MassachusettsGC1843

THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS and GENERAL REGULATIONS for the GOVERNMENT OF THE CRAFT UNDER ITS JURISDICTION

Adopted Anno Lucis 5843.

My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandment; and remove not the ancient land-marks which they fathers have set. - Solomon.

Note: in September 1918, a large number of revisions to this set of Grand Constitutions were recommended, and they were incorporated into the 1918 Major Revision. They are noted in the References for the current Grand Constitutions, but are not listed here.

PART THE FIRST

ARTICLE 1: Style and Title

Section 1: Preamble

The style and title of this Grand Lodge shall be, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Revised 12/12/1860 to read:

BY LAWS, RULES and REGULATIONS OF THE MASTER, WARDENS AND MEMBERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASONS OF MASSACUSETTS.

PREAMBLE.

Whereas, the voluntary association known by the title of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts having obtained and accepted an Act of Incorporation from the General Court of Massachusetts, dated March 1, 1859, with power to make and ordain from time to time, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations for the Government and management of the Corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth:

Now, therefore, the said Grand Lodge doth hereby make, ordain and promulgate the following as the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Master, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts.

Seal. Board of Directors.

That the seal heretofore used by the Grand Lodge when acting as a voluntary association, shall be the seal of the Corporation, to be kept and used by the Recording Grand Secretary.

Revised 12/12/1860 to read: "The seal of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge shall bear the arms, crest, and supporters of this Grand Lodge impaled with those of the State, as described below, and surrounded by the legend, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, A. F. & A. M., 1733.

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

Revised 06/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The seal heretofore used . . ."

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-45, adding "A. F. & A. M." after "Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts".

Section 2

Added 12/12/1860 as follows:

The Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden and five other Members of the Grand Lodge to be elected at large, be and hereby are constituted a Board of Directors with full powers to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation, in any way relating to its property, real or personal. The Grand Master, or, in case of his absence or disability, the Senior Grand Warden or in absence of the latter the Junior Grand Warden, to be the presiding officer of such Board, and the Recording Grand Secretary to be its recording officer. Meetings of said Board to be called and notified in such manner and at such times as they shall determine; and the action of a majority of the Board to be binding; said Board, however, to be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation.

Added 09/08/1869 as follows:

The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom, four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.

At the Annual election in December 1869 four directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for one year, and four, two of each class for two years. At each Annual meeting thereafter, four Directors, two of each class, shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any stated meeting of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term, the Director so chosen to be of the class vacated.

The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation [and] who shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified.

The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master.

'Added 03/13/1872, 1872-31, as follows:

In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge.

Revised 06/12/1878 as follows:

The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom four at least shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge.

'"At each Annual Meeting or Communication four directors shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any Stated Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term. The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation and shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified.

The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New Members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master. Meetings of said Board shall be called and notified in such manner and at such times at it shall determine; and the action of a majority of the Board shall be binding; said Board, however, shall be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation.

In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-219, the second-to-last sentence to read as follows:

The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and in his absence the Deputy Grand Master shall preside in his place; in the absence of both, the Board may elect a Chairman pro tempore.

Revised 03/11/1896, 1896-35, replacing "The Board of Directors may appoint its own clerk, who shall be clerk of the Corporation" with "The Recording Grand Secretary shall be Clerk of the Board of Directors".

ARTICLE 2: Officers and Members - Rank and Title

Section 1

The officers and Members of the Grand Lodge, and their rank and titles shall be as follows:

1. Most Worshipful Grand Master.
2. Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master.
3. Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden.
4. Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden.
5. Right Worshipful Past Grand Master[s].
6. Right Worshipful Past Deputy Grand Master[s].
7. Right Worshipful Past Grand Wardens.
8. Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer.
9. Right Worshipful Recording Grand Secretary.
10. Right Worshipful Corresponding Grand Secretary.
11. Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Masters.
12. Worshipful and Reverend Grand Chaplains.
13. Worshipful Grand Marshal.
14. Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon.
15. Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon.
16. Worshipful Grand Stewards.
17. Worshipful Grand Sword Bearer.
18. Worshipful Grand Pursuivants.
19. Brother Grand Tyler.

All of whom, except the Grand Tyler, together with the Worshipful Masters, the Senior and Junior Wardens, and Proxies of Lodges, under this jurisdiction, shall be entitled to vote as members of the Grand Lodge.

Revised 09/14/1865 (VII-27) to add Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Lecturers, Grand Organists. New order as follows:

1. Most Worshipful Grand Master.
2. Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master.
3. Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden.
4. Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden.
5. Right Worshipful Past Grand Master[s].
6. Right Worshipful Past Deputy Grand Master[s].
7. Right Worshipful Past Grand Wardens.
8. Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer.
9. Right Worshipful Recording Grand Secretary.
10. Right Worshipful Corresponding Grand Secretary.
11. Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Masters.
12. Worshipful and Reverend Grand Chaplains.
13. Worshipful Grand Marshal.
14. Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon.
15. Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon.
16. Worshipful Grand Stewards.
17. Worshipful Grand Sword Bearer.
18. Worshipful Grand Standard Bearer.
19. Worshipful Grand Pursuivants.
20. Worshipful Grand Lecturers.
21. Brother Grand Organists.
22. Brother Grand Tyler.

The report of William S. Gardner to the Grand Lodge concerning the places of the Grand Officers, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge (VI-100):

• • The M. W. G. Master, In the East at the head of the G. Lodge.
  • The R. W. Dep. G. Master, In the East next to and left of the M. W. G. Mas.
  • The R. W. Senior G. Warden, In the West.
  • The R. W. Junior G. Warden, In the South.
  • The R. W. Past G. Masters, In the East, at the right of the M. W. G. Master, and the J. P. G. Master, next to the G. Master.
  • The R. W. Past. Dep. G. Masters, In the East, at the right of the P. G. Masters.
  • The R. W. Past G. Wardens, In the East, at the right of the P. Dep. G. Masters.
  • The R. W. G. Treas., On the right, in front of the G. Master.
  • The R. W. R. G. Secretary, On the left, in front of G. Master.
  • The R. W. Corresponding G. Sec., On the left, next to the Rec. G. Sec.
  • The R. W. Dist. Dep. G. Masters, In the East on the left of Dep. G. Masters.
  • The W & Rev. Gd. Chaplains, In the East, the Sen. upon a raised dais in front of the G. Master and between him and the P. J. G. Master, and the Junior upon a raised dais upon the left of the G. Master and between him and the Dep. G. Master both being upon a lower grade than that of the G. Master and that of the Officers upon his right and left.
  • The W. Gd. Marshal, Upon the left of the G. Master in front of G. Sec.
  • The W. Senior G. Deacon, Upon the right of the G. Master, in front of G. Treas.
  • The W. Junior G. Deacon, In the West, at the right of the S. G. Warden.
  • The W. G. Stewards, In the South, two upon the right, and two upon the left of the Junior G. Warden, upon each side, one Steward in front of the other.
  • The W. G. Sword Bearer, At the left of the G. Marshal.
  • The W. G. Standard Bearer, At the left of the G. Sword Bearer.
  • The W. G. Pursuivants, Near the doors of entrance to the G. Lodge, and whose duty it is "to receive all reports from the G. Tyler," to announce the name and Masonic rank of all who may desire admission and to see that none enter without wearing their appropriate decorations.
  • The W. G. Lecturers The first and second on the right of the Senior Gd. Deacon, and the third in the West, at the left of the S. G. Warden.
  • Bro. G. Organist, At the Organ.
  • Bro. G. Tyler, Outside of the entrance to the G. Lodge.

Revised 09/14/1865, VII-26, to include the Grand Standard Bearer and Grand Organist.

Revised 06/09/1875, 1875-67, adding Worshipful Grand Lecturers before Senior Grand Deacon.

Revised 09/13/1893, 1893-82, adding "R. W. Directors" after "R. W. Corresponding Grand Secretary".

Revised 06/09/1909, 1909-64, replacing "R. W. Past Grand Masters" with "M. W. Past Grand Masters".

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-45, changing "Brother Grand Organists" to "W. Grand Organist" and "Brother Grand Tyler" to "W. Grand Tyler".

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-48, changing (in the station list) "R. W. Past Grand Masters" to "M. W. Past Grand Masters"; and changing the station of the "W. and Rev. Grand Chaplains" to "In front of and on the right and left of the M. W. Grand Master, near the altar."

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362, adding R. W. District Grand Master, after R. W. Deputy Grand Master, and R. W. Past District Grand Masters after R. W. Past Deputy Grand Masters.

ARTICLE 3: Time and Place of Meeting

Note: The revised name of this Article was proposed 06/12/1878, 1878-44, revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87.

Section 1

Ch1, Sec3

The regular quarterly communications of the Grand Lodge, shall be annual in the city of Boston, on the second Wednesday of December, March, June and September. There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, for instruction in the Lectures and Work of the degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist.

Revised 09/12/1855: Change to read: "For further instruction in the Lectures and Work of the Degrees recognized by this Grand Lodge, the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge held in the city of Boston on the second Wednesday in March, June and September shall commence at 9 o'clock in the morning, in addition to the special communication on the 27th of December."

Revised 06/11/1856: Add the words "at 2 o'clock P.M." after "September" in first sentence.

Amended 06/12/1872, 1872-117, changing the last section to read, "There shall also be a special communication held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning, commencing at four o'clock P.M., or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and for the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist."

Amended 12/11/1872, 1872-245, changing "9 o'clock" to "11 o'clock" and "four o'clock" to "two o'clock"."

Amended 06/12/1878, 1878-46: Change to read: "A communication shall also be held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 4 o'clock P. M., or at such hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the installation of the Grand Officers, and the celebration of the Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Communications of the Grand Lodge, whether Regular or Special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston, at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such Communications. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation."

Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, by adding "When the Anniversary shall happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the Communication shall take place on the following Tuesday."

Section 2

Added 12/12/1860:

The meetings of this Grand Lodge, whether regular or special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston; such publication to be at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such meetings. Special meetings may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation or by vote of the Board of Directors.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Communications of this Grand Lodge, whether regular or special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such meetings. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation."

Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, to read: "Notification of Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be published in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such meetings. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation."

ARTICLE 4: Power of the Grand Lodge

Section 1

Ch1, Sec1

By the Ancient Constitutions and usages of Freemasonry, the Grand Lodge, as the supreme Masonic authority in this Commonwealth, is invested with certain original, essential and unalterable powers and privileges. Among these, is the power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Craft, and of altering, repealing and abrogating them: of establishing and preserving a uniform system of work and lectures; of issuing dispensations and Charters for new Lodges, and of suspending or revoking the same, for unmasonic conduct, for the non-observance of the regulations of this Grand Lodge, the non-payment of dues, or other neglect of duty.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-87, Change first sentence to read: "By virtue of the ancient Constitutions . . ."

Section 2

Ch1, Sec1

The Grand Lodge has also the inherent power of investigating, regulating, and deciding, all matters relative to the Craft, or to particular Lodges, or to individual Brothers, which power it may exercise either in itself or by such delegated authority, as, in its wisdom and discretion, it may appoint; but in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power of revoking the Charte of Lodges and expelling Brethren from the Craft.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-87, Change last sentence to read: ". . . expelling Brethren from the rights and privileges of Masonry.

ARTICLE 5: Qualifications of Grand Officers

Ch3, Sec10

Section 1

No Brother shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, Corresponding Grand Secretary, or District Deputy Grand Master, unless he be a Past Master. And neither of the Officers here specially enumerated, shall, during his continuance in Office, be Master or Warden of a subordinate Lodge.

Revised 12/27/1864: after the words "Past Master" in the first sentence, add: "of a subordinate Lodge, under the jurisdiction of some Grand Lodge, or have heretofore held one of the aforesaid offices in this Grand Lodge."

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-46, removing the phrase "or have heretofore held one of the aforesaid offices in this Grand Lodge."

Section 2

Ch3, Sec10

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

ARTICLE 6: Elections

Section 1

Ch3, Sec5

The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Recording Secretary, shall be chosen by ballot, on the second Wednesday in December, annually; the election to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice of a Grand Master and Grand Wardens, and a majority for the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary.

Revised 12/12/1860: substitute "three o'clock" for "8 o'clock" above as the hour for election of officers.

Revised 03/13/1872, 1872-27, replacing the last sentence with the words: "Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to make a choice."

