MassachusettsGC1930

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Contents

CONSTITUTIONS AND REGULATIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS

Adopted March 12, 1930

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 otherwise 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 obtained and accepted an Act of Incorporation from the General Court of Massachusetts, dated March 1, 1859, with power "to make and ordain from time to time By-Laws, Rules and Regulations for the government and management of the Corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth."

Now, Therefore, the following Constitutions and Regulations of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are hereby made, ordained and promulgated as the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of The Master, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of 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 can 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, executive, legislative and judicial and is subject only to the Ancient Landmarks and to such limitations as it may impose upon itself or are imposed by the law of the land.

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 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 jurisdiction shall be allowed three votes in all elections and other business, whether represented by one or more of its representatives, as follows:

  • a. If the Master and both Wardens are present, 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 particular 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 Installation 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 communication 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 conformity 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.

Such suspension shall remain in effect as fixed by the Grand Master unless the Grand Lodge otherwise orders.

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 officer shall act as Grand Master pro tempore.

The term "ranking officer" in this section shall not apply to District Grand Masters or Past District Grand Masters.

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 shall notify the ranking officer within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who 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 exceed 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 if directed to do so by him.

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 officer (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. It shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. It shall annually cause an audit to be made of the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and shall report to the Grand Lodge thereon. Said Board shall, however, be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation.

Section 221

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be notified and held 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 time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive all moneys from the Grand Secretary, 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 successor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge intrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Secretary.

The Board of Directors may appoint an Assistant Grand Treasurer who in the event of the disability or absence of the Grand Treasurer shall act on his behalf and shall at all times perform such other functions as the Board of Directors may direct.

Amended 03/11/1942, Page 1942-43, by addition of the second paragraph.

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 receive and examine all returns of Lodges and to correct or cause to be corrected errors and omissions therein; 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, or certified copies thereof, By-Laws, records, and mode of work. They shall communicate edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge and Grand Master; shall receive and receipt for all moneys due the Grand Lodge dues of members as provided in Section 332; 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 control, 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 Directors for allowance.

Section 225

The Grand Master may call meetings of the District 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 226

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 227

Two or more Grand Chaplains shall be appointed who shall attend the Communications and 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.

GRAND LECTURERS

Section 228

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

GRAND DEACONS

Section 229

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

GRAND STEWARDS

Section 230

Four Grand Stewards shall be appointed annually. 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 231

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 232

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

GRAND PURSUIVANTS

Section 233

Two Grand Pursuivants shall be appointed annually. 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 234

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 235

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 236

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 237

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 238

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 239

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 necessary to a choice.

Section 240

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

Section 241

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

INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS

Section 242

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 243

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 244

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 245

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

Section 246

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 247

All 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 248

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

Section 249

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

VACANCIES

Section 250

In case of the death, disability, resignation, or declination of any elective officer, the Grand Lodge may proceed to elect and install a successor 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 251

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

SEAL

GC1918_Seal.jpg

Section 252

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 253

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 each Quarterly Communication, and shall recommend to the Grand Lodge such further action in reference to Charters and By-Laws as may be required and cannot be had under the Provisions of this Section.

Section 254

LIBRARY. There shall 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 255

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 originals, the condition of the transcripts, the number of volumes of each, and where they are kept.

Section 256

RETURNS. There shall be a Committee on Returns, to consist of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine all returns of the Lodges and report to the Grand Master thereon.

Section 257

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 of the Craft and other articles having historical interest or sentimental value connected directly or indirectly with Freemasonry or Freemasons.

APPOINTMENT

Section 258

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 259

Standing committees shall be appointed annually.

Section 260

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 261

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 262

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

Section 263

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

Section 264

The Grand Master may appoint and commission Representatives of this Grand Lodge near other Grand Lodges with whom we are in fraternal relations, and may receive Brethren commissioned to represent such other Grand Lodges near this Grand Lodge.

Section 265

Members of Committees and Representatives of other Grand Lodges who are not otherwise members of this Grand Lodge shall 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 or relating especially to the Grand Lodges which they represent.

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 than seven Master Masons of known skill and good standing.

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 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.

CHARTERS

Section 302

Every Dispensation shall be returned to the Grand Lodge at its Quarterly Communication 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, District Grand Master, or District Deputy 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 FORFEITURE

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 such 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.

If such Charter is cancelled for any other reason or is surrendered, the members of the Lodge then in good standing shall receive dimits from the Grand Secretary or District Grand Secretary.

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 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.

MEETINGS

Section 312

Each Lodge shall meet once in each calendar month, except that it may omit meeting for not more than three of the summer months.

Section 313

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

CUSTODY OF CHARTER

Section 314

The Master of a Lodge shall have the special charge 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 that appertaining to the Work and Lectures or the installation of officers, shall be transacted in a Lodge while open on the first or second degree. All general business, such as the election 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' Lodge.

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 and towns where no Lodge is located and all other unoccupied territory which is nearer its place of meeting than that of any other Lodge.

If, however, the jurisdiction of a Lodge as stated in its named in the charter shall be a college, university, or other institution of like character and standing, such jurisdiction shall be limited to, and include only, the following: viz., concurrent jurisdiction with the Lodge shall have jurisdiction, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 403, equal and concurrent with the Lodge or Lodges having regular territorial jurisdiction over any candidate who, at the time of application is an officer, student, or employee in, and who, in addition to having a Masonic residence in Massachusetts, shall have been on the rolls of officially recognized by such college, university, or institution, as an officer, instructor, student, alumnus or employee for six months continuously next preceding the date of his application.

The special jurisdiction conferred by this section shall not be subject to waiver on the part of the Lodge enjoying it.

Revised 09/08/1943, Page 1943-130, as shown above.

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 concurrent 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.

PLACE OF MEETING

Section 323

No Lodge, unless authorized by the Grand Master, shall hold a meeting, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, in any place other than the one designated in its Charter, under the penalty of a forfeiture thereof. In cases where the jurisdiction of a Lodge is named in its charter as a college or university or other institution of like character and standing, the word 'municipality' shall be held to mean that municipality in which the administrative offices of the college are located."

Revised 09/09/1936 by the addition of the second sentence. (1936-166)

REMOVAL

Section 324

No petition for the removal of a Lodge from the place in which it is located without first obtaining the consent of the Grand Lodge upon petition.

QUALIFICATIONS OF MASTER

Section 325

No Brother shall be installed Master of a Lodge who has not served at least one year in the office of Warden.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Section 326

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

REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE

Section 327

Every Lodge shall be 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 and being a member of said Lodge, a proxy, to represent it 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 is appointed, and to vote in the absence of the Master and Wardens of the Lodge he represents.

Section 328

Any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, but established beyond the territorial limits of Massachusetts, may constitute an honorary member of such Lodge to act as its proxy in Grand Lodge.

Section 329

The letter by which a Lodge shall appoint a proxy shall be in form and substanee as follows, viz.:

[SEAL of Lodge and SIGNATURE of Master]

To the Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts:

Be it known, That Brother ------, of ------, having been chosen by the members of ------ Lodge, in ------, to represent said Lodge in Grand Lodge the ensuing year, I do by these presents, in their behalf, constitute and appoint him their representative, for them to appear, and upon all subjects relating to the Craft in general and to said Lodge in particular, to act and decide as fully as though we were personally present.

Confirming the acts of our beloved Brother, in his capacity aforesaid, we pray that he may enjoy all the privileges and protection to which we are entitled.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of our Lodge to be affixed, this ------ day of ------, A.L. 59--.

Attest: ------, Secretary.

The words "the ensuing year" may be omitted by Lodges not located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Section 330

Each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, represented by proxy in the Grand Lodge, shall issue the commission annually. All such commissions shall expire with the closing of the Grand Lodge on the festival of Saint John the Evangelist, or the day of Installation; and no Brother shall represent more than one Lodge at the same time as proxy, nor shall he be representative of one or more Lodges and proxy for another. Commissions of proxies of Lodges located without said Commonwealth shall remain in force until revoked or until a new commission issues.

INSTRUCTION OF REPRESENTATIVES

Section 331

The majority of the members of any Lodge, when duly assembled, shall have the right to instruct their representatives ln the Grand Lodge.

DUES TO GRAND LODGE

Section 332

Each Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge five dollars for each candidate initiated; and shall receive from the Grand Lodge as many Diplomas as it may make Master Masons.

Each Brother who is a member of one or more Lodges located within the jurisdiction, shall annually pay toward the support of the Grand Lodge two dollars. Said sum shall be due annually in advance on the first day of September for the period from September first to August thirty-first, inclusive. Said sum shall be collected by the particular Lodges, except as otherwise provided by the Grand Lodge. The particular Lodges shall account for and pay over the moneys so collected by them to the Grand Lodge in accordance with such regulations as shall be fixed by the Grand Lodge.

Amended 03/09/1949, as indicated above, 1949-26.

