Difference between revisions of "MassachusettsGC2012 PART II"

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(Sec. 209. GRAND MASTER)
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* ''1872-112, 06/12/1872, refers to the application for charter by [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Williams Williams] Lodge. The Grand Lodge made a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Charters_.28Signatories.29 recommendation] regarding the inclusion of candidates raised during dispensation on the charter of the lodge.''
 
* ''1872-112, 06/12/1872, refers to the application for charter by [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Williams Williams] Lodge. The Grand Lodge made a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Charters_.28Signatories.29 recommendation] regarding the inclusion of candidates raised during dispensation on the charter of the lodge.''
 
* '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=WoodburySpeeches#AT_GRAND_LODGE.2C_MARCH_1877 Woodbury Address]''', 1877-41; ''What a Grand Lodge is to the Masons in its Jurisdiction.''
 
* '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=WoodburySpeeches#AT_GRAND_LODGE.2C_MARCH_1877 Woodbury Address]''', 1877-41; ''What a Grand Lodge is to the Masons in its Jurisdiction.''
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* ''1882-87, 06/14/1882, refers to commentary by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMLawrence Lawrence] regarding definitions of Masonic institutions, and the powers of Grand Lodges.''
 
* ''1888-323, 12/27/1888, refers to a portion of an address given by Past Grand Master Josiah Drummond of Maine at the Feast of St. John.''
 
* ''1888-323, 12/27/1888, refers to a portion of an address given by Past Grand Master Josiah Drummond of Maine at the Feast of St. John.''
 
* ''1901-243, 12/27/1901, refers to a portion of the address given by Past Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] at the Feast of St. John.''
 
* ''1901-243, 12/27/1901, refers to a portion of the address given by Past Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] at the Feast of St. John.''
 
* ''1902-29, 03/12/1902, refers to a committee report regarding the powers of Grand Lodges. It quoted a report by the Committee on Jurisprudence for the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, stating in part: "The Grand Lodge was created as the sole governing body and power of the Craft in all things Masonic. It was deemed to have absolute control over the Fraternity. The Landmarks were a guaranty that it would not.trample upon their rights. . . We hold that the power 0of the Grand Lodge is full and complete in all things Masonic. Those who differ from this proposition do not deny its authority so far as appertains to the first three degrees, but they claim it extends no further, or in other words that the Grand Lodge cannot inquire into what is done beyond the Blue Lodge. This is a doctrine which answers itself. Can it be claimed that the ceremonies of symbolic Masonry can be. used anywhere, except by the authority of the Grand Lodge? Would any Mason for an instant say that he could exhibit the signs of Craft Masonry in a lodge of Odd Fellows or other confraternity, and if he should do so, he would not be answerable to the Grand Lodge ? . . . It follows that no rite Masonic can be practised without the sanction either express or implied of the Grand Lodge. And we hold it to be sound law that the authority of the Grand Lodge is complete over the members of. its obedience in the use, practice, or teaching of any~ rite or degree, containing any part, sign, word, or symbol of any kind as a Masonic ceremony belonging to Craft Masonry." ''
 
* ''1902-29, 03/12/1902, refers to a committee report regarding the powers of Grand Lodges. It quoted a report by the Committee on Jurisprudence for the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, stating in part: "The Grand Lodge was created as the sole governing body and power of the Craft in all things Masonic. It was deemed to have absolute control over the Fraternity. The Landmarks were a guaranty that it would not.trample upon their rights. . . We hold that the power 0of the Grand Lodge is full and complete in all things Masonic. Those who differ from this proposition do not deny its authority so far as appertains to the first three degrees, but they claim it extends no further, or in other words that the Grand Lodge cannot inquire into what is done beyond the Blue Lodge. This is a doctrine which answers itself. Can it be claimed that the ceremonies of symbolic Masonry can be. used anywhere, except by the authority of the Grand Lodge? Would any Mason for an instant say that he could exhibit the signs of Craft Masonry in a lodge of Odd Fellows or other confraternity, and if he should do so, he would not be answerable to the Grand Lodge ? . . . It follows that no rite Masonic can be practised without the sanction either express or implied of the Grand Lodge. And we hold it to be sound law that the authority of the Grand Lodge is complete over the members of. its obedience in the use, practice, or teaching of any~ rite or degree, containing any part, sign, word, or symbol of any kind as a Masonic ceremony belonging to Craft Masonry." ''
 
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* ''See also Sections 305 and 340.''
* ''VI-27 (1856-27) appears to be spurious.''
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==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
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* ''Grand Lodge of England, November 21, 1724, refers to a resolution passed by that body creating a fund of General Charity under the auspices of the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.''
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* ''Grand Lodge of England, February 28, 1726, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Deputy Grand Masters to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.''
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* ''Grand Lodge of England, May 10, 1727, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Grand Wardens to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.''
 
* ''IV-700, 06/12/1844, refers to the review committee for '''GC1843''', describing the membership of the Grand Lodge, including its Grand Officers.''
 
* ''IV-700, 06/12/1844, refers to the review committee for '''GC1843''', describing the membership of the Grand Lodge, including its Grand Officers.''
 
* ''1901-243, 12/27/1901, refers to a portion of the address given by Past Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] at the Feast of St. John.''
 
* ''1901-243, 12/27/1901, refers to a portion of the address given by Past Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] at the Feast of St. John.''
 
* ''1914-362, 12/09/1914, refers to the addition of District Grand Masters as members of the Grand Lodge.''
 
* ''1914-362, 12/09/1914, refers to the addition of District Grand Masters as members of the Grand Lodge.''
 
* ''1915-41, 03/10/1915, refers to the nomination by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson] of District Grand Masters [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLDUrquhart David Urquhart] and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSRansom Stacy A. Ransom]. They were elected Permanent Members of the Grand Lodge on 1915-113, 06/09/1915.''
 
* ''1915-41, 03/10/1915, refers to the nomination by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson] of District Grand Masters [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLDUrquhart David Urquhart] and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLSRansom Stacy A. Ransom]. They were elected Permanent Members of the Grand Lodge on 1915-113, 06/09/1915.''
 
* Grand Lodge of England: Nov. 21, 1724; Feb. 28, 1726; May 10, 1727
 
  
 
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* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_9th Section 9th], Item 7; II-10; ''Every Lodge shall be represented by their own Master and Wardens, or by a proxy; and no proxy shall be received in the Grand Lodge, except he be a Master Mason, and a member of some Lodge under this Jurisdiction."''
 
* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_9th Section 9th], Item 7; II-10; ''Every Lodge shall be represented by their own Master and Wardens, or by a proxy; and no proxy shall be received in the Grand Lodge, except he be a Master Mason, and a member of some Lodge under this Jurisdiction."''
** ''Voted on 12/11/1797: "That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge, that the construction of the 2d Article, of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_2nd second section], of the Constitution is, and ought to be, that every Lodge represented in Grand Lodge shall have one vote, and no more, whether they have one or more representations." (II-113)''
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** ''Voted on 12/11/1797, II-113: "That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge, that the construction of the 2d Article, of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_2nd second section], of the Constitution is, and ought to be, that every Lodge represented in Grand Lodge shall have one vote, and no more, whether they have one or more representations." ''
** ''Determined on 12/13/1802: "A discussion arose on the mode of voting for Grand Officers, and on motion, Voted, to prevent any debate on this subject in future, that all Masters and Wardens of Lodges (and proxies of Lodges when no officers of such Lodges are present) are entitled to this privilege." (III-206)''
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** ''Determined on 12/13/1802, II-206: "A discussion arose on the mode of voting for Grand Officers, and on motion, Voted, to prevent any debate on this subject in future, that all Masters and Wardens of Lodges (and proxies of Lodges when no officers of such Lodges are present) are entitled to this privilege." ''
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_6 Part First, 6:6], IV-622; ''see the next section.''
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_6 Part First, 6:6], IV-622; ''see the next section.''
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_203 Section 203]; 1918-336
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_203 Section 203]; 1918-336
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 03/08/1922, 1922-37; a report was presented concerning the method of balloting at Grand Lodge, outlining various difficulties, but despite "careful consideration to the search for better methods" none was suggested, and no legislation was recommended.
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 03/08/1922, 1922-37; a report was presented concerning the method of balloting at Grand Lodge, outlining various difficulties, but despite "careful consideration to the search for better methods" none was suggested, and no legislation was recommended.
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_203 Section 203]; 1930-92
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* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_203 Section 203]; 1930-92 ''note that in the current edition, this is misprinted as "1930-192". ''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_203 Section 203]
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_203 Section 203]
  
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''none.''
 
''none.''
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''Note that VI-336, above, is incorrectly referenced as V-336 in the current edition.''
  
 
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** ''II-11 to the creation of new regulations at the Annual Communications.''
 
** ''II-11 to the creation of new regulations at the Annual Communications.''
 
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_15 Chapter I, Section 15]; II-517; "The Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be annual held in the town of Boston, on the second Monday of December, March, June and September, and at such other times and places as the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master, shall direct."
 
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_15 Chapter I, Section 15]; II-517; "The Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be annual held in the town of Boston, on the second Monday of December, March, June and September, and at such other times and places as the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master, shall direct."
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_3 Chapter 1, Section 3]; "The Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be annual held in the town of Boston, on the second Wednesday of December, March, June and September, and special meetings may be called as the Grand Lodge, or Grand Master, shall direct."
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* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_3 Chapter 1, Section 3]; III-224; "The Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be annual held in the town of Boston, on the second Wednesday of December, March, June and September, and special meetings may be called as the Grand Lodge, or Grand Master, shall direct."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_1_2 Part First, 3:1], IV-619; "The regular quarterly communications of the Grand Lodge, shall be annual in the city of Boston, on the second Wednesday of December, March, June and September. There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, for instruction in the Lectures and Work of the degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_1_2 Part First, 3:1], IV-619; "The regular quarterly communications of the Grand Lodge, shall be annual in the city of Boston, on the second Wednesday of December, March, June and September. There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, for instruction in the Lectures and Work of the degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist."
 
** ''Amended 09/12/1855, V-577: "For further instruction in the Lectures and Work of the Degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge held in the city of Boston on the second Wednesday in March, June and September shall commence at 9 o'clock in the morning, in addition to the special communication on the 27th of December."
 
** ''Amended 09/12/1855, V-577: "For further instruction in the Lectures and Work of the Degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge held in the city of Boston on the second Wednesday in March, June and September shall commence at 9 o'clock in the morning, in addition to the special communication on the 27th of December."
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** '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 03/09/1870, 1870-50, to reject an amendment to this section to eliminate quarterly communications in favor of one Stated Communication each year. The committee stated that "The present system was copied from the Grand Lodge of England, is still in use there, and always has been in this Commonwealth; to change it would be like breaking down the ancient landmarks."
 
** '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 03/09/1870, 1870-50, to reject an amendment to this section to eliminate quarterly communications in favor of one Stated Communication each year. The committee stated that "The present system was copied from the Grand Lodge of England, is still in use there, and always has been in this Commonwealth; to change it would be like breaking down the ancient landmarks."
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1872, 1872-117, to change the last section to read, "There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, commencing at four o'clock P.M., or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1872, 1872-117, to change the last section to read, "There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, commencing at four o'clock P.M., or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist." ''
** ''Proposed 06/12/1872, 1872-124, amended 12/11/1872, 1872-245, changing "9 o'clock" to "11 o'clock" and "four o'clock" to "two o'clock"." ''
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** ''Proposed 06/12/1872, 1872-124, amended 12/11/1872, 1872-245, changing "9 o'clock" to "11 o'clock" and "four o'clock" to "two o'clock"."; rejected 03/12/1873, 1873-13.''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Communications of the Grand Lodge, whether Regular or Special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston, at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such Communications. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Communications of the Grand Lodge, whether Regular or Special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston, at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such Communications. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation." ''
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, by adding "When the Anniversary shall happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the Communication shall take place on the following Tuesday." ''
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, by adding "When the Anniversary shall happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the Communication shall take place on the following Tuesday." ''
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** ''1904-66, 06/08/1904, refers to a proposed addition to Part Fifth to read: "Past Grand Officers shall retain the title of the offices which they formerly occupied." The committee report said, in part, "Your committee are of the opinion that an attempt to change the rank and titles of officers and members of the Grand Lodge in any other way than by amending Article 2 of Part I of the Grand Constitutions is irregular and should not be entertained. We therefore recommend that the further consideration of the proposed. amendment of Part Fifth, 'Miscellaneous Regulations,' be dismissed." Grand Lodge adopted the report and rejected the addition of the section.''
 
** ''1904-66, 06/08/1904, refers to a proposed addition to Part Fifth to read: "Past Grand Officers shall retain the title of the offices which they formerly occupied." The committee report said, in part, "Your committee are of the opinion that an attempt to change the rank and titles of officers and members of the Grand Lodge in any other way than by amending Article 2 of Part I of the Grand Constitutions is irregular and should not be entertained. We therefore recommend that the further consideration of the proposed. amendment of Part Fifth, 'Miscellaneous Regulations,' be dismissed." Grand Lodge adopted the report and rejected the addition of the section.''
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, by changing "Brother Grand Organists" to "W. Grand Organist" and "Brother Grand Tyler" to "W. Grand Tyler". ''
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, by changing "Brother Grand Organists" to "W. Grand Organist" and "Brother Grand Tyler" to "W. Grand Tyler". ''
** ''Proposed 1913-258, 12/10/1913, adopted 1914-361, 12/09/1914, to include District Grand Masters.''
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** ''Proposed 12/10/1913, 1913-258, adopted 12/09/1914, 1914-361, to include District Grand Masters.''
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_208 Section 208]; 1918-337  
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_208 Section 208]; 1918-337  
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_208 Section 208]; 1930-93
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_208 Section 208]; 1930-93
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==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
 +
* ''Grand Lodge of England, November 21, 1724, refers to a resolution passed by that body creating a fund of General Charity under the auspices of the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.''
 +
* ''Grand Lodge of England, February 28, 1726, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Deputy Grand Masters to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.''
 +
* ''Grand Lodge of England, May 10, 1727, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Grand Wardens to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.''
 
* ''I-10, 04/13/1750, contains the first list of Grand Officers with their titles; I-15, 06/24/1751, notes that "the Brethren do proceed in Regular Procession" to the house of Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrice Price]'s house in Menotomy, to celebrate St. John the Baptist Day in June 1751.''
 
* ''I-10, 04/13/1750, contains the first list of Grand Officers with their titles; I-15, 06/24/1751, notes that "the Brethren do proceed in Regular Procession" to the house of Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMPrice Price]'s house in Menotomy, to celebrate St. John the Baptist Day in June 1751.''
 
* ''I-148 through I-161, 11/23/1768, contains a detailed description of the installation of Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRowe John Rowe]. The installation ceremony and the order of procession is listed in detail on I-156 and I-157.''
 
* ''I-148 through I-161, 11/23/1768, contains a detailed description of the installation of Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRowe John Rowe]. The installation ceremony and the order of procession is listed in detail on I-156 and I-157.''
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* ''1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to '''GC1843''' recommended just before the adoption of '''GC1918'''.''
 
* ''1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to '''GC1843''' recommended just before the adoption of '''GC1918'''.''
 
* ''1938-161, 06/08/1938, refers to a list of Grand Lodges, showing their order of precedence.''
 
* ''1938-161, 06/08/1938, refers to a list of Grand Lodges, showing their order of precedence.''
 
* Grand Lodge of England: Nov. 21, 1724; Feb. 28, 1726; May 10, 1727
 
  
 
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** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Grand Master enjoys, ex officio, all the powers and prerogatives conferred by the Ancient Constitutions and the usages and landmarks of the Craft. He may convene any Lodge within his jurisdiction, preside therein, (with his officers or otherwise,) inspect its proceedings, and require its conformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge. And for dereliction of duty, or other unmasonic conduct, he may suspend a Brother, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension in writing. He may also grant dispensations for processions and conferring the degrees, and do all other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Grand Master enjoys, ex officio, all the powers and prerogatives conferred by the Ancient Constitutions and the usages and landmarks of the Craft. He may convene any Lodge within his jurisdiction, preside therein, (with his officers or otherwise,) inspect its proceedings, and require its conformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge. And for dereliction of duty, or other unmasonic conduct, he may suspend a Brother, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension in writing. He may also grant dispensations for processions and conferring the degrees, and do all other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity." ''
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 09/12/1849, V-255; Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRaymond Raymond] [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdictsBefore1850#Powers_of_Grand_Master delineated] the powers of the Grand Master: "A Grand Lodge legally formed and constituted has from high antiquity, ample right to bear Masonic rule over those subject to its jurisdiction. A Grand Master duly qualified, sitting in open Lodge, clothed with the insignia of his office, have [has] an ample right to bear rule in his Lodge, to exact and receive obedience and courteous deportment from all in the Lodge. None but the Grand Master, unless by his consent, can put any questions to vote or declare the result. A Grand Master may err; he may act in gross violation of Masonic laws and usages, but his misconduct can never dissolve a Grand Lodge, or can it ever justify or excuse those in the Lodge, in deposing him from his Chair, or usurping his legal authority, disobeying his commands or treating him with disrespect. Much less can an individual or any number of individuals, of their own motion, declare the Grand Lodge dissolved for any cause whatever."
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 09/12/1849, V-255; Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRaymond Raymond] [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdictsBefore1850#Powers_of_Grand_Master delineated] the powers of the Grand Master: "A Grand Lodge legally formed and constituted has from high antiquity, ample right to bear Masonic rule over those subject to its jurisdiction. A Grand Master duly qualified, sitting in open Lodge, clothed with the insignia of his office, have [has] an ample right to bear rule in his Lodge, to exact and receive obedience and courteous deportment from all in the Lodge. None but the Grand Master, unless by his consent, can put any questions to vote or declare the result. A Grand Master may err; he may act in gross violation of Masonic laws and usages, but his misconduct can never dissolve a Grand Lodge, or can it ever justify or excuse those in the Lodge, in deposing him from his Chair, or usurping his legal authority, disobeying his commands or treating him with disrespect. Much less can an individual or any number of individuals, of their own motion, declare the Grand Lodge dissolved for any cause whatever."
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* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 12/10/1863, VI-477: [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Candidates On District Deputy Powers and Candidates], which discusses the extent of District Deputies' authority when acting on behalf of the Grand Master.''
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''': 03/14/1866, VI-67 (1866-7); "That the M.W.G. Master be instructed to make a detailed report of the financial condition of the G. Lodge in his Annual Address."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''': 03/14/1866, VI-67 (1866-7); "That the M.W.G. Master be instructed to make a detailed report of the financial condition of the G. Lodge in his Annual Address."
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 03/09/1870, 1870-57, on the reports of the District Deputies; the committee examined them "by the light of our Constitutions and General Regulations", noting that the right of the Grand Lodge and its Grand Master to appoint Deputies was "''not inconsistent with the ancient usages of the Craft''. But, on the contrary, ''they are in strict conformity to them; and that they do not, in any point, conflict with the lights and privileges of subordinate Lodges.'' It also noted that "We believe the M.W. Grand Master to be the Executive Officer of the Grand Lodge, and the proper person to strictly enforce all its ordinances, and where there appears a violation of any ''clearly defined'' regulation, his call for strict conformity should be immediate."
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 03/09/1870, 1870-57, on the reports of the District Deputies; the committee examined them "by the light of our Constitutions and General Regulations", noting that the right of the Grand Lodge and its Grand Master to appoint Deputies was "''not inconsistent with the ancient usages of the Craft''. But, on the contrary, ''they are in strict conformity to them; and that they do not, in any point, conflict with the lights and privileges of subordinate Lodges.'' It also noted that "We believe the M.W. Grand Master to be the Executive Officer of the Grand Lodge, and the proper person to strictly enforce all its ordinances, and where there appears a violation of any ''clearly defined'' regulation, his call for strict conformity should be immediate."
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* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_209 Section 209]; 1930-94
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_209 Section 209]; 1930-94
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_209 Section 209]; 1953-43, approved 1953-197
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_209 Section 209]; 1953-43, approved 1953-197
 +
* '''GC1989''': ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1953'''.''
 +
** ''Proposed ?, amended 12/10/2008, 2008-167, to the current language.''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
Line 379: Line 386:
 
*'' I-55, 01/13/1758, describes the making of "Isaac Decoster and others . . . who had a Clear and Good Character should be made Masons by Dispensation of the Grand Master, they Paying the Charge of the Entertainment" by St. John's Grand Lodge and Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGridley Jeremy Gridley].''
 
*'' I-55, 01/13/1758, describes the making of "Isaac Decoster and others . . . who had a Clear and Good Character should be made Masons by Dispensation of the Grand Master, they Paying the Charge of the Entertainment" by St. John's Grand Lodge and Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGridley Jeremy Gridley].''
 
* ''II-483, 06/10/1811, refers to a report by the committee on the powers of District Deputy Grand Masters, in which the Grand Master's prerogatives are mentioned: ". . . It comes within what is technically called making masons at sight, a prerogative of the G. Master of which it is insisted that he cannot be deprived without his consent. This prerogative empowers the G. Master to enter any Lodge within his jurisdiction, and make masons of persons into whose character no inquiry has been made by the Lodge, and whose name has not been placed upon the notices for the meetings, and of whom no member of the Lodge has ever heard, and without any ballot whatever."
 
* ''II-483, 06/10/1811, refers to a report by the committee on the powers of District Deputy Grand Masters, in which the Grand Master's prerogatives are mentioned: ". . . It comes within what is technically called making masons at sight, a prerogative of the G. Master of which it is insisted that he cannot be deprived without his consent. This prerogative empowers the G. Master to enter any Lodge within his jurisdiction, and make masons of persons into whose character no inquiry has been made by the Lodge, and whose name has not been placed upon the notices for the meetings, and of whom no member of the Lodge has ever heard, and without any ballot whatever."
 +
* ''IV-614, 10/11/1843, refers to changes recommended just before the adoption of '''GC1843'''.''
 
* ''MFM, Vol. XII, No. 1, Page 13, 11/01/1852, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts_MFM1851_1855#Supremacy_of_the_Grand_Master report] on the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, in which a committee report disputed that the Grand Constitutions "invested her Grand Master with absolute supremacy . . . As Masons we have been taught to acknowledge none as supreme but the GREAT JEHOVAH." Indeed, Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore Moore] observed that the Grand Master's power derives not only from the Grand Constitutions, but also from the "ancient rules of the Fraternity".''
 
* ''MFM, Vol. XII, No. 1, Page 13, 11/01/1852, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts_MFM1851_1855#Supremacy_of_the_Grand_Master report] on the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, in which a committee report disputed that the Grand Constitutions "invested her Grand Master with absolute supremacy . . . As Masons we have been taught to acknowledge none as supreme but the GREAT JEHOVAH." Indeed, Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GSCWMoore Moore] observed that the Grand Master's power derives not only from the Grand Constitutions, but also from the "ancient rules of the Fraternity".''
 
* ''1858-39, 12/27/1858, refers to an address by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard Heard] concerning the Grand Master's power in authorizing the election of an officer in a subordinate lodge to fill a vacancy.''
 
* ''1858-39, 12/27/1858, refers to an address by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHeard Heard] concerning the Grand Master's power in authorizing the election of an officer in a subordinate lodge to fill a vacancy.''
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* ''1871-138, 09/13/1871, refers to the report on the address of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner Grand Master] from 06/14/1871, regarding the right of making Masons "at sight". ''Your committee had supposed that this subject had long since been disposed of and definitively settled to the satisfaction at least of the Fraternity of this country . . . as early as 1663 a regulation was adopted by our English Brethren, 'that no person of what degree soever, be made or accepted a Freemason unless in a regular Lodge' . . . and still later, in 1753, it was ordered that 'no Lodge shall ever make a Mason without due inquiry into his character' . . . Lodges were deprived of the privilege which they undoubtedly at one time possessed, of making Masons at sight, or without previous proposition and due inquiry. This restriction, however, has been somewhat modified by the modern practice of evading its severity through the dispensation of the Grand Master. . . This course is within our own experience, and comes as near making Masons at sight as ingenuity can devise. It calls into exercise the extreme power of the Grand Master, who undoubtedly may, by virtue of the ancient prerogatives of his office, make or order to be made in his presence, and in a regular Lodge, regularly summoned, and for a special and emergent purpose, a Mason at sight, dispensing with the previous proposition and due inquiry; he assuming the entire responsibility of the act." ''
 
* ''1871-138, 09/13/1871, refers to the report on the address of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner Grand Master] from 06/14/1871, regarding the right of making Masons "at sight". ''Your committee had supposed that this subject had long since been disposed of and definitively settled to the satisfaction at least of the Fraternity of this country . . . as early as 1663 a regulation was adopted by our English Brethren, 'that no person of what degree soever, be made or accepted a Freemason unless in a regular Lodge' . . . and still later, in 1753, it was ordered that 'no Lodge shall ever make a Mason without due inquiry into his character' . . . Lodges were deprived of the privilege which they undoubtedly at one time possessed, of making Masons at sight, or without previous proposition and due inquiry. This restriction, however, has been somewhat modified by the modern practice of evading its severity through the dispensation of the Grand Master. . . This course is within our own experience, and comes as near making Masons at sight as ingenuity can devise. It calls into exercise the extreme power of the Grand Master, who undoubtedly may, by virtue of the ancient prerogatives of his office, make or order to be made in his presence, and in a regular Lodge, regularly summoned, and for a special and emergent purpose, a Mason at sight, dispensing with the previous proposition and due inquiry; he assuming the entire responsibility of the act." ''
 
* ''1872-228, 229, 12/11/1872, refer to proceedings against lodges that had not paid the capitation tax. Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] ruled that Grand Lodge could [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Writ_of_Mandamus issue a writ of mandamus] upon these lodges.''
 
* ''1872-228, 229, 12/11/1872, refer to proceedings against lodges that had not paid the capitation tax. Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] ruled that Grand Lodge could [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Writ_of_Mandamus issue a writ of mandamus] upon these lodges.''
* ''1873-115, 12/10/1873, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Powers_of_Grand_Master_.28Suspension.29 ruling] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] regarding the suspension of the Master of a Lodge.''
+
* ''1873-115, 12/10/1873, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Powers_of_Grand_Master_.28Suspension.29 ruling] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] regarding the suspension of the Master of a Lodge. On Page 1873-124, Grand Lodge voted to give the Grand Master full powers to deal with the situation.''
 
* ''1873-134, 12/10/1873, refers to an extensive discussion of a dispute between two lodges over the initiation of a candidate. It included a reference to a past [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Trials_.28Contempt_of_Grand_Lodge.29 ruling] declaring an officer in one of the Lodges "ineligible to any office in the Lodge, by reason of his being in contempt of the Grand Lodge, in consequence of having wilfully violated the order of Past Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner Gardner], — a contempt from which he had not been purged." ''
 
* ''1873-134, 12/10/1873, refers to an extensive discussion of a dispute between two lodges over the initiation of a candidate. It included a reference to a past [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Trials_.28Contempt_of_Grand_Lodge.29 ruling] declaring an officer in one of the Lodges "ineligible to any office in the Lodge, by reason of his being in contempt of the Grand Lodge, in consequence of having wilfully violated the order of Past Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner Gardner], — a contempt from which he had not been purged." ''
 
* ''1874-84, 09/09/1874, refers to a dispute between [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Trinity2 Trinity] Lodge and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Wilder Wilder] Lodge over jurisdiction; following the appeal of one lodge against the other, Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] issued a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Candidates_.28Advancement.29_2 ruling] prohibiting the advancement of the Brother pending investigation. ''
 
* ''1874-84, 09/09/1874, refers to a dispute between [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Trinity2 Trinity] Lodge and [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Wilder Wilder] Lodge over jurisdiction; following the appeal of one lodge against the other, Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Nickerson] issued a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Candidates_.28Advancement.29_2 ruling] prohibiting the advancement of the Brother pending investigation. ''
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* ''1945-438, 12/12/1945, refers to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Dispensations_.28Wartime_Considerations.29 commentary] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWragg Wragg] on dispensations during wartime, particularly with respect to servicemen, and how that would change with the end of the war. "There will be many additional requests of this nature, even though the war may be over and many of our candidates are daily being discharged. There will, however, still be a sufficient number of these men coming and going to pose awkward situations for the Masters of our Lodges, and I shall continue to cooperate as in the past in helping them to meet whatever situations may confront them in this regard. However, unless it is apparent that an injustice or hardship may result, it is much better that the candidate receive his degrees in the normal course." ''
 
* ''1945-438, 12/12/1945, refers to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Dispensations_.28Wartime_Considerations.29 commentary] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWragg Wragg] on dispensations during wartime, particularly with respect to servicemen, and how that would change with the end of the war. "There will be many additional requests of this nature, even though the war may be over and many of our candidates are daily being discharged. There will, however, still be a sufficient number of these men coming and going to pose awkward situations for the Masters of our Lodges, and I shall continue to cooperate as in the past in helping them to meet whatever situations may confront them in this regard. However, unless it is apparent that an injustice or hardship may result, it is much better that the candidate receive his degrees in the normal course." ''
 
* ''1948-20, 03/10/1948, refers to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Dispensations_2 commentary] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMKeith Keith] on the issuing of dispensations during the war. He provided [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Dispensations_3 further remarks] on 1948-64, 06/09/1948. "I am still getting more requests to shorten time than I feel there is any occasion to receive . . . I am, however, refusing many and intend to make it almost an iron-clad rule that the time shall not be shortened between degrees unless the circumstances are in fact unusual and a hardship to the candidate might result, or the candidate is in active military service." ''
 
* ''1948-20, 03/10/1948, refers to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Dispensations_2 commentary] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMKeith Keith] on the issuing of dispensations during the war. He provided [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Dispensations_3 further remarks] on 1948-64, 06/09/1948. "I am still getting more requests to shorten time than I feel there is any occasion to receive . . . I am, however, refusing many and intend to make it almost an iron-clad rule that the time shall not be shortened between degrees unless the circumstances are in fact unusual and a hardship to the candidate might result, or the candidate is in active military service." ''
* 2008-167
 
  
 
* Mackey: Masonic Jurisprudence Bk. V, Ch. Ill, Sec. 1
 
* Mackey: Masonic Jurisprudence Bk. V, Ch. Ill, Sec. 1
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* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], Item 4, II-7; "The Grand Master shall appoint and commission his Deputy, under the seal of the Grand Lodge."
 
* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], Item 4, II-7; "The Grand Master shall appoint and commission his Deputy, under the seal of the Grand Lodge."
 
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; II-517; ''see previous section.''
 
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; II-517; ''see previous section.''
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_1_4 Chapter 4, Section 1], III-224 ''see above section''; "The Deputy Grand Master enjoys these powers as far as they relate to presiding over the Grand Lodge, in the absence of the Grand Master."
+
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_1_4 Chapter 4, Section 1], III-224; ''see above section''; "The Deputy Grand Master enjoys these powers as far as they relate to presiding over the Grand Lodge, in the absence of the Grand Master."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 06/13/1838, IV-454; a committee appointed to consider election of the Deputy Grand Master noted "The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage, the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to.—To justify the proposed alteration in this particular, there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee, they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 06/13/1838, IV-454; a committee appointed to consider election of the Deputy Grand Master noted "The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage, the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to.—To justify the proposed alteration in this particular, there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee, they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_2_7 Part First, 8:2], IV-624; "The Deputy Grand Master shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, preside in Grand Lodge, and perform such duties, and possess such authority, while the Grand Lodge is in session as appertain to the Grand Master. And in the case of the inability of the Grand Master from sickness or other cause to attend, he may, with the consent and approbation of the elective Grand Officers, call Special meetings of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the Craft in their opinion at any time require it. He may also, by permission of the Grand Master in writing, call meetings of the Grand Officers, and such experienced Brethren as they may think proper to invite, for consultation on matters relative to the Grand Lodge and its interests. All such meetings, however, not having the approbation of the Grand Master, shall be deemed irregular." (See also [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_3_3 Part First, 8:3]).
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_2_7 Part First, 8:2], IV-624; "The Deputy Grand Master shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, preside in Grand Lodge, and perform such duties, and possess such authority, while the Grand Lodge is in session as appertain to the Grand Master. And in the case of the inability of the Grand Master from sickness or other cause to attend, he may, with the consent and approbation of the elective Grand Officers, call Special meetings of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the Craft in their opinion at any time require it. He may also, by permission of the Grand Master in writing, call meetings of the Grand Officers, and such experienced Brethren as they may think proper to invite, for consultation on matters relative to the Grand Lodge and its interests. All such meetings, however, not having the approbation of the Grand Master, shall be deemed irregular." (See also [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_3_3 Part First, 8:3]).
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==== Earlier Revisions ====
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
  
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_3_3 Part First, 8:3]; "In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ''ex officio'', Grand Master, until a successor be chosen."
+
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_3_3 Part First, 8:3]; IV-625; "In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ''ex officio'', Grand Master, until a successor be chosen."
 
** ''Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-219, to read: "In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, or his inability to discharge the duties of his office, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ''ex officio'', Grand Master, until a successor be chosen." ''
 
** ''Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-219, to read: "In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, or his inability to discharge the duties of his office, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ''ex officio'', Grand Master, until a successor be chosen." ''
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_211 Section 211]; 1918-339
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_211 Section 211]; 1918-339
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==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
 +
* ''IV-614, 10/11/1843, refers to changes recommended just before the adoption of '''GC1843'''.''
 
