What is the definition of a Mason at sight within Freemasonry?

In Freemasonry, a 'Mason at sight', also known as a 'Mason on sight', refers to an individual who is not yet a Mason but is initiated and raised to the degree of Master Mason through a special prerogative of a Grand Master. This process bypasses the usual steps of Masonic initiation, allowing for the immediate conferral of the highest craft degree.

What is the typical procedure for creating a Mason at sight?

The customary method for making a Mason at sight involves the Grand Master establishing a special, temporary lodge. This 'occasional lodge' is formed solely for the purpose of initiating the candidate into the Master Mason degree, acting as a unique jurisdictional event.

What happens to the 'occasional lodge' after a Mason at sight has been initiated?

Once the candidate has been successfully initiated and raised to the Master Mason degree, the reason for its creation is fulfilled, and the 'occasional lodge' is then dissolved. Its existence is temporary, serving only the specific purpose of the initiation.

Does a Grand Master always need to create a new lodge to make someone a Mason at sight?

While creating an occasional lodge is the customary method, Masonic historian Louis L. Williams has noted that a Grand Master possesses unique and unquestionable authority. This power allows the Grand Master to proceed as they see fit, potentially even by simply decreeing an individual to be a Master Mason without the formal lodge procedure.

Who was Francis Stephen, and what is his connection to being made a Mason at sight?

Francis Stephen, who later became the Holy Roman Emperor, was made a Mason at sight in 1731 at Houghton Hall. This event occurred fourteen years before his ascension to the imperial throne, marking him as one of the earliest recorded individuals to receive this special Masonic recognition.

When and where was Frederick, Prince of Wales, made a Mason at sight?

Frederick, Prince of Wales, was made a Mason at sight in 1737. The specific location is not detailed in the provided text, but it falls within the historical context of such occurrences in the United Kingdom during the 18th century.

Who was Joseph Smith, and what is notable about his Masonic initiation?

Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, was made a Mason at sight in March 1842. Notably, he completed all three degrees of Freemasonry within an unusually short period of two days, a testament to the special process used.

When was General Douglas MacArthur made a Mason at sight, and what was the attendance like?

General Douglas MacArthur was made a Mason at sight on January 17, 1936. The ceremony was attended by over six hundred Master Masons, indicating the significance and public nature of this rare Masonic event.

Who conferred the Master Mason degree on General George C. Marshall at sight, and when did this happen?

General George C. Marshall was raised to the Master Mason degree at sight by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia in December 1941. This special conferral of degrees highlights his prominent status and the Grand Master's prerogative.

Who was Don King, and what is his connection to being made a Mason at sight?

Don King, the well-known boxing promoter, was made a Mason at sight in 1987. He was raised by Grand Master Odes J. Kyle Jr. of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Which U.S. President was recognized as a Mason at sight shortly before his inauguration?

William Howard Taft, who would become the 27th President of the United States, was recognized as a Mason at sight. This occurred on February 18, 1909, just a few weeks prior to his inauguration, highlighting a significant Masonic event in his life.

Describe the circumstances surrounding William Howard Taft's initiation as a Mason at sight.

An occasional lodge was convened specifically for William Howard Taft's initiation at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Cincinnati. The Grand Master of Ohio, Charles Hoskinson, presided over the ceremony, which also included William B. Mellish, demonstrating the use of the Grand Master's power.

How long did the occasional lodge convened for William Howard Taft's initiation operate?

The occasional lodge convened for William Howard Taft's initiation began around 4:00 p.m. and was dissolved shortly after 6:00 p.m. on February 18, 1909, making it a brief but significant event focused entirely on his initiation.

When was Joe Biden declared a Master Mason at sight, and by which Masonic body?

Joe Biden was declared a Master Mason at sight by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina on January 19, 2025. This declaration signifies a special conferral of Masonic degrees by that specific Grand Lodge.

What important caveat did The Pillar raise regarding Joe Biden's designation as a Mason at sight?

The Pillar noted that for the designation to be valid, Joe Biden himself would have to accept the conferred membership, even passively by not rejecting it. They emphasized that Masons cannot make someone a member without their consent, similar to how marriage requires mutual consent.

What questions have been raised about the legitimacy of Joe Biden's Masonic membership?

Questions have been raised about Joe Biden's legitimacy as a Master Mason because the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina is reportedly not recognized as regular by mainstream U.S. grand lodges, the United Grand Lodge of England, or other major recognized Masonic jurisdictions. This lack of recognition impacts the validity of Masonic affiliations.

