Source: https://www.mainemason.org/resources/digest-of-decisions/part-2/
Timestamp: 2017-06-28 12:20:38
Document Index: 677560304

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 3']

Digest of Decisions - Part 2 - Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine
Digest of Decisions – Part 2Forms
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Digest of Decisions – Part 2
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See Cons. 92.
See Cons. 122, 123, 127, 128, 133-1. S. R 25, 50.
Color is no bar to receiving the degrees in Masonry, but to be freeborn
is requisite [1876, pp. 15,16]
A candidate who cannot write is ineligible. [1876, p. 16]
A candidate who cannot read and is able simply to write his name is not eligible. [1908, p. 22]
A rejected candidate, removing to another jurisdiction and there taking the degrees within five years from his rejection, with­out consent of the rejecting lodge, is not entitled to recognition in this state, nor to Masonic burial. [1876, p. 18]
A candidate; rejected by a lodge in another state, shall not be received in a lodge in this state without the consent of the rejecting lodge.
[1868, p. 200]
A candidate cannot be compelled to seek advancement [1886, p. 341]
Candidates of a Maine lodge while still residing within jurisdiction of the lodge, must be initiated, passed, and raised by that lodge. [1930, p. 230]
Names of candidates who are to be balloted upon should not be published in notices of meeting. [1930, p. 229]
Application; Ballot; Degrees; Jurisdiction; Membership; Objection; Physical Disability; Work.
Birth, whether legitimate or otherwise, cannot be a test for eligibility to Masonry. [1849, p. 40]
If the petition shows on its face that the candidate resides in another Grand Lodge Jurisdiction, it should not be referred to the Committee of Inquiry until the permission of the Grand Master in whose jurisdiction the candidate resides is obtained. [1863, p.303]
If the candidate dies, no ballot should be taken and his fee should be returned. [1870, p. 22]
A candidate must be able to sign his name; a mark is not adequate.
[1870, p.22]
An insane candidate should not be advanced. [1873, p. 45]
A man becomes a candidate when his petition has been received by the lodge and referred to a committee. [1886, p. 342]
A candidate gets a degree in X lodge—its charter is surrendered—he can apply to the nearest lodge for the next two degrees. Neither lodge nearest the old lodge nor the candidate can act in the procedure without the consent of the Grand Lodge, or during recess, the Grand Master.
[1894, p.20]
An alien whose residence is here is eligible to become a Mason here.
A candidate should be raised in his own lodge except for extraordinary and pressing reasons. [1897, p.230]
A candidate raised in a lodge under dispensation—charter refused—the candidate becomes a non-affiliated member and can apply to any lodge for membership with certificate from the Grand Secretary in place of dimit.
[1898, p. 25]
A candidate is not a member until he signs the by-laws. He is a non-affiliate.
The lodge can certify the facts under seal, which he can deposit with an application in the usual manner. [1902, p. 22]
A candidate receiving the degrees in a lodge under dispensation becomes a member with the same rights and privileges as a brother named in the dispensation. [1906, p. 20]
Naturalization is not necessary to become a Master. [1925, p. 24]
If the fees are raised between any degrees, the candidate must pay the increase as he receives the degrees unless he has paid in full for all the degrees. [1929, p. 39]
A newly raised member refusing to pass the examination as required by the mandatory language of S.R. 25 is subject to disci­plinary action which should be taken after the preferring of charges by the Junior Warden.
[1955, p. 519]
A candidate is brought from darkness to light. Without the use of a hoodwink, he cannot be in darkness, therefore he cannot receive the degrees in the same manner as every other Mason receives them. Not well qualified physically to receive the degrees. [1964, p. 683]
A candidate, who had taken his Entered Apprentice Degree more than twenty years ago was desirous of being passed to the degree of a Fellow craft. A brother wished to object to his advancement. The lapse of time is no consideration, there being no limitation of time within which the second or third degree must be taken. 1901 Proceedings 198. The situation is governed by the Constitution, Section 124, Paragraph 2. Objections must be made known to the Lodge and their sufficiency determined by a two-thirds vote. [1967, p. 461]
A candidate who received his E.A. Degree in another Jurisdiction and moved to Maine wanted to continue to receive his degrees here. He understood but could not speak English. He could not be advanced because if he could not speak English he probably could not understand enough to know what was going on. He should learn enough English to answer the necessary questions in the lesson. [1986, p.204]
A Chaplain of a lodge must be a member of it. [1930, p. 217]
See Cons. 49 (4a), 45, 59.
Except a member be under Suspension by order of the Grand Master the filing of charges does not prevent the accused from voting on other questions. [1862, p. 231]
Charges of “general bad character” are not sufficient, they must allege specific acts of unmasonic conduct. [1862, p. 233]
Charges may be tried or dismissed, but no one is authorized to erase them from the record. [1876, p. 16]
See Sec. 46-69 Cons. and CHAPTER XVIII Text Book for procedure governing Masonic trials.
Charges may be filed with the Secretary, out of the lodge, and the Master may fix a time for the trial and order notice to the accused without waiting for a meeting of the lodge to receive the charges. [1863, p. 302]
Legal proceedings need not be considered in case of Masonic charges.
A Suspended member can prefer charges against a member.
[1914, p. 23]
Charges which have been preferred against a brother, voted upon in the lodge, forwarded to the Grand Lodge, and referred to the Commissioners of Trials can be withdrawn. If the brother who signed the charges will write a letter or statement over his signature to the Master of the lodge, stating that he wishes to withdraw his charges, and if a meeting of the lodge votes to with­draw the charges, then it is within the province of the Grand Master to withdraw the case from the Commissioners of trials, return the same to the lodge and remove any suspension which may have been imposed in the interim. This action can be taken at any time before the Grand Lodge votes upon the case. [1956, p. 786]
See Cons. Sec. 90. See S. R. 56, 58.
A lodge having a charity fund provided for by its By-laws shall use no part of said fund for any other than a Masonic charitable purpose.
[1905, p. 220; 1898, p. 25; 1929, p. 39; 1933, p. 24]
A lodge has no authority to appropriate its charity fund for any other purpose than that for which it was designated.
If a lodge wishes to grant aid to any other lodge in building or repairing its hall it can do so from its general income, if it has any, but not from its Charity Fund. [1898, p.25]
Reimbursement to a lodge tendering relief to a Mason cannot be required but it should be worked out equitably. [1877, p.281]
Charity fund of the lodge does not relieve the duty of each member to be charitable. [1898, p. 29]
Charity or relief given a Mason by another lodge should be repaid by his own lodge although there is no legal duty. [1899, p. 205]
The rules for granting relief or charity as propounded by Drummond.
[1899, p. 538, CORRESPONDENCE; 1896, pp. 67 to 71]
California case of relief, very good case; shows basis of right to relief as set forth by Drummond. The right to relief is limited by the Mason’s distress and by the ability of his Brother. Masonic charity creates no pecuniary debt. [1901, pp.230, 232; 1985, pp. 11,59]
Definition of the right of a Mason to relief and charity.
[1906, pp. 22, 23]
A lodge cannot levy an assessment to create a charity fund, but it can do so to pay a debt. [1921, pp. 19, 20]
Charity fund cannot be used as a building fund. [1927, p. 376]
Charity Fund cannot be used for hall repairs.
[1929, p. 39; 1984, p. 595]
See Cons. 60-66, inc.
Complete setup. Grand Master’s address in 1953 Proceedings.
See Cons. 14, 22, 23, 36 (5), 69, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78, 85, 87, 88, 89, 106, 107, 109. S. R. 17.
Charters can be granted or restored only by the Grand Lodge.
[1884, p. 625]
The Charter or a charter certificate must be present when the lodge is opened. [1861, p. 151]
A visiting brother has the right to inspect the charter or charter certificate. [1861, p. 149]
No names can be inserted in a charter, after the lodge has been constituted, without action of the Grand Lodge. [1870, p.23]
The charter or charter certificate may be taken to the Tyler’s room for examination by a visitor without closing the lodge; it is legally present when in any of the rooms occupied for lodge work [1883, p. 311]
When a charter has been lost or destroyed, a copy of the original may be issued with the vote of the Grand Lodge authorizing it, properly attested, endorsed upon it [1889, p. 359]
If a Charter is surrendered, Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts may apply to the nearest lodge. [1883, p. 311]
If a Charter is surrendered, the members cannot apply for membership elsewhere until the Grand Lodge has voted to accept the surrendered Charter. [1883, p. 311]
Brackets eliminated from lectures. [1957, p. 123]
SEE “Wayfaring Man”
See Cons. 109.
A clandestine lodge is one without a charter or warrant from a recognized Grand Lodge.
