MassachusettsGC2012 PART III

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Contents

GRAND CONSTITUTIONS, PART III

PART III: PARTICULAR LODGES

Sec. 300. DISPENSATIONS FOR NEW LODGES

Dispensations to establish new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master, or by the Grand Lodge on petition of not less than twenty-five affiliated Master Masons of known skill and good standing.

The fee for such dispensations shall be a sum fixed, from time to time, by the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of the Grand Lodge, 09/10/1794, II-59, regarding the limits of jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge; confirmed by ruling on page II-197.
  • Vote of the Grand Lodge, 09/13/1797, II-109; "No charter of erection, or dispensation, shall be granted to any number of Masons residing out of this State, except when the Grand Lodge of the State in which the petitioners reside shall acquiesce therein in writing."
  • GC1811: Chapter IV, Section 2, II-522; "Every petition for constituting a new Lodge must be accompanied with the approbation of the Lodge nearest the place where the said Lodge is to be held, and the petitioners recommended by one of the District Deputy Grand Masters; and every Lodge shall be consecrated, and its officers installed, within twelve months from the date of its charter."
  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 2, III-236; "Every petition for constituting a new lodge, must be accompanied with the approbation of the two lodges nearest the place where the said lodge is to be held, and the petitioners recommended by the District Deputy Grand Master of the district in which said lodge is intended to be located; and if not so accompanied, shall not be sustained in Grand Lodge. And every Lodge shall be consecrated and its officers installed within twelve months from the date of its charter."
    • Amended 12/11/1822, III-414 for text, vote on 06/11/1823, III-443, to read: "Every petition for constituting a new lodge, must be accompanied with the approbation of the two lodges nearest the place where said Lodge is to be located. Exceptiong where two or more Lodges are situated in the town or City in which a new Lodge is prayed for; in which case, application shall be made to all the Lodges in said town or city and the approbation of two thirds thereof be obtained; and in all cases the expediency of the measure must be certified by the District Deputy Grand Master before a petition for a new Lodge shall be sustained in Grand Lodge."
  • GC1819: Proposed 12/14/1825, III-568, Amended 03/08/1826, IV-8: "The prayer of a petition for a new Lodge shall not be granted at the Communication when it is presented; but shall be referred to a Committee with instructions to report at the next following Communication."
  • GC1843 includes the following sections:
    • Part Third, 2:1, IV-634; "Dispensations for holding new Lodges, may be issued by the Grand Master, or the Grand Lodge, on the petition of not less than seven Master Masons, of known skill and good standing; provided, the petition countersigned by the District Deputy Grand Master, within whose District the petitioners reside, and recommended by the Lodge situated nearest to the place where the said lodge is proposed to be located."
      • Proposed 12/08/1886, 1886-205; amended 03/09/1887, 1887-26, to read: "Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master, or the Grand Lodge, on the petition of not less than seven Master Masons, of known skill,and good standing; provided, the petition be recommended by the Lodge, or Lodges, having jurisdiction over the territory within which the new Lodge is proposed to be located, and countersigned by the District Deputy Grand Master having charge of such Lodge, or Lodges; but where there are more than two Lodges having jurisdiction, such recommendation shall only be required of a majority of them.
      • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-126, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-220, striking the words "situated in the city, or town, where the new Lodge is proposed to be located, whose jurisdiction will be affected by the formation of the new Lodge; or if there be no such Lodge, then by the Lodge, or Lodges."
    • Part Third, 2:2, IV-634; "The fee for such Dispensation shall be ten dollars, to be paid to the Grand Treasurer; and every Dispensation shall be returned to the Grand Lodge at the expiration of one year from the date thereof, together with an attested transcript of all the proceedings, and of the By-Laws of the Lodge, working under the same. If these be approved by the Grand Lodge, a charter of Constitution may be issued to the petitioners, for which they shall pay to the Grand Treasurer, the further sum of fifty dollars, thirty five of which shall be for the funds of the Grand Lodge, ten for the Grand Charity Fund, and five for the Recording Grand Secretary."
      • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-336, as follows: replace thirty five with forty-five; remove the words "ten for the Grand Charity Fund,".
      • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, change "shall be returned to the Grand Lodge at" to read "shall be returned to the Grand Lodge at its Quarterly Communication next prior to."
      • Amended 06/14/1911, 1911-81, to read:
        • Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master, or the Grand Lodge, on the petition of not less than seven Master Masons, of known skill, and good standing; provided, the same be recommended by the Lodge or Lodges whose jurisdictions will be affected thereby (except as hereinafter provided) and be countersigned by the District Deputy Grand Master within whose jurisdiction the new Lodge is proposed to be located. In case of any question of jurisdiction arising the same shall be decided by the Grand Master.
        • In the City of Boston, the recommendation of two-thirds of the Lodges in the City shall be sufficient if the petition is countersigned by the District Deputy Grand Masters whose jurisdiction includes any part of the city. If in the case only one Lodge fails to recommend the petition it may nevertheless be issued by the Grand Master at his discretion or by the Grand Lodge.
      • Proposed 1916-548, 09/13/1916, revised 1917-62, 03/14/1917, and amended 06/13/1917, 1917-190, to read:
        • Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master, or the Grand Lodge, on the petition of not less than seven Master Masons, of known skill, and good standing; provided, however, that in any municipality where there are one or more Lodges of this jurisdiction where there are one or more Lodges of this jurisdiction the same be recommended by the Lodge, or Lodges, whose jurisdictions will be affected thereby; and provided, also, that in case the jurisdiction of three or more Lodges is thus affected, the recommendation of two-thirds of such Lodges shall be sufficient.
        • If, in any case, only one Lodge fails to recommend the petition, it may nevertheless be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge.
        • Questions of jurisdiction under this section shall be determined by the Grand Master.
  • GC1918: Section 300, 1918-358; the text of the section in this revision was significantly different:
    • "Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge on petition of not less than seven Master Masons of known skill and good standing; provided, however, that in any municipality where there are one or more Lodges of this jurisdiction the same be recommended by the Lodge, or Lodges, whose jurisdiction will be affected thereby; and provided, also, that in case the jurisdiction of three or more Lodges is thus affected the recommendation of two-thirds of such Lodges shall be sufficient."
    • "If, in any case, only one Lodge fails to recommend the petition, it may nevertheless be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge. Questions of jurisdiction under this section shall be determined by the Grand Master."
    • "The fee for such Dispensation shall be twenty-five dollars."
    • Revised 1929-43, 03/13/1929, changing the first paragraph to read: "Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge on petition of not less than seven Master Masons of known skill and good standing. The Grand Master may direct copies of such petition to be forwarded to the Lodge or Lodges whose jurisdiction will be affected thereby for recommendation."
  • GC1930: Section 300, 1930-112; "Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge on petition of not less than seven Master Masons of known skill and good standing. The fee for such dispensation shall be twenty-five dollars."
  • GC1953: Section 300; 1953-44, approved 1953-197; "Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge on petition of not less than seven Master Masons of known skill and good standing. The fee for such dispensation shall be twenty-five dollars."

References

none.


Sec. 301. PETITION FOR DISPENSATION

The form of petition for a Dispensation shall be as follows:

To the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts:

We, the undersigned, being affiliated Master Masons in good standing, and having the prosperity of the Craft at heart, are eager to exert our best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Freemasonry; and, for the convenience of our respective dwellings and other good reasons, we are desirous of forming a new Lodge, to be named ______. We, therefore, respectfully pray for a Dispensation empowering us to meet as a regular Lodge at ______ on the ______ of every month, and there to discharge the duties of Freemasonry in a constitutional manner, according to the forms of the Order and the laws of the Grand Lodge; and we have nominated and do recommend Brother A B to be the first Master, Brother C D to be the first Senior Warden, and Brother E F to be the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge.

The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise strict obedience to the commands of the Grand Master and the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Third, 2:3, IV-634; In this revision, the petition is addressed to "The Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", and in place of the words "to discharge the duties of Freemasonry" the text reads "to discharge the duties of Ancient York Masonry".
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/13/1854, V-540; permission was granted permitting Germania Lodge to be chartered and work in German language.
    • Amended 06/08/1910, 1910-103; change the address of the petition to "To the Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts".
    • Amended 06/13/1917, 1917-196, by removing the words "with the approbation of the District Deputy Grand Master and the Lodge nearest our residence," from the text.
  • GC1918: Section 301, 1918-358; In this revision the address is to "To the Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts".
  • GC1930: Section 301; 1930-112; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 301; 1953-44, approved 1953-197; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • I-2, 07/30/1733, is the petition by First Lodge for its original charter, following which it was constituted by Henry Price.

Sec. 302. CHARTERS

Every Dispensation shall be returned to the Grand Lodge at its Quarterly Communication next prior to the expiration of one year from the date thereof, together with an attested transcript of all the proceedings and of the By-Laws of the Lodge working under the same. If these be approved by the Grand Lodge, a Charter of Constitution may be issued to the petitioners, for which they shall pay to the Grand Treasurer a sum fixed, from time to time by the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote by Massachusetts Grand Lodge: 12/06/1771, I-236; "That for every Charter of new Erection granted by this Grand Lodge there shall be paid two Guineas for the use of the Gd Lodge and half a Guinea to the Secretary for writing & recording the same."
  • Votes by Massachusetts Grand Lodge: 03/05/1779, I-272;
    • "That all Charters granted by this Gd Lodge in future be £30."
    • "That the dues from each Lodge be £6."
    • "That the Secy have for engrossing a Charter £6."
  • Vote by the Grand Lodge: 12/10/1792, I-28; "RESOLVED, That every Lodge on receiving a charter pay three Guineas, vizt: Two guineas and a half to the Grand Lodge, and half a guinea to the Grand Secretary."
  • Additional Regulations 1801: I-194; "The price of charters hereafter to be granted by the Grand Lodge shall be seventy-five dollars."
  • GC1811: Chapter IV, Section 3: "For every charter hereafter granted there shall be paid to the Grand Treasurer, eighty-five dollars, seventy of which shall be the funds of the Grand Lodge, ten for the Charity Fund and five paid to the Recording Grand Secretary for filling and affixing the Grand Seal to the same."
  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 3, III-236; "For every charter hereafter granted there shall be paid to the Grand Treasurer eighty-five dollars, seventy of which shall be the funds of the Grand Lodge, ten for the Charity Fund and five shall be paid to the Recording Grand Secretary for filling and affixing the grand seal to the same."
  • GC1843: see sections above.
  • GC1918: Section 302, 1918-359; in this revision the final sentence reads: "for which they shall pay to the Grand Treasurer the further sum of fifty dollars."
  • GC1930: Section 302; 1930-113; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 300; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • II-22, 06/11/1792, contains the report of the committee assigned to delineate the form of a lodge charter; the original form appears on this page.
  • MFM, Vol. V, No. 6, 04/01/1846, Page 164, refers to the following inquiry from the Master of a Lodge working by dispensation: "Can the Brother nominated in a Dispensation, as the first Master of a new Lodge, lawfully take his seat without installation?" Brother Moore describes the powers granted the petitioners for a dispensation, and notes that such a body forms and opens "after the manner of a Lodge, but not with the full powers and privileges of a Lodge . . . While in this state . . . the Master cannot be installed. The Brother appointed to fill the office of Master during this probationary term, may nevertheless lawfully take the chair and discharge all of the duties of presiding officer, without any further special qualification."
  • 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.
  • MFM, Vol. VIII, No. 3, 01/01/1849, Page 68, refers to an inquiry regarding the rights of Brethren made Masons in a Lodge under dispensation. Brother Moore noted that only the Brothers named in the Dispensation have the right to vote in the Lodge, as only they are responsible to the Grand Lodge for the Lodge's work.
  • MFM, Vol. VIII, No. 12, 10/01/1849, Page 355, refers to an inquiry regarding the right to vote by Brethren made Masons in a Lodge under dispensation Brother Moore's response said, in part, that these Brethren are not 'regularly admitted to membership' until the Lodge is chartered, and thus do not possess this right.
  • MFM, Vol. IX, No. 8, 06/01/1850, Page 228, refers to an inquiry on the validity of by-laws of a subordinate Lodge prior to their approval by the Grand Lodge. Brother Moore replies: "All proper by-laws of a Lodge, are valid, as to its own members, as soon as they are adopted. Lodges under Dispensations frequently work a whole year, before their by-laws are submitted for the examination and approval of the Grand Lodge. If the by-laws of such Lodges have no validity, why are they made? The object of submitting them to the examination of the Grand Lodge is, that, if errors exist, they may be corrected, and made to conform to the general laws of Masonry; not to give them validity. That is done by the act of adopting them."
  • MFM, Vol. XI, No. 4, 02/01/1852, Page 108, refers to a question regarding the installation of officers in a lodge under dispensation. Brother Moore's response was that "officers of Lodges working under Dispensation are not installed. The Lodge itself is but a temporary organization, not in a condition to be constituted. Installation must follow, not precede, the act of constitution."
  • MFM, Vol. XII, No. 7, 05/01/1853, Page 228, refers to a set of inquiries regarding lodges under dispensation; in particular, with respect to officers and membership of such lodges.
  • 1856-10 refers to a proposed amendment permitting District Deputies to grant dispensations for initiation, and does not apply here.
  • MFM, Vol. XXIV, No. 11, 09/01/1865, Page 325, refers to the following comment on jurisprudence: "Lodges under Dispensation have no jurisdiction to try charges against the members composing it. Such charges must be presented to the Lodge from which the petitioners hailed at the time of issuing Dispensation, or the Grand Master."
  • 1870-348, 12/27/1870, refers to the vote of Grand Lodge to procure and register copies of Charters, mentioned in Grand Master Gardner's address. It was noted by the Grand Master that the form of charter adopted in 1792 was still in force (see previous reference), and that all charters had been recorded; this volume of the Proceedings includes a list of extant charters and "the essential parts", i.e., dates and precedence. This list appears starting on 1870-429. The form of charter appears on 1870-445.
  • 1871-152, 09/13/1871, refers to the applications for charters by several lodges.
  • 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.

Sec. 303. CERTIFIED COPIES OF CHARTERS

For the better preservation of the Charters of Lodges under this jurisdiction, which are likely to become defaced by age or wear, a copy of such Charter, duly certified by the Grand Secretary, and under the seal of the Grand Lodge, may, with the approbation of the Grand Master, be granted to such Lodge on its request, to be used for all Masonic purposes in the same manner and with the same effect as the original Charter; provided, that the Grand Master, District Grand Master, or District Deputy Grand Master, whenever he shall deem it expedient, may order the production of the original Charter for inspection or other purposes.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, proposed 1880-127, 12/08/1880, adopted 1880-167, 12/08/1880; "Ordered, That hereafter, for the better preservation of the charters of Lodges under this jurisdiction, which are likely to become defaced by age or wear, a copy of such charter, duly certified by the Recording Grand Secretary and under the seal of the Grand Lodge, may, with the approbation of the Grand Master, be granted to such Lodge, on its request, to be used for all Masonic purposes in the same manner and with the same effect as the original charter, provided that the Grand Master, whenever he shall deem it expedient, may order the production of the original charter for inspection or other purposes."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:15; adopted ???, referenced 1915-282, 12/08/1915. Text is the same as the 1880 order listed above.
  • GC1918: Section 303, 1918-360
  • GC1930: Section 303; 1930-113
  • GC1953: Section 303

References

  • 1876-5, 03/08/1876, refers to a vote by the Grand Lodge to grant a replacement Charter for Aconcagua Lodge, the original having been destroyed by fire, ". . . to be signed by the present Grand Officers, with the date of this order; but in all other respects to be an exact copy of the original Charter as now recorded in the Charter Register of this Grand Lodge."
  • 1881-47, 03/09/1881, refers to the committee on the Grand Master's Address. ". . . the Grand Master calls attention to the fact that many of the older Charters are becoming of great historical value, and that under the present requirement as to their use they are liable to be defaced and destroyed. He suggests the adoption of an order which will permit properly attested copies of these Charters to take the place of the originals in the Ordinary work of the Lodges. There can be no objection urged to this recommendation. Very many of the older Charters have been burned or otherwise destroyed, and by vote of the Grand Lodges attested copies have taken their place. It would seem that the same rule could with propriety be adopted, before the absolute necessity arises for the use of such copies. Your committee, therefore, are happy to learn of the adoption at the last Annual Communication of the Order which was recommended by the Grand Master."
  • 1914-177, 06/10/1914, refers to a vote by the Grand to grant a replacement Charter for St. Bernard's Lodge, which "in the burning of its Lodge-room . . . had suffered the loss of its Charter." A certified copy of the original was furnished without charge.

Sec. 304. CONSTITUTION OF NEW LODGE

Each new Lodge shall be solemnly constituted by the Grand Master and his officers, or by some competent Brother especially commissioned by him for the purpose.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 2, III-236; "Every Lodge shall be consecrated and its officers installed within twelve months from the date of its charter."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 2:4, IV-635
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/14/1866, VII-68; "That in constituting new Lodges, the travelling expenses only of the Gd. Officers shall be paid by the G. Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 304, 1918-360
  • GC1930: Section 304; 1930-113
  • GC1953: Section 304

References

  • I-3, 07/30/1733, is the constitution of First Lodge by Provincial Grand Master Henry Price.
  • III-389, 10/21/1821, is a full description of the constitution of L'Heureux Reveil Lodge in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
  • 1870-68, 03/09/1870, is a full description of the constitution of Rabboni Lodge, held at Grand Lodge.
  • 1871-86, 09/06/1871, is a report of a Deputy Grand Lodge with a full description of the constitution of Ezekiel Bates Lodge, and the dedication of its hall, by Rt. Wor. Charles W. Moore.
  • The 1878 Digest of Masonic Law notes the following: "The officers of a Lodge working under Dispensation are not entitled to seats as representatives in Grand Lodge. "No new Lodge is owned, nor their officers admitted into the Grand Lodge, unless it be regularly constituted and registered. – Vide Ancient Mass. Reg., Art. XII."

Sec. 305. SURRENDER OR FORFEITURE OF CHARTER

Each Lodge is a constituent part of the Grand Lodge, which is the representative body of the whole Craft and of each particular Lodge and individual member. In the Grand Lodge, therefore, resides the fee of all property and effects belonging to the Craft as a whole or to any subdivision thereof so that whenever a Charter shall be surrendered, suspended, or revoked, it shall be returned to the Grand Lodge; also the By-Laws, records, seal, regalia, funds, and other property of every description of the Lodge shall forthwith be transferred and delivered to the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of St. John's Grand Lodge: 01/26/1770, I-178; "A Letter from the Grand Secretary of Masons in England was read, acquainting this Grand Lodge of a design to incorporate the Lodges in England and elsewhere, who hold under the Grand Master of England, into a Legal Corporation; The Question being put whether this Grand Lodge approve of the design? It was unanimously Voted that it was agreeable to every Member."
  • GC1792: Section 1st, Item 3, II-6; "This Grand Lodge, organized as aforesaid, shall forever hereafter be known by the name of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its powers and prerogatives are Independent; all distinctions between Ancient and Modern Masons shall, as far as possible, be abolished; the Mode of working practiced by the late Saint John's Grand Lodge, is hereby recommended to the Lodges now established; and shall be enjoined upon all Lodge hereafter constituted."
  • GC1811: Chapter IV, Section 5, II-523: "Every charter, when declared forfeited, shall be returned to the Grand Lodge with the records, seal and By-Laws of the Lodge, and all members of the Lodge, who shall vote to divide the funds thereof among themselves, shall be liable to expulsion."
  • GC1819 contains the following sections:
    • Chapter 5, Section 6, III-232; "The funds of such lodge as shall have forfeited its charter, shall be held by the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge in trust, till the charter shall be restored; and the interest arising from said fund shall be made a part of the charity fund of the Grand Lodge."
    • Chapter 6, Section 4, III-236; "Every charter returned to the Grand Lodge; with an intention of being resumed, shall be accompanied by the by-Laws, records, seal and regalia of the lodge; and no charter thus deposited, shall be restored unless seven of the applicants were members at the time it was deposited."
    • Chapter 6, Section 5, III-236; "Every charter, when declared forfeited, shall be returned to the Grand Lodge with the records, by-laws and seal of the lodge; and all members of a lodge, who shall vote to divide the funds thereof among themselves, shall be liable to expulsion."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 3:1, IV-635; "Every charter returned to the Grand Lodge, whether or not with the intention of being resumed at a future period, shall be accompanied by the by-Laws, records, seal, regalia, funds, and other property of the Lodge, of every discription [sic]; and all the property of a Lodge surrendering its charter with the intention of resuming it, shall be held by the Grand Lodge, in trust, until such time as the charter shall be restored, or the intention of reclaiming it abandoned. The interest arising from said funds and other property, shall be made a part of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge, and in case of forfeiture, the principal shall be devoted to the same object. No charter thus deposited, shall be restored, unless the provisions of this section shall have been strictly complied with, nor unless seven of the applicants were members of the Lodge at the time of its surrender. And it shall be the duty of the petitioners to notify the District Deputy Grand Master of the District and the Lodge nearest to their residence of their intention to petition for the restoration."
    • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-337, replacing the words "Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge" with "Funds of the Grand Lodge".
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87; remove the phrase "whether or not with the intention of being resumed at a future period"; replace "it shall be the duty of the petitioners to notify" with "Petitioners therefore shall notify"; replace "petition for the restoration" with "petition for such restoration".
  • Address of the Grand Master, 12/09/1857, 1857-36, contained a summary of lodges surrendered or forfeited.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/14/1859, VI-259 (1859-17), concerns the petition to restore the charter of Trinity Lodge of Lancaster ("Old Trinity Lodge"); it was rejected because "the requisite formalities attendant upon the surrender of their Charter not having been complied with . . . their charter {has} ceased to exist." However, the committee recommended that a charter be granted to the petitioners as Trinity Lodge of Clinton.
  • GC1918: Section 305, 1918-360
  • GC1930: Section 305; 1930-114
  • GC1953: Section 305; 1953-44, approved 1953-197

References

  • II-450, 12/10/1810, contains a description of the resignation of the charter of Rising States Lodge; II-492, 09/09/1811 contains the committee report regarding that lodge; II-533, 06/08/1812 contains an additional report in June 1812; II-552, 12/14/1812, contains the report of proceedings against its former members.
  • IV-502, 06/10/1840, contains a reference to property belonging to Urbanity Lodge, the charter of which was surrendered.
  • IV-683, 03/13/1844, refers to the division of funds by the members of Tyrian Lodge at its dissolution in 1834. A committee report and ruling by Grand Master Peabody fixed the procedure for restoration.
  • IV-726, 12/11/1844, refers to a committee investigating the renunciation of the charter of Corner Stone Lodge.
  • V-25, 09/10/1845, refers to charges against members of Constellation Lodge following the surrender of its charter. Further information appears on V-46, 12/10/1845, and V-79, 06/10/1846.
  • V-45, 12/10/1845, refers to charges against members of Mount Carmel Lodge, regarding the withholding of jewels and funds after the surrender of its charter.
  • V-131, 03/10/1847, refers to the disposition of possessions of Union Lodge (Nantucket) and a vote of Grand Lodge permitting the lodge to retain its charter.
  • V-169, 06/14/1848, refers to the order by the Grand Lodge to procure the charter and regalia of the former Mount Moriah and Freedom Lodges. As a result of this action, a Brother of Mount Moriah Lodge was expelled (V-173).
  • 1871-16, 03/08/1871 refers to the revocation of the charter of Star in the East Lodge for "irregular and unmasonic conduct." Pursuant to a petition by "every accessible Brother" of the lodge "with three exceptions", the charter was restored, with the amount due the Grand Lodge deducted from the funds surrendered. Grand Master Gardner noted that "The revocation or suspension of the Charter of a Lodge, for acts of insubordination, have been of such rare occurrence in the history of our Grand Lodge, that I am unable to point to a single precedent therefor within the last thirty-five years. I most sincerely trust that the precedent now established upon our record may not have its parallel within the next half century." Note the Grand Master's ruling on the status of the three remaining Brothers.
  • 1872-247, 12/11/1872, refers to a petitioner for restoration after expulsion, who was a participant in the division of funds after the surrender of the charter of Constellation Lodge.
  • 1918-319, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1921-155, 06/08/1921, refers to remarks by Grand Master Prince regarding property sold by Fraternal Lodge, and the precedent established by the Grand Lodge's petition before the Land Court.
  • See Sections 200 and 340.

