The Grand Master confers Overseas Grand Rank annually to Past Masters in Lodges abroad not under a District, limited to one for each Lodge as of September 1 of the previous year. Additional appointments may occur for Masonic celebrations or at the Grand Master's discretion. Master Masons in similar Lodges may also receive Overseas Rank, taking precedence after Overseas Grand Rank holders. Past Masters who become members of the Grand Lodge automatically gain Overseas Grand Rank. The Grand Master can appoint holders of Overseas or London Grand Rank, or Past Provincial or District Grand Officers, to Senior Overseas Grand Rank. All ranks are entitled to wear specific regalia but claim precedence only within their respective Lodges. The Grand Master retains the authority to revoke ranks and privileges for any holder deemed unsatisfactory, following Rule 24.
December 4th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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(a) The Grand Master may once a year confer the rank designated Overseas Grand Rank on Past Masters in Lodges abroad not under a District who are members of the Grand Lodge in accordance with Rule 9, to a number not exceeding one for every such Lodge registered in the books of the Grand Lodge on 1 September of the preceding year. On such occasions as shall seem to him proper either for Masonic celebration or otherwise, the Grand Master may confer Overseas Grand Rank on an additional number of qualified Brethren. The Grand Master, to the extent that the numbers permitted to be appointed to Overseas Grand Rank under this Rule have not been exceeded, may confer the rank designated Overseas Rank on Master Masons in Lodges abroad not under a District, the holders of such rank to take precedence immediately after the Holders of Overseas Grand Rank; and any such Brother shall, in the event that he becomes a Past Master and thereby a member of the Grand Lodge in accordance with Rule 9, thereupon become a Holder of Overseas Grand Rank without the need for further appointment. The Grand Master may also at his discretion and without regard to the above limitation confer Overseas Grand Rank on Past Masters in Lodges abroad not under a District who are Officers (present or past) of Provincial or District Grand Lodges or holders of London Grand Rank. He may annually at his discretion appoint Brethren who already hold Overseas or London Grand Rank, or Past Provincial or District Grand Officers, to be holders of Senior Overseas Grand Rank. The holders of such respective ranks shall be entitled to wear at all Masonic meetings the distinctive regalia prescribed under Rules 246, 249, 260, 265 and 268, but can claim precedence as such only within the Lodges in which Senior Overseas Grand Rank, Overseas Grand Rank and Overseas Rank are conferred. (b) Should the Grand Master be dissatisfied with the conduct of any holder of Senior Overseas Grand Rank, Overseas Grand Rank or Overseas Rank, he may deprive him of his rank and privileges in the manner provided in Rule 24.