Member of a clandestine lodge may petition for membership in a bona fide lodge under certain conditions. [1923, p. 390, 391]
See Cons. Sec. 34,101.S. R. 16.
For the clothing of the officers and permanent members of Grand Lodge, see section 34 of the Constitution.
The wearing of a Royal Arch apron in a lodge or in a Master Mason’s procession is not permissible. [1884, p. 625]
No costumes, robes, uniforms or other dress other than that which has been approved by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge shall be worn in lodge for any degree work unless approved by the Grand Master or a dispensation has been granted by the Grand Master previous to any degree. This includes the Wayfaring Man and Degree Teams approved to perform degrees in this state. [1999, P.611]
The apron is a part of the Masonic clothing and cannot be worn in public
outside of the lodge room (except at funerals and attendance upon divine service), without a dispensation. [1902, p.21]
It is not proper to use the word “Masonic” in their name.
[1928, p. 578]
Masonic clubs are to be encouraged. Their conduct must be within our landmarks. [1930, p. 231]
Color is no bar to becoming a Mason. To be freeborn is the only requisite. [1876, p. 15]
COMMITITEE OF INQUIRY.
See Cons. 14, 86, 93, 105,108. S. R. 13, 24, 36.
A Communication is a meeting of a lodge for the transaction of business. A Stated Communication is a regular meeting of a lodge as provided in its By-laws. A Special Communication is a meeting called for the transaction of a special matter of business on a date not set in the by-laws of a lodge.
The time for the stated communication of a lodge should be fixed by the By-laws. [1872, p. 466]
Only one stated communication, at which applications can be received or balloted on, can be held in each lunar month. [1876, p. 32]
At a special communication no business can be done that is not specified in the notice calling it. [1872, p. 272]
At any communication of the lodge, the Master can close it upon one degree and open another as many times as he sees fit.
[1893, pp. 782, 783, 784]
The word “communication” in the constitution refers to the warranted lodge, and not to the ritual lodge formed by opening the former on a particular degree. [Ibid.]
No one but one of the three principal officers can call a communication of the lodge. [1864, p. 16]
A communication held as a stated meeting upon a wrong day is void; and the business done thereat must come up again as if it had never been acted upon. [1875, p.528]
If a lodge by its By-laws provides for a stated communication in each month, it cannot by a mere vote omit such communication. It cannot suspend a By-law. [1905, p. 220]
If the By-laws of a lodge provide that its stated communication may be omitted during any or all of the summer months, and if at any time the lodge votes so to do, the Master has no authority to call a stated communication during the time covered by the vote of the lodge.
[1905, p. 221]
Secrecy of happenings in the lodge if violated is unmasonic conduct.
[1861, p. 155]
The conduct of the applicant before he submits his application cannot be grounds for Masonic discipline unless he does some act or makes some statement in his application that deceives the lodge.
[1866, p. 157; 1867, pp. 40, 41]
Domestic troubles should not be meddled in by the lodge.
[1886, p.341]
Offense of a member committed before a petition is not grounds for complaint. [1907, p. 199; 1906, pp. 21, 22]
See LODGES, CONSOLIDATION OF. Cons. 74, Subsections I to IX, inclusive.
Consolidation of two lodges does not affect the jurisdiction of the consolidated lodge. [1894, p. 20]
See Cons. 137.
Only those whose names appear in the Charter can be mem­bers of the lodge at the time of Constitution. [1875, p. 527]
Laying cornerstones can be done only by the Grand Master or his proxy. [1868, p.199]
See Cons. 49 (i).
Balls etc., cannot be run in the name of the lodge. [1908, p.24]
See S. R. 12.
The dedication of halls can be done only by the Grand Master or his proxy. See S. R. 7, expenses of dedications. [1868, p. 199]
See S. R. 7.
See ADVANCEMENT—COMMUNICATION.
See Cons. 15,115,126,127,129,130,133. S. R. 25, 29
A foreign jurisdiction requested to confer degrees on our candidates may do this work in their own time and in their own way notwithstanding provisions of our regulations. [1929, p. 40]
Can be performed by any Brother in the presence of the Worshipful Master and by his request. [1860, p. 106]
The Degrees of other bodies known to Blue Lodge Masonry are specifically identified. [1868, p. 299]
A lodge cannot confer the Master Mason Degree for another lodge without a waiver. [1878, pp. 549, 567]
The Third Degree can be taken any time after the Second no matter how many years elapse. [1886, p.341]
Five Degrees is the limit at any one meeting. Any part of the five can be in different Degrees but the total must not exceed five. Good discussion of same by Drummond. [1893, p. 782]
A candidate takes two degrees in 1857 and in 1900 he asks for the Third. This is O.K No limit of time to take the Second of Third.
[1901, p. 198]
Degrees by courtesy cannot be done between lodges of the state; a man so raised is not a regular Mason. He must file a new petition to the lodge having jurisdiction. The lodge must obtain a dispensation and proceed the same as in ordinary petition. [1922, p. 209]
Foreign lodges should not confer degrees in Maine on a candi­date accepted by a Maine lodge (this could be done as visiting officers).
[1930, pp. 229, 281]
A lodge cannot work its degrees in another lodge hall without dispensation. [1942, p. 217]
Degrees out of time, if done by courtesy in another jurisdiction and in accord with the law of that state, even if done in violation of our law, are not improperly conferred (that is the Second and Third Degree on the same day) [1946, p. 200]
No degree work should be done on Sunday. [1949, p. 31]
His Duties and Powers. See Cons. 16, 17.
The term “Dimission” as used Masonically refers to the honorable withdrawal of a Mason from his lodge. His status is that of a Non-affiliate Mason. (See Non-affiliate Mason.)
See S. R. 45.
Standing Regulation No. 45 as adopted by this Grand Lodge allows lodges to become sponsoring bodies for a chapter of the Order of DeMolay. While a report of the Committee on Amendments to the Constitution did not recommend the use of lodge funds for this purpose, yet the Regulation, as adopted by the Grand Lodge, does not prevent or prohibit the use of lodge funds.
The word “sponsor” as defined by Webster means “a surety; one who binds himself to be responsible for another’s obligations in case of default; one who endorses or stands behind a person, movement or the like.” In view of the fact that lodges have been authorized to sponsor DeMolay, and bearing in mind the above technical definition of the word, since the regulation contains no language preventing the use of lodge funds, it is proper for lodge funds to be used for such purpose. [1956, p. 786]
It is permissible for a lodge to make a donation to a Chapter of DeMolay even though it did not sponsor the Chapter. S.R. 45 permits lodges
to sponsor DeMolay and it has been ruled that the regulations do not “prevent or prohibit the use of lodge funds.” Presumably, it is not the intent of Grand Lodge to limit assistance to DeMolay strictly to sponsoring lodges. [1966, p. 246]
See Cons. 96, 134
Upon application at any stated communication the lodge may vote a dimit at once, either in the form of an honorable discharge from membership or with a recommendation, as it may see fit. [1897, p. 198]
Or a member may give notice at a stated communication that at the next he shall apply for a dimit; and at such next stated meeting, if no charges have been filed and his dues are paid to that time, it is the secretary’s duty to give him a certificate of honorable discharge from membership. The lodge may also vote him such recommendation as it sees fit. The secretary should note on his record the giving of the notice and the issuing of the dimit
[1897, p. 199]
A vote of a lodge to give a member a dimit on payment of his dues does not sever his membership until the dues are paid; but the lodge ought not to vote upon the request until the dues are paid. [1861, p.150]
An unconditional vote to grant a dimit severs the membership at once, unless the vote is reconsidered at the same meeting and before the dimit is actually delivered. [1873, p. 16; 1874, p. 305]
The dimit of a rejected applicant for membership, should be returned without endorsement. [1871, p.224]
No duplicate of a dimit can be issued. Should same be destroyed it is competent for a lodge to receive a communication stating the facts for record; then it may vote to instruct the secretary to make abstracts from the records for delivery to the brother entitled to the same. [1915, p. 191]
A lodge cannot charge a fee for granting a dimit [1886, p. 341]
A dimit should not be granted to one who has disgraced him­self and the fraternity by acts of intoxication or other miscon­duct, but charges should be preferred and a trial had. [1886, pp. 341, 342]
See CHARTER MEMBERSHIP.
A dimit cannot be given to a Senior Warden. It is the same as resignation, which is not permissible. [1867, p. 126]
A dimit was granted. The Brother later desires membership in the same lodge. He must abide the result of the ballot. [1870, p. 22]
Dimit requires only a majority voting. [1875, p. 527]
Procedure for granting dimit established. [1879, p. 196]
Definition of dimit: means dismissal, Masonically, and also recommendation. [1887, p. 159]
A dimit should not be granted to a Fellow Craft or an Entered Apprentice. [1889, p. 335]
Dimit, if lost or destroyed—the member may become affiliated by using a certificate of the facts. Duplicate of a dimit should never be issued.
