But why not having the WM and his officers doing the degree? The candidate is the most important person at that moment of initiation, and he should be handled by the most important officer in the temple
Y'know, back when I was progressing through my degrees, I wondered why they weren't conferred by the Master of the Lodge (but I didn't say anything about at the time). In a perfect world (Lodge?) I would agree with you, but our world ain't perfect. As such, I believe it is more impressive to the candidate to receive a properly-conferred degree, regardless of what titles are held by the members of the degree team.
---------- Post added at 09:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 PM ----------
Candidates for WM election usually were officers before, but that is not necessary. You just need to be MM in most jurisdiction, or 6th degree in mine, the Swedish Rite in Germany.
Here, unless appointed by the Grand Master to be Master of a newly-constituted Lodge, a Brother must have served as a Warden before he can serve as Master.
"Art. 276. (329, 330). Qualifications.
Any member of a Lodge in good standing, and against whom no charges are pending, and who has previously served as Worshipful Master of a regular Lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction, or as Worshipful Master or Warden of a Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction, and who preferably has been certified as to his qualifications in accordance with the provisions of Article 276a of these laws, is eligible to be elected Worshipful Master.
Such previous service may be either:
(1) under election;
(2) under appointment by the Grand Master in a Lodge Under Dispensation; or
(3) under designation by the Grand Lodge in a newly chartered Lodge.
The above provisions regarding service do not apply when a Worshipful Master is appointed by the Grand Master or designated by the Grand Lodge under the above circumstances, but previous requirements as enumerated in the following Article 276a should apply to all such circumstances."
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