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CONSTITUTIONS AND REGULATIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS

Adopted December 11, 1918

• Part I: General
• Part II: Grand Lodge
• Part III: Particular Lodges
• Part IV: Candidates
• Part V: Brethren
• Part VI: Charity
• Part VII: Miscellaneous

PREAMBLE

Freemasonry is a charitable, benevolent, educational, and religious secret society, adhering to its own peculiar Ancient Landmarks. Its methods of recognition and of symbolic instruction are secret and thereby a test of membership is provided, though a Brother be traveling in foreign countries and among those who would otheiwise be strangers.

It is religious in that it teaches monotheism, the Volume of the Sacred Law is open upon its altars whenever a Lodge is in session, worship of God is ever a part of its ceremonial, and to its neophytes and Brethren alike are constantly addressed lessons of morality; yet it is not theological.

It is educational in that it teaches a perfect system of morality, based upon the Sacred Law, by a prescribed ceremonial; and it also provides libraries and opportunities for study therein.

It is benevolent in that it teaches relief of the poor and distressed as a duty and exemplifies the duty by relief of sick and distressed Brethren, by caring for the widows and orphans of the Brethren, by maintaining homes for aged and distressed Brethren and their dependents, and by providing for the education of orphans.

It is charitable in that none of its income inures to the benefit of any individual, but all is devoted to the improvement and promotion of the happiness of mankind.

It is a social organization only so far as it furnishes additional inducement that men may forgather in numbers, thereby providing more material for its primary work of training, of worship, and of charity.

In ancient times, the Brethren met in General Assembly for the ordering of the affairs of the Craft. With growth in numbers, however, it became necessary, in 1717, to adopt a representative form of government, since which time the Brethren have met in Lodges and each Lodge has sent its delegates to a legislative body known as the Grand Lodge. The voluntary association known as The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was, in 1859, "incorporated, and made a body politic, by the name of The Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, for the purpose of managing and administering the charity funds belonging to said voluntary association, with power to have a common seal, to sue and be sued, to make and ordain, from time to time, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations for the government and management of the Corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth."

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

PART I: GENERAL

COMMON LAW

Section 100

The Common Law of Freemasonry is to be learned from the ancient usages of the Craft as developed and interpreted from and after A.D. 1721. It is the foundation of Masonic jurisprudence.

LANDMARKS

Section 101

The Landmarks are those ancient and universal fundamental principles of the Craft which no Masonic authority ean alter or repeal.

Section 102

This Grand Lodge recognizes the following Landmarks:

• a. Monotheism, the sole dogma of Freemasonry;
• b. Belief in immortality, the ultimate lesson of Masonic philosophy;
• c. The Volume of the Sacred Law, an indispensable part of the furniture of a Lodge;
• d. The legend of the Third Degree;
• e. Secrecy;
• f. The symbolism of the operative art;
• g. A Mason must be a freeborn male adult.

The above list of Landmarks is not declared to be exelusive.

PART II: THE GRAND LODGE

POWERS

Section 200

The Grand Lodge, when congregated, is a representation of every individual Brother of its jurisdiction. It is the supreme and sovereign Masonic authority and is invested with certain original, essential, and unalterable powers and privileges, among which are

• a. To enact laws and regulations for the government of the Craft and to alter and repeal them;
• b. To investigate, regulate, and decide finally all Masonic matters which concern the interest of the Craft, of particular Lodges, or of Brethren;
• c. To establish and preserve a uniform system of work and lectures;
• d. To authorize Dispensations and Charters for Lodges and to suspend or revoke the same.

DELEGATION OF POWERS

Section 201

The Grand Lodge may exercise its powers itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom, it may appoint; except that in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power to revoke Charters of Lodges or to expel or to suspend (except pro tempore) Brethren from the rights and privileges of Masonry.

COMPOSITION

Section 202

The Grand Lodge consists of the Worshipful Masters, the Senior and Junior Wardens, and the Proxies of the Lodges of this jurisdiction; of the officers of the Grand Lodge; and of its Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Past District Grand Masters, and Past Grand Wardens.

VOTING POWERS

Section 203

Each particular Lodge of this jurisdietion shall be allowed three votes in all elections and othcr business, whether represented by one or more of its representatives, as follows:

• a. If the Master and both Wardens are preserrt, each shall cast one vote;
• b. If the Master and one Warden or the'Wardens only are present, the higher in rank shall cast two votes and the other one vote;
• c. If but one representative of a Lodge is present, he shall cast three votes; but the Proxy shall have no vote unless the Master and Wardens are all three absent.

