Length of first 3 degrees

[Bill Lins]

A lodge can get a dispensation for active duty military service members (including those that are Guard and Reserve called up to Active status) to get whatever degrees are needed to become a Master Mason before deploying. From what I remember, the lodge Sec sends up the request, and the GM approves it. I don't know for sure if that goes for EA, though. For example, I don't know if some guy that hasn't been initiated yet comes down on orders to deploy and suddenly decides (or is finally able to) join the lodge can petition and get all THREE degrees. I think that the guy can, but I'm not totally positive as I have heard it both ways, and don't have my law book right with me.

Basically, what this law "waives" is the requirement to turn in the proficiencies for the first two degrees before getting the next degree, and then requires the service member to turn in the Master Mason proficiency within 90 days of being back home. For example, an EA comes down on orders to deploy and the Sec sends up the dispensation request and the GM approves it. He can then get his FC without turning in his EA proficiency, and also his MM degree without turning in the proficiency for the FC. But, like I said, it is still mandatory to turn in the Master Mason proficiency, but within 90 days of being back.

This situation is what happened to me. I ended up getting my FC and MM both in one night. If you have access to the law book, it states specifically whether or not the service member has to be an EA before requesting this or not. But, I have seen lodges move things along really quickly to make sure he was initiated in time. Bro. Bill would be a good source of which Article this falls under.

Here is the Article for which you are looking:

Art. 39. (39). Shortening Time for Degrees.
In cases of extreme emergency the Grand Master is authorized to grant dispensation to postpone the examination for proficiency in such cases to such time as he may direct, and to ballot on such a candidate at a special meeting if the emergency requires it. (Revised 1997)

As I read this, the proficiencies for all the degrees may be postponed, but not "waived". Absent any other language, I'd conclude that, sooner or later, the Brother would have to learn the catechism of each degree & demonstrate his proficiency. Furthermore, I don't see where a candidate could be initiated without going through the process of having his petition presented and he being investigated, nor would I support such a procedure. I can only conclude that a candidate must be regularly initiated before Article 39 would apply.