MassachusettsGC2012 PART II

From MasonicGenealogy
Revision as of 13:24, 25 September 2013 by Hotc1733 (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search

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.

References

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 200; 1918-335
  • GC1930: Section 200; 1930-91
    • 09/09/1818, 06/11/1834, 12/11/1843, 06/12/1844, 09/12/1849, 1856-27, 1867-125, 1868-55, 1870-24, 1872-112, 1876-60, 1877-41, 1888-323

1:303 II: 10, 515 III: 218 IV: 344,459, 620 709 f V:241 1867 (O.P.): 125 1901: 243 1902: 29 1923: 55 1930: 91 3 M.F.M. 268, 270 7 M.F.M. 33 9 M.F.M. 133 14 M.F.M. 262 28 M.F.M. 353 See. Sees. 305 and 340 (or 342)?

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.

References

IV: 620 1878: 46 1890: 123 1891: 59

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.

References

  • GC1792: Section 2nd, Item 1; II-6; In this revision, the section reads: "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."
  • GC1918: Section 202; 1918-336
  • GC1930: Section 202; 1930-91
    • 1914-362, 1915-41, 1915-113
  • Grand Lodge of England: Nov. 21, 1724; Feb. 28, 1726; May 10, 1727

II: 6 III: 221 f IV: 700 1880: 154 1900: 25 1901: 138, 243 1914: 362

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.

References

II: 113, 206 IV: 622 VI: 338 VII: 79 1918: 317

  • a: 1921: 151 1922: 37
  • c: 1878: 50, 87
  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 203; 1918-336
  • GC1930: Section 203; 1930-92

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.

References

  • GC1792: Section 2nd, Item 2; II-6; In this revision, the text reads: "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."
  • GC1918: Section 204; 1918-336; In this revision, the final phrase does not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 200; 1930-92; In this revision, the final phrase does not appear.
    • 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 06/12/1844

III: 221, 224 IV: 619, 622 V336 1878: 51, 88 1953: 42, 197

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

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

References

III: 224 IV: 622 1930: 92

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.

References

  • GC1792: Section 9th, Item 1; II-9; "In this revision, the section reads: "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."
  • 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.."
  • 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.
    • I-4, II-517, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1870-50, 1872-117
    • on Sundays: 1866-55, 1884-246(or 245?), 1906-119, 26MFM-97

I:4 II: 6,9, 11,36, 517 III: 219, 222 IV: 619, 622 V: 594 VI: 24 1872: 124, 245 1873: 13 1878: 46 1910: 45 1918: 317,318 1930: 92 1953: 42, 197 1989

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.

References

  • GC1918: Section 207; 1918-337; In this revision, the section reads as follows: "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.
    • 1856-117, 1910-46

I:375 II: 9 III: 226 IV: 627 VI: 25, 240, 334 1878: 46,87 1953: 42, 197 1974: 173 1989:

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.

References

  • 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'."
  • GC1918: Section 208; 1918-337
  • GC1930: Section 208; 1930-93


III: 221 IV: 619 VII: 27 1875: 67 1900: 25, 128 1904: 66 1918: 318 1938: 161 1953: 42, 197

    • I-10, I-15, I-157, II-490; 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1865-18, 1873-47, 1873-123, 1893-82, 1901-138, 1909-64, 1910-45, 1875-67, 1915-106(103?), 1915-365
  • Grand Lodge of England: Nov. 21, 1724; Feb. 28, 1726; May 10, 1727

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.

References

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 209; 1918-338
  • GC1930: Section 209; 1930-94
    • I-49, I-55, I-337, 06/11/1823, 10/11/1843, 09/12/1849, 1856-15, 1858-39, 1863-22, 1865-42, 1866-7, 1868-43, 1868-56, 1868-59, 1869-174, 1870-57, 1870-138, 1872-228, 1872-229, 1873-115, 1874-84, 1881-164, 1885-159, 1886-172, 1897-81, 1916-575, 12MFM-13, 30MFM-189, 20MFM-119, 20MFM-151, 30MFM-189

II: 517 III: 224 IV: 614, 624 VI: 483 VII: 67, 278 1871: 138 1878: 46,87 1901: 20 1916: 575 1934: 84 1936: 165 1941: 46 1943: 267 1953: 43, 197 2008: 167 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.

References

I: 337 III: 224 IV: 454, 624 1878: 47, 88

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.

References

IV: 625 1895: 126 1930: 95

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.

References

1918:318

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.

References

II: 517 IV: 614, 625 1918:318

  • 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."

  • 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.

