Revision as of 19:24, 20 September 2013

1989 GRAND CONSTITUTIONS

CONSTITUTIONS AND REGULATIONS of the MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE
of ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
of the COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

General Revision adopted 1989
Last Amended, June 13, 2012

NOTE

The 1989 Revision of the Constitutions and Regulations supersedes a number of previous versions adopted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts from the Union in 1792. Most of the existing references in this revision are to earlier versions of the document, particularly to the 1918, 1930 and 1953 general revisions. The links below are to the online versions of those revisions.

1792 Grand Constitutions, compiled by a committee appointed by Most Wor. John Cutler, Grand Master, in April 1792. They are reproduced in the front of Volume II of the Proceedings and are extremely rudimentary.
1811 Grand Constitutions, prepared by a committee headed by Bro. John Dixwell, a future Grand Master. It was the foundation of all future revisions to the Grand Constitutions (made by amendments voted upon by the Grand Lodge and reported in the Proceedings.)
1819 By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, incorporated under an 1817 Act of the Massachusetts Legislature, were promulgated at the September, 1819 Quarterly Communication. This document is largely based on the 1811 Revision, but there are some significant differences in procedure and some notable additions not considered in the earlier document.
1843 Grand Constitutions, which replaced the 1819 By-Laws with a "new Code, so much of what may properly be termed the common, as well as statute law of the Fraternity." (from the report of the committee, October 11, 1843.) It is certainly true that the 1843 revision substantially expands and explains numerous practices, regulations, and procedures that were overlooked (or observed by fiat) prior to their publication. This revision, amended at various times, was in use until revised three-quarters of a century later.
GC1918: 1918 Grand Constitutions, a thorough revision prepared by a committee appointed by Grand Master Leon Abbott. This is the first version to use the three-digit section numbers, replacing the Part/Article/Section structure that had been in use since 1811.
1930 Grand Constitutions, another complete revision adopted in March 1930 during the administration of Grand Master Herbert W. Dean.
1953 Grand Constitutions, developed by a special committee consisting of the Grand Master, Past Grand Masters and the Grand Secretary. It was adopted on June 10, 1953, and remained the basic law of the Fraternity until the 1989 general revision.

PREAMBLE

Freemasonry seeks to proclaim its principles as widely as men will hear them. Its only secrets are in its methods of recognition and of symbolic instruction.

Freemasonry is charitable in that it is not organized for profit and none of its income inures to the benefit of any individual, but all is devoted to the promotion of the welfare and happiness of mankind.

It is benevolent in that it teaches and exemplifies altruism as a duty.

It is educational in that it teaches by prescribed ceremonials a system of morality and brotherhood based upon the Sacred Law.

It is religious in that it teaches monotheism; a Volume of the Sacred Law is open upon its altars whenever a Lodge is in session, reverence for God is ever present in its ceremonials, and to its Brethren are constantly addressed lessons of morality; but it is not sectarian or theological.

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

Through the improvement and strengthening of the character of the individual man, Freemasonry seeks to improve the community. Thus it impresses upon its members the principles of personal righteousness and personal responsibility, enlightens them as to those things which make for human welfare, and inspires them with that feeling of charity, or goodwill toward all mankind which will move them to translate principle and conviction into action.

To that end, it stands for fraternity and philanthropy, truth and justice, reverence for God; and enlightenment in all spheres, civil, religious, and intellectual. It charges each of its members to be true and loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance and to be obedient to the laws of any state in which he may be.

It believes that the attainment of these objectives is best accomplished by laying a broad basis of principle upon which men of every race, country, sect, and opinion may unite rather than by setting up a restricted platform upon which only those of certain races, creeds, and opinion can assemble.

Believing these things, this Grand Lodge affirms its continued adherence to that ancient and approved rule of Freemasonry which forbids the discussion in Masonic meetings of creeds, politics, or other topics likely to excite personal animosities.

It further affirms its conviction that it is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but dangerous to its unity, strength, usefulness, and welfare for Masonic bodies to take action or attempt to exercise pressure or influence for or against any legislation, or in any way attempt to procure the election or appointment of governmental officials, or to influence them, whether or not members of the Fraternity, in the performance of their official duties. The true Freemason will act in civil life accoriding to his individual judgment and the dictates of his conscience.

In ancient times, the Brethren met in General Assembly for the ordering of the affairs of the Craft. With growth in number, 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 by the title of "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 Masters, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.

References

1902: 26 1930: 87 1939: 82, 103, 208 1989: 96

GC1918: Preamble
- II-5, 12, 491, 515; 09/09/1818, 12/27/1833, 10/11/1843, 06/12/1844, 1860-22, 1916-528

STATIONS OF THE GRAND OFFICERS IN THE GRAND LODGE

THE M.W. GRAND MASTER, In the East at the Head of the Grand Lodge.
THE R.W. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, In the East, next to and left of the Grand Master.
THE R.W. DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS, In the East, next and left of the Deputy Grand Master.
THE R.W. SENIOR GRAND WARDEN, In the West.
THE R.W. JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN, In the South.
THE M.W. PAST GRAND MASTERS, In the East, at the right of the Grand Master, and the Immediate Past Grand Master, next to the Grand Master.
THE R.W. PAST DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS, In the East, at the right of the Past Grand Masters.
THE R.W. PAST DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS, In the East, at the right of the Past Deputy Grand Masters.
THE R.W PAST GRAND WARDENS, In the East, at the right of the Past Deputy Grand Masters.
THE R.W GRAND TREASURER, On the right, in front of the Grand Master.
THE R.W GRAND SECRETARY, On the left, in front of the Grand Master.
THE R.W. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS, In the East, on the left of the Deputy Grand Master.
THE R.W. GRAND REPRESENTATIVES, In the East, at the right of the Past Grand Wardens.
THE R.W. GRAND MARSHAL, Upon the left of the Grand Master, in front of the Grand Secretary.
THE W. AND REV. GRAND CHAPLAINS, In front of and on the left of the M.W. Grand Master, near the altar.
THE W. GRAND LECTURERS, On the right of the Senior Grand Deacon.
THE W. SENIOR GRAND DEACON, Upon the right of the Grand Master, in front of the Grand Treasurer.
THE W. JUNIOR GRAND DEACON, In the West, at the right of the Senior Grand Warden.
THE W. GRAND STEWARDS, In the South, two upon the right and two upon the left of the Junior Grand Warden, upon each side, one Steward in front of the other.
THE W. GRAND SWORD-BEARER, At the left of the Grand Marshal.
THE W. GRAND STANDARD-BEARER, At the left of the Grand Sword-Bearer.
THE W. GRAND PURSUIVANTS, Near the door of the entrance to the Grand Lodge.
THE W. GRAND ORGANIST, At the Organ.
THE W. GRAND TYLER, Outside of the entrance to the Grand Lodge.

References

GC1918:

I: 49 VII: 100 1910: 48 1918: 430 1953: 56, 197

Difference between revisions of "MassachusettsGC2012"