Section 2

In the case of the death, resignation, or declination, of any of the above Grand Officers, the Grand Lodge may proceed to elect and install a successor, at any regular Communication after such event.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to add the text: "In case of the death, resignation, declination or disability of the Grand Treasurer or Recording Grand Secretary, the Grand Master may appoint and qualify a suitable Brother to act in the office thus vacated, until an election by the Grand Lodge."

Section 3

Ch3, Sec11

The Grand Master shall not be eligible more than three Years successively, except by unanimous vote of Grand Lodge, taken by ballot, at the annual meeting, on the question of renomination. If the ballot be clear in the affirmative, he may again be put in nomination for re-election.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-88, to read: "The Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall not be eligible to their respective offices more than three Years successively, except by unanimous vote of Grand Lodge, taken by ballot, at the Annual Meeting, on the question of renomination. If the ballot be clear in the affirmative, he may again be put in nomination for re-election.

Section 4

The Grand Wardens shall be subject to the same regulations, as in the Case of Grand Master, except that the Junior Grand Warden may be advanced to the rank of Senior Grand Warden.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-88 incorporated into the previous section.

Section 5

Ch3, Sec7

All Grand Officers not herein designated for election shall be appointed by the Grand Master.

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-88, as Section 4.

Section 6

Ch3, Sec12

In all elections by ballot, every member of the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to one vote, and one only, unless he be a representative of a subordinate lodge; in which case he shall be entitled to two votes, and no more. A member cannot delegate his right of voting to another.

Amended 12/12/1860 to read: "Every subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction, shall be allowed three votes in all elections and other business in this Grand Lodge, whether represented by one or more of its authorized representatives. And all laws and regulations inconsistent with the foregoing are hereby rescinded."

Amended 09/12/1878, 1878-88, as Section 5, to read: "In all elections by ballot, every member of the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to one vote, and one only, unless he be a representative of a subordinate Lodge. A member cannot delegate his right of voting to another."

Section 7

Ch3, Sec12

No officer or permanent member of the Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to more than one vote, unless he be Master or Warden of a Subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction. A permanent member, resuming office in Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to one vote only.

Renumbered 09/12/1878, 1878, to Section 6.

ARTICLE 7: Installation

Section 1

Ch3, Sec6

The officers of the Grand Lodge, elected and appointed, shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Baptist. When that festival shall happen on Sunday, the installation shall take place on the following day. The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor; or in his absence, by the Senior Past Grand Master present; and in the absence of such Past Grand Master, by the Senior Past Master present.

Amended 03/11/1863 to read: "The officers of the Gd. Lodge, elected and appointed, shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Evangelist. But whenever that Festival shall happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday the Installation shall take place on the following Tuesday at 6 o'clk P. M."

Amended 09/11/1878, 1878-88, removing the phrase "elected and appointed".

Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-46, replacing "on the ensuing" with "at the Communication held to celebrate"; remove the last sentence.

Section 2

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

Section 3

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

Section 4

Ch3, Sec8

The several Grand Officers, previous to their installation, shall make the following declaration: I solemnly promise upon the honor of a Mason, that in the office of -----, I will, according to the best of my ability, strictly comply with the Constitutions and Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and all other ancient Masonic usages, so far as the same shall come to my knowledge.

Section 5

Ch3, Sec9

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

Section 6

No elected officer of the Grand Lodge, or of any subordinate Lodge, shall act as such, until he is duly installed.

ARTICLE 8: Power and Duty of Grand Officers

Section 1

Ch4, Sec1

The Grand Master enjoys all the powers and prerogatives conferred by the Ancient Constitutions and the usages and landmarks of the Craft. He may convene any Lodge within his jurisdiction, preside therein, (with his officers or otherwise,) inspect their proceedings, and require their conformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge. And for dereliction of duty, [or] other unmasonic conduct, he may suspend a Brother, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension in writing. He may also grant dispensations for processions and conferring the degrees, and do all other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity.

Revised 06/11/1856: Replace "or" with "and" above.

Amended 09/11/1878, 1878-87: insert the words ex officio after "enjoys" in the first sentence.’’’

Section 2

Ch4, Sec1

The Deputy Grand Master shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, preside in Grand Lodge, and perform such duties, and possess such authority, while the Grand Lodge is in session as appertain to the Grand Master. And in the case of the inability of the Grand Master from sickness or other cause to attend, he may, with the consent and approbation of the elective Grand Officers, call Special meetings of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the Craft in their opinion at any time require it. He may also, by permission of the Grand Master in writing, call meetings of the Grand Officers, and such experienced Brethren as they may think proper to invite, for consultation on matters relative to the Grand Lodge and its interests. All such meetings, however, not having the approbation of the Grand Master, shall be deemed irregular.

Amended 09/11/1878, 1878-88: revise the second sentence to read: "And in the case of the inability of the Grand Master to attend, he may call Special Communications of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the Craft, in his opinion, at any time require it."

Section 3

Ch4, Sec1

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

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-219, to read:

In the case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, or his inability to discharge the duties of his office, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ex officio, Grand Master, until a successor be chosen.

Section 4

Ch4, Sec1

The Grand Wardens are to assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge, and whenever required, are to attend him, and while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, are to act there as his Wardens.

‘’’Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, replacing "are to" with "shall" in the first sentence.

Section 5

Ch3, Sec12

In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of all the past Grand Wardens, the Senior Past Masters present, shall act pro tempore.

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Junior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of all Past Grand Wardens, the Senior Past Master present shall act pro tempore.

Section 6

Ch3, Sec12

In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside, and in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master is to preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Brother who is Past Master. In either of these cases, the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master.

‘’’Amended 09/11/1878, 1878-87, replacing "in case of his absence the Junior Grand Warden" with "in his absence, the Junior Grand Warden".

Section 7

Ch4, Sec2
Ch4, Sec3

The Grand Treasurer shall have the the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum, and with such surity [sic] or surities [sic] as the Grand Lodge shall require, and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the elective officers and the committee of finance shall direct. He shall receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters, as well as all other monies paid to the Grand Lodge; shall pay all bills passed by the Committee of Finance, and such sums as the Trustees of the Charity Fund shall direct; shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge; [and all charters and dispensations for constituting new Lodges. He shall receipt on each charter, or dispensation, for the sums that are received therefor;] shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid; and shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Committee of Finance; shall deliver to his successor in office the funds and other property of the Grand Lodge, entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary.

Revised 06/11/1856: Strike out [bold words] above.

Revised 12/12/1860: Substitute "Board of Directors" for "elective officers and committee of Finance" and for "committee of Finance" above. Change the words ". . . and such sums as the Committee of Finance shall direct. He shall receive . . ." in the first and second sentences to "and he shall receive".

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, with minor changes in text ("and" removed after semicolons).

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-46: Substitute "receive all monies from the Recording Grand Secretary" for "receive all monies from the District Deputy Grand Masters"; remove the phrase "shall have in his care all the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge".

Section 8

Ch4, Sec4

[The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in one or more public papers, of each regular Communication of the Grand Lodge; and notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members residing in the City of Boston.]

Special meetings may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees with such documents as are in his possession, when required; and record all reports of Committees, which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as shall be directed by the Grand Master; and all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge.

Revised 06/11/1856: Replace the [bold] text above with the following: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretary's[sic]."

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "The Recording Grand Secretary shall give reasonable notice, in a public paper of each regular communication of the Grand Lodge; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretaries. Special Communications may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of Grand Lodge; receive petitions, applications and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest and affix the Grand Seal to all warrants, Charters, Commissions and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the Chairman of every Committee with a Copy of the vote of his appointment, and shall attend all committees and produce such documents as are in his possession, when required; and shall record all reports of Committees which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of Copies of the Edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as the Grand Master shall direct, of all other such transactions of the Grand Lodge, as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges; in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and District Deputy Grand Masters for the Current Year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-46, adding after the words "according to seniority" the following: "He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys received from the District Deputy Grand Masters and shall have in his care all charters, records, seals and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge"; and removing the words "He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge."

Section 9

Ch4, Sec5

The Corresponding Grand Secretary shall, if required by the Grand Master, answer, under his direction, any foreign communication made to the Grand Lodge; and when present, if desired by the Grand Master, read all communications to the Grand Lodge.

Revised 06/11/1856: Add the following text: "It shall also be his duty from time to time to lay before the Grand Lodge, such matters of Masonic interest as may come to his knowledge."

Revised 03/09/1870, 1850-52: Add the following text: "He shall also be the custodian of the original record books of the Grand Lodge, receiving from the Recording Grand Secretary each volume, as soon as completed, and keep the same in some secure place, to be approved by the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge." This text was subsequently struck from the item on 09/11/1895, 1895-220.

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, changing "all communications" to "all such communications", and "Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge" to "Board of Directors".

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-220, striking the sentence "He shall also be the custodian of the original record books of the Grand Lodge, receiving from the Recording Grand Secretary each volume, as soon as completed, and keep the same in some secure place, to be approved by the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge." from the text.

Section 10

Ch4, Sec7

The District Deputy Grand Masters, shall visit the Lodges in their respective districts, and inspect their by-laws, records and mode of work, Once a year at least, and before the last week in November; but if they deem it for the interest of Masonry, they may delegate their duties to some suitable brother in distant lodges. They shall have power to grant dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions. Shall communicate to the Lodges all edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, and furnish them with all such diplomas as they may be entitled to; shall receive and receipt for all dues to the Grand Lodge; receive the returns of the Lodges and make their remarks thereon. [They shall attend annually in Grand Lodge, and pay to the Grand Treasurer all money in their hands, or transmit the returns and money to the Grand Treasurer, on or before the first Monday in December. They shall receive a remuneration of their expenses in visiting the lodges;] but shall present their account to the Committee of Finance for allowance. And each District Deputy Grand Master, on receiving from the Grand Treasurer the jewel of his office, and the records of the district over which he is appointed, shall give in to the Grand Treasurer a receipt in the following form, viz.:

Whereas, I, ------ have been appointed and duly Commissioned District Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts for the ----- Masonic District, and have received the Collar and jewel appertaining to said office, and the book of records of said District - I hereby promise to return the same, at the expiration or revocation of my Commission, to the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and in default thereof I promise to pay on demand to the order of said Treasurer, or whoever may hold the office of Treasurer of this Grand Lodge, the sum of fifty dollars.

Revised 06/11/1856: Replace the bold text above with the following: "They shall annually transmit their returns and all monies in their hands to the Grand Treasurer on or before the first day of December: and if they fail to comply with this regulation, unless prevented by sickness, or by some other cause beyond their control, they shall not be eligible to reappointment. They shall be reimbursed their necessary expenses in visiting the Lodges;"

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, changing "make their remarks thereon" to "comment thereon"; "transmit their returns" to "transmit such returns"; remove the text "or whoever may hold the office of Treasurer of this Grand Lodge".

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-220, replacing the phrase "they may delegate their duties to some suitable brother in distant lodges" with "they may, with the approval of the Grand Master, delegate their duties to some suitable brother in distant lodges."

Revised 03/11/1896, 1896-35, removing the phrase "and furnish them with all such diplomas as they may be entitled to".

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-46, removing the phrase "shall have power to grant dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions."; substituting "Recording Grand Secretary for "Grand Treasurer"; and "last Thursday in November" for "first day of December."

Section 11

There shall be two Grand Chaplains appointed by the Grand Master on the day of his installation, who shall attend the quarterly Communications, and other meetings of the Grand Lodge, and perform such clerical duties as are suitable to the occasion, and as are established by the usages of the Fraternity.

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Two Grand Chaplains shall be appointed by the Grand Master on the day of his installation, who shall attend the Communications of the Grand Lodge, and perform such clerical duties as are suitable to the occasion, and as are established by the usages of the Fraternity."

Revised 09/11/1912, 1912-126, replacing "Two Grand Chaplains" with "Two or more Grand Chaplains".

Section 12

Ch4, Sec6

The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; collect from the members and petitioners in the Grand Lodge, all communications, and place them before the Grand Secretary; shall introduce visitors; direct the formation of processions; call the Lodge at every Communication, and communicate or execute all commands of the Grand Master, not otherwise provided for.

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, changing "the Grand Lodge before it is opened; collect . . ." to "the Grand Lodge before it is opened; shall collect . . ."; "he shall introduce" to "shall introduce".

Revised 09/11/1895, removing the phrase "call the Lodge at every Communication".

Section 13

Ch4, Sec8

The Grand Deacons are to communicate messages and to attend the Grand Master in all processions. And in the absence of either of them, the Grand Master shall appoint a member to act pro tempore.

