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 hart keep my commandment; and remove not the ancient land-marks which they fathers have set. - Solomon.

PART THE FIRST

ARTICLE 1: Style and Title

Section 1

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.

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.

ARTICLE 3: Time and Place of Meeting

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.

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 invsted 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.

Section 2

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.

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.

Section 2

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

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 Treasurer.

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.

Section 3

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.

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.

Section 5

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

Section 6

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.

Section 7

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.

ARTICLE 7: Installation

Section 1

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.

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

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

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

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.

Section 2

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 Lodg, 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.

Section 3

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.

Section 4

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.

Section 5

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.

Section 6

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.

Section 7

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.

Section 8

The Recording Grand Secretary shall give seasonable 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.

Section 9

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.

Section 10

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.

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.

Section 12

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.

Section 13

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

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

Section 15

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

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.

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.

Section 18

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

ARTICLE 1

Section 1

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

Section 2

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.

Section 3

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.

Section 4

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.

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

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.

Section 7

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.

PART THE THIRD: GENERAL REGULATIONS

ARTICLE 1: Committee of Finance

Section 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

Section 4

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

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 foreiture, 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.

Section 2

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

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

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: Suspensions and Expulsions

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 convenyance, 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.

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.

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.

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.

ARTICLE 4: Appeal and Restoration

Section 7

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

Section 8

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

Section 9

Each District Deputy Grand Master, and every Master and Warden of a Lodge must be clothed with his jewel, before he shall be allowed to take his seat and vote in Grand Lodge, without special permission of the presiding officer.

Section 10

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

Section 11

No permanent regulation shall be established at the meeting when it is proposed, nor until it has been duly considered by a committee to be chosen by the Grand Lodge.

Adopted 03/08/1826: "The prayer of a petition for a new Lodge shall not be granted at the Communication when it is presented; but shall be referred to a Committee with instructions to report at the next following Communication." (III-568; adopted IV-8)

Section 12

Petitioners and others of the Fraternity may be admitted as visitors by permission of the Grand Master, and in his absence by the permission of the presiding officer.

CHAPTER 5

Of Subordinate Lodges.

Section 1

All of the Lodges under this Jurisdiction have a right to convene as Free and Accepted Masons, to receive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master Masons and assess fees therefor; to choose officers annually, establish funds for charitable purposes, and transact all matters appertaining to Masonry, agreeably to their charters, the laws of the Grand Lodge and the antient usages of the Craft.

They must be represented in every communication of the Grand Lodge, by their Masters and Wardens or by Proxies duly commissioned, under the seal of the Lodge and the attestation of the Master and Secretary.

Section 2

Each lodge may appoint any master mason of regular standing, being a member of a lodge under this jurisdiction, as a Proxy to represent them in the Grand Lodge; and such Proxy shall have a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge, during the masonic year in which he was apponted, and to a vote when the master and wardens of the lodge he represents shall not all be present. The letter, by which a lodge shall appoint a proxy, is to be in form or substance as follows, viz.:

See sample of appointment letter on page III-231.

Section 3

Every lodge, represented by proxy in the Grand Lodge, shall issue the commission annually. All commissions of proxies shall expire with the closing of the Grand Lodge on the festival of St. John the Evangelist, or day of installation.

Section 4

No one shall be proxy for more than one lodge at the same time.

Section 5

All of the lodges under this jurisdiction shall make an annual return to the District Deputy Grand Master, of their officers and members, of all candidates initiated, crafted, and raised, agreeably to the form transmitted by the Grand Lodge. They shall record, with their by-laws, all the edicts and regulations they receive from the Grand Lodge.

They shall take rank in Grand Lodge according to the priority of the dates of their charters; they shall not hold meetings in any place excepting those designated therein, unless by a vote of the Grand Lodge; shall forfeit their charters when they are two years delinquent in their dues to the Grand Lodge, unless remitted by the Grand Lodge upon proper application.

Section 6

The funds of such lodge as shall have forfeited its charter, shall be held by the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge in trust, till the charter shall be restored; and the interest arising from said fund shall be made a part of the charity fund of the Grand Lodge.

Section 7

They shall admit as members such only as are master masons, and elect or appoint none as permanent officers but members. They shall not ballot for any candidate for initiation who has not been proposed at a previous meeting, without obtaining a dispensation therefor, nor without making strict enquiry into his moral Character.