* ''1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to '''GC1843''' recommended just before the adoption of '''GC1918'''.''
 
* ''1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to '''GC1843''' recommended just before the adoption of '''GC1918'''.''
  
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* ''1916-51, 03/08/1916, refers to a report of the installation of Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLDUrquhart David Urquhart] as District Grand Master of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAChile_1911-1926 Chile District].''
 
* ''1916-51, 03/08/1916, refers to a report of the installation of Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLDUrquhart David Urquhart] as District Grand Master of the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAChile_1911-1926 Chile District].''
 
* ''1917-5, 02/01/1917, refers to the installation of the first District Grand Master for the Canal Zone, Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHWhite Herbert A. White].''
 
* ''1917-5, 02/01/1917, refers to the installation of the first District Grand Master for the Canal Zone, Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHWhite Herbert A. White].''
 +
* ''See Sections 348, 349; in '''GC1918''' these appear on 1918-374.''
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
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* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_10th Section 10th], Item 1; II-10; ''The Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary shall make all necessary preparations for every Grand Feast, and they shall be assisted by the Grand Stewards or some general undertaker."
 
* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_10th Section 10th], Item 1; II-10; ''The Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary shall make all necessary preparations for every Grand Feast, and they shall be assisted by the Grand Stewards or some general undertaker."
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; I-518; "The Grand Senior Warden exercises the functions of the Chair on the decease or resignation of the Grand Master. The Wardens assist the Grand Master in opening and closing the Lodge, in the despatch of business and the preservation of order."
+
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; II-518; "The Grand Senior Warden exercises the functions of the Chair on the decease or resignation of the Grand Master. The Wardens assist the Grand Master in opening and closing the Lodge, in the despatch of business and the preservation of order."
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_1_4 Chapter 4, Section 1], III-224 ''see above section''; "The Wardens assist the Grand Master in opening and closing the Grand Lodge, in the dispatch of business, and the preservation of order."
+
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_1_4 Chapter 4, Section 1], III-224; ''see above section''; "The Wardens assist the Grand Master in opening and closing the Grand Lodge, in the dispatch of business, and the preservation of order."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_4_3 Part First, 8:4], IV-625; "The Grand Wardens are to assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge, and whenever required, are to attend him, and while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, are to act there as his Wardens."  
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_4_3 Part First, 8:4], IV-625; "The Grand Wardens are to assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge, and whenever required, are to attend him, and while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, are to act there as his Wardens."  
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Grand Wardens shall assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge, and whenever required, shall attend him, and while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, shall act there as his Wardens." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Grand Wardens shall assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge, and whenever required, shall attend him, and while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, shall act there as his Wardens." ''
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==== Earlier Revisions ====
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
  
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; I-518; ''see section above.''
+
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; II-518; ''see section above.''
 +
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_1_4 Chapter 4, Section 1], III-224; ''see above section''.
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_5_3 Part First, 8:5], IV-625; "In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of all the past Grand Wardens, the Senior Past Masters present, shall act ''pro tempore''."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_5_3 Part First, 8:5], IV-625; "In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of all the past Grand Wardens, the Senior Past Masters present, shall act ''pro tempore''."
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present . . .". Add "In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Junior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present . . .". Add "In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Junior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel." ''
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_216 Section 216]; 1918-340 ''does not include the words "assume his duties" in the text.''
+
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_216 Section 216]; 1918-340; ''does not include the words "assume his duties" in the text.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_216 Section 216]; 1930-97; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_216 Section 216]; 1930-97; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_216 Section 216]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_216 Section 216]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
Line 579: Line 589:
  
 
* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], II-7; "The Grand Master shall, when present, indispensably fill the Chair; in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master; in both their absence, the Senior Grand Warden; in the absence of these, the Junior Grand Warden; and in case of the absence of all the officers, the eldest Grand officer in the Lodge is to fill the Chair; and that the Grand Lodge may always appear in Due Form, the presiding Officer shall wear the Jewel of the Grand Master, and all others the Jewels of the officers they respectively represent."
 
* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], II-7; "The Grand Master shall, when present, indispensably fill the Chair; in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master; in both their absence, the Senior Grand Warden; in the absence of these, the Junior Grand Warden; and in case of the absence of all the officers, the eldest Grand officer in the Lodge is to fill the Chair; and that the Grand Lodge may always appear in Due Form, the presiding Officer shall wear the Jewel of the Grand Master, and all others the Jewels of the officers they respectively represent."
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; I-518; ''see section above.''
+
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_1_2 Chapter II, Section 1]; II-518; ''see section above.''
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_1_4 Chapter 4, Section 1], III-224 ''see above section''; "When the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master are absent the Senior Grand Warden presides in the Grand Lodge; in his absence the Junior Grand Warden; in the absence of each of these, the oldest Past Grand Master; and if no officer of that grade be present, the oldest past senior grand officer is to preside. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master; but the other officers shall wear the jewels of the offices they fill."
+
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_1_4 Chapter 4, Section 1], III-224; ''see above section''; "When the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master are absent the Senior Grand Warden presides in the Grand Lodge; in his absence the Junior Grand Warden; in the absence of each of these, the oldest Past Grand Master; and if no officer of that grade be present, the oldest past senior grand officer is to preside. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master; but the other officers shall wear the jewels of the offices they fill."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_6_3 Part First, 8:6], IV-625; "In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master is to preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Brother who is a Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_6_3 Part First, 8:6], IV-625; "In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master is to preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Brother who is a Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master."
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master shall preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master shall preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master." ''
Line 602: Line 612:
  
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_2 Part First, 1:2], VI-334, added 12/12/1860: ''The Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden and five other Members of the Grand Lodge to be elected at large, be and hereby are constituted a Board of Directors with full powers to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation, in any way relating to its property, real or personal. The Grand Master, or, in case of his absence or disability, the Senior Grand Warden or in absence of the latter the Junior Grand Warden, to be the presiding officer of such Board, and the Recording Grand Secretary to be its recording officer. Meetings of said Board to be called and notified in such manner and at such times as they shall determine; and the action of a majority of the Board to be binding; said Board, however, to be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_2 Part First, 1:2], VI-334, added 12/12/1860: ''The Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden and five other Members of the Grand Lodge to be elected at large, be and hereby are constituted a Board of Directors with full powers to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation, in any way relating to its property, real or personal. The Grand Master, or, in case of his absence or disability, the Senior Grand Warden or in absence of the latter the Junior Grand Warden, to be the presiding officer of such Board, and the Recording Grand Secretary to be its recording officer. Meetings of said Board to be called and notified in such manner and at such times as they shall determine; and the action of a majority of the Board to be binding; said Board, however, to be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation."
** ''The following text was added on 09/08/1869, VII-388 (1869-82): ''The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom, four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.''
+
** ''The following text was added on 09/08/1869, VII-388 (1869-82):  
** ''At the Annual election in December 1869 four directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for one year, and four, two of each class for two years. At each Annual meeting thereafter, four Directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any stated meeting of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term, the Director so chosen to be of the class vacated. The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation {and} who shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified. The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master."''  
+
*** ''The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom, four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.''
*** ''Added 03/13/1872, 1872-31 as follows: "In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge." ''
+
*** ''At the Annual election in December 1869 four directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for one year, and four, two of each class for two years. At each Annual meeting thereafter, four Directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any stated meeting of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term, the Director so chosen to be of the class vacated. The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation {and} who shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified. The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master."''  
 +
** ''Added 03/13/1872, 1872-31 as follows: "In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-45, revised 1878-87, to read:''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-45, revised 1878-87, to read:''
 
*** ''The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.''
 
*** ''The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.''
Line 616: Line 627:
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_218 Section 218]; 1930-97; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_218 Section 218]; 1930-97; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_218 Section 218]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_218 Section 218]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: "The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master  and nine other members, of whom four, at least, shall be permanent of the Grand Lodge and five may be chosen from the members of the Lodges. The Past Grand Masters, the Grand Secretary, and the Grand Treasurer shall be ex officio non-voting members of the Board. Five voting members shall constitute a quorum." ''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative Act of Incorporation in 1859.''  
+
* ''VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ActOfIncorporation1859 Act of Incorporation] in 1859.''  
* 1994:
+
* ''1868-37, 12/09/1868, refers to the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMDame#BOARD_OF_DIRECTORS annual address] of Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMDame Dame] regarding the Board of Directors. "There is another suggestion in this connection which presents itself to my mind, that may be worthy of consideration. I referred to it in my last annual address. By the present requirements of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, the members of the Board of Directors must be annually elected from among the active officers or permanent members of this Body, or from the Representatives of the Lodges. The practical operation of this requirement is to deprive the Grand Lodge of the ability to avail itself of much of its most active and influential business talent, — of the services and the counsel of a class of brethren whose age, experience, and business facilities, would at all times be of the highest value and importance in the management of the financial affairs of the corporation. I am not disregardful of the probability that objections may be raised to the change here suggested. But in a matter of such paramount importance, individual preferences or aspirations are entitled to little consideration. A seat, at the Board may be a desirable one, but it is one which, you will excuse me for saying, every brother who may aspire to occupy it, is not always he who is best adapted to discharge its duties. And this is true, though not to the same extent perhaps, of every office in the gift of the Grand Lodge. Being the representative Body of the Fraternity in the State, it is the standard by which the character, social position, and respectability of the whole Order are estimated by the community. In filling its offices, this important consideration cannot therefore be safely disregarded." ''
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
Line 641: Line 653:
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_219 Section 219]; 1930-97; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_219 Section 219]; 1930-97; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_219 Section 219]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_219 Section 219]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, adding the following paragraph: "The Past Grand Masters shall constitute an Advisory Committee to the Grand Master to assist him in the performance of his duties as he may require and shall be consulted in determining those to fill all offices and positions." ''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
Line 657: Line 670:
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
  
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_6_4 Chapter IV, Section 6]: "At the Annual Communication for the choice of officers, a Committee of Finance and Accounts shall be chosen, whose duty it shall be to examine and pass all bills against the Grand Lodge; examine the records of the Grand Secretaries; audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and designate the compensation to be allowed for their services, and report at the Annual Communication for, and previous to, the choice of officers."
+
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_6_4 Chapter IV, Section 6]; II-523; "At the Annual Communication for the choice of officers, a Committee of Finance and Accounts shall be chosen, whose duty it shall be to examine and pass all bills against the Grand Lodge; examine the records of the Grand Secretaries; audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and designate the compensation to be allowed for their services, and report at the Annual Communication for, and previous to, the choice of officers."
 +
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_2 Chapter 1, Section 2], III-218; "The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens and Recording Grand Secretary shall be a Board of Trustees of the real and personal estate of the Grand Lodge, the tenure of which shall be in the name and for the behoof of ''the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts''; and a majority of them shall have the power to use the seal for the purpose of carrying into effect all the contracts and resolutions adopted by the Grand Lodge. The said Trustees, or a majority of them, shall have the power to do and transact all things relative to the real and personal property of the Grand Lodge, in the name and on the behalf of the corporation, which are not herein otherways provided for."
 
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_6_5 Chapter 6, Section 6], III-237; "At the annual communication for the choice of officers, a Committee of Finance and Accounts shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three, whose duty shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge; examine the records of the Grand Secretaries, and have them transcribed into the transcript books; audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend to the Grand Lodge the compensation to be allowed for services, and report at the next annual communication for, and previous to, the choice of officers. Said report shall embrace all the expenditures of the Grand Lodge for the preceding year, as well as a statement of all the funds of the Grand Lodge, made to them by the Grand Treasurer; an abstract of which shall be inserted in, and make a part of the annual communication, to be distributed to all the subordinate lodges."
 
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_6_5 Chapter 6, Section 6], III-237; "At the annual communication for the choice of officers, a Committee of Finance and Accounts shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three, whose duty shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge; examine the records of the Grand Secretaries, and have them transcribed into the transcript books; audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend to the Grand Lodge the compensation to be allowed for services, and report at the next annual communication for, and previous to, the choice of officers. Said report shall embrace all the expenditures of the Grand Lodge for the preceding year, as well as a statement of all the funds of the Grand Lodge, made to them by the Grand Treasurer; an abstract of which shall be inserted in, and make a part of the annual communication, to be distributed to all the subordinate lodges."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_1_9 Part Third, 1:1], VI-334: "At each annual communication of the Grand Lodge, a Committee of Finance, shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three members, whose duty it shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge, examine the records of the Grand Secretary, and see that they are properly transcribed into the Transcript Book; to audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend such compensation to be allowed for the services of these officers, as may be just and proper. They shall report to the Grand Lodge, at each annual communication, and before the election of officers, an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all the funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_1_9 Part Third, 1:1], VI-334: "At each annual communication of the Grand Lodge, a Committee of Finance, shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three members, whose duty it shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge, examine the records of the Grand Secretary, and see that they are properly transcribed into the Transcript Book; to audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend such compensation to be allowed for the services of these officers, as may be just and proper. They shall report to the Grand Lodge, at each annual communication, and before the election of officers, an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all the funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer."
Line 673: Line 687:
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''IV-614, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of '''GC1843'''.''
+
* ''IV-615, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of '''GC1843'''.''
* ''VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative Act of Incorporation in 1859.''
+
* ''VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ActOfIncorporation1859 Act of Incorporation] in 1859.''
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
Line 691: Line 705:
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_221 Section 221]; 1930-98; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_221 Section 221]; 1930-98; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_221 Section 221]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_221 Section 221]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: "Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called and held in such manner and at such times as it shall determine. The Grand Master, however, shall have the power to call special meetings at his pleasure. An elected Board member is allowed no more than 25% unexcused absences each year. Exceeding this automatically ends his term." ''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative Act of Incorporation in 1859.''  
+
* ''VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ActOfIncorporation1859 Act of Incorporation] in 1859.''  
* 1994:
+
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
Line 718: Line 732:
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_3_4 Chapter 4, Section 3], III-225; "The Grand Treasurer shall have the care and management of all the funds of the Grand Lodge. He shall receive all Monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance and Accounts, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge and all charters and dispensations for constituting new lodges. He shall receipt on each charter and dispensation for the sums that are received therefor; shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and other property of the Grand Lodge, entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary."
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_3_4 Chapter 4, Section 3], III-225; "The Grand Treasurer shall have the care and management of all the funds of the Grand Lodge. He shall receive all Monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance and Accounts, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge and all charters and dispensations for constituting new lodges. He shall receipt on each charter and dispensation for the sums that are received therefor; shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and other property of the Grand Lodge, entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_7_2 Part First, 8:7], IV-626;  "The Grand Treasurer shall have the the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum, and with such surity {sic} or surities {sic} as the Grand Lodge shall require, and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the elective officers and the committee of finance shall direct. He shall receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters, as well as all other monies paid to the Grand Lodge; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge; and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges. He shall receipt on each charter, or dispensation, for the sums that are received therefor; shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and other property of the Grand Lodge, entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_7_2 Part First, 8:7], IV-626;  "The Grand Treasurer shall have the the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum, and with such surity {sic} or surities {sic} as the Grand Lodge shall require, and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the elective officers and the committee of finance shall direct. He shall receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters, as well as all other monies paid to the Grand Lodge; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge; and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges. He shall receipt on each charter, or dispensation, for the sums that are received therefor; shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and other property of the Grand Lodge, entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary."
** ''Amended 06/11/1856; the words "and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges. He shall receipt on each charter, or dispensation, for the sums that are received therefor;" stricken from the section.'' (VI-24)
+
** ''Amended 06/11/1856, VI-24; the words "and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges. He shall receipt on each charter, or dispensation, for the sums that are received therefor;" stricken from the section.''
** ''Amended 12/12/1860; substitute "Board of Directors" for "elective officers and committee of Finance" and for "committee of Finance" above. Change the words ". . . and such sums as the Committee of Finance shall direct. He shall receive . . ." in the first and second sentences to "and he shall receive".''
+
** ''Amended 12/12/1860, VI-336; substitute "Board of Directors" for "elective officers and committee of Finance" and for "committee of Finance" above. Change the words ". . . and such sums as the Committee of Finance shall direct. He shall receive . . ." in the first and second sentences to "and he shall receive".''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, with minor changes in text ("and" removed after semicolons).''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, with minor changes in text ("and" removed after semicolons).''
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46: Substitute "receive all monies from the Recording Grand Secretary" for "receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters"; remove the phrase "shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge". ''
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46: Substitute "receive all monies from the Recording Grand Secretary" for "receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters"; remove the phrase "shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge". ''
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_222 Section 222]; 1918-342; ''In this revision, the section reads as follows: "The Grand Treasurer shall have the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum and with such sureties as the Grand Lodge shall require; and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive al1 moneys from the Grand Secretary, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge, and shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors. He shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors; and shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge intrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Secretary."''
+
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_222 Section 222]; 1918-342; ''In this revision, the section reads as follows: "The Grand Treasurer shall have the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum and with such sureties as the Grand Lodge shall require; and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive all moneys from the Grand Secretary, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge, and shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors. He shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors; and shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge intrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Secretary."''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_222 Section 222]; 1930-99; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_222 Section 222]; 1930-99; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
** ''On 03/11/1942, 1942-43, the section was amended with the addition of a second paragraph, as follows: "The Board of Directors may appoint an Assistant Grand Treasurer who in the event of the disability or absence of the Grand Treasurer shall act on his behalf and shall at all times perform such other functions as the Board of Directors may direct." ''
 
** ''On 03/11/1942, 1942-43, the section was amended with the addition of a second paragraph, as follows: "The Board of Directors may appoint an Assistant Grand Treasurer who in the event of the disability or absence of the Grand Treasurer shall act on his behalf and shall at all times perform such other functions as the Board of Directors may direct." ''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_222 Section 222]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1930''' with the amended text included.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_222 Section 222]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1930''' with the amended text included.''
 +
* '''GC1989''': ''In this revision, the original text was the same as '''GC1953'''. ''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: ''
 +
*** ''"The Grand Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, and shall have charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum and with such sureties as the Grand Lodge shall require; and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive all moneys from the Grand Secretary, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge, and shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors. He shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors; and shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge intrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Secretary." ''
 +
*** ''"The Grand Treasurer shall be elected by a majority of the Boards of Directors of Grand Lodge, the Masonic Home, Inc., and the Masonic Education and Charity Trust. The combined Boards by a majority vote may replace the Grand Treasurer at any time." ''
 +
** ''Proposed 06/11/2003, 2003-70, amended 12/10/2003, 2003-149, to the current language.''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
Line 755: Line 774:
 
* '''GC1843''' includes the following sections:
 
* '''GC1843''' includes the following sections:
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_8 Part First, 8:8], IV-627: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in one or more public papers, of each regular Communication of the Grand Lodge; and notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members residing in the City of Boston. Special meetings may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees with such documents as are in his possession, when required; and record all reports of Committees, which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as shall be directed by the Grand Master; and all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_8 Part First, 8:8], IV-627: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in one or more public papers, of each regular Communication of the Grand Lodge; and notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members residing in the City of Boston. Special meetings may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees with such documents as are in his possession, when required; and record all reports of Committees, which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as shall be directed by the Grand Master; and all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
*** ''Amended 06/11/1856, VI-25, replacing the first sentence with: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretary's[sic]."'' (VI-25)
+
*** ''Amended 06/11/1856, VI-25, replacing the first sentence with: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretary's[sic]."''  
 
*** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: ""The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretaries. Special Communications may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees and produce such documents as are in his possession, when required; and shall record all reports of Committees which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as the Grand Master shall direct, of all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge." ''
 
*** ''Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: ""The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretaries. Special Communications may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees and produce such documents as are in his possession, when required; and shall record all reports of Committees which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as the Grand Master shall direct, of all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge." ''
 
*** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, adding after the words "according to seniority" the following: "He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys received from the District Deputy Grand Masters and shall have in his care all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge"; and removing the words "He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge." ''
 
*** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, adding after the words "according to seniority" the following: "He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys received from the District Deputy Grand Masters and shall have in his care all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge"; and removing the words "He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge." ''
Line 767: Line 786:
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_223 Section 223]; 1930-99; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_223 Section 223]; 1930-99; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_223 Section 223]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_223 Section 223]; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: ''The Grand Secretary shall be the Chief Operations Officer of the Corporation. It is his duty to make a correct record of all the transactions of the Grand Lodge; to receive petitions, applications, and appeals and lay them before the Grand Master; to file and preserve all its records, papers, and documents; to conduct its correspondence; to prepare, sign, seal, certify, and attest charters, dispensations, warrants, commissions and other instruments wherever such action is appropriate; to issue calls for its Communications; to attend to the publication of its proceedings; to attend and act as clerk of its Board of Directors; and to discharge such other duties as naturally devolve upon his office; all his duties being under and subject to the Grand Master whose orders, in any ease, shall be sufficient warrant for any act covered thereby. He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys of the Grand Lodge coming into his hands or possession; but shall retain custody of all charters, seals, records, regalia and personal property (other than money and securities) returned to the Grand Lodge unless and until it shall otherwise direct." ''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/13/2002, 2002-30; amended 06/12/2002, 2002-72, to the current language.''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
Line 773: Line 794:
 
** ''The Recording Grand Secretary stated that by inadvertence he had placed his signature upon one of these Registers; but upon a moment's reflection he became satisfied that he had no legal right so to do, and positively refused to place the seal of the Grand Lodge upon it, and has ever since declined either to sign or seal these documents. His refusal, with the reason therefor, was communicated more than a year ago to the agent of this Register; but, notwithstanding this, the agent, as has been stated by many Brethren, had persisted in holding out to them the inducement of the Recording Grand Secretary's signature as a conclusive reason for the purchase by them of the document.''
 
** ''The Recording Grand Secretary stated that by inadvertence he had placed his signature upon one of these Registers; but upon a moment's reflection he became satisfied that he had no legal right so to do, and positively refused to place the seal of the Grand Lodge upon it, and has ever since declined either to sign or seal these documents. His refusal, with the reason therefor, was communicated more than a year ago to the agent of this Register; but, notwithstanding this, the agent, as has been stated by many Brethren, had persisted in holding out to them the inducement of the Recording Grand Secretary's signature as a conclusive reason for the purchase by them of the document.''
 
** ''It was thereupon, on motion of R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLMWilder Marshall P. Wilder], unanimously Voted, That the action of the Grand Master, in directing the Recording Grand Secretary to refuse his signature and the seal of the Grand Lodge to the Masonic Register, or any other document, except the official diplomas or papers of the Grand Lodge, be and the same is hereby ratified.''
 
** ''It was thereupon, on motion of R. W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLMWilder Marshall P. Wilder], unanimously Voted, That the action of the Grand Master, in directing the Recording Grand Secretary to refuse his signature and the seal of the Grand Lodge to the Masonic Register, or any other document, except the official diplomas or papers of the Grand Lodge, be and the same is hereby ratified.''
* ''1902-52 refers to remarks made Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGallagher Gallagher] in defense of the character of Recording Grand Secretary [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Sereno Nickerson] with regard to a petition offered to repeal certain sections of the Constitutions. A circular regarding the petition, and its handling by Grand Lodge, was reported by the committee, and the Grand Master noted that it "contains many misstatements and is otherwise misleading. It attempts to blame the Recording Grand Secretary for his action on their petition. I want to say that the Grand Secretary did just what the Grand Constitutions require. When the petition was brought to his office and he was asked to present it to the Grand Lodge, he said he would lay it before the Grand Master, which is the requirement of the Grand Constitutions. This he did immediately on the Grand Master's arrival the next day, before the meeting of the Grand Lodge. It was not the Secretary's duty, and he had not the power or right to present any petition directly to the Grand Lodge. The attack in that circular is as unkind as it is uncalled for and casts a reflection on the official character of our Brother, who is of too high standing and too conscientious in the discharge of his duty to need any defence. But I feel it my duty to say this, in justice to him." ''
+
* ''1902-52, 03/12/1902, refers to remarks made Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGallagher Gallagher] in defense of the character of Recording Grand Secretary [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMNickerson Sereno Nickerson] with regard to a petition offered to repeal certain sections of the Constitutions. A circular regarding the petition, and its handling by Grand Lodge, was reported by the committee, and the Grand Master noted that it "contains many misstatements and is otherwise misleading. It attempts to blame the Recording Grand Secretary for his action on their petition. I want to say that the Grand Secretary did just what the Grand Constitutions require. When the petition was brought to his office and he was asked to present it to the Grand Lodge, he said he would lay it before the Grand Master, which is the requirement of the Grand Constitutions. This he did immediately on the Grand Master's arrival the next day, before the meeting of the Grand Lodge. It was not the Secretary's duty, and he had not the power or right to present any petition directly to the Grand Lodge. The attack in that circular is as unkind as it is uncalled for and casts a reflection on the official character of our Brother, who is of too high standing and too conscientious in the discharge of his duty to need any defence. But I feel it my duty to say this, in justice to him." ''
* ''1915-34 refers to remarks by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson] regarding the office of Corresponding Grand Secretary. "In January I addressed to the Brethren an encyclical letter in which I advised the abolition of the office of Corresponding Grand Secretary, and the striking out of the word 'Recording' from the title of Recording Grand Secretary. For more years than I have been a Mason to office of Corresponding Grand Secretary has been an honorary office only . . . I suggest that amendments be made to the Grand Constitutions for the purpose of carrying this recommendation into effect." ''
+
* ''1915-34, 03/10/1915, refers to remarks by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson] regarding the office of Corresponding Grand Secretary. "In January I addressed to the Brethren an encyclical letter in which I advised the abolition of the office of Corresponding Grand Secretary, and the striking out of the word 'Recording' from the title of Recording Grand Secretary. For more years than I have been a Mason to office of Corresponding Grand Secretary has been an honorary office only . . . I suggest that amendments be made to the Grand Constitutions for the purpose of carrying this recommendation into effect." ''
* 1994:
+
* ''1996-95, 05/10/1996, is a part of a 50th anniversary celebration and does not seem to bear upon this section.''
* 1996-95
+
* 2002-72
+
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
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==== Earlier Revisions ====
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
  
* '''Additional Regulations 1801''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#ARTICLE_2ND Article 2nd], I-191; "There shall be a District Deputy Grand Master in and for each District, appointed annually by the Grand Master, whose duty it shall be to visit the several Lodges within his District once, at least, in every year, giving them timely notice thereof, and to communicate to each Lodge all such Edicts and Regulations as may be, from time to time, transmitted from the Grand Lodge; to receive all returns and monies required by the Grand Lodge, keeping an exact account thereof, and, annually, at the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge in December, to make out a correct list or return of the Lodges in his District, exhibiting thereon the names of all the Masons made in each Lodge, and deliver the same to the Grand Secretary together with all monies in his hands due to the Grand Lodge, and shall deliver to the Grand Treasurer a duplicate account of all monies by him paid to the Grand Secretary, together with all monies in his hands due to the Grand Lodge, which District return shall be recorded and filed by the Grand Secretary. And such District Deputy Grand Master shall keep an account of his expenses in visiting his several Lodges and making returns as aforesaid, for which he shall b© reimbursed from the Treasury of the Grand Lodge by order of the Grand Master."
+
* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], II-7, assigns the duty of visiting and inspecting the Lodges to the Grand Master, his Deputy, Treasurer and Secretary.
 +
* '''Additional Regulations 1801''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#ARTICLE_2ND Article 2nd], II-191; "There shall be a District Deputy Grand Master in and for each District, appointed annually by the Grand Master, whose duty it shall be to visit the several Lodges within his District once, at least, in every year, giving them timely notice thereof, and to communicate to each Lodge all such Edicts and Regulations as may be, from time to time, transmitted from the Grand Lodge; to receive all returns and monies required by the Grand Lodge, keeping an exact account thereof, and, annually, at the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge in December, to make out a correct list or return of the Lodges in his District, exhibiting thereon the names of all the Masons made in each Lodge, and deliver the same to the Grand Secretary together with all monies in his hands due to the Grand Lodge, and shall deliver to the Grand Treasurer a duplicate account of all monies by him paid to the Grand Secretary, together with all monies in his hands due to the Grand Lodge, which District return shall be recorded and filed by the Grand Secretary. And such District Deputy Grand Master shall keep an account of his expenses in visiting his several Lodges and making returns as aforesaid, for which he shall b© reimbursed from the Treasury of the Grand Lodge by order of the Grand Master."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', II-275, 03/11/1805; "The committee appointed to form a device for the jewel of the R't W'l Deputy Grand Masters . . . reported a design which met the approbation of the Grand Lodge, and it was then VOTED, That they be desired to furnish it to the Grand Treasurer, who is directed to procure the jewels and collars for the present District Deputy Grand Masters, to be by them transmitted to their successors in office, until further orders of the Grand Lodge shall be had thereon."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', II-275, 03/11/1805; "The committee appointed to form a device for the jewel of the R't W'l Deputy Grand Masters . . . reported a design which met the approbation of the Grand Lodge, and it was then VOTED, That they be desired to furnish it to the Grand Treasurer, who is directed to procure the jewels and collars for the present District Deputy Grand Masters, to be by them transmitted to their successors in office, until further orders of the Grand Lodge shall be had thereon."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', II-319, 12/09/1805: "That the Constitution of the Grand Lodge be so far revised as to make the District Deputy Grand Masters members of the Grand Lodge, and to establish their office and authority as District Deputy Grand Masters in their several Districts." This was confirmed by the adoption of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#ADDITIONAL_ARTICLES.2C_ADOPTED_DECEMBER_8.2C_1806 Resolutions] describing the powers and duties of the District Deputies (committee requested additional time II-336, 09/08/1806; reported II-339, 12/08/1806).
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', II-319, 12/09/1805: "That the Constitution of the Grand Lodge be so far revised as to make the District Deputy Grand Masters members of the Grand Lodge, and to establish their office and authority as District Deputy Grand Masters in their several Districts." This was confirmed by the adoption of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#ADDITIONAL_ARTICLES.2C_ADOPTED_DECEMBER_8.2C_1806 Resolutions] describing the powers and duties of the District Deputies (committee requested additional time II-336, 09/08/1806; reported II-339, 12/08/1806).
Line 815: Line 835:
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, removing the phrase "shall have power to grant dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions."; substituting "Recording Grand Secretary for "Grand Treasurer"; and "last Thursday in November" for "first day of December." ''
 
** ''Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, removing the phrase "shall have power to grant dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions."; substituting "Recording Grand Secretary for "Grand Treasurer"; and "last Thursday in November" for "first day of December." ''
 
** ''Proposed 06/14/1916, 1916-257, rejected 09/13/1916, 1916-533, a proposal to revise the form of District Deputy Visitation.''
 
** ''Proposed 06/14/1916, 1916-257, rejected 09/13/1916, 1916-533, a proposal to revise the form of District Deputy Visitation.''
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 12/10/1863'', VI-477: [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Candidates On District Deputy Powers and Candidates].''
+
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 12/10/1863, VI-477: [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1850-1899#Candidates On District Deputy Powers and Candidates].''
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 03/14/1866, VII-66; "That the G. Master be authorized and empowered to draw upon the Treasurer for such sums of money, as are necessary to defray the expenses of the meetings of the Dist. Dep. G. Masters at the Annual and Quarterly Communication of the Gd Lodge, and that the G. Master in his Annual Address report such expenditures."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 03/14/1866, VII-66; "That the G. Master be authorized and empowered to draw upon the Treasurer for such sums of money, as are necessary to defray the expenses of the meetings of the Dist. Dep. G. Masters at the Annual and Quarterly Communication of the Gd Lodge, and that the G. Master in his Annual Address report such expenditures."
 
* '''Address of the Grand Master''', 12/08/1869, VII-429, concerning the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner#AT_GRAND_LODGE.2C_DECEMBER_1869 responsibilities of District Deputy Grand Masters].
 
* '''Address of the Grand Master''', 12/08/1869, VII-429, concerning the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner#AT_GRAND_LODGE.2C_DECEMBER_1869 responsibilities of District Deputy Grand Masters].
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==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''I-360 describes Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHays Hays]' inspection of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStates Rising States] Lodge, 03/30/1789. (This precedes the establishment of District Deputies, and details the form of a Grand Master's inspection visit in this era.)''
+
* ''I-360, 03/30/1789, describes Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHays Hays]' inspection of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStates Rising States] Lodge. (This precedes the establishment of District Deputies, and details the form of a Grand Master's inspection visit in this era.)''
* ''II-7 refers to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], Item 7 in '''GC1792''': "The Grand Master, with his Deputy, Grand Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, if convenient shall, during his Mastership, visit the several Lodges under his Jurisdiction; and shall examine their Records and proceedings, and see that no innovations be committed in any of them, first giving such Lodges timely notice of his approach." (This also precedes the establishment of District Deputies).''
+
* ''II-7, 03/05/1792, refers to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], Item 7 in '''GC1792''': "The Grand Master, with his Deputy, Grand Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, if convenient shall, during his Mastership, visit the several Lodges under his Jurisdiction; and shall examine their Records and proceedings, and see that no innovations be committed in any of them, first giving such Lodges timely notice of his approach." (This also precedes the establishment of District Deputies).''
 
