Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1871-05-18
IEGISLATION REGARDING NON
AFFILIATION.

We are continually IN recelpt OF Ietters
from almost every section Of the United
States, requesting information regarding
the status of non-afiliated Masons. In
order to convey as concisely as possible
the desired light on this, one Of tho most
important subjects, if, indeed, not the
most important which has attracted,
within the past twenty years. the atten-
ton of the various American Grand
Lodges (for we believe the subject has
not as vet disturbed those of Europe, or
elsewhere), we comply with the requests
made of us.
Several of our Grand Lodges have, as
we believe, in violation Of the principles
upon which our Society is based, enacted
laws which render the non-afiiated
Mason subject to the highest penalties
known to Masonry, if he does not con-
tribute to the support of the Grand or
Subordinate Lodges in the jurisdiction
in which he may reside; while others
have, with more regard to the principles
which ought to govern the Graft, con-
fined themselves to the passage of enact
ments depriving non-afiliates of the en-
ioyment of certain benefits of the insti-
tuition.
In order that our querists may, at q
glance, learn the action which has been
taken by various Grand Lodges on this
subject, and which, we think, will answer
their several purposes, We present the
following summary:
The Grand Lodge Of Maine directs its
subordinates, in all cases Of application
for dimits, to suffer no member to with
draw, unless to form a new Lodge or to
Join another.
The Grand Lodge of Vermont declares
that all non-afiliated Masons shall be in
definitely suspended, and they and their
families be excluded from all the privi,
liges and benefits Of the institution.
Massachusetts deprives every Mason
not a member of some Subordinate
Lodge, from visiting the same Lodge, in
the place where he resides, more thar
twice, without the permission OF the
Master or vote of the Lodge.
Nep York, in its Constitution, provides
that, it being the duty Of every Mason te
belong to some Lodge, and contribute t.
its funds, therefore, any Mason who doe
not contribute to the funds, or belong t.
some Lodge, shall not be entitled to visi
moro than twice while he 30 continues
or to join in processions. or receive as
sistance or relief, or Masonic burial
| Pennsylvania declares that no brothe
made in Lodge beyond its jurisdiction
and having been resident there 10
three years without joining . Lodge
|, shall be entitled to Masonic relief. no
shall his family be entitled to apply there
> for and denies to brother who is nc
a member Of Lodge permission to vis
: any Lodge more than once.
:, Maruland deprives q Master Masol
/. not q contributing member OF an
0 Lodge, of the right to visit the sam
Lodge more than twice. unless he joir
' some regular Lodge.
The District Of Columbia directs th'
. no Lodge shall, more than once, adm
as visitor any resid,rt Mason not
/ member of some Lodge ;and no reside'
n Mason, non-affiliated more than one yea
i shall participate. in any public proce
i sion or ceremony, nor shall any sue
y nor their widows or orphans, be enttlt
+ to any benefit from any Lodge-all SUI
| non-afiliated Masons being regarded
n profanes, not known to the Fraternity
# any Of its organized forms
It Virginia declares that q non-afhiia''
i Mmoa shall not be entitled to join In al
It Masonic procession, or to any Mason
y burial, or any pecuniary aid from
:. Lodge.
81 North Carolina forbids. non-afhliat'
q Mason to visit any Lodge under its jur'
p diction, withholds Masonic burial and
d lief, and deprives them of the right to q
y sist IN any public ceremonies and proce