Sec. 306. FAILURE TO TRANSFER EFFECTS OF EXTINGUISHED LODGE

All members of a Lodge which comes within the provisions of Section 305 who shall refuse or neglect to make such transfer and delivery or who shall vote to divide the funds or other property thereof among themselves or be a party to any other disposition thereof than that provided by said Section 305 shall be liable to expulsion from all the rights and privileges of Masonry.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1819: Chapter 6, Section 4, III-236; "Every charter returned to the Grand Lodge; with an intention of being resumed, shall be accompanied by the by-Laws, records, seal and regalia of the lodge; and no charter thus deposited, shall be restored unless seven of the applicants were members at the time it was deposited."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 3:2, IV-636; "Every charter, when declared forfeited, shall be returned to the Grand Lodge, with the records, By-laws, seal, regalia, funds, and other property of the Lodge, of every description; and all members of a Lodge, who shall refuse to make such surrender, or who shall vote to divide the funds thereof among themselves, or to appropriate them in any other way than is herein designated, shall be liable to expulsion from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, replacing "Freemasonry" with "Masonry".
  • GC1918: Section 306, 1918-361
  • GC1930: Section 306; 1930-114
  • GC1953: Section 306

References

  • IV-644 refers to a decision by members of a Lodge to leave it; see Section 304 above.

Sec. 307. RESTORATION OF CHARTER

All the property and effects of a Lodge surrendering its Charter, with the intention of resuming it, shall be held by the Grand Lodge until such time as the Charter shall be restored or the intention of reclaiming it be abandoned or the Charter declared forfeited. If and when the Charter shall be restored, such property and effects (excluding increment or interest) shall also be restored. No Charter thus deposited shall be restored unless the provisions of Sec. 306 relating to such property and effects shall have been strictly complied with, nor unless seven of the petitioners for the restoration were members of the Lodge at the time of its surrender.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter IV, Section 4: "Every charter returned to the Grand Lodge, with an intention of being resumed, shall be accompanied by the By-Laws, records, seal and regalia of the Lodge; and no charter thus deposited shall be restored unless seven of the applicants were members at the time it was deposited."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 3:1, IV-636; see section above
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, VI-196, 09/08/1858, on the restoration of charter; ". . . it is expedient that on the restoration of the Charter of a Lodge, the same fees shall be paid, into the Treasury of the G. Lodge, as is required by the Constitution for issuing a new Charter. . . In accordance with this opinion, the Committee recommend the adoption of the following resolution:— Resolved — That the fee for a restoration of a Charter shall be the same, as that required for issuing a new Charter unless otherwise ordered by a vote of this Gd. Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 307, 1918-361
  • GC1930: Section 307; 1930-114
  • GC1953: Section 307

References

  • III-51, 09/09/1816, refers to the restoration of the charter of Saco Lodge; it was noted that the charter could be restored without charge only to those of the petitioners who were members at the time it was surrendered.
  • VI-95 (1857-3), 03/11/1837, refers to Grand Lodge furnishing a duplicate charter to Evening Star Lodge after its hall fire in February 1857.
  • 1871-13, 03/08/1871, refers to the granting of a charter to Aconcagua Lodge.
  • 1918-319, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1857-37 is unclear.

Sec. 308. STATUS OF MEMBERS OF SMOTHERED LODGES

If at any time the Charter of any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be suspended or revoked for irregular or un-Masonic conduct, the members of said Lodge, at the time of its having incurred such a penalty, shall be disqualified to visit or join any other Lodge without the permission of the Grand Master.

If such Charter is revoked for any other reason or is surrendered, the members of the Lodge then in good standing and clear on the books shall receive demits from the Grand Secretary or District Grand Secretary.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/11/1840, IV-496: "If at any time it shall be found necessary to suspend or cancel the Charter of any Lodge under this jurisdiction, for irregular or unmasonic conduct, the members of said Lodge, at the time of its having incurred such penalty, shall be disqualified to visit or join any other Lodge without special permission of the Grand Lodge obtained on memorial."
  • GC1918: Section 308, 1918-361; "If at any time the Charter of any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be suspended or cancelled for irregular or un-Masonic conduct, the members of said Lodge, at the time of its having incurred such penalty, shall be disqualified to visit or join any other Lodge without special permission of the Grand Lodge obtained on memorial."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 3:3, IV-636; "If at any time it shall be found necessary to suspend or cancel the Warrant or Charter of any Lodge under this jurisdiction, for irregular or unmasonic conduct, the members of said Lodge, at the time of its having incurred such penalty, shall be disqualified to visit or join any other Lodge, without special permission of the Grand Lodge, obtained on memorial."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "If at any time the Warrant or Charter of any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be suspended or cancelled, for irregular or unmasonic conduct, the members of said Lodge, at the time of its having incurred such penalty, shall be disqualified to visit or join any other Lodge, without special permission of the Grand Lodge, obtained on memorial."
  • GC1930: Section 308
  • GC1953: Section 308; 1953-44, approved 1953-197

References

  • 1905-197

Sec. 309. WORK IN LODGES WITH SUSPENDED OR REVOKED CHARTERS FORBIDDEN

Any Mason knowingly assisting at the work of a Lodge whose Charter has been suspended or revoked shall be liable to expulsion from the rights and privileges of Masonry.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/11/1840, IV-497: "Any Mason assisting at the work of a Lodge, whose warrant or charter has been suspended or cancelled shall be liable to expulsion from the rights of Masonry."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 3:4, IV-637; "Any Mason knowingly assisting at the work of a Lodge, whose Warrant or Charter has been suspended or cancelled, shall be liable to expulsion from the rights of Masonry."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-48, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87; change "rights" to "rights and privileges".
  • GC1918: Section 309, 1918-362
  • GC1930: Section 309; 1930-115
  • GC1953: Section 309; 1953-44, approved 1953-197

References

none.


Sec. 310. INCORPORATION OF LODGES FORBIDDEN

No Lodge shall apply for, receive, or act under any corporate Charter granted by the Legislature or political government; and the receiving such Charter of incorporation, or acting thereunder by any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall operate as a surrender and revocation of its Masonic Charter.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote by Grand Lodge, IV-16, 06/14/1826; extensive report by a committee on incorporation of lodges. ". . . Resolved, that no subordinate Lodge, or any members thereof for such Lodge hereafter present to the legislature any petition for an Act of incorporation, and that all Lodges or members thereof which have such petitions now pending, cause the same to be withdrawn; and that the Recording Grand Secretary notify all Lodges under the jurisdiction of this report and resolution."
  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 23; added 09/11/1867, VII-176 (1867-96), adopted 12/11/1867, VII-205 (1867-121); "No Lodge shall apply or receive, or act under, any corporate charter, granted by any legislature or political government, and the receiving such charter of incorporation or acting thereunder by any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall operate as a surrender and revocation of its Masonic Charter from this Grand Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 310, 1918-362
  • GC1930: Section 310; 1930-115
  • GC1953: Section 310

References

  • MFM, Vol. XXVI, No. 5, 03/01/1867, Page 137, refers to an excerpt from the annual address by the Grand Master of New Jersey on incorporation of individual lodges.

Sec. 311. POWERS

All Lodges under this jurisdiction have a right to convene in accordance with their Charters, to receive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master Masons, and assess fees therefor, to choose officers annually, establish funds for charitable purposes, and transact all matters appertaining to Masonry agreeably to their Charters, the laws of Grand Lodge, and the ancient usages of the Craft.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 1, II-520; "All of the Lodges under this Jurisdiction have a right to convene as Free and Accepted Masons; to receive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts and raise Master Masons, and assess fees therefor; to choose officers annually; establish funds for charitable purposes and transact all matters appertaining to Masonry, agreeably to their charters, the laws of the Grand Lodge and the ancient usages of the Craft. They must be represented in every Communication of the Grand Lodge by their Masters and Wardens or by proxies duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge and the attestation of the Master and Secretary."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 1, III-230; "All of the Lodges under this Jurisdiction have a right to convene as Free and Accepted Masons, to receive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master Masons and assess fees therefor; to choose officers annually, establish funds for charitable purposes, and transact all matters appertaining to Masonry, agreeably to their charters, the laws of the Grand Lodge and the antient usages of the Craft."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:1, IV-642; "All Lodges under this jurisdiction have a right to convene as Free and Accepted Masons, to receive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master Masons, and assess fees therefor; to choose officers annually, establish funds for charitable purposes, and transact all matters appertaining to Masonry, agreeably to their Charters, the laws of the Grand Lodge and the ancient usages of the Craft."
  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 19, IV-652; "It shall not be legal for any Lodge to interfere with the business or concerns of an other Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-51, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "No Lodge shall interfere with the business concerns of another Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 311, 1918-362; in this revision, the text "as Free and Accepted Masons" appears in place of "in accordance with their Charters".
  • GC1930: Section 311; 1930-116; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 311; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • II-211, 03/14/1803, at a Grand Lodge tribunal regarding the acts of Rising States Lodge, that members of the lodge "at several times taken from the chest of the Rising States Lodge the charter and jewels of said Lodge . . . having used the same, or been present at the using of the same, in a clandestine manner, inconsistent with their duty as Masons, derogatory to the Craft and highly injurious to the Lodge of which they are members"; they were used for working so-called "higher degrees".
  • IV-270, 12/12/1832, regarding a petition from Cassia Lodge to the Grand Lodge requesting assistance in retiring debt accrued from non-paying members; this was rejected, the committee reporting that it "can find no precedent so far as their inquiries have extended, of the Grand Lodge paying the debts contracted by any subordinate Lodge. And when it is remembered that all the funds of the Grand Lodge have been invested in the Temple in Tremont Street, and that a large debt is due from the Grand Lodge, secured by a mortgage upon the Temple, the Committee are constrained to report that it is inexpedient to make any appropriation, for Cassia Lodge."
  • 1930-336, 09/10/1930, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Herbert W. Dean regarding improper use of lodge funds. "The question has been again brought to my attention regarding the expenditure of Lodge funds for the support of non-Masonic organizations by the Lodges in this Jurisdiction. I am convinced that this is an improper use of the funds of a Lodge, as they are needed for the proper care of those members who require financial assistance. These calls for aid are constantly increasing and every Lodge should conserve its funds for that purpose. I therefore wish it understood that it is not deemed proper for any Lodge to contribute to the support of a unit of any non-Masonic organization." The Grand Master made further remarks on the subject on 1931-37, 03/11/1931.
  • See the Preamble for rulings on entertainments and games of chance.

Sec. 312. MEETINGS

Each Lodge shall meet at least once in each calendar or lunar month, except that it may omit meeting for not more than three months in any calendar year. Due notification of each meeting shall be given by written notice to each member thereof; but no defect in notice alone shall invalidate any action taken or work performed at any such meeting.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Fourth, Section 10, IV-651; "A Lodge ought to meet once in each calendar month, but may, with propriety, adjourn during the summer months of June, July and August."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-51, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read, "Every Lodge shall meet once in each calendar month but may close during the months of June, July and August."
    • Amended 12/11/1889, 1889-191, to read: "Every Lodge shall meet once in each calendar month, but may close during the months of June, July and August, or during the months of July, August and September."
  • GC1918: Section 312, 1918-362; in this revision, the section reads: "Each Lodge shall meet once in each calendar month, except that it may omit meeting for not more than three of the summer months."
  • GC1930: Section 312; 1930-116; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 312; 1953-45, approved 1953-198; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • MFM, Vol. IV, No. 3, Page 67, 01/01/1845, refers to an inquiry posed to Bro. Charles W. Moore regarding the powers of the Master: "1st. Has the Master of a Blue Lodge at work the power of putting off the regular monthly communication, whenever he may think proper to do so? 2nd. And in connection with the foregoing, I would beg leave to ask, whether you ever heard of the monthly communication being put off under ordinary circumstances?" His response included a thorough description of the Master's power, but he observes: "The power of a Master of a Lodge is therefore great; but it is not unlimited . . . The Master has no power to 'put off the regular monthly communication' of his Lodge. . . when the number of meetings in a year is fixed, either by the Grand Lodge, or the subordinate Lodge, the Master has no more control over the matter than a private member . . . If the times of meeting be specified in the By-Laws, the Master is bound to respect and carry them into effect. . . In answer to the second inquiry we reply, that we have never known any Master of a Lodge to assume the responsibility of 'putting off' the regular communications of a Lodge."
  • 1935-24, 03/13/1935, includes a recommendation by Grand Master Allen regarding regular degree work. This direction states in part, "I therefore suggest to the Masters that whether they have candidates or not, they shall work all three degrees in their respective Lodges at least once and preferably twice during each Lodge year."
  • 1942-123, 06/10/1942, refers to commentary by Grand Master Schaefer. A case where a lodge had voted to suspend regular meetings for the summer months, and then received an applicant who was likely to be called up for military service. "I wish to point out that where Lodges may by vote omit regular meetings in any given month or months, it would be well to provide in such a vote that a regular meeting may be held even in those months if, in the opinion of the Worshipful Master, such a meeting should seem desirable. Of course, if the by-laws provide that regular meeting shall not be held during certain months, the Lodge cannot authorize the Master to call and hold such a meeting while such a by-law remains in force."
  • 1942-182, 09/09/1942, refers to commentary by Grand Master Schaefer on wartime conditions and their effect on Lodge meetings.
  • 1943-28, 03/10/1943, refers to further commentary by Grand Master Schaefer on wartime conditions and transportation.
  • 1945-35, 03/14/1945, refers to commentary by Grand Master Wragg on wartime conditions and government regulations on public meetings.
  • 2009-138, 12/09/2009, includes a requirement instituted by Grand Master Pageau to perform degree work. This direction states, "Henceforth, all Lodges must confer the three degrees once each year. If the Lodge does not have a real candidate, they will confer the degree using a Brother as a proxy candidate. Lodges that are active with candidates will have no difficulty meeting this requirement. All Worshipful Masters must perform the three degrees to qualify for a Past Master’s Diploma."

Sec. 313. MEETING RESTRICTIONS

No Lodge shall hold more than one meeting in the same day, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, nor shall it hold a special meeting, without dispensation of the Grand Master, on the same day on which the Lodge of Instruction of its district has been scheduled to meet.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 3:10, added 09/14/1864, VI-523; "No Lodge shall hold more than one communication upon the same day, nor confer either of the three degrees upon more than five Candidates at one communication. No Lodge shall permit more than one candidate to be present at the same time, in the first section of the first degree, nor in the second section of the third degree."
    • Proposed 03/11/1894, 1894-13, amended 09/12/1894, 1894-65, adding the words: "Any member of a subordinate Lodge may object to the initiation, passing, or raising of a candidate, at any time, before the degree is conferred; and the Lodge shall investigate such objections before proceeding further with the candidate."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-48, adding after "objections" the words "and decide thereon by a majority vote".
  • GC1918: Section 313, 1918-363; in this revision, the section reads: "No Lodge shall hold more than one meeting in the same day, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason." District Lodges of Instruction were not instituted until 1927, and were established at first on an ad hoc basis.
  • GC1930: Section 313; 1930-116; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 313; 1953-45, approved 1953-197

References

none.


Sec. 314. CUSTODY OF CHARTER

The Master of a Lodge shall have the special charge of its Charter, and shall see that it is carefully preserved and that it (or a duly certified copy) is present whenever the Lodge is open.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Fourth, Section 11, IV-651; "The Master of a Lodge has the special charge of its Charter, and it is his duty to see that it is carefully preserved and is present whenever the Lodge is opened."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-51, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, change to read: "The Master of the Lodge shall have the special charge of its Charter, and shall see that it is carefully preserved. It must be present whenever the Lodge is opened."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:15; adopted ???, referenced 1915-282, 12/08/1915.
  • GC1918: Section 314, 1918-363
  • GC1930: Section 314; 1930-116
  • GC1953: Section 314

References

  • 1894-13, 03/14/1894, refers to a proposed amendment to the Grand Constitutions, regarding place of meeting; see Section 320.

Sec. 315. BY-LAWS

No Lodge shall suspend the operation of a By-Law; nor at a Special Meeting alter or amend any part of the proceedings of a Stated one.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 16, IV-652; "No Lodge can suspend the operations of a By-Law, or at a Special meeting, alter or expung{e} any part of the proceedings of a stated one."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-51, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-88, replacing "meeting" with "Communication".
  • GC1918: Section 315, 1918-363
  • GC1930: Section 315; 1930-116
  • GC1953: Section 315

References

  • MFM, Vol. II, No. 6, 04/01/1843, Page 165, refers to a decision by the Grand Lodge of Virginia in answer to the inquiry: "Has a Lodge the right to suspend its By-Laws for the purpose of acting on any particular question?" It was decided in the negative. Brother Moore concurred with the decision, stating in part, "The decision . . . was undoubtedly correct. Were it permitted to Lodges to suspend their By-Laws at pleasure, those laws would afford little security either to themselves or to the Grand Lodge. . . The power to suspend would, for all practical purposes, be equivalent to the power to alter or amend."
  • MFM, Vol. VIII, No. 3, 01/01/1849, Page 65, refers to the reconsideration of a previous vote in a Lodge. In the cited case, a balloting matter is considered.
  • MFM, Vol. XII, No. 12, 10/01/1853, Page 357, refers to a series of inquiries regarding suspension of a lodge by-law, and other matters regarding what the by-laws of a lodge permit and preclude.

Sec. 316. BUSINESS

All general business of the Lodge, such as the election of officers, action on questions relating to the general interests of the Fraternity, and the local affairs of the Lodge, may be transacted while open on any degree at a Stated Meeting. No vote shall be taken by mail nor shall any general business be conducted at a Special Meeting except the installation of officers or a Masonic Funeral Service.

Earlier Revisions

  • Report of Grand Lodge Committee, 06/12/1822, III-399; "That part of his duty which consists in making a record of the meeting and business of the Lodge is performed by the side of the Master, and under his eye, and the first draught should be inspected by the Master before entered and recorded; for it is the duty of the Master to see that the proceedings of the Lodge be faithfully and properly recorded."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/09/1840, IV-505; a committee to consider "the propriety of discussing the General affairs of the Fraternity in Subordinate Lodges when they shall be open upon any other than the Masters degree," reported "That so far as their information extends it has been the universal practice of the Lodges under this Jurisdiction to discuss all Matters relative to the fraternity at large or to their own particular Lodge, (observing of course a proper distinction as to technicalities) without any reference as to which of the three degrees they may be open upon at the time; and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from this practice.
  • Report of Grand Lodge Committee, 09/14/1842, IV-561; on the doings of the National Masonic Convention, the committee reported "The impropriety of transacting masonic business in lodges below the degree of Master Mason is another subject presented to our notice by the National Convention. We recommend that the Lodges under this jurisdiction be advised to confine the business of Apprentice & Craft Lodges to the lectures & work of those degrees; & that all general business, such as electing & installing the Officers, the discussion of questions relating to the general interests of the fraternity, & the local affairs of the lodge, be transacted in Masters' Lodges. It is believed that this practise is more in conformity with the established usages & customs of the Craft, than that which has prevailed in some of the Lodges in this & other States."
  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 1, IV-650; "No business, other than that appertaining to the work and lectures, shall be transacted in a Lodge, while open on the first or second degree. All general business, such as the election and installation of officers, the discussion of questions relating to the general interests of the Fraternity, and the local affairs of the Lodge, shall be transacted in a Master's Lodge."
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-127, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-221; this section now includes the phrase "The Lodge shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/13/1866, VII-119, regarding parliamentary procedure, as referenced in the by-laws of a lodge applying for a charter. "Masonry does not recognize any such usage . . . The Worshipful Master as the head and governor of the Lodge is not bound by any such usage as this section contemplates. He can stop debate when he considers it proper, and close the Lodge at his will and pleasure. He cannot be circumscribed in his power by any such regulation. . . In fact, our Lodges need no reform in this particular, and the fewer of those rules which are necessary in order to govern debate in other bodies, we introduce into our institution, the purer our Lodges will be."
  • GC1918: Section 316, 1918-363; "No business other than that appertaining to the Work and Lectures shall be transacted in a Lodge while open on the first or second degree. All general business, such as the election and installation of officers, the discussion of questions relating to the general interests of the Fraternity, and the local affairs of the Lodge, shall be transacted in a Masters' Lodge."
  • GC1930: Section 316; 1930-117; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 316; 1953-45, approved 1953-197; "No business other than that appertaining to the Work and Lectures or the installation of officers, shall be transacted in a Lodge while open on the first or second degree. All general business, such as the election of officers, the discussion of questions relating to the general interests of the Fraternity, and the local affairs of the Lodge, shall be transacted in a Lodge open on the third degree. No vote shall be taken by mail."
    • Proposed 1974-43, 03/13/1974; debated 1974-126, 06/12/1974; adopted 1974-173, 09/11/1974, to read: ". . . such as the election of officers, action on questions relating to the general interests of the Fraternity, and the local affairs of the Lodge, shall be transacted in a Lodge open on the third degree at a Stated Meeting. No vote shall be taken by mail."

References

  • 1926-240, 06/09/1926, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Simpson regarding balloting by mail. "The By-Laws of a Lodge provide that certain action requires a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Lodge. The very great difficulty in obtaining that vote in a meeting raised the question whether the Worshipful Master might take a vote by mail. I ruled that such an action would be improper and declined to issue a dispensation to permit it."
  • 2001-99
Lodge Finances and Use of Funds

A number of Grand Masters have given opinions and made rulings regarding the proper use of Lodge funds and the matter of Lodge finances in general.