[1890, p. 687]
A demitted Brother can apply for membership at any time; no limit.
[1900, p. 19]
A demitted member can apply anywhere. Dimit must be filed with the petition for affiliation. [1915, p. 189]
Dimit lost by fire, etc., cannot be duplicated. The abstract of all the records can be forwarded. [1915, p. 191]
A demit was granted but never issued. Membership still continues.
[1915, p. 192]
Member of two lodges by failure to get dimit, first lodge ordered to issue a dimit, second lodge to refund the dues paid to it to the first lodge.
See CONS. 90.
It is better for the regular officers to sign the diploma, but if that is not convenient it may be signed by the pro tem officers acting when the third degree was conferred. [1891, p. 24; 1898, p. 27]
No duplicate of a diploma can be issued. Diploma certificate may be issued by Grand Secretary.
In case of the death of the Master, diploma should be signed by the Senior Warden as acting Master; the S. W. pro tem as such, and the J. W.
A Master at the end of his first term, though less than a year, is entitled
to receive from the Grand Lodge, through the District Deputy Grand Master, a Past Master’s Diploma. [1870, p. 22]
A Master of a lodge U. D. is not entitled to a Past Master’s Diploma.
[1864, p. 16]
Sec. 90, paragraph 3 of the Grand Lodge Constitution provides that “each lodge shall be entitled to receive as many diplomas from the Grand Lodge as it makes Master Masons. No duplicate of a diploma shall be issued.” In a situation where the Grand Secretary has forwarded the diploma to the lodge for the new member and because of some failure or neglect to deliver the diploma by the officers of the lodge to the new member, he has never received his diploma. The Grand Secretary is correct in issuing another diploma and forwarding it to the lodge for presen­tation to the member.
The diploma has not been issued until it has been completely executed and delivered to the candidate. Once the candidate has received his diploma, he shall never be entitled to receive anoth­er. Where the candidate has never received a diploma and the lodge arranges for a diploma to be delivered to him, this latter diploma is not a duplicate. We are obligated, in view of our Constitution, to see to it that the candidate actually receives one diploma and, if we fail to deliver that diploma to him, it is our duty to the new member to correct the situation. [1955, pp. 517, 518]
See Cons. 45-59.
For A NEW LODGE. See Cons. 67, 68, 69, 70.
LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION.
Men named in a dispensation to a lodge or raised in a lodge under dispensation remain unaffiliated Master Masons or have their membership in suspension until a charter is granted and are not subject to the per capita tax. [1956, p.786]
Sec. 72 of the Grand Lodge Constitution, dealing with the matter of granting a charter to a lodge under dispensation, states, in part, that “the Grand Secretary, under the direction of the Grand Master, shall omit from the Charter the names of all who do not file their demits or proper evidence that they are not then affiliated.” “The demits from the men who intend to become charter members should not be placed on file with the Grand Secretary before the Grand Lodge votes on the question of whether to issue the charter. They should be filed after the Grand Lodge votes and before the charter is prepared and issued by the Grand Master. [1955, p. 517]
DISPENSATION FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
See Cons. 15, 93,112, 123,130.
When a lodge fails to elect officers at the stated time, or an elected officer declines to be installed, a dispensation to hold the election at another time must be obtained from the Grand Master. However, he cannot grant a dispensation to fill a vacancy in the office of Master while the office of either Warden is not vacant, nor of Senior Warden while that of Junior Warden is not vacant. [1866, p. 155]
See APPLICATION; BURIAL
If a special meeting of the lodge is called for the purpose of conferring a degree on a dispensation, can the local business of the lodge be transacted at that meeting? The answer is; not unless specifically in the notice calling the meeting. [1862, p. 272]
The fee for dispensation must be paid to the Grand Lodge whether the candidate is rejected or not. [1865, p. 81]
A vote on a petition for affiliation by one who has demitted from a Lodge can be taken only at a stated communication of that lodge.
[1970, p. 279]
A dispensation which carries beyond the term of the Grand Master granting a dispensation, necessarily interferes with the inherent right of his successor. A Grand Master may only temporarily suspend the operation of a law. When he retires from the office of Grand Master the license he granted expires. It is the prerogative of his successor to determine whether or not a law or regulation should be dispensed with. [1977, pp. 35, 36]
See Cons. 15,83.
The Grand Master uses his discretion as to the number and size of the districts.
When the districts are once formed, they remain as thus formed until changed by the Grand Master.
DISCHARGE FROM MEMBERSHIP.
See Cons. 134 (II)
See Cons. 5, 7, 24, 68, 75, 83, 86, 89, 98. S.R. 8, 11, 15, 17, 43.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPQINTMENT.
See GRAND OFFICERS.
DUTIES AND POWERS. See Cons. 24,68,75,86,89,98.
It is not his province to act as a prosecutor, but he should take notice of Masonic offenses and strive, with kindness and firm­ness, to bring lodges and members to realize the full import of their Masonic promises.
[1883, p. 312]
In the absence of the Master and Wardens, the District Deputy Grand Master has no power to open the lodge which he is visit­ing, unless he is specially commissioned to do so by the Grand Master. [1890, p. 687]
He can install his successor. [1894, p. 19]
IN GENERAL See Cons. 24,83,S. R. 15.
When visiting a lodge unofficially, he may, if he deem it neces­sary, assume his official character and exercise the full powers of his office.
Reception of, form for. See page 78, Text Book.
District Deputy Grand Masters cannot exchange official visits; he has no authority outside of his own District and may attend lodges outside of his district only as a visiting brother. [1923, p. 387]
The rules for visitations by D.D.G.M.s. [1823, p.81]
Procedure for visits by D.D.G.M.s. [1853, p. 290]
If the Worshipful Master is also appointed and installed as District Deputy Grand Master, he vacates the office of Master. [1877, p. 280]
Good statement of the duties and authorities of the D.D.G.M.
[1885, p. 15]
Duties of the District Deputy Grand Master. [1891, p. 23]
D.D.G.M.s to keep a record book. [1891, p.24]
Eligibility and duties of D.D.G.M.s. [1934, p. 195]
The election of a District Deputy Grand Master as Master of a lodge is void. He is not eligible. [1862, p. 233]
Official visitation, powers of DDGM. [1990, p. 75]
A Past District Deputy Grand Master is entitled to be addressed as “Right Worshipful” for the remainder of his Masonic life. The Maine Masonic Textbook states that “a Masonic title is a personal one which attaches to a Brother by virtue of his having acquired an office in a lodge or
the Grand Lodge and to which he is not divested when his term of office expires.”
See MASONIC TITLES [1955, p. 519]
The term “dotage” as used Masonically has no reference to any particular age. Dotage or imbecility of mind occurs with some persons early in life, while others go to a ripe old age with facul­ties unimpaired. Its determination is a question for the lodge, hav­ing in mind the fact that it is materials for use, and not waste or encumbrances that is desired.
DRUMMOND MEDAL.
Drunkenness is a proper cause for charges. [1866, p.156]
See Cons. Sec. 135
An applicant for dual membership in a Maine Lodge, if rejected, may immediately apply to the same or to any other Lodge. Since he is a Master Mason, he would come under the same rules as an application for affiliation.
[1986, p. 205]
A brother may apply for membership by affiliation to any lodge within this jurisdiction.
A brother from a sister jurisdiction applied for dual membership in a Maine Lodge in 1970. In 1974 he was suspended in his home lodge and jurisdiction for non-payment of dues. However, he was still carried as a Maine member to the present time.
According to the Grand Lodge Rules and Regulations of that Sister Jurisdiction, the Brother lost all rights and privileges to Masonry the same as a concordant body member in our jurisdic­tion would.
Loss of membership in either lodge should not constitute a loss of membership in both, which would be the effect should the member take a demit from one lodge. Membership in one lodge is not a prerequisite for membership in another. His status in one lodge should not affect his status in the lodge in which he remains an active member in good standing. No lodge is permitted to interfere with business or concerns of another lodge.
[1990, p. 75]
See Cons. 51, 52, 82, 84, 85, 90,115,123,125,131. S.R. 3.
To GRAND LODGE. See CONS. 84, 85,90. S R. 3.
Lodges U. D. are not required to pay the per capita tax. [1889, p. 569]
A chartered lodge is not liable for Grand Lodge dues on mem­bers who are named in a dispensation for a new lodge. [1889, p. 569]
See ASSESSMENT; CHARTER; DISPENSATION.
To THE LODGE. See CONS 51, 52, 82, 131.
A change in the by-laws of a lodge, respecting fees, does not affect an application received by the lodge before the change was made.
