Revision as of 17:46, 22 October 2013

1989 GRAND CONSTITUTIONS (ANNOTATED)

CONSTITUTIONS AND REGULATIONS of the MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE
of ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
of the COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

General Revision adopted 1989
Last Amended, June 13, 2012

NOTE

The 1989 Revision of the Constitutions and Regulations supersedes a number of previous versions adopted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts from the Union in 1792. Most of the existing references in this revision are to earlier versions of the document, particularly to the 1918, 1930 and 1953 general revisions. The links below are to the online versions of those revisions.

• GC1792: 1792 Grand Constitutions, compiled by a committee appointed by Most Wor. John Cutler, Grand Master, in April 1792. They are reproduced in the front of Volume II of the Proceedings and are extremely rudimentary. The first section particularly applies to the formation of the united Grand Lodge, and the continuance of rights and privileges of Brothers and Lodges under the new constitution.
  • Additional Regulations, 1801: 1801 Regulations adopted by the Grand Lodge in December 1801 revised and extended the 1792 Grand Constitutions, including the creation of the District Deputy system, the obligation of lodge representatives to pay fees and receive Deputies, and diplomas for Master Masons and Past Masters.
• GC1811: 1811 Grand Constitutions, prepared by a committee headed by Bro. John Dixwell, a future Grand Master. It was the foundation of all future revisions to the Grand Constitutions (made by amendments voted upon by the Grand Lodge and reported in the Proceedings.)
• 1819 By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, incorporated under an 1817 Act of the Massachusetts Legislature, were promulgated at the September, 1819 Quarterly Communication. This document is largely based on the 1811 Revision, but there are some significant differences in procedure and some notable additions not considered in the earlier document.
• GC1843: 1843 Grand Constitutions, which replaced the 1819 By-Laws with a "new Code, so much of what may properly be termed the common, as well as statute law of the Fraternity." (from the report of the committee, October 11, 1843.) It is certainly true that the 1843 revision substantially expands and explains numerous practices, regulations, and procedures that were overlooked (or observed by fiat) prior to their publication. This revision, amended at various times, was in use until revised three-quarters of a century later. In references, this is sometimes noted as '10/11/1843'.
  • In June 1844, the Grand Lodge adopted a report from a committee "to Examine the Constitutions and Regulations and ascertain if there be any thing in them inconsistant {sic} with the ancient usages and customs of the craft, or any thing that conflicts with the rights and privileges of Subordinate Lodges." This report appears from IV-697 to IV-717, and references to those pages allude to this report, which is sometimes noted as 06/12/1844.
• GC1918: 1918 Grand Constitutions, a thorough revision prepared by a committee appointed by Grand Master Leon Abbott. This is the first version to use the three-digit section numbers, replacing the Part/Article/Section structure that had been in use since 1811.
• GC1930: 1930 Grand Constitutions, another complete revision adopted in March 1930 during the administration of Grand Master Herbert W. Dean.
• 1953 Grand Constitutions, developed by a special committee consisting of the Grand Master, Past Grand Masters and the Grand Secretary. It was adopted on June 10, 1953, and remained the basic law of the Fraternity until the 1989 general revision.

Minor changes such as punctuation, spelling and usage that does not change the meaning of the text have been largely ignored.

• Where particular sections refer to "09/09/1818", this indicates the first full meeting under the 1819 By-Laws, beginning on II-154. The full text of the revision begins on II-217.
• Where particular sections refer to "12/27/1833", this indicates the 1833 Memorial of Surrender, beginning on III-314.
• Where particular sections refer to "06/11/1834", this indicates the special communication at which "the Charter of every Lodge which has ceased to hold its meetings, and has not paid its dues to the Grand Lodge, be surrendered", beginning on IV-226.
• Where particular sections refer to "09/12/1849", this indicates the report given to Grand Lodge on that date from the committee on reduction of fees.

PREAMBLE

Freemasonry seeks to proclaim its principles as widely as men will hear them. Its only secrets are in its methods of recognition and of symbolic instruction.

Freemasonry is charitable in that it is not organized for profit and none of its income inures to the benefit of any individual, but all is devoted to the promotion of the welfare and happiness of mankind.

It is benevolent in that it teaches and exemplifies altruism as a duty.

It is educational in that it teaches by prescribed ceremonials a system of morality and brotherhood based upon the Sacred Law.

It is religious in that it teaches monotheism; a Volume of the Sacred Law is open upon its altars whenever a Lodge is in session, reverence for God is ever present in its ceremonials, and to its Brethren are constantly addressed lessons of morality; but it is not sectarian or theological.

It is a social organization only so far as it furnishes additional inducement that men may foregather in numbers, thereby providing more material for its primary work of education and charity.