  • 1933-29, 03/08/1933, refers to commentary by Grand Master Chipman on lodge finances.
  • 1934-298, 12/12/1934, refers to further commentary by Grand Master Chipman on lodge finances.
  • 1942-245, 12/09/1942, refers to commentary by Grand Master Schaefer on lodge finances, particularly with respect to remission of dues.
  • 1952-185, 06/11/1952, refers to commentary by Grand Master Roy on the use of lodge charitable funds, and reporting to the Relief Commissioner of Grand Lodge.

Sec. 317. MEMBERS

The Lodge shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 3, II-521; "They {the Lodges} shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons and elect or appoint none as permanent officers but members."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 7, III-232; "They shall admit as members such only as are master masons, and elect or appoint none as permanent officers but members. They shall not ballot for any candidate for initiation who has not been proposed at a previous meeting, without obtaining a dispensation therefor, nor without making strict enquiry into his moral Character."
    • Amended 06/08/1825 to read: "They shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons, and elect or appoint none as permanent Officers but members. They shall not ballot for any candidate for initiation who has not been proposed at a stated monthly meeting and who shall not have stood so proposed for one lunar month, without obtaining a dispensation therefor, nor without making strict enquiry into his moral character." (III-538)
  • GC1843 includes the following sections:
    • Part Fifth, Section 2, IV-650; "The Lodge shall admit as Members, such only as are Master Masons. And any brother having been discharged for non-payment of dues, shall not be admitted to membership in any other Lodge, until the same are paid, or remitted. The receipt or certificate from the Secretary of the Lodge, of which the applicant was last a member, shall be satisfactory evidence that his dues have been liquidated."
      • Amended 09/11/1878, 1878-88, to read: "The Lodge shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons. No Brother who has been discharged for non-payment of dues shall be admitted . . ."
      • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-127, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-221; Part Fifth, Section 1 now includes the phrase "The Lodge shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons."
      • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-127, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-221; Part Fifth, Section 2 now reads: "A Brother who has been suspended for non-payment of dues, may be reinstated by a majority vote, provided his dues have been paid or remitted. A Brother who has been discharged for nonpayment of dues may, by a unanimous vote, be admitted to membership in the same or any other Lodge, provided his dues have been paid or remitted; subject, however, to all the formalities usually attending admission to membership. The receipt or certificate from the Secretary of the Lodge, of which the applicant was last a member, shall be satisfactory evidence that his dues have been liquidated."
    • Part Fourth, Section 13, IV-651; "No Brother shall be a member of more than one Lodge, nor shall he hold more than one office in the same Lodge, or in Grand Lodge, at the same time."
    • Part Fourth, Section 14, IV-651; "The removal of a Brother into another jurisdiction does not, of itself, authorize his name to be stricken from the roll of the Lodge of which he is a member."
  • GC1918: Section 317, 1918-363
  • GC1930: Section 317; 1930-117
  • GC1953: Section 317

References

  • 1926-64, 03/10/1926, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Simpson regarding the status of By-Laws. "What is the status of the candidate in the period after he is raised and before he signs the By-Laws? The answer is that he is still a candidate - he is not a member of a Lodge, nor is he in full standing; he is not entitled to visit other Lodges than that which has accepted his application, nor to participate in the business affairs of that Lodge. Under Section 420 of the Grand Constitutions, he must sign the By-Laws within six months, and if he fails to do so, his status then becomes that of a voluntary unaffiliated Mason and he is "not entitled to any of the benefits or privileges of Freemasonry," under Section 505 of the Grand Constitutions. Other incidents of his status may well await determination until specific instances call for a more detailed statement or ruling. Ample authority exists to deal with emergency cases; in their very nature they are exceptional and may be presented for special dispensation as occasion and circumstance may warrant."
  • 1936-120, 06/10/1936, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Allen regarding the reading of names remitted by a Lodge; he said in part, "I am advised that in some of our Lodges it is the custom to read in open Lodge the names of members listed for remission of Lodge dues. This practice should be discontinued at once as un-masonic and unworthy of the brotherly spirit that should prevail toward a member who finds himself unhappily in a situation were it is necessary for him to ask a remission of dues."

Sec. 318. ABSENCE OF MASTER AND WARDENS

No Lodge, in the absence of the Master and both Wardens, shall transact any business or do any work, unless the Grand Master be present or represented by his District Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master, or a Special Deputy.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 4, II-521; "No Lodge, in absence of the Master and Wardens, shall initiate, craft or raise, unless a Past Master is present to preside."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 8, III-233; "No Lodge, in the absence of the master and wardens, shall initiate, craft or raise, unless a past master is present to preside."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 3:9, IV-649; "No Lodge, in the absence of the Master and Wardens, shall initiate, Craft or raise a candidate, unless a Past Master is present to preside."
    • Amended 09/12/1894, 1894-65, to read: "No Entered Apprentice or Fellow-Craft, initiated or passed in any Lodge within the United States, shall be passed or raised in any Lodge under this jurisdiction, without the consent of the Master and Wardens of the Lodge in which he was first admitted, except by Dispensation from the Grand Master."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-47, removing the words "of the Master and Wardens".
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 3:12; adopted 09/12/1894, 1894-65; "No Lodge, in the absence of the Master and Wardens, shall initiate, craft, or raise a candidate."
  • GC1918: Section 318, 1918-363
  • GC1930: Section 318; 1930-117
  • GC1953: Section 318

References

  • MFM, Vol. XIII, No. 2, 12/01/1853, Page 39, refers to an inquiry regarding succession to the Master's chair when the Master and both Wardens are absent. Brother Moore's response in part states: "Our opinion is, that in the temporary absence of the Master and both Wardens, who are in truth the only actual and responsible officers of the Lodge (all others being officers of convenience), the Lodge should not assume to transact business of any kind."
  • 1915-218, 09/08/1915, refers to a series of rulings by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding the succession of officers due to absence or incapacity.
  • 1918-176, 09/11/1918, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Leon Abbott, indicating rights and privileges of officers acting in the stead of absent ones.
  • 1926-242, 06/09/1926, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Simpson. "Only Presiding and Past Master of Massachusetts Lodges may act as Masters in our Lodges, except that a Warden may preside in his own, but not in another Lodge, and when directed to do so by the Worshipful Master, or in the latter's absence. It is not permissible for a Past Master of a Lodge of another jurisdiction to raise a candidate in a Massachusetts Lodge."

Sec. 319. JURISDICTION

The jurisdiction of a Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be the territorial limits of the Commonwealth, and all Lodges located therein shall have equal and concurrent jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of a Lodge located without said Commonwealth shall be the limits of the territory designated by its Charter.

If, however, the jurisdiction of a lodge as stated in its Charter shall be a college, university or other institution of like character and standing, such Lodge shall have jurisdiction over any candidate, who, in addition to having a Masonic residence in Massachusetts, shall have been officially recognized by such college, university, or institution, as an officer, instructor, student, alumnus, or employee thereof for at least six months continuously next preceding the date of his application.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 5, II-521; "No person residing in a town within this Commonwealth, wherein a Lodge is held, shall be admitted a candidate by a Lodge in any other town without the approbation of the Master and Wardens of a Lodge in the town of his residence."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 9, III-233; "No person residing in a town within this Commonwealth wherein a Lodge is held, shall be admitted a candidate by a lodge in any other town without the approbation of the master and wardens of a lodge in the town of his residence."
  • GC1918: Section 319, 1918-364; in this revision, the section reads: "The territorial jurisdiction of a Lodge shall be as stated in its Charter. It shall also include all adjoining cities antl towns where no Lodge is located and all other unoccupied territory which is nearer its place of meeting than that of any other Lodge."
    • Amended 03/08/1922, 1922-36, to include the following text: ""If, however, the jurisdiction named in the charter shall be a college, university, or other institution of like character and standing, such jurisdiction shall be limited to, and include only, the following: viz., concurrent jurisdiction with the Lodge or Lodges having regular territorial jurisdiction over any candidate who, at the time of application is an officer, student, or employee in, and who, in addition to having a Masonic residence in Massachusetts, shall have been on the rolls of, such college, university, or institution, for six months continuously preceding the date of his application."
  • GC1930: Section 319; 1930-117; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918, with the following sentence added: "The special jurisdiction conferred by this section shall not be subject to waiver on the part of the Lodge enjoying it."
    • Amended 09/09/1943, 1943-130, revising the second paragraph to read as follows: "If, however, the jurisdiction of a Lodge as stated in its charter shall be a college, university, or other institution of like character and standing, such Lodge shall have jurisdiction, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 403, equal and concurrent with the Lodge or Lodges having regular territorial jurisdiction over any candidate who, at the time of application is an officer, student, or employee in, and who, in addition to having a Masonic residence in Massachusetts, shall have been officially recognized by such college, university, or institution, as an officer, instructor, student, alumnus or employee for six months continuously next preceding the date of his application." The final sentence has been stricken.
  • GC1953: Section 319; 1953-45, approved 1953-197; "The territorial jurisdiction of a Lodge shall be the territorial limits of the municipality in which it is located by its stated in its Charter. It shall also include all adjoining cities and towns where no Lodge is located and all other unoccupied territory which is nearer its place of meeting than that of any other Lodge. If, however, the jurisdiction of a Lodge as stated in its Charter shall be a college, university, or other institution of like character and standing, such Lodge shall have jurisdiction , notwithstanding the provisions of Section 403, equal and concurrent with the Lodge or Lodges having regular territorial jurisdiction over any candidate who, at the time of application is an officer, student, or employee in, and who, in addition to having a Masonic residence in Massachusetts, shall have been officially recognized by such college, university, or institution, as an officer, instructor, student, alumnus or employee for six months continuously next preceding the date of his application."
    • Proposed 1974-43, 03/13/1974; debated 1974-126, 06/12/1974; adopted 1974-173, 09/11/1974, changing the section to the current text. (Establishment of concurrent jurisdiction.)

References

  • 1936-166, 09/09/1936, refers to the revision of Section 323 to include jurisdiction of college or university lodges.
  • Proposed 1946-209, 06/12/1946, and adopted 1946-351, 12/11/1946, a petition by Orient and Constellation Lodges for concurrent jurisdiction over Westwood. Orient Lodge had its charter modified in 1876 replacing "South Dedham" with "Norwood" which was incorporated in 1872; Constellation Lodge had jurisdiction over Dedham, but "South Dedham" was separated out 19 days after that charter. Westwood was created in 1897 from Dedham. "It would best promote the interest of the Fraternity if the residents of Westwood, until such time as there shall be a Lodge in Westwood, are at liberty to make application to whichever Lodge they are more likely to attend in Norwood or Dedham." This confirmed that only Grand Lodge can change a Lodge's jurisdiction.

Sec. 320. PLACE OF MEETING

No Lodge, unless authorized by the Grand Master, shall hold a meeting, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, in any municipality other than the one designated in its Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof.

In cases where the jurisdiction of a Lodge is named in the Charter as a college or university or other institution of like character and standing, the word "municipality" shall be held to mean that municipality in which the administrative offices of the college are located.

Two or more Lodges which may be located by their Charters in different municipalities may upon petition be granted a dispensation by Grand Lodge to occupy Masonic Apartments jointly within the municipalities of at least one of the participating Lodges.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/09/1794, II-56, in response to a petition for a charter for a lodge to meet alternately in two towns; the charter was granted, but it was voted that "they be indulged with the privilege of holding a lodge in Cheshire . . . and that . . . so far as holding the Lodge in the town of Lanesboro is incompatible with the principles which actuate the conduct and actuate the proceedings of this Grand Lodge."
    • Report of Grand Lodge Committee, 03/09/1870, 1870-63, referenced this vote and noted joint meetings of lodges to confer various degrees, indicating that it was in violation of this section of the Grand Constitutions.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 06/13/1827, IV-91; a petition by Hiram Lodge to meet alternately in different towns. The report detailed the petition; it was declined.
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:5, IV-643; "Nor shall any Lodge hold meetings, unless authorized by the Grand Master, in any place other than the one designated in their Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof. "
    • Amended 03/12/1873, 1873-16, to read: "No petition for the removal of a Lodge from the place in which it is located shall be sustained in Grand Lodge, unless said petition is sanctioned by the District Deputy Grand Master of the District where said Lodge is situated, and has the approbation of the Lodge nearest the place where the said Lodge is intended to be held; the same to be signified, in writing, to the Grand Lodge. Nor shall any Lodge hold meetings, unless authorized by the Grand Master, in any place other than the one designated in their Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof. Hereafter, no changes by the Legislature of the Commonwealth, of Municipal Corporations,, or boundaries of the territories thereof, shall be held to affect in any way the jurisdiction of Lodges. Lodges located by their Charters in particular sections of Municipalities shall have the same jurisdiction therein as if said sections were entire Municipalities, and where the boundaries of such sections are uncertain, they may be determined by the Grand Master for the time being."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing "Nor shall any Lodge hold meetings . . ." by "Nor shall any Lodge hold Communications . . ." and the removal of the phrase "for the time being."
    • Amended 03/14/1894, 1894-13, by adding to the phrase "Nor shall any Lodge hold Communications . . . " the words "except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason".
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/12/1862, VI-408 (1862-3), refers to the case of the jurisdiction of Fellowship Lodge, the charter of which extended to the town of Bridgewater; due to the division of the town into four distinct towns (one of which eventually became the city of Brockton), disputes occurred with the institution of new lodges. The committee recommended exclusive jurisdiction for Bridgewater and concurrent jurisdiction over the other towns.
  • Ruling by the Grand Master, 03/08/1871, 1871-22, regarding the status of St. Paul Lodge and Caleb Butler Lodge, due to the creation of the new town of Ayer. "Since the last meeting of the Grand Lodge, a new town, by the name of Ayer, has been formed out of the old town of Groton, embracing in its limits that portion of Groton heretofore known as Groton Junction, and, at one time, as South Groton. Previous to the establishment of Ayer, there were two Lodges in Groton ; one (St. Paul's) until very recently holding its meetings at the centre of the town, and the other (Caleb Butler) having its Lodge-room at the Junction. The Charter of St. Paul's Lodge limits it to the town of Groton. For want of proper accommodations at Groton Centre, St. Paul's Lodge, within the last year, has removed temporarily to the Junction, and has occupied the apartments of Caleb Butler Lodge. It would seem that some action should be taken by the Grand Lodge, empowering Caleb Butler Lodge hereafter to meet in Ayer, instead of Groton. Upon application of the W. Master of St. Paul's Lodge, I authorized that Lodge to meet in Ayer until the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, in June next, agreeably to the provisions of the Grand Constitutions, Part IV., Article 1, Section 5, which provides that no Lodge, unless authorized by the Grand Master, shall hold meetings in any place other than the one designated in their Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture of the same. It is to be presumed that at the expiration of the time designated, suitable accommodations for St. Paul's Lodge will be provided in Groton. This Lodge cannot expect that the Grand Lodge will remove it from Groton to Ayer. The latter-named town has a population of about two thousand souls, and it would seem that one Lodge was amply sufficient for the wants of this community. I have received no application from Caleb Butler Lodge, to authorize it to hold meetings in Ayer. The Charter of the Lodge locates it at South Groton, a town having no corporate existence, but under that name embracing the principal part of what is now the town of Ayer. The authority contained in the Charter is presumed to extend throughout the new town of Ayer."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 1887-106, 09/14/1887, regarding the jurisdiction of the lodges in Boston.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 1888-26, 03/14/1888, on petition by Union Lodge of Dorchester "with authority to inquire into and report on the territorial limits of the different Lodges in Boston". This report dealt with the effects of the annexation of towns such as Roxbury and Dorchester, and their effect on the jurisdictional boundaries of their lodges. This led to the adoption of the 1888 addition to the Grand Constitutions listed below.
  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 27, 1888-73, 06/13/1888; "The several Lodges located in Boston shall have equal and concurrent jurisdiction over the territorial limits of that city; provided, however, that whenever a person residing in any one of the districts commonly known as the city proper or Old Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, Dorchester, West Roxbury, Brighton, Charlestown, or East Boston, shall make application for the degrees to any Lodge other than a Lodge holding its Regular Communications in the district in which such applicant resides, the Lodge receiving such application shall forthwith send notice to the Lodge, or Lodges, meeting, in such district, giving the name in full of the applicant, his place of residence, and the date of his application; and no ballot shall be taken on any such application earlier than the second Stated Communication after the same has been presented to the Lodge."
  • GC1918: Section 320, 1918-364; "Lodges located by their Charters in particular sections of municipalities shall have the same jurisdiction therein as if said sections were entire municipalities, and where the boundaries of such sections are uncertain they may be determined by the Grand Master."
    • Additionally, GC1918 includes the following sections:
      • Section 321: The several Lodges located in Boston shall have equal and concurrent jurisdiction over the territorial limits of that city. (1918-364)
      • Section 322: No changes by the Legislature of the Commonwealth, of Municipal Corporations, or boundaries of the territories thereof, shall be held to affect in any way the jurisdiction of Lodges. (1918-364)
  • GC1930: Section 320, Section 321, Section 322; 1930-118; In this revision, the text of Sections 320, 321 and 322 is the same as GC1918.
    • Additionally, GC1930 includes the following section:
      • Section 323: No Lodge, unless authorized by the Grand Master, shall hold a meeting, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, in any place other than the one designated in its Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof. (1918-364)
  • GC1930: Section 323, 1930-118; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • On 09/09/1936, the section was amended by the addition of the following sentence: "In cases where the jurisdiction of a Lodge is named in its charter as a college or university or other institution of like character and standing, the word 'municipality' shall be held to mean that municipality in which the administrative offices of the college are located." (1936-166)
  • GC1953 includes the following sections:
    • Section 320; "If there are two or more Lodges located in the same municipality, they shall have equal and concurrent jurisdiction over the territorial limits of that municipality."
      • Proposed 1974-43, 03/13/1974; debated 1974-126, 06/12/1974; adopted 1974-174, 09/11/1974; the text was stricken with the establishment of concurrent jurisdiction.
    • Section 321; "No changes by the Legislature of the Commonwealth, of Municipal Corporations, or boundaries of the territories thereof, shall be held to affect in any way the jurisdiction of Lodges."
      • Proposed 1974-43, 03/13/1974; debated 1974-126, 06/12/1974; adopted 1974-174, 09/11/1974; this section was stricken with the establishment of concurrent jurisdiction.
    • Section 322; 1953-45, approved 1953-197; "No Lodge, unless authorized by the Grand Master, shall hold a meeting, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, in any place other than the one designated in its Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof. In cases where the jurisdiction of a Lodge is named in its charter as a college or university or other institution of like character and standing, the word 'municipality' shall be held to mean that municipality in which the administrative offices of the college are located."
      • Amended 12/13/1961, 1961-175, by the addition of the following text: "Two or more Lodges which may be located by their Charters in different municipalities may upon petition be granted a dispensation by Grand Lodge to occupy Masonic Apartments jointly within the jurisdiction of at least one of the participating Lodges. Such dispensation shall not affect the territorial jurisdiction as defined by Section 319 of the Grand Constitutions."
      • Proposed 1974-43, 03/13/1974; debated 1974-126, 06/12/1974; adopted 1974-173, 09/11/1974, with the revision of the added text to read: "Two or more Lodges which may be located by their Charters in different municipalities may upon petition be granted a dispensation by Grand Lodge to occupy Masonic Apartments jointly within the municipality of at least one of the participating Lodges."

References

  • II-205, 12/13/1802; Union Lodge, Dorchester, petitioned to meet alternately in Dorchester and Milton; the petitioners were given "leave to withdraw", and Grand Master Dunn appointed a committee to consider petitions for alternate meeting places; it does not appear that this committee ever reported.
  • 1865-39, 12/27/1865, refers to a portion of Grand Master Parkman's address at the Feast of St. John, in which he denied a request by a lodge in South Boston to remove to Boston due to "insufficient accommodation" and the opportunity to "obtain more work". He indicated that it would be unjust to Boston lodges to "permit a large and active Lodge to come into their midst without their consent, and against the express provisions of its Charter." Indeed, he observed that he had granted dispensation for a new Lodge to meet in South Boston during that year.
  • 1876-52, 09/13/1876, refers to a petition by Orient Lodge to alter its charter to indicate that its area of jurisdiction and official place of meeting be revised due to the creation of a new town, Norwood, Massachusetts, incorporated after the charter was granted.
  • 1892-108, 09/14/1892, refers to the discussion regarding fees for the degrees, depending on the location of the lodge.
  • 1912-37, 03/13/1912, refers to a petition on jurisdictional grounds that arose due to the annexation of Hyde Park by the city of Boston.

Sec. 321. REMOVAL

A Lodge shall not remove from the municipality in which it is located without first obtaining the consent of the Grand Lodge upon petition.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of the Grand Lodge, 09/13/1813, II-570; "That no petition for the removal of a Lodge from the place where it is located, be sustained in Grand Lodge, unless said petition is sanctioned by the District Deputy Grand Master of the District where such Lodge is situated." This was in response to the petition by Franklin Lodge to remove from Cheshire to Adams, which was approved 12/10/1813, II-584.
  • Vote of the Grand Lodge, 12/11/1815, III-10; "That in future, no Petition for the removal of a Lodge from the place where it is located, be sustained in Gd. Lodge unless said petition be sanctioned by the District Dp. Grand Master of the District where said Lodge is situated; and the approbation of the Lodge nearest the place where the said Lodge is intended to be held; the same being signified in Writing to the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 12, III-234; "No petition for the removal of a lodge from the place in which it is located, shall be sustained in Grand Lodge unless said petition is sanction by the District Deputy Grand Master of the district where said lodge is situated, and has the approbation of the lodge nearest the place where the said lodge is intended to be held; the same being signified in writing to the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:5, IV-643; "No petition for the removal of a lodge from the place in which it is located, shall be sustained in Grand Lodge unless said petition is sanctioned by the District Deputy Grand Master of the district where said lodge is situated, and has the approbation of the Lodge nearest the place where the said lodge is intended to be held; the same being signified, in writing, to the Grand Lodge. Nor shall any Lodge hold meetings, unless authorized by the Grand Master, in any place other than the one designated in their Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing "Nor shall any Lodge hold meetings . . ." with "Nor shall any Lodge hold Communications . . ."
  • GC1918: Section 324, 1918-365; In this revision, the section reads: "No petition for the removal of a Lodge from the place in which it is located shall be sustained in Grand Lodge unless said petition is approved as required in the case of a dispensation for a new Lodge to be located in the place where the said Lodge is intended to be held. Such approval shall not be required unless the proposed change of location will affect the jurisdiction of another Lodge."
  • GC1930: Section 324; 1930-119
  • GC1953: Section 323; 1953-45, approved 1953-197

References

  • III-131, 12/27/1817 refers to a petition by Federal Lodge to hold alternate meetings in Chester and Blandford; the petitioners were given "leave to withdraw their petition."
  • 1872-105, 06/12/1872, refers to the petition of Star Lodge to remove from the Central Village of Athol to Depot Village, and the remonstrance by other members against the move; the removal was not permitted.
  • 1876-52, 09/13/1876, refers to a petition to amend the charter of Orient Lodge, changing the name of the town in which it was situated from "South Dedham" to "Norwood".
  • 1918-319, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.

