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CONSTITUTIONS of the ancient fraternity of free and accept masons

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CONSTITUTIONS

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

CONTAINING

T H E C H A R G E S , R E G U L A T IO N S ,

P U BLISH ED ,

BY

TH E A U T H O R IT Y OF TH E UNITED G RAN D LODGE, B y w il l ia m

H E N R Y W H IT E ,

«s Grand Secretary.

iLonOon: P R IN T E D

BY

N O R R IS

AND

F IN S B U R Y

SON, B L O M F IE L D Q IR C U S,

M D C C C X L I.

S T RE E T,


lEntettîï at ^tattonsrs’ î^ a ll.


TABLE OF CO N TEN TS.

Page

Sanction

................................................................................................

''

Summary of Ancient Charges and Eegulations...............................

''it

Ancient Charges o f a Freemason.......................................................

3

General Kegulations of the Grand Lodge ........................................

f6

Regulations during Public Business in Grand Lodge ....................

25

O f the Grand Master and Pro Grand Master- .................... — .

28

Deputy Grand Master

.................................................................

32

Grand W a rd e n s ..............................................................................

34

Grand Chaplain ...................................................

35

Grand Treasurer......................

35

Grand Registrar..............................................................................

36

Grand Secretary..............................................................................

38

Grand Deacons ..............................................................................

39

Grand Superintendant o f Works, Director and Assistant Director

o f Ceremonies,

Sword-Bearer, Organist, and

Pursuivant...................................................................................

40

Grand Standard Bearers...............

41

Grand Tyler

42

...................................................................................

Grand S tew ards........................ Provincial Grand Master

.....................................

Deputy Provincial Grand M aster ...............................................

43 46 50

Provincial Grand Wardens and other Officers..........................

5i

Provincial Grand Stewards

............................. ..........................

52

Provincial Grand Lodges ............................... ............................

52


IV

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page

O f District Grand Lodges ................................................................

56

Private Lodges ..............................................................................

58

Lodges within London District....................................................

71

Country L od g es..............................................................................

72

Military L o d g e s ..............................................................................

75

Masters and Wardens o f L o d g e s ...............................................

76

Members o f Lodges and their D u ty ...........................................

80

Proposing Blembers .....................................................................

83

Lodge Seal........................................................................................

87

.................................................................

87

Visitors ...........................................................................................

Lodges o f Instruction

88

Certificates.......................................................................................

89

Removal o f Lodges

.....................................................................

91

Public Processions..........................................................................

93

T y le rs ................................................................

93

Appeal

94

....................................................................................

The Audit Committee

...........

95

The Fund o f Masonic B en evolence............................

95

Board o f General Purposes ...................................................

103

Contributions and other Payments........................

109

Regalia

112

...................................

Jew els................................................................................................ 112 Aprons

..................................................................................

117

Constituting a New L od ge.................................................

119

Public Ceremonies.......................................................................

124

Masonic F u nerals................................. Index

....................................................................................................

Appendix.

128 129


U N IT E D G R A N D L O D G E

The

G rand

L odge

OF

h a v in g

ENGLAND.

resolved

That a new octavo edition o f the B ook o f Constitu­ tions be published, with all amendments and additions, and that the same be arranged and printed under the superintendance and direction o f a C o m m i t t e e , con­ sisting o f the G r a n d R e g i s t r a r , the P r e s i d e n t o f the Board o f General Purposes, and Brothers J o h n H enderson, A le xa n d e r n in g s ,

D o b ie ,

and R . W . J e n ­

the Committee have superintended the publica­

tion o f the present edition o f the Constitutions, in­ cluding all amendments and additions to the present time.

IPreemasons' Hall, U th March, 1841.


A n t ie n t

C harges

R e g u l a t io n s

to be read,

by

Secretary,

acting

Summary o f

the

(o r

M a s t e r - E l e c t , prior

and

the G rand

Secretary,)

to

the

to his Installatmi

into the Chair o f the Lodge.

1. Y o u agree to be a good M an and true, and strictly to obey the M oral Law . 2 . Y o u are to be a peaceable Subject, and cheerfully to conform to the Laws o f the Country in which you reside. 3 . Y ou promise not to be concerned in Plots or Conspiracies against Governm ent, but patiently to submit to the decisions o f the Supreme Legislature. 4 . Y o u agree to pay a proper respect to the Civil M agis­ trate, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honourably by all M en . 5 . Y ou agree to hold in veneration the original Rulers and Patrons o f the

Order o f F ree-M a son ry,

and their regular

Successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their S ta ­ tions ;

and to submit to the Awards and Resolutions o f your

Brethren in general Lodge convened, in every Case consistent with the Constitutions o f the Order. 6 . Y o u agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess. 7 . Y ou

agree to be cautious

in your cari'iage and beha­

viour, courteous to your Brethren and faithful to your Lodge. 8 . Y ou promise to respect genuine and true Brethren, and to discountenance Impostors and all Dissenters from the original Plan o f F ree-M ason ry. 9 . Y o u agree to promote the general good o f Society, to cultivate the Social V irtu es, and to propagate the knowledge


vili o f the M y stic A rt as far as your influence and ability can extend. 1 0 . You promise to pay homage to the Grand M aster for the time being, and to his Officers when duly installed, and strictly to conform to every E dict o f the Grand Lodge. 1 1. Y o u admit that it is not in the power o f any M an or Body o f M en to make innovation in the B o d y o f M asonry. 1 2 . Y ou promise a regular attendance on the Com m uni­ cations and Committees o f the Grand Lodge, upon receiving proper Notice thereof ; and to pay attention to all the Duties o f F ree-M ason ry upon proper and convenient occasions. 1 3 . Y o u admit that no new

Lodge can be formed without

permission o f the Grand M aster or his D ep u ty, and that no countenance ought to be given to any irregular Lodge, or to any Person initiated therein ;

and that no public processions

o f M asons clothed with the Badges o f the Order can take place without the special License o f the Grand M aster or bis D eputy. 1 4. Y o u admit that no Person can regularly be made a F ree-M ason or admitted a M em ber o f an y Lodge without pre­ vious N otice and due inquiry into his Character;

and that no

Brother can be advanced to a higher D egree except in strict conformity wath the Laws o f the Grand Lodge. 1 5 . Y o u promise that no Visitor shall be received into your Lodge without due examination, and producing pi-oper Vouchers o f his having been initiated in a regular Lodge.

A t the conclusion the Grand M aster or Installing Officer addresses the M aster-E lect, as follows : — “

D o you submit to

“

and promise to support these Charges and Regulations as

“

M asters have done in all A g e s.”

Upon his answering in

the Afiirmative the Ceremony o f Installation proceeds.


TH E

C H A R G E S OF A

FREE-MASON: EXTRACTED

FROM

T H E A N T IE N T RECO RD S O F LO D G ES B E Y O N D SE A , A N D OF THOSE IN

E N G L A N D , S C O T L A N D , A N D IR E L A N D ,

Of ILotfge«.

tift TO

BE

READ

AT THE MAKING OF NEW BRETHREN, OR WHEN THE MASTER SHALL ORDER IT.

Published by Order o f the Grand Lodge.


THE

GENERAL

HEADS

CH AR GES OF A

OF

THE

FREEM ASON,

&c. &c. I

O f G od and Religion.

II.

O f the Civil M agistrate, supreme and sub­ ordinate.

III.

O f Lodges.

IV .

O f M a sters,

Wardens,

Fellows, and A p ­

prentices. V.

O f the Management o f the C raft in fVorking.

V I.

O f Behaviour, viz. 1. I n the Lodge while constituted. 2 . A fte r

the

Lodge

is

over

and

the

Brethren not gone. 3 . W h en Brethren meet without Strangers, but not in a Lodge. 4 . In Presence o f Strangers, not M asons. 5. A t Home and in the Neighbourhood. 6. Toivards a strange Brother.


TH E

C H A R G E S OF A

FREE-MASON, ETC.

ETC.

I.- -Concerning G O D and R E L I G I O N . A MASON is obliged, by bis tenure, to obey the moral law j and if he rightly understand the art he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irre­ ligious libertine.

H e, o f all men, should best

understand that G O D seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but G O D looketh to the heart.

A mason is, there­

fore, particularly bound never to act against the dictatesSof his conscience.

Let a man’s religion

or mode o f worship be what it may, he is not excluded from the order, provided he believe in the glorious architect o f heaven and earth, and practise the sacred duties o f morality. B

2

Masons


4

ANTIENT CHARGES.

unite with the virtuous o f every persuasion in the firm and pleasing bond o f fraternal love ; they are taught to view the errors o f mankind with compassion, and to strive, by the purity o f their own conduct, to demonstrate the superior excellence o f the faith they may profess.

Thus

masonry is the centre o f union between good men and true, and the happy means o f conci­ liating friendship amongst those who must other­ wise have remained at a perpetual distance.

l\.— O fth e C I V IL M A G I S T R A T E , S U P R E M E and S U B O R D I N A T E .

A

M ASON

is a peaceable subject to the civil

powers wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior magis­ trates.

H e is cheerfully to conform to every

lawful authority ; to uphold, on every occasion, the interest o f promote

the community,

the prosperity

of

his

and zealously own country.

Masonry has ever flourished in times o f peace and been always injured by war, bloodshed, and confusion ; so that kings and princes, in every age, have been much disposed to encourage the craftsmen on account of their peaceableness and


ANTIENT CHARGES. loyalty,

whereby they practically

5 answer the

cavils o f their adversaries and promote the ho­ nour o f the fraternity.

Craftsmen are bound by

peculiar ties to promote peace,

cultivate har­

mony, and live in concord and brotherly love.

I I I .— 0 / L O D G E S .

A L O D G E is a place where free-masons assem­ ble to work and to instruct and improve them­ selves in the mysteries o f their antient science. In an extended sense it applies to persons as well as to p la ce; hence every regular assembly or duly organized meeting o f masons is called a lodge.

Every brother ought to belong to some

lodge and be subject to its by-laws and the general regulations o f the craft.

A lodge may

be either general or particular, as will be best understood by attending it,

and there a know­

ledge of the established usages and customs o f the craft is alone to be acquired.

From antient

times no master or fellow could be absent from his lodge, especially when warned to appear at it, without incurring a severe censure, unless it appeared to the master and wardens that pure necessity hindered him. The persons made masons or admitted mem­ bers o f a lodge must be good and true men.


6

ANTIENT CHARGES.

free born, and o f mature and discreet age and sound judgm ent,

no bondmen,

no women, no

immoral or scandalous men, but o f good report.

I V .— O /M A S T E R S , W A R D E N S , F E L L O W S , and A P P R E N T I C E S .

A ll preferment among masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only ; that so the lords may be well served, the brethren not put to shame, nor the royal craft despised: therefore no master or warden is chosen by se­ niority, but for his merit.

It is impossible to

describe these things in writing, and therefore every brother must attend in his place, and learn them in a way peculiar to this fraternity.

Can­

didates may, nevertheless, know, that no master should take an apprentice, unless he has suffi­ cient employment for him ; and, unless he be a perfect youth, having no maim or defect in liis body, that may render him incapable o f learning the art,

of

serving his master’s lord,

and o f

being made a brother, and then a fellow-craft in due time, after he has served such a term o f years as the custom o f the country directs ; and that he should be descended o f honest parents ; that so, when otherwise qualified, he may arrive to the honour o f being the warden, and then the


ANTIENT CHARGES.

7

master o f the lodge, the grand warden, and at length the grand master of all the lodges, accord­ ing to his merit. N o brother can be a warden until he has passed the part o f a fellow-craft, nor a master until he has acted as a warden, nor grand warden until he has been master o f a lodge, nor grand master unless he has been a fellow-craft before his elec­ tion, who is also to be nobly born, or a gentle­ man o f the best fashion, or some eminent scholar, or some curious architect, or other artist de­ scended o f honest parents, and who is o f singu­ larly great merit in the opinion o f the lodges. A nd for the better, and easier, and more honour­ able discharge o f his office, the grand master has a power to chuse his own deputy grand master, who must then be,

or have formerly

been, the master o f a particular lodge, and who has the privilege o f acting whatever the grand master, his principal, should act, unless the said principal be present, or interpose his authority by letter. These ruler’s and governors supreme and sub­ ordinate, o f the antient lodge, are to be obeyed in th ^ r respective stations by all the brethren, according to the old

charges and I’egulations,

with all humility, reverence, love, and alacrity. N . B .— In

antient times no brother, however


ANTIENT CHARGES.

8

skilled in the craft, was called a master-mason until he had been elected into the chair o f a lodge.

Y .— O f the M A N A G E M E N T o f the C R A F T in W O R K I N G .

A l l masons shall work honestly on working days, that they may live creditably on holy days ; and the time appointed by the law o f the land, or confirmed by custom, shall be observed. T h e most expert o f the fellow-craftsmen shall be chosen or appointed the master, or overseer o f the lord’s w ork ; who is to be called master by those that work under him.

The craftsmen

are to avoid all ill language, and to call each other by no disobliging name, but brother or fe llo w ; and to behave themselves

courteously

within and without the lodge. T he master, knowing him self to be able o f cunning,

shall undertake the

lord’s work

as

reasonably as possible, and truly dispend

his

goods as if they were his own ; nor to give more wages to any brother or apprentice than he really may deserve. Both the master and the masons receiving their wages, justly, shall be faithful to the lord, and honestly

finish

their

work,

whether

task or


9

ANTIENT CHARGES.

jou rn ey; nor put the work to task that hath been accustomed to journey. None shall discover envy at the prosperity o f a brother, nor supplant him, or put him out o f his work, if he be capable to finish the sam e; for no man can finish another’s work so much to the lord’^ profit, unless he be thoroughly acquainted with the designs and draughts o f him that began it. W hen

a fellow-craftsman is chosen warden o f

the work under the master, he shall be true both to master and fellows, shall carefully oversee the work in the master’s absence, to the lord’s profit; and his brethren shall obey him. A ll masons employed shall meekly receive their wages, without murmuring or mutiny, and not desert the master till the work be finished. A younger brother shall be instructed in work­ ing, to prevent spoiling the materials for want o f judgment, and for increasing and continuing o f brotherly love. A ll the tools used in working shall be approved by the grand lodge. No labourer shall be employed in the proper work o f masonry ; nor shall free-masons work w i ^ those that are not free, without an urgent necessity ; nor shall they teach labourers and unaccepted

masons,

brother or fellow.

as

they should

teach a


10

ANTIENT CHARGES.

V I .— 0 / B E H A V I O U R , viz.

1.— IN

You

THE

LODGE,

W H IL E

C O N S T IT U T E D .

are not to hold private committees, or

separate conversation, without leave from the master, nor to talk o f any thing impertinently or unseemly, nor interrupt the master or wardens, or any brother speaking to the master: nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly while the lodge is engaged in what is serious and solem n; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence whatsoever; but to pay due reverence to your master, wardens, and fellows, and put them to worship. If

any complaint be brought,

the

brother

found guilty shall stand to the award and deter­ mination o f the lodge, who are the proper and competent

judges

of

all

such

controversies,

(unless you carry them by appeal to the grand lodge,) and to whom they ought to be referred, unless a lord’s work be hindered the mean while, in which

case a particular reference may be

m ade; but you must never go to law about what concerneth masonry, without an absolute neces­ sity apparent to the lodge.


ANTIENT CHARGES.

2 . -----B E H A V I O U R AND

THE

AFTER

THE

BRETHREN

11

LODGE NOT

IS

OVER,

GONE.

Y o u may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treating one another according to ability, avoiding all excess,

but

or forcing any brother to

eat or drink beyond his inclination, or hindering him from going when his occasions call him, or doing or saying any thing offensive, or that may forbid an easy and free conversation ; for that would blast our harmony, and defeat our lauda­ ble purposes.

Therefore no private piques or

quarrels must be brought within the door o f the lodge, far less any quarrels about religion, or' nations, or state policy, we being only, as masons, o f the universal religion above-m entioned;

we

are also o f all nations, tongues, kindreds, and lan­ guages, and are resolved against all politics, as what never yet conduced to the welfare o f the lodge, nor ever will.

3 . — -B E H A V I O U R W H E N B R E T H R E N M E E T W I T H .-^ O U T

STRAN GERS,

BUT

NOT

IN

A

LODGE

FORM ED.

Y o u are to salute one another in a courteous manner, as you will be instructed, calling’ each


12

ANTIENT CHARGES.

other brother, freely giving’ mutual instruction as shall be thought expedient, without being over­ seen

or

overheard,

and without

encroaching

upon each other, or derogating from that respect which is due to

any brother,

were he not a

mason : for though all masons are, as brethren, upon the same level, yet masonry takes no honour from a man that he had before; nay, rather it adds to his honour, especially i f he has deserved well o f the brotherhood, who must give honour to whom it is due, and avoid ill manners.

4 .— B E H A V I O U R I N P R E S E N C E O F S T R A N G E R S , NOT

M ASONS.

Y o u shall be cautious in your words and car­ riage, that the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover or find out what is not proper to be intimated; and sometimes you shall divert a discourse, and manage it prudently for the honour o f the worsliipful fraternity.

5 . -----B E H A V I O U R

AT

HOME

AND

IN

YOUR

N E IG H B O U R H O O D .

Y o u are to act as becomes a moral and wise man ; particularly, not to let your family, friends.


ANTIENT CHARGES.

13

and neighbours, know the concerns o f the lodge, &c. ; ’ but wisely to consult your own honour, and that o f your antient brotherhood, for reasons not to be mentioned here.

You must also con­

sult your health by not continuing together too late or too long from home after lodge hours are p a st; and by avoiding o f gluttony or drunkenness, that your families be not neglected or injured nor you disabled from working.

6 .—

B E H A V IO U R

TOW ARDS

A

STRANGE

BROTHER.

Y o u are cautiously to examine him in such a method as prudence shall direct you,

that you

may not be imposed upon by an ignorant false pretender, whom you are to reject with contempt and derision,

and beware o f giving him any

hints o f knowledge. But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother, you are to respect him accord­ ingly ; and if he is in want you must relieve him i f you can, or else direct him how he may b e ^ lie v e d .

You must employ him some days,

or else recommend him to be employed.

But

you are not charged to do beyond your ability ; only to prefer a poor brother that is a good man


14

ANTI ENT CHARGES.

and true before any other poor people in the same circumstances. Finally,— A ll these charges you are to observe and also those that shall be communicated to you in another w a y ; cultivating brotherly love, the foundation and cape-stone, the cement and glory, o f this antient fraternity, avoiding all wrangling and quarrelling, all slander and backbiting, nor permitting others to slander any honest brother, but defending his character and doing him all good offices, as far as is consistent with your honour and safety, and no farther.

A nd i f any

o f them do you injury, you must apply to your own or his lo d g e ; and from thence you may ap­ peal to the grand lodge, at the quarterly com­ munication, as has been the antient laudable conduct o f our forefathers in every nation ; never taking a legal course but when the case cannot be otherwise decided, and patiently listening to the honest and friendly advice o f master and fellows, when they would prevent your going to law with strangers, or would excite you to put a speedy period to all law-suits, that so you may find the affair o f masonry with the more alacrity and success; but with respect to brothers or fel­ lows at law,

the master and brethren should

kindly offer their mediation,

which ought to

be thankfully submitted to by the contending


ANTIENT CHARGES.

15

brethren ; and i f that submission is impracticable, they must, however, carry on their process, or law-suit, without wrath and rancour, (not in the common way,) saying or doing nothing which may hinder brotherly love and good offices to be renewed

and

continued,

that all may see the

benign influence o f masonry, as all true masons have done from the beginning o f the world, and will do to the end o f time. Amen, so mote it be.


GENERAL REGULATIONS

GOVERNMENT OF THE CRAFT, ESTABLISHED BY THE

iS!5rtattlr Itotige.

T H E public interests of the fraternity are ma­ naged by a general representation o f all private lodges on record, together with the grand ste­ wards o f the year and the present and past grand officers, and the grand

master at their head.

This collective body is styled T H E U N I T E D G R A N D L O D G E O F A N T IE N T F R E E A N D ACCEPTED

M ASONS

O F E N G L A N D , and

its members rank in the following order:


THE GRi\ND LODGE.

17

1. The Grand Master, 2. The Pro Grand Master, 3. Past Grand Masters, 4. Past Pro Grand Masters, 5. Deputy Grand Master, 6. Past Deputy Grand Masters, 7. Provincial Grand Masters, 8. Past Provincial Grand Masters, 9. Grand W ardens, 10. Past Grand W ai’dens, 11. Grand Chaplains, 12. Past Grand Chaplains, 13. Grand Treasurer, 14. Past Grand Treasurers, 15. Grand Registrar, 16. Past Grand Registrars, 17. Grand Secretary, 18. Past Grand Secretaries, 19. Grand Deacons, 2 0 . Past Grand Deacons, 2 1. Grand Superintendant o f the W orks, 2 2 . Grand Director of the Ceremonies, 2 3 . Assistant Grand Director o f the Ceremonies, 2 4. Grand Sword Bearer, 2 5. Grand Organist, 2 6 . Grand Pursuivant, The Grand Stewards o f the Year, T he Master, Past Masters, and Wardens o f the Grand Stewards’ Lodge, and o f every other private Lodge.


18

THE GRAND LODGE. 1. Every

brother regularly

elected and

in­

stalled as master o f a lodge, who has executed that office for one year, shall so long as he con­ tinues a subscribing member o f any lodge, rank as a past master, and be a member o f the grand lodge.

Subscription as a member o f any lodge

is sufficient to preserve his rank and rights as a past master, but after having for twelve months ceased to subscribe to any lodge, he shall no longer enjoy the rank of past master, or continue a member o f the grand lodge.

2. Brethren o f eminence and ability, who have rendered service to the craft, may, by a vote o f the grand lodge, duly confirmed, be constituted members o f the grand lodge, with such rank and distinction as may he thought proper.

3 . N o member o f the grand lodge shall attend therein without his proper jew el and clothing.

4.

Should any lodge have neglected to make

its returns and payments to the grand lodge for the space o f one year, the master, wardens, and past masters o f such lodge shall not be per­ mitted to attend any meeting o f the grand lodge until such returns and payments shall have been completed.


19

THE GRAND LODGE. 5. N o

brother shall be permitted to attend

the grand lodge as master, past master, or war­ den, until his name and appointment shall have been duly returned and transmitted to the grand secretary’s office.

See Page 6 8 .

6. No brother shall hold more than one office in the a:rand lodgfe at one and the same time.

7. Four grand lodges shall

be holden, for

quarterly communication, in each year, viz. on the first W ednesday in the months o f March, June, September, and December, at which none shall he present but the proper members, with­ out permission o f the grand master.

N o visitor

shall speak to any question without leave o f the grand master, nor shall he, on any occasion, be permitted to vote.

8.

It being essential to the interests o f the

craft that all matters o f business to be brought under the

consideration o f

the

grand

lodge

should be previously known to the grand officers and masters o f lodges, that, through them all the representatives o f lodges may be apprised o f such business, and be prepared to decide thereon, without being taken by surprise, a general com­ mittee, consisting o f the present and past grand c 2


THE GRAND LODGE.

20

officers and the master of every regular lodge shall meet on the W ednesday immediately pre­ ceding each quarterly communication ; at which meeting, all reports or representations from the most worshipful grand master, or the board o f general purposes, appointed

or any board

or committee

by the grand lodge, shall be read ;

and any member of the grand lodge intending to make a motion therein, or to submit any matter to its consideration, shall, at such general com­ mittee, state, in writing, the nature o f his in­ tended motion or business, that the same may be read. brought

No motion, or other matter, shall be into

discussion,

in the grand lodge,

unless it shall have been previously communi­ cated to this general committee.

The general committee, when assembled, aliall be governed by the laws enacted for preserving order in the grand lodge, during the time of business.

I f the master o f any lodge cannot

attend, he may certify that fact by writing, under his hand, and, at the same time, appoint a past master o f his lodge to represent him.

9.

At

such committee,

six masters or past

masters o f lodges shall be nominated who shall attend, within the porch o f the grand lodge, at


THE GRAND LODGE. the

subsequent

quarterly

21

communication,

for

the purpose o f guarding under the superinten­ dance o f the grand pursuivant against the ad­ mission o f any but those who are qualified, and have their proper clothing and jewels, and have signed and

their names to the accustomed papers,

are

in all respects entitled to admission.

For the like purpose,

the grand master shall

nominate six brethren to

attend in the porch

o f the grand lodge, on the day o f the grand festival, and also on any special meeting o f the grand lodge. 10.

T he grand master, or, in his absence, the

pro grand master, grand master,

in his absence,

or, in his

absence,

the deputy the grand

wardens, may summon and hold grand lodges o f emergency, whenever the good o f the craft shall,

in their opinion,

require it;

the parti­

cular reason for convening such lodge o f emer­ gency shall be expressed in the summons, and no other business shall be entered upon at that meeting.

] 1. There shall be a masonic festival, annually, on the W ednesday next following S t. George’s D ay, which shall be dedicated to brotherly love and refreshment, and to which all regular masons


THE GRAND LODGE.

22

may have access, on providing themselves 'with tickets from the grand stewards No

private lodge

within

the

of

the year.

London district

shall have a masonic feast on the day of the grand festival.

12. sional,

If, at any grand lodge,

stated or occa­

the grand master be absent, the lodge

shall be ruled by the grand officer next in rank and seniority who may be present, and, i f no grand officer be present, by the master o f the senior lodge. N .B . T he grand lodge is declared to be opened in ample fo r m

when the grand master or pro

grand master is present,

in due fo r m

when a

past grand master or the deputy presides, at all other times, only

in fo r m , yet with the same

authority.

13.

A ll powers and authorities,

regulations,

rules and

for the government o f the grand

lodge,

or

provincial grand lodges,

lodges,

or boards, or committees

or private respectively

during times o f

public business, or meetings,

or proceedings,

shall be used,

and

enforced

respectively b y

and exercised, the officers

or

members by any law or constitution authorised to preside or act in the absence o f the grand


23

THE GRAND LODGE. master,

or any superior officer or member in

such lodges, boards, general

or committees,

government o f the craft,

all intents and purposes

or in the as fully to

as i f such substitute

officers of members were specified in every law or constitution in which any powers or autho­ rities are given,

or rules

or regulations pre­

scribed for the principals, unless special provision is made to the contrary.

14.

In

the grand

lodge

alone resides the

power o f enacting laws and regulations for the government o f the craft, and o f pealing,

and abrogating them,

care that the antient land-marks are preserved.

altering, re­

always taking o f the order

The grand lodge has also the

inherent power o f investigating, regulating, and deciding, all matters relative to the craft,

or

to particular lodges, or to individual brothers, which it may exercise either o f itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom and dis­ cretion, it may app oin t; but in the grand lodge alone resides the power o f erasing lodges and expelling brethren

from the

craft,

a

power

which it ought not to delegate to any subordinate authority in England.

15. No lodge shall be erased, nor any brother


24

THE GRAND LODGE.

expelled,

until the master or officers of

the

lodge, or the offending brother, shall have been summoned to show cause, in the grand lodge, why such sentence should not be recorded and enforced.

16. A ll differences or complaints that cannot be accommodated privately, or in some regular lodge, shall be reduced into writing, and delivered to the grand secretary, who shall lay them before the grand master, or the board o f general purposes, or other board or committee appointed by the grand lodge.

W h e n all parties shall have been

summoned to attend thereon, and the case shall have been investigated, such order and adjudi­ cation may be made as shall be authorised by the laws and regulations o f masonry.

17. W h en any memorial, petition, remonstrance, or other document, shall be presented by any member o f the grand lodge, either on behalf o f him self or another, the member presenting it shall declare that such paper does not contain any

improper matter,

or any offensive or in­

decorous language.

18.

No brother below the rank o f a past grand

master shall assume the grand master’s chair,


25

THE GRAND LODGE.

tliougli he be entitled, in the absence o f the grand master, to rule the grand lodge. When the deputy grand master or a past deputy grand master, a provincial grand master or past provincial grand master presides, he is to take his seat in the chair of the deputy grand master, placed in front o f the throne; but if any brother of lower rank preside, he is to take his seat in some other chair similarly placed.

R E G U L A T IO N S fo r

the G O V E R N M E N T o f

the G R A N D L O D G E P U B L IC

during

the

lim e

of

B U S IN E S S .

1. T he grand lodge being opened, the by-laws are to be read. The minutes o f the last quar­ terly communication, and of any intervening grand lodge, are then to be put for confirma­ tion, and all communications from the grand master, and reports from the boards of bene­ volence and general purposes, are there to be read and taken into consideration, and the other business regularly proceeded on. 2.

All matters are to be decided by a majo­

rity of votes, each member having one vote


THE GRAND LODGE.

26

and the grand

master two votes;

unless the

lodge, for the sake o f expedition, think proper to leave any particular subject mination o f the grand master. members

to the deter­

The votes o f the

are always to be signified by each

holding up one o f his

hands,

which uplifted

hands the grand wardens or grand deacons are to count, unless the number should be so un­ equal as to render counting unnecessary.

3. A t the third stroke o f the grand master’s gavel, or whenever the grand master shall call to order, there shall be general silence. 4 . A ll members shall keep their seats, except the grand deacons, grand director of ceremonies and his assistant, and the grand stewards, who are allowed to move about, from place to place, in the discharge o f their duties.

5. No brother shall speak twice to the same question, unless in explanation, or the mover in reply.

6.

Every one who speaks shall rise, and remain

standing, addressing himself to the grand master, nor shall any brother presume to interrupt him, unless to address the grand master to order, or the


THE GRAND LODGE.

27

grand master shall think fit to call him to order; but, after he has been set right, he may proceed, if he observe due order and decorum. 7. I f any member shall have been twice called to order for transgressing these rules, and shall nevertheless be guilty o f a third oifence at the same meeting, the grand master shall perempto­ rily command him to quit the lodge for that meeting. 8. W hoever shall be so unmasonic as to hiss at a brother, or at what he has said, shall be forth­ with solemnly excluded the communication, and declared incapable o f being a member of any grand lodge, until, at another time, he publicly own his fault, and grace be granted. 9. No motion for a new law or regulation, or for the alteration or repeal of an old one, shall be made, until it shall have been proposed in or communicated to the general committee, which meets on the W ednesday preceding each quar­ terly communication, nor until it shall have been handed up in writing to the grand master.

After

having been perused and found by him not to contain any thing contrary to the antient land­ marks o f the order, the motion may be publicly


THE GRAND MASTER.

28 proposed.

I f seconded, the

question shall be

put thereon for the opinion o f the grand lodge. W h e n approved and confirmed, at the next en­ suing meeting o f the grand lodge, it becomes a law.

10. N o vote for the grant o f any money as a gratuity or reward to a brother shall be valid, unless it shall have been

regularly proposed,

seconded, and read, at a quarterly communica­ tion, and considered and confirmed at the sub­ sequent grand lodge.

11. N o motion on a new subject shall be made nor any new matter entered upon after eleven o’clock at night.

O f GRAND M ASTER AND

PRO

1.

T he

GRAND

M ASTER.

grand master shall, according to an-

tient usage, be nominated at the quarterly com ­ munication in December, in every year, being the meeting nearest to the winter solstice, and at the grand lodge nearest to the vernal equinox.


THE GRAND MASTER.

29

namely, in March, the election shall take place. The grand master, so elected, shall, either on the day of the grand masonic festival or on the day immediately preceding, as he may direct, be regularly installed.

H e is then to nominate

his grand officers, who are thereupon to be in­ stalled or invested in antient form. ' The grand master, if a prince o f the blood, may appoint a pro grand master, being a peer of the realm, who in the absence o f the grand master signified to the grand secretary by the grand master, shall possess all the powers o f the grand master. 2.

Should

mastership,

the grand

master die during his

or be rendered

incapable o f

charging the duties o f his office,

dis­

(by sickness,

absence, or otherwise,) the pro grand master, or, in his absence, the deputy grand master, or, in his absence, the grand wardens, shall assemble the grand lodge immediately, to record the event; which grand lodge shall, if there be no pro grand master, appoint three o f its members to invite the last preceding grand master to act until a new election take place ; should he decline or be unable to act, then the last but one, and so on ; if no former grand master be found to act, the grand officer next in rank and proceed to act.

seniority shall


30

THE GRAND MASTER. I f there be a pro grand master at the time

when a vacancy occurs in the grand mastership, such

pro grand master shall forthwith act as

grand master until a new election take place at the usual period. 3.

The grand master may, b y warrant, appoint

any brother o f eminence and skill to represent him in a sister grand lodge.

H e may also con­

stitute any distinguished brother, who may be regularly deputed from a sister grand lodge, a member o f the grand lodge o f England with such rank as may be appropriate. 4. The grand master has full authority to preside in any lodge, and to order any o f his grand offi­ cers to attend him.

His deputy is to be placed

on his right and the master o f the lodge on his left hand.

His wardens are also to act as war­

dens o f that particular lodge, during his pre­ sence ; but, if the grand wardens be absent, then the grand master may command the wardens o f the lodge, or any master masons to act there as his wardens pro tempore.

5. The grand master may send his grand offi­ cers to visit any lodge he may think proper.

6. Should

the grand

master be

dissatisfied


31

THE GRAND MASTER.

with the conduct o f any of his grand officers, he may submit the cause o f complaint to the grand lodge ; and, should it appear to the majority of the brethren present that the complaint be wellfounded,

he

may displace

and nominate another.

such grand

officer

But no grand officer

can be removed unless with

the

approbation

o f the grand lodge. master

may

summon

lodge or brother to attend

7.

The

grand

him,

and to pro­

any

duce the warrant, books, papers, and accounts o f such lodge, and the certificate o f such bro­ ther. a

I f the summons be not complied with, or

sufficient

reason given

for non-compliance,

such summons is to be repeated as a peremptory sum m ons;

and if such

last summons

be not

attended to, such lodge or brother may be sus­ pended, and the proceeding notified to the grand lodge. 8.

I f the grand master should be satisfied that

any brother has been illegally, or without suffi­ cient cause,

suspended, removed, or excluded

from any o f his masonic functions or privileges, by any private lodge or other subordinate au­ thority, he may order him to be reinstated or restored, and may also suspend, until the next ensuing quarterly communication, any lodge or


32

THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER.

brother who shall

refuse to comply with

such

order.

9. After the grand lodge shall have decided that the brethren holding a warrant have render­ ed themselves unworthy o f longer possessing the same, the grand master may transfer such warrant to other brethren whom he may think deserving. Such warrant shall have a new number on the list, at the bottom o f the lodges then on record.

10. The grand master shall not be applied to on any business concerning masons or masonry but through the grand secretary.

11. I f the

grand

master should

abuse his

power, and render him self unworthy o f the obe­ dience o f the lodges, he shall be subjected to some new regulation, to be dictated by the occa­ sion;

because, hitherto, the

antient fraternity

have had no reason to provide for an event which they have presumed would never happen.

O f DEPUTY GRAND

1.

M ASTER.

T h is officer is to be appointed, annually, by

the grand master, on the day o f his installation, and, if present, is to be immediately installed.


THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. according

to

antient usage.

33

He

must have

been master o f some regular lodge.

In the ab­

sence o f the grand master and pro grand master, the deputy possesses all his powers and privi­ leges. •

2. The deputy grand master has full authority, unless the grand master or pro grand master be present, to preside in every lodge which he may visit, with the master o f the lodge on his right hand.

The grand wardens, if present, are to act

as wardens o f that particular lodge, during the deputy’s continuance th ere; but, if the grand wardens be absent, then the deputy grand master may command the wardens o f the lodge or any other master masons to act as his wardens pro tempore. 3. I f the deputy grand master should be ab­ sent from any grand lodge, the grand officer next in rank and seniority shall act pro tempore.

4. If the deputy grand master do not during his year o f office attend his duty in grand lodge, not being prevented by reasonable cause, he shall be liable to the following fines to be paid to the general fund o f charity; viz. for the first absence, three guineas; for the second, double that sum. For a third absence, or on his refusal to pay the fines when incurred, P


34

THE GRAND WARDENS.

his office may be vacated, whereby any rank or distinction acquired in consequence of his ap­ pointment will be forfeited.

O f GRAND WARDENS. 1. T he grand wardens are appointed by the

grand master, annually, on the day of his instal­ lation, and, if present, are to be immediately in­ stalled. Each of these officers should have re­ gularly served the office of master of a lodge. They cannot act as wardens of a private lodge while they continue grand wardens. 2. When the actual grand wardens are in the lodge no others can supply their places, but in their absence the senior past grand wardens pre­ sent shall act pro tempore. If no past grand warden be present, the grand master may direct any other member of grand lodge being, or having been, master of a lodge to act as grand warden for that occasion. 3.

The grand wardens, whenever commanded,

are to attend the grand master, and while he pre­ sides in any particular lodge are to act there as his wardens.


THE GRAND TREASURER. 4.

35

A grand warden not attending liis duty in

grand lodge during his year o f office, not being prevented by reasonable cause, shall be liable to the following

fines,

fund o f charity,

viz.

to be paid to the general for the first absence,

if

senior grand warden two guineas, if junior grand warden one guinea. ble the sum.

For a second absence dou­

For a third absence, or on his re­

fusal to pay the fines when incnrred, his office may be vacated, whereby any rank or distinction acquired in consequence o f his appointment will be forfeited.

O f G R A N D C H A P L A IN S .

T he grand chaplains are to be appointed by the grand master on the day of his installation, and shall attend the quarterly communications and other meetings of the grand lodge, and there offer up solemn prayer, suitable to the occasion, as established by the usage o f the fraternity.

O f G RAN D TREASURER.

1.

T h e grand treasurer shall be elected by the

grand lodge at the quarterly communication in March.

D2


36

THE GRAND REGISTRAR. 2. H e shall, when required, give a joint bond,

with two sureties, to the grand master, and to such other trustees as

the grand

lodge shall

nominate, in such penalty and with such condi­ tions as may be deemed expedient, for the due performance o f his trust.

3 . To the grand treasurer shall be committed all money raised for the general charity, or for any other public use o f the society, o f which he shall keep an account in a book, specifying the respective uses for which the several sums are intended ; and shall disburse the same in such manner as the grand lodge shall direct, and pro­ duce his accounts o f receipts and disbursements, before every quarterly communication; and these accounts shall be annually audited by a com­ mittee, who shall make their report thereon to the quarterly communication in March.

O f G R A N D R E G IS T R A R .

1.

T h e grand

registrar is to

be appointed

annually by the grand master, on the day o f his installation, and, i f present, invested according to antient custom ; he must be an actual master or past master o f a lodge.


THE GRAND REGISTRAR.

37

2. H e shall have the custody o f the seals of the grand lodge,

and shall affix,

or may au­

thorize the grand secretary to affix, the same to all patents, warrants,

certificates, and other

documents issued by the authority of the grand lodge, as well as to such as the grand master, in conformity

with

the established

laws and

regulations of the craft, may direct.

3. He is to superintend the records o f the grand lodge, and to take care that the several documents issued from his office be in due form.

4.

The grand master may, by a written docu­

ment, direct the grand registrar to take charge o f any county or district for which there is not a provincial grand master, and the grand regis­ trar shall thereby be fully empowered to appoint a deputy provincial grand master and other offi­ cers, with the same authority and privileges and under the same regulations as if they had been appointed by an actual provincial grand master, and to perform all other functions o f a provincial grand master o f that county, or district, or ma­ sonic province.


THE GRAND SECRETARY.

38

O f G R AN D SECRETARY.

1.

T h e grand secretary is to be appointed by

the grand master, on the day of his installation, and may have an assistant as -well as clerk or clerks, if he think fit. a master mason,

Such assistant must be

but the assistant or clerk is

not, by the appointment, a member of the grand lo d g e ; and, therefore, if not otherwise a member o f grand lodge,

cannot attend therein without

leave, or speak therein without special permis­ sion.

But if such assistant or clerk be in any

capacity a member o f the grand lodge, he is not, by his appointment, deprived o f his rights or privileges as a member of the grand lodge.

2.

The grand secretary may, under the au­

thority o f the grand registrar,

affix the seals

o f the grand lodge to such patents, warrants, certificates,

and

other

documents as shall be

specified in any such authority; be is to issue summonses for all meetings o f the grand lodge, its boards and committees, and to attend and take minutes o f their proceedings, to receive the returns from the several lodges and enter them


THE GRAND DEACONS.

39

in the books of the grand lo d g e ; to transmit to all the lodges the accounts o f the proceedings o f the quarterly communications, and all such other papers and documents as may be ordered, either by the grand master or grand lo d g e ; to receive all petitions, memorials, &c. and to lay them before the grand master or other proper authority;

to attend the grand master and to

take to him any books and papers he may direct; and generally to do all such things as heretofore have been done or ought to be done by a grand secretary.

O f GRAND DEACONS. 1,

T h e grand deacons are to be appointed by

the grand master, on the day o f his installation, and each must have regularly served the office o f warden o f a private lodge.

2. If the grand deacons be absent, the grand master may appoint any master of a lodge to officiate pro tempore.


40 THE GRAND SUPERINTENDANT, ETC.

Of

GRAND

W ORKS,

S U P E R IN T E N D A N T GRAND

D IR E C T O R

of of

the the

C E R E M O N IE S , A S S IS T A N T G R A N D D IR E C T O R GRAND

of

C E R E M O N IE S ,

SW O RD

BEARER,

G R A N D O R G A N I S T , and G R A N D P U R S U IV A N T .

1. T he grand superintendant of the works, director of the ceremonies, assistant director of ceremonies, sword bearer, organist, and pursui­ vant, are to be appointed annually by the grand master, on the day o f his installation. They must be master masons and are to attend the quarterly communications and other meetings of the grand lodge. 2. The grand superintendant of the works ought to be a brother well skilled in the science of geometry and in architecture. He is to advise with the board o f general purposes on all plans o f building or edifices undertaken by the grand lodge, and furnish plans' and estimates for the same ; he is to superintend their construction, and see that they are conformable to the plans ap­ proved by the grand master, the grand lodge, and the board o f general purposes ; he is to suggest


THE GRAND STANDARD BEARERS. 41 improvements, where necessary, in all the edi­ fices o f the grand lodge ; and, on the first meet­ ing of the board of general purposes in every year,

report on the state o f repair or dilapi­

dation o f such edifices, and make such farther reports, from

time to time, as he may deem

expedient. 3. The grand director o f ceremonies, in addi­ tion to his other duties, has the care o f the regalia, clothing, insignia, and jewels belonging to the grand lodge.

4. The grand pursuivant is to preside over the masters and past masters nominated to attend within the porch of the grand lodge.

H e is at

every meeting o f the grand lodge to preserve order in the porch, and with the assistance of the brethren nominated for attendance there, to see that none, except those who are qualified, and who have their proper clothing and jewels, and have

signed

their

names

to

the accustomed

papers, and are in all respects entitled to admis­ sion, be admitted.

O f GRAND STANDARD

BEARERS.

G r a n d standard bearers may be appointed by the grand master as occasion shall require. They


THE GRAND TYLER.

42

must be master masons, and are to carry the stan­ dards o f the grand lodge, grand patron, and grand master, on all grand ceremonies.

They are not,

however, by their appointment, members o f the grand lodge, nor are they to wear the clothing o f a grand officer. A n y grand officer, entitled to have a standard, may, whenever it shall be necessary, appoint a standard bearer, who must be a master mason.

O f GRAND TYLER.

1. T h e grand tyler is to be nominated by the grand master ; he must be a master mason, and continues in office during pleasure. 2 . The grand tyler is to receive, from the grand secretary, the summonses for all meetings o f the grand lodge, its boards or committees, and carefully deliver the same. all such meetings,

H e is to attend

assist in the arrangements,

and see that none be admitted but those properly entitled.

3.

I f any grand tyler shall, without the special

licence o f the grand master, attend at any masonic funeral, or other public procession, or shall offi­ ciate or attend at any meeting or pretended lodge o f masons, not being regularly constituted, and not acknowledging the authority o f the grand


THE GRAND STEWARDS.

43

master, or not conforming to the laws of the grand lodge, he shall thereby be rendered inca­ pable o f ever after being a tyler or attendant on a lodge, and be excluded the benefit o f the general charity.

O f GRAND

STEW ARDS.

1. E i g h t e e n stewards shall be annually ap­ pointed, for the regulation o f the grand festival, under the direction o f the grand master.

They

shall also assist in conducting the arrangements made for the quarterly communications and other meetings o f the grand lodge. The grand stewards shall so regulate the grand festival as that no expense whatever may fall on the grand lodge, and are strictly enjoined not to introduce or permit any refreshment to be intro­ duced into the hall after the grand master or other presiding grand officer shall have departed.

2. The stewards for the year shall be appointed from eighteen different lodges, each o f which lodges shall recommend one o f its subscribing members, who must be a master mason, to be presented, by the former steward of that lodge, for the approbation and appointment of the grand master; and when so approved and appointed he


44

THE GRAND STEWARDS.

is entitled to wear the distinguishing clothing of a grand steward.

3. The name and

residence o f the member

recommended as steward for the year ensuing shall be transmitted, by the lodge recommending, to the grand secretary, at least fourteen days previous to the grand festival.

4 . No brother shall be presented as a grand steward unless he was made in the lodge by which he is recommended, or unless he shall have been twelve months a subscribing member to it.

5. No lodge shall (under the penalty o f for­ feiting the privilege of nomination) subscribe or in any manner contribute towards the expense to be incurred by any steward in the discharge o f the duties o f his stewardship ; and any ste­ ward who shall accept o f any sum o f money to­ wards such expense shall forfeit all privilege or distinction which

he

had acquired

in

conse­

quence o f his nomination to or serving in that office.

6.

Should

any

brother,

recommended

as a

grand steward, decline or be incapable of dis­ charging the duties o f the office, the lodge which recommended him shall, when informed o f the circumstance,

transmit

the

name o f

another


45

THE GRAND STEWARDS.

member to supply his place, in the manner be­ fore directed.

7.

I f any lodge possessing the privilege of

recommendation

shall neglect

to

send

to the

grand secretary the name o f one of its members, or to supply the place o f one who shall decline or become incapable o f discharging the duties o f the office, as required by the preceding articles, the lodge shall forfeit its existing privilege, and the grand master shall nominate any other lodge to have such privilege in future.

8. The grand stewards for the year shall wear jewels o f silver, gilt, pendant to red collars, and bear wands.

Aprons.

(See article Regalia.)

9. The grand stewards shall have the exclu­ sive privilege o f becoming members o f the grand stev/ards’ lodge ;

subject,

however, to the by­

laws and regulations o f that lodge.

10. The grand stewards’ lodge shall not have a number, but shall be registered in the books o f the grand lodge, and placed in the printed lists, at the head o f all other lodges, and rank accordingly; and shall be represented in the grand lodge by its wardens.

master,

past masters, and


46 THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER. 11. The grand stewards’ lodge, being consti­ tuted as a master masons’ lodge, can have no power o f making, passing, or raising masons.

O f P R O V IN C IA L G R A N D M A S T E R .

1. The appointment o f this officer is a prero­ gative o f the grand master, by whom a patent may be granted, during pleasure, to each such brother o f eminence and ability in the craft as may be thought worthy o f the appointment.

By

this patent such brother is invested with a rank and power, in his particular district, similar to those possessed b y the grand master himself.

He

shall be regularly installed at tbe first provincial grand lodge which he may hold after his ap­ pointment.

2 . H e is empowered to appoint for his pro­ vince a deputy and other grand officers, except the treasurer.

H e may also appoint provincial

grand stewards not exceeding six in number.

3. H e may preside in every lodge he visits within his district, with his deputy provincial grand master on his right and the master o f the lodge on his left hand ; his wardens, if present, may act as wardens o f that particular lodge


THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER. 47 during his presence; but, if they are absent, the provincial grand master may direct the wardens o f the lodge, or any other master masons, to act as his wardens pro tempore. 4.

H e shall hear and determine all subjects

o f masonic complaint, or irregularity respecting lodges or individual masons, within his district, and may proceed to admonition, or fine, or to suspension, until the next meeting o f the united grand lodge, according to the general laws o f the craft.

A

minute of all such proceedings,

stating the offence and the law applicable to it, together with the decision, is to be transmitted to the grand

master.

W h en the case is o f so

flagrant a nature as, in the judgment o f the pro­ vincial grand master, to require the erasure of a lodge, or the expulsion o f a brother, he shall make a special report to the united grand lodge, with his opinion thereon. The provincial grand master has no power to expel a mason, though he may, when satisfied that any brother has been unjustly or illegally suspended, removed, or excluded, from any of his masonic functions or privileges, by a lodge within his district or province, order him to be immediately restored, and may suspend, until the next quarterly communication, the lodge or bro­ ther who shall refuse to comply with such order.


48 THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER. 5. I f the provincial grand master or his deputy shall neglect to proceed on any case or business, which may be sent for his decision, the applica­ tion or complaint may

be transmitted to the

board o f general purposes.

A n appeal, in all

cases, lies from the provincial grand master to the grand lodge, or grand master.

6 . The provincial grand master may summon any lodge or brother, within his district, to at­ tend him, and to produce the warrant, books, papers, and accounts o f such lodge, or the certi­ ficate o f such brother.

I f the summons be not

complied with nor a sufficient reason given for non-compliance, a peremptory summons shall be issued;

and, in case o f contumacy, the lodge

or brother

may be

suspended,

and the

pro­

ceeding notified to the united grand lodge or the grand master.

7. He has power to give or to refuse consent for the removal o f a lodge from town to town within his province, or from his province into another,

or from

another

province

into

his

own.

8.

H e shall hold a provincial grand lodge, in

such place as may seem to hint most convenient, at least once in each year, when there may also


THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER. 49 be a masonic festival.

H e may convene provin­

cial grand lodges o f emergency whenever in his judgment it may be necessary.

9. H e is required by himself, or his deputy, to correspond with the united grand lodge, and to transmit to the grand secretary, at or prior to the quarterly communication in circumstantial

March,

a

account, in writing, of his pro­

ceedings, and o f the state

o f masonry within

his province, together with a list o f such lodges as may have been constituted

since his last

return, and the fees due thereon to the united grand lodge. 10. To insure the regular performance of the duties o f the provincial

grand master, and to

prevent the inconveniences

which

must arise

from the neglect o f them, he may appoint a deputy to execute all the functions o f the office in his name, and may, for this purpose, invest him by patent, under his hand and seal, with all the requisite powers, during pleasure. 1 1. T he provincial grand master must trans­ mit the name and place o f abode o f his deputy, in writing, to all the lodges o f his district, and also

to the grand secretary, in order to have

him registered, within one month o f the appoint­


50 DEPUTY PROV. GRAND MASTER. m ent; and, at the same time, particularly specify, whether he intends the business o f the province to be transacted through himself or his deputy.

12.

The provincial grandm aster, holding his

office at the pleasure o f the grand master, and the power o f the deputy as well as o f the provincial grand lodge emanating from the authority vested in the provincial grand master, he or his deputy must be responsible that the provincial grand lodge do not exceed its lawful powers.

H e is,

therefore, to cause correct minutes to be kept o f all its proceedings, and to produce them to the grand master or grand lodge when required.

O f D E P U T Y P R O V IN C IA L G R A N D M ASTER.

1. T he deputy provincial grand master must have previously served the office of master in some regular lodge, and be resident within the province, and a subscribing member to some lodge therein, and must be regularly authorised by patent to hold office during pleasure.

2. He is invested with the rank of a deputy grand master, within the province, and presides, unless the provincial grand master be present,


PROVINCIAL GRAND WARDENS, ETC. 51 in any lodge he may visit within his district. H e is not, by his office, a member o f the united grand lodge, nor does he possess any rank out o f his province, though he is entitled to wear the clothing o f a provincial grand officer in all masonic meetings.

0 /

P R O V IN C IA L Subordinate

GRAND

P R O V IN C IA L

W ARD EN S, GRAND

O F F IC E R S . T hese

must all be resident within the pro­

vince and subscribing members to some lodge therein.

The grand wardens

and subordinate

provincial grand officers (except the treasurer, who is to be elected) are to be annually nomi­ nated by the provincial grand master, and such officers

on such nomination, and the treasurer

when elected, are respectively to be installed or invested accoi’ding to their stations in the pro­ vincial grand lodge, and shall possess, within their particular district, the rank and privileges o f grand officers;

but they are not, by such

appointment, members o f the united grand lodge, nor do they take any rank out o f their province, though they are entitled to wear their clothing as provincial grand officers or past officers in all masonic assemblies. E 2


52 THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES. No

brother

can

be

appointed a provincial

grand warden unless he be the master, or has regularly served in that office; nor a provincial grand deacon, unless he be a warden or past warden of a lodge.

P R O V IN C IA L G R A N D

STEW ARDS.

Provincial grand stewards while in office may wear jewels suspended by red collars and aprons with red edgings o f the same width as the purple o f the provincial grand officers, and are members o f their own provincial grand lodge, but when out o f office they are no longer members,

or

entitled to wear red collars, aprons, or jewels. Nor are provincial grand stewards entitled to wear red collars or aprons out o f their own pro­ vince.

O f P R O V IN C IA L G R A N D L O D G E S .

1. W hen the provincial grand master pre­ sides, the provincial grand lodge is to be declared open in “ due fo r m ^ If the deputy or other brother preside, “ in fo r n i’’ only. 2.

The actual and past provincial grand offi­

cers, being subscribing members o f any lodge


THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES. 53 ■within the province, with the actual provincial grand stewards, i f any, and the masters, past masters, and wardens, o f all lodges within the province, are members o f the provincial grand lodge, and such masters and wardens shall attend the same when duly summoned. 3.

The provincial grand lodge has the power

o f framing by-laws for its own government, and o f making regulations for the guidance of the private lodges o f the province;

provided that

none o f these are contrary to, or inconsistent with, the laws

and constitutions o f the united

grand lodge o f England.

4.

Various provinces having experienced great

advantage from the establishment

of

a local

fund, to be appropriated to charitable and other masonic purposes, power is, therefore, given to each provincial grand lodge to direct payments to be made by the provincial grand officers and the lodges in the province for this desirable pur­ pose, to the

(exclusive o f

the contributions

united grand lodge).

payable

These payments

by lodges shall not exceed the following sums, viz. six-pence per quarter for every contributing member o f a lodge, five shillings for every per­ son who has been initiated, and one shilling for every member who has joined any lodge since


54 THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES. the last payment.

This fund cannot be esta­

blished without the concurrence of, at least, twothirds o f the members present in provincial grand lodge, nor unless

each lodge in the province

shall have had due notice o f the meeting, and o f the intention to propose the establishment o f such fund, nor until the decision shall have been con­ firmed at a subsequent meeting o f the provincial grand lodge, o f which meeting due notice shall be given.

I f this fund be established, the mode

o f contribution by lodges, in proportion to the number o f their members, shall, on no pretence, be departed from, though the provincial grand lodge may diminish any o f the payments, or enact only part o f them at their discretion. Thus, country lodges can, in no case, be subjected to fees ex­ ceeding those constantly paid by every lodge within the London district, while their members will have thé advantage o f a local fund as well as o f the general fund o f charity in London. T he provincial grand lodge m ay enact such regulations as they m ay deem necessary for the application o f this fund. 5.

T he provincial grand lodge shall elect a

treasurer annually, by whom a regular account of the receipts and disbursements o f this fund shall be kept.

These

accounts must be pro­

duced at every provincial grand lodge, and au­


THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES. 55 dited once

in

each year, and a copy thereof

transmitted to the lodges within the province.

6 . Coi’rect minutes o f all the proceedings o f the provincial grand lodge shall be kept in a book proper for the purpose, be produced, by the

and which shall

provincial grand master,

for the inspection o f the grand master or grand lodge whenever required.

7. The provincial grand lodge emanates from the authority vested

in the

provincial grand

master, and possesses no other powers than those specified.

It, therefore,

follows, that no pro­

vincial grand lodge can meet but by the sanction o f the provincial grand master or his d e p u ty ; and that it ceases to exist on the death, resig­ nation, suspension, or removal o f the provincial grand master, until some brother is duly ap­ pointed or empowered to perform the functions o f provincial grand master, by whose authority the provincial grand lodge may be again esta­ blished, and assembled.

8. Should the provincial grand master desire the opinion o f his provincial grand lodge on the subject o f any masonic complaint or irregularity which may have arisen within his province, they shall fully inquire into the matter and report


56

DISTRICT GRAND LODGES.

their opinion thereon to the provincial grand master, with whom the decision remains, unless there shall be an appeal to the united grand lodge against such decision.

Of

D IS T R IC T

GRAND

LOD G ES,

IN CO LO N IE S OR F O R E IG N P A R T S .

1. I t being necessary, on account of the dis­ tance o f foreign district grand lodges, and the consequent delay in their communications with the grand lodge o f England, that their powers should be more extensive, the grand lodge dele­ gates to its foreign district grand lodges, meet­ ing under a grand master duly authorised and appointed by the grand master o f England, in addition to the powers before specified, that o f expelling masons, and erasing lodges within the district, subject however to appeal to the grand lodge o f England.

2. District grand

lodges, that is, provincial

grand lodges abroad, may require payment to their provincial fund allowed

of

fees larger than

are

in England under the following regu­

lations. That notice in writing o f the fees proposed.


57

DISTRICT GRAND LODGES.

and also o f the day o f meeting for the discus­ sion o f the subject,

he sent to

the province two months

each lodge

in

at least prior to the

meeting. That if the proposed payments shall be agreed to by two-thirds at least o f the members present, a day shall be appointed for considering the con­ firmation thereof at a period o f not less than three months from the first meeting, and a copy o f the

resolutions so agreed

to shall be sent

forthwith to each lodge with

the summons for

the second meeting.

That any lodge whose officers may not be able to attend by reason o f their distance from the place o f

assembly

be

permitted

to state

its

opinions in writing, provided they be dispatched to the provincial

grand

secretary within

the

period o f one month from the date o f receiving the summons for the second meeting.

W h en the proceedings have been so confirmed, a copy thereof shall be transmitted to the most worshipful grand master for his sanction

and

approval, together with copies o f any opinions which may have been received in writing.

W h en the grand master shall have given his consent, and not till then, shall the resolutions


58

PRIVATE LODGES.

be declared valid, and the fees and payments de­ manded, and shall in such case be payable from the time vrhen the proceedings transmitted to the grand master for his sanction vrere confirmed.

O f P R IV A T E LO D G E S.

1. T he masonic officers o f a lodge are the master and his two wardens, with their assis­ tants, the two deacons, inner guard, and tyler ; to which, for the better regulation of the private concerns o f the lodge, are to be added a trea­ surer, and secretary, and other officers, viz. a chaplain, master of the ceremonies, and stewards may also be added. I f a prince o f the blood royal should honour any private lodge by accepting the office o f master, he may appoint a deputy master, who shall be regularly installed, and entitled, when in office, to all the privileges of an actual master, and when out of office, to all the privileges of a past master. 2. Every lodge shall annually elect its master and treasurer by ballot, such master having been regularly appointed and having served as warden of a warranted lodge for one year, and, at the next meeting after his election, wlien the mi-


PRIVATE LODGES.

59

ñutes are confirmed, he shall be duly installed in the chair according to antient usage,

after

which he shall appoint his wardens and other officers, except the treasurer and tylers.

Tylers

are chosen by the members o f the lodge. N .B . It

is not essential, although very de­

sirable, that a brother should be present when appointed to any office, provided

it be known

that he will accept the same. 3.

No master o f the tavern or house, at which

the lodge meets, shall be appointed to or hold any office in the lodge, without a dispensation from the grand master or the provincial grand master.

4.

Every lodge

has

the power o f framing

by-laws for its own government, provided they are not contrary to general

or

inconsistent with

regulations o f the grand lodge.

the The

by-laws must be submitted to the approbation o f the grand master, or the provincial grand master, and when approved, a fair copy must be sent to the grand secretary, and, in the case o f a country

lodge,

also to

the

provincial grand

master ; and, when any material alteration shall be made, such alteration must, in like manner, be submitted.

N o law or alteration will be valid

until so submitted and approved.


60

PRIVATE LODGES.

The by-law s

of

the

lodge

shall

written in a book, and shall be

be fairly

delivered to

the master on the day o f his installation, when he shall solemnly pledge himself to observe and enforce

them during

his mastership.

Every

brother shall also sign them when he becomes a member o f the lodge, as a declaration

o f his

submission to them, and every member shall at all reasonable times have access to such by-laws, and be allowed to take copies thereof, if they are not printed for the use o f the lodge and deli­ vered to the members. 5.

Every lodge shall keep a book or books in

which the master or some brother, appointed by him as secretary,

shall enter the names o f its

members and of all persons initiated or admitted therein, with

the dates o f their proposal,

ad­

mission, or initiation, passing and raising; and also their ages, as nearly as possible, at that time, and their titles, professions, or trades, to­ gether with such transactions o f the lodge as are proper to be written.

The particular house or place o f meeting, as well as the regular days o f meeting of the lodge, shall be specified in the by-laws, and no meet­ ing o f the lodge shall be held elsewhere, except a removal be decided upon in conformity with the laws enacted in that respect.


PRIVATE LODGES.

Cl

6. A lodge o f emergency may, at any time, be called, by the authority o f the master, or, in his absence, o f the senior warden, but on no pretence without such authority first given.

The

particular reason of calling the lodge o f emer­ gency shall be expressed in the summons, and, afterwards, recorded on the minutes, and no bu­ siness but that so expressed shall be entered upon at such meeting. 7. Every lodge, when regularly removed to a new place o f meeting, or whenever the day o f assembling shall be altered, shall immediately send notice thereof to the grand secretary, and, if a country lodge, also to the provincial grand master.

The officers o f a removed lodge shall

not be permitted to attend the grand lodge or provincial grand lodge until such removal shall be properly notified. 8.

The precedency o f lodges is derived from

the number o f their constitution, as recorded in the books of the grand lodge.

N o lodge shall

be acknowledged nor its officers admitted into the united grand lodge or a provincial grand lodge, nor any o f its members entitled to par­ take of the general charity or other masonic pri­ vilege, unless it has been regularly constituted and reo;istered.


62

PRIVATE LODGES. 9. A n y

lodge

which

may

not

be

distin­

guished by a name or title, being desirous of taking one, must, for that purpose, procure the approbation o f the grand master, or provincial grand master, and the name must be registered with the grand secretary. permitted

to alter

N o lodge shall be

its name without the like

approbation. 10. N o lodge can make a mason or admit a member without strictly complying with all the regulations enacted for the government o f the craft on these occasions. 11. N o lodge shall, on any pretence, make more than five new brothers in one day, unless by dispensation ; nor shall a lodge be permitted to give more than one degree to a brother on the same day ; nor shall a higher degree in masonry be conferred on any brother at a less interval than one month from his receiving a previous degree, nor until he has passed an examination in open lodge in that degree.* 12. N o other lodge shall initiate into masonry

* N o d isp en sa tion ca n he g r a n te d to su spen d th e o p era ­

tion o f th is law .


63

PRIVATE LODGES.

any non-commissioned officer or corporal belong­ ing to a regiment or battalion to which a military lodge is attached, nor shall any lodge initiate any military person below the rank of a corporal, except as a serving brother, or by dispensation from the grand master.

13.

N o lodge shall make a mason for a less

consideration than three guineas, exclusive o f the registering fee, nor on any pretence remit or de­ fer the payment of any part o f this sum.

The

member who proposes any candidate must be responsible to the lodge for all the fees payable on account o f his initiation. This is not to extend to the making o f serving brethren, who may be initiated by the lodge which they are to serv e; provided that no fee or reward in such case be taken, and that a dis­ pensation from the grand master or provincial grand master be first obtained ; but a brother so initiated cannot be a member o f the lodsre in which he was made a mason, though eligible to become

a

subscribing

member o f

any

other

lodge, and upon being registered as a joining member o f such other lodge,

and paying his

contributions in like manner with other mem­ bers, he is entitled to all the privileges and benefits of the craft.


64

PRIVATE LODGES.

If, however, there be no other lodge in the vicinity o f his dwelling o f which he can become a member, he may be permitted to pay, through the lodge in which he was initiated, the quarterly dues to the fund o f benevolence, and after having served the lodge and paid such dues for four years at least, may be considered eligible to be relieved in case o f necessity, and entitled to the other privileges o f the craft in the same manner as if he had been a regular subscribing member.

14.

Every lodge must receive as a member,

without further proposition or ballot, any brother initiated therein, provided such brother express his wish to that effect on the day o f his initia­ tion, as no lodge should introduce into masonry a person whom the brethren might consider unfit to be a member o f their own lodge.

15.

Every lodge must be particularly careful

in registering the names o f the brethren initiated therein, and also in making the returns o f its members, as no person is regularly entitled to partake o f the general charity unless his name be duly registered, and he shall have been at least two years

a

contributing member o f

a

lo d g e ; except in the following cases, to which the limitation o f two years is not meant to extend,


G5

PRIVATE LODGES.

viz. shipwreck or capture at sea, loss by fire, or breaking or dislocating a limb, fully attested and proved. T o prevent injury to individuals, by their being excluded the privileges o f masonry, through the neglect o f their lodges, in not registering their names, any brother, so circumstanced, on pro­ ducing sufficient proof that he has paid the full fees to

his lodge,

including the register-fee,

shall be capable o f enjoying the privileges o f the craft.

But the offending lodge shall be reported

to the board of general purposes, and rigorously proceeded against for detaining monies which are the property of the grand lodge, and which had been paid to the lodge for specific appro­ priation. 16.

A ll monies received or paid on account o f

the lodge shall be entered in proper books.

The

fees or dues received on account of, and payable to, the grand lodge, or provincial grand lodge, shall be

kept separate and distinct from the

monies belonging to the private fund o f the lodge, and shall be deposited in the hands o f the master instead o f the treasurer o f the lodge, and shall be transmitted to the grand lodge, or provincial grand lodge, laws o f the craft require.

at such

times as the

The accounts o f the

lodge shall be audited, at least once in every F


6G

PRIVATE LODGES.

year, by a committee to be appointed by the lodge.

17. Each lodge shall procure for every brother initiated therein, a grand lodge certificate, to be paid for by the lodge. 18. N o lodge, or officer or member o f a lodge, shall, under any cireumstances, give a certificate or recommendation to enable a mason to proceed from lodge to lodge as a pauper, or in an itine­ rant manner to apply to lodges for relief.

19. N o lodge shall form any public masonic procession

without a license from

the

grand

master, or a provincial grand master.

2 0 . A ll lodges are particularly bound to ob­ serve the same usages and customs ; every devia­ tion, therefore,

from the established mode o f

working is highly improper, and cannot be ju sti­ fied or countenanced.

In order to preserve this

uniformity, and to cultivate a good understand­ ing among free-masons, some members o f every lodge should be deputed to visit the other lodges as often as may be convenient.

2 1 . I f any brother behave in such a manner as to disturb the harmony o f the lodge, he shall be


PRIVATE LODGES.

G7

thrice formally admonished by the m aster; and, if he persist in his irregular conduct, he shall be punished according to the by-laws of that parti­ cular lodge, or the

case may

be reported to

higher masonic authority.

22. No lodge shall exclude any member with­ out giving him due notice of the charge pre­ ferred or complaint made against him, and of the time appointed for its consideration. The name of every brother excluded, together with the cause of his exclusion, shall be sent to the grand secretary; and, if a country lodge, also to the provincial grand master or his deputy.* 2 3. The jewels and furniture o f every lodge belong to, and are the property o f the master, wardens, and brethren o f such lodge ; and the master, o f the house where the lodge is held shall have no property therein or lien thereon: nor shall the master o f any tavern or public-house be suffered to be the owner o f the jewels or furniture o f any lodge, under the penalty o f the forfeiture o f the constitution.

N or shall

any

* The term e x p elle d is used only when a brother is re­ moved from the craft by the grand lodge.

In a district grand

lodge or upon removal o f a brother from a private lodge the term e x clu d e d only is applicable.

F 2


PRIVATE LODGES.

68

jew el be worn in a lodge other than those speci­ fied for the officers, except such other jew el,

as shall

honorary or

appertain to, or be con­

sistent with, those degrees which are recognised and acknowledged by and under the controul of the grand lodge.

24.

A ll minutes, lists, and books of account,

belonging to a lodge, must be produced by the master, when he shall be so required by com­ petent authority.

2 5 . The majority o f the members o f a lodge, when congregated, have the privilege o f giving instructions to their master,

past masters, and

wardens, before the meeting of the grand lodge ; because such

officers are their representatives,

and are supposed to speak their sentiments.

2 6 . Each lodge shall annually make a return to the grand secretary o f the masters, wardens, and past masters o f the lodge, and including all members who claim to be entitled to attend in a grand lodge as past masters as having served the office o f master in some other lodge, specify­ ing the lodge in which each o f such past masters has served the office o f master ; and no brother shall be

permitted

to attend

in grand lodge

unless his name shall appear in some such return.


69

PRIVATE LODGES, 2 7 . Each lodge shall make

its returns

and

payments regularly to the grand secretary, ac­ cording to the regulations under the heads London and Country L o d g e s; and, in case of neglect for one whole year to make such returns and pay­ ments, or i f the lodge do not meet during that period, it is liable to be erased.

-The master,

past masters, and wardens o f a lodge which shall have neglected for one whole year to make its returns or its payments to the grand lodge, are thereby disqualified from

attending the grand

lodge or sitting upon any board or committee until those returns and payments shall have been completed. 2 8 . I f a lodge be dissolved, the warrant shall be delivered up to the grand master, and shall not, on -any account, be transferred without his consent.

2 9 . I f the warrant or constitution of a lodge be sold, or procured by any other means than through the regular channel o f petition to the grand master, or a provincial grand master, such warrant shall be forfeited, and the lodge erased.

3 0 . A s every warranted lodge is a constituent part o f the grand lodge, in which assembly all the power of the fraternity resides, it is clear that no other authority can destroy the power granted


70

PRIVATE LODGES.

by a warrant: if, therefore, the majority o f any lodge should determine to quit the society, or that lodge, the constitution, or power o f assembling, remains with the rest of the members, who adhere to their allegiance. If all the members of a lodge withdraw themselves, their warrant ceases and becomes extinct; and all the authority thereby granted, or enjoyed, reverts to the grand master. 3 1 . I f the brethren holding a warrant for a lodge render themselves unworthy o f longer pos­ sessing it, the grand master may, after the grand lodge shall have decided on that fact, transfer such warrant to other brethren, whom he may think deserving, with a new number, at the bot­ tom o f the lodges then on record.

But no lodge

shall be erased, or its warrant declared forfeited, until the master

or officers

shall

have

been

warned, in writing, o f their offence, and shall have been summoiied to answer to the complaint made against them. 3 2 . I f any lodge, or its master and wardens, be summoned to attend, or to produce its warrant, books, papers, or accounts, to the grand master or his deputy, or the provincial grand master or his deputy, or any hoard o f general purposes or board committee authorised by the grand lodge, and do not comply, or give sufficient reason for non-com­ pliance, a peremptory summons shall be issued;


LONDON LODGES.

71

and in case o f contumacy, such lodge may be suspended, and the proceeding notified to the grand lodge.

33.

A lodge offending against any law or re­

gulation o f the craft, to the breach o f which no specific penalty is attached, shall, at the discre­ tion o f the grand lodge or any o f its delegated authorities, or o f a provincial grand master, be subject to admonition, fine, or suspension.

I f fine be the punishment awarded, it shall be, for the first offence, not less than one pound, nor more than five pounds ; for a second offence o f a similar nature, within three years, it shall be, not less than two, nor more than ten pounds; and if the lodge shall refuse to pay the fine, or be guilty of a third offence, within three years o f the second offence, the lodge shall be liable to be erased, and to have its constitution forfeited. A ll fines levied shall be applied to the general charity.

O f L O D G E S within the L O N D O N D IS T R IC T .

A l l lodges in London, or within ten miles thereof, are considered as London lo d g es; and, therefore, are not under the jurisdiction o f pro­ vincial grand masters, and are to pay the London


72

COUNTRY LODGES.

dues and fees.

These lodges are to observe the

following regulations,

in addition to all those

specified under the head of Private Lodges. 1.

Each o f these lodges shall transmit to the

grand secretary, on or before the quarterly com­ munications in June and December, a regular list o f its members, and o f the brethren initiated or admitted therein since its last return, with the dates o f their admission, initiation, passing and raising; and also their ages, as nearly as pos­ sible at that time, with their titles, professions, or trades; which list must be signed by the master and secretary.

A ll the contributions due must,

at the same time, be transmitted to the grand lodge.

O f C O U N TR Y LODGES. A l l lodges at a greater distance than ten miles from London are considered as country lodges, and are to observe the following laws and regu­ lations, in addition to those specified under the head o f Private Lodges.

1.

Each country lodge is under the immediate

superintendence

of

the grand

master

of

the

province, to whom, or to his deputy, they are to apply in all cases o f difficulty or doubt, and


COUNTRY LODGES.

73

to whom all complaints and irregularities must be transmitted. to proceed

I f those officers should neglect

in the business, the application or

complaint may be transmitted to the board o f general purposes, and an appeal in all cases lies to the grand lodge or grand master.

2. Every country lodge shall, at least once in the year, transmit, b y direct communication to the grand secretary, a regular list of its mem­ bers, and o f the brethren initiated or admitted therein since their last return, with the dates o f initiating, passing, and raising,

every brother;

also their ages as nearly as possible at that time, and their titles, professions, additions, or trades, together with all monies due or payable to the grand lo d g e ; which list is to be signed by the master and secretary.

3. The master, wardens, and all past masters, subscribing to any country lodge, are members o f the provincial grand lodge, and the master and wardens shall be bound to attend its meetings when duly summoned.

4.

Every country lodge shall make a return

similar to that required to be made to the grand secretary,

once in each year, or oftener i f re­

quired, to the provincial grand master, at such times as he may appoint, and shall also transmit.


MILITARY LODGES.

74

with the said return, such sum o f money as may be payable by vote o f the provincial grand lodge.

5. Every country lodge shall have a local as well as a general rank, so that i f any lodge be removed from one province into another, although it is to retain the original number in the grand lodge books, and preserve the same rank in the united grand lodge, and in all public meetings out o f the province into which it may have been removed, yet within such province it is to rank immediately

after the lowest numbered lodge

previously existing,

as well

at the provincial

grand lodge as at public ceremonies, within the province, unless the grand master, pro grand master, oi' deputy grand master preside.

The

seniority o f country lodges in their particular district is to be determined by the date o f their registry in the books o f the provincial grand lodge. 6. No country lodge shall be removed out o f its province, nor from place to place within the same province, without the consent o f the pro­ vincial grand m aster;

nor shall any lodge be

moved into another province without the consent o f the provincial grand master for that province.

7.

Countiy

lodges

in places for which no

provincial grand master is appointed, nor any brother empowered

to perform

his functions.


MILITARY LODGES.

75

must, in every case, m ate their communications, whether in regard to complaints or otherwise, direct to the grand secretary in London.

O f M IL IT A R Y L O D G E S .

I t being essential to the interest of the craft, that all military lodges should be strictly confined to the purposes for which their warrants were originally obtained; and, very great abuses having arisen from the improper initiation o f

masons

by such lodges, every warrant, therefore, which is held b y a military lodge shall be forfeited, unless the following laws be complied with, in addition to those specified under the head o f Private Lodges. 1. No warrant shall be granted, for the esta­ blishment

of

a

military

lodge,

without

the

consent o f the commanding officer o f the regi­ ment, battalion, or company, to which it is to be attached, having been first obtained.

2. N o military lodge shall, on any pretence, initiate into masonry any inhabitant or sojourner in any town or place at which its members may be stationed,

or through which they may be

marching, nor any person who does not, at the time, belong to the military profession, nor any military person below the rank o f a corporal,


76

MASTERS AND WARDENS.

except as serving brethren, or by dispensation from the grand master or provincial grand master.

3. W h en

any military lodge, under the con­

stitution o f England, shall be out o f England or in foreign parts, it shall conduct itself so as not to give offence to the masonic authorities o f the country or place in which it may sojourn, never losing sight o f the duties it owes to the grand lodge o f England,

to which communication is

ever to be made, and all fees and dues regularly transmitted.

4. I f the regiment, battalion, or military body, to which a military lodge is attached, be dis­ banded or reduced, the brethren shall take care that the warrant be carefully transmitted to the grand lodge, that it may not fall into improper han ds;

but,

if

a competent

number o f

the

brethren remain together, they may apply for another warrant,

o f the same number, to

be

holden as a civil lodge, at such place as may be convenient, and which may be approved by the grand

master.

Such

warrant to be

granted

without any additional expense.

O f th e MASTERS ««¿WARDENS o/LODGES. 1. A ll preferment among masons should be


MASTERS AND WARDENS.

77

grounded upon real worth and personal merit only, therefore no brother shall be elected master o f a lodge or appointed to any office therein, merely on account o f seniority or rank.

No

master shall assume the master’s chair until he shall have been regularly installed, though he may, in the interim, rule the lodge. cessary,

previously to

It is ne­

the installation o f the

master, that the minutes o f the preceding meet­ ing of the lodge should be read and confirmed, so far at least as to the election o f the master, after which the usual ceremonies o f installation are to be performed.

Should the minutes o f the

election o f master not be confirmed, then a sum­ mons must be issued for the following regular meeting o f the lodge,

setting forth that the

brethren were again to proceed to elect a master, and on the confirmation o f the minutes o f that election in the following ordinary meeting of the lodge, the installation o f the master will follow.

2.

Every master, when placed in the chair,

shall solemnly pledge himself to observe all the old-established usages and customs, and to pre­ serve the land-marks o f the order,

and most

strictly to enforce them within his own lodge.

3.

N o brother shall continue in the office o f

master for more than two years in succession, unless by a dispensation, which may be granted


78

MASTERS AND WARDENS.

by the grand master or the provincial

grand

master in cases o f real necessity; but he may be again elected after he has been out o f that office one year.

This regulation shall not extend to a

prince o f the blood royal appointing a deputy, but it shall to such deputy.

4 . T he master and wardens o f a lodge are enjoined to visit other lodges as often as they conveniently c a n ; in order that the same usages and customs may be observed throughout the craft,

and

a good

understanding

be

thereby

cultivated amongst free-masons.

5. The master is responsible for the due ob­ servance of the laws relating to private lodges, and is bound to produce all books, minutes, and accounts, when required by any lawful autho­ rity.

6.

I f the master should die, be removed, or be

incapable o f discharging the duties o f his office, the senior warden, and in the absence o f the senior warden, the junior warden, and in the ab­ sence o f both wardens then the immediate past master, or in his absence the senior past master, shall act as mastei’, in summoning the lodge, until the next election o f officers.

In the master’s

absence, the immediate past master, or if he be absent the senior past master o f the lodge pre­


MASTERS AND WARDENS. sent, shall take the chair.

79

I f neither the past

master nor any past master o f the lodge be present, then the senior warden, or in his absence the junior warden, shall rule the lodge.

7. The master and wardens o f every lodge in the London district shall, within one month after appointment in each year, respectively sign their names in a book,

at the

office o f the grand

secretary.

8 . T he master and wardens of every lodge shall attend the grand master or his deputy, or the provincial grand master or his deputy,

or

any board or committee authorized by the grand lo d g e ; and produce the warrant, minutes, and books, o f the lodge, when summoned so to do, under pain o f suspension, and being reported to the next grand lodge.

9. The wardens or officers o f a lodge cannot be removed, unless for a cause which appears to the lodge to be sufficient; but the master, if he be dissatisfied with the conduct o f any of his officers, may lay the cause o f complaint before the lodge; and if it shall appear, to the majority o f the brethren present, that the complaint he well founded, he shall have power to displace such officer, and to nominate another.


80

MEMBERS.

O f M E M B E R S a n d th e ir D U T Y . 1. N o brother shall be admitted a member o f a lodge, unless the laws o f the craft, relating to the proposing and admitting o f candidates, shall have

been strictly complied with.

(See

Proposing M em bers.)

2 . A brother who has been concerned in making masons clandestinely, or at a lodge which is not a regular lodge, or for small and unworthy con­ siderations, or who may assist in forming a new lodge without the grand master’s authority, shall not be admitted as a member,

nor even as a

visitor, into any regular lodge, nor partake of the general charity or other masonic privilege, till he make due submission, and obtain grace.

3.

N o brother shall presume to print or pu b­

lish, or cause to be printed or published, the proceedings o f any lodge, or any part thereof, or the names o f the

persons present at such

lodge, without the direction o f the grand master, or provincial grand master, under pain o f being expelled from the order. This law is not to extend to the writing, print­ ing, or publishing, o f any notice or summons, issued to the members o f a lodge, by the autho-


MEMBERS.

81

n ty o f the master, or the proceedings o f any festival or public meeting at which persons not masons are permitted to be present.

o.

The majority o f the members present at any

lodge duly summoned have an undoubted right to regulate their own proceedings, provided that they are consistent with the general laws and re­ gulations o f the craft; no member, therefore, shall he permitted to enter in the minute book of his lodge a protest against any resolution or proceed­ ing which may have taken place, unless it shall appear to him to be contrary to the laws and usages o f the craft, and for the purpose of com­ plaining or appealing to a higher masonic au­ thority.

6. If any member shall be excluded from his lodge, or shall withdraw himself from it, without having complied with its by-laws, or with the general regulations o f the craft, he shall not be eligible to any other lodge, until that lodge shall have been made

acquainted with

his former

neglect, so that the brethren may be enabled to exercise

their discretion as to his admission.

W henever a member o f any lodge shall resign, or shall be excluded, or whenever, at a future time, he may require it, he shall be furnished with a certificate, stating the circumstances under


MEMBERS.

82

which he left the lo d g e ; and such certificate is to be produced to any other lodg’e of which he is proposed to be admitted a member, previous to the ballot being taken.

7. A ll

differences

between or complaints o f

members, that cannot be accommodated privately or in some regular lodge, shall be reduced into writing and

delivered

to the grand secretary,

who shall lay them before the grand master, or the board o f general

purposes,

or committee

appointed by the grand lodge,

or to the provin­

cial master if there be one.

W h e n all parties

shall have been

summoned to attend thereon,

and the case shall have been investigated, such order and adjudication may be made as shall be authorised

by

the laws

and regulations of

masonry.

8. A mason offending against any law or re­ gulation o f the craft, to the breach o f which no specific penalty is attached, shall, at the discretion o f the grand lodge, or any of its delegated autho­ rities, or of a provincial grand master, be subject to admonition, fine, or suspension. I f fine be the punishment awarded, it shall be, for the first offence, not less than one pound nor more than five pounds; for a second offence o f a similar nature, within three years, it shall be not


PROPOSING MEMBERS.

83

less than two nor more than ten pounds; and if a brother shall refuse to pay the fine, or be guilty o f a third offence within three years o f the second offence, he shall be liable to expulsion from the craft. A ll fines levied shall be applied to the general fund o f charity.

O f P R O P O S IN G M E M B E R S .

G reat discredit and injury having been brought upon our antient and honourable frater­ nity from admitting members and receiving can­ didates, without due notice being given, or inquiry made into their characters and qualifica­ tions ; and, also, from the passing and raising of masons without due instructions in the respective degrees, it is determined that, in future, a viola­ tion or neglect o f any of the following laws shall subject the lodge offending to erasure, because no emergency can be allowed as a justification.* 1.

No brother shall he admitted a member o f a

lodge without a regular proposition in open lodge, nor until his name, occupation, and p laceof abode, as well as the name and number o f the lodge of

A d isp en sa tion ca n n o t in a n y ca se be g r a n ted .

G 2


84

P R O P O S IN G

iAlEM B ER S.

which he is or was last a member, or in which he was initiated, shall have been sent to all the mem­ bers in the summons for the next stated lodge meeting ; at which meeting the brother’s grand lodge certificate, and also the certificate of his former lodge is to be produced, and the decision o f the brethren ascertained by ballot. When a lodge has ceased to meet, any former member thereof shall be eligible to be proposed and ad­ mitted a member o f another lodge, on producinga certificate from the grand secretary, stating the fact and specifying whether the brother has been registered and his quarterage duly paid. 2. No person shall be made a mason without a regular proposition at one lodge, and a ballot at the next regular stated lod g e; nor until his name, addition or profession, and place of abode, shall have been sent to all the members in the summons. In cases of emergency, the following alteration, as to the mode of proposinga candidate, is allowed. Any two members o f a lodge may transmit in writing to the master the name, &c. of any candidate whom they may wish to propose, and the circumstances which cause the emergency; and the master, if the emergency be proper, shall notify the said recom­ mendation to every member of his lodge, stating the name, age, addition or profession, and place of


85

PROPOSING MEMBERS.

abode, o f the candidate; and may, at the same time, summon a lodge to meet at a period o f not less than seven days from the issuing of the sum­ mons, for the purpose of balloting for the candi­ date ; and, if the candidate be then approved, he may be initiated into the first degree of masonry. The master shall, previous to the ballot being taken, cause the said proposition, and the emer­ gency stated, to be recorded in the minute-book o f the lodge. 3.

N o man

shall be made a mason

in any

lodge under the age o f twenty-one years, unless by dispensation from the grand master, or pro­ vincial grand master.

Every candidate must be

a free man, and his own master, and, at the time of initiation, be known to be in reputable cir­ cumstances.

He should be a lover o f the liberal

arts and sciences, and have made some progress in one or other of th em ; and he must, previous to his initiation, subscribe his name at full length, to a declaration o f the following import,* viz. T o the worshipful master, wardens, officers, and members o f the lodge of N o. I,

being free by birth, and o f the full

* A 111/ in d iv id u a l w ho ca n n ot w r ite is con seq u en tly in eli­

g ib le to be a d m itted in to th e ord er.


86

P R O P O S IN G

M EM BERS.

age of twenty-one years, do declare, that, unbias­ sed by the improper solicitation o f friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or

other unworthy

motive, I freely and voluntarily offer m yself a candidate for the mysteries o f m asonry; that I am prompted by a favourable opinion conceived o f the institution, and a desire o f know ledge; and that I will

cheerfully conform to all the

antient usages and order.

W itness

established customs o f the

my hand,

this

day

of W itness

4. No person can be made a mason in, or ad­ mitted a member of a lodge, if, on the ballot, three black balls appear against him. Some lodges wish for no such indulgence, but require the unanimous consent o f the members present; some admit one black ball, some t w o ; the by­ laws of each lodge must, therefore, guide them in this respect; but if there be three black balls such person cannot, on any pretence, be admitted. 5.

Every candidate

shall,

on his initiation,

solemnly promise to submit to the constitutions, and to conform to all the usages and regulations of the craft, intimated to him in time and place convenient.


LODGES

OF

IN S T R U C T I O N .

87

O f the L O D G E -S E A L .

E v e r y private lodge should have a masonic seal, to be affixed to all documents

proper to

be issued. A n impression o f the seal is to be sent to the grand secretary, and, also, by a country lodge, to the provincial grand master ; and whenever changed, an impression o f the new seal shall, in like manner, be transmitted.

L O D G E S o f IN S T R U C T I O N .

1. No general lodge of instruction shall be holden unless under the sanction o f a regular warranted lodge, or by the special license and authority o f the grand master. tion,

The lodge giving its sanc­

and the brethren to whom such license is

granted, shall be answerable for the proceedings o f such lodge o f instruction, and responsible that the mode of working there adopted has received the sanction o f the grand lodge. Notice o f the times and places o f meeting o f the lodges o f instruction, within the London dis­ trict, shall be given to the grand secretary.


VISITORS.

88

2 . Lodges o f instruction shall keep a minute o f all brethren present at each meeting and o f bre­ thren appointed to hold office, and such minutes shall be produced when called for by the grand master,

board o f

general

purposes,

or lodge

granting the sanction, and the minutes shall be submitted to the worshipful master o f the lodge giving its sanction.

3. I f a lodge which has given its sanction for a lodge o f instruction being held under its warrant shall see fit, it may at any regular meeting with­ draw that sanction by a resolution o f the lodge, to be communicated to the lodge of instruction. Provided notice o f the intention to withdraw the sanction be inserted in

the summons for that

meeting.

O f V IS IT O R S .

1. N o visitor shall be admitted into a lodge, unless he be personally known,

recommended,

or well vouched for, after due examination by one o f

the brethren present;

and during his

continuance in the lodge he must be subject to the by-laws of the lodge.

The master o f the


CERTIFICATES.

89

lodge is particularly bound to enforce these regu­ lations. 3.

A brother, who is not a subscribing member

to some lodge,

shall not be permitted to visit

any one lodge in the town or place where he resides more than once during his secession from the craft.

O f C E R T IF IC A T E S .

1. Every brother shall be entitled to a grand lodge

certificate,

immediately upon his being

registered in the books o f the grand lodge, for which certificate the lodge shall pay six shillings and

sixpence.

Each lodge,

therefore, when it

makes a return of the masons whom it has initiated, shall,

in addition to the register fee,

make a

remittance o f the money for the certificates, which may either be taken out of the initiation fee, or be charged separately to the brothers for whom the certificates are obtained, at the discretion of the lodge. 2.

Every brother to whom a grand lodge cer­

tificate is granted must sign his name in the margin thereof, or it will not be valid.


90

CERTIFICATES.

3 . No brother shall obtain a grand lodge cer­ tificate if he shall have been admitted to more than one degree o f masonry on the same day, or at a shorter interval than one month from his receiving a previous degree. Every return,

or other document upon which

a grand lodge certificate is to be issued,

must

specify not only the date o f initiation, but also the days on which the brother was advanced to the second and third degrees, as the case may be.

4. A ll applications for grand lodge certificates must be made to the grand secretary ; and if the name of the brother wishing for the certificate has not previously been registered, the money payable on registration must be transmitted at the same time ; as no certificate can, on any account, be issued until such money has been paid. 5. A brother, who shall have obtained a grand lodge certificate o f the first or second degree will, after he has advanced to a superior degree, be entitled to exchange such certificate for one o f the superior degree without any additional expense.

6. No lodge shall grant a private lodge certi­ ficate to a brother,

except for the purpose o f

enabling him to obtain a grand lodge certificate, (in

which case such certificate shall be sp ed -


R E M O V A L OF LOD G ES.

91

fically addressed to the grand secretary); and except also such certificates as may be required by the laws of the grand lodge, or called for by any of its boards or committees. Nor shall a lodge, under any pretence, make a charge for a private lodge certificate.

O f REMOVAL

o f LODGES.

A ny lodge may be removed from one house to another, within the same town or place, at the discretion of its members; but, in order to pre­ vent disputes, and to ascertain how this power is to be exercised, it is declared, that the followingregulations must be strictly complied with. 1. No lodge shall be removed without the master’s knowledge, nor shall any motion for removal be made in the master’s absence; but, if the motion be regularly made and seconded, the master shall order summonses to be sent to every member, specifying the business and ap­ pointing a day for hearing and deciding the ques­ tion ; such day of meeting to be at least one week after the issuing of the summonses. The determination shall then be made by the majority, provided the master be one of that majority ; but, if he be against removing, the lodge shall not be


REMOVAL

92

OF

LODGES.

removed, unless the majority consist o f two-thirds o f the members present. I f the master should refuse to issue the sum­ monses, either o f the wardens may do i t ; and if the master neglect to attend on the day fixed, the wardens

may

preside in determining the

question, in the manner prescribed; but they shall not, in the master’s absence, enter upon any other business than

what is particularly men­

tioned in the summons.

2. I f the meeting o f a lodge at its usual place should, by any circumstance, be rendered impos­ sible or improper, the master may appoint any other place brethren

for

the meeting,

and

on the occasion as to

consult his

the particular

case, and whether a permanent removal may be expedient.

3 . W hen any lodge shall have resolved to re­ move, the master or warden shall forthwith send a copy of the minutes of the lodge for such re­ moval to the grand secretary, or to the provincial grand master or his deputy, that it may be ascer­ tained whether the above law has been strictly complied

with, and that the removal may be

duly recorded. 4 . No lodge can be removed from one town or


PUBLIC PROCESSIONS-TYLER S.

93

place to another, nor the constitution transferred, without the consent of the grand master or of tlie provincial grand master.

O f P U B L IC

P R O C E S S IO N S .

1. N o masonic funeral or other public proces­ sion shall, on any pretence, be allowed, without the

license o f the grand master or provincial

grand master.

2 . I f any brother shall attend

as a mason,

clothed in any o f the jewels or badges o f the craft, at any funeral or public procession, with­ out the permission o f the grand master, or pro­ vincial grand master, he shall be rendered inca­ pable o f ever being an officer of a lodge, and also be excluded the benefit o f the general cha­ rity.

A nd if any lodge shall so ofi’end, it shall

stand suspended until the grand lodge shall de­ termine thereon.

O f TYLERS.

]. T he tylers are to be chosen by the mem­ bers o f the lodge, and may at any time be re­ moved, for cause deemed sufficient by a majority


94

APPEAL.

o f the brethren present, at a regular meeting o f the lodge.

2. I f

any tyler, without the license o f the

grand master or his deputy, shall attend at any masonic funeral or other public procession, or shall

officiate or attend at any meeting or pre­

tended lodge o f masons, not being regularly con­ stituted and not acknowledging the authority o f the grand master or not conforming to the laws o f the grand lodge, he shall, thereby be rendered incapable o f ever after being a tyler, or attendant on a lodge, and shall be excluded the benefit o f the general charity.

O f APPEAL.

A s the grand lodge, when congregated, is a representation o f every individual member o f the fraternity, it necessarily possesses a supreme su­ perintending authority, and the power o f finally deciding on every case which concerns the inte­ rest o f the craft.

A n y lodge or brother, there­

fore, who may feel aggrieved by the decision o f any other masonic authority or jurisdiction, may appeal to the grand lodge against such decision. The appeal must be made in writing, specifying


FUND OF BENEVOLENCE.

95

the particular grievance complained of, and be transmitted to

the grand secretary.

A

notice

and copy of the appeal must also be sent by the appellant to the party against whose decision the appeal is made. A ll appeals must be made in proper and de­ cent language ; no others will be received.

0 / the A U D I T C O M M I T T E E .

A committee, consisting of the grand officers of the year and twenty-four masters o f lodges in the London district, to be taken by rotation, shall meet between the quarterly communications in December and March,

for the purpose o f ex­

amining and auditing the grand treasurers ac­ counts for the preceding year, and making a report thereon to the grand lodge.

O f the F U N D o /M A S O N I C B E N E V O L E N C E .

1. T he fund appropriated to the object of masonic benevolence shall not be infringed on for any purpose, but shall be kept strictly and solely devoted to charity. 2. The

distribution and

application

o f this


96

FUND OF BENEVOLENCE.

charitable fund shall be monthly ; for which pur­ pose a committee or lodge o f benevolence shall be holden month.*

on

the last

W ednesday

of

every

This lodge shall consist o f all the pre­

sent and past grand officers, and all actual mas­ ters of lodges.

I f the actual master o f the year

o f any lodge cannot attend, the immediate past master may supply his p la c e ; should that brother be unable to attend, some other past master of such

lodge

may act

case the past

for

master

h im ; but in every

must

member o f that lodge.

be a subscribing

The brother presiding

shall be bound strictly to enforce all the regula­ tions of the craft, respecting the distribution o f this fund, and shall be satisfied, before any peti­ tion be read, that all the required formalities have been complied with.

Three grand officers

shall be specially summoned for each meeting, by the choice and direction o f the grand master, or pro grand master, or his deputy, not by rota­ tion, but by discretion; which three grand offi­ cers shall act as the

master and

wardens.

If

either be absent the brother senior in rank then present shall supply his place. The members shall not be subject to canvass or previous solicitation,

shall

have their

* E xcept in the month o f A pril, when it

meets on the

Thursday n e x t

after

but

the last W ednesday.


FUND OF BENEVOLENCE.

97

minds free from prejudice, to decide on the me­ rits o f each case with the impartiality and purity o f masonic feeling.

I f it shall appear that this

rule has been wilfully transgressed the conside­ ration of the case of the brother on whose behalf the canvass or solicitation has been made, shall be deferred for the space o f three months ; and no member shall at any time vote upon the peti­ tion o f any person, for whom he may have been canvassed, or to whom he is related, or who is a member o f the lodge to which he himself be­ longs ; though such member may be heard on the merits o f the petition, and must then with­ draw.

I f any master o f a lodge shall canvass or

otherwise solicit on behalf of a petitioner, such master shall be rendered incapable of attending as a member o f the lodge o f benevolence for twelve months.

3. No master shall be a member of the lodge o f benevolence if his lodge have neglected to contribute to the funds o f the grand lodge during the preceding twelve months. 4. Applications for relief must be by petition, stating the name, occupation, place of abode, and present circumstances of the petitioner ; together with the name and number o f the lodge in which he was initiated, and the time when he was made H


98

FUND OF BENEVOLENCE.

a mason.

The applicant,

unless

disabled by-

disease or accident, must sign his name to the petition.

5. T o every petition must be added a recom­ mendation, signed in open lodge, by the master, ■wardens, and a majority o f the members then present, to which the petitioner does or did be­ long, or from some other contributing lodge, cer­ tifying (see the form at the end) that they have known him to have been in.reputable, or at least tolerable, circumstances, and that he has been not less than two years a subscribing member to a regular lodge, with such other observations as they may think proper; and the master or one o f the wardens, or some member o f the lodge, ex­ cept it be a country petition, shall attend the committee, to speak to the truth o f the statement set forth in the petition, and to certify that the signatures thereto are genuine. 6. No persons shall receive the benefit of this fund, but those who have been regularly initiated in a warranted lodge, who have paid the full con­ sideration-fee, who have been registered in the books of the grand lodge, and who have continued members o f a contributing lodge

for at least

two years, and have, during that period, paid their quarterly dues to the fund o f benevolence.


FUND OF BENEVOLENCE.

99

The limitation o f two years, however, does not apply to the cases of shipwreck or capture at sea, loss by fire, or breaking or dislocating a limb, fully attested and proved. Secretaries who are by their lodges exempted from the payment o f subscription shall not thereby be disqualified from obtaining assistance from the fund o f benevolence in case o f need, but shall be considered as subscribing members o f their lodges,

their services being equivalent to sub­

scription, provided their dues to the grand lodge have been duly paid.

7.

I f it shall be satisfactorily proved that any

petitioning brother has paid to his lodge the full fees,

including the register fee,

years’ quarterage,

and also two

but that the lodge has ne­

glected to register such brother or transmit the dues to the grand lodge,

the committee may

relieve the brother and at the same time transmit the case and the proof adduced to the board o f general purposes, that such lodge may be rigo­ rously proceeded against for withholding monies which are the property o f the grand lodge. 8.

No petition for relief shall be presented to

the committee, unless it has been left with the grand secretary three days at least previously to their meeting. H

2


100 9.

FUND OF BENEVOLENCE. No petition shall be read, unless the peti­

tioner attend the committee in person ; except in case

of

sickness,

lameness,

imprisonment,

or residence in the country, beyond the London district.

10. A brother, who has been once relieved, cannot

petition

a

second

time

within

one

year.

11. The committee may order the payment o f any sum not exceeding ten pounds towards the relief o f a distressed brother, whom they may think a proper object,

12. The committee may also grant any sum, not exceeding five pounds, towards the relief o f the indigent

widow or orphan children o f

a

deceased mason who would himself have been qualified to receive assistance; or o f a brother who shall have died within two years from the period of his initiation, or o f his having joined an English lodge from a foreign lodge, and who shall have continued a subscribing member to the time o f his decease; provided the application be made to the committee within nine months after the death o f the husband or father, and that proper certificates and testimonials be pro­ duced.

Should there be children totally depen­


101

FUND OF BENEVOLENCE. dant

on the widow,

the grant may,

at

the

discretion o f the committee, be extended to any sum not exceeding ten pounds.

13. W h en the petition of the widow or chil­ dren o f a deceased mason shall be presented to the lodge of benevolence, it shall be ascertained whether the husband or father had received a certificate from the grand lodge or from private lo d g e ; certificates,

and,

they

grand secretary,

his

if he had received such

shall

be

or

shall

it

proved that they are lost,

deposited

with the

be satisfactorily

previously to such

petition being taken into consideration.

14. I f cases o f extraordinary distress should occur, in which the sum o f ten pounds does not appear sufficient to afford adequate relief,

the

committee shall refer such cases to the most worshipful grand master,

who may grant

any

sum which they shall recommend, not exceeding twenty pounds.

15. Brethren

under the

constitution o f

the

grand lodges o f Scotland and Ireland, as well as o f foreign grand lodges, may be relieved, on the production of certificates from their respective grand lodges or other sufficient certificates and testimonials to the satisfaction o f the lodge o f


102

FUND OF BENEVOLENCE.

benevolence, and satisfactory proof o f their iden­ tity and distress.

16.

These laws and regulations shall be read

by the grand secretary previous to the committee entering on any business ; and the master in the chair shall not, on any pretence whatever, allow any part o f them to be dispensed with or infringed.

To p r e v e n t m istak es in th e recom m en d a tion o f p etitio n s, th e f o l lo w i n g f o r m is p ro p o sed ; w h ich , h o w ev er, m a y be a lte r e d a s c ir c u m ­ sta n ces req u ire. W e , the undersigned, being the master, war­ dens, and majority o f the members present, in open lodge assembled, o f lodge N o.

called

and held at this

day o f

18

do hereby certify, that the within-named peti­ tioner hath been a regular contributing member o f this lodge, for the space o f y ea rs; and that we have known him in reputable circumstances, and do therefore recommend him to the Lodge o f Benevolence for relief, having satisfactory grounds for believing the allegations set forth in his petition to be true.


BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES. 103

O f the B O A R D 0/

G E N E R A L PURPO SES.

I . This board shall consist o f the grand master, pro grand master, deputy grand master, and the grand wardens o f the year, a president and twentyfour other members. T he president and ten o f such other members shall be annually nominated by the grand master, at the quarterly grand lodge in June; and the grand lodge shall, on the same day, elect the remaining fourteen members from among the actual masters and past masters o f lodges. N ot more than seven past masters are to be so elected, nor can a master and past master or more than one past master o f the same lodge be elected on the same board : one-third

o f the

members, at least, must go out o f office annually. From among its members the board shall elect a vice-president. 2. The masters and past masters are to be elected by ballot, names

and

for

that

purpose the

of the several brethren intended to be

put in nomination are to be delivered in writing at the general committee preceding the grand lodge in June, in order that all the names so to be proposed may be printed in a list, a copy o f which shall be delivered to each member o f the grand lodge on his entrance to the hall.

The

balloting lists having been delivered to the mem­


104 BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES. bers o f the grand lodge are to be collected by scrutineers to be appointed for that purpose, and are not to be signed. Four scrutineers are to be elected at the gene­ ral committee previous to the grand lodge in .Tune, and four other scrutineers are to be nomina­ ted by the grand master or presiding officer at that grand lodge.

These eight scrutineers are to

collect the lists from the brethren to whom they have been delivered, and shall solemnly pledge themselves to make a correct report under their hands o f the result o f the ballot.

They shall then

retire, and having ascertained the numbers for the respective candidates, shall present the report in grand lodge. 3.

Should the president and vice-president be

absent, the grand officer highest in rank and se­ niority shall preside. 4 . This board shall meet on the fourth Tuesday in every month, at three o’clock precisely.

It

may also be convened at other times, whenever business requires, by command o f the grand mas­ ter, or by the authority o f the president.

5. Five members shall constitute a board and proceed to business, except in the decision of masonic complaints, for which purpose at least seven members must be present.

A ll questions


BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES. 105 shall be decided by a majority o f votes : the presiding officer, in case o f equality, having a second vote.

6. T he board has authority to hear and deter­ mine all subjects of masonic complaint or irregu­ larity respecting lodges or individual masons, when regularly brought before it, and generally to take cognizance o f all matters relating to the craft.

It may proceed to suspension, admoni­

tion, or fine, according to the laws o f the so­ ciety ; and its decision shall be final, unless an appeal be made to the grand lodge.

But, should

any case be of so flagrant a nature as to require the erasure o f a lodge or the expulsion o f a bro­ ther, the board shall make a special report thereon to the grand lodge.

7 . This board shall also have charge o f the finances of the grand lodge,

and

unnecessary

expenditure

or

improvident

see that no take

place.

8.

The board shall have full power to inspect

all the books and papers relating to the accounts o f the grand lodge, and to give orders for the correct arrangement of them ; and also to sum­ mon the grand treasurer, grand registrar, grand secretary, or other brother, having possession of any papers, documents, or accounts belonging


106 BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES. to the grand lodge, and to give such orders as may be necessary for the execution o f their func­ tions.

9. The board shall examine all demands upon the grand lodge, and, if found to be correct, shall order the grand treasurer to discharge them.

10. A t the board next following the close o f each quarter the account o f receipts and dis­ bursements for the last quarter shall be balanced. This account, together with a list o f the qontributions, shall be printed and transmitted to each lodge with the next quarterly communication.

11. A t the meeting immediately after the 31st day o f December in each year, the board shall investigate the accounts o f the grand lodge for the last year and prepare them for the audit committee ; and shall, at the quarterly communi­ cation in M arch, state the amount o f receipts and expenditure under their respective heads for such year, together with the amount o f the property belonging to the grand lodge in the public funds or elsewhere ; and generally do all such matters as may be necessary to give the grand lodge full information respecting the receipt and application o f its funds.

A n abstract o f this report shall be

transmitted to every lodge, as directed by the preceding article.


BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES. 107 12. The board

may appoint

sub-committees

from among its members, for specific purposes, who must report to the board.

13. The board may summon any lodge

or

brother to attend them, and to produce the war­ rant, books, papers, or accounts o f the lodge, or the certificate o f the brother.

I f such lodge

or brother do not comply or give sufficient rea­ sons for non-compliance, a peremptory summons shall issue; and, in case o f contumacy, the lodge or brother shall be suspended and the proceeding notified to the grand lodge. 14. No recommendation, petition, or represen­ tation o f any kind shall be received by the board, from any lodge or brother, unless it be in writing, and signed by the person or persons addressing the board.

15. The members o f the board shall be in ma­ sonic clothing when they proceed to the inves­ tigation o f any charge or complaint, or to the examination o f witnesses.

16. cided

W h en the board has investigated and de­ on any case,

which,

in

its judgment,

requires admonition, fine, or suspension, the fact alleged as the offence shall be fully stated in the minutes, shall be declared to have been proved,


108 BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES. the law relating to the offence (if particularly provided against) quoted, and the decision re­ corded and then acted upon.

17.

This board is to have the direction o f

every thing relating to the buildings and furni­ ture o f the grand lodge, and may suggest any alterations or improvements.

It is to cause the

necessary preparations to be made for the meet­ ings o f the grand lodge as well as for the days o f festival, public ceremonies, &c. and to take care that arrangements be made with the mas­ ter o f the tavern for the proper accommodation o f the boards or committees appointed by the grand lodge, and o f the private lodges meeting at Freemasons’ Tavern.

It shall also give orders

for all the usual and ordinary articles, which may be requisite for the grand lodge ; but no extraor­ dinary expenses o f any kind shall be incurred without

the

previous

sanction

of

the

grand

lodge.

18.

The board shall also have the care and

regulation o f

all the

concerns o f

the

grand

lodge, •including finance, and shall conduct the correspondence between the grand lodge and its subordinate lodges and brethren, and also the communications with

sister grand

lodges and

brethren o f eminence and distinction throughout the world.


CONTRIBUTIONS, ETC.

109

19. The board may recommend to the grand lodge whatever it shall deem necessary or advan­ tageous to the welfare and good government o f the craft, and may originate plans for the better regulation o f the grand lodge and the arrange­ ment o f its general transactions.

2 0 . A ll communications from the board to the grand master, grand lodge, other boards, or com­ mittees, or any private lodge, or brother, shall be made in writing. 2 1 . The board

shall proceed to the consi­

deration o f any special matter which may be re­ ferred to it by the grand master or the grand lodge in preference to other business. 2 2 . A ll

resolutions and

transactions o f the

board shall be entered in the minute-book by the secretary, read before the board adjourns, and signed by the presiding officer for the time being.

0 / C O N T R IB U T IO N S and other P A Y M E N T S .

E v e r y brother, on his appointment or re-ap­ pointment to either of the following offices, shall pay towards the fund for general purposes :


110

CONTRIBUTIONS, ETC.

T h e pro grand m aster........................T en g u in ea s. The deputy grand master

............. T en g u in ea s.

Grand w arden...................................... E ig h t g u in ea s. Grand treasurer ................................. F iv e g u in ea s. Grand registrar

................................. T h r ee g u in ea s.

Grand se c r e ta r y ................................. T h ree g u in ea s. Grand d e a c o n .......................................T h ree g u in ea s. Grand director o f ceremonies. . . . Tioo g u in ea s. Grand assistant director o f cere-") ^ monies

......................................... 3

%/ w o g u in ea s.

Grand superintendant of works . . T w o g u in ea s. Grand sword bearer............................. T w o gu in ea s. T he pro grand master, deputy grand master*, grand warden, grand treasurer, grand registrar*, or grand secretary, not having served the office o f grand steward, shall each pay,

on his irr*st

nomination, an additional sum o f twenty guineas, to the

fund

o f benevolence,

and the

grand

deacons ten guineas each.

A

provincial grand

master

shall pay three

guineas for his patent, and twenty guineas to the fund of general purposes ; and if he have not served the office o f grand steward, an addi­ tional twenty guineas to the fund o f benevolence. The twenty guineas to the fund o f benevolence is not, however,

to be

paid

by

a provincial

grand master appointed to a colonial or foreign


Ill

CONTRIBUTIONS, ETC.

district, provided the brother be a resident in such district.

A two

deputy provincial grand master shall pay guineas for registering his

name in the

books o f the grand lodge.

Granting

a

new

warrant,

five guineas;

a

warrant o f confirmation, two guineas.

Grand lodge certificates, six shillings and six­ pence.

Registering fee for a mason made within the London district, one g u in e a ; for a mason made in a country,

foreign,

or

military lodge,

ten

shillings and six-pence ; for a brother joining a lodge in the London district, he having been initiated in another lodge, five shillings; and for a brother so joining a country, foreign, or mili­ tary lodge, two shillings and six-pence.

Every member o f each lodge within the London district shall pay, toward the fund for masonic benevolence, one shilling per quarter,

or four

shillings per annum ; and every member o f each country and military lodge, six-pence per quarter, or two shillings per annum.


REGALIA.

112

O f R E G A L IA . T he following masonic clothing and insignia shall be worn by the c ra ft; and no brother shall, on

any pretence,

lodge,

be

admitted into the grand

or any subordinate

lodge,

without his

proper clothing. No honorary or other jew el or emblem shall be worn in the grand lodge or any subordinate lodge which shall not appertain to or be consistent with those degrees which are recognised and acknow­ ledged by and

are under the controul

of the

grand lodge. JEWELS. The G rand M a ster, 45°, with the

The compasses extended to segment o f a circle at the

points and a gold plate included, on which is to be represented an eye irradiated within a triangle also irradiated. The P r o G rand M a ster, T he same. P a st G rand M a sters, P ast P ro G rand M a sters, S

A similar jew el, without the gold plate.

D epu ty G rand M a s te r ,. . . .T h e

compasses and

square united, with a five-pointed star in the centre. P a st D epu ty G rand M a sters, The compasses square only.

and


REGALIA.

] 13

S en ior G ra n d W a rd en , . .T h e level. J u n io r G ra n d W a rd en , . .T h e plumb. G ra n d C h a p la in s , ............. A book, within a tri­ angle.

G ra n d T r e a s u r e r , ............ A chased key. G ra n d R e g i s t r a r , .............A scroll, with

seal

appended.

G ra n d S e cr e ta r y , ............. Cross pens, with a tie. G ra n d D e a c o n s , ..................Dove and OliveBranch. G ra n d S u p erin ten d a n t o f W orks, A semicircular protractor.

G ra n d D ii'ecto r o f C erem on ies, Cross rods. A ssista n t D itto , .................. Ditto. G ra n d Swo?'d B e a r e r , . . Cross swords. G ra n d O rg a n ist, ............. A lyre. G ra n d P u r su iv a n t, . . . . Arm s o f the grand lodge with rod and sword crossed.

T he jewels of the grand chaplain, treasurer, registrar, secretary,

deacons, superintendant of

works, director o f ceremonies and assistant di­ rector o f ceremonies, sword-bearer, organist, and pursuivant, are to be within a wreath composed o f a sprig o f acacia and an ear o f corn. T he jewel o f a grand steward o f thè united grand lodge is— A cornucopia between the legs o f a pair o f compasses extended upon an irra­ diated gold plate, within a circle, on which is


114

REGALIA.

engraven, “ United Grand Lodge o f Ancient Free and Accepted M asons o f England.”

P a s i G ra n d S tew a r d , ............. The same device on crimson enamel in­ stead o f the irra­ diated gold plate, but o f smaller size, to be worn on the breast.

P r o v in c ia l G ra n d M a ster,

The

compasses

and

square, with a five•

pointed star in the centre.

P r o v . D ep. G ra n d M a s te r , T h e square. A ll o th e r O fficers o f P r o v in c ia l G ra n d L od ges, Jewels o f the same description as those worn by the officers o f the grand lodge.

P r o v in c ia l G ra n d S ta v a rd s,

Jewels

similar

to

those worn by the stewards

of

the

grand lodge.

The jewels o f the provincial grand master and other provincial grand officers and provincial stewards are to he placed within a circle, on which the name o f the province is to be engraven.


115

REGALIA.

All past grand officers and past provincial grand officers may wear the jew el o f their respective offices on a blue enamelled oval medal. A ll the above jewels to be gold or gilt.

M a s te r s o f L o d ges, The square. P a s t M a sters, . . . . The square and the diagram o f the 47tli prop. 1st B . o f Euclid, engraven on a silver plate, pendentwithin it.

S en io r W arden, . . . . T he level. J u n io r W a rd en , . . . .T h e plumb. T rea su rer, .............. The key. S e cr e ta r y , ................... T he cross pens. D e a c o n s ,.................. The dove. I n n e r G u a r d , .......... Cross swords. T y l e r , ............................. T he sword. The above jewels to be in silver, except those o f the officers o f the Lodge o f Antiquity, N o. 2, and o f the British Lodge, N o. 8, which are gol­ den or gilt.

The collars to be light blue ribbon,

four inches broad ; if silver chain be used, it must be placed over the light-blue ribbon. In the grand lodge and at great ceremonials and festivals, where the grand officers appear in their official capacities, the actual grand officers wear chains o f gold, or metal gilt, instead o f I 2


REGALIi^.

II G

collars ; but upon all other occasions collars o f ribbon, garter blue four inches broad, embroid­ ered or plain. Past grand

officers o f the Grand Lodge o f

England are, in the grand lodge, or at any great ceremonials or festival, to wear embroidered col­ lars, and in. private lodges collars either em­ broidered or plain. Patterns o f the chains and collars are given in the Appendix. The

collar o f a provincial grand

o f garter-blue, edging

master is

four inches broad, with narrovv

o f gold lace,

and ornamented in the

centre with a pomegranate embroidered in g o ld ; but, being always in function, provincial grand masters may wear chains of gold or metal gilt in the grand lodge and in their provincial meetings, or when officially present at any lodge in their respective districts or provinces, or when visiting any provincial grand lodge. The grand stewards o f the year wear collars o f crimson ribbon four inches broad. Deputy provincial

grand masters and other

subordinate provincial grand officers, present and past, wear collars o f

ribbon

garter-blue,

four

inches broad, with narrow edging o f gold lace or cord, or plain, except in the united grand lodge, in which they must wear their collars and jew els o f the lodges and offices respectively, in right of


117

REGALIA.

•which they attend as members o f the grand lodge. Provincial grand stewards, during their period of office only, wear collars of crimson ribbon two and a half inches broad. APRON S.

E n tered A ppi'entice, — A

plain white lamb skin,

from fourteen to sixteen inches wide, twelve to fourteen inches deep, square at bottom, and without ornament; white strings.

F ellow C r a ft, — A plain white lamb skin, similar to that o f the entered apprentice, with the addition only o f two sky-blue rosettes at the bottom.

M a s te r M a so n , — The same, with sky-blue lining and edging, one and a half inch deep, and an additional rosette on the fall or flap, and silver tassels,— No other colour or ornament shall be allowed except to officers and past officers o f lodges, who may have the emblems o f their offices in silver or white in the centre o f the apron; and except as to the members o f the Prince o f W a le s’ lodge.

N o. 3 2 4 ,

who are allowed to wear a narrow internal border o f garter-blue in their aprons.

G ra n d S tew a rd s, p r e s e n t a n d p a s t, — Aprons o f the same dimensions, lined with crimson, edging o f the same colour three and a half inches, and silver tassels.— Provincial grand stewards, while in office, the same, except


REGALIA.

118

that the edging is only two inches wide.— The collars o f the grand stewards’ lodge to be crimson ribbon, four inches broad.

G ra n d O fficers o f t h e lln it e d G ra n d L od ge, p r e s e n t a n d p a st, — Aprons o f the same dimensions, lined with garter-blue, edging three and a half inches, ornamented with gold, and blue strings, and they may have the emblems o f their offices, in gold or blue, in the centre.

P r o v in c ia l G ra n d O fficers, p r e s e n t a n d p a s t,— Aprons o f the same dimensions lined with garter-blue, and ornamented with gold and with blue

strings;

they must

have

the

emblems o f their offices in gold or blue in the centre within a double circle, in the, margin of which must be inserted the name o f the province.

The garter-blue edging to

the aprons must irot exceed two inches in width. T he apron of the deputy grand master to have the emblem, o f his office in gold embroidery in the centre, and the pomegranate and lotus alter­ nately embroidered in gold on the edging. T h e apron o f the gi-and master is ornamented with the blazing sun embroidered in gold in the centre, on the edging the pomegranate and lotus with the seven eared wheat at each corner, and also on the fa ll; all in gold embroidery; the fringe o f gold bullion. The apron o f the pro grand master the same.


CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE. 119

The masters and past masters of lodges to wear, in lieu and in the places of the three rosettes on the master mason’s apron, perpendi­ cular lines upon horizontal lines, thereby form­ ing three several sets of two right angles; the length of the horizontal lines to be two inches and a half each, and of the perpendicular lines one inch; these emblems to be of ribbon, half an inch broad, and of the same colour as the lining and edging of the apron. If grand offi­ cers, similar emblems, of garter-blue or gold. O f C O N S T IT U T IN G a N E W

LODGE.

E v e r y application for a warrant to hold a new lodge must be by petition to the grand master, signed by at least seven regularly regis­ tered m asons; and the lodges to which formerly belonged must be specified.

they

The peti­

tion must be recommended by the officers o f some regular lodge and be transmitted to the grand secretary,

unless there be a provincial

grand master o f the district or province in which the lodge is proposed to be holden, in which case it is to be sent to him, or to his deputy, who is to forward it, with his recommendation or opinion thereon for the grand master.

I f the

prayer o f the petition be granted, the provincial grand master may issue a dispensation, autho­ rising the brethren to meet as a lodge, until a


120 CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE. warrant o f constitution shall be signed by the grand master. The following is the form o f the petition. “ To the M . W . Grand United

Master o f the

Fraternity of Antient Free

and Accepted Masons o f England : “ W e , the undersigned, being regular regis­ tered masons

o f the lodges mentioned against

our respective names, having the prosperity o f the craft at heart, are anxious to exert our best endeavours to promote and diffuse the genuine principles o f the a r t ; and, for the conveniency o f our

respective

dwellings

and

other good

reasons, we are desirous o f forming a new lodge, to be named

.

In consequence

o f this desire, we pray for a warrant of constitu­ tion, empowering us to meet as a regular lodge, at

on the

of every

month, and there to discharge the duties o f ma­ sonry, in a constitutional manner, according to the forms o f the order and the laws o f the grand lo d g e : and we have nominated and do recom­ mend

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, o f the said lodge.

T he prayer o f this petition

being granted, we promise strict obedience to the commands o f the grand master and the laws and regulations o f the grand lodge.”


CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE. 121 111 order to avoid irregularities, every new lodge should be solemnly

constituted by the grand

master, with his deputy and wardens; or, in the absence o f the grand master, by his deputy, who shall choose some master o f a lodge to assist him. I f the deputy be absent, the grand master may appoint some other grand officer or master of a lodge to act as deputy pro tempore. The following is the manner o f constituting a new lodge,

as practised

by

his Grace the

Duke o f W harton, when grand master, year 1722, according to

in the

the antient usages o f

masons. A lodge is duly formed ; and, after prayer, an ode in honour o f masonry is sung.

The grand

master is then informed, by the secretary, that the brethren present desire to be formed into a new lodge, &c. &c.

T he petition, the dispensa­

tion, and the warrant or charter o f constitution, are now read.

The minutes of the lodge, while

under dispensation, are likewise read; and, being approved, are declared

regular and valid, and

signed by the grand master.

The grand master

then inquires if the brethren approve o f the offi­ cers who are nominated in the warrant to preside over them.

This

being signified

in masonic

form, an oration on the nature and design of the institution is delivered. secrated,

according

T he lodge is then con­

to ceremonies proper and

usual on those occasions, but not proper to be


122 CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE. written, and

the grand master constitutes the

lodge in antient form. The candidates, or the new master and war­ dens, being yet among the brethren, the grand master asks his them,

and

deputy, i f he hath examined

found

the

candidate

master well

skilled in the noble science and the royal art, and duly instructed in our mysteries, &c.

The

deputy answering in the affirmative, he shall (by the grand master’s order) take the candidate from among his fellows, and present him to the grand master ; saying, “ most worshipful grand master, I present this my worthy brother to be installed master o f the lodge, whom I know to be o f good morals and great skill, true and trusty, and a lover o f the whole fraternity, wheresoever dis­ persed over the face of the earth.” Then the grand master, placing the candidate on his left hand, having asked and obtained the unanimous consent o f all the brethren, sliall say : “ I appoint you the master o f this lodge, not doubting your capacity and care to preserve the cement o f the lodge,” &c. with some other ex­ pressions that are proper and usual on that occa­ sion, but not proper to be written. Upon this,

the

deputy shall

rehearse

the

charges and regulations o f a master, and the grand master shall ask the candidate, saying-, “ D o you submit to these charges and promise to uphold these regulations, as masters have done


CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE. 123 ia all ages?”

T he candidate signifying his cordial

submission thereunto, the grand master shall, by certain significant ceremonies and antient usages, instal him, and present him with the constitu­ tions, the lodge-book, and the instruments o f his office, not altogether, but one after another; and, after each

of

them, the grand master, or his

deputy, shall rehearse the short and pithy charge that is suitable to the thing presented. After this, the members

o f this new lodge,

bowing all together to the grand master, shall return him thanks,

and immediately do their

homage to their new master, and signify their promise o f subjection and obedience to him, by the usual congratulation. T he deputy and the grand wardens, and any other brethren present, that are not members o f the new lodge, shall next congratulate the new m aster; and he shall return his becoming ac­ knowledgements to the grand master first, and to the rest in their order. Then the grand master desires the new master to enter immediately upon the exercise o f his office, in choosing his w ardens; and the new master, calling forth the two brothers, presents them to the grand master, for his approbation, and to the new lodge for their consent.

That

being granted, the senior or junior grand warden, or some brother for him, shall rehearse the charges o f wardens ; and the candidates being solemnly


124

PUBLIC CEREMONIES.

asked, by the new master,

shall

signify

their

submission thereunto. U pon which, the new master, presenting them with the instruments o f their office, shall, in due form, instal them in their proper places; and. the brethren shall signify their obedience to the new wardens, by the usual congratulation. officers o f the lodge

The other

are then appointed,

and

invested in antient form. The lodge, being thus completely constituted, shall be registered in the grand master’s book, and by his order notified to the other lodges.

O f P U B L IC

C E R E M O N IE S .

'

C erem on y o f la y in g a F oundation-S ton e, 8^c. b y th e M . ÏV. G ra n d M a ster. T he grand lodge having been opened, at a convenient place, and the necessary directions and instructions given, it is adjourned. The brethren being in their proper clothing and jewels, and wearing white gloves, the procession moves in the following order, viz. Tw o tylers, with drawn swords. M usic. Brethren, not members o f any lodge, two and two. The lodges according to their numbers ; Juniors going first. Members o f grand stewards’ lodge.


125

PUBLIC CEREMONIES. Officers o f grand stewards’ lodge. Architect,

or builder,

with the plans.

r A cornucopia with corn, borne ^ Grand '

by the master o f a lodge,

f

Grand

Steward I Two ewers with wine and oil, i Steward V borne b y masters o f lodges.

'

Grand pursuivant. Grand organist. Assistant grand director o f ceremonies. Grand director o f ceremonies. Grand superintendant of woi’ks, with the plate bearing the inscription. Past grand sword bearers. Past grand deacons. Grand secretary, with book o f constitutions, on a cushion. Past grand registrars. Grand registrar, with his bag. Grand treasurer bearing a phial containing the coin to be deposited in the stone. Past grand

wardens.

Past provincial grand masters. Provincial grand masters. Past deputy grand masters. Visitors o f distinction. The Corinthian light, borne by the master o f a lodge. The column o f J. G .W . borne by the master o f a lodge. The J. G .W . with the plumb rule.


126

PUBLIC CEREMONIES.

Grand

* Banner o f the grand

Steward.

lodge.

(_

Grand j

Steward.

T he Doric light, borne by the master o f a lodge. T he column o f S. G .W . borne by the master o f a lodge. The S .G .W . with the level.— T he J. G . deacon. Grand

f The grand chaplain, bearing^ Grand

Steward, c the sacred law on a cushion. S Steward. Deputy grand master, with square. The Ionic light borne by the master o f a lodge. The pro grand master. A past grand master, or other brother o f eminence, bearing the' mallet. Grand

fT h e standard o f the grand ^ Grand

Steward, t

master.

3 Steward.

Grand sword beai’er. T he most worshipful grand master. The S. G . Deacon. Two grand stewards. Grand tyler. Having arrived within

a proper distance of

the spot, the procession halts, the brethren open to the right and left and face inwards, so as to leave room for the grand master to pass up the centre, he being preceded by his standard, and sword bearer,

the grand officers and brethren

following in succession from the rear, so as to invert the order o f procession.

The grand mas­

ter having arrived at his station, on a platform,


127

PUBLIC CEREMONIES.

an ode is sung or music played (as previously arranged).

T he stone being prepared and the

plate with the proper inscription, the upper part o f the stone is raised, by an engine, the grand chaplain repeats a prayer.

The inscription on

the plate to be deposited in the stone will then be read,

and the grand treasurer having, by

the grand master’s command, deposited on the plate various coins o f

the present reign,

the

cement is laid on the lower stone, and the upper one is let down slowly, solemn music playing. Being properly placed,

the grand master de­

scends to the stone, proves that it is properly adjusted, by the plumb rule, level, and square, which are successively delivered to him, by the junior grand warden, senior grand warden, and deputy grand master ; after which, the architect or builder delivers to him the mallet, with which the grand master gives three knocks.

The grand

master then delivers to the architect or builder the several implements,

for his use.

The plan

and elevation o f the building are presented by the grand superintendant o f the works,

to the

grand master,

having

for his inspection, who,

approved them, delivers them to the architect, for his guidance.

The grand master re-ascends

the platform, music playing.

A n oration, suit­

able to the occasion, is delivered.

Some money

for the workmen is placed on the stone, by the grand treasurer.


128

MASONIC FUNERALS.

If the building be for a charitable institution, a voluntary subscription is made, in aid of its funds. The procession then returns to the place from which it set out, and the lodge is closed. O f MASONIC FUNERALS. N o mason can be interred with the formalities o f the order,

unless it be at his own special

request, nor unless he has been advanced to the degree of a master mason.

W h e n the Avish o f

the deceased shall have been communicated to the master o f the lodge o f which he died a rnember, the master may apply to the grand master or provincial grand master for a dispensation.

A dispensation having been obtained, the master may invite other lodges to attend in form, but the whole ceremony, unless the grand master or his deputy, or the provincial grand master or his deputy, be present, must be under the direction of the master of the lodge to which the deceased belonged ; and he is accountable for the regularity and conduct of the whole pro­ ceedings. The lodges rank according to seniority,

the

junior preceding, (except the lodge to which the deceased belonged, which in every case is to go the last,) and each lodge forms one division.


I N D E X .

P age

Accounts o f grand lo d g e ................................................................. 106 provincial grand lodges ........................................... 54 private lod g es.......... ................................................... 65 Admission o f members .................................................... 8 0 ,8 1 ,8 3 , 86 Admonition of, offending lodge or brother........... 47, 70, 82, 105, 107 brother in private l o d g e .....................66, 67 A ge at which a man may be made a mason ............................. 85 Am ple form, when grand lodge declared to be opened in . . . . 22 Antient eharges, summary of, to be read on installation of master o f God and religion...................................... 3 the civil m agistrate................................. 4 lodges ........................................................ 5 masters, wardens,fellows,and apprentices 6 the management o f the craft in working 8 behaviour, viz. in lodge while constituted ............ 10 after lodge over, brethren not being g o n e ............................................... 11 when brethren meet without stran­ gers, but not in lodge ................ 11 in presence o f strangers, not masons 12 at home and in the neighbourhood 12 towards a strange brother .......... 13 Ap]ieal to grand lodge or grand master ............................. 48, 94, 105 Applications to grand master, how made .................................. 32 for warrant to hold new l o d g e ............................. 120 relief from fund o f benevolence .......................9 7 ,9 8 grand lodge certificate...................................... 90 Appointments and names o f masters and wardens until duly transmitted to the grand seeretary’s office, such masters and wardens can not attend grand lodge ...................................... 19 A p r o n s .........................; .............................................................. .. 117, 118 Assistant grand director o f ceremonies ...................................... 40 secretary, regulations as to .................................. 38 95 Audit com m ittee....................................... ..................................... Ballot for

initiation or admission..... 86 members o f board o f general purposes . . . . . . . . 103, 104 Benevolence, fund of, see Fund o f masonic benevolence . . . . 95 board, committee, or lodge of, see same ........... 95, 96 S


130

INDEX. Page

Benevolence, provincial fund of, regulations as t o .................... 53 Board o f general purposes, o f whom consists............................. 103 president and ten other members to be nominated by grand m a s te r.................................................... 103 fourteen other members to be elected by grand lodge, and vice-president to be elected by board 103 not more than seven past-masters to be elected . . 103 master and past-master, more than one past-master o f same lodge not to be elected on same board. . 103 mode o f election o f the fourteen members by grand lo d g e ........................................................ 103, 104 who to preside in absence o f president and vice104 president ............... when to meet ............................................................ 104 how many constitute a quorum, and how questions are to be decided ............................................... 104, 105 authority o f ................................................................. 105 has charge o f finances............................................... 105 may inspect books, summon officers, and giveorders 105 to examine demands on grand lodge, and if correct, order their discharge............................................... 106 to balance quarterly accounts, to be printed and transmitted to lodges ......................................... 106 to investigate yearly accounts, prepare them for the audit committee, and state the amount o f re­ ceipts, expenditure, and property .................... 106 abstract ofreport of, to be transmitted to lodges 106 may appoint sub-com m ittees.................................. 107 may summon lodge or master to attend and pro­ duce warrant, &c.and consequence o f contumacy 107 recommendations, &c. to be in writing and signed 107 on what occasion members of, to be in masonic clothing..................................................................... 107 how to proceed in cases requiring admonition, fine, or suspension ...................................................... 107,108 has the direction as to buildings, &c. and as to arrangements for meetings, & c............................. 108 to regulate concerns, including finance, and con­ duct correspondence............................................... 108 may recommend measures to grand lodge, and originate p la n s........................................................ 109 all communications from, to be in w riting........... 109 to consider first, business referred to it by grand master or grand lo d g e ........................................... 109 resolutions and transactions of, to be entered in minute books, read and signed ......................... 109 Book in grand secretary’s office, masters and wardens o f lodges in London district must sign within one month after appoint­ ment ................................................................................................ 1^9 Books to be kept by lo d g e s ................................................. .. 60, 65 o f lodges to be produced when required by masonic authority .......................................................................... 70


INDEX.

131 Pa(;e

Cy-laws, power o f provincial grand lodges to make ................ private lodges ............................................... master to pledge himself to, on installation............... every member to sign ....................................................

53 60 60 60

Candidates, qualifications of, for initiation.................................. 85 declaration to be signed b y ...................................... 85 promise to be made by, on initiation .................... 86 member proposing responsible for fees o f ........... 63 Ceremonies, grand director and grand assistant director o f . . . . 40 Ceremony o f constituting a new lodge ...................................... 119 laying a new foundation stone .............................. 124 Certificate, grand lodge, every brother registered to be furnished with .................................................... 89 what shall be paid for same, and how remitted and charged ..................... 89 must be signed by brother receiving.. 89 who excluded from receiving and what document on which it is granted 90 must state................................... applications for, how m a d e ......... 90 may be exchanged without further ex­ pense when higher degree attained 90 o f brother whose widow or children apply for relief, regulations as to . . 101 o f private lodge, for what purposesonly to be granted 90 no charge to be made for ....... 91 what, to be produced before ballot for new member 83, 84 Chair o f grand lodge, regulations as to ...................................... 24 Chaplain, grand ............................................................................... 35 Charges, antient, see Antient charges ........................................... 3 Charity, general fund of, qualifications to participate in, 63, 64, 98, 99, 100, 101 all fines to be applied to ................71, 83 Clandestine initiations and lodges ............................................... 80 Clerks o f grand secretary, regulations as to ............................... 38 112 Clothing and insignia, masonic, see Regalia ............................. Colonial and foreign parts, district grand lodges in .................... 56 Committee o f grand lodge, or general committee o f whom con­ sists ............................................... 19, 20 when held and its duties and regulations 20 of audit .......................................................................... 95 o f benevolenee. see Fund o f masonic benevolence. . 95 Communications, grand lodge for quarterly, when held............. 19 Complaints, masonic, how to be preferred........... 24, 47, 82,105, 107 in provinces to be heard by provincial grand master............................. 47 authority o f board o f general purposes as t o ........................................................ 105 Constituting a new lodge, petition fo r ...................................... 119, 120 ceremony o f ................................. 121, 124 Constitution or warrant o f lodge not to be .sold .......................... 69 K2


i32

INDEX. .

.

t-onstitution not to be transferred without consent o f grand mas­ ter or provincial grand m aster............................. 69 extinct if all members w ith draw ............................. 69 to be delivered up on dissolution o f lod g e........... 69 when and how transferred by grand master . . 32, 69, 70 Contributions and payments ....................................................... 109 to fund o f benevolence, by grand officers who have not served as grand stewards ................................................... 110 by members o f lodges within the London district country and military lod g es.. . . I ll to fund o f general purposes, by grand officers .................................................... 109, 110 110 provincial grand masters...................................... Contumacy, consequences of, on summons......................... 48, 70,107 Country lodges, what are to be considered as............................. 72 under whose superintendance and to whom to apply ........................................................ 72,73 subject to grand registrar, when appointed to take charge o f province ............................. 37 to transmit to grand secretary lists o f members &c...................................................................... 73 masters, past-masters,’ and wardens of, to attend provincial grand l o d g e .................... 73 to make returns to provincial grand master,&c. 73 74 ranks, numbers, and seniority o f .................... removal of, regulations as to ......................... 74 regulations as to, where no provincial grand master nor any brother empowered to per­ form his functions........................................... 74 66 Customs and usages, uniformity in, to be preserv ed................ Declaration to be signed by candidates ...................................... 85 Degrees in masonry, interval o f time in taking......................... 62 Deputy grand master ...................................................................... 32 provincial grand master............................................... 49, 50, 51 master of lodge, where master a prince o f the blood . 58 Differences among members o f lodges, how to he adjusted . . 82 Director o f ceremonies, grand, and assistant............................. 40 Dissolution o f lodge, constitution o f lodge to be delivered up, on 69 District grand lodges, nature and powers o f ............................. 56 may require payment to local fund o f fees larger than areallowed in England 56 regulations as to the fixing such fees . . 56 Due form, when grand lodge declared to be opened i n ........... 22 52 provincial grand lodge ............. Emergency, grand lodge o f ............................................................ 21 provincial grand lodge o f ...................................... 48, 49 private lodge o f .................................................... 61 for admission o f candidates . . . . 84 Erasure o f lodges..................................................... 23


INDEX.

133 Page

Erasure o f lodges, in proviiiees ........................................... ... . . 47 in coloniesor foreign parts............................... .^6 62 Examination for higher degree....................................................... Exclusion o f members ................................................................... 67, 81 Expulsion o f brethren..................................................................... 23, 24 ......... 47 in provinces ....................... in colonies or foreign parts. ......... .56 110 Fees, on appointment o f grand officers...................................... 110 provincial grand master’s p a ten t................................. 111 registering deputy provincial grand master’s n am e.. reviving dormant or granting new warrant................ 111 111 warrant o f confirmation ............................................... on grand lodge certificates ........................................... Ill 63 initiation registry o f masons made in London district .......... I ll country, foreign, or mi­ 111 litary lodges................ 111 members joining lodges in London district country, foreign, or mi­ litary lodges................ Ill see Lodges, private. Festival, grand...................................................................................21, 22 Finances o f grand lodge are under charge o f board o f general purposes ........................................................................................ 103' Fines on oflTending lodges or brethren........... 47, 70, 71, 82, 105, 107 to be applied to the general charity . 71, 83 Foreign lodges, when and how brethren o f may be relieved . . 101 parts, district giand lodges in .......................................... 56 Form, when grand lodge declared to be opened in “ ample form,” in “ due form,” or “ in form” o n l y ......... .. 22 when provincial grand lodge declared to be opened in “ due form ” or “ in form ” only ......................... 52 Foundation-stone, ceremony o f laying by grand master . . . . 124 F'und for general purposes, payments towards, see Contri­ butions a?id Fees........................................................ 65, 109,110, 111 F’ und o f masonic benevolence, solely devoted to charity . . . . 95 when and how distributed ...................................... 93, 96 lodge or committee of, laws and regulations o f . . 95 when holden, and o f whom con sists.................... 95, 96 who to preside, and his duty ....................................... 96 members of, not to be solicited, and penally on transgression............................................................ 96, 97 cases, on which particular members are not to vote 97 no master to be member of, if his lodge be twelve months in arrear ........................................................ 97 applications for relief, how made............................. 97, 98 what recommendation necessary and who must attend th ereon ........................................ form o f recommendation............... 102 who may be relieved......................... 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 regulations as to secretaries o f lodges, exempted from subscription......................................................... 99

98


134

INDEX. Page

Fund o f masonic benevolence, regulations as to tylers oflodges 63,64 when brother may be relieved, though not registered 99 petition must be left with grand secretary at least three days p reviou sly........................................... 99 petitioner must attend, except in certain spe­ cified cases ................................................................ 100 brother relieved, not to petition a second time within one year............................................................ 100 to what amount committee may relieve brother . . 100 and under what circumstances com­ mittee may relieve widow or chil­ dren o f brother.......................... 100 regulations as to petition o f widow or children o f brother .................................................................. 100,101 cases o f extraordinary distress may be referred to gland master for relief not exceeding £ 2 0 . . . . 101 when brethren o f Scotch, Irish, and foreign grand lodges may be relieved.................................... 101 laws and regulations are to be read previously to business............................................................. 102 payments towards, see Contributions and pay­ ments ............................. 109 provincial, regulations as to ............................... 53 d istrict.......................................................................... 56 Funerals, masonic ........................................................................: 128 Furniture o f lo d g e s ................................................................... 67 General charity, see Charity and Fund o f masonicbenevolence 95 committee, see Committee of grand lodge ................ 19,20 purposes, board of, see Board o f general purposes . . 103 fund of, payments towards, see Contri­ butions and F e e s ...................................... 109 Grand festival, regulations as to...............................................21, 22, 43 lodge, members of, and their rank in order ................ 16, 17 past-masters, when and how long members o f . . 18 honorary members o f ........................................... 18 no member o f to attend without proper jewel and clothing......................................................... 18 consequences o f lodge neglecting to make returns and payments to .................................... 1 8 ,1 9 master and warden o f lodge not allowed to attend until his name and appointment be transmitted to grand secretary’s o ffic e ............ 19 no brother to hold more than one office in, at same tim e............................................................ 19 times o f m eeting.................................................... 19 general committee previous to, and notices to he given there .................................................... 19 porch of, who to attend in, and preside a t . . . . 20, 21 o f emergency, when and how convened........... 21 festival...................................................................... 21 who to rule, in absence o f grand master........... 22


INDEX.

135 Page

Grand lodge, powers o f .................................................................. 23 erasure o f lodge and expulsion o f master by . . 24 jurisdiction of, over complaints anddifferences . 24 as to language o f memorial, &c. to................... 24 chair of, regulations as to ...................................... 25 regulations for the government o f during business 25 certificates, see Certificates .................................. 89 officers, viz. grand master............................................................. 28 pro-grand m a ster.................................................... 29 deputy grand master............................................... 32 provincial grand master ...................................... 46 grand w ardens........................................................ 34 chaplains........................................................ 35 treasurer........................................................ 35 registrar........................................................ 36 secretary........................................................ 38 d e a co n s ......................................................... 39 superintendant o f works............................. 40 director o f ceremonies .............................. 40 assistant director o f ceremonies................ 40 sword-bearer ............................................... 40 orga n ist........................ 40 pursuivant.................................................... 41 jewels, insignia o f.................... 1 1 2 ,1 1 3 ,1 1 5 , 116, 118 pastditto ................. 1 1 4 ,1 1 6 ,1 1 8 fees to be paid by ............................................... 109, 110 standard-bearers ................................................................. 41 stewards, appointment and duties o f ............................. 43 clothing and insignia o f .............................. 45, 117 past .................... 45 lodge..................................................................... 45, 46 ty le r........................................................................................ 42 Honorary members o f grand lo d g e ............................................... 18 jewels, regulations as t o ........................................... 112 House, master of, at which lodge meets, regulationsas t o . . . . 59, 67 or place o f meeting o f lodge, see Place o f meeting . . 60 Improper matter in memorial, &c. to grand lodge, as to ____24, 25 Indecorous or offensive behaviour ...............................................66, 67 Initiation, qualifications for, and declaration to be signed before.......................................................................... 85 propositions and ballots for ........................................ 84, 86 promises to be made by candidate .................... 86 fees on ........................................ 63 number of in lodge allowed on same day................. 62 in military lodges ........................................................ 75 o f military persons .................................................... 75 Insignia, masonic, and clothing, see Regalia............................. 112 29 Installation o f Grand Master ........................................................ Deputy Grand Master................. 32, 33


136

INDEX. Page

iDstallation o f Provincial Grand M aster........... .......................... 46 master o f lodge .................................................. 58, 77 charges to be read on ............................. vii Instruction, lodges of, by what sanction or authority may be held ........................................................ 87 sanction o f lodge may be withdrawn from and how ...................................... 88 lodge sanctioning, and brethren to whom license given responsible for proceed­ ings o f .................................................... 87 notice o f times and places o f meeting in London district to be given to grand secretary ............................................... 87 to keep minutes and when they are to be produced........................................... 88 Ireland, brethren under constitution of, when may be relieved 101 Jewels and clothing, members o f grand lodge not to attend without.............................................................................. 18 67 and furniture o f lodges, regulations as t o .................... o f grand officers............................................................ 112, 113 past grand officers ........................................................ 114 provincial grand officers . ...................... 114 past provincial grand officers ................................. 115 grand stewards and provincial grandstewards......... 114 honorary.............................................................................. 112 o f officers o f private lodges .......................................... 115 Joining members, regulations as to ...................................... 81, 83, 86 Laws, power o f en a ctin g ................... 23 Lists to be made and transmitted to grand secretary by lodges 71, 72 provincial lodges 72, 73 Local fund in provinces ................................................................. 53 colonies or foreign parts ...................................... 56 Lodges in colonies and foreign parts, see District grand lodges........................................................................ 56 72 the country, see Country lodges................................ o f emergency, see Emergency................ 21, 48, 49, 61, 84 grand, see Grand l o d g e ........... ....................................... 16 o f Instruction, see Instruction........................................ 87 in London district, see London district......................... 71 Military, see Military lodges........................................... 74, 75 private, officers o f ............................................................ 58 jewels and insignia o f ........... 115, 119 when deputy master o f maybe appointed 58 qualifications, election, and installation of master o f ...................................... 58, 76, 77 what officers of, to be appointed by master 58, 59 master o f house where lodge held, not to hold office without dispensation ........... 59 powers of, to make and alter bye-laws . . 59 bye-laws of, to be written in books, and signed, & c.................................................. 59, 60


INDEX.

137 Page

Lodges,

private, books to be kept o f names o f members, transactions, & c.......................................... 60 place o f meeting of, regulations as t o . . . . 60 when and how lodge of emergency may be called .................. 61 when regularly removed, notice to be given, & c..................................................... 61 precedence of, and as to regular constitu­ 61 tion and registry o f .................................. name and title o f ........................................... 62 not to initiate more than five on same day without dispensation ............................. 62 nor to give more than one 62 degree to brothers on same day ............ nor a higher degree in less than a month ........................................... 62 nor without examination in open lodge ............................................... 62 regulations as to initiations in, o f military persons........................................................ 62 fees on initiation..................... 63 exception in favour o f serving brethren.. . . 63 when bound to receive as member, brother initiated in ................................................ 64 must register names and make returns of members .................................................... 64 provision in case of neglect of, to register, & c........................................................... 65 to procure for every brother initiated tlierein 66 a grand lodge certificate ......................... not to give certificate to enable masons to proceed as paupers .................................. 65 not to form public masonic procession 66 without licen se............... to preserve uniformity, and members of, to visit other lo d g e s ............................... 66 fees, dues, moneys, and accounts of, re­ gulations as t o .................................... 65 regulation in case o f brother misbehaving in 66 not to exclude member without duenotice 67 jewels and furniture of, regulations as to. . 67 minutes, lists, and books of, to be pro­ duced when duly required ..................... 68 majority o f may instruct representatives to grand lodge ............................................... 68 to make returns and payments regularly, and consequences o f neglect ................68, 69 on dissolution of, warrant to be delivered up to grand m a ster.......................... 69 warrant of, sold or irregularly procured, forfeited ................................................... 69


138

INDEX. r,igc

Lodges, private,

where majority o f members o f withdraw, the constitution remains with the rest; if all withdraw, the warrant extinct........... 69, 70 transfer and forfeiture o f warrants of, and erasure........................................................23, 70 duty of on summonses, and consequences o f contumacy ........................................... 70 offending, admonition, fine, or suspension o f .................................................... 47, 71, 105 119 new, o f constituting ...................... Lodges, provincial grand, see Provincial grand lodges. 52 removal o f .......................................................................... 91 Lodge seal ....................................................................................... 87 London district, what lodges are within...................................... 71, 72 what lists, and when lists and contributions of, are to be transmitted to grand lodge . . 72 not to have feast on day o f grand festival . . 22 Making masons, general regulations as to............ 75, 83, 84, 85, 86 o f railitai'y persons........................ 75 Masonic benevolence, see Fund o f masonic benevolence.......... 95 clothing and rega lia ........................................................ 112 festival, grand ...................................................................21, 22 funerals..........................................................................1. 128 processions ....................................................................... 93, 94 Masons offending against la w ............................................. . . . 66, 82 Master o f lodge member o f grand lodge .................................. 18 board o f benevolence.................... 96 general com m ittee......................... 20 in London district (in rotation) of audit committee......................... 95 (in provinces) of provincial grand lo d g e ............................................ 53, 73 unable to attend general committee, may ap­ point past master to do s o ............................. 20 cannot attend grand lodge until name, &c. transmitted .................................................... 19 qualifications, election, and installation o f 58, 76, 77 what pledge he shall give, and how long re­ main in office ............................................... 77 to visit other lo d g e s ......... ................................. 78 responsible for due observance o f laws re­ lating to private lodges.................................. 78 provision in case o f death, removal, absence, or incapacity to act, o f ................... 78 in London district to sign book in grand se­ cretary’s office ............................................... 78 to attend on due summons and produce war­ rant, &c............................................................. 78 as representative in grand lodge, may be in­ structed by majority o f lodge .................... 68


INDEX.

139 Page

Master o f lodge, what fees or dues o f lodge are to be depo­ sited in hands o f .......................................... 66 when may displace officers and nominate others ............................................................. 79 jewels and insignia o f ..................................115, 119 Masters and wardens ..... 76 IMaster o f tavern or house where lodge held shall not have any 67 lien on lodge property.................................. nor hold office in such lodge without dispensation 59 Meeting o f lodge, place of, see Place o f meeting......... 60, 61, 91, 92 Member o f lodges, admission o f ........................................... 80, 83, 86 who excluded from being............................. 80 excluded or withdrawing from lodge, eligi­ 81 bility o f to other lodges ......................... brother initiated in lodge may become, without ballot, if his wish be expressed on day o f initiation.................. ; ............. 64 differences among or complaints o f ............ 82 misbehaviour o f............................................... 66, 82 exclusion o f .................................................... 67 o f grand lodge, who are ............................................... 17 honorary................................................ 18 75 Military lodges, regulations as to establishment o f.................... sojourners or inhabitants o f places where members o f one stationed and non-military persons not to be initiated in ..................... 75 none below rank o f corporal to be initiated save as serving brethren......................... 62, 63, 75 conduct o f in foreign parts ............................. 75, 76 regulations, when regiment or corpsdisbanded 76 Minutes o f provincial grand lodges to be kept, &c................... 55 private lodges ............................................................. 60 Misconduct o f mem bers.............. 66 Motion in grand lodge, notice to be given o f ..............................19, 20 Monies, see Lodges, private. Names and appointments o f past masters and wardens, re­ turn o f to grand l o d g e .................................................... 19 o f members o f private lodges to be entered in books, 60 with details o f age, & c................................................... o f persons present in lodges not to be published with­ out due authority............................... 80 and title o f lodge, regulations as to ............................. 62 Neglect o f lodge to make due return, consequence o f ........... 19 New lodge, how constituted ...................................... 119 New warrant....................................................................................... Ill Notice o f motion in grand lodge, when and how g iv en ........... 19, 20 to be given on removal o f lo d g e ....................................... 61 Offensive language in memorials, &c............................................. 24, 25 use o f by members o f lo d g e s .................... 66, 67 Offences o f lodges and brethren, regulations as to 4 7 ,7 0 ,7 1 , 82,105 Officers, grand, see Grand officers................................................. 17


140

INDEX. Page

Officers, provincial grand, see under head o f Provincial. o f private lodges ............................................................. 58 election and appointment of 58, 5 9 ,7 6 , 77 how displaced .................................... 79 Order in which members o f grand lodge rank ......................... 17 Organist, grand .................... 40 Past grand officers, what, are members o f grand lodge........... 17 jewels and insignia o f .....................1 1 4 ,1 1 6 , 118 provincial grand officers, what, members o f provincial grand lodge ........................................................... 52 jewels and insignia o f . . . . 1 1 4 , 116, 118 Past masters o f lodges members o f grand lodge .................... 18 how long they retain their privileges . . 18 jewels and insignia o f .........................115, 119 Petition for new lo d g e ..................................................................... 120 to board o f general purposes must be in writing and sign ed............................................................................ 107 for relief what it must state ........................................... 97 when to be left with grand secretary............................. 99 Petitioner for relief, attendance of,on petition ............................ 100 Place o f meeting of lodge to be specified in b y e -la w s ........... 60 as to change o f ......................... 61, 91, 92 Precedence o f members o f grand lo d g e ....................................... 17 private lodges ........................................................ 61 provincial lo d g e s .................................................... 73 lodges at masonic funerals ...................................... 128 Prince o f the blood, when grand master, may appoint pro grand master............................. 29 master o f lodge, may appoint deputy-m aster......................... 58 Printing o f proceedings o f lodges without due authority, proh ih ite d ................................................................................................. 80 Private lodges, see Lodges, private ........................................... 58 Proceedings o f lodges not to be printed without due authority 80 Procession, see Public masonic procession. . ............................. 93 Pro grand master.............................................................................. 29, 30 Proposing members........................................................................... 83 Protest, when may be entered in lodge books ......................... 81 Provincial grand lodge, how and when assembled.................... 48, 49 o f whom consists.................................. 52 power o f to frame b ye-law s................ 53 may establish local fund of benevolence 53 to elect treasurer .................................. 54 minutes o f proceedings o f to be kept, &e......................................................... 55 ceases on death, suspension, or re­ moval o f provincial grand master.. 55 to enquire into matters referred to it by provincial grand m aster........... 55 fund o f benevolence ............. 53 grand master, appointment and installation of . . . . 46


INDEX,

141 Page

Provincial grand master, grand registrar may be appointed to act as ............................................... 37 appointment o f officers b y ............... 46 to preside in lodges in his province . 46 to hear and determine masonic com­ plaints therein................................. 47 power of, to admonish, fine, suspend, & c....................................................... 47 provision for case o f neglect o f to pro­ ceed on business . ......................... 48 powers o f to summon lodges and brethren, & c..................................... 48 to hold provincial grand lodges ____ 48 to communicate with grand lodge . . 49 may appoint a deputy......................... 49 to transmit name, &c. o f deputy to lodges and grand secretary . . . . 49 responsible for proceedings o f provin­ cial grand lodges—to cause minutes to be kept ...................................... 50 fees in patent of, and contribution by 110 on appointment ............................. deputy grand master, qualifications, appointment, rank, and duties o f................................................... 50 grand wardens and subordinate provincial grand officers.......................................................................... 51 grand officers, past and present, jewels and insignia o f ................................................................. 114, 116, 118 grand stewards ............................................................ 51, 52 jewels and insignia o f . . . . 1 1 4 , 117, 118 Publication o f proceedings o f lodges without due authority, prohibited....................................................................................... 80 Public business, regulations for government o f grand lodge, during ............................................................................... 25 ceremonies, manner of, in laying foundation stone . . . . 124 house where lodge held, see Master o f tavern................59, 67 masonic procession, without due license, prohibited . . 93 lodges and masons attending, withdue permission, penalties on . . 93 tylers, the like.................................. 94 Pursuivant, grand ............................... 41 Quarterly communications, grand lodges for, when held . . . .

19

Recommendation to board o f general purposes, to be in writing and signed ......................................... 107 form of, for relief..................... 102 R egalia....................................... 112 Registrar grand.................................................................................. 36, 37 Registration.......................................................................................64, 111 o f brother, where neglected by lodge, provision for 65 fee o n .......................................................................... I ll


142

INDEX. Page

Regulations for government o f grand lodge during business . . 25 on admission o f candidates and members 80,83,84,85,86 Relief, who may receive from fund o f benevolence 98,99,100,101,102 applications for..................................................................... 97, 98 Removal o f grand officers .............................................................30, 31 officers o f private lod g es........................................... 79 lodges ..........................................................................61, 91 provincial lo d g e s ........................................................ 48, 74 Representation to board o f general purposes to be in writing and signed ............................................................... Resignation o f members .................... ............................................ 81 Restoring lodges and brethren........................................................ 31, 47 Representatives in sister grand lodge ........................................... 30 Returns and payments to grand lodge 1 8 ,1 9 , 6 4 ,6 8 , 69,71, 72, 73,111 to be made o f names and appointments o f masters, past masters, and wardens ........................................................ 19, 68 Sanction o f constitutions................................................................. to lodges o f instruction may be withdrawn and how . 88 Scotland, brother under constitution of, when may be relieved 101 Scrutineers on ballot for board o f general purposes ................ 104 Seals o f grand lodge............................................................................... 37 private lod g es.........................'. ......................................... 87 Secretary, grand ................................................................................... 38 Secretaries o f lodges............................................................................. 99 Serving brethren, initiation o f ......................................................... 63, 64 not to be menibers o f lodge in which they serve . . . . 63 how may become entitled to relief..................................63, 64 Sister grand lodge, representatives i n ........................................... 30 as to deputy from ............................................... 30 Soldiers, see Military .......................................................................... 74 Standard b ea rers.............................................................................. Stewards, grand, see Grand stewards............................................... 43 provincial............................................................ 51, 52 Sub-committees o f board o f general purposes............................. 107 Summary o f ancient charges ...................................................... Summons to lodge or brother to attend grand master or grand lodge................................................................................................. 24, 31 Summons to lodge or brother to attend board o f general purposes 107 provincial grand master . 48 40 Superintendant, grand, o f the w orks............................................... Suspension o f lo d g e s ........................................................31, 47, 7 0 ,10 7 brethren............................................................ 3 1 ,4 7 , 107 Sword bearer, grand.......................................................................... 40 Tavern or house where lodge held, master of, see Master o f tavern ............................................................................................59, 67 Title and nameo f lo d g e .................................................................. 62 Transactions o f lodges, proper to be written, to be entered in books ................................................ 60 not to be published without due au­ thority ............................................... 60

107


INDEX.

143 Page

Transfer o f warrants ................................................................. 3-2 , 69, 70 Treasurer, grand ............................................................................... 35 provincial gran d............................................................. 51 o f private lo d g e ............................................................. 58 Tyler, grand, nomination, qualifications, duties, and restric­ tions o f .............................................................................. 42 o f private lodge...................................................................... 93 Uniformity in working to be observed...........................................

66

Visitors in grand lodge...................................................................... 19 private lo d g e s ................................................................. 88 who excluded from b e i n g ...........................................80, 89 when and how admitted............................................... 88 must while in lodge conform to its bye-laws........... 88, 89 restrictions on brethren who are not subscribing 89 members o f any lodge............................ Wardens o f grand lo d g e ................................................................. 34 insignia and jewels o f. . . .113,114,115,116,118, provincial grand lo d g e ......................... 51 insignia and jewels o f ___ 114, 116, 118 private lodge........................................... 76 insignia and jewels o f 115, 117 Warrants and books o f lodge when to be produced . . . .31, 48, 107 transfer o f ................................................... ............ 32, 69, 70 not to be sold ................................................................. 69 applications for to hold new lodges............................. 119 o f confirmation............................................................... I ll Works, grand superintendant o f the ........................................... 40

NOKRIS AND SON, PRINTERS, BLOMFIELD-STREET, PINSBURY Cl RCUS.


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CONSTITUTIONS of the ancient fraternity of free and accept masons by FUNDACIÓN JUANELO TURRIANO - Issuu