GRAND LODGE DUES

Section 332A

Each Lodge shall pay, annually, to the Grand Lodge for its charitable uses and support the sum of three dollars for each of its members, such payments to be made at such times, in such manner, and with such appropriate credits for dual memberships, remissions of dues, or other causes, as the Board of Directors of th Grand Lodge may from time to time prescribe. The per capita payments hereby established shall be assessed by the lodge upon its members in addition to any Lodge dues.

Added 03/09/1949.

PREPAYMENT OF GRAND LODGE DUES

Section 332B

Any member may prepay all future Grand Lodge dues by remitting direct to the Grand Lodge the sum of one hundred dollars, less one dollar and fifty cents for each year of attained age in excess of age twenty-one, and thereafter no further assessment shall be made by the Grand Lodge upon said member or upon any Lodge on account of said member. All monies so paid to the Grand Lodge shall be used by it exclusively for charitable purposes and no refund shall be made on account of the death or dimit of the member or for any other purpose. The investment and expenditure of all funds received for Grand Lodge life memberships shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise voted by the Grand Lodge, expenditures from the principal of the funds shall not in any one year, exceed a sum equal to three dollars for each life member.

Added 03/09/1949.

WORK

Section 333

All Lodges shall observe the same usages and customs. In order to preserve uniformity in work, the Master and Wardens shall qualify themselves in the Work and Lectures sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, that they may be enabled to instruct their respective Lodges.

Section 334

No Lodge shall permit more than one candidate to be present, at the same time, in the first section of the first degree, nor in the seeond section of the third degree.

Section 335

No Lodge shall confer any one of the three degrees upon more than five candidates at one meeting.

Section 336

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 337

No Lodge shall confer more than one degree upon the same candidate on the same day, nor at a less interval than four weeks from the time of his receiving the previous degree, unless a Dispensation therefor shall have been obtained.

It is the sense of the Grand Lodge that such Dispensation should be granted only in ease of necessity or extraordinary emergency, and never to confer the third degree upon the same day on which the second is conferred.

POLITICS, ETC.

Section 338

No political, sectarian, religious dogma, or other exciting topic shall be introduced for discussion in any Lodge uncler this jurisdiction.

PUBLIC PROCESSION

Section 339

No Lodge shall form a public procession, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, without permission from the Grand Master (or, in his absence, the Acting Grand Master).

RECUSANTS

Section 340

As each particular Lodge is a constituent part of the Grand Lodge, in which assembly all the powers of the Fraternity reside, so no other authority can destroy the power granted by a Charter. If, therefore, the majority of any Lodge should determine to leave the Institution, or leave that Lodge, the Charter and power of assembling remain with the members who adhere to their allegiance. If the number remaining, shall, however, be reduced to less than seven, the Charter and other property of the Lodge shall be delivered to the Grand Lodge as hereinbefore provided.

CENTENARY WARRANT

Section 341

When any Lodge, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, shall have completed an existence of a century, it may make application to the Grand Master for a Centenary Warrant, setting forth its claims and submitting the necessary evidence to his satisfaction; whereupon he may issue such a Warrant, in form as hereinafter prescribed, granting to the officers and members of such Lodge the privilege of wearing a distinctive medal commemorating the fact, which privilege shall be restricted to the officers and members in good standing of the said Lodge.

FORM OF A CENTENARY WARRANT

To the Worshipful Master. Wardens, and Brethren of (such a) Lodge, located at (such a Place) :

WHEREAS, It appears by the Records of the Grand Lodge, that on the ------ day of ------ Anno Lucis 5----, a Charter (or Dispensation as the case may be) was granted to certain Brethren therein named authorizing and empowering them and their associates and successors to open a Regular Lodge for the purpose of entering Apprentices, passing Fellowcrafts, and raising Master Masons under the name and title of ------:

And whereas the Brethren at present composing the said Lodge are desirous, now that one hundred years have elapsed since the Constitution of the Lodge, that they may be permitted to wear a jewel commemorative of such event, and have prayed the sanction of the Most Worshipful Grand Master for the purpose:

NOW, THEREFORE, KNOW YE, that I, ------ Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby give and grant to all and each of the members of said Lodge permission to wear in all Masonic Meetings, suspended to the left breast by a ribbon of blue, a jewel or medal, of the pattern or device of the drawing in the margin hereof, as a Centenary Medal. But such Medal is to be worn only by those Brethren who are in regular standing in the said Lodge.

Given at the Masonic Temple, Boston, this ------ day of ------ A.L.

Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

Attest:
(Seal of G.L.) Grand Secretary.

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION

Revised 12/13/1933, Page 1933-503ff.

Section 342

Lodges of Instruction may be holden with the permission of the Grand Master, in writing: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that not less than two Lodges shall apply for such permission. The Lodges and 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.

The Grand Master is authorized and requested to form the Lodges holding Charters of this Grand Lodge into Lodges of Instruction for the purpose of presenting to the candidates of each constituent Lodge and to Master Masons such non-ritualistic instruction and programs as may be approved by the Grand Master. He may issue Warrants to such Lodges of Instruction specifying the particular Lodge composing them, and he may at any time and from time to time change the membership of such Lodges. If, in the opinion of the Grand Master, it shall, at any time, be inexpedient to form the Lodges which are chartered by this Grand Lodge outside the Commonwealth into Lodges of Instruction or to continue in existence any such Lodges of Instruction formed pursuant hereto he may require that such instruction and programs shall be presented in the particular Lodges which are not members of any Lodge of Instruction in such manner and under such conditions as he may at any time and from time to time order.

Section 343

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 sane, subject to such rules, regulations, and assessments as may be agreed upon.

The Grand Master may appoint a Committee on Masonic Education to consist of such members as he may from time to time decide who shall hold office during his pleasure. Such Committee shall, under his direction and subject to his approval, have general supervision of such Lodges of Instruction and of the instruction and programs presented therein.

Section 344

Each Lodge of Instruction shall keep a record of its proceedings, and of the names of all visiting Brethren present at each meeting, and of Brethren appointed to hold office; and such record shall be produced when called for by the Grand Master, or by either of the petitioning Lodges.

Lodges of Instruction when formed pursuant hereto shall organize in such manner as the Grand Master may order and may adopt such by-laws and other rules for the conduct of their work as may be approved by the Grand Master or by the Committee on Masonic Education under his direction. Such Lodges shall be answerable for their proceedings and responsible that the type of instruction and programs therein adopted have received the sanction of the Grand Master. They shall meet at such times and in such places as they may from time to time decide and shall give notice of such meetings to the Master of each constituent Lodge. They shall present to the candidates of each constituent Lodge and to Master Masons such instruction and programs as may be approved by the Grand Master or by the Committee on Masonic Education under his direction. Each Lodge of Instruction shall keep a record of its proceedings, and of the names of all Brethren present at each meeting who are not members of the constituent Lodges, and of the Brethren chosen to hold office, and such records shall be produced by such Lodges when called for by the Grand Master or by any of the constituent Lodges.

Section 345

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

Masters of each constituent Lodge composing any Lodge of Instruction shall cause notice of the times and places of the meetings of such Lodges of Instruction to be given to the Brethren of the constituent Lodges through their regular Lodge notices, or by reading in open Lodge if written or printed notices are not used, or in such other manner as the Grand Master may order or approve. It shall be the duty of the Master of each constituent Lodge to see that the candidates of his Lodge are present to receive such instruction in the three degrees, unless excused by him for good reason, in which case it shall be his duty to see that such candidates receive the required instruction. All members of the constituent Lodges shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Lodge of Instruction.

Section 346

Any Brother, being a member of a Lodge of this jurisdiction, may become a member of any Lodge of Instruction in this Commonwealth by complying with the regulations thereof.

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

Section 347

Lodges of Instruction have none of the rights of chartered Lodges.

DISTRICTS

Section 348

The Grand Master is requested to form the Lodges holding Charters of this Grand Lodge into Districts, for each of which a District Deputy Grand Master shall be appointed annually; except that outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where Lodges are chartered by this Grand Lodge, the appointment of District Grand Masters at and during pleasure is a prerogative of the Grand Master.

FOREIGN DISTRICTS

Section 349

A District Grand Master shall enjoy, in his District, a rank and dignity similar to those possessed by the Grand Master.

Section 350

The District Grand Master may appoint a Deputy District Grand Master who shall discharge the duties of a Deputy District Grand Master, and in case of the death of the District Grand Master, his disability, or absence from the District, shall act as District Grand Master until a successor shall be appointed in due course. The District Grand Master may also appoint such other officers as may be necessary or desirable for the satisfactory conduct of the affairs of Masonry in his District appertaining to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, whose duties shall be such as are performed by officers of like title in the Grand Lodge.

VISITATIONS

Section 351

Every Master or presiding officer of a Lodge when notified of an intended official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master shall convene his Lodge, receive the Deputy as the representative of the Grand Master, 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 Returns of the Lodge and all moneys due the Grand Lodge except Grand Lodge dues of members as provided in Section 332.

RETURNS

Section 352

The Lodges shall deliver to their District Grand Master or to their District Deputy Grand Master an Annual Return of their officers and members, of all candidates initiated, crafted, and raised, and of such other information as the Grand Lodge may require agreeably to the form established by the Grand Lodge; for which purpose suitable blanks shall be furnished.

