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.