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1
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL
GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT
FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASONS OF BRITISH
COLUMBIA AND YUKON
CONSTITUTION and
REGULATIONS
(Subject to approval of Grand Lodge at the Grand
Lodge Communication June 2014)
Prepared by the ad hoc Committee on
Constitutional Review May 15, 2014
2
INTRODUCTION
This document replaces all previous versions
of the Books of Constitutions and
Regulations issued by the Grand Lodge of
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of British
Columbia and Yukon.
CONFIGURATION OF
DOCUMENT
This document has been configured so the
distinct purposes of the Constitution and the
Regulations are maintained. The
Constitution consists of those elements that
are integral to the Craft and if absent the
essence of Freemasonry in this Jurisdiction
would be lost. The Regulations contain
those fundamentals that enhance
management and leadership within the Craft
as well as the experience of the Brethren as
they participate in Freemasonry.
SHORT TITLE
Within the Constitution and Regulations and
all its sections, the short title Constitution or
Regulations refers to this document.
HEADINGS AND SUB
HEADINGS
The headings and sub headings used in this
document are for reference only and do not
affect the interpretation or form any part of
this Constitution or Regulations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section page
ABBREVIATIONS p11
DEFINITIONS p11
CONSTITUTION
C1 GOVERNANCE
C1.10 Amendments to this Constitution p16
C1.11 Amendments to the Regulations p16
C1.7 Authorized Ritual of the Craft p16
C1.9 Book of Ceremonies p16
C1.8 Board of General Purposes p16
C1.5 Grand Lodge Certificate p15
C1.6 Grand Lodge Warrant Required p15
C1.4 Jurisdiction p15
C1.1 Name and Organization p15
C1.3 Purpose of Grand Lodge p15
C1.14 Repeal p16
C1.12 Re-presentation of Defeated Amendment p16 C1.2 Seal p15 C1.13 Time Notice p16
C2 GRAND LODGE
C2.2 Must Preserve Ancient Usages and Customs p17
C2.3 Power to Decide all Craft matters p17 C2.4 Power to Grant and Revoke
Warrants p17 C2.1 Power to make Laws and
Regulations p17
3
Section Page C2.5 Title of Grand Master p17 C2.6 The Grand Master’s
Purpose P17
C3 ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
C3.1 Annual Communication, When Held p17
C3.13 Appeal from decision of
GM during GL Sessions p18 C3.7 Appointment of Grand
Secretary p18 C3.4 Election of Officers p17 C3.9 Eligibility for Office P18 C3.16 Grand Lodge Ceremony
Only p19 C3.14 Grand Lodge Emergent
Communication p19 C3.7 Grand Secretary Appointment p18 C3.15 Emergent Communication
Quorum p19 C3.10 Ineligibility for certain
Offices p18 C3.11 Lodge Erasure or
Member Expulsion p18 C3.12 No vote if returns
Neglected p18 C3.6 Officers to be Appointed p18 C3.5 Officers to be Elected p17 C3.2 Quorum Annual
Communication p17 C3.8 Requirements for GL
Officers p18 C3.3 Who Shall Preside p17
C4 CRAFT LODGE C4.10 Before installing
elected officers p20
C4.23 Consolidation of Lodges p21
Section Page
C4.11 Date of Installation p20
C4.15 Does not preclude Re-election p20
C4.6 Election to be confirmed p19
C4.7 Failure to Elect Officers p19
C4.24 Failure of Lodge to Meet p22
C4.17 Filling a Vacancy in a Lodge p21
C4.9 Installation on St. John’s Day p20
C4.21 Lodge may not move without permission p21
C4.20 Lodge Precedence p21
C4.3 Lodge Seal p19
C4.19 Lodge Property p21
C4,2 Necessary Craft Lodge Officers p19
C4.18 New Warranted Lodge Bylaws p21
C1.13 Officers Cannot Resign or Demit p20
C4.12 Officers Installed in Person P20
C4.5 Officers to be elected p19
C1.16 Only at annual election of officers p20
C4.8 Pre-requisites for Deacon or Wardens p20
C4.1 Purpose of the Craft Lodge p19
C4.14 Removal from Office p20
C4.22 Voluntary Dissolution of a Lodge p21 C4.4 Who may assume Worshipful
Master’s Chair p19
C5 GRAND LODGE REGALIA AND INSIGNIA
C5.3 Jewels p22
C5.2 Must wear proper clothing p22
C5.4 Only Jewels to be worn p23
C5.1 Proper to be worn p22
4
Section Page
APRONS
C5.6 Aprons worn by the other Grand Lodge officers, except the Grand Stewards p23
C5.5 Grand Master p23 C5.7 Grand Stewards p23 C5.9 Past District Deputy
Grand Masters p24 C5.10 Past Grand Director of
Ceremonies p24 C5.8 Past Grand Masters p24 C5.11 Other Past Grand Officers p24
COLLARS
C5.12 Grand Lodge Officers p24
C5.13 Past Grand Officer Collars p24
CUFFS
C5.14 Cuffs p24
C6 CRAFT LODGE REGALIA AND INSIGNIA
C6.10 Affiliated Brethren p26
C6.8 Aprons of Past Worshipful Masters p25 C6.2 Collars p25
C6.3 Cuffs p25
C6.4 Entered Apprentice Apron p25
C6.9 Exceptions p26
C6.5 Fellow Craft Apron p25
C6.1 Jewels p24
C6.6 Master Mason Apron p25
C6.7 Warden’s Apron p25
C6.11 Where Regalia may be worn p26
5
Section Page
REGULATIONS
PART 1 - GRAND LODGE
REGULATION 1 - ANNUAL COMMUNICATION p27
R1.16 Additions for JGW candidates p29
R1.12 Addressing Annual Communication p28
R1.20 Ballot Papers p29
R1.10 Election of Officers p28
R1.14 Election Timing p28
R1.18 Exceptions p29
R1.9 Extra Vote p28
R1.22 Filling a Vacancy p29
R1.26 Honorary Members of Grand lodge p30
R1.11 How Election of officers decided p28
R1.13 Information in Masonic Electronic Bulletin p28
R1.2 New Business p27
R1.27 Nomination Procedure for Past Grand Rank p30
R1.15 Nomination Requirements p28
R1.19 Number of Votes p29
R1.1 Order of Business p27
R1.25 Past Grand Rank p30
R1.8 Proxies p28
R1.5 Porch Book p27
R1.23 Rank and Precedence p30
R1.28 Ranks for Past Grand Officers p30
R1.17 Submission Deadline Waiver p29
R1.7 How Voting Completed p28
R1.21 When Vacancy Occurs p29
Section Page
R1.4 Who Admitted p27
R1.3 Who May Vote p27
R1.24 Worshipful Masters and Wardens p30
REGULATION 2 – RESOLUTIONS p31
R2.2 Must be in Writing p31
R2.1 Resolutions p31
REGULATION 3 - GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS p31
R3.3 Duties p31
R3.1 Purpose p31
R3.7 Reporting p31
R3.8 Scrutineers p31
REGULATION 4 - GRAND LODGE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES p32
R4.4 Agenda p32
R4.3 Call of Meeting p32
R4.1 Composition p32
R4.2 Quorum p32
REGULATION 5 - GRAND LODGE TRIAL COMMISSION p32
R5.15 Absence of accused p33
R5.19 Appeal Hearing p34
R5.18 Appeal of Judgment p34
R5.2 Appointments p32
R516 Chairman Decides all Questions p33
R5.5 Charge filed with Grand Secretary p32
R5.9 Duty to formulate Rules p33
6
Section Page
R5.23 Expelled Brother Procedure p34
R5.10 Guilty plea accepted p33
R5.14 If accused does not attend p33
R5.3 Laying of Charge Procedure p32
R5.25 Lodge applies to lift Expulsion p35
R5.4 Must be written and give particulars p32
R5.11 Must obey Summons p33
R5.24 Procedure, if Lodge extinct p35
R5.7 Prosecutor appointed p33
R5.1 Purpose p32
R5.20 Reinstatement, when suspended p34
R5.17 Sentences available p34
R5.13 Service by Mail p33
R5.12 Service in Person p33
R5.8 The accused may choose Counsel p33
R5.6 Upon receipt of Notice p33
REGULATION 6 - DUTIES OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS p35
Appointed Officers p41
Deputy Grand Master
R6.19 Authority and Duties p37
R6.2o Successor in the event of Absence p37
District Deputy Grand Masters
R6.47 Division of GL Jurisdiction p40 R6.48 Appointment at
Annual Communication p40
R6.49 Qualifications p40
Section Page
R6.50 Privilege of DDGM p40
R6.51 Advisor of Benevolent Fund p40
R6.52 Must Examine Lodge Records p40
R6.53 Power to Preside p40
R6.54 Power to Summon p40
R6.55 Power to Investigate p40
R6.56 Duties p40
R6.64 District Education Officer p41
Grand Master
R6.1 Prerogative p35
R6.2 Member of all Committees p35
R6.3 Member of all Lodges p35
R6.4 Jurisdiction Powers p35
R6.6 May Direct Charges p36
R6.7 May Send Officers p36
R6.8 May Summon Officers p36
R6.9 May Suspend p36
R6.10 May Relieve Suspension p36
R6.11 May Grant Dispensations p36
R6.12 Power to Decide Questions p36
R6.13 Masonic Publication p36
R6.14 May Appoint Representative p37
R6.15 When Visiting Lodges p37
R6.16 Official Communication to Grand Master p37
R6.17 Abuse of Powers p37
Grand Secretary
R6.30 Duties and Authority p38
Grand Treasurer
R6.23 Duties and Authority p38
Grand Wardens p37
7
Section Page
REGULATION 7 - GRAND LODGE STANDING COMMITTEES p43 R7.1 Committees to be Appointed p43
R7.2 Standing Committees p43
R7.3 Matters Directed to Committee Chairman p43
R7.4 Powers of Chairman p43
R7.5 Reporting p43
R7.6 Quorum for Meetings p43
Committees
Finance Committee p43
Auditors p44
Warranted Lodges & Lodges Under Dispensation p45
Grand Lodge Communication p45
Lodge Buildings p45
Jurisprudence p45
Rituals Committee p46
Education and Leadership p46
Constitution p46
Community Relations p46
Fraternal Relations p46
Mediation p47
REGULATION 8 AD HOC COMMITTEES p48
REGULATION 9 GRAND LODGE FUNDS p48
Benevolent Fund p48
Emergency Relief Fund p49
Library and Archives Fund p51
Section Page
Life and Perpetual Membership Fund p53
Masonic Building Fund p51
Masonic Bursary Fund p50
Masonic Community Charities Fund p52
PART 2 – CRAFT LODGES
REGULATION 10 - FEES AND ASSESSMENTS p55
R10.6 Assessments Due p56
R10.1 Fee schedule p55
R10.2 Per Capita Assessment p55
R10.7 When Lodge Dues remitted p56
REGULATION 11 - LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION p57
R11.9 By-laws p57
R11.2 Dispensation may be Granted p56
R11.3 Grand Lodge officers to organize p56
R11.6 May petition for Warrant p57
R11.10 Members’ standing if Dispensation withdrawn p57
R11.4 Petitioner’s Membership not Forfeited p57
R11.7 Regulations p57
R11.1 Requirements to obtain Dispensation p56
R11.5 Returns to be made p57
R11.8 Who performs Constitution p57
REGULATION 12 - LODGE OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH p58
R12.5 Ashlar College p58
8
Section Page
R12.4 Grand Master may cancel License p58
R12.3 Must keep Minutes p58
R12.1 Purpose p58
R12.2 Special License required p58
REGULATION 13 - LODGE OF INSTRUCTION
R13.2 Authority required p58
R13.5 Disposal of Property when withdrawn p59
R13.3 Must keep Minutes p59
R13.6 Notice to Grand Secretary p59
R13.1 Purpose P58
R13.4 Sponsor may withdraw Authority p59
REGULATION 14 FUNERAL LODGE p59 R14.2 Grand Master may Authorize p59
R14.8 Limitation of Unaffiliated Freemason p60
R14.6 Masonic Funerals – Residents p60
R14.7 Masonic Funerals - Sojourners p60
R14.4 Power to cancel license p59
R14.1 Purpose p59
R14.5 Request necessary p59
R14.3 Rules and Regulations p59
REGULATION 15 CRAFT LODGES p60 R15.19 Circulars Prohibited p62 R15.18 Exclusion from Prohibition on publication of minutes p62
Section Page R15.16 Grand Lodge Certificate
must be Signed p62
R15.1 Grand Lodge Warrant is required for a Lodge p60
R15.11 Honorary Members p61
R15.13 Job’s Daughters or DeMolay Sponsorships p61
R15.5 Jurisdiction over Members p60
R15.4 Lodge Membership p60
R15.14 Lodge Porch Book p61
R15.12 Lodge Sporting Sponsorships p61
R15.15 Master Mason Certificate to be procured p61
R15.8 Master Masons have the right to ballot or vote p61
R15.3 Penalty for Not Making Returns p60
