The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) is a fraternal body for those with interest and ability in masonic research. The degrees of the AMD are detached degrees some of which, many years ago, were conferred under Craft warrants and formed part of the then loosely governed Freemasonry of the period.

Many of these detached degrees became dormant in some places, although in others they were conferred as side degrees. In time, the better of these degrees were grouped together in an organized body under the title of Allied Masonic Degrees. The degrees comprising the system in our Jurisdiction in the U.S.A. are the Royal Ark Mariner, Secret Monitor, Knight of Constantinople, Saint Lawrence the Martyr, Architect, Superintendent, Grand Tilers of Solomon, Master of Tyre, Excellent Master, Installed Sovereign Master, Installed Commander Noah, Red Branch of Eri, and Ye Ancient Order of Corks. They are conferred in the United States in Councils chartered by the Grand Council.

Membership in an AMD Council is strictly by invitation and it is open to Companions of the Royal Arch. Councils are presided over by a Sovereign Master, assisted by the elected and appointed officers. The maximum number of active members of any Council is limited to twenty-seven. Papers and discussions of masonic and related topics are typically held at Council meetings, in the context of a table lodge format.

Lux ex Oriente Council No. 379, AMD, was chartered in 2000 by the Grand Council of the AMD for the USA on a request from Martin P. Starr, a member of the premier Illinois body, Even Me'Ukevet Council No. 167, AMD.

The Charter officers of Lux ex Oriente Council were:

Sovereign Master
Martin P. Starr

Senior Warden
Omar L. Delacruz

Junior Warden
Benjamin T. Liberman

Secretary
Richard H. Lozins

Treasurer
Thomas C. Hill IX

Senior Deacon
Johnathan E. Barnes

Junior Deacon
Geoffrey R. Hammond

Chaplain
Lawrence M. Coleman

Tyler
Ridgely Hunt