* ''II-486, 06/11/1811: "The hour appointed for the final consideration of the Constitution, . . some objections raised as to the spirit and tendency of several of the Articles; especially to that in which the word Inspector is substituted for District Deputy Grand Master, as in the old Constitutions."''
 
* ''II-486, 06/11/1811: "The hour appointed for the final consideration of the Constitution, . . some objections raised as to the spirit and tendency of several of the Articles; especially to that in which the word Inspector is substituted for District Deputy Grand Master, as in the old Constitutions."''
 
* ''III-334, 03/14/1821; the Grand Marshal proclaimed the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsDistricts#1821_REDISTRICTING new Masonic Districts] following the separation of Maine lodges.''
 
* ''III-334, 03/14/1821; the Grand Marshal proclaimed the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsDistricts#1821_REDISTRICTING new Masonic Districts] following the separation of Maine lodges.''
* ''12/27/1852 may be spurious.''
 
 
* ''1915-103, 1915-109, 06/09/1915, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Title_of_Past_District_Deputy_Grand_Masters decision] by the Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson] regarding the powers and titles of Past District Deputies.''
 
* ''1915-103, 1915-109, 06/09/1915, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Title_of_Past_District_Deputy_Grand_Masters decision] by the Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson] regarding the powers and titles of Past District Deputies.''
 
* ''1917Builder-291 refers to an article on reception of candidates; reference moved to Sec. 402.''
 
* ''1917Builder-291 refers to an article on reception of candidates; reference moved to Sec. 402.''
Line 922: Line 941:
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
  
* '''Declaration by Grand Master''', II-282, 09/10/1805; "In consequence of a power vested in the M't W'l [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMThomas Isaiah Thomas], Esq,, Grand Master, at the Quarterly Communication in March, 5805, to use such ways and means as he should judge most proper to establish a uniform mode of work in the several degrees of Masonry in ancient form and manner, the M't W'l Grand Master informed the Grand Lodge, that, to carry into effect this important object, he had appointed Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersG#GLEASON.2C_BENJAMIN_1777-1847 Benj. Gleason], P.M., Grand Lecturer and Instructor; and that he had contracted with him to visit all the Lodges in the Commonwealth under the Jurisdiction, and to instruct them in the ancient mode of labor, etc."
+
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', II-280, 09/10/1805; "That a communication from the Grand Lecturer be read, which being done, it was farther VOTED, That the Grand Master be directed to caution the Grand Lecturer against exercising any authority beyond his instructions; and to continue to discharge the duties of his office agreeably to the commission he has received."
** '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', II-280, 09/10/1805; "That a communication from the Grand Lecturer be read, which being done, it was farther VOTED, That the Grand Master be directed to caution the Grand Lecturer against exercising any authority beyond his instructions; and to continue to discharge the duties of his office agreeably to the commission he has received."
+
** The commission to Brother Gleason appears in full on II-287, and the Certificate appears in full on II-291, 09/10/1805.
** The commission to Brother Gleason appears in full on II-287, and the Certificate appears in full on II-291.
+
 
** A report on the ''doings of the Grand Lecturer'' appears on II-358, 06/08/1807.
 
** A report on the ''doings of the Grand Lecturer'' appears on II-358, 06/08/1807.
 +
* '''Declaration by Grand Master''', II-282, 09/10/1805; "In consequence of a power vested in the M't W'l [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMThomas Isaiah Thomas], Esq,, Grand Master, at the Quarterly Communication in March, 5805, to use such ways and means as he should judge most proper to establish a uniform mode of work in the several degrees of Masonry in ancient form and manner, the M't W'l Grand Master informed the Grand Lodge, that, to carry into effect this important object, he had appointed Brother [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersG#GLEASON.2C_BENJAMIN_1777-1847 Benj. Gleason], P.M., Grand Lecturer and Instructor; and that he had contracted with him to visit all the Lodges in the Commonwealth under the Jurisdiction, and to instruct them in the ancient mode of labor, etc."
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 09/14/1842, IV-560-563; on the doings of the National Masonic Convention, the committee observed:
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 09/14/1842, IV-560-563; on the doings of the National Masonic Convention, the committee observed:
 
** "That uniformity in the lectures, ceremonies & mode of work for the several Lodges in the United States is essential to the permanent welfare & prosperity of our ancient and benevolent Institution. To accomplish so desirable an object the National Convention have recommended that each Grand Lodge should appoint a Grand Lecturer, & that the lecturers thus appointed should assemble at some central place once, at least, in three years, & "agree upon the course of instruction necessary & proper to be imparted to the Lodges & Fraternity in their several jurisdictions.'' This measure as proposed by the Convention, meets the approbation of your Committee; & we unanimously recommend that the elective officers of the Grand Lodge together with the Deputy Grand Master be authorized to appoint a competent & well qualified brother as a Delegate to meet' such Gr. Lecturers, if in their opinion it can be done consistently with the interests & welfare of this Grand Lodge."
 
** "That uniformity in the lectures, ceremonies & mode of work for the several Lodges in the United States is essential to the permanent welfare & prosperity of our ancient and benevolent Institution. To accomplish so desirable an object the National Convention have recommended that each Grand Lodge should appoint a Grand Lecturer, & that the lecturers thus appointed should assemble at some central place once, at least, in three years, & "agree upon the course of instruction necessary & proper to be imparted to the Lodges & Fraternity in their several jurisdictions.'' This measure as proposed by the Convention, meets the approbation of your Committee; & we unanimously recommend that the elective officers of the Grand Lodge together with the Deputy Grand Master be authorized to appoint a competent & well qualified brother as a Delegate to meet' such Gr. Lecturers, if in their opinion it can be done consistently with the interests & welfare of this Grand Lodge."
Line 931: Line 950:
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 12/14/1842, IV-573, refers to the appointment of two Grand Lecturers.
 
* '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 12/14/1842, IV-573, refers to the appointment of two Grand Lecturers.
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_16 Part First, 8:17], IV-631; "There shall be two Grand Lecturers, being Past Masters, annually appointed, whose duty it shall be to exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, before the Grand Lodge, on the 27th of December each year, for the benefit of the Brethren generally. They shall also impart instruction to any Lodge requiring their services; the Lodge paying them a reasonable compensation therefor. The Grand Lecturers shall not, as such, be entitled to vote in Grand Lodge."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_16 Part First, 8:17], IV-631; "There shall be two Grand Lecturers, being Past Masters, annually appointed, whose duty it shall be to exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, before the Grand Lodge, on the 27th of December each year, for the benefit of the Brethren generally. They shall also impart instruction to any Lodge requiring their services; the Lodge paying them a reasonable compensation therefor. The Grand Lecturers shall not, as such, be entitled to vote in Grand Lodge."
** ''Amended 09/10/1851: the last sentence is replaced with: "The two Grand Lecturers and the member of the Committee of Finance shall be severally entitled to vote in Grand Lodge, provided that they are not otherwise entitled to a vote." (V-336)''
+
** ''Amended 09/10/1851, V-336: the last sentence is replaced with: "The two Grand Lecturers and the member of the Committee of Finance shall be severally entitled to vote in Grand Lodge, provided that they are not otherwise entitled to a vote." ''
** ''Amended 06/11/1856: the following text was added: "It shall also be their duty to visit and instruct any Lodge under this jurisdiction, at the expense of this Grand Lodge, whenever it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense, and they shall report to the Grand Master in writing whenever and as often as they shall discover any deviations either in the work or lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge." (VI-25; 1856-18)''
+
** ''Amended 06/11/1856, VI-25 (1856-18): the following text was added: "It shall also be their duty to visit and instruct any Lodge under this jurisdiction, at the expense of this Grand Lodge, whenever it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense, and they shall report to the Grand Master in writing whenever and as often as they shall discover any deviations either in the work or lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge."''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1862, VI-449 (1863-4): The first sentence was revised to read: "There shall be three Grand Lecturers, being Past Masters, annually appointed whose duty it shall be to exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, before the Grand Lodge, on the day following the annual communication of that body in December, for the benefit of the Brethren generally." ''
 
** ''Amended 06/12/1862, VI-449 (1863-4): The first sentence was revised to read: "There shall be three Grand Lecturers, being Past Masters, annually appointed whose duty it shall be to exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, before the Grand Lodge, on the day following the annual communication of that body in December, for the benefit of the Brethren generally." ''
 
** ''Proposed 1875-29, 03/08/1875, and adopted 1875-67, 06/09/1875; reviewed and accepted 1875-111, 09/08/1875; a revision to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_17 Part First, 8:17]: "Three Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers, whose duty it shall be to exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the work and lectures of the several degrees at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. It shall also be their duty to visit and instruct any Lodge under this jurisdiction, at the expense of this Grand Lodge, whenever it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense, and they shall report to the Grand Master in writing whenever and as often as they shall discover any deviations either in the work or lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge." ''
 
** ''Proposed 1875-29, 03/08/1875, and adopted 1875-67, 06/09/1875; reviewed and accepted 1875-111, 09/08/1875; a revision to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_17 Part First, 8:17]: "Three Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers, whose duty it shall be to exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the work and lectures of the several degrees at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. It shall also be their duty to visit and instruct any Lodge under this jurisdiction, at the expense of this Grand Lodge, whenever it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense, and they shall report to the Grand Master in writing whenever and as often as they shall discover any deviations either in the work or lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge." ''
Line 954: Line 973:
 
* ''1888-67, 06/13/1888, refers to the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner#MEMORIAL memorial for Past Grand Master Gardner], which says, in part, "His trained and exact habits of mind and scholarly love of research admirably fitted him for the labors of a Masonic historian and expositor, and the contributions of his pen have done much to enlarge the field of Masonic information." ''
 
* ''1888-67, 06/13/1888, refers to the [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGardner#MEMORIAL memorial for Past Grand Master Gardner], which says, in part, "His trained and exact habits of mind and scholarly love of research admirably fitted him for the labors of a Masonic historian and expositor, and the contributions of his pen have done much to enlarge the field of Masonic information." ''
 
* ''1936-152, 09/09/1936, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Degrees_.28Floor_Work.29 commentary] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMAllen Allen] regarding exemplifications in which he indicated that floor work was at the discretion of the Master (unless it "involves an interpretation of the ritual"), but that Exemplification by Grand Lecturers would give guidance on proper conduct, and would be the source of interpretations of ritual.''
 
* ''1936-152, 09/09/1936, refers to a [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1900-1949#Degrees_.28Floor_Work.29 commentary] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMAllen Allen] regarding exemplifications in which he indicated that floor work was at the discretion of the Master (unless it "involves an interpretation of the ritual"), but that Exemplification by Grand Lecturers would give guidance on proper conduct, and would be the source of interpretations of ritual.''
* ''12/27/1852 may be spurious.''
+
* ''1956-169, 06/13/1956, refers to [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsEdicts1950-1999#Exemplifications commentary] by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWJohnson Whitfield Johnson] on procedures for Grand Lecturers and exemplifications.''
 +
 
 
* ''1858-42 is unclear.''
 
* ''1858-42 is unclear.''
  
Line 1,074: Line 1,094:
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of '''GC1811'''."
+
* ''II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of '''GC1811'''. ''
 
* ''IV-615, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of '''GC1843'''.''
 
* ''IV-615, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of '''GC1843'''.''
  
Line 1,210: Line 1,230:
 
* '''GC1819''' includes the following sections:  
 
* '''GC1819''' includes the following sections:  
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_5_2 Chapter 3, Section 5], III-222;  "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Recording Secretary shall be chosen by ballot. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the two other officers."
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_5_2 Chapter 3, Section 5], III-222;  "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Recording Secretary shall be chosen by ballot. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the two other officers."
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_6_2 Chapter 3, Section 6], III-222; "The choice shall be made on the second Wednesday in December annually, to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. The officers shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Evangelist; and when that Festival shall happen on a Sunday, the installation shall be on the next day. "
+
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_6_2 Chapter 3, Section 6], III-222; "The choice shall be made on the second Wednesday in December annually, to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. The officers shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Evangelist; and when that Festival shall happen on a Sunday, the installation shall be on the next day."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 06/13/1838, IV-454; a committee appointed to consider election of the Deputy Grand Master noted "The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage, the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to.—To justify the proposed alteration in this particular, there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee, they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 06/13/1838, IV-454; a committee appointed to consider election of the Deputy Grand Master noted "The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage, the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to.—To justify the proposed alteration in this particular, there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee, they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_1_5 Part First, 6:1], IV-621; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Recording Secretary, shall be chosen by ballot, on the second Wednesday in December, annually; the election to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary."'
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_1_5 Part First, 6:1], IV-621; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Recording Secretary, shall be chosen by ballot, on the second Wednesday in December, annually; the election to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary."'
Line 1,217: Line 1,237:
 
** ''Proposed 09/08/1897, 1897-169, an amendment to this section requiring the recommendation of at least ten members of the Grand Lodge, provided at least fourteen days before the December Quarterly Communication. The committee suggested that this would improperly introduce politics and "the unseemly spectacle of a scramble for office under the latest and most approved methods of political warfare." The amendment was rejected.''
 
** ''Proposed 09/08/1897, 1897-169, an amendment to this section requiring the recommendation of at least ten members of the Grand Lodge, provided at least fourteen days before the December Quarterly Communication. The committee suggested that this would improperly introduce politics and "the unseemly spectacle of a scramble for office under the latest and most approved methods of political warfare." The amendment was rejected.''
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_4 Part First, 6:4], IV-622; "The Grand Wardens shall be subject to the same regulations, as in the Case of Grand Master, except that the Junior Grand Warden may be advanced to the rank of Senior Grand Warden."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_4 Part First, 6:4], IV-622; "The Grand Wardens shall be subject to the same regulations, as in the Case of Grand Master, except that the Junior Grand Warden may be advanced to the rank of Senior Grand Warden."
 +
** ''1856-26 (VI-24 through VI-30), 06/11/1856, refers to amendments and revisions made at that quarterly meeting.''
 
** ''Section removed 06/12/1878, 1878-46, as its provisions were included in [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_3 Part First, 6:3].''
 
** ''Section removed 06/12/1878, 1878-46, as its provisions were included in [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_3 Part First, 6:3].''
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_240 Section 240]; 1918-348; ''This section is labeled "Election of Grand Officers".''
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_240 Section 240]; 1918-348; ''This section is labeled "Election of Grand Officers".''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_239 Section 239]; 1930-104; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_239 Section 239]; 1930-104; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_239 Section 239]; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication; the election to commence at three o'clock p. m. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to a choice."
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_239 Section 239]; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication; the election to commence at three o'clock p. m. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to a choice."
 +
* '''GC1989''': ''In this revision, the text was originally the same as '''GC1953'''.''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read:  "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication; Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to a choice." ''
 +
** ''Proposed 06/11/2003, 2003-70, amended 12/10/2003, 2003-149, to the current language.''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''1856-26 refers to amendments and revisions made on 06/11/1856, VI-24 through VI-30.''
 
 
* ''1883-264, 12/12/1883, refers to a proposal made at Grand Lodge by Rt. Wor. Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHFay Henry G. Fay]. Brother Fay "asked permission to present the merits of one of the candidates for the office of Grand Master. A short discussion ensued, in which allusion was made to the importance of maintaining freedom of speech in the Grand Lodge, while, on the other hand, it was urged that the presentation of the qualifications of candidates at that time would establish a precedent dangerous to the harmony and welfare of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master stated that the Constitutions provided that the Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Recording Grand Secretary should be elected at the Annual Communication, the election to commence at 3 o'clock P.M.; and that the stated time had arrived. As the point of order which had been raised was a new one, and of great importance, and its decision would establish a precedent, it seemed to him eminently proper that it should be decided by the Grand Lodge itself. To enable it to do so, he would put the question in this form: — 'Is it your pleasure that the Grand Lodge should proceed immediately to the election of a Grand Master?' The question was taken by a rising vote, and decided in the affirmative, by a large majority." ''
 
* ''1883-264, 12/12/1883, refers to a proposal made at Grand Lodge by Rt. Wor. Bro. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLHFay Henry G. Fay]. Brother Fay "asked permission to present the merits of one of the candidates for the office of Grand Master. A short discussion ensued, in which allusion was made to the importance of maintaining freedom of speech in the Grand Lodge, while, on the other hand, it was urged that the presentation of the qualifications of candidates at that time would establish a precedent dangerous to the harmony and welfare of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master stated that the Constitutions provided that the Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Recording Grand Secretary should be elected at the Annual Communication, the election to commence at 3 o'clock P.M.; and that the stated time had arrived. As the point of order which had been raised was a new one, and of great importance, and its decision would establish a precedent, it seemed to him eminently proper that it should be decided by the Grand Lodge itself. To enable it to do so, he would put the question in this form: — 'Is it your pleasure that the Grand Lodge should proceed immediately to the election of a Grand Master?' The question was taken by a rising vote, and decided in the affirmative, by a large majority." ''
 
* ''1915-43, 03/10/1915, refers to the election of a Director to replace a deceased Director. "The Committee appointed to receive and count votes reported that 615 votes had been cast . . . and asked for a ruling as to whether or not a two-thirds vote is required for an election." The Grand Master cited the Grand Constitutions and declared Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersW#WHITTALL.2C_MATTHEW_JOHN_1843-1922 Matthew John Whittall] elected.
 
* ''1915-43, 03/10/1915, refers to the election of a Director to replace a deceased Director. "The Committee appointed to receive and count votes reported that 615 votes had been cast . . . and asked for a ruling as to whether or not a two-thirds vote is required for an election." The Grand Master cited the Grand Constitutions and declared Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersW#WHITTALL.2C_MATTHEW_JOHN_1843-1922 Matthew John Whittall] elected.
Line 1,248: Line 1,271:
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_240 Section 240]; 1930-104; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_240 Section 240]; 1930-104; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_240 Section 240]; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 
* '''GC1953''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1953#Section_240 Section 240]; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; ''In this revision, the text is the same as '''GC1918'''.''
 +
** ''Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to the current language.''
  
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
 
* ''1915-43, 03/10/1915, refers to the election of a Director to replace a deceased Director. "The Committee appointed to receive and count votes reported that 615 votes had been cast . . . and asked for a ruling as to whether or not a two-thirds vote is required for an election." The Grand Master cited the Grand Constitutions and declared Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersW#WHITTALL.2C_MATTHEW_JOHN_1843-1922 Matthew John Whittall] elected.
 
* ''1915-43, 03/10/1915, refers to the election of a Director to replace a deceased Director. "The Committee appointed to receive and count votes reported that 615 votes had been cast . . . and asked for a ruling as to whether or not a two-thirds vote is required for an election." The Grand Master cited the Grand Constitutions and declared Rt. Wor. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAOtherBrothersW#WHITTALL.2C_MATTHEW_JOHN_1843-1922 Matthew John Whittall] elected.
* 1994:
 
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
Line 1,393: Line 1,416:
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
 
==== Earlier Revisions ====
  
 +
* '''GC1792''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1792#SECTION_3rd Section 3rd], Article 3d, II-7; "In case of sickness or necessary absence, the Grand Master or any other Officer may be installed by proxy, but whoever represents him must have sustained the office to which such absent officer is to be installed."
 
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_8 Chapter 1, Section 8], II-516; "After the installation of the Grand Master, he shall install the Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and the Grand Recording Secretary; appoint and install the other officers necessary to the due organization of the Grand Lodge, and appoint the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall issue commissions under the Grand Seal to the Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Marshal. Absent officers may be installed by suitable proxies."
 
* '''GC1811''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1811#Section_8 Chapter 1, Section 8], II-516; "After the installation of the Grand Master, he shall install the Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and the Grand Recording Secretary; appoint and install the other officers necessary to the due organization of the Grand Lodge, and appoint the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall issue commissions under the Grand Seal to the Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Marshal. Absent officers may be installed by suitable proxies."
 
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_6_2 Chapter 3, Section 6], III-223; "The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor, or such Past Grand Master as the Grand Lodge may designate for the purpose; or when it is not a new choice, by the Senior Past Grand Master present."
 
* '''GC1819''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=ByLaws1819#Section_6_2 Chapter 3, Section 6], III-223; "The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor, or such Past Grand Master as the Grand Lodge may designate for the purpose; or when it is not a new choice, by the Senior Past Grand Master present."
Line 1,548: Line 1,572:
 
** "MOTTO. On a ribbon, FOLLOW REASON, the old translation of the motto upon the arms and seal affixed to the commission of our first Provincial Grand Master and the original motto on our own."
 
** "MOTTO. On a ribbon, FOLLOW REASON, the old translation of the motto upon the arms and seal affixed to the commission of our first Provincial Grand Master and the original motto on our own."
 
** '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 12/08/1880, on the preparation of the seal; "Your committee therefore renew their recommendation that the resolution be adopted, providing for a new seal for this Grand Lodge . . . and that the use of the new seal commence from and after the second Wednesday, in March, 1881, the date of our next Quarterly Communication."
 
** '''Grand Lodge Committee Report''', 12/08/1880, on the preparation of the seal; "Your committee therefore renew their recommendation that the resolution be adopted, providing for a new seal for this Grand Lodge . . . and that the use of the new seal commence from and after the second Wednesday, in March, 1881, the date of our next Quarterly Communication."
 
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_255 Section 255]; 1918-353
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_255 Section 255]; 1918-353
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_252 Section 252]; 1930-107
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_252 Section 252]; 1930-107
Line 1,555: Line 1,578:
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''II-275, II-400 and II-413 do not include reference to the Grand Lodge Seal and may be spurious.''
 
* ''1855-34 refers to Grand Lodge regalia, and does not apply to this section.''
 
* ''1856-40 and 1856-41 refer to Grand Lodge regalia, and does not apply to this section.''
 
* ''1856-50 is a part of the Grand Master's address and also refers to Grand Lodge regalia.''
 
* ''1866-34 also refers to Grand Lodge regalia.''
 
* ''1871-253 and 1872-27 do not refer to the Grand Lodge Seal.''
 
 
* ''1910-45, 03/09/1910, does not refer to the Grand Lodge Seal.''
 
* ''1910-45, 03/09/1910, does not refer to the Grand Lodge Seal.''
 +
* ''1918-319, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to '''GC1843''' recommended just before the adoption of '''GC1918'''.''
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>
Line 1,600: Line 1,618:
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#ARTICLE_9:_Library_Committee Part Third, 9], added 09/11/1850, V-298: "The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, which shall consist of three members of the Grand Lodge, whose duty it shall be to take the oversight of the Library of the Grand Lodge, to make rules and regulations for its government, to appoint a Librarian to purchase Books, and to transact all other matters pertaining to the Library and to make report of its condition and of their doings, at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge."
 
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#ARTICLE_9:_Library_Committee Part Third, 9], added 09/11/1850, V-298: "The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, which shall consist of three members of the Grand Lodge, whose duty it shall be to take the oversight of the Library of the Grand Lodge, to make rules and regulations for its government, to appoint a Librarian to purchase Books, and to transact all other matters pertaining to the Library and to make report of its condition and of their doings, at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge."
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 03/10/1852, V-374, to censure the Master of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StPaulA St. Paul] Lodge, Groton, for conferring all three degrees at the same meeting.
 
* '''Vote of Grand Lodge''', 03/10/1852, V-374, to censure the Master of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StPaulA St. Paul] Lodge, Groton, for conferring all three degrees at the same meeting.
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_18 Part First, 8:18], IV-631, added 06/11/1856: "The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, who shall have sole charge of the Library." (VI-26, 1856-18)
+
* '''GC1843''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843#Section_18 Part First, 8:18], IV-631, added 06/11/1856, VI-26 (1856-18): "The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, who shall have sole charge of the Library."  
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_257 Section 257]; 1918-355
 
* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_257 Section 257]; 1918-355
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_254 Section 254]; 1930-108
 
* '''GC1930''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1930#Section_254 Section 254]; 1930-108
Line 1,843: Line 1,861:
 
==== References ====
 
==== References ====
  
* ''II-598 refers to proceedings involving [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OrientalStarM Oriental Star] Lodge (see section 405 and 407). The reporting committee was not compensated, but the investigating committee was.''
+
* ''II-598, 09/12/1814, refers to proceedings involving [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OrientalStarM Oriental Star] Lodge (see section 405 and 407). The reporting committee was not compensated, but the investigating committee was.''
  
 
<hr>
 
<hr>

Latest revision as of 18:53, 21 December 2015

Contents

GRAND CONSTITUTIONS, PART II

PART II: THE GRAND LODGE

Sec. 200. POWERS

The Grand Lodge, when congregated, is a representation of every individual Brother of its jurisdiction. It is the supreme and sovereign Masonic authority, executive, legislative and judicial, and is subject only to the Ancient Landmarks and to such limitations as it may impose upon itself or are imposed by the law of the land.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge: 12/06/1782, I-303: "Your committee beg leave to recommend the following Resolutions to be Adopted by this Grand Lodge, & to be ingrafted into its Constitutions.
    • "1st Resolved, That the Brethren of the Grand Lodge in Assuming the Powers & Prerogatives of an Independent Grand Lodge, Acted on the Most laudable Motives and Consistently with the Principles which ought forever to govern Masons, the Benefit of the Craft & the good of Mankind; and are warranted in their Proceedings, by the Practice of Ancient Masons in All Ages of the World. (See Calent page 107, Mason's Pocket Companion 92. London Edition.)
    • "2d Resolved, That this Grand Lodge be forever hereafter known & Called by the Name of the MASSACHUSETTS GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT MASONS, and, that it is free and Independent in its Government & Official Authority of any other Grand Lodge, or Grand Master in the Universe.
    • 3d Resolved, that the Sovereign Power & Authority of the said Grand Lodge, be Continued to Extend throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to Any of the United States, were none shall be erected over such Lodges only as this Grand Lodge shall there Constitute."
  • GC1792: Section 9th, Item 8; II-10; "The Grand Lodge has an inherent power and authority to make new regulations, and alter these for the benefit of the Institution, provided always the Ancient Land-Marks be carefully preserved, and that such new regulations be proposed, at a Quarterly Communication, and agreed to by a majority of the Brethren present at the Annual Grand Feast."
  • Resolutions adopted by Grand Lodge: IV-344, 09/25/1834;
    • "Whereas this Grand Lodge has noticed with deep regret, that certain members of the Fraternity have assembled, in pursuance of public notice from some person or persons unknown, for the purpose of considering their Masonic relations and to take measures to promote the dissolution of the Institution, and have thereupon published proceedings calculated to grieve and embarrass their more steadfast brethren and to mislead the public — Therefore
    • "Resolved — That the assemblies referred to were irregular in their constitution and conduct, of a character altogether unknown to the usages of the craft, and in opposition to the constitutions of the order.
    • "Resolved — That while the members of the Grand Lodge acknowledge with pleasure the general soundness and candour of the public sentiment in the community, to which it is their happiness to belong, and highly appreciate the opinions and feelings of their intelligent fellow citizens, they nevertheless believe, and in view of some of the sophistries of the day feel conTHE trained to declare, that that "public opinion" does not deserve "respectful regard" and that "tranquility of society" is not worth its price, which call upon citizens to surrender the Imprescriptible Rights of Association—especially when they demand the sacrifice of an institution 'in the spirit, objects, and practical influence of which, nothing has been observed inconsistent with the civil and religious duties of its members, nothing dangerous to the order and security of Society, and nothing advers to the absolute supremacy of the laws.'
    • "Resolved — That although the Masonic connection is a voluntary one, and although the Grand Lodge is far from wishing, if she had the power, to retain disaffected members she nevertheless feels bound by the relation she sustains to the craft, to remind all whom it may concern, that there are more becoming methods of withdrawing than public conventions, and that masons cannot in such meetings, vote nor recommend a dissolution of the institution, without violating engagements from which, neither the temporary unpopularity of Freemasonry, nor its political inconvenience can honorably discharge those who have voluntarily contracted them.
    • "Resolved — That the faithful members of the Fraternity be exhorted to persevere in their fidelity: to observe the regular communications of their respective Lodges, and their prescribed methods of Charity; to maintain peace and self respect: to discountenace all irregular assemblies of Masons, and scrupulously to avoid connecting Freemasonry with any political controversy or speculations being assured notwithstanding statements to the contrary, which may be made for political effect, that the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, is still in active existence, enjoying, her quarterly meetings, superintending the affairs of the craft, and through the weekly sessions of her "Board of Relief" distributing the income of her little property to sick and needy brethren, their widows and orphans—that while she will sustain the Lodges under her jurisdiction by all proper means in her power, she is willing and desirous to receive immediately, the charters of all such as may wish to surrender them according to the conditions in such cases made and provided."
  • GC1819 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter 1, Section 1, III-219; "Recognising all the ancient constitutions and usages of Free Masonry as principles essential and unalterable, the powers and prerogatives of this Grand Lodge imply its original privileges and authority, and extend to the government and regulation of the concerns of Free 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 duty."
    • Chapter 1, Section 2, III-220; "The Grand Lodge shall have a common Seal; and the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens and Recording Grand Secretary shall be a Board of Trustees of the real and personal extate of the Grand Lodge, the tenure of which shall be in the name and for the behoof of "the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts;" and a majority of them shall have the power to use the seal for the purpose of carrying into effect all the contracts and resolutions adopted by the Grand Lodge. The said Trustees, or a majority of them, shall have the power to do and transact all things relative to the real and personal property of the Grand Lodge, in the name and on the behalf of the corporation, which are not herein otherways provided for. The corporation shall also hold in trust by deed of assignment the real estate of any subordinate lodge, under such stipulations as may be made by the assignees, and as they may judge proper to accept. And all evidence of the property of the Grand Lodge in fee, and of that held in behalf of the subordinate lodges, shall be recorded in a book kept for the purpose by the Grand Treasurer, as well as in the usual records of the several counties where said real estate lies."
  • GC1843: Part First, 4:1, IV-620; "By the Ancient Constitutions and usages of Freemasonry, the Grand Lodge, as the supreme Masonic authority in this Commonwealth, is invested with certain original, essential and unalterable powers and privileges. Among these, is the power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Craft, and of altering, repealing and abrogating them: of establishing and preserving a uniform system of work and lectures; of issuing dispensations and Charters for new Lodges, and of suspending or revoking the same, for unmasonic conduct, for the non-observance of the regulations of this Grand Lodge, the non-payment of dues, or other neglect of duty."
  • GC1843: Part First, 4:1, IV-620; "The Grand Lodge has also the inherent power of investigating, regulating, and deciding, all matters relative to the Craft, or to particular Lodges, or to individual Brothers, which power it may exercise either in itself or by such delegated authority, as, in its wisdom and discretion, it may appoint; but in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power of revoking the Charters of Lodges and expelling Brethren from the Craft."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87; change first sentence to read: "By virtue of the ancient Constitutions . . ."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/13/1876, 1876-60; this report refers to the petition by a lodge in Palermo, Italy, to become subordinate to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. "The petition of the Lodge at Palermo, addressed to this Grand Lodge, avows that it has seceded from the Grand Lodge of Italy, and desires to be recognized by, and taken under the protection of, this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has no disposition to interfere in the internal affairs of the Grand Lodge of Italy. It has no knowledge of the merits of the dispute. It has not been requested to act as referee by the parties to the dispute, and it has no jurisdiction of its own to establish Bodies, in a country Masonically organized with a Grand Lodge. The relation of amity and friendship existing between the Masonic Fraternity of Italy and of Massachusetts ought to remain unimpaired by any officious intermeddling on our part." The committee recommended that the petition be dismissed. This committee also made an extensive report on African Lodge and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, detailing the objections then held on its regularity.
  • GC1918: Section 200; 1918-335
  • Votes of Grand Lodge, 03/14/1923, 1923-55, regarding Masonic utterances; these resolutions were adopted in response to "certain publications, some of them bearing Masonic names, which profess to be the organs and exponents of Masonic sentiment and opinion".
    • "Resolved: That this Grand Lodge speaks only through its Most Worshipful Grand Master, through its official Proceedings and other instruments issuing under the attestation of its Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, and through Brothers especially deputed by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master to the extent of their authority; and further
    • "Resolved: That this Grand Lodge maintains no representative in Washington or elsewhere; that no person and no paper, magazine, newspaper or other publication has the right officially to voice or represent the principles, opinions or attitudes of this Grand Lodge except as heretofore provided."
  • GC1930: Section 200; 1930-91
  • GC1953: Section 200

