Lodges abroad may advance a Brother to a higher degree after an interval of no less than one week, rather than the standard four weeks, as stipulated in Rule 172. This advancement requires a dispensation granted by the District Grand Master for Lodges under a District or by the Grand Master for Lodges not under a District. Until the Board of General Purposes issues a specific direction for any area, the current rule remains in effect. An amendment to Rule 90 reinforces this provision, explicitly allowing the one-week interval for degree advancement with the necessary dispensation. This amended rule applies to specific regions, including Cyprus, the Eastern Archipelago, Hong Kong, and the Far East. Adherence to these guidelines ensures compliance with Masonic regulations while accommodating the needs of Lodges operating internationally.
December 4th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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In Lodges abroad a Brother may be advanced to a higher degree at an interval of not less than one week instead of four weeks, as provided by Rule 172, but only if and so far as authorised by a dispensation granted by the District Grand Master in the case of a Lodge under a District, or by or under the authority of the Grand Master in the case of a Lodge not under a District. *Until the Board of General Purposes has given a direction in relation to any particular area, the current Rule (above) will continue to apply. Rule 90 (Amended): In Lodges abroad a Brother may be advanced to a higher degree at an interval of not less than one week instead of four weeks, as provided by Rule 172, but only if and so far as authorised by a dispensation granted by or under the authority of the Grand Master. *The above and amended Rule has been applied to the following area(s): Cyprus, Eastern Archipelago, Hong Kong and the Far East.