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.
Contents
- 1 PART THE FIRST
- 1.1 ARTICLE 1: Style and Title
- 1.2 ARTICLE 2: Officers and Members - Rank and Title
- 1.3 ARTICLE 3: Time and Place of Meeting
- 1.4 ARTICLE 4: Power of the Grand Lodge
- 1.5 ARTICLE 5: Qualifications of Grand Officers
- 1.6 ARTICLE 6: Elections
- 1.7 ARTICLE 7: Installation
- 1.8 ARTICLE 8: Power and Duty of Grand Officers
- 1.8.1 Section 1
- 1.8.2 Section 2
- 1.8.3 Section 3
- 1.8.4 Section 4
- 1.8.5 Section 5
- 1.8.6 Section 6
- 1.8.7 Section 7
- 1.8.8 Section 8
- 1.8.9 Section 9
- 1.8.10 Section 10
- 1.8.11 Section 11
- 1.8.12 Section 12
- 1.8.13 Section 13
- 1.8.14 Section 14
- 1.8.15 Section 15
- 1.8.16 Section 16
- 1.8.17 Section 17
- 1.8.18 Section 18
- 2 PART THE SECOND: GRAND CHARITY FUND
- 3 PART THE THIRD: GENERAL REGULATIONS
- 3.1 ARTICLE 1: Committee of Finance
- 3.2 ARTICLE 2: Dispensations and Charters for New Lodges
- 3.3 ARTICLE 3: Surrender, Forfeiture, and Revocation of Charters
- 3.4 ARTICLE 4: Suspensions and Expulsions
- 3.5 ARTICLE 5: Appeal and Restoration
- 3.6 ARTICLE 6: Committees - Their Appointment &c.
- 3.7 ARTICLE 7: Regalia - Dress in Grand Lodge
- 3.8 ARTICLE 8: Lodges of Instruction
- 3.9 ARTICLE 9: Library Committee
- 4 PART THE FOURTH: SUBORDINATE LODGES
- 5 PART THE FIFTH: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
- 5.1 Section 1
- 5.2 Section 2
- 5.3 Section 3
- 5.4 Section 4
- 5.5 Section 5
- 5.6 Section 6
- 5.7 Section 7
- 5.8 Section 8
- 5.9 Section 9
- 5.10 Section 10
- 5.11 Section 11
- 5.12 Section 12
- 5.13 Section 13
- 5.14 Section 14
- 5.15 Section 15
- 5.16 Section 16
- 5.17 Section 17
- 5.18 Section 18
- 5.19 Section 19
- 5.20 Section 20
- 5.21 Section 21
- 5.22 Section 22
- 6 PART THE SIXTH: RULES (FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE)
- 7 DEFINITIONS
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:
- Most Worshipful Grand Master.
- Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master.
- Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden.
- Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden.
- Right Worshipful Past Grand Master[s].
- Right Worshipful Past Deputy Grand Master[s].
- Right Worshipful Past Grand Wardens.
- Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer.
- Right Worshipful Recording Grand Secretary.
- Right Worshipful Corresponding Grand Secretary.
- Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Masters.
- Worshipful and Reverend Grand Chaplains.
- Worshipful Grand Marshal.
- Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon.
- Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon.
- Worshipful Grand Stewards.
- Worshipful Grand Sword Bearer.
- Worshipful Grand Pursuivants.
- 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
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 06/11/1856: Add the words "at 2 o'clock P.M." after "September" in first sentence.
ARTICLE 4: Power of the Grand Lodge
Section 1
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
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.
Revised 06/11/1856: Strike out [bold words] above.
Section 8
[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]."
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.
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."
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.
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;"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Section 3
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ARTICLE 9: Library Committee
Voted 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.
PART THE FOURTH: SUBORDINATE LODGES
ARTICLE 1: POWERS AND DUTIES
Section 1
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
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.
Section 3
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.
Section 4
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.
Section 5
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 foreiture thereof.
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.
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, agreeaby to the regulation in such case provided.
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.
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.
Section 10
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 (Page 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."
ARTICLE 2: PROXIES OF LODGES
Section 1
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-636.
Section 2
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
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.
Section 2
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.
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.
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.
Section 5
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.
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.
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.
Section 8
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.
Section 9
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.
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.
Section 2
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.
Section 3
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Section 19
It shall not be legal for any Lodge to interfere with the business or concerns of an other Lodge.
Section 20
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Section 9
The Flooring, or Carpet, is a regularly arranged painting of the Masonic emblems on canvas. No Lodge should be without one.
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 synonymosly with flooring and Carpet.
True copy, Attest,
CHARLES W. MOORE, Recording Grand Secretary.