Sec. 322. QUALIFICATIONS OF MASTER

No Brother shall be installed Master of a Lodge who has not served at least one year in the office of Warden. A Brother who has served as Warden in a Lodge acting Under Dispensation is eligible for election as its Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 17, IV-652; "No Brother ought to be elected Master of a Lodge, who has not served, at least one year, in the office of Warden."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-51, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, replacing "ought to" with "shall".
  • GC1918: Section 325, 1918-365; in this revision, the second sentence does not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 325; 1930-119; in this revision, the second sentence does not appear.
  • GC1953: Section 324; 1953-45, approved 1953-197

References

  • 1881-164, 12/14/1881, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Lawrence invalidating an election at Eden Lodge, where a Brother was elected Master without having served as Warden. ". . . I declared the election invalid, and directed that the last Master, or, in case of his failure so to do, the Senior Warden should take charge of the Lodge until the next election. I have no question that this error was committed in ignorance of the law."
  • 1918-21, 03/13/1918, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Leon Abbott regarding the qualifications for Master of a new Lodge. "Taking into account the wording of our Regulation and the other considerations that I have outlined, I rule that service as regular Warden for the period one year in a Lodge acting under Dispensation makes such member eligible for election as Master."
  • 1924-314, 06/11/1924, refers to commentary by Grand Master Ferrell regarding familiarity with the Grand Constitutions. ". . . certain incidents of recent date have almost led us to the conclusion that a Master-elect should be required to acquaint himself with the Constitutions and give sufficient proof of his knowledge before he is considered qualified for installation. From this time on, it is the intention of your Grand Master to have each District Deputy Grand Master confer with every Master-elect in his District, go over with him the various provisions of the Constitutions and Regulations affecting the practice of the Lodge, its rights and privileges, and the duty and prerogatives of the Master therein."

Sec. 323. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

No elected officer of a Lodge shall act as such until he has been duly installed, nor shall he be installed by proxy. In case the Master-elect is unable to be present for installation, his predecessor in office shall continue to act as Master until such time as the installation of the Master-elect shall take place.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 18; adopted 09/11/1878, 1878-88; "No elected officer of a Lodge shall act as such until he has been duly installed."
  • GC1918: Section 325, 1918-365; "No elected officer of a Lodge shall act as such until he has been duly installed."
  • GC1930: Section 326, 1930-119; "No elected officer of a Lodge shall act as such until he has been duly installed."
  • GC1953: Section 325; 1953-45, approved 1953-197

References

  • MFM, Vol. VI, No. 10, Page 315, 08/01/1847, refers to the following inquiry: "would {it} be right or legal for officers of any Lodge in one State, to be installed in another State?" Brother Moore's reply is that "it is not competent for the officers of any Lodge to go out of the State to be installed. The installation should take place in the Lodge room, or in a hall procured for the purpose by the Lodge, within the town where it is located."
  • 1869-105, 12/09/1869, refers to the address by Grand Master Gardner, detailing expenses by the Grand Lodge; in order to curtail spending, "The installations of officers of Lodges have been confided entirely to the District Deputy Grand Masters."
  • 1915-218, 09/08/1915, refers to a series of rulings by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding the succession of officers due to absence or incapacity.
  • 1925-143, 06/10/1925, refers to a ruling regarding the absence of the Master at installation. "During the Grand Master's absence, the Deputy Grand Master was called upon to make a ruling upon the procedure necessary when the Master-elect of a Lodge is unable to appear for installation. The question involved was: 'Who occupies the East of the Lodge, the retiring Master or the newly installed Senior Warden?' The point is not explicitly covered by the Grand Constitutions nor was any decision of Grand Lodge or Grand Master to be found directly covering the matter. The Deputy Grand Master ruled as follows and I hereby approve it and offer it for the guidance of the Craft. In case the Master-elect of a Lodge is unable to present himself with the other officers for installation; his predecessor in office holds over until such time as the installation of the Master-elect takes place."

Sec. 324. VACANCIES

If the Master resigns, dies, or demits, or is suspended, deposed, disabled, or absent, the Senior Warden shall forthwith fill the Master's chair and be styled "Senior Warden, Acting Master."

If the Senior Warden also be disqualified, the Junior Warden shall forthwith fill the Master's chair and be styled "Junior Warden, Acting Master."

In the event that a Lodge is without all three of these officers, that fact shall forthwith be made known to the District Deputy Grand Master for the District, who will fill the chair himself, or if that be impossible, the Grand Master will preside or commission a special deputy for that purpose.

Earlier Revisions

References


Sec. 325. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE: LODGES IN MASSACHUSETTS

Every Lodge shall be represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge by its Master and Wardens, or by a proxy duly designated by the Lodge in its Return of Officers; and that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing who is a member of said Lodge a proxy to represent it in the Grand Lodge; and such proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge during the Masonic year in which he is appointed, and to vote in the absence of the Master and Wardens of the Lodge he represents.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge: 10/14/1770, I-231; "That it be recommended to the several Lodges under this jurisdiction to pass a Vote at their next meeting to send by their representatives to the Grand Lodge at their quarterly communication the Sum of twelve Shillings Lawful Money and to continue the same at every succeeding quarterly communication until it shall be otherwise ordered, and that the G. S. notify them accordingly." A commission of proxy is also reported, for Paul Revere on behalf of The Tyrian Lodge.
  • GC1792 includes the following sections:
    • 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."
    • Section 8th, 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."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-37, 03/11/1793, that articles from the Grand Constitutions accompany all new charters, including the form of particular lodges' representation in Grand Lodge.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-78, 09/09/1795; "That when any Lodge in this Jurisdiction is not represented in Grand Lodge and is in arrears, for a longer period than twelve months, it shall be considered as having relinquished its connection with the Grand Lodge, and not having a regular Masonic standing in the Commonwealth."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 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."
    • Address to Grand Lodge, III-27, 12/27/1815; a Protest by several Brethren against this resolution was presented, suggesting that a summons for a Master or Warden required their personal appearance, rather than a proxy.
  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 1, II-520; "{All of the Lodges} . . . must be represented in every Communication of the Grand Lodge by their Masters and Wardens or by proxies duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge and the attestation of the Master and Secretary."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/09/1812, II-529: "The committee appointed the 9th of December, 1811, to determine what qualifications shall, in future, be considered necessary to constitute a legal representative in this Grand Lodge, and to report thereon at this meeting, having attended to the business assigned them, take leave to report, that the 3rd Section of the first Chapter and the 1st Section of the third Chapter of the Constitution explicitly declare, The qualifications necessary to be a member, or legal representative; and your committee are of opinion that none other, but those therein mentioned, can be legal representatives, or suffer'd to vote in this Grand Lodge, As some Lodges have been deprived of being represented in this Grand Lodge by their commission of proxy not being constitutionally worded and executed, your committee have taken the liberty of drafting a form of commission for a proxy, which they will submit to the Grand Lodge for approbation; and, if approved of, to be adopted as the only form to be used and accepted by this Grand Lodge after the installation of Grand Officers in December next. They further report as their opinion, that no Master or Warden of a Lodge can delegate his jewel or privilege as a voter in this Grand Lodge to any member of his Lodge, much less to a Brother who is not a member; and that the Master and Wardens of a Lodge who have a legal proxy in Grand Lodge cannot vote in conjunction with such proxy (tho' both may retain their seats in Grand Lodge) ; and that when the Master and Wardens of such a Lodge are present they shall have the privilege of voting; but, if only one of them is present, the proxy shall have that privilege." (The form of Commission for Proxy appears on II-530.)
  • GC1819 contains the following sections:
    • Chapter 5, Section 2, III-230; "Each lodge may appoint any master mason of regular standing, being a member of a lodge under this jurisdiction, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge, during the masonic year in which he was apponted, and to a vote when the master and wardens of the lodge he represents shall not all be present. The letter, by which a lodge shall appoint a proxy, is to be in form or substance as follows, viz.:" See sample of appointment letter on page III-231.
    • Chapter 5, Section 3, III-231; "Every lodge, represented by proxy in the Grand Lodge, shall issue the commission annually. All commissions of proxies shall expire with the closing of the Grand Lodge on the festival of St. John the Evangelist, or day of installation."
    • Chapter 5, Section 4, III-232; "No one shall be proxy for more than one lodge at the same time."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 2:1, IV-645; "It is the duty of every Lodge to represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge, by its Master and Wardens, or by a Proxy duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge, and the attestation of the Master and Secretary. And that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing, not holding office in Grand Lodge and being a member of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge, during the Masonic year in which he was appointed, and to a vote, when the Master and Wardens of the Lodge he represents shall not, any of them, be present. The letter, by which a lodge shall appoint a Proxy, is to be in form or substance as follows, viz.:" a sample of the appointment letter appears on IV-646.
    • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-338 (1860-27), replacing "being a member of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction" with the text: "being a member Any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge but established beyond the territorial limits of Massachusetts, may constitute an honorary member of such Lodge to act as its proxy in Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1867, VI-179 (1867-105), replacing the section with the following text: "It is the duty of every Lodge to represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge, by its Master and Wardens, or by a Proxy duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge, and the attestation of the Master and Secretary. And that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing, not holding office in Grand Lodge and being a member of said Lodge, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat and to speak on all questions in the Grand Lodge during the Masonic year in which he was appointed but shall not be entitled to a vote, except in the absence of one or more of the ex Officio Representatives of his Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-88, replacing "It is the duty of every Lodge to . . ." with "Every Lodge shall be . . ."
    • Proposed 06/12/1895, 1895-127, adopted 09/11/1895, 1895-221, replacing "a right to a seat . . ." with "right to a seat . . . "
  • GC1918: Section 329, 1918-366; "Every Lodge shall be represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge by its Master and Wardens, or by a proxy duly commissioned under the seal of the Lodge and the attestation of the Master and Secretary; and, that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing and being a member of said Lodge, a proxy, to represent it in the Grand Lodge; and such proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge during the Masonic year in which he is appointed, and to vote in the absence of the Master and Wardens of the Lodge he represents."
  • GC1930: Section 328; 1930-119; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 327; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • I-11, 07/13/1750, contains a reference to the "Grand Committee of Charity"; it is to meet at least eight days before each Quarterly Communication.
  • I-98, 08/21/1765, contains a letter from the Middletown Connecticut Lodge, appointing Bro. Edmund Quincy, Jr., to represent them at St. John's Grand Lodge as the distance "is so great as to render it prejudicial to our Several Employs to attend at Quarterly Communications."
  • II-490, 06/13/1811, refers to revisions incorporated into GC1811.
  • 1871-75, 06/14/1871, refers to a case where a number of Brothers had registered as representatives of their lodges after being elected and installed, but before report was made to Grand Lodge regarding their status; by vote of Grand Lodge these cases were formally healed.
  • 1901-172, 12/11/1901, refers to remarks by Grand Master Hutchinson with regard to representation by particular Lodges. "the long list, read at the Installation by the Grand Secretary, of Lodges that have not been represented for a year or more at Grand Lodge meetings, naturally suggests a neglect on the part of somebody, particularly when the delinquency of some of these Lodges is almost chronic. One of the strengths of our Institution is the fact that the Grand Lodge is a representative Body composed of delegates from each Lodge, — the best form of representative government, — and unless the representation is a fact rather than a theory, the nature and aim of such a government fails. It would seem as though one of the first three Officers of each Lodge might find an opportunity to come to Boston on one, at least, of the four days in the year in which the Grand Lodge meets; and if, from disability, or by reason of the nature of the employment, business cares, or other duties of the Officers, this is not possible, there should be some member designated, early in the Lodge year, as proxy for such Lodge, to be present at some of the Communications of the Grand Lodge."
  • 1989-96
  • See Section 203
  • The 1878 Digest of Masonic Law notes the following: "The officers of a Lodge working under Dispensation are not entitled to seats as representatives in Grand Lodge. "No new Lodge is owned, nor their officers admitted into the Grand Lodge, unless it be regularly constituted and registered. – Vide Ancient Mass. Reg., Art. XII."

Sec. 326. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE: LODGES OUTSIDE OF MASSACHUSETTS

Any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, but established beyond the territorial limits of Massachusetts, may constitute an honorary member of such Lodge to act as its proxy in Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1918: Section 330, 1918-367
    • This revision also includes the following section: Section 331. The letter by which a Lodge shall appoint a proxy shall be in form and substance as follows, viz.: [SEAL of Lodge and SIGNATURE of Master] To the Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts: Be it known, That Brother ------, of ------, having been chosen by the members of ------ Lodge, in ------, to represent said Lodge in Grand Lodge the ensuing year, I do by these presents, in their behalf, constitute and appoint him their representative, for them to appear, and upon all subjects relating to the Craft in general and to said Lodge in particular, to act and decide as fully as though we were personally present. Confirming the acts of our beloved Brother, in his capacity aforesaid, we pray that he may enjoy all the privileges and protection to which we are entitled. In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of our Lodge to be affixed, this ------ day of ------, A.L. 59--. Attest: ------, Secretary. The words 'the ensuing year' may be omitted by Lodges not located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
  • GC1930: Section 328, Section 329; 1930-119; In this revision, the text of these sections is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 328, Section 329; In this revision, the text of these sections is the same as GC1918.

References

  • VI-337: See above section for resolution regarding lodges outside of jurisdiction.

Sec. 327. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE: PROXIES

Each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts represented by proxy in the Grand Lodge shall designate the Brother serving as proxy in its Return of Officers. The term of the proxy shall coincide with the term of the elected officers of the Lodge he represents. No Brother shall represent more than one Lodge at the same time as proxy, nor shall he be representative of one or more Lodges and proxy for another. Designations of proxies of Lodges located without said Commonwealth shall remain in force until revoked or until a new proxy is designated.

Every Lodge, following the installation of its officers, shall submit a Return of Officers with its next monthly report to the Grand Secretary's Office.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 8, II-521; "Every Lodge represented by proxy in Grand Lodge shall issue the commission, annually. All commissions of proxy shall expire with the closing of the Grand Lodge on the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, or day of installation."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 2, III-231; "Each lodge may appoint any master mason of regular standing, being a member of a lodge under this jurisdiction, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge, during the masonic year in which he was apponted, and to a vote when the master and wardens of the lodge he represents shall not all be present. The letter, by which a lodge shall appoint a proxy, is to be in form or substance as follows, viz.: Sample of appointment letter appears on III-231.
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 2:1, IV-645; "It is the duty of every Lodge to be represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge, by its Master and Wardens, or by a Proxy duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge, and the attestation of the Master and Secretary. And that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing, not holding office in Grand Lodge and being a member of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge, during the Masonic year in which he was appointed, and to a vote, when the Master and Wardens of the Lodge he represents shall not, any of them, be present. The letter, by which a lodge shall appoint a Proxy, is to be in form or substance as follows, viz.:" (The form of proxy commission letter is given on IV-646.)
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-50, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Each Lodge is to be represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge, by its Master and Wardens, or by a Proxy duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge, and the attestation of the Master and Secretary. And that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing, not holding office in Grand Lodge and being a member of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge, during the Masonic year in which he was appointed, and to a vote, in the absence of the Master or one of the Wardens of the Lodge he represents shall not, any of them, be present."
    • Amended 12/12/1860, VI-337, replacing the text "being a member of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction" with "being a member of said Lodge". At the end of the section, the following was added: "Any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge but established beyond the territorial limits of Massachusetts, may constitute an honorary member of such Lodge to act as its proxy in Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1867, VII-167, to read: "It is the duty of every Lodge to represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge, by its Master and Wardens, or by a Proxy duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge, and the attestation of the Master and Secretary. And that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing, not holding office in Grand Lodge and being a member of said Lodge, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat and to speak on all questions in the Grand Lodge during the Masonic year in which he was appointed but shall not be entitled to a vote, except in the absence of one or more of the ex Officio Representatives of his Lodge."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 2:2, IV-646; "Every lodge, represented by Proxy in the Grand Lodge, shall issue the commission annually. All commissions of Proxies shall expire with the closing of the Grand Lodge on the festival of St. John the Evangelist, or the day of installation. And no Brother shall represent more than one Lodge at the same time, either as representative or Proxy."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-50, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87; add the following text: "The letter, by which a Lodge shall appoint a proxy, shall be in form and substance as follows, viz.:" (Form of proxy as in earlier version).
  • GC1918: Section 332, 1918-368; in this revision, the section reads: "Each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, represented by proxy in the Grand Lodge, shall issue the commission annually. All such commissions shall expire with the closing of the Grand Lodge on the festival of Saint John the Evangelist, or the day of Installation; and no Brother shall represent more than one Lodge at the same timeCommissions of proxies of Lodges located without said Commonwealth shall remain in force until revoked or until a new commission issues.
    • On 03/14/1923, the words "either as representative or proxy as proxy nor shall he be representative of one Lodge and proxy for another" were removed from this section. (1923-40)
  • GC1930: Section 320, 1930-120; In this revision, the section reads: "Each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, represented by proxy in the Grand Lodge, shall issue the commission annually. All such commissions shall expire with the closing of the Grand Lodge on the festival of Saint John the Evangelist, or the day of Installation; and no Brother shall represent more than one Lodge at the same time as proxy, nor shall he be representative of one or more Lodges and proxy for another. Commissions of proxies of Lodges located without said Commonwealth shall remain in force until revoked or until a new commission issues."
  • GC1953: Section 330; In this revision, the text is the same as in GC1930.

References

  • II-480 seems spurious, as it does not mention this subject.
  • 1918-320, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.

Sec. 328. INSTRUCTION OF REPRESENTATIVES

At a duly called business meeting of any Lodge, a majority of the members then present shall have the right to instruct their representatives in the Grand Lodge, provided that one of the members is qualified to preside.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: 1:6, IV-644; "The majority of the members of a Lodge, when congregated, have the privilege of giving instructions to their Master and Wardens, before the meeting of the Grand Lodge; such officers being their representatives, and are supposed to speak their sentiments."
    • Amended 06/11/1856 to read: "The majority of the members of any Lodge, when duly assembled, shall have the right to instruct their Master and Wardens as their representatives in Grand Lodge." (VI-27)
  • GC1918: Section 333, 1918-368; in this revision, the section reads: "The majority of the members of any Lodge, when duly assembled, shall have the right to instruct their representatives in the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1930: Section 331; 1930-121; In this revision, the text of this section is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 331; 1953-46, approved 1953-197

References

  • 1950-190, 12/13/1950, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Wragg regarding the instruction of Lodge representatives in Grand Lodge. It was only published in 1950.