Through the improvement and strengthening of the character of the individual man, Freemasonry seeks to improve the community. Thus it impresses upon its members the principles of personal righteousness and personal responsibility, enlightens them as to those things which make for human welfare, and inspires them with that feeling of charity, or goodwill toward all mankind which will move them to translate principle and conviction into action.

To that end, it stands for fraternity and philanthropy, truth and justice, reverence for God; and enlightenment in all spheres, civil, religious, and intellectual. It charges each of its members to be true and loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance and to be obedient to the laws of any state in which he may be.

It believes that the attainment of these objectives is best accomplished by laying a broad basis of principle upon which men of every race, country, sect, and opinion may unite rather than by setting up a restricted platform upon which only those of certain races, creeds, and opinion can assemble.

Believing these things, this Grand Lodge affirms its continued adherence to that ancient and approved rule of Freemasonry which forbids the discussion in Masonic meetings of creeds, politics, or other topics likely to excite personal animosities.

It further affirms its conviction that it is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but dangerous to its unity, strength, usefulness, and welfare for Masonic bodies to take action or attempt to exercise pressure or influence for or against any legislation, or in any way attempt to procure the election or appointment of governmental officials, or to influence them, whether or not members of the Fraternity, in the performance of their official duties. The true Freemason will act in civil life accoriding to his individual judgment and the dictates of his conscience.

In ancient times, the Brethren met in General Assembly for the ordering of the affairs of the Craft. With growth in number, however, it became necessary in 1717, to adopt a representative form of government, since which time the Brethren have met in Lodges, and each Lodge has sent its delegates to a legislative body known as the Grand Lodge.

The voluntary association known by the title of "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" obtained and accepted an Act of Incorporation from the General Court of Massachusetts, dated March 1, 1859, with power to make and ordain from time to time By-Laws, Rules and Regulations for the government and management of the Corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth.

Now, Therefore, the following Constitutions and Regulations of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are hereby made, ordained and promulgated as the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Masters, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.

Earlier Revisions

The text of the Preamble has varied considerably according to revision.

• GC1811:
  • Section 1, II-515; In this revision, this section reads: "The style of this Grand Lodge shall be, "The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
  • Section 2, II-515; In this revision, this section reads: "its powers and prerogatives are independent; they extend to the Regulations and concerns of Masonry in the Lodges under its Jurisdiction; to the issuing of charters and dispensations, and to the revocation of the Same for un-Masonic conduct or neglect of duties to the Grand Lodge."
• GC1843:
  • Part First, 1:1, IV-618; In this revision, this section is preceded by the following quote: "My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandment; and remove not the ancient land-marks which they fathers have set. - Solomon." and reads:
  • The style and title of this Grand Lodge shall be, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
    • On 12/12/1860 this was revised and expanded to read:
      • "PREAMBLE. Whereas, the voluntary association known by the title of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts having obtained and accepted an Act of Incorporation from the General Court of Massachusetts, dated March 1, 1859, with power to make and ordain from time to time, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations for the Government and management of the Corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth: Now, therefore, the said Grand Lodge doth hereby make, ordain and promulgate the following as the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Master, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts."
      • "Seal. That the seal heretofore used by the Grand Lodge when acting as a voluntary association, shall be the seal of the Corporation, to be kept and used by the Recording Grand Secretary."
• GC1918: Preamble, 1918-333
• GC1930: Preamble, 1930-87

References

• 1939: 82, 103, 208
• 1989: 96
• 1860-22, 1916-528

• II-5 is the original 1792 1792 Grand Constitutions; it addresses the transition to the united Grand Lodge and its first section serves as a Preamble. II-12 describes the first session of the united Grand Lodge on 03/05/1792. II-491 contains the order for the distribution of the printed Grand Constitutions to the members of Grand Lodge and to the particular Lodges under its jurisdiction.
• 1902-26 refers to a petition presented in March 1902 by a group of Past Masters, asking that Part Fifth, Section 21 and Part Fifth, Section 22 be repealed. These sections specified the bodies that were recognized by the Grand Lodge. The committee report dealt with the so-called "original plan of Masonry" from the original Constitutions.