Revision as of 19:24, 20 September 2013

Contents

1989 GRAND CONSTITUTIONS

NOTE

PREAMBLE

References

PART I: GENERAL

PART II: THE GRAND LODGE

PART III: PARTICULAR LODGES

PART IV: CANDIDATES

PART V: BRETHREN

PART VI: GRAND CHARITY

PART VII: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

PART VIII: REGALIA AND JEWELS

RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE

RULES AS TO BY-LAWS

REGULATIONS CONCERNING DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS AND DISTRICT GRAND LODGES

STATIONS OF THE GRAND OFFICERS IN THE GRAND LODGE

References

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@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 ** II-5, 12, 491, 515; 09/09/1818, 12/27/1833, 10/11/1843, 06/12/1844, 1860-22, 1916-528
-== PART I: GENERAL ==
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_I PART I: GENERAL] ==
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_II PART II: THE GRAND LODGE] ==
-=== Sec. 100. COMMON LAW ===
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_III PART III: PARTICULAR LODGES] ==
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_IV PART IV: CANDIDATES] ==
-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.
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_V PART V: BRETHREN] ==
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_VI PART VI: GRAND CHARITY] ==
-==== References ====
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_VII PART VII: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS] ==
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_PART_VIII PART VIII: REGALIA AND JEWELS] ==
-: 20 ff 1916: 826 ff, 872 A ff 1930:90 25M.F.M. 21
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_GRAND_LODGE_RULES RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE] ==
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_BYLAWS_RULES RULES AS TO BY-LAWS] ==
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_100 Section 100]; 1918-334
+== [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012_DISTRICT_GL_RULES REGULATIONS CONCERNING DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS AND DISTRICT GRAND LODGES] ==
-** 1877-20, 1916-826ff, 872Aff, 20MFM-21
-=== Sec. 101. LANDMARKS: DEFINITION ===
-The Landmarks are those ancient and universal fundamental principles of the Craft which no Masonic authority can alter or repeal.
-==== References ====
-: 21 1916: 805 ff 1918: 217, 334 1930: 90
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_101 Section 101]; 1918-334
-** 1878-85, 1916-805
-=== Sec. 102. LANDMARKS: LIST ===
-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 exclusive.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_102 Section 102]; 1918-334
-** 1916-819ff, 26MFM-320, 31MFM-99, 1915Builder-38, 183, 197
-: 85 1930: 90
-: 138 31 MFM 99 1915 Build. 38, 183, 197
-* a: 26M.F.M. 325 1915: 227, 381 1916: 819
-* b: 1916:820
-* c: 1915: 221, 230, 379 1916: 821
-* d: 1916: 823
-* e: 1916: 823
-* f: 1916: 824
-* g: 1916: 824
-== PART II: THE GRAND LODGE ==
-=== Sec. 200. POWERS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_200 Section 200]; 1918-335
-** 09/09/1818, 06/11/1834, 12/11/1843, 06/12/1844, 09/12/1849, 1856-27, 1867-125, 1868-55, 1870-24, 1872-112, 1876-60, 1877-41, 1888-323
-:303 II: 10, 515 III: 218 IV: 344,459, 620 709 f V:241 1867 (O.P.): 125
-: 243 1902: 29 1923: 55 1930: 91
-M.F.M. 268, 270 7 M.F.M. 33 9 M.F.M. 133 14 M.F.M. 262 28 M.F.M. 353 See. Sees. 305 and 340 (or 342)?
-=== Sec. 201. DELEGATION OF POWERS ===
-The Grand Lodge may exercise its powers itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom, it may appoint, except that in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power to revoke Charters of Lodges or to expel or to suspend (except ''pro tempore'') Brethren from the rights and privileges of Masonry.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_201 Section 201]; 1918-335
-** 12/11/1843
-IV: 620 1878: 46 1890: 123 1891: 59 1930: 91
-=== Sec. 202. COMPOSITION ===
-The Grand Lodge consists of the Worshipful Master, 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_202 Section 202]; 1918-336
-** 1914-362, 1915-41, 1915-113
-* Grand Lodge of England: Nov. 21, 1724; Feb. 28, 1726; May 10, 1727
-II: 6, 515 III: 221 f IV: 700 1880: 154 1900: 25 1901: 138, 243 1914: 362 1930: 91
-=== Sec. 203. VOTING POWERS OF LODGES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-II: 6, 113, 206 IV: 622 VI: 338 VII: 79 1918: 317 1930: 192
-* a: 1921: 151 1922: 37
-* c: 1878: 50, 87
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_203 Section 203]; 1918-336
-=== Sec. 204. VOTING POWERS OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS: RIGHT TO VOTE ===
-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, except that in all cases of a tie vote the presiding officer shall cast the deciding vote.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_204 Section 204]; 1918-336
-** II-6, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 06/12/1844
-II: 6
-III: 221, 224 IV: 619, 622 V336 1878: 51, 88 1930: 92 1953: 42, 197
-=== Sec. 205. VOTING POWERS OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS: DELEGATION ===
-Members of the Grand Lodge cannot delegate the right to vote.
-==== References ====
-III: 224 IV: 622 1930: 92
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_205 Section 205]; 1918-336
-=== Sec. 206. COMMUNICATIONS ===
-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. The Quarterly Communication in December shall be the Annual Communication.
-The Stated Communication shall also be held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 4 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.
-Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_206 Section 206]; 1918-337
-** I-4, II-9, II-517, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1870-50, 1872-117
-** on Sundays: 1866-55, 1884-246(or 245?), 1906-119, 26MFM-97
-I:4 II: 6,9, 11,36, 517 III: 219, 222 IV: 619, 622 V: 594 VI: 24 1872: 124, 245
-: 13 1878: 46 1910: 45 1918: 317,318 1930: 92 1953: 42, 197 1989
-=== Sec. 207. NOTICES OF COMMUNICATIONS ===
-Notice of every Communication of the Grand Lodge which is called for the transaction of business shall be sent to the officers, permanent members, and the Lodges stating the time, place, and purpose of the Communication. This notice is to be sent at least 14 days prior to such Communication.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_207 Section 207]; 1918-337
-** 1856-117, 1910-46
-I:375 II: 9 III: 226 IV: 627 VI: 25, 240, 334
-: 46,87 1930: 93 1953: 42, 197 1974: 173 1989:
-=== Sec. 208. RANK AND TITLES OF OFFICERS, ETC. ===
-The officers, permanent members, Grand Representatives, and other officials of the Grand Lodge, and their respective rank and titles are as follows:
-# M.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._209._GRAND_MASTER Grand Master].
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._210._DEPUTY_GRAND_MASTER Deputy Grand Master].
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._214._DISTRICT_GRAND_MASTER District Grand Masters].
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._215._GRAND_WARDENS:_GENERAL Senior Grand Warden].
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._215._GRAND_WARDENS:_GENERAL Junior Grand Warden].
-# M.W. Past Grand Masters.
-# R.W. Past Deputy Grand Masters.
-# R.W. Past District Grand Masters.
-# R.W. Past Grand Wardens.
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._218._DIRECTORS:_COMPOSITION Directors].
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._222._GRAND_TREASURER Grand Treasurer].
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._223._GRAND_SECRETARY Grand Secretary].
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._224._DISTRICT_DEPUTY_GRAND_MASTERS:_DUTIES District Deputy Grand Masters]
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._266._GRAND_REPRESENTATIVES Grand Representatives]
-# R.W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._226._GRAND_MARSHAL Grand Marshal].
-# W. and Rev. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._227._GRAND_CHAPLAINS Grand Chaplains].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._228._GRAND_LECTURERS Grand Lecturers].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._229._GRAND_DEACONS Senior Grand Deacon].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._229._GRAND_DEACONS Junior Grand Deacon].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._230._GRAND_STEWARDS Grand Stewards].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._231._GRAND_SWORD_BEARER Grand Sword Bearer].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._232._GRAND_STANDARD_BEARER Grand Standard Bearer].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._233._GRAND_PURSUIVANTS Grand Pursuivants].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._234._GRAND_ORGANIST Grand Organist].
-# W. [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._235._GRAND_TYLER Grand Tyler].
-==== References ====
-III: 221
-IV: 619
-VII: 27
-: 67
-: 25, 128
-: 66
-:318,337
-: 93
-: 161
-: 42, 197
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_208 Section 208]; 1918-337
-** I-10, I-15, I-157, II-6, II-490, 515-517; 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1865-18, 1873-47, 1873-123, 1893-82, 1901-138, 1909-64, 1910-45, 1875-67, 1915-106(103?), 1915-365
-* Grand Lodge of England: Nov. 21, 1724; Feb. 28, 1726; May 10, 1727
-=== Sec. 209. GRAND MASTER ===
-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, an Officer, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension.
-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 relaxatio'' 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 at the Annual Communication.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_209 Section 209]; 1918-338
-** I-49, I-55, I-337, 06/11/1823, 10/11/1843, 09/12/1849, 1856-15, 1858-39, 1863-22, 1865-42, 1866-7, 1868-43, 1868-56, 1868-59, 1869-174, 1870-57, 1870-138, 1872-228, 1872-229, 1873-115, 1874-84, 1881-164, 1885-159, 1886-172, 1897-81, 1916-575, 12MFM-13, 30MFM-189, 20MFM-119, 20MFM-151, 30MFM-189
-II: 7, 517
-III: 224
-IV: 614, 624
-VI: 483
-VII: 67, 278
-: 138
-: 46,87 1901: 20
-: 575
-: 94 1934: 84 1936: 165 1941: 46
-: 267 1953: 43, 197 2008: 167
-Mackey: Masonic Jurisprudence Bk. V, Ch. Ill, Sec. 1
-=== Sec. 210. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-I: 7, 337
-III: 224 IV: 454, 624
-: 47, 88
-: 95
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_210 Section 210]; 1918-339
-** II-7, II-517
-=== Sec. 211. GRAND MASTER ''EX OFFICIO'' ===
-In case of the death, resignation, or disability of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall act, ''ex officio'', as Grand Master during such disability, or until a successor be chosen.
-==== References ====
-IV: 625
-: 126 1930: 95
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_211 Section 211]; 1918-339
-** 1895-219
-=== Sec. 212. GRAND MASTER ''PRO TEMPORE'' ===
-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 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.
-==== References ====
-:318 1930: 95
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_212 Section 212]; 1918-339
-=== Sec. 213. GRAND MASTER: ABSENCE ===
-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. This section shall not apply to District Grand Masters or Past District Grand Masters.
-==== References ====
-II: 517 IV: 614, 625 1918:318 1930: 96
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_213 Section 213]; 1918-340
-=== Sec. 214. DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_214 Section 214]; 1918-340
-** 1869-104, 1870-18, 1871-235, 1915-96, 1916-51, 1917-5; see other sections with details
-:255
-:257
-:96
-=== Sec. 215. GRAND WARDENS: GENERAL ===
-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 so to do by him.
-==== References ====
-III: 224 IV: 625 1878: 47, 87 1930: 97
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_215 Section 215]; 1918-340
-** II-7, II-11, II-518
-=== Sec. 216. GRAND WARDENS: ABSENCE OF WARDENS ===
-In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the senior Past Senior Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel and assume his duties. In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the junior Past Junior Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel and assume his duties.
-==== References ====
-IV: 625 1878: 47, 87 1918: 340 1930: 97 1989:
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_216 Section 216]; 1918-340 ''does not include the text "assume his duties" in the text.''
-** II-517
-=== Sec. 217. GRAND WARDENS: ABSENCE OF GRAND MASTER AND DEPUTY GRAND MASTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-II: 7 III: 224 1878: 47, 87 1930: 97
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_217 Section 217]; 1918-341
-** II-517-518
-=== Sec. 218. DIRECTORS: COMPOSITION ===
-The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and nine other members, of whom four, at least, shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and five may be chosen from the members of the Lodges. The Past Grand Masters, the Grand Secretary, and the Grand Treasurer, shall be ex officio, non-voting members of the Board. Five voting members shall constitute a quorum.
-==== References ====
-VI: 239, 334 VII: 388 1868 (O.P.): 37 1930: 97 1994:
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_218 Section 218]; 1918-341
-** 1869-82
-=== Sec. 219. DIRECTORS: CONSTITUTION ===
-The Grand Master shall be President and the Grand Secretary Clerk of the Board of Directors.
-The Past Grand Masters shall constitute an Advisory Committee to the Grand Master to assist him in the performance of his duties as he may require and shall be consulted in determining those to fill all offices and positions.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_219 Section 219]; 1919-341
-** 1869-20, 1871-32. 1872-31, 1895-219, 1896-35
-''none''
-=== Sec. 220. DIRECTORS: POWERS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-II: 523
-III: 218, 237
-IV: 615, 633
-VI: 239, 334, 336
-: 32, 127 1872: 31 1878: 48,87 1895: 126, 220 1930: 98
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_220 Section 220]; 1919-341
-** 1871-34
-=== Sec. 221. DIRECTORS: MEETINGS ===
-Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called 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. An elected Board member is allowed no more than 25% unexcused absences each year. Exceeding this automatically ends his term.
-==== References ====
-VI: 239, 334
-: 45 1930: 98 1994:
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_221 Section 221]; 1919-342
-=== Sec. 222. GRAND TREASURER ===
-The Grand Treasurer shall have 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 monthly and annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the Board of Directors. He may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, delegate his duties or any part thereof to a person employed by the Directors of the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_222 Section 222]; 1919-342
-** II-8, II-518, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1910-46
-II: 7, 136, 525
-III: 225
-IV: 626, 632
-VI: 24
-: 47, 87
-:99
-:
-=== Sec. 223. GRAND SECRETARY ===
-The Grand Secretary shall make a correct record of all transactions of the Grand Lodge. It shall be his duty 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 case, 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_223 Section 223]; 1919-343
-** II-8, II-518, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1856-17, 1902-52, 1910-46, 1915-34, 120, 128
-II:7, 109, 522
-III: 225, 226
-IV: 627
-VI: 25
-: 52
-: 47,87
-: 15
-: 123
-: 99
-:
-: 96
-: 95
-: 72
-=== Sec. 224. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS: DUTIES ===
-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 first of December 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 except Grand Lodge dues of members as provided in Sec. 331; 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 first of December; 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 Grand Master for payment.
-Past District Deputy Grand Masters shall be styled "Right Worshipful."
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_224 Section 224]; 1919-344
-** I-360, II-191, II-339, II-275, II-452, II-489, II-519, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 12/27/1852, 1856-18, 1895-220, 1900-25, 1910-46, 1915-103, 1915-109, 1917Builder-291, Sec 350-54
-** In this revision, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_225 Section 225], Page 1919-344, reads as follows: ''"The commission of a District Deputy Grand Master may be revoked or his powers suspended at the will and pleasure of the Grand Master."''
-II:7, 319,486, 489, 519, 542,627
-III: 228, 332
-IV: 628 VI: 25, 477
-VII: 66, 429
-: 47,87
-: 126, 312
-: 35
-: 319
-: 466
-: 100
-: 43, 197
-: 96
-=== Sec. 225. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS: MEETINGS AND EXPENSES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_226 Section 226]; 1919-345
-:319 1939: 101
-=== Sec. 226. GRAND MARSHAL ===
-The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; shall receive all reports presented in Grand Lodge 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.
-==== References ====
-III: 227 IV: 629
-,87 126, 220 318,338
-1895
-: 101 1989: 96
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_227 Section 227]; 1919-345
-** II-9, II-519, 09/09/1818, 03/14/1821, 10/11/1843
-=== Sec. 227. GRAND CHAPLAINS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-II: 92 IV: 629
-: 47,87 1930: 101
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_228 Section 228]; 1919-345
-** II-92, 1873-179, 1873-185, 1912-126
-=== Sec. 228. GRAND LECTURERS ===
-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, and other ritualistic ceremonies, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. A Chairman may be designated by the Grand Master. The compensation for such services shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and paid by the Grand Lodge. Instructions other than that directed by the Grand Master, may be requested by any Lodge for the compensation fixed by the Board of Directors, which shall be paid by such Lodge.
-==== References ====
-II:  287, 291, 358
-IV: 559,564,573, 630
-V: 336, 346
-VI: 25, 449
-: 114 1874: 14 1878: 48, 87
-: 67
-: 168
-: 129, 223 1930: 102 1936: 152 1989: 96
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_229 Section 229]; 1919-345
-** II-280, II-282, 09/14/1842, 12/10/1851, 12/27/1852, 1856-18, 1858-42, 1863-4, 1875-66, 1875-111, 1888-288, 1910-213
-=== Sec. 229. GRAND DEACONS ===
-The Grand Deacons shall communicate messages and attend the Grand Master in all processions.
-==== References ====
-III: 229 IV: 630 1878: 47, 87 1919: 245
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_230 Section 230]; 1919-346
-** II-9, II-490, II-520
-=== Sec. 230. GRAND STEWARDS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-III:229
-IV: 630
-:47, 87
-:312
-:35
-:46
-:102
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_231 Section 231]; 1919-346
-** II-9, II-520
-=== Sec. 231. GRAND SWORD BEARER ===
-The Grand Sword Bearer shall assist the Grand Marshal, and, in the absence of his principal, shall act as his substitute.
-==== References ====
-II: 9 III: 230 IV:614, 630 1930: 102 1953: 43, 197
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_232 Section 232]; 1919-346
-** II-490, II-520
-=== Sec. 232. GRAND STANDARD BEARER ===
-The Grand Standard Bearer shall carry the standard in processions if directed so to do and, at other times, shall assist the Grand Marshal.
-==== References ====
-VII: 26 1930: 103 1953: 43, 197
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_233 Section 233]; 1919-346
-** 1865-19
-=== Sec. 233. GRAND PURSUIVANTS ===
- 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.
-==== References ====
-III: 230
-IV: 615, 630
-: 48,87 1910: 46 1930: 103
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_234 Section 234]; 1919-346
-** II-490, II-520
-=== Sec. 234. GRAND ORGANIST ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-(O.P.): Supp. 20
-VII: 27 1930: 103
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_235 Section 235]; 1919-347
-=== Sec. 235. GRAND TYLER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-III: 225   IV: 631
-: 103 1989: 96
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_236 Section 236]; 1919-347
-** II-9, II-490, II-517, II-520
-=== Sec. 236. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRAND OFFICERS: PAST MASTER ===
-No Brother shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy 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 this Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-III: 223 IV: 621 VI: 559
-: 103 1989: 96
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_237 Section 237]; 1919-347
-** II-7, II-516, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1864-71, 1910-46, 1915-44
-=== Sec. 237. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRAND OFFICERS: MEMBER OF MASSACHUSETTS LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-III: 223 IV: 614, 621 1930: 104
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_238 Section 238]; 1919-347
-** 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843
-=== Sec. 238. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRAND OFFICERS: TERM LIMITS FOR GRAND MASTER AND GRAND WARDENS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-III: 223 IV: 614, 621 1930: 104
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_239 Section 239]; 1919-347
-** I-35, I-131, II-6, II-517
-=== Sec. 239. ELECTED GRAND OFFICERS ===
-The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Communication, the election to commence at a time designated by the Grand Master. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary for a choice.
-==== References ====