R15.9 Procedure for Voting p61
R15.17 Publication of Minutes prohibited p62
R15.6 Representation in Grand Lodge p60
R15.2 Returns and Payments to Grand Lodge p60
R15.7 Right to Instruct p60
R15.21 Right to regulate own Proceedings p62
R15.20 Use of Audio/Visual Equipment p62
R15.10 Worshipful Master may require Ballot p61
REGULATION 16 - CRAFT LODGE POWERS p62
R16.2 All Members to acknowledge By-laws p62
R16.5 Cessation of dues on demit p63
R16.8 Dues Retained by Lodge p63
R16.1 Masonic Privileges deprived p63
R16.3 May remit dues p63
9
Section Page
R16.4 May suspend for NPD p63
R16.10 No dues charged p63
R16.1 Power to compose By-laws p62
R16.5 Process of suspension for non-payment of dues p63
R16.7 Reinstatement from Suspension p63
REGULATION 17 - LIMITS OF CRAFT LODGE POWERS
R17.3 Cannot Adjourn p64
R17.5 Cannot Incorporate p64
R17.4 Cannot suspend By-laws p64
R17.6 Limit to Degrees Conferred p64
R17.7 Minimum Fee for three Degrees p64
R17.1 No Travelling Certificates p64
R17.2 Use of Dedicated Room p64
REGULATION 18 - CRAFT LODGE COMMUNICATION p64
R18.3 Business in any Degree p64
R18.10 Expenses Incurred by the Host Lodge p65
R18.5 Grand Lodge Officers to Receive Notices p65
R18.6 Official Visit of Grand Master Procedure p65
R18.2 Place and Time of Meeting p64
R18.7 Prior to the entrance of the Grand Master p65
R18.4 Quorum p65
R18.8 The Grand Master and his Suite p65
R18.1 Time necessary for Notices p64
R18.9 Unless otherwise directed by the Grand Master p65
Section Page
REGULATION 19 – DUTIES OF CRAFT LODGE OFFICERS p65
R19.14 Other Officers p67
R19.11 Past Master Privileges p66
R19.13 Secretary p67
R19.10 The Wardens and Deacons p66
Worshipful Master p65
R19.1 Purpose p65
R19.2 Eligibility p66
R19.3 Powers p66
R19.4 Custodian of Warrant p66
R19.5 Responsibility p66
R19.6 Instruction and Examination p66
R19.7 To see all monies accounted for p66
R19.8 No Appeal from Worshipful Master p66
R19.9 May Obtain Past Masters Certificate p66
R19.12 Worshipful Master and Wardens Summons p67
REGULATION 20 - PETITIONERS AND CANDIDATES p67
R20.12 Advancement after Ballot p69
R20.13 Advancement after Initiation p70
R20.18 Application for Affiliation p70
R20.8 Balloting p69
R20.16 Candidates may receive Degrees in any Lodge p70
R20.6 Committee Report Unfavourable p68
R20.7 Conditions For Withdrawal p68
R20.17 Degrees conferred by Ritual Teams p70
R20.14 Examination in Open Lodge p70
10
Section Page R20.11 Objection to Petitioner
or Candidate p69
R20.2 Permissible Questions p68
R20.4 Petition Form p68
R20.9 Petitioners from Canadian Forces p69
R20.5 Procedure on receiving Petition p68
R20.1 Qualifications p67
R20.15 Reinstatement after twelve months p70
R20.10 Time Limit after Election p69
R20.3 Time to elapse for Rejected Petition p68
REGULATION 21 – BRETHREN p70
R21.3 Demit to Brethren when Lodge Extinct p71
R21.8 Demits to Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft p71
R21.4 Demits to Members (Resignation) p71
R21.2 Majority of Members demit power to retain warrant p71
R21.1 Must obey Summons p70
R21.9 Refund for Unmasonic Conduct p71
R21.7 Reinstatement p71
R21.6 Status and Privileges while holding a Demit p71
R21.6 What a Demit signifies p71
REGULATION 22 – DECORUM p72
R22.5 Acceptable Jewels to be worn p72
R22.1 Members remain seated p72
R22.3 Point of Order p72
R22.4 Speak Only Once p72
R22.2 Speaker to Stand p72
Section Page
REGULATION 23 – VISITORS p72
R23.3 Examination Committee for Visitors p72
R23.5 Member may object to Visitor p73
R23.4 Must have documentary evidence p72
R23.6 The Tyler’s Oath p73
R23.2 Vouching for Visitors p72
R23.1 Who May Visit p72
REGULATION 24 – GENERAL p73
R24.1 Masonic Picnic p73
R24.2 Procession in Public p73
REGULATION 25 LONG SERVICE RECOGNITION p73
R25.1 Long Service eligibility p73
R25.2 Twenty-five to Forty-five Years p73
R25.3 Fifty Years p73
R25.4 Sixty, Seventy, Seventy-five Years p74
R25.5 Grand Lodge provides at cost p73
R25.6 Masonic Medal of Merit p74
The Charges Of A Free Mason p75
Aims and Relationships of the Craft p81
Amity Resolutions p83
11
ABBREVIATIONS
BC & Y - means British Columbia and Yukon.
BGP - means Board of General Purposes
C - means a constitutional element
DDGM - means District Deputy Grand
Master
EA - means Entered Apprentice
FC - means Fellow Craft
GL - means the Grand Lodge of British
Columbia and Yukon
GL of BC & Y - means the Grand Lodge of
British Columbia and Yukon
GM - means Grand Master
GS - means Grand Secretary
JW – means Junior Warden
MM - means Master Mason
NPD - means non-payment of dues
R - means a regulation
RW - means Right Worshipful
SW – means Senior Warden
WM - means Worshipful Master
DEFINITIONS
In the Constitution and Regulations, and in
any Ceremonies authorized under them,
unless the context requires otherwise, the
words and terms have the meanings set out
below:
“Ample Form” means, if the Grand Master
is present, Grand Lodge is declared to be
opened or closed in Ample Form.
“Ancient Landmarks” means those
essentials of Freemasonry without any one
of which it would no longer be Freemasonry.
“Applicant” — (See “Petitioner”)
“Assessments” means the per capita
amounts levied and approved at the Annual
Communication by Grand Lodge and
payable by the Lodges.
“Ballot” means to vote upon secretly - the
method of secret voting.
“Brother” means an Entered Apprentice,
Fellow Craft or Master Mason belonging to a
Lodge in this jurisdiction or a jurisdiction
recognized by this Grand Lodge.
“Candidate” means a person who has been
accepted for membership by ballot but is not
a Master Mason.
“Charter” — (See “Warrant”)
“Clandestine” means a body of
Freemasons uniting in a Lodge (known as
“Clandestine”)
(a) without the consent of a Grand
Lodge recognized by this Grand
Lodge, or
12
(b) although originally legally
constituted, continuing to work after
its Charter has been revoked,
(c) continuing to work after its Grand
Lodge recognition has been withheld
or withdrawn by this Grand Lodge.
Anyone made in, or affiliated with, a
“Clandestine” Lodge is known as a
“Clandestine” Mason. A number of
such Lodges associated together as
a Grand Lodge is known as a
“Clandestine Grand Lodge.” The term
“Clandestine” is sometimes used to
describe an irregularly made Mason,
an irregularly constituted Lodge, and
an irregularly formed Grand Lodge.
“Commission” means a written
authorization by the Grand Master for a
Brother, or group of Brethren, to act for and
in the place of the Grand Master in the
performance of a duty which would otherwise
require to be performed by the Grand Master
personally.
“Communication” means that period of time
from the Opening up to and including the
Closing of a Meeting.
“Courtesy” means a Lodge can confer one
or more degrees free of charge at the
request of a Lodge in this or another
recognized Jurisdiction, if satisfied the
applicant has received the previous Degree
or Degrees.
“Craft” means, in speculative masonry, all
things appertaining to symbolic masonry
and/or to the whole body of Freemasons,
wherever dispersed.
“Demit” means a certificate issued by proper
authority to a Brother who has withdrawn or
resigned his membership in a Lodge or
issued to a Member of an erased Lodge.
“Direction” — (See “Regulation”)
“Dispensation” means a written
authorization issued by the Grand Master to
an Officer, Lodge or Member to do
something which would otherwise be
unlawful without it.
“Due Form” means, if the Grand Master is
absent and the Deputy Grand Master or a
Past Grand Master presides, Grand Lodge is
declared to be opened or closed in Due
Form.
“Dues” means monies paid by a Member to
his Lodge.
“Edict” means a ruling brought to the floor of
Grand Lodge by the Grand Master in his
year as a Motion and subsequently approved
by the membership of Grand Lodge. It
remains in effect after that, and has the
same power and authority, as a Regulation.
“Erasure” means the removal of a Lodge
from the register of Lodges by the GM upon
the recommendation of the BGP.
“Expulsion” means an absolute deprivation
of all the rights and privileges of the
Fraternity. It prohibits all Freemasons and
Lodges from holding any Masonic
intercourse with the one expelled unless he
is restored by Grand Lodge. It is the highest
penalty known to Masonic Law.
“Fees” means monies paid by a Lodge to
Grand Lodge.
“Form” means Grand Lodge is declared to
be opened or closed in Form when both the
Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master are
absent and some other Member of Grand
Lodge, other than a Past Grand Master,
presides.
13
“Good Standing” refers to the status of a
Member of a Lodge, including an Honorary
or Life Member, who has paid all dues
owing, including those for the current year, to
his Lodge and is free from any Masonic
charges.
“Grand Lodge” means the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted
Masons of British Columbia and Yukon and
includes all its Members in good standing.
“Grand Master” means the title that applies
to him, and to him only, who has been
elected and installed as Most Worshipful
Grand Master. Where the context requires, it
may apply to the officer for the time being
presiding over Grand Lodge.
“Irregular” — (See “Clandestine”)
“Lewis” means a Brother whose father is or
was a Master Mason of any recognized
jurisdiction.
“Lodge” means a Lodge of this Grand
Jurisdiction that has been issued a Warrant
and has been duly constituted by Grand
Lodge. It includes a Lodge meeting under a
Dispensation from the Grand Master or
Grand Lodge.
“Member” — MEMBER OF THE CRAFT –
means a Master Mason, in good standing, of
a Lodge in this Jurisdiction but, for the
purposes of Masonic discipline only, is
deemed to include a Brother.
“Member” — MEMBER OF GRAND LODGE
– means all Members of the Craft occupying
the Principal Officer positions in a Lodge and
all Past Masters.
“Month” means a calendar month.
“Motion” means a proposal by a Member,
expressed verbally or in writing where
necessary, to add to, delete from, or amend
existing instructions.
“Notice” means a call issued by the
secretary by order of the Lodge or
Worshipful Master or by some other
competent authority to attend for some
specific purpose at the time and place
indicated and to perform some specific duty
set forth.
“Ordinance” — (See “Regulation”)
“Past Master” means the title that applies to
him and to him only who has been regularly
elected by a Lodge and installed, or who has
been named in a Warrant and installed, and
has served a full term as Worshipful Master
of a Lodge.
“Petitioner” means a person who, not being
a Member of the Craft, has made written
application to become one, or who, being a
Member of the Craft, has made written
application to join a Lodge by affiliation.
“Proper Clothing” means the appropriate
regalia for the officer or member.
“Proxy” means a Member of Grand Lodge
who has been duly elected by the Lodge to
represent the Worshipful Master or either of
the Wardens at a Communication of Grand
Lodge if the Lodge Officer is unable to be
present.