Revised 06/08/1825: "They shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons, and elect or appoint none as permanent Officers but members. They shall not ballot for any candidate for initiation who has not been proposed at a stated monthly meeting and who shall not have stood so proposed for one lunar month, without obtaining a dispensation therefor, nor without making strict enquiry into his moral character." (III-538)

Section 8

No Lodge, in the absence of the master and wardens, shall initiate, craft or raise, unless a past master is present to preside.

Section 9

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.

Section 10

The fee demanded by a Lodge for initiating, crafting and raising shall not be less than nineteen dollars, including the fee to the Grand Lodge; but the initiation fee may be remitted to all Clergymen, or persons approbated by competent authority to preach the Gospel, who shall be received into the order; and the Grand Lodge will remit their initiation fee to the lodge wherein such clergymen were received.

Revised 03/11/1840: "The fee demanded a Lodge, for initiating, crafting and raising a Mason shall not be less than nineteen dollars including the fee to the Grand Lodge." (IV-496)

Section 11

No lodge under this jurisdiction shall hereafter take notes of hand for fees, or grant any time of credit therefor.

Section 12

No petition for the removal of a lodge from the place in which it is located, shall be sustained in Grand Lodge unless said petition is sanction by the District Deputy Grand Master of the district where said lodge is situated, and has the approbation of the lodge nearest the place where the said lodge is intended to be held; the same being signified in writing to the Grand Lodge.

Section 13

No candidate, whose application may be rejected by a lodge shall be initiated in any lodge 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, to the several lodges within the masonic district, and to the two nearest lodges of any adjacent state, if such lodges be within the distance of thirty miles. 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, or debarred the privileges of the institution.

Section 14

Each Lodge shall pay annually towards the support of the Grand Lodge, eight dollars; and three dollars for every candidate by them initiated.

Section 15

The Lodges within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be formed into twelve or more Districts, by the Grand Master, in each of which shall reside a District Deputy Grand Master.

Section 16

It shall be the duty of every Master, or presiding officer, under this jurisdiction, when notified of the intended official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, to convene his Lodge, receive him as the representative of the Grand Lodge, resign the chair to him while making his communications, submit to his inspection the by-laws, records and mode of work; shall deliver to him the return of the lodge and the dues of the Grand Lodge.

Section 17

Every Lodge shall be furnished by the Grand Lodge with blank returns, and as many diplomas as they shall initiate candidates; and the master of each Lodge, who has complied with the laws of the Grand Lodge, shall be presented with a master's diploma, after having sustained the office one year.

Section 18?

Added 03/11/1840:

CHAPTER 6

General Regulations

Massachusetts Grand Constitutions

Section 6

The choice shall be made on the second Wednesday in December annually, to commence at 8 o'clock P.M. The officers shall be annually installed on the ensuing anniversary of St. John the Evangelist; and when that Festival shall happen on a Sunday, the installation shall be on the next day. The Grand MAster shall be installed by his immediate predecessor, or such Past Grand Master as the Grand Lodge may designate for the purpose; or when it is not a new choice, by the Senior Past Grand Master present.

Section 2

The Grand Lodge shall have a common Seal; and the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens and Recording Grand Secretary shall be a Board of Trustees of the real and personal extate of the Grand Lodge, the tenure of which shall be in the name and for the behoof of "the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts;" and a majority of them shall have the power to use the seal for the purpose of carrying into effect all the contracts and resolutions adopted by the Grand Lodge. The said Trustees, or a majority of them, shall have the power to do and transact all things relative to the real and personal property of the Grand Lodge, in the name and on the behalf of the corporation, which are not herein otherways provided for. The corporation shall also hold in trust by deed of assignment the real estate of any subordinate lodge, under such stipulations as may be made by the assignees, and as they may judge proper to accept. And all evidence of the property of the Grand Lodge in fee, and of that held in behalf of the subordinate lodges, shall be recorded in a book kept for the purpose by the Grand Treasurer, as well as in the usual records of the several counties where said real estate lies.

Section 1

All Grand Lodge records, heretofore made, and other masonic papers, shall be safely deposited in the archives of this Grand Lodge; and they never shall be carried out but by the Grand Master's permission.

Section 3

All present and past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens and none others, are recognised as permanent members of the Grand Lodge.