What does the image caption describe?

The image caption identifies the subject as the Holy Roman Emperor Francis I and states that he was one of the earliest recorded individuals to be recognized as a Mason at sight, illustrating a historical instance of this Masonic practice.

What are some general topics related to Freemasonry mentioned in the navbox?

The navbox lists general topics related to Freemasonry such as abbreviations, the 'Chamber of Reflection', its history, Grand Lodges, Masonic landmarks, manuscripts, music, myths, rites, ritual and symbolism, and the concept of a Masonic lodge, including research lodges.

Which Grand Lodges are identified as primary bodies within the British Isles according to the navbox?

According to the navbox, the primary Grand Lodges within the British Isles are the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

Under the Swedish Rite, which Nordic countries are mentioned as having Masonic orders?

The navbox indicates that under the Swedish Rite, Masonic orders are present in Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland, along with Germany and Spain. These countries follow a specific Masonic system derived from Swedish traditions.

What are some of the major Grand Lodges listed for the United States in the navbox?

The navbox lists numerous Grand Lodges for the United States, including those for Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia, among others, representing the widespread presence of Freemasonry in the country.

What is Prince Hall Freemasonry, and what other related organizations are mentioned in its context?

Prince Hall Freemasonry refers to a branch of Freemasonry established for African Americans. The navbox also mentions related organizations such as the Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Imperial Court, all connected to this lineage.

What are some of the non-denominational appendant orders within Freemasonry listed in the navbox?

Non-denominational appendant orders listed include the Allied Masonic Degrees, Grand College of Rites, Holy Royal Arch (Anglo-European), Royal Arch Masonry (American), Order of Athelstan, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of Knight Masons, Order of Mark Master Masons, Order of the Scarlet Cord, Order of the Secret Monitor, Order of Royal and Select Masters (Anglo-European), Cryptic Masonry (American), Royal Ark Mariners, and Shriners.

Which appendant orders within Freemasonry are specifically designated as Christian Only?

Appendant orders designated as Christian Only include Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Knights of the York Cross of Honour, Knights Templar, Masonic Order of the Bath, Order of Saint Thomas of Acon, Red Cross of Constantine, Rectified Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Scotland, S.R.I.A., Royal Order of Eri, Societas Rosicruciana, Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, and York Rite Sovereign College.

What are the primary jurisdictions of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite mentioned in the navbox?

The navbox identifies the primary jurisdictions for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the USA as the Northern Jurisdiction, the Southern Jurisdiction, and the Supreme Council of Louisiana. These represent distinct governing bodies for this Masonic rite.

What topics related to Anti-Masonry are presented in the navbox?

The navbox includes topics related to Anti-Masonry such as general Anti-Masonry, Masonic conspiracy theories, the Judeo-Masonic conspiracy theory, and the historical Morgan Affair, which was a significant event in the history of anti-Masonic sentiment.

What is the significance of the Square and Compasses symbol in Freemasonry?

The Square and Compasses is a prominent symbol in Freemasonry, representing the tools of stonemasons used metaphorically to guide moral conduct. Its inclusion in the navbox highlights its importance within the fraternity and its widespread recognition.

What is Freemasons' Hall in London, and what is its significance?

Freemasons' Hall in London serves as the headquarters for the United Grand Lodge of England, which was established in 1722. The hall itself has been a significant Masonic center since 1775, with its current structure dating from 1933, making it a historical and administrative hub.

What does 'Continental Freemasonry' generally refer to, as indicated by the navbox?

Continental Freemasonry, as suggested by the navbox, encompasses various Masonic bodies, particularly in continental Europe, which may differ in their rituals and recognition from Anglo-American Freemasonry. It also includes Co-Masonry, which admits both men and women.

What are some examples of Grand Lodges in Latin America mentioned in the navbox?

The navbox lists Grand Lodges in Latin America for countries including Brazil (Grande Oriente do Brasil), Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela, illustrating the global reach of Freemasonry.

What does the term 'Anglo-American Freemasonry' encompass according to the navbox?

Anglo-American Freemasonry, as presented in the navbox, includes the major Grand Lodges of the British Isles and a wide array of Grand Lodges across the United States and Canada, as well as Australia and New Zealand, representing a distinct branch of the fraternity.

Mason At Sight Wiki: The Unconventional Initiation: Exploring the Mason at Sight

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What is a Mason at Sight?