Section 204

Each officer and permanent member of the Grand Lodge except the Grand Organist and Grand Tyler shall be allowed one and only one vote unless he be also a representative of a partieular Lodge.

Section 205

Members of the Grand Lodge cannot delegate the right to vote.

COMMUNICATIONS

Section 206

The Regular Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be held in the city of Boston on the second Wednesday in December, March, June, and September, at two o'clock p.m. or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct. A Communication shall also be held annually on the 27th of December commencing at four o'clock p.m., or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the Installatiou of the Grand Officers and the celebration of the Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist.

When that Anniversary shall happen on Saturday or Sunday the bommunication shall take place on the following Monday.

CALLING COMMUNICATIONS

Section 207

Notification of Regular Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be published in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such Communications. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation.

OFFICERS' RANKS AND TITLES

Section 208

The officers of the Grand Lodge and their respective rank and titles are as follows:

1. M.W. Grand Master.
2. R.W. Deputy Grand Master.
3. R.W. District Grand Masters.
4. R.W. Senior Grand Warden.
5. R.W. Junior Grand Warden
6. R.W. Past Grand Masters.
7. R.W. Past Deputy Grand Masters.
8. R.W. Past District Grand Masters.
9. R.W. Past Grand Wardens.
10. R.W. Directors.
11. R.W. Grand Treasurer.
12. R.W. Grand Secretary.
13. R.W. District Deputy Grand Masters.
14. R.W. Grand Marshal.
15. W. and Rev. Grand Chaplains.
16. W. Grand Lecturers.
17. W. Senior Grand Deacon.
18. W. Junior Grand Deacon.
19. W. Grand Stewards.
20. W. Grand Sword Bearer.
21. W. Grand Standard Bearer.
22. W. Grand Pursuivants.
23. W. Grand Organist.
24. W. Grand Tyler.

GRAND MASTER

Section 209

The Grand Master is the presiding officer of the Corporation. He is also Grand Master of Masons and as such enjoys ex officio 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 its proceedings, and require its eonformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge; and for dereliction of duty, or other un-Masonic 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 Provida juris communis relaxio and do all such other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity.

The Grand Master is requested to make a detailed report of the financial condition of the Grand Lodge in his annual address.

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER

Section 210

The Deputy Grand Master shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, preside in Grand Lodge, and perform such duties and possess such authority as appertain to the Grand Master; and, in case of the inability of the Grand Master to attend, he may call Special Communications of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the Craft, in his oPinion, at any time require it.

GRAND MASTER PRO TEMPORE

Section 211

In case of the death, resignation, or disability of the Grand Masier, the Deputy Grand Master shall act, ex officio, as Grand Master during such disability, or until a successor be chosen.

Section 212

If there be a vacancy in the office of Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, the ranking officer of the Grand Lodge then within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall forthwith call a Special Communication to choose a Grand Master, if the Grand Lodge shall see fit and to transact any such other business as the exigency may require. In the interim, such ranking offreer shall act as Grand Master pro tempore.

Section 213

In the event of the disability or the absence of the Grand Master or Grand Master pro tempore from the jurisdiction, the Grand Secretary shall make a notation thereof upon the records and the ranking officer within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall act as Grand Master pro tempore until a senior ranking officer shall be within the Commonwealth.

DISTRICT GRAND MASTER

Section 214

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

GRAND WARDENS

Section 215

The Grand Wardens shall assist the Grand Master in the Grand Lodge; and, whenever required, shall attend him; and, while he presides in any Lodge, shall act there as his Wardens.

Section 216

In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the senior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the junior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel.

Section 217

In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside; in his absence, the Junior Grand Warden; in the absence of all of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if none of them be present, the ranking officer present shall preside. In such case, the presiding offlcer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master.

DIRECTORS

Section 218

The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom four, at least, shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of the Lodges.

Section 219

The Grand Master shall be President and the Grand Secretary Clerk of the Board of Directors.

Section 220

In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal: but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Said Board shall, however, be at all times subject to the direetion of the Corporation. They shall annually cause an audit to be made of the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and shall report to the Grand Lodge thereon.

Section 221

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held and notified in such manner and at such times as it shall determine. The Grand Master, however, shall have the power to call special meetings at his pleasure.