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.

References

  • GC1918: Section 214; 1918-340
  • GC1930: Section 214; 1930-96
    • 1869-104, 1870-18, 1871-235, 1915-96, 1916-51, 1917-5; see other sections with details

1871:255 1913:257

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.

References

III: 224 IV: 625 1878: 47, 87

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 215; 1918-340
  • GC1930: Section 215; 1930-97
    • II-518

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.

References

IV: 625 1878: 47, 87 1918: 340 1989:

  • 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.
    • II-517

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.

References

II: 7 III: 224 1878: 47, 87

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.

References

VI: 239, 334 VII: 388 1868 (O.P.): 37 1994:

  • 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.
    • 1869-82

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.

References

  • 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.
    • 1869-20, 1871-32. 1872-31, 1895-219, 1896-35

none

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.

References

III: 218, 237 IV: 615, 633 VI: 239, 334, 336 1871: 32, 127 1872: 31 1878: 48,87 1895: 126, 220

  • GC1811: 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."
  • GC1918: Section 220; 1918-341
  • GC1930: Section 220; 1930-98
    • 1871-34

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.

References

VI: 239, 334 1878: 45 1930: 98 1994:

  • GC1918: Section 221; 1918-342; In this revision, the last sentence does not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 220; 1930-98; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

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.

References

  • 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."
  • 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.'
  • 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 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."
  • GC1930: Section 222; 1930-99; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • On 03/11/1942, 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." (1942-43)
    • II-518, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1910-46

II: 136, 525 III: 225 IV: 626, 632 VI: 24 1878: 47, 87 1989:

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.

References

  • 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."
  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 223; 1918-343; In this revision, the section reads: "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.
    • 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1856-17, 1902-52, 1910-46, 1915-34, 120, 128

II: 109 III: 225, 226 IV: 627 VI: 25 1870: 52 1878: 47,87 1880: 15 1915: 123 1994: 1989: 96 1996: 95 2002: 72

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."

References

  • GC1811: 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."
  • GC1811: 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."
  • 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.
    • I-360, II-191, II-339, II-275, II-452, II-489, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 12/27/1852, 1856-18, 1895-220, 1900-25, 1910-46, 1915-103, 1915-109, 1917Builder-291, Sec 350-54

II:7, 319,486, 489, 542,627 III: 228, 332 IV: 628 VI: 25, 477 VII: 66, 429 1878: 47,87 1895: 126, 312 1896: 35 1918: 319 1920: 466 1953: 43, 197 1989: 96

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.

References

1918:319 1939: 101

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.

References

III: 227 IV: 629 47,87 126, 220 318,338 1878 1895 1989: 96

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 227; 1918-345
  • GC1930: Section 226; 1930-101
    • 09/09/1818, 03/14/1821, 10/11/1843

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.

References

II: 92 IV: 629 1878: 47,87

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.

References

II: 287, 291, 358 IV: 559,564,573, 630 V: 336, 346 VI: 25, 449 1870: 114 1874: 14 1878: 48, 87 1888: 67 1889: 168 1895: 129, 223 1936: 152 1989: 96

  • 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.
    • II-280, II-282, 09/14/1842, 12/10/1851, 12/27/1852, 1856-18, 1858-42, 1863-4, 1875-66, 1875-111, 1888-288, 1910-213

Sec. 229. GRAND DEACONS

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

References

III: 229 IV: 630 1878: 47, 87 1919: 245

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 230; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 229; 1930-102
    • II-490

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.

References

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 231; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 230; 1930-102

III:229 IV: 630 1878:47, 87 1895:312 1896:35 1910:46

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.

References

II: 9 III: 230 IV:614, 630 1953: 43, 197

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 232; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 231; 1930-102
    • II-490

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.

References

VII: 26 1953: 43, 197

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.

References

III: 230 IV: 615, 630 1878: 48,87 1910: 46 1930: 103

  • 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 dirction of the Grand Marshal."
  • GC1918: Section 234; 1918-346
  • GC1930: Section 233; 1930-103
    • II-490

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.

References

1863 (O.P.): Supp. 20 VII: 27

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.

References

III: 225 IV: 631 1989: 96

  • 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."
  • 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.
    • II-490

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.

References

III: 223 IV: 621 VI: 559 1989: 96

  • 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 nown 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."
  • 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.
    • 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1864-71, 1910-46, 1915-44

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.

References

III: 223 IV: 614, 621

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.

References

III: 223 IV: 614, 621

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 239; 1918-347
  • GC1930: Section 238; 1930-104
    • I-35, I-131

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.