If objections to the advancement of a candidate are sustained, the lodge
should not return the deposit and fees for the degrees already conferred.
[1878, pp. 540, 5501]
When a candidate declines to be initiated, the lodge has the power to return his fee, and it is just and proper for it to do so.
[1890, pp. 687, 688]
The lodge has power to collect dues for current expenses and charitable purposes, and to levy special assessments, if neces­sary, to pay the current expenses or any debt incurred for the ordinary expenses of the lodge.
[1875, p. 528]
The penalty for nonpayment of dues is forfeiture of, or suspen­sion from, membership only after due trial by lodge. [1933, p. 23]
When dues are a fixed sum a year, payable at a stated time, a member is not liable for dues for part of a year. [1874, p. 305]
A lodge cannot remit the dues of a deceased member nor restore to good standing a deceased brother suspended for non-payment of dues. The account of a deceased brother should be closed with a statement of his death. [1904, p.305]
The expenses of music for the celebration of St. John’s Day may be properly assessed upon and collected of the members of a lodge.
A lodge cannot legally make an assessment upon its members to defray the expenses of observing Washington’s birthday. [1874, p. 19]
A member of a lodge under dispensation is not liable for dues in his former lodge. [1889, p.569]
See Funds; Trial.
If the by-laws of a lodge provide for the suspension of the members who willfully neglect or refuse to pay their dues, the proper method is to file charges against each person neglecting and proceed to try them under that by-law. If the by-laws require the payment of dues but provide no penalty for willful neglect or refusal to pay them, a member who refuses or willfully neglects to pay his dues, after being required so to do by the lodge, should be tried for violating the by-laws or for willfully disobeying the summons to the lodge and, if found guilty, may be suspended from membership. If found guilty of willfully disobeying a summons of his lodge, I see no reason why he may not be suspended or expelled from the Order. (Drummond).
[1862, p. 232]
Dues to the Grand Lodge must be paid for all members whether acting, honorary, absent, etc., and fees for all initiates including clergymen
[1862, p. 246]
Member of a lodge under dispensation must pay dues in the parent lodge until demitted or constituted into the new lodge. [1871, p. 224]
Penalty for nonpayment of dues can be suspension or deprivation of membership. [1877, p. 280]
Deprivation of membership can follow suspension for nonpayment of dues. A suspended Brother has a moral obligation to pay his dues.
[l883,p.3l1]
A lodge under dispensation should collect dues from its members.
Nonpayment of dues is discussed at length. [1876, p. 179]
Dues are not payable while a member is under suspension.
Dues of a deceased Brother, being a legal claim, can properly be paid from his estate but should never be enforced by law. [1898, p. 26]
If dues are not paid, the Brother can be suspended or deprived of membership. These are two different actions. If deprived, he can only obtain membership again in the regular course of procedure. If suspended, he is reinstated automatically by paying up, within three years of the time of suspension, the dues he owed at the time he was suspended. After three years, he must re-apply and his applicat­ion will be processed like a new application for membership.
An honorary member cannot be made to pay past dues if the By-laws are changed requiring him to pay. [1900, p. 19]
Dues should be payable in advance. See by-law on same.
[1946, p. 199]
Dues cannot be charged for part of a year, hence a new member owes no dues for the balance of the year in which he was raised. [1946, p.201]
A member who refuses to pay an assessment is subject to the same penalty as one who refuses to pay dues as provided in Sec. 51 of the Grand Lodge Constitution. The words dues and assessments are synonymous terms within the language of this section and, if a member fails to pay either one, including a Grand Lodge assessment, he is subject to the penalty.
The name on the dues card must correspond with the name on the records of the lodge, until and unless the name is legally changed and the lodge so notified. In no case should two cards be issued. [1958, p. 282]
See Cons. 36 (11), 62. S. R 22.
Education is a part of Masonic charity. [1824, p. 100]
Grand Lodge. See Cons. 7, 13,44, 94. Rules 1 and 3.
Subordinate Lodge. See: Cons. 93 (2), 96.
Election should take place in open lodge and not at refreshment.
[186l, p. 146]
The Master of a lodge has no authority to order an election to fill vacancies occurring after the annual election by reason of any elected officer declining to be installed. [1865, p. 85]
Nominations for the election of officers or for officers to be elected should never be made. [1868, p. 199]
Lodges may use a printed ballot, similar to the one used in Grand Lodge, listing the names of those officers who are desirous of being elected to a specific office. [1985, p. 11, 59]
See APPLICATION; CANDIDATE; PHYSICAL D1SAB1LITY.
To be eligible for the office of Master, a Brother must have served as a Warden. [1967, p. 462]
A Brother served his lodge as Junior Warden for a period of nine months in the absence of the duly elected Warden who was absent and not available to fulfill his obligations to the office. The brother who served went on to be elected and installed Worshipful Master of the lodge and served one term. Is he a Past Master and is he entitled to the title of Worshipful never being ELECTED a warden of his lodge? Answer – The Constitutions state that, “to be eligible for the office of Master, a brother must have served as a Warden.” It is not stated that he must be ELECTED and INSTALLED. Service to the lodge as a Warden, although not duly elected, is sufficient in this case and that brother is a Past Master and entitled to the title of Worshipful. [1999, p. 611]
See S. R. 4.
Emblems not related to Masonry and its teachings should not be placed permanently in lodge rooms. [1923, p. 387]
See ADVANCEMENT. Cons. 130.
The general rules of civil courts relative to evidence are usually applicable in Masonic trials. Hearsay evidence is inadmissible.
See TRIAL COMMISSION. Cons: 49.
Examination of E.A. or F.C. in M.M. Lodge is proper in order to determine proficiency of candidate. [1921,p.20]
See Cons. 48, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59.
An expelled Mason may be restored to rights and privileges of’ Masonry upon satisfactory evidence of his reformation. [1833, p.228]
If a member is expelled by Grand Lodge, he cannot be restored without Grand Lodge action. [1874, p.300]
Fairs and public displays for Masonic benefits are not recommended.
[1883, p.313]
See DUES AND FEES See Cons. 115,123,125,131.
The fees to the Grand Lodge must be paid by the lodge in which a Brother is initiated notwithstanding he may have received the other two degrees in a different lodge. [1864, p. 16]
Petition was accepted, the candidate failed to appear within one year without cause; later filed a new petition. He must pay the fee again.
[1874, p. 268]
Membership fee should not be paid where the degrees are received in
another lodge. [1874, p. 271]
If a candidate refuses to take the degrees after being accepted, he should have his fees returned to him. [1890, p. 688]
Grand Lodge should repay fees to the lodge for a non-valid member.
Fees of a candidate who decides not to take the degree should probably be returned to him. [1944, p. 603]
See Cons. 51, 75-78, inclusive.
See S.R. 60, 61.
Lodge General Funds: Lodges shall hold all general funds in trust to defray the necessary expenses of the lodge and for charitable purposes. Lodges may, in cases not sacrificing these needs, use general funds on lodge endeavors intended to increase the well being and happiness of the community in which the lodge is located. Lodge funds may not be used for any other than these Masonic purposes.
Lodge Charity Funds: Lodges may amend their by-laws regarding the expenditure of charity funds to include the same broad purposes as are now found in Section 62 of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Maine pertaining to the appropriation of funds by the Masonic Charitable Foundation of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
[1865, p. 84; 1876, p. 17; 1927, pp. 374, 376; 1929, p. 40, 1997, p. 38]
A lodge cannot give a portion of its funds to another lodge without the consent of the Grand Lodge. [1873, p. 37; 1894, p. 19]
A lodge cannot donate its funds to a Masonic building association or board of trustees to assist in erecting a building for the use of the lodge and other Masonic bodies, but may invest in its stocks or bonds. [1921, p. 19]
They may be used to employ assistance to take care of sick members.
[1875, p.528]
They cannot be used for insuring the lives of any of the members.
[1877, pp. 283 to 285, 455, 456]
They may be used for the celebration of St. John’s Day accord­ing to the ancient uses of the craft. [See 1881, pp. 615, 616]
However, not to pay the expenses of a pleasure excursion and visitation of a distant lodge on that day. [1880, p. 297; 1881, p. 616]
Nor to pay the expenses of annual receptions, etc. [1895, p. 176]
Nor to pay expenses of dance and ladies’ night. [1930, p. 229]
They may be used to defray reasonable expenses for music at a public installation. [1903, p. 216]
No part of a charity fund may be used for other than a charitable purpose. [1905, p. 220; 1927, p. 376]
See DUES AND FEES.
Lodge funds cannot properly be used to hire bands to attend funerals or to pay fares for members to go on excursions. If the members indulge in such luxuries, they should be paid for by subscription. [1865, p.84]
Funds of lodge cannot be used for bands on St. John’s Day parade.