Sec. 329. GRAND LODGE FEES

Each Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge Fifteen Dollars for each candidate initiated, and shall receive from the Grand Lodge as many diplomas as it may make Master Masons. Each Lodge shall also pay the Grand Lodge $1.00. (One Dollar) for each member who is not a Life Member of Grand Lodge. Said funds to be paid to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial for its general maintenance and upkeep.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge; 12/06/1771, I-236; see section 302 above.
  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge; 12/08/1790, I-375; "The Committee further recommend that for the future support of the Grand Lodge, each of the said Lodges, with all such as may be regularly added shall pay at each quarterly communication nine Shillings, and that every Lodge not represented and neglecting to pay for the Space of twelve months shall positively forfeit their connection with the Grand Lodge, and it shall be the duty of the Grand Master for the time being to revoke the Charter of such delinquent Lodges."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-37, 03/11/1793, that articles from the Grand Constitutions accompany all new charters, including required fees to the Grand Lodge for all Masons made after this date.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-123, 01/17/1798; "That a committee be appointed to draw up Regulations for the disposal of Charity; and for the profitable and worthy appropriation of the funds of the Grand Lodge."
  • Additional Regulations 1801: Article 4th, I-193; "The Grand Lodge shall cause to be provided a diploma, printed on parchment, with a device emblematical of, and suited to, the Genius and Design of Masonry, and purporting in a dignified simplicity of language, that the Bearer thereof (inserting the name) has been raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, in _____ Lodge, of regular standing as appears by the records of the Parent Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The diploma shall bear the Seal of the Lodge in which the Brother was raised, or is a member, and shall be signed by the Master, Wardens and Secretary of said Lodge. At the foot of the diploma shall appear a certificate, signed by the Grand Secretary, by order of the Grand Master, expressing the date of the charter of the Lodge unto whom it is intended to be issued, and that the same was regularly constituted and is under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge."
  • GC1811 contains the following section:
    • Chapter III, Section 7, II-521; "Each Lodge shall pay annually to the Grand Lodge toward its support eight dollars, and three dollars for every candidate by them initiated."
    • Chapter III, Section 11, II-522; "Every Lodge shall be furnished by the Grand Lodge with blank returns and as many diplomas as they shall initiate candidates; and the Master of each Lodge, who has complied with the Laws of the Grand Lodge, shall be presented with a Master's Diploma, after having sustained the office one year."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/08/1812, II-538: "The committee to whom was committed the petition from several Lodges praying for the remission of their dues to this Grand Lodge, ask leave to report. That they have taken into due consideration the numerous applications for the remission of dues to the Grand Lodge, and also the importance of that respectable and honorable support which it is the duty of every Brother of the Masonic family to afford to the parent Grand Lodge as well as the establishment of the Grand Charity Fund, and are of opinion that when any Lodge finds it inconvenient to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, which they have promised to support and maintain, it is their duty to return their charter and regalia to the Grand Lodge to be deposited, during their inability, among the archives of Masonry; and that it is inexpedient, unjust and inconsistent with that support, which the Grand Lodge has a right to expect from the Lodges under its Jurisdiction, for them to grant remission of dues under any circumstances, as the demands of the Grand Lodge are very moderate and are chiefly paid by the initiates."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/11/1815, III-7 on a petition by Ancient Landmark and Portland Lodges;
    • "The proposition for an Amendment of the Constitution of the Gd. Lodge, in the 7th Section of Chapter 3rd so far as that instead of three dollars now exacted for each initiate, only one dollar be required — cannot in our opinion be complied with, consistently with the true interests of the Craft in general, and especially of the M. W. Grand Lodge — and that for the following reasons:
      • "First. Because we fear that diminishing the demands of the Gd. Lodge for initiates may operate in some lodges as an inducement for lessening the fees for Initiations, and thus render the access to the privileges of Freemasonry too easy and make the Institution undervalued by its cheapness.
      • "Second. Because it would be reducing to a scanty rill those streams which are pouring their needed supplies into the fountain of Charity, the replenishing of which is an Object most desirable and most important. —
      • "Third. Because We do not consider the provision for the general Charity-fund by any means incompatible with the measures adopted by individual Lodges, for the increase of their own private funds: & regret that there should be supposed any interfering Claims: for we believe that both may be provided for, without unduly taxing the benevolence, or encroaching upon the separate interests of Lodges.
    • "The Consideration of this subject has led us to fear that the Object of the Grand Charity Fund, is either not well understood, or that some of the subordinate lodges suspect that the period for its operation is too distant to afford them the benefit which they have too eagerly anticipated; or that the future Application of its resources will be too limited to reach their individual interests. — But we conceive that these are mistaken & unfounded apprehensions. We look forward with enlivened Confidence to the time when this General fund will have attained the means of effecting its noble purposes, and diffuse its beneficial influences to every lodge within this Jurisdiction, and to every suffering member of the masonick Family, for whose assistance or relief, we are in any degree responsible;
    • "And, therefore, hope that no reluctance will be felt in Contributing to its augmentation; and that no measures may be adopted which shall diminish its supplies."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 12/09/1816, III-63, in response to a request by Hancock Lodge for remission of dues; ". . . your Committee are of opinion, that the remarkable circumstance therein stated, of the Lodge having been deprived of their jewels and furniture by the British Troops during the War, gives them a peculiar claim to the consideration of the Grand Lodge. Your Committee therefore recommend should it hereafter appear evident to the Most Worshipful Master of this Grand Lodge, that said Lodge has sustained the loss represented, He shall be authorized to direct that the sum due from said Lodge to the Grand Lodge in December 5815, be passed to their Credit as a donation to repair their loss."
  • GC1819 includes the following sections:
    • Chapter 5, Section 14, III-234; "Each Lodge shall pay annually towards the support of the Grand Lodge, eight dollars; and three dollars for every candidate by them initiated."
    • Chapter 5, Section 17, III-235; "Every Lodge shall be furnished by the Grand Lodge with blank returns, and as many diplomas as they shall initiate candidates; and the master of each Lodge, who has complied with the laws of the Grand Lodge, shall be presented with a master's diploma, after having sustained the office one year."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:10, IV-645; "Each Lodge shall pay, annually, towards the support of the Grand Lodge, four dollars; and three dollars and fifty cents for every candidate by them initiated. And shall receive from the Grand Lodge, as many Diplomas and Grand Lodge Travelling Certificates, as they may make Master Masons."
    • Amended 09/09/1846, V-87, by substituting $6 as the annual fee for each Lodge instead of $4 and $5 instead of $3.50 as the fee for every candidate initiated.
    • Amended 12/08/1858, VI-211 (1858-24); The fee paid by Lodges to the Grand Lodge for initiates is reduced from $5 to $3.
    • Amended 06/13/1866, Page VII-79 (1866-15); The fee paid by each Lodge to the Grand Lodge is increased to $10 instead of $6, and the fee for initiates is raised from $3 to $5.
    • Amended 06/12/1912, 1912-102, adding the following text: "From and after September 1, 1912, there shall be contributed for each initiate $5 to the Masonic Home Fund. This amount shall be added to the initiation fee by all Lodges which have not already so provided. The candidate shall be entitled upon affiliation to a certificate, or receipt, such as is provided in cases of contribution by those who are already members. These amounts shall be collected from the Lodges by the District Deputy Grand Masters at the Annual Visitations, and remitted with the annual returns, and the Grand Treasurer shall, on or before the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in each year, pay the same to the Board of Masonic Relief to be added to the Masonic Home Fund."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 09/12/1849, V-240; response to a petition by three lodges to reduce Grand Lodge fees is the recommendation that they "have leave to withdraw their petition."
  • GC1918: Section 334, 1918-368
    • This section has been revised repeatedly. In this revision, the section reads: "Each Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge five dollars for each candidate initiated; and shall receive from the Grand Lodge as many Diplomas as it may make Master Masons. Each Lodge shall also annually pay towards the support of the Grand Lodge ten dollars and, in addition thereto, each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall annually pay ten dollars for each one hundred members (or fraction thereof) in excess of two hundred, excluding honorary members."
    • Amended 06/11/1924, 1924-317: "Each Brother who is a member of one or more Lodges located within the jurisdiction, shall annually pay toward the support of the Grand Lodge two dollars. Said sum shall be due annually in advance on the first day of September for the period from September first to August thirty-first, inclusive. Said sum shall be collected by the particular Lodges, except as otherwise provided by the Grand Lodge. The particular Lodges shall account for and pay over the moneys so collected by them to the Grand Lodge in accordance with such regulations as shall be fixed by the Grand Lodge. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage."
  • GC1930: Section 331; 1930-121; In this revision, the text reads: "Each Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge five dollars for each candidate initiated; and shall receive from the Grand Lodge as many Diplomas as it may make Master Masons. Each Brother who is a member of one or more Lodges located within the jurisdiction, shall annually pay toward the support of the Grand Lodge two dollars. Said sum shall be due annually in advance on the first day of September for the period from September first to August thirty-first, inclusive. Said sum shall be collected by the particular Lodges, except as otherwise provided by the Grand Lodge. The particular Lodges shall account for and pay over the moneys so collected by them to the Grand Lodge in accordance with such regulations as shall be fixed by the Grand Lodge."
    • On 03/09/1949, the text was revised to exclude all text following the words "as many Diplomas as it may make Master Masons"; i.e., the section as revised contained only the first sentence. (1949-26)
  • GC1953: Section 332; 1953-46, approved 1953-197; "Each Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge five dollars for each candidate initiated; and shall receive from the Grand Lodge as many Diplomas as it may make Master Masons."

References

  • II-138, 03/11/1799, may refer to the "subject of St. Andrew's Lodge", referred but not addressed at this meeting.
  • II-415, 09/11/1809, refers to a report of a committee on diplomas for initiates; as of the given date, all diploma stock on hand were exhausted, and the committee indicated that it was impossible to obtain parchment and had accordingly purchased ten quires of paper; a sample was provided.
  • II-529, 03/09/1812, refers to a report by the Grand Secretary indicating that the diploma plate "was so worn that fair and legible impressions could no longer be taken from it; likewise that impressions of that description, on vellum, were much wanted." A committee was appointed to repair or replace the plate and report on taking impressions of the plate on vellum.
  • III-126, 12/08/1817, refers to a petition by Eastern Star Lodge "praying for an extension of time for the payment of their dues to the Grand Lodge."
  • III-292, 06/14/1820, refers to a report regarding delinquent lodges.
  • IV-180, 03/10/1830; and IV-185, 06/09/1830 refer to the resolutions to establish a permanent Masonic Temple in Boston. Previous to this date Grand Lodge and the Boston lodges had not fixed and permanent meeting place.
  • IV-561, 09/14/1842, refers to the Grand Lodge Committee Report on the doings of the National Masonic Convention, and the advice to Grand Lodges that they require subordinate lodges to provide certificates of good standing for strangers.
  • IV-615, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1843.
  • 1883-130, 09/12/1883; 1883-280, 12/12/1883; a proposal to reduce Grand Lodge fees was rejected after extensive discussion of the financial impact upon Grand Lodge.
  • 1930-480, 12/10/1930, refers to a ruling regarding the presentation of the candidate's diploma. "The Grand Constitutions specify no time for the presentation [of the diploma], and it has been found that when delayed until the signing of the By-Laws more or less confusion has resulted. I therefore would suggest that in the future the candidate be presented with his Master Mason's diploma on the completion of the third degree."
  • 2008-168
  • 1857-8 is unclear.
  • III-645 is spurious; it should be IV-645.
  • See Sec. 607

Sec. 330. GRAND LODGE DUES: OBLIGATIONS OF LODGES

Each Lodge shall pay, annually, to the Grand Lodge for its charitable uses and support a sum so designated and voted by the Grand Lodge for each of its members, such payments to be made at such times, and in such manner, and with such appropriate credits for dual membership, remissions of dues, or other causes, as the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge may from time to time prescribe. For the fiscal year 2013, the sum is $60.00. For each subsequent year, such sum shall be increased by up to twice the same percentage increase for the preceding available twelve month period as the Services component of the Boston Area Consumer Price Index for All Urban Workers (CPI-U) as published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, or closest approximation, rounded to the next highest whole dollar. The increase shall be determined each year by the Grand Treasurer and forwarded to the Board of Directors for consideration and approval sufficiently in advance that adequate notice may be given to the Lodges of the increase for that year.

Earlier Revisions

  • Report of Grand Lodge Committee, 09/13/1843, IV-609; on the doings of the National Masonic Convention, the committee observed: "Your Committee do not approve of the resolution of the Convention assessing the subordinate Lodges per Capita. — They therefore report against its adoption."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:10, IV-645; "Each Lodge shall pay, annually, towards the support of the Grand Lodge, four dollars; and three dollars and fifty cents for every candidate by them initiated. And shall receive from the Grand Lodge, as many Diplomas and Grand Lodge Travelling Certificates, as they may make Master Masons."
    • Amended 09/09/1846, by substituting $6 as the annual fee for each Lodge instead of $4 and $5 instead of $3.50 as the fee for every candidate initiated. (V-67)
    • Amended 12/08/1858, by reducing the fee paid by Lodges to the Grand Lodge for initiates from $5 to $3. (VI-211)
    • Amended 06/13/1866, by increasing the fee paid by each Lodge to the Grand Lodge to $10, and increasing the fee for initiates from $3 to $5. (VII-79)
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-50, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing " . . . for every candidate by them initiated" by "for every candidate initiated".
  • GC1918: Section 334, 1918-368; "Each Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge five dollars for each candidate initiated; and shall receive from the Grand Lodge as many Diplomas as it may make Master Masons. Each Lodge shall also annually pay towards the support of the Grand Lodge ten dollars and, in addition thereto, each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall annually pay ten dollars for each one hundred members (or fraction thereof) in excess of two hundred, excluding honorary members."
    • Amended 06/11/1924, 1924-40; Replace the second sentence with the following: "Each Brother who is a member of one or more Lodges located within the jurisdiction, shall annually pay toward the support of the Grand Lodge two dollars. Said sum shall be due annually in advance on the first day of September for the period from September first to August thirty-first, inclusive. Said sum shall be collected by the particular Lodges, except as otherwise provided by the Grand Lodge. The particular Lodges shall account for and pay over the moneys so collected by them to the Grand Lodge in accordance with such regulations as shall be fixed by the Grand Lodge. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage." (1924-317)
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/11/1924, 1924-333; "That all matters of detail and procedure under Section 334 of the Grand Constitutions as amended June 11, 1924, be referred to the Board of Directors with power."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 09/10/1924, 1924-365; "At a meeting of the Board of Directors held on June 25, 1924, pursuant to a call by the M. W. Grand Master, it was Voted: to recommend to Grand Lodge that one-half the Grand Lodge dues collected in the overseas District Grand Lodges be allowed to be retained in the Districts for the purpose of the District Grand Lodges."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/10/1925, 1925-183; "At a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors, duly called by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and held May 20, 1925, it was voted to recommend to the Grand Lodge that one-half of the Grand Lodge dues collected in the Chile District be allowed to be retained in the District for the purposes of the District."
  • GC1930: Section 332A; 1949-26; This section was adopted on 03/09/1949, reading as follows: "Each Lodge shall pay, annually, to the Grand Lodge for its charitable uses and support the sum of three dollars for each of its members, such payments to be made at such times, in such manner, and with such appropriate credits for dual memberships, remissions of dues, or other causes, as the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge may from time to time prescribe. The per capita payments hereby established shall be assessed by the lodge upon its members in addition to any Lodge dues."
  • GC1953: Section 332A; "Each Lodge shall pay, annually, to the Grand Lodge for its charitable uses and support the sum of three dollars for each of its members, such payments to be made at such times, in such manner, and with such appropriate credits for dual memberships, remissions of dues, or other causes, as the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge may from time to time prescribe. The per capita payments hereby established shall be assessed by the lodge upon its members in addition to any Lodge dues."
    • Amended 06/12/1968, 1968-99, to five dollars.
    • Amended 06/09/1976, 1976-172, to eight dollars.
    • Amended 06/09/1982, 1982-77, to twelve dollars.
    • Amended 06/12/1985, 1985-98, to fifteen dollars.

References

  • 1926-259, 09/08/1926, and 1929-54, 03/13/1929: These rulings refer to the uniform receipt for dues, and to the collection of Grand Lodge dues in overseas districts; there is no mention of honorary membership, and the references may be spurious.
  • 1930-302, 06/11/1930, refers to a committee report regarding the attempt to change the per capita payment to two dollars, and to the effect of the adoption of the uniform receipt for dues.
  • 1930-338, 06/11/1930, refers to commentary by Grand Master Herbert W. Dean regarding lodges' obligations to pay Grand Lodge dues, and the impact of the uniform receipt for dues on record keeping.
  • 1930-486, 12/11/1930, refers to a committee report in which it was recommended that a lodge not be permitted to pay delinquent Grand Lodge dues for its members. Grand Master Herbert W. Dean offered the ruling and commentary declaring the "unconstitutionality of any by-law of a Lodge which permits the Lodge from its funds to pay the Grand Lodge dues of the Lodge's individual members, or to sell life memberships covering Grand Lodge Dues."
  • 1931-36, 03/11/1931, refers to remarks by Grand Master Herbert W. Dean regarding suspension and reinstatement. "A member suspended by the Lodge may be reinstated on payment of back dues by a majority vote of the Lodge. Reinstatement by Grand Lodge is much more difficult, and only places the Brother in the position of an unaffiliated Mason who must make a regular application before he can join any Lodge. . . I would urge the Lodges by the use of the Service Committee to have a personal interview with all those Brethren whom it is possible to reach before taking any action which might not be fair to the member. I would call the attention of the Masters to the fact that it is their duty to see that all amounts collected for Grand Lodge dues which are on hand on April 1st and June 1st should be sent in so that we may properly finance the affairs of the Grand Lodge."
  • 1995-299
  • 2012: <>

Sec. 331. GRAND LODGE DUES: PREPAYMENT

Any member may prepay all future Grand Lodge dues by remitting direct to the Grand Lodge a sum equal to the product of 34 multiplied by the then Grand Lodge dues, reduced however, by an amount equal to one-half of the then current Grand Lodge dues multiplied by the number of years in excess of twenty-one of the then attained age of such member, and thereafter no further assessments shall be made by the Grand Lodge upon said member or upon any Lodge on account of such member. All moneys so paid to the Grand Lodge shall be used by it for its charitable purposes and support and no refund shall be made on account of the death or demit of the member or for any other purpose. The investment and expenditure of all funds received for such payment of all future Grand Lodge dues shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise voted by the Grand Lodge, expenditures from the principal of the funds shall not in any one year exceed a sum equal to the then current Grand Lodge Dues for each prepaid member.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1930: Section 332B; proposed 1948-222, adopted 1949-26; This section was adopted on 03/09/1949, reading as follows: "Any member may prepay all future Grand Lodge dues by remitting direct to the Grand Lodge the sum of one hundred dollars, less one dollar and fifty cents for each year of attained age in excess of age twenty-one, and thereafter no further assessment shall be made by the Grand Lodge upon said member or upon any Lodge on account of said member. All monies so paid to the Grand Lodge shall be used by it exclusively for charitable purposes and no refund shall be made on account of the death or dimit of the member or for any other purpose. The investment and expenditure of all funds received for Grand Lodge life memberships shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise voted by the Grand Lodge, expenditures from the principal of the funds shall not in any one year, exceed a sum equal to three dollars for each life member."
  • GC1953: Section 332B; 1953-46, approved 1953-197; "Any member may prepay all future Grand Lodge dues by remitting direct to the Grand Lodge the sum of one hundred dollars less one dollar and fifty cents for each year of attained age in excess of age twenty-one, and thereafter no further assessment shall be made by the Grand Lodge upon said member or upon any Lodge on account of said member. All monies so paid to the Grand Lodge shall be used by it exclusively for charitable purposes and no refund shall be made on account of the death or dimit of the member or for any other purpose. The investment and expenditure of all funds received for such pre-payment of all future Grand Lodge dues shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise voted by the Grand Lodge, expenditures from the principal of the funds shall not in any one year, exceed a sum equal to three dollars for each prepaid member."
    • Amended 06/12/1968, 1968-99, to one hundred sixty seven dollars, less two dollars and fifty cents, with expenditures limited to five dollars per member.
    • Amended 06/09/1976, 1976-172, to two hundred sixty seven dollars and fifty cents, less four dollars, with expenditures limited to eight dollars per member.
    • Amended 06/09/1982, 1982-77, to four hundred and two dollars, less six dollars and fifty cents, with expenditures limited to twelve dollars per member.
    • Amended 06/12/1985, 1985-99, to five hundred and two dollars and fifty cents, less seven dollars and fifty cents, with expenditures limited to fifteen dollars per member.

References

  • 1930-302, 06/11/1930, refers to a committee report regarding the attempt to change the per capita payment to two dollars, and to the effect of the adoption of the uniform receipt for dues, and also makes reference to a by-laws proposal that might be seen to override the Grand Constitutions.
  • 1930-486, 12/11/1930, refers to a committee report in which it was recommended that a lodge not be permitted to pay delinquent Grand Lodge dues for its members, or create a by-law that permitted this. Grand Master Herbert W. Dean offered the ruling and commentary declaring the "unconstitutionality of any by-law of a Lodge which permits the Lodge from its funds to pay the Grand Lodge dues of the Lodge's individual members, or to sell life memberships covering Grand Lodge Dues."
  • 1940-328, 12/11/1940, refers to commentary by Grand Master Perry. "Because of a divergence of opinion in well informed quarters I have not officially advocated an amendment to our Grand Constitutions whereby it would be possible for a member of the Craft to prepay his Grand Lodge dues for the rest of the lifetime. Nevertheless . . . it has been my belief that some such provision ought to be made."

Sec. 332. WORK: USAGES AND CUSTOMS

All Lodges shall observe the same usages and customs. In order to preserve uniformity in work, the Master and Wardens shall qualify themselves in the work and lectures sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, that they may be enabled to instruct their respective Lodges.

The use of any cipher or presentation of Masonic ritual not authorized by this Grand Lodge is forbidden.

The use of the stereopticon or other devices not in general use in the work and lectures of the degrees is prohibited.

Floor work, unless it involves an interpretation of the ritual, is at the discretion of the Master of each Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-345, 12/08/1806; "In pursuance of a vote of the Grand Lodge at the last Quarterly Communication, submitting the question to his decision, it pleased the Most Worshipful Grand Master to give his opinion, that with respect to such candidates for initiation and other degrees, as have conscientious scruples about taking an oath, the act of affirmation is equally valid as swearing in receiving the obligations of Masonry."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/14/1842, IV-560; 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."
    • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/14/1843, IV-599, adopting the National Masonic Convention System of Work and Lectures as "the Standard Work and Lectures of this jurisdiction."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:9, IV-645; "All Lodges are particularly bound to observe the same usages and customs. Every deviation, therefore, from the established mode of working is highly improper, and ought not to be countenanced. In order to preserve this uniformity, and to cultivate a good understanding among the Craft, some members of every Lodge should be deputed to visit the other Lodges as often as may be convenient. And it shall be the duty of the Master and Wardens to qualify themselves, in the work and lectures, that they may be enabled to instruct their respective Lodges."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-50, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "All Lodges shall observe the same usages and customs. In order to preserve uniformity in work, and to cultivate a good understanding among the Craft, some members of every Lodge shall be deputed to visit the other Lodges as often as may be convenient. And the Master and Wardens shall qualify themselves in the work and lectures, that they may be enabled to instruct their respective Lodges."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, V-594, 12/12/1855; an amendment to the Grand Constitutions to hold Grand Lecturer exemplifications at each Quarterly Communication was rejected.
  • Grand Master's Address, 12/09/1857, 1857-43; "Soon after I had commenced visiting the Lodges, it became apparent to me that some of them were sustaining a mode of work contrary to that established by this Grand Lodge, while others were entirely unskilled in any work whatever which bore any but the most distant resemblance to what would be recognized by a bright Freemason. In some places, the deviations from our regulations were attributable to the influence of old Masons, and in others, to adoptions from practices said to prevail in other jurisdictions . . . Deeming it very important that these irregularities should be speedily corrected, I decided to bring into requisition at once the services of lecturers for the purpose. . . By the reports of the Lecturers it will be seen that instruction was greatly needed by many Lodges, and that a much longer delay in communicating it to them, would have been attended with the most evil consequences. . . It is my desire to reader every Lodge perfect in the work and lectures of this Grand Lodge, by the means now exercised."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 1875-11, 03/10/1875. A detailed report by the Committee on Ritual, appointed in December 1874, was presented, though it admitted its report was incomplete. "The committee have further endeavored to make everysentence of the ritual thus far considered strictly grammatical. They have also labored to make the work and lectures conform in every particular. In many instances we have found a very wide difference of opinion on the part of the members of the committee as to particular phraseology. In some cases we found almost as many forms in use as there were members present. All these doubtful points have been very fully and thoroughly discussed, but when settled by a majority vote all different opinions have been very cheerfully yielded. The result has been that every member of the committee has found himself obliged to surrender certain words and phrases which habit had invested with peculiar charms for his ear, but which he was compelled to admit were in no sense essential. The committee believe that it is not possible for the work to be more thoroughly, carefully and conscientiously performed; they are happy to say that they are unanimously agreed in submitting as the ritual of the first degree, the exhibit which they have authorized the secretary of the committee to present at this Communication, and which they beg to make a part of this report." Following the exemplification of the recommended ritual for the Entered Apprentice Degree, it was adopted for use in Massachusetts by a nearly-unanimous vote.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 1875-57, 06/09/1875. The Committee on Ritual presented the ritual and exemplified the work of the Fellow Craft Degree, which was approved by Grand Lodge. The Committee was charged with consideration of the preparation of a Trestle Board for use by the Lodges in the jurisdiction.
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 1875-116, 09/08/1875. The Committee on Ritual made a further report regarding the ritual, which said, in part, "That, inasmuch as the ritual is now established, and is likely to remain unchanged for a long time, it would seem to be important to furnish to the Brethren, in print, such portions of our ceremonies and work as it may be proper to preserve in that form, including a suitable installation and funeral service. It is therefore recommended that such a trestle-board be prepared under the direction of this committee, and submitted to the Grand Lodge for its approval." This recommendation was adopted.
  • Grand Master's Address, 12/10/1879, 1879-102; "On examination quite lately of the Records of the Grand Lodge in the Grand Secretary's office I found that the only persons allowed by its vote to consult the standard authority for the work, which as you know is placed in the charge of the Grand Master, are the District Deputy Grand Masters, the Grand Lecturers, and the Acting Masters of Lodges. Although by some error the abstract of the records as printed varies somewhat in this respect from the original records, neither by the records nor by the printed abstract are the Wardens or Officers of Lodges, other than the acting Masters, authorized to consult it. How the mistake arose of allowing others to consult it I do not know; but it is evidently my duty, now that I have ascertained what the vote of the Grand Lodge was, to enforce it, and henceforth the standard work will not be open for consultation by any others than those who have been authorized by the Grand Lodge, namely, the District Deputy Grand Masters, the Grand Lecturers, and the Acting Masters of Lodges . . . As it is not only important that the Masters and Officers of Lodges should be well acquainted with the work of the degrees, but also to some extent with Masonic usage and law, or have the means ready at hand to learn what that law and usage is, I cannot too strongly recommend all who are able, to purchase the Masonic Digest recently compiled by R.W. Brother Cheever."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 1894-75, 09/12/1894, regarding the cipher produced by two Brothers expelled by Grand Lodge; "Resolved, That the Committee on Ritual be directed to consider and report what legislation, or orders, are necessary to make the work thus published of no Masonic value, either by recommending a revision of the present Ritual or making it a Masonic offence for any Brother to have or use the cipher work or anything similar thereto, or such other way or manner as the Committee may see fit to propose."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 1894-139, 12/12/1894, regarding the cipher keys; "Voted, That hereafter any Mason, under 'the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, who shall print, or cause to be printed, any such book or. sheets, or buy or sell the same, or cause the same to be bought or sold, or who shall use or circulate the same, shall be liable to expulsion from the rights and privileges of Freemasonry, or to be otherwise punished, by vote of the Grand Lodge at any Quarterly Communication thereof."
  • Ruling by Grand Master, 1895-302, 12/11/1895, regarding innovations.
    • "I refer, first, to the use of the stereopticon. It mars the simplicity and grandeur of our work and adds nothing to its impressiveness. It introduces a new, unwarranted practice, which, if allowed to continue, might be used as a precedent for numerous other innovations. Where I have known the stereopticon to be used, I have on my own responsibility ordered its discontinuance. The Brethren seem to have cheerfully conformed to my desire.
    • "I refer, secondly, to the practice of dressing the Fellow-Crafts in an ancient and unusual garb, and the introduction of fancy evolutions and paraphernalia unknown until our day. These are innovations and have no warrant in our Grand Constitutions. The costuming might serve as a precedent for the clothing of all the officers of a Lodge in distinctive and expensive regalia. Where my attention has been called to these matters I have requested their discontinuance."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/13/1896, 1896-32; "Resolved, That the use of the stereopticon, or other devices not in general use in the work and lectures of the degrees, is hereby prohibited as contrary to the ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity in this Grand Jurisdiction."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/10/1896, 1896-108, based on the report of a committee to investigate the costuming of Fellow Crafts. "We find that, as a general thing, the costuming destroys that beautiful and impressive simplicity, which has been not only the peculiar characteristic but also the strength of Masonic work. It places in the background the elevating lessons of the ritual, and gives the prominent place, with its lasting impressions, to what is usually undignified and often burlesque . . . We therefore recommend the adoption by this Grand Lodge of the recommendation made by the Grand Master on this subject." It was voted that "That the Grand Lodge order the discontinuance in this jurisdiction of the costuming of the Fellow Crafts."
  • GC1918: Section 335, 1918-369; in this revision, the section reads: "All Lodges shall observe the same usages and customs. In order to preserve uniformity in work, the Master and Wardens shall qualify themselves in the Work and Lectures sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, that they may be enabled to instruct their respective Lodges."
  • GC1930: Section 333; 1930-121; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 12/13/1939, 1939-447; The Committee on Ritual offered a report on changes to the ritual, and an emendation to the First Degree obligation was adopted, reading in part: "My Brother, Freemasonry's continued use of the imprecations in all its ancient obligations is wholly figurative. The only penalties which Freemasonry imposes are reprimand, suspension, and expulsion."
  • GC1953: Section 333; 1953-46, approved 1953-197; "All Lodges shall observe the same usages and customs. In order to preserve uniformity in work, the Master and Wardens shall qualify themselves in the Work and Lectures sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, that they may be enabled to instruct their respective Lodges. The use of any cipher or presentation of Masonic ritual not authorized by this Grand Lodge, or by a Grand Lodge with which we have fraternal relations, is forbidden. The use of the stereopticon or other devices not in general use in the Work and Lectures of the degrees is prohibited. Floor work, unless it involves an interpretation of the ritual, is in the discretion of the Master of each Lodge."