References

II: 6, 151, 516 III: 222 IV: 454, 621 1953:43,197 1989:96

  • 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)."
  • 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."
  • 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.
    • II-516, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1856-26, 1860-24, 1872-27, 1883-264, 1897-169, 1915-43

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.

References

VII: 388 1878: 87 1953: 43, 197 1994:

  • 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.
    • 1869-82, 1915-43

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.

References

II:7 IV: 456, 622 1918: 344, 348

  • 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 text is the same as GC1918.

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.

References

III: 222 IV:623 VI: 448 1878:46,87 1930: 104 1953: 43, 197 1989:

  • 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."
  • 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.
    • I-41, I-148, II-116, II-475, II-516, 09/09/1818, 01/16/1837, 1863-4, 1869-147, 1871-397, 1873-156, 1874-155, 1877-291, 1880-173, 1883-289, 1884-215, 1910-46

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.

References

III: 223 IV:623 1930: 105

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 244; 1918-348
  • GC1930: Section 243; 1930-105

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.

References

III: 223 IV:623 1904: 105

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 245; 1918-349
  • GC1930: Section 244; 1930-105

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.

References

III: 223 IV: 623 1930: 106 1989:

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 246; 1918-349
  • GC1930: Section 245; 1930-105
    • II-516, 09/09/1818, 12/27/1825, 10/11/1843

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.

References

  • 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.
    • II-516; 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843

III: 223 IV: 623

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.

References

  • GC1811: Chapter I, Section 10, II-516; "All Grand Officers, elected or appointed, shall be proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, and shall retain their stations until their successors are installed."
  • GC1918: Section 248; 1918-350
  • GC1930: Section 247; 1930-106
    • II-516; 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843

II: 516 III: 223 IV: 624 1878: 46,87 1918: 350

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.

References

IV: 624 1878: 88

Sec. 249. INSTALLATION: COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

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

References

VII: 388 
1930: 106

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.

References

IV: 621 VII: 388 1878: 46,87 1953: 43, 197

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.

References

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.

References

I: 22, 233 III: 218 VI: 116, 234, 239 1878: 21 1880: 24, 164 1910: 45

  • GC1918: Section 255; 1918-353
  • GC1930: Section 252; 1930-107
    • I-143, II-275; II-400; II-413; 12/27/1820; 03/14/1821; 1855-84; 1856-40, 1856-41; 1856-50; 1865-19; 1866-34; 1871-253; 1872-27; 1896-36; 1913-273; 1914-353; 1914-364; 1915-39; 1915-331; 1916-175

GrandLodgeSeal2012.jpg

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

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.

References

VI: 108 1927: 105

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.

References

III: 100, 363 IV: 15 V: 291, 297 1852 (O.P.): 18 VI: 26, 471 1953: 43, 197

  • GC1918: Section 257; 1918-355
  • GC1930: Section 254; 1930-108
    • II-620, 09/12/1821, 06/12/1850, 09/11/1850, 1856-18, 1863-16, 1864-69, 1867-142, 1880-189, 1917-322


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.

References

III: 187 VII: 289, 368 1870: 52 1910: 47

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 258; 1918-355
  • GC1930: Section 255; 1930-109
    • II-523, 12/28/1818, 1869-11, 1868-119

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.

References

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.

References

1913: 301 1927: 410 1951: 295 1953: 44, 197

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.

References

1927: 410 1953: 44, 197

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.

References

1927: 410 1953: 44, 197

Additional Committee Section in Earlier Revisions

  • 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.

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.

References

III: 505 IV: 640 1989:96

Sec. 261. ANNUAL APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing committees shall be appointed annually.

References

II: 523 1930:110

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.

References

1930:110

  • 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."
  • GC1918: Section 263, 1918-356
  • GC1930: Section 260; 1930-110

Sec. 263. ELIGIBILITY

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

References

IV: 640 1878:49,87 1895:312 1896:36 1989:96

  • GC1918: Section 264, 1918-356; In this revision, the section reads: "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.
  • 10/11/1843; 1917-35

Sec. 264. COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

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

References

II: 23 III: 237 IV: 641

Sec. 265. EXPENSES

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

References

II: 598 III: 237 IV: 641 1918: 356 1930: 110

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.

References

  • 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

IV: 400, 561, 609 V: 21, 29, 30 VI: 252 VII: 450 1927: 352

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.

References

  • 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

IV: 454

2012 Grand Constitutions Main Page

Retrieved from "http://www.masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_II&oldid=47227"