Revision as of 14:24, 23 September 2013

GRAND CONSTITUTIONS, PART VIII

PART VIII: REGALIA AND JEWELS

Sec. 800. CLOTHING AND REGALIA

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts recognizes no jewels, medals, regalia, insignia, and clothing as Masonic except such as are prescribed by these Constitutions.

References

• GC1930: Section 800, 1930-168

Sec. 801. JEWELS

No jewel, medal, or decoration of a similar character shall be worn in the Grand Lodge or any particular Lodge, except such as shall have been authorized by these Constitutions, by this Grand Lodge, or by a recognized Grand Body or its Grand Master, or other presiding officer, and except such as are expressly authorized by the laws of the United States of America, or one of its States, or of some foreign government recognized by, and at peace with, the United States.

References

• GC1918: "Section 702, 1918-407; "No Brother shall wear at any meeting of a Lodge or of the Grand Lodge, any medal, jewel, or decoration of a similar character except such as shall have been authorized and approved by these Constitutions, or by the Grand Lodge, or by the Grand Master; and except such as are expressly authorized by the laws of the United States of America, or one of its states, or of some foreign government recognized by and at peace with the United States."
• GC1930: Section 801, 1930-168
  • 1880-158, 1881-163, 1914-154

IV: 615, 641 1880: 161 1914: 154 1918: 327 1930: 168

Sec. 802. REQUIRED CLOTHING

The following clothing and insignia shall be worn by the Craft; and no Brother shall be admitted into the Grand Lodge, or into any Lodge, without his proper clothing, nor shall any officer of the Grand Lodge, or representative of a Lodge (proxies excepted) be allowed to vote without his jewel or pocket jewel unless he offers a satisfactory excuse and shall have permission of the Grand Master.

References

• GC1918: Section 254; 1918-407; No Brother shall be admitted into the Grand Lodge, or into any Lodge, without his proper clothing, nor shall any officer of the Grand Lodge, or representative of a Lodge (proxies excepted) be allowed to vote without his jewel unless he offers a satisfactory excuse and have permission of the Grand Lodge.
• GC1930: Section 802, 1930-168

II: 6, 523 III: 238 IV:615, 641 1918: 353 1989: 96

Sec. 803. JEWELS: GRAND OFFICERS' JEWELS

• The Grand Master, the compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle at the points and a gold plate included, on which is to be represented an eye within a triangle, both irradiated.
• Deputy Grand Master, the compasses and square united, with a five-pointed star in the center.
• District Grand Master, the compasses and square united, with a five-pointed star in the center, upon which shall be superimposed a Roman letter D.
• Senior Grand Warden, the level.
• Junior Grand Warden, the plumb rule.
• Directors, arms and crest of the Grand Lodge.
• Grand Treasurer, a chased key.
• Grand Secretary, two pens in saltire, tied by a ribbon.
• District Deputy Grand Masters, the compasses extended to 45° with the segment of a circle at the points and a crescent in the center.
• Grand Marshal, two rods in saltire, tied by a ribbon.
• Grand Chaplains, a book, within a triangle, surmounting a glory.
• Grand Lecturers, an open book upon the square and compasses.
• Grand Deacons, dove and olive branch.
• Grand Stewards, a cornucopia between the legs of a pair of compasses extended.
• Grand Sword Bearer, two swords in saltire.
• Grand Standard Bearer, a standard of the arms of the Grand Lodge.
• Grand Pursuivants, a sword and rod sal tire-wise.
• Grand Organist, a lyre.
• Grand Tyler, a sword.
• Past Grand Master, the compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle at the points and a gold plate included, on which is to be represented the Seal of Grand Lodge.

The jewels of District Grand Masters are to be placed within a circle, on which the name of the District is to be engraven or superimposed, and no ornament or emblem whatever other than such name shall be engraven on said circle or superimposed thereon; and the jewels of the Grand Lodge Officers other than the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Past Grand Masters, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and District Deputy Grand Masters are to be placed within a circle on which shall be engraven or superimposed a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat.

References

• GC1918: Section 253, Part I; 1918-350
• GC1930: Section 803, 1930-169

• • I-143 (145?), II-275; II-400; II-413; 12/27/1820; 03/14/1821; 1855-84; 1856-40, 1856-41; 1856-50; 1865-19; 1866-34; 1871-253; 1872-27; 1896-36; 1913-273 (278?); 1914-353; 1914-364; 1915-39; 1915-331; 1916-175

1863 (O.P.): Supp 20 VII: 29, 105 1878: 49,88 1983: 177 1989: 96

Sec. 804. JEWELS OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS

This section includes descriptions of jewels appointed by District Grand Masters and District Deputy Grand Masters.