[1880, p. 297]
Refreshments and meals may be paid from lodge funds.
[1896, p. 72]
Improper use of funds discussed. [1915, p.234]
Ladies’ night or dances should not be taken from lodge funds.
Funds should not be used for dances or public entertainment.
[1930, p. 232]
Funds of a lodge should be used for Masonic purposes only and not for
nonmasonic charity. [1933, p. 25]
Red Cross contributions from Masonic funds not condemned; also not condoned. [1943, p. 418]
Funds of lodge cannot be used for a purpose not Masonic such as hospitals, etc. [1948 p. 577]
Funds should not be used to erect a marker on grave of a deceased Brother who was suspended for nonpayment of dues. [1948, p. 577]
See BUILDINGS, also p.235 Text Book.
The practice of lodges to purchase jewels, for Past Masters from lodge funds is proper. [1962, p. 235]
Lodge funds may not be used for other than Masonic purposes, and solicitation for lodge purposes should not be made from anyone except members of the Craft [1961, p. 26]
A Lodge wished to make a contribution to a memorial hospital building fund in their community. The Lodge acknowledged that they could not use Lodge funds for this purpose. By vote of the Lodge, a committee of Brethren was organized to solicit personal contributions, from each member. The funds collected were given to the memorial hospital building fund in the name of “Masonic Member Contribution.” This project in no way violated our Constitution or regulations. No lodge funds were used. By their action, the members took an active interest in promoting the general welfare of all citizens in the community, not confining their activities solely to promoting the Lodge. Individual Masons, in the name of Masonry expressed interest in the community’s welfare by positive action.
[1967, p. 463]
A lodge received an unconditional testamentary gift without restriction on its use. This fund, not being derived from dues, fees, or assessments, the lodge may properly vote to segregate and not to commingle with lodge funds, It may properly designate its use and the income derived therefrom for a Temple Building Fund. The presently effective decisions prohibiting the use of lodge funds for building purposes relate to funds created by dues and assessments levied against and collected from its members.
[1914, p.24, 1968, p. 680]
S. R. 56. The monies, excepting Charity Funds of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and of the constituent lodges within this Grand Jurisdiction may be used in part to contribute to the sup­port of the Demolay and Pine Tree Youth Foundation, after majority vote by the members attending the Grand Lodge session, or by the members attending a lodge meeting.
The Charity Funds of a constituent lodge may be used to contribute to the support of the DeMolay and Pine Tree Youth Foundation provided the by-laws of a lodge so permit, after majority vote by the members attending a lodge meeting. Notice of such action to be included in the notice calling a meeting of a constituent lodge, at which said action is to be taken.
S. R. 58. All lodges that have not segregated life membership funds into a special account, shall immediately do so and report to Grand Lodge annually as such and not co-mingle them with general operating funds.
The income from the paid life membership shall be used to pay the dues of the member who purchased the life membership. At the death of a member who has paid a life membership the princi­pal shall revert to the Charity Fund of the lodge.
FUNERAL – SEE BURIAL.
See Cons. 102.
Funeral for a Brother who committed suicide can be held Masonically provided he was insane when he did it. [1867, p. 126]
At the burial of a Mason, the Masonic service should be last although other Orders perform their services. [1878, p. 549; 1905, p. 220]
At a Masonic funeral, Blue Lodge Masonic regalia only should be worn by Masons. [1884, p. 626]
If a Royal Arch Mason dies having requested to be buried by his Chapter, the lodges have nothing to do about the funeral any more than if he had requested to be buried by the Odd Fellows or any other organization, nor can they properly appear at the funeral as a lodge. The idea of a Chapter using our burial service is as appropriate as if they had taken that of Knight Templar or of Catholic or Episcopal Churches. They have just as much right to use the one as the other and no more. (Drummond) [1866, p. 156]
The Commandery officiates at the funeral; the lodge as a body should not be present. [1898, p. 26]
If the funeral service is not Masonic, the lodge should not attend as such The Fraternity should not appear in public except for some Masonic labor. [1865, p. 117; 1925, p. 24]
A Brother, guilty of sexual misconduct, is considered not to be in good standing as a Master Mason and is therefore not entitled to the rights and privileges of a Master Mason.
Details: A Brother pleaded guilty (through plea-bargaining) to two lesser counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. While awaiting sentencing, he was shot to death. His family requested a Masonic Memorial Service, which was denied on the grounds that being guilty of two or more counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, he should not be considered in good standing as a Master Mason and not entitled to any of the rights and privileges of a Master Mason. [1988, p. 618]
The use of the Masonic lodge furniture or fixtures to simulate or suggest the physical appearance of a Masonic Lodge in any other place than dedicated and approved for the holding of a Masonic Lodge necessitates a dispensation from the Grand Master. [1998, p. 334]
See SR No. 61
Lodges should not participate in “Gift Enterprises” or use similar methods of raising money. [1883, pp. 313, 510]
The term “good standing” when applied to a Mason means that he is a member of a regular lodge and not under charges of unmasonic conduct It does not have any reference to the pay­ment of dues.
GOVERNMENTAL ACT1VITY.
Masonry has no part in governmental activity. [1862, Appendix 12-22]
See Cons. 25.
GRAND LODGE CHARITY.
The income from the funds of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, and such other funds as may be appropriated in whole or in part for the relief of poor and worthy members of lodges, their widows and orphans, under this jurisdiction, in cases where the funds of their own lodges are not adequate to the exigency of the case. The widows and orphans of deceased Masons are to be relieved as the husband or parent would have been upon the principle stated in this paragraph.
Every brother entrusted with funds is required to take receipts for the same when paid, and forward said receipts forthwith to the Grand Treasurer.
Each almoner is provided by the Grand Treasurer with one printed blank receipt for each person for whom such almoner draws money from the Charity Fund, which receipts, such almoner shall cause to be signed by the beneficiaries respectively, and file the same with the Grand Treasurer.
No almoner who fails to file with the Grand Treasurer a receipt from each person for whose benefit money has been appropriated by this Board, for the full amount of such appropriation, when the money has been drawn by such almoner, shall be considered worthy to be entrusted with the sacred office of almoner for this Charity Fund.. [1876, p. 230]
Application for relief for members of the order should always be made by the Lodge in the name of the Mason if he is still living even though the need for relief is due to the illness of some other member of the family. Generally the secretary of the lodge serves as the Almoner to make contacts with the beneficiary as need may arise though the lodge may designate some other officer or member to serve in that capacity. The secretary of a lodge may secure Grand Lodge charity application forms from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge charity applications are furnished in duplicate. The copy marked original is to be sent to the Chairman of the Grand Lodge Charity Committee on Distribution and the duplicate copy retained by the lodge.
See Cons. 27.
See Cons. 33.
JURISDICTION. See Cons. 72, 79, 109.
CIVIL CHARTER OF.
See an Act to Incorporate the Master, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Maine. (Approved June 16, 1820.) Amended in 1935 to permit holding of real estate to the value of $250,000 and personal estate to the value of $750,000.
COMMUNICATIONS OF See Cons. 2, 3, 23. S. R. 9.
POWERS OF. See Cons. 4, 56.
See GRAND LODGE; RESTORATION.
PRESIDING OFFICERS IN. See Cons. 19.
RULES FOR GOVERNMENT OF. See Cons. 36, 44.
SEAL OF.
The form, a circle, surrounded by the words “Incorporated by the State, June 16, consecrated June 25, A.L 5820.” Within this circle the words
“GRAND LODGE OF MAINE”, upholding on its three pillars the Bible, Square and Compasses, supported on the right by a Scythe, and on the left by an Anchor (part of the arms of the state), having within the Compasses, “REGIT” (the Bible rules and directs us) irradiated by the Polar Star (the emblem of Maine), and having above the whole the All-Seeing Eye.
STYLE AND TITLE OF. See Cons. 1.
VOTES IN. See Cons. 2.
DISCIPLINE BY. See Cons. 45, 40, 47, 48, 53, 54.
COMMITTEES OF. See Cons. 35.
STANDING COMMITTEES. See Cons. 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44 SR.9.
See Cons. 26.
Title of, Most Worshipful. [Cons. 2]
Eligibility and qualifications of.
[See GRAND OFFICERS. Cons. 5]
Election of. [See GRAND OFFICERS. [Cons. 7, 8, 9]
DUTIES, POWERS AND RIGHTS. See Cons. 3, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23-27 inc., 31-35 inc. 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 47, 48, 49, 67, 72, 74, 83, 88, 89, 91, 93, 101, 112, 113, 120, S. R. 5, 14, 16.
To report all invasions of jurisdiction to the Grand Lodge.
[1869 p. 406]
See BURIAL; DISPENSATIONS; GRAND OFFICERS.
