grand Lodge names. For a good treatment of this subject, have a look at http://freemasonry.bc.ca/Writings/afandam.