“Rank” means the designation attached and
relating to a position or office held at present
or in the past.
“Regulation” means any resolution, edict,
direction or ordinance passed or approved
by Grand Lodge, or any of its duly authorized
officers.
“Reinstate” means the Brother becomes a
full Member of the Lodge from which he was
14
expelled following restoration by Grand
Lodge.
“Resolution” means a proposal to change
an existing portion or a proposal to include a
new portion to the Constitution or
Regulations.
“Restoration” means the reinstatement by
Grand Lodge of any Member who has been
expelled.
“Ruling” means a proclamation or stated
decision made by the Grand Master during
his term of office and one which terminates
with him when his term of office expires
unless it is adopted as an edict (or
Regulation) by Grand Lodge.
“Station” means a position assigned to a
Brother by election or appointment to which
specific duties are assigned.
“Summons” means an imperative order in
writing issued under the seal of the Lodge by
the Worshipful Master, or by some other
competent authority, requiring the Member to
whom it is addressed to appear at a time and
place as may be designated in it and for the
purposes set out.
“Suspension of Freemason” means a
temporary deprivation of all his rights and
privileges as such. It prohibits all
Freemasons and Lodges from holding any
Masonic intercourse with him until the
suspension has ceased.
“Suspension of Lodge” means an arrest of
its Warrant and a temporary prohibition to
assemble or work as a Lodge until again
authorized to do so by competent authority.
“Suspension of Worshipful Master” means
a temporary deprivation of his office and
prohibits all recognition of him in that
capacity until reinstated by competent
authority.
“Title” means the identifying of an
appointment or office.
“Vote” means an indication, by show of
hands, or by ballot, of a Member’s choice on
a subject under discussion.
“Warrant” means the written authority
issued by Grand Lodge to a Constituent
Lodge to meet and act as a Lodge.
“Worshipful Master” means the title which
applies to him and to him only who has been
elected and installed or invested as
Worshipful Master of a Lodge.
15
CONSTITUTION
C1 GOVERNANCE Name and Organization C1.1 The name of Grand Lodge is ”The Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free
and Accepted Masons of British Columbia
and Yukon.” Grand Lodge is the governing
body of Freemasons in its jurisdiction.
Seal
C1.2 The following is adopted as the seal of
Grand Lodge and must be applied to all
instruments Issued by and under its
authority. [Insert seal]
Purpose of Grand Lodge
C1.3 The primary purpose of GL is to
establish perfect fraternal harmony and to
promote the lasting welfare of the Masonic
fraternity in British Columbia and the Yukon
as set out in the Aims and Relationships of
the Craft (Appendix B)
C1.3.1 The GL of BC &Y is in amity with
other Grand Lodges and other Masonic
Bodies throughout the World and must
maintain this goodwill by promoting,
maintaining and encouraging the principles
of our Fraternity. (Appendix C)
Jurisdiction
C1.4 The Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge
includes all Masonic Lodges and
Freemasons in British Columbia and Yukon,
and beyond while acting under its authority.
Grand Lodge Certificate
C1.5 For every Member raised, a Lodge
must obtain from the Grand Secretary a
Grand Lodge Certificate. The Member must
sign the certificate to acknowledge that he is
governed by this Constitution and
Regulations.
Grand Lodge Warrant Required
C1.6 An application for a Dispensation to
open a new Lodge must include the
following:
(a) a petition of at least fifteen Master
Masons in good standing;
(b) a certificate of good standing (or a
Demit from a regularly Warranted
Lodge of this or some other
recognized Jurisdiction) of each of
the petitioners;
(c) recommendation from the
Warranted Lodge nearest to the
location of the proposed Lodge.
Where two or more Lodges hold
concurrent jurisdiction the petitioners
must give written notice of their
intention to apply for Dispensation to
each of the Lodges. The petitioners
must obtain the recommendation of
each Lodge or such endorsements as
the District Deputy Grand Master of
the District in which the proposed
new Lodge would be situate directs;
(d) a certificate that the Brethren
selected as Worshipful Master and
Wardens of the proposed Lodge have
appeared in open Lodge before such
Lodge as the District Deputy Grand
Master directs, or before him, and
exemplified the work of the three
Degrees, and that they are
competent to confer the same in a
proper Masonic manner;
(e) a certificate from the District
Deputy Grand Master of the District,
or some other duly qualified Brother
delegated for the purpose by the
Grand Master, certifying that the
petitioners have complied with the
requirements set out in the preceding
16
four clauses, and that in his opinion
the best interests of the Craft will be
advanced by the establishment of the
new Lodge.
Authorized Ritual of the Craft
C1.7 Four rituals are authorized in this
jurisdiction:
(a) The British Columbian Canadian
Work (Can.), as derived from the
Grand Lodge of Canada 1823;
(b) British Columbian "Ancient"
Work, as derived from the "Ancient"
or "Athol" Lodges;
(c) Australian Work, from the 1906
ritual created by the Grand Lodge of
New South Wales;
(d) Emulation Work, from the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement at
Freemason’s Hall, London.
Board of General Purposes
C1.8 The Board of General Purposes is an
advisory body to consult with and
recommend to the GM and GL on matters
which focus on the best interest and
administration of the Craft. The Board of
General Purposes is responsible for all
matters concerning the operation of the
Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons of BC &Y. The Deputy Grand Master
is the chairman of the GL Board of General
Purposes.
Book of Ceremonies
C1.9 The Book of Ceremonies declared by
and published under authority of Grand
Lodge shall be a rule and guide for Grand
Lodge, its Lodges and their Members and all
Members of the Craft in this Grand
Jurisdiction.
Amendments to this Constitution
C1.10 Grand Lodge has full power and
authority at any Communication, by two-
thirds vote of the Members present and by
proxy, to make amendments, alterations and
additions to this Constitution. Notice in
writing of the proposed amendment,
alteration or addition must have been given
at a preceding Communication or sent to the
Grand Secretary by January 1st of the year
of the Communication at which the motion to
amend, alter or add is to be considered.
Amendments to the Regulations
C1.11 Grand Lodge has the power and
authority at any Communication, by a two
thirds vote of the Members present or by
proxy, to amend the Regulations. Notice in
writing of a proposed amendment must be
given at a preceding Communication or sent
to the Grand Secretary by January 1st of the
year in which the proposed amendment is to
be considered.
Re-presentation of Defeated Amendment
C1.12 A proposed amendment which has
been defeated at two consecutive Grand
Lodge Communications may not again be
placed before Grand Lodge in the same or
substantially similar form embodying the
same or substantially similar principles for a
further period of three years.
Time Notice
C1.13 A copy of any proposed amendment,
alteration or addition to this Constitution must
be sent by the Grand Secretary to each of
the Lodges by March 1st.
Repeal
C1.14 All laws and regulations inconsistent
or in conflict with or in contravention of this
Constitution, and any portion of a former
17
Constitution not incorporated here, are
deemed repealed.
C2 GRAND LODGE Power to make Laws and Regulations
C2.1 Only Grand Lodge has the power to
enact Laws and Regulations for the
government of the Craft in its jurisdiction.
Grand Lodge may from time to time use
Masonic documents such as the “The
Charges of a Freemason” as extracted from
the ancient Records of Lodges beyond the
sea and those in England, Ireland and
Scotland (Appendix A) as a bases for its
Laws, Regulations and Decisions. When
used for this purpose these documents have
the same authority as this Constitution.
Must Preserve Ancient Usages and
Customs
C2.2 The Ancient usages and established
customs of the Institution must be preserved.
Power to Decide all Craft matters
C2.3 Grand Lodge has the power of
investigating, regulating and deciding all
matters relating to the Craft in its jurisdiction.
Power to Grant and Revoke Warrants
C2.4 Grand Lodge has the power to grant,
revoke and to suspend Warrants or
Dispensations.
Title of Grand Master
C2.5 The rank and title of the Grand Master
is "The Most Worshipful Grand Master of
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of
British Columbia and Yukon.”
The Grand Master’s Purpose
C2.6 The Grand Master’s purpose is to lead
the Lodges and Freemasons within this
Masonic jurisdiction. He provides vision and
strategic direction to the jurisdiction. He
understands the needs of the Freemasons in
the jurisdiction and he enhances and
supports the purpose of Grand Lodge.
C3 ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
Annual Communication, When Held
C3.1 The Annual Communication to conduct
GL business must be held on the Friday
immediately preceding St. John’s Day, and
the following days in June, at a place that
Grand Lodge may direct and at an hour set
by the Grand Master.
Quorum
C3.2 A quorum of no fewer than twenty
Lodges must be represented to conduct
business at the Annual Grand Lodge
Communication.
Who Shall Preside
C3.3 At a Grand Lodge Communication, the
Grand Master must preside, but in the event
of his death or absence, his station may be
filled in the following order:
(a) Deputy Grand Master;
(b) Senior Grand Warden;
(c) Junior Grand Warden; or
(d) most recent Past Grand Master
present, who will have the same
powers while presiding as the Grand
Master.
Election of Officers
C3.4 The election and appointment of all
officers of Grand Lodge takes place at the
Annual Communication. Officers must be
installed in person. They hold their offices
for one year or until their successors have
been regularly installed.
Officers to be elected
C3.5 The following officers must be elected
by ballot:
(a) Grand Master,
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(b) Deputy Grand Master,
(c) Senior Grand Warden,
(d) Junior Grand Warden,
(e) Grand Treasurer.
Officers to be appointed
C3.6 The following officers are appointed by
the Grand Master:
(a) District Deputy Grand Masters,
(b) Grand Director of Ceremonies,
(c) Grand Historian,
(d) Senior Grand Deacon,
(e) Junior Grand Deacon,
(f) Grand Superintendent of Works,
(g) Grand Marshal,
(h) Grand Sword Bearer,
(i) Grand Standard Bearer,
(j) Grand Pursuivant,
(k) Grand Stewards (not exceeding
12),
(l) Grand Chaplain,
(m) Grand Director of Music, and
(n) Grand Tyler.
Grand Secretary Appointment
C3.7 There shall be a Grand Secretary who
is appointed by a committee consisting of the
Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand
Treasurer and the Chairmen of the Standing
Committees on Finance, Jurisprudence and
Constitution. Any appointment made must be
reported by the Grand Master to Grand
Lodge at the next Annual Communication.
Grand Lodge may confirm the appointment
or direct the Committee to consider a new
appointment. The appointment continues
from year to year until a new appointment is
made in a similar manner.
Requirements for GL Officers
C3.8 Only a Member of Grand Lodge can
hold office except as Grand Chaplain, Grand
Director of Music or Grand Tyler. An
absentee from the annual communication
cannot be elected or appointed to office
unless a Member of Grand Lodge is
prepared to guarantee his acceptance.
Eligibility for Office
C3.9 No Brother is eligible for elective office
or appointment as District Deputy Grand
Master unless he has attained the rank of
Past Master.
Ineligibility for certain Offices
C3.10 A Worshipful Master is not eligible for
the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand
Master or District Deputy Grand Master. The
Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master or a
District Deputy Grand Master is not eligible
for installation as Worshipful Master.
Lodge Erasure or Member Expulsion
C3.11 A motion to erase a Lodge or expel a
Member cannot be decided until after the
Worshipful Master and Officers of the Lodge,
or the Member to be expelled, have been
summoned by registered mail or personally
informed to appear at Grand Lodge to show
why such action should not be enforced.
No vote if returns neglected
C3.12 If any Lodge neglects to make its
returns and payments to Grand Lodge before
the Annual Communication, the Worshipful
Master, Wardens, or other representatives of
the Lodge are not allowed to vote at any GL
communication.
Appeal from decision of GM during GL
Sessions
C3.13 While Grand Lodge is in session, a
Member may appeal a decision of the Grand
Master, stating briefly the grounds for the
appeal. The Grand Master may then affirm
the reasons for his decision, and, without
further debate, will put to the vote the
19
question. The decision of Grand Lodge must
be announced following the vote.
Grand Lodge Emergent Communication
C3.14 The Grand Master, or his authorized
Grand Lodge Principal Officer, may call an
Emergent Communication of Grand Lodge at
a place and time he may determine. The
notice calling the Emergent Communication
must state the reason for convening Grand
Lodge and no other business may be
conducted at that Communication.
Quorum
C3.15 No fewer than twenty lodges must be
represented for the conduct of business at
an emergent communication.