Section 14

Ch4, Sec9

There shall be four Grand Stewards annually appointed. The Senior Grand Steward shall have in his charge all the jewels, clothing and furniture of the Grand Lodge; and at the annual communication and previous to the choice of officers, he shall render an accurate inventory of every thing committed to his care; shall deliver the same to his successor in office, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Treasurer. He shall, with the assistance of his brother Stewards, properly distribute the jewels and clothing, and collect the same at the closing of the Grand Lodge.

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Four Grand Stewards shall be annually appointed."

Revised 03/11/1896 to read:

There shall be four Grand Stewards annually appointed. The Senior Grand Steward shall, with the assistance of his brother Stewards, properly distribute the jewels and clothing, and collect the same at the closing of the Grand Lodge.

Revised 03/09/1910 to read:

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

Section 15

Ch4, Sec10

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

Section 16

Ch4, Sec10

There shall be two Grand Pursuivants annually appointed. Their stations shall be at the inner door of the Grand Lodge, and it shall be their duty to attend to the admission of the officers, members and visitors, to see that they appear in Grand Lodge suitably clothed, and under the direction of the Grand Marshal, that they take their proper stations. They shall also assist the Grand Marshal and precede in all public processions of the Grand Lodge.

Amended 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Two Grand Pursuivants shall be annually appointed."

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-46, replacing "stations shall be at" with "stations shall be near".

Section 17

There shall be two Grand Lecturers, being Past Masters, annually appointed, whose duty it shall be to exemplify the work and lectures of the several degrees, before the Grand Lodge, on the 27th of December each year, for the benefit of the Brethren generally. They shall also impart instruction to any Lodge requiring their services; the Lodge paying them a reasonable compensation therefor. The Grand Lecturers shall not, as such, be entitled to vote in Grand Lodge.

Revised 09/10/1851: "The two Grand Lecturers and the member of the Committee of Finance shall be severally entitled to vote in Grand Lodge, provided that they are not otherwise entitled to a vote."

Revised 06/11/1856: "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."

Revised 06/12/1862 to increase the number of Grand Lecturers from two to three.

Revised 06/09/1875 to read: "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."

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, to read: "Three Past Masters shall be annual appointed Grand Lecturers, who shall exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. They shall also impart instruction to any Lodge requiring their services; – the Lodge paying them a reasonable compensation therefor. They shall also visit and instruct any Lodge, under this jurisdiction, at the expense of the Grand Lodge, whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense; and shall report to the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense; and shall report to the Grand Master, in writing, whenever they shall discover any deviations, either in the Work or Lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge.

Revised 12/12/1888, 1888-288, to read: "One or more Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers who shall exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct, and impart instruction to any Lodge requiring it. The compensation for such services shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and paid by the Grand Lodge."

Revised 12/14/1910 to read: "One or more Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers, who shall impart instruction to Lodges and exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. The compensation for such services shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and paid by the Grand Lodge. Instruction, other than that directed by the Grand Master, shall be given to any Lodge, for the compensation fixed by the Board of Directors, who shall be paid by the Lodge."

Section 18

Added 06/11/1856:

The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, who shall have sole charge of the Library.

Section 19

Ch4, Sec10

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

PART THE SECOND: GRAND CHARITY FUND

Note: In 1884, this section was superseded by the Masonic Education and Charity Trust.

ARTICLE 1: The Charity Fund

Section 1

Ch2, Sec1

The Charity Fund, established by the Grand Lodge, shall be styled "The Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts."

Revised 12/12/1860: add "and shall consist of Fifty thousand dollars."

Revised 09/10/1884, 1884-109, changing to read: " . . . shall be styled "The Masonic Education and Charity Trust."

Section 2

Ch2, Sec2

This Fund shall be increased annually, by adding thereto one fourth part of annual fees, and one dollar of all initiation fees, paid the Grand Lodge by the Lodges under its jurisdiction.

Revised 12/12/1860, to read: "The Charity Fund shall be held in the name of the Grand Lodge, and shall be under the direction of a Board of Trustees. And said Board shall be styled The Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts."

Revised 12/14/1910, 1910-216, to read: "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."

Section 3

Ch2, Sec4

The Charity Fund shall be held in the name of "the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge"; [but] shall be under the direction of a Board of Trustees, consisting of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, and six Brethren, who are not acting officers of the Grand Lodge, to be elected by ballot, for the term of three years, and to constitute, during that term, a permanent part of the Board; and provided a vacancy should occur from death, resignation, or any other cause, it shall be reported to the Grand Lodge, at the next quarterly Communication, at which time the vacancy shall be filled. The Board of Trustees thus constituted, shall be styled "The Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts" who shall invest the accruing funds in the manner they shall deem most likely to be productive; and no donations to charity shall be made from the principal of said fund, until the income thereof, at the rate of six per cent. shall amount to the sum of three thousand dollars per annum.

Revised 06/11/1856: Replace "but" with "and" in the first sentence.

Revised 12/12/1860, to read: "The interest arising annually from this Fund, shall be appropriated as the Grand Lodge shall direct, for the relief of such poor and distressed Brethren, their widows and orphans, as may be deemed worthy of assistance; but all interest unappropriated at the end of each year shall be paid over by the Trustees to the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge, provided nevertheless, that if this Fund shall at any time be reduced below the sum specified in Section 1, all such unappropriated interest shall be added yearly to the principle [sic], until it shall again amount to Fifty Thousand Dollars."

Revised 12/14/1910, 1910-216, to read: "The annual income loss 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 principal of the Grand Charity Fund; one part to be applied to (he support and maintenance of the Masonic Home; and one part to be available for the general charities of the Grand Lodge."

Section 4

Ch2, Sec5

The Trustees of the Charity Fund shall hold their meetings on the Monday preceding the annual communication of the Grand Lodge in December, and at such other times as may be thought expedient. A majority of the Board shall be necessary for every act, except that of adjournment.

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-47, adding the following: "The income of the Sigourney Fund shall be expended under the sole direction of the Trustees."

Revised 12/14/1910, 1910-216, to read: "The income of the Sigourney Fund and the Lodge of St. Andrew Fund shall be expended under the sole direction of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust."

Section 5

The Treasurer of the Grand Lodge shall be ex officio, Treasurer of the Grand Charity Fund, unless the Trustees shall determine by vote to elect a Special Treasurer, in which case the Treasurer so elected shall give such bonds for the faithful discharge of his duties as the Board may require.

Section 6

Ch2, Sec6

The Board of Trustees shall appoint a Secretary, whose duty it shall be to make a correct record of their proceedings, [and report the same to the Grand Lodge] at every annual communication; and each report made to the Grand Lodge shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board.

Revised 06/11/1856: Replace the [bold] text above with: "and report the same with a statement of the financial condition of the Charity Fund to the Grand Lodge."

Section 7

Ch2, Sec7

The interest arising annually from the fund, shall be appropriated as the Trustees shall direct, for the relief of such poor and distressed Brethren, their widows and orphans, as they may consider worthy of assistance; but all interest unappropriated at the end of the year, shall be added to the principal.

ARTICLE 2: Board of Masonic Relief

Added 12/14/1910, 1910-216, revised 03/09/1911, 1911-22.

Section 1

A Board of Masonic Relief is hereby established. In the absence of specific directions by the Grand Lodge, said board 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.

Section 2

Adopted 03/09/1911, renumbering the following sections.

So far as not inconsistent with other provisions of the Constitutions of 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.

In the absence of specific directions by the Grand Lodge, the Board shall have full power and authority, provided the same are within the appropriations previously made therefor by the Grand Lodge, to make, execute and deliver, in the name of the Grand Lodge, such contracts for the management, maintenance, control, heating, lighting, electric power, alteration, repair of, and additions to the Home as they may deem advantageous, and to appoint all proper and necessary officers, assistants and servants for the management and care of the Home, with such salaries and allowances as they may from time to time fix and determine, and may remove the same at pleasure. Said Board may make all such rules and regulations for their own government, for the government of the officers, assistants and servants of the Home, and for the admission, discharge, removal, control and care of residents, and the well ordering and conducting of the respective departments of the Home, as to them may seem proper and expedient; provided, however, that the said rules and regulations may be altered or amended by the Grand Lodge at any Regular communication, due notice thereof having been given.

Section 3

The Board of Masonic Relief shall be composed of the Grand Master and the Recording Grand Secretary, ex-officio; of nine other active members, all of whom shall be members of subordinate Lodges in this Commonwealth and of associate members as hereinafter provided.

Amended 03/13/1914, 1914-87, to read:

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 subordinate Lodges in this Commonwealth, and of associate members as hereinafter provided.

Section 4

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 three. The members of the first class shall be elected for a term of one year; the members of the second class shall be elected for a term of two years; and the members of the third class shall be elected for a term of three years. At each Annual Meeting or 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.

Amended 03/13/1914, 1914-87, to read:

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. Upon the adoption of this amendment the Grand Master shall complete the Board by appointment. Thereafter, 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 one class of members shall expire in each year.

Section 5

Each subordinate Lodge shall annually elect an associate member of the Board. The associate members shall have all the rights and privileges of active membership, except that of voting.

Section 6

The Recording Grand Secretary shall be Clerk and the Grand Treasurer shall be Treasurer of the Board of Masonic Relief. The Board shall elect its own President, and shall cause to be elected and appointed from its active or associate membership, or the membership of the subordinate Lodges, such other officers, agents and committees for the proper conduct of its affairs as it shall determine by general rule or otherwise.

Amended 03/13/1914, 1914-87, to read:

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 subordinate Lodges, such other officers, agents and committees for the proper conduct of its affairs as it shall determine by general rule or otherwise.

Section 7

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.

Section 8

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.

Section 9

Said Board shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge.

Section 10

Vacancies in the active membership of the Board may be filled at any Regular Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge for an unexpired term.

PART THE THIRD: GENERAL REGULATIONS

ARTICLE 1: Committee of Finance

Section 1

Ch6, Sec6

At each annual communication of the Grand Lodge, a Committee of Finance, shall be chosen by ballot, consisting of three members, whose duty it shall be to pass all bills against the Grand Lodge, examine the records of the Grand Secretary, and see that they are properly transcribed into the Transcript Book; to audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and recommend such compensation to be allowed for the services of these officers, as may be just and proper. They shall report to the Grand Lodge, at each annual communication, and before the election of officers, an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all the funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer.

Revised 09/10/1851: The two Grand Lecturers and the member of the Committee of Finance shall be severally entitled to vote in Grand Lodge, provided that they are not otherwise entitled to a vote.

Revised 12/12/1860 to read: "At each annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, an Auditing Committee, consisting of three members of the Grand Lodge, shall be chosen by ballot, whose duty it shall be to audit the accounts of the Treasurer and report to the Grand Lodge, at the ensuing annual communication, and before the election of officers, an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all the funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer."

Revised 03/13/1872, 1872-31, with the addition of the following text: "In the absence of directions of the Corporation, said board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge."

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-85; change the section on Auditing Committee, replacing "whose duty it shall be" with "who shall".

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-220, replacing "consisting of three members" with "consisting of three past or present members".

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-47, removing the words "and accurately transcribed."

Section 2

Added 03/12/1890, 1890-18:

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

ARTICLE 2: Dispensations and Charters for New Lodges

Section 1

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.

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.

Amended 09/11/1895, 1895-220, removing 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." Note: I am unsure how this article should read at this point, as those words do not properly appear in the section in 1895.

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.

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.

Section 2

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.

Revised 12/12/1860: replace thirty five with forty-five; remove the words "ten for the Grand Charity Fund,".

Section 3

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

To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We, the undersigned, being Master Masons of good standing, and having the prosperity of the Craft at heart, are anxious 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, with the approbation of the District Deputy Grand Master and the Lodge nearest our residence, 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 Ancient York Masonry, in a constitutional manner, according to the forms of the order and the laws of 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.

Revised 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".

Revised 06/13/1917, 1917-196:

Remove the words "with the approbation of the District Deputy Grand Master and the Lodge nearest our residence," from the text.

Section 4

Ch6, Sec2

Every 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.

ARTICLE 3: Surrender, Forfeiture, and Revocation of Charters

Section 1

Ch6, Sec4

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.

Revised 12/12/1860: In the second sentence, replace "Charity Fund" with "Funds".

Section 2

Ch6, Sec5

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.

Section 3

Ch5, Sec18

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.

Section 4

Ch5, Sec18

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.

ARTICLE 4: Trials, Suspensions and Expulsions

Note: Revised Article title to include "Trials", 03/08/1876, 1876-11.