References

  • II-515, 12/09/1811, describes the installation of Grand Officers in December 1811.
  • IV-326, 06/11/1834, refers to 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."
  • IV-459, 03/14/1838, refers to the committee on the difficulties in the Grand Lodge of New York in 1838.
  • IV-709 refers to the review committee for GC1843, noting that "The members of the Grand Lodges are the true representatives of all the Fraternity." This report is quoted at length in MFM, Vol. III, No. 9, 07/01/1844, Pages 268 and after.
  • MFM, Vol. VII, No. 2, 12/01/1847, Page 33, refers to the following inquiry regarding a Mason made by a Lodge under Dispensation: "If an individual is initiated, passed and raised in a Lodge under Dispensation, and immediately removes into the jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge without demitting from his Lodge, and said Lodge afterwards acts so as to gain the displeasure of the of the power creating it, and the members thereof are declared suspended - how does the individual stand towards the Fraternity? And if he is one of the suspended . . . how should he proceed to reinstate himself?" Brother Moore indicates that a lodge can be suspended by the Grand Master, and can summon any member for a particular offense; but that suspending the lodge in this way does not indict the members "because each member is alone responsible for his own acts, and cannot be held to answer for the misdeeds of another." He therefore judges the proceeding to be irregular, and that the Masonic standing of the individual referred to is unaffected by the suspension of the Dispensation.
  • V-241, 09/12/1849, refers to the response to a petition by three lodges to reduce Grand Lodge fees, which was declined; the committee noted: "The Grand Lodge is the head of Freemasonry — the parent Institution and bears the same relation to subordinate Lodges, that parents do to children. — Whence it is entitled to the same respect, the same filial regard and anxious concern for its welfare, and the same persevering efforts for its support and maintenance, and if we neglect this duty, shall we not justly render ourselves liable to the charge of infidelity and prove our unworthiness to the title of Free Mason!"
  • MFM, Vol. IX, No. 5, 03/01/1850, Page 133, refers to commentary regarding the difficulties in New York. "The decisions of the Grand Lodge, had in a regular and constitutional manner, are the supreme laws of that Grand Lodge, and exact the submission and obedience of every Mason subject to its jurisdiction."
  • MFM, Vol. XIV, No. 9, 07/01/1855, Page 262, refers to an essay on jurisdictions; Brother Moore observes that "Every Grand Lodge in the world possesses an equal and common right with every other Grand Lodge to establish Lodges in every kingdom or country and its dependencies, wherein there is no Grand Lodge at the time existing . . . But so soon and whenever a Grand Lodge is formed in any such country, the jurisdiction or right to authorize the establishment of subordinate Lodges within its geographical limits, including its territories, ceases."
  • 1867-125, 12/27/1867, refers to part of the address by Grand Master Dame, detailing the history of general assemblies of Masons.
  • 1868-55, 12/29/1868, refers to part of the address by Grand Master Dame, concerning the Grand Lodge. "Grand Lodges are of comparatively modern origin. The brethren formerly met in general convention to elect Grand Masters and transact general business for the good of the Craft. . . In time these conventions became unwieldly, and the necessity arose of forming Grand Lodges . . . The inherent power of a Mason is none the less now than in the days of the "General Assembly." . . . There is no exclusive power in the Grand Lodge for all time, although in the exercise of its authority the Craft has invested it in with authority over all the brethren in the jurisdiction and to its decrees and edicts unlimited obedience must be paid."
  • MFM, Vol. XXVIII, No. 12, 10/01/1869, Page 353, refers to an extended essay on the jurisdictions of Grand Lodges, as they relate to lodges under Massachusetts constitution outside of the state.
  • 1870-24 refers to part of the address by Grand Master Gardner where he reaffirms the "American Doctrine of Grand Lodge Jurisdiction": "Three regularly-chartered Lodges existing in any State or Territory have the right to establish a Grand Lodge therein. Such Grand Lodge, when lawfully organized, has sole, absolute, and exclusive jurisdiction over the three degrees of Craft Masonry; over the Lodges and their Members ; and over all Masons, unaffiliated as well as affiliated, in such State or Territory. No other Grand Lodge whatever, can lawfully interfere with this jurisdiction, and can neither establish Lodges in such State, nor continue any authority over Bodies which it might properly have exercised prior to the organization of such Grand Lodge therein."
  • 1872-112, 06/12/1872, refers to the application for charter by Williams Lodge. The Grand Lodge made a recommendation regarding the inclusion of candidates raised during dispensation on the charter of the lodge.
  • Woodbury Address, 1877-41; What a Grand Lodge is to the Masons in its Jurisdiction.
  • 1882-87, 06/14/1882, refers to commentary by Grand Master Lawrence regarding definitions of Masonic institutions, and the powers of Grand Lodges.
  • 1888-323, 12/27/1888, refers to a portion of an address given by Past Grand Master Josiah Drummond of Maine at the Feast of St. John.
  • 1901-243, 12/27/1901, refers to a portion of the address given by Past Grand Master Nickerson at the Feast of St. John.
  • 1902-29, 03/12/1902, refers to a committee report regarding the powers of Grand Lodges. It quoted a report by the Committee on Jurisprudence for the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, stating in part: "The Grand Lodge was created as the sole governing body and power of the Craft in all things Masonic. It was deemed to have absolute control over the Fraternity. The Landmarks were a guaranty that it would not.trample upon their rights. . . We hold that the power 0of the Grand Lodge is full and complete in all things Masonic. Those who differ from this proposition do not deny its authority so far as appertains to the first three degrees, but they claim it extends no further, or in other words that the Grand Lodge cannot inquire into what is done beyond the Blue Lodge. This is a doctrine which answers itself. Can it be claimed that the ceremonies of symbolic Masonry can be. used anywhere, except by the authority of the Grand Lodge? Would any Mason for an instant say that he could exhibit the signs of Craft Masonry in a lodge of Odd Fellows or other confraternity, and if he should do so, he would not be answerable to the Grand Lodge ? . . . It follows that no rite Masonic can be practised without the sanction either express or implied of the Grand Lodge. And we hold it to be sound law that the authority of the Grand Lodge is complete over the members of. its obedience in the use, practice, or teaching of any~ rite or degree, containing any part, sign, word, or symbol of any kind as a Masonic ceremony belonging to Craft Masonry."
  • See also Sections 305 and 340.

Sec. 201. DELEGATION OF POWERS

The Grand Lodge may exercise its powers itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom, it may appoint, except that in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power to revoke Charters of Lodges or to expel or to suspend (except pro tempore) Brethren from the rights and privileges of Masonry.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 4:2, IV-620; "The Grand Lodge has also the inherent power of investigating, regulating, and deciding, all matters relative to the Craft, or to particular Lodges, or to individual Brothers, which power it may exercise either in itself or by such delegated authority, as, in its wisdom and discretion, it may appoint; but in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power of revoking the Charter of Lodges and expelling Brethren from the Craft."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46; revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87; change last sentence to read: ". . . expelling Brethren from the rights and privileges of Masonry."
  • Grand Master's Address, 12/10/1890, 1890-123;
    • "In the early part of this report I alluded to the existence of a few weak Lodges, and I wish again to call your attention to them, for the purpose of suggesting that there should be some provision by which, under proper conditions, the Grand Master should have power to revoke their charters. The existence of a small Lodge, meeting occasionally, doing no work, and whose officers are indifferent, is an injury to the Institution, bringing it into discredit and damaging its reputation. I am not prepared to recommend any specific remedy for this evil at present, but desire to bring it to your notice for consideration."
      • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 06/10/1891, 1891-59; the committee noted "that as the Charters of Lodges are granted by the Grand Lodge, the power of revoking them should be reserved to the Grand Lodge, especially as we hold a Communication every quarter. We believe the Constitutions now give ample power to the Grand Master to suspend the Charters of such Lodges as may, in his judgment, be too weak to be of credit to the Institution, and to report his action to the Grand Lodge.at the next Quarterly Communication thereafter."
    • "Almost all the Dispensations granted would appear to be for permission to confer the degrees out of time or without waiting for the required interval to elapse. In most cases this is done for the personal convenience of the candidate or for his advantage, and usually makes trouble for the Lodge, as well as for the Grand Lodge. I desire to suggest for your consideration, the propriety of requiring an additional fee in such cases, to be paid to the Lodge, or to be divided between the Lodge and the Grand Lodge."
      • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 06/10/1891, 1891-59; the committee did not endorse the idea, noting that the granting of dispensations "should continue to be at the discretion of the Grand Master."
  • GC1918: Section 201; 1918-335
  • GC1930: Section 201; 1930-91
  • GC1953: Section 201

References

none.


Sec. 202. COMPOSITION

The Grand Lodge consists of the Worshipful Master, the Senior and Junior Wardens, and the Proxies of the Lodges of this jurisdiction; of the officers of the Grand Lodge; and of its Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Past District Grand Masters, and Past Grand Wardens.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 2nd, Item 1; II-6; "All past and present Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, and Grand Wardens shall be considered as Members of the Grand Lodge, and no others."
  • GC1811 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter I, Section 3, II-515; "The Grand Lodge is composed of a Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Senior and Grand Junior Wardens, Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Past Grand Wardens, a Grand Treasurer, two Grand Secretaries, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal, Grand Chaplains, Grand Senior Deacon, Grand Junior Deacon, four Grand Stewards, Grand Sword Bearer, two Grand Pursuivants, the Masters and Wardens of Lodges under the Jurisdiction, proxies of Lodges and the Grand Tyler; all these have a right to vote in the Grand Lodge except the Grand Tyler."
    • Chapter I, Section 4, II-515; "All Present and Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, and none others, shall be Permanent Members of the Grand Lodge."
    • Chapter I, Section 5, II-516; "Those composing the Grand Lodge shall take rank in the Grand Lodge and in processions agreeably to the above order."
  • GC1819 contains the following sections:
    • Chapter 3, Section 1, III-221; "The Grand Lodge is composed of a Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand Warden, Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Past Grand Wardens, a Grand Treasurer, two Grand Secretaries, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal, Grand Chaplain, Senior Grand Deacon, Junior Grand Deacon, four Grand Stewards, a Grand Sword Bearer, two Grand Pursuivants, and the Masters and Wardens of Lodges under the Jurisdiction. Proxies of Lodges and the Grand Tiler; all these are members and have a right to vote in the Grand Lodge except the Grand Tiler."
    • Chapter 3, Section 3, III-222; "All present and past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens and none others, are recognised as permanent members of the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1843: Part First, 2:1, IV-619; see Section 208 below.
    • 1880-154, 12/08/1880, refers to a proposed amendment to this section to allow Past Masters of each Masonic District to elect one of their number to represent them at Grand Lodge. After debate and reconsideration, the proposal was rejected.
    • 1900-25, 03/14/1900, refers to a proposed amendment to add Past District Deputy Grand Masters as members of the Grand Lodge; an extensive committee report argued that this was excessive, and that this would "crowd out Masters and Wardens", and recommended its rejection. The amemdment was rejected.
    • Proposed 09/12/1900, 1900-128, rejected 09/11/1901, 1901-138, to add Past Grand Treasurers as members of the Grand Lodge.
  • GC1918: Section 202; 1918-336
  • GC1930: Section 202; 1930-91
  • GC1953: Section 202

References

  • Grand Lodge of England, November 21, 1724, refers to a resolution passed by that body creating a fund of General Charity under the auspices of the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.
  • Grand Lodge of England, February 28, 1726, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Deputy Grand Masters to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.
  • Grand Lodge of England, May 10, 1727, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Grand Wardens to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.
  • IV-700, 06/12/1844, refers to the review committee for GC1843, describing the membership of the Grand Lodge, including its Grand Officers.
  • 1901-243, 12/27/1901, refers to a portion of the address given by Past Grand Master Nickerson at the Feast of St. John.
  • 1914-362, 12/09/1914, refers to the addition of District Grand Masters as members of the Grand Lodge.
  • 1915-41, 03/10/1915, refers to the nomination by Grand Master Melvin Johnson of District Grand Masters David Urquhart and Stacy A. Ransom. They were elected Permanent Members of the Grand Lodge on 1915-113, 06/09/1915.

Sec. 203. VOTING POWERS OF LODGES

Each particular Lodge of this jurisdiction shall be allowed three votes in all elections and other business, whether represented by one or more of its representatives, as follows:

  • a. If the Master and both Wardens are present, each shall cast one vote;
  • b. If the Master and one Warden or the Wardens only are present, the higher in rank shall cast two votes and the other one vote;
  • c. If but one representative of a Lodge is present, he shall cast three votes; but the Proxy shall have no vote unless the Master and Wardens are all three absent.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 9th, Item 7; II-10; Every Lodge shall be represented by their own Master and Wardens, or by a proxy; and no proxy shall be received in the Grand Lodge, except he be a Master Mason, and a member of some Lodge under this Jurisdiction."
    • Voted on 12/11/1797, II-113: "That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge, that the construction of the 2d Article, of the second section, of the Constitution is, and ought to be, that every Lodge represented in Grand Lodge shall have one vote, and no more, whether they have one or more representations."
    • Determined on 12/13/1802, II-206: "A discussion arose on the mode of voting for Grand Officers, and on motion, Voted, to prevent any debate on this subject in future, that all Masters and Wardens of Lodges (and proxies of Lodges when no officers of such Lodges are present) are entitled to this privilege."
  • GC1843: Part First, 6:6, IV-622; see the next section.
  • GC1918: Section 203; 1918-336
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/08/1922, 1922-37; a report was presented concerning the method of balloting at Grand Lodge, outlining various difficulties, but despite "careful consideration to the search for better methods" none was suggested, and no legislation was recommended.
  • GC1930: Section 203; 1930-92 note that in the current edition, this is misprinted as "1930-192".
  • GC1953: Section 203

References

  • VI-338, 12/12/1860, refers to a committee report on a request for "paying the travelling expenses of one of more delegates to the G. Lodge." It details the opinion of the committee on the reasons for the adverse report.
  • VII-179, 09/11/1867, refers to a committee report on a proposal for "enlarging the powers of Proxies". It details the opinion of the committee that these powers are already sufficient.
  • 1918-317, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1921-151, 06/08/1921, refers to remarks by Grand Master Prince regarding voting at annual elections. "Each Lodge is entitled to three votes in the Grand Lodge; in addition each Lodge is entitled to a Proxy who is privileged to sit in the Grand Lodge and to vote on all questions if no officer of the Lodge is present. . . It is a very possible thing, in a room built to accommodate four hundred people, crowded to the limit with seven hundred, that the Proxy of a Lodge would never know whether the Master or Wardens of his Lodge were present . . . I therefore recommend that a committee be appointed to consider this important matter."

Sec. 204. VOTING POWERS OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS: RIGHT TO VOTE

Each officer and permanent member of the Grand Lodge except the Grand Organist and Grand Tyler shall be allowed one and only one vote unless he be also a representative of a particular Lodge, except that in all cases of a tie vote the presiding officer shall cast the deciding vote.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 2nd, Item 2; II-6; "All Members of the Grand Lodge, and other Grand Officers for the time being, except the Grand Tylers, and the Representatives of every Lodge under this Jurisdiction, shall have a right to sit and vote in Grand Lodge and every Brother shall be properly vested, with his Jewel and Clothing before he takes his place."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 12, III-224; "Every member of the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to one vote, and one vote only, unless he be a representative of a subordinate lodge when he shall have a right to two votes; but no member can deligate [sic] his right of membership and voting to any other person."
  • GC1843: Part First, 6:6, IV-622; see also Part First, 2:1; "In all elections by ballot, every member of the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to one vote, and one only, unless he be a representative of a subordinate lodge; in which case he shall be entitled to two votes, and no more."
    • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-336 by adding the following text: "Every subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction, shall be allowed three votes in all elections and other business in this Grand Lodge, whether represented by one or more of its authorized representatives. And all laws and regulations inconsistent with the foregoing are hereby rescinded."
  • GC1843: Part First, 6:7, IV-622; "No officer or permanent member of the Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to more than one vote, unless he be Master or Warden of a Subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction. A permanent member, resuming office in Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to one vote only."
    • Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-88, by replacing "Master or Warden of . . ." with "Master, Warden or Proxy of . . ."
  • GC1918: Section 204; 1918-336; In this revision, the final phrase does not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 204; 1930-92; In this revision, the final phrase does not appear.
  • GC1953: Section 204; 1953-42, approved 1953-197

References

none.

Note that VI-336, above, is incorrectly referenced as V-336 in the current edition.


Sec. 205. VOTING POWERS OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS: DELEGATION

Members of the Grand Lodge cannot delegate the right to vote.

Earlier Revisions

References

none


Sec. 206. COMMUNICATIONS

Regular Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be held in the City of Boston on the second Wednesday in December, March, June, and September at two o'clock p.m. or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct. The Quarterly Communication in December shall be the Annual Communication.

The Stated Communication shall also be held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 4 o'clock p.m. or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the Installation of the Grand Officers and the celebration of the Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist. When that Anniversary shall happen on Saturday or Sunday, the Communication shall take place on the following Monday.

Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 9th, Item 1; II-9; "There shall be annually held four Quarterly Communications, in some convenient place, which the Grand Master shall appoint, vizt: on the evenings of the second Mondays of December, March, June and September; and special Grand Lodges shall be held at the Grand Master's direction."
    • II-6, 03/05/1792 refers to the annual election of the Grand Master.
    • II-11 to the creation of new regulations at the Annual Communications.
  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 15; II-517; "The Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be annual held in the town of Boston, on the second Monday of December, March, June and September, and at such other times and places as the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master, shall direct."
  • GC1819: Chapter 1, Section 3; III-224; "The Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be annual held in the town of Boston, on the second Wednesday of December, March, June and September, and special meetings may be called as the Grand Lodge, or Grand Master, shall direct."
  • GC1843: Part First, 3:1, IV-619; "The regular quarterly communications of the Grand Lodge, shall be annual in the city of Boston, on the second Wednesday of December, March, June and September. There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, for instruction in the Lectures and Work of the degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist."
    • Amended 09/12/1855, V-577: "For further instruction in the Lectures and Work of the Degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge held in the city of Boston on the second Wednesday in March, June and September shall commence at 9 o'clock in the morning, in addition to the special communication on the 27th of December."
    • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-24, adding the words "at 2 o'clock P.M." after "September" in first sentence.
    • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/09/1870, 1870-50, to reject an amendment to this section to eliminate quarterly communications in favor of one Stated Communication each year. The committee stated that "The present system was copied from the Grand Lodge of England, is still in use there, and always has been in this Commonwealth; to change it would be like breaking down the ancient landmarks."
    • Amended 06/12/1872, 1872-117, to change the last section to read, "There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, commencing at four o'clock P.M., or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist."
    • Proposed 06/12/1872, 1872-124, amended 12/11/1872, 1872-245, changing "9 o'clock" to "11 o'clock" and "four o'clock" to "two o'clock"."; rejected 03/12/1873, 1873-13.
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Communications of the Grand Lodge, whether Regular or Special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston, at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such Communications. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, by adding "When the Anniversary shall happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the Communication shall take place on the following Tuesday."
  • GC1918: Section 206; 1918-337; In this revision, the final sentence does not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 206; 1930-92; In this revision, the final sentence does not appear.
  • GC1953: Section 206; 1953-42, approved 1953-197

References

  • I-4, 07/30/1733 and after, refers to the first few meetings in New England, and the celebration of the Feasts of St. John.
  • II-36, 03/11/1793, refers to the order that GC1792 be sent to lodges holding existing charters, and that it accompany all new charters, particularly with the dates of the Quarterly Communications.
  • III-222: see sections 239 and 242 below.
  • V-594, 12/12/1855, refers to a proposal to add a section to Article 3 of GC1843, adding a requirement for instruction in the lectures and degree work; the committee recommended against amendment.
  • 1866-55, 12/27/1866, refers to the address by Grand Master Dame, in which he details the history of celebrations of the feasts of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, and the reasons that the Craft honors them.
  • MFM, Vol. XXVI, No. 4, 02/01/1867, Page 97, is a discussion of the origin of the Feast Days of the Saints John, and their Masonic and historical associations.
  • 1873-13, 03/12/1873, refers to a proposed amendment to GC1843, Part First, 3:1, which was rejected.
  • 1884-246, 12/30/1884, refers to Feast of St. John remarks by Past Grand Master Gardner, who said, in part, "I wish to suggest here what I hope will come to pass one of these days as an amendment to the Constitutions, and that is, that we shall celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist within hailing distance of the day. The 27th of December, the Festival which we ought to celebrate, was last Saturday. The present regulations of the Grand Lodge were made several years ago, because we always had an exhibition of the work during the day of the Festival, and in the evening we celebrated the Feast. The Brethren could not come on Saturday, and they could not come on Monday, from the various parts of the State; so provision was made that when the festival came on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, the Feast should be held on the following Tuesday. I hope that- a change will be made, so that when it comes on Saturday we may hold the Feast on Friday evening; and when it comes on Sunday we may hold it on the following Monday, and in that way we may get into line with the old festivals which our fathers celebrated."
  • 1906-119, 09/12/1906, refers to a committee appointed to investigate the use of the term "Communication", with respect to meetings of Lodges. It was reported that it had only recently become synonymous with regular meetings; the term had previously been reserved for Quarterly and Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge. The committee was granted more time 12/12/1906, 1906-187, but it is unclear if it ever reported.
  • 1918-317 and 1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.

Sec. 207. NOTICES OF COMMUNICATIONS

Notice of every Communication of the Grand Lodge which is called for the transaction of business shall be sent to the officers, permanent members, and the Lodges stating the time, place, and purpose of the Communication. This notice is to be sent at least 14 days prior to such Communication.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge: 12/08/1790, I-375: "It is further recommended that the Grand Lodge shall in future be summoned by an Advertisement in the Columbian Centinel in two papers immediately preceding the proposed Meeting — in form as follows – 'Massachusetts Grand Lodge & Quarterly Communication will be holden at in Boston on Thursday next at—O'Clock P.M. Boston 5790. G. Secretary.'"
  • GC1792: Section 9, Item 1; see section above.
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 3, II-518; "The Grand Recording Secretary shall give seasonable notice in a public newspaper of all Communications of the Grand Lodge and shall give notice to all the officers and permanent members thereof by letter."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 4, III-226; "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give seasonable notice in a public newspaper, printed in Boston, of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge, three successive weeks previous thereto; and shall notify all the officers and permanent members thereof by letter."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:8, IV-627: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in one or more public papers, of each regular Communication of the Grand Lodge; and notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members residing in the City of Boston. Special meetings may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees with such documents as are in his possession, when required; and record all reports of Committees, which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as shall be directed by the Grand Master; and all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-25 (1856-117): "Replace the text "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in one or more public papers, of each regular Communication of the Grand Lodge; and notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members residing in the City of Boston." with "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretary's[sic]."
  • GC1843: Part First, 3:2, added 12/12/1860, VI-334: "The meetings of this Grand Lodge, whether regular or special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston; such publication to be at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such meetings. Special meetings may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation or by vote of the Board of Directors."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Communications of this Grand Lodge, whether regular or special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such meetings. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, to read: "Notification of Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be published in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such meetings. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/08/1859, VI-240: "That future meetings of the Gd Lodge whether regular or special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers, printed in the city of Boston, such publication to be at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such meetings. Special meetings may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation, or by vote of the Board of Directors."
  • GC1918: Section 207; 1918-337; additionally includes the sentences: "Notification of Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be published in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such Communications. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation."
  • GC1930: Section 207; 1930-93; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 207; 1953-42, approved 1953-197 In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • Proposed 1974-43, 03/13/1974; debated 1974-126, 06/12/1974; adopted 1974-173, 09/11/1974, by removing the third and fourth sentences, relating to the publication in Boston newspapers.

References

none.


Sec. 208. RANK AND TITLES OF OFFICERS, ETC.

The officers, permanent members, Grand Representatives, and other officials of the Grand Lodge, and their respective rank and titles are as follows:

  1. M.W. Grand Master.
  2. R.W. Deputy Grand Master.
  3. R.W. District Grand Masters.
  4. R.W. Senior Grand Warden.
  5. R.W. Junior Grand Warden.
  6. M.W. Past Grand Masters.
  7. R.W. Past Deputy Grand Masters.
  8. R.W. Past District Grand Masters.
  9. R.W. Past Grand Wardens.
  10. R.W. Directors.
  11. R.W. Grand Treasurer.
  12. R.W. Grand Secretary.
  13. R.W. District Deputy Grand Masters.
  14. R.W. Grand Representatives.
  15. R.W. Grand Marshal.
  16. W. and Rev. Grand Chaplains.
  17. W. Grand Lecturers.
  18. W. Senior Grand Deacon.
  19. W. Junior Grand Deacon.
  20. W. Grand Stewards.
  21. W. Grand Sword Bearer.
  22. W. Grand Standard Bearer.
  23. W. Grand Pursuivants.
  24. W. Grand Organist.
  25. W. Grand Tyler.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 4, II-7; "The Grand Master . . . shall appoint and declare all other Grand Officers, excepting the Grand Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary."
  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 6, II-7; "No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, or Grand Warden shall during his continuance in office be Master or Warden to, or representative of, a particular Lodge."
  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 16; II-517; "The title of the Grand Master is 'Most Worshipful'; Past Grand Officers, 'Right Worshipful', and the following officers, whether Past or in office, vizt: Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Recording Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Corresponding Secretary, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal, Grand Deacons and Masters of Lodges 'Right Worshipful.' The title of other Grand Officers shall be 'Worshipful'."
  • GC1819 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter 3, Section 2, III-221; "The title of the Grand Master is Most Worshipful, Past Grand Masters Right Worshipful and the following officers, whether in past or in office, viz.: Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, Corresponding Grand Secretary, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal, Grand Deacons and the Masters of Lodges Right Worshipful; the title of other Grand Officers shall be Worshipful."
    • Chapter 3, Section 4, III-222; "Those composing the Grand Lodge shall take rank in the Grand Lodge, and in grand procession, agreeably to the above order."
  • GC1843: Part First, 2:1, IV-619; In this revision, a similar list appears but includes the text "The officers and Members of the Grand Lodge, and their rank and titles are as follows:" and lists the following: Most Worshipful Grand Master, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Past Grand Master, Past D. Grand Master, Past Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, Corresponding Grand Secretary, District Deputy G. Masters; Worshipful and Rev. Grand Chaplains; Worshipful Grand Marshal, Grand Senior Deacon, Grand Junior Deacon, Grand Stewards, Grand Swords Bearer, Grand Pursuivants; Brother Grand Tyler. It also reads: "All of whom, except the Grand Tyler, together with the Worshipful Masters, the Senior and Junior Wardens, and Proxies of Lodges, under this jurisdiction, shall be entitled to vote as members of the Grand Lodge." On IV-614, this order was finalized by vote of Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 09/13/1865, VII-27 (1865-18), adding Worshipful Grand Standard Bearer (after Grand Sword Bearer), Worshipful Grand Lecturers and Brother Grand Organists (after Grand Pursuivants), with slight rewording of the exception for Grand Organists and Grand Tyler. The committee was also referred the matter of the stations of new Grand Officers on 03/14/1866, VII-68 (1866-7).
    • Amended 06/09/1875, 1875-67, adding Worshipful Grand Lecturers before Senior Grand Deacon.
    • Amended 09/13/1893, 1893-82, adding "R. W. Directors" after "R. W. Corresponding Grand Secretary".
    • Proposed 09/12/1900, 1900-128, rejected 09/11/1901, 1901-138, to add Past Grand Treasurers as members of the Grand Lodge, and the addition of "R. W. Past Grand Treasurers" to the list of officers.
    • Amended 06/09/1909, 1909-64, replacing "R. W. Past Grand Masters" with "M. W. Past Grand Masters". "Past Grand Masters in all the Grand Lodges of the English Provinces of North America are styled Most Worshipful. Of the Grand Lodges in fifty States and territories, forty-four retain the title of Most Worshipful as applied to Past Grand Master. In the Grand Lodges of the thirteen original States eleven give the title of Most Worshipful to Past Grand Masters and one (Pennsylvania) gives the title Right Worshipful to the Grand Master, which title he retains on retiring from office. Massachusetts alone has a law reducing the title. It seems fitting, therefore, that this Grand Lodge should join with the majority in giving to our Past Grand Masters the title Most Worshipful as their just due." The report, amendment to the Grand Constitutions and the change of title were adopted by the Grand Lodge.
    • 1900-25, 03/14/1900, refers to a proposed amendment to add Past District Deputy Grand Masters as members of the Grand Lodge, inserting "R. W. Past District Deputy Grand Masters" after "R. W. District Deputy Grand Masters"; an extensive committee report argued that this was excessive, and that this would "crowd out Masters and Wardens", and recommended its rejection. The amendment was rejected.
    • 1904-66, 06/08/1904, refers to a proposed addition to Part Fifth to read: "Past Grand Officers shall retain the title of the offices which they formerly occupied." The committee report said, in part, "Your committee are of the opinion that an attempt to change the rank and titles of officers and members of the Grand Lodge in any other way than by amending Article 2 of Part I of the Grand Constitutions is irregular and should not be entertained. We therefore recommend that the further consideration of the proposed. amendment of Part Fifth, 'Miscellaneous Regulations,' be dismissed." Grand Lodge adopted the report and rejected the addition of the section.
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, by changing "Brother Grand Organists" to "W. Grand Organist" and "Brother Grand Tyler" to "W. Grand Tyler".
    • Proposed 12/10/1913, 1913-258, adopted 12/09/1914, 1914-361, to include District Grand Masters.
  • GC1918: Section 208; 1918-337
  • GC1930: Section 208; 1930-93
  • GC1953: Section 208; 1953-43, approved 1953-197

References

  • Grand Lodge of England, November 21, 1724, refers to a resolution passed by that body creating a fund of General Charity under the auspices of the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.
  • Grand Lodge of England, February 28, 1726, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Deputy Grand Masters to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.
  • Grand Lodge of England, May 10, 1727, refers to a resolution passed by that body admitting Past Grand Wardens to permanent membership in the Grand Lodge. See Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. II, Chapter Two.
  • I-10, 04/13/1750, contains the first list of Grand Officers with their titles; I-15, 06/24/1751, notes that "the Brethren do proceed in Regular Procession" to the house of Bro. Price's house in Menotomy, to celebrate St. John the Baptist Day in June 1751.
  • I-148 through I-161, 11/23/1768, contains a detailed description of the installation of Grand Master John Rowe. The installation ceremony and the order of procession is listed in detail on I-156 and I-157.
  • II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to a committee report presented on 06/13/1811 concerning possible changes to GC1792; these recommendations were largely incorporated into GC1811.
  • 1873-123, 12/10/1873, refers to the resolution electing Brother Charles W. Moore Honorary Past Grand Master.
  • 1915-103, 06/09/1915, refers to a decision by the Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding the titles of Past District Deputies.
  • 1915-265, 12/08/1915, refers to the appointment of Bro. Daniel Hollinger, 100 years of age, as Honorary Past Senior Grand Deacon. Bro. Hollinger had recently been awarded a Henry Price Medal. He died a few weeks after this event.
  • 1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1938-161, 06/08/1938, refers to a list of Grand Lodges, showing their order of precedence.

Sec. 209. GRAND MASTER

The Grand Master is the presiding officer of the Corporation. He is also Grand Master of Masons and as such enjoys ex officio all the powers and prerogatives conferred by the ancient Constitutions and the usages and landmarks of the Craft. He may convene any Lodge within his jurisdiction, preside therein (with his officers or otherwise), inspect its proceedings, and require its conformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge; and for dereliction of duty, or other un-Masonic conduct, he may suspend a Brother, an Officer, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension.

Such suspension shall remain in effect as fixed by the Grand Master unless the Grand Lodge otherwise orders.

He may also grant Dispensations Provida juris communis relaxatio and do all such other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity.