Grand Lodge Ceremony Only
C3.16 Where a ceremony only is to be
conducted, the Grand Master or his
authorized representative with a sufficient
number of Brethren to fill the stations, may at
any time open Grand Lodge, perform the
ceremony for which it was convened, and
close.
C4 CRAFT LODGE Purpose of the Craft Lodge
C4.1 A Masonic Lodge is the basic
organisational unit of Freemasonry.
Freemasons meet as a Lodge not in a
Lodge. The Craft Lodge furthers Masonic
scholarship, confers the EA, FC and MM
degrees and helps a man to a more
satisfactory meaning of life. It promotes
Freemasonry as a way of life, a code of
conduct, a pattern of behaviour and
philosophy subscribing to the Golden Rule.
Necessary Craft Lodge Officers
C4.2 The officers of a Lodge are the
Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden, the
Junior Warden, the Immediate Past Master,
the Treasurer, the Secretary, two Deacons,
two Stewards, an Inner Guard and a Tyler
and other officers as the Lodge may by By-
law deem appropriate for the working of the
Lodge. They hold office until their successors
have been installed.
Lodge Seal
C4.3 All documents issued by a Lodge must
have the Lodge Seal affixed, as appropriate.
An impression of the Seal must be sent to
the Grand Secretary. Whenever a Seal is
changed, an impression of the new Seal
must be sent to the Grand Secretary.
Who may assume Worshipful Master’s
Chair
C4.4 Only an Installed Master may assume
the Worshipful Master’s Chair.
Officers to be elected
C4.5 The Worshipful Master, Wardens and
Treasurer must be elected annually by
written ballot, and a majority of the votes cast
is necessary to elect. When one Member
only is nominated for an elected office, no
ballot is necessary and the nominee may be
declared elected by acclamation. All other
officers may be appointed by the Worshipful
Master, or elected, as the By-laws of the
Lodge direct.
Election to be confirmed
C4.6 Prior to the installation of officers, the
election of all elected officers must be
confirmed. If the election for the Worshipful
Master is not confirmed then a new election
must occur at the next regular
communication.
Failure to Elect Officers
C4.7 A Lodge that fails to elect any of its
elected officers by the time set out in its By-
laws must immediately apply for a
20
Dispensation from the Grand Master to hold
an election and installation as soon as
possible. The Dispensation must be
recorded in the Lodge minutes.
Pre-requisites for Deacon or Wardens
C4.8 No Member may be installed as
Deacon or Warden until he has received his
Master Mason certificate.
Installation on St. John’s Day
C4.9 For the purpose of the Installation of
Officers, St. John the Baptist’s Day, or St.
John the Evangelist’s Day may be
considered a Regular Communication when
provided for in the By-laws of the Lodge. No
business other than the confirmation of the
election, the installation of officers, and
receiving of annual reports, may be done.
Before Installing Elected Officers
C4.10 Before installing elected officers, their
election must be confirmed in open Lodge. If
the election of the Worshipful Master is not
confirmed, then a notice for a new election
must be issued for the next regular
Communication of the Lodge. If that election
is confirmed, then the installation of Officers
must occur at the following Communication
of the Lodge.
Date of Installation
C4.11 Officers may be installed at the next
Regular Communication following the
election or at such time as may be
prescribed by the Lodge By-laws. The
secrets of an Installed master must be
communicated by a Board of Installed
Masters attended only by Installed Masters.
Officers Installed in Person
C4.12 Officers must be installed in person. If
the elected or appointed officer is not
present, he must be installed at the next
Regular Communication of the Lodge that he
attends. If any officer fails to attend for
installation for two Regular Communications
after his election or appointment, the Lodge
may, by a majority vote, declare his election
or appointment revoked and another
Member must be elected or appointed in his
stead.
Officers Cannot Resign or Demit
C4.13 An officer of a Lodge cannot resign or
demit his office during his term and every
installed officer holds office until his
successor has been installed, unless his
office becomes vacant by;
(a) death;
(b) deprivation of office;
(c) relocation from the Jurisdiction;
(e) suspension or expulsion from the
Craft;
(f) resignation for health reasons.
Removal from Office
C4.14 Any Officer, except the Worshipful
Master, may be removed from office for
cause as determined by the Lodge. If the
Worshipful Master is dissatisfied with the
conduct of any of his Officers, he may lay the
complaint before the Lodge and, if the
majority of the Members present support the
complaint, he has the power to displace that
Officer. Another Officer must then be elected
or appointed in his stead.
Does not preclude Re-election
C4.15 Removal from office does not
preclude a Member from subsequent re-
election to the same office.
Only at Annual Election of Officers
C4.16 Elective offices may only be filled at
the Annual Election prescribed in the Lodge
By-laws.
21
Filling a Vacancy in a Lodge
C4.17 The Worshipful Master may appoint
an Officer to fill a vacant appointed office in
his Lodge for the unexpired term.
New Warranted Lodge Bylaws
C4.18 Where a new Lodge is warranted in a
community where there is already a Lodge or
Lodges, the Bylaws will not be approved by
the Grand Master unless the fees and dues
are equal to or higher than the lowest set by
any other Lodge in the same community.
The Grand Master will not approve any
Lodge By-law amendment to set fees or
dues lower than that of the lowest already
set by a Lodge or Lodges in the same
community.
Lodge Property
C4.19 The jewels, furniture, properties and
funds of every Lodge belong to and are the
property of the Worshipful Master, Wardens
and Members of such Lodge [in Trust] while
lawfully holding its Warrant or Dispensation.
C4.19.1 When any Lodge surrenders or
forfeits its Warrant or Dispensation, all its
properties, funds, books and records, at the
time of dissolution, become the property of
Grand Lodge.
Lodge Precedence
C4.20 Precedence of a Lodge is determined
by its Warrant number as recorded by Grand
Lodge.
Lodge may not move without permission
C4.21 A Lodge cannot relocate its meeting
place from the building or from the City,
Town, Village or District named in its
Dispensation or Warrant until;
(a) notice has been given at a
Regular Communication that a
motion to change the location of the
Lodge will be presented at the next
Regular Communication;
(b) the motion has been approved by
written ballot by not less than two-
thirds of the Members present;
(c) the proposal to relocate the Lodge
has been approved by the Grand
Master or Grand Lodge.
Voluntary Dissolution of a Lodge
C4.22 A Lodge may voluntarily surrender its
Warrant and be dissolved using the following
procedure:
(a) notice of a motion to effect the
dissolution, and the date on which it
will be considered, must be given to
the Lodge members in not less than
two consecutive notices, one of which
must be the notice for the Regular
Communication at which the motion
will be considered;
(b) the vote must be by written ballot,
requiring at least three-fourths of the
membership present to vote
favourably on the motion to adopt it;
(c) if seven or more members present
vote against it, the motion fails;
(d) the surrender of Warrant under
this Regulation will occur only upon
confirmation by Grand Lodge or the
Grand Master and be effective on the
date set by it or by him. A voluntary
dissolution, once so confirmed, is not
reversible.
Consolidation of Lodges
C4.23 Two or more Lodges located near
each other may agree to be consolidated into
one using the following procedure:
(a) notice of the motion to effect the
consolidation and the date on which it
will be considered must be given to
the Members of each of these
Lodges by placing it in not less than
22
two consecutive notices, one of which
must be the notice for the Regular
Communication at which the
resolution is to be considered;
(b) the vote must be by a written
ballot, requiring at least three-fourths
of the Members present to vote
favourably on the motion to adopt it;
(c) if seven or more of the Members
of a Lodge present vote against the
motion for consolidation, that Lodge
must not be included in the
consolidation;
(e) a consolidated Lodge may bear
the name and number of one of the
Lodges comprising it, and may retain
the Warrant and Seal of that Lodge.
The Warrant and Seal of the other
Lodge or Lodges must be returned to
Grand Lodge;
(f) if the consolidated Lodge decides
to use the name of one and the
number of another of the
consolidating Lodges, or to take a
new name and number, or to take a
new name and retain the number of
one of the Lodges, the consolidating
Lodges must return their Warrants
and Seals to Grand Lodge. They will
then receive from Grand Lodge a
new Warrant and Seal;
(g) a Lodge consolidation will go into
effect only when all the procedures
necessary have been executed and
approval is received from the Grand
Master or Grand Lodge.
Failure of Lodge to Meet
C4.24 If a Lodge fails to meet for a period of
six months, it cannot be summoned to meet
again without the approval of the Grand
Master. If it fails to meet for a twelve month
period, it may be struck off the roll of Lodges
and its Warrant declared forfeited by Grand
Lodge.
C5 GRAND LODGE REGALIA
AND INSIGNIA
Proper to be Worn
C5.1 On all occasions where the Grand
Officers appear in their official capacities,
they must wear the following clothing and
regalia:
(a) the Grand Master – a gold chain
with nine stars over a blue collar,
cuffs, apron and Jewel;
(b) the Deputy Grand Master, Senior
and Junior Grand Wardens and
District Deputy Grand Masters – a
blue collar, cuffs, apron and jewel;
(c) the Grand Stewards – apron,
crimson collar, and jewel;
(d) all Other Grand Officers – apron,
blue collar and jewel.
Must Wear Proper Clothing
C5.2 Every Member admitted into Grand
Lodge must wear proper clothing, unless the
Grand Master permits an alternative apparel.
Jewels
C5.3 Jewels worn by the Grand Officers are
gold, except those of the Grand Stewards
which are of silver. The Jewels must be:
(a) Grand Master – the compasses
opened to 45 degrees with the
segment of a circle of 60 degrees at
the points, and a gold plate on which
is represented an eye within a
triangle, both irradiated;
(b) Past Grand Master’s collar, jewel,
undress apron and suitable carrying
case shall be purchased by Grand
Lodge as the property of Grand
Lodge to be returned to Grand Lodge
23
within a reasonable time after a Past
Grand Master’s death;
(c) Deputy Grand Master – the
compasses and square united with a
five-pointed star in the centre;
(d) Senior Grand Warden – the level;
(e) Junior Grand Warden – the
plumb;
(f) Grand Treasurer – a chased key;
(g) Grand Secretary – crossed pens;
(h) District Deputy Grand Masters –
the Square, surrounded by a circle
within which is the number of the
district;
(i) Grand Historian – a scroll;
(j) Grand Deacons – a dove with olive
branch;
(k) Grand Superintendent of Works –
a protractor;
(l) Grand Director of Ceremonies –
arms of the Grand Lodge with sword
and baton crossed;
(m) Grand Marshal – crossed rods
with a tie;
(n) Grand Sword Bearer – crossed
swords;
(o) Grand Standard Bearer – crossed
standards with a tie;
(p) Grand Pursuivant – crossed baton
and sword;
(q) Grand Stewards – a cornucopia
between the legs of a pair of
Compasses extended upon an
irradiated plate;
(r) Grand Chaplain – a book in a
triangle;
(s) Grand Director of Music – a
Grecian Lyre;
(t) Grand Tyler – a sword.
C5.3.1 These jewels, except those of the
Grand Master and Grand Stewards, are
placed within a circle of gold inscribed “The
Grand Lodge of British Columbia and
Yukon.”
Only Jewels to be Worn
C5.4 Only jewels which are consistent with
Ancient Craft Freemasonry recognized by
Grand Lodge, namely the Entered
Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason
Degrees, may be worn in Grand Lodge.
APRONS
Grand Master
C5.5 The Grand Master’s apron is lined and
edged with garter blue, bound with gold and
gold tassels. It is ornamented with the
blazing sun embroidered in gold in the
centre, with the pomegranate and the lotus
on the edging, the seven eared wheat at
each corner and on the flap, all in gold
embroidery. The fringe is of gold bullion.
Aprons Worn by Other Grand Lodge
officers, except the Grand Stewards
C5.6 The aprons worn by the other Grand
Lodge officers, except the Grand Stewards,
are of white lambskin sixteen inches wide
and fourteen inches deep. They are edged
with royal blue ribbon, four inches wide and
lined in blue. They have three sets of two
right angles, one on the flap and one on
each lower corner and gold tassels. In the
centre there is a gold embroidered double
circle. Between the lines are the words,
“Grand Lodge of British Columbia and
Yukon,” and, in the centre of the circle, a
gold embroidered jewel of the office. The flap
and edges are bound with gold braid and
edged with gold fringe.