Deputy District Grand Masters, the compasses extended to 45° with the segment of a circle at the points and a crescent in the center.

All other Officers of District Grand Lodges and all Officers appointed by District Deputy Grand Masters, shall have jewels of the same description as those worn by corresponding Officers of the Grand Lodge.

The jewels of Officers of District Grand Lodges and of Officers appointed by District Grand Masters are to be placed within a circle, on which the name or number of the District is to be engraven or superimposed, and no ornament or emblem whatever other than such name or number shall be engraven on said circle or superimposed thereupon.

References

• GC1918: see District Rule #26.
• GC1930: Section 804, 1930-170

1918: 428 1930: 170

Sec. 805. PAST GRAND MASTER'S JEWEL

The pocket jewel of a Past Grand Master shall be the seal of the Grand Lodge from which shall be pendant the wearer's initials in script and also the Grand Master's jewel placed within an oval studded with diamonds representing the collar of the Grand Master, which oval shall be surmounted by a representation of the traditional three-cornered chapeau of the Grand Master irradiated, all as illustrated in the printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge for the year 1914, opposite page 402.

References

• GC1930: Section 805, 1930-170

1863 (O.P.): Supp 20 VII: 42 1895: 312 1896: 36 1914: 402 1983: 178 1989: 96

Sec. 806. PAST GRAND OFFICERS' AND PAST DISTRICT OFFICERS' JEWELS

Each other Past Grand Officer, except Past District Grand Masters, may wear the jewel prescribed for the office he has filled, with this difference: that such jewel shall be placed within an oval on which shall be engraven or superimposed a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat; and Past District Grand Masters and Past District Grand Officers may wear the jewel prescribed for the office he has filled with this difference: that such jewel shall be placed within an oval ornamented similarly to the ornamentation of the circle of the jewel of such office. Said jewel shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a purple ribbon or metal chain or it may be suspended from the neck by a purple ribbon when another authorized jewel is worn over the left breast.

References

• GC1930: Section 806, 1930-171

1895: 312 1896: 36 1918: 351 1930: 171

Sec. 807. MATERIAL OF GRAND LODGE JEWELS

All the above jewels to be gold or gilt metal.

References

• GC1930: Section 807, 1930-172

1940: 53

Sec. 808. LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND OTHER MEDALS

Honorary life membership, and other similar medals, which have been first approved by the Grand Master, may be presented to, and worn by, members of particular Lodges.

References

• GC1930: Section 808, 1930-172

Sec. 809. VETERAN'S MEDAL

A medal to be known as the "Masonic Veteran's Medal" may be conferred upon any affiliated Brother of this jurisdiction on or about the fiftieth anniversary of his raising who, in the opinion of the Grand Master, is worthy of such recognition.

References

• GC1918: Section 703A, 1926-323; added 09/08/1926. The text originally read: "A medal to be known as the 'Masonic Veteran's Medal' may be conferred upon such Brethren who have been or shall hereafter be for fifty years in good standing, as are designated, as are designated by the Grand Master because of their faithful service to the Craft."
• GC1930: Section 809, 1930-172

1926: 242, 269: 304, 329 1955: 236, 376

Sec. 810. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

A medal to be known as the "Distinguished Service Medal" may be conferred by the Grand Master upon such Brethren as may have rendered distinguished service to the Lodges of which they are members.

References

• GC1930: Section 810, 1930-172

1930: 87

Sec. 811. HENRY PRICE MEDAL

The Henry Price Medal may be worn only,

• (a) By those heretofore rightfully in possession thereof with the right to wear the same; and,
• (b) By such distinguished Brethren as may be selected by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master as worthy of such special Masonic recognition.