The Grand Master is requested to make a detailed report of the financial condition of the Grand Lodge at the Annual Communication.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge: 09/01/1786, I-337: "That whereas several of the Lodges, holding under this Jurisdiction, have not assembled regularly as they ought to have done, neither held themselves responsible to Grand Lodge by Proxy, nor paid their Arrearages, all which being contrary to the Letter of their Instructions at the time of Creation, & highly derogatory to the good of the Craft, & the dignity of this Grand Lodge, therefore to remedy such malconduct in future, and support the honour of the Masonick institution, it is Resolved That the Grand Master have full power to Commission any Member of the Grand Lodge, with all the authority of a Deputy Grand Master, for the express purpose of summoning & assembling all such delinquent Lodges as soon as may be, demanding of them the Causes of their respective delinquencies, in all the above Points and to report the same to this Grand Lodge ; or in Case of their refusal, to regularly assemble, hold themselves represented by Proxy, & pay their dues, that then the said Deputy Grand Master shall demand their Charters, & in due form dissolve said Lodges, who shall thereupon be Erased from the Records of the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 8, II-7; "The Grand Master has full right and authority to preside in every Lodge under his Jurisdiction, with the Master on his left hand; and to summon his Grand Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary to attend him, who are to act in their several capacities whenever the Grand Master takes the chair."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 1, II-517; "The Grand Master enjoys all powers and prerogatives agreeably to the Ancient Constitutions, the usages and landmarks of Masonry. The Deputy Grand Master enjoys these powers, as far as they relate to the presiding over the Grand Lodge in the absence of the Grand Master; he has the power to grant dispensations for initiates. The functions of Deputy Grand Master cease with those of the Grand Master. The Grand Senior Warden exercises the functions of the Chair on the decease or resignation of the Grand Master. The Wardens assist the Grand Master in opening and closing the Lodge, in the despatch of business and the preservation of order."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 1, III-224; "The Grand Master enjoys all powers and prerogatives agreeably to the antient constitutions, the usages, and landmarks of Masonry."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge: IV-446, 06/11/1823; At the petition of Brethren in Medfield for a lodge to be named Orion, a Grand Lodge committee resolved "That in their opinion the prayer of the petition ought to be granted, but as their is already a Lodge under this jurisdiction of the same name or title, designated in said petition, the petitioners shall select some other name by which said Lodge shall be known, to the satisfaction of the M W. Grand Master." The new name was Cassia.
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:1, IV-624; "The Grand Master enjoys all the powers and prerogatives conferred by the Ancient Constitutions and the usages and landmarks of the Craft. He may convene any Lodge within his jurisdiction, preside therein, (with his officers or otherwise,) inspect their proceedings, and require their conformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge. And for dereliction of duty, or other unmasonic conduct, he may suspend a Brother, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension in writing. He may also grant dispensations for processions and conferring the degrees, and do all other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity." Text was adopted by Grand Lodge on IV-614 before the final text was adopted.
    • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-24, changing the words "...for dereliction of duty, or other unmasonic conduct" to "... for dereliction of duty, and other unmasonic conduct."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Grand Master enjoys, ex officio, all the powers and prerogatives conferred by the Ancient Constitutions and the usages and landmarks of the Craft. He may convene any Lodge within his jurisdiction, preside therein, (with his officers or otherwise,) inspect its proceedings, and require its conformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge. And for dereliction of duty, or other unmasonic conduct, he may suspend a Brother, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension in writing. He may also grant dispensations for processions and conferring the degrees, and do all other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/12/1849, V-255; Grand Master Raymond delineated the powers of the Grand Master: "A Grand Lodge legally formed and constituted has from high antiquity, ample right to bear Masonic rule over those subject to its jurisdiction. A Grand Master duly qualified, sitting in open Lodge, clothed with the insignia of his office, have [has] an ample right to bear rule in his Lodge, to exact and receive obedience and courteous deportment from all in the Lodge. None but the Grand Master, unless by his consent, can put any questions to vote or declare the result. A Grand Master may err; he may act in gross violation of Masonic laws and usages, but his misconduct can never dissolve a Grand Lodge, or can it ever justify or excuse those in the Lodge, in deposing him from his Chair, or usurping his legal authority, disobeying his commands or treating him with disrespect. Much less can an individual or any number of individuals, of their own motion, declare the Grand Lodge dissolved for any cause whatever."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/10/1863, VI-477: On District Deputy Powers and Candidates, which discusses the extent of District Deputies' authority when acting on behalf of the Grand Master.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge: 03/14/1866, VI-67 (1866-7); "That the M.W.G. Master be instructed to make a detailed report of the financial condition of the G. Lodge in his Annual Address."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/09/1870, 1870-57, on the reports of the District Deputies; the committee examined them "by the light of our Constitutions and General Regulations", noting that the right of the Grand Lodge and its Grand Master to appoint Deputies was "not inconsistent with the ancient usages of the Craft. But, on the contrary, they are in strict conformity to them; and that they do not, in any point, conflict with the lights and privileges of subordinate Lodges. It also noted that "We believe the M.W. Grand Master to be the Executive Officer of the Grand Lodge, and the proper person to strictly enforce all its ordinances, and where there appears a violation of any clearly defined regulation, his call for strict conformity should be immediate."
  • GC1918: Section 209; 1918-338
  • GC1930: Section 209; 1930-94
  • GC1953: Section 209; 1953-43, approved 1953-197
  • GC1989: In this revision, the text is the same as GC1953.
    • Proposed ?, amended 12/10/2008, 2008-167, to the current language.

References

  • I-49, 01/31/1757, describes the making of five Masons by St. John's Grand Lodge and Grand Master Jeremy Gridley.
  • I-55, 01/13/1758, describes the making of "Isaac Decoster and others . . . who had a Clear and Good Character should be made Masons by Dispensation of the Grand Master, they Paying the Charge of the Entertainment" by St. John's Grand Lodge and Grand Master Jeremy Gridley.
  • II-483, 06/10/1811, refers to a report by the committee on the powers of District Deputy Grand Masters, in which the Grand Master's prerogatives are mentioned: ". . . It comes within what is technically called making masons at sight, a prerogative of the G. Master of which it is insisted that he cannot be deprived without his consent. This prerogative empowers the G. Master to enter any Lodge within his jurisdiction, and make masons of persons into whose character no inquiry has been made by the Lodge, and whose name has not been placed upon the notices for the meetings, and of whom no member of the Lodge has ever heard, and without any ballot whatever."
  • IV-614, 10/11/1843, refers to changes recommended just before the adoption of GC1843.
  • MFM, Vol. XII, No. 1, Page 13, 11/01/1852, refers to a report on the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, in which a committee report disputed that the Grand Constitutions "invested her Grand Master with absolute supremacy . . . As Masons we have been taught to acknowledge none as supreme but the GREAT JEHOVAH." Indeed, Brother Moore observed that the Grand Master's power derives not only from the Grand Constitutions, but also from the "ancient rules of the Fraternity".
  • 1858-39, 12/27/1858, refers to an address by Grand Master Heard concerning the Grand Master's power in authorizing the election of an officer in a subordinate lodge to fill a vacancy.
  • MFM, Vol. XX, No. 4, 02/01/1861, Page 119, refers to an address by the Grand Master of Maryland quoted in the magazine; it reads in part, "The rights of the Grand Master are inherent in the office. The officer becomes invested with those by the suffrage of his brethren . . . It is by the choice and election of his Brethren that the Grand Master is elevated to his seat. . . The Brethren can choose whomsoever they may please to preside and rule over them . . . but having elevated him to the high position, they are obliged to submit to his authority, and to respect him in the office as well as in his official character. . . they should remember that they are to select a Ruler, a Master, whom they are to implicitly to obey, respect and honor, and to whose acts and decisions they are to submit without complaint or murmur."
  • MFM, Vol. XX, No. 5, 03/01/1861, Page 151, refers to a report from Maryland regarding the discovery that an expelled Mason had been admitted a member of a lodge and advanced to the Master's chair. The action was noted as a demonstration of the prerogative of the Grand Master to remove the offender, suspend him, and demand that he appear before a committee.
  • 1863-22, 12/09/1863, refers to an address by Grand Master Parkman concerning the power of making Masons at sight; and that this power does not devolve upon the District Deputies.
  • 1865-42, 12/13/1865, refers to a portion of Grand Master Parkman's Feast of St. John Address in which he observes: "a custom has obtained to very considerable extent with many, to send indiscriminately all who may apply for any help to the Grand Master, saying to them 'Go to him and he will help you.' This is entirely wrong. The Grand Master is not the head of your Bureau of Charity, and it is not a part of his duty to dispense charity. He is the executive of the Grand Lodge, and in his legitimate field of labor has his full share of work. While I have always cheerfully disbursed the little put in my hands for that purpose, I have found no day in the last year in which I have not been obliged to look for and obtain help for some applicant for Masonic charity and often for work, when perhaps the brother who sent the applicant had much better opportunity to find either for the petitioner than the Grand Master, who of necessity has his full share of calls from those without our jurisdiction. I trust these plain hints will produce reform."
  • 1868-43, 12/27/1868, refers to a portion of the address of Grand Master Dame, with respect to lodges delinquent in the imposition of the capitation tax. The Grand Master issued a writ of mandamus to his District Deputy to proceed to those lodges and demand this payment.
  • VII-278, 12/29/1868 (1868-56), refers to the inaugural address of Grand Master Gardner, including a delineation of the historical powers and prerogatives of the Grand Master.
  • 1869-174, 12/28/1869, refers to a commission by Grand Master Gardner to Past Grand Master Dame to constitute Bethany Lodge.
  • 1870-138, 09/14/1870, refers to a passage in the September 1870 Woodbury Address, referring to secret societies in antiquity.
  • MFM, Vol. XXX, No. 6, 04/01/1871, Page 189, refers to a commentary regarding the power of the Grand Master. It reads in part, "By the ancient law . . . the highest authority and powers in the Masonic institution are vested in the Grand Master, and he is during the recess of the Grand Lodge, the embodiment of the interest, the character and immunities of the whole Craft in his jurisdiction. . . He is then, as he should be, the embodiment of authority, in fact, as well as in form. His actions and opinions are not subjects of inquiry, nor can they be interfered with. . . He has no equal during his term of office, and the acts of all his other Grand Officers can be set aside, or their decisions reversed, if in his judgment the welfare of the Fraternity demands it."
  • 1871-138, 09/13/1871, refers to the report on the address of the Grand Master from 06/14/1871, regarding the right of making Masons "at sight". Your committee had supposed that this subject had long since been disposed of and definitively settled to the satisfaction at least of the Fraternity of this country . . . as early as 1663 a regulation was adopted by our English Brethren, 'that no person of what degree soever, be made or accepted a Freemason unless in a regular Lodge' . . . and still later, in 1753, it was ordered that 'no Lodge shall ever make a Mason without due inquiry into his character' . . . Lodges were deprived of the privilege which they undoubtedly at one time possessed, of making Masons at sight, or without previous proposition and due inquiry. This restriction, however, has been somewhat modified by the modern practice of evading its severity through the dispensation of the Grand Master. . . This course is within our own experience, and comes as near making Masons at sight as ingenuity can devise. It calls into exercise the extreme power of the Grand Master, who undoubtedly may, by virtue of the ancient prerogatives of his office, make or order to be made in his presence, and in a regular Lodge, regularly summoned, and for a special and emergent purpose, a Mason at sight, dispensing with the previous proposition and due inquiry; he assuming the entire responsibility of the act."
  • 1872-228, 229, 12/11/1872, refer to proceedings against lodges that had not paid the capitation tax. Grand Master Nickerson ruled that Grand Lodge could issue a writ of mandamus upon these lodges.
  • 1873-115, 12/10/1873, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Nickerson regarding the suspension of the Master of a Lodge. On Page 1873-124, Grand Lodge voted to give the Grand Master full powers to deal with the situation.
  • 1873-134, 12/10/1873, refers to an extensive discussion of a dispute between two lodges over the initiation of a candidate. It included a reference to a past ruling declaring an officer in one of the Lodges "ineligible to any office in the Lodge, by reason of his being in contempt of the Grand Lodge, in consequence of having wilfully violated the order of Past Grand Master Gardner, — a contempt from which he had not been purged."
  • 1874-84, 09/09/1874, refers to a dispute between Trinity Lodge and Wilder Lodge over jurisdiction; following the appeal of one lodge against the other, Grand Master Nickerson issued a ruling prohibiting the advancement of the Brother pending investigation.
  • 1881-164, 12/14/1881, refers to actions by Grand Master Lawrence with regard to various disciplinary matters.
  • 1885-159, 12/09/1885, refers to a series of orders issued by Grand Master Howland directing a stay of proceedings in several Lodges.
  • 1886-172, 12/08/1886, refers to an order issued by Grand Master Howland directing a stay of proceedings in Eureka Lodge with regard to the election of officers.
  • 1897-81, 06/09/1897, refers to an order issued by Grand Master Hutchinson to suspend the Senior Warden of a Lodge, confirming the unanimous vote of the lodge.
  • 1901-20, 03/13/1901, refers to an appeal to the ruling of Grand Master Gallagher regarding a prohibition of the installation of certain officers-elect who, having associated themselves with non-Masonic bodies, refused to renounce their affiliation with them. The Grand Master's reply to their remonstrance ("alleging itself to be respectful, yet exhibiting such an ignorance of Masonic principles and such defiance of our existing regulations, that I felt called upon to make an answer to each of the signers") is reproduced in full, in which he not only takes issue with the subject matter, but also with the insulting tone in which the remonstrance is presented.) The petition was rejected and the Grand Master's actions confirmed.
  • 1916-575, 12/13/1916, refers to comments on the precedence of the Grand Master when appearing in "subsidiary" Masonic bodies.
  • 1934-84, 06/13/1984, refers to commentary by Grand Master Chipman on "external groupings of Masons".
  • 1936-165, 09/09/1936, refers to a proposed amendment to this section, replacing the term "suspend a Lodge" with the term "arrest the Charter of a Lodge". This amendment was rejected.
  • 1941-46, 03/12/1941, refers to commentary by Grand Master Schaefer, in which he noted that Grand Masters have dispensing power. "But the mere possession of a power can never justify its abuse." The Grand Master delineated the circumstances under which dispensations were permissible and appropriate.
  • 1943-267, 12/27/1943, refers to the suspension of a Lodge Secretary by Grand Master Schaefer for "dereliction of duty and other unmasonic conduct".
  • 1945-438, 12/12/1945, refers to commentary by Grand Master Wragg on dispensations during wartime, particularly with respect to servicemen, and how that would change with the end of the war. "There will be many additional requests of this nature, even though the war may be over and many of our candidates are daily being discharged. There will, however, still be a sufficient number of these men coming and going to pose awkward situations for the Masters of our Lodges, and I shall continue to cooperate as in the past in helping them to meet whatever situations may confront them in this regard. However, unless it is apparent that an injustice or hardship may result, it is much better that the candidate receive his degrees in the normal course."
  • 1948-20, 03/10/1948, refers to commentary by Grand Master Keith on the issuing of dispensations during the war. He provided further remarks on 1948-64, 06/09/1948. "I am still getting more requests to shorten time than I feel there is any occasion to receive . . . I am, however, refusing many and intend to make it almost an iron-clad rule that the time shall not be shortened between degrees unless the circumstances are in fact unusual and a hardship to the candidate might result, or the candidate is in active military service."
  • Mackey: Masonic Jurisprudence Bk. V, Ch. Ill, Sec. 1

Sec. 210. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER

The Deputy Grand Master shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, preside in Grand Lodge, and perform such duties and possess such authority as appertain to the Grand Master; and, in case of the inability of the Grand Master to attend, he may call Special Communications of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the Craft, in his opinion, at any time require it.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge: 09/01/1786, I-337: see preceding section.
  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 4, II-7; "The Grand Master shall appoint and commission his Deputy, under the seal of the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 1; II-517; see previous section.
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 1, III-224; see above section; "The Deputy Grand Master enjoys these powers as far as they relate to presiding over the Grand Lodge, in the absence of the Grand Master."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/13/1838, IV-454; a committee appointed to consider election of the Deputy Grand Master noted "The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage, the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to.—To justify the proposed alteration in this particular, there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee, they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:2, IV-624; "The Deputy Grand Master shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, preside in Grand Lodge, and perform such duties, and possess such authority, while the Grand Lodge is in session as appertain to the Grand Master. And in the case of the inability of the Grand Master from sickness or other cause to attend, he may, with the consent and approbation of the elective Grand Officers, call Special meetings of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the Craft in their opinion at any time require it. He may also, by permission of the Grand Master in writing, call meetings of the Grand Officers, and such experienced Brethren as they may think proper to invite, for consultation on matters relative to the Grand Lodge and its interests. All such meetings, however, not having the approbation of the Grand Master, shall be deemed irregular." (See also Part First, 8:3).
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-88, as follows: change "And in the case of the inability of the Grand Master from sickness or other cause to attend . . ." to "And in the case of the inability of the Grand Master to attend . . ."; "call Special Meetings . . . " to "call Special Communications . . . "; remove "with the consent and approbation of the elective Grand Officers, "; replace "in their opinion at any time" with "in his opinion at any time."
  • GC1918: Section 210; 1918-339
  • GC1930: Section 210; 1930-95
  • GC1953: Section 210

References

none.


Sec. 211. GRAND MASTER EX OFFICIO

In case of the death, resignation, or disability of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall act, ex officio, as Grand Master during such disability, or until a successor be chosen.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 8:3; IV-625; "In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ex officio, Grand Master, until a successor be chosen."
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-219, to read: "In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, or his inability to discharge the duties of his office, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ex officio, Grand Master, until a successor be chosen."
  • GC1918: Section 211; 1918-339
  • GC1930: Section 211; 1930-95
  • GC1953: Section 211

References

none.


Sec. 212. GRAND MASTER PRO TEMPORE

If there be a vacancy in the office of Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, the ranking officer of the Grand Lodge then within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall forthwith call a Special Communication to choose a Grand Master, if the Grand Lodge shall see fit, and to transact any other business as the exigency may require. In the interim, such ranking officer shall act as Grand Master pro tempore.

The term "ranking officer" in this section shall not apply to District Grand Masters or Past District Grand Masters.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 8:3, IV-625; "In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ex officio, Grand Master, until a successor be chosen."
    • Amended 1878-46, 06/12/1878, revised 1878-87, 09/11/1878, to read: "In case of the death, resignation, declination or disability of the Grand Treasurer or Recording Grand Secretary, the Grand Master may appoint and qualify a suitable Brother to act in the office thus vacated, until an election by the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 212; 1918-339
  • GC1930: Section 212; 1930-95
  • GC1953: Section 212

References

  • 1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.

Sec. 213. GRAND MASTER: ABSENCE

In the event of the disability or the absence of the Grand Master or Grand Master pro tempore from the jurisdiction, the Grand Secretary shall make a notation thereof upon the records and shall notify the ranking officer within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who shall act as Grand Master pro tempore until a senior ranking officer shall be within the Commonwealth. This section shall not apply to District Grand Masters or Past District Grand Masters.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 5, II-7; "The Grand Master shall, when present, indispensably fill the Chair; in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master; in both their absence, the Senior Grand Warden; in the absence of these, the Junior Grand Warden; and in case of the absence of all the officers, the eldest Grand officer in the Lodge is to fill the Chair; and that the Grand Lodge may always appear in Due Form, the presiding Officer shall wear the Jewel of the Grand Master, and all others the Jewels of the officers they respectively represent."
  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 13; II-517; "When the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens are absent the oldest and highest Past Grand Officer present shall preside at the meetings of the Grand Lodge. When the Grand Wardens are absent their stations shall be taken by the Grand Deacons' and the stations of the Grand Deacons by the Grand Stewards. In the absence of the Grand Master the presiding officer, unless he be a Past Grand Master, shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master; but the other officers shall wear the jewels of the office they fill."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:6, IV-625; "In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master is to preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Brother who is Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master." This text was debated by Grand Lodge on IV-614 prior to the adoption of the final text.
  • GC1918: Section 213; 1918-340; In this revision, there is no text following the words "shall act as Grand Master pro tempore".
  • GC1930: Section 213; 1930-96; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 213

References

  • IV-614, 10/11/1843, refers to changes recommended just before the adoption of GC1843.
  • 1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.

Sec. 214. DISTRICT GRAND MASTER

A District Grand Master's duties, power, and authority shall be such as granted in each case by the Most Worshipful Grand Master who may decrease or increase the same at pleasure, except, however, that they shall not exceed the ancient customs and usages with regard to District Grand Masters and District Grand Lodges as heretofore established and practiced by the Fraternity.

Earlier Revisions

References

  • 1870-18, 03/09/1870, refers to the address of Grand Master Gardner with respect to the authority of Provincial Grand Masters under the Grand Lodge of England, and is here a precedent for the creation of District Grand Masters.
  • 1871-235, 12/13/1871, refers to the creation of a District Grand Lodge in Chile to govern the three lodges established there.
  • 1913-257, 12/10/1913, refers to the proposals for District Grand Lodge regulations, adopted in 1916.
  • 1915-98, 06/10/1915, refers to Grand Master Melvin Johnson's regulations on District Grand Masters and District Grand Lodges.
  • 1916-51, 03/08/1916, refers to a report of the installation of Rt. Wor. David Urquhart as District Grand Master of the Chile District.
  • 1917-5, 02/01/1917, refers to the installation of the first District Grand Master for the Canal Zone, Rt. Wor. Herbert A. White.
  • See Sections 348, 349; in GC1918 these appear on 1918-374.

Sec. 215. GRAND WARDENS: GENERAL

The Grand Wardens shall assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge; and, whenever required, shall attend him; and, while he presides in any Lodge, shall act there as his Wardens if directed so to do by him.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 10th, Item 1; II-10; The Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary shall make all necessary preparations for every Grand Feast, and they shall be assisted by the Grand Stewards or some general undertaker."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 1; II-518; "The Grand Senior Warden exercises the functions of the Chair on the decease or resignation of the Grand Master. The Wardens assist the Grand Master in opening and closing the Lodge, in the despatch of business and the preservation of order."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 1, III-224; see above section; "The Wardens assist the Grand Master in opening and closing the Grand Lodge, in the dispatch of business, and the preservation of order."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:4, IV-625; "The Grand Wardens are to assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge, and whenever required, are to attend him, and while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, are to act there as his Wardens."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Grand Wardens shall assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge, and whenever required, shall attend him, and while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, shall act there as his Wardens."
  • GC1918: Section 215; 1918-340
  • GC1930: Section 215; 1930-97
  • GC1953: Section 215

References

none.


Sec. 216. GRAND WARDENS: ABSENCE OF WARDENS

In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the senior Past Senior Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel and assume his duties. In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the junior Past Junior Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel and assume his duties.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 1; II-518; see section above.
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 1, III-224; see above section.
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:5, IV-625; "In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of all the past Grand Wardens, the Senior Past Masters present, shall act pro tempore."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present . . .". Add "In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Junior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel."
  • GC1918: Section 216; 1918-340; does not include the words "assume his duties" in the text.
  • GC1930: Section 216; 1930-97; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 216; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

none.


Sec. 217. GRAND WARDENS: ABSENCE OF GRAND MASTER AND DEPUTY GRAND MASTER

In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside; in his absence, the Junior Grand Warden; in the absence of all of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if none of them be present, the ranking officer present shall preside. In such case, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, II-7; "The Grand Master shall, when present, indispensably fill the Chair; in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master; in both their absence, the Senior Grand Warden; in the absence of these, the Junior Grand Warden; and in case of the absence of all the officers, the eldest Grand officer in the Lodge is to fill the Chair; and that the Grand Lodge may always appear in Due Form, the presiding Officer shall wear the Jewel of the Grand Master, and all others the Jewels of the officers they respectively represent."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 1; II-518; see section above.
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 1, III-224; see above section; "When the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master are absent the Senior Grand Warden presides in the Grand Lodge; in his absence the Junior Grand Warden; in the absence of each of these, the oldest Past Grand Master; and if no officer of that grade be present, the oldest past senior grand officer is to preside. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master; but the other officers shall wear the jewels of the offices they fill."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:6, IV-625; "In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master is to preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Brother who is a Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master shall preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master."
  • GC1918: Section 217; 1918-341
  • GC1930: Section 217; 1930-97
  • GC1953: Section 217

References

none.


Sec. 218. DIRECTORS: COMPOSITION

The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and nine other members, of whom four, at least, shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and five may be chosen from the members of the Lodges. The Past Grand Masters, the Grand Secretary, and the Grand Treasurer, shall be ex officio, non-voting members of the Board. Five voting members shall constitute a quorum.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 1:2, VI-334, added 12/12/1860: The Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden and five other Members of the Grand Lodge to be elected at large, be and hereby are constituted a Board of Directors with full powers to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation, in any way relating to its property, real or personal. The Grand Master, or, in case of his absence or disability, the Senior Grand Warden or in absence of the latter the Junior Grand Warden, to be the presiding officer of such Board, and the Recording Grand Secretary to be its recording officer. Meetings of said Board to be called and notified in such manner and at such times as they shall determine; and the action of a majority of the Board to be binding; said Board, however, to be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation."
    • The following text was added on 09/08/1869, VII-388 (1869-82):
      • The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom, four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.
      • At the Annual election in December 1869 four directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for one year, and four, two of each class for two years. At each Annual meeting thereafter, four Directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any stated meeting of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term, the Director so chosen to be of the class vacated. The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation {and} who shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified. The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master."
    • Added 03/13/1872, 1872-31 as follows: "In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-45, revised 1878-87, to read:
      • The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.
      • At each Annual Meeting or Communication four directors shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any Stated Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term. The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation and shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified.
      • The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master. Meetings of said Board shall be called and notified in such manner and at such times at it shall determine; and the action of a majority of the Board shall be binding; said Board, however, shall be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation.
      • In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge.
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-125, amended 09/11/1895, 1895-219. changing the beginning of the third paragraph as follows:
      • "The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall preside in his place; in the absence of both, the Board may elect a Chairman pro tempore."
    • Proposed 12/11/1895, 1895-312, adopted 03/11/1896, 1896-35, replacing "The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation" with "The Recording Grand Secretary shall be Clerk of the Board of Directors".
  • GC1918: Section 218; 1918-341; In this revision, the section reads: "The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom four, at least, shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of the Lodges."
  • GC1930: Section 218; 1930-97; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 218; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: "The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and nine other members, of whom four, at least, shall be permanent of the Grand Lodge and five may be chosen from the members of the Lodges. The Past Grand Masters, the Grand Secretary, and the Grand Treasurer shall be ex officio non-voting members of the Board. Five voting members shall constitute a quorum."

References

  • VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative Act of Incorporation in 1859.
  • 1868-37, 12/09/1868, refers to the annual address of Grand Master Dame regarding the Board of Directors. "There is another suggestion in this connection which presents itself to my mind, that may be worthy of consideration. I referred to it in my last annual address. By the present requirements of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, the members of the Board of Directors must be annually elected from among the active officers or permanent members of this Body, or from the Representatives of the Lodges. The practical operation of this requirement is to deprive the Grand Lodge of the ability to avail itself of much of its most active and influential business talent, — of the services and the counsel of a class of brethren whose age, experience, and business facilities, would at all times be of the highest value and importance in the management of the financial affairs of the corporation. I am not disregardful of the probability that objections may be raised to the change here suggested. But in a matter of such paramount importance, individual preferences or aspirations are entitled to little consideration. A seat, at the Board may be a desirable one, but it is one which, you will excuse me for saying, every brother who may aspire to occupy it, is not always he who is best adapted to discharge its duties. And this is true, though not to the same extent perhaps, of every office in the gift of the Grand Lodge. Being the representative Body of the Fraternity in the State, it is the standard by which the character, social position, and respectability of the whole Order are estimated by the community. In filling its offices, this important consideration cannot therefore be safely disregarded."

Sec. 219. DIRECTORS: CONSTITUTION

The Grand Master shall be President and the Grand Secretary Clerk of the Board of Directors.

The Past Grand Masters shall constitute an Advisory Committee to the Grand Master to assist him in the performance of his duties as he may require and shall be consulted in determining those to fill all offices and positions.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 1:2; see previous section.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 1871-32, 03/08/1871, and amended 1872-31, 03/13/1872; see following section.
  • GC1918: Section 219; 1918-341; In this revision, only the first sentence appears.
  • GC1930: Section 219; 1930-97; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 219; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, adding the following paragraph: "The Past Grand Masters shall constitute an Advisory Committee to the Grand Master to assist him in the performance of his duties as he may require and shall be consulted in determining those to fill all offices and positions."

References

  • VII-293 (1869-20) refers to a portion of an address by Grand Master Gardner regarding the debt of the Grand Lodge and the establishment of the commutation fee (capitation tax) of $8.
  • 1895-219, 09/11/1895, refers to the repeal of the vote to grant traveling expenses to Directors.

Sec. 220. DIRECTORS: POWERS

In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal, but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it. It shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. It shall annually cause an audit to be made of the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and shall report to the Grand Lodge thereon. Said Board shall, however, be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter IV, Section 6; II-523; "At the Annual Communication for the choice of officers, a Committee of Finance and Accounts shall be chosen, whose duty it shall be to examine and pass all bills against the Grand Lodge; examine the records of the Grand Secretaries; audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and designate the compensation to be allowed for their services, and report at the Annual Communication for, and previous to, the choice of officers."
  • GC1819: Chapter 1, Section 2, III-218; "The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens and Recording Grand Secretary shall be a Board of Trustees of the real and personal estate of the Grand Lodge, the tenure of which shall be in the name and for the behoof of the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; and a majority of them shall have the power to use the seal for the purpose of carrying into effect all the contracts and resolutions adopted by the Grand Lodge. The said Trustees, or a majority of them, shall have the power to do and transact all things relative to the real and personal property of the Grand Lodge, in the name and on the behalf of the corporation, which are not herein otherways provided for."
  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 6, III-237; "At the annual communication for the choice of officers, a Committee of Finance and Accounts shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three, whose duty shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge; examine the records of the Grand Secretaries, and have them transcribed into the transcript books; audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend to the Grand Lodge the compensation to be allowed for services, and report at the next annual communication for, and previous to, the choice of officers. Said report shall embrace all the expenditures of the Grand Lodge for the preceding year, as well as a statement of all the funds of the Grand Lodge, made to them by the Grand Treasurer; an abstract of which shall be inserted in, and make a part of the annual communication, to be distributed to all the subordinate lodges."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 1:1, VI-334: "At each annual communication of the Grand Lodge, a Committee of Finance, shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three members, whose duty it shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge, examine the records of the Grand Secretary, and see that they are properly transcribed into the Transcript Book; to audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend such compensation to be allowed for the services of these officers, as may be just and proper. They shall report to the Grand Lodge, at each annual communication, and before the election of officers, an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all the funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer."
    • Amended 09/10/1851, IV-336; by the addition of the following text: "The two Grand Lecturers and the member of the Committee of Finance shall be severally entitled to vote in Grand Lodge, provided that they are not otherwise entitled to a vote."
    • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-336; to read: "At each annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, an Auditing Committee, consisting of three members of the Grand Lodge, shall be chosen by ballot, whose duty it shall be to audit the accounts of the Treasurer and report to the Grand Lodge, at the ensuing annual communication, and before the election of officers, an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all the funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer."
    • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 1871-32, 03/08/1871; A committee report on the "Powers of the Board of Directors" was presented to the Grand Lodge, and concluded in part that the Board of Directors had made decisions beyond their authority, and that it "did not with sufficient frankness communicate to the Grand Lodge the cost of the Temple and the financial condition of the Corporation." It recommended a change to the Grand Constitutions limiting the exercise of powers by the Board of Directors. This was referred to a committee on 1871-127, 09/13/1871.
    • Amended 03/13/1872, 1872-31, with the addition of the following text: "In the absence of directions of the Corporation, said board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 1878-45, 06/12/1878, revised 1878-87, 09/11/1878; see section above; also, 1878-48, 06/12/1878, change the section on Auditing Committee, replacing "whose duty it shall be" with "who shall".
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-220, replacing "consisting of three members" with "consisting of three past or present members".
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-47, removing the words "and accurately transcribed."
  • GC1918: Section 220; 1918-341
  • GC1930: Section 220; 1930-98
  • GC1953: Section 220

References

  • IV-615, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1843.
  • VI-239, 06/08/1859, refers to the adoption of the legislative Act of Incorporation in 1859.

Sec. 221. DIRECTORS: MEETINGS

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called and held in such manner and at such times as it shall determine. The Grand Master, however, shall have the power to call special meetings at his pleasure. An elected Board member is allowed no more than 25% unexcused absences each year. Exceeding this automatically ends his term.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Third, 1:1: see section above.
    • Amended 1878-45, 06/12/1878, revised 1878-87, 09/11/1878; see section above.
  • GC1918: Section 221; 1918-342; In this revision, the last two sentences do not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 221; 1930-98; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 221; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: "Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called and held in such manner and at such times as it shall determine. The Grand Master, however, shall have the power to call special meetings at his pleasure. An elected Board member is allowed no more than 25% unexcused absences each year. Exceeding this automatically ends his term."

