PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE KNIGHTING CEREMONY

October 18, 2001

Worthy Conferring Officer:

1) The only people allowed to knight, according to Supreme Ceremonial rules are: District Deputy, Conferring Officer, and naturally the State Deputy.

2) Prior to the Knighting Ceremony the CO should bring forward the elected state officers and/or the knight who is to represent the State Deputy and seat him/(them) in front of the candidates, at or near the center of Head row of chairs.

3) Knighting would proceed as normal with however many knighting stations. This is the time when there is confusion. The CO is to keep order and be certain the candidates are edified.

4) All member knights are to remain in their seats, and silent. The focus of this portion of the degree is to culminate the day’s events in the mind of the candidate. The team is to remain seated and silent. They are not to be packing equipment. That should properly be done at the conclusion of the degree.

5) The new members need to be directed to the FS to receive their membership card. After they have retrieved their belongings, other items can be passed out. The meal would present another opportunity to pass out any promotional materials, newsletters, or 4th degree information.

6) There will always be a critique after a degree. The CO is in charge and will not complete a degree without gathering the team and reviewing the degrees.

7) There may be some that complain about not being able to knight their family member but, we all have rules to follow. I believe that it is in good taste that a candidate is knighted by a person in authority. Just stick to the rule and all will go well. Any exception to this rule will have to be cleared with the State Deputy prior to the degree.

I hope that this clears up any questions.

Fraternally yours,

Gary R. Nolan, PSD
Supreme Ceremonials Director