The Grand Master’s address has been a custom so long that it is nearly equivalent to Masonic law. [1867, p. 10]
Grand Master’s rulings are decisions and not opinions. [1879, p. 41]
Grand Master’s powers defined. [1886, p. 342]
The Grand Master has no authority to give consent to a lodge to use a part of its funds in another lodge. [1894, p. 19]
Where the Grand Lodge does not expressly prohibit certain proceedings, the Grand Master undoubtedly retains the prerogatives, which have existed from time immemorial and become land­marks of the Fraternity. [1943, p. 467]
However, see Grand Master’s address quoting Drummond in the 1953 Proceedings. One-day annual sessions for the Grand Lodge is within the broad powers of the Grand Master to order. [1945, p. 9]
Rulings and dispensations of the Grand Master to become effective after his term expires are invalid. [1948, p. 578]
ELIGIBILITY. See Cons. 5, 6.
A Master chosen and installed into one of said Grand Offices, thereby vacates his office in the lodge and the Senior Warden succeeds to the chair until the next Annual Communication. [1877, p. 280; 1878, p. 565]
HOW CHOSEN. See Cons. 7.
DUTIES OF. See Cons. 23.S. R. 35.
See Cons. 30.
There shall be two Grand Pursuivants. Their stations shall be at the inner door of the Grand Lodge. It shall be their duty to attend to the officers, members and visitors; to see that they appear in Grand Lodge suitably clothed; and, under the direction of the Grand Marshal, that they take their proper stations.
In all public processions of the Grand Lodge they shall precede and assist the Grand Marshal.
See Cons. 28.
See Cons. 29.
DUTIES OF. See Cons. 20, 21, 22, S. R. 28.
See Cons. 32.
DUTY OF. See Cons. 18, 19.
GREENLEAF, SIMON—MEDAL.
See S. R. 46.
See S. R. 11,21, “Intoxicating Liquors.”
Masonic halls should be used only for Masonic purposes, especially after dedication.
[1867, p. 126; 1878, p. 550; 1927, p. 378; 1929, pp. 39, 40]
They should not be used for conferring the so-called side degrees.
In case of necessity, after obtaining permission from the proper authority, a lodge may occupy a hall used by another society, until a suitable hall can be procured. [1878, p. 550]
Lodges may be allowed to occupy halls with other associations, provided the District Deputy of the District first personally inspect, and in writing approve the occupation, but this inspec­tion shall not be necessary in cases where other societies seek to have joint occupation of previously dedicated Masonic halls. [1882, pp. 32, 212]
Permission may be given to build a hall for joint occupancy with another organization, provided the plans of such building be submitted to the Grand Master and receive his approval. [1891, p. 253]
An application to a lodge for joint occupation of their hall by another society shall be granted only by a two-thirds vote of the lodge, the application having been laid over from one stated meeting to another. Provided, however, that in special cases the Grand Master may give permission to act upon such application at any stated or special meeting if he shall find sufficient cause therefor. [1882, p. 212]
Masonic halls may be located without regard to the points of the compass. The ritual is symbolic and need not be complied with in its literal sense. [1884, pp. 625, 626]
Joint occupancy of halls is not improper. [1882, pp. 16, 32]
A lodge can be situated in a tenement house or dwelling house if properly secured to the satisfaction of the Grand Master. [1918, p. 24]
A marriage ceremony should not be performed in a Masonic hall.
[1925, p. 23]
The dining hall in a Masonic building can be used for purposes not Masonic only by vote of the lodge. [1948, p. 577]
Standing Regulation No. 11 includes a vote passed in 1882 which provides “that application to a lodge for joint occupation of its hall by another society shall be granted only by a two-thirds vote of the lodge, the application having been laid over from one stated meeting to another.”
Any concordant, appendant order, or organization, including the Order of Rainbow for Girls and the International Order of DeMolay for Boys may properly use Masonic halls for their meet­ings, subject to the provisions of the above-mentioned vote. [1955, p. 521]
The dining hall can be used for parties but not the Masonic Hall.
The lodge room cannot be used for social parties. [1929, p. 39]
Use of Masonic halls by “Tall Cedars of Lebanon” for confer­ring so-called degree. Use of Masonic halls by any person or persons for purposes not in keeping with Masonic principles and decorum is prohibited.
[1962, p. 236]
Sheltering flood victims in a Masonic Hall is in keeping with Masonic principles and decorum. It is not a violation of Masonic law.
[1978, pp. 191, 192]
Programs which are designed to promote a great awareness of Freemasonry should be held in a Masonic Lodge Hall. If held in any other location, then the rules and guidelines pertaining to the use of and function of a Masonic Lodge facility will apply to the facility in which the program takes place. [1998, p. 334]
The Master, while the lodge is engaged in work, should wear a hat of some type and description of his own choice. The hat should be removed whenever in the presence of higher authority such as during prayer, in church, during any reference to Deity and in the presence of the Grand Master. The hat may be removed on occasion for the convenience and comfort of the Master. A hat should not be worn by anyone else while occupying the Master’s chair, excepting a Past Master while acting as Master If the Master is present in the lodge room and any other person is temporarily occupying the Master’s chair, it shall be within the Master’s discretion whether or not he, the Master, shall at that time wear a hat. No other person, excepting the Grand Master, shall wear a hat in a lodge.
[1955, p. 521; 1990, p.75]
See Cons. 120.
See JURISDICTION DECISION 1968.
HEALING OF CANDIDATES.
The healing of a candidate, irregularly worked, cannot be waived.
[1943, p. 467]
Healing of candidate. [1878, p. 550]
See S. R. 2.
There are two kinds of honorary members; one a member of the lodge, made honorary to relieve him of duties without being deprived of any powers or privileges; the other, a Mason not a member, elected as a compliment to him, without the powers of an active member.
When a brother of a lodge has been elected an honorary member, that election cannot be reconsidered. [1899, p. 203]
Frequent election of honorary members of the first class is objectionable. [1900, pp. 53, 54]
A nonaffiliate may be made an honorary member. [1896, p. 72]
An active member of one lodge may be made an honorary member of another lodge without the rights and privileges of an active member.
See [1896, p. 72; 1899, p. 203; 1900, pp. 53, 54]; see also Cons. Sec. 90 re-nonpayment of Grand Lodge dues for Honorary Members. Honorary membership does not conflict with Section 135 of the Constitution. This section refers only to an “active” member of a lodge. [1968, p. 680]
See LIFE MEMBERSHIP.
HONORARY PAST MASTER.
A request was made to create a brother an Honorary Past Master of a Lodge. This was not granted. There is no constitutional authority in our Grand Lodge for creating an Honorary Past Master. The only person entitled to the rank of Past Master is one who has been duly elected a Master of a subordinate lodge and he must first have served as a warden. He must have actually been installed in the East. No other person but an actual Past Master of a Blue Lodge can receive a Past Master’s certificate, the Past Master’s degree, preside over a lodge in the absence of the Worshipful Master or install the officers of a lodge. To create a Brother an Honorary Past Master would confer upon him an empty title without meaning.
[1967, p. 462]
INCORPORATION TRUSTEES
LODGE CHARITY FUNDS.
See CHAPTER XIX p. 216, Text Book.
Incorporation of lodges. [1953, pp. 58,112]
The Grand Lodge is opened “In Form” when it is opened in the absence of both the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master
IRREGULAR MASON.
An irregular Mason is one who has been made in a regular lodge but in an unconstitutional or unlawful manner.
INQUIRY, COMMITTEE OF.
The character of its report, whether favorable or unfavorable, should never be recorded. [1865, p.85]
A member of cannot be required to give his reasons for an unfavorable report nor for declining to sign a favorable report signed by the other members. [1877, p. 280]
Secretary should never record the nature of the report of the Committee of Inquiry but simply the fact that the Committee of Inquiry reported, which report was accepted, etc. See BALLOT. [1865, p.85]
See Cons. 8, 10, 2, 13, 95. S. R. 7, 10, 40.
A Royal Arch Mason, who has never been Master of a chartered lodge, cannot install the Master of a lodge. [1862, p. 233]
Officers of Commandery of Knights Templar or of another Masonic body cannot assist in installation of officers of a lodge. [1930, p. 229]
No officer, grand or subordinate, can be installed by proxy.
It is not proper for a lodge to hold a public joint installation with any nonmasonic society. [1922, p. 206]
A decision issued in 1980 instructed lodges to “refrain” from holding installations of officers on Sundays as such practices were an “infringement on family life” and “could lead to adverse reactions.”