Section 1

Whenever a member of a Lodge, or a Brother, under this jurisdiction, shall be accused of any offence [sic], which, if proved, would subject him to suspension or expulsion, the proceedings in the premises, shall be conducted agreeably to the following rules:

Rule 1. The accusations shall be made in writing, under the signature of a Master Mason, and given in charge to the Secretary of the Lodge, who, under the direction of the Master, shall serve, or cause the accused to be served, with an attested copy of the Charges, fourteen days at least previously to the time appointed for their examination:

Provided, the residence of the accused shall be known, and shall be within the distance of fifty miles of the place where the Lodge having the matter in hand, is located. If the residence of the accused be at a greater distance than fifty miles, but within the state, then, and in that case, a summon[s] to appear and show cause, forwarded to him by mail, or other conveyance, twenty days at least before the time of trial, shall [be] considered sufficient service. If his residence be out of the state, and unknown, the Lodge may proceed to examine the charges, ex parte; but if known, a summons shall be sent him by mail, or otherwise, sixty days, at least, before the time appointed for the examination.

Rule 2. The examination of the charges shall be had in a Lodge specially notified and convened for this purpose, at which no visitors shall be admitted, except as counsel or witnesses.

Rule 3. The accused may select any Brother for his counsel, and the witnesses shall testify, if Masons, on their honor, as such. Hearsay evidence shall be excluded.

Rule 4. The question - "Is the accused guilty or not guilty?" shall be distinctly put to each member of the Lodge, by name, commencing with the youngest. The answer shall be given standing and in a distinct and audible manner. The Secretary shall record the answer as given.

Rule 5. If the verdict be suspension or expulsion, an attested copy of the proceedings shall be sent up at the ensuing meeting of this Grand Lodge, for examination and final action.

Rule 6. A sentence of expulsion shall not take effect until confirmed by this Grand Lodge; but shall operate as a suspension of the delinquent in the mean time.

Revised 03/08/1876, 1876-11, to read:

The Grand Master shall annually appoint a Board of five members of the Grand Lodge, to be styled Commissioners of Trials; but he may in his discretion appoint a Special Board of Commissioners for the trial of any given cause. All Commissioners shall be Past or Present Masters. The first named of said Board shall be the President thereof, and three members shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of the President the Board may elect a President pro tempore. Whenever a member of a Lodge, or a Brother under this jurisdiction, shall be accused of any offence, which, if proved, would subject him to expulsion or suspension from the rights and privileges of Masonry, the proceedings in the premises shall be conducted agreeably to the following rules:—

1. The accusation shall be made in writing, with specifications of the offence, under the signature of a Master Mason, and, if the accused is a member of any Lodge within the jurisdiction, shall be given in charge to the Master thereof, who shall summon his Lodge to act upon the accusation. If the Lodge by a majority vote of its members present determine that the charges require investigation, then the accusation shall be given in charge to the President or President pro tempore of the Board, who, under direction of the Board, shall cause the accused to be served with an attested copy of the charges, together with a summons to appear, at a time and place to be named in said summons, and make such answer to the charges and accusations as he may desire. The summons shall be served upon the accused fourteen days, at least, before the return day thereof. Such appearance may be made in person before the President or President pro tempore, or by filing an answer in writing with such President. If the residence of the accused be out of the Commonwealth, and unknown, the Commissioners may proceed to examine the charges and accusation ex parte; but if known and out of the Commonwealth, a summons shall be sent him, by mail or otherwise, sixty days, at least, before the time appointed for his appearance. The service and the return thereof shall be according to regulations to be made by the Commissioners, and, when so made, shall be conclusive. In case of unaffiliated or sojourning Masons the accusation made as aforesaid shall be given in charge to the President or President pro tempore of the Board, and if the Board of Commissioners shall determine that the charges require investigation, the Board shall thereafter proceed in the same manner as above required in the case of an affiliated Mason whose Lodge has determined that the charges require investigation.
2. The examination upon the charges and accusation shall be had at some convenient place and time, to be designated by the Commissioners, of which due notice shall be given, and no visitors shall be admitted, except as counsel or witnesses. Unless otherwise ordered by the Commissioners, the testimony may be taken by the President or President pro tempore, who shall reduce the same to writing, to be submitted to the Board. Witnesses, if Masons, shall testify on their honor as such. Other witnesses shall be duly sworn before their testimony is taken.
3. Any Brother duly authorized may appear as counsel in support of, or in opposition to, the charges during the taking of the testimony and in the argument of the cause.
4. A full record of the proceedings in each case, whatever may be the result thereof, including the testimony taken, the action of the Commissioners thereon, and the sentence, if any, imposed upon the accused, to be signed by the Commissioners acting in such case, shall be transmitted to the Recording Grand Secretary, by him to be placed on file and presented to the Grand Lodge at the next Quarterly Communication. The action of the Commissioners, including the sentence, if any, imposed upon the respondent, if approved, shall stand as the judgment of the Grand Lodge. The finding of the Commissioners shall be subject to correction or review by the Grand Lodge, who may order a new trial, or otherwise dispose of the case.
5. Any Lodge may, notwithstanding the provisions of this Article, proceed to try any Brother, subject to its jurisdiction, against whom such an accusation as is therein contemplated has been made, provided such Lodge, by a majority vote, at the next Stated Communication after the accusation shall have been presented, shall decide in favor of such a trial. In such case all the proceedings in respect to service upon the respondent, the time, place and method of trial, including the sentence, the record and the report to the Grand Lodge, shall conform to the foregoing rules, so far as the same shall be applicable.

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-47, as follows:

• Replace "five members of the Grand Lodge" with "five Past or Present Masters of Lodges"; remove the sentence "All Commissioners shall be Past or Present Masters."
• Replace "given in charge to the Master thereof" with "given in charge to the Recording Grand Secretary who shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, transmit the same to the Master thereof".
• Replace "given in charge to the President" with "given in charge to the Recording Grand Secretary who shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, transmit the same to the President".
• Add to Rule I: "A Lodge or Brother aggrieved by the failure of a Lodge to determine that the charges require investigation may appeal to the Grand Master, who may, at his discretion, cause the charges to be transmitted to the President or President pro tempore of the Board, and the Board shall thereafter proceed in the same manner as above provided."

Section 2

It shall not be competent for a Lodge to try its master. Any five members of the Lodge, or the District Deputy Grand Master, may, however, impeach him before the Grand Master, who shall order an investigation of the charges; and if, in his opinion, they are well founded, and of a character to justify the proceeding, he may suspend the delinquent and sum[m]on him to appear at the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, to show cause why he should not be dealt with according to the regulations and usages in such cases established.

Revised 03/08/1876, 1876-13 to read:

Any five members of a Lodge, or the District Deputy Grand Master, may impeach the Master of said Lodge before the Grand Master, who shall order an investigation of the charges; and if, in his opinion, they are well founded and of a character to justify the proceeding, he may suspend the delinquent and summon him to appear for trial before said Commissioners, or such special Commissioners as the Grand Master may appoint. The foregoing rules, as far as the same shall be applicable, shall be observed in the trial of a Master of a Lodge before such Commissioners.

Revised 03/13/1901, removing "out of the Commonwealth, and" in Rule 1, so that the sentence would read: "If the residence of the accused be unknown, the Commissioners may proceed to examine the charges and accusation ex parte . . ."

Section 3

An expulsion or suspension of a Brother from a Royal Arch Chapter or an Encampment of Knights Templars, shall not operate as an expulsion or suspension from the Lodge of which he is a member.

Revised 03/08/1876, 1876-14 to read:

The Commissioners shall receive for their services, and for necessary expenses in each case, such compensation as the Grand Master shall determine and allow, upon the certificate of the Commissioners.

Section 4

No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall suspend or expel a member from the rights of Masonry, for non-payment of dues. The penalty for such delinquency, shall be forfeiture or suspension of membership.

Revised 06/11/1856, VI-26: Insert the word "highest" before "penalty" in the second sentence.

Amended 03/12/1873, 1873-13, by adding the following text: "Which penalty shall not be imposed until the delinquent has been duly notified of the time when and place where action will be taken in his case. If the residence of the delinquent is out of the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, or unknown, no notice shall be required."

Revised 03/08/1876, 1876-14, to read:

An expulsion or suspension of a Brother from any Masonic Body other than a Lodge of Master Masons, or a Grand Lodge having jurisdiction over such Brother, shall not operate as an expulsion or suspension from Masonry, or from the Lodge of which he is a member. (This provision was formerly addressed by Section 3 above.)

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-220, by replacing "or from the Lodge" with "or by the Lodge" .

Section 5

Added 03/08/1876, 1876-14:

No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall expel or suspend a member from the rights of Masonry. (This provision was formerly addressed by Section 4 above.)

Section 6

Added 03/08/1876, 1876-14:

Forfeiture or suspension of membership shall not be imposed until the delinquent has been duly notified of the time when and place where action will be taken in his case. If the residence of the delinquent is out of the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, or unknown, no notice shall be required. (This provision was formerly addressed by Section 4 above.)

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-47:

Add the following text: "A Brother whose membership has been forfeited or suspended for non-payment of dues shall have no right to visit any Lodge in this jurisdiction until his dues have been paid or remitted."

Revised 12/14/1910, 1910-212:

Change the last sentence to read: "A Brother whose membership has been forfeited or suspended for non-payment of dues shall have no right to attend the meetings of that or any other Lodge in this jurisdiction until the amount due that Lodge has been paid or remitted."

Section 7

Added 09/11/1895, 1895-221; formerly Part Fifth, Section 21.

A Lodge or Brother offending against any law or regulation of the Craft, or of the Grand Lodge, to the breach of which no penalty is attacked, shall, at the discretion of the Grand Lodge, be subject to admonition, suspension, or expulsion.

ARTICLE 5: Appeal and Restoration

Section 1

As the Grand Lodge, when congregated, is a representation of every individual member of the Fraternity, it necessarily possesses a supreme superintending authority, and power of finally deciding on every case which concerns the interests of the Craft. any Brother, therefore, who may feel aggrieved by the decision of any Lodge, or other Masonic authority, acting under this jurisdiction, may appeal to the Grand Lodge against such decision. The appeal must be made in writing, specifying the particular grievance complained of, and be transmitted to the Grand Secretary, ten days, at least, before the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge. A notice and copy of the appeal must also, and at the same time, be sent by the appellant, to the party against whose decision the appeal is made.

Section 2

Whenever this Grand Lodge shall reverse or abrogate the decision of a subordinate Lodge, suspending or expelling a Brother, and shall restore him to the benefits and privileges of Masonry, he shall not thereby be restored to membership within the body from which he was suspended or expelled, without its unanimous consent.

Revised 09/12/1878, 1878-87, to read:

"Whenever the Grand Lodge shall restore to the rights and privileges of Masonry an expelled or suspended Brother he shall not thereby be restored to membership within the Lodge of which he was a member, without its unanimous consent."

Revised 09/13/1911, 1911-134, to read:

"A Brother who is suspended from the rights and privileges of Masonry for a definite period thereby loses absolutely his membership in the Lodge to which he has belonged. Whenever this Grand Lodge shall reverse or abrogate the decision of a subordinate Lodge, suspending or expelling a Brother, and shall restore him to the benefits and privileges of Masonry, he shall not thereby be restored to membership within the body from which he was suspended or expelled, without its unanimous consent."

ARTICLE 6: Committees - Their Appointment &c.

Section 1

All committees, whose election is not herein provided for, shall be appointed by the Grand Master, or, in his absence, by the presiding officer, unless otherwise ordered by the Grand Lodge.

Section 2

No Brother, not a member of the Grand Lodge, shall be appointed on any Committee therein. This, however, is not intended to militate against the right of the Grand Master to commission any Brother, in writing, for a specific purpose.

Revised 03/11/1896, replacing "not a member of the Grand Lodge" with "not a past or present member of the Grand Lodge".

Section 3

Ch6, Sec7

All committees, chosen or appointed, shall report their proceedings, in writing, at the next Communication after their appointment. The first brother chosen or appointed shall be chairman, and shall furnish each of the Committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment, as received from the Grand Secretary, and designate the time and place of meeting.

Section 4

Ch6, Sec8

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

ARTICLE 7: Regalia - Dress in Grand Lodge

Section 1

The clothing of a Grand Officer shall be a purple velvet sash and collar, gold or gilt jewel, and white apron, trimmed with purple ribbon. An officer of a subordinate Lodge should wear a blue sash, blue velvet collar, trimmed with silver lace, a silver jewel and white or figured apron, trimmed with blue ribbon.