Grand Stewards
C5.7 The Grand Stewards wear aprons of
white lamb skin, fourteen inches wide and
twelve inches deep, lined with crimson and
trimmed with crimson ribbon three and one-
24
half inches wide. They are furnished with
silver tassels and with three sets of two right
angles, one on the flap and one on each
lower corner, also of silver.
Past Grand Masters
C5.8 Past Grand Masters may wear undress
aprons, edged with ribbon of royal blue four
inches wide. The edging on the flap is one
and one-half inches wide. They are furnished
with tassels and with three sets of two right
angles, one on the flap and one on each
lower corner, all of gold or metal gilt. In the
centre of the apron, there is a blue
embroidered blazing sun. There is no lace or
fringe.
Past District Deputy Grand Masters
C5.9 Past District Deputy Grand Masters
may wear aprons similar in every respect to
a Past Grand Master, except that the
emblem is a square surrounded by a circle
four inches in diameter, both to be
embroidered in blue.
Past Grand Director of Ceremonies
C5.10 A Past Grand Director of Ceremonies
may wear an apron similar to that of a Past
District Deputy Grand Master except that the
emblem is the arms of Grand Lodge with
crossed Sword and Baton surrounded by a
circle four inches in diameter, all
embroidered in blue.
Other Past Grand Officers
C5.11 Past Grand Officers holding the rank
of Very Worshipful may wear aprons similar
in every respect to a Past Master, except
that they are edged with royal blue ribbon not
more than two inches wide and lined with
blue. The three sets of two right angles and
the tassels are of metal gilt. In the centre of
the apron, the jewel of the office held as a
Grand Lodge Officer, surrounded by a circle
four inches in diameter, is embroidered in
blue.
COLLARS
Grand Lodge Officers
C5.12 The collars worn by Grand Lodge
officers, except the Grand Stewards, are of
royal blue, four inches wide and bound with
gold braid and lace. The Grand Stewards’
collars are of crimson ribbon, four inches
wide, lined with crimson but with no lace or
fringe.
Past Grand Officer’s Collars
C5.13 All past Grand Officers, except past
Grand Masters, may wear the collar of their
late office, but without the pendant jewel. A
similar, but smaller, jewel may be worn on
the breast. Past Grand Masters are entitled
to wear the chain of their late office, with
pendant jewel of the Compasses opened to
45 degrees, with the segment of a circle of
60 degrees at the points, but with no plate or
other ornamentation.
CUFFS
C5.14 The cuffs worn by the Grand Lodge
Officers are of royal blue, nine inches deep,
with a gold embroidered double circle.
Between the lines are the words “Grand
Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon” and,
in the centre of the circle, a gold
embroidered jewel of the office. They are
bound with gold braid and edged with gold
fringe.
C6 CRAFT LODGE REGALIA
AND INSIGNIA Jewels
C6.1 The jewels of the officers of the Lodges
in this Jurisdiction are of silver colour:
(a) Past Masters – A Square, and the
diagram of Euclid’s 47th proposition
25
engraved on a silver plate pendant
within it;
(b) Worshipful Master – A Square;
(c) Senior Warden – A Level;
(d) Junior Warden – A Plumb;
(e) Treasurer – A Key;
(f) Secretary – Crossed Pens;
(7) Historian – A Scroll;
(g) Senior Deacon – A Dove or
Mallet;
(h) Junior Deacon – A Dove or
Trowel;
(i) Director of Ceremonies – Crossed
Rods;
(j) Director of Masonic Education – A
Lamp of Learning;
(k) Stewards – A Cornucopia;
(m) Inner Guard – Swords;
(n) Chaplain – A Book on a Triangle;
(o) Organist – A Lyre;
(p) Tyler – A Sword;
Collars
C6.2 The collars worn by Lodge Officers are
of light blue, four inches wide and bound with
silver braid. Worshipful Masters and
Immediate Past Masters may wear silver
chains in lieu of broad collars. Worshipful
Masters, when visiting Lodges, may wear
their collars, but no cuffs.
Cuffs
C6.3 The cuffs worn by Lodge Officers are of
light blue, nine inches deep, with a silver
embroidered double circle. Within the lines
of the circle are the name and number of the
Lodge, and in the centre, a silver
embroidered jewel of the office.
Entered Apprentice Apron
C6.4 Entered Apprentices wear an apron of
plain white lambskin, fourteen to sixteen
inches wide and twelve to fourteen inches
deep; square at the bottom and with a
triangular flap; without ornaments.
Fellow Craft Apron
C6.5 Fellow Crafts wear an apron similar to
the Entered Apprentices, with the addition
only, if the Lodge desires, of a sky blue
rosette in each of the two bottom corners.
Master Mason Apron
C6.6 Master Masons wear an apron of white
lambskin similar in size to those of the
Entered Apprentices. They are lined with sky
blue and edged with sky blue ribbon not
more than two inches wide. They are
furnished with silver tassels and with three
sky blue rosettes, one on the flap and one in
each of the two bottom corners. An emblem
of the Lodge as approved by the Grand
Master may be added.
Wardens Apron
C6.7 Wardens may wear an apron the same
as those of the Master Mason with the
addition of an emblem of their office.
Apron of Past Worshipful Masters
C6.8 Past Masters and Worshipful Masters
of Lodges wear an apron similar to that of a
Master Mason, except that in place of the
rosettes, they have three sets of two right
angles, formed by perpendicular lines upon
horizontal line. The length of the horizontal
lines shall be two inches and a half each and
of the perpendicular lines one inch each;
these emblems shall be of silver or of ribbon
half an inch broad, and if of ribbon of the
same colour as the edging and lining. Silver
braid, or silver braid and fringe, together with
an emblem of the lodge as approved by the
Grand Master, may be added.
26
Exceptions
C6.9 Ashlar Lodge No. 3 is permitted to wear
collars of royal blue and aprons trimmed with
the same colour, but in all other respects
they must conform to the requirements for
clothing and insignia of their status of
outlined in this section.
Affiliated Brethren
C6.10 Affiliated Members may wear the
regalia of the jurisdiction from which they
have come. While holding office, they must
wear the regalia of the office which they are
in. The collar of office may be worn either in
place of, or over, the collar of their former
jurisdiction.
Where Regalia may be Worn
C6.11 Without dispensation from the Grand
Master, Masonic regalia may be worn only:
(a) in or near a Lodge that is, or is
about to be, or has recently been,
opened;
(b) at a Masonic funeral or memorial
service;
(c) when attending a Divine Service
organized by the Worshipful Master
of a Lodge or the District Deputy
Grand Master of his District.
27
REGULATIONS
PART 1 - GRAND LODGE
REGULATION 1 - ANNUAL
COMMUNICATION
Order of Business
R1.1 Unless otherwise ordered by the Grand
Master or Grand Lodge, the order of
business at a Communication is as follows:
(a) Opening of Grand Lodge;
(b) confirmation of the appointment of
Committee on Credentials, and such
other committees as may be
necessary;
(c) confirmation of the Minutes;
(d) report from the Grand Master;
(e) reports from;
(1) auditors,
(2) Grand Treasurer,
(3) Grand Secretary,
(4) board of General
Purposes,
(5) District Deputy Grand
Masters,
(6) Grand Historian,
(7) standing committees,
(8) board of trustees of the
benevolent fund,
(9) finance committee on
estimates for the coming year;
(f) deferred business;
(g) new business;
(h) elections, appointment and
installation of officers;
(i) appointment of standing
committees;
(j) closing Grand Lodge;
New Business
R1.2 New business may be considered at
Grand Lodge if:
(a) notice is received by the Grand
Secretary at least 60 days before the
communication. He must forward
this to all Lodges at least 30 days
before the communication;
(b) notice was given at the previous
Communication;
(c) every voting delegate agrees to
consider the new business at the
Communication.
Who May Vote
R1.3 The Worshipful Master, Past Masters
and Wardens may vote at a Grand Lodge
Communication only if his name and
Masonic rank has been previously
communicated to the Grand Secretary.
Who Admitted
R1.4 Master Masons in good standing,
properly vouched for, may be admitted into
Grand Lodge to observe the proceedings,
including the opening and closing. They are
seated under the direction of the Grand
Pursuivant.
Porch Book
R1.5 Members
At each Communication of Grand Lodge, a
Porch Book must be provided for each
Member attending to record and sign his
name, Masonic rank and the name of the
Lodge which he represents, before entering
the Communication.
R1.5.1 Visitors
A similar book, or a portion of the same
book, must be provided for visitors to
complete.
28
Votes and Voting
How Voting Completed
R1.7 All matters brought before Grand Lodge
are decided by a show of hands. If the
result is not obvious, the GM may direct the
Grand Deacons to count the vote. Where a
vote is tied, the Grand Master may cast the
deciding ballot.
R1.7.1 A ballot on any question must be
taken on a motion supported by ten
Members representing not less than five
Constituent Lodges.
Proxies
R1.8 If the Worshipful Master or Wardens of
a Lodge cannot attend Grand Lodge, the
Lodge may elect any Member of Grand
Lodge to represent the absentee by proxy.
The proxy must have the name of the proxy
holder written in it and be signed by the
Worshipful Master and Secretary. A
duplicate of the written proxy must be
delivered to the Grand Secretary at least 21
days before the Grand Lodge
Communication. No Member can represent
more than one vote by proxy.
Extra Vote
R1.9 Worshipful Masters or Wardens of a
Lodge who are also Past Masters are
entitled to one extra vote each. If any of them
also holds a proxy, one of these extra votes
must be forfeited.
Election of Officers
R1.10 Grand Officers are elected by majority
written vote.
How Election of officers decided
R1.11 If a majority is not achieved on the first
vote, the Grand Master may direct that the
name (or names, in case of a tie) with the
least number of votes be dropped from the
election, and the vote taken again. This
procedure is to be repeated until a majority
vote is achieved.
Addressing Annual Communication
R1.12 All candidates are allowed up to five
minutes each to address the brethren
assembled at the Annual Communication,
prior to the Election of officers
Information in Masonic Electronic Bulletin
R1.13 Information regarding candidates for
election must be published in the GL
Masonic Electronic Bulletin prior to the
Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.
Election Timing
R1.14 Grand Lodge Officers are to be
elected by secret ballot at a time decided by
Grand Lodge or the Grand Master. No
Member may enter or leave once balloting
has commenced, except for necessity.
Nomination Requirements
R1.15 The Grand Treasurer is elected
without nomination. The Grand Master,
Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens
are elected after nominations for each office
are made in writing and completed according
to the following requirements:
(a) nominee’s full name, address,
Masonic rank, Lodge name and
number;
(b) nominated by two members of
Grand Lodge, providing their names,
addresses and ranks;
(c) signed by the nominee signifying
his willingness to accept the
nomination;
(d) the nominations must be
submitted to the Grand Secretary no
later than the first day of March prior
to the meeting of Grand Lodge when
the election is to take place;
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(e) the Grand Secretary must
communicate to all Lodge
Secretaries, and those nominated, a
list of nominees including a brief
biography and summary of their
Masonic and other activities;
(f) a Member can be nominated to
one office only;
(g) a nominee may withdraw his
name in writing at any time before the
vote is taken.
Additions for JGW candidates
R1.16 A candidate seeking election to the
office of Junior Grand Warden must provide
the following as an attachment to his
nomination form:
(a) why he aspires to the office of
Junior Grand Warden;
(b) an overview of his goals and
objectives in seeking election, and,
where relevant, how he hopes to
achieve these goals or objectives;
(c) the information in the attachment
must be included in the biography
sent to all Lodge Secretaries by the
Grand Secretary.
Submission Deadline Waiver
R1.17 If during the 90 days prior to an
Annual Grand Lodge Communication a
nominee dies, relocates from the
Jurisdiction, is deprived of office, or for any
other reason becomes unable or unwilling to
stand for an office for which he has been
nominated, the provisions to submit
nominations to the Grand Secretary by the
first day of March and the necessity for the
Grand Secretary to communicate with all
Lodges the proposed candidates history and
Masonic activities are waived.
R1.17.1 All Nominees for a GL office must
be a member in good standing of their
respective Lodges.
Exceptions
R1.18 The Grand Chaplain, Grand Director
of Music and Grand Tyler need not
necessarily be Members of Grand Lodge.
