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This page has new information as of 10-5-06 specifically related to requirements to become the WM of a Lodge in various jurisdictions. Scroll down the page to see all of the information
Here is the email from Bob Spencer that got this great line of information flowing.	----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Spencer To: Carl E. Jones, CFP Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 9:58 AM Subject: Research Task -- Qualifications to be Worshipful Master Brother Carl, I am looking for a compilation of the requirements the various Grand Lodges impose for brothers to be eligible to be elected to Worshipful Master. I know they vary widely as I am a member of Lodges in Maryland (Concordia #13) and Mississippi (Tupelo #318). Maryland requires WM to demonstrate proficiency in the three degrees including the lectures; Mississippi requires only that a man have been installed as a Warden. I would be grateful for the results of any brothers' research and if no compilation has been done I would like to do that and make it freely available. I have already put the question to the Masonic Services Association of North America and they know of no existing compilation. Will you help pass the question around? Bob Spencer
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Carl: The CT requirements are 1 year as Warden, and proficiency in the opening, closing, and reception of dignitaries. Sincerely, Richard Eppler
Carl, In Virginia, to become a Master of a lodge, the Senior Warden (in fact the Junior Warden as well) must have received the Past Master’s degree (The Chair Degree of a Master) either in a Provisional Lodge of Past Masters or as a Royal Arch Mason in a Regular Lodge of Past Masters. Both the Grand Lodge of Virginia and the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Virginia have jurisdiction, though the Grand Lodge takes precedence. In addition, the Senior Warden to be eligible to be elected must have in his possession a Certificate of Proficiency that certifies that he can do the following: 1) Open and Close each of the 3 lodges (EA, FC and MM) 2) Confer each of the 3 degrees to include the 2^nd Section of the MM degree 3) Call off and call on both to refreshment and to labor 4) Ballot on candidates for the degrees, applicants for affiliation and EAs and FCs standing their Masonic Catechism proficiency 5) Recite the ritual prayer at the grave during the second section of the MM degree 6) Receive a candidate in the Middle Chamber in the FC degree 7) Give the charge at the altar at the closing of a Master Masons Lodge 8) Be able to recite the short prayers for opening and closing a lodge in the absence of the Chaplain Barry Bartley, PM, KYCH, OPC Herndon Lodge No. 264, 1999 Herndon, Virginia
In California – To be installed as Master, one must have completed his proficiency in the lecture of the third degree, and be certified in the delivery of the lectures of all three degrees. This, however, is “informally” changing to that of Orators. That is, Wardens and Masters are at times certified for installation as a warden or master with the stipulation that they do no work in the degree in which they were to have been certified. I guess that this formally recognizes that most Masters are either good administrators or good ritualists, but not both. We need good lodge administrators and there is always someone who wants to, and can do good ritual work. Masonically this makes a great deal of sense. We are charged with the responsibility of giving a candidate the best degree conferral that we can put together. Therefore, why force a Jr. Warden to give a candidate a poor quality lecture when there is someone on the sidelines who can do a credible job? Bob Werner PM, Pleasanton 321, California JR, Crow Canyon 551, California
Hi Carl: Qualifications should be the top priority when members are being considered for a line position. If a member is appointed to the line, he should be evaluated at regular intervals as to his proficiency, his goals, his leadership and management skills, and his ability to delegate. He should be one who works well with others. If these attributes are weak or non-existent, he should be diplomatically informed he will not be advancing to the next chair. The Senior Deacons chair should be the last chair he should occupy if those attributes are not evident. Allowing a Brother to continue under these circumstances causes embarrassment not only for the Brother in question, but also the Lodge. Why waste the Lodge's and the Brother's time? Thanks for the opportunity to put in my "two cents worth." Fraternally, Ken Baril, P.M.