-II: 6, 151, 516 III: 222 IV: 454, 621 1930: 104 1953:43,197 1989:96
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_240 Section 240]; 1919-348; ''This section is labeled "Election of Grand Officers".''
-** II-7, II-8, II-516, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1856-26, 1860-24, 1872-27, 1883-264, 1897-169, 1915-43
-=== Sec. 240. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ===
-Three Directors shall be elected at each Annual Communication to serve for three years. Each Director may serve not more than two consecutive three year terms. Each elected Director shall not stand for re-election after their second term until at least one year has elapsed.
-==== References ====
-VII: 388
-: 87 1930: 104 1953: 43, 197 1994:
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_241 Section 241]; 1919-348; ''In this revision, four directors are elected at each Annual Communication to serve for two years.''
-** 1869-82, 1915-43
-=== Sec. 241. APPOINTED GRAND OFFICERS ===
-All Grand Officers not herein designated for election shall be appointed by the Grand Master, who may revoke the appointment or suspend the powers of any such officer at his will and pleasure.
-==== References ====
-II:7
-IV: 456, 622 1918: 344, 348 1930: 104
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_242 Section 242]; 1919-348; ''in this revision, the words "who may revoke the appointment or suspend the powers of any such officer at his will and pleasure" do not appear.''
-=== Sec. 242. INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS: BY PREDECESSOR ===
-The officers of Grand Lodge (except District Grand Master) shall be annually installed at the Stated Communication. The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor; or, in his absence, by the senior Past Grand Master present; and, in the absence of all Past Grand Masters, by the senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present.
-==== References ====
-III: 222 IV:623 VI: 448
-:46,87 1930: 104 1953: 43, 197 1989:
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_243 Section 243]; 1919-348; ''In this revision, the word "the" appears before "Grand Lodge", and "District Grand Masters" is plural; the words "at the Communication to celebrate the Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist" is used instead of "at the Stated Communication". Instead of "senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present", the text reads "the Senior Past Master present."
-** I-41, I-148, II-116, II-475, II-516, 09/09/1818, 01/16/1837, 1863-4, 1869-147, 1871-397, 1873-156, 1874-155, 1877-291, 1880-173, 1883-289, 1884-215, 1910-46
-=== Sec. 243. INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS: BY GRAND MASTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-III: 223 IV:623 1930: 105
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_244 Section 244]; 1919-348
-** II-7, II-516
-=== Sec. 244. OFFICIAL OBLIGATION ===
-The several Grand Officers, previous to their Installation, shall make the following declaration:
-<blockquote>
-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.
-</blockquote>
-==== References ====
-III: 223 IV:623 1904: 105
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_245 Section 245]; 1919-349
-** II-8, II-516
-=== Sec. 245. INSTALLATION BY PROXY: GRAND MASTER ===
-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 permanent member of Grand Lodge present.
-==== References ====
-III: 223 IV: 623 1930: 106 1989:
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_246 Section 246]; 1919-349
-** II-7, II-516, 09/09/1818, 12/27/1825, 10/11/1843
-=== Sec. 246. INSTALLATION BY PROXY: DUTIES IF GRAND MASTER ABSENT ===
-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 this Grand Lodge. The proxies for all other officers, except Grand Chaplain and Tyler, must also be members of this Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_247 Section 247]; 1919-349; ''In this revision, instead of "senior permanent member of Grand Lodge present", the text reads "the Senior Past Master present."''
-** II-7, II-516;  09/09/1818, 10/11/1843
-III: 223 IV: 623
-: 105
-=== Sec. 247. INSTALLATION: PROCLAMATION AND TENURE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_248 Section 248]; 1919-350
-** II-516;  09/09/1818, 10/11/1843
-II: 516
-III: 223 IV: 624
-: 46,87 1918: 350 1930: 106
-=== Sec. 248. INSTALLATION: NO ACTION PRIOR TO INSTALLATION ===
-No elected officer of the Grand Lodge, except a Director, shall act as such until he is duly installed.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_249 Section 249]; 1919-350
-** 10/11/1843
-IV: 624 1878: 88
-: 106
-=== Sec. 249. INSTALLATION: COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES OF DIRECTORS ===
-Newly elected Directors shall enter upon their duties at the close of the annual installation ceremonies.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_250 Section 250]; 1919-350
-VII: 388  1930: 106
-=== Sec. 250. VACANCIES: ELECTED OFFICERS ===
-In case of the death, disability, resignation, or declination of any elective officer, the Grand Lodge may, after due notice, 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 a vacancy in the office of Director shall be filled only by election by the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-IV: 621
-VII: 388
-: 46,87
-: 106
-: 43, 197
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_251 Section 251]; 1919-350
-** 10/11/1843; 1878-46; 1878-87
-=== Sec. 251. VACANCIES: APPOINTED OFFICERS ===
-In case of vacancy, temporary or permanent, for any cause in any appointive office, the Grand Master may act at his pleasure.
-==== References ====
-: 107
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_252 Section 252]; 1919-350
-=== Sec. 252. SEAL ===
-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 on our own.
-==== References ====
-I: 22, 233 III: 218
-VI: 116, 234, 239 1878: 21 1880: 24, 164 1910: 45 1930: 107
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_255 Section 255]; 1918-353
-** I-143, II-275; II-400; II-413; 12/27/1820; 03/14/1821; 1855-84; 1856-40, 1856-41; 1856-50; 1865-19; 1866-34; 1871-253; 1872-27; 1896-36; 1913-273; 1914-353; 1914-364; 1915-39; 1915-331; 1916-175
-''Motto'': 1918: 353, 354
-<p align=center>
-http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/images/GrandLodgeSeal2012.jpg
-</p>
-This shall be the Seal of the Corporation, to be kept and used by the Grand Secretary.
-=== Sec. 253. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_256 Section 256]; 1918-354
-** 1857-11, 1890-18
-VI: 108
-: 105 1930: 108
-=== Sec. 254. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY ===
-There shall be a Library Committee, to consist of three members, who, under the direction of the Board of Directors, shall have charge of the Library.
-==== References ====
-III: 100, 363
-IV: 15
-V: 291, 297
-(O.P.): 18
-VI: 26, 471
-: 108
-: 43, 197
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_257 Section 257]; 1918-355
-** II-620, 09/12/1821, 06/12/1850, 09/11/1850, 1856-18, 1863-16, 1864-69, 1867-142, 1880-189, 1917-322
-=== Sec. 255. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON 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.
-==== References ====
-III: 187
-VII: 289, 368
-: 52 1910: 47
-: 109
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_258 Section 258]; 1918-355
-** II-523, 12/28/1818, 1869-11, 1868-119
-=== Sec. 256. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON 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.
-==== References ====
-: 109
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_260 Section 260], 1918-355
-** 1887-27
-=== Sec. 257. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS ===
-There shall be a Committee on Foreign Relations of not less than five members, who shall
-consider and report on all questions relating to the
-recognition of foreign Grand Lodges.
-==== References ====
-: 301
-: 410
-: 295
-: 44, 197
-=== Sec. 258. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON SERVICE ===
-There shall be a Committee on Masonic Service of not less than seven members, who shall supervise and direct the service activities of Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-: 410 1953: 44, 197
-=== Sec. 259. STANDING COMMITTEES: COMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION ===
-There shall be a Committee on Masonic Education of not less than seven members, who shall have general supervision of the Lodges of Instruction and of the instruction and programs presented therein.
-==== References ====
-: 410
-: 44, 197
-=== Sec. 260. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES ===
-All committees shall be appointed and vacancies therein filled by the Grand Master, or, in his absence, by the Grand Lodge presiding officer, unless otherwise ordered by the Grand Lodge. Each member shall be notified of his appointment by the Grand Secretary.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_261 Section 261], 1918-356
-** 09/08/1824
-* ''Note: in '''GC1918''', [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_259 Section 259], 1918-355, provided for a Committee on 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 any errors or omissions therein."''
-** 1869-115, 1871-260
-III: 505
-IV: 640
-:109
-:96
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Sec. 261. ANNUAL APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES ===
-Standing committees shall be appointed annually.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_262 Section 262], 1918-356
-II: 523
-:110
-=== Sec. 262. APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-:110
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_263 Section 263], 1918-356
-=== Sec. 263. ELIGIBILITY ===
-The Grand Master may commission any Brother who is a member of this Grand Jurisdiction to serve on any committee.
-==== References ====
-IV: 640
-:49,87
-:312
-:36
-:110
-:96
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_264 Section 264], 1918-356; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-* 10/11/1843; 1917-35
-=== Sec. 264. COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ===
-The first Brother chosen or appointed shall be Chairman, unless otherwise ordered, and shall designate times and places of meeting.
-==== References ====
-II: 23
-III: 237
-IV: 641
-: 356
-: 110
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_265 Section 265], 1918-356
-** II-523
-=== Sec. 265. EXPENSES ===
-The necessary expenses of all committees shall be paid by the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-II: 523, 598
-III: 237
-IV: 641
-: 356 1930: 110
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_266 Section 266], 1918-356
-=== Sec. 266. GRAND REPRESENTATIVES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-IV: 400, 561, 609 V: 21, 29, 30 VI: 252 VII: 450 1927: 352 1930: 110
-=== Sec. 267. SEATS IN GRAND LODGE ===
-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 Lodge which they represent.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_267 Section 267], 1918-357; ''In this revision, this section reads: Members of Committees 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.''
-** ''Grand Representatives were not a recognized part of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge until 1928; the text was amended to read as in the current article on 03/14/1928, 1928-41.''
-IV: 454 1930: 110
-== PART III: PARTICULAR LODGES ==
-=== Sec. 300. DISPENSATIONS FOR NEW LODGES ===
-Dispensations to establish new Lodges may be issued by the Grand Master, or by the Grand Lodge on petition of not less than twenty-five affiliated Master Masons of known skill and good standing.
-The fee for such dispensations shall be a sum fixed, from time to time, by the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_300 Section 300], 1918-358; ''the text of the section in this revision was significantly different:''
-** ''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; provided, however, that in any municipality where there are one or more Lodges of this jurisdiction the same be recommended by the Lodge, or Lodges, whose jurisdiction will be affected thereby; and provided, also, that in case the jurisdiction of three or more Lodges is thus affected the recommendation of two-thirds of such Lodges shall be sufficient.''
-** ''If, in any case, only one Lodge fails to recommend the petition, it may nevertheless be issued by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge. Questions of jurisdiction under this section shall be determined by the Grand Master.''
-** ''The fee for such Dispensation shall be twenty-five dollars.''
-** II-522, 09/09/1818, 12/11/1822, 10/11/1843, 1886-205, 1887-23, 1911-81, 1916-548, 1917-190
-II: 109 III: 236, 414 IV: 6, 634 1895: 126, 220 1917: 62, 190 1929: 43 1930: 112 1953: 44, 197 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 301. PETITION FOR DISPENSATION ===
-The form of petition for a Dispensation shall be as follows:
-<blockquote>
-To the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts:<br>
-<br>
-We, the undersigned, being affiliated Master Masons in good standing, and having the prosperity of the Craft at heart, are eager 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.<br>
-<br>
-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.
-</blockquote>
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_301 Section 301], 1918-358; ''In this revision the address is to "To the Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts".''
-* I-2, 1911-103, 1917-196
-IV: 634
-: 103 1930: 112 1953: 44, 197 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 302. CHARTERS ===
-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 a sum fixed, from time to time by the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_302 Section 302], 1918-359; ''in this revision the fee was fixed at fifty dollars.''
-** I-236, II-22, II-194, II-522, 09/09/1818, 1856-10, 1870-348, 1870-445, 1871-152, 1872-112, 5MFM-164, 7MFM-33, 8MFM-68, 8MFM-356, 9MFM-228, 11MFM-108, 12MFM-230, 24MFM-325
-I: 272
-II:  28
-III: 236
-IV: 634
-: 48, 87
-: 113
-: 96
-=== Sec. 303. CERTIFIED COPIES OF CHARTERS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_303 Section 303], 1918-360
-** 1876-5, 1880-127, 1880-167, 1881-47, 1914-177, 1915-282
-: 113
-=== Sec. 304. CONSTITUTON OF NEW LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_304 Section 304], 1918-360
-** I-3, 10/21/1821, 1870-68, 1871-86
-III: 236 IV: 635 VII: 67 1930: 113
-=== Sec. 305. SURRENDER OR FORFEITURE OF CHARTER ===
-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, suspended, or revoked, 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_305 Section 305], 1918-360
-** I-178, II-450, II-492, II-523, II-533, II-552, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 03/13/1844, 12/11/1844, 09/10/1845, 12/10/1845, 06/10/1846, 06/14/1848, 1857-36, 1859-17, 1871-16, 1872-247
-II: 6
-III: 232, 236
-IV: 502, 635
-V: 25, 45, 169, 173
-: 48,87
-: 319 1921: 155 1930: 114 1953 44, 197 See Secs. 200 and 340
-=== Sec. 306. FAILURE TO TRANSFER EFFECTS OF EXTINGUISHED LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_306 Section 306], 1918-361
-III: 236
-IV: 636, 644
-: 48,87 1930: 114
-=== Sec. 307. RESTORATION OF CHARTER ===
-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 provisions of Sec. 306 relating to such property and effects shall have been strictly complied with, nor unless seven of the petitioners for the restoration were members of the Lodge at the time of its surrender.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_307 Section 307], 1918-361
-** II-522, 09/09/1816, 1857-37, 1871-13
-III: 51 IV: 636 1857 (O.P): 3
-: 48,87 1918: 319 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 308. STATUS OF MEMBERS OF SMOTHERED LODGES ===
-If at any time the Charter of any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be suspended or revoked for irregular or un-Masonic conduct, the members of said Lodge, at the time of its having incurred such a penalty, shall be disqualified to visit or join any other Lodge without the permission of the Grand Master.
-If such Charter is revoked for any other reason or is surrendered, the members of the Lodge then in good standing and clear on the books shall receive demits from the Grand Secretary or District Grand Secretary.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_308 Section 308], 1918-361
-** 03/11/1840, 1905-197
-IV: 496, 636
-: 48,87 1930: 115 1953: 44, 197
-=== Sec. 309. WORK IN LODGES WITH SUSPENDED OR REVOKED CHARTERS FORBIDDEN ===
-Any Mason knowingly assisting at the work of a Lodge whose Charter has been suspended or revoked shall be liable to expulsion from the rights and privileges of Masonry.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_309 Section 309], 1918-362
-** 03/11/1840
-IV: 497, 637
-: 48,87
-: 115
-: 44, 197
-=== Sec. 310. INCORPORATION OF LODGES FORBIDDEN ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_310 Section 310], 1918-362
-** 06/14/1826, 1867-96, 1867-121, 26MFM-137
-IV: 16
-VII: 176, 205
-: 115
-=== Sec. 311. POWERS ===
-All Lodges under this jurisdiction have a right to convene in accordance with their Charters, 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 Grand Lodge, and the ancient usages of the Craft.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_311 Section 311], 1918-362; ''in this revision, the text "as Free and Accepted Masons" appears in place of "in accordance with their Charters".''
-* II-520, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843
-III: 230 IV: 642
-: 116 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 312. MEETINGS ===
-Each Lodge shall meet at least once in each calendar or lunar month, except that it may omit meeting for not more than three months in any calendar year. Due notification of each meeting shall be given by written notice to each member thereof; but no defect in notice alone shall invalidate any action taken or work performed at any such meeting.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_312 Section 312], 1918-362; ''in this revision, the section reads: "Each Lodge shall meet once in each calendar month, except that it may omit meeting for not more than three of the summer months."''
-** 10/11/1843, 1889-191, 4MFM-67
-IV: 651
-: 51,87
-: 116
-: 123
-: 45, 198
-: 96
-=== Sec. 313. MEETING RESTRICTIONS ===
-No Lodge shall hold more than one meeting in the same day, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, nor shall it hold a special meeting, without dispensation of the Grand Master, on the same day on which the Lodge of Instruction of its district has been scheduled to meet.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_313 Section 313], 1918-363; ''in this revision, the section reads: "No Lodge shall hold more than one meeting in the same day, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason." Lodges of Instruction were not instituted until 1927.''
-VI: 523
-: 13,65
-: 48
-: 116
-: 45
-=== Sec. 314. CUSTODY OF CHARTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_314 Section 314], 1918-363
-** 10/11/1843, 1915-282
-IV: 651 1878: 51, 87 1930: 116
-=== Sec. 315. BY-LAWS ===
-No Lodge shall suspend the operation of a By-Law; nor at a Special Meeting alter or amend any part of the proceedings of a Stated one.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_315 Section 315], 1918-363
-** 10/11/1843, 2MFM-165, 8MFM-65, 12MFM-357
-IV: 652 1878: 51, 87 1930: 116
-=== Sec. 316. BUSINESS ===
-All general business of the Lodge, such as the election of officers, action on questions relating to the general interests of the Fraternity, and the local affairs of the Lodge, may be transacted while open on any degree at a Stated Meeting. No vote shall be taken by mail nor shall any general business be conducted at a Special Meeting except the installation of officers or a Masonic Funeral Service.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_316 Section 316], 1918-363; ''in this revision, the section reads: "No business other than that appertaining to the Work and Lectures shall be transacted in a Lodge while open on the first or second degree. All general business, such as the election and installation of officers, the discussion of questions relating to the general interests of the Fraternity, and the local affairs of the Lodge, shall be transacted in a Masters' Lodge."''
-IV: 505, 561, 650 1895: 127, 221 1918: 363 1926: 240 1930: 117 1953: 45, 197 1974: 173 2001: 99
-=== Sec. 317. MEMBERS ===
-The Lodge shall admit as members such only as are Master Masons.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_317 Section 317], 1918-363
-** II-521
-III: 232, 538
-IV: 650
-: 127, 221
-: 117
-=== Sec. 318. ABSENCE OF MASTER AND WARDENS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_318 Section 318], 1918-363
-** II-521, 1915-216 (218?), 10/11/1843, 13MFM-39
-III: 233
-IV: 649
-: 65
-: 176
-: 242
-: 117
-=== Sec. 319. JURISDICTION ===
-The jurisdiction of a Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be the territorial limits of the Commonwealth, and all Lodges located therein shall have equal and concurrent jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of a Lodge located without said Commonwealth shall be the limits of the territory designated by its Charter.
-If, however, the jurisdiction of a lodge as stated in its Charter shall be a college, university or other institution of like character and standing, such Lodge shall have jurisdiction over any candidate, who, in addition to having a Masonic residence in Massachusetts, shall have been officially recognized by such college, university, or institution, as an officer, instructor, student, alumnus, or employee thereof for at least six months continuously next preceding the date of his application.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_319 Section 319], 1918-364; ''in this revision, the section reads: "The territorial jurisdiction of a Lodge shall be as stated in its Charter. It shall also include all adjoining cities antl towns where no Lodge is located and all other unoccupied territory which is nearer its place of meeting than that of any other Lodge."''