References


Sec. 222. GRAND TREASURER

The Grand Treasurer shall have charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum and with such sureties as the Grand Lodge shall require; and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive all moneys from the Grand Secretary, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge, and shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors. He shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; shall monthly and annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors. He may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, delegate his duties or any part thereof to a person employed by the Directors of the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 5th, II-8.
    • Item 1. The Grand Treasurer shall be chosen annually by a majority of written votes and must be a Master Mason."
    • Item 2. He must be a Brother of good worldly substance, and to him shall be committed the monies belonging to the Grand Lodge. He shall always keep a fair record of the accounts and transactions, and the uses to which the monies are appropriated, and shall lay the same before the Grand Lodge when required."
    • Item 3. When the monies in stock amount to forty pounds he shall put it to interest on good security and shall give bonds to the Grand Master, for the time being, that such sums, and the interest arising thereon, shall be appropriated to the use of the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1792: Section 10th, Item 1; II-10; "The Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary shall make all necessary preparations for every Grand Feast, and they shall be assisted by the Grand Stewards or some general undertaker."
  • Vote of the Grand Lodge: 12/10/1798, II-136; "That the Jewels, Furniture, Regalia and all other articles belonging to the Grand Lodge shall be deposited with the Grand Treasurer, subject to the control of the Grand Master, agreeably to the Constitutions."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 2; II-518; "The Grand Treasurer shall have the care and management of all of the funds of the Grand Lodge. He shall receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance and Accounts, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care the regalia, not entrusted to the Grand Senior Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges; he shall receipt on all charters and dispensations, for the sum received therefor; shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall, annually, render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and all the property of the Grand Lodge entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Recording Secretary."
  • GC1819 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter 4, Section 2, III-225; "The Grand Treasurer shall have the the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge, under the direction of the Board of Trustees; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum, and with such surety or sureties as they shall require, and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in the name of The Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in such manner as the aforesaid Trustees shall direct."
    • Chapter 4, Section 3, III-225; "The Grand Treasurer shall have the care and management of all the funds of the Grand Lodge. He shall receive all Monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance and Accounts, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge and all charters and dispensations for constituting new lodges. He shall receipt on each charter and dispensation for the sums that are received therefor; shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and other property of the Grand Lodge, entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:7, IV-626; "The Grand Treasurer shall have the the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum, and with such surity {sic} or surities {sic} as the Grand Lodge shall require, and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the elective officers and the committee of finance shall direct. He shall receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters, as well as all other monies paid to the Grand Lodge; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge; and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges. He shall receipt on each charter, or dispensation, for the sums that are received therefor; shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and other property of the Grand Lodge, entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary."
    • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-24; the words "and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges. He shall receipt on each charter, or dispensation, for the sums that are received therefor;" stricken from the section.
    • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-336; substitute "Board of Directors" for "elective officers and committee of Finance" and for "committee of Finance" above. Change the words ". . . and such sums as the Committee of Finance shall direct. He shall receive . . ." in the first and second sentences to "and he shall receive".
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, with minor changes in text ("and" removed after semicolons).
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46: Substitute "receive all monies from the Recording Grand Secretary" for "receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters"; remove the phrase "shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge".
  • GC1918: Section 222; 1918-342; In this revision, the section reads as follows: "The Grand Treasurer shall have the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum and with such sureties as the Grand Lodge shall require; and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive all moneys from the Grand Secretary, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge, and shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors. He shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors; and shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge intrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Secretary."
  • GC1930: Section 222; 1930-99; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • On 03/11/1942, 1942-43, the section was amended with the addition of a second paragraph, as follows: "The Board of Directors may appoint an Assistant Grand Treasurer who in the event of the disability or absence of the Grand Treasurer shall act on his behalf and shall at all times perform such other functions as the Board of Directors may direct."
  • GC1953: Section 222; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1930 with the amended text included.
  • GC1989: In this revision, the original text was the same as GC1953.
    • Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read:
      • "The Grand Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, and shall have charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum and with such sureties as the Grand Lodge shall require; and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive all moneys from the Grand Secretary, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge, and shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors. He shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors; and shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge intrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Secretary."
      • "The Grand Treasurer shall be elected by a majority of the Boards of Directors of Grand Lodge, the Masonic Home, Inc., and the Masonic Education and Charity Trust. The combined Boards by a majority vote may replace the Grand Treasurer at any time."
    • Proposed 06/11/2003, 2003-70, amended 12/10/2003, 2003-149, to the current language.

References

  • II-525, 12/27/1811, refers to the Grand Treasurer's obligations to the Charity Fund.

Sec. 223. GRAND SECRETARY

The Grand Secretary shall make a correct record of all transactions of the Grand Lodge. It shall be his duty to receive petitions, applications, and appeals and lay them before the Grand Master; to file and preserve all its records, papers, and documents; to conduct its correspondence; to prepare, sign, seal, certify, and attest Charters, Dispensations, warrants, commissions, and other instruments wherever such action is appropriate; to issue calls for its Communications; to attend to the publication of its proceedings; to receive and examine all returns of Lodges and to correct or cause to be corrected errors and omissions therein; to attend and act as clerk of its Board of Directors; and to discharge such other duties as naturally devolve upon his office, all his duties being under and subject to the Grand Master, whose orders, in any case, shall be sufficient warrant for any act covered thereby. He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys of the Grand Lodge coming into his hands or possession, but shall retain custody of all Charters, seals, records, regalia, and personal property (other than money and securities) returned to the Grand Lodge unless and until it shall otherwise direct.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 6th, II-8.
    • Item 1. "The Grand Secretary shall be chosen in the same manner and with the same qualifications as the Grand Treasurer; Vide Section 5, Article 1."
    • Item 2. He must be a Brother who can write a good fair, legible hand and shall keep accurate records of all the transactions of Grand Lodge. He shall present all the votes and orders of the Grand Lodge, after they are entered, to the Grand Master, for his approbation and signature; he shall issue summonses as the Grand Master may direct and shall give reasonable notice, in at least one publick newspaper, of every stated meeting of the Grand Lodge; he shall read the Records of the preceding meeting every Quarterly Communication, before any Business is entered upon, and he shall be rewarded for his services from time to time as the Grand Lodge may direct."
  • GC1792: Section 10th, Item 1; II-10; The Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary shall make all necessary preparations for every Grand Feast, and they shall be assisted by the Grand Stewards or some general undertaker."
  • Vote of the Grand Lodge, 09/13/1797, II-109; "The Grand Secretary, under the direction of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, after the choice of officers each-year, shall transmit a list of the new officers chosen, or re-elected, as also, an attested copy of all new general Regulations adopted, to the Grand Lodge of every State in the Union."
  • Additional Regulations 1801: Article 11th, II-194; "It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to transmit as soon as may be a correct copy of the foregoing Resolutions to every Lodge within this Jurisdiction, as well as to every District Deputy Grand Master who shall be appointed pursuant to them; and from time instantly thereafter, upon the adoption of any Edicts or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, to forward without delay a correct copy of the same to the several District Deputy Grand Masters, that the same may be by them communicated to the several Lodges for the good of Masonry. N. B. Every Lodge under this Jurisdiction being constitutionally obligated to attend all Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge either by its Master, Wardens or by proxy, the foregoing Regulations are not intended to supersede that duty."
  • GC1811 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter II, Section 3; II-519; "The Grand Recording Secretary shall give seasonable notice in a public newspaper of all Communications of the Grand Lodge and shall give notice to all the officers and permanent members thereof by letter; he shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill and attest and put the Grand Seal to all warrants, charters, commissions and certificates by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under the Jurisdiction according to seniority, and call the same at every Communication; shall present the chairman of every committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment and shall attend all committees with such documents as are in his possession when required; record all reports of committees which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge; shall, annually, in the month of January forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of copies of the Edicts and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as shall be directed by the Grand Master, and such other transactions of the Grand Lodge as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge and District Deputy Grand Masters for the year ensuing; he shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September, annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
    • Chapter II, Section 4; II-519; "The Grand Corresponding Secretary shall receive and answer, under the direction of the Grand Master, all foreign communications made to the Grand Lodge; shall communicate with such other Masonic Body as the Grand Lodge or Grand Master may direct and make a correct record of the same; and, when present, shall read all communications to the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1819 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter 4, Section 4, III-226; "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give seasonable notice in a public newspaper, printed in Boston, of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge, three successive weeks previous thereto; and shall notify all the officers and permanent members thereof by letter. Special meetings may be called by the Grand Master, by inserting a notice thereof in any newspaper printed in Boston. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the grand seal to all warrants, charters, commissions and certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority, and call the same at every communication. He shall present the chairman of every committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees with such documents, as are in his possession, when required, record all reports of committees, which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of copies of the edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges, in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the year ensuing. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
    • Chapter 4, Section 5, III-227; "The Corresponding Grand Secretary shall receive, and answer, under the direction of the Grand Master, all foreign communications made to the Grand Lodge, shall communicate with such other masonic bodies as the Grand Lodge or Grand Master may direct, and make a correct record of the same; and when present shall, if required by the Grand Master, read all communications to the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1843 includes the following sections:
    • Part First, 8:8, IV-627: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in one or more public papers, of each regular Communication of the Grand Lodge; and notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members residing in the City of Boston. Special meetings may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees with such documents as are in his possession, when required; and record all reports of Committees, which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as shall be directed by the Grand Master; and all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
      • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-25, replacing the first sentence with: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretary's[sic]."
      • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: ""The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretaries. Special Communications may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees and produce such documents as are in his possession, when required; and shall record all reports of Committees which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as the Grand Master shall direct, of all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
      • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, adding after the words "according to seniority" the following: "He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys received from the District Deputy Grand Masters and shall have in his care all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge"; and removing the words "He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."
    • Part First, 8:9, IV-627: "The Corresponding Grand Secretary shall, if required by the Grand Master, answer, under his direction, any foreign communication made to the Grand Lodge; and when present, if desired by the Grand Master, read all communications to the Grand Lodge."
      • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-25, adding the following text: "It shall also be his duty from time to time to lay before the Grand Lodge, such matters of Masonic interest as may come to his knowledge."
      • Amended 03/09/1870, 1850-52, to include the following: "He shall also be the custodian of the original record books of the Grand Lodge, receiving from the Recording Grand Secretary each volume, as soon as completed, and keep the same in some secure place, to be approved by the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge."
      • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, changing "all communications" to "all such communications", and "Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge" to "Board of Directors".
      • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-220 09/11/1895, 1895-220, striking the sentence "He shall also be the custodian of the original record books of the Grand Lodge, receiving from the Recording Grand Secretary each volume, as soon as completed, and keep the same in some secure place, to be approved by the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge." from the text.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/09/1915, proposed 1915-120, adopted 1915-123, changing the title of the Recording Grand Secretary to Grand Secretary.
  • GC1918: Section 223; 1918-343; "The Grand Secretary is the general ministerial officer of the Grand Lodge It is his duty to make a correct record of all the transactions of the Grand Lodge; to receive petitions, applications, and appeals and lay them before the Grand Master; to file and preserve all its records, papers, and documents; to conduct its correspondence; to prepare, sign, seal, certify, and attest charters, dispensations, warrants, commissions and other instruments wherever such action is appropriate; to issue calls for its Communications; to attend to the publication of its proceedings; to attend and act as clerk of its Board of Directors; and to discharge such other duties as naturally devolve upon his office; all his duties being under and subject to the Grand Master whose orders, in any ease, shall be sufficient warrant for any act covered thereby. He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys of the Grand Lodge coming into his hands or possession; but shall retain custody of all charters, seals, records, regalia and personal property (other than money and securities) returned to the Grand Lodge unless and until it shall otherwise direct."
  • GC1930: Section 223; 1930-99; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 223; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: The Grand Secretary shall be the Chief Operations Officer of the Corporation. It is his duty to make a correct record of all the transactions of the Grand Lodge; to receive petitions, applications, and appeals and lay them before the Grand Master; to file and preserve all its records, papers, and documents; to conduct its correspondence; to prepare, sign, seal, certify, and attest charters, dispensations, warrants, commissions and other instruments wherever such action is appropriate; to issue calls for its Communications; to attend to the publication of its proceedings; to attend and act as clerk of its Board of Directors; and to discharge such other duties as naturally devolve upon his office; all his duties being under and subject to the Grand Master whose orders, in any ease, shall be sufficient warrant for any act covered thereby. He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys of the Grand Lodge coming into his hands or possession; but shall retain custody of all charters, seals, records, regalia and personal property (other than money and securities) returned to the Grand Lodge unless and until it shall otherwise direct."
    • Proposed 03/13/2002, 2002-30; amended 06/12/2002, 2002-72, to the current language.

References

  • 1880-15, 03/10/1880, refers to remarks by Grand Master Welch regarding a Masonic impostor. "The Grand Master stated that his attention had been called to the fact that the agent of a certain (so-called) Masonic Register had been engaged in endeavoring to sell to the Brethren in various parts of this jurisdiction copies of that document; that in making sales of it this agent had represented that the purchasers could readily procure the official signature of the Recording Grand Secretary, with the seal of the Grand Lodge, and that he had exhibited one of these registers with the Recording Grand Secretary's name and the seal of the Grand Lodge thereto affixed. Complaint having been made that the Grand Secretary refused to sign and seal these documents, the Grand Master had ruled that such signing and sealing were not warranted under the Grand Constitutions; that the Grand Lodge issues its own Diploma and Travelling Cards, which are properly authenticated, and that the Recording Grand Secretary acted rightly in refusing to sign or seal any document except the legal and official documents authorized by the Grand Lodge. He further stated that he was willing to assume the entire responsibility of this action, and that the same course would be pursued hereafter, in reference to these documents, unless he should be otherwise instructed by the Grand Lodge.
    • The Recording Grand Secretary stated that by inadvertence he had placed his signature upon one of these Registers; but upon a moment's reflection he became satisfied that he had no legal right so to do, and positively refused to place the seal of the Grand Lodge upon it, and has ever since declined either to sign or seal these documents. His refusal, with the reason therefor, was communicated more than a year ago to the agent of this Register; but, notwithstanding this, the agent, as has been stated by many Brethren, had persisted in holding out to them the inducement of the Recording Grand Secretary's signature as a conclusive reason for the purchase by them of the document.
    • It was thereupon, on motion of R. W. Marshall P. Wilder, unanimously Voted, That the action of the Grand Master, in directing the Recording Grand Secretary to refuse his signature and the seal of the Grand Lodge to the Masonic Register, or any other document, except the official diplomas or papers of the Grand Lodge, be and the same is hereby ratified.
  • 1902-52, 03/12/1902, refers to remarks made Grand Master Gallagher in defense of the character of Recording Grand Secretary Sereno Nickerson with regard to a petition offered to repeal certain sections of the Constitutions. A circular regarding the petition, and its handling by Grand Lodge, was reported by the committee, and the Grand Master noted that it "contains many misstatements and is otherwise misleading. It attempts to blame the Recording Grand Secretary for his action on their petition. I want to say that the Grand Secretary did just what the Grand Constitutions require. When the petition was brought to his office and he was asked to present it to the Grand Lodge, he said he would lay it before the Grand Master, which is the requirement of the Grand Constitutions. This he did immediately on the Grand Master's arrival the next day, before the meeting of the Grand Lodge. It was not the Secretary's duty, and he had not the power or right to present any petition directly to the Grand Lodge. The attack in that circular is as unkind as it is uncalled for and casts a reflection on the official character of our Brother, who is of too high standing and too conscientious in the discharge of his duty to need any defence. But I feel it my duty to say this, in justice to him."
  • 1915-34, 03/10/1915, refers to remarks by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding the office of Corresponding Grand Secretary. "In January I addressed to the Brethren an encyclical letter in which I advised the abolition of the office of Corresponding Grand Secretary, and the striking out of the word 'Recording' from the title of Recording Grand Secretary. For more years than I have been a Mason to office of Corresponding Grand Secretary has been an honorary office only . . . I suggest that amendments be made to the Grand Constitutions for the purpose of carrying this recommendation into effect."
  • 1996-95, 05/10/1996, is a part of a 50th anniversary celebration and does not seem to bear upon this section.

Sec. 224. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS: DUTIES

The District Deputy Grand Masters are the personal representatives of the Grand Master to the Lodges of their respective districts. They shall visit their Lodges and (between the thirty-first of August and the first of December in each year) shall inspect the Charters, or certified copies thereof, By-Laws, records, and mode of work. They shall communicate edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge and Grand Master; shall receive and receipt for all moneys due the Grand Lodge except Grand Lodge dues of members as provided in Sec. 331; shall receive the returns of the Lodges and make comments thereon; shall generally supervise and advise their Lodges under the direction of the Grand Master and perform such other duties as are ordered by him. They may, with the approval of the Grand Master, delegate their duties or any part thereof to some suitable Brother. They shall annually transmit the returns of the Lodges and all moneys in their hands to the Grand Secretary on or before the first of December; and if they shall fail to comply with this regulation, unless prevented by sickness or by some other cause beyond their control, they shall not be eligible to re-appointment. They shall be reimbursed their necessary expenses in visiting the Lodges, but shall present their accounts to the Grand Master for payment.

Past District Deputy Grand Masters shall be styled "Right Worshipful."

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, II-7, assigns the duty of visiting and inspecting the Lodges to the Grand Master, his Deputy, Treasurer and Secretary.
  • Additional Regulations 1801: Article 2nd, II-191; "There shall be a District Deputy Grand Master in and for each District, appointed annually by the Grand Master, whose duty it shall be to visit the several Lodges within his District once, at least, in every year, giving them timely notice thereof, and to communicate to each Lodge all such Edicts and Regulations as may be, from time to time, transmitted from the Grand Lodge; to receive all returns and monies required by the Grand Lodge, keeping an exact account thereof, and, annually, at the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge in December, to make out a correct list or return of the Lodges in his District, exhibiting thereon the names of all the Masons made in each Lodge, and deliver the same to the Grand Secretary together with all monies in his hands due to the Grand Lodge, and shall deliver to the Grand Treasurer a duplicate account of all monies by him paid to the Grand Secretary, together with all monies in his hands due to the Grand Lodge, which District return shall be recorded and filed by the Grand Secretary. And such District Deputy Grand Master shall keep an account of his expenses in visiting his several Lodges and making returns as aforesaid, for which he shall b© reimbursed from the Treasury of the Grand Lodge by order of the Grand Master."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-275, 03/11/1805; "The committee appointed to form a device for the jewel of the R't W'l Deputy Grand Masters . . . reported a design which met the approbation of the Grand Lodge, and it was then VOTED, That they be desired to furnish it to the Grand Treasurer, who is directed to procure the jewels and collars for the present District Deputy Grand Masters, to be by them transmitted to their successors in office, until further orders of the Grand Lodge shall be had thereon."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-319, 12/09/1805: "That the Constitution of the Grand Lodge be so far revised as to make the District Deputy Grand Masters members of the Grand Lodge, and to establish their office and authority as District Deputy Grand Masters in their several Districts." This was confirmed by the adoption of Resolutions describing the powers and duties of the District Deputies (committee requested additional time II-336, 09/08/1806; reported II-339, 12/08/1806).
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-328, 03/10/1806: "That the Grand Secretary be directed to inform the committee on the grades, etc, of the District Deputy Grand Masters, that the Grand Lodge think the subject interesting and important, and that they are requested to pay particular attention to the same."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, II-452, 12/10/1810: "Some of the District Deputy Grand Masters are in the habit of allowing their own charges of expenses from the amount of their collections and dues to the Grand Lodge, and either transmitting or paying the balance to the Grand Secretary, and the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer have received such balances before the accounts have been examined and allowed by the Committee of Finance, In some instances the District Deputy Grand Masters, in addition to their expenses in visiting the Lodges, have charged for their expenses in visiting the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge; and in one instance the charge, by inadvertance, has been allowed . . . The committee would therefore recommend, that the subjects here stated and complained of be referred to a committee to report measures to remedy the evils."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, II-489, 06/13/1811: "The committee appointed by the Grand Lodge to take into consideration certain proposed alterations in the Constitution now under discussion, ask leave to report, that they cannot discover any important reasons to sanction the innovation in the title of District Deputy Grand Master. Departure from established custom should be at all times avoided, unless it be obvious that some important good will result from the change. The regulations of the Grand Lodge for the appointment of these officers, under the present title, were adopted after the most mature deliberation and experience has confirmed the wisdom of the measure. The example of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has been followed in this particular by other Grand Lodges in the Union. The increased number of the Lodges under this Jurisdiction render'd it absolutely impossible for the Grand Master to visit them so often as the good of Masonry required. The State was therefore divided into twelve Districts, and District Deputy Grand Masters appointed in the several Districts, who should discharge some of the duties of the Grand Master, in visiting the Lodges and inspecting the work, and for the further purpose of collecting the dues of the Grand Lodge. These officers have hitherto been respectable members of the Masonic family, and have generally performed, the arduous duties with fidelity. The honorable title they bear commands the respect and attention of the Fraternity; excites in them a laudable ambition to deserve the respect they receive, and stimulates them to exertion in promoting the grand object of their appointment. Your committee are apprehensive that, if you abolish this honorable title, you will degrade these officers to the station of inquisitorial Inspectors, or odious Tax-gatherers; that the respectful attention they have hitherto received will be diminished, the harmony of fraternal intercourse destroyed and the object of their Commission will be in a great measure frustrated. Your committee are therefore of opinion, that the interest of the Fraternity will be better promoted by continuing the title of District Deputy Grand Master, and we recommend the continuance of it."
  • GC1811 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter II, Section 6; II-518; "The District Deputy Grand Masters shall visit their Lodges in their respective Districts and inspect their By-Laws, records and work, once a year, at least, and before the last week in November; but if they deem it for the interest of Masonry, they may delegate their duties to some suitable Brother in distant Lodges. They shall have the power to grant dispensations for initiations, shall communicate to the Lodges all Edicts and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and furnish them with all such diplomas as they may be entitled to; shall receive and receipt for all dues to the Grand Lodge; receive the returns of their Lodges and make their remarks thereon; shall attend annually in Grand Lodge, and pay to the Grand Treasurer all money in their hands, or transmit the returns and money to the Grand Treasurer, on or before the first Monday in December and take duplicate receipts therefor, one of which shall be deposited with the Grand Recording Secretary; they shall receive a remuneration of their expenses in visiting the Lodges, but shall present their accounts to the Committee of Finance for allowance."
    • Chapter III, Section 10, II-522; "It shall be the duty of every Master, or presiding officer, under this Jurisdiction, when notified of the intended official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, to convene his Lodge; receive him as the representative of the Grand Lodge; resign the Chair to him while making his communication; submit to his inspection the By-Laws, records and mode of work; shall deliver to him the return of the Lodge and the dues of the Grand Lodge."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 09/14/1812, II-542; "The committee appointed to determine the mode by which District Deputy Grand Masters shall be put in possession of the jewels of their office, take leave to report.
    • "That it shall be the duty of the Grand Treasurer to cause to be delivered to the Brother appointed to the office of District Deputy Grand Master (as soon after the appointment as may be) the jewels, etc, appertaining to the office, and upon the delivery thereof he shall require a receipt in the form following, vizt:
    • "Whereas I, A__ B__ , have been appointed District Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts for the Masonic District, and have received the collar and jewels appertaining to said office, I hereby promise to return the same, on demand, to Mr. Andrew Sigourney, Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and in default thereof I promise to pay, on demand, to the order of the said Andrew Sigourney, or whoever may hold the office of Treasurer of said Grand Lodge, the sum of fifty dollars.
    • And in those cases which now exist, where the late District Deputy Grand Master, has neglected, to deliver to his successor the collar and jewel of his office, it shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to write to him immediately, requiring that he should cause them to be forthwith delivered to his successor."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 7, III-228; "The District Deputy Grand Masters, shall visit their Lodges in their respective districts, and inspect their By-Laws, records and work, once a year at least, and before the last week in November; but if they deem it for the interest of masonry, they may delegate their duties to some suitable brother in distant lodges. They shall have the power to grant dispensations for initiation; shall communicate to the Lodges all edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, and furnish them with all such diplomas as they may be entitled to; shall receive and receipt for all dues to the Grand Lodge; receive the returns of the lodges and make their remarks thereon. They shall attend annually in Grand Lodge and pay to the Grand Treasurer all money in their hands, or transmit the returns and money to the Grand Treasurer on or before the first Monday in December, and take duplicate receipts therefor, one of which shall be deposited with the Grand Recording Secretary."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:10, IV-627: "The District Deputy Grand Masters, shall visit the Lodges in their respective districts, and inspect their by-laws, records and mode of work, Once a year at least, and before the last week in November; but if they deem it for the interest of Masonry, they may delegate their duties to some suitable brother in distant lodges. They shall have power to grant dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions. Shall communicate to the Lodges all edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, and furnish them with all such diplomas as they may be entitled to; shall receive and receipt for all dues to the Grand Lodge; receive the returns of the Lodges and make their remarks thereon. They shall attend annually in Grand Lodge, and pay to the Grand Treasurer all money in their hands, or transmit their returns and money to the Grand Treasurer, on or before the first Monday in December. They shall receive a remuneration of their expenses in visiting the lodges; but shall present their account to the Committee of Finance for allowance. And each District Deputy Grand Master, on receiving from the Grand Treasurer the jewel of his office, and the records of the district over which he is appointed, shall give in to the Grand Treasurer a receipt in the following form, viz.: Whereas, I, ------ have been appointed and duly Commissioned District Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts for the ----- Masonic District, and have received the Collar and jewel appertaining to said office, and the book of records of said District - I hereby promise to return the same, at the expiration or revocation of my Commission, to the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and in default thereof I promise to pay on demand to the order of said Treasurer, or whoever may hold the office of Treasurer of this Grand Lodge, the sum of fifty dollars."
    • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-26, replacing the text "They shall attend annually in Grand Lodge, and pay to the Grand Treasurer all money in their hands, or transmit the returns and money to the Grand Treasurer, on or before the first Monday in December. They shall receive a remuneration of their expenses in visiting the lodges;" with the text "They shall annually transmit their returns and all monies in their hands to the Grand Treasurer on or before the first day of December: and if they fail to comply with this regulation, unless prevented by sickness, or by some other cause beyond their control, they shall not be eligible to reappointment. They shall be reimbursed their necessary expenses in visiting the Lodges;"
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, changing "make their remarks thereon" to "comment thereon"; "transmit their returns" to "transmit such returns"; remove the text "or whoever may hold the office of Treasurer of this Grand Lodge".
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-220, revising "they may delegate their duties to some suitable brother in distant lodges" to "they may, with the approval of the Grand Master, delegate their duties to some suitable brother in distant lodges". '
    • Proposed 12/11/1895, 1895-312, adopted 03/11/1896, 1896-35, removing the phrase "and furnish them with all such diplomas as they may be entitled to".
    • 1900-25, 03/14/1900, refers to a proposed amendment to add Past District Deputy Grand Masters as members of the Grand Lodge; an extensive committee report argued that this was excessive, and that this would "crowd out Masters and Wardens", and recommended its rejection. The amendment was rejected.
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, removing the phrase "shall have power to grant dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions."; substituting "Recording Grand Secretary for "Grand Treasurer"; and "last Thursday in November" for "first day of December."
    • Proposed 06/14/1916, 1916-257, rejected 09/13/1916, 1916-533, a proposal to revise the form of District Deputy Visitation.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/10/1863, VI-477: On District Deputy Powers and Candidates.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/14/1866, VII-66; "That the G. Master be authorized and empowered to draw upon the Treasurer for such sums of money, as are necessary to defray the expenses of the meetings of the Dist. Dep. G. Masters at the Annual and Quarterly Communication of the Gd Lodge, and that the G. Master in his Annual Address report such expenditures."
  • Address of the Grand Master, 12/08/1869, VII-429, concerning the responsibilities of District Deputy Grand Masters.
  • GC1918: Section 224; 1918-344; In this revision, the final sentence reads: "They shall be reimbursed their necessary expenses in visiting the Lodges; but shall present their accounts to the Board of Directors for allowance."
    • In this revision, Section 225, Page 1918-344, reads as follows: "The commission of a District Deputy Grand Master may be revoked or his powers suspended at the will and pleasure of the Grand Master."
  • GC1930: Section 224; 1930-100; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918, except that the additional section does not appear.
  • GC1953: Section 224; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918, except that the additional section does not appear.

References

  • I-360, 03/30/1789, describes Grand Master Hays' inspection of Rising States Lodge. (This precedes the establishment of District Deputies, and details the form of a Grand Master's inspection visit in this era.)
  • II-7, 03/05/1792, refers to Section 3rd, Item 7 in GC1792: "The Grand Master, with his Deputy, Grand Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, if convenient shall, during his Mastership, visit the several Lodges under his Jurisdiction; and shall examine their Records and proceedings, and see that no innovations be committed in any of them, first giving such Lodges timely notice of his approach." (This also precedes the establishment of District Deputies).
  • II-486, 06/11/1811: "The hour appointed for the final consideration of the Constitution, . . some objections raised as to the spirit and tendency of several of the Articles; especially to that in which the word Inspector is substituted for District Deputy Grand Master, as in the old Constitutions."
  • III-334, 03/14/1821; the Grand Marshal proclaimed the new Masonic Districts following the separation of Maine lodges.
  • 1915-103, 1915-109, 06/09/1915, refers to a decision by the Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding the powers and titles of Past District Deputies.
  • 1917Builder-291 refers to an article on reception of candidates; reference moved to Sec. 402.
  • 1918-319, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1920-466, 12/08/1920, refers to remarks by Grand Master Prince concerning the duties and responsibilities of District Deputy Grand Masters.
  • See Sections 350-354.

Sec. 225. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS: MEETINGS AND EXPENSES

The Grand Master may call meetings of the District Deputy Grand Masters (together with such other officers or members of the Grand Lodge as he may desire), and he is authorized and empowered to draw upon the Grand Treasurer for such sums of money as are necessary to defray the expenses of such meetings.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 6; II-518; see previous section.
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 7, III-228;
    • "They shall receive a remuneration of their expenses in visiting the lodges; but shall present their account to the Committee of Finance for allowance. And each District Deputy Grand Master, on receiving from the Grand Treasurer the Jewel of his office, and the records of the district over which he is appointed, shall give in to the Grand Treasurer a receipt in the following form, viz.:"
    • "Whereas, I, ------ have been appointed and duly commissioned District Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts for the ----- Masonic District, and have received the collar and jewel appertaining to said office, and the book of records of said district - I hereby promise to return the same, at the expiration or revocation of my commission, to the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and in default thereof I promise to pay on demand to the order of said Treasurer, or whoever may hold the office of Treasurer of said Grand Lodge, the sum of fifty dollars."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:10, IV-627; see previous section.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/08/1858, VI-212; "Ordered: That the District Deputy Grand Masters be authorized to hold Quarterly meetings for the purpose of consulting upon any questions that may arise in the several districts for the discussion or action of the several District Deputy Grand Masters, and that the expenses of such meetings and of the officers attending the same shall be paid by the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 226; 1918-345
  • GC1930: Section 225; 1930-100
  • GC1953: Section 225

References

  • 1918-319, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1939-101 appears to be spurious: this the report on the Declaration of Principles, and does not discuss Deputies.

Sec. 226. GRAND MARSHAL

The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; shall receive all reports presented in Grand Lodge and place them before the Grand Secretary; shall introduce visitors, direct the formation of processions, and communicate and execute the commands of the Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 7th, II-9;
    • "Item 1: "The Grand Deacons, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, and Grand Sword-Bearer must be Master Masons."
    • Item 3: "The Grand Marshal shall attend the Grand Feast, and assist the Grand Master in the order and arrangement of the Day; and the Grand Sword-Bearer shall attend on all public occasions."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 5, II-519; The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; collect from the members and petitioners in the Grand Lodge all communications and place them before the Grand Master; shall introduce visitors; shall direct the formation of processions; regulate all festivals and refreshments; shall communicate or execute all commands of the Grand Master, not otherwise provided for."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 6, III-227; "The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; collect from the members and petitioners in the Grand Lodge, all communications, and place them before the Grand Master, shall introduce visitors; shall direct the formation of processions, regulate all festivals and refreshments; shall communicate or execute all commands of the Grand Master, not otherwise provided for."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:12, IV-629; "The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; collect from the members and petitioners in the Grand Lodge, all communications, and place them before the Grand Secretary; he shall introduce visitors; direct the formation of processions; call the Lodge at every Communication, and communicate or execute all commands of the Grand Master, not otherwise provided for."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, changing "the Grand Lodge before it is opened; collect . . ." to "the Grand Lodge before it is opened; shall collect . . ."; "he shall introduce" to "shall introduce".
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-220, to remove the phrase "call the Lodge at every Communication".
  • GC1918: Section 227; 1918-345
  • GC1930: Section 226; 1930-101
  • GC1953: Section 226

References

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/27/1820, III-331; "That a Committee be raised to procure a sword for the Grand Marshal, and also such Regalia as may be wanted in Grand Lodge."
  • III-334, 03/14/1821; The Grand Marshal proclaimed the new Masonic Districts following the separation of Maine lodges.
  • 1918-318, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1918-338, 12/11/1918, may be spurious, as it contains a different section of GC1918.

Sec. 227. GRAND CHAPLAINS

Two or more Grand Chaplains shall be appointed who shall attend the Communications and Meetings of the Grand Lodge and perform such clerical duties as are suitable to the occasion and as are established by the usages of the Fraternity.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of the Grand Lodge: 12/13/1796, II-92; "That the M. W. Grand Master be authorized at every annual meeting to nominate and appoint a Grand Chaplain, whose duty it shall be to attend the Grand Lodge and perform such clerical duties as shall be assigned him."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:11, IV-629; "There shall be two Grand Chaplains appointed by the Grand Master on the day of his installation, who shall attend the quarterly Communications, and other meetings of the Grand Lodge, and perform such clerical duties as are suitable to the occasion, and as are established by the usages of the Fraternity."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Two Grand Chaplains shall be appointed by the Grand Master on the day of his installation, who shall attend the Communications of the Grand Lodge, and perform such clerical duties as are suitable to the occasion, and as are established by the usages of the Fraternity."
    • Amended 09/11/1912, 1912-126, replacing "Two Grand Chaplains" with "Two or more Grand Chaplains".
  • GC1918: Section 228; 1918-345
  • GC1930: Section 227; 1930-101
  • GC1953: Section 227

References

  • 1873-179, 12/30/1873, refers to correspondence from Past Grand Master Heard regarding the various Grand Chaplains of the past and present. An extensive appendix to this volume, beginning on 1873-185, contains biographies of each of them up to the current date.