SECTIONS

• PART I: GENERAL
• PART II: THE GRAND LODGE
• PART III: PARTICULAR LODGES
• PART IV: CANDIDATES
• PART V: BRETHREN
• PART VI: GRAND CHARITY
• PART VII: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
• PART VIII: REGALIA AND JEWELS
• RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE
• RULES AS TO BY-LAWS
• REGULATIONS CONCERNING DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS AND DISTRICT GRAND LODGES

STATIONS OF THE GRAND OFFICERS IN THE GRAND LODGE

• THE M.W. GRAND MASTER, In the East at the Head of the Grand Lodge.
• THE R.W. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, In the East, next to and left of the Grand Master.
• THE R.W. DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS, In the East, next and left of the Deputy Grand Master.
• THE R.W. SENIOR GRAND WARDEN, In the West.
• THE R.W. JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN, In the South.
• THE M.W. PAST GRAND MASTERS, In the East, at the right of the Grand Master, and the Immediate Past Grand Master, next to the Grand Master.
• THE R.W. PAST DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS, In the East, at the right of the Past Grand Masters.
• THE R.W. PAST DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS, In the East, at the right of the Past Deputy Grand Masters.
• THE R.W PAST GRAND WARDENS, In the East, at the right of the Past Deputy Grand Masters.
• THE R.W GRAND TREASURER, On the right, in front of the Grand Master.
• THE R.W GRAND SECRETARY, On the left, in front of the Grand Master.
• THE R.W. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS, In the East, on the left of the Deputy Grand Master.
• THE R.W. GRAND REPRESENTATIVES, In the East, at the right of the Past Grand Wardens.
• THE R.W. GRAND MARSHAL, Upon the left of the Grand Master, in front of the Grand Secretary.
• THE W. AND REV. GRAND CHAPLAINS, In front of and on the left of the M.W. Grand Master, near the altar.
• THE W. GRAND LECTURERS, On the right of the Senior Grand Deacon.
• THE W. SENIOR GRAND DEACON, Upon the right of the Grand Master, in front of the Grand Treasurer.
• THE W. JUNIOR GRAND DEACON, In the West, at the right of the Senior Grand Warden.
• THE W. GRAND STEWARDS, In the South, two upon the right and two upon the left of the Junior Grand Warden, upon each side, one Steward in front of the other.
• THE W. GRAND SWORD-BEARER, At the left of the Grand Marshal.
• THE W. GRAND STANDARD-BEARER, At the left of the Grand Sword-Bearer.
• THE W. GRAND PURSUIVANTS, Near the door of the entrance to the Grand Lodge.
• THE W. GRAND ORGANIST, At the Organ.
• THE W. GRAND TYLER, Outside of the entrance to the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

• The report of William S. Gardner to the Grand Lodge concerning the places of the Grand Officers, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge (VI-100):
  • The M. W. G. Master, In the East at the head of the G. Lodge.
  • The R. W. Dep. G. Master, In the East next to and left of the M. W. G. Mas.
  • The R. W. Senior G. Warden, In the West.
  • The R. W. Junior G. Warden, In the South.
  • The R. W. Past, G. Masters, In the East, at the right of the M. W. G. Master, and the J. P. G. Master, next to the G. Master.
  • The R. W. Past. Dep, G. Masters, In the East, at the right of the P. G. Masters.
  • The R. W. Past G. Wardens, In the East, at the right of the P. Dep. G. Masters.
  • The R. W. G. Treas., On the right, in front of the G. Master.
  • The R. W. R. G. Secretary, On the left, in front of G. Master.
  • The R. W. Corresponding G. Sec., On the left, next to the Rec. G. Sec.
  • The R. W. Dist. Dep. G. Masters, In the East on the left of Dep. G. Masters.
  • The W & Rev. Gd. Chaplains, In the East, the Sen. upon a raised dais in front of the G. Master and between him and the P. J. G. Master, and the Junior upon a raised dais upon the left of the G. Master and between him and the Dep. G. Master both being upon a lower grade than that of the G. Master and that of the Officers upon his right and left.
  • The W. Gd. Marshal, Upon the left of the G. Master in front of G. Sec.
  • The W. Senior G. Deacon, Upon the right of the G. Master, in front of G. Treas.
  • The W. Junior G. Deacon, In the West, at the right of the S. G. Warden.
  • The W. G. Stewards, In the South, two upon the right, and two upon the left of the Junior G. Warden, upon each side, one Steward in front of the other.
  • The W. G. Sword Bearer, At the left of the G. Marshal.
  • The W. G. Standard Bearer, At the left of the G. Sword Bearer.
  • The W. G. Pursuivants, Near the doors of entrance to the G. Lodge, and whose duty it is "to receive all reports from the G. Tyler," to announce the name and Masonic rank of all who may desire admission and to see that none enter without wearing their appropriate decorations.
  • The W. G. Lecturers The first and second on the right of the Senior Gd. Deacon, and the third in the West, at the left of the S. G. Warden.
  • Bro. G. Organist, At the Organ.
  • Bro. G. Tyler, Outside of the entrance to the G. Lodge.
• GC1918: Stations of Officers, 1918-430; In this revision, the words "Immediate Past Grand Master" reads "Junior Past Grand Master".

References

• I-49 lists the attendees at the Feast of St. John at the beginning of 1757 at Concert Hall, Boston.
• 1910: 48
• 1953: 56, 197