References

• GC1918: Section 703, 1918-408; In this revision, this section reads: "The Henry Price medal may be worn only (a) By those heretofore rightfully in possession thereof with the right to wear the same; (b) By permanent members of the Grand Lodge; (c) By such Brethren who have been for fifty years in good standing as are designated by the Grand Master because of their faithful service to the Craft; and (d) By such distinguished Brethren as may be selected by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master as worthy of such special Masonic recognition."
  • On 09/08/1926, parts (c) and (d) were stricken and part (b) was changed to read: "(b) By such Brethren, who by distinguished services to the Craft, may be selected by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master as worthy of such recognition." (1926-323)
• GC1930: Section 811, 1930-172; In this revision, the section reads: "The Henry Price medal may be worn only (a) By those heretofore rightfully in possession thereof with the right to wear the same; and (b) By such distinguished Brethren as may be selected by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master as worthy of such special Masonic recognition."

1884L: 44, 77 1916: 171, 272 1918: 328 1926: 268, 304, 329

Sec. 812. PARTICULAR LODGE JEWELS

• Master, the square.
• Past Masters, the blazing sun within the square and compasses extended on a quadrant.
• Senior Warden, the level.
• Junior Warden, the plumb rule.
• Treasurer, two keys in saltire.
• Secretary, two pens in saltire, tied by a ribbon.
• Chaplain, a book within a triangle surmounting a glory.
• Marshal, a baton.
• Deacons, the square and compasses united.
• Stewards, a cornucopia.
• Inside Sentinel, two swords in saltire.
• Organist, a lyre.
• Tyler, a sword.

The jewels of the Secretary, Chaplain, Deacons, Stewards, Organist, Inside Sentinel, and Tyler are to be placed within a circle and the jewel of the Marshal within a square, and no ornament or emblem whatever shall be engraven on said circle or square or superimposed thereupon.

References

• GC1918: Section 328, 1918-365; in this revision, the section reads: "The Jewels of the officers of a Lodge shall be as follows: That of the Master, the Square; Senior Warden, the Level; Junior Warden, the Plumb; Treasurer, two Keys in saltire; Secretary, two Pens in saltire; Chaplain, the Bible within a circle; Marshal, a Baton within a square; Deacons, the Square and Compasses united within a circle; Stewards, a Cornucopia within a circle; Organist, a Lyre within a circle; Inside Sentinel, two Swords in saltire within a circle; Tyler, a Sword within a circle. The Jewel of a Past Master shall be the blazing Sun within the Square and Compasses extended on a Quadrant. This Jewel may be of gold or silver, and shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a blue ribbon or metal chain. It may be suspended from the neck by a blue ribbon when another authorized Jewel is worn over the left breast."
• GC1930: Section 812, 1930-173
  • I-145, 12/10/1856, 1804-140, 1895-39, 1895-131

VI: 69, 559 1871: 256 1872: 27 1920: 263 1930: 142

Sec. 813. MATERIAL OF LODGE JEWELS

All particular Lodge jewels - except those of Past Master - to be of silver. The jewel of a Past Master may be of gold or silver and it shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a sky-blue ribbon or metal chain, or it may be suspended from the neck by a sky-blue ribbon when another authorized jewel is worn over the left breast.

References

• GC1930: Section 813, 1930-173

Sec. 814. COLLARS: GRAND OFFICERS' COLLARS

The collars of Officers of the Grand Lodge, of Officers of District Grand Lodges, and of Officers appointed by District Deputy Grand Masters shall be chains of gold or metal gilt upon purple ribbon of such pattern as now in use.

Note: The chains of Officers of the Grand Lodge are all of the same pattern, the number of stars designating the rank: thus the Grand Master has nine stars; the Deputy Grand Master and District Grand Master seven, the Grand Wardens, five; Past Grand Masters, five; the rest of the Grand Officers, three stars.

References

• GC1918: Section 253, Section II; 1918-351; The Collars of the Grand Officers shall be chains of gold or metal gilt.
• GC1930: Section 814, 1930-173

1914: 363 1918: 352 1930: 174 1983: 178 1989: 96

Sec. 815. COLLARS: CHAINS AND COLLARS OF OFFICERS OF PARTICULAR LODGES

The Officers of particular Lodges shall wear collars of sky-blue ribbon four inches wide, or chains of silver or white metal upon sky-blue ribbon. Said chains of silver or white metal shall be of such pattern or patterns as shall be approved by the Grand Master.