While this holds true for tyled installations, semi-public installations provide an opportunity for the families of Masons to gather in a most wholesome circumstance. It is, therefore, my decision that constituent lodges may hold semi-public installations on Sunday afternoons as long as these ceremonies do not conflict with the regularly scheduled church services within the community or communities comprising the jurisdiction of the lodge. [1998, p. 335]
When objections are made to the installation of an officer, the reason therefor must be filed with the installing officer. If no rea­sons are filed, or if those filed are not sufficient in the judgment of the installing officer, he proceeds with the installation. If the reasons given are adjudged sufficient, the installing officer fixes a time and place for a hearing by him and notifies the parties. After the hearing, he issues his order declaring the reasons, sustained or not, as the case may be, which order must be entered on the records of the lodge; and the installation proceeds, or not, according to the decision.
If the Grand Master is the installing officer, or there is no appeal, the decision is final; but from the decision of any other installing brother, an appeal lies to the Grand Master. [1871, p. 349]
See CHAPTER VI, TEXT BOOK, and PAST MASTER
Installation is necessary before the Worshipful Master can act However, this is not so in the case of the other officers. The same rule prevails in Grand Lodge. [1827, pp. 153, 154; 1861, p. 148]
It is not absolutely necessary that a re-elected Master should be installed, because by the Constitution he holds his place until his successor is elected and installed in his stead, but a Past Master who has vacated the chair one year or more, being again elected Master, cannot act as such until regularly installed, and, if the re-elected Master declines to be installed again, it may be taken as declining to accept the office.
[1862, p. 233; 1863, p. 321; 1868, p. 199; 1875, p.528]
The installation must be in the town where the lodge is located by its charter. [1868, p. 200]
The installing officer is the judge of the validity of the objections made, but the appeal to the Grand Master stays the proceedings until the Grand Master’s decision, which becomes final. [1871, p. 349]
Installations joint with the O.E.S are not proper. [1922, p. 206]
Commandery or other Masonic groups should not assist in installation or work of the lodge. [1930, pp.229, 281]
Joint installations of several lodges. Each lodge must open and close in its own hall. [1942, pp. 219, 295]
Permission was asked to hold a joint installation of the officers of a Blue Lodge and the officers of the Royal Arch Chapter. This should never be permitted. Until 1942, Blue Lodges were forbidden to hold joint installations. At that time, Standing Regulation No. 40 was adopted permitting joint installation of Blue Lodges but only by consent or permission of the Grand Master. Since there was a complete prohibition until this time, and the standing regulation relates to Blue Lodges only, without mention of con­cordant bodies it was the intent of Grand Lodge to permit joint installation of Blue Lodges only. To allow a joint installation of a Blue Lodge and Chapter would in effect be tacit solicitation by the Chapter within a Blue Lodge, which is highly improper The several appendant bodies of Masonry should be kept separate and work in their own particular field of Masonic activity. [1967, p. 462]
See DUES AND FEES; FUNDS.
One of the most perplexing problems to confront your Grand Master has been the dispensing of alcoholic beverages in Masonic Temples or rather the lack thereof and the desire to do so by some of the Brethren in this Grand Jurisdiction.
In view of the many problems facing our Blue Lodges at the present time and taking into consideration the trend of the times, your Grand Master after due consideration and studying the matter, hereby rules that alcoholic beverages may be dispensed with dispensation in any Masonic Temple, apartments or halls subject to the following restrictions and limitations:
1. At no time shall alcoholic beverages be introduced into the Lodge room, except for authorized ceremonial purposes, or those rooms used directly in connection therewith, such as the preparation room, Tyler’s room, or corridors adjacent thereto.
2. At no time shall officers of the Lodge partake of alcoholic beverages after a meal and before the opening of a Lodge, which they are to attend.
3. At no time shall any member be admitted to a Lodge meeting while under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
4. At no time shall there be any area allotted to, or construction of a permanent servicing facility within any Masonic Temple under this jurisdiction.
5. The temperate use and dispensing of alcoholic beverages during exclusively social function, fellowship and banquet periods, always in the confines of the social rooms, banquet rooms or dining halls, and always under the control of responsible persons, is not prohibited.
6. The foregoing is not to be construed as a mandate that the use and dispensing of alcoholic beverages must be allowed; whether such use is allowed or prohibited, is for the local Masonic body and the Building or Temple Association, as the case may be, to determine.
7. All applicable laws and regulations, both of the State of Maine and the local authorities, shall be observed and complied with at all times.
8. No Lodge, or recognized collateral body as such shall apply for or hold any license required by the foregoing laws or regulations.
9. Reference to alcoholic beverages, in any connotation, such as cocktails, bar, B. Y.O.B., etc., is not permitted in any Lodge notice, or as an enclosure in the mailing of a Lodge notice. The use of the phrases “social hour” or “social period” is not prohibited.
We must recognize that times change and it is easily demonstrated that in 2004 a substantial number of our members use alcoholic beverages, always within the bounds of temperance, and the temptation is to leave our meeting places, or in connection with a social function,
for an atmosphere and surroundings which can often be contradictory to the atmosphere and surroundings of a Lodge building.
[1935, pg. 391; 1973, pg. 44; 1974, pg. 304; 1975, pg. 502; 1976, pg. 745; 1986, pg. 205; 2004, pp. 888, 889, 900]
IN GENERAL See Cons. 112-121 inc., 123,133 S. R. 5,50.
The Grand Lodge is the legal successor of every demised lodge, and the power to act in its stead is vested only in the Grand Lodge, or in the Grand Master during the recess. [1895, p.250]
An applicant rejected by a lodge under dispensation which did not afterwards receive its charter is placed under jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge and can apply by permission of Grand Lodge or of Grand Master during recess for degrees in a lodge within whose jurisdiction he is six months after rejection if otherwise eligible. [1898, p. 25]
OVER CANDIDATES.—
See APPLICATION. See Cons. 114.
When a lodge legally votes to surrender its charter, it thereby vacates its territory; and candidates resident therein, including Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts, should apply to the nearest lodge. [1883, p.311]
The legal residence of a candidate must be determined by the facts in the particular case, and no general rule can be given which will decide every case; usually, however, the best test is, “What is his residence for the purposes of paying personal taxes and of voting?”
[1862, pp. 234, 235; 1867, pp. 39,40; 1881, p. 616]
When a lodge has received the petition of a candidate over whom it has jurisdiction, it cannot lose that jurisdiction by anything happening subsequently, except by voluntarily surrendering it [1867, p.130]
Unless it is lost by the candidate’s failing to receive the degree within the required time after he is accepted. [1873, pp. 29, 30]
It is unmasonic to make the receipt of a part of the fee a condition of waiving jurisdiction over a candidate.
[1883, p. 311; 1891, pp. 24, 25; 1902 p. 21]
When a person removes into this state, the foreign lodge in whose territory he resided loses all jurisdiction over him, and its waiver will not aid the reception of his petition in this state before he has resided one year in it [1886, p.342]
A lodge can take a candidate into the jurisdiction of another lodge to confer a degree upon him only by the permission of the Grand Master.
[1895, p. 176; 1896, pp. 57, 72; 1897, p. 230]
See APPLICATION; CANDIDATE; MEMBERSHIP; WORK. OVER OFFENSES. See Cons. 48, 99, Sec. 49-4(a).
A candidate moving about from one jurisdiction to another dis­cussed.
[1864, p. 14]
A lodge has penal jurisdiction over its own members wherever they may reside. Geographical jurisdiction extends half way to the nearest lodge in this state in every direction; in other words, any particular place is under the jurisdiction of the nearest lodge in the state. This is the jurisdiction of lodges for all purposes except the admission of candidates. [1861, p. 150]
A Navy or Coastguardsman cannot be considered a “seafaring man,” as mentioned in Section 112 of our Constitution. He is usually stationed for a year or more in one place and could thereby obtain the necessary residence requirements. [1986, p. 204]
When there are two or more lodges in a town, that lodge to which a candidate first makes application acquires exclusive jurisdiction over him.
[1866, p. 157]
A candidate is rejected by a lodge outside the town where he lives but another lodge is formed in the town where he lives. He cannot apply to the new lodge without consent of the rejecting lodge because of the law of rejection. He cannot apply to the rejecting lodge because of the law of jurisdiction. It requires the consent of both lodges in either case.
A candidate is accepted. He takes no degrees. Then he acquires residence in the jurisdiction of another lodge. He may apply there.