Amended 12/10/1856 along with the jewels for subordinate lodges:

The Jewels of the Grand Officers shall be as follows:

I.

• The Jewel of the Grand Master shall be the compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle at the points, and a gold playe included, on which is represented an eye, eradiated, with a triangle, also eradiated.
• The Jewel of the Deputy Grand Master shall be the Compasses and Square united, with a five-pointed star in the centre.
• The Jewels of the District Deputy Grand Masters shall be the Compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle at the points, with a crescent in the centre.
• Senior Grand Warden — The Level.
• Junior Grand Warden —The Plumb.
• Grand Treasurer — a chased Key.
• Recording Grand Secretary — crossed Pens, with a tie.
• Corresponding Grand Secretary — crossed Pens, with a tie.
• Grand Chaplain — A Book with a Triangle.
• Grand Marshal — crossed Rods.
• Grand Deacons — Dove and Olive Branch.
• Grand Stewards — Cornucopia.
• Grand Sword-Bearer — crossed Swords.
• Grand Standard-Bearer — Banner.
• Grand Pursuivants — a Rod and a Sword crossed.
• Grand Lecturer — open Book upon Square and Compasses.
• Grand Tyler — Sword.

Each Past Grand Master, Past Deputy Grand Master and Past Grand Warden shall be distinguished by the Jewel prescribed by the office he has filled, with this difference, that such Jewel shall be fixed within a circle or oval of gold or metal gilt. It shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a purple ribbon.

• Amended 03/13/1872, 1872-27, to read: "Each Past Grand Master, Past Deputy Grand Master, and Past Grand Warden, shall be distinguished by the jewel prescribed for the office he has filled, with this difference, that such jewel shall be fixed within a circle or oval."

The Jewels of all the Grand Officers, with the exception of the District Deputy Grand Masters, shall be within a wreath composed of a sprig of Acacia and an ear of Wheat.

• Amended 03/11/1896, 1896-36, by adding the words "or metal chain" after "purple ribbon".

• Amended 12/09/1914, 1914-362, adding: "That of the District Grand Masters, the Compass and Square united, with a five-pointed star in the centre upon which shall be superimposed a Roman letter D."

II.

The Collars of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, shall be chains of gold or metal gilt.

III.

The Apron of the Grand Master shall be of white lamb-skin, lined with purple, ornamented with the blazing Sun, embroidered in gold in the centre; 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.

The Apron of the Deputy Grand Master shall be of the same material and lining, having the emblem of his office in gold embroidered in the centre, and the pomegranate and lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging.

The Aprons of the other Grand Officers shall be of white lambskin, lined with purple; edging three and a half inches wide; with purple strings; ornamented with gold, having the emblems of their office, in gold, in the centre.

• Amended 12/09/1914, 1914-362, replacing "The Apron of the Deputy Grand Master" with "The Apron of the Deputy Grand Master and of the District Grand Masters."

IV.

The Grand Officers shall wear gauntlets of purple, with the emblem of their office, embroidered in gold, within a wreath.

This section was deleted 03/11/1896, 1896-36.

Section 2

No Brother shall, on any pretence [sic], be admitted into the Grand Lodge, or any subordinate Lodge without his proper clothing, nor shall any officer of the Grand Lodge, or representative of a subordinate Lodge, (proxies excepted,) be allowed to vote, without his jewel, unless he offer a satisfactory excuse and have permission of the Grand Lodge.

Amended 12/10/1856, VI-68:

"The apron of a Master Mason should be a plain white lambskin — fourteen inches wide by twelve in. deep, with sky blue lining and edging, having three rosettes of the same color — No other color shall be allowed, and no other ornament should be worn, except by Officers and Past Masters of Lodges, who may have the emblem of their Offices in silver on the apron:—"

"An Officer of a Subordinate Lodge should wear a blue sash, a blue velvet collar, trimmed with silver lace and a silver jewel."

The Jewels of a subordinate Lodge shall be as follows:

• The Jewels of a Past Master shall be the Blazing Sun within the Compasses extended on a quadrant.
• Master — The Square.
• Senior Warden — The Level.
• Junior Warden —The Plumb.
• Treasurer — Cross Keys.
• Secretary — Cross Pens.
• Chaplain — Bible in a Circle.
• Senior and Junior Deacons — The Compasses and Square united.
• Marshal — Baton, in a Square.
• Senior & Junior Stewards. — Cornucopiae, in a Circle.
• Organist — Lyre in a Circle.
• Tyler — Cross Sword.

Amended 09/13/1882, 1882-170:

Every officer of a subordinate 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.

Amended 09/08/1886, 1886-105:

The apron of a Master Mason should 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.

Amended 06/12/1895, 1895-39:

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 may be worn over the left breast, pendant to a blue ribbon or metal chain. Additionally, ". . . those old Lodges which have the sun represented in the jewel of the Senior Deacon and the moon in the jewel of the Junior Deacon may retain the same."

Amended 09/11/1895, 1895-220, replacing the words "the emblem of their Offices in silver" with "the emblem of their Offices and a fringe in silver".

Section 4

Adopted ?

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.

Note: referenced in the Grand Master's remarks 06/10/1914, 1914-154.

ARTICLE 8: Lodges of Instruction

Section 1

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.

Revised 06/11/1856 to read: ". . . the proceedings of such Lodge of Instruction, or responsible . . ."

Revised 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."

Section 2

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.

Section 3

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.

Revised 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.

Section 4

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

Section 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.

ARTICLE 9: Library Committee

Added 09/11/1850:

The Most Worshipful Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, which shall consist of three members of the Grand Lodge, whose duty it shall be to take the oversight of the Library of the Grand Lodge, to make rules and regulations for its government, to appoint a Librarian to purchase Books, and to transact all other matters pertaining to the Library and to make report of its condition and of their doings, at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge.

• Original document

PART THE FOURTH: SUBORDINATE LODGES

ARTICLE 1: POWERS AND DUTIES

Section 1

Ch5, Sec1

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.

Section 2

Ch5, Sec15

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.

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-361, adding the words "within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" after the words "for each of which".

Section 3

Ch5, Sec5

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.

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by replacing "they shall be furnished with suitable blanks" with "suitable blanks shall be furnished."

Revised 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.

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-361, to read:

In jurisdictions outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where Lodges are established by this Grand Lodge, the appointment of District Grand Master is a prerogative of the Grand Master by whom a Commission may be granted, during pleasure, to any Past Master of eminence and ability in the Craft whom he may think worthy of the appointment. The District Grand Master shall enjoy, in his particular District, a rank and dignity similar to those possessed by the Grand Master.

Section 4

Ch5, Sec5

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.

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362, to read:

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

Section 5

Ch5, Sec12

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.

Revised 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.

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."

Revised 03/14/1894, 1894-13, by adding to the second sentence as follows:

Nor shall any Lodge hold meetings, unless authorized by the Grand Master, in any place other than the one designated in their Charter, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, any place other than the one designated in their Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof.

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362, to read:

The District Grand Master may appoint a District Deputy Grand Master who shall discharge the duties of a District Deputy Grand Master, and in 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 in due course. 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.

Section 6

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.

Revised 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."

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362, to read:

District Grand Masters upon the completion of five years' service (including the service of the District Deputy Grand Masters holding office as such in these Districts in December, 1913), shall be entitled to nomination for permanent membership in the Grand Lodge, and, upon election, shall be borne upon the rolls as Past District Grand Masters.

Section 7

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.

Revised 06/11/1856: Revise the second sentence to read ". . . determine to leave the Institution, or leave that Lodge . . ."

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362 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." This is the former Section 3.

Section 8

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.

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362 to read: "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." This is the former Section 4.

Section 9

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.

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362 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 Communications, unless authorized by the Grand Master, in any place other than the one designated in their Charter, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, 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." This is the former Section 5.

Section 10

Ch5, Sec14

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.

Revised 09/09/1846, V-87: amended 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.

Revised 12/08/1858, VI-211: The fee paid by Lodges to the Grand Lodge for initiates is reduced from $5 to $3.

Revised 06/13/1866, VII-79: 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.

Revised 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."

Revised 12/09/1914, 1914-362 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." This is the former Section 6.

Section 11

Added 06/09/1915, 1915-118:

Lodges without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be exempt from the provisions in the preceding sections relating to the Masonic Home Fund. There shall, however, be contributed for each initiate 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 with the annual returns to the District Grand Master. 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.

Section 12

Added 12/09/1914, 1914-362, renumbered Section 11; 06/09/1915, 1915-118, renumbered Section 12:

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 leave 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." This is the former Section 7.

Section 13

Added 12/09/1914, 1914-362, renumbered Section 12; 06/09/1915, 1915-118, renumbered Section 13:

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. This is the former Section 8.

Section 14

Added 12/09/1914, 1914-362, renumbered Section 13; 06/09/1915, 1915-118, renumbered Section 14:

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. This is the former Section 9.

Section 15

Added 12/09/1914, 1914-362, renumbered Section 14; 06/09/1915, 1915-118, renumbered Section 15:

Each Lodge shall pay, annually, towards the support of the Grand Lodge, ten dollars; and five dollars 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. 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. This is the former Section 10.

Revised 09/12/1917, 1917-241, to read:

Each Lodge shall pay, annually, towards the support of the Grand Lodge, ten dollars; and five dollars 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. 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. From and after January 1, 1918 there shall be contributed for each member admitted by affiliation five dollars to the MAsonic Home Fund unless such members 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 send 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 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.

Section 16

Added 12/09/1914, 1914-362?, renumbered Section 15; 06/09/1915, 1915-118, renumbered Section 16:

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, whenever he shall deem it expedient, may order the production of the original charter for inspection or other purposes.

ARTICLE 2: PROXIES OF LODGES

Section 1

Ch5, Sec1
Ch5, Sec2

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.:

See sample of appointment letter on page IV-646.

Revised 12/12/1860: Replace [bold] text above with the words "being a member of said Lodge". At the end of the section, add the following: "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."

Revised 06/12/1867: Replace as follows:

"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."

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-88, replacing "It is the duty of every Lodge to . . ." with "Every Lodge shall be . . ."

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-221, replacing "a right to a seat . . ." with "right to a seat . . . "

Section 2

Ch5, Sec3

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.

ARTICLE 3: INITIATION OF CANDIDATES

Note that the 1894 revision of this article has many rearranged sections, and that in 1911 a new Section 4 was introduced.

Section 1

All applications for initiation shall be made in writing, under the signature of the applicant, and no candidate shall be balloted for who has not been proposed at a stated monthly meeting, and who shall not have stood so proposed from one regular monthly meeting to another, without a dispensation therefor; nor shall a candidate, in any event, be balloted for, into whose moral character a strict inquiry has not been made, and whose name has not been borne on the notifications for the meeting at which he is to be balloted for.

Revised 06/11/1856 to read: "All applications for initiation shall be made in writing, over the signature of the applicant, and in the following form:" {Form of Petition appears on page VI-28.}

Form of Petition revised 12/11/1877, 1877-275, to include the name and date at which a candidate might have previously applied for admission.

Added 09/10/1890, 1890-84:

A Committee of Investigation, consisting of three or more members of the Lodge, shall be appointed by the Master upon each application for the degrees at the time it is received by the Lodge; the names of the committee shall be entered on the Record of that Communication, but shall not be put on the notices, and each member shall be immediately notified of his appointment by the Secretary. A report from at least a majority of the committee, either in person, or over their own signatures in writing, shall be heard by the Lodge before balloting on the application.

'Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-62:

All applications for initiation shall be made in writing, over the signature of the applicant, and in the following form: {Form of Petition appears on page 1894-62.}

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-63: "Candidates must be proposed at a Regular Monthly Communication and stand proposed from one Regular Monthly Communication to another; and in Lodges usually issuing written or printed notifications, the names of candidates must be borne upon the notifications of the Communication at which they are to be balloted for.

No candidate shall be balloted for at any but a Regular Monthly Communication, in any Lodge, unless a Dispensation therefor shall have been obtained, and then only when written or printed notifications of the Communication, bearing the name of the candidate to be balloted for, shall have been sent to all the members. This applies to Lodges which do not usually issue written or printed notifications, as well as to others."

Section 2

Ch5, Sec13

No candidate, whose application may be rejected by a Lodge, shall be initiated in any Lodge under this jurisdiction, other than the one to which he first applied, without a recommendation from six members of said Lodge, of whom the Master and Wardens shall be three. And when the Master and Wardens are unwilling to recommend a candidate, who has been rejected, it shall be their duty to communicate such rejection to the Grand Lodge, or to the District Deputy Grand Master, who shall immediately communicate the same to all the Lodges under his jurisdiction. And if any Mason knowingly assist, or recommend for initiation, to any lodge whatever, any candidate rejected as aforesaid, who may not have obtained a recommendation as before provided, such Mason shall be expelled from the Institution.