The Annual Returns aforesaid shall cover the period from September first to August thirty-first, inclusive, which period shall constitute the fiscal year of the several Lodges.

Section 353

Any Lodge neglecting to present its Returns and Grand Lodge dues and moneys due the Grand Lodge to the District Grand Master or to the District Deputy Grand Master at the time of his official visit to such Lodge, when demanded by him, shall not be permitted to work in any of the degrees of Masonry until such Returns and dues are placed in the hands of the District Grand Master or of the District Deputy Grand Master and shall be subject to such further action as the Grand Lodge may see fit to take in the premises.

If any Lodge shall neglect to make its Returns and payments to the Grand Lodge for the space of two years, the Charter, Funds, Regalia, and all other property and effects of such Lodge shall be delivered to the Grand Lodge.

SUMMONS

Section 354

If the Master and Wardens of any Lodge be summoned to attend the Grand Master, the District Grand Master, or the District Deputy Grand Master within whose jurisdiction it is located, or any Special Deputy of the Grand Master, or any committee of the Grand Lodge, or to produce the Charter, books, papers, or accounts of their Lodge, and refuse to comply with said summons or give satisfactory reasons for non-compliance, they may be suspended, and the proceedings shall be reported to the Grand Lodge; when, in case of contumacy, expulsion or revocation of Charter shall be the penalty.

EXEMPLIFICATIONS

Section 355

It shall be the duty of each District Deputy Grand Master to convene the Lodges of his District at least once in two years for the purpose of holding a District Exemplification of the work and lectures of the three degrees under the supervision of one of the Grand Lecturers, unless excused, for eause. by the Grand Master.

PART IV: CANDIDATES

FEES

Section 400

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

The Lodges located in any city or town except Boston, shall agree upon a minimum fee of not less than twenty-five dollars; and in case they cannot agree, the minimum fee shall be fixed by the Grand Master. No reduction shall be made in the fee for degrees required by a Lodge, excepting by a two-thirds vote of the Grand Lodge. No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall charge less than twenty-five dollars for the degrees, or take a note of hand for the fees, or grant any time of credit therefor, or confer any degree gratuitously or without the regular charge therefor, or return any fees after the three degrees have been conferred.

APPLICATIONS

Section 401

All applications for initiation shail be made in writing over the signature of the applicant and in the following form:

FORM OF PETITION

This form must be entirely filled out by the applicant in his own handwriting.

To the W. Master, Wardens, and Members of ------ Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons:

I, the subscriber, respectfully represent that, having long entertained a favorable opinion of your ancient Institution, I am desirous, if found worthy, to be admitted a member thereof. My full name is: -------
My place of residence is: -------
Street and number -------
My place of business is -------
Street and number -------
I have resided in this town (or city) since -------
Previous residence -------
Date of birth -------
Place of birth -------
Occupation -------
I have never before applied for initiation.
I have before applied for initiation to ------ Lodge located at ------- in the year 19----
(The form not used to be crossed out by the applicant).
Have you ever before applied for initiation? ------- If you have before applied, state to what Lodge, where located, and what year.
Have you ever before applied for initiation or appeared before a pre-application committee in this or any other Masonic jurisdiction? If so, state name and location of Lodge and in what year. -------
★★ Have you ever before applied for initiation in this or any other Masonic jurisdiction?
★★ If so, state name and location of Lodge or Lodges, and in what year.
★★ Have you ever before appeared before a pre-application committee in this or any other Masonic jurisdiction?
★★ If so, state name and location of Lodge or Lodges, and in what year.
★★ Have you ever been refused an application for initiation in this or any other Masonic jurisdiction?
★★ If so, state name and location of Lodge or Lodges, and in what year.


( Signed) -------
Date -------

RECOMMENDATION

I ------ member of ------ Lodge aforesaid, hereby recommend said ------ for initiation.
( Signed)

Amended 09/09/1931 as indicated above.
★ Amended 12/08/1937 as indicated above.
★★ Amended 09/13/1944 as indicated above.

JURISDICTION

Section 402

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

WAIVER OF JURISDICTION

Section 403

No person residing in a town or city where there is a Lodge or where any Lodge or Lodges have jurisdiction under the provisions of Section 319 shall be balloted for in any Lodge located in any other town or city, without the written consent of the Grand Master or District Grand Master for the District Grand Master for the District of the balloting Lodge, written application for such consent having been made by the Master of the Lodge receiving the application for the degrees.

MASONIC NON-RESIDENTS

Section 404

No candidate residing in any other recognized jurisdiction shall be balloted for without the written permission of the Grand Master of such jurisdiction, except as provided in the following Section.

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS

Section 405

While in active service, any merchant-mariner, or any soldier, sailor, or employee of government whose duties under official orders in ordinary course require his absence for indefinite and extended periods from his legal residence, whose application has never been rejected and who (at the time of application has not actually resided for six months within the jurisdiction of some particular Lodge, may apply to any Lodge having jurisdiction over a port, post, or station where he is officially commorant.

COMMITTEE OF INVESTIGATION

Section 406

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

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

NOTICE

Section 407

Candidates must be proposed at a Regular Monthly Meeting and stand proposed from one Regular Monthly Meeting to another; and in Lodges usually issuing written or printed notifications the names of candidates must be borne upon the notifications of the Meeting at which they are to be balloted for.

An application that has been received by a Lodge may not be withdrawn, but must go to ballot. If the ballot is favorable, the application may then be withdrawn with the consent of the Lodge, in which case the status of the applicant is the same as before the application was presented.

BALLOT

Section 408

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

Section 409

A clear and unanimously favorable ballot shall be necessary to the election of a candidate.

Section 410

Every member of the Lodge present at the time of the ballot shall vote unless excused by the Lodge.

Section 411

Immediately before the business of receiving the reports of investigating committees is commenced, the Master shall permit the entrance of any members of the Lodge who have presented themselves to the Tyler seeking and prepared for admission. During the period from the commencement of the report of such a committee until the declaration of the ballot on the candidate under consideration, no one shall be permitted to enter or leave the Lodge except only in case of extraordinary emergency.

During such period, no other business whatever shall be transacted, except only that while the ballot is being taken, the Master, in his discretion, may call for and receive the report of such committee on the application upon which the ballot is next to be taken.

In balloting for degrees or membership, the Worshipful Master may allow three ballotings, at his discretion, but no more. When the balloting has been commenced it must be concluded, and the candidate declared accepted or rejected, without the intervention of any other business.

Section 412

Casting a black ball factiously and without just cause is a Masonic offense for which a member is subject to Masonic punishment.

ELECTED CANDIDATES

Section 413

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

REJECTED APPLICATIONS

Section 414

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

JURISDICTION OVER REJECTED APPLICANTS

Section 415

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

(b) Such recommendation shall specify the Lodge which may receive the petition of the rejected candidate. The request for release of jurisdiction and recommendation shall be read in the Lodge to which it is presented, and borne upon the notice for a Monthly Meeting, if the Lodge usually issues such notices; and shall not be granted before the close of that Meeting, or the close of the next Monthly Meeting after it is read if the Lodge does not usually issue such notices; in the meantime any Brother having good reasons for objecting to granting the request may make then known to the W. Master or Wardens. The W. Master shall report to the Lodge whether or not the request is granted, and shall cause the same to be noted on the Record.

(c) The word "recommendation" is to be taken in its full and complete sense, and is not to be construed as a consent or permission only.

(d) When a recommendation is granted, the Secretary shall make the following endorsement upon it:

Entered on the Records of ------ Lodge.
Attest: ------ Secretary. (Seal)

Section 416

Any candidate whose application has been rejected who shall, within five years after such rejection, be initiated in any Lodge in this jurisdiction, other than the one to which he first applied, without the recommendation aforesaid, shall be deemed an irregularly made Mason, and all Masonic intercourse with him is forbidden. Any Mason who, knowing of such rejection, shall advise or assist in such initiation or be a party or accessory thereto before or after the fact, shall be expelled or subjected to such other penalty as the Grand Lodge may see fit to impose.

Amended 09/09/1936 by addition as shown above.

OBJECTION TO ADVANCEMENT

Section 417

Any member of a Lodge may object in writing or in open Lodge to the initiation, passing, or raising by said Lodge of a candidate, at any time before the degree is conferred; and the Lodge shall investigate such objection and decide thereon by a majority vote before proceeding further with the candidate.

If the objection be sustained, the entire fee by the candidate shall be returned.

ADVANCEMENT OF FOREIGN MASONS

Section 418

No Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft, initiated or passed in any Lodge within the United States, shall be passed or raised in any other Lodge under this jurisdiction without the consent of the Lodge in which he was first admitted, except by Dispensation from the Grand Master.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Section 419

If the physical deformity of any applicant for the degrees does not amount to an inability to meet the requirements of the Ritual and honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, it sha1l constitute no hindrance to his initiation.

