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Who confers your degrees?

The Traveling Man

Registered User
yes, this is how we do it. Our RWM is the mainstay of all 3 degrees, with various set pieces being done by other brethren. Whilst I am new to the JD role, I am learning the EA degree, as it is my duty to conduct the candidate throughout the degree. I am also learning the working tools of the MM degree and will take this over once I feel comfortable with my EA work.
Our SW has recently taken part in a degree where the entire team of office bearers were made up of the SW's from different lodges around the province, which is a very interesting thing to see, as our rituals can be very different, and I have seen a reigning masters degree team doing the same. My own Mother Lodge has been invited to carry out a degree of our choosing at another Lodge during the closed season, and I am looking forward to that experience as well.
In your Jurisdiction the JD conducts candidates? In my Jurisdiction that's the SD's job.

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Mark Stockdale

Premium Member
In your Jurisdiction the JD conducts candidates? In my Jurisdiction that's the SD's job.

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it varies from lodge to lodge in Scotland, so far I haven't seen any 2 rituals the same, be that different office bearers doing different parts, and even the wording of each ritual. I think that's what makes visiting other lodges so interesting, as there is no set ritual here, the differences experienced whilst out and about open the mind to further learning.
 

Keith C

Registered User
In your Jurisdiction the JD conducts candidates? In my Jurisdiction that's the SD's job.

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In PA the WM "appoints" an experienced Brother to be the Guide for the candidate, He prepares him for the Degree and conducts him through the Degree. I saw the WM "appoints" him, and officially that is what effectively happens, but the JW prepares the Trestle Board and is really the one who decides who does what for Degree meetings.
 

Brother_Steve

Premium Member
We recently had discussion on who is responsible for conferring degrees. I have heard that in some lodges and Jurisdictions, the JW confers the EA, the SW confers the FC, and the WM confers the MM. During our discussion, it was stated that this is 'Masonic Myth'. I can can see where a system, as described above, would be useful in Brother's progression tot he East.

I'm interested to know if any lodges confer degrees in this manner and if they do so out of tradition or Masonic Code.

Thank you.
This is how we "try" to do it in New Jersey even though it is not written. It is tough for a sitting master to do all three degrees. It also allows the Lodge to see how a Junior Warden will handle the pressure of a degree from the East.
 

KSigMason

Traveling Templar
Site Benefactor
In my Lodge the WM usually confers the degrees, but any MM can confer the degrees who wishes to (working on proficiency or the candidate's coach/mentor).

The degree teams are overseen by different officers though. The SD plans EA, the JW plans FC, and SW plans MM.
 

Keith C

Registered User
In my Lodge the WM usually confers the degrees, but any MM can confer the degrees who wishes to (working on proficiency or the candidate's coach/mentor).

The degree teams are overseen by different officers though. The SD plans EA, the JW plans FC, and SW plans MM.

Interesting.

The only way someone who has not been signed off at District School can confer a Degree here is with a dispensation granted by the DDGM, who has to know the Brother is capable. It would be a rare occurrence, as there is ample opportunity to exemplify the Degree Work and by signed off by a Senior Instructor.
 

KSigMason

Traveling Templar
Site Benefactor
Interesting.

The only way someone who has not been signed off at District School can confer a Degree here is with a dispensation granted by the DDGM, who has to know the Brother is capable. It would be a rare occurrence, as there is ample opportunity to exemplify the Degree Work and by signed off by a Senior Instructor.
Our DDGM is the one that signs off on a certificate, but if it is done in Lodge, they don't have to be present though or authorize someone to confer (that authority is vested with the WM). DDGMs are the personal rep of the MWGM, but have very limited powers in Idaho.
 
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