GRAND TREASURER

Section 222

. The Grand Treasurer shall have 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 sureties. as the Grand Lodge shall require; and shall from time to tine invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive al1 moneys from the Grand Seeretary, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge, and shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors. He shall keep an accurate account of all money bY him received and paid; shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors; and shall deliver to his suecessor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge intrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of whieh receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Secretary.

GRAND SECRETARY

Section 223

The Grand Secretary is the general ministerial officer of the Grand Lodge It is his duty to make a correct record of all the transactions of the Grand Lodge; to receive petitions, applications, and appeals and lay them before the Grand Master; to file and preserve all its records, papers, and documents; to conduct its correspondence; to prepare, sign, seal, certify, and attest charters, dispensations, warrants, commissions and other instruments wherever such action is appropriate; to issue calls for its Communications; to attend to the publication of its proceedings; to attend and act as clerk of its Board of Directors; and to discharge such other duties as naturally devolve upon his office; all his duties being under and subject to the Grand Master whose orders, in any ease, shall be sufficient warrant for any act covered thereby. He shall transmit to the Grand Treasurer all moneys of the Grand Lodge coming into his hands or possession; but shall retain custody of all charters, seals, records, regalia and personal property (other than money and securities) returned to the Grand Lodge unless and until it shall otherwise direct.

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS

Section 224

The District Deputy Grand Masters are the personal representatives of the Grand Master to the Lodges of their respective districts. They shall visit their Lodges and (between the thirty-first of August and the twentieth of November in each year) shall inspect the Charters, By-Laws, Records, and mode of work. They shall conmunicate edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge and Grand Master; shall receive and receipt for all moneys due the Grand Lodge; shall receive the returns of the Lodges and make comments thereon; shall generally supervise and advise their Lodges under the direction of the Grand Master and perform such other duties as are ordered by him. They may, with the approval of the Grand Master, delegate their duties or any part thereof to some suitable Brother. They shall annually transmit the Returns of the Lodges, and all moneys in their hands, to the Grand Secretary on or before the twentieth of November; and if they shall fail to comply with this regulation, unless prevented by sickness or by some other cause beyond their eontrol, they shall not be eligible to re-appointment. They shall be reimbursed their necessary expenses in visiting the Lodges; but shall present their accounts to the Board of Direetors for allowance.

Section 225

The commission of a District Deputy Grand Master may be revoked or his powers suspended at the will and pleasure of the Grand Master.

Section 226

The Grand Master may call meetings of the Distriet Deputy Grand Masters (together with such other officers or members of the Grand Lodge as he may desire) and he is authorized and empowered to draw upon the Grand Treasurer for such sums of money as are necessary to defray the expenses of such meetings.

GRAND MARSHAL

Section 227

The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; shall 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, and communicate and execute the commands of the Grand Master.

GRAND CHAPLAINS

Section 228

Two or more Grand Chaplains shail be appointed who shall attend the Communications and Meetings of the Grand Lodge and perform sueh clerical duties as are suitable to the occasion and as are established by the usages of the Fraternity.

GRAND LECTURERS

Section 229

One or more Grand Lecturers shall be appointed who shell impart instruction to Lodges and exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. The compensation for such services shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and paid by the Grand Lodge. Instruction, other than that directed by the Grand Master, shall be given to any Lodge for the compensation fixed by the Board of Directors, which shail be paid by the Lodge.

GRAND DEACONS

Section 230

The Grand Deacons shall communicate messages, and attend the Grand Master in all processions.

GRAND STEWARDS

Section 231

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

GRAND SWORD BEARER

Section 232

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

GRAND STANDARD BEARER

Section 233

The Grand Standard Bearer shall carry the standard in proeessions if directed so to do and, at other times, shall act as assistant Grand Marshal.

GRAND PURSUIVANTS

Section 234

Two Grand Pursuivants shall be annually appointed. Under the direction of the Grand Marshal, they shall attend to the admission, seating, and proper clothing of officers, members, and visitors. They shall also assist the Grand Marshal in processions and other ceremonies.

GRAND ORGANIST

Section 235

The Grand Organist shall act as organist of the Grand Lodge when directed so to do and shall receive such compensation as may be approved by the Board of Directors.

GRAND TYLER

Section 236

The Grand Tyler shall guard the outer door and see that none enter previously to the opening of the Grand Lodge, except officers and members, unless by special permission of the Grand Master. He shall be the custodian, under orders of the Grand Master, of the regalia and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge.

