What does it mean to make a Mason at sight?
It is a common misconception that a Grand Master makes a Mason at sight by walking up to him, laying on hands in some way, and saying “You are now a Mason.” The process is considerably more involved than that. The power of the Grand Master to make Masons at sight is usually listed among the Ancient Landmarks (a varying list, depending on source, but usually from 18 to 25 supposed unalterable customs of Masonry), but has been abrogated by Constitution in some jurisdictions. The Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania generally does this procedure once a year to preserve the precedent for his exercise of such powers. Other Grand Masters exercise this prerogative on a less frequent basis. The procedure is usually done as an honor to a man who has distinguished himself in civic life. To make a Mason at sight, the Grand Master designates the candidate, convenes an Occasional Lodge (or some Lodge in his jurisdiction–often his own), and with the officers thus assembled procee