Concur............Virginia is leading the way in this effort. IN my Lodge in Fort Valley GA---all of my line officers down through her JD have opened and closed the Lodge. In addition, all officers through the SS have to have "white cards" to authorize them to teach catechisms. We are not a s far along as VA--but still working at it. We probably are a bit more tolerant of our WMs and strive always for "Peace and Harmony" above all. Phil Wyatt 2006 Worshipful Master Fort Valley Lodge # 110 Fort Valley GA


in Conn we have a proficiency test to be taken if not already a PM Railroad Bill Barr <billbarr1@webtv.net>
Bro. Carl, Iowa's Grand Lodge Code says, "No one shall be elected or appointed to office unless he is a Master Mason, a member in good standing in the lodge, qualified to vote therein, not delinquent in payment of dues, and of real worth and merit; provided, however, that no one shall be elected Master unless he has served as a Warden. 'It is not necessary for the Master to have the 'Degree of Past Master' before his installation'." Eldon Walton Crest City Lodge No. 522 & Daylight Lodge No.660
Carl, in California, each office is qualified separately. The Senior Deacon must be proficient in all the work of the Senior Deacon, including the "staircase." The Junior Warden must know the first Degree, including the lecture. The Senior Warden must know the Second degree including the "letter G." The Master must know the work of the Third Degree, including the Historical Lecture. These must be attested to by the District Inspector before he may be installed. In addition, the official Grand Lodge web site has a Lodge Manual which includes the Duties of the Officers, and states that these officers are to learn the next years work by October. The duties include a statement to the effect that they must be able to perform the duties of the office in all three degrees, and specifically that the Master be able to give the lecture in all three degrees. Please edit this down to fit your newsletter, as it seems rather long. Bill Miller, PM, Officers' Coach
Grand Lodge of Nebraska A.F.& A. M. Chapter lll Officers Sec. 2-305 - Qualifications for Master Except in newly chartered subordinate lodges, no one shall be elected Master unless he shall have been installed as a Warden in some regularly chartered lodge. An irregular installation as a Warden will not render him ineligible. There is you answer from Husker Nation! David G. Krogh W.M. Omadi Lodge No. 5 Chartered, June 2, 1858 South Sioux City, Nebraska
Carl, In my lodge in Illinois, you progress from chair to chair without any other requirements. We have practice every week, but if you get four officers to attend you have done great. I started as senior steward. The next year I had one meeting as junior deacon. The senior deacons dropped out and guess what, I was senior deacon. The next year after two meetings as junior warden, the senior warden also quit. I was bumped up again. I finished the year as senior warden and am almost done with my year as master. I have spent the entire year trying to catch up. I have conferred all of the degrees, not perfectly, but passably. There has been no time to learn the various lectures including the senior deacons. Paul
Here are the qualifications directly from the California Masonic Code: §25070. QUALIFICATIONS OF MASTER. Before a Master-elect can be installed there shall be presented to the Installing Officer the Certificate of the Grand Lecturer, Assistant Grand Lecturer of the division in which his Lodge is situated, or the Inspector of the district in which his Lodge is situated, certifying that: A. He has personally examined the Master-elect and that he is qualified to give the work and lectures in the three degrees; B. He has received a Certificate of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree; and C. He is proficient in those portions of this Code that relate to the government of a Lodge. §25080. QUALIFICATIONS OF SENIOR WARDEN. Before a Senior Warden-elect can be installed there shall be presented to the Installing Officer the Certificate of the Grand Lecturer, the Assistant Grand Lecturer of the division in which his Lodge is situated, or the Inspector the district in which his Lodge is situated, certifying that: A. He has personally examined the Senior Warden-elect, and that he is qualified to give the work and lectures of the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Degrees; B. He has received a Certificate of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree; and C. He is proficient in those portions of this Code that relate to the government of a Lodge. §25090. QUALIFICATIONS OF JUNIOR WARDEN. Before a Junior Warden-elect can be installed there shall be presented to the Installing Officer the Certificate of the Grand Lecturer, the Assistant Grand Lecturer of the division in which his Lodge is situated, or the Inspector of the district in which his Lodge is situated, certifying that: A. He has personally examined such Junior Warden-elect, and that he is qualified to give the work and lecture of the Entered Apprentice Degree; B. He has received a Certificate of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree; and C. He is proficient in those portions of this Code that relate to the government of a Lodge. Theron Dunn <therondunn@dslextreme.com>
Noble Carl, This is a great idea. I would definitely want to know the requirements in some other Grand Jurisdictions Ours is he must have been a warden once. Jimmy Gonzales Grand Lodge of the Philippines