Past Masters while serving in these offices
are entitled to the rank of Very Worshipful.
Number of Votes
R1.19 Each Member of Grand Lodge has
one vote except when carrying a proxy of a
Lodge Principal Officer or voting as a
Principal Officer in his own right. Each
member of Grand Lodge is limited to a total
of two votes.
Ballot Papers
R1.20 The Grand Secretary must prepare an
adequate number of ballot papers for the
election of Grand Lodge Officers. The ballot
papers must be placed in the custody of the
Chairman of the Committee on Credentials
for distribution. Ballot papers are distributed
only to Members who are registered and
entitled to vote in Grand Lodge.
When Vacancy Occurs
R1.21 Vacancies in office in Grand Lodge
may occur by;
(a) death,
(b) deprivation of office,
(c) removal from Jurisdiction, or
(d) suspension or expulsion
Filling a Vacancy
R1.22 If a vacancy occurs in any office of
Grand Lodge, unless otherwise provided, the
Grand Master may make an appointment to
fill the office for the unexpired term.
30
Rank and Precedence
R1.23 Grand Lodge consists of the following
officers and Brethren who are entitled to rank
and take precedence in the following order:
(a) Most Worshipful Grand Master;
(b) Most Worshipful Immediate Past
Grand Master;
(c) Right Worshipful Deputy Grand
Master;
(d) Right Worshipful Senior Grand
Warden;
(e) Right Worshipful Junior Grand
Warden;
(f) Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer;
(g) Right Worshipful Grand Secretary;
(h) Right Worshipful District Deputy
Grand Masters;
(i) Right Worshipful Grand Director of
Ceremonies;
(j) Very Worshipful Grand Historian;
(k) Very Worshipful Senior Grand
Deacon;
(l) Very Worshipful Junior Grand
Deacon;
(m) Very Worshipful Grand
Superintendent of Works;
(n) Very Worshipful Grand Marshal;
(o) Very Worshipful Grand Sword
Bearer;
(p) Very Worshipful Grand Standard
Bearer;
(q) Very Worshipful Grand
Pursuivant;
(r) Very Worshipful Grand Stewards;
(s) Grand Chaplain;
(t) Grand Director of Music;
(u) Grand Tyler;
(v) Worshipful Masters and Wardens;
(w) Past Masters.
Worshipful Masters and Wardens
R1.24 Worshipful Masters and Wardens are
entitled to rank and take precedence
according to the numerical sequence of their
respective Lodge Warrants after the elected
and appointed officers of Grand Lodge.
Past Grand Rank
R1.25 Past elected Grand Officers, Past
Grand Secretaries, Past District Deputy
Grand Masters and Past Masters rank and
take precedence according to their seniority
in the order of, but immediately following, the
current holders of such offices respectively.
Honorary Members of Grand Lodge
R1.26 Worshipful Brethren of distinction may
be constituted as Honorary Members of
Grand Lodge, with Past Grand rank.
Nomination Procedure for Past Grand
Rank
R1.27 The mover must send a notice of
motion to confer the Past Grand rank, in
writing, to the Grand Secretary by the first
day of March preceding the Annual
Communication when the motion is to be
proposed. The Grand Secretary must send a
copy of the proposed motion to each Lodge
at least two months before the
Communication and publish it in the notice
calling the Annual Communication. The
motion requires a unanimous favourable vote
for adoption.
Ranks for Past Grand Officers
R1.28 Brethren who have served as Grand
Lodge Officers and, if recommended by the
committee which reviews DDGM reports,
may be granted the rank of “Right
Worshipful” or “Very Worshipful” by Grand
Lodge. A Grand Chaplain, Grand Director of
Music or Grand Tyler may be granted the
rank of “Very Worshipful” if he has served as
an Installed Master.
31
REGULATION 2 – RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions
R2.1 Any Member of Grand Lodge may
move a resolution or an amendment or an
amendment to an amendment, but no further
amendment is permissible.
Must be in Writing
R2.2 Resolutions must be submitted in
writing to the Grand Master if he so directs.
REGULATION 3 - GRAND LODGE
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS
Purpose
R3.1 The purpose of the Credentials
Committee is to ensure that all members
who sit in Grand Lodge are entitled to be
there and are authorized to vote regarding
the business of Grand Lodge. The
committee must confirm that all proxies are
valid for the current session of Grand Lodge.
R3.2 Prior to the opening of a Grand Lodge
Communication, the Grand Master must
appoint a Chairman and a Committee on
Credentials.
Duties
R3.3 Examine the credentials and
qualifications of members entitled to sit and
vote in Grand Lodge
R3.4 Examine the validity of the proxies
produced to them, and
R3.5 Enter the names of members and
proxies on a register.
R3.6 Upon being satisfied as to their
entitlement, the Committee will hand ballot
papers to each member of Grand Lodge
when registered. The ballot papers will be
kept by the Member until used in the election
and delivered to the scrutinizers personally.
Reporting
R3.7 The Committee on Credentials must
report its findings to Grand Lodge as soon as
possible after the opening of the
Communication of Grand Lodge and before
the election of Grand Officers takes place. Its
report will show the:
(a) number of Lodges on the
Register;
(b) number of Lodges represented at
the Communication;
(c) number of Lodges not
represented;
(d) representatives present and
entitled to vote;
(e) representatives by proxy and
entitled to vote;
(f) number of visitors in attendance;
(g) total attendance at the
Communication.
Scrutineers
R3.8 After the adoption of the report of the
Committee on Credentials, the Grand Master
must appoint a sufficient number of Members
of Grand Lodge to act as scrutineers,
including a Chairman.
Duties
R3.9 The Scutineers must;
(a) collect the ballots cast;
(b) count the ballots and report the
result to the Grand Lodge;
(c) oversee the election under the
direction of the Grand Master.
32
REGULATION 4 - GRAND LODGE
BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES
Composition
R4.1 The Board of General Purposes
comprises not more than 20 members
including the following:
(a) Grand Lodge officers – The Grand
Master, Immediate Past Grand
Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior
Grand Warden, Junior Grand
Warden, Grand Treasurer and Grand
Secretary;
(b) chairman of the Grand Lodge
Committees on Benevolence,
Constitution, Finance and
Jurisprudence. In his absence, a
member of his Committee may be
designated by him;
(c) regional representatives – the
elected Worshipful Brothers who
have been elected from up to nine
regions.
Quorum
R4.2 Quorum for a meeting of the Board of
General Purposes shall be five.
Call of Meeting
R4.3 The meetings of the Board of General
Purposes are at the call of the Grand Master
and are chaired by the Deputy Grand
Master.
Agenda
R4.4 The Grand Secretary must send a copy
of the agenda for any meeting of the Board
of General Purposes, at least seven days
prior to the meeting to all members, also to
the District Deputy Grand Masters and all
Past Grand Masters. Similarly a copy of the
minutes of each meeting must be sent to
these same Brethren within fourteen days of
a meeting.
REGULATION 5 - GRAND LODGE
TRIAL COMMISSION
Purpose
R5.1 The purpose of the Trail Commission is
to determine the guilt or innocence of any
Brother who has been charged with violating
Civil law, Masonic Law or Ethical
Obligations.
Appointments
R5.2 The Grand Master must appoint a
Chairman of the Trial Commission for a term
of three years. The Grand Master must name
three competent Brethren to hear and
determine charges sent for trial by the Grand
Secretary. They are members of the Trial
Commission for the duration of the case
before them.
Laying of Charge Procedure
R5.3 A charge that any Brother is guilty of
unmasonic, immoral or improper conduct
may be laid by any Member or Lodge. The
Grand Master may direct the laying of a
charge against any Brother.
Must be written and give particulars
R5.4 The charge must be written and signed
by the complainant giving the name, Lodge
and residential address of the accused, and
particulars of the alleged offence including
the time and place of its occurrence.
Charge filed with Grand Secretary
R5.5 The complainant must file the charge
and consult with the Grand Secretary, or
other Grand Lodge officer appointed for that
purpose by the Grand Master, to try to
eliminate any frivolous or annoying charges.
If after such consultation the complainant
wishes the charge to proceed, the Grand
Secretary must forward a copy of the charge
to the Secretary of the Lodge of which the
33
accused is a Member and to the Chairman of
the Trial Commission.
Upon receipt of Notice
R5.6 On receiving a Notice of Appeal or a
charge the Chairman of the Trial
Commission must set the time and place of
Trial. He will provide the accused with a copy
of the charge and particulars and give him
notice of when and where the Trial will be
held. The Trial must be held in the vicinity of
the accused Member’s Lodge where
possible.
Prosecutor appointed
R5.7 The Grand Master must appoint a
competent Member to conduct the
prosecution of the charge, gather and
present the evidence and witnesses.
The accused may choose counsel
R5.8 The accused may choose any Master
Mason to assist him and act as Counsel.
Duty to formulate rules
R5.9 The Trial Commission will set the
hearing rules and ensure that:
(a) rules respecting Masonic Trials
are adhered to;
(b) accused has reasonable notice of
the trial date and the opportunity to
prepare and present his defence;
(c) trial is brought to a close as
expeditiously as reasonable.
Guilty plea accepted
R5.10 If the accused pleads guilty, no further
proof will be necessary.
Must obey Summons
R5.11 Every Member is under an absolute
obligation to obey a summons issued to him.
If he disobeys a summons, he may be
suspended or expelled, unless it can be
shown that his disobedience was
unavoidable or was caused by some urgent
necessity.
Service in Person
R5.12 The written summons, when
practicable, must be personally served upon
the Member by the Tyler or some other
Freemason properly deputed for that
purpose. At least seven days’ notice must be
given.
Service by Mail
R5.13 If personal service is not possible, the
written summons must be sent to him by
registered mail, to his last known address,
which is deemed due and sufficient service.
At least fourteen days’ notice must be given.
If accused does not attend
R5.14 If the accused does not attend at the
time and place of Trial after notice has been
served on him, the Trial Commission may
proceed in his absence and conduct
proceedings to a final conclusion.
Absence of Accused
R5.15 In the absence of the accused, the
Trial Commission will appoint a competent
Master Mason to act for him as his Counsel
or representative. The absence of the
accused cannot be deemed to be a guilty
admission of the offence charged.
Chairman Decides all Questions
R5.16 The Chairman of the Trial
Commission will decide all questions
regarding the relevance of testimony or
argument and the regularity of the
proceedings. He may be guided by the rules
respecting evidence practiced in the Law
Courts of this jurisdiction. He has the power
to decide on any of these rules as to quality,
form or time in the interest of equity and
34
justice between the complainant and the
accused. Decisions of the Chairman must
be entered in the record of the Trial.
Sentences available
R5.17 After hearing the evidence and
argument, if the accused is found guilty of
the offence, the Trial Commission may
impose any of the following sentences:
(a) reprimand;
(b) suspension for a definite time;
(c) indefinite suspension;
(d) expulsion.
Appeal of Judgment
R5.18 An appeal may be made by the
complainant or by the defendant to the next
Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. The
Appeal must be in writing, signed by the
Petitioner, stating the reasons for Appeal and
be filed with the Grand Secretary within thirty
days of the date of the Judgment of the Trial
Commission. The Appeal does not relieve
the offender from the Judgment of the Trial
Commission pending its Hearing by Grand
Lodge.
Appeal Hearing
R5.19 The Appeal may be heard in such
manner as the Grand Master determines.
The Grand Master, or other Grand Officer
specifically appointed by the Grand Master,
will chair the Hearing of the Appeal and
determine the relevance of testimony or
argument at the Hearing. The question of
guilt, innocence or punishment is decided
only by a majority vote of the members of
Grand Lodge present throughout the Appeal
Hearing and this decision is final.
Reinstatement, when suspended
R5.20 When a Brother suspended for
unmasonic conduct desires to be reinstated
to the rights and privileges of Freemasonry
(including rank and title), he must petition the
Lodge which suspended him. The petition
must be presented at a Regular
Communication of the Lodge and lie over
until the next Regular Communication before
final action is taken. Notice of the petition
must be sent to all the members of the
Lodge in the notice for the Regular
Communication at which the question of
reinstatement is to be voted upon. The vote
for reinstatement must be by secret ballot
and requires a two-thirds vote of the
members present to restore the Brother.