Revised 06/11/1856, VI-28: Revise and add the following words at the end: ". . . from the Institution or subjected to such other penalty as the Grand Lodge may see cause to impose."

Revised 09/11/1867, VII-188: Revised to include the following: "Any candidate whose application has been rejected, who shall be initiated in any Lodge whatever without the recommendation aforesaid shall be deemed a clandestine Mason and shall not visit any Lodge within this jurisdiction, and the members of Lodges are hereby forbid [from] holding Masonic intercourse with such initiates."

Revised 09/14/1870, 1870-155: Add the following text: "No person who has been rejected in any Lodge in this jurisdiction, and who shall have procured his degrees in any other jurisdiction, without the recommendation prescribed in Section 2 of this Article, and without the written permission of the Grand Master, shall be admitted as a visitor in any Lodge of this jurisdiction, or be entitled to any recognition as a Mason, until he shall have been formally healed by the Grand Lodge, and notice thereof shall have been duly communicated by the Grand Secretary to all the Lodges of this jurisdiction."

Amended 03/11/1873, 1873-14, to read: "No candidate, whose application may be rejected by a Lodge, shall be proposed in any other Lodge under this jurisdiction, within six months after such rejection; nor shall any candidate be proposed in any Lodge, other than the one to which he first applied, without a-written recommendation from six members of the said Lodge, of whom the Master and Wardens shall be three. And when the Master and Wardens are unwilling so to recommend a candidate who has been rejected, it shall be their duty to communicate such rejection to the Grand Lodge, or to the District Deputy Grand Master, who shall immediately communicate the same to all the Lodges under his jurisdiction. And if any Mason knowingly assist, or recommend for initiation, to any Lodge whatever, any candidate rejected as aforesaid, who may not have obtained a recommendation, and also waited the required six months as before provided, such Mason shall be expelled from the Institution, or subjected to such other penalty as the Grand Lodge may see cause to impose."

Revised 03/11/1873, 1873-14: "No candidate, whose application may be rejected by a Lodge, shall be proposed in any other Lodge under this jurisdiction, within six months after such rejection; nor shall any candidate be proposed in any Lodge, other than the one to which he first applied, without a-written recommendation from six members of the said Lodge, of whom the Master and Wardens shall be three. And when the Master and Wardens are unwilling so to recommend a candidate who has been rejected, it shall be their duty to communicate such rejection to the Grand Lodge, or to the District Deputy Grand Master, who shall immediately communicate the same to all the Lodges under his jurisdiction. And if any Mason knowingly assist, or recommend for initiation, to any Lodge whatever, any candidate rejected as aforesaid, who may not have obtained a recommendation, and also waited the required six months as before provided, such Mason shall be expelled from the Institution, or subjected to such other penalty as the Grand Lodge may see cause to impose.

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-63, to read:

No candidate whose application has been rejected by a Lodge shall be proposed in any Lodge under this jurisdiction within six months after such rejection, nor shall any candidate be proposed in any Lodge within this jurisdiction, other than the one to which he first applied, without a written recommendation from the Master, Wardens and three members of the Lodge.

Section 3

The general rule which governs the Order in the admission of members, is, that such admission is to be sanctioned by entire unanimity; and so sacred and fundamental does the Grand Lodge conceive this rule to be, that no Candidate shall be initiated in any Lodge, under this jurisdiction without a clear and unanimous vote in his favor. Every member present shall vote on the application, unless excused by the Lodge.

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-63, to read:

A committee of investigation, consisting of three or more members of the Lodge, shall be appointed by the Master at the time when an application for the degrees is received by the Lodge. The names of the committee shall be entered on the Record of that Communication, but shall not be put on the notices. Each member of the committee shall be immediately notified of his appointment by the Secretary.

It shall be the duty of the committee to carefully and thoroughly investigate the moral character and standing of each applicant, and in no case to make a favorable report to the Lodge without feeling reasonably certain that the character of the applicant will warrant such a report. No ballot shall be taken on an application until at least a majority of the committee shall have reported to the Lodge, in person, or in writing over their own signatures.

Section 4New

Added 03/08/1911:

Every candidate elected to receive the degrees shall be notified thereof by the Secretary. The notice shall specify the time and place at which he may present himself to receive the first degree and if, through his own fault or neglect, he does not receive the degree within one year from that time the ballot by which he was elected shall be void and all fees he has paid shall be forfeited to the Lodge, and this provision shall be borne in full upon the notice.

Every candidate whose application for the degrees is rejected shall be notified thereof by the Secretary, and all fees he has paid shall be returned to him. The notice shall specify the date of the rejection and the constitutional period which must elapse before the candidate can apply again to that Lodge and shall specify also the period which must elapse before he can be balloted for in any Lodge within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge without the consent and recommendation of the Lodge which has rejected his application.

Section 4

By the ancient regulations, the physical deformity of an individual operates as a bar to his admission into the Fraternity. But in view of the fact that this regulation was adopted for the government of the Craft, at a period when they united the character of operative with that of speculative Masons, this Grand Lodge, in common, it is believed, with most of her sister Grand Lodges in this country and in Europe, has authorized a construction of this regulation, as that, where the deformity does not amount to an inability honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, it constitutes no hindrance to initiation.

Revised 06/11/1856: Revise the final phrase to read: ". . . an inability to meet the requirements of the ritual, and honestly to acquire . . ."

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-64, to read:

If the physical deformity, of any applicant for the degrees, does not amount to an inability to meet the requirements of the Ritual, and honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, it shall constitute no hindrance to his initiation.

Revised 06/12/1895, 1895-132, by adding the following:

Such recommendation shall be granted only upon the application of a Lodge which has received the petition of the rejected candidate. The request for release of jurisdiction and recommendation shall be read in the Lodge to which it is presented and shall not be acted upon before the next Monthly Communication; in the meantime any Brother having good reasons for objecting to granting the request may make them known to the W. Master or Wardens. The W. Master shall report to the Lodge whether or not the request is granted, and shall cause the same to be noted on the Record. When a recommendation is granted, the Secretary shall make the following endorsement upon it: "Entered on the Records of ____ Lodge. Attest ____ Secretary." And shall affix the seal of the Lodge.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-221, by replacing "release of jurisdiction and recommendation" with "release of jurisdiction".

Revised 03/11/1896, 1896-36, by replacing "nor shall any candidate be proposed" with "nor shall any candidate be balloted for".

Revised 12/11/1907, replacing the words "acted upon" with "granted".

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 5.

Section 5

Ch5, Sec9

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. Nor shall any candidate be received from any other State, (he being a resident thereof,) when a regular Grand Lodge is established, without the written permission of the Grand Master of such state.

Revised 06/11/1856: Revise to read: "All applications for initiation shall be made to the Lodge in the town where the petitioner resides, if there be a Lodge in such town; but if there be none, then shall he apply to the Lodge nearest his residence: And no person residing in a town where there is a Lodge, shall be initiated in any other town, without the consent and approbation of the Master and Wardens of that Lodge. Nor shall any candidate be received from any other State, (he being a resident thereof,) where a regular Grand Lodge is established, without the written permission of the Grand Master of such state."

Revised 12/12/1860: Revise to read: "Applications for initiation shall be made to the Lodge in the town or city where the petitioner resides, if there be a Lodge therein; but if there be none, then shall he apply to the Lodge most convenient to his residence, and it shall be the duty of such Lodge to make due and careful inquiry as to the moral standing of the petitioner, of some respectable and reliable person or persons living in the place of his residence, before he be initiated. And no person residing in a town where there is a Lodge, shall be initiated in any other town or city, without the written consent and recommendation of the Master, one Warden, and two members at least of each Lodge in the town or city where he resides; provided however, that where there are more than two Lodges in any town or city; such consent and recommendation shall not be required of more than two of them. Nor shall any candidate be received from any other State, (he being a resident thereof,) where a regular Grand Lodge is established, without the written permission of the Grand Master of such state.

Revised 09/11/1867: Revise to include the following text: "And any person leaving his place of residence within this State, who shall be initiated in any Lodge in any other State or Territory without having first obtained the consent of the Lodge having jurisdiction, shall be deemed a clandestine Mason, and shall not visit any Lodge within this jurisdiction, without first being formally healed."

Revised 06/10/1874, 1874-51, by the replacement of the words "most convenient" with the word "nearest".

Revised 09/11/1878, 1878-87, by the replacement of "then shall he apply to the Lodge nearest his residence, and it shall be the duty of such Lodge to . . ." with "he shall apply to the Lodge nearest his residence, and such Lodge shall . . ."

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-64, to read:

Any candidate whose application has been rejected, who shall, at any time while residing in this State, be initiated in any other Lodge, or who shall within seven years after removal from the State, be initiated in any Lodge, without the recommendation, aforesaid, shall be deemed a clandestine Mason, and all Masonic intercourse with him is forbidden: provided, however, that whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the M. W. Grand Master that any person deemed a clandestine Mason under the provisions of this Section has received the degrees solely by the fault or mistake of the Lodge conferring the same, or of any officer or member of such Lodge, the Grand Master may at his discretion cause such person to be healed. Every Mason, residing within this State, who, knowing of such rejection, shall advise or assist in such initiation, or in the recommendation or proposal therefor, shall be expelled from the Institution, or subjected to such other penalty as the Grand Lodge may see fit to impose.

Revised 03/09/1898, 1898-19, by changing the phrase "be initiated in any Lodge" to "be initiated in any Lodge other than the one to which he first applied".

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-47, replacing the word "a clandestine" with the words "an irregularly made".

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 6.

Section 6

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, or a dispensation from the Grand Master.

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-64, to read:

No candidate shall be initiated in any Lodge under this jurisdiction without a clear and unanimous vote in his favor. Every member present shall vote on the application, unless excused by the Lodge.

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 7.

Section 7

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.

Revised 06/11/1856: Add the following words: "and it shall be the duty of the Lodge to investigate such objections before proceeding further with the candidate."

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 8.

Section 8

Ch5, Sec10

The fee demanded by a Lodge for the the initiating, crafting and raising a Mason, shall not be less than twenty dollars, including the fee to the Grand Lodge; and no Lodge under this jurisdiction, shall take notes of hand for fees, or grant any time of credit therefor.

Revised 06/13/1866, VII-79: the fee is raised to a minimum of twenty-five dollars.

Revised 12/14/1892, 1892-190:

All Lodges located in Boston shall demand as the fee for initiating, crafting and raising a Mason, not less than fifty dollars, including the fee to the Grand Lodge. Two or more Lodges located in any city or town, except Boston, shall agree upon a minimum fee of not less than twenty-five dollars; and in case they cannot agree the fee shall be fixed by the Grand Master. These regulations shall apply to all candidates admitted after March 1, 1893, and no reduction shall be made in the fees for degrees required by a Lodge, excepting by a two-thirds vote of the Grand Lodge. No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall charge less than twenty-five dollars for the degrees, or take a note of hand for the fees, or grant any time of credit therefor, or confer any degree gratuitously or without the regular charge therefor, or return any fees after the three degrees have been conferred.

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-64:

Application for initiation shall be made to the Lodge in the town or city where the petitioner resides, if there be a Lodge therein; but if there be none he shall apply to the Lodge nearest to his residence.

No person, residing in a town or city where there is a Lodge, shall be balloted for in any Lodge located in any other town or city, without the written consent and recommendation of the Master, one Warden and two members of each Lodge in the town or city where he resides: provided; however, that where there are more than two Lodges in any town or city, such consent and recommendation shall not be required of more than two of them. Nor shall any candidate residing in any other State, where a regular Lodge is established, be balloted for without the written permission of the Grand Master of such State.

Revised 12/11/1907, 1907-189, to read:

Application for initiation shall be made to the Lodge in the town or city where the petitioner resides, if there be a Lodge therein; but if there be none he shall apply to the Lodge nearest to his residence.

No person, residing in a town or city where there is a Lodge, shall be balloted for in any Lodge located in any other town or city, without the written consent and recommendation of the Master, one Warden and two members of each Lodge in the town or city where he resides: provided; however, that where there are more than two Lodges in any town or city, such consent and recommendation shall not be required of more than two of them, but one of the two shall be a Lodge where a regular place of meeting is as near the dwelling of the applicant as any other Lodge which has jurisdiction. The name of the applicant for the degrees and of the Lodge in whose behalf the release is asked, shall be borne upon the notice for a Monthly Communication, if the Lodge usually issues such notices, and the release shall not be granted before the close of that Communication; in the meantime, any Brother, having reasons for objections to granting the request, may make them known to the Lodge whether or not the request is granted, and shall cause the same to be noted on the Record.