Sec. 228. GRAND LECTURERS

One or more Grand Lecturers shall be appointed who shall impart instruction to Lodges and exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, and other ritualistic ceremonies, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. A Chairman may be designated by the Grand Master. The compensation for such services shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and paid by the Grand Lodge. Instructions other than that directed by the Grand Master, may be requested by any Lodge for the compensation fixed by the Board of Directors, which shall be paid by such Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-280, 09/10/1805; "That a communication from the Grand Lecturer be read, which being done, it was farther VOTED, That the Grand Master be directed to caution the Grand Lecturer against exercising any authority beyond his instructions; and to continue to discharge the duties of his office agreeably to the commission he has received."
    • The commission to Brother Gleason appears in full on II-287, and the Certificate appears in full on II-291, 09/10/1805.
    • A report on the doings of the Grand Lecturer appears on II-358, 06/08/1807.
  • Declaration by Grand Master, II-282, 09/10/1805; "In consequence of a power vested in the M't W'l Isaiah Thomas, Esq,, Grand Master, at the Quarterly Communication in March, 5805, to use such ways and means as he should judge most proper to establish a uniform mode of work in the several degrees of Masonry in ancient form and manner, the M't W'l Grand Master informed the Grand Lodge, that, to carry into effect this important object, he had appointed Brother Benj. Gleason, P.M., Grand Lecturer and Instructor; and that he had contracted with him to visit all the Lodges in the Commonwealth under the Jurisdiction, and to instruct them in the ancient mode of labor, etc."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/14/1842, IV-560-563; on the doings of the National Masonic Convention, the committee observed:
    • "That uniformity in the lectures, ceremonies & mode of work for the several Lodges in the United States is essential to the permanent welfare & prosperity of our ancient and benevolent Institution. To accomplish so desirable an object the National Convention have recommended that each Grand Lodge should appoint a Grand Lecturer, & that the lecturers thus appointed should assemble at some central place once, at least, in three years, & "agree upon the course of instruction necessary & proper to be imparted to the Lodges & Fraternity in their several jurisdictions. This measure as proposed by the Convention, meets the approbation of your Committee; & we unanimously recommend that the elective officers of the Grand Lodge together with the Deputy Grand Master be authorized to appoint a competent & well qualified brother as a Delegate to meet' such Gr. Lecturers, if in their opinion it can be done consistently with the interests & welfare of this Grand Lodge."
    • "We have, already, expressed our opinion in relation to the importance & value of uniformity in the lectures, ceremonies, & mode of works in the several lodges throughout the country. To accomplish that object requires the co-operation of the several Grand Lodges; — & your committee are of opinion that one mode of diffusing useful information among the subordinate Lodges, might be adopted by the Gr. Lodge of this Commonwealth which, being free from expense & recommended by its novelty, would be worth a fair experiment. We recommend that on the twenty seventh of December next & every succeeding anniversary of the festival of St. John the Evangelist, until otherwise ordered, the Grand Lodge shall be opened in the morning for lectures & work & continue open during the day. This would give to all masters & wardens a convenient opportunity of acquiring information & at the same time, be the means of inducing a larger number of them than usual to be present at the Installation of the Grand Officers. — In furtherance of this object we recommend that the Executive Officers of the Grand Lodge be authorized to appoint two Grand Lecturers, who shall be entitled to seats but not to vote in the Grand Lodge."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/14/1842, IV-573, refers to the appointment of two Grand Lecturers.
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:17, IV-631; "There shall be two Grand Lecturers, being Past Masters, annually appointed, whose duty it shall be to exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, before the Grand Lodge, on the 27th of December each year, for the benefit of the Brethren generally. They shall also impart instruction to any Lodge requiring their services; the Lodge paying them a reasonable compensation therefor. The Grand Lecturers shall not, as such, be entitled to vote in Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 09/10/1851, V-336: the last sentence is replaced with: "The two Grand Lecturers and the member of the Committee of Finance shall be severally entitled to vote in Grand Lodge, provided that they are not otherwise entitled to a vote."
    • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-25 (1856-18): the following text was added: "It shall also be their duty to visit and instruct any Lodge under this jurisdiction, at the expense of this Grand Lodge, whenever it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense, and they shall report to the Grand Master in writing whenever and as often as they shall discover any deviations either in the work or lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1862, VI-449 (1863-4): The first sentence was revised to read: "There shall be three Grand Lecturers, being Past Masters, annually appointed whose duty it shall be to exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, before the Grand Lodge, on the day following the annual communication of that body in December, for the benefit of the Brethren generally."
    • Proposed 1875-29, 03/08/1875, and adopted 1875-67, 06/09/1875; reviewed and accepted 1875-111, 09/08/1875; a revision to Part First, 8:17: "Three Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers, whose duty it shall be to exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the work and lectures of the several degrees at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. It shall also be their duty to visit and instruct any Lodge under this jurisdiction, at the expense of this Grand Lodge, whenever it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense, and they shall report to the Grand Master in writing whenever and as often as they shall discover any deviations either in the work or lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Three Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers who shall exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the work and lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. They shall also impart instruction to any Lodge requiring their services; the Lodge paying them a reasonable compensation therefor. It shall also be their duty to visit and instruct any Lodge under this jurisdiction, at the expense of this Grand Lodge, whenever it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense, and shall report to the Grand Master in writing whenever and as they shall discover any deviations either in the work or lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 12/12/1888, 1888-288, to read: "One or more Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers who shall exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct, and impart instruction to any Lodge requiring it. The compensation for such services shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and paid by the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 12/14/1910, 1910-213, to read: "One or more Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers, who shall impart instruction to Lodges and exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. The compensation for such services shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and paid by the Grand Lodge. Instruction, other than that directed by the Grand Master, shall be given to any Lodge, for the compensation fixed by the Board of Directors, who shall be paid by the Lodge."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/10/1851, V-346; "That in consideration of the great convenience to urge no other reason of a uniform system of Work and Lectures and as this G. Lodge has with great unanimity recommended such a system,—considering also that it seems scarcely possible for the state Gr. Lecturers to perform the duty of instruction throughout the Commonwealth without great trouble to themselves and expense to other distant brethren your Committee do therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolutions.—
    • "Resolved, That as soon as possible after the Annual Election in December, it shall be the duty of the Grand Master to appoint some well qualified Brother to each Masonic District, as District Grand Lecturer whose duties and prerogatives shall be each within his respective District, the same as those of the existing Grand Lecturers of the State, And each brother so appointed shall signify his acceptance of the trust within thirty days from the date thereof, otherwise the G. Master shall be empowered to make another choice.
    • "Resolved. That in order to insure a strict conformity throughout the State with the system of Work and Lectures enjoined by this G. Lodge, the Grand Lecturers of the State, together with the District Grand Lecturers shall meet in convocation at the time of the Annual Meeting in December in each year, in the City of Boston, or wherever this G. Lodge may be held, and then and there compare carefully their mode of Work and lecturing, correct all changes, and errors, and under the supervision of the G. Master and Wardens, bringing all things committed to them, in every point into exact conformity with the authorized system, and in case of any difference of opinion at any time between the District and State G. Lecturers upon any point of ritual or phraseology in the work or lectures the decision of the latter shall be final and binding, except otherwise decided by the G, Master and Wardens, The necessary expenses of the G, Lecturers in attending the Convocation to be defrayed by the Grand Lodge.
    • "Resolved. That the District as well as the State Grand Lecturers shall be empowered to receive such moderate compensation for their services as shall be agreed upon between them and the Lodges or brethren receiving their instruction."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/08/1870, 1870-114; "Ordered, That the Grand Lecturers be authorized to hold quarterly meetings under the direction of the Grand Master, at the Masonic Temple, Boston, on Grand Lodge days, for the purpose of consultation, and of advising officers of subordinate Lodges; and that the expense of such meetings be paid by the Grand Lodge, upon the order of the Grand Master; and that the Grand Master, in his annual address, report such expenses."
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-129, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-222; vote repealed.
  • Report by Grand Master, 12/11/1889, 1889-168; "One of the most important steps taken during the last year was the change introduced in the management of the Grand Lecturer's duties. Instead of dividing the work among three officers, the whole duty has been assigned to one Brother, and instead of taxing the Lodges for the service, the Grand Lodge has assumed the whole expense, paying a moderate salary as well as the railroad fares of the newly-appointed officer. The Lodges needing the services of an instructor have been free to call for them, and I have been much gratified to learn that wherever the new plan has been given a trial, only words of praise and satisfaction have been heard." A report of the Grand Lecturer's duties and expenses is detailed on 1889-169.
  • GC1918: Section 229; 1918-345; In this revision, the sentence "A Chairman may be designated by the Grand Master." does not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 228; 1930-102; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 228; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • 1874-114, 12/09/1874, refers to a portion of the annual address by Grand Master Nickerson; he noted that "In several of the Districts the Lodges have been assembled for the purpose, of exemplifying the work and for mutual encouragement and instruction, under the supervision of the District Deputy Grand Master of the District and the direction of one of the Grand Lecturers . . . I renew the recommendation heretofore made that the practice be adopted in every District. I would suggest for your consideration the expediency of dispensing with the Annual Exemplification now held in Boston, on the day following the Annual Communication, and substituting an exemplification to be held annually in each District, at a time and by Lodges to be designated by the District Deputy Grand Master. In this way probably ten times as many Brethren could, and would, witness the work as now have the opportunity, and at much less expense to themselves."
  • 1888-67, 06/13/1888, refers to the memorial for Past Grand Master Gardner, which says, in part, "His trained and exact habits of mind and scholarly love of research admirably fitted him for the labors of a Masonic historian and expositor, and the contributions of his pen have done much to enlarge the field of Masonic information."
  • 1936-152, 09/09/1936, refers to a commentary by Grand Master Allen regarding exemplifications in which he indicated that floor work was at the discretion of the Master (unless it "involves an interpretation of the ritual"), but that Exemplification by Grand Lecturers would give guidance on proper conduct, and would be the source of interpretations of ritual.
  • 1956-169, 06/13/1956, refers to commentary by Grand Master Whitfield Johnson on procedures for Grand Lecturers and exemplifications.
  • 1858-42 is unclear.

Sec. 229. GRAND DEACONS

The Grand Deacons shall communicate messages and attend the Grand Master in all processions.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 7th, Item 1, II-9; "The Grand Deacons, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, and Grand Sword-Bearer must be Master Masons."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 7; II-520; "The Grand Deacons are to communicate messages and to attend the Grand Master in all processions."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 8, III-229; "The Grand Deacons are to communicate messages and to attend the Grand Master in all processions."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:13, IV-630; "The Grand Deacons are to communicate messages and to attend the Grand Master in all processions. And in the absence of either of them, the Grand Master shall appoint a member to act pro tempore."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, change "The Grand Deacons are to . . ." to "The Grand Deacons shall . . . "
  • GC1918: Section 230; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 229; 1930-102
  • GC1953: Section 229

References

  • II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to revisions incorporated into GC1811.
  • 1919-245, 09/10/1919, refers to the appointment of an elderly Brother as Honorary Past Senior Grand Deacon.

Sec. 230. GRAND STEWARDS

Four Grand Stewards shall be appointed annually. It shall be their duty to attend all processions under the direction of the Grand Master and to perform such other services as he may require of them.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 7th, II-9
    • "Item 1: The Grand Deacons, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, and Grand Sword-Bearer must be Master Masons."
    • "Item 2: The Grand Stewards shall attend in preparing the Feast, on a regular Summons for that purpose; and they shall always see that the tables are regularly and Masonically spread."
  • GC1792: Section 10th, Item 1; II-10; The Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary shall make all necessary preparations for every Grand Feast, and they shall be assisted by the Grand Stewards or some general undertaker."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 8; II-520; "The Grand Senior Steward shall have in his charge all the jewels, clothing and furniture of the Grand Lodge, and at the Annual Communication and previous to the choice of officers, he shall render an accurate inventory of everything committed to his care; shall deliver the same to his successor in office, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Treasurer. He shall, with the assistance of his Brother Stewards, properly distribute the jewels and clothing, and collect the same at the closing of the Lodge, and shall, under the direction of the Grand Marshal, provide suitable refreshment for the Grand Lodge at every Communication."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 9, III-229; "The Senior Grand Steward shall have in his charge all the jewels, clothing and furniture of the Grand Lodge; and at the annual communication and previous to the choice of officers, he shall render an accurate inventory of every thing committed to his care; shall deliver the same to his successor in office, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Treasurer. He shall with the assistance of his brother Stewards properly distribute the jewels and cloathing, and collect the same at the closing of the Grand Lodge; and shall under the direction of the Grand Marshal, provide suitably for the Grand Lodge at every communication."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:14, IV-630; "There shall be four Grand Stewards annually appointed. The Senior Grand Steward shall have in his charge all the jewels, clothing and furniture of the Grand Lodge; and at the annual communication and previous to the choice of officers, he shall render an accurate inventory of every thing committed to his care; shall deliver the same to his successor in office, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Treasurer. He shall, with the assistance of his brother Stewards, properly distribute the jewels and clothing, and collect the same at the closing of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-47, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Four Grand Stewards shall be annually appointed. The Senior Grand Steward shall have in his charge all the jewels, clothing and furniture of the Grand Lodge; and at the annual communication and previous to the choice of officers, shall render an accurate inventory of every thing committed to his care; and deliver the same to his successor in office, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Treasurer. He shall, with the assistance of his brother Stewards, properly distribute the jewels and clothing, and collect the same at the closing of the Grand Lodge."
    • Proposed 12/11/1895, 1895-312, adopted 03/11/1896, 1896-35, to read: "There shall be four Grand Stewards annually appointed. The Senior Grand Steward shall, with the assistance of his brother Stewards, properly distribute the jewels and clothing, and collect the same at the closing of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, to read: "Four Grand Stewards shall be annually appointed. It shall be their duty to attend all processions under the direction of the Grand Master and to perform such other services as he may require from them."
  • GC1918: Section 231; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 230; 1930-102
  • GC1953: Section 230

References

none.


Sec. 231. GRAND SWORD BEARER

The Grand Sword Bearer shall assist the Grand Marshal, and, in the absence of his principal, shall act as his substitute.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 7th, II-9
    • "Item 1: "The Grand Deacons, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, and Grand Sword-Bearer must be Master Masons."'
    • "Item 3: "The Grand Marshal shall attend the Grand Feast, and assist the Grand Master in the order and arrangement of the Day; and the Grand Sword-Bearer shall attend on all public occasions."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 9; II-520; "The Grand Sword Bearer is to attend the Grand Master and assist the Grand Marshal in the discharge of his duties."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 10, III-230; "The Grand Sword Bearer is to attend the Grand Master and assist the Grand Marshal in the discharge of his duties."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:15, IV-630
  • GC1918: Section 232; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 231; 1930-102
  • GC1953: Section 231; 1953-43, approved 1953-197

References

  • II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to revisions incorporated into GC1811.
  • IV-614, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1843.

Sec. 232. GRAND STANDARD BEARER

The Grand Standard Bearer shall carry the standard in processions if directed so to do and, at other times, shall assist the Grand Marshal.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 2:1; adopted 09/14/1865, VII-26 (1865-19); "We find upon examination that the only material change made by the proposed amendments, is in the appointment of an additional Officer to be styled W. Gd. Standard Bearer. Presuming that this G. Lodge will have, as it has heretofore had, a suitable Banner or Standard, we believe there should be a proper custodian, in the person of a G. Standard Bearer."
  • GC1918: Section 233; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 232; 1930-103
  • GC1953: Section 232; 1953-43, approved 1953-197

References

none.


Sec. 233. GRAND PURSUIVANTS

Two Grand Pursuivants shall be appointed annually. Under the direction of the Grand Marshal, they shall attend to the admission, seating, and proper clothing of officers, members, and visitors. They shall also assist the Grand Marshal in processions and other ceremonies.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 9; II-520; "The Grand Pursuivants are to guard the inner door of the Lodge and precede all processions under the direction of the Grand Marshal."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 10, III-230; "The Grand Pursuivants are to guard the inner door of the Grand Lodge and precede all processions under the direction of the Grand Marshal."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:16, IV-631; "There shall be two Grand Pursuivants annually appointed. Their stations shall be at the inner door of the Grand Lodge, and it shall be their duty to attend to the admission of the officers, members and visitors, to see that they appear in Grand Lodge suitably clothed, and under the direction of the Grand Marshal, that they take their proper stations. They shall also assist the Grand Marshal and precede in all public processions of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Two Grand Pursuivants shall be annually appointed. Their stations shall be at the inner door of the Grand Lodge, and under the direction of the Grand Marshal they shall attend to the admission, seating and proper clothing of the officers, members and visitors. They shall also assist the Grand Marshal and precede in all public processions of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, replacing "stations shall be at" with "stations shall be near".
  • GC1918: Section 234; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 233; 1930-103
  • GC1953: Section 233

References

  • II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1811.
  • IV-615, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1843.

Sec. 234. GRAND ORGANIST

The Grand Organist shall act as organist of the Grand Lodge when directed so to do and shall receive such compensation as may be approved by the Board of Directors.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 09/14/1865, VII-27: "No provision is made for the appointment of such an officer {Grand Organist}. The proposed amendment provides for the appointment of a G. Organist; but does not by virtue of such appointment give him a vote in G. Lodge."
    • 1863-Supp20: The Grand Constitutions included in the 1863 original Proceedings include the Grand Organist in the list of officers, along with a description of his jewel and place in processions.
  • GC1918: Section 235; 1918-347
  • GC1930: Section 234; 1930-103
  • GC1953: Section 234

References

none.


Sec. 235. GRAND TYLER

The Grand Tyler shall guard the outer door and see that none enter previously to the opening of the Grand Lodge, except officers and members, unless by special permission of the Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 8th, II-9; "The Grand Tyler shall attend every call of the Grand Master and be present at every Grand Lodge; for which services he shall be rewarded from time to time according to his merit."
  • GC1811: Chapter II, Section 9; II-520; The Grand Tyler is to guard the outer door."
  • GC1819: Chapter 4, Section 10, III-230; "The Grand Tiler is to guard the outer door."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:19, IV-631 (originally Section 18): "The Grand Tyler is to guard the outer door and see that none enter, previously to the opening of the Grand Lodge, except the officers and members, unless by special permission of the Grand Master."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87; change "is to" to "shall".
  • GC1918: Section 236; 1918-347; In this revision, the following sentence appears: "He shall be the custodian, under orders of the Grand Master, of the regalia and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1930: Section 235; 1930-103; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 235; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to revisions incorporated into GC1811.

Sec. 236. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRAND OFFICERS: PAST MASTER

No Brother shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, District Deputy Grand Master, or Grand Lecturer, unless he be a Past Master of a Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 6, II-7; "No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, or Grand Warden shall during his continuance in office be Master or Warden to, or representative of, a particular Lodge; and no Brother shall be eligible for either of said offices, who has not passed the Chair of some regular Lodge, to be made known by proper vouchers."
  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 11; II-516; "The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Grand Recording Secretary, Grand Corresponding Secretary, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons, to be eligible to their offices, shall have passed the Chair of a regular Lodge. They shall not (the Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons excepted) be Master, Warden or proxy of any subordinate Lodge, and no Brother shall be appointed to any other office in the Grand Lodge (except to the office of Grand Chaplain and Tyler, unless he be a Present or Past Master of a regular Lodge."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 10, III-223; "The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, Corresponding Grand Secretary, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons, to be eligible to their offices, shall have passed the Chair of a regular Lodge. They shall not (the Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons excepted) be master, warden or proxy of any subordinate Lodge; and no brother shall be appointed to any other office in the Grand Lodge, except to the office of Grand Chaplain or Tiler, unless he be a present or past master or warden of a regular Lodge."
  • GC1843: Part First, 5:1, IV-621; "No Brother shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, Corresponding Grand Secretary, or District Deputy Grand Master, unless he be a Past Master. And neither of the Officers here specially enumerated, shall, during his continuance in Office, be Master or Warden of a subordinate Lodge."
    • Amended 12/27/1864, VI-559: after the words "Past Master" in the first sentence, add: "of a subordinate Lodge, under the jurisdiction of some Grand Lodge, or have heretofore held one of the aforesaid offices in this Grand Lodge." Note that there is an extensive report by the Committee detailing the definition of a Past Master beginning on Page VI-559.
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, removing the phrase "or have heretofore held one of the aforesaid offices in this Grand Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 237; 1918-347; in this revision, the section uses the term "under the jurisdiction of some Grand Lodge".
  • GC1930: Section 236; 1930-103; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 236; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • 1915-44, 03/10/1915, refers to the election of a member of the Board of Masonic Relief to replaced a deceased member.

Sec. 237. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRAND OFFICERS: MEMBER OF MASSACHUSETTS LODGE

No Brother shall be eligible to an office in Grand Lodge except he be a permanent member thereof, or a member of a particular Lodge of this jurisdiction.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 10, III-223; "The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, Corresponding Grand Secretary, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons, to be eligible to their offices, shall have passed the Chair of a regular Lodge. They shall not (the Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons excepted) be master, warden or proxy of any subordinate Lodge; and no brother shall be appointed to any other office in the Grand Lodge, except to the office of Grand Chaplain or Tiler, unless he be a present or past master or warden of a regular Lodge."
  • GC1843: Part First, 5:2, IV-621
  • GC1918: Section 238; 1918-347
  • GC1930: Section 237; 1930-104
  • GC1953: Section 237

References

  • IV-614, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1843.

Sec. 238. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRAND OFFICERS: TERM LIMITS FOR GRAND MASTER AND GRAND WARDENS

The Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall not be eligible to their respective offices for more than three years successively, except by unanimous vote of Grand Lodge, taken by ballot at the Annual Communication.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of St. John's Grand Lodge: 10/11/1754, I-35: "Voted That when a Petition shall be Sent to the Grand Master of England for appointment of a Grand Master of North America it shall be desired that Such Grand Master be continued in the Chair for Three Years and no longer."
  • Vote of St. John's Grand Lodge: 01/22/1768, I-131: "Upon a Motion made and Seconded, it was unanimously Voted, that a Committee be chosen to Write to the Rt. Worshipful Grand Master of England, in behalf of this Grand Lodge, to Request of him a Deputation for the Rt. Worshipfull John Rowe Esqr. now Grand Master Elect, which Deputation to be for only three Years, agreeable to a Preceding Vote in this Grand Lodge."
  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 1, II-6; In this revision, the section reads: "A Grand Master shall be annually chosen, on the evening of the second Monday in December; and no person shall be eligible for the Office, more than three years successively."
  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 12; II-517; "The Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall not be eligible more than three years, successively."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 11, III-224; "The Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall not be eligible more than three Years successively."
  • GC1843: Part First, 6:3, IV-622; "The Grand Master shall not be eligible more than three Years successively, except by unanimous vote of Grand Lodge, taken by ballot, at the annual meeting, on the question of renomination. If the ballot be clear in the affirmative, he may again be put in nomination for re-election."
    • Amended 1878-46, 06/12/1878, revised 1878-87, 09/11/1878, to read: "The Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall not be eligible to their respective office more than three years successively, except by unanimous vote of Grand Lodge, taken by ballot, at the annual meeting, on the question of renomination. If the ballot be clear in the affirmative, they may again be put in nomination for re-election."
  • GC1918: Section 239; 1918-347
  • GC1930: Section 238; 1930-104
  • GC1953: Section 238

References

  • IV-614, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1843.
  • 1868-36, 12/09/1868, refers to a portion of the address by Grand Master Dame with respect to the limitation on the term of office.

Sec. 239. ELECTED GRAND OFFICERS

The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication, the election to commence at a time designated by the Grand Master. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary for a choice.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792 includes the following sections:
    • Section 3rd, Item 1, II-6; "A Grand Master shall be annually chosen, on the evening of the second Monday in December; and no person shall be eligible for the Office, more than three years successively."
    • Section 3rd, Item 2, II-7; "In the election of the Grand Master a ballot at large shall be taken (every voter writing the Candidate he thinks best qualified) and the Brother who has two thirds of the votes present, shall be declared Grand Master and installed in Due Form according to ancient usage."
    • Section 4th, II-8; "The Grand Wardens shall be chosen in the same manner as the Grand Master (Section 3, Article 2) and with the same restrictions (Section 3, Article 1)."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-151, 12/09/1799; "That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge, at this time, that in the election of Grand Officers the ballots shall be taken individually."
  • GC1811 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter I, Section 6, II-516; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Recording Secretary shall be chosen by ballot. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the two others."
    • Chapter I, Section 7, II-516; "The choice shall be made on the second Monday in December annually, to commence at 8 o'clock P.M."
  • GC1819 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter 3, Section 5, III-222; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Recording Secretary shall be chosen by ballot. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the two other officers."
    • Chapter 3, Section 6, III-222; "The choice shall be made on the second Wednesday in December annually, to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. The officers shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Evangelist; and when that Festival shall happen on a Sunday, the installation shall be on the next day."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/13/1838, IV-454; a committee appointed to consider election of the Deputy Grand Master noted "The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage, the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to.—To justify the proposed alteration in this particular, there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee, they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
  • GC1843: Part First, 6:1, IV-621; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Recording Secretary, shall be chosen by ballot, on the second Wednesday in December, annually; the election to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary."'
    • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-335, 1860-24: substitute "three o'clock" for "8 o'clock" above as the hour for election of officers.
    • Amended 03/13/1872, 1872-27, replacing the last sentence with the words: "Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice."
    • Proposed 09/08/1897, 1897-169, an amendment to this section requiring the recommendation of at least ten members of the Grand Lodge, provided at least fourteen days before the December Quarterly Communication. The committee suggested that this would improperly introduce politics and "the unseemly spectacle of a scramble for office under the latest and most approved methods of political warfare." The amendment was rejected.
  • GC1843: Part First, 6:4, IV-622; "The Grand Wardens shall be subject to the same regulations, as in the Case of Grand Master, except that the Junior Grand Warden may be advanced to the rank of Senior Grand Warden."
    • 1856-26 (VI-24 through VI-30), 06/11/1856, refers to amendments and revisions made at that quarterly meeting.
    • Section removed 06/12/1878, 1878-46, as its provisions were included in Part First, 6:3.
  • GC1918: Section 240; 1918-348; This section is labeled "Election of Grand Officers".
  • GC1930: Section 239; 1930-104; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 239; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication; the election to commence at three o'clock p. m. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to a choice."
  • GC1989: In this revision, the text was originally the same as GC1953.
    • Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to read: "The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication; Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to a choice."
    • Proposed 06/11/2003, 2003-70, amended 12/10/2003, 2003-149, to the current language.

References

  • 1883-264, 12/12/1883, refers to a proposal made at Grand Lodge by Rt. Wor. Bro. Henry G. Fay. Brother Fay "asked permission to present the merits of one of the candidates for the office of Grand Master. A short discussion ensued, in which allusion was made to the importance of maintaining freedom of speech in the Grand Lodge, while, on the other hand, it was urged that the presentation of the qualifications of candidates at that time would establish a precedent dangerous to the harmony and welfare of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master stated that the Constitutions provided that the Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Recording Grand Secretary should be elected at the Annual Communication, the election to commence at 3 o'clock P.M.; and that the stated time had arrived. As the point of order which had been raised was a new one, and of great importance, and its decision would establish a precedent, it seemed to him eminently proper that it should be decided by the Grand Lodge itself. To enable it to do so, he would put the question in this form: — 'Is it your pleasure that the Grand Lodge should proceed immediately to the election of a Grand Master?' The question was taken by a rising vote, and decided in the affirmative, by a large majority."
  • 1915-43, 03/10/1915, refers to the election of a Director to replace a deceased Director. "The Committee appointed to receive and count votes reported that 615 votes had been cast . . . and asked for a ruling as to whether or not a two-thirds vote is required for an election." The Grand Master cited the Grand Constitutions and declared Rt. Wor. Matthew John Whittall elected.

Sec. 240. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Three Directors shall be elected at each Annual Communication to serve for three years. Each Director may serve not more than two consecutive three year terms. Each elected Director shall not stand for re-election after their second term until at least one year has elapsed.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 1:2, VI-334, 12/12/1860; "The Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden and five other Members of the Grand Lodge to be elected at large, be and hereby are constituted a Board of Directors with full powers to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation, in any way relating to its property, real or personal. The Grand Master, or, in case of his absence or disability, the Senior Grand Warden or in absence of the latter the Junior Grand Warden, to be the presiding officer of such Board, and the Recording Grand Secretary to be its recording officer. Meetings of said Board to be called and notified in such manner and at such times as they shall determine; and the action of a majority of the Board to be binding; said Board, however, to be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation."
    • Amended 09/08/1869, VII-388 (1869-82) as follows:
      • "The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom, four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.
      • "At the Annual election in December 1869 four directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for one year, and four, two of each class for two years. At each Annual meeting thereafter, four Directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any stated meeting of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term, the Director so chosen to be of the class vacated.
      • "The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation [and] who shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified."
      • "The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master."
      • See sections above.
  • GC1918: Section 241; 1918-348; In this revision, four directors are elected at each Annual Communication to serve for two years.
  • GC1930: Section 240; 1930-104; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 240; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • Proposed 03/09/1994, 1994-57; amended 06/08/1994, 1994-95, to the current language.

References

  • 1915-43, 03/10/1915, refers to the election of a Director to replace a deceased Director. "The Committee appointed to receive and count votes reported that 615 votes had been cast . . . and asked for a ruling as to whether or not a two-thirds vote is required for an election." The Grand Master cited the Grand Constitutions and declared Rt. Wor. Matthew John Whittall elected.

Sec. 241. APPOINTED GRAND OFFICERS

All Grand Officers not herein designated for election shall be appointed by the Grand Master, who may revoke the appointment or suspend the powers of any such officer at his will and pleasure.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 4, II-7; "The Grand Master shall appoint and commission his Deputy, under the seal of the Grand Lodge; and he shall appoint and declare all other Grand Officers, excepting the Grand Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary."
  • GC1843: Part First, 6:5, IV-622; in this revision, the words "who may revoke the appointment or suspend the powers of any such officer at his will and pleasure" do not appear.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/13/1838, IV-454; a committee appointed to consider election of the Deputy Grand Master noted "The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage, the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to.—To justify the proposed alteration in this particular, there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee, they ask to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject."
  • GC1918: Section 242; 1918-348; in this revision, the words "who may revoke the appointment or suspend the powers of any such officer at his will and pleasure" do not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 241; 1930-104; in this revision, the words "who may revoke the appointment or suspend the powers of any such officer at his will and pleasure" do not appear.
  • GC1953: Section 241; in this revision, the words "who may revoke the appointment or suspend the powers of any such officer at his will and pleasure" do not appear.

References

none.


Sec. 242. INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS: BY PREDECESSOR

The officers of Grand Lodge (except District Grand Master) shall be annually installed at the Stated Communication. The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor; or, in his absence, by the senior Past Grand Master present; and, in the absence of all Past Grand Masters, by the senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of a St. John's Grand Lodge Committee for Instalment: 08/25/1755, I-41: "agreed as Follows. — Vizt.
    • First, — That there shall be a Publick Procession upon the last Wednesday in Sept. next that being the day appointed by the Grand Master.
    • Secondly, — Agreed that Our Right Worshipfull Brother Leigh be desired to write to Brother Brown of Portsmouth and desire him to come to Town to Preach a Sermon on said day at The Revd Doct. Cutler's Church.
    • Thirdly. — That the Procession shall begin at such Place as the Grand Master shall appoint to Church all Cloathed, and after Church the Brethren to March back in the Same order to Concert Hall.
    • Fourthly, — That notice be given by Each Master to the Members of the Several Lodges, and Each Member to Signify whether he will attend or no and Such as will attend to deposit One dollar."
  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 7, II-516, concerning the installation of Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Recording Secretary; "They shall be installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Evangelist; and when that Festival happens on a Sunday, the installation shall be on the next day."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 6, III-222; "The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor, or such Past Grand Master as the Grand Lodge may designate for the purpose; or when it is not a new choice, by the Senior Past Grand Master present."
  • GC1843: Part First, 7:1, IV-622; "The officers of the Grand Lodge, elected and appointed, shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Baptist. When that festival shall happen on Sunday, the installation shall take place on the following day. The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor; or in his absence, by the Senior Past Grand Master present; and in the absence of such Past Grand Master, by the Senior Past Master present."
    • Amended 03/11/1863, VI-448 (1863-4), to read: "The officers of the Gd. Lodge, elected and appointed, shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Evangelist. But whenever that Festival shall happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday the Installation shall take place on the following Tuesday at 6 o'clk P. M." '
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/11/1878, removing the phrase "elected and appointed".
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, replacing "on the ensuing" with "at the Communication held to celebrate"; remove the last sentence.
  • GC1918: Section 243; 1918-348; In this revision, the word "the" appears before "Grand Lodge", and "District Grand Masters" is plural; the words "at the Communication to celebrate the Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist" is used instead of "at the Stated Communication". Instead of "senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present", the text reads "the Senior Past Master present."
  • GC1930: Section 242; 1930-104; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 242; 1953-43, approved 1953-197; In this revision, Instead of "senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present", the text reads "the Senior Past Master present."

References

  • I-148, 11/23/1768, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Rowe, including the installation, procession and the remarks of the new Grand Master and the reading of his commission.
  • II-116, 12/27/1797, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Bartlett.
  • IV-419, 01/16/1837, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Flint.
  • VI-476 (1869-147), 12/28/1869, describes the Feast of St. John the Evangelist in 1869; Grand Lodge is opened by Past Grand Master Dame as "Past Grand Master, Presiding," for the installation of Grand Master Gardner for his second term.
  • 1871-397 12/13/1871, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Nickerson; the presiding Grand Master "stated that he should conduct the installation strictly in accordance with the form and ritual made use of by Provincial Grand Master Henry Price when he inducted John Rowe into office, in 1768.
  • 1873-156, 12/30/1873, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Nickerson.
  • 1874-155, 12/29/1874, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Everett.
  • 1877-291, 12/27/1877, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Welch.
  • 1880-173, 12/28/1880, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Lawrence.
  • 1883-289, 12/27/1883, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Howland.
  • 1884-215, 12/10/1884, describes in detail the installation of Grand Master Howland.