-** ''Amended 03/08/1922, 1922-36, to include the following text: ""If, however, the jurisdiction 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 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, such college, university, or institution, for six months continuously preceding the date of his application."''
-: 117
-: 209, 351
-: 45, 197
-: 173
-''Regarding college and university lodges:''
-: 166
-: 128
-=== Sec. 320. PLACE OF MEETING ===
-No Lodge, unless authorized by the Grand Master, shall hold a meeting, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, in any municipality 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 the 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.
-Two or more Lodges which may be located by their Charters in different municipalities may upon petition be granted a dispensation by Grand Lodge to occupy Masonic Apartments jointly within the municipalities of at least one of the participating Lodges.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_320 Section 320], 1918-364; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** II-521, 06/13/1827, 1862-3, 1870-63, 1871-22, 1873-16, 1887-106, 1888-26, 1888-73, 1892-108, 1894-13, 1912-37
-** ''Additionally, '''GC1918''' includes the following sections:''
-*** '''''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_321 Section 321]:''' The several Lodges located in Boston shall have equal and concurrent jurisdiction over the territorial limits of that city.'' (1918-364)
-*** '''''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_322 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.'' (1918-364)
-*** '''''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_323 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.'' (1918-364)
-II: 521
-IV: 91
-(O.P.): 39
-: 49,87
-: 13
-: 118
-: 166
-: 175
-: 174
-=== Sec. 321. REMOVAL ===
-A Lodge shall not remove from the municipality in which it is located without first obtaining the consent of the Grand Lodge upon petition.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_324 Section 324], 1918-365; ''in this revision, the section reads: "No petition for the removal of a Lodge from the place in which it is located shall he sustained in Grand Lodge unless said petition is approved as required in the case of a dispensation for a new Lodge to be located in the place where the said Lodge is intended to be held.
-Such approval shall not be required unless the proposed change of location will affect the jurisdiction of another Lodge."''
-* 12/11/1815, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1872-105, 1876-52, 1917-243
-II: 570
-III: 10, 234
-IV: 643
-: 319
-: 119
-: 45, 197
-=== Sec. 322. QUALIFICATIONS OF MASTER ===
-No Brother shall be installed Master of a Lodge who has not served at least one year in the office of Warden. A Brother who has served as Warden in a Lodge acting Under Dispensation is eligible for election as its Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_325 Section 325], 1918-365; ''in this revision, the second sentence does not appear.''
-** 10/11/1843, 1881-164
-IV: 652
-: 51, 87
-: 21
-: 119
-: 45, 197
-=== Sec. 323. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS ===
-No elected officer of a Lodge shall act as such until he has been duly installed, nor shall he be installed by proxy. In case the Master-elect is unable to be present for installation, his predecessor in office shall continue to act as Master until such time as the installation of the Master-elect shall take place.
-==== References ====
-: 88
-: 143
-: 119
-: 45, 197
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_325 Section 325], 1918-365; ''in this revision, the section reads: "No elected officer of a Lodge shall act as such until he has been duly installed."''
-** 1869-105, 1873-88, 1915-218, 6MFM-315
-=== Sec. 324. VACANCIES ===
-If the Master resigns, dies, or demits, or is suspended, deposed, disabled, or absent, the Senior Warden shall forthwith fill the Master's chair and be styled "Senior Warden, Acting Master."
-If the Senior Warden also be disqualified, the Junior Warden shall forthwith fill the Master's chair and be styled "Junior Warden, Acting Master."
-In the event that a Lodge is without all three of these officers, that fact shall forthwith be made known to the District Deputy Grand Master for the District, who will fill the chair himself, or if that be impossible, the Grand Master will preside or commission a special deputy for that purpose.
-==== References ====
-: 217 1953: 45, 197
-=== Sec. 325. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE: LODGES IN MASSACHUSETTS ===
-Every Lodge shall be represented at the Communications of the Grand Lodge by its Master and Wardens, or by a proxy duly designated by the Lodge in its Return of Officers; and that there may be no excuse for neglect of this duty, each Lodge is authorized to appoint any Master Mason of regular standing who is 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_329 Section 329], 1918-366; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** I-11, I-231, II-6, II-10, II-206, II-490, II-520, II-529, 12/27/1815, 10/11/1843, 1860-27, 1867-105, 1871-75, 1901-172
-** See [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._203._VOTING_POWERS_OF_LODGES Section 203]
-I: 98
-II: 37, 78
-III: 230
-IV: 645
-VI: 338
-VII: 179
-: 50,87
-: 127, 221
-: 119
-: 96
-=== Sec. 326. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE: LODGES OUTSIDE OF MASSACHUSETTS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_330 Section 330], 1918-367
-** ''This revision also includes the following section:''
-*** ''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_331 Section 331]. 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."
-VI: 337
-: 119
-=== Sec. 327. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE: PROXIES ===
-Each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts represented by proxy in the Grand Lodge shall designate the Brother serving as proxy in its Return of Officers. The term of the proxy shall coincide with the term of the elected officers of the Lodge he represents. 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. Designations of proxies of Lodges located without said Commonwealth shall remain in force until revoked or until a new proxy is designated.
-Every Lodge, following the installation of its officers, shall submit a Return of Officers with its next monthly report to the Grand Secretary's Office.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_332 Section 332], 1918-368; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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 timeCommissions of proxies of Lodges located without said Commonwealth shall remain in force until revoked or until a new commission issues.''
-** ''On 03/14/1923, the words "either as representative or proxy as proxy nor shall he be representative of one Lodge and proxy for another" were removed from this section.'' (1923-40)
-** II-480, II-521, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843
-III: 231 IV: 647
-: 320 1930: 120 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 328. INSTRUCTION OF REPRESENTATIVES ===
-At a duly called business meeting of any Lodge, a majority of the members then present shall have the right to instruct their representatives in the Grand Lodge, provided that one of the members is qualified to preside.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_333 Section 333], 1918-368; ''in this revision, the section reads: "The majority of the members of any Lodge, when duly assembled, shall have the right to instruct their representatives ln the Grand Lodge."''
-IV: 644 VI: 27
-: 121 1950: 190 1953: 46, 197
-=== Sec. 329. GRAND LODGE FEES ===
-Each Lodge shall pay the Grand Lodge Fifteen Dollars for each candidate initiated, and shall receive from the Grand Lodge as many diplomas as it may make Master Masons. Each Lodge shall also pay the Grand Lodge $1.00. (One Dollar) for each member who is not a Life Member of Grand Lodge. Said funds to be paid to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial for its general maintenance and upkeep.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_334 Section 334], 1918-368
-** ''This section has been revised repeatedly. In this revision, the section reads: "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 Lodge shall also annually pay towards the support of the Grand Lodge ten dollars and, in addition thereto, each Lodge located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall annually pay ten dollars for each one hundred members (or fraction thereof) in excess of two hundred, excluding honorary members." ''
-** ''On 06/11/1924, it was revised to read: "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. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage."'' (1924-317)
-** I-272, II-37, II-138, II-192 (or 193-94?), II-415, II-521, II-529, II-538, 09/09/1818, 12/11/1815, 12/09/1816, 12/08/1817, 06/14/1820, 03/10/1830, 06/09/1830, 09/14/1842, 10/11/1843, 09/09/1846, 09/12/1849, 1857-8, 1858-24, 1866-15, 1883-130, 1883-280, 1912-102
-I:  375
-II: 123
-III: 7, 234, 615, 645
-V: 87, 240
-VI: 211
-VII: 79
-: 121, 480 1949: 26
-See Sec. 607
-: 168
-=== Sec. 330. GRAND LODGE DUES: OBLIGATIONS OF LODGES ===
-Each Lodge shall pay, annually, to the Grand Lodge for its charitable uses and support a sum so designated and voted by the Grand Lodge for each of its members, such payments to be made at such times, and in such manner, and with such appropriate credits for dual membership, remissions of dues, or other causes, as the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge may from time to time prescribe. For the fiscal year 2013, the sum is $60.00. For each subsequent year, such sum shall be increased by up to twice the same percentage increase for the preceding available twelve month period as the Services component of the Boston Area Consumer Price Index for All Urban Workers (CPI-U) as published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, or closest approximation, rounded to the next highest whole dollar. The increase shall be determined each year by the Grand Treasurer and forwarded to the Board of Directors for consideration and approval sufficiently in advance that adequate notice may be given to the Lodges of the increase for that year.
-==== References ====
-IV: 609
-: 182 1924: 40, 333, 365
-:183
-: 259
-: 54
-: 121, 302, 338, 486
-:36
-: 26 1968: 99
-: 172
-: 77
-: 98,99
-: 96
-:299
-: <>
-=== Sec. 331. GRAND LODGE DUES: PREPAYMENT ===
-Any member may prepay all future Grand Lodge dues by remitting direct to the Grand Lodge a sum equal to the product of 34 multiplied by the then Grand Lodge dues, reduced however, by an amount equal to one-half of the then current Grand Lodge dues multiplied by the number of years in excess of twenty-one of the then attained age of such member, and thereafter no further assessments shall be made by the Grand Lodge upon said member or upon any Lodge on account of such member. All moneys so paid to the Grand Lodge shall be used by it for its charitable purposes and support and no refund shall be made on account of the death or demit of the member or for any other purpose. The investment and expenditure of all funds received for such payment of all future Grand Lodge dues 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 the then current Grand Lodge Dues for each prepaid member.
-==== References ====
-: 302, 486
-: 328
-: 222
-: 26
-: 46, 197
-: 99
-: 172
-: 77,78
-: 99
-: 96
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Sec. 332. WORK: USAGES AND CUSTOMS ===
-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.
-The use of any cipher or presentation of Masonic ritual not authorized by this Grand Lodge is forbidden.
-The use of the stereopticon or other devices not in general use in the work and lectures of the degrees is prohibited.
-Floor work, unless it involves an interpretation of the ritual, is at the discretion of the Master of each Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_335 Section 335], 1918-369; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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."
-** II-345; 09/14/1842, 06/14/1843, 06/12/1844, 03/14/1849, 1857-43, 1872-17, 1873-11, 1873-116, 1873-413, 1879-102, 1894-31, 1894-67, 1894-75, 1894-139, 1895-302, 1896-108, 1898-22 (or 21?), 1908-191, 1909-179, 1912-189, 1914-158, 1915-112, 1915-143, 1916Builder-166
-IV: 559, 598, 645, 650, 706
-V: 225, 594
-(O.P.): 43
-: 50,87
-: 127, 220
-: 32
-: 143
-: 154
-: 121
-: 90
-: 153
-: 111
-: 46, 197
-: 96
-=== Sec. 333. WORK: PARTICIPATION BY MASTERS ===
-A Master or Past Master of a particular Lodge of any jurisdiction recognized by this Grand Lodge may participate in the ritualistic work of a Lodge of this jurisdiction upon the invitation of its Master or Acting Master, provided that the work is done in accordance with the ritual of this Grand Lodge.
-A Warden shall not occupy the Master's chair in any Lodge other than his own.
-==== References ====
-: 64
-: 373
-: 46, 197
-: 96
-=== Sec. 334. WORK: CANDIDATES ANSWER PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS ===
-Each candidate shall individually answer the questions preliminary to the first degree in the presence of the Junior Deacon and Stewards alone. Each candidate shall be received and entered individually in the first section of the first degree up to the Chaplain's lesson. Each candidate shall be received and raised individually in the second section of the third degree.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_336 Section 336], 1918-369; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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."
-** 06/04/1843, 10/11/1843
-VI: 523
-: 65
-: 369
-: 122
-: 126, 175
-: 132, 178
-=== Sec. 335. LIMITATION ON WORK: CANDIDATES AND DEGREES ===
-No Lodge shall confer any one of the three degrees upon more than five candidates at one meeting, nor shall any degree be divided between two meetings, nor shall different degrees be worked simultaneously by any Lodge in separate halls.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_337 Section 337], 1918-369; ''in this revision, the section only includes the first sentence.''
-** ''This revision also includes the following section: "[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_338 Section 338]. 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."''
-** II-205, 10/11/1843, 1864-14
-IV: 706, 715
-VI: 516
-: 65
-: 112
-: 154
-: 122
-: 396
-: 47, 197
-=== Sec. 336. LIMITATION ON WORK: MULTIPLE DEGREES, INTERVAL AND DISPENSATIONS ===
-No Lodge shall confer more than one degree upon the same candidate on the same day, nor at a less interval than two 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 case of necessity or extraordinary emergency, and should never be granted to confer the third degree upon the same day on which the second is conferred.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_339 Section 339], 1918-369; ''in this revision, the section specifies an interval of four weeks.''
-** 10/11/1843, 06/12/1844, 1864-15, 1914-155, 1917-140, 1917-227, 1917-308
-II: 105
-IV: 588 597,706, 715
-V:374
-(O.P.): 18
-(O.P.): 30
-VI: 516
-: 59
-: 122
-:55, 91, 103
-:
-=== Sec. 337. POLITICS, ETC. ===
-No political, sectarian, religious dogma, or other topics likely to excite personal animosities shall be introduced for discussion in any Lodge under this jurisdiction.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_340 Section 340], 1918-370; ''in this revision, the section reads: "No political, sectarian, religious dogma, or other exciting topic shall be introduced for discussion in any Lodge uncler this jurisdiction."''
-** 10/11/1843, 1869-22
-IV: 651 VII: 345
-: 51,87 1918: 370 1930: 123 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 338. PUBLIC PROCESSIONS ===
-No Lodge shall form a public procession, except to attend the funeral of a Master Mason or to attend Divine Worship, without permission from the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-IV: 628 1870: 60, 114, 161
-: 113 1878: 127 1879: 23 1910: 48
-: 292 1918: 370 1930: 123 1938: 374 23 M.F.M. 213
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_341 Section 341], 1918-370; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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)."''
-=== Sec. 339. RECUSANTS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_342 Section 342], 1918-370
-** I-229, I-303, II-10, 10/11/1843
-IV: 644 VI: 27
-: 49,87 1918: 320 1930: 123
-See Sees. 200 and
-=== Sec. 340. CENTENARY WARRANT ===
-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 officers and members in good standing of the said Lodge.
-'''FORM OF A CENTENARY WARRANT'''
-<blockquote>
-To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of (such a) Lodge, located in (such a place):<br>
-<br>
-WHEREAS, It appears by the Records of the Grand Lodge, that, on the day of _____, Anno Lucis 6... , 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 ______<br>
-<br>
-And whereas the Brethren at present composing the said Lodge are desirous, now that one hundred years have elapsed since the Institution 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;<br>
-<br>
-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.<br>
-<br>
-Given at the Masonic Temple, Boston, this _____ day of _____, A.L. _____ <br>
-<br>
-Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. <br>
-Attest:<br>
-(Seal of GL)<br>
-Grand Secretary
-</blockquote>
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_343 Section 343], 1918-371; ''in this revision, "Anno Lucis 5..." appears in the text.''
-: 158
-: 56, 70
-: 371
-: 123
-=== Sec. 341. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: WARRANTS AND CHARTERS ===
-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 Lodges 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 of Massachusetts 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_344 Section 344], 1918-372; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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 formal organization of Lodges of Instruction only occurred in 1927.''
-** ''This revision also includes the following section: "[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_348 Section 348]: 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."''
-** 10/11/1843, 1858-43, 1856-19, 1859-135, 1860-26
-IV: 641
-VI: 26, 27, 336  1921: 370 1923: 160 1924: 556 1927: 345 1930: 125 1933: 366, 502
-=== Sec. 342. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: BY-LAWS, INSTRUCTION AND MEETINGS ====
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_346 Section 346], 1918-373; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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." The formal organization of Lodges of Instruction only occurred in 1927.''
-IV: 27
-: 49,87
-: 125
-: 366, 502
-: 90
-=== Sec. 343. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: NOTICE BY CONSTITUENT LODGES ===
-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. 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 Lodges of Instruction.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_345 Section 345], 1918-372; ''in this revision, the section reads: "Notice of the times and places of meeting of such Lodges of Instruction shall be given to the Brethren in the vicinity, who shall be at liberty to join the same, subject to such rules, regulations, and assessments as may be agreed upon." The formal organization of Lodges of Instruction only occurred in 1927.''
-** 10/11/1843, 1858-43, 1859-135, 1860-26
-: 366, 502
-=== Sec. 344. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: GRAND MASTER'S AUTHORITY ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_345 Section 345], 1918-372; ''in this revision, the section reads: ''"The Grand Master shall have power to suspend or dissolve any Lodge of Instruction when in his opinion there shall be sufficient cause therefor."''
-: 126 1933: 366
-=== Sec. 345. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: RIGHTS OF LODGES ===
-Lodges of Instruction have none of the rights of Chartered Lodges.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_349 Section 349], 1918-373
-:373 1930:126
-=== Sec. 346. LODGES OF INSTRUCTION: RIGHTS OF MASTER; VOUCHING ===
-The presiding officer of a Lodge of Instruction shall have the same prerogatives as the Master of a Chartered Lodge with regard to the admission of visitors.
-One who has sat with a Brother in a Chartered Lodge or in a Lodge of Instruction may vouch for him in another Lodge of Instruction, but sitting with a Brother in a Lodge of Instruction i s not sufficient to enable one to vouch for him in a Chartered Lodge. Only by sitting with a Brother in a Chartered Lodge can one vouch for his admission to another Chartered Lodge.
-==== References ====
-: 225 1953: 47, 97 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 347. DISTRICTS ===
-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. Outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where Lodges are Chartered by the Grand Lodge, the appointment of District Grand Masters is at and during the pleasure of the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_350 Section 350], 1918-373; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-* I-300, II-148, II-191, II-319, II-328, II-336, II-339, II-489, II-522, II-636, 09/09/1818, 03/14/1821, 1869-37, 1869-74, 1869-158, 1871-225, 1872-16, 1877-165, 1904-155, 1911-186, 1914-262, 1915-98, 1915-108, 1915-109
-II: 148, 191, 522 III: 235, 334 IV: 643
-(O.P.): 67 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 348. DISTRICT GRAND MASTER: RANK AND POWERS ===