LODGE MEMBERSHIP

Section 420

The fees for initiating, passing, and raising, shall entitle the applicant to membership in the Lodge which accepts his application and confers the degrees, without further charge or ballot if the applicant signs the By-Laws within one year from the date of raising; and reserving the right of objection for such signing, for cause, the sufficiency of which shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the members present at a Regular Monthly Meeting. No candidate shall be in good standing in the Lodge to which he is elected until he has signed the By-Laws.

Should the candidate fail to sign the By-Laws within such year he may obtain membership in the Lodge to which he was elected, or in some other Lodge, as provided in Section 422.

HEALING

Section 421

Whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that any irregularly made Mason is irregular for a reason not attributable to his own fault, the Grand Master, in his discretion, may cause such irregular Mason to be healed.

AFFILIATION

Section 422

A Master Mason in good standing in the Fraternity or holding a dimit from a regular Lodge may apply for membership by affiliation to any Lodge within this jurisdiction, whether or not he resides within the jurisdiction of the Lodge to which he applies.

Such application must be made upon the blank furnished therefor by the Grand Lodge.

Action upon such application for membership shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 406 to Section 411 inclusive except that an application for membership may be withdrawn without ballot.

If such an application be made to the Lodge from which the applicant took dimit and within five years from date of his dimitting, it may be accepted by a majority vote of those present at a regular meeting of the dimitting Lodge, the other provisions of the Grand Constitutions having been complied with.

The provisions of Section 414, Section 415 and Section 416 do not apply to rejected applications for membership.

Amended by the insertion of the above paragraph, 06/08/1938.

PART V: BRETHREN

VISITING

Section 500

It is the privilege of every affiliated Mason, in good and regular standing, to visit any Lodge when not engaged in the transaction of private business unless objection is made by a sitting member of the Lodge to the admission of such visitor, in which event such visitor shall not be admitted during that meeting.

Section 501

Except on a duly authorized public occasion, no visitor shall be admitted into a tyled Lodge, unless he produces a duly authorized uniform card showing the payment or remission of this Grand Lodge and Particular Lodge dues for the next preceding or current fiscal year, or, if he be a member of a Lodge under the jurisdiction of a regular Grand Lodge other than this Grand Lodge, produces a receipt for the payment of his Particular Lodge dues for the next preceding or current fiscal or calendar year for the current fiscal year, or for the next preceding fiscal year if the card be presented within six months after the expiration date thereof, as may be the custom of such jurisdiction; and complies with one of the following conditions:

1st. Being vouched for in writing by a Brother present who, if not a member, shall himself be vouched for at the time by a member of the Lodge and who shall, if required, state in writing when and where he sat with the visitor in a tyled Lodge, and the degree upon which such Lodge was then open.

2d. Producing a certificate or diploma of a regular Grand Lodge, and passing a satisfactory examination. A certificate under seal of the Secretary of a regular Lodge may be accepted in lieu of the Grand Lodge certificate, but the acceptance of such a certificate, or of a Grand Lodge certificate dated more than three years previous to the date of visit, shall be at the discretion of the Master of the Lodge visited. If the required uniform card or receipt presented by the visitor bears his signature attested by the Secretary of the Lodge of which the visitor is a member, the Master of the Lodge visited may waive the production of a certificate or diploma of a regular Grand Lodge.

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

Amended 09/10/1952, Page 1952-214, by revising the text as shown.

Section 502

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

SUSPENSION OR DISCHARGE

Section 503

A Brother who has been discharged or suspended for non-payment of dues, shall have no right to attend the meetings of any Lodge until the amount due the suspending Lodge has been paid or remitted.

UNAFFILIATED MASONS

Section 504

A Master Mason who has voluntarily remained for more than one year without being affiliated with some regular Lodge shall not of right be entitled to any of the benefits or privileges of Masonry, and shall be subject to the same disabilities as if under suspension for non-payment of dues.

DIMITS

Section 505

Any member of a Lodge who has paid his dues to the Lodge and the Grand Lodge is entitled to a dimit upon application therefor. Such dimit should date from the receipt of the application by the Secretary and should be reported to the next succeeding meeting of the Lodge for record.

Section 506

A Brother who holds a dimit or a certificate of good standing may at any time petition for affiliation and, if rejected, a certificate stating the date of such rejection shall be given him by the Secretary of the rejecting Lodge, under its seal. The holder thereof shall be considered as in good standing in the Fraternity for one year from his last rejection and no longer.

REINSTATEMENT

Section 507

A Brother who has been suspended for non-payment of dues and whose dues have been paid or remitted may be reinstated by a majority vote of those present at a regular meeting of the suspending Lodge. If not reinstated, he is entitled to a certificate of good standing in the Fraternity.

Section 508

A Brother who has been discharged for non-payment of dues may, by ballot as provided in Section 422, be admitted to membership in the same or any other Lodge, provided his dues have been paid or remitted; subject, however, to all the formalities usually attending admission to membership, except that if readmitted by the discharging Lodge no membership fee shall be demanded unless required by its By-Laws. 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.

BURIAL

Section 509

No Mason shall 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 Master Mason and was in good standing at the time of his death.

TRIALS

Section 510

JURISDICTION OF LODGES. A Lodge has original jurisdiction to entertain proceedings against a Brother when

(a) He is a member thereof;

(b) The offense is alleged to have been committed within the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge and the accused Brother is not a member of any Lodge having concurrent territorial jurisdiction; or

(c) Service is made upon the accused Brother within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and it does not affirmatively appear that he is a member of a Lodge within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Section 511

TRIAL COMMISSIONERS. The Grand Master is requested annually to appoint a Board of five Past or Present Masters of Lodges, to be styled Commissioners of Trials; but he may in his discretion appoint a Special Board of Commissioners for the trial of any given cause. The first-named of said Board shall be the President thereof, and three members shall constitute a quorum. A single member may take testimony. In the absence of the President, the Board shall elect a President pro tempore.

The Grand Master is requested to appoint annually a Past Master of a Lodge to be styled Judge Advocate to perform such duties as may be delegated to him by the Grand Master. The Judge Advocate shall receive for his services, and for necessary expenses, such compensation as the Grand Master shall determine.

Section 512

PROCEDURE. Whenever a Brother shall be accused of any offense which, if proved, might subject him to expulsion or suspension from the rights and privileges of Masonry the proceedings in the premises shall be conducted agreeably to the following rules:

(a) The accusation shall be made in writing, with specifications of the offense, under the signature of a Master Mason, and given in charge to the Master, who shall summon his Lodge to act upon the accusation, except as provided by paragraph (e) infra.

(b) If the Lodge, by a majority vote of its members present, determine that the charges require investigation, the accusation shall be given in charge to the Grand Secretary, who shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, transmit the same to the Chairman, or Chairman pro tempore, of the Board.

(c) The accused shall be served with an attested copy of charges together with a summons, which may be issued by any Commissioner, to appear at a time and place to be named in said summons and make such answer to the charges and accusations as he may desire. The summons shall be served upon the accused fourteen days, at least, before the return day thereof. Such appearance may be made in person before the Chairman, or Chairman pro tempore, or by filing an answer in writing with such President.

(d) If the residence of the accused be unknown, the Commissioners may proceed to examine the charges and accusation ex parte; but if known and out of the Commonwealth, a summons shall be sent him, by mail or otherwise, thirty days at least before the time appointed for his appearance. The service and the return thereof shall be according to regulations to be made by the Commissioners, and, when so made, shall be conclusive.

(e) If the accusation does not come within the provisions of Section 510, or if it be presented direct to the Grand Lodge, such accusation and specifications shall be presented to the Grand Master, who may in his discretion transmit the same to the Chairman, or Chairman pro tempore, of the Board, and, if the Board of Commissioners shall determine that the charges require investigation, the Board shall thereafter proceed in the same manner as above required.

(f) A Lodge or Brother aggrieved by the failure of a Lodge to determine that the charges require investigation may appeal to the Grand Master, who may, in his discretion, cause the charges to be transmitted to the Chairman, or Chairman pro tempore, of the Board, and the Board shall thereafter proceed in the same manner as above provided.

(g) The examination upon the charge and accusation shall be had at some convenient place and time to be designated by the Commissioners, of which due notice shall be given, and no visitors shall be admitted except as counsel or witnesses. Unless otherwise ordered by the Commissioners, the testimony may be taken by the Chairman or Chairman pro tempore, or any member designated by him, who shall reduce the substance of the same to writing, to be submitted to the Board. Witnesses, if Masons, shall testify on their honor as such. Other witnesses shall be duly sworn before their testimony is taken or stenographer for the Commissioners or the respondent, provided that such stenographer is a Mason.

Amended 09/09/1936, by the addition of text above.

(h) Each Commissioner shall have the power to issue a summons to any member of the Fraternity then being or residing within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge commanding him to appear at said time and place and testify as a witness. A summons may be served by copy delivered in hand or by registered mail, return receipt requested. Witnesses summoned or appearing at the request of the Board or any Commissioner shall be paid their actual necessary traveling expenses.

(i) Any Brother duly authorized may appear as counsel in support of, or in, opposition to, the charges during the taking of the testimony and in the argument of the cause.

