The Masonic Renewal Committee is sanctioned by the Annual Conference of Grand Masters to provide continuity for the Masonic Renewal efforts of the Masonic Grand Jurisdictions of North America; to bring about the renewal of Freemasonry as an active, viable and relevant institution for the 21st Century.

In 1988, the first research was completed to learn why men join organizations. A group of dedicated Masonic Leaders had been working to renew Freemasonry. Their initial efforts were funded by the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the Scottish Rite and the Imperial Shrine. Acting first as a Task Force reporting to the Annual Conference of Grand Masters, this group of men was successful in gaining the confidence and support of a number of Grand Masters and these Jurisdictions then added their support.

In 1990, a report to the Annual Conference of Grand Masters outlined two important tasks: The first was the development of four special programs for Symbolic Lodges on Membership, Leadership, Community Outreach and Public Awareness; the second called for a series of strategic planning conferences to develop a blueprint for Freemasonry for the year 2000 and beyond.

During the Annual Conference In February of 1992, the Membership Development and Management Kit was introduced to help support lodge renewal through membership development and membership management. The results of the first two strategic conferences were also presented.

Since that time, the Masonic Renewal Committee, under the direction of the Annual Conference of Grand Masters has developed several products to be used by Symbolic Lodges. The Committee also hosts ongoing Leadership Workshop/Seminars each year to train Grand Wardens and Grand Lodge Renewal Chairmen.

The Committee is composed of members representing a cross-section of interested Grand Jurisdictions, appointed geographically to the extent possible. Additionally, the Committee has members representing national Masonic organizations including Supreme Councils of the Northern and Southern and the Canadian Jurisdictions of the Scottish Rite and the Imperial Shrine.