References

• GC1918: Section 327, 1918-365; in this revision, the section reads: "Each officer of a Lodge shall wear a blue velvet collar trimmed with silver lace, or a white metal chain collar upon blue ribbon, of such pattern or patterns as shall be approved by the Grand Master, from which shall be suspended the jewel of the office in silver. The aprons may bear the emblems of the offices and a fringe of silver."
• GC1930: Section 811, 1930-174

I: 145 VI: 3 1870: 61 1878: 44,87 1881: 167 1882: 84, 170 1918: 320 1920: 263

Sec. 816. COLLARS: TIME TO WEAR COLLARS OF LODGES

The collars of the Officers of particular Lodges are to be worn only in their own Lodges or when representing their Lodges as Masters or Wardens in the Grand Lodge, or in their District Grand Lodges.

References

• GC1930: Section 811, 1930-174

II: 523

Sec. 817. APRONS AND GAUNTLETS:

APRONS

• (A) Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft - A plain white lambskin, fourteen inches wide, twelve inches deep, square at bottom and without ornament; white strings.
• (B) Master Mason - A plain apron of white lambskin or other white fabric, fourteen inches wide, twelve inches deep, and square at the bottom, with white tie strings. It may be ornamented with blue lining; blue edging not in excess of two inches wide on the body and one and one-half inches wide on the fall or flap; three blue rosettes, one at each bottom corner and one on the fall or flap; blue strings or tabs two inches wide with silver tassels. No other color or ornament shall be allowed except to Officers and past Officers of Lodges or of Grand Lodge.
• (C) Lodge Officer, present and past, (except Past Masters) - Aprons of white lambskin or other white fabric not in excess of seventeen inches wide and fourteen inches deep, square at the bottom; blue lining; blue edging not in excess of two inches wide on the body and one and one-half inches on the fall or flap; the jewels of their offices embroidered in silver or blue in the center of the apron. They may be ornamented with blue strings or tabs two inches wide with silver or white tassels, and may be edged with silver or white braid and fringe.
• (D) Past Masters - The same as Lodge Officers, except that the jewel of a Past Master shall be embroidered in the center of the apron either in gold, silver or blue. They may be ornamented with blue strings or tabs two inches wide with silver tassels, and may be edged with silver braid and fringe. They may be further ornamented with three emblems one-half inch broad embroidered in blue and silver, one at each bottom corner and one on the fall or flap, said emblems being described as perpendicular lines upon horizontal lines,thereby forming three sets of two right angles, the length of the horizontal lines to be two and one-half inches each and of the perpendicular lines one inch each.
• (E) District Grand Officers, present and past - Aprons of white lambskin or other white fabric of the same dimensions as those of Lodge Officers, with purple lining and edging two inches wide on the body and one and one-half inches wide on the fall or flap; the jewels of their offices within a double circle in which must be inserted the name of the District embroidered in gold or in purple and gold in the center of the apron. They may be ornamented with purple strings or tabs two inches wide with gold tassels, and may be edged with gold braid and fringe. (Gold may be interpreted to mean of gold color.)
• (F) Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge, present and past (except as otherwise provided herein) - Aprons of white lambskin or other white fabric of the same dimensions as those of Lodge Officers; purple lining; purple edging not in excess of three inches wide on the body and two inches wide on the fall or flap; the jewels of their offices within a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat embroidered in gold or in purple and gold in the center of the apron. They may be ornamented with purple strings or tabs two inches wide with gold tassels, and may be edged with gold braid and fringe.
• (G) District Grand Masters, present and past - The same as the Deputy Grand Master, but with the name of the District within a double circle surrounding the emblem of office.
• (H) Deputy Grand Master - The same material and lining as that of the Grand Master, having the emblem of his office in gold embroidery in the center, and the pomegranate and lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging.
• (I) The Past Deputy Grand Masters ' apron will be similar to other Grand Lodge Officers (as described in Sec. 817(F)) with the * emblem in the center being the square and compasses with a five pointed star in the center.
• (J) Grand Master, present and past - Apron similar to the historic apron worn by the Grand Masters of the United Grand Lodge of England as illustrated in the printed Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for 1915 opposite page 331, with the substitution of purple as used by this Grand Lodge in place of the blue used by the United Grand Lodge of England.

GAUNTLETS

(K) In addition to the foregoing, the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and District Grand Masters wear purple velvet gauntlets edged with gold lace or braid, and with the emblems of their respective offices embroidered thereon in gold.