Good idea - looks like someone may have already started it :-) http://bessel.org/wmreqs.htm http://bessel.org/glcodes.htm http://www.freemason.org/documents/CMC%20-%202006%20Restatement%20v5.pdf (see section 805.410 as a good place to start) Fraternally, Eric Wells, PM Natoma #64 Grand Sword Bearer (for another 6 days) Grand Lodge of California
Carl: In South Dakota, for a Master Mason to be eligible for the office of Worshipful Master he must: 1. be a member in good standing of the Lodge he is to serve. 2. have previously been installed as Master or a Warden in any recognized Masonic Lodge. If no member is so qualified, any member of the Lodge may be qualified by dispensation of the Grand Master. 3. be nominated and elected at a regular meeting of the Lodge and be installed according to the ritual of the Grand Lodge Once installed into office, a Worshipful Master cannot resign or receive a demit until the end of his term. I look forward to seeing the compilation. Fraternally, Lowell C. Holmgren, PGM 97-98 Grand Lodge of South Dakota. Lowell C Holmgren <lcholm1@juno.com>
Greetings Bro. Carl, MWGL of Alabama requires that you be elected as a Warden before being elected WM. POTS, Butch
Brother Carl, In Nebraska lodges, for a Brother to be eligible to hold any office he must have "proved up" in all three degrees. To hold the office of Master, he must have been elected as a Warden in a regular lodge. One exception is a lodge under dispensation. The Grand Master appoints the officers and it is conceivable that one who was never Master or Warden of a lodge could be appointed as Master; however, I doubt such would happen. Incidentally, a Brother is supposed to "prove up" in every degree within 90 days of taking the degree. If he does not, he may receive a waiver but must prove up within six months or show cause as to why he has not done so. He is not considered to be in good standing and may be brought up on charges if he has not proved up in the allotted time - though that seldom if ever happens. Fred Wyant, Master, York Lodge #56 AF&AM York, Nebraska
In Iowa both wardens are elected. To be elected and installed W.M. the brother must have served as a warden. Maynard J. Smith P.M.- secy. Mt. Calvary Lodge #95
Bro Carl, While in the military, I had the good fortune to be stationed in Misawa, Japan. While there, I was fortunate enough to serve as Senior Deacon, and Junior Warden in Aomori Lodge #10, under the Grand Lodge of Japan. In order to be elected to the office of Worshipful Master in Japan, a man has to have previously served as a Warden, and demonstrated proficiency in the degree work and lectures of all 3 Masonic degrees. I was not there long enough to be elected as WM, but I did leave with a lifetime "Certificate of Proficiency" from the Grand Lodge of Japan. James M. Bozeman PM Tabernacle Lodge 1195
In the District of Columbia if one is not an actual past master he must sit for an examination known as the section 83 exam [from the grand lodge book of regulations] and show competence in opening and closing a MM lodge. All candidates for WM must have been either a Warden or a past master. All candidates for installation must also show they hold a past masters degree from either the Royal Arch or the GL School of Instruction and a certificate showing they understand the laws of masonry. In DC the section 83 certificate is good for three years for one who has not been installed as a past master. Actual past masters are exempt from needing a current certificate. Kenneth Gibala, PM Benjamin B French Lodge #15 Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia
In Oklahoma, you have to have been elected to serve as a warden here is a link that has that information for several jurisdictions. I am sure you info will be newer and maybe more complete. http://bessel.org/wmreqs.htm I would ask that you forward your results to Paul Bessel at : paul@bessel.org . His is a wonderful website of information. Fraternally, Tim Israel PM Elk City Lodge #182 A.F.&A.M. Elk City, OK
I spoke with our Director Of Works, who is a 50 year Mason and PM. He said the only requirement, he is aware of in Ga., is that that the WM be elected by the Lodge. The Grand Lodge prefers a Blue and White Card, but it is not a requirement. If I learn anything different, I'll send a follow up. Allen M. Smith <yourhome@bellsouth.net>
Carl In Arizona to be WM you must be able to open, close, and confer the Obligation in all three degrees, and give a lecture in at least one degree. Bob Brisbin PMx3 Ray-Winkelman #24
As far as I can tell the Grand Lodge of North Carolina only requires that he have demonstrated proficiency in the first three degrees. He could be elected as master without having been thru the chairs, although the likelihood of this happening would be extraordinary....R Richard Prest <usnavyk9rvn@yahoo.com>
Bro. Carl, I am currently master of Ocean Lodge #142 in Wells, Maine. I have researched this topic in our “Constitution, Standing Regulations and Digest of Decisions of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Maine”. Section 4, page 56, states that “to be eligible for the office of Master, a brother must have served as a Warden”. Nowhere is it indicated that he must have been installed, only that he “served” prior to his election and subsequent installation as Master of a Lodge. Fraternally, Wor. Ben Davis
Carl, I am a Past Master in California and Washington, belong to Lodge in Mississippi and India. In Washington the code reads that all officers elected or appointed shall be Master Masons who have passed a proficiency. Robert W. Bruneau Master Fairweather Lodge #82 Tacoma, WA.
The Grand Lodge of Washington Masonic Code Section 15.03 B. L. states: “Officer Qualifications. All Officers of a lodge, either elected or appointed, shall be Master Mason in good standing who are members thereof, and who shall have passed proficiency on the Third Degree. Exception: The Chaplain, Musician, and Tyler, who may be members of other Lodges.” I can find no other qualifications required in the WMC. The first my Lodge, Daylight Lodge No. 232 – Seattle’s Lodge of the Arts, in 1920 was the orchestra leading of the Pantages Theater Vaudeville orchestra and not a Past Master. There is no required proficiency exam or any other requirement of a Master or Warden except what a lodge may expect of the brother. V\W\ CoeTug Morgan, secretary
Virginia requires that a Brother serve a year as a Warden, demonstrate proficiency in opening and closing Lodges in the 3 Degrees and in conferring the 3 Degrees and have completed a Past Master's degree, either in a Royal Arch Chapter or in a Provisional Lodge of PMs. However, there is a proposal to stop requiring conferral of degrees as some small Lodges can't find Brothers who can take the time to learn all that. John in Virginia
Brother Gary: I believe that they must be a Master Mason, be able to demonstrate their required proficiency at the chairs from Sr. Deacon through Master, knowing the ritual is usually deemed proficient, to be able to demonstrate leadership ability - this generally meets surviving the chair responsibilities of the Lodge/doing the tasks that are associated to that position. I am uncertain of any "Grand Lodge" requirements per se. I hope that this is at least informative at best. Fraternally, Brother Tom, PM
I am not positive but I think Paul Bessell of DC has already compiled this info on his website which btw is chock full of masonic info and charts etc. www.bessel.org Thanks for the tip, Brother. The site has a page recapping 16 of the GL's requirements. An excellent start. bob
Fraternal greetings, Greetings from a misplaced Mississippi Redneck. I live in British Columbia. Canada and I'm a member of Corinthian Lodge #27. I'm a P.M., P.D.D.G.M. and now a has-been Lodge Sec. The only qualification to be elected to the office of W.M., in our Lodge, is that he must have passed the 3 exam's of the 3 degrees and served at one of the Warden offices. We had a Bro. who had taken the first 2 exams and never did the 3rd exam. When we told him he must prove up, he got mad and quit the Lodge. Anyone with an attitude such as that shouldn't become a W.M., in my humble opinion. Fraternally, Lowry May
	Grand Lodge of Louisiana only requires that the WM must have been a Warden, however the blue lodge can have other requirements in their bylaws. glupob36@aol.com <glupob36@aol.com>
I have searched the Grand Lodge constitution and standing regulations, and could find nothing on qualifications of a Master. That being said, it is at least by tradition in Maine that the Master has to sit for a year as a Warden prior to becoming Master. No proficiency is required to sit in any chair, although most have learned the degrees. Fraternally, Carl Marsano Secretary, Saco Lodge No. 9 18th Masonic District Education Representative
North Carolina REG. 53-2 QUALIFICATIONS. The qualifications of the officers of a lodge shall be as follows: [11-6]. 1. All lodge officers shall be Master Masons and, except the Tyler, shall be and remain members of the lodge of which they are officers. 2. No brother shall be elected Master of a lodge unless he shall have previously been elected and installed as Master or Warden of a regularly constituted chartered lodge and shall have served a full term as such. When no such brother who is thus qualified and who consents to serve as Master can be found among the members, and also except at the formation of a new lodge, the Grand Master after such investigation as he may deem necessary may issue his dispensation for the election and installation as Master of a member not thus qualified. The election shall be held at a stated communication to be designated in the dispensation. [13-3.8.B; 39-2.3; 39-7.3; 55-2]. 3. Acting as Warden of a lodge under dispensation does not make a brother eligible to the office of Master in a chartered lodge, but a brother nominated in the charter of a lodge and regularly installed, who serves from the date of the charter to the annual communication of the lodge in December, and who has also served as Warden while the lodge was under dispensation, thereby becomes eligible to the office of Master. 4. Any member of a lodge is qualified to vote in the election of officers and if qualified as required by law, shall be eligible to any office in the lodge. No member shall hold more than one office in the lodge at the same time. [53-2.2; 55-5; 57-1.3; 57-6; 60-8; 55-2; 74-5.2, 74-5.3] 5. A member of a lodge in this State who is a Past Master of a lodge in another recognized grand jurisdiction, who has not served as a Master or a Warden in a lodge in this State, is eligible to be elected Master, he has the same status in all respects in his lodge as any Past Master thereof. 6. Each lodge is the judge of the qualifications of the members it elects for its officers subject to the law of the Grand Lodge. 7. No lodge shall elect any brother, either as Master or as Warden, unless he manifests such care and zeal for Masonry as to induce the belief that he can and will qualify himself to preside and discharge the duties of his office according to the laws and usages of the Craft and with credit to the lodge and to Masonry. 8. Each officer of a lodge shall wear the jewel and apron of his respective office to be properly clothed. [89-4; 89-10; 89-10.2]. 9. The fact that a Brother lives outside the state shall not prevent him from serving his lodge as either an appointive or elective officer, provided that the appointment or election of a member shall be subject to the power of the Grand Master to remove the officer under Regulation 57-1.7, 57-5, or 57-5.2. (This section amended, effective 1/1/2006) Sincerely & Fraternally, Joseph Link Joseph Link, PM Secretary, DDGM30 Statesville Lodge #27 P.O. Box 171 Statesville, NC 28687 jlink@ccitelecom.net http://home.earthlink.net/~statesville27
Brethren, here in Washington State the Code reads as follows: Sec. 15.03 B.L. Officer Qualification. All Officers of a Lodge, either elected or appointed, shall be Master Masons in good standing who are voting members thereof, and who shall have passed a proficiency on the Third Degree. Exception: The Chaplain, Musician, and Tyler, who may be members of other Lodges. REV. 2005. VWB Steve Pennington, Co-Chair. Public Relations, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F&AM of Washington
Northside Lodge #283 F&E Masons St. Petersburg Florida, You must be a Master Mason and have given back all three Catechisms to obtain Your White Apron...............
In Montana to be the Worshipful Master, a Brother must serve a term as a Junior Warden or Senior Warden. James C Green
By-Laws relating To The Grand Lodge (Of Illinois) Eligibility of Lodge Officers 249. (As amended 2004) A brother is not eligible to the office of master in any chartered lodge unless he is an actual member thereof, nor unless he has been regularly installed as a warden of some legally chartered lodge: provided, that in case of an emergency the lodge may elect any member not so qualified; but a brother so elected cannot be installed except by dispensation of the Grand Master. All other officers of the lodge except the organist and tyler, must be members thereof. Honorary members may be appointed to any non-elective office in the Lodge. Arlington Heights Lodge 1162, Secretary
Grand Lodge of Canada, AF&AM, in the Province of Ontario only requires that the Master elect have only sat in a Warden's chair. However, Local Traditions hold in each Lodge. In my Lodge we require that the Master elect have sat in both the Junior and Senior Warden's chairs and have done both the Junior and Senior Warden lectures. Grand Lodge allows for Local Traditions so long as they do not conflict with the Custodian of the Work and the Book of the Work. YIF, Michael J Stilwell WM Clinton Lodge #84 AF&AM GLCPO GRC South Perth Chapter #46 Moore Sovereign Consistory Mocha Temple AAONMS
Arizona requires that the candidate have a certificate of proficiency from the district Grand Lecturer. Connecticut only requires that he have been a Warden. However any Master Mason is eligible to be elected Grand Master. r.a.hodgson@juno.com <r.a.hodgson@juno.com>
Indiana a brother has to have been elected and served as a warden though it is generally expected that he be proficient in the work so that he could open and close a lodge and maintain decorum it is also required that he has received the actual past master degree in a legal convocation of the same regards james b. coleman p.m home #342f&am
Greetings The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, requires that a Master Mason be in good standing and have served at least one term as a Warden. Max McIntosh Similkameen Lodge #75 Victoria Columbia #1
Tennessee has no requirement, other than the brother must have served as a warden (senior or junior) for one year. This does not apply to a new Lodge serving under dispensation. If the WM has a proficiency card, this helps the Lodge grade on the Grand Lecturer's annual visit. If the WM, SW JW and SD do not have cards, the maximum grade the Lodge can receive is 94. Thomas Boduch MD Past Master, Secretary Union Lodge #38 F&AM of TN
Hi Carl Well in my Lodge in the UK. He has to have been a Warden for a year. Best wishes Bill Hollands.
Alabama seems to be very similar to Mississippi. Roy C. Smith, Jr