Revision as of 04:36, 21 September 2013

GRAND CONSTITUTIONS, PART VI

PART VI: GRAND CHARITY

• GC1918: Sections Section 601 through Section 612 are labeled BOARD OF MASONIC RELIEF.

Sec. 600. MASONIC EDUCATION AND CHARITY TRUST

Whereas, the Grand Lodge has accepted "An Act to establish and incorporate the Masonic Education and Charity Trust," enacted by the General Court of Massachusetts, and approved May 8, 1884, the following regulations are adopted by the Grand Lodge to aid in carrying out the provisions of said Act:

• (a) The Grand Lodge shall elect one Trustee for said Trust at each Annual Communication and may fill vacancies at any Quarterly Communication, or at any Special Meeting called for this purpose. A Trustee may serve his eight year term, but one year must elapse before he is eligible for reelection. An elected Board Member is allowed no more than 25% unexcused absences each year. Exceeding this automatically ends his term.
• (b) It is the sense of this Grand Lodge that the M.W. Grand Master for the time being should be the President of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust.
• (c ) The annual income, less premium on investments, hereafter generated by the Grand Charity Fund and of such additions as may be made to it by the Grand Lodge and by gifts and bequests or otherwise, all held in trust by the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, shall annually be added to the Grand Lodge Charity Fund, except in the case of special funds where the expenditure of income is given to said Trustees by the will, deed, or other instrument creating the trust.
• (d) Income of funds in the hands of the Trustees shall be disposed of as the Grand Lodge shall from time to time direct except in the case of specific funds where the expenditure of income is given to said Trustees by the will, deed, or other instrument creating the trust.

References

• GC1918: Section 600, 1918-399; In this revision, the following text is different: The second sentence of section (a) is not included; section (c) reads as follows: "(c) The annual income less premium on investments, hereafter to accrue, of the Grand Charity Fund, and of such additions as may be made to it by the Grand Lodge, and by gifts and bequests or otherwise, all held in trust by the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, shall annually be divided into three equal parts: one part to be added to the Grand Charity Fund; one part to be applied to the support and maintenance of the Masonic Home; and one part to be available for the general charities of the Grand Lodge."
  • I-403, II-465, II-524, 09/09/1818, 1857-27, 1869-20, 1915-321, 1884-36, 1884-78, 1884-87, 1884-106, 1884-109, 1884-112, 1884-177, 1884-281, 1885-175, 1910-47, 1910-216

II: 37, 123, 124 III: 219 IV: 631 VII: 290 1878: 48, 87 1915: 321 1930: 151 2009: 55

(b): 1910: 216 (c ): IV: 631 VI: 335 1910: 216 1989: 96 (d): IV: 633 1910: 47, 216 1918: 323

Sec. 601. REPRESENTATIVES TO THE MASONIC HOME

There shall also be a Board of Representatives to the Masonic Home composed of the following;

• (a) One District Representative chosen by and from each Masonic District in Massachusetts. It shall be the duty of the Masters of the Lodges in each District, under the direction of the District Deputy Grand Master, to annually elect a District Representative for their respective District.
• (b) Each Lodge at its Annual Communication may elect a Lodge Representative; and in the event of the failure of any Lodge to elect, the Master of the Lodge shall appoint a Lodge Representative, who shall hold office during the year of his appointment.

MEETINGS

The Representatives to the Masonic Home shall meet twice a year at the Masonic Home in Charlton; usually in the fall and spring. Additional meetings may be called by the Grand Master, who is to be Chairman of the Board. Due notice in writing of all meetings shall be sent to all Representatives.

DUTIES

It is expected that each Representative will attend the Board meetings, report to the Lodges the happenings at the Masonic Home, assist the Director of the Home in the processing of applications when requested, and perform such other duties as the Grand Master may from time to time direct.