References

• GC1918:

• (A) * GC1930: Section 817, 1930-174
• (B) GC1918: Section 500, 1918-389; "The Apron of a Master Mason shall be a plain white lambskin, fourteen inches wide by twelve inches deep. The Apron may be adorned with sky-blue lining and edging, and three rosettes of the same color. No other color shall be allowed, and no other ornament shall be worn except by officers and past officers."
  • GC1930: Section 817, 1930-174; In this revision, this part of the section reads: "The same, or apron of white lamb-skin of the same dimensions with sky-blue lining and edging two inches in width on the fall or flap; upon which there may be imposed three sky-blue rosettes - two at the bottom and one on the fall or flap, sky-blue strings two inches in width and silver tassels. No other color or ornament shall be allowed except to Officers and past Officers or Lodges, who may have the emblems of their offices painted or embroidered in silver or in sky-blue and silver in the center of the apron."
  • I: 138, 148 VI: 68 1878: 44,87 1886: 105 1895: 127, 220 1963: 155
• (C) GC1918: Section 327, "Each officer of a Lodge shall wear a blue velvet collar trimmed with silver lace, or a white metal chain collar upon blue ribbon, of such pattern or patterns as shall be approved by the Grand Master, from which shall be suspended the jewel of the office in silver. The aprons may bear the emblems of the offices and a fringe of silver."
  • In GC1930, Officer aprons are covered by item (C). (1930-175)
  • 1963: 155
• (D) In GC1930, District Grand Officer aprons are covered by what is now item (E). (1930-175)
• (E) In GC1930, this is item (D), and reads: "District Grand Officers, present and past, and Officers appointed by District Deputy Grand Masters - Aprons of white lamb-skin of the same dimensions, with purple lining and edging two inches in width on the body and one and a half inches on the fall or flap, purple strings two inches in width and gold tassels; the emblems of their offices within a double circle in which must be inserted the name or number of the District painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold in the center of the apron. If Masters or Past Masters, they must have the Master's emblems painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold. (1930-175)"
  • 1914: 363 1963: 156
• (F) GC1918: Section 253, Section III; 1918-353; "The Aprons of the other Grand Officers shall be of white lambskin, lined with purple; edging of purple three and a half inches wide; with purple strigns; ornamented with gold, having the emblems of office, in gold, in the center."
• In GC1930, this is item (E), and reads: "Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge, present and past, (except as otherwise provided herein) - Aprons of white lamb-skin of the sme dimensions with purple lining and edging three and a half inches in width, purple strings two inches in width and gold tassels; the emblems of their offices within a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold, in the center of the apron. If Masters or Past Masters, they must have the Master's emblems painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold." (1930-176)
  • 1963: 156
• (G, H) GC1918: Section 253, Section III; 1918-352; The Apron of the Deputy Grand Master and of a District Grand Master shall be of the same material and lining, having the emblem of his office in gold embroidery in the center, and the pomegranate and lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging. The emblem of a District Grand Master shall be within a double circle bearing the name of the District."
  • In GC1930, item (G) is item (F), and reads: "District Grand Masters, present and past - The same as the Deputy Grand Master, but with the name of the District within a double circle surrounding the emblem of office." (1930-176).
  • In GC1930, item (H) is item (G), and reads: "Deputy Grand Master, present and past - The same material and lining as that of the Grand Master, having the emblem of his office in gold embroidery in the center, and the pomegranate and lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging." (1930-176).
  • 1989-96
• (I) In GC1930, Past Deputy Grand Master aprons are covered by item (G). (1930-177)
  • 1989: 96
• (J) GC1918: Section 253, Section III; 1918-352; The Apron of the Grand Master shall be of white lambskin, lined with purple, ornamented with the blazing Sun, embroidered in gold in the center; on the edging the pomegranate and lotus, with the seven-eared wheat at each corner, and also on the fall, - all in gold embroidery, the fringe of gold bullion, with purple edging and strings.
  • GC1930: Section 817, 1930-177; In this revision, this is item (H).
• (K) GC1930: Section 817, 1930-177; In this revision, this is item (I).

Sec. 818. REGALIA IN PROCESSIONS OR FUNERALS

No Brother shall appear clothed in any of the regalia of the Craft in any procession or at any funeral (except a Masonic funeral), public assembly or meeting, or at any place of public resort unless the Grand Master or District Grand Master, as the case may be, shall have previously given a Dispensation for Brethren to be there present in Masonic clothing.

References

• • GC1930: Section 818, 1930-177

Sec. 819. PRE-1930 REGALIA

Nothing herein provided shall apply to any jewels, chains, collars, or aprons in use prior to A.L. 5930.

References

• • GC1930: Section 819, 1930-177

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