What Is a Pilgrim in the Loyal Order of Moose?

Within the Loyal Order of Moose, few recognitions carry the significance of the Pilgrim Degree of Merit. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the Moose Fraternity, recognizing extraordinary and sustained service to the Moose and its mission.

A Lifetime of Service

Becoming a Pilgrim is not simply the next step in membership. It represents years of dedication, leadership, volunteerism and service.

Before a member can be considered for the Pilgrim Degree, he must have already advanced through the Moose Legion Degree of Service and earned the Fellowship Degree of Honor. Those considered for Pilgrim recognition are typically members who have spent many years helping their Lodge and the Fraternity—serving as officers, cooking and cleaning, volunteering at events, mentoring other members and providing leadership wherever needed.

The Pilgrim Degree dates back to August 1, 1918. Unlike an award that someone simply applies for, the Pilgrim Degree is bestowed in recognition of an exceptional record of service. Fellows may be recommended for consideration, and their service records are evaluated before candidates are ultimately selected.

A Very Special Ceremony

One of the traditions that makes the Pilgrim Degree unique is where it is conferred. The degree is bestowed only in the House of God at Mooseheart, Illinois.

After receiving the degree, a Pilgrim may be recognized at his home Lodge or an association event, where family members, friends, Moose members and community leaders can participate in honoring his service.

The Gold Blazer

Pilgrims are easily recognized at Moose functions by their distinctive gold blazer bearing the Pilgrim emblem. Official regalia also includes a coordinated necktie, white shirt, black trousers and black footwear. Moose International describes this regalia as identifying men who have provided meritorious service to the Fraternity.

But the gold blazer represents much more than a title. It symbolizes the years of work that came before it—the meetings attended, meals prepared, members mentored, fundraisers supported, communities served and countless jobs performed simply because something needed to be done.

Service Doesn't End With the Degree

Receiving the Pilgrim Degree isn't retirement from Moose service. Pilgrims are encouraged to remain active leaders and mentors within the Fraternity. They help develop strong Lodge leadership, support district and association programs, mentor other members and continue supporting the Moose's philanthropic mission, including its work serving children and seniors.

Pilgrims also join Fellows and Moose Legionnaires, along with Women of the Moose higher-degree members, in the Council of Higher Degrees, where members work together to support Lodges, Chapters, Moose Legions and membership retention.

More Than a Degree

Perhaps the best way to understand a Pilgrim is this:

A Pilgrim is a Moose member whose years of extraordinary service have earned the Fraternity's highest honor—and who continues serving after receiving it.

The gold blazer may be the visible symbol, but the real distinction is the example behind it: leadership, mentorship, dedication and service to others.

That makes the Pilgrim Degree of Merit not simply something a member receives, but a recognition of the way that member has chosen to live the Moose mission of people helping people.

Learn more about the Pilgrim Degree from Moose International