-A District Grand Master shall enjoy, in his District, a rank and dignity similar to those possessed by the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_351 Section 351], 1918-374
-: 362 1930: 126
-See Sec. 214
-=== Sec. 349. DISTRICT GRAND MASTER: APPOINTMENTS AND SUCCESSOR ===
-The District Grand Master may appoint a Deputy District Grand Master who shall discharge the duties of a Deputy District Grand Master, and in the 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 by the Grand Master. 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_352 Section 352], 1918-374; ''note that the original text in this revision said: ". . . may appoint a District Deputy Grand Master who shall . . ."; this was revised on 09/12/1923 to read as above. (1923-324)''
-: 258 1914: 362 1923: 324 1930: 126 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 350. VISITATIONS ===
-Every Master or presiding officer of a Lodge when notified of an intended official visit of the District Grand Master or District Deputy Grand Master shall convene his Lodge, receive him as the representative of the Grand Master, resign the chair to him while making his official communications, submit to his inspection of 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 Sec. 330.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_353 Section 353], 1918-374; ''in this revision, the phrase "except Grand Lodge dues of members as provided in Sec. 330" does not appear.''
-** II-522
- III: 235 IV: 643 1930: 127 1953: 47, 197
-=== Sec. 351. RETURNS: LODGE OBLIGATIONS ====
-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 Master or 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_354 Section 354], 1918-375; ''the final phrase was added when the section was amended on 09/08/1926 (1926-318).''
-** II-10, II-192, II-521, II-522, 10/11/1843, 1910-47, 1914-216; also [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._224._DISTRICT_DEPUTY_GRAND_MASTERS:_DUTIES Section 224]
-II: 36 III: 232 IV: 643 1878: 49, 87 1918: 321 1926:315,322 1930: 127
-=== Sec. 352. RETURNS: LODGES NOT REPORTING ===
-Any Lodge neglecting to present its Returns 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 moneys due the Grand Lodge 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_355 Section 355], 1918-375
-** I-337, I-348, I-375, II-521, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1871-72
-III: 232 IV: 615, 643
-:49,87 1918: 321 1930: 128
-=== Sec. 353. SUMMONS ===
-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 a contumacy, expulsion or revocation of Charter shall be the penalty.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_356 Section 356], 1918-376
-** 02/04/1818, 10/11/1843
-III: 137
-IV: 636, 644
-: 49,87 1930: 128
-=== Sec. 354 EXEMPLIFICATIONS ===
-It shall be the duty of each District Deputy Grand Master to convene the Lodges of his District once
-each year for the purpose of holding a District Exemplification of the work and lectures of the degrees and other ritualistic ceremonies under the supervision of one of the Grand Lecturers, unless excused, for cause, by the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':  [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_357 Section 357], 1918-376; ''in this revision, the section reads: "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 cause, by the Grand Master."
-** 1874-115, 1875-29, 1875-67, 1875-111, 1896-33
-IV: 563, 620
-V:594
-: 115
-: 303
-: 129
-: 96
-== PART IV: CANDIDATES ==
-=== Sec. 400. INITIATION FEES ===
-All Lodges in this jurisdiction shall demand as the fee for initiating, crafting and raising a Mason not less than Fifty Dollars, including the fee to Grand Lodge.
-No reduction shall be made in the fees for degrees required by a Lodge, excepting by a two-thirds vote of Grand Lodge. No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall charge less than Fifty Dollars for the degrees, or take a note of hand for the fees, or grant any time of credit therefor, or confer any degree without the regular charge having been paid, or return any fee after the three degrees have been conferred.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_400 Section 400], 1918-377; ''In this revision, the section reads: "All Lodges in Boston shall demand as the fee for initiating, crafting, and raising a Mason, not less than fifty dollars, including the fee to the Grand Lodge. Two or more Lodges located in any city or town except Boston, shall agree upon a minimum fee of not less than twenty-five dollars; and in case they cannot agree, the fee shall be fixed by the Grand Master. No reduction shall be made in the 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."''
-* II-192, II-509, II-521, II-622, 12/11/1815, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1864-83, 1866-15, 1870-165, 1891-61, 1891-82, 1892-56, 1892-106, 1892-189, 1894-17, 1894-59
-II: 573
-III: 13, 233
-IV: 496, 561, 649
-VII: 79
-: 65
-: 130
-: 96
-=== Sec. 401. APPLICATIONS FOR INITIATION: APPLICATION COMMITTEE AND STATEMENT ===
-An application for initiation shall not be accepted by a Lodge until the applicant and his sponsor shall have appeared before an application committee of not less than three members of the Lodge, of which the Master or a Warden shall be one, for a preliminary examination as to his fitness. The applicant shall also be required to read, sign, and file with the Secretary such an application statement as shall have been approved by the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_400 Section 400], 1918-377; ''In this revision, the section includes the then-current Application form.''
-** 10/11/1843, 1856-19, 1863-22, 1870-117, 1872-289, 1875-22, 1877-275, 1894-14, 1894-59, 1897-92, 1909-177, 6MFM-384, 9MFM-202, 10MFM-200, 32MFM-305
-: 23 1937: 81, 128 1953: 47, 197 1989: 96 2005: 127
-=== Sec. 402. APPLICATIONS FOR INITIATION: PAPERWORK ===
-All applications for initiation shall be made in writing over the signature of the applicant on the blank furnished therefor by the Grand Lodge.
-An application may be read in a Lodge but not acted upon until all papers required for the application shall be on file with the Secretary: namely, the application statement signed by the applicant, the petition signed by both the applicant and his sponsor, three copies of the questionnaire for the use of the investigating committee, and any waiver required for a non-resident applicant or for an applicant previously rejected in another Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': ''see [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC2012#Sec._401._APPLICATIONS_FOR_INITIATION:_APPLICATION_COMMITTEE_AND_STATEMENT Section 401] above.''
-II: 139 IV: 647
-VI: 27
-(O.P.): 66
-: 111
-: 62
-: 23, 321
-: 173
-: 270
-: 156
-: 112
-: 48, 197
-: 173
-: 127
-=== Sec. 403. JURISDICTION (RESIDENCE) ===
-At the time of application for initiation the petitioner shall have last acquired a Masonic residence in this Jurisdiction by residing therein at least six months continuously.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_402 Section 402], 1918-378; In this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** This revision also includes the following section: ''"[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_403 Section 403]: (a) No person residing in a town or city where there is a Lodge, shall be balloted for in any Lodge located in any other town or city, without the written consent of the Master, one Warden, and two members of each Lodge in the town or city where he resides: provided, however, that where there are more than two Lodges in any town or city, such consent shall not be required of more than two of them, but one of the two shall be a Lodge whose regular place of meeting is as near the dwelling of the applicant as that of any other Lodge which has jurisdiction.''<br>
-''(b) The name of the applicant for the degrees and of the Lodge in whose behalf the release is asked, shall be borne upon the notice for a Monthly Meeting, if the Lodge usually issues such notices and the release shell not be granted before the close of that Meeting; in the meantime, any Brothers having reasons for objection to granting the request may make them known to the Master and Wardens. The Master shall report to the Lodge whether or not the request is granted shall cause the same to be noted on the Record. When such consent is granted, the Secretary shall make the following endorsement upon it:''<br>
-''The above request for release has been borne upon the notice for a Monthly Meeting of ------ Lodge, and this release has been entered upon the Record.
-Attest: ------ Secretary. and he shall attach thereto the seal of the Lodge.''<br>
-''(c) In Lodges which do not usually issue written or printed notifications, the request for release shall be read at a Monthly Meeting, and the release shall not be granted before the close of the next Monthly Meeting, and the Secretary's endorsement shall be as follows:''<br>
-''The above request for release has been read in open Lodge at a Monthly Meeting and is granted after the close of the next Monthly Meeting, and this release has been entered upon the Record.''<br>
-''Attest: ------ Secretary.''<br>
-''and he shall attach thereto the seal of the Lodge.''<br>
-''(d) And provided further, that in case a Lodge so requested refuses to release jurisdiction over an applicant and the Lodge requesting such release feels that an injustice is done the applicant or the Lodge, the Lodge requesting such release of jurisdiction shall have the right to appeal to the Grand Master. Such appeal may be finally determined by the Grand Master or may be referred by him to the Commissioners of Trials who shall thereupon have full power and authority to make a full and careful enquiry into all the circumstances and to report to the Grand Master whether Masonic justice demands dismissal of the appeal or authorization for the requesting Lodge to act upon the application. Such report shall be subject to confirmation or modification by the Grand Master and his action thereon shall be final."''
-** II-112, II-139, II-521, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 09/11/1850, 1856-20, 1860-28, 1866-22, 1872-62, 1872-250, 1874-51, 1889-115, 1894-16, 1894-59, 1906-120, 1907-30, 1907-189, 1910-191, 1911-87, 1912-37, 38, 1912-219
-III: 233 IV: 649 VI: 28, 337 VII: 69, 89 1874: 81 1878: 50, 87 1894: 64 1930: 131 1953: 48, 197 1974: 174
-=== Sec. 404. MASONIC NON-RESIDENTS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_404 Section 404], 1918-381
-* 03/10/1832
-IV: 649 V:373 1930: 132
-=== Sec. 405. SERVICEMEN ===
-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 continuously for six months within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, may apply to any Lodge within this jurisdiction.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_405 Section 405], 1918-381; ''In this revision, the final phrase reads: "may apply to any Lodge having jurisdiction over a port, post, or station where he is officially commorant."''
-* II-585, II-597, 1916-45, 1917-111, 1917-243
-: 242 1918:321 1921: 44 1930: 132 1974: 174, 175
-=== Sec. 406. COMMITTEE OF INVESTIGATION ===
-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, nor shall they be read in open Lodge. Each member of the committee shall be immediately notified of his appointment by the Secretary.
-It shall 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_406 Section 406], 1918-381; ''In this revision, the text "nor shall they be read in open Lodge" does not appear.''
-* II-521, 10/11/1843, 1857-21, 1857-44, 1890-50, 1890-84, 1893-37, 1894-15, 1894-59
-IV: 647
-: 63 1930: 133 1937: 120 1953: 49, 197
-''Investigations:''
-: 58, 351 1920: 96, 258 1921: 49, 252 1922: 200, 433 1923:318
-=== Sec. 407. NOTICE AND WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATIONS ===
-Candidates must be proposed at a Regular Monthly Meeting and stand proposed from one Regular Monthly Meeting to another; and the full names and residential addresses of candidates, including street and number if any, must be borne upon the notification of the Meeting at which they are to be balloted upon.
-An application that has been received by a Lodge may be withdrawn by written request and over the signature of the applicant at any time prior to the meeting at which his application is to be balloted for. If the application is withdrawn the status of the applicant is the same as before the application was received and all fees collected shall be returned.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':  [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_407 Section 407], 1918-382; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** ''On 12/10/1919, the following text was added: "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." (1919-401)''
-* II-521, II-597, 09/09/1818, 06/12/1822, 06/08/1825, 10/11/1843, 1863-24, 1866-38, 1885-196, 1893-48, 1894-15, 1894-59, 32MFM-305, 1917Builder-70
-II: 105
-III: 233, 538
-IV: 647
-VI: 477
-VII: 112
-: 192
-: 63
-: 227, 308
-: 437
-: 43
-: 117
-: 133, 134
-: 48
-: 49, 197
-Build. 404
-: 128
-=== Sec. 408. TIME FOR BALLOT ===
-No candidate shall be balloted on at any but a Regular Monthly Meeting in any Lodge unless a dispensation therefor shall have been obtained. The Master of a Lodge is not obligated to take a ballot upon a candidate whose name appears on the notice of the meeting. If he decides not to take action at that meeting, he shall so state at the beginning of the business of balloting and shall not call for the report of the committee on that candidate. It is not permitted after the report of the committee has been read for the Master of the Lodge to decide by vote or otherwise to postpone the ballot until a later meeting. If the report of the investigating committee is read, the Lodge must immediately proceed to ballot and the acceptance or rejection of the application must be settled without postponement.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_408 Section 408], 1918-382; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** 06/08/1825, 12/27/1855, 1856-4, 1857-21, 1857-46, 1863-24, 1878-126, 1880-123, 1889-192, 1894-15, 1894-59, 1901-173
-IV: 486
-(O.P.): 46
-: 50,87
-: 63
-: 96
-=== Sec. 409. UNANIMOUS BALLOT REQUIRED ===
-A clear and unanimously favorable ballot shall be necessary to the election of a candidate.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_409 Section 409], 1918-383
-** 10/11/1843, 1860-5, 1866-39, 1866-65, 1869-157, 1877-194, 1882-160, 1885-164, 1894-16, 1894-59, 8MFM-65
-IV: 648 VII: 111
-: 64 1918: 321 1930: 134
-=== Sec. 410. TOTAL BALLOT REQUIRED ===
-Every member of the Lodge present at the time of the ballot shall vote unless excused by the Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_410 Section 410], 1918-383
-** 1916-357, 4MFM-227, 5MFM-167, 8MFM-66, 9MFM-226, 9MFM-363, 10MFM-230, 13MFM-259, 15MFM-43 (or 45?), 26MFM-129, 28MFM-150
-IV: 648 1894: 16, 64 1930: 134,489 1931:41
-M F.M. 45
-=== Sec. 411. BUSINESS OF BALLOTING ===
-Immediately before the business of balloting 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. The entire business of balloting shall then be continuous without the intervention of any other business; and during the balloting on any one candidate, from the commencement of the report of the investigating committee until the declaration of the ballot on the candidate under consideration, none shall be permitted to enter or leave the Lodge except only in case of extraordinary emergency.
-In balloting for degrees or membership, the Worshipful Master may allow three ballotings, at his discretion, but no more.
-The ballot must in each case be presented to the South, West, and East for inspection and report before the applicant may be declared accepted or rejected.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_411 Section 411], 1918-383; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** 1866-66, 1877-194, RuleXI Bylaws, 13MFM-259, 14MFM-227, 1917-198, 1917Builder-70
-: 134, 489
-: 41
-: 24
-: 335
-: 188
-: 50, 197
-=== Sec. 412. FACTIOUS BALLOT ===
-Casting a black ball factiously and without just cause is a Masonic offense for which a member is subject to Masonic punishment.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_412 Section 412], 1918-384
-** 1860-5, 1860-33, 1861-10, 1884-195, 1887-19, 10MFM-230
-VI: 294, 367
-(O.P.): 66
-: 206
-: 135
-: 337
-: 64
-: 84
-:305
-: 139
-=== Sec. 413. ELECTED CANDIDATES ===
-Every candidate elected to receive the degrees shall be notified thereof by the Secretary in writing. 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 is 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. Such a candidate shall be considered as not having filed an application. This provision shall be borne in full upon the notice to the candidate.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_413 Section 413], 1918-384; ''In this revision, the words "in writing" do not appear in the first sentence.''
-** 1911-19
-: 33
-: 96
-=== Sec. 414. REJECTED APPLICANTS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_414 Section 414], 1918-384
-** 1911-19, 27MFM-362, 17Builder-70
-: 322 1930: 136
-=== Sec. 415. JURISDICTION OVER REJECTED APPLICANTS ===
-(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 applicant.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, and shall not be granted before the close of that Meeting; in the meantime any Brother having good reasons for objecting to granting the request may make them known to the Master or Wardens. The 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:
-<blockquote>
-Entered on the Records of _____ Lodge.<br>
-Attest: ______<br>
-(seal) ''Secretary.''
-</blockquote>
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_415 Section 415], 1918-385; ''This revision includes text to distinguish between lodges that issue notices and those who do not, as there was no uniform obligation to do so at this time.''
-** 12/27/1815, 09/09/1818, 10/11/1843, 1866-67, 1871-148, 1872-22, 1872-49, 1872-54, 1872-59, 1872-137, 1872-265, 1873-14, 1873-38, 1873-128, 1879-9, 1885-66, 1886-38, 1886-106, 1886-174, 1893-87, 1894-16, 1894-59, 1895-132, 1895-216, 1896-36, 1896-373, 1897-55, 1898-19, 1907-189, 1910-47, 1917Builder-70
-Ill: 26, 234
-IV: 647
-: 177
-: 63
-: 41, 127, 221, 313
-: 62
-: 241, 438
-: 136
-: 233
-: 96
-=== Sec. 416. PENALTY FOR IRREGULAR INITIATION ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_416 Section 416], 1918-386
-IV: 648
-VI: 28
-: 148
-: 16,63
-: 386
-: 137
-: 167
-=== Sec. 417. OBJECTION TO ADVANCEMENT ===
-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 paid by the candidate shall be returned, and he then shall have the status of a rejected applicant, subject to all the disabilities thereof. A Lodge, having once voted to sustain the objection, shall not reconsider its action.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_417 Section 417], 1918-386
-** 10/11/1843, 1869-157, 1875-71, 1877-217, 1910-48, 13MFM-96, 1917Builder-70
-IV: 649
-VI: 29
-VII: 491
-: 50, 87
-: 65
-: 322
-: 240
-: 138
-: 113
-: 50, 197
-=== Sec. 418. ADVANCEMENT OF FOREIGN MASONS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_418 Section 418], 1918-387
-** 10/11/1843
-IV: 649
-: 65
-: 47
-: 138
-=== Sec. 419. PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS ===
-If the physical deformity of any applicant for the degrees does not amount to an inability to meet the requirements of the Ritual and honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, it shall constitute no hindrance to his initiation.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_419 Section 419], 1918-387
-** II-328, 10/11/1843, 1856-20, 1871-55, 1871-137, 1894-16, 1894-59, 1915-219, 10MFM-55, 10MFM-201, 11MFM-216, 13MFM-118, 24MFM-350, 25MFM-225, 1916Builder-7, 1917Builder-259, 1917Builder-273, 1917Builder-310
-IV: 648
-VI: 28
-: 50,87
-: 64
-: 138
-=== Sec. 420. LODGE MEMBERSHIP ===
-The fees for initiating, passing, and raising shall entitle the candidate to membership in the Lodge which accepts his application and confers the degrees without further charge or ballot if the candidate signs the By-Laws on the date of his raising. Notwithstanding signing the By-Laws on the date of his raising, a candidate shall be required to demonstrate suitable proficiency in, and to receive required instruction in all three degrees; and for a period of one year thereafter, the right to objection is reserved to any member to such signing, for cause, the sufficiency of which shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the members present at a Regular Monthly Meeting.
-If, after receiving the third degree, a candidate dies before the expiration of the time required for signing the By-Laws, he shall be considered as having been entitled to all the rights and privileges of Masonry at the time of his death; otherwise no candidate shall be in good standing in the Lodge to which he is elected until he has signed the By-Laws, and he shall not be permitted to sign the By-Laws until he shall have attained suitable proficiency, and shall have received the required instruction, in all three degrees.
-Should a candidate fail to sign the By-Laws within the required year, he may obtain membership in the Lodge to which he was elected, or in some other Lodge, as provided in Sec. 422, after he shall have attained suitable proficiency, and shall have received the required instruction in all three degrees.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_420 Section 420], 1918-387; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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: provided, however, that he shall sign the By-Laws within six months 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."''
-** 1890-55, 1893-15, 1894-17, 1894-50, 1895-133
-** '''''GC1918''' also includes the following sections:
-*** "[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_505 Section 505]. Voluntarily unaffiliated or non-affiliated Masons are not of right entitled to any of the benefits or privileges of Masonry." (1918-391)''
-*** "[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_506 Section 506]. A Master Mason who has voluntarily remained for more than one year without being affiliated with some regular Lodge shall be subject to the same disabilities as if under suspension for non-payment of dues." (1918-391)''
-** 12/27/1855, 1856-5, 1890-123, 1917Bulder-10, 1917Bulder-56, 1917Bulder-184
-: 128
-: 66
-: 41
-: 322
-: 213, 439
-: 440
-: 139
-: 84
-: 41
-: 50, 197
-: 90
-=== Sec. 421. HEALING ===
-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.
-When a Mason who has been irregularly made is denied healing on account of false representation in his application, it is tantamount to expulsion; and he can acquire the privilege of applying for the degrees only by some action of Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_421 Section 421], 1918-388; ''In this revision, the second sentence does not appear.''
-** I-375, 1870-155, 1871-21, 1871-75, 1872-35, 1872-122, 1872-131, 1872-241, 1873-23, 1874-11, 1874-32, 1874-141, 1876-19, 1876-55, 1877-190, 1877-275, 1878-32, 1889-125, 15MFM-178, 16MFM-273
-: 84
-: 147
-: 117
-: 139
-: 27
-: 51, 197
-=== Sec. 422. AFFILIATION ===
-A Master Mason in good standing in the Fraternity or holding a demit from a regular Lodge may apply for membership by affiliation to any Lodge within this jurisdiction.
-Such application must be made upon the blank furnished therefore by the Grand Lodge.
-Action upon such application for membership shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 406 to 411 inclusive except that an application for membership may be withdrawn without ballot.
-The provisions of Sections 414, 415, and 416 do not apply to rejected applications for membership.
-If such an application be made to the Lodge from which the applicant took a demit and within five years from date of his demitting, it may be accepted by a majority vote of those present at a regular meeting of the demitting Lodge, the other provisions of the Grand Constitutions having been complied with.
-If an application for affiliation is received from a member owing allegiance to another Grand Jurisdiction which does not permit dual membership, a Lodge may act upon the application but must not allow the applicant to sign the By-Laws until he has presented a demit from his former Lodge whose jurisdiction does not allow dual membership.
-If an applicant for affiliation is elected to membership, he must sign the By-Laws of the Lodge within six months after the date of his election. Otherwise his election to such membership shall become void. The applicant shall be advised of this requirement when notified of his election.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_507 Section 507], 1918-391; In this revision, this section reads: "A Brother who holds a demit 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."
-** 26MGM-64, 1917Bulder-134
-IV: 130
-(O.P.): 17
-: 593
-: 46
-: 442
-: 139
-: 117
-: 136
-: 148
-: 51, 197
-: 175
-: 175
-== PART V: BRETHREN ==
-=== Sec. 500. VISITING: PRIVILEGES AND ENTRY INTO LODGE ===
-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 the meeting. Such objection may not be made to the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, the District Grand Master, the Lodge's District Deputy Grand Master, nor to one who has been appointed by the Grand Master to represent the Grand Master, nor to a visitor who is a member of a suite accompanying any of the foregoing.
-A candidate may visit another Lodge provided the lodge is then open upon a degree which has been conferred upon the candidate and the candidate is accompanied by and vouched for by a Master Mason who was present at the conferring of such degree upon the candidate.
-Except for the Grand Master, District Grand Master, or a District Deputy Grand Master acting under his warrant, and their Marshals or suite, every one who enters a Lodge while it is at labor must approach to the west of the Altar and there salute the Master. Under no circumstances whatever may any visitor (save only the Grand Master, a District Grand Master or a District Deputy Grand Master) be covered while in the Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_501 Section 501], 1918-389; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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; but it is also the right of a sitting member of the Lodge to object to the admission of a visitor, giving his reasons therefor if required by a majority vote of the members to do so; or as the alternative declaring upon his honor as a Mason that his reasons are such that he cannot with propriety, disclose them to the Lodge."
-** On 09/08/1926, the phrase "on complying with the requirements of Section 502" was added after "in good and regular standing" in the first sentence. (1926-318)''
-** I-416, 12/13/1820, 1870-88, 1870-227, 1886-182, 1914-153, 1916-850, 29MFM-292
-II: 109
-III: 314
-: 36
-: 585, 847
-: 141
-: 112
-: 51, 197
-: 96
-:167
-=== Sec. 501. VISITING: REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY ===
-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 current fiscal year, or for the next preceding year if the card be presented within six months after the expiration date thereof, 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, 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.
-* 2nd: 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 the 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_502 Section 502], 1918-389; ''In this revision, the section reads as follows:''
-** ''"Except on a duly authorized public occasion, no visitor shall be admitted into a tyled Lodge, unless he complies with one of the following conditions:''<br>
-<br>
-''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.''<br>
-<br>
-''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.''<br>
-<br>
-''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 09/08/1926, changing the first paragraph to read: "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, as may be the custom of such jurisdiction; and complies with one of the following conditions:"''
-** ''Amended 09/08/1926, changing the third paragraph to read: "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.'' (1926-319)''
-** 1857-47, 1858-38, 1872-19, 1875-414, 1879-99, 1885-21, 1885-59, 1885-84, 1885-206, 1885-206, 1885-222, 1886-36, 1903-87, 1904-70, 1904-105, 1904-177, 1905-19, 1910-214
-IV: 560, 607
-: 51
-: 128, 222
-: 78, 242, 259,301,315
-: 343
-: 204
-: 141
-: 154
-: 214
-=== Sec. 502. VISITING: RIGHT TO EXAMINE CHARTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_503 Section 503], 1918-390
-IV: 651
-: 51, 87
-: 142
-=== Sec. 503. INTERJURISDICTIONAL VISITING ===
-When a Lodge in this jurisdiction is invited or desires to visit a Lodge under the jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge, application should be made for a warrant or dispensation therefor. This warrant or dispensation will not issue except after request to the Grand Master of the jurisdiction sought to be visited and receipt of his consent thereto. Visiting Lodges from other Grand Jurisdictions should not be received unless and until application has been made for dispensation therefor and receipt by the Lodge of such dispensation. In the event that work is performed by a visiting Lodge, the work should be in accordance with the ritual prescribed by the jurisdiction of the visiting Lodge and upon a candidate of that jurisdiction.
-Visiting by teams of Massachusetts Masons to a Lodge under the jurisdiction of other Grand Lodges must be governed by the procedure hereinbefore described.
-==== References ====
-IV: 652 1926: 244 1953: 52, 197
-=== Sec. 504. SUSPENSION FROM MEMBERSHIP ===
-A Brother who has been suspended for non-payment of dues, even by a Lodge in another jurisdiction, shall have no right to attend the meetings of any Lodge until the amount due the suspending Lodge has been paid or remitted.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_504 Section 504], 1918-390; ''In this revision, the section includes the text: "A brother who has been discharged or suspended . . ."''
-** 1910-47, 1910-212, 1915-304, 26MFM-257, see Sec711, d and e
-IV: 130, 562
-: 239
-: 143 1953: 53, 197
-: 176
-=== Sec. 505. DEMITS: ISSUANCE AND ENTITLEMENT ===
-Any member of a lodge who has paid his dues to the Lodge and the Grand Lodge is entitled to a demit upon application therefor. Such demit 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. If a Brother who is a member of two or more Lodges in this jurisdiction wishes to withdraw from membership in one or more Lodges in this jurisdiction while still retaining his membership in some Massachusetts Lodge, he is entitled to withdraw provided he is clear on the books of the Lodge from which he desires to withdraw. In such cases a certificate of clearance should be issued instead of a demit.
-==== References ====
-: 122
-: 58
-: 162
-: 11
-: 128, 221
-: 27
-: 441
-: 342
-: 143
-: 53, 197
-=== Sec. 506. DEMIT: RIGHT TO VISIT ===
-A Brother who holds a demit is entitled to visit Lodges, subject to the constitutional provisions for visiting, for one year from the date of issue and no more. If he remains for more than one year without being affiliated with some regular Lodge, he shall not of right be entitled to any of the benefits or privileges of Masonry, except that he may at any time petition for affiliation.
-==== References ====
-IV: 652
-VI: 3
-: 123
-: 322, 391
-: 60
-: 143
-: 53, 197
-: 175
-M.F.M. 64
-M.F.M. 237
-Build. 10, 56, 134
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Sec. 507. REINSTATEMENT BY LODGE ===
-A Brother who has been suspended by a Lodge for non-payment of dues and whose dues have been paid or remitted to the date of his suspension is entitled to a demit upon application therefor, or he may be reinstated at a regular meeting of the suspending Lodge, provided that his petition for reinstatement has been read at one meeting and duly notified to the members for the meeting at which the vote is to be taken. If his petition for reinstatement is made to the Lodge within five years after the date of suspension, he may be reinstated by a majority vote of the members present; otherwise a clear and unanimously favorable ballot shall be required. The vote for reinstatement shall be taken in secret. If not reinstated, he is entitled to a certificate of prior membership in the Fraternity, and he may at any time petition for affiliation in any Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': ''The following sections appear in this revision:''
-** ''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_508 Section 508]. 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." (1918-391)''
-** '[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_509 Section 509]. A Brother who has been discharged for non-payment of dues may, by ballot as provided in Section 409, 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." (1918-391)''
-** 10/11/1843, 1887-170, 1896-221
-: 127
-: 172
-: 143
-: 36
-: 121
-: 53, 197
-: 235, 375
-: 175
-: 96
-=== Sec. 508. MASONIC BURIAL ===
-No Mason shall be interred with the formalities of the Order, unless it be at his own special request, made known to the Lodge during his lifetime or communicated to its officers after his death by a family member, an intimate friend, or other credible person, nor unless he has been advanced to the degree of Master Mason and was in good standing at the time of his death, without a Dispensation from the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-IV: 651 1878: 50, 87 1930: 144, 279 1953: 54, 1975 M.F.M. 32 7 M.F.M. 99 1 N.E.F. 221
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_510 Section 510], 1918-392; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** I-33, I-124, I-174, 10/11/1843, 1916-305, 1916-308, 1916-592
-=== Sec. 509. TRIALS: JURISDICTION OF LODGES FOR TRIAL ===
-The Grand Lodge has original jurisdiction in all matters of Masonic discipline. A Lodge has concurrent original jurisdiction to institute proceedings before the Board of Commissioners of Trials: against a Brother who is a member thereof, or when
-the offense is alleged to have been committed against a member of said Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_511 Section 511], 1918-392; ''In this revision, the section reads: "A Lodge has original jurisdiction to entertain proceedings against a Brother when''<br>
-<br>
-''"(a) He is a member thereof;''<br>
-''"(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''<br>
-''"(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."''
-** 06/14/1826, 09/13/1826, 10/11/1843,1916-861, 6MFM-303, 8MFM-355, 24MFM-325
-IV: 37, 650
-: 144 1934:121 1940: 234 1974: 175 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 510. TRIALS: COMMISSIONERS OF TRIALS ===
-The Grand Master is requested to appoint annually a Board of five Masons who are Past or Presiding Masters of Lodges and/or members of the Bar authorized to practice law within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 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 Chairman thereof, and three members shall constitute a quorum. The vote of a majority of the members present shall suffice for the determination of any matter brought before the Board. A single member may take testimony. In the absence of the Chairman, the Board shall elect a Chairman ''pro tempore.''
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_512 Section 512], 1918-393; ''In this revision, the section reads: "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."''
-** 1875-57, 1875-112, 1875-414, 1875-421, 1876-8, 1876-11, 1911-47
-: 27 1918: 323 1924: 322 1930: 145
-=== Sec. 511. TRIALS: JUDGE ADVOCATE ===
-The Grand Master is requested to appoint annually a Mason who is a Past or Presiding Master of a Lodge and/or a member of the Bar authorized to practice law within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be styled Judge Advocate, to perform such duties as may be delegated to him by the Grand Master. It shall be the responsibility of the Judge Advocate to prepare and present all matters of discipline brought before the Board of Commissioners of Trials. The Judge Advocate shall receive for his services, and for necessary expenses, such compensation as the Grand Master shall determine and allow upon the certificate of the Judge Advocate.
-==== References ====
-''None''
-=== Sec. 512. TRIALS: 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 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. It shall be given to the Master of the Lodge having original jurisdiction under Sec. 509 (a) if any, and if none, under 509 (b), who shall summon his Lodge to act upon the accusation.
-* (b) If the Lodge having original jurisdiction by a majority vote of its members present determines that the accusation requires investigation, the accusation and specifications, together with notice of the action of the Lodge thereon, shall be forwarded to the Grand Secretary, who shall, under the direction of the Grand Master, transmit the same to the Judge Advocate.
-* (c) If the accusation does not come within the provisions of Sec. 509 (a) or 509 (b), or if it be presented directly to the Grand Lodge, such accusation and specifications shall be presented to the Grand Master, who may in his discretion cause the Grand Secretary to transmit the same to the Judge Advocate. Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, if a Brother shall be accused of un-Masonic conduct by reason of his commission of a felony or other serious crime involving moral turpitude for which he has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction, he shall be subject to such discipline as the Grand Master may, in his discretion, choose to impose. The accused shall be deemed to have waived any right to a hearing or review unless within thirty (30) days after notice of the imposition of such discipline he shall have filed with the Grand Secretary a written request for a hearing or review by the Board of Trial Commissioners, in which event the matter shall be referred to the Judge Advocate for proceedings before the Board of Trial Commissioners, pending which proceedings any discipline previously imposed shall remain in full force and effect.
-* (d) Upon receipt of the accusation and specifications the Judge Advocate shall prepare a complaint reciting the charges and specifications and undertake the presentation of evidence to the Board of Trial Commissioners. He shall forward a copy of the complaint to the Chairman of the Board of Trial Commissioners and cause and cause the Grand Secretary to serve the accused with an attested copy of the complaint together with a summons, Commissioners which may be issued by any Commissioner, to make such answer in writing to the complaint as the accused may desire prior to a return date to be named in said summons. The summons shall be served upon the accused in hand or by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to his last known residential address at least 30 days prior to such return date. If no residence of the accused is known, or if the accused fails to answer the complaint in writing prior to the return date, the Commissioners may proceed to examine the charges and specifications ''ex parte''. The service and the return thereof in any case where no address of the accused is known shall be according to regulations to be made by the Commissioners, and, when so made, shall be conclusive.
-* (e) The written answer to the complaint shall be served by the accused in hand or by ordinary mail upon the Grand Secretary who shall promptly forward copies thereof to the Judge Advocate and the Chairman of the Board of Trial Commissioners.
-* (f) The examination upon the complaint shall be had at some convenient place and time to be designated by the Commissioners, of which due notice shall be given to the accused by the Grand Secretary, and no visitor shall be admitted except as counsel, or witness, or stenographer for the Commissioners, or the accused, provided that such stenographer is a Mason. 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. In the discretion of the Chairman or Chairman ''pro tempore'', the proceedings may be recorded by any convenient means, including by audio-visual means.
-* (g) Each Commissioner shall have the power to issue a summons to any Mason then present 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 certified 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.
-* (h) Any Brother duly authorized may appear as counsel in support of, or in opposition to, the complaint during the taking of the testimony and in the argument of the case.
-* (i) A report of the proceedings and summary of the facts in each case, including the findings 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 Communication of Grand Lodge at which it is to be presented. The finding and recommendation of the Commissioners, if approved by Grand Lodge 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.
-* (j) A Brother aggrieved by the failure of a Lodge to determine that the accusation requires investigation may appeal to the Grand Master, who may, in his discretion, cause the accusation to be transmitted through the Grand Secretary to the Judge Advocate, who shall thereafter proceed in the same manner as above provided.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_513 Section 513], 1918-393; ''In this revision, the text is different, though the procedure and details are largely the same.''
-** 09/13/1826, 10/11/1843, 09/09/1846, 10/14/1846, 1869-26, 1869-64, 1870-119, 1871-82, 1872-138, 1873-82, 1873-139, 1873-146, 1874-42, 1874-44, 1875-24, 1875-106, 1876-124, 1887-19, 1901-19, 1916-861, 7MFM-321, 8MFM-66, 10MFM-67, 12MFM-354, 12MFM-384, 18MFM-352, 23MFM-192
-IV: 637
-V: 92
-VII: 306, 361
-: 72
-: 11, 12, 13
-: 49, 87
-: 203
-: 26
-: 47
-: 323
-: 145, 146, 147, 148
-: 121
-: 168
-: 96
-=== Sec. 513. TRIALS: IMPEACHMENT OF MASTER ===
-Any five members of a Lodge, its District Deputy Grand Master, as the case may be, may impeach the Master of said Lodge before the Grand Master, who shall conduct such investigation of the charges as he determines appropriate; and if, in his opinion, they are well founded and of a character to justify the proceeding, may suspend the accused Master of such Lodge from his office and/or 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_514 Section 514], 1918-395
-** 10/11/1843, 1867-21, 1867-91, 1873-40, 1873-115, 20MFM-151, 20MFM-331
-IV: 609, 638 VII: 159, 175, 205 1867 (O.P.): 91
-: 13 1930: 148
-=== Sec. 514. TRIALS: EXPENSES OF COMMISSIONERS ===
-The Commissioners shall receive for their services and for necessary expenses in each case such    1876 compensation as the Grand Master shall determine and allow upon the certificate of the Commissioners.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_516 Section 516], 1918-396
-** 10/11/1843
-: 14 1930: 148
-=== Sec. 515. TRIALS: 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_516 Section 516], 1918-396
-** 09/09/1846
-V:92 1927:31,70 1930: 149
-=== Sec. 516. EFFECT OF DISCIPLINE IN OTHER MASONIC BODIES ===
-An expulsion or suspension of a Brother from its membership 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, suspend such Brother from its membership.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_517 Section 517], 1918-396; ''In this revision, the last sentence includes the phrase "any Lodge may, for cause, discharge or suspend such Brother from its membership."''
-** 10/11/1843, 06/11/1851, 1869-46, 1882-86, 1886-121, 26MFM-148, 1916-533, 1916-576, 1MFM-33
-IV: 639, 652 VI: 367 ff
-: 10, 13, 14 1878: 49, 87 1895: 127, 220 1930: 149 1974: 175
-M.F.M. 148
-=== Sec. 517. RESERVATION TO GRAND LODGE ===