QUALIFICATIONS OF GRAND OFFICERS

Section 237

No Brother shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, District Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, District Deputy Grand Master, or Grand Lecturer, unless he be a Past Master of a Lodge under the jurisdiction of some Grand Lodge.

Section 238

No Brother shall be eligible to an office in Grand Lodge except he be a Permanent Member thereof, or a member of a particular Lodge of this jurisdiction.

Section 239

The Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall not be eligible to their respective offices for more than three years successively, except by unanimous vote of Grand Lodge, taken by ballot at the Annual Communication.

ELECTION OF GRAND OFFICERS

Section 240

The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication to be held on the second Wednesday in December; the election to commence at three o'clock p. m. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be neeessary to a choice.

Section 241

Four Directors shall be elected at each Annual Communication to serve for two years.

APPOINTMENT OF GRAND OFFICERS

Section 242

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

INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS

Section 243

The officers of the Grand Lodge (except District Grand Masters) shall be annually installed at the Communication held to celebrate the Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist. The Grand Master shal1 be installed by his immediate predecessor; or, in his absence, by the Senior Past Grand Master present; and, in the absence of all Past Grand Masters, by the Senior Past Master present.

Section 244

The Grand Master is requested to install the elective officers, his Deputy, and his District Deputies. The remaining officers may be installed by the Deputy Grand Master.

Section 245

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 abilities, 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.

INSTALLATION BY PROXY

Section 246

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

Section 247

If the Grand Master is absent, his proxy shall install the Deputy Grand Master, who shall install the remaining officers. In the absence of the Deputy Grand Master, either of the Grand Wardens, the Grand Treasurer, or Grand 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 also be members of the Grand Lodge.

Section 248

A1l Grand Officers, when installed, shall be proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, and shall retain their stations until their successors are duly elected and installed.

Section 249

No elected offrcer of the Grand Lodge, except a Director, shall act as such until he is duly installed.

Section 250

Newly elected Directors shall enter upon their duties at the close of the annual installation ceremonies.

VACANCIES

Section 251

In case of the death, disabiiity, resignation, or declination of any elective officer, the Grand Lodge may proceed to elect and install a succesor at any subsequent regular Communication. In the interim, the Grand Master may appoint and qualify a suitable Brother to act, until the office is filled as aforesaid (except that no Director is to be appointed pro tempore).

Section 252

In case of vacancy, temporary or permanent, for any cause, in any appointive office, the Grand Master may act at his pleasure.

REGALIA

Section 253

I. The Jewels of the Grand Officers shall be as follows:

• That of the Grand Master, the Compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a cirele at the points and a gold plate included, on which is represented an eye, eradiated withih a triangle, also eradiated.
• That of the Deputy Grand. Master, the Compasses and Square united, with a five-pointed star in the center.
• That of the Distriet Grand Masters, the Compasses and Square united, with a five-pointed star in the center upon which shall be superimposed a Roman letter D.
• Those of the District Deputy Grand Masters, the Compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle. at the points and a crescent in the center.
• Senior Grand Warden, the Level.
• Junior Grand Warden, the Plumb.
• Grand Treasurer, a chased Key.
• Grand Secretary, two Pens in saltire tied by a ribbon.
• Grand Chaplains, a Book within a Triangle, surmounting a glory.
• Grand Marshal, two Rods in saltire tied by a ribbon.
• Grand Lecturers, an open Book upon the Square and Compasses.
• Grand Deacons, a Dove and Olive Branch.
• Grand Stewarcls, a Cornucopia.
• Grand Sword'Bearer, two Swords in saltire.
• Grand Standard Bearer, a Banner.
• Grand Pursuivants, a Rod and a Sword saltire-wise.
• Grand Organist, a Lyre.
• Grand Tyler, a Sword.
• Each Past Grand Officer may be distinguished by the jewel prescribed for the office he has filled, with this difference, that such jewel shall be fixed within a circle, or oval, of gold or metal gilt. It shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a purple ribbon or metal chain. It may be suspended from the neck by a purple ribbon when another authorized jewel is worn over the left breast.
• The Jewel of each Grand Officer, with the exception of the District Deputy Grand Masters, shall be enclosed within a wreath composed of a sprig of Acacia and an ear of Wheat.
• The Collars of the Grand Officers shall be chains of gold or metal gilt.