(j) A report of the proceedings and summary of the facts in each case, including the finding and recommendation of the Commissioners thereon, shall be signed by the Commissioners acting in such case and shall be submitted to the Grand Master at least seven days before the Communications of Grand Lodge at which it is to be presented. The finding and recommendation of the Commissioners, if approved, shall stand as the judgment of the Grand Lodge. The finding and recommendation of the Commissioners shall be subject to correction or review by the Grand Lodge who may order a new trial or otherwise dispose of the case.

Section 513

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

Section 514

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

Section 515

ORIGINAL JURISDICTION IN GRAND LODGE Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to prevent the Grand Lodge from taking original jurisdiction in any case and proceeding according to any method which it may adopt, provided, however, that no action shall be taken against any Brother whose address is known without reasonable notice to him and an opportunity to appear and be heard in person or by Masonic counsel.

Section 516

EFFECT OF DISCIPLINE IN OTHER BODIES. An expulsion or suspension of a Brother by any Masonic body other than a Grand Lodge having jurisdiction over such Brother, shall not operate as an expulsion or suspension from Masonry, or from the Lodge of which he is a member, except that any Lodge may, for cause, discharge or suspend from its membership.

Section 517

RESERVATION TO GRAND LODGE. No Lodge shall expel or suspend a member from the rights of Masonry.

Section 518

NOTICE. Discharge or suspension from membership shall not be imposed until the Brother has been duly notified of the time when, and place where. action will be taken in his case. If his residence is out of the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, or unknown, no notice shall be required.

Section 519

PENALTIES. A Lodge, or Brother, offending against any Landmark, law, regulation, or ancient established custom or usage of thc Craft, or of this Grand Lodge, to the breach of which no special penalty is attached, shall, at the discretion of the Grand Lodge, be subject to admonition, reprimand, suspension or expulsion.

Section 520

APPEALS. Any Brother, who may feel aggrieved by the decision or action of any Lodge, or other Masonic authority, acting under this jurisdiction, may appeal to the Grand Lodge against such decision or act. The appeal must be made in writing, specifying the particular grievance complained of, and transmitted to the Grand Secretary to be received by him within thirty days after the decision or act appealed from. A notice and copy of the appeal shall also, and at the same time, be sent by the appellant to the party against whose decision or act the appeal is taken.

Section 521

RESTORATION. A Brother who is expelled or suspended by the Grand Lodge from the rights and privileges of Masonry thereby loses absolutely his membership in any Lodge to which he then belongs. Whenever the Grand Lodge shall restore to the rights and privileges of Masonry an expelled or suspended Brother, he shall not thereby be restored to membership within any Lodge of which he was formerly a member without its consent expressed by ballot upon an application for membership, but shall have the status of a dimitted Brother. Except that when such expulsion of suspension is for non-payment of Grand Lodge dues, he may be restored to Lodge membership by a majority vote in the manner provided in Section 507.

Amended 09/09/1936, as shown above.

PART VI: GRAND CHARITY

MASONIC EDUCATION AND CHARITY TRUST

Section 600

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

(a) The Grand Lodge shall elect one Trustee for said Trust at each Annual Communication and may fill vacancies at any Quarterly Communication- or at any Special Meeting called for the purpose.

(b) It is the sense of this Grand Lodge that the M. W. Grand Master, for the time being, should be the President of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust.

(c) The annual income less premium on investments, hereafter to accrue, of the Grand Charity Fund, and of such additions as may be made to it by the Grand Lodge, and by gifts and bequests or otherwise, all held in trust by the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, shall annually be divided into three equal parts: one part to be added to the Grand Charity Fund; one part to be applied to the support and maintenance of the Masonic Home; and one part to be available for the general charities of the Grand Lodge.

(d) Income of funds in the hands of the Trustees shall be disposed of as the Grand Lodge shall from time to time direct except in the case of specific funds where the expenditure of income is given to said Trustees by the will, deed, or other instrument creating the trust.

BOARD OF MASONIC RELIEF

Section 601

REPRESENTATION. There shall be a Board of Masonic Relief which shall be the Charity Committee of the Grand Lodge. The Board of Masonic Relief shall be composed of

(a) Twelve Representatives at large, elected by Grand Lodge as hereinafter provided.

(b) One District Representative chosen by and from each Masonic District in Massachusetts.

(c) One Lodge Representative chosen by and from each Lodge in Massachusetts.

Section 602

ELECTION. Four representatives at large shall be elected by Grand Lodge at each Annual Communication for a term of three years, so that the term of office of one class of four representatives at large shall expire in each year.

It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Masters of the Lodges in each District annually to elect a District Representative for their respective District.

Section 603

LODGE REPRESENTATIVES. Each Lodge at its Annual Communication may elect a Lodge Representative; and in the event of the failure of any Lodge to elect, the Master of the Lodge shall appoint a Lodge Representative, who shall hold office during the year of his appointment.

All Representatives shall have all the rights and privileges at the meetings of the Board of Relief.

Section 604

ORGANIZATION. The Grand Master shall be President, ex-officio, of the Board, which shall elect its own Clerk.

The Grand Master is requested to employ a Standing Committee of at least six members of the Board.

The Grand Master shall be ex-officio member and Chairman of the Standing Committee.

The Board may adopt rules for its own government subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge.

The Standing Committee, with the approval of the Grand Master, shall annually appoint a Relief Commissioner.

Section 605

MEETINGS. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, regular meetings thereof shall be held at the Masonic Temple in Boston, at two o'clock in the afternoon of the Tuesday next preceding the second Wednesday of each calendar month, except that at least two meetings of said Board in each year shall be held at the Masonic Home in Charlton. Special meetings may be called by the Grand Master. Due notice in writing of all meetings shall be sent to members of the Board.

Section 606

QUORUM. Ten members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 607

POWERS. All applications for relief and for admission to the Home and the Hospital known as Juniper Hall shall be examined by the Relief Commissioner who shall make, or cause to be made, such investigation thereof as may be directed by the Grand Master or by the Standing Committee. The Relief Commissioner shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, submit all applications, together with his recommendations thereon and such data relating thereto as he has obtained to the Standing Committee. It shall be the duty of the Relief Commissioner to submit all such applications, together with the recommendations of the Standing Committee thereon and such data as the Board may require, to said Board, and no applications shall be acted upon by said Board until they have been submitted to said Standing Committee as hereinbefore provided.

The Relief Commissioner shall act upon and subject to the direction of the Grand Master, whose orders, in any case, shall be sufficient warrant for any act covered thereby.

Section 608

MASONIC HOME. The Board shall act upon applications for Masonic Relief provided the same are within the appropriations previously made therefor by the Grand Lodge and shall determine the qualifications of applicants for admission to the Masonic Home and the hospital known as Juniper Hall; provided, however, that no appropriations nor expenditures shall be made or authorized by the Board except upon recommendations of the Standing Committee of said Board as provided in Section 607, unless such appropriation or expenditure is carried by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting.

Section 609

REPORTS. Said Board shall be subject at all times to the direction of Grand Lodge, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.

Section 610

VACANCIES. Vacancies in the Representatives at large may be filled election at any regular Communication of Grand Lodge.

INITIATES' CONTRIBUTIONS

Section 611

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

Five dollars shall likewise be contributed by each member reinstated or admitted by affiliation, unless such member shall have been initiated in a Lodge in this Jurisdiction subsequent to September 1, 1912, or shall produce a receipt showing that he has made a contribution of not less than five dollars to the said fund. This amount shall be added to the affiliation fee by all Lodges which have not already so provided.

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

The Board of Directors unless otherwise directed by the Grand Lodge may, with the approval of the Grand Master, reserve therefrom so much thereof as may be deemed by the Board necessary for the conduct of the charities of the Grand Lodge during the current fiscal year, (a) for expenditures on permanent account for which no other provision is made: (b) to supply deficiencies caused by expenditures on maintenance account over available income; and (c) to be appropriated, if specifically recommended by the Grand Master, for relief for extraordinary occasions of great disaster and distress, whether within or without the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. All amounts not so reserved shall promptly be transmitted to the Trustees of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust to be added to the Masonic Home and Hospital Fund.

DISTRICT CHARITY FUNDS

Section 612

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

Amended as indicated above, 12/09/1931, Page 1931-333.

PART VII: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

WHAT BODIES ARE MASONIC, ETC.

Section 700

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

  • The General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States;
  • The Grand Royal Arch Chapters of the several States and Territories of the United States, and the Royal Arch Chapters and other Bodies under their jurisdiction;
  • The General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the United States;
  • The Grand Councils of Royal and Select Masters of the several States and Territories of the United States, and the Councils under their jurisdiction;
  • The Grand Encampment of the United States;
  • The Grand Commanderies of the several States and Territories of the United States and the Commanderies under their jurisdiction;
  • The Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern and Southern Jurisdiction of the United States and the various Bodies under their jurisdiction;

Therefore, any Mason admitted into any other Orders, as Masonic, is acting un-masonically, and for sueh conduct shall be liable to be expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, and shall be ineligible to membership or office in any Lodge or in this Grand Lodge.