When such consent is granted, the Secretary shall make the following endorsement upon it:

The above request for release has been borne upon the notice for a Monthly Communication of _____ Lodge, and this release has been entered upon the Record. Attest: _____, Secretary.

and he shall attach thereto the Seal of the Lodge.

In Lodges which do not usually issue written or printed notifications, the request for release shall not be granted before the close of the next Monthly Communication, and the Secretary's endorsement shall be as follows:

The above request for release has read in open Lodge at a Monthly Communication and is granted after the close of the next Monthly Communication, and this release has been entered upon the Record. Attest: _____, Secretary.

and he shall attach thereto the Seal of the Lodge.

Nor shall any candidate residing in any other State, where a regular Lodge is established, be balloted for without the written permission of the Grand Master of such State.

Revised 03/08/1911, 1911-19; renumbered to Section 9 and the first paragraph to read:

Application for initiation shall be made to a Lodge in the town or city in which the petitioner has a legal residence, if there be a Lodge therein; but if there be none, the petitioner shall apply to a Lodge in an adjoining city or town, and if there be none such, he shall apply to the Lodge whose usual place of meeting is nearest to his dwelling. Distances, for the purposes of this Section, shall be measured in a straight line.

Revised 06/14/1911, 1911-88, and the first paragraph to read:

Application for initiation shall be made to a Lodge in the town or city in which the petitioner has resided for at least six months continuously next preceding the date of his application, if there be a Lodge therein; but if there be none, the petitioner shall apply to a Lodge in an adjoining city or town, and if there be none such, he shall apply to the Lodge whose usual place of meeting is nearest to his dwelling. Distances, for the purposes of this Section, shall be measured in a straight line.

Revised 09/12/1917, 1917-243, adding the following paragraph:

Officers and men of the United States army and navy and of the merchant marine, having no definite Masonic residence, may apply for the degrees in any Lodge having jurisdiction over their posts, stations, or regular ports of call without regard to the requirement of six months previous continuous residence: provided, however, that in addition to the usual requirement of investigation as to the character and fitness of the applicant for the degrees satisfactory evidence shall be required by the Committee as to previous residence and application for degrees in other jurisdictions.

Section 9

Ch5, Sec8

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.

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-65:

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.

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-47, removing the words "of the Master and Wardens".

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 10.

Section 10

Added 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.

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-65:

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.

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-48, adding after "objections" the words "and decide thereon by a majority vote".

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 11.

Section 11

Added 03/08/1893:

The fees for initiating, crafting and raising shall entitle the applicant to membership in the Lodge in which the application is made, without further charge or ballot.

Revised 09/12/1894, 1894-65:

All Lodges in Boston shall demand, as the fee for initiating, crafting, and raising a Mason, not less than fifty dollars, including the fee to the Grand Lodge.

Two or more Lodges located in any city or town, except Boston, shall agree upon a minimum fee of not less than twenty-five dollars; and in case they cannot agree, the fee shall be fixed by the Grand Master. No reduction shall be made in the fees for degrees required by a Lodge, excepting by a two-thirds vote of the Grand Lodge.

No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall charge less than twenty-five dollars for the degrees, or take a note of hand for the fees, or grant any tune of Credit therefor, or confer any degree gratuitously or without the regular charge therefor, or return any fees after the three degrees have been conferred.

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 12.

Section 12

Added 09/12/1894, 1894-65:

No Lodge, in the absence of the Master and Wardens, shall initiate, craft, or raise a candidate.

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 13.

Section 13

Added 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.

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-48, adding after the words "on the same day" the words "except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason."

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 14.

Section 14

Added 09/12/1894, 1894-66:

The fees for initiating, crafting, and raising shall, entitle the applicant to membership in the Lodge which accepts his application and confers the degrees, without further charge or ballot.

Added 06/12/1895, 1895-133:

Provided, however, that he shall sign the By-Laws within six months from the date of raising; and reserving the right of objection by any member to such signing, for cause, the sufficiency of which shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the members present at a Regular Monthly Communication.

03/08/1911; renumbered to Section 15.

PART THE FIFTH: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

Section 1

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.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-221, adding the sentence "The Lodge shall admit as Members, such only as are Master Masons."

Section 2

Ch5, Sec7

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.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-221, to read as follows:

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.

Section 3

Ch5, Sec17

The Master of any Lodge, under this jurisdiction, who has faithfully discharged his duties and complied with the laws of the Grand Lodge, shall, at the end of his first year, be presented by the District Deputy Grand Master, with a Past Master's Diploma.

Section 4

Any Lodge may take cognizance of the conduct of any sojourning Brother or Brethren, not attached to any particular Lodge, upon a charge of unmasonic conduct.

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.

Section 6

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.

Revised 03/09/1910, 1910-48, removing the words "or the District Deputy Grand Master within whose District it is located".

Section 7

No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the Order, unless it be at his own special request, without a dispensation from the Grand Master; nor under any circumstances, unless he has been advanced to the degree of a Master Mason.

Section 8

No Lodge, or officer or member of a Lodge, shall, under any circumstances, give a certificate or recommendation, to enable a Mason to proceed, from Lodge to Lodge, as a pauper, or, in an itinerant manner, to apply to Lodges for relief.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-221, replacing "apply to Lodges" with "apply to Lodges or Brethren".

Section 9

It shall not be permitted to introduce political or other exciting topics for discussion in any Lodge under this jurisdiction.

Section 10

A Lodge ought to meet once in each calendar month, but may, with propriety, adjourn during the summer months of June, July and August.

Revised 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."

Section 11

The Master of a Lodge has the special charge of its Charter, and it is his duty to see that it is carefully preserved. IT must be present whenever the Lodge is opened.

Section 12

A visiting Brother, having produced his Grand Lodge Certificate, or Diploma, has a right to call for the Charter of the Lodge he desires to visit.

Section 13

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.

Revised 03/14/1894, to read:

No Brother, excepting members of Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge located in foreign countries, shall be a member of more than one Lodge in this Commonwealth, nor shall he hold more than one office in the same Lodge, or in Grand Lodge, at the same time.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-221, to read:

No Brother, excepting members of Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge located in foreign countries, shall be an active member of more than one Lodge in this Commonwealth, nor shall he hold more than one office in the same Lodge, or in Grand Lodge, at the same time, except as a Director.

Revised 03/13/1901, 1901-27, to read:"'

No Brother shall hold more than one office in the same Lodge, or in Grand Lodge, at the same time, except as a Director.

Section 14

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.

Section 15

No Mason, not a member of some subordinate Lodge, shall allowed to visit the same Lodge, in the place where he resides, more than twice, without the permission of the Master, or vote of the Lodge.

Section 16

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.

Section 17

No Brother ought to be elected Master of a Lodge, who has not served, at least one year, in the office of Warden.

Section 18

No Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, can legally assemble, in this Commonwealth, under a warrant granted by any foreign Masonic power.

Deleted 06/12/1878, 1878-51. Replaced 09/11/1878, 1878-88, with the following section:

No elected officer of a Lodge shall act as such until he is duly installed.

Section 19

It shall not be legal for any Lodge to interfere with the business or concerns of an other Lodge.

Section 20

Ch6, Sec10

No vote passed in the Grand Lodge, or in a subordinate Lodge, can be reconsidered by a less number than were present when the vote was passed, provided a return of the number of votes was made and recorded.

Revised 06/11/1856 to read: "Any vote passed in the Grand Lodge or by a Subordinate Lodge, may be reconsidered at the same meeting; or at the next subsequent meeting, provided notice of the intention to move for such a reconsideration shall be given at the meeting at which the vote was originally passed."

Section 21

A Lodge or Brother offending against any law or regulation of the Craft, or of the Grand Lodge, to the breach of which no penalty is attacked, shall, at the discretion of the Grand Lodge, be subject to admonition, suspension, or expulsion.

09/12/1895, 1895-221, Removed to Part III, Article 4, Section 7.

Section 22

No permanent regulation of this Grand Lodge, shall be repealed, or amended, at the meeting at which such repeal, or amendment, is proposed, nor until it has been duly considered by a committee, to be chosen by the Grand Lodge, at a previous quarterly communication. A majority of two-thirds of the votes present shall be necessary for the adoption of any amendment.

Revised 09/11/1867 to read: "No permanent regulation of this Grand Lodge, shall be repealed, or amended, at the meeting at which such repeal, or amendment, is proposed, nor until it has been duly considered by a committee, to be chosen by the Grand Lodge, at a previous quarterly communication, and every Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge within the territorial limits of Massachusetts shall be served by the Recording Grand Secretary with an attested copy of such proposed repeal or amendment within thirty days after the meeting at which such repeal or amendment is proposed. A majority of two-thirds of the votes present shall be necessary for the adoption of any amendment."

Revised 06/12/1878, 1878-51, 09/11/1878, 1878-88, replacing "Meetings" with "Communications".

Revised 09/12/1883 to read: "No permanent regulation of this Grand Lodge shall be adopted, repealed, or amended at the Communication at which such regulation, repeal, or amendment is proposed, nor until it has been duly considered by a committee to be chosen by the Grand Lodge at a previous Quarterly Communication. And every Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, within the territorial limits of Massachusetts, shall be served by the Recording Grand Secretary with an attested copy of such proposed regulation, repeal, or amendment, within thirty days after the Communication at which such regulation, repeal, or amendment is proposed. Two-thirds of the votes cast shall be necessary for the adoption of any regulation or amendment."

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-221, replacing "a committee to be chosen by the Grand Lodge" with "a committee appointed by the Grand Lodge".

Renumbered Section 21, 09/11/1895, 1895-221.

Section 23

Added 09/11/1867:

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.

Renumbered Section 22, 09/11/1895, 1895-221.

Section 24

Added ??, Revised 06/13/1883

Whereas, this Grand Lodge recognizes no degrees in Masonry except those conferred under the regulations of the GRAND LODGES of the various States and Territories, of the United States and the Governments throughout the world and whereas it admits the following named organizations to be regular and duly constituted Masonic Bodies, namely : —

The General Grand, Royal Arch Chapter of the United States; The Grand Royal Arch Chapters of the several States and Territories of the United States, and the Royal Arch Chapters and other Bodies under their jurisdiction; The General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the United States; The Grand Councils of Royal and Select Masters of the several States and Territories of the United States, and the Councils under their jurisdiction; The Grand Encampment of the United States; The Grand Commanderies of the several States and Territories of the United States, and the Commanderies under their jurisdiction; The Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern and Southern jurisdictions of the United States, of which Henry L. Palmer and Albert Pike are M. P. Sov. Grand Commanders respectively, and the various Bodies under their jurisdiction;

Now, therefore, it is hereby declared that any Mason who is hereafter admitted, in this jurisdiction, into any other Orders, as Masonic, whether called the Rite of Memphis or by any other name, is acting un-Masonically, and for such conduct shall be liable to be expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, and shall be ineligible to membership or office in this Grand Lodge.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222, by removing the phrases "of which Henry L. Palmer and Albert Pike are M. P. Sov. Grand Commanders respectively," and "whether called the Rite of Memphis or by any other name"; Renumbered Section 23.

Section 25

Added 06/13/1883:

Any Mason in this jurisdiction who shall confer, communicate, or sell, or assist in conferring, communicating, or selling, or solicit any one to receive, or. apply for, any so-called Masonic degree or degrees, limited to Freemasons, not hereinbefore recognized or admitted, may be expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry.

Renumbered Section 24, 09/11/1895, 1895-221.

Section 26

Added 03/10/1886:

Except on a duly authorized public occasion, no visitor shall be admitted into a tyled Lodge, unless he complies with one of the following conditions : —

• 1st. Being vouched for by some Brother present.
• 2d. Producing a certificate of some Grand Lodge and passing a satisfactory examination.
• 3d. Being personally known to and recommended for examination by some Brother present and passing such examination.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222, by replacing the phrase "of some Grand Lodge" with "of some Grand Lodge, or accounting to the satisfaction of the Master of the Lodge for the non-production of such certificate"; renumbered Section 25.

