What is a "White Hat"?

correct me if i am wrong masons, but a white hat is worn by a 33rd degree mason of the scottish rite.

reply to post by indigothefish


You're correct, when participating in the Scottish Rite or official AASR functions. At his blue lodge, he is bareheaded unless he's the WM.

reply to post by OnTheLevel213


and from what i hear only about 1 percent of masons are 'white hats' ?

reply to post by indigothefish


About 1% of the Scottish Rite receives the 33rd degree. In terms of Freemasonry at large, it's a little smaller than that, given that most Masons don't join the Scottish Rite.

Originally posted by indigothefish
reply to post by OnTheLevel213

 

and from what i hear only about 1 percent of masons are 'white hats' ?

There's a mathematical formula used to determine how many people each state can elect to receive the 33rd degree every two years, and is a bit complicated, based on Scottish Rite membership statistics. But on average, each state is usually allowed to elect one member to receive the 33° for every 100 Scottish Rite members. There are always 2 KCCH elections (red hat) for every one 33rd.

So, for example, if Virginia was given twenty new 33° slots this year, there would also be 40 new KCCH's.