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2016 GRAND CONSTITUTIONS (ANNOTATED)

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

General Revision adopted 2016

NOTE

The 2016 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, 1953 and 1989 general revisions. The links below are to the online versions of those revisions. The text of the current, active Grand Constitutions appears in green.

  • GC1792: 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. The first section particularly applies to the formation of the united Grand Lodge, and the continuance of rights and privileges of Brothers and Lodges under the new constitution.
    • Additional Regulations, 1801: 1801 Regulations adopted by the Grand Lodge in December 1801 revised and extended the 1792 Grand Constitutions, including the creation of the District Deputy system, the obligation of lodge representatives to pay fees and receive Deputies, and diplomas for Master Masons and Past Masters.
  • GC1811: 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.)
  • GC1819: 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.
  • GC1843: 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. In references, this is sometimes noted as '10/11/1843'.
    • In June 1844, the Grand Lodge adopted a report from a committee "to Examine the Constitutions and Regulations and ascertain if there be any thing in them inconsistant {sic} with the ancient usages and customs of the craft, or any thing that conflicts with the rights and privileges of Subordinate Lodges." This report appears from IV-697 to IV-717, and references to those pages allude to this report, which is sometimes noted as 06/12/1844.
  • Woodbury Address: A speech given by Rt. Wor. Charles Levi Woodbury in March 1877 is referenced in several places in the Grand Constitutions, with page references in the 1877 Grand Constitutions.
  • 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.
  • GC1930: 1930 Grand Constitutions, another complete revision adopted in March 1930 during the administration of Grand Master Herbert W. Dean.
  • GC1953: 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 in Massachusetts until the 1989 general revision. Note that the full text of GC1953 does not appear in the Proceedings; the page reference given with the section corresponds to the page containing the amendment to the previous general revision, if any. All amendments were approved by vote of the Grand Lodge, 06/10/1953, on Page 1953-197. Additional extensive revisions were made on 09/11/1974, as indicated in that version.
  • GC1989: 1989 Grand Constitutions, including revisions through 2015, incorporated all changes made since 1953.

Minor changes such as punctuation, spelling and usage that does not change the meaning of the text have been largely ignored.

  • Where particular sections refer to "09/09/1818", this indicates the first full meeting under the 1819 By-Laws, beginning on II-154. The full text of the revision begins on II-217.
  • Where particular sections refer to "12/27/1833", this indicates the 1833 Memorial of Surrender, beginning on III-314.
  • Where particular sections refer to "06/11/1834", this indicates the special communication at which "the Charter of every Lodge which has ceased to hold its meetings, and has not paid its dues to the Grand Lodge, be surrendered", beginning on IV-226.
  • Where particular sections refer to "09/12/1849", this indicates the report given to Grand Lodge on that date from the committee on reduction of fees.
  • The Grand Lodge adopted the Massachusetts legislative Act of Incorporation of 03/01/1859 on 03/08/1859; the Act is reproduced on VI-236, and the vote of Grand Lodge appears on VI-239.
  • This document contains a number of references to articles and commentary in Moore's Freemason's Monthly, published between 1841 and 1873 by Charles W. Moore, the renowned Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. These are noted as "MFM, Vol. {Number}, No. {Number}, with the page number and the date of the issue. The full text of the citation is often listed in the Edicts and Rulings section.
  • The Grand Constitutions also refer to articles from The Builder Magazine from 1915 to 1917. The sections that reference these articles contain a link to the particular articles; there is a main page for the articles.

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 according 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 in 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.

Earlier Revisions

The text of the Preamble has varied considerably according to revision.

  • GC1811:
    • Section 1, II-515; In this revision, this section reads: "The style of this Grand Lodge shall be, "The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
    • Section 2, II-515; In this revision, this section reads: "its powers and prerogatives are independent; they extend to the Regulations and concerns of Masonry in the Lodges under its Jurisdiction; to the issuing of charters and dispensations, and to the revocation of the Same for un-Masonic conduct or neglect of duties to the Grand Lodge."
  • GC1819: Preamble, III-217; In this revision, this section reads:
    • "The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having obtained of the General Court an Act of Incorporation, dated June 16, 1817, 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 this commonwealth, doth hereby make, ordain and promulgate the following as the By-laws, Rules and Regulations of the Master, Wardens and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts."
  • GC1843:
    • Part First, 1:1, IV-618; In this revision, this section is preceded by the following quote: "My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandment; and remove not the ancient land-marks which they fathers have set. - Solomon." and reads:
    • The style and title of this Grand Lodge shall be, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
      • On 12/12/1860 this was revised and expanded to read:
        • "PREAMBLE. Whereas, the voluntary association known by the title of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts having 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 said Grand Lodge doth hereby make, ordain and promulgate the following as the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Master, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts."
        • "Seal. That the seal heretofore used by the Grand Lodge when acting as a voluntary association, shall be the seal of the Corporation, to be kept and used by the Recording Grand Secretary."
      • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-45, adding "A. F. & A. M." after "Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts".
  • GC1918: Preamble, 1918-333
  • GC1930: Preamble, 1930-87
  • GC1953: Preamble
  • GC1989: Preamble; the only changes in the current version are from "... Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" to "... Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts".