R5.21 If two petitions by a suspended
Brother for reinstatement have been refused,
any subsequent petition by him for
reinstatement must be referred to a
Committee of three members who will make
strict examination into his moral, mental and
other qualifications and to report at the
Regular Communication at which the
question of reinstatement is to be voted on.
The vote may be postponed to a subsequent
Regular Communication if more time is
required for investigation and the members
are properly notified. If three members of the
Committee report unfavourably, the petition
must be rejected. Otherwise the Lodge may
proceed to ballot and if three or more black
balls are cast, the petition must be declared
rejected.
R5.22 If three petitions for reinstatement
have been denied, no further petition may be
brought except by Dispensation.
Expelled Brother Procedure
R5.23 An expelled Brother who wishes to
petition Grand Lodge to be restored to the
rights and privileges of Freemasonry, must
submit his written intention to the Lodge of
which he was last a member and the Lodge
at whose instigation he was expelled, if the
35
Lodge exists, at least sixty days before the
Annual Communication of Grand Lodge at
which his petition is to be presented. Before
his petition can be considered by Grand
Lodge, proof must be provided that the
Lodge, if it exists, has been so notified. Any
decision of Grand Lodge under this Section
is final and binding.
Procedure, if Lodge extinct etc.
R5.24 If the Lodge which suspended a
Brother has ceased to exist, or if it has
refused to reinstate him, the Brother may
petition Grand Lodge. Notice of such a
petition must be in writing to the Lodge if it
exists, and also to Grand Lodge, at least
sixty days before the Communication of
Grand Lodge at which the petition is to be
presented. Before the petition can be
considered by Grand Lodge, the suspended
Brother must provide proof that he has
applied for reinstatement to the Lodge which
suspended him if it exists, and that the
Lodge has been notified of the intended
application to Grand Lodge. In all cases of
reinstatement or restoration by Grand Lodge,
the reinstated or restored Brother has the
status of a non-affiliated Brother. Any
decision of Grand Lodge under this Section
is final and binding.
Lodge applies to lift Expulsion
R5.25 If a Lodge wishes to petition Grand
Lodge for the restoration of an expelled
Brother, the Lodge must provide notice to all
the members of the Lodge of its intention,
and of the Regular Communication at which
it will be considered. The minutes of the
Communication must record that proper
notice was given. Two-thirds of all Lodge
members present must ballot favourably to
authorize the presentation of such a petition
to Grand Lodge.
REGULATION 6 - DUTIES OF GRAND
LODGE OFFICERS
Grand Master
Prerogative
R6.1 The Grand Master has the authority of
Grand Lodge during his term of office. The
Grand Master has the right and privilege to
preside in any Lodge and perform the
following ceremonies:
(a) dedicate Masonic Halls;
(b) constitute Lodges;
(c) lay foundation stones;
(e) install Grand Lodge Officers.
R6.1.1 No one can lawfully perform any of
these ceremonies unless authorized to do so
by him.
Member of all Committees
R6.2 The Grand Master is an ex officio
member of all committees and boards
appointed by him or by Grand Lodge.
Member of all Lodges
R6.3 The Grand Master is a courtesy
member of each of the Lodges in this Grand
Jurisdiction but without the right to vote.
Jurisdiction Powers
R6.4 The Grand Master has the right, power
and authority to determine;
(a) all differences between Lodges;
(b) all differences between a Lodge
or any of its members in one Masonic
District and another Lodge or Lodges
within another Masonic District;
(c) complaints against a District
Deputy Grand Master;
(d) complaints against an unaffiliated
Freemason residing in this
Jurisdiction.
36
R6.5 He must report his action in respect to
this section to Grand Lodge.
May Direct Charges for Unmasonic,
Immoral or Infamous Conduct
R6.6 If the Grand Master receives
information regarding the unmasonic,
immoral or infamous conduct of any Member
of the Craft or Brother that he believes may
bring the good name of Freemasonry into
disrepute, he may direct an investigation to
be conducted and charges be laid against
the allegedly offending Freemason. When
directed, the Lodge of the Member, or a
Lodge designated by the Grand Master,
must investigate and if the complaint is
credible charge him on the alleged
unmasonic, immoral or infamous conduct in
the manner provided for the trial of masonic
offences.
May Send Officers
R6.7 The Grand Master may send his
officers to visit any Lodge.
May Summon Officers or Members with
power to Suspend
R6.8 The Grand Master may order the
Officers of any Lodge to meet with him, or
his representative, and to produce the
Warrant and records of the Lodge. He may
order any Member to meet with him, or his
representative, and produce his certificate.
He may suspend the Lodge or Member who
refuses to comply with his order. For good
reasons shown, he may suspend any officer
of a Lodge and suspend the Warrant or
Dispensation of any Lodge for any period he
determines but no longer than until the next
Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.
May Suspend
R6.9 When the Grand Master is trying to
resolve a dispute that disrupts the peace and
harmony of a Lodge, he may, after giving not
more than 60 days’ notice to the offending
Brethren, suspend the offending Brother or
Brethren. The suspension is for any period
he determines but no longer than until the
next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.
May Relieve Suspension
R6.10 If the Warrant or Dispensation of any
Lodge is suspended by the Grand Master, all
Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts and
Members of the Lodge stand suspended
during the period of the suspension
determined by the Grand Master. The Grand
Master may exempt or relieve from the
suspension any Member he may determine
is entitled to this relief.
May grant Dispensations
R6.11 The Grand Master may grant
Dispensations as allowable by the laws of
Grand Lodge.
Power to decide Questions
R6.12 The Grand Master may decide any
question presented on usage, order and
Masonic law, not currently defined in this
Constitution and Regulations, and decide on
the approval of the Bylaws of Warranted
Lodges or any requested amendments.
Masonic Publications
R6.13 When the Grand Master is satisfied of
the discretion of the publishers of a Masonic
publication, and their loyalty to the principles
of the Craft, he may give permission for such
publication in general terms and
prospectively, but such permission may be
revoked at any time by the Grand Master.
May appoint Representative
R6.14 The Grand Master may recommend a
Brother to represent this Grand Lodge in
another jurisdiction. He may also recognize
37
a Brother appointed in another Grand Lodge
as their representative to this Grand Lodge.
The appointment shall be for five years and
may be accepted or removed by mutual
agreement.
When Visiting Lodges
R6.15 When the Grand Master presides in a
Lodge, he may request any of the Grand
Officers to assist him. His Deputy is seated
on his right, and the Worshipful Master of the
Lodge on the left. The Grand Wardens may
act as Wardens of the Lodge. If the Grand
Wardens are not present, the Grand Master
may direct any Master Masons to act as
Grand Wardens.
Official Communications to Grand Master
R6.16 Any business concerning Freemasons
or Freemasonry to be decided by the Grand
Master must be conducted only through the
Grand Secretary. The Deputy Grand Master,
Elected Grand officers and District Deputy
Grand Masters may communicate directly
with the Grand Master on any matters
relating to the Craft in their respective
Jurisdiction.
Abuse of Powers
R6.17 If in the opinion of a committee
comprising the Grand elected officers, the
Immediate Past Grand Master, and the
Chairmen of the Committees on Constitution,
Jurisprudence and Finance, the Grand
Master becomes incapable of performing
properly or honorably the duties and
functions of his office, by reason of:
(a) his absence from the Jurisdiction
without notifying the Grand Secretary;
(b) by illness or disability;
(c) for any cause whatsoever;
The committee must arrange for a Grand
Lodge Communication to deal with the
matter.
R6.18 The most senior Grand Lodge Officer
must instruct the Committee to call the
Communication. Grand Lodge may confirm
the Grand Master in his office, or take such
other action considered advisable.
Deputy Grand Master
Authority and Duties
R6.19 The Deputy Grand Master discharges
the duties that may be delegated to him by
the Grand Master. The Deputy Grand Master
assumes all the authority and functions of
the Grand Master: (a) for the unexpired portion of his
term of office in the event of the
death of the Grand Master;
(b) for the duration of the absence of
the Grand Master from the
Jurisdiction.
Successor in the event of Absence
R6.20 In the event of the Deputy Grand
Master assuming the Grand Master’s office
the provisions regarding the absence from
the Jurisdiction or death of the Grand Master
will apply to the Deputy Grand Master. The
senior ranking officer of Grand Lodge must
immediately, through the Grand Secretary,
call a Communication of Grand Lodge to
elect a Grand Master to fill that office, for the
unexpired portion of the absent Grand
Masters term.
Grand Wardens
R6.21 Senior Grand Warden
The Senior Grand Warden’s duty, in the
absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy
Grand Master, is to govern the Craft and, in
their presence, to strengthen and support
their authority. He performs such other duties
as are assigned to him by the Grand Master.
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Junior Grand Warden
R6.22 The Junior Grand Warden’s duty, in
the absence of his superior officers, is to
govern the Craft and, in their presence, to
aid and assist them in their duties. He
performs such other duties as are assigned
to him by the Grand Master.
Grand Treasurer
Duties and Authority
R6.23 The Grand Treasurer for such periods
as Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must receive
all money and deposit all amounts received
from Grand Lodge in a Chartered Bank. He
must maintain proper accounting records
showing details and allocations of all
amounts received and to execute all
disbursements of funds as Grand Lodge may
direct.
Authority to Disburse Funds
R6.24 The Grand Treasurer can disburse
general funds only on written authorization
signed by the Grand Secretary and one
member of the Finance Committee.
Disbursement Constraints
R6.25 Total disbursements for each class of
expenditure cannot exceed the estimates
adopted by Grand Lodge for the year. Where
the Grand Master considers it is necessary
to exceed the estimates, he may authorize
an additional expenditure by special warrant.
Full details of any special warrants must be
provided to Grand Lodge at the next Annual
Communication.
To submit Financial Statements
R6.26 Financial statements and records
must be provided to the Finance Committee
for inspection at the Annual Communication
of Grand Lodge or when directed by the
Grand Master.
To execute Surety Bond
R6.27 A surety bond for the faithful
discharge of his duties must be executed
and filed with the Grand Secretary for such
penal sum as Grand Lodge may direct using
sureties approved by the Grand Master. The
surety bond premium is paid by Grand
Lodge. At the end of his term, he must
transfer all funds and properties of Grand
Lodge in his possession to his successor.
To be Joint Custodian Securities
R6.28 The Grand Treasurer has joint and
equal custody, with the Grand Secretary, of
all bonds, stocks and securities of Grand
Lodge. He has the authority, jointly with the
Grand Secretary, to purchase and to sell,
transfer or exchange any securities that
belong to Grand Lodge. The Finance
Committee may advise and direct the Grand
Treasurer and Grand Secretary as to the
safekeeping, purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange of all bonds, stocks and securities.
No purchase, sale, transfer or exchange can
be made except on the written authorization
of the Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and
one member of the Finance Committee, or
any two of them, one of whom must be a
member of the Finance Committee.
Honorarium
R6.29 The Grand Treasurer receives out of
Grand Lodge Funds such remuneration as
Grand Lodge may determine.
Grand Secretary
Duties and Authority
R6.30 The Grand Secretary for such periods
as Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must
Issue notices and take minutes for all
Communications of Grand Lodge, to
summon any committee when directed by
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the Grand Master or Grand Lodge, and to
receive their reports.
R.6.31 Receive returns and reports required
from all Lodge Secretaries and to record
details as necessary.
R6.32 Report pertinent particulars such as
Lodge membership, funds and properties of
each Lodge at the Annual Communication of
Grand Lodge.
R6.33 Provide to each Lodge a copy of
Grand Lodge proceedings and any other
documents directed by the Grand Master or
Grand Lodge.
R6.34 Notify Lodges in each District of their
newly appointed District Deputy Grand
Master and provide him with;
(a) contact information for Lodges in
his District;
(b) the current Constitution and
Regulations;
(c) the Book of Ceremonies.
R6.35 Receive all correspondence directed
to Grand Lodge and see that information is
efficiently provided to the Grand Master,
Grand Lodge Officers, or authorities as
appropriate.
R6.36 Attend the Grand Master, Grand
Lodge or any Grand Lodge Committee when
necessary and provide them any information
that is required;
R6.37 Conduct the Business of Grand Lodge
and develop and maintain efficient business
practices.
