Traveling past master

How can you prove that you are a past master when traveling? I've noticed that the dues cards look the same. I guess the lodge you're visiting would have to make enquiries to your home grand lodge?

 

In OR our dues cards are different for different levels. PM, PGLofficer, PGM ECT

Sent from my LG-H811 using My Freemasonry Pro mobile app

 

Or you prove you are a FM then they take your word for it ?

 

Why does it matter in the US?

 

Not in all states. Minnesota doesn't do the Board of Installed Masters installation.

I'm curious why, when you're visiting, you'd need to prove anything other than your status as a MM? Unless it's to witness the installation of a WM in a state that does confer the secrets of the chair.

 

It was just a question I had been pondering.

 

Dues cards normally, depending where you are show that they are a PM. At least where I am they do

 

In my jurisdiction, a PM or visiting PM can sit in the east with the WM

 

That is common in the US, I agree. Do people actually avail themselves of the courtesy?

 

In Victoria, a lodge opens in the First Degree, traditionally without visitors. Once open and biz transacted, a report is taken. Visiting MMs (EAs &FCs) are then admitted. Another report is given, then visiting PMs are admitted, but escorted by the DC and introduced to the WM "WM i present WBro x, past master of Lodge of y". PM goes to WM but stays on floor, PM and WM shakes hands, say G'day and pleasantries, PM generally seats in East to left of WM. Another report is taken. Visiting WMs - all rise, deacons and dc get into position and WM received under crossed (rods) and escorted to East. DC intros " WM, I present the WM of X Lodge, WBro y" Visiting WM approaches WM, ascends dias, they shake hands, chat, shake ends and deacons break wands, WM sits, visiting WM sits to WM right.

It matters here cause WM and PMs represent their lodges when visiting via forml intro. During Installations, a board of installed WMs opened ( PMs stay ) and WM installed. It matters then as well. PMs distinguished by their apron (MMs and above have and use own apron here)...

It's common for visitors to ask for permission to be present during Opening which sidesteps the above ... but WMs should enter under wands and represent their lodge...

 

Umm, yeah. My comment was about the US

 

I checked in my wallet. The two jurisdictions where I am a PM it is mentioned on both cards. They both also list my life/endowed member status.

Among my jurisdictions only one mentions in the opening that WMs and PMs are invited to seats in the east. None ever went unless specifically asked during awards meetings. In my mother lodge it was always a joke that when welcoming a new PM at the Stated meeting after his out-stalation that all PMs stand, take a step, step back, sit down.

I've had to prove myself an MM in several states during visits. I have never needed to prove I'm a PM by any means other than pulling out the PM apron from my briefcase or comparing detailed differences in the PM symbol on rings.

And by offering to give Masonic Education presentations but that's more correlated with my activity on this forum than with being a PM.

 

I've only been an MM for two years but I've visited a lot of lodges and I've not seen this happen.

 

I have seen it on one occasion. I say that to say, if a brother was visiting another jurisdiction and wanted to sit in the east with the WM there should be a way for him to prove he is a PM via dues card etc. And yes I know, not every jurisdiction has dues card, so there should be another way

 

Well, it isn't about what we "want" to do, is it? Surely the pleasure is in attending the lodge, not where we sit as a visitor?
I will tell you that the lodges I visit in the Highlands don't know of my grand rank. My goal is to go and have a good time, not to show an apron.

 

That's good brother. Some brothers want a little more recognition

 

a Dues Card may indicate that the holder is a Past Master by, in a Scottish lodge, here, putting the letters 'PM" after his name, or, in our sister constitution, giving him the title 'Wor. Bro. '

As our lodges always open in the EA degree a visiting brother will only have to prove himself in that degree. If the lodge goes to a higher degree ALL brethren are 'on their masonic honour' to retire before the lodge is passed or raised, or, at an installation, a Board of Installed Masters is opened, if they have not received that degree.

As long a a visiting brother has been Installed as Master in a lodge under a Grand Lodge recognised by the GL of Scotland he may remain in a Board of Installed Masters even if he is not in possession of the Secrets of that Ceremony.

 

Yeah, but then they recognize me from America's Most Wanted and everything gets so awkward