II. APRONS.

• The Apron of the Grand Master shall be of white lanobskin, lined with purple, ornamented with the blazing Sun, embroidered in gold in the center; on the edging the pomegranate and lotus, with the seven-eared wheat at each corner, and also on the fall, - all in gold embroidery, the fringe of gold bullion, with purple edging and strings.
• The Apron of the Deputy Grand Master and of a District Grand Master shall be of the same material and lining, having the emblem of his office in gold embroidery in the center, ancl the pomegranate and lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging.
  • The emblem of a Distriet Grand Master shall be within a double circle bearing the name of his District.
• The Aprons of the othet Grand Officers shall be of white lambskin, lined with purple; edging of purple three and a half inches wide; with purple strings; ornamented wrth gold having the emblems of office, in gold, in the center.

Section 254

No Brother shall be admitted into the Grand Lodge, or into any Lodge, without his proper clothing, nor shall any officer of the Grand Lodge, or representatrve of a Lodge (proxies exeepted) be allowed to vote without his jewel unIess he offers a satisfactory excuse and have permission of the Grand Lodge.

SEAL

[SEAL IMAGE]

Section 255

The Seal of the Grand Lodge shall bear the arms, crest, and supporters of this Grand Lodge, impaled with those of the State, as described below, and surrounded by the legend, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, A. F. & A. M., 1733.

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

COMMITTEES

Section 256

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

Section 257

LIBRARY. There shatl be a Library Committee, to consist of three members who, under the direction of the Board of Directors, shall have sole charge of the Library.

Section 258

RECORDS. There shall be a Committee on Records, to consist of three members, who shall examine the current records of the Grand Lodge and report thereon to the Grand Lodge with such recommendations as they may deem expedient. They shall annually, at least, examine all records and report the condition of the oriqinals, the condition of the transcripts, the number of volumes of each, and wbere they are kept.

Section 259

RETURNS. There shall be a Committee on Returns, to eonsist of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine all returns of the Lodges and report to the Grand Master any errors or omissions therein.

Section 260

MUSEUM. There shall be a Museum Committee, to consist of three members, who shall, under the direction of the Board of Directors, collect, preserve, and display curiosities oI the Craft and other articles having historical interest or sentimental value connected directly or indirectly with Freemasonry or Freemasons.

APPOINTMENT

Section 261

All committees shall be appointed and vacancies therein filled by the Grand Master, or, in his absence, by the presiding officer, unless otherwise ordered Ey the Grand Lodge. Each member shall be notified of his appointment by the Grand Secretary.

Section 262

Standing committees shall be appointed annually.

Section 263

Special committees may be appointed at the pleasure of the Grand Master. They shall report to him or to the Grand Lodge as he shall direct.

Section 264

No Brother, not a past or present member of the Grand Lodge, shall be appointed on any committee thereof; but the Grand Master may commission any Brother, in writing, for a specific purpose.

Section 265

The first Brother chosen or appointed shall be Chairman, unless otherwise ordered, and shall designate times and places of meeting.

Section 266

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

Section 267

Members of committees who are not otherwise members of the Grand Lodge shali be entitled to seats, but not to votes therein, and may be permitted. to speak upon all matters coming within the province of their respective committees.

PART III: PARTICULAR LODGES

DISPENSATION FOR NEW LODGES

Section 300

Dispensations for holding new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge on petition of not less thanseven Master Masons of known skill and good standing; provided, however, that in any municipaiity where there are one ^or more Lodges of this jurisdiction the same be recommended by the Lodge, or Lodges, whose jurisdiction witl be affected thereby; and provided, also, that in case the jurisdiction of three or more Lodges is thus affected the recommendation of two-thirds of such Lodges shall be suffcient.

If, in any case, only one Lodge fails to recommend the petition, it may nnevertheless be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge. Questions of jurisdiction under this section shall be determined by the Grand Master.

The fee for such Dispensation shall be twenty-five dollars.

PETITION FOR DISPENSATION

Section 301

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

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

We, the undersigned, being Master Masons in 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, 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 Freemasonry in a constitutional manner, according to the forms of the Order and the Laws of the 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 flrst Junior Warden of the said Lodge. The prayer of this petitlon being granted, we promise strict obedience to the commands of the Grand Master and the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge.

CHARTERS

Section 302

Every Dispensation shall be returned to the Grand Lodge at its Quarterly Communieation next prior to 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.