A candidate not taking a degree for one year after acceptance may then petition any other lodge. [1873, p. 30]
A candidate receives one degree in a lodge under dispensation in another state. Dispensation was revoked. He comes to Maine. He wants other degrees. This requires permission of the Grand Master of that state. He then petitions to the lodge here for further degrees. [1874, p. 269]
A rejected petitioner wishing to petition another lodge requires permission of the first lodge. [1874, p. 274]
If no jurisdiction is discovered, that fact should be recorded and the petition should be returned. [1876, p. 16]
A sea captain having no residence in Maine gives us no jurisdiction over him for the degrees. [1876, p. 17]
The Grand Lodge of one state can accept as a member a man who belonged to another state. [1881, p.806]
A sea captain gets the Entered Apprentice Degree in a foreign country. On return home to adjoin his lodge, he must apply and pay for all three degrees in his home lodge. [1886, p. 342]
A candidate must live in Maine one year. [1886, p.342]
A candidate is rejected in Maine and moves to Oregon. Twenty years later he applies here to have the disability removed. The lodge here has no jurisdiction. [1894, p. 19]
Concurrent jurisdiction—A member applies to one; he is rejected. Five years elapse. He can then apply to the other without waiver. [1903, p. 217
Residence, a test of (where he votes and is bound to pay taxes).
[1907, p. 199]
Waiver of jurisdiction is granted. The candidate petitions another lodge. He is rejected. He cannot petition the first lodge without waiver from the second lodge for five years. [1916, p. 21]
It is not necessary to be physically present to give a lodge jurisdiction.
[1921, p. 21]
Where a candidate is not at fault in a case of invasion of jurisdiction, it was held that he was a regularly made Mason. [1923, p.430]
When a person removes into this state, the foreign lodge in whose territory he resides loses all jurisdiction over him, and its waiver will not aid the reception of his petition in this state before he has resided one year in it
[1927, p. 435]
A candidate who asks for the Third Degree to be done in another state; permission granted. The candidate returns to Maine. His own lodge has the right to do it. [1930, pp. 230, 281]
An applicant is rejected in Lodge “A” in 1950. In 1952 he moves his residence to the jurisdiction of Lodge “B”. In 1953, he applies to Lodge “A” for a waiver of jurisdiction. The waiver is denied.
Lodge “A” loses jurisdiction in five years from the date of the rejection and not from the date of refusing the waiver of jurisdic­tion. A decision in 1880, page 298, states that an applicant whose application for a waiver of jurisdiction is rejected is in exactly the same status as before applying for the application for the waiver of jurisdiction. [1955, p. 517]
Once a candidate applies to one of several lodges having concurrent jurisdiction, that lodge has exclusive jurisdiction. [1943, p. 468]
A member raised in the case of invasion of jurisdiction is declared to be null and void. [1945, p. 12]
A brother was suspended for non-payment of dues approximately ten years ago, now a resident of another state. The Lodge inquires whether or not it has retained jurisdiction over him, or must he apply for membership in a lodge in the state in which he now resides. The Lodge still retained jurisdiction and a petition for restoration under Section 51 of the Constitution was the proper course to pursue. Section 52 provides that he shall not be admitted to membership in any other lodge until his dues are
paid or remitted. While our constitutional law is not law beyond our jurisdiction, it is not likely that he could become affiliated without a demit which cannot be obtained without being current in his dues. [1967, p. 461]
A brother who received the Entered Apprentice Degree several years ago
is now living in a sister jurisdiction and requests a waiver of jurisdiction in order to petition for the degrees in the sister jurisdiction. The lodge in this state had jurisdiction by virtue of election and conferral of the first degree. The lodge in this state should proceed under Section 134, Paragraphs 2
and 3. [1967, p. 462]
See Cons. 36 (7).
Landmarks are those ancient and universal fundamental principles of the Craft, which no Masonic authority can alter or repeal.
See Cons. 100.
A member, who by virtue of a by-law has purchased and paid for life membership, is entitled to retain it, and the lodge must abide by it in spite of change or repeal of the by-law. [1899, p. 202; 1900, p. 53]
But if a lodge, by By-law, exempts honorary members from dues and makes Past Masters honorary members, a repeal of the By-laws subjects such members to dues for the future, but not for any time before the repeal.
[1900, p. 19; 1913, p, 193]
If a life member takes a dimit, he can affiliate anywhere else. Life membership means that there is no obligation to pay further dues.
[1915, p. 193]
All lodges that have not segregated life membership funds into a special
account, shall immediately do so and report to Grand Lodge annually as such and not commingle them with general operating funds.
The income from the paid life membership shall be used to pay the dues of the member who purchased the life membership. At the death of a member who has paid a life membership, the principal shall revert to the Charity Fund of the lodge, or General Fund of the lodge upon vote of the lodge. [S. R. 58]
A Lodge is a society of Masons meeting by authority of a Charter or Warrant from a regular Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, for the purpose of doing Masonic Work and transacting appropriate business.
See Cons. 67-71 inc., 79, 82-111 inc.
The members of a lodge U. D. remain members of their respective lodges; but their membership therein is suspended during the continuance of the dispensation. [1861, p. 149]
A candidate receiving the Master Mason degree in a lodge under dispensation thereby becomes a member of that lodge, with the same rights and privileges as the brethren named in the dispensation. [1906, p. 20]
A lodge U. D. has the same territorial jurisdictions, for all purposes, as
a chartered lodge. [1861, p. 150]
No person but the Master, or a Warden of a lodge U.D. can open such lodge. [1861, p. 150]
If it is desired to work longer under a dispensation without obtaining a charter, the demits need not be sent up, and the peti­tion should be varied accordingly.
The Master may preside over a lodge under dispensation (U.D.) without having received the Past Master’s degree. [1871, p. 223]
See CHARTER; DIPLOMA.
See Cons. 74, 85, 86, 87,108,110. S. R. 25.
Every newly chartered lodge must be constituted by the Grand Master, or his proxy, before it can work under its charter. [1861, p. 147]
Cannot meet in any other town than that named in the charter without the permission of the Grand Master. [1864, p. 12; 1896, p. 57]
See CHARTER; HISTORY.
POWERS. See Cons. 82.
DUTIES. See Cons. 79, 84, 85, 105.
PROXIES IN GRAND LODGE. See Cons. 2, 79, 80. S. R. 1 (b).
FORM OF THE COMMISSION. See Cons. 79, 81.
IN GENERAL See Cons. 71, 86, 101, 104, 110, 127, 132. S. R. 12, 13, 61.
A lodge may hold more than one meeting on the same day for any other purpose than the conferring of degrees. [1878, p. 549]
It is proper for a lodge to accept an invitation to attend a church service where the pastor is not a Mason. [1925, p.23]
A lodge may not allow a brother to use its hall for his marriage service.
A lodge may not attend as such the funeral of a brother unless it conducts the burial service. [1925, p. 24]
A member of a lodge in good standing is entitled to all the rights and benefits of masonry, without regard to his mental condition. [1884, p. 625]
A newly chartered lodge cannot proceed to work under the charter before it is constituted, and its officers installed. [1861, pp. 147, 148]
Lodges under dispensation—only persons named in petition have the right to ballot on petitions and vote on all applications. [1862, p. 232]
In lodges under dispensation, only persons named in the dispensation have a right to vote therein. [1863, pp. 321, 320]
The only members of lodges under dispensation are those named in the dispensation. [1874, p. 274]
When a lodge desires to move from one town to another, it should petition the Grand Lodge, which is referred to the Committee on Dispensations and Charters. [1889, p. 350]
It is improper for a lodge to send resolutions to the President of the country protesting an appointment to the Vatican. [1952, p.63]
Masons working under dispensation remain members of their respective lodges. [1861, p. 149]
No person but the Master or Warden of a lodge under dispensation can open such lodge. Provisions in our Constitution which are said to authorize a Past Master in the absence of the Master and Wardens to open a lodge do not apply to lodges under dispensation. [1861, p. 150]
A lodge under dispensation has no members. It may receive the assistance of brethren not named in the dispensation and they may be appointed to act as officers. The Master and Wardens are named in the dispensation. The other officers are appointed. None are elected as in chartered lodges. [1863]
A lodge may solicit advertising for a magazine it wants to publish only from members of the Craft but not from non-members. If a non-member voluntarily came forward and wanted to place an advertisement, it could be accepted. [1961, p. 27]
A candidate irregularly initiated an Entered Apprentice was ordered healed by the Grand Master. Before he was healed, he moved permanently from the State, four years ago. He therefore forfeited his election under Section 128 of the Constitution and the lodge no longer has jurisdiction.
[See 1872, p. 465; 1873, p 29, 30.1968, p. 680]
LODGES, CONSOLIDATION OF.
See Cons. 74.
LODGE TRESTLE BOARD.
Joint trestleboards may be used, providing the Lodge adheres to the restrictions concerning the listing of names of candidates, as shown in the Constitution, Standing Regulations and Decisions of the Grand Lodge.
[1985, pp. 11, 59]
It is my decision that listing the names of candidates in email Trestle boards does not meet the requirement of Standing Regulation No. 55 and should not be allowed. [2004, pg. 894]