References

• GC1918: Section 601, 1918-400; In this revision, the section reads: "'ACTIVE MEMBERS: The Board of Masonic Relief shall be composed of the Grand Master ex officio, of twelve other active members, all of whom shall be members of Lodges in this Commonwealth, and of associate members as hereinafter provided.'
  • On 03/09/1927, the section was revised to read: There shall be a Board of Masonic Relief which shall be the Charity Committee of the Grand Lodge and which shall be composed of active and associate members, all of whom shall be members of Lodges in this Commonwealth. The active members shall consist of the Grand Master ex officio, one member chosen for each District, and twelve other members-at-large elected by the Grand Lodge, as hereinafter provided. (1927-51)
• GC1918 also includes the following sections:
  • "Section 605. MEETINGS. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, regular meetings thereof shall be held, without notice, at the Masonic Temple in Boston, at two o'clock in the afternoon of the Tuesday next preceding the second Wednesday of each calendar month, except that at least two meetings of said Board in each year shall be held at the Masonic Home in Charlton. Special meetings may be called on notice to the active members." (1918-401) This was revised on 03/09/1927, replacing the phrase "on notice to the active members" with "by the Grand Master. Due notice in writing of all meetings shall be sent to members of the Board." (1927-52)
  • "Section 606. QUORUM. Five active members shall constitute a quorum of said Board for the transaction of business; except that no officer or committee shall be removed nor shall any general rule be adopted, amended or repealed except by the affirmative vote of a majority of the active members." (1918-401) This was revised on 03/09/1927 to read: "Ten of the active members of the said Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business." (1927-52)
  • 1914-87

1910: 91, 138 1918: 325 1926: 104, 254 1927: 344 1930: 153 1983: 146 1989: 96

Sec. 602. MASONIC SERVICE COMMITTEE

MEMBERS

The Masonic Service Committee, consisting of the Zone Committeemen, appointed annually by the Grand Master, shall meet in the Grand Lodge building on the mornings of the Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge and at such other times as the Chairman or Grand Master shall direct. This Committee shall be the Charity Committee of the Grand Lodge.

OFFICERS

The Chairman of the Committee will be appointed by the Grand Master. They will elect their own clerk.

DUTIES

The Committee shall supervise and direct the service and charity activities of Grand Lodge, in concert with the Director of Masonic Service.

References

• GC1918: Section 602, 1918-400; In this revision, the section reads: "'ELECTION: The active members shall be classified in respect of the time for which they shall severally hold office by dividing them into three classes, each class consisting of four. At each Annual Communication, the successors to the members of the class whose term shall expire in that year shall be elected to hold office for the term of three years, so that the term of office of one class of members shall expire in each year.'
  • On 03/09/1927, the section was revised to read: Immediately upon the adoption of this amendment, the active members-at-large shall be elected by Grand Lodge, - four for a term expiring at the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, four for a term expiring at the following Annual Communication, and four for a term expiring two years from the next Annual Communication after their election. As the terms of the members thus expire, there shall be elected four for the term of three years, and at each Annual Communication, the successors of the class whose term shall expire in that year shall be elected to hold office for the term of three years, so that the term of office of one class of active members-at-large shall expire in each year. It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Masters of the Lodges in each District annually to elect an active member of the Board for their respective District. (1927-51)
• GC1918 also includes the following section:
  • "Section 610. VACANCIES. Vacancies in the active membership of the Board may be filled at any Regular Communication of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term." (1918-402) This was revised on 03/09/1927 to read: "Vacancies in the active membership of the Board may be filled by the Grand Master." (1927-52)
  • 1914-87

II: 524, 582, 609 III: 220 1910: 91, 138 1914: 88 1926: 105, 256 1927: 49 1930: 153 1953: 54, 197 1983: 146 1989: 96

Sec. 603. DIRECTOR OF MASONIC SERVICE

A Director of Masonic Service shall be appointed by and act under and be subject to the direction of the Grand Master.

DUTIES

The Director of Masonic Service, and the Masonic Service Committee, shall be responsible for acting on applications for relief and financial assistance, the Grand Lodge Blood Program, widows program, and hospital visitation. He will also perform such other duties as the Grand Master may from time to time direct.

APPLICATIONS

Applications for service or financial assistance shall be processed by the Director of Masonic Service, who shall make, or cause to be made, such investigation thereof as may be directed by the Grand Master.