References

  • II-5, 03/05/1792, is the original 1792 Grand Constitutions; it addresses the transition to the united Grand Lodge and its first section serves as a Preamble. II-12 describes the first session of the united Grand Lodge on 03/05/1792. II-491 contains the order for the distribution of the printed Grand Constitutions to the members of Grand Lodge and to the particular Lodges under its jurisdiction.
  • 1902-26, 03/12/1902, refers to a petition presented in March 1902 by a group of Past Masters, asking that Part Fifth, Section 21 and Part Fifth, Section 22 be repealed. These sections specified the bodies that were recognized by the Grand Lodge. The committee report dealt with the so-called "original plan of Masonry" from the original Constitutions.
  • 1916-528, 09/13/1916, refers to arguments provided by Grand Master Melvin Johnson regarding the seniority of the Masonic jurisdiction of Massachusetts.
  • 1934-125, 09/12/1934, refers to commentary by Grand Master Chipman on Masonic offenses.
  • 1939-82, 1939-103, 03/08/1939, refers to the Declaration of Principles, agreed upon at the Conference of Grand Masters in February 1939, and adopted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts at the March Quarterly. The text of the Declaration adopted appears on 1939-103. It also appears on 1939-176 and 1939-208, the latter as part of a radio address presented in the late spring of 1939.
Gambling, Games of Chance and Lotteries

Although not strictly prohibited by the Grand Constitutions, several Grand Masters have made rulings regarding the ability of a lodge to raise funds through gambling, lottieries or games of chance.

  • 1924-29, 03/12/1924, contains a ruling by Grand Master Ferrell. "A lottery or a raffle as we well know is a financial operation forbidden by the law, and the nature of the action on the part of those who participate is of such a peculiarly fundamentally ethical character that the practice is not merely a transgression of the written statute but a crime against the personal integrity of those who indulge. . . for the sake of the good name and character of our Fraternity, such practice must cease as a method of Masonic financing."
  • 1932-153, 09/14/1932, contains a ruling by Grand Master Chipman. "There recently has ben received from the Assistant Attorney General of the United States at Washington, a letter calling to the attention of Fraternal organizations the criminal aspect of certain lotteries and schemes of chance promoted or fostered by them. . . It is interesting to note the variety of subterfuge employed in the endeavor to avoid conflict with the criminal code, and to observe, with some concern, how closely some of them resemble methods which have been employed within our own Grand Jurisdiction in the past. . . It is very earnestly hoped that no member of the Fraternity within our borders will place himself in the position of violating either the letter or the spirit of this law, thereby bringing a disgrace upon the Fraternity which neither could be tolerated nor condoned."
  • 1935-283, 12/11/1935, contains a ruling and commentary by Grand Master Allen, who was strongly opposed to gambling. "The gambling spirit is rampant in our midst, and unfortunately not all of our Brethren are immune to its wiles. To me, it is a deplorable thought that any Masonic organization or any organization composed wholly of Masons should, for the purpose of raising money, be willing to jeopardize the fair name of our beloved Order by resorting to lotteries or games of chance . . Several organizations composed of Masons have sought my approval of one or another of these lottery schemes, usually upon the theory that other organizations of various sorts were conducting them and that our organizations needed the money that could be obtained by this means as much as the others. In all of these cases my approval has been denied, and I am happy to say that the plans have been abandoned, in most cases cheerfully and in a commendable spirit of cooperation when the danger has been pointed out. . . What other organizations may do is of no concern to us as Masons. We have our own landmarks and standards of morality and conduct. Let us not be swayed by what others may do to depart from those high standards and principles."
  • 1939-85, 03/08/1939, contains commentary by Grand Master Perry on gambling. "Much has been written by Grand Masters of this and other jurisdictions about gambling. Their disapproval, and that of the Craft, has been unanimous. There is, however, a twilight zone in which are found many activities that fall short of gambling and that even partake of entertainment and voluntary charity, but which find their final excuse for existence solely in the element of a chance to get pecuniary value for nothing. . . After more than a year of such experiences I can discern no halfway stopping point, no safe basis for discretion. . . For the benefit of the entire Fraternity, therefore, I now ask this Grand Lodge as a legislative body to enact a law for its own government on this troublesome subject. . . unless this body shall otherwise vote I shall rule that it is inconsistent with the purposes and professions of our Fraternity and dangerous to its welfare to permit any sort of so-called door prize or game or other device promoted by a Lodge for financial gain whereby a participant may by an element of chance or luck stand to win something of value in excess of the stake invested by him."
  • Vote of Grand Lodge, 03/08/1939, 1939-105; "RESOLVED: that it is inconsistent with the professions and purposes of Freemasonry for any Masonic Body to promote, participate in, or profit by any lottery, game of chance, door prize, or other device or activity whereby the individual participant may be able, through the element of luck or chance, to win a greater value than he pays, and each Masonic body within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge is hereby enjoined to observe the letter and the spirit of this Resolution; and Be it further Resolved that all so-called collateral bodies, clubs, or other organizations in Massachusetts whose membership is related to or dependent on Masonic membership, or which in the public mind are likely to be regarded as Masonic organizations, are requested, and all individual Masons owing allegiance to this Grand Lodge are enjoined, to respect the purpose of this Resolution."
    • Grand Master Roy restated this ruling on 1951-141, 06/13/1951.
    • Grand Master Whitfield Johnson restated this ruling on 1954-32, 03/12/1954.
    • Grand Master Osgood restated this ruling on 1963-55, 03/13/1963, and on 1965-381, 12/08/1965.
    • Grand Master Booth restated this ruling on 1966-54, 03/09/1966.
    • Grand Master Jaynes restated this ruling on 1971-69, 03/10/1971, and on 1972-186, 06/14/1972, particularly with respect to 'Beano'.
    • Grand Master Maxwell restated this ruling on 1975-31, 03/12/1975, and at length on 1977-46, 03/09/1977, and 1977-103, 06/08/1977, at which time a committee report was presented.
Entertainment Programs

Although not strictly governed by the Grand Constitutions, several Grand Masters have made rulings regarding Lodge activities and entertainments.

  • 1924-32, 03/12/1924, contains commentary by Grand Master Ferrell. "The lighter hours of our association as Brethren when feasting and fun are the items on the programs are as essential and helpful as the more serious times when together we labor for a deeper understanding of the ideals and purposes of our profession. Let us see to it that nothing is introduced into these hours of refreshment that will dissipate their benefit. . . Brethren, I give it you strictly in charge to see to it that this entertainment is in no sense inconsistent with the serious business that has gone before or is to follow. Questionable jokes, songs of doubtful significance, are both a poor preparation for and valueless as a supplement of the reception or witnessing of a Masonic degree. . .
  • 1930-284, 06/11/1930, contains commentary by Grand Master Herbert W. Dean. "It is the duty of every Master, (or in his absence, of the Senior Warden) to take every possible precaution to prevent the presentation of any entertainment of an objectionable character in connection with a Lodge meeting or any activity sponsored by the Lodge. He should not only investigate the character of the proposed entertainment personally, not leaving it to a committee or any Brother, but he should warn the entertainers that nothing of an objectionable character will be tolerated, and he should stop the entertainment instantly if he finds that his warning has not been headed. . . It is impossible to emphasize too strongly that all entertainments and talks sponsored by our Lodges must not be inconsistent with the principles of Freemasonry, or in violation of our Masonic law."
  • 1931-87, 06/10/1931, refers to remarks by Grand Master Herbert W. Dean regarding "burlesque" degrees. "We are concentrating our efforts at this time on an endeavor to impress the candidates with the seriousness of Masonry, its ideals, its aims, its accomplishments. Any burlesque cannot help but detract from the impression which we have made, particularly as all such degrees adopt to a more or less extent the peculiar construction and phraseology of our ritual. In too many of these presentations language and double meanings have been introduced which are far from the principles which we teach in Masonry. I therefore feel it wise for the Lodges not to permit Masonic apartments to be used for this form of entertainment. Other entertainments can be provided which will attract our members and which will be in keeping with the dignity and purposes of our Order."
  • 1932-24, 03/09/1932, contains commentary and a ruling by Grand Master Chipman. ". . . Masters commenced to look about for other attractive forms of entertainments, and invited speakers to their dinners, and sometimes lecturers with or without a stereopticon. Then followed motion picture shows, often with films showing little care in their selection. From that point, then, the class of so-called entertainment in certain quarters seems to have greatly deteriorated, until now we find female singers and dancers from local night clubs or vaudeville agencies, whose suggestive songs and scanty costumes leave much to be desired, and even wrestling bouts and boxing matches have found their way into our Masonic entertainments in Masonic Temples. To the thoughtful Mason, this situation should be the cause of grave concern. My predecessors have all voiced with alarm the danger of such offerings to the real spirit of Masonry, either as a preparation for the solemn ritual to follow, or as a menace to blot out the lofty and dignified Masonic lessons which have preceded such entertainments. Your Grand Master is most reluctant to consider the inauguration of a censorship or oversight of entertainments offered in connection with the exemplification of Masonic degrees, preferring that it be left to the good judgment of the Masters themselves to determine what is appropriate and fitting to offer their Brethren on such occasions, if indeed anything should be offered at all. But this may be said, in all sincerity, that the tone of such entertainments as are offered must definitely be raised to a far higher level, and I am confident my Brethren will see the propriety of my comments and that there will be no occasion to speak of this again."
Liquor

Although not strictly governed by the Grand Constitutions, several Grand Masters have made rulings regarding alcohol use.

  • 1953-328, 12/09/1953, contains commentary by Grand Master Roy. My personal attitude toward liquor is well known. It has never been served at any function of any organization over which I have presided. I have never known any party to be improved by it. Apparently some Masonic parties have been spoiled by it. I would therefore enjoin all responsible officers to see to it that any use of alcoholic beverages is in moderation, that we may indicate that we have learned that the first of our four cardinal virtues is Temperance."
  • 1960-249, 12/14/1960, contains a ruling by Grand Master Eaton. " I now rule that no Lodge shall use its name or the Masonic emblem on any publication, circular, flyer, invitation or other material which refers to the use or sale of alcoholic beverages at a social dinner or any other function of the Lodge."
    • 1962-236, 12/12/1962, contained a further commentary on this ruling. "There is a ruling against Lodges indicating that alcoholic beverages are being used at functions sponsored by a Lodge. Some few still apparently try to circumvent the ruling. Violations can well lead to suspension from office and withholding of the Past Master's diploma."
    • 1971-69, 03/10/1971, contains a reminder by Grand Master Jaynes reinforcing this ruling.
  • 1966-54, 03/09/1966, contains a reminder by Grand Master Booth reinforcing the commentaries and rulings of previous Grand Masters.
  • 1975-171, 09/10/1975, contains the definitive ruling on alcoholic beverages in lodge halls by Grand Master Maxwell. Note was also made of this matter subsequently on 1976-170, 06/09/1976.
    • "In view of the many problems facing our Blue Lodges at the present time, and taking into consideration the trend of the times, your Grand Master, after due consideration and the report of a Committee appointed to study this matter, hereby rules that alcoholic beverages may be dispensed in any Masonic Temple Apartments or Hall subject to the following restrictions and limitations:
    1. At no time shall alcoholic beverages be introduced into a Lodge Room, except for authorized ceremonial purposes, or those rooms used directly in connection therewith, such as the preparation room, Tyler's Room, or corridors adjacent thereto.
    2. At no time shall Officers of a Lodge partake of alcoholic beverages after a meal and before the opening of a Lodge which they are to attend. At no time shall any Member be admitted to a Lodge meeting while under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
    3. At no time shall there be any area allotted to, nor construction of, a permanent servicing facility within any Masonic Temple under this jurisdiction.
    4. The temperate use and dispensing of alcoholic beverages during exclusively social functions, fellowship and banquet periods, always in the confines of the social rooms, banquet room or dining halls, and always under the control of responsible persons, is not prohibited.
    5. The foregoing is not to be construed as a mandate that the use and dispensing of alcoholic beverages must be allowed; whether such is allowed or prohibited, is for the local Masonic body and the Building or Temple Association, as the case may be, to determine.
    6. All applicable laws and regulations, both of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and of the local authorities, shall be observed and complied with at all times.
    7. No Lodge or recognized collateral body as such shall apply for or hold any license required by the foregoing laws or regulations.
    8. Reference to alcoholic beverages, in any connotation, such as cocktails, bar, B.Y.O.B., etc., is not permitted in any Lodge notice, or as an enclosure in the mailing of a Lodge notice. The use of the phrases social hour or social period is not prohibited.
    • 1977-45, 03/09/1977, contains further clarifications on this ruling.
      • "Rule No. 6 states clearly that the matter of use of alcoholic beverages is solely a matter of local option and no Lodge nor Building Association is required to either accept or reject the matter. It is simply a permissive ruling.
      • "Rule No. 2 states that, if used, alcoholic beverages shall not be served prior to a meeting. It has been reported that one Lodge opened in the early evening, transacted some business and adjourned for dinner, at which time beverages were served. Following the dinner, the degree work was exemplified. This is a violation of the intent of the specific rule and request is made that alcoholic beverages if used at all, be at the close of the entire Lodge meeting."
  • 1986-95, 09/10/1986, contains commentary by Grand Master Richardson on alcohol and drug abuse prevention. "I wish to report to you that the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has agreed to participate with most of the other Grand Lodges in the country in setting up a Fund that will be used to assist organizations, which upon investigation are found to be doing good work in helping to eliminate the Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol in our Youth today. This Committee has been formed and is under the direction of M.W. Herbert Emanuelson, Past Grand Master of Connecticut, and I am sure that we all realize what an important part this work will play in the future of our country."
  • 1991-79, 06/12/1991, contains a directive by Grand Master Darling. " I have discussed this with your District Deputy Grand Masters and asked them to see that every Lodge in their district is in compliance, has a copy of the directive and fully understands it and the liability incumbent on those who choose to use it in conjunction with Lodge functions. The District Deputy Grand Master is to report back to me the results of his findings."

SECTIONS


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.

Earlier Revisions

  • The report of William S. Gardner to the Grand Lodge concerning the places of the Grand Officers, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge (VI-100):
    • The M. W. G. Master, In the East at the head of the G. Lodge.
    • The R. W. Dep. G. Master, In the East next to and left of the M. W. G. Mas.
    • The R. W. Senior G. Warden, In the West.
    • The R. W. Junior G. Warden, In the South.
    • The R. W. Past, G. Masters, In the East, at the right of the M. W. G. Master, and the J. P. G. Master, next to the G. Master.
    • The R. W. Past. Dep, G. Masters, In the East, at the right of the P. G. Masters.
    • The R. W. Past G. Wardens, In the East, at the right of the P. Dep. G. Masters.
    • The R. W. G. Treas., On the right, in front of the G. Master.
    • The R. W. R. G. Secretary, On the left, in front of G. Master.
    • The R. W. Corresponding G. Sec., On the left, next to the Rec. G. Sec.
    • The R. W. Dist. Dep. G. Masters, In the East on the left of Dep. G. Masters.
    • The W & Rev. Gd. Chaplains, In the East, the Sen. upon a raised dais in front of the G. Master and between him and the P. J. G. Master, and the Junior upon a raised dais upon the left of the G. Master and between him and the Dep. G. Master both being upon a lower grade than that of the G. Master and that of the Officers upon his right and left.
    • The W. Gd. Marshal, Upon the left of the G. Master in front of G. Sec.
    • The W. Senior G. Deacon, Upon the right of the G. Master, in front of G. Treas.
    • The W. Junior G. Deacon, In the West, at the right of the S. G. Warden.
    • The W. G. Stewards, In the South, two upon the right, and two upon the left of the Junior G. Warden, upon each side, one Steward in front of the other.
    • The W. G. Sword Bearer, At the left of the G. Marshal.
    • The W. G. Standard Bearer, At the left of the G. Sword Bearer.
    • The W. G. Pursuivants, Near the doors of entrance to the G. Lodge, and whose duty it is "to receive all reports from the G. Tyler," to announce the name and Masonic rank of all who may desire admission and to see that none enter without wearing their appropriate decorations.
    • The W. G. Lecturers The first and second on the right of the Senior Gd. Deacon, and the third in the West, at the left of the S. G. Warden.
    • Bro. G. Organist, At the Organ.
    • Bro. G. Tyler, Outside of the entrance to the G. Lodge.
  • GC1843: Part First, 2:1; adopted 09/14/1865, VII-26, to include the Grand Standard Bearer and Grand Organist.
    • Amended 03/09/1910, 1910-48, changing "R. W. Past Grand Masters" to "M. W. Past Grand Masters"; and changing the station of the "W. and Rev. Grand Chaplains" to "In front of and on the right and left of the M. W. Grand Master, near the altar."
  • GC1918: Stations of Officers, 1918-430; In this revision, the words "Immediate Past Grand Master" reads "Junior Past Grand Master".
  • GC1953: Stations of Officers; 1953-56, adopted 1953-197
  • GC1989: Stations of Officers

References

  • I-49 lists the attendees at the Feast of St. John at the beginning of 1757 at Concert Hall, Boston.

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