Grand Master (Freemasonry)
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A Grand Master is a
Deputies
Just as the
In the United Grand Lodge of England, if the Grand Master is traditionally a Prince of the Blood Royal (ie: a member of the Royal Family), he may appoint a 'Pro Grand Master' ('Pro' is from the Latin for 'for') to be "his principal adviser, and to act for him on those occasions when, due to royal engagements, he is unable to be present".[5] The Pro Grand Master is distinct from the Deputy Grand Master.
Traditions
There are two distinct traditions in connection with the office of Grand Master. Generally speaking, the European practice is for the same Grand Master to be re-elected for several consecutive years, maybe even several decades, whilst in other countries, a Grand Master serves a set term of only one to three years and then retires.
In several European countries, the position of Grand Master has often been held by members of royal families or the high nobility. In some Protestant northern European countries, the position was held by the King for a long time. In England and Wales, the current Grand Master is Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who was elected in 1967 and has been re-elected each year since.
See also
- Provincial Grand Master
- Grand Master (order)
References
- ^ [1] Grand Master
- ^ [2] Use of the Term Worshipful
- ^ [3] The Right Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania
- ^ "Freemasons NSW & ACT – Grand Master". Masons.org.au. Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 24 December 2015.
- ^ "United Grand Lodge of England – Who's Who". Ugle.org.uk. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2015.