Definition and Authority

Within the framework of Freemasonry, a "Mason at Sight" refers to an individual who is recognized as a Master Mason without undergoing the standard, sequential initiation process. This unique designation is conferred through a special application of the inherent powers vested in a Grand Master. It signifies an extraordinary measure, bypassing the typical progression through the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.

Historical Significance

The concept of making a Mason at Sight is considered one of the fundamental principles or ancient customs of Freemasonry. Albert Mackey, a prominent Masonic scholar, listed this practice as the eighth of his "Twenty-Five Landmarks of Freemasonry." These landmarks are understood as the essential, unalterable tenets and practices that define Masonic jurisprudence and tradition.

The Procedure

The Occasional Lodge

The customary method for recognizing someone as a Mason at Sight involves the Grand Master establishing a temporary, or "occasional," lodge. This lodge is convened for the sole purpose of initiating the candidate and conferring upon them the degree of Master Mason. Once the initiation is complete, the lodge is dissolved, having fulfilled its specific, singular purpose.

Grand Master's Prerogative

While the formation of an occasional lodge is the typical procedure, Masonic historian Louis L. Williams noted that the Grand Master's authority in such matters is exceptionally broad. It is understood that, by virtue of their unique and unquestionable power, a Grand Master could, in essence, simply decree an individual to be a Master Mason, effectively bypassing even the formation of a special lodge. This highlights the profound executive authority associated with the office of Grand Master.

Historical Context

Early Instances in the United Kingdom

The practice of making Masons at Sight has historical precedents dating back to the early days of speculative Freemasonry. Notable early examples include:

Francis Stephen, Duke of Lorraine: He was raised to the degree of Master Mason at Sight in 1731 at Houghton Hall, a significant event occurring fourteen years before he ascended to the throne as Holy Roman Emperor.
Frederick, Prince of Wales: Similarly, he was recognized as a Mason at Sight in 1737, underscoring the practice's application to individuals of high standing.

Notable Figures in the United States

The United States has also seen several prominent individuals made Masons at Sight:

Joseph Smith: The founder of the Latter Day Saint movement was raised to the degree of Master Mason at Sight in March 1842, completing all three degrees within an exceptionally short span of two days.
General Douglas MacArthur: The renowned military leader was made a Mason at Sight on January 17, 1936, in a ceremony attended by over six hundred Master Masons.
General George C. Marshall: The architect of the post-WWII European Recovery Program was raised by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia in December 1941.
Don King: The controversial boxing promoter was recognized as a Mason at Sight by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1987.

United States Presidents

The practice has extended to individuals who later held the highest office in the United States:

William Howard Taft: Prior to his inauguration as the 27th President of the United States, Taft was recognized as a Mason at Sight on February 18, 1909. An occasional lodge was convened specifically for this purpose in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Charles Hoskinson, the Grand Master of Ohio. The lodge was convened and dissolved within a few hours.
Joe Biden: On January 19, 2025, Joe Biden was declared a Master Mason at Sight by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina. However, this designation has been subject to scrutiny. Masonic sources have noted that membership requires the individual's consent, and questions have been raised regarding the recognition status of the specific Grand Lodge by mainstream Masonic jurisdictions, casting doubt on the legitimacy or universality of this conferral.

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References

'Douglass MacArthur; A Freemason for All Seasons' by Herbert G. Gardiner, PGS

138th Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio F&AM. Columbus: Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. 1987. p. 20.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mason at sight Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic of 'Mason at Sight' within Freemasonry.

This is not an official publication of any Masonic body. The information presented here is based on historical accounts and interpretations found in sources such as Wikipedia and should not be considered authoritative Masonic doctrine or practice. Freemasonry is a complex fraternal organization with diverse interpretations and practices across jurisdictions.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations, errors, or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. For official information regarding Freemasonry, consult recognized Masonic Grand Lodges and their official publications.

The Unconventional Initiation

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What is a Mason at Sight? ❓

✨ Definition and Authority

📜 Historical Significance

The Procedure 📜

🏛️ The Occasional Lodge

👑 Grand Master's Prerogative

Historical Context ⏳

🇬🇧 Early Instances in the United Kingdom

🇺🇸 Notable Figures in the United States

⭐ United States Presidents

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Mason at Sight?

Definition and Authority

Historical Significance

The Procedure

The Occasional Lodge

Grand Master's Prerogative

Historical Context

Early Instances in the United Kingdom

Notable Figures in the United States

United States Presidents

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice