32nd degree Mason standing at initiation.?

Question

How much of an honor is it to have a 32nd degree Mason stand beside someone at his initiation into the Masons? The individual drove 2 1/2 hours for this. Is it that big of an honor?

Answer 1

Actually you have it backwards, it is an honor for the 32nd Degree mason to stand beside someone being Initiated (or present at his Passing or being Raised)...

Many masons will travel some distance to attend degree work, it is something to see and an honor to be present to help someone along their way.

Answer 2

It would depend on the person and his connection to the candidate being initiated. Just being a 32nd degree Mason is not that big a thing- nearly everyone who joins the Scottish Rite becomes one, often very quickly- you may get several degrees over a weekend , including the 32nd. Staying in the rite and getting all of the other degrees takes time and is more important.