Revised 03/08/1905, 1905-19, to read:

Except on a duly authorized public occasion no visitor shall be admitted into a tyled Lodge, unless he complies with one of the following conditions:

1. Being vouched for in writing by a Brother present, who, if not a member, shall himself-be vouched for at the time by a member of the Lodge, and who shall, if required, state in writing when and where he sat with the visitor in open Lodge.
2. Producing a certificate or diploma of a regular Grand Lodge, and passing a satisfactory examination. A certificate under seal of the Secretary of a regular Lodge may be accepted in lieu of the Grand Lodge certificate, but the acceptance of such a certificate, or of a Grand Lodge certificate dated more than three years previous to the date of visit, shall be at the discretion of the Master of the Lodge visited.

Every Lodge shall keep and preserve a record of visitors in the form prescribed by the Grand Lodge, or by the Grand Master for the time being.

Section 27

Added 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.

Renumbered Section 26, 09/11/1895, 1895-221.

PART THE SIXTH: RULES (FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE)

Rule 1

None but members of the Grand Lodge, past or present officers of other Grand Lodges excepted, shall be present at the opening of the same, nor shall any visitor be admitted during the session, except by permission of the Grand Master.

Rule 2

All members and visitors shall keep the seats assigned them, except the Grand Marshal, and officers whose duties may call them about the Lodge.

Rule 3

All resolutions shall be submitted in writing, before there shall be any debate upon them; as shall all motions, if the Grand Master, or any Brother, desire it.

Rule 4

All matters in Grand Lodge are to be decided by vote, each member having one vote, only, unless the question be taken by ballot, when, if he be entitled to two votes, he may give them. The Grand Master shall be entitled to one vote on all questions, and may also give the deciding vote, whenever there shall be an equal division.

Rule 5

Each member shall vote on all questions, except where he is personally interested, unless specially excused by the Grand Lodge.

Rule 6

No Brother shall peak more than twice to the same question unless in explanation, [or the mover in reply,] without permission of the Grand Master.

Revised 06/11/1856: Strike out the [bold] words above.

Rule 7

Every member who speaks shall rise, and remain standing, addressing himself to the Grand Master: nor shall any Brother presume to interrupt him, unless to address the Grand Master to order: or the Grand Master shall think fit to call him to Order.

Revised 06/11/1856 to read: "Every member who speaks shall rise, and remain standing, addressing himself to the Grand Master: nor shall any Brother presume to interrupt him, except on a point of order."

Rule 8

When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received, except to amend, commit, lay upon the table, or adjourn.

Rule 9

A motion to amend, until decided, shall preclude all other amendments of the main question.

Rule 10

Any member may call for a division of the question, where the same will admit of it.

Rule 11

No new motion, which totally changes the subject matter on which the original motion was intended to operate, shall be admitted, under color of amendment, as a substitute for the motion under debate.

Rule 12

No member, except one of the majority that decided the question, shall be allowed to move for a reconsideration.

Rule 13

After a motion is stated by the Grand Master, it shall be deemed to be in possession of the Grand Lodge, but may be withdrawn by the mover at any time before decision or amendment.

Rule 14

There shall be no debate upon any question after it is put by the Grand Master.

Rule 15

All motions and reports may be committed at the pleasure of the Grand Lodge.

Rule 16

While the Grand Master is addressing the Grand Lodge, or putting a question, or a Brother is speaking, no member shall entertain any private discourse, nor pass between the speaker and the chair.

Rule 17

All communications, petitions, appeals, resolutions, propositions, and motion, shall be couched in decent and respectful language, or they shall not be entertained in Grand Lodge.

Rule 18

No Brother shall leave the Grand Lodge during the session, without permission of the Grand Master.

Rule 19

If any member shall have been twice called to order for transgressing these rules, and shall nevertheless be guilty of a third offence [sic]. at the same meeting, the Grand Master shall peremptorily command him to take his seat, and he shall not be permitted to speak again during that session of the Grand Lodge.

DEFINITIONS

Section 1

Ample form. The Grand Lodge is declared to be opened in ample form when the Grand Master presides.

Section 2

In Due form. - When the Deputy Grand Master presides.

Section 3

And in Form when it is opened in the absence of both the Grand Master and his Deputy.

Section 4

Discharged Member. This term is applied to a member of a Lodge who has been discharged for non-payment of his quarterly dues, or other violation of the local rules of his Lodge.

Added 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

Suspension from Membership deprives a Brother, temporarily, of his rights as a member of his Lodge.

Section 5

Suspension. The suspension of a Brother excludes him from all his Masonic privileges, and prohibits all Masonic intercourse between him and his Brethren, during the time of his suspension.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

Discharge from membership terminates absolutely the Brother's connection with his Lodge. This replaces the earlier Section 4.

Section 6

Expulsion. This is the highest penalty that can be incurred, and the severest punishment that can be inflicted for any violation of Masonic engagements. It excludes a Mason from all his Masonic rights and privileges forever, unless he be restored by the Grand Lodge. It ought never to be exercised but with extreme caution, and in cases where a lighter punishment would be of no avail.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

Suspension from Masonry. The suspension of a Brother excludes him from all his Masonic privileges, and prohibits all Masonic intercourse between him and his Brethren, during the time of his suspension. This replaces the earlier Section 5.

Section 7

Summons and Notification. These terms are used in the Old regulations, and by many of the Grand Lodges in this country, synonymously. The Grand [Lodge] of Massachusetts makes the following distinctions:

A Notification is the notice by which the time, place and hour, (and frequently the business,) of the Lodge, are communicated to the members. This notice every Brother receiving it, is expected to obey, unless his doing so would materially interfere with his business engagements. The obligation which it imposes is a general one; and the highest penalty incurred by a violation of it, is forfeiture of membership.

A Summons is a call of authority, a citation to appear and answer to the charges therein set forth. Or, it is an imperative injunction to appear at a special meeting of the Lodge, with which the Brother receiving it, is affiliated; or to attend the Grand Master, the District Deputy Grand Master, or any committee, or other body, authorized by the Grand Lodge to issue it. The obligation to obey it, is special and obligatory on every Brother receiving it. The penalty for a non-observance is expulsion; unless the party offending, be able to urge a pressing and positive necessity for his excuse.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

Expulsion from Masonry. This is the highest penalty that can be incurred, and the severest punishment that can be inflicted for any violation of Masonic engagements. It excludes a Mason from all his Masonic rights and privileges forever, unless he be restored by the Grand Lodge. It ought never to be exercised but with extreme caution, and in cases where a lighter punishment would be of no avail. This replaces the earlier Section 6.

Section 8

The Lodge. The term Lodge is generally understood to refer to the members of a particular Masonic association, or the place in which they meet. In a few of the states, it technically signifies the Ark of the Covenant, which is kept in the hall and frequently carried in public processions. In Massachusetts, however, and most of the other States, it means the flooring. The Ark is not used in our Lodges.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

Summons and Notification. These terms are used in the Old regulations, and by many of the Grand Lodges in this country, synonymously. The Grand [Lodge] of Massachusetts makes the following distinctions:

A Notification is the notice by which the time, place and hour, (and frequently the business,) of the Lodge, are communicated to the members. This notice every Brother receiving it, is expected to obey, unless his doing so would materially interfere with his business engagements. The obligation which it imposes is a general one; and the highest penalty incurred by a violation of it, is forfeiture of membership.

A Summons is a call of authority, a citation to appear and answer to the charges therein set forth. Or, it is an imperative injunction to appear at a special meeting of the Lodge, with which the Brother receiving it, is affiliated; or to attend the Grand Master, the District Deputy Grand Master, or any committee, or other body, authorized by the Grand Lodge to issue it. The obligation to obey it, is special and obligatory on every Brother receiving it. The penalty for a non-observance is expulsion; unless the party offending, be able to urge a pressing and positive necessity for his excuse. This replaces the earlier Section 7.

Section 9

The Flooring, or Carpet, is a regularly arranged painting of the Masonic emblems on canvas. No Lodge should be without one.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

The Lodge. The term Lodge is generally understood to refer to the members of a particular Masonic association, or the place in which they meet. In a few of the states, it technically signifies the Ark of the Covenant, which is kept in the hall and frequently carried in public processions. In Massachusetts, however, and most of the other States, it means the flooring. The Ark is not used in our Lodges. This replaces the earlier Section 8.

Section 10

The Trestle-Board, or Tracing-Board, "is for the Master to draw his designs upon," or it is the board on which the designs of the Master are already drawn. The term is frequently used synonymously with flooring and Carpet.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

The Flooring, or Carpet, is a regularly arranged painting of the Masonic emblems on canvas. No Lodge should be without one. This replaces the earlier Section 9.

Section 11

Added 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

The Trestle-Board, or Tracing-Board, "is for the Master to draw his designs upon," or it is the board on which the designs of the Master are already drawn. The term is frequently used synonymously with Flooring and Carpet.'

RULES FOR BY-LAWS OF LODGES

The Committee on By-Laws presented the following report on 06/11/1873, 1873-49ff, offering rules on the content and form of Lodge By-Laws. The report was approved and its recommendations adopted.

"The records of this Grand Lodge will show that at nearly every meeting By-Laws have been submitted for approval, and amended by the Committees on Charters or By-Laws, simply because the Lodges have attempted to deal with matters beyond their jurisdiction.

"Your committee are of the opinion that the By-Laws of a Lodge should contain only such matter as it is clearly within the province of the Lodge to regulate, and that nothing should therein appear touching the Grand Constitutions or ritualistic matter, because they are subjects over which the Lodge has no control.

"We, therefore, offer the following propositions, the main features of which have been adopted many times by this Grand Lodge, within the past fifteen years, through reports of its committees, and respectfully recommend their adoption . . . We believe that if these nine propositions are adopted, and kept before the Lodges and committees of this Grand Lodge, the By-Laws, throughout the State, will soon become simplified and brought in accord with the Grand Constitutions of to-day, and the labors of future Committees on By-Laws very much lightened. We have endeavored to show what ought to be done, and what ought not to be done, and also what cannot be done through By-Laws."

RULE I

By-Laws of a subordinate Lodge should provide for the election or appointment of a Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Tyler, and such other officers as may be deemed expedient, the first five always to be chosen by ballot.

RULE II

A Lodge may, by its By-Laws, provide for the election, by ballot, of all officers and committees ; but where there is no such provision the W. Master alone has the appointing power.

RULE III

By-Laws should provide for the Regular Meetings of the Lodge; Special Meetings can be held only at the will and pleasure of the W. Master.

RULE IV

By-Laws cannot provide for the removal of an officer, because when an officer (elected or appointed) has been installed, he cannot be removed, and ought not to resign, during his term, if he remains a member of the Lodge in good standing; for misdemeanor in office he may be suspended, subject to the action of the M.W. Grand Master or Grand Lodge. Should a vacancy occur from any cause, it cannot be permanently filled without a Dispensation from the M.W. Grand Master.

RULE V

By-Laws cannot alter or abridge the duties of officers that are fixed by usage and the ritual, and ought not to define such duties; it is well for them, however, to set forth fully what is specially required of the Treasurer and Secretary.

RULE VI

By-Laws cannot deprive a Brother of membership by any language therein; every Mason is entitled to due notice and trial before being deprived of any Masonic rights.

RULE VII

In balloting, whether for degrees or for membership, the ballot must be unanimous to elect.

RULE VIII

By-Laws cannot regulate the Aprons, Collars, or Jewels, to be worn by officers or members, they being determined by the Grand Constitutions.

RULE IX

By-Laws should not contain extracts from the Grand Constitutions as any part thereof. Such forms as may be needed for general reference might very properly be put in a supplement or foot-note; but, if this is done, great care should be taken to promptly insert such amendments as may be made by the M.W. Grand Lodge.

RULE X

Each code of By-Laws should set forth the fees for degrees and membership, the annual dues, and a description of the seal of the Lodge.

RULE XI

Adopted 06/13/1877:

In balloting for degrees or membership, the Worshipful Master may allow three ballotings, at his discretion; but when the balloting has been commenced it must be concluded, and the candidate declared accepted or rejected, without the intervention of any other business whatever.

RULE XII

Adopted 06/08/1881:

Candidates for honorary membership in a Lodge shall be regularly proposed and balloted for in the same manner as is required for other candidates, but must be received without a fee.

Revised 03/12/1884:

Candidates for honorary membership in a Lodge shall be regularly proposed and balloted for in the same manner as is required for other candidates, but must be received without any fee. And a unanimous ballot shall not be deemed necessary when the candidate is already an active member, unless the Lodge in its By-Laws shall so provide.

Revised 09/11/1895, 1895-222:

Replace "proposed and balloted for" with "proposed, named in the notice, and balloted for".

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True copy, Attest,
CHARLES W. MOORE, Recording Grand Secretary.

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Massachusetts Grand Constitutions