Section 701

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

PAST MASTER'S DIPLOMA

Section 702

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 or the District Grand Master with a Past Master's diploma.

INTER-JURISDICTIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

Section 703

Inter-jurisdictional correspondence shall in all cases be conducted through the office of the Grand Master except as he may otherwise order.

ITINERANT CERTIFICATE

Section 704

No Lodge, or officer or member of a Lodge, shall 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 or Brethren for relief.

BEGGING LETTERS

Section 705

Begging circulars or similar appeals from any source domestic or foreign, shall not be entertained unless they have been approved by the Grand Loctge or Grand Master.

USE OF MASONRY IN BUSINESS

Section 706

No Mason (or other person) shall, within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, be a principal in or accessory to the conduct of any business, profession, occupation, or other calling prosecuted for profit under any name or style by which it is held out to the public as Masonic: but this regulation shall not apply to such as were being conducted at the time of the adoption of this regulation or to such as may hereafter be approved bv vote of this Grand Lodge taken at a Regular Communication subsequent to that at which said approval is proposed.

ONLY ONE OFFICE

Section 707

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

QUORUM

Section 708

A Communication or Meeting of the Grand Lodge or of a particular Lodge, duly convened, may transact business and do work if three or more members are present provided one of them is, by Masonic law, entitled to preside thereover.

DEFINITIONS

Section 709

(a) Ample Form. The Grand Lodge is declared to be opened in Ample Form, when the Grand Master or a Past Grand Master presides;
(b) In Due Form, when the Deputy Grand Master presides;
(c) In Form, when it is opened in the absence of both the Grand Master and his Deputy.
(d) Suspension from membership deprives a Brother, temporarily, of his rights as a member of his Lodge.
(e) Discharge from membership terminates absolutely the Brother's connection with his Lodge.
(f) Suspension from Masonry. The suspension of a Brother excludes him from all his Masonic privileges, and prohibits all Masonic intercourse between him and his Brethren during the time of his suspension.
(g) Expulsion from Masonry. This is the highest penalty that can be incurred, and the severest punishment that can be inflicted, for any violations of Masonic engagements. It excludes a Mason from all his Masonic rights and privileges forever, until 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.
(h) 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 distinction:

  • A Notification is the notice by which the time, place, and hour, and frequently the business of the Lodge, are communicated to the members. Every Brother receiving this notice is requested to attend. The obligation whieh it imposes is a general one, and the highest Penalty incurred by a continuous 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 meeting of the Lodge with which the Brother receiving it is affiliated; or to attend on the Grand Master, a District Grand Master, a District Deputy Grand Master, or any committee or other body authorized by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master to issue it. The obligation to obey it is special and obligatory on every Brother receiving it. The penalty for its non-observance is expulsion, unless the Brother offending be able to urge a pressing and positive necessity as his excuse.

(i) The Lodge. A lodge is a society of Masons meeting by authority of a charter or warrant from a regular Grand Lodge for the purpose of doing Masonic work and transacting appropriate business. The word Lodge in these Constitutions shall (unless the context indicates otherwise) be construed to refer to the particular Lodges holding charters by authority of this Grand Lodge.
The word sometimes, in Masonic terminology means the place in which a particular Lodge meets.
In a few jurisdictions the word technically signifies the Ark of the Covenant, which is kept in the Hall, and frequently carried in public processions. The ark is not used in our Lodges.
The Flooring, or Master's Carpet, is frequently called the Lodge.
(j) The Flooring, or Carpet, is a regularly aruanged painting of the Masonic emblems on canvas. No Lodge should be without one. (k) The Trestle-Board, or Tracing-Board, "is for the Master to draw his designs upon"; or it is the Board on which the designs of the Master are already drawn. The term is frequently used synonymously with Flooring and Carpet.
(l) A clandestine Mason is one who has been made in a spurious body pretending to be Masonic.
(m) An irregular Mason is one who has been made in a regular Lodge but in an unconstitutional or unlawful manner.
(n) A Communication is a meeting for the transaction of business.
(o) A Deputy Grand Lodge is a special meeting: of the Grand Lodge presided over by a deputy of the Grand Master.

AMENDMENTS

Section 710

No Permanent By-Law, Rule, or Regulation of this Grand Lodge shall be adopted, repealed, or amended at the Communication at which such adoption, repeal, or amendment is proposed, nor until it has been duly considered by a committee.

There shall be mailed by the Grand Secretary to the Secretary of each Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, an attested copy of such proposal for adoption, repeal or amendment, within thirty days after the Communication at which such proposal is made. Two-thirds of tLe votes cast shall be necessary for the adoption thereof.

The Grand Secretary shall insert in his notifications for Communications of the Grand Lodge a notice of any such proposal which may be in order for consideration.

LODGE NOTICES

Section 711

All written or printed notices of Lodge meetings containing any Masonic information beyond the time and place of such meeting must be sent out in sealed envelopes.

RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES

Section 712

Fraternal recognition may be extended to a foreign Grand Lodge when (a committee having first considered and reported thereon) it appears to the satisfaction of this Grand Lodge:

  1. That the foreign Grand Lodge in question represents a substantial unity of the Freemasons of the territory over which it assumes jurisdiction; i.e., the Country, Province, or State, or else shares such territorial jurisdiction with another Grand Lodge by mutual consent.
  2. That it has been lawfully organized by three or more regular Lodges or that it has been legalized by this Grand Lodge or by a Grand Lodge recognized by this Grand Lodge.
  3. That it is an independent, self-governing organization, having sovereign Masonic authority within its jurisdiction.
  4. That its ritual is fundamentally in accord with the ancient landmarks, customs, and usages of the Craft. This involves:
    • A. Monotheism;
    • B. The Volume of the Sacred Law a part of the furniture of the Lodge;
    • C. Secrecy;
    • D. The symbolism of the operative art;
    • E. The division of Symbolic Masonry into the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason;
    • F. The legend of the Third Degree.
  5. That it makes Masons of men only.
  6. That it is non-sectarian and non-political; i.e., that its dominant purposes are charitable, benevolent, educational, and religious.

PART VIII: REGALIA AND JEWELS

CLOTHING AND REGALIA

Section 800

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts recognizes no jewels, medals, regalia, insignia, and clothing as Masonic except such as are prescribed by these Constitutions.

JEWELS

Section 801

No medal, jewel, or decoration of a similar character except such as shall have been authorized and approved by these Constitutions, by this Grand Lodge, or by a recognized Grand Body or its Grand Master, or other presiding officer, and the except such as are expressly authorized by the laws of the United States of America, or one of its States, or of some foreign government recognized by and at peace with the United States.

Section 802

REQUIREMENTS. The following clothing and insignia shall be worn by the craft; and 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 representative of a Lodge (proxies excepted) be allowed to vote without his jewel unless he offers a satisfactory excuse and shall have permission of the Grand Master.

Section 803

GRAND OFFICERS' JEWELS.

  • The Grand Master, the compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle at the points and a gold plate included, on which is represented an eye within a triangle, both eradiated.
  • The Deputy Grand Master, the compasses and square united, with a five-pointed star in the center.
  • District Grand Masters, the compasses and square united, with a five-pointed star in the center upon which shall be superimposed a Roman letter D.
  • Senior Grand Warden, the Level.
  • Junior Grand Warden, the Plumb.
  • Directors, arms and crest of the Grand Lodge.
  • Grand Treasurer, a chased Key.
  • Grand Secretary, two Pens in saltire tied by a ribbon.
  • District Deputy Grand Masters, the Compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle at the points and a crescent in the center.
  • Grand Marshal, two Rods in saltire tied by a ribbon.
  • Grand Chaplains, a Book within a Triangle, surmounting a glory.
  • Grand Lecturers, an open Book upon the Square and Compasses.
  • Grand Deacons, a Dove and Olive Branch.
  • Grand Stewards, a Cornucopia between the legs of a pair of compasses extended.
  • Grand Sword Bearer, two Swords in saltire.
  • Grand Standard Bearer, a Standard of the arms of the Grand Lodge.
  • Grand Pursuivants, a sword and rod saltire-wise.
  • Grand Organist, a Lyre.
  • Grand Tyler, a Sword.

The Jewels of District Grand Masters are to be placed within a circle, on which the name of the District is to be engraven or superimposed, and no ornament or emblem whatever other than such name shall be engraven on said circle or superimposed thereupon: and the Jewels of Grand Lodge officers other than the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and District Grand Masters are to be placed within a circle on which shall be engraven or superimposed a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat.

Section 804

JEWELS OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS AND OF OFFICERS APPOINTED BY DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS.

  • Deputy District Grand Masters, the compasses extended in 45° with the segment of a circle at the points and a crescent in the center.
  • All other Officers of District Grand Lodges and all Officers appointed by District Grand Masters, jewels of the same description as those worn by corresponding Officers of the Grand Lodge.
  • The Jewels of Officers of District Grand Lodges and of Officers appointed by District Grand Masters are to be placed within a circle, on which the name or number of the District is to be engraven or superimposed, and no ornament or emblem whatever other than such name or number shall be engraven on said circle or superimposed thereupon.
Section 805

JEWELS OF PAST GRAND MASTERS.

The jewel of a Past Grand Master shall be the seal of the Grand Lodge from which shall be pendant the wearer's initials in script and also the Grand Master's jewel placed within an oval studded with diamonds representing the collar of the Grand Master, which oval shall be surmounted by a representation of the traditional three-cornered chapeau of the Grand Master irradiated, all as illustrated in the printed proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the year 1914 opposite page 402.

Section 806

PAST GRAND OFFICERS' AND PAST DISTRICT OFFICERS' JEWELS.

Each other Past Grand Officer, except Past District Grand Masters, may wear the jewel prescribed for the office he has filled, with this difference: - that such jewel shall placed within an oval on which shall be engraven or superimposed a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat; and Past District Grand Masters and Past District Grand Officers may wear the jewel prescribed for the office he has filled, with this difference: - that such jewel shall be placed within an oval ornamented similarly to the ornamentation of the circle of the jewel of such office. Said jewel shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a purple ribbon or metal chain or it may be suspended from the neck by a purple ribbon when another authorized jewel is worn over the left breast.

Section 807

All the above jewels to be gold or gilt metal.

Section 808

MEDALS.

Honorary life membership, and other similar medals, which have been approved by the Grand Master, may be presented to and worn by members of particular Lodges.

Section 809

HONORARY MEDALS: VETERANS' MEDAL.

A medal to be known as the Masonic Veteran's Medal may be conferred upon such Brethren who have been or shall hereafter be for fifty years continuously in good standing, as are designated by the Grand Master because of their faithful service to the Craft.

Section 810

HONORARY MEDALS: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL.

A medal to be known as the Distinguished Service Medal may be conferred by the Grand Master upon such Brethren as may have rendered distinguished service to the Lodges of which they are members.

Section 811

HONORARY MEDALS: HENRY PRICE MEDAL.

The Henry Price medal may be worn only

(a) By those heretofore rightfully in possession thereof with the right to wear the same; and
(b) By such distinguished Brethren as may be selected by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master as worthy of such special Masonic recognition.

Section 812

PARTICULAR LODGE JEWELS.

  • The Master, the Square. Past Masters, the blazing Sun within the Square and Compasses extended on a quadrant.
  • Senior Warden, the level.
  • Junior Warden, the plumb rule.
  • Treasurer, two Keys in saltire.
  • Secretary, two Pens in saltire, tied by a ribbon.
  • Chaplain, a book within a triangle surmounting a glory.
  • Marshal, a baton.
  • Deacons, the square and compasses united.
  • Stewards, a cornucopia.
  • Inside Sentinel, two swords in saltire.
  • Organist, a lyre.
  • Tyler, a sword.

The jewels of the Secretary, Chaplain, Deacons, Stewards, Organist, Inside Sentinel, and Tyler are to be placed within a circle and the jewels of the Marshal within a square, and no ornament or emblem whatever shall be engraven on said circle or square or superimposed thereupon.

Section 813

TO BE SILVER EXCEPT PAST MASTERS'.

All particular Lodge jewels - except those of Past Masters - to be of silver. The jewel of a Past Master may be of gold or silver and it shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a sky-blue ribbon or metal chain, or it may be suspended from the neck by a sky-blue ribbon when another authorized jewel is worn over the left breast.

COLLARS

Section 814

GRAND OFFICERS' COLLARS. The Collars of Officers of the Grand Lodge, of Officers of District Grand Lodges, and of officers appointed by District Deputy Grand Masters shall be chains of gold or metal gilt upon purple ribbon of such pattern as now in use.

Note: The Chains of Officers of the Grand Lodge are all of the same pattern, the number of stars designating the Rank: thus the Grand Master has nine stars; the Deputy Grand Master and District Grand Masters seven, the Grand Warden, five; the rest of the Grand Officers, three stars.

Section 815

CHAINS AND COLLARS OF OFFICERS OF PARTICULAR LODGES. The Officers of particular Lodges shall wear collars of sky-blue ribbon four inches wide, or chains of silver or white metal upon sky-blue ribbon. Said chains of silver of white metal shall be of such pattern or patterns as shall be approved by the Grand Master.

Section 816

WHEN CHAINS AND COLLARS OF PARTICULAR LODGES TO BE WORN. The Collars of the Officers of particular Lodges are to be worn only in their own Lodges or when representing their Lodges as Masters or Wardens in the Grand Lodge, or in their District Grand Lodges.

APRONS AND GAUNTLETS

Section 817

APRONS.

(A) Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft - A plain white lamb-skin, fourteen inches wide, twelve inches deep, square at bottom and without ornament; white strings.

(B) Master Mason - The same, or apron of white lamb-skin of the same dimensions with sky-blue lining and edging two inches in width on the fall or flap; upon which there may be imposed three sky-blue rosettes - two at the bottom and one on the fal or flap, sky-blue strings two inches in width and silver tassels. No other color or ornament shall be allowed except to Officers and past Officers or Lodges, who may have the emblems of their offices painted or embroidered in silver or in sky-blue and silver in the center of the apron.

(C) Masters and Past Masters of Lodges - The same as Master Masons but in the place of the three rosettes on the Master Mason's Apron, perpendicular lines upon horizontal lines, thereby forming three sets of two right angles; the length of the horizontal lines to be two inches and a half each, these emblems to be painted or embroidered in silver or in sky blue and silver in the center of the apron and the apron may be edged in silver with silver fringe.

(D) District Grand Officers, present and past, and Officers appointed by District Deputy Grand Masters - Aprons of white lamb-skin of the same dimensions, with purple lining and edging two inches in width on the body and one and a half inches on the fall or flap, purple strings two inches in width and gold tassels; the emblems of their offices within a double circle in which must be inserted the name or number of the District painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold in the center of the apron. If Masters or Past Masters, they must have the Master's emblems painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold.

(E) Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge, present and past, (except as otherwise provided herein) - Aprons of white lamb-skin of the sme dimensions with purple lining and edging three and a half inches in width, purple strings two inches in width and gold tassels; the emblems of their offices within a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold, in the center of the apron. If Masters or Past Masters, they must have the Master's emblems painted or embroidered in gold or in purple and gold.

(F) District Grand Masters, present and past - The same as the Deputy Grand Master, but with the name of the District within a double circle surrounding the emblem of office.

(G) Deputy Grand Master, present and past - The same material and lining as that of the Grand Master, having the emblem of his office in gold embroidery in the center, and the pomegranate and lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging.

(H) Grand Master, present and past - Apron similar to the historic apron worn by the Grand Masters of the United Grand Lodge of England as illustrated in the printed Proceedings of this Grand Lodge for 1915 opposite page 331, with the substitution of purple as used by this Grand Lodge in place of the blue used as purple by the United Grand Lodge of England.

GAUNTLETS.

(I) In addition to the foregoing the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and District Grand Masters wear purple velvet gauntlets edged with gold lace or braid, and with the emblems of their respective offices embroidered thereon in gold.

Section 818

No Brother shall appear clothed in any of the regalia of the Craft in any procession or at any funeral (except a Masonic funeral), public assembly or meeting, or at any place of public resort unless the Grand Master or District Grand Master, as the case may be, shall have previously given a Dispensation for Brethren to be there present in Masonic clothing.

Section 819

Nothing herein provided shall apply to any Jewels, Chains, Collars or Aprons in use prior to A.L. 5930.


RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE

RULE I

No visitor shall be admitted to Grand Lodge except by permission of the Grand Master.

RULE II

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 III

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 IV

All matters in Grand Lodge shall be decided by vote. The Grand Master shall be entitled to one vote on all questions, and may also give the casting vote whenever there shall be an equal division.

RULE V

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

RULE VI

No Brother shall speak more than twice to the same question, unless in explanation, without permission of the Grand Master.

RULE VII

Every member who speaks shall rise and remain standing, addressing himself to the Grand Master; nor shall any Brother presume to interrupt him except on a point of order.

RULE VIII

When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received except to amend, commit, or 1ay upon the table.

RULE IX

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

RULE X

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

RULE XI

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 a motion under debate.

RULE XII

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 XIII

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

RULE XIV

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

RULE XV

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 XVI

A1l communications, petitions, appeals, resolutions, propositions, and motions shall be couched in decent and respectful language, or they shall not be entertained in Grand Lodge.

RULE XVII

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

RULE XVIII

If any member shall have been twice called to order for transgressing these Rules and shall, nevertheless, be guilty of a third offense 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.

RULES AS TO BY-LAWS

RULE I

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

RULE II

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

RULE III

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

RULE IV

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

RULE V

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

RULE VI

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

RULE VII

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

RULE VIII

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

RULE IX

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

RULE X

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

RULE XI

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

REGULATIONS CONCERNING DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS AND DISTRICT GRAND LODGES

INSTALLATION

1. The District Grand Master shall be installed at the first District Grand Lodge which he may hold after his appointment, and until such installation he shall not be qualified to perform any of the functions of his office, except that of summoning the District Grand Lodge to meet for the purpose of his installation.

VACANCY IN OFFICE OF DISTRICT GRAND MASTER

2. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, or suspension of a District Grand Master, the District Grand Lodge shall continue to exercise its functions; and the District Deputy Grand Master, if there be one, and if not, or in the event of his being absent from the District and until his return, the District Grand Officer or Past District Grand Officer next in rank then in the District, shall assume and exercise the functions of District Grand Master until another District Grand Master shall have received his commission from the Grand Master and shall have notified the same to the District Grand Secretary. The Brother so exercising the functions oi a District Grand Master shall not assume that title; nor shall he, after having so acted, be entitled to rank as a Past District Grand Master, or to wear the Masonic clothing belonging to that office.

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE

3. A District Grand Lodge consists of the District Grand Master, Past District Grand Masters, District Grand Officers, Officers and Permanent Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts who may be present in the District and the Master and Wardens of all Lodges in the District.

DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS

4. The District Grand Master is empowered to appoint for his District the following District Grand Officers and no others; nor can he confer on any Brother the rank of a Past District Grand Officer.

  • A District Deputy Grand Master.
  • A District Senior Grand Warden.
  • A District Junior Grand Warden.
  • A District Grand Secretary.
  • Two District Grand Chaplains.
  • A District Grand Marshal.
  • A District Grand Lecturer
  • A District Grand Senior Deacon.
  • A District Grand Junior Deacon.
  • A District Grand Senior Steward.
  • A District Grand Junior Steward.
  • A District Grand Sword Bearer.
  • A District Grand Standard Bearer.
  • Two District Grand Pursuivants.
  • A District Grand Tyler.

DISTRICT GRAND TREASURER

5. The District Grand Lodge shall elect a District Grand Treasurer annually, by whom a regular account of the receipts and disbursements shall be kept. He shall be ex officio Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the charity funds. His account must be produced at the annual meeting of the District Grand Lodge. and audited once in each year, and a copy thereof transmitted to the Grand Master.

NOTICE RE DEPUTY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER

6. The District Grand Master must transmit, in writing, the name and place of abode of his Deputy to all the Lodges of his District, and also to the Grand Secretary. within one month of the appointment.

NOTICE RE DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS

7. Names, addresses and Lodges of all District Grand Officers shall be transmitted to the Grand Secretary by the District Grand Secretary within one month of election or appointment. The District Grand Officers must all be residents within the District, unless the Grand Master grant a dispensation for non-residence.

QUALIFICATION OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS

8. No brother can be appointed a Deputy District Grand Master or District Grand Warden unless he be the Past Master of a Lodge: nor a District Grand Deacon unless he be a Past Warden of a Lodge.

SUMMONS

9. The District Grand Master may summon the Officers of any Lodge within his District to attend him, and to produce the charter, books, papers, and accounts of the Lodge, or he may summon any Brother within his District to attend him and produce his certificate. If the summons be not complied with or a sufficient reason be not given for non-compliance, a peremptory summons shall be issued: and in case of contumacy, the Lodge or Brother may be suspended, and the proceeding notified to the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.

DISCIPLINE

10. The District Grand Master shall hear and determine all subjects of Masonic complaint or irregularity, respecting Lodges or individual Masons, within his Province or District and may proceed to admonition, or suspension. The power of summons is an incident to this power and applies to the Brethren complained against as well as to witnesses. A minute of the proceedings stating the offence and the law applicable to it together with the decision, is to be transmitted to the Grand Master.

EXPULSION

11. The District Grand Master has no power to erase a Lodge or expel a Mason: when, therefore, the case is of so flagrant a nature as, in his judgment, to require the erasure of a Lodge, or the expulsion of a Brother, it shall be proceeded with in the method provided in the Grand Constitutions, the trial board to be a Special Board of Commissioners to be appointed by the District Grand Master. They shall report to the Grand Lodge.

RECORDS OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE

12. The District Grand Master holding his office at the pleasure of the Grand Master, and the power of the Deputy as well as of District Grand Lodge emanating from the authority vested in the District Grand Master, he or his Deputy must be responsible that the District Grand Lodge does not exceed its lawful powers. He is, therefore, to cause correct minutes to be kept of all its proceedings, and to produce them to the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge when required, sending to the Grand Master at least once a year a duplicate thereof.

REPORT OF THE DISTRICT GRAND MASTER

13. The District Grand Master shall annually transmit to the Grand Master so as to be received prior to the Quarterly Communication in December, a circumstantial account, in writing, of his proceedings, and of the state of Masonry within his District for the year ending August thirty-first.

RANK

14. District Grand Officers other than the District Grand Master do not take any rank out of their District. They are, however, entitled to wear their clothing as District Grand Officers, or Past District Grand Officers in all Masonic meetings.

MEETINGS OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE

15. District Grand Lodges shall fix stated times for their regular meetings, not exceeding four times in the year, but the District Grand Master may summon and hold a special District Grand Lodge whenever, in his judgment, it may be necessary. The particular reason for calling such special District Grand Lodge shall be expressed in the Summons, and no other business shall be entered upon at that meeting.

OPENING OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE

16. When the District Grand Master presides, the District Grand Lodge is to be declared open in due form. If the Deputy or any other Brother preside, in form only.

BY-LAWS OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE

17. The District Grand Lodge may frame By-Laws for its own government, and may make regulations for the guidance of the particular Lodges of the District, provided that none of these be contrary to, or inconsistent with, the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge as laid down in the Book of Constitutions, but such By-Laws shall not be vaiid until submitted to, and approved by, the Committee on Charters and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge.

REGULATIONS

18. The proceedings and decisions of District Grand Lodges, and of their Committees shall in all cases be strictly governed and controlled by the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge as laid down in the Book of Constitutions.

PROXIES

19. Any Lodge may select a proxy to the District Grand Lodge as well as to the Grand Lodge and under similar terms and conditions."

DISPENSATIONS

20. District Grand Masters are hereby granted a power of dispensation in the following cases.

(a.) In cases of emergency, for a Brother to be advanced to a higher degree at an interval of not less than one week, instead of four weeks;

(b.) To form in public procession for the purpose of conducting Masonic funeral processions and burial services;

(c.) To form in public procession for lhe purpose of attending Divine Worship;

(d.) To form in public procession for the purpose of performing any other strictly Masonic Service; never, however, upon other than a Masonic occasion;

(e.) To hold regular and business meetings of a Lodge on other days than those called for by its By-Laws;

(f.) In case of necessity, to elect officers of a Lodge on another day than the Annual Meeting;

(g.) To continue Lodge functions pending replacement of a Charter which has been lost or destroyed;

(h.) In cases of necessity, to hold meetings of a Lodge in another place than that named in the Charter.

A District Grand Master forthwith upon granting a Dispensation shall transmit to the Grand Master a report thereof, and when such return is received shall immediately transmit a copy thereof to the Grand Master.

DISTRICT GRAND MASTER MAY PRESIDE

21. The District Grand Master may preside in any Lodge he visits within his District, his Deputy being placed on his left, and the Master of the Lodge on his right hand; his Wardens, if present, shall act as Wardens of the Lodge during the time he presides: but if they be absent, the District Grand Master may direct the Wardens of the Lodge, or any Master Masons, to act as his Wardens pro tempore.

DEPUTY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER MAY PRESIDE

22. Unless the District Grand Master be present, his Deputy may preside in any Lodge he may visit within his District, the Master of the Lodge being placed on his right hand. The District Grand Wardens, if present, are to act as Wardens of the Lodge during the time he presides.

DISTRICT GRAND MASTER MAY DEPUTIZE

23. The District Grand Master may send any of his District Grand Officers, present or past, to visit any Lodge in his Province or District whenever he may think fit so to do.

BY-LAWS OF LODGES

24. Every Lodge has the Power of framing its By-Laws for its government, provided they are not inconsistent with the regulations and customs of the Grand Lodge. The By-Laws must be submitted through the District Grand Master for his approval previous to transmission to the Committee on Charters and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. No law or alteration will be valid until so submitted and approved by said Committee.

JEWELS

25. Jewels of District Grand Officers (except District Grand Master) shall be of the same description as those worn by corresponding officers of the Grand Lodge, except that the jewels are to be placed within a circle on which the name of the District is to be engraven, but no ornament or emblem whatever other than such name shall be engraven on the said circle, or superimposed thereupon.

APRONS

26. The aprons of District Grand Officers (except the District Grand Master) shall be similar to those worn by corresponding Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge, except that the edging to the apron shall not in any event exceed two inches in width. The emblems of their officers shall be in gold in the center within a double circle, in which must be inserted the name of the District. The District Grand Master may have his emblem embroidered upon the apron, but the emblem of other District Grand Officers shall be painted or stamped thereon.

RETURNS

27. Returns of all Lodges within the jurisdiction of District Grand Lodges shall be made to the Grand Lodge, transmitted through the District Grand Masters, in the same manner as returns made by Home Lodges, and upon blanks printed by the Grand Lodge for the purpose. In addition to the returns so furnished for the Grand Lodge, there shall be a return made as prescribed by the District Grand Master for the use of the District Grand Lodge.