References

• GC1918: Section 603, 1918-401; In this revision, the section reads: "'ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Each Lodge may annually elect an associate member of the Board. The associate members shall have ail the rights and privileges of active membership, except that if a roll-call be demanded, the roll of active members shall be called, and their action shall be decisive.
  • On 03/09/1927, the section was revised to read: Each Lodge at its Annual Communication may elect an associate member of the Board of Masonic Relief; and in the event of the failure of any Lodge to elect, the Master of the Lodge shall appoint an associate member, who shall hold office during the year of his appointment. The associate members of the Board shall have all the rights and privileges of active members at the meetings of the Board of Masonic Relief, except that if a roll call shall be demanded the roll of active members only shall be called, and their action shall be decisive. (1927-52)
• GC1918 also includes the following sections:
  • "Section 607. POWERS. The Board of Masonic Relief, in the absence of specific directions by the Grand Lodge, shall have full management and control of the dispensation of charity and benevolence by the Grand Lodge and shall have the right to solicit and collect funds for such purposes. It shall have no management or control of the principal of any funds in the hands of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust nor, except as appropriated by the Grand Lodge, of the income thereof."
    • On 03/09/1927, this was revised to read: "All applications for relief and for admission to the Home shall be examined by the Relief Commissioner who shall make, or cause to be made, such investigation thereof as may be directed by the Grand Master or by the Standing Committee. The Relief Commissioner shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, submit all applications, together with his recommendations thereon and such data relating thereto and such data as the Board may require, to said Board, and no applications shall be acted upon by said Board until hereinbefore provided. The said Committee shall annually cause an audit to be made of the books of the Board of Relief and shall report at the annual meeting of said Board. The Relief Commissioner shall act upon and subject to the direction of the Grand Master, whose orders, in any case, shall be sufficient warrant for any act covered thereby." (1927-52)
    • On 09/12/1928, the text was further revised by the addition of the words "and the Hospital known as Juniper Hall" after the words "admission to the Home".
  • "Section 608. MASONIC HOME. In the absence of specific directions by the Grand Lodge, the Board of Masonic Relief shall have the entire charge of the Masonic Home in Charlton and of the general business pertaining thereto, including admissions and discharges."
    • On 03/09/1927, this was revised to read: The Board shall act upon applications for Masonic Relief provided the same are within the appropriations previously made therefor by the Grand Lodge and shall determine the qualifications of applicants for admission to the Masonic Home; provided, however, that no appropriations nor expenditures shall be made or authorized by the Board except upon recommendations of the Standing Committee of said Board as provided in Section 607, unless such appropriation or expenditure is carried by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting."
    • On 09/12/1928, the text was further revised by the addition of the words "and the Hospital known as Juniper Hall" after the words "admission to the Masonic Home". (1928-230)
    • I-11, I-212, 1884-182, 1884-344, 1892-191, 1892-211, 1898-43, 1898-357, 1907-198, 1908-77, 1908-105, 1908-206, 1908-246, 1909-16, 1909-68, 1909-196, 1911-22, 1911-136

Sec. 604. REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

The Masonic Service Committee shall be subject at all times to the direction of Grand Lodge and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.

References

• GC1918: Section 604, 1918-401; In this revision, the section reads: "'ORGANIZATION: The Grand Treasurer shall be Treasurer of the Board of Masonic Relief. The Board shall elect its own President and a Clerk (who may or may not be a member of the Board), and shall cause to be elected and appointed from its active or associate membership or the membership of the Lodges, such other officers, agents, and committees for the proper conduct of its affairs as it shall determine by general rule or otherwise.
  • On 03/09/1927, the section was revised to read: The Grand Master shall be President, ex-officio, of the Board, which shall elect its own Clerk. The Grand Master is requested to employ a Relief Commissioner upon such terms as shall be satisfactory to the Grand Master, provided the same are within appropriations previously made by Grand Lodge. The Grand Master is requested also annually to appoint a Standing Committee of at least six of the members at large of the Board. The Grand Master shall be ex-officio a member and Chairman of the Standing Committee. The Board may adopt rules for its own government subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge. (1927-52)
• GC1918 also includes the following section:
  • Section 609. "REPORTS. Said Board shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge." (1918-402) This was revised on 03/09/1927 to read: "Said Board shall be subject at all times to the direction of Grand Lodge, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge."

1910: 92, 138 1926: 106, 257 1930: 154 1983: 146 1989: 96

Sec. 605. INITIATES' CONTRIBUTION

There shall be contributed for each initiate Five Dollars to the charitable funds of the Grand Lodge. This amount shall be added to the initiation fee by all Lodges which have not already so provided.

References

• GC1918: Section 611; 1918-403; In this revision, the section reads: "There shall be contributed for each initiate five dollars to the charitable funds of the Grand Lodge. This amount shall be added to the initiation fee by all Lodges which have not already so provided. Five dollars shall likewise be contributed by each member reinstated or admitted by affiliation, unless such member shall have been initiated in a Lodge in this Jurisdiction subsequent to September 1, 1912, or shall produce a receipt showing that he has made a contribution of not less than five dollars to the said fund. This amount shall be added to the affiliation fee by all Lodges which have not already so provided. These amounts shall be collected from the Lodges by the District Deputy Grand Masters at their official visitations and remitted with the returns. The Grand Treasurer shall pay over these amounts to the Board of Masonic Relief. The Board, unless otherwise directed by the Grand Lodge, may, with the approval of the Grand Master, reserve therefrom so much thereof, but never to exceed one-half, as may be deemed by it necessary (a) for expenditures on permanent account for which no other provision is made: (b) to supply deficiencies caused by expenditures on maintenance account over available income; and (c) to be appropriated, if specifically recommended by the Grand Master, for relief for extraordinary occasions of great disaster and distress, whether within or without the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. All amounts not so reserved shall promptly be transmitted to the Trustees of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust to be added to the Masonic Home Fund."
  • 1912-103, 1917-207, 1917-241

