This is the highest or official degree which can only be
granted and conferred by the Supreme Council. It
cannot be applied for. Each year at the annual meeting
of the Supreme Council, a number of Thirty-second
Degree Masons from throughout the Northern Masonic
Jurisdiction are elected to receive the Thirty-third Degree
because of "Outstanding service to the Fraternity or for
service to others which reflects credit upon the Order".
Nominations for the Thirty-third Degree are made by the
Deputies of each of the fifteen States after consultation
with their fellow Active Members in each State. Nominations
are then submitted to the entire Active Membership of the
Supreme Council for ballot. Following election, candidates
await the next annual meeting of the Supreme Council
when the degree is conferred in full ceremonial form.