R6.38 Have custody of the Grand Lodge
Seal which must be applied to all Warrants,
Certificates and other documents issued by
and under the Authority of the Grand Master
or Grand Lodge.
R6.39 Maintain Membership Records of all
Members, including their names and contact
information, Lodges to which they belong
and such other information he considers
necessary.
R6.40 Maintain a record of individuals
rejected, suspended or expelled and to notify
all Lodges of these names when deemed
necessary.
R6.41 Record all transactions of the Annual
Grand Lodge Communication which are
proper to record, and oversee the publication
and distribution of those proceedings
immediately following the Communication.
R.6.42 Record all monies received by him
and to transfer such amounts to the Grand
Treasurer accompanied by appropriate
vouchers and to present a report of the same
to the Annual Communication of Grand
Lodge.
Custodian of Securities
R6.43 To be Custodian of Securities of
Grand Lodge, jointly and equally with the
Grand Treasurer. He has the authority, jointly
with the Grand Treasurer, to purchase and to
sell, transfer or exchange any securities that
belong to Grand Lodge. The Finance
Committee may advise and direct the Grand
Secretary and Grand Treasurer as to the
safekeeping, purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange of all bonds, stocks and securities.
No purchase, sale, transfer or exchange can
be made except on the written authorization
of the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and
one member of the Finance Committee, or
any two of them, one of whom must be a
member of the Finance Committee.
Execute Bond
R6.44 To execute a Bond, filed with the
Grand Treasurer, for the faithful discharge of
his duties for such sum as Grand Lodge may
direct using bonds approved by the Grand
Master. The bond premium is paid by Grand
Lodge. At the end of his term, he must
transfer all funds and properties of Grand
Lodge in his possession to his successor.
40
Grand Lodge Annual Proceedings
R6.45 The Grand Secretary must provide
without charge one copy of the Annual
Proceedings of Grand Lodge to each Lodge.
Any Master Mason may be entitled to one or
more copies upon application to the Grand
Secretary and payment of the prescribed fee
for each copy.
Honorarium
R6.46 The Grand Secretary may receive
such remuneration from Grand Lodge funds
as determined by Grand Lodge.
District Deputy Grand Masters
Division of Grand Lodge’s Jurisdiction
R6.47 The Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge is
divided into named and numbered Districts.
Lodges are assigned by Grand Lodge to
these Districts as appropriate.
Appointed at Annual Communication
R6.48 At the Annual Communication of
Grand Lodge, the Grand Master must
appoint a District Deputy Grand Master
(DDGM) for each District. The DDGM has
authority over all Lodges and Freemasons
residing in his District.
Qualifications
R6.49 The DDGM must be a Member of a
Lodge in his District and a Past Master.
Privilege of the DDGM
R6.50 The DDGM is a non-voting Member of
every Lodge in his District.
Advisers of Benevolent Fund
R6.51 All DDGMs are members of the
advisory committee to the Grand Lodge
Benevolent Fund Board of Trustees.
Must examine Lodge records
R6.52 The DDGM must examine the books,
bylaws, regulations and records of each
Lodge in his District to ensure they meet the
requirements of Grand Lodge. The
Worshipful Master and Lodge Officers will
support this procedure.
Power To Preside
R6.53 In the absence of the Grand Master,
the DDGM may preside at any Lodge he
visits in his District. The Worshipful Master
sits on the DDGM’s right.
Power To Summon
R6.54 The DDGM may summon;
(a) any Lodge in his District to deliver
its Warrant, books, papers and
accounts;
(b) any of the Brethren in his district
to show his Grand Lodge certificate;
(c) if a Lodge or Brother refuses to
comply with the request, and does
not provide a satisfactory explanation
for the defiance, an authoritative
summons may be issued.
(d) if the Lodge or Brother continues
to reject the DDGM’s authority, the
DDGM must notify the Grand Master
immediately.
Power To Investigate
R6.55 Under the direction of the Grand
Master, the DDGM will investigate;
(a) complaints against a Worshipful
Master in his District;
(b) disputes between Lodges in his
District;
(c) quarrels between Brethren of
different Lodges within his District.
Duties
R6.56 Exercise a general supervision of the
Craft in his District;
41
R6.57 Visit all Lodges in his District during
his term of office and to see that they are
functioning effectively and that all returns,
fees and assessments required by Grand
Lodge have been completed or remitted.
R6.58 Visits must not conflict with an official
visit the Grand Master may be making to his
District.
R6.59 Examine the recommended
Worshipful Master of a proposed new Lodge
to be satisfied he has the qualifications
necessary to perform the duties of that office.
In this respect, he is authorized to summon
the Member for examination and to report to
the Grand Master.
R6.60 See that a Lodge under Dispensation
in his District seeking a Warrant has
provided itself with a suitable meeting place,
furniture and clothing.
R6.61 Report to the Grand Master seeking
direction and advice on any matter of
urgency which could bring the good name of
Freemasonry into disrepute.
R6.62 Submit a report to the Grand Master
no later than May 1st regarding all the duties
he has performed during his term of office.
R6.63 Convene a meeting of Past District
Deputy Grand Masters from each Lodge in
his District, if possible, to seek input and
submit recommendations for his replacement
to the Grand Secretary by January 1st. The
recommendations must include three or
more names of suitable candidates for
appointment as District Deputy Grand Master
at the next Annual Communication of Grand
Lodge. The incoming Grand Master may, if
he wishes, select a nominee from the list of
names.
District Education Officer
R6.64 The District Education Officer is
appointed and invested by the District
Deputy Grand Master at the start of the
Masonic year in a Lodge within the District.
His collar is royal blue and the Jewel
appended to it is the Lamp of Learning in
silver colour. The duties of the District
Education Officer are to manage education
programs in the District, and to provide
guidance and support to those Lodge
Members appointed to instruct the Brethren
in the principles of our Order.
Appointed Officers
Grand Director of Ceremonies
R6.65 Proclaim the Grand Lodge Officers at
their installation, and make such other
proclamations as the Grand Master may
direct
R6.65.1 He is a member of the Grand Lodge
Communication Committee.
Grand Historian
R6.66 Collect, record and report on all data
relative to the formation and progress of
Grand Lodge and its Lodges.
Grand Deacons
R6.67 They must assist the Grand Master
and Grand Wardens in such manner as the
Ancient Charges and usages of the Craft
stipulate.
Grand Superintendent of Works
R6.68 Take under his care all working tools
and to assist at all ceremonies of laying
corner stones and dedications, and to
officiate as directed.
Grand Marshal
R6.69 Aid and assist the Grand Director of
Ceremonies in conducting all ceremonies of
Grand Lodge.
Grand Sword Bearer
R6.70 Carry the sword of Grand Lodge in all
public processions and other ceremonies.
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Grand Standard Bearer
R6.71 Carry the Banner of Grand Lodge in
all processions and at all public ceremonies.
Grand Pursuivant
R6.72 Guard the inner door.
R6.72.1 Communicate with the Grand Tyler.
R6.72.2 Announce applicants for admission
by name and title.
R6.72.3 Ensure the Brethren entering wear
the clothing and jewel of their rank.
R6.72.4 Permit none to enter or leave
without permission of the Grand Master.
Grand Stewards
R6.73 They must supervise the preparations
for all festive occasions and assist with the
arrangements for Grand Lodge
Communication.
Grand Chaplain
R6.74 Attend all Communications of Grand
Lodge and offer up suitable prayers for the
occasion.
R6.74.1 When requested, address any
religious service attended by Grand Lodge.
Grand Director of Music
R6.75 He must conduct the musical
ceremonies of Grand Lodge.
Grand Tyler
R6.76 Guard the outer door.
R6.76.1 Report all applicants for admission
to the Grand Pursuivant.
R6.76.2 Ensure Brethren are properly
clothed and qualified.
R6.76.3 Ensure Brethren have signed the
Grand Lodge register.
R6.76.4 Take charge and safely keep the
jewels, furniture, clothing and other
paraphernalia of Grand Lodge.
R6.76.5 See that the hall during the Session
is kept in a proper condition.
R6.76.6 Serve all Summonses.
R6.76.7 Perform such other duties as may
be required.
R6.76.8 Receive such remuneration as
Grand Lodge shall direct.
Grand Representative Duties
R6.77 Members of Grand Lodge appointed
as Grand Representatives, and their
counterparts from another recognized Grand
Lodge, are expected to;
(a) promote the Masonic ties between
the two Grand Lodges;
(b) endeavour to establish and
maintain a fraternal relationship; (c) report annually on activities, contacts, and the points of interest pertinent to both Grand Lodges in a manner determined by this Grand Lodge;
(d) attend the Annual
Communication, and other functions, of the Grand Lodge he represents where feasible.
R6.77.1 A Grand Representative who fails to
attend three consecutive Annual
Communications of this Grand Lodge may
forfeit his appointment as a Representative
to this Grand Lodge unless an acceptable
reason for his absence from the Annual
Communication has been received by Grand
Lodge.
R6.77.2 Where a Grand Representative from
another GL jurisdiction forfeits his
appointment due to lack of attendance the
Grand Secretary may notify the GL which
sponsored the GL representative.
R6.77.3 A Grand Representative may submit
to the Grand Secretary by December 31st a
written request to be relieved of his
appointment.
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REGULATION 7 - GRAND LODGE
STANDING COMMITTEES
Committees to be Appointed R7.1 Upon assuming office, the Grand
Master must appoint the Chairman and at
least two additional Brethren to the Standing
Committees.
Standing Committees
R7.2 Unless modified by Grand Lodge at an
Annual Communication, the following is the
list of Standing Committees:
(a) Constitution;
(b) Education and Leadership;
(c) Finance;
(d) Fraternal Relations of Grand
Lodge;
(e) Jurisprudence;
(f) Rituals and Ceremonies;
(g) Warranted Lodges and Lodges
Under Dispensation;
(h) Grand Lodge Communication;
(i) Lodge Buildings;
(j) Community Relations.
Matters directed to Committee Chairmen
R7.3 All correspondence regarding matters
pertaining to any Committee received by the
Grand Secretary must be sent to the
Chairman of the Committee concerned. The
Committee will investigate the matters
referred to them and report to Grand Lodge
at the next Communication of Grand Lodge.
Powers of Chairman
R7.4. The Chairmen of Committees have the
power to require the attendance of witnesses
and the production of records if necessary to
investigate matters referred to them.
R7.4.1 The Chairman cannot serve for more
than five consecutive years.
Reporting
R7.5 Each Committee of Grand Lodge must
provide a written report to Grand Lodge at its
Annual Communication.
(a) All reports of Standing
Committees, once reported to Grand
Lodge in writing, and published in the
Advance Proceedings will be deemed
to be received.
(b) If a required report only contains
statements of fact or opinion for the
information of the Brethren, the
reporting member will make no
motion for its disposal.
(c) If a required report contains
recommendations which are not in
the form of motions, the
recommendations must be listed at
the end of the report, even if they
have been given separately before,
and a motion to adopt each
recommendation is required.
(d) If a required report concludes with
a resolution or resolutions, the
reporting member must move that the
resolution or resolutions be adopted.
Quorum for Meetings
R7.6 A Quorum is the lesser of the majority
or three members of the committee.
Finance Committee
Recommend Auditors
R7.7 At each Annual Communication, on the
recommendation of the Finance Committee,
Grand Lodge, by resolution, must appoint a
Chartered Accountant or Accountants or
other duly and properly qualified person or
persons to be the Auditor or Auditors of
Grand Lodge.
44
Advise on Auditor’s report
R7.7.1 Advise and make recommendations
regarding any matters arising from the
Auditor’s report.
Report on Financial Condition
R7.7.2 Examine and report on all accounts
and financial matters referred to them during
each Communication, and to report on the
financial condition of Grand Lodge.
Advise on Securities Issues
R7.7.3 Advise and direct the Grand
Treasurer and Grand Secretary regarding
the safekeeping, purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange of the bonds, stocks and securities
of Grand Lodge.
Contingency Reserve
R7.7.4 Recommend to Grand Lodge the
establishment of a reserve or contingency
account out of the general funds of Grand
Lodge and the amounts that should be
placed to the credit of such reserve or
contingency account. All withdrawals from
the reserve or contingency account can be
made only on the recommendation of the
Finance Committee and approved by the
Grand Master.
Masonic Bursary