-No Lodge shall expel or suspend a member from the rights of Masonry.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_518 Section 518], 1918-397
-** 06/10/1857, 1866-39, 1869-128, 1870-165, 1872-20, 1872-289, 1873-13, 26MFM-257
-IV: 639 VI: 26, 118
-: 14
-: 177
-: 149
-=== Sec. 518. NOTICE OF DISCIPLINE ===
-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 unknown, no notice shall be required.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_519 Section 519], 1918-397; ''In this revision, the section reads as follows: "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."''
-** 1860-5, 1861-10, 1872-21, 1916-533, By Laws VI
-: 118, 246
-: 13
-: 14
-: 149
-: 176
-=== Sec. 519. UNSPECIFIED PENALTIES ===
-A Lodge or Brother offending against any Landmark, law, regulation, or ancient established custom or usage of the 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_520 Section 520], 1918-397
-** 10/11/1843
-IV: 652
-: 149
-: 121
-=== Sec. 520. APPEALS ===
-Any Brother who is aggrieved by a decision or action of any Lodge or other Masonic authority, other than the Grand Master, acting under this jurisdiction, may appeal to the Grand Lodge against such decision or action. 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 action 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 action the appeal is taken.The appeal shall be transmitted by the Grand Secretary to the Board of Commissioners of Trials and dealt with in accordance with the following rules:
-* (a) The Board of Commissioners of Trials shall meet and consider the substance of the appeal. In so doing, they may summons witnesses, consider written exhibits and take such testimony as they deem necessary. Notice of any hearing thereon shall be given by the Grand Secretary to the appellant and the party against whose decision or action the appeal was taken by certified mail, return receipt requested.
-* (b) Hearings may be held at the call of the Chairman, or in his absence, the Chairman pro tempore.
-* (c ) All relevant provisions of Section 512 (f) through (i) shall apply to the proceedings.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_521 Section 521], 1918-397; ''In this revision, the section reads as follows: "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."''
-** II-10, 1868-59, 6MFM-225, 7MFM-321, 23MFM-192
-IV: 639 VII: 279 1878: 88 1918: 125 1930: 150
-=== Sec. 521. EFFECT OF DISCIPLINE, OR OF REINSTATEMENT OR RESTORATION BY GRAND LODGE ===
-A Brother who is suspended or expelled by the Grand Lodge from the rights and privileges of Masonry thereby loses absolutely his membership in any Lodge in this jurisdiction to which he then belongs. Whenever the Grand Lodge reinstates a suspended Brother or restores an expelled Brother to the rights and privileges of Masonry, he shall not thereby be restored to membership within any Lodge of which he was formerly a member without its consent expressed by ballot as provided in Section 422 upon an application for membership, but shall have the status of a demitted Brother, except that when such suspension or expulsion is for non-payment of dues he may be readmitted to membership in his former Lodge by a majority vote in the manner provided in Section 507.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_522 Section 522], 1918-398; ''In this revision, the section reads as follows: "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."
-** 1857-27, 1878-44, 1878-87, 1911-134, 1913-85, 1915-266, 1915-372, 3MFM-119
-IV: 640 1911: 134 1930: 150 1931:36
-== PART VI: GRAND CHARITY ==
-=== Sec. 600. MASONIC EDUCATION AND CHARITY TRUST ===
-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 this purpose. A Trustee may serve his eight year term, but one year must elapse before he is eligible for reelection. An elected Board Member is allowed no more than 25% unexcused absences each year. Exceeding this automatically ends his term.
-* (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 generated by 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 added to the Grand Lodge Charity Fund, except in the case of special funds where the expenditure of income is given to said Trustees by the will, deed, or other instrument creating the trust.
-* (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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-I:403
-II: 37, 123, 124 465, 524 III: 219 IV: 631 VII: 290 1878: 48, 87 1884: 36, 78, 87: 106, 109, 177, 231 1915: 321 1918: 399 1930: 151 2009: 55
-(b): 1884: 112 1910: 216 1918: 399
-(c ): IV: 631 VI: 335 1910: 216 1918: 399 1989: 96
-(d): IV: 633 1910: 47, 216 1918: 323, 400
-=== Sec. 601. REPRESENTATIVES TO THE MASONIC HOME ===
-There shall also be a Board of Representatives to the Masonic Home composed of the following;
-* (a) One District Representative chosen by and from each Masonic District in Massachusetts. It shall be the duty of the Masters of the Lodges in each District, under the direction of the District Deputy Grand Master, to annually elect a District Representative for their respective District.
-* (b) 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.
-==== MEETINGS ====
-The Representatives to the Masonic Home shall meet twice a year at the Masonic Home in Charlton; usually in the fall and spring. Additional meetings may be called by the Grand Master, who is to be Chairman of the Board. Due notice in writing of all meetings shall be sent to all Representatives.
-==== DUTIES ====
-It is expected that each Representative will attend the Board meetings, report to the Lodges the happenings at the Masonic Home, assist the Director of the Home in the processing of applications when requested, and perform such other duties as the Grand Master may from time to time direct.
-MASONIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 91, 138
-: 87
-: 325, 401
-: 104, 254
-: 51,344
-: 153
-: 146
-: 96
-=== Sec. 602. MASONIC SERVICE COMMITTEE ===
-==== MEMBERS ====
-The Masonic Service Committee, consisting of the Zone Committeemen, appointed annually by the Grand Master, shall meet in the Grand Lodge building on the mornings of the Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge and at such other times as the Chairman or Grand Master shall direct. This Committee shall be the Charity Committee of the Grand Lodge.
-==== OFFICERS ====
-The Chairman of the Committee will be appointed by the Grand Master. They will elect their own clerk.
-==== DUTIES ====
-The Committee shall supervise and direct the service and charity activities of Grand Lodge, in concert with the Director of Masonic Service.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-II: 524, 582, 609
-III: 220
-: 91, 138
-: 88
-: 401
-: 105, 256
-: 49,51
-: 153
-: 54, 197
-: 146
-: 96
-=== Sec. 603. DIRECTOR OF MASONIC SERVICE ===
-A Director of Masonic Service shall be appointed by and act under and be subject to the direction of the Grand Master.
-==== DUTIES ====
-The Director of Masonic Service, and the Masonic Service Committee, shall be responsible for acting on applications for relief and financial assistance, the Grand Lodge Blood Program, widows program, and hospital visitation. He will also perform such other duties as the Grand Master may from time to time direct.
-==== APPLICATIONS ====
-Applications for service or financial assistance shall be processed by the Director of Masonic Service, who shall make, or cause to be made, such investigation thereof as may be directed by the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-''none.''
-=== Sec. 604. REPORTS OF COMMITTEE ===
-The Masonic Service Committee 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 92, 138
-: 402
-: 106, 257
-: 52
-: 154
-: 146
-: 96
-=== Sec. 605. INITIATES' CONTRIBUTION ===
-There shall be contributed for each initiate Five Dollars to the charitable funds of the Grand Lodge. CONTRIBUTION    This amount shall be added to the initiation fee by all Lodges which have not already so provided.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-II: 524
-III: 8, 219
-IV: 631
-: 103
-: 326, 403
-: 155
-See Sec. 329
-=== Sec. 606. CONTRIBUTIONS FOR REINSTATEMENT OR AFFILIATION ===
-Five Dollars shall likewise be contributed for each member reinstated or admitted by affiliation. 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 241
-: 403
-: 554
-: 41
-: 156
-: 176
-: 146
-: 96
-=== Sec. 607. EXPENSES FOR RELIEF ===
-The Board of Directors unless otherwise directed by the Grand Lodge may, with the approval of the Grand Master, reserve from the amounts collected under Sec. 605 and 606 so much thereof as may be deemed by the Board necessary for the conduct of the charities of 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 upon extraordinary occasions of great disaster or 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 Fund.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 403
-: 156
-: 96
-=== Sec. 608. DISTRICT CHARITY FUNDS ===
-Lodges without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 607. There shall, however, be contributed for each initiate and for each such affiliate as described in Sec. 605 and 606, 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.
-==== References ====
-: 118
-: 327, 404
-: 157
-: 333
-: 146
-== PART VII: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS ==
-=== Sec. 700. REGULAR MASONIC BODIES ===
-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 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International; 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 Cryptic Masons International; The Grand Councils of Royal and Select Masters of the several States and Territories of the United States, and the Councils under their jurisdiction; The Grand Encampment of the United States; The Grand Commanderies of the several States and Territories of the United States, and the Commanderies under their jurisdiction; The Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the United States, and the various Bodies under their jurisdiction; The Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, and the Temples under their jurisdiction.
-Therefore, any Mason admitted into any other Orders, as Masonic (as distinguished from Masonic-related), is acting un-Masonically, and for such conduct shall be liable to be expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, and shall be ineligible to membership or office in any Lodge or in this Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 16, 20, 85
-: 43
-: 122, 175
-: 128, 222
-: 21, 147, 243
-; 14
-: 84
-: 575
-: 327, 406
-: 159
-: 37
-: 219
-''also''
-: 351
-: 407
-=== Sec. 701. SPURIOUS MASONRY ===
-Any Mason in this jurisdiction who shall confer, communicate, or sell, or shall assist in or be accessory to the conferring, communicating, or selling, or shall solicit any one to receive or apply for any degree called, claimed, or represented to be Masonic, not hereinbefore recognized or admitted, may be expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 21,85
-: 43 ff
-: 21, 147
-: 14
-: 84, 137
-: 160
-: 407
-: 213
-: 160
-=== Sec. 702. PAST MASTER'S DIPLOMA ===
-The Master of any Lodge under this jurisdiction who has faithfully discharged his duties and complied with the laws of the Grand Lodge may 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-II: 193, 522 III: 235 IV: 650 VI: 559
-: 307, 592 1918: 408 1930: 160 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 703. INTER-JURISDICTIONAL CORRESPONDENCE ===
-Inter-jurisdictional correspondence shall in all cases be conducted through the office of the Grand Secretary except as the Grand Master may otherwise order.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-II: 123, 130, 179
-: 179 1918: 408 1930: 160
-=== Sec. 704. ITINERANT CERTIFICATES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 651
-: 50,87
-: 128, 221
-: 408
-: 161
-=== Sec. 705. BEGGING LETTERS ===
-Begging circulars or similar appeals from any source, domestic or foreign, shall not be entertained unless they have been approved by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 17
-: 30
-: 409
-: 161
-=== Sec. 706. USE OF MASONRY IN BUSINESS ===
-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 by vote of this Grand Lodge taken at a Regular Communication subsequent to that at which said approval is proposed.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 129
-: 328, 409
-: 161
-=== Sec. 707. OFFICER LIMITED TO ONE OFFICE ===
-No Brother shall hold more than one office in the same Lodge, or in Grand Lodge, except as a Director, at the same time.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 652
-: 128, 221
-: 207
-: 27
-: 409
-: 161
-=== Sec. 708. QUORUM OF GRAND LODGE OR LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-I: 228
-: 320
-: 409
-: 161
-=== Sec. 709. DEFINITIONS ===
-* (a) ''Ample Form''. The Grand Lodge is declared to be opened in Ample Form only when the 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) ''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.
-* (f) ''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.
-* (g) ''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 which 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 party offending be able to urge a pressing and positive necessity as his excuse.
-* (h) ''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.
-* (i) The ''Flooring'', or ''Carpet'', is a regularly arranged painting of the Masonic emblems on canvas. No Lodge should be without one.
-* (j) 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''.
-* (k) A ''clandestine'' Mason is one who has been made in a spurious body pretending to be Masonic.
-* (1) An ''irregular Mason'' is one who has been made in a regular Lodge but in an unconstitutional or unlawful manner.
-* (m) A ''Stated Communication'' is a regular meeting for doing Masonic work and transacting appropriate business.
-* (n) A ''Special Communication'' is a meeting called for the purpose of Masonic work and related activities.
-* (o) A ''Deputy Grand Lodge'' is a special meeting of the Grand Lodge presided over by a deputy of the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* (a)
-** '''GC1918''':
-IV: 656
-: 409
-: 162
-: 96
-* (b)
-IV: 656
-: 410
-** '''GC1918''':
-* (c )
-IV: 656
-: 410
-** '''GC1918''':
-* (d)
-: 128, 222
-: 172
-: 410
-M.F.M. 193
-M.F.M. 287
-See Sec. 504
-** '''GC1918''':
-* (e)
-IV: 656
-: 89
-: 129, 222
-: 10
-: 176
-* (f)
-IV: 615, 656
-: 51,87
-: 129, 222
-:177
-: 577
-: 410
-** '''GC1918''':
-* (g)
-** '''GC1918''':
-IV: 656 1918: 410 (Summons and Notification)
-II: 634 III: 27 IV:39, 657 1878: 51, 87 1918:411 (Summons)
-* (h)
-** '''GC1918''':
-IV: 657 1918:411
-: 412 (Flooring)
-* (i)
-** '''GC1918''':
-IV: 657 1918: 412
-* (j)
-** '''GC1918''':
-IV: 657 1918: 412
-* (k)
-** '''GC1918''':
-: 178
-: 18
-: 412
-* (l)
-** '''GC1918''':
-: 174
-: 18
-: 412
-* (m)
-** '''GC1918''':
-: 119
-: 412
-: 176
-* (n)
-: 176
-* (o)
-** '''GC1918''':
-: 14
-: 140, 282
-: 1
-: 328
-: 176
-=== Sec. 710. AMENDMENTS ===
-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, fully discussed in Grand Lodge at the next succeeding Quarterly Communication, and voted on at the second succeeding Quarterly Communication.
-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 the votes cast shall be necessary for the adoption thereof.
-The Grand Secretary shall insert in his customary written notifications for Communications of the Grand Lodge to the officer, permanent members and Lodges a notice of any such proposal which may be in order for consideration.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-II: 10,524
-III: 238
-IV: 653
-VII: 126, 168, 179
-: 51,88
-: 128
-: 128, 221
-: 412
-: 165
-: 132, 180
-=== Sec. 711. LODGE NOTICES ===
-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. Any electronic display of such information must be password protected and any electronic communication thereof must be in accordance with guidelines established by the Grand lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 52
-: 329
-: 53
-: 165
-: 157
-: 54, 197
-: 176
-=== Sec. 712. RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN GRAND LODGES ===
-Fraternal recognition may be extended to a foreign Grand Lodge when, the Committee on Foreign Relations having first considered and reported thereon, it appears to the satisfaction of this Grand Lodge:
-# 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.
-# 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.
-# That it is an independent, self-governing organization, having sovereign Masonic authority within its jurisdiction.
-# 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.
-# That it makes Masons of men only.
-# That it is non-sectarian and non-political; i.e., that its dominant purposes are charitable, benevolent, educational, and religious.
-==== References ====
-: 47
-: 174
-: 545
-: 166
-: 295
-: 54, 197
-=== Sec. 713. GRAND HONORS ===
-There are only two kinds of Masonic Grand    1947: 375 Honors:  namely, Public Grand Honors and Private Grand Honors.
-The Public Grand Honors (sometimes called Public Honors) consist only of the battery of three times three, the first being right over left, the second left over right, and the third right over left. These Public Grand Honors are given when non-Masons or other than Masons are present.
-The Private Grand Honors (sometimes called Private Honors) are given by battery of three times three, each battery being followed by the sign of a degree in the order of the first, second and third. The Private Grand Honors may be given only on four occasions -Dedication of a Masonic Hall, Constitution of a new Lodge, Installation of a Master-elect, on receiving a Grand Master or in honor of a Brother receiving a Grand Lodge Medal or other honor, but only if no Non-Masons are present. It is fitting and proper that a Brother should be greeted with the Private Grand Honors should the Master of the Lodge so direct.
-At the installation of the Grand Master, the battery is omitted, the signs only being given.
-==== References ====
-: 375
-: 54, 197
-== PART VIII: REGALIA AND JEWELS ==
-=== Sec. 800. CLOTHING AND REGALIA ===
-The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts recognizes no jewels, medals, regalia, insignia, and clothing as Masonic except such as are prescribed by these Constitutions.
-==== References ====
-: 168
-=== Sec. 801. JEWELS ===
-No jewel, medal, or decoration of a similar character shall be worn in the Grand Lodge or any particular Lodge, except such as shall have been authorized by these Constitutions, by this Grand Lodge, or by a recognized Grand Body or its Grand Master, or other presiding officer, and except such as are expressly authorized by the laws of the United States of America, or one of its States, or of some foreign government recognized by, and at peace with, the United States.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 615, 641
-: 161
-: 154
-: 327, 407
-: 168
-=== Sec. 802. REQUIRED CLOTHING ===
-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 or pocket jewel unless he offers a satisfactory excuse and shall have permission of the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_254 Section 254]; 1918-353; ''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 have permission of the Grand Lodge.''
-II: 6, 523 III: 238 IV:615, 641
-: 353, 407 1930: 96 1989: 168
-=== Sec. 803. JEWELS: 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 to be represented an eye within a triangle, both irradiated.
-* Deputy Grand Master, the compasses and square united, with a five-pointed star in the center.
-* District Grand Master, 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 rule.
-* 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, 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 sal tire-wise.
-* Grand Organist, a lyre.
-* Grand Tyler, a sword.
-* Past Grand Master, the compasses extended to 45°, with the segment of a circle at the points and a gold plate included, on which is to be represented the Seal of Grand Lodge.
-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 thereon; and the jewels of the Grand Lodge Officers other than the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Past Grand Masters, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and District Deputy 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_253 Section 253], Part I; 1918-350
-** I-143 (145?), II-275; II-400; II-413; 12/27/1820; 03/14/1821; 1855-84; 1856-40, 1856-41; 1856-50; 1865-19; 1866-34; 1871-253; 1872-27; 1896-36; 1913-273 (278?); 1914-353; 1914-364; 1915-39; 1915-331; 1916-175
-(O.P.): Supp 20
-VII: 29, 105
-: 49,88
-: 169
-: 177
-: 96
-=== Sec. 804. JEWELS OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS ===
-''This section includes descriptions of jewels appointed by District Grand Masters and District Deputy Grand Masters.''
-Deputy District Grand Masters, the compasses extended to 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 Deputy Grand Masters, shall have 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 428 1930: 170
-=== Sec. 805. PAST GRAND MASTER'S JEWEL ===
-The pocket 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 the Grand Lodge for the year 1914, opposite page 402.
-==== References ====
-(O.P.): Supp 20
-VII: 42
-: 312
-: 36
-: 402
-: 171
-: 178
-: 96
-=== Sec. 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 be 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 312 1896: 36 1918: 351 1930: 171
-=== Sec. 807. MATERIAL OF GRAND LODGE JEWELS ===
-All the above jewels to be gold or gilt metal.
-==== References ====
-: 172
-: 53
-=== Sec. 808. LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND OTHER MEDALS ===
-Honorary life membership, and other similar medals, which have been first approved by the Grand Master, may be presented to, and worn by, members of particular Lodges.
-==== References ====
-=== Sec. 809. VETERAN'S MEDAL ===