CERTIFIED COPIES OF CHARTERS

Section 303

For the better preservation of the Charters of Lodges under this jurisdiction, which are likely to become defaced by age or wear, a copy of such Charter, duly certified by the Grand Secretary, and under the seal of the Grand Lodge, may, with the approbation of the Grand Master, be granted to such Lodge on its request, to be used for all Masonic purposes in the same manner and with the same effect as the original Charter : provided, that the Grand Master, whenever he shall deem it expedient, may order the production of the original Charter for inspection or other purposes.

CONSTITUTION

Section 304

Each 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.

SURRENDER OR FORTEITURE

Section 305

Each Lodge is a constituent part of the Grand Lodge, which is the representative body of the whole Craft and of each particular Lodge and individual member. In the Grand Lodge, therefore, resides the fee of all property and effects belonging to the Craft as a whole or to any subdivision thereof so that whenever a Charter shall be surrendered, vacated, or declared forfeited it shall be returned to the Grand Lodge; also the By-Laws, records, seal, regalia, funds, and other property of every description of the Lodge shall forthwith be transferred and delivered to the Grand Lodge.

Section 306

All members of a Lodge which comes within the provisions of Section 305 who shall refuse or neglect to make such transfer and delivery or who shall vote to divide the funds or other property thereof among themselves or be a party to any other disposition thereof than that provided by said Section 305 shall be liable to expulsion from all the rights and privileges of Masonry.

RESTORATION

Section 307

All the property and effects of a Lodge surrendering its Charter, with the intention of resuming it, shall be held by the Grand Lodge until such time as the Charter shall be restored or the intention of reclaiming it be abandoned or the Charter declared forfeited. If and when the Charter shall be restored, such property and effects (excluding increment or interest) shall also be restored. No Charter thus deposited shall be restored unless the constitutional provisions relating to sueh property and effects shall have been strictly complied with, nor unless seven of the petitioners for its restoration were members of the Lodge at the time of its surrender.

STATUS OF MEMBERS OF SMOTHERED LODGES

Section 308

If at any time the Charter of any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be suspended or cancelled for irregular or un-Masonic 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 309

Any Mason knowingly assisting at the Work of a Lodge whose Charter has been suspended or cancelled shall be liable to expulsion from the rights and privileges of Masonry.

LODGES SHALL NOT INCORPORATE

Section 310

No Lodge shall apply for, receive, or act under any corporate Charter granted by the Legislature or political government; and the receiving such Charter of incorporation, or acting thereunder by any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall operate as a surrender and revocation of its Masonic Charter.

POWERS

Section 311

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 eharitable 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.

MEETINGS

Section 312

Each Iodge shall meet once in eaeh calendar month, except that it may omit meetirg for not more than three of tle summer months.

Section 313

No Lodge shall hold more than one meeting in the same day, except to attend ihe funeral of a Master Mason.

CUSTODY OF CHARTER

Section 314

The Master of a Lodge shall have the special eharge of its Charter, and shall see that it is carefully preserved and that it (or a duly certified copy) is present whenever the Lodge is open.

BY-LAWS

Section 315

No Lodge shall suspend the operation of a By-Law; nor at a Special Meeting aiter or amend any part of the proceedings of a Stated one.

WHEN TRANSACT BUSINESS

Section 316

No business other than tbat appertaining to the Work and Lectures shall be transaeted 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 Masters' Lgdge.

MEMBERS

Section 317

The Lodge shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons.

Section 318

No Lodge, in the absence of the Master and both Wardens, shall transact any business or do any work, unless the Grand Master be present or represented by his District Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master, or a Special Deputy.

JURISDICTION

Section 319

The territorial jurisdiction of a Lodge shall be as stated in its Charter. It shall also include all adjoining cities antl towns where no Lodge is located and all other unoccupied territory which is nearer its place of meeting than that of any other Lodge.

Section 320

Lodges located by their Charters in particular sections of municipalities shall have the same jurisdiction therein as if said sections were entire municipalities, and where the boundaries of such sections are uncertain they may be determined by the Grand Master.

Section 321

The several Lodges located in Boston shall have equal and concurreut jurisdiction over the territorial limits of that city.

Section 322

No changes by the Legislature of the Commonwealth, of Municipal Corporations, or boundaries of the territories thereof, shall be held to affect in any way the jurisdiction of Lodges.