Sec. 243. INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS: BY GRAND MASTER

The Grand Master is requested to install the elective officers, his Deputy, and his District Deputies. The remaining officers may be installed by the Deputy Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 8, II-516; "After the installation of the Grand Master, he shall install the Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and the Grand Recording Secretary; appoint and install the other officers necessary to the due organization of the Grand Lodge, and appoint the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall issue commissions under the Grand Seal to the Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Marshal. Absent officers may be installed by suitable proxies."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 7, III-223; "After the installation of the Grand Master, he shall install the Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and the Grand Recording Secretary; appoint and install the other officers necessary to the due organization of the Grand Lodge, and appoint the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall issue commissions under the grand seal to the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Marshal."
  • GC1843: Part First, 7:3, IV-623; "The Grand Master, if present, shall install the elective officers and his Deputy. If absent, his proxy shall install the Deputy Grand Master, who shall install the remaining officers. The appointed officers may be installed by the Deputy Grand Master. In case of the absence of the Deputy Grand Master, either of the Grand Wardens, the Grand Treasurer or the Grand Recording Secretary, they may be installed by proxies who shall be past officers of corresponding rank, or Past Masters of subordinate Lodges, and members of the Grand Lodge. The proxies for all other officers, except Grand Chaplain and Tyler, must be members of the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87; change "In case of the absence of the Deputy Grand Master . . . " to "In the absence of the Deputy Grand Master . . ."
  • GC1918: Section 244; 1918-348
  • GC1930: Section 243; 1930-105
  • GC1953: Section 243

References

none


Sec. 244. OFFICIAL OBLIGATION

The several Grand Officers, previous to their Installation, shall make the following declaration:

I solemnly promise, upon the honor of a Mason, that, in the office of _______, I will, according to the best of my abilities, strictly comply with the Constitutions and Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and all other ancient Masonic usages, so far as the same shall come to my knowledge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 8, II-9; "The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, shall severally, at the time of their installation, make the following declaration: I solemnly promise upon the honor of a Mason that in the office of ----- I will, according to the best of my abilities, strictly comply with the Laws and Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and all other ancient Masonic usages."
  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 9, II-516; "All the Grand Officers, previous to their installation, shall make the following declaration: I solemnly swear, upon the honor of a Mason, that in the office of ----- I will, according to the best of my abilities, strictly comply with all the Laws and Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and all other ancient Masonic usages."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 8, III-223; "The several grand officers previous to their installation, shall make the following declaration: I solemnly promise upon the honor of a Mason, that in the office of ----- I will, according to the best of my abilities, strictly comply with the laws and regulations of this Grand Lodge, and all other antient Masonic usages."
  • GC1843: Part First, 7:4, IV-623; "The several Grand Officers, previous to their installation, shall make the following declaration: I solemnly promise upon the honor of a Mason, that in the office of -----, I will, according to the best of my ability, strictly comply with the Constitutions and Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and all other ancient Masonic usages, so far as the same shall come to my knowledge."
  • GC1918: Section 245; 1918-349
  • GC1930: Section 244; 1930-105
  • GC1953: Section 244

References

  • 1904-105 appears to be spurious, as it applies to gaining admission to a lodge.

Sec. 245. INSTALLATION BY PROXY: GRAND MASTER

In case the Grand Master-elect cannot attend at the time appointed for his installation, he may be installed by proxy, on signifying his acceptance of the office. But such proxy must be a Past Grand Master, or the senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 3, II-7; "In case of sickness or necessary absence, the Grand Master or any other Officer may be installed by proxy, but whoever represents him must have sustained the office to which such absent officer is to be installed."
  • GC1811: Chapter 1, Section 8, II-516; "Absent officers may be installed by suitable proxies."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 7, III-223; "Absent officers may be installed by suitable proxies."
  • GC1843: Part First, 7:1, IV-623; "In case the Grand Master elect cannot attend at the time appointed for his installation, he may be installed by proxy, or signifying his acceptance of the office. But such proxy must be a Past Grand Master, or the Senior Past Master, present."
  • GC1918: Section 246; 1918-349
  • GC1930: Section 245; 1930-105
  • GC1953: Section 245; In this revision, the last phrase reads: "or the Senior Past Master present."

References

  • III-574, 12/27/1825: "The M. W. John Abbot, Grand Master elect for the ensuing year appeared by his proxy R. W. John Dixwell who was duly installed by R. W. Francis J. Oliver and conducted to the Chair of Solomon."

Sec. 246. INSTALLATION BY PROXY: DUTIES IF GRAND MASTER ABSENT

If the Grand Master is absent, his proxy shall install the Deputy Grand Master, who shall install the remaining officers. In the absence of the Deputy Grand Master, either of the Grand Wardens, the Grand Treasurer, or Grand Secretary, they may be installed by proxies, who shall be past officers of corresponding rank, or Past Masters of subordinate Lodges and members of this Grand Lodge. The proxies for all other officers, except Grand Chaplain and Tyler, must also be members of this Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Article 3d, II-7; "In case of sickness or necessary absence, the Grand Master or any other Officer may be installed by proxy, but whoever represents him must have sustained the office to which such absent officer is to be installed."
  • GC1811: Chapter 1, Section 8, II-516; "After the installation of the Grand Master, he shall install the Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and the Grand Recording Secretary; appoint and install the other officers necessary to the due organization of the Grand Lodge, and appoint the District Deputy Grand Masters; shall issue commissions under the Grand Seal to the Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Marshal. Absent officers may be installed by suitable proxies."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 6, III-223; "The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor, or such Past Grand Master as the Grand Lodge may designate for the purpose; or when it is not a new choice, by the Senior Past Grand Master present."
  • GC1843: Part First, 7:2, IV-623; "In case the Grand Master elect cannot attend at the time appointed for his installation, he may be installed by proxy, or signifying his acceptance of the office. But such proxy must be a Past Grand Master, or the Senior Past Master, present."
  • GC1918: Section 247; 1918-349; In this revision, instead of "senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present", the text reads "the Senior Past Master present."
  • GC1930: Section 246; 1930-105; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 246

References

none


Sec. 247. INSTALLATION: PROCLAMATION AND TENURE

All Grand Officers, when installed, shall be proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, and shall retain their stations until their successors are duly elected and installed.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 10, II-516; "All Grand Officers, elected or appointed, when installed, shall be proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, and shall retain their stations until their successors are duly elected and installed."
  • GC1819: Chapter 3, Section 9, III-223; "All Grand Officers, elected or appointed, when installed, shall be proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, and shall retain their stations until their successors are duly elected and installed."
  • GC1843: Part First, 7:5, IV-624; "All Grand Officers, elected or appointed, when installed, shall be proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, and shall retain their stations until their successors are duly elected and installed."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to conform with above text.
  • GC1918: Section 248; 1918-350
  • GC1930: Section 247; 1930-106
  • GC1953: Section 247

References

none


Sec. 248. INSTALLATION: NO ACTION PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

No elected officer of the Grand Lodge, except a Director, shall act as such until he is duly installed.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 7:6, IV-624; "No elected officer of the Grand Lodge, or of any subordinate Lodge, shall act as such, until he is duly installed."
    • Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-88, by removing "or of any subordinate Lodge".
  • GC1918: Section 249; 1918-350
  • GC1930: Section 248; 1930-106
  • GC1953: Section 248

References

none.


Sec. 249. INSTALLATION: COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

Newly elected Directors shall enter upon their duties at the close of the annual installation ceremonies.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Article 7, Section 6, IV-624; "No elected officer of the Grand Lodge, or of any subordinate Lodge, shall act as such, until he is duly installed."
    • Amended 09/08/1869, VII-388; "New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master."
  • GC1918: Section 250; 1918-350
  • GC1930: Section 249; 1930-106
  • GC1953: Section 249

References

none.


Sec. 250. VACANCIES: ELECTED OFFICERS

In case of the death, disability, resignation, or declination of any elective officer, the Grand Lodge may, after due notice, proceed to elect and install a successor at any subsequent regular Communication. In the interim, the Grand Master may appoint and qualify a suitable Brother to act until the office is filled as aforesaid, except that a vacancy in the office of Director shall be filled only by election by the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 6:2, IV-621; "In the case of the death, resignation, or declination, of any of the above Grand Officers, the Grand Lodge may proceed to elect and install a successor, at any regular Communication after such event."
    • Amended 09/08/1869, VII-388; "Vacancies may be filled at any stated meeting of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term, the Director so chosen to be of the class vacated."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46, to include the following text: "In case of the death, disability, resignation, or declination of the Grand Treasurer or Recording Grand Secretary, the Grand Master may appoint and qualify a suitable Brother to act in the office thus vacated, until an election by the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 251; 1918-350
  • GC1930: Section 250; 1930-106
  • GC1953: Section 250; 1953-43, approved 1953-197

References

none.


Sec. 251. VACANCIES: APPOINTED OFFICERS

In case of vacancy, temporary or permanent, for any cause in any appointive office, the Grand Master may act at his pleasure.

Earlier Revisions

References

none


Sec. 252. SEAL

The seal of the Grand Lodge shall bear the arms, crest, and supporters of this Grand Lodge impaled with those of the State, as described below, and surrounded by the legend, "Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, A.F. &A.M., 1733."

  • Arms. — Per pale. Dexter, sable, a chevron, or, between three castles proper, masoned of the field; on the chevron a pair of compasses extended chevronwise, proper. Sinister, azure, an Indian armed with bow and arrows proper; in dexter chief a mullet, or; for Massachusetts.
  • Crest. — A dove, close, bearing an olive branch in its beak, all proper.
  • Supporters. — Two beavers, proper.
  • Motto. — On a ribbon, FOLLOW REASON, an old translation of the motto upon the arms and seal affixed to the commission of our first Provincial Grand Master, and the original on our own.

This shall be the Seal of the Corporation, to be kept and used by the Grand Secretary.

GrandLodgeSeal2012.jpg

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of St. John's Grand Lodge, 07/10/1752, I-22: "Voted that a Silver Seal be Cutt with the Masons Arms for the use of all the Lodges in Boston to be kept by the Grand Secretary."
  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge, 12/03/1770, I-233: "Voted, That Br. Revere cut a Seal for their Gd. Lodge & that the Money arrising from the Charters of the Massatts. and Tyrian Lodge be paid him on acct."
  • GC1819: Chapter 1, Section 2; III-218; "The Grand Lodge shall have a common Seal."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/27/1820, III-331: "That a Committee be raised to procure a sword for the Grand Marshal, and also such Regalia as may be wanted in Grand Lodge." Presumably this also implied a seal for the use of the Recording Grand Secretary and the Grand Treasurer. This committee reported on 03/14/1821, III-339, that they had only procured a sword and a needed collar for a District Deputy due to "the present state of the Funds and the great expenses which the Grand Lodge will be obliged to pay in a short time."
  • GC1843: Part First, 1:1; 12/12/1860; "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.
    • "The seal of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge shall bear the arms, crest, and supporters of this Grand Lodge impaled with those of the State, as described below, and surrounded by the legend, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, A. F. & A. M., 1733.
    • Arms. — Per pale. Dexter, sable, a chevron, or, between three castles proper, masoned of the field; on the chevron a pair of compasses extended chevronwise, proper. Sinister, azure, an Indian armed with bow and arrows proper; in dexter chief a mullet, or; for Massachusetts.
    • Crest. — A dove, close, bearing an olive branch in its beak, all proper.
    • Supporters. — Two beavers, proper.
    • Motto. — On a ribbon, FOLLOW REASON, an old translation of the motto upon the arms and seal affixed to the commission of our first Provincial Grand Master, and the original on our own."
      • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-45, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The seal heretofore used . . ."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/11/1857, VI-116; an extensive report describing a revised seal for the Grand Lodge. A new seal, different from the description offered in this report, was adopted as part of the 1859 Act of Incorporation, as noted on VI-239.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/13/1865, VII-26, regarding the addition of a Grand Standard Bearer, and that the Grand Lodge "will have, as it has heretofore had, a suitable Banner or Standard."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/13/1880, 1880-24, regarding the revision of the seal of the Grand Lodge, based on a communication from Past Grand Master Dame, 1878-21, 03/13/1878. This report contains a detailed history of the seal. The new design was adopted as follows:
    • "The seal of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts shall hereafter bear the arms, crest, and supporters of this Grand Lodge, impaled with those 6f the State, as described below, and surrounded by the legend, GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1733.
    • "ARMS: — Per pale. Dexter, Sable, a chevron or, between three castles proper, masoned of the field; on the chevron a pair of compasses extended chevronwise, proper. Sinister, Azure, an Indian armed with bow and arrows proper; in dexter chief a mullet or: for Massachusetts.
    • "CREST. A dove, close, bearing an olive-branch in its beak, all proper.
    • "SUPPORTERS. Two beavers, proper.
    • "MOTTO. On a ribbon, FOLLOW REASON, the old translation of the motto upon the arms and seal affixed to the commission of our first Provincial Grand Master and the original motto on our own."
    • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/08/1880, on the preparation of the seal; "Your committee therefore renew their recommendation that the resolution be adopted, providing for a new seal for this Grand Lodge . . . and that the use of the new seal commence from and after the second Wednesday, in March, 1881, the date of our next Quarterly Communication."
  • GC1918: Section 255; 1918-353
  • GC1930: Section 252; 1930-107
  • GC1953: Section 252

References

  • 1910-45, 03/09/1910, does not refer to the Grand Lodge Seal.
  • 1918-319, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.

Sec. 253. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON CHARTERS AND BY-LAWS

There shall be a Committee on Charters and By-Laws, to consist of three members, who, under the direction of the Grand Master, shall have authority, when the Grand Lodge is not in session, to approve By-Laws and amendments to By-Laws of Lodges, provided the same are in conformity to the regulations of this Grand Lodge and the ancient usages, customs, and landmarks of Freemasonry. A record of the By-Laws as approved shall be kept in the office of the Grand Secretary, who shall certify the approval to the Lodge under the seal of the Grand Lodge. The Committee shall make reports of their doings at each Quarterly Communication, and shall recommend to the Grand Lodge such further action in reference to Charters and By-Laws as may be required and cannot be had under the provisions of this Section.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/11/1857, VI-108 (1857-11): "That a committee of three be appointed to sit during the recess of the Gd. Lodge, with full powers to examine and approve or disapprove of the By-Laws of subordinate Lodges and all alterations therein and report to the next meeting of the Gd Lodge and also to request all subordinate Lodges to furnish said committee with a copy of their By Laws."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 1:2; adopted 03/12/1890, 1890-18; "The M.W. Grand Master shall annually appoint a Committee on Charters and By-Laws, to consist of three members, who, under the direction of the Grand Master, shall have authority, when the Grand Lodge is not in session, to approve By-Laws and amendments to By-Laws of subordinate Lodges, provided the same are in conformity to the regulations of this Grand Lodge and the ancient usages, customs and landmarks of Freemasonry. A record of the By-Laws as approved shall be kept in the office of the Recording Grand Secretary, who shall certify the approval to the Lodge, under the seal of the Grand Lodge. The Committee shall make report of their doings at each Quarterly Communication, and shall recommend to the Grand Lodge such further action in reference to Charters and By-Laws as may be required and cannot be had under the provisions of this Section."
  • GC1918: Section 256; 1918-354
  • GC1930: Section 253; 1930-108
  • GC1953: Section 253

References

  • 1927-105, 06/08/1927, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Simpson on the power of Grand Lodge with regard to Lodge By-Laws. "It is not uncommonly supposed that the Grand Lodge has approved By-Laws, and that they have thus become binding, even on the Grand Lodge itself, and whether or not they are in conformity to the Grand Constitutions, or to the laws, usages, customs and landmarks of Freemasonry. It is not pertinent to the present discussion whether the By-Law of a Lodge would be binding upon Grand Lodge against any subsequent change made by Grand Lodge, if specifically approved by it. But in order that there may be no misinterpretation of what is here said, I think I ought to say that I am wholly of the opinion that it is within the power of the Grand Lodge to alter, amend or repeal a Lodge By-Law at any time, or to adopt a law which contravenes a By-Law, whether said By-Law has been approved by Grand Lodge or not."
  • 1952-113, 03/12/1952, refers to direction by Grand Master Roy regarding the filing of requests. "Every month we have requests for changes in by-laws on behalf of the Lodges. It is my direction that all such by-law changes be filed in duplicate."

Sec. 254. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY

There shall be a Library Committee, to consist of three members, who, under the direction of the Board of Directors, shall have charge of the Library.

Earlier Revisions

  • Committee Report to Grand Lodge, 03/13/1815, II-620; "The committee to whom was referred a communication from the R.W. and Rev'd Thaddeus M. Harris, on the subject of a Library for the use of the Grand Lodge, and the purchase for that purpose of certain Masonic books in his possession, have taken it into consideration and being fully convinced that a Masonic Library, procured and kept for the use of the Grand Lodge and its branches, would highly promote the knowledge and durable prosperity of our most excellent Order, beg leave to report: That in the opinion of your committee, it is the duty of this Grand Lodge to commence, at this time, the purchase of a Masonic Library as recommended by our worthy Brother Harris. We also recommend that the books in his possession be purchased on the terms proposed in his communication to this Lodge."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/09/1817, III-100: "That a Committee be appointed to consider the expediency of establishing a Masonic Library in this Grand Lodge, and the best mode for the increase and management of the same."
    • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/12/1821, III-363, contains the report on the establishment of the library, which originally consisted of the collection belonging to Rt. Wor. Thaddeus Mason Harris.
    • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 06/14/1826, IV-15, contains the recommendation by the committee, including a list of the books and that they should be bought by the Grand Lodge.
  • GC1843: Part Third, 9, added 09/11/1850, V-298: "The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, which shall consist of three members of the Grand Lodge, whose duty it shall be to take the oversight of the Library of the Grand Lodge, to make rules and regulations for its government, to appoint a Librarian to purchase Books, and to transact all other matters pertaining to the Library and to make report of its condition and of their doings, at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/10/1852, V-374, to censure the Master of St. Paul Lodge, Groton, for conferring all three degrees at the same meeting.
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:18, IV-631, added 06/11/1856, VI-26 (1856-18): "The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, who shall have sole charge of the Library."
  • GC1918: Section 257; 1918-355
  • GC1930: Section 254; 1930-108
  • GC1953: Section 254; 1953-43, approved 1953-197

References

  • VI-471 (1863-16), 12/09/1863, refers to a report on the Grand Lodge Library by Past Grand Master Lewis. VI-486 (1864-69), 12/27/1864, is a similar report by Grand Master Lewis after the Winthrop House fire, detailing the losses and the Grand Lodge's work to recover and reconstitute its collection. An additional report appears on 1867-142, 12/27/1867.
  • 1880-189, 12/28/1880, refers to a report by the Library Committee.
  • 1917-322, 12/12/1917, refers to comments by Grand Master Leon Abbott regarding the Grand Lodge Library, and "the condition of the Lawrence Library at Medford." He noted that "whenever our finances will warrant it, {the Library Committee} will be asking for an appropriation to consolidate effectively these two libraries, disposing of the duplicates among the new Masonic Temples over the state for safekeeping. . . Probably nowhere outside of England is there a finer Masonic collection . . . as are found in the Lawrence collection."

Sec. 255. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON RECORDS

There shall be a Committee on Records, to consist of three members, who shall examine the current records of the Grand Lodge and report thereon to the Grand Lodge with such recommendations as they may deem expedient. They shall annually, at least, examine all records and report the condition of the originals, the condition of the transcripts, the number of volumes of each, and where they are kept.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter IV, Section 7, II-523: "A committee shall be annually appointed by the Grand Master, at the Communication in September, whose duty it shall be to have the records correctly transcribed into the Transcript Book, and report at the Annual Communication in December."
    • Amended 12/28/1818, III-188, to read: "At the annual Communication of the Choice of Officers, a Committee of Finance and accounts shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three Brethren, whose duty shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge, examine the records of the Grand Secretaries, and have them transcribed into the Transfer Books and audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend the compensation to be allowed for services, and report at the next annual Communication, for and previous to the Choice of Officers. Said Report to embrace all the expenditures by the Grand Lodge for the preceding year, as well as a statement of all the funds of the Grand Lodge made to them by the Grand Treasurer, an abstract of which shall be inserted in and make a part of the Annual Communication to be distributed to all the subordinate Lodges."
  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 1, III-235; "All Grand Lodge records, heretofore made, and other masonic papers, shall be safely deposited in the archives of this Grand Lodge; and they never shall be carried out but by the Grand Master's permission."
  • Address of the Grand Master, 03/10/1869, VII-289 (1869-11);
    • "In the Constitutions of 1820, {the Committee of Finance's} duties are defined, and among them is the following, to examine the Records of the Grand Secretaries, and have them transcribed into the transcript books.
    • From that year until 1859, when the present Charter was obtained, this Committee reported annually to the Grand Lodge the state and condition of these Records, and usually in this language, "that they have examined the Records of the Recording Grand Secretary for the past year, and find them correctly kept, and accurately transcribed.
    • In 1860 the Constitutions were again amended to meet the supposed requirements of the new corporation, and the Auditing Committee was provided for, and this duty of examining the Records which had been recognized for more than a century in this Grand Lodge, was entirely obliterated; since then as far as I can learn the Records have not been examined by any Committee of the Grand Lodge. For these years the Records have been confided to faithful hands, and undoubtedly they have been correctly kept. But who of the Grand Lodge can vouch for this? In view of the great value of these Records, I would recommend that a Committee be appointed to examine them and report,—
      • 1. The condition in which the originals are kept.
      • 2. The condition of the transcripts,
      • 3. Where the original and transcripts are kept, together with the number of volumes of each.
    • I would also recommend that the same committee report an amendment to the Constitutions, requiring this duty to be annually performed.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 06/09/1869, VII-368, "The Records of the Grand Lodge be referred to a committee of three, who also be instructed to report an amendment to the Constitutions as therein proposed."
  • GC1918: Section 258; 1918-355
  • GC1930: Section 255; 1930-109
  • GC1953: Section 255

References

  • 1870-52, 03/09/1870, refers to a revision to Part First, 8:9, requiring the Recording Grand Secretary to furnish the completed record books for Grand Lodge to the Corresponding Grand Secretary, and storing them "in some secure place".
  • 1910-47, 03/09/1910, does not refer to the Committee on Records.

Sec. 256. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON MUSEUM

There shall be a Museum Committee, to consist of three members, who shall, under the direction of the Board of Directors, collect, preserve, and display curiosities of the Craft and other articles having historical interest or sentimental value connected directly or indirectly with Freemasonry or Freemasons.

Earlier Revisions

  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/09/1887, 1887-27, recommending that the Grand Master appoint "be requested to appoint a Standing Committee on the Collection of Curiosities of the Craft; and that said committee be allowed to preserve and display, such articles of Masonic interest as they may be able to gather, in the Masonic Temple, in Boston, subject to such assignment of space and to such rules as the Board of Directors may prescribe."
  • GC1918: Section 260, 1918-355
  • GC1930: Section 257; 1930-109
  • GC1953: Section 257

References

none.


Sec. 257. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

There shall be a Committee on Foreign Relations of not less than five members, who shall consider and report on all questions relating to the recognition of foreign Grand Lodges.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/14/1927, 1927-410; "That until otherwise ordered by Grand Lodge, there shall be three Standing Committees annually appointed by the Grand Master as follows . . . A Committee on Recognition of Foreign Grand Lodges of not less than five members."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 1951-295, 12/12/1951; the name of the Standing Committee on Recognition of Foreign Grand Lodges was changed to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • GC1953: Section 258; 1953-44, approved 1953-197

References

  • 1913-301, 12/10/1913, refers to the appointment of a committee to review the Grand Master's Address, with regard to the recognition of foreign jurisdictions.

Sec. 258. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON SERVICE

There shall be a Committee on Masonic Service of not less than seven members, who shall supervise and direct the service activities of Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/14/1927, 1927-410; "That until otherwise ordered by Grand Lodge, there shall be three Standing Committees annually appointed by the Grand Master as follows . . . A Committee on Masonic Service of not less than seven members."
  • GC1953: Section 259; 1953-44, approved 1953-197

References

none.


Sec. 259. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION

There shall be a Committee on Masonic Education of not less than seven members, who shall have general supervision of the Lodges of Instruction and of the instruction and programs presented therein.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/14/1927, 1927-410; "That until otherwise ordered by Grand Lodge, there shall be three Standing Committees annually appointed by the Grand Master as follows . . . A Committee on Masonic Education of not less than seven members."
  • GC1953: Section 260; 1953-44, approved 1953-197

References

none.


Additional Committee Section in Earlier Revisions

  • Note: the recommendation for this committee appears on 1869-105, 12/09/1869, in the address by Grand Master Gardner.
  • Note: in GC1918, Section 259, 1918-355, provided for a Committee on Returns: "There shall be a Committee on Returns, to consist of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine all returns of the Lodges and report to the Grand Master any errors or omissions therein."
  • Note: in GC1930, this section appears as Section 256, 1930-109.
  • Note: in GC1953, this section appears as Section 256
    • This section was deleted by vote of the Grand Lodge; proposed 1974-43, 03/13/1974; debated 1974-126, 06/12/1974; adopted 1974-173, 09/11/1974.

Sec. 260. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

All committees shall be appointed and vacancies therein filled by the Grand Master, or, in his absence, by the Grand Lodge presiding officer, unless otherwise ordered by the Grand Lodge. Each member shall be notified of his appointment by the Grand Secretary.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 09/08/1824, III-505: "That all Committees of the M. W. Grand Lodge shall be nominated by the presiding Officer unless the Grand Lodge should otherwise determine, have taken the subject into consideration, and are unanimously of opinion, that the above regulation ought to be adopted as a standing order for the transaction of business, in this Grand Lodge."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 6:1, IV-640; "All committees, whose election is not herein provided for, shall be appointed by the Grand Master, or, in his absence, by the presiding officer, unless otherwise ordered by the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 261, 1918-356
  • GC1930: Section 258; 1930-110
  • GC1953: Section 261; "All committees shall be appointed and vacancies therein filled by the Grand Master, or, in his absence, by the presiding officer, unless otherwise ordered Ey the Grand Lodge. Each member shall be notified of his appointment by the Grand Secretary."

References

  • 1869-115, 12/09/1869, refers to the address by Grand Master Gardner, in which he recommends the creation of a Standing Committee on Returns; this suggestion was implemented for many years thereafter. It was adopted on 12/13/1871, 1871-260.

Sec. 261. ANNUAL APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing committees shall be appointed annually.

Earlier Revisions

References

none.


Sec. 262. APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Special committees may be appointed at the pleasure of the Grand Master. They shall report to him or to the Grand Lodge as he shall direct.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter IV, Section 7, II-523: "All other committees, chosen or appointed, shall report their proceedings at the next Communication after their appointment. The first Brother chosen shall be chairman, and shall furnish each of the committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment, as received from the Grand Secretary, and appoint the time and place of meeting."
  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 7, III-237; "All other committees, chosen or appointed, shall report their proceedings at the next communication after their appointment. The first brother chosen shall be chairman, and shall furnish each of the committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment, as received from the Grand Secretary, and appoint the time and place of meeting."
  • GC1918: Section 263, 1918-356
  • GC1930: Section 260; 1930-110
  • GC1953: Section 263

References

none.


Sec. 263. ELIGIBILITY

The Grand Master may commission any Brother who is a member of this Grand Jurisdiction to serve on any committee.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Third, 6:2, IV-640; "No Brother, not a member of the Grand Lodge, shall be appointed on any Committee therein. This, however, is not intended to militate against the right of the Grand Master to commission any Brother, in writing, for a specific purpose."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "No Brother, not a member of the Grand Lodge, shall be appointed on any Committee therein; but the Grand Master may commission any Brother, in writing, for a specific purpose."
    • Proposed 12/11/1895, 1895-312, adopted 03/11/1896, 1896-36, replacing "not a member of the Grand Lodge" with "not a past or present member of the Grand Lodge".
  • GC1918: Section 264, 1918-356; "No Brother, not a past or present member of the Grand Lodge, shall be appointed on any committee thereof; but the Grand Master may commission any Brother, in writing, for a specific purpose."
  • GC1930: Section 261; 1930-110; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 264; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • 1917-35, 03/14/1917, contains the commission appointing Most Wor. Melvin Johnson as Acting Grand Master in order to install District Grand Master Rt. Wor. Herbert A. White.

Sec. 264. COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

The first Brother chosen or appointed shall be Chairman, unless otherwise ordered, and shall designate times and places of meeting.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: see sections above, on II-523.
  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 7, III-237; "All other committees, chosen or appointed, shall report their proceedings at the next communication after their appointment. The first brother chosen shall be chairman, and shall furnish each of the committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment, as received from the Grand Secretary, and appoint the time and place of meeting."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 6:3, IV-641; "All committees, chosen or appointed, shall report their proceedings, in writing, at the next Communication after their appointment. The first brother chosen or appointed shall be chairman, and shall furnish each of the Committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment, as received from the Grand Secretary, and designate the time and place of meeting."
  • GC1918: Section 265, 1918-356
  • GC1930: Section 262; 1930-110
  • GC1953: Section 265

References

none.


Sec. 265. EXPENSES

The necessary expenses of all committees shall be paid by the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

References

  • II-598, 09/12/1814, refers to proceedings involving Oriental Star Lodge (see section 405 and 407). The reporting committee was not compensated, but the investigating committee was.

Sec. 266. GRAND REPRESENTATIVES

The Grand Master may appoint and commission Representatives of this Grand Lodge near other Grand Lodges with whom we are in fraternal relations, and may receive Brethren commissioned to represent such other Grand Lodges near this Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge: V-21, 06/11/1845 and V-30, 09/10/1845; "Br. Moore moved that the Rev. Wm. James Carver, of London, England, be commissioned as the representative of this Grand Lodge in the Grand Lodge of England." This was approved, however, it was noted "as it is a peculiar case, we trust it will not be construed into a precedent to govern us in our social intercourse with our sister G. Lodges in the U. States."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/08/1869, VII-450; "Without going farther into the argument of the question, your committee beg to say, in conclusion that the subject has already been twice before this Grand Lodge and rejected: and in re-affirmation of its former action, and in accordance with their own convictions, they recommend the adoption of the following vote. Voted, that this Grand Lodge deems it inexpedient to adopt the so called Representative system."
  • GC1918: Section 268, 1928-41; This section was added on 03/14/1928, when the Grand Lodge decided to enact the Grand Representative system in Massachusetts.
  • GC1930: Section 264; 1930-110
  • GC1953: Section 267

References

  • IV-400, 06/08/1836, refers to remarks by Grand Master Flint in 1838 regarding the establishment of fraternal communications with other Grand Lodges, particularly England and France.
  • IV-561, 09/14/1842, refers to a portion of the committee report on the movement for a National Grand Lodge in 1842."
  • IV-609, 09/13/1843, refers to a portion of the committee report on the Baltimore Convention in 1843, particularly with respect to intercourse with other Grand Lodges.
  • V-29, 09/10/1845, refers to a committee report at the Baltimore Convention in 1842 which rejected the representative system; the Grand Lodge considered it inexpedient in September 1845 to embrace it in response to a request from the Grand Lodge of Texas. VI-252 describes a similar request and rejection to an overture from the Grand Lodge of Maine.
  • 1927-352 and 1927-411, 12/14/1927, refers to Grand Master Simpson's commentary on the system. "The question of the adoption of the {Grand Representative} system has come before the Grand Lodge on three occasions and on each of them the Grand Lodge has declined to adopt it. The last of these occasions was at the Annual Communication of 1869 . . . I have carefully considered the objections urged by the Committee which were deemed persuasive at the time, and while I do not question the cogency or the force of the objections . . . I have grave doubt of the validity of those reasons as applied to the conditions of the present day. The system can no longer be deemed an experiment . . . As at present advised, I am inclined to recommend the adoption of the system." A proposal was made on 1927-411.

Sec. 267. SEATS IN GRAND LODGE

Members of Committees and Representatives of other Grand Lodges who are not otherwise members of this Grand Lodge shall be entitled to seats but not to votes therein, and may be permitted to speak upon all matters coming within the province of their respective committees or relating especially to the Grand Lodge which they represent.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge: IV-454, 03/14/1838; members of committees granted seats in Grand Lodge.
  • GC1918: Section 267, 1918-357; In this revision, this section reads: Members of Committees who are not otherwise members of this Grand Lodge shall be entitled to seats, but not to votes therein, and may be permitted to speak upon all matters coming within the province of their respective committees.
    • Grand Representatives were not a recognized part of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge until 1928; the text was amended to read as in the current article on 03/14/1928, 1928-41.
  • GC1930: Section 265; 1930-110
  • GC1953: Section 268

References

none.


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