References

  • IV-650 does not apply here; see sec. 335.
  • IV-690, 06/12/1844, refers to the proceedings of the National Masonic Convention in 1843, regarding a uniform mode of work.
  • IV-706, 06/12/1844, refers to a portion of the committee report on the Constitutions and Regulations recently adopted by the Grand Lodge.
  • V-225, 03/14/1849, refers to a committee report on "producing a more general uniformity in the mode of Work and Lectures." According to the recommendations, a convention was formed to exemplify the correct presentation of Massachusetts work.
  • 1872-17, 03/13/1872, refers to Grand Master Nickerson's condemnation of the sale of Ecce Orienti, as a model of the Masonic work.
  • 1885-20, 03/11/1885, refers to Grand Master http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMHowland Howland]'s injunction against use of ciphers, particularly a publication styled Ecce Orienti, or Rites and Ceremonies of the Essenes, - a work pretending to give the Masonic ritual by letters and characters.
  • 1894-31, 06/13/1894, 1894-67, 09/12/1894, refer to the trial and expulsion of two Brothers for producing and circulating a "key, or cipher" of the Massachusetts Masonic work. The investigation, thorough report of the facts, trial and expulsion of the Brothers is extensively detailed. (This is the McGrew case; See votes of Grand Lodge above.) See also 1913-85, regarding his petition for reinstatement in 1913 and the dispute with the Grand Lodge of California.
  • 1895-127 and 1895-220 contain no reference to revision of this section.
  • 1898-21, 03/09/1898, refers to remarks by the Recording Grand Secretary regarding "an antiquated cipher published many years ago by one Redding, of New York," and refers to the vote of Grand Lodge listed above. "Our Grand Lecturers had repeatedly cautioned the Brethren against this worthless, catch-penny affair, assuring them that it contained between seven and eight hundred variations from the true work, and that officers who used it were sure to be exposed by their repetition of these numerous errors. These cautions would seem to be sufficient warning against the use of such worthless attempts to aid the memory. Moreover, for twenty-five years past our Grand Masters, and the Grand Lodge itself, had repeatedly condemned such publications and warned the Brethren against the use of them."
  • 1908-191, 12/09/1908, refers to remarks by retiring Grand Master Blake regarding innovations in the Work. "The noble contention or rather emulation among the Brethren as to who best can work is worthy of commendation. I desire to call attention, however, to the fact that certain practices have been condemned in the past as clearly innovations and not warranted by our Grand Constitutions. . . the strength of Masonic work and its peculiar characteristic is found in it impressive simplicity . . If the practices referred to are persisted in, it will be the duty of the officers of the Grand Lodge to insist upon a compliance with its decrees."
  • 1909-179, 12/08/1909, refers to a portion of Grand Master Flanders' annual address, regarding recommendations made at a conference of Grand Masters of the original colonies and also including Maine, Vermont and Nova Scotia held in Philadelphia in June. The conference recommended the following: "That it is the sense of this Conference that no portion of the secret work of Masonry should be printed or written in full or by any system of signs or abbreviation in any form whatsoever."
  • 1912-189, 12/11/1912, refers to a portion of Grand Master Benton's annual address, in which he notes: "There is a very widespread ambition among the officers to excel in rendering the exact language of our ritual . . . however . . . this emulation has induced an utterly unjustifiable and forbidden use of some of the cipher rituals which unscrupulous parties publish and advertise to the Craft, but are ready to dispose of to any one who is willing to buy . . . A mistaken sense of honor doubtless leads Brethren who know of violations of this law to keep silent, and those who sell, or who buy and use these books, rely upon this sentiment to keep their nefarious practice concealed, and it is difficult to obtain evidence of their guilt. . . Every Master of a Lodge, who has promised to support the regulations of the Grand Lodge, is bound to abstain from the use of such aids himself, and to see that there is no violation of the law by the officers and members of his Lodge. It should also be understood that the standard ritual, placed in the custody of the Grand Master, was intended as a standard only, by which to settle disputed questions, and not for study."
  • 1914-154, 06/10/1914, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding covering in a Lodge. "Under no circumstances, whatever, must any visitor (save only the Grand Master or his Deputy) be covered while in the Lodge."
  • 1914-154, 06/10/1914, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding weapons in a Lodge. "The wearing of side-arms (save only by Sword-Bearer and Tyler) is forbidden. It is not Masonic to carry weapons of offense or defense into the Lodge."
  • 1915-112, 06/09/1915, refers to a ruling by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson regarding the conferral of degrees. "Instances have recently been brought to my attention where a Lodge has worked two different degrees simultaneously in separate halls, or where a portion of the degree has been omitted and given to the candidate at a sodality. Such practices are absolutely forbidden."
  • 1915-143, 06/09/1915, refers to a lecture on Masonic ritual by Rt. Wor. Roscoe Pound.
  • 1916-174, 06/14/1916, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding decorum in degrees. He admonished the Brethren on improper behavior. "Bantering and baiting of candidates is all wrong. It injures the reputation of Masonry; it decreases our opportunity of service to the candidate; it reacts upon the thoughtless Brother who utters the ill-timed jest; it lowers the moral tone of all concerned."
  • 1916-593, 12/13/1916, refers to comments by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding cipher books. "I recommend that cipher rituals be placed in the hands of the District Grand Masters for China and Chile, and of the District Grand Master who will doubtless be appointed for the Canal Zone. The Brethren in these distant lands are unable to exchange visits and have no opportunity for comparison of their work with the standard work of the jurisdictions. The use of these rituals should be restricted and safeguarded by appropriate directions of the Grand Master."
  • The Builder, 1916-166, refers to an article on the origin of the Webb ritual and its use in America.
  • 1919-346, 12/10/1919, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Leon Abbott regarding degree work. "It has been called to my attention that it has become the practice in some Lodges to abbreviate or omit the lectures in the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft degrees. There is absolutely no warrant whatever for this and it must not be permitted under any circumstances. The Master of any Lodge permitting such violation of Masonic duty and requirement is liable to severe discipline. It only needs a casual thought to convince any one that the whole plan and purpose of Masonic degrees is seriously threatened by any deletions, omissions, substitutions, or additions to the ritual as it is laid down by duly and legally constituted Masonic authority."
  • 1921-154, 06/08/1921, refers to remarks by Grand Master Prince regarding Masonic work. "Reports are brought to me from time to time that Masters when pushed for time omit certain portions of the Standard Work . . . There is no authority anywhere outside of the Grand Lodge which permits or can permit any deviation or omission in the Standard Work adopted by the Grand Lodge and it is positively incumbent upon the Master to see that the mandates of the Grand Lodge are complied with in full."
  • 1931-87, 06/10/1931, refers to remarks by Grand Master Herbert W. Dean regarding "burlesque" degrees. "We are concentrating our efforts at this time on an endeavor to impress the candidates with the seriousness of Masonry, its ideals, its aims, its accomplishments. Any burlesque cannot help but detract from the impression which we have made, particularly as all such degrees adopt to a more or less extent the peculiar construction and phraseology of our ritual. In too many of these presentations language and double meanings have been introduced which are far from the principles which we teach in Masonry. I therefore feel it wise for the Lodges not to permit Masonic apartments to be used for this form of entertainment. Other entertainments can be provided which will attract our members and which will be in keeping with the dignity and purposes of our Order."
  • 1935-90, 06/12/1935, refers to a comment by Grand Master Allen regarding discussion of ritual within Lodges of Instruction. He notes in his address at the June Quarterly Communication that "on occasions an inquiring candidate or an enthusiastic Master Mason may ask . . . a question which relates solely to some portion of our ritual . . . a question may be asked where the answer is not so obvious and on at least one occasion the answer given was contrary to the opinion of the Grand Lecturers. I must, therefore, remind the Brethren that matters of ritual are peculiarly within the province of the particular Lodges and are out of place in Lodges of Instruction."
  • 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.
  • 1937-131, 09/08/1937, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Allen, directing that all lodges use a Trestle-Board in degree work, after being informed that lodges in the Canal Zone did not currently do so.
  • 1944-113, 06/14/1944, refers to commentary by Grand Master Arthur W. Coolidge. "A copy of the Official Cipher may now be purchased by any Master Mason in good standing. . .Under no circumstances should a copy of the Official Cipher be available to any Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft, either by loan, gift or sale. The lectures must be learned by word of mouth."
  • 1946-199, 06/12/1946, refers to commentary by Grand Master Wragg on the "permitting of so-called degree teams to assist in the presentation of the Third Degree. . . There is a place for this work, and I hope it may be continued, but unfortunately of late there have been a number of expositions which have been brought to my attention because of the character of the presentation. It would be unfortunate indeed if the occasional lapse from the proprieties were to cause this practice to become so objectionable that it had to be discontinued."
  • 1947-54, 03/12/1947 and 1947-373, 12/10/1947, refer to further remarks by Grand Master Wragg. regarding roughness and misbehavior in degree team work.
  • 1948-19, 03/18/1948, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Keith regarding the conduct of the Degrees. ". . . kneeling, as used in the Masonic sense, means kneeling on the knee or knees - going entirely down and not just a genuflection." He also reinforced the custom regarding covering in the Lodge.
  • 1948-63, 06/09/1948, refers to commentary by Grand Master Keith regarding the conduct of the Third Degree. "I want to again point out that this part of the degree should be handled in such a manner that there is no semblance of a smile at any time. . . If done with the proper feeling and tone of voice, it can be exceedingly impressive. There is no need or occasion for force or roughness of any kind. The dignity of this part of the work is entirely in the hands of the Master."
  • 1952-111, 03/12/1952; 1952-187, 06/11/1952, refer to commentary and further commentary by Grand Master Roy on use of ciphers. "I have been informed that some of the candidates, presumably with the knowledge of Lodge officers, are using what is familiarly known as the Morgan exposé of the ritual to aid them in their lecture work. Please take notice, and let it be known as widely as you can, that the use of such a work constitutes a serious Masonic offense. . . I have ordered the preparation of individual ciphers of candidates' lectures, which will be available to the candidate while learning the lecture. Each cipher must be returned before he can receive his next degree, or in the case of the third degree, before he can sign the by-laws. In the meantime, ciphers are available for officers only." Regarding the availability of ciphers, he stated, ". . . ciphers may be obtained, beginning June 15, by any Master Mason, who must sign a statement, however, that it is for his own personal use and will not, under any circumstances, be given, loaned or sold to another. Secretaries applying for ciphers for members must see to it that this statement is signed in their presence."
  • 1952-184, 06/11/1952, and 1952-220, 09/10/1952, refer to commentary and ritual changes given by Grand Master Roy.

Sec. 333. WORK: PARTICIPATION BY MASTERS

A Master or Past Master of a particular Lodge of any jurisdiction recognized by this Grand Lodge may participate in the ritualistic work of a Lodge of this jurisdiction upon the invitation of its Master or Acting Master, provided that the work is done in accordance with the ritual of this Grand Lodge.

A Warden shall not occupy the Master's chair in any Lodge other than his own.

Earlier Revisions

  • Ruling by Grand Master, 1947-343, 12/10/1947. "A presiding or past Master of a particular Lodge of any jurisdiction recognized by this Grand Lodge may participate in the ritualistic work of a Lodge of this jurisdiction upon the invitation of its Master or acting Master, provided, that the work is done in accordance with the ritual of this Grand Lodge. A Warden of a Lodge in this jurisdiction may act as Master in that Lodge when directed so to do by its Master, or in the absence of the Master, but may not preside in any other Lodge."
  • GC1953: Section 334; 1953-46, approved 1953-197; "A presiding or Past Master of a Particular Lodge of any jurisdiction recognized by this Grand Lodge may participate in the ritualistic work of a Lodge of this jurisdiction upon the invitation of its Master or Acting Master, provided that the work is done in accordance with the ritual of this Grand Lodge. A Warden shall not occupy the Master's chair in any Lodge other than his own."

References

  • 1919-64, 03/12/1919, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Leon Abbott regarding the powers of Wardens. "I hereby rule that a Warden has no right to raise a candidate or occupy the Master's Chair except in his own Lodge. Under Masonic law, in the absence of the Master the Senior Warden is to govern the Lodge. But this is his own Lodge and gives him no authority to preside in any other. He has not taken the oath nor qualified as Master. A Warden acting as Master of his Lodge and raising a candidate, is still a Warden and acting simply in the discharge of one of the duties of his office. Only one who has qualified and been installed as a Master can raise a candidate or occupy the Master's Chair in a Lodge other than his own."

Sec. 334. WORK: CANDIDATES ANSWER PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

Each candidate shall individually answer the questions preliminary to the first degree in the presence of the Junior Deacon and Stewards alone. Each candidate shall be received and entered individually in the first section of the first degree up to the Chaplain's lesson. Each candidate shall be received and raised individually in the second section of the third degree.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1918: Section 336, 1918-369; "No Lodge shall permit more than one candidate to be present, at the same time, in the first section of the first degree, nor in the second section of the third degree."
  • GC1930: Section 334; 1930-122; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 335; "No Lodge shall permit more than one candidate to be present, at the same time, in the first section of the first degree, nor in the second section of the third degree."
    • Proposed 09/11/1957, 1957-126; amended 12/11/1957, 1957-175, to the current language.
    • A revision to this section was proposed 06/11/1958, 1958-132, and deferred on 09/10/1958, 1958-178; by vote of Grand Lodge 12/10/1958, 1958-227, the amendment was rejected, retaining the language given above.

References

  • 06/14/1843, IV-598: see sections above and below for references to rulings from this date.
  • 09/14/1864, VI-523, refers to a committee report recommending that each candidate for the Entered Apprentice degree be 'covenanted' separately."
  • 1894-65 appears to be spurious.

Sec. 335. LIMITATION ON WORK: CANDIDATES AND DEGREES

No Lodge shall confer any one of the three degrees upon more than five candidates at one meeting, nor shall any degree be divided between two meetings, nor shall different degrees be worked simultaneously by any Lodge in separate halls.

Earlier Revisions

  • Ruling by Grand Master, 03/09/1843, IV-587; "The Most Worshipful Grand Master stated that he had been called upon for his opinion as to the propriety of the Lodges conferring more than one degree on the Same individual at one and the same meeting, and that he had expressed his conviction that the practice was irregular and injudicious, and ought not to be resorted to except in cases of pressing emergency, and then only by dispensation. Whereupon the Recording Grand Secretary offered the following order: Ordered. That from and after the passage of this order, it shall not be regular for any Lodge to give more than one degree to a Brother on the same day, nor at a less interval than one month from his receiving a previous degree, unless a dispensation shall be obtained therefor."
    • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/14/1843, IV-598, confirming this ruling.
  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 5; "No Lodge shall encourage, promote, or permit, the delivery of any Masonic lectures, which have not been sanctioned and authorized by the Grand Lodge. Nor shall any Mason be permitted to deliver such lectures under this jurisdiction."
  • GC1918: Section 337, 1918-369; in this revision, the section only includes the first sentence.
    • This revision also includes the following section: "Section 338. No Lodge shall encourage, promote, or permit the delivery of any Masonic lectures which have not been sanctioned and authorized by the Grand Lodge; nor shall any Mason be permitted to deliver such lectures under this jurisdiction."
  • GC1930: Section 335, Section 336; 1930-122; In this revision, the text of these sections is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 336; "No Lodge shall confer any one of the three degrees upon more than five candidates at one meeting, nor shall any degree be divided between two meetings, nor shall different degrees be worked simultaneously by any Lodge in separate halls."

References

  • II-205, 12/13/1802, may refer to the petition by Union Lodge of Dorchester to meet alternately in Dorchester and Milton; the petitioners were "given leave to withdraw".
  • IV-706 and IV-715, 06/12/1844, refer to portions of the committee report on the Constitutions and Regulations recently adopted by the Grand Lodge.
  • VI-516, 1864-14, 09/14/1864: see following section.
  • 1894-65, 09/12/1894: see following section.
  • 1915-112, 06/09/1915, refers to a ruling by Grand Master [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMMJohnson Melvin Johnson regarding the conferral of degrees. "Instances have recently been brought to my attention where a Lodge has worked two different degrees simultaneously in separate halls, or where a portion of the degree has been omitted and given to the candidate at a sodality. Such practices are absolutely forbidden."
  • 1921-154, 06/08/1921, refers to remarks regarding conformity in work. See Section 332 above.
  • 1924-32, 03/12/1924, refers to comments by Grand Master Ferrell regarding addresses at lodges. ". . . the matter of addresses made before the Lodge either during the hour of refreshment or within doors that are tiled. It is practically a universal custom to select a speaker, invite him to come, and leave the selection of topic and the formulation of subject matter entirely to him. As a general rule this may be a safe procedure, but there are enough exceptions to the rule to warrant us in discarding this practice. I am more than ever confirmed in the opinion that Section 338 of the Grand Constitutions which forbids any Lodge from encouraging, promoting or permitting the delivery of any Masonic lectures which have not be authorized by the Grand Lodge is interpreted in too limited a fashion . . . It would be well if the Masters of our Lodges developed the practice of acquainting themselves with the subject matter to be presented by lecturers whom they invite; many a false impression upon new members would not then be made, the real purpose of our association would not be clouded; it would be impossible for any political, sectarian, or religious dogma to invade those portals within which they could never, in very nature of the case, be anything but stranger."
  • 1939-396, 12/13/1939, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Perry, which states in part: "My attention has been called to the fact that one of our Lodges conferred half a degree upon a candidate and deferred the rest of the degree until a subsequent meeting . . . such a practice would be undesirable, and for the purpose of the record I hereby rule that a degree may not be divided between two meetings. The entire degree must be conferred in the meeting in which it is begun. If for any reason the candidate is obliged to leave the Lodge before the degree is completed, the entire degree should be conferred at a subsequent meeting."

Sec. 336. LIMITATION ON WORK: MULTIPLE DEGREES, INTERVAL AND DISPENSATIONS

No Lodge shall confer more than one degree upon the same candidate on the same day, nor at a less interval than two weeks from the time of his receiving the previous degree, unless a Dispensation therefor shall have been obtained.

It is the sense of the Grand Lodge that such Dispensation should be granted only in case of necessity or extraordinary emergency, and should never be granted to confer the third degree upon the same day on which the second is conferred.

Earlier Revisions

  • Ruling, IV-587, 03/08/1843, by Grand Master Peabody forbidding the conferral of multiple degrees on the same day, or advancement of a candidate without the specified interval between degrees.
    • Vote of Grand Lodge, 06/14/1843, IV-598, confirming this ruling.
  • 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 Fourth, 3:10, VI-516 (1864-15), adopted 09/14/1864; "No Lodge shall hold more than one communication upon the same day, nor confer either of the three degrees upon more than five Candidates at one communication. No Lodge shall permit more than one candidate to be present at the same time, in the first section of the first degree, nor in the second section of the third degree."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 3:13; adopted 09/12/1894, 1894-65; "No Lodge shall hold more than one Communication on the same day, nor confer more than one degree upon the same candidate on the same day, nor at a less interval than four weeks, from the time of his receiving the previous degree, unless a Dispensation therefor shall have been obtained; nor shall any Lodge confer either of the three degrees upon more than five candidates at one Communication."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-48, adding after the words "on the same day" the words "except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 06/10/1891, 1891-59, on the address of the Grand Master in 1890; regarding a proposal to require a fee for dispensations, "your committee believe that Dispensations for waiving the Constitutional provisions as to conferring degrees should only be granted when the apparent interest of the Fraternity or of the Grand Lodge requires such action, and that they should be held solely as the prerogative of the Grand Master. Any fee for a Dispensation would carry the impression that any party ready to pay for one would be entitled to it, and if so, the Grand Master would be unable to withstand a pressure that would tend to overthrow the ancient landmarks, requiring deliberation and proper intervals in making Masons. We believe this matter should continue to be at the discretion of the Grand Master, and that no change of the Constitutions in this respect is advisable."
  • GC1918: Section 339, 1918-369; in this revision, the section specifies an interval of four weeks.
  • GC1930: Section 337; 1930-122; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 337; 1953-47, approved 1953-197; "No Lodge shall confer more than one degree upon the same candidate on the same day, nor at a less interval than four weeks from the time of his receiving the previous degree, unless a Dispensation therefor shall have been obtained. It is the sense of the Grand Lodge that such Dispensation should be granted only in ease of necessity or extraordinary emergency, and should never be granted to confer the third degree upon the same day on which the second is conferred."

