33° Honors

The Thirty-Third Degree is conferred by the Supreme Council upon members of the Rite in recognition of outstanding service to the Rite, or in public life, to the principles taught in the Degrees. Neither the 33° or the Knight Commander of the Court of Honour can be asked for, and if asked for, must be refused. At each session of the Supreme Council, certain Knights Commander of the Court of Honour are elected to receive the Thirty-Third and Last Degree of the Rite. Those brethren who receive this Degree become Inspectors General Honorary 33° and are honorary members of the Supreme Council. It is from this body that the active members of the Supreme Council are chosen. Like the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour, this honor is bestowed for meritorious service, although the number that may be elected to receive the Thirty-Third Degree at any session of the Supreme Council is less than half the number that may be selected to receive the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. Thirty-Third Degree brethren may be identified by their white caps.