II: 524 III: 8, 219 IV: 631 1918: 326 1930: 155 See Sec. 329

Sec. 606. CONTRIBUTIONS FOR REINSTATEMENT OR AFFILIATION

Five Dollars shall likewise be contributed for each member reinstated or admitted by affiliation. This amount shall be added to the affiliation fee by all Lodges which have not already so provided.

These amounts shall be collected from the Lodges by the District Deputy Grand Masters at their official visitations and remitted with the returns.

References

• GC1918: included in Section 611, listed with Section 605, above.

1922: 554 1923: 41 1930: 156 1974: 176 1983: 146 1989: 96

Sec. 607. EXPENSES FOR RELIEF

The Board of Directors unless otherwise directed by the Grand Lodge may, with the approval of the Grand Master, reserve from the amounts collected under Sec. 605 and 606 so much thereof as may be deemed by the Board necessary for the conduct of the charities of Grand Lodge during the current fiscal year,

• (a) for expenditures on permanent account for which no other provision is made;
• (b) to supply deficiencies caused by expenditures on maintenance account over available income; and
• (c ) to be appropriated if specifically recommended by the Grand Master for relief upon extraordinary occasions of great disaster or distress, whether within or without the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.

All amounts not so reserved shall promptly be transmitted to the Trustees of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust to be added to the Masonic Home Fund.

References

• GC1918: See section 603, above.

1930: 156 1989: 96

Sec. 608. DISTRICT CHARITY FUNDS

Lodges without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 607. There shall, however, be contributed for each initiate and for each such affiliate as described in Sec. 605 and 606, Five Dollars to a District Charity Fund. This amount shall be added to the initiation fee by all Lodges in such Districts which have not already so provided. These amounts shall be remitted by said Lodges to the District Grand Master with the annual returns. The District Grand Master shall pay the same to a Board of Trustees, consisting of the District Grand Master as Chairman, ex-officio, three members at large to be elected by the District Grand Lodge and of one member annually to be elected by each Lodge in said District. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Said Board of Trustees shall receive, hold, invest, reinvest the same and all gifts, devises, and bequests made either to said Board or to said District Grand Lodge upon trusts for educational or charitable purposes and relief connected with the families of deceased or living members of said District Grand Lodge and its subordinate organizations, or for the relief of distressed Freemasons, their widows, orphans, or other dependents of said District or of other states or countries, and may expend the income thereof, or principal if necessary, for such purposes, with the approval in each case of the District Grand Master. Said Trustees shall annually report the condition and investment of all funds intrusted to them, and the expenditure of the income thereof, to the District Grand Lodge.

References

• GC1918: Section 612; 1918-403; In this revision, the section reads: "Lodges without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be exempt from the provisions in the preceding section. There shall, however, be contributed for each initiate and for each such affiliate as described in Section 611, five dollars to a District Charity Fund. This amount shall be added to the initiation fee by all Lodges in such Districts which have not already so provided. These amounts shall be remitted by said Lodges to the District Grand Master with the annual returns. The District Grand Master shall pay the same to a Board of Trustees, consisting of the District Grand Master as Chairman, ex-officio, and of one member annually to be elected by each Lodge in said District. Said Board of Trustees shall receive, hold, invest, reinvest the same and all gifts, devises, and bequests made either to said Board or to said District Grand Lodge upon trusts for educational or charitable purposes and relief connected with the families of deceased or living members of said District Grand Lodge and its subordinate organizations, or for the relief of distressed Freemasons, their widows, orphans, or other dependents of said District or of other states or countries, and may expend the income thereof, or principal if necessary, for such purposes, with the approval in each case of the District Grand Master. Said Trustees shall annually report the condition and investment of all funds intrusted to them, and the expenditure of the income thereof, to the District Grand Lodge."
  • 1915-118

1918: 327 1930: 157 1931: 333 1983: 146

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