References

  • II-105, 06/26/1797, is a part of the charges against Harmonic Lodge; it asserts that they conferred all three degrees in the same evening.
  • IV-690, 06/12/1844, refers to the proceedings of the National Masonic Convention in 1843, regarding a uniform mode of work.
  • IV-706 and IV-715, 06/12/1844, refer to portions of the committee report on the Constitutions and Regulations recently adopted by the Grand Lodge.
  • 1914-155, 06/10/1914, refers to Grand Master Melvin Johnson's ruling on dispensations. "Dispensations to confer degrees in less than the constitutional interval of four weeks should be granted only in cases of necessity or extraordinary emergency. They should not be granted merely for convenience, either of the candidate or of the Lodge."
  • 1917-140, 06/13/1917, refers to comments by Grand Master Leon Abbott regarding dispensations. "During the past few weeks I have granted an unusually large number of Dispensations shortening the time between the conferring of the Degrees. In practically every instance the reason given for the request for Dispensation has been that the candidate has entered the military or naval service of his country. In no case however, has a candidate been allowed to receive his Master Mason Degree upon the same day as the conferring upon him of the Fellow Craft Degree." He gave further comments on 1917-227, 09/13/1917 and 1917-308, 12/13/1917.
  • Proposed 1931-55, 03/11/1931; Discussed 1931-91, 06/10/1931, and laid upon the table 1931-113, 06/10/1931; an amendment to add the following paragraph to this section: "No Lodge shall confer the Entered Apprentice degree upon more than twenty of its own candidates in any one fiscal year." Grand Master Howard Dean remarked: ". . . after a careful and impartial study of the situation . . . in the interests of harmony, that it is better not to act upon it at this time." While he supported the amendment, he not endorse the proposal unless it was substantially supported at that time. The number 20 was picked because it "would affect less than 10% of the Lodges in the state and them not seriously." The committee report contained the following remarks: "Your committee feels the need of further conferences and discussion before bringing the matter before Grand Lodge for action . . . the Committee recommends that the proposed amendment be laid on the table and the present committee discharged."
  • 2003:
  • 1855-30 refers to exemplifications and is spurious.

Sec. 337. POLITICS, ETC.

No political, sectarian, religious dogma, or other topics likely to excite personal animosities shall be introduced for discussion in any Lodge under this jurisdiction.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 9, IV-651; "It shall not be permitted to introduce political or other exciting topics for discussion in any Lodge under this jurisdiction."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-51, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "No political or other exciting topics shall be introduced for discussion in any Lodge under this jurisdiction."
  • GC1918: Section 340, 1918-370; in this revision, the section reads: "No political, sectarian, religious dogma, or other exciting topic shall be introduced for discussion in any Lodge under this jurisdiction."
  • GC1930: Section 338; 1930-123; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 338

References

  • VII-345, 06/08/1869 (1869-22), refers to an extensive report on activities in Louisiana and the relationship with the Grand Orient of France; "The position of American Freemasonry in relation to political questions may not be as well known in Europe as it is here. The Lodges of Freemasonry here have no connection with the party politics of the country, and claim no authority over the political views of their members . . . By our masonic law neither politics or creed can be discussed in a Lodge."

Sec. 338. PUBLIC PROCESSIONS

No Lodge shall form a public procession, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason or to attend Divine Worship, without permission from the Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part First, 8:10, IV-628, regarding powers of District Deputies; "They shall have power to grant dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions."
  • GC1843: Part Fifth, Section 6, IV-650; "No Lodge shall form a public procession, without permission from the Grand Master, (or in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master,) or the District Deputy Grand Master within whose District it is located."
    • Vote of Grand Lodge, 09/14/1870, 1870-169, rejecting a proposal to permit Lodges to form a public procession for a "funeral procession" without dispensation under this clause; the committee report on the proposed amendment (offered 06/08/1870, 1870-114) noted "that the section in its present form accords with ancient custom and usage."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-48, removing the words "or the District Deputy Grand Master within whose District it is located".
  • 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"; it noted that the general custom in this Jurisdiction has been to attend funerals without asking a Dispensation. Part V., Section 6, of the Grand Constitutions is as follows: No Lodge shall form a public procession without permission from the Grand Master (or, in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master), or the District Deputy Grand Master within whose District it is located; and, in the opinion of your committee, a Lodge cannot attend a funeral wearing the insignia of Masonry without forming a public procession as intended by this Section, and consequently if without a Dispensation, is acting in violation of the Constitutions."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/13/1879, 1879-23, on the Grand Master's address of December 1878; "The publication in the newspapers of Masonic proceedings, and the too free indulgence in Masonic parades, both of which are so strongly condemned by the Grand Master, your committee, believe to be generally a work of Brethren who seek rather to get good than to do good by Masonry. Let us get back as speedily as possible to the good old practices of the fathers, when secrecy was most religiously observed; when Brethren knew each other from meeting in the Lodge, and not from common report; and when the transactions of the Lodges were confided only to faithful breasts."
  • GC1918: Section 341, 1918-370; "No Lodge shall form a public procession, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, without permission from the Grand Master (or, in his absence, the Acting Grand Master)."
    • Amended 12/14/1938, 1938-374, to read: "No Lodge shall form a public procession, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason or to attend divine worship, without permission of the Grand Master."
  • GC1930: Section 339; 1930-123; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 339; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • MFM, Vol. XXIII, No. 7, 05/01/1864, Page 213, refers to the annual Address of the Grand Master of Oregon in September 1863 regarding the impropriety of Masonic participation in public parades. It reads in part, "Masonry has its own peculiar festivals, and besides these may properly aid in the celebration of any work of art, because it is consistent with its original operative character, but with anything foreign to this we have nothing to do; and although it is highly becoming as citizens to celebrate the natal day of our beloved country, a Masonic body is departing from the ancient customs and usages of the Order when it assists by its presence upon any such occasion."
  • MFM, Vol. XXXII, No. 8, 06/01/1872, Page 244, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Nickerson, which reads in part, "I have a very great repugnance to public Masonic ceremonies and parades . . . There are so many associations in existence now which imitate the titles, the regalia and the forms of Masonry, that there is great danger that the profane will soon regard them as of equal importance and dignity, unless we teach them to the contrary by holding ourselves, as Masons, aloof from all public displays, except upon the grandest occasions."
  • 1873-113, 12/10/1873, refers to a section of Grand Master Nickerson's address, in which he expands upon his objections. "I have endeavored to check as far as lay in my power the too prevailing inclination for public Masonic ceremonies and displays, and for publishing to the world reports of Masonic elections and proceedings. I fear that in too many instances such parades and publications are prompted principally by a desire on the part of the Brethren who are made conspicuous, to glorify themselves before the public, and thus contribute to their own social, political or pecuniary advancement. I believe it to be for the interest of the Institution to avoid publicity as far as possible."
  • 1878-127, 12/11/1878, refers to a section of Grand Master Welch's address, in which he compares the inclination to publish "detailed reports" of Masonic proceedings to "the fondness sometimes manifested for Masonic parades." He quotes his predecessor, Grand Master Everett, in noting that it is important "to avoid appearing in public as Masons, except upon strictly Masonic occasions, and those of the highest importance, sanctioned by long usage."
  • 1917-292, 12/12/1917, refers to comments by Grand Master Leon Abbott regarding public processions. "The last year has brought many requests for permission to Lodges to participate in public processions of a general character, flag raisings, fairs, and the like, all of which have been refused. Any such participation is entirely opposed to the long established rules and usages of the Fraternity. It is one of the oldest and best established principles of our conduct that we participate publicly in nothing that is not strictly Masonic."

Sec. 339. RECUSANTS

As each particular Lodge is a constituent part of the Grand Lodge, in which assembly all the powers of the Fraternity reside, so no other authority can destroy the power granted by a Charter. If, therefore, the majority of any Lodge should determine to leave the Institution, or leave that Lodge, the Charter and power of assembling remain with the members who adhere to their allegiance. If the number remaining shall, however, be reduced to less than seven, the Charter and other property of the Lodge shall be delivered to the Grand Lodge as hereinbefore provided.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote by Massachusetts Grand Lodge, 05/11/1770, I-228: "As the opinion of this Lodge, that whenever Summons's are issued for convening a Gd Lodge by the Grand Master or his direction, and the Grand Lodge in consequence thereof is congregated, the same is to all intents & purposes a legal Grand Lodge, however few in Number, & as such may with the strictest propriety proceed to business."
  • Vote by Massachusetts Grand Lodge, 12/06/1782, I-303: This occurs within the report which erected the Independent Grand Lodge, severing its ties with the mother country and the Grand Lodge of England.
    • "4th Resolved, That the Grand Master, for the time being, be desired to Call in all the Charters which were held under the Jurisdiction of the late Grand Master Joseph Warren Esqr and Return the same with an Endorsement thereon, Expressive of their Voluntary Recognition of the Power and Authority of this Grand Lodge."
    • 5th Resolved, That no Person or Persons ought or can (Consistently with the Rules of Ancient Masonry and the Good Order of the Craft) use or Exercise the Powers or Perogatives (sic) of An Ancient Grand Master, or Grand Lodge, to wit, to give Power to Erect Lodges of Ancient Masonry, Make Masons, appoint Superior or Grand Officers, Receive dues, or do any thing which belongs to the Powers or Perogatives (sic) of An Ancient Grand Lodge within any part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Right full and Appropriated Limits to which the Authority of this Grand Lodge forever hereafter Extends."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:7, IV-644; "As every warranted Lodge is a constituent part of the Grand Lodge, in which assembly all the power of the Fraternity resides, it is clear that no other authority can destroy the power granted by a warrant. If, therefore, the majority of any Lodge should determine to leave the Institution, or that Lodge, the constitution or power of assembling, remains with the rest of the members, who adhere to their allegiance. If the number remaining shall, however, be reduced to less than seven, the charter shall be returned, agreeably to the regulation in such case provided."
    • Amended 06/11/1856, VI-27, replacing the text "determine to leave the Institution, or that Lodge" with "determine to leave the Institution, or leave that Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-88, replacing "it is clear that" with "so"; "constitution or power of assembling remains with the rest of the members . . ." with "charter and power of assembling remains with the members . . ."
  • GC1918: Section 342, 1918-370
  • GC1930: Section 340; 1930-123
  • GC1953: Section 340

References

  • II-10, 03/05/1792, possibly refers to Section 9th, Item 8; "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."
  • 1918-320, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • See Secs. 200 and 305

Sec. 340. CENTENARY WARRANT

When any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall have completed an existence of a century, it may make application to the Grand Master for a Centenary Warrant, setting forth its claims and submitting the necessary evidence to his satisfaction; whereupon he may issue such a Warrant, in form as hereinafter prescribed, granting to the officers and members of such Lodge the privilege of wearing a distinctive medal commemorating the fact, which privilege shall be restricted to officers and members in good standing of the said Lodge.

FORM OF A CENTENARY WARRANT

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of (such a) Lodge, located in (such a place):

WHEREAS, It appears by the Records of the Grand Lodge, that, on the day of _____, Anno Lucis 6... , a Charter (or Dispensation, as the case may be) was granted to certain Brethren therein named, authorizing and empowering them and their associates and successors to open a Regular Lodge, for the purpose of entering Apprentices, passing Fellowcrafts, and raising Master Masons under the name and title of ______

And whereas the Brethren at present composing the said Lodge are desirous, now that one hundred years have elapsed since the Institution of the Lodge, that they may be permitted to wear a jewel commemorative of such event, and have prayed the sanction of the Most Worshipful Grand Master for the purpose;

NOW, THEREFORE, KNOW YE, That I, ______, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby give and grant to all and each of the members of said Lodge permission to wear in all Masonic Meetings, suspended to the left breast by a ribbon of blue, a jewel or medal, of the pattern or device of the drawing in the margin hereof, as a Centenary Medal. But such Medal is to be worn only by those Brethren who are in regular standing in the said Lodge.

Given at the Masonic Temple, Boston, this _____ day of _____, A.L. _____

Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.
Attest:
(Seal of Grand Lodge)
Grand Secretary

Earlier Revisions

  • Votes of Grand Lodge, 12/08/1880, 1880-158, following the report of a Grand Lodge Committee on the issuing of Centenary warrants; adopted by vote 03/09/1881, 1881-56; a committee was appointed "to carry out the provisions of the votes."
    • Voted, That when any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall have completed an existence of a century it may make application to the Grand Master for a Centenary Warrant, setting forth its claims, and submitting the necessary evidence to his satisfaction; whereupon he may issue such a warrant, in form as shall be hereafter prescribed, granting to the officers and members of such Lodge the privilege of wearing a distinctive medal, commemorating the fact, which privilege shall be restricted to the officers and members in good standing of the said Lodge.
    • Voted, That no Lodge whose members now wear a distinctive medal shall be prohibited from using the same in consequence of these votes, provided it makes application to the Grand Master for the privilege within three months from the date of the passage of this vote, and receives his approval.
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 06/08/1881, 1881-70, regarding Centenary Medals, and "Embracing the Form of a Centenary Warrant". The form presented is essentially the one currently in use (but does not include the "5..." of earlier versions).
  • GC1918: Section 343, 1918-371; in this revision, "Anno Lucis 5..." appears in the text.
  • GC1930: Section 341; 1930-123; in this revision, "Anno Lucis 5..." appears in the text.
  • GC1953: Section 341

References

none.


Sec. 341. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: WARRANTS AND CHARTERS

The Grand Master is authorized and requested to form the Lodges holding Charters of this Grand Lodge into Lodges of Instruction for the purpose of presenting to the candidates of each constituent Lodge and to Master Masons such non-ritualistic instruction and programs as may be approved by the Grand Master. He may issue Warrants to such Lodges of Instruction specifying the particular Lodges composing them, and he may at any time and from time to time change the membership of such Lodges. If, in the opinion of the Grand Master, it shall, at any time, be inexpedient to form the Lodges which are chartered by this Grand Lodge outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts into Lodges of Instruction or to continue in existence any such Lodges of Instruction formed pursuant hereto he may require that such instruction and programs shall be presented in the particular Lodges which are not members of any Lodge of Instruction in such manner and under such conditions as he may at any time and from time to time order.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Third, 8:1, IV-641; "A Lodge of Instruction may be holden in any town or City in the Commonwealth, where there is more than one Lodge located: Provided the sanction of either of said Lodges, or the permission of the Grand Master, in writing, be obtained. The Lodge giving its sanction, and the brethren to whom such permission is granted, shall be answerable for the proceedings of such Lodge of Instruction, and responsible that the mode of working therein adopted, has received the sanction of the Grand Lodge." Note that this refers to an entirely different and less regulated system for the instruction of members and officers; modern Lodges of instruction were not instituted until 1927.
    • Amended 06/11/1856 to read: ". . . the proceedings of such Lodge of Instruction, or responsible . . ." (VI-29)
    • Amended 12/12/1860 to read: "Lodges of Instruction may be holden in any town or city in the Commonwealth with the permission of the Grand Master, in writing; provided, however, that not less than two Lodges shall apply for such permission. The Lodge giving its sanction, and the brethren to whom such permission is granted, shall be answerable for the proceedings of such Lodge of Instruction, and responsible that the mode of working therein adopted, has received the sanction of the Grand Lodge." (VI-336)
  • GC1843: Part Third, 8:5, added 06/11/1856; "Any Brother being a member of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction, may become a member of any Lodge of Instruction in this Commonwealth, by complying with the regulations thereof." (VI-27)
  • GC1918: Section 344, 1918-372; "Lodges of Instruction may be holden with the permission of the Grand Master, in writing: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that not less than two Lodges shall apply for such permission. The Lodges and Brethren to whom such permission is granted shall be answerable for the proceedings of such Lodge of Instruction, and responsible that the mode of working therein adopted has received the sanction of the Grand Lodge."
    • GC1918 also includes the following section: "Section 348: Any Brother, being a member of a Lodge of this jurisdiction, may become a member of any Lodge of Instruction in this Commonwealth by complying with the regulations thereof."
  • GC1930: Section 342; 1930-123; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • On 12/13/1933, 1933-503, this section was amended to read as per the current text above.
  • GC1953: Section 342

References

  • 1858-43, 12/27/1858, refers to remarks in Grand Master Heard's annual address regarding the benefits of erecting Lodges of Instruction, including "making our Brethren good workmen", "improved discipline and government of the Lodges, and in the increased and more punctual attendance at Lodge-meetings."
  • 1921-370, 12/14/1921, refers to remarks by Grand Master Prince regarding instruction of candidates. ". . . instruction of a non-ritualistic character should be given the candidate during his advancement through the degrees in addition to the usual instructions in the lectures. Proficiency in ritualistic matters is of particular and essential benefit to the Mason himself, making it possible for him to enjoy the privileges of the Craft. . . Too many of our young Masons are drifting, seeking the light, willing to work, but failing to find the necessary knowledge. We must supply this in some way, and it is important to reach the initiate while his mind is plastic that we may mould his opinions to accord with the ideas of the Craft. It is worthy of consideration whether we should not have prepared by competent hands a small printed booklet, containing in concise and readable form the salient facts and ambitions of Masonry, that can be placed in the hands of every initiate as soon after the acceptance of his petition as may be deemed proper."
  • 1923-160, 06/13/1923, refers to remarks by Grand Master Ferrell about Masonic Education. "We are becoming more and more impressed with the necessity for making all provisions in order that our membership not only may but shall become cognizant of and fully understand what Masonry is . . . {a candidate should have} an understanding of the broad principles to which he has dedicated himself and by which he must outline his program of conduct."
  • 1924-556, 12/10/1924, refers to comments by Grand Master Ferrell regarding education. "In view of our enlarged financial resources and in response to the wishes of the Brethren, the Grand Master has appointed two committees to make an examination of and recommendation for both educational and service work on a much wider scale than anything hitherto possible. . . These Brethren after the most careful examination and research will recommend to the Directors plans by which the best interests of the Craft may be served both in the way of extra-ritualistic instruction and also through that mutual assistance which is so necessary for each in the conduct of his material affairs."
  • 1925-213, 09/09/1925 and 1925-439, 12/28/1925, refer to remarks by Grand Master Ferrell regarding proficiency of candidates and the granting of Lodge membership.
  • 1927-345, 12/14/1927, refers to Grand Master Simpson's commentary on the creation of Lodges of Instruction across the state, and the creation of a Manual of Instruction, drafted by the late Rt. Wor. Benjamin F. Arrington, with assistance from Past Grand Master Ferrell and Rt. Wor. Frederick W. Hamilton.

Sec. 342. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: BY-LAWS, INSTRUCTION AND MEETINGS

Lodges of Instruction when formed pursuant hereto shall organize in such manner as the Grand Master may order and may adopt such By-Laws and other rules for the conduct of their work as may be approved by the Grand Master or by the Committee on Masonic Education under his direction. Such Lodges shall be answerable for their proceedings and responsible that the type of instruction and programs therein adopted have received the sanction of the Grand Master. They shall meet at such times and in such places as they may from time to time decide and shall give notice of such meetings to the Master of each constituent Lodge. They shall present to the candidates of each constituent Lodge and to Master Masons such instruction and programs as may be approved by the Grand Master or by the Committee on Masonic Education under his direction. Each Lodge of Instruction shall keep a record of its proceedings, and of the names of all Brethren present at each meeting who are not members of the constituent Lodges, and of the Brethren chosen to hold office, and such records shall be produced by such Lodges when called for by the Grand Master or by any of the constituent Lodges.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Third, 8:2, IV-642; "Notice of the times and places of meeting of such Lodges of Instruction, shall be given to the Brethren in the vicinity, who shall be at liberty to join the same, subject to such rules, regulations and assessments, as may be agreed upon."
  • GC1843: Part Third, 8:3, IV-642; "Each Lodge of Instruction shall keep a minute of all Brethren present at each meeting, and of Brethren appointed to hold office; and such minutes shall be called for by the Grand Master, or the Lodge granting its sanction."
    • Amended 06/11/1856 to read: "Each Lodge of Instruction shall keep a record of its proceedings, and of the names of all visiting Brethren present at each meeting, and of Brethren appointed to hold office; and such record shall be produced when called for by the Grand Master, or the Lodge granting its Sanction."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing the words "or by the Lodge granting its Sanction" with "or by either of the participating Lodges."
  • GC1918: Section 346, 1918-373; "Each Lodge of Instruction shall keep a record of its proceedings, and of the names of all visiting Brethren present at each meeting, and of Brethren appointed to hold office; and such record shall be produced when called for by the Grand Master, or by either of the petitioning Lodges." The formal organization of Lodges of Instruction only occurred in 1927.
  • GC1930: Section 344; 1930-125; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • On 12/13/1933, 1933-503, this section was amended to read as per the current text above. (1933-503), and added the following section: "Section 343. The Grand Master may appoint a Committee on Masonic Education to consist of such members as he may from time to time decide who shall hold office during his pleasure. Such Committee shall, under his direction and subject to his approval, have general supervision of such Lodges of Instruction and of the instruction and programs presented therein."
  • GC1953: Section 343

References

  • 1925-213, 09/09/1925 and 1925-439, 12/28/1925, refer to remarks by Grand Master Ferrell regarding proficiency of candidates and the granting of Lodge membership.
  • 1935-90, 06/12/1935, refers to comments by Grand Master Allen. "Our continued success and the increasing interest in our Lodges of Instruction I believe is, as I have already stated, largely due to the splendid work of the officers of the Lodges and the genuine support which they are receiving in their efforts from the constituent Lodges . . . after the summer recess, may we bend our united efforts to utilize to the full the opportunities afforded by our educational plan for further light and increased sociability."
  • 1945-41, 03/14/1945, contains an outline of then-current LOI Procedure by Grand Master Wragg.

