Masonic pathways

Canadian Masonic Pathway Explorer

Craft Masonry is the foundation. Everything after the Master Mason degree is an option, not a ladder — and each option has its own governing authority in Canada.

The Craft pathway

Not yet a Mason
Contact a recognized Craft Lodge
Application and local process
Entered Apprentice
Fellow Craft
Master Mason

Select your goal

Craft Masonry — the foundation

Typical starting qualification: An adult of good character who meets the age and residency requirements of the Grand Lodge concerned.
Application or invitation: Application
Religious qualification: Canadian Craft jurisdictions generally require a belief in a Supreme Being. Sectarian religious discussion is excluded from the lodge.
Prior body required: None. Craft Masonry is the entry point.
Canadian governing authority: The provincial Craft Grand Lodge, or the recognized Prince Hall Grand Lodge for the jurisdiction.
Jurisdictional variation: Minimum age, residency, fees, proficiency requirements and the interval between degrees are set by each Grand Lodge and lodge.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Royal Arch Masonry

Typical starting qualification: Master Mason in good standing of a recognized lodge.
Application or invitation: Application
Religious qualification: As for Craft Masonry.
Prior body required: Craft Masonry (Master Mason).
Canadian governing authority: The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the jurisdiction.
Jurisdictional variation: Degree names, sequence and the relationship between Royal Arch and other York Rite bodies differ between Canada and other countries.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Cryptic Masonry — Royal and Select Masters

Typical starting qualification: Normally a Royal Arch Mason; requirements are set by the Grand Council concerned.
Application or invitation: Application
Religious qualification: As for Craft Masonry.
Prior body required: Usually Royal Arch Masonry. Confirm locally.
Canadian governing authority: The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for the jurisdiction.
Jurisdictional variation: Cryptic Masonry is not universally required before Canadian Knights Templar membership. Super Excellent Master is conferred in some jurisdictions only.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Knights Templar — Preceptories

Typical starting qualification: Master Mason in good standing who professes the Christian faith, subject to the requirements of the governing Templar authority.
Application or invitation: Application
Religious qualification: A Christian profession is required.
Prior body required: Craft Masonry, plus whatever prior bodies the governing authority requires — this varies.
Canadian governing authority: The Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, through Provincial Priories and Preceptories.
Jurisdictional variation: Canadian bodies are Preceptories, not Commanderies. Do not apply American structures to Canadian Templary.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

Typical starting qualification: Master Mason in good standing of a recognized lodge.
Application or invitation: Application
Religious qualification: As for Craft Masonry.
Prior body required: Craft Masonry (Master Mason).
Canadian governing authority: The Supreme Council for Canada, working through local Valleys, Lodges of Perfection, Chapters of Rose Croix and Consistories.
Jurisdictional variation: Degree presentation, Valley structure and honorary recognition differ from American jurisdictions.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Shriners

Typical starting qualification: Master Mason in good standing, per current Shrine requirements.
Application or invitation: Application
Religious qualification: As for Craft Masonry.
Prior body required: Craft Masonry (Master Mason).
Canadian governing authority: Shriners International, through Canadian Shrine Temples and their clubs.
Jurisdictional variation: Temple territories cross provincial boundaries; contact the Temple serving your area.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

S.R.I.C. — Societas Rosicruciana in Canada

Typical starting qualification: Master Mason in good standing of a recognized lodge, and an invitation from a College.
Application or invitation: Invitation
Religious qualification: Admission requirements, including any profession of faith, must be confirmed with S.R.I.C.
Prior body required: Craft Masonry (Master Mason). Separate from the York and Scottish Rites.
Canadian governing authority: Societas Rosicruciana in Canada, organized into Colleges of Fratres.
Jurisdictional variation: Becoming a Master Mason does not guarantee admission. Colleges invite; they do not accept open applications.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Invitational and honorary bodies

Typical starting qualification: Membership or service in a specified prior body, plus an invitation.
Application or invitation: Invitation
Religious qualification: Varies by body.
Prior body required: Varies. Most require Craft membership and often a specific rite.
Canadian governing authority: Each order's own Grand or Supreme body.
Jurisdictional variation: Quotas, eligibility and Canadian presence differ by order and by province.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Family, women's and youth organizations

Typical starting qualification: Depends on the organization: age range, family relationship or open membership.
Application or invitation: Application or invitation
Religious qualification: Varies by organization.
Prior body required: Some require a Masonic family relationship; others do not. Governance may be Masonic or independent.
Canadian governing authority: Each organization's own Grand or national body.
Jurisdictional variation: Canadian presence varies by province. Youth organizations operate youth-protection and screening policies.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.

Research, libraries and education

Typical starting qualification: Research lodges normally admit Master Masons; libraries, museums and lecture programmes are frequently open to the public.
Application or invitation: Application or invitation
Religious qualification: Not applicable.
Prior body required: None for public collections and publications.
Canadian governing authority: The chartering Grand Lodge for research lodges; independent boards for libraries, museums and archives.
Jurisdictional variation: Access hours, reading-room rules and reproduction policies differ by institution.

Confirm with the governing body. Eligibility, sequence and terminology differ between Canadian jurisdictions, and no directory can promise admission.