-A medal to be known as the "Masonic Veteran's Medal" may be conferred upon any affiliated Brother of this jurisdiction on or about the fiftieth anniversary of his raising who, in the opinion of the Grand Master, is worthy of such recognition.
-==== References ====
-: 242, 269: 304, 322, 329 1930: 172 1955: 236, 376
-=== Sec. 810. 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.
-==== References ====
-: 87, 172
-=== Sec. 811. 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-L: 44, 77
-: 171, 272
-: 328, 408
-: 268, 304, 322, 329
-: 172
-=== Sec. 812. PARTICULAR LODGE JEWELS ===
-* 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 jewel of the Marshal within a square, and no ornament or emblem whatever shall be engraven on said circle or square or superimposed thereupon.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_328 Section 328], 1918-365; in this revision, the section reads: "The Jewels of the officers of a Lodge shall be as follows: That of the Master, the Square; Senior Warden, the Level; Junior Warden, the Plumb; Treasurer, two Keys in saltire; Secretary, two Pens in saltire; Chaplain, the Bible within a circle; Marshal, a Baton within a square; Deacons, the Square and Compasses united within a circle; Stewards, a Cornucopia within a circle; Organist, a Lyre within a circle; Inside Sentinel, two Swords in saltire within a circle; Tyler, a Sword within a circle. The Jewel of a Past Master shall be the blazing Sun within the Square and Compasses extended on a Quadrant. This Jewel may be of gold or silver, and shall be worn over the left breast, pendant to a blue ribbon or metal chain. It may be suspended from the neck by a blue ribbon when another authorized Jewel is worn over the left breast."''
-** I-145, 12/10/1856, 1804-140, 1895-39, 1895-131
-VI: 69, 559 1871: 256 1872: 27
-: 263
-: 142, 173
-=== Sec. 813. MATERIAL OF LODGE JEWELS ===
-All particular Lodge jewels - except those of Past Master - 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.
-==== References ====
-: 173
-=== Sec. 814. COLLARS: 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 Master seven, the Grand Wardens, five; Past Grand Masters, five; the rest of the Grand Officers, three stars.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_253 Section 253], Section II; 1918-351; ''The Collars of the Grand Officers shall be chains of gold or metal gilt.''
-: 363 1918: 352 1930: 174 1983: 178 1989: 96
-=== Sec. 815. COLLARS: 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 or white metal shall be of such pattern or patterns as shall be approved by the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_327 Section 327], 1918-365; in this revision, the section reads: "Each officer of a Lodge shall wear a blue velvet collar trimmed with silver lace, or a white metal chain collar upon blue ribbon, of such pattern or patterns as shall be approved by the Grand Master, from which shall be suspended the jewel of the office in silver. The aprons may bear the emblems of the offices and a fringe of silver."''
-I: 145
-VI: 3
-: 61
-: 44,87
-: 167
-: 84, 170
-: 320, 365
-: 263
-: 174
-=== Sec. 816. COLLARS: TIME TO WEAR COLLARS OF LODGES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-II: 523
-: 174
-=== Sec. 817. APRONS AND GAUNTLETS: ===
-==== APRONS ====
-* (A) ''Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft'' - A plain white lambskin, fourteen inches wide, twelve inches deep, square at bottom and without ornament; white strings.
-* (B) ''Master Mason'' - A plain apron of white lambskin or other white fabric, fourteen inches wide, twelve inches deep, and square at the bottom, with white tie strings. It may be ornamented with blue lining; blue edging not in excess of two inches wide on the body and one and one-half inches wide on the fall or flap; three blue rosettes, one at each bottom corner and one on the fall or flap; blue strings or tabs two inches wide with silver tassels. No other color or ornament shall be allowed except to Officers and past Officers of Lodges or of Grand Lodge.
-* (C) ''Lodge Officer, present and past, (except Past Masters)'' - Aprons of white lambskin or other white fabric not in excess of seventeen inches wide and fourteen inches deep, square at the bottom; blue lining; blue edging not in excess of two inches wide on the body and one and one-half inches on the fall or flap; the jewels of their offices embroidered in silver or blue in the center of the apron. They may be ornamented with blue strings or tabs two inches wide with silver or white tassels, and may be edged with silver or white braid and fringe.
-* (D) ''Past Masters'' - The same as Lodge Officers, except that the jewel of a Past Master shall be embroidered in the center of the apron either in gold, silver or blue. They may be ornamented with blue strings or tabs two inches wide with silver tassels, and may be edged with silver braid and fringe. They may be further ornamented with three emblems one-half inch broad embroidered in blue and silver, one at each bottom corner and one on the fall or flap, said emblems being described as perpendicular lines upon horizontal lines,thereby forming three sets of two right angles, the length of the horizontal lines to be two and one-half inches each and of the perpendicular lines one inch each.
-* (E) ''District Grand Officers'', present and past - Aprons of white lambskin or other white fabric of the same dimensions as those of Lodge Officers, with purple lining and edging two inches wide on the body and one and one-half inches wide on the fall or flap; the jewels of their offices within a double circle in which must be inserted the name of the District embroidered in gold or in purple and gold in the center of the apron. They may be ornamented with purple strings or tabs two inches wide with gold tassels, and may be edged with gold braid and fringe. (Gold may be interpreted to mean of gold color.)
-* (F) ''Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge'', present and past (except as otherwise provided herein) - Aprons of white lambskin or other white fabric of the same dimensions as those of Lodge Officers; purple lining; purple edging not in excess of three inches wide on the body and two inches wide on the fall or flap; the jewels of their offices within a wreath composed of a sprig of acacia and an ear of wheat embroidered in gold or in purple and gold in the center of the apron. They may be ornamented with purple strings or tabs two inches wide with gold tassels, and may be edged with gold braid and fringe.
-* (G) ''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.
-* (H) ''Deputy Grand Master'' - 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.
-* (I) ''The Past Deputy Grand Masters'' ' apron will be similar to other Grand Lodge Officers (as described in Sec. 817(F)) with the * emblem in the center being the square and compasses with a five pointed star in the center.
-* (J) ''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 by the United Grand Lodge of England.
-==== GAUNTLETS ====
-(K) 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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-* (A) 1930: 174
-* (B) '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_500 Section 500], 1918-389; "The Apron of a Master Mason shall be a plain white lambskin, fourteen inches wide by twelve inches deep. The Apron may be adorned with sky-blue lining and edging, and three rosettes of the same color. No other color shall be allowed, and no other ornament shall be worn except by officers and past officers."
-** I: 138, 148 VI: 68 1878: 44,87 1886: 105 1895: 127, 220 1930: 174 1963: 155
-* (C) '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_327 Section 327], "Each officer of a Lodge shall wear a blue velvet collar trimmed with silver lace, or a white metal chain collar upon blue ribbon, of such pattern or patterns as shall be approved by the Grand Master, from which shall be suspended the jewel of the office in silver. The aprons may bear the emblems of the offices and a fringe of silver."''
-** 1930: 175 1963: 155
-* (D)
-* (E) 1914: 363 1930: 175 1963: 156
-* (F) '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_253 Section 253], Section III; 1918-353; "The Aprons of the other Grand Officers shall be of white lambskin, lined with purple; edging of purple three and a half inches wide; with purple strigns; ornamented with gold, having the emblems of office, in gold, in the center."
-** 1930: 176 1963: 156
-* (G, H) '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_253 Section 253], Section III; 1918-352; ''The Apron of the Deputy Grand Master and of a District Grand Master shall be of the same material and lining, having the emblem of his office in gold embroidery in the center, and the pomegranate and lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging. The emblem of a District Grand Master shall be within a double circle bearing the name of the District."
-** 1930-176; 1989-96
-* (I) 1989: 96
-* (J) '''GC1918''': [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1918#Section_253 Section 253], Section III; 1918-352; ''The Apron of the Grand Master shall be of white lambskin, lined with purple, ornamented with the blazing Sun, embroidered in gold in the center; on the edging the pomegranate and lotus, with the seven-eared wheat at each corner, and also on the fall, - all in gold embroidery, the fringe of gold bullion, with purple edging and strings.''
-** 1930-177
-* (K) 1930: 177
-=== Sec. 818. REGALIA IN PROCESSIONS OR FUNERALS ===
-No Brother shall appear clothed in any of 1930: 177 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.
-==== References ====
-: 177
-=== Sec. 819. PRE-1930 REGALIA ===
-Nothing herein provided shall apply to any jewels, chains, collars, or aprons in use prior to A.L. 5930.
-==== References ====
-: 177
-== RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE. ==
-''General References:'' 1918: 329, 414 1930: 178
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule I. VISITORS ===
-No visitor shall be admitted to Grand Lodge except by permission of the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-II: 6, 517
-IV: 653
-: 414
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule II. SEATS IN GRAND LODGE ===
-All members and visitors shall keep the seats assigned them except the Grand Marshal and officers whose duties may call them about the Lodge.
-==== References ====
-IV: 653 1918: 414
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule III. RESOLUTIONS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-IV: 653 1918: 414
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule IV. VOTES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-IV: 653 1918: 414
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule V. REQUIREMENT TO VOTE ===
-Each member shall vote on all questions, except when he is personally interested, unless specially excused by the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-IV: 654 1918: 414
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule VI. SPEAKING TWICE ON SAME QUESTION ===
-No Brother shall speak more than twice to the same question, unless in explanation, without permission of the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-II: 10
-IV: 29, 654
-: 414
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule VII. PROTOCOL WHEN SPEAKING ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-IV: 29, 654
-: 415
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule VIII. MOTIONS DURING DEBATE ===
-When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received except to amend, commit, or	 lay upon the table.
-==== References ====
-IV: 654
-: 51, 87
-: 415
-: 179
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule IX. MOTION TO AMEND PRECLUDES OTHER AMENDMENTS ===
-A motion to amend, until decided, shall preclude all other amendments of the main question.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 654 1918: 415 1930:179
-=== Rule X. CALL FOR DIVISION ===
-Any member may call for a division of the question where the same will admit of it.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 654
-: 415
-: 179
-=== Rule XI. NO SUBSTITUTE MOTIONS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 654 1918: 415 1926: 303 1930: 179
-=== Rule XII. POSSESSION OF STATED MOTIONS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 654
-: 415
-: 179
-=== Rule XIII. NO DEBATE AFTER MOTION ===
-There shall be no debate upon any question after it is put by the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 654
-: 415
-: 179
-=== Rule XIV. MOTIONS AND REPORTS AT PLEASURE OF GRAND LODGE ===
-All motions and reports may be committed at the pleasure of the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 655
-: 415
-: 179
-=== Rule XV. NO PRIVATE DISCOURSE DURING ADDRESS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 655
-: 425
-: 179
-=== Rule XVI. DECORUM OF LANGUAGE ===
-All communications, petitions, appeals, resolutions, propositions, and motions shall be couched	in decent and respectful language, or they shall not be	entertained in Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 655
-: 426
-: 180
-=== Rule XVII. BROTHERS NOT TO LEAVE WITHOUT PERMISSION ===
-No Brother shall leave the Grand Lodge during the session without permission of the Grand	 Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 655
-: 416
-: 180
-=== Rule XVIII. PENALTY FOR TRANSGRESSION ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-IV: 555
-: 416
-:180
-== RULES AS TO BY-LAWS. ==
-''General References:'' 1918: 329, 417 1930: 181
-* '''GC1918''':
-=== Rule I. REQUIREMENT FOR ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 49 1881: 48 1918: 417 1930: 181
-=== Rule II. ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS ===
-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. In the election of officers, blank ballots shall not be counted.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 49 1910: 193 1918: 417 1930: 181 1953: 55
-=== Rule III. MEETINGS OF LODGES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 49
-: 417
-:181
-=== Rule IV. NO PROVISION FOR OFFICER REMOVAL ===
-By-Laws cannot provide for the removal of an officer, because when an officer (elected or appointed) has been installed he cannot be removed, and ought not to resign, during his term if he 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 cannot be permanently filled without a Dispensation from the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-(O.P.): 39
-: 49 1918: 176, 417 1930: 181
-=== Rule V. ALTERATION OR ABRIDGEMENT OF USAGE AND RITUAL FORBIDDEN ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 50 1918: 418 1930: 182
-=== Rule VI. DEPRIVATION OF MEMBERSHIP FORBIDDEN ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 19
-: 50
-: 418
-: 182
-=== Rule VII.	UNANIMOUS BALLOT REQUIRED TO ELECT ===
-In balloting, whether for degrees or for membership, the ballot must be unanimous to elect, except as provided in Sees. 422 and 521.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 50
-: 418
-: 182
-: 55, 197
-=== Rule VIII. REGULATION OF REGALIA FORBIDDEN ===
-By-Laws cannot regulate the Aprons, Collars, or Jewels, to be worn by officers or members, they being determined by the Grand Constitutions.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 50
-: 418
-: 182
-=== Rule IX. NO EXTRACTS FROM GRAND CONSTITUTIONS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 50 1918: 418 1930: 182
-=== Rule X. INCLUSION OF FEES AND SEAL ===
-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. A Life Membership Fee, if any, shall be at least twenty times the annual Lodge dues, but provision may be made for an appropriate reduction for increasing age or for previous payment of annual dues over a period of years.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 52
-: 255
-: 200
-: 173, 418
-: 182
-: 115, 117
-: 135
-: 236
-: 55, 197
-: 226, 451
-: 90
-=== Rule XI.	HONORARY MEMBERSHIP ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 68, 167
-: 40
-: 129, 222
-: 419
-: 183
-=== Rule XII.	ABSENTEE BALLOTS FORBIDDEN ===
-Absentee votes or ballots are illegal.
-==== References ====
-: 240 1953: 55, 197
-== REGULATIONS CONCERNING DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS AND DISTRICT GRAND LODGES ==
-=== Rule 1. INSTALLATION ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 235 1914: 361 1915: 98 1918: 420
-=== Rule 2. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ===
-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 Deputy District 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 of 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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 3. COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ===
-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, Past Deputy District Grand Masters, Past District Grand Wardens, and the Master and Wardens of all Lodges in the District.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 4. DISTRICT GRAND MASTER POWERS OF APPOINTMENT ===
-The District Grand Master is empowered to appoint for his District the following District Grand Officers and such others 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.
-* A Deputy District 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 Senior Grand Deacon.
-* A District Junior Grand Deacon.
-* A District Senior Grand Steward.
-* A District Junior Grand Steward.
-* A District Grand Sword Bearer.
-* A District Grand Standard Bearer.
-* Two District Grand Pursuivants.
-* A District Grand Tyler.
-==== References ====
-* '''GC1918''':
-: 374 1923: 324 1953: 197
-=== Rule 5. DISTRICT GRAND TREASURER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 6. NOTICE OF DEPUTY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 7. NOTICE OF OTHER DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 8. QUALIFICATIONS OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS ===
-No Brother can be appointed a District Grand Master, 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 under the jurisdiction of some Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 9. SUMMONS BY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-II: 634
-=== Rule 10.	DISCIPLINE BY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ===
-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 offense and the law applicable to it, together with the decision, is to be transmitted to the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 11. PROCEDURE FOR ERASURE OR EXPULSION IN DISTRICT ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 12. RECORDS OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 13. REPORT OF DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 14. RANK OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS ===
-District Grand Officers, present or past, 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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 15. MEETINGS OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 16. OPENING OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ===
-When the District Grand Master presides, the District Grand Lodge is to be declared open in due form; if the Deputy of any other Brother presides, in form only.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 17. BY-LAWS OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ===
-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 valid until submitted to, and approved by, the Committee on Charters and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 18. REGULATIONS OF DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 19. PROXIES ===
-Any Lodge may select a proxy to the District Grand Lodge as well as to the Grand Lodge and under similar terms and conditions, except as such terms and conditions may be from time to time modified by order of the District Grand Master, provided always that every proxy sitting in District Grand Lodge must be an active or honorary member of some Lodge within the District.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 20. DISPENSATIONS OF DISTRICT GRAND MASTER ===
-The District Grand Master is 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 fourteen days;
-* (b.) To form in public procession for the purpose of conducting Masonic funeral processions and burial services;
-* (c.) To form in public procession for the 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 Meetings;
-* (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;
-* (i.) To authorize the withdrawal of an application in case the applicant has permanently left the District before a ballot can be taken;
-* (j.) In case of necessity, to deputize some qualified person to open a Lodge and preside therein in the absence of the Master and both Wardens.
-A District Grand Master forthwith upon granting a Dispensation shall transmit to the Grand Master a report thereof. A District Grand Master shall require a return upon each Dispensation, and when such return is received shall immediately transmit a copy thereof to the Grand Master.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 21. POWER OF DISTRICT GRAND MASTER TO PRESIDE ===
-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''.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 22. POWER OF DEPUTY DISTRICT GRAND MASTER TO PRESIDE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 23. POWER OF DISTRICT GRAND MASTER TO DEPUTIZE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 24. BY-LAWS OF LODGES ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 25. JEWELS OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 26. APRONS OF DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS ===
- 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 offices 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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
-=== Rule 27. RETURNS OF LODGE UNDER DISTRICT GRAND LODGE ===
-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.
-==== References ====
-''none''
 == STATIONS OF THE GRAND OFFICERS IN THE GRAND LODGE ==