Sec. 343. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: NOTICE BY CONSTITUENT LODGES

Masters of each constituent Lodge composing any Lodge of Instruction shall cause notice of the times and places of the meetings of such Lodges of Instruction to be given to the Brethren of the constituent Lodges through their regular Lodge notices. It shall be the duty of the Master of each constituent Lodge to see that the candidates of his Lodge are present to receive such instruction in the three degrees, unless excused by him for good reason, in which case it shall be his duty to see that such candidates receive the required instruction. All members of the constituent Lodges shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Lodges of Instruction.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1918: Section 345, 1918-372; "Notice of the times and places of meeting of such Lodges of Instruction shall be given to the Brethren in the vicinity, who shall be at liberty to join the same, subject to such rules, regulations, and assessments as may be agreed upon." The formal organization of Lodges of Instruction only occurred in 1927.
  • GC1930: Section 343; 1930-124; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
    • On 12/13/1933, 1933-503, this section was moved to Section 345, with the text changed to that given above."
  • GC1953: Section 344; "Masters of each constituent Lodge composing any Lodge of Instruction shall cause notice of the times and places of the meetings of such Lodges of Instruction to be given to the Brethren of the constituent Lodges through their regular Lodge notices, or by reading in open Lodge if written or printed notices are not used, or in such other manner as the Grand Master may order or approve. It shall be the duty of the Master of each constituent Lodge to see that the candidates of his Lodge are present to receive such instruction in the three degrees, unless excused by him for good reason, in which case it shall be his duty to see that such candidates receive the required instruction. All members of the constituent Lodges shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Lodge of Instruction."

References

  • 1858-43, 12/27/1858, refers to remarks in Grand Master Heard's annual address regarding the benefits of erecting Lodges of Instruction, including "making our Brethren good workmen", "improved discipline and government of the Lodges, and in the increased and more punctual attendance at Lodge-meetings."

Sec. 344. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: GRAND MASTER'S AUTHORITY

The Grand Master shall have power to suspend or dissolve any Lodge of Instruction, whether heretofore or hereafter formed, when in his opinion there shall be sufficient cause therefor.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Part Third, 8:4, IV-642; "The Grand Master shall have power to suspend or dissolve any Lodge of Instruction, when, in his opinion, there shall be sufficient cause therefor."
  • GC1918: Section 345, 1918-372; "The Grand Master shall have power to suspend or dissolve any Lodge of Instruction when in his opinion there shall be sufficient cause therefor."
    • GC1930: Section 345; 1930-126; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
      • On 12/13/1933, this section was moved to Section 346. (1933-366)
  • GC1953: Section 345

Sec. 345. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: RIGHTS OF LODGES

Lodges of Instruction have none of the rights of Chartered Lodges.

Earlier Revisions


Sec. 346. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: RIGHTS OF MASTER; VOUCHING

The presiding officer of a Lodge of Instruction shall have the same prerogatives as the Master of a Chartered Lodge with regard to the admission of visitors.

One who has sat with a Brother in a Chartered Lodge or in a Lodge of Instruction may vouch for him in another Lodge of Instruction, but sitting with a Brother in a Lodge of Instruction is not sufficient to enable one to vouch for him in a Chartered Lodge. Only by sitting with a Brother in a Chartered Lodge can one vouch for his admission to another Chartered Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

References

  • 1940-225, 09/11/1940, refers to a ruling by Grand Master Perry on Lodges of Instruction. "The presiding officer of a Lodge of Instruction shall have the same prerogative as the Presiding Master of a Chartered Lodge with regard to the admission of visitors. . . One who has sat with a Brother in a Chartered Lodge or in a Lodge of Instruction may vouch for him in another Lodge of Instruction, but sitting with a Brother in a Lodge of Instruction is not sufficient to enable one to vouch for him in a Chartered Lodge. Only by sitting with a Brother in a Chartered Lodge can one vouch for his admission to another Chartered Lodge. The organization and conduct of Lodges of Instruction are broadly designed to improve Masonry. . . To give relief from any real hardship, Section 345 of the Grand Constitutions allows the Master of a Lodge, for good reason, to excuse a candidate from attendance . . . If each Worshipful Master or each candidate were free to select and obey only those provisions of Masonic law which to him seem wise and to disregard the others,, all semblance of orderly government would soon disappear. Instruction by the candidate's own Lodge, therefore, may be in addition to, but not in substitution for, attendance at the Lodge of Instruction."

Sec. 347. DISTRICTS

The Grand Master is requested to form the Lodges holding Charters of this Grand Lodge into Districts, for each of which a District Deputy Grand Master shall be appointed annually. Outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where Lodges are Chartered by the Grand Lodge, the appointment of District Grand Masters is at and during the pleasure of the Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • Additional Regulations 1801: Article 1st, II-191; "All the Lodges, under this Jurisdiction, shall be formed into Districts to be denominated from the number of their order, in such manner that no Lodge shall be distant more than forty miles from any other Lodge within the same District, excepting in that part of the Jurisdiction which is within the District of Maine."
  • 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).
    • Committee Report, II-489, 06/13/1811, contains an extensive argument in favor of retention of the system, including a justification of the need for it.
  • 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."
  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 9, II-522; "The Lodges within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be formed into twelve or more Districts, by the Grand Master, in each of which shall reside a District Deputy Grand Master."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 15, III-235; "The Lodges within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be formed into twelve or more Districts, by the Grand Master, in each of which shall reside a District Deputy Grand Master."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:2, IV-643; "The Lodges within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be formed into Districts by the Grand Master; for each of which a District Deputy Grand Master shall be annually appointed. And it shall be the duty of every Master, or presiding officer of a Lodge, 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 official Communications, submit to his inspection the By-Laws, records and mode of work, and deliver to him the return of the Lodge and the dues to the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing "And it shall be the duty of every Master, or presiding officer of a Lodge, when notified of the intended official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, to convene . . ." with "And every Master, or presiding officer of a Lodge, when notified of the intended official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, shall convene . . ."
  • GC1918: Section 350, 1918-373; "The Grand Master is requested to form the Lodges holding Charters of this Grand Lodge into Districts, for each of which a District Deputy Grand Master shall be appointed annually; except that outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where Lodges are chartered by this Grand Lodge, the appointment of District Grand Masters at and during pleasure is a prerogative of the Grand Master."
  • GC1930: Section 348; 1930-126; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 348; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.

References

  • II-148, 12/09/1799, refers to the resignation letter by Grand Master Bartlett, in which he mentions visitations to lodges; he observes that "in some instances where from the distance and other local circumstances it has been thought advisable, a member of the Grand Lodge has been appointed and commissioned for the purpose, and I am of opinion that a practice of this kind, in cases where the Grand Master cannot attend, would be best calculated to prevent innovations and preserve the ancient ceremonies." District Deputy Grand Masters were created by his successor Grand Master Dunn, as noted above.
  • II-636, 06/13/1815, is the continuation of a committee on compensation for District Deputy Grand Masters.
  • III-334, 03/14/1821; The Grand Marshal proclaimed the new Masonic Districts following the separation of Maine lodges.
  • 1866-67, 12/27/1866, refers to a portion of the address by Grand Master Dame, dealing with the redistricting of the state beginning in 1867. See the Districts page for details.
  • 1869-37, 06/09/1869, refers to the address by Grand Master Gardner, concerning districts organized outside of Massachusetts. A committee report, with particular attention to Massachusetts constituted lodges in Chile, appears beginning on 1869-74.
  • 1869-158, 12/28/1869, refers to the address by Grand Master Gardner, concerning the activities of his District Deputy Grand Masters.
  • 1871-225, 12/13/1871, refers to a circular letter sent by Grand Master Gardner to his District Deputies regarding forms of address and titles and the authority when deputized for special occasions.
  • 1872-16, 03/13/1872, refers to the creation of a new Masonic district, Woburn 17.
  • 1877-165, 03/14/1877, refers to the granting of a charter to Huelen Lodge, the fourth and last lodge located within Chile.
  • 1904-155, 12/14/1904, refers to comments by Grand Master Sanford regarding the rearrangement of lodges in various districts.
  • 1911-186, 12/13/1911, refers to comments by Grand Master Flanders regarding the redistricting of the Massachusetts jurisdiction.
  • 1914-362: see section below.
  • 1915-98, 06/12/1915, refers to the promulgation of rules for District Grand Lodges and District Grand Masters.
  • 1915-108 refers to a decision by the Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding the titles of Past District Deputies.

Sec. 348. DISTRICT GRAND MASTER: RANK AND POWERS

A District Grand Master shall enjoy, in his District, a rank and dignity similar to those possessed by the Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

References

  • 1914-362: see section below.
  • See Section 214.

Sec. 349. DISTRICT GRAND MASTER: APPOINTMENTS AND SUCCESSOR

The District Grand Master may appoint a Deputy District Grand Master who shall discharge the duties of a Deputy District Grand Master, and in the case of the death of the District Grand Master, his disability, or absence from the District, shall act as District Grand Master until a successor shall be appointed by the Grand Master. The District Grand Master may also appoint such other officers as may be necessary or desirable for the satisfactory conduct of the affairs of Masonry in his District appertaining to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, whose duties shall be such as are performed by officers of like title in the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1843: Proposed 1913-258, 12/10/1913, adopted 1914-361, 12/09/1914, amendments to the following sections:
  • GC1918: Section 352, 1918-374; note that the original text in this revision said: ". . . may appoint a District Deputy Grand Master who shall . . ."; this was revised on 09/12/1923, 1923-324, to the current text.
  • GC1930: Section 350; 1930-126
  • GC1953: Section 350

References

none.


Sec. 350. VISITATIONS

Every Master or presiding officer of a Lodge when notified of an intended official visit of the District Grand Master or District Deputy Grand Master shall convene his Lodge, receive him as the representative of the Grand Master, resign the chair to him while making his official communications, submit to his inspection of the By-Laws, records, and mode of work, and deliver to him the returns of the Lodge and all moneys due the Grand Lodge except Grand Lodge dues of members as provided in Sec. 330.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 3rd, Item 7, II-7; "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."
  • 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 hhim the return of the Lodge and the dues of the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 16, III-235; "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 communications, 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."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:2, IV-643; see section above.
    • Amendments regarding ritual for official visitation to provide for a District Deputy Grand Chaplain and a prayer after the District Deputy Grand Master's reception by a lodge; proposed 1916-256, 06/14/1916; not approved, 1916-533, 12/13/1916.
  • GC1918: Section 353, 1918-374; in this revision, the phrase "except Grand Lodge dues of members as provided in Sec. 330" does not appear.
  • GC1930: Section 351; 1930-127
  • GC1953: Section 351; 1953-47; approved 1953-197

References

none.


Sec. 351. RETURNS: LODGE OBLIGATIONS

The Lodges shall deliver to their District Grand Master or to their District Deputy Grand Master an Annual Return of their officers and members, of all candidates initiated, crafted, and raised, and of such other information as the Grand Lodge may require agreeably to the form established by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge, for which purpose suitable blanks shall be furnished.

The Annual Returns aforesaid shall cover the period from September first to August thirty-first, inclusive, which period shall constitute the fiscal year of the several Lodges.

Earlier Revisions

  • GC1792: Section 9th, Item 6, II-10; "Every Lodge under this Jurisdiction shall once every year transmit to the Grand Lodge, the names of their officers and also the names of the Brothers who have been made Masons, passed Fellow-Crafts, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Masons; in order that the same may be duly noticed by the Grand Lodge."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, II-36, 03/11/1793, that articles from the Grand Constitutions accompany all new charters, including a return of all new candidates and officers.
  • Additional Regulations 1801: Article 8th, I-194; "The price of charters hereafter to be granted by the Grand Lodge shall be seventy-five dollars."
  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 2, II-521; "They {the Lodges} shall make an annual return to the District Deputy Grand Master of their officers and members; of all candidates initiated, crafted and raised, agreeably to the form transmitted by the Grand Lodge, and pay all such fees as the Grand Lodge shall assess; they shall record with their By-Laws all the Edicts and Regulations they shall receive from the Grand Lodge; they shall take rank, in Grand Lodge, according to the priority of the dates of their charters; they shall not hold meetings in any place excepting those designated therein, unless by a vote of the Grand Lodge; they shall forfeit their charters when they are two years delinquent in their dues to the Grand Lodge, unless remitted by the Grand Lodge upon proper application."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 5, III-232; "All of the lodges under this jurisdiction shall make an annual return to the District Deputy Grand Master, of their officers and members, of all candidates initiated, crafted, and raised, agreeably to the form transmitted by the Grand Lodge. They shall record, with their by-laws, all the edicts and regulations they receive from the Grand Lodge. They shall take rank in Grand Lodge according to the priority of the dates of their charters; they shall not hold meetings in any place excepting those designated therein, unless by a vote of the Grand Lodge; shall forfeit their charters when they are two years delinquent in their dues to the Grand Lodge, unless remitted by the Grand Lodge upon proper application."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:3, IV-643; "The lodges under this jurisdiction shall make an annual return to the District Deputy Grand Master of their officers and members, of all candidates initiated, Crafted, and raised, agreeably to the form transmitted by the Grand Lodge; for which purpose they shall be furnished with suitable blanks."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing "they shall be furnished with suitable blanks" with "suitable blanks shall be furnished."
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-47, to read: "The lodges under this jurisdiction shall deliver to their District Deputy Grand Master an annual return of their officers and members, of all candidates initiated, Crafted, and raised, agreeably to the form transmitted by the Grand Lodge; for which purpose suitable blanks shall be furnished."
  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 03/09/1864, VI-498; the committee on charters and by-laws noted that "It has been an immemorial usage among Masons, to record the names of all Brethren filling the different stations and offices at meetings of their Lodges. If a regular Officer is absent, his place is filled by appointment and the records show the fact, and by the letters p. t. (pro tempore) indicate that he occupies the office temporarily. Your Com. believe that this usage and custom exists in all Masonic assemblies and organizations, to say nothing of other good reasons for carefully continuing this custom, it is the only way in which the proper officers who are appointed to examine and visit the Lodges officially, can ascertain whether a proper number of Masons were present to constitute a Lodge. The fact that this usage has existed without any change so long is sufficient reason for us to continue it. Formerly and until within a very few years it was the universal custom to place upon the Records, the names of every member and visitor present, and this custom still prevails in many of the Lodges in this jurisdiction. The temptation is strong for recording officers to neglect their duty in this regard, but your Com. believe that no proper record of a Masonic Lodge can be made without it contains the full organization, and the names of the Brethren occupying the various stations."
  • GC1918: Section 354, 1918-375; the final phrase was added when the section was amended on 09/08/1926; report 1926-315, adopted 1926-322.
  • GC1930: Section 351; 1930-127
  • GC1953: Section 352
  • Votes of Grand Lodge, 1929-54, 03/13/1929:
    • "The District Grand Lodges and the Masonic District of Chile shall annually collect the Grand Lodge dues from the members in their several Districts, and shall retain the full amount to be used by the District Grand Lodge or Masonic District as the District Grand Master or District Deputy Grand Master may direct."
    • "The District Grand Master or District Deputy Grand Master shall report annually to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts the names of such members as are delinquent in the payment of their Grand Lodge dues, with his recommendation as to action by Grand Lodge."

References

  • 1914-216, 09/09/1914, refers to remarks by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding non-profit corporations. "Under the statutes of Massachusetts, all corporations claiming an exemption of property from taxation on the ground of their charitable nature must annually make returns to the State Board of Charity . . . Each Lodge is a component part of the corporation known as the Grand Lodge. Information is called for therefore from the Lodges . . . in order that it may make compliance with the statutes of the Commonwealth . . . the totals given should include all amounts expended from the General or Charity Funds of the Lodge for charitable purposes, and from the income of funds held by trustees, and also amounts contributed by Brethren if they are expended by officers of the Lodge as a part of their fraternal work."
  • 1918-321, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.
  • 1925-62, 03/11/1925, refers to remarks by Grand Master Ferrell regarding delinquency in Grand Lodge dues. "Delinquent members, after due notice, will be suspended by the Grand Lodge from all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. It must be remembered that this is a much more serious matter than suspension in a Lodge. If a member is suspended by the Grand Lodge his connection with his Lodge is definitely severed. On his reinstatement by the Grand Lodge he is an unaffiliated Mason, and can regain affiliation only by application for membership in some Lodge, and passing a clear ballot."
  • See also Section 224

Sec. 352. RETURNS: LODGES NOT REPORTING

Any Lodge neglecting to present its Returns and moneys due the Grand Lodge to the District Grand Master or to the District Deputy Grand Master at the time of his official visit to such Lodge, when demanded by him, shall not be permitted to work in any of the degrees of Masonry until such Returns and moneys due the Grand Lodge are placed in the hands of the District Grand Master or of the District Deputy Grand Master and shall be subject to such further action as the Grand Lodge may see fit to take in the premises.

If any Lodge shall neglect to make its Returns and payments to the Grand Lodge for the space of two years, the Charter, funds, regalia, and all other property and effects of such Lodge shall be delivered to the Grand Lodge.

Earlier Revisions

  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge, 09/01/1786, I-336; "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."
  • Vote of Massachusetts Grand Lodge; 12/08/1790, I-375; see section 329 above.
  • GC1811: Chapter III, Section 2, II-521; ". . . they shall forfeit their charters when they are two years delinquent in their dues to the Grand Lodge, unless remitted by the Grand Lodge upon proper application."
  • GC1819: Chapter 5, Section 6, III-232; "The funds of such lodge as shall have forfeited its charter, shall be held by the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge in trust, till the charter shall be restored; and the interest arising from said fund shall be made a part of the charity fund of the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:4, IV-643; "Should any Lodge neglect to make its returns and payments to the Grand Lodge, for the space of two years, the Master and Wardens of said Lodge, shall not be permitted to attend in their official capacity, any meeting of the Grand Lodge, until such returns and payments are made. And should the delinquency continue for three years, the Charter, funds and regalia of such Lodge, may be declared forfeited to the Grand Lodge."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing "Should any Lodge neglect . . ." with "If any Lodge shall neglect . . ."; "any meeting of the Grand Lodge" with "any Communication of the Grand Lodge"; "should the delinquency continue" with "if the delinquency shall continue".
  • Grand Master's Address, 06/14/1871, 1871-72, regarding delinquency in providing returns; "Ordered, That any Lodge neglecting to present its returns and Grand Lodge dues to the District Deputy Grand Master, at the time of his official visit to such Lodge, when demanded by him, shall not be permitted to work in any of the degrees of Masonry until such returns and dues are placed in the hands of the District Deputy Grand Master."
  • GC1918: Section 355, 1918-375
  • GC1930: Section 353; 1930-128
  • GC1953: Section 353

References

  • IV-615, 09/13/1843, refers to changes made just prior to the adoption of GC1843.
  • 1918-321, 12/11/1918, refers to changes to GC1843 recommended just before the adoption of GC1918.

Sec. 353. SUMMONS

If the Master and Wardens of any Lodge be summoned to attend the Grand Master, the District Grand Master, or the District Deputy Grand Master within whose jurisdiction it is located, or any Special Deputy of the Grand Master, or any committee of the Grand Lodge, or to produce the Charter, books, papers, or accounts of their Lodge, and refuse to comply with said summons or give satisfactory reasons for non-compliance, they may be suspended, and the proceedings shall be reported to the Grand Lodge, when, in case of a contumacy, expulsion or revocation of Charter shall be the penalty.

Earlier Revisions

  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/13/1826, IV-39; report on the relationship between the Fraternity and Masons unaffiliated with any Lodge, which includes the following statement: "Every Mason is bound to obey the summons of a Lodge of Master Masons and presented himself before then, if within the scope of his ability. There is no relation in which he can stand with the fraternity that can absolve a mason from this obligation. He may have sufficient excuse for not obeying a summons, and in that case it is his duty to lay his excuse before the summoning body which has the power of admitting it as satisfactory and it is presumed that it will always be ready to exercise this power liberally whenever a proper spirit is manifested. Thus a Lodge may excuse a Freemason for not performing this duty, but cannot absolve him from his obligation to perform it."
  • GC1843: Part Fourth, 1:8, IV-643; "If the Master and Wardens of any Lodge, be summoned to attend, or produce the charter, books, papers or accounts of their Lodge, to the Grand Master, or the District Deputy Grand Master, within whose jurisdiction it is located, or any committee, authorized by the Grand Lodge, and refuse to comply, or give satisfactory reasons for non-compliance, they may be suspended, and the proceedings shall be notified to the Grand Lodge, when, in cases of contumacy, expulsion, or revocation of charter, shall be the penalty."
    • Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-49, revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87; remove "or to produce the charter, books, papers or account of their Lodge"; replace "notified to the Grand Lodge" with "reported to the Grand Lodge"; replace ". . . authorized by the Grand Lodge" with " . . . authorized by the Grand Lodge to produce the charter, book, papers, or account of their Lodge".
  • GC1918: Section 356, 1918-376
  • GC1930: Section 354; 1930-128
  • GC1953: Section 354; 1953-47

References

  • III-137, 02/04/1818, refers to a debate concerning provisions in GC1819; after a particular vote, Grand Master Oliver declared that "he wished it to be explicitly understood that this decision was not considered as affecting the unalterable and unalienable right of the Grand Lodge to require the personal attendance of any member of the Fraternity upon a regular summons, a right which had been transmitted from the earliest ages, and which he could not, consistently with the obligations he considered himself under, suffer to be questioned, so long as he had the honor to preside over the Grand Lodge."
  • IV-636 refers to the surrender of charters; it is unclear how it applies to this section.

Sec. 354. EXEMPLIFICATIONS

It shall be the duty of each District Deputy Grand Master to convene the Lodges of his District once each year for the purpose of holding a District Exemplification of the work and lectures of the degrees and other ritualistic ceremonies under the supervision of one of the Grand Lecturers, unless excused, for cause, by the Grand Master.

Earlier Revisions

  • Grand Lodge Committee Report, 09/14/1842, IV-563; on the doings of the National Masonic Convention, the committee observed "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."
  • GC1843: Part First, 8:10, IV-620; "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."
    • Vote of Grand Lodge, V-594, 12/12/1855; an amendment to the Grand Constitutions to hold Grand Lecturer exemplifications at each Quarterly Communication was rejected.
    • Vote of Grand Lodge, 1875-67, 06/09/1875; an amendment to revise this article to include exemplifications was rejected.
    • 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."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/11/1896, 1896-33; "Resolved, That it shall be the duty of each District Deputy Grand Master to convene the Lodges of his District, at least once in two years, for the purpose of holding a District Exemplification of the work and lectures of the several degrees under the supervision of one of the Grand Lecturers, unless, for cause, excused by the Most Worshipful Grand Master."
  • GC1918: Section 357, 1918-376; "It shall be the duty of each District Deputy Grand Master to convene the Lodges of his District at least once in two years for the purpose of holding a District Exemplification of the work and lectures of the three degrees under the supervision of one of the Grand Lecturers, unless excused, for cause, by the Grand Master."
  • GC1930: Section 357; 1930-129; In this revision, the text is the same as GC1918.
  • GC1953: Section 355; 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."
  • 1895-303, 12/11/1895, refers to a portion of the annual address by Grand Master Holmes. "I recommend . . . that Exemplifications of the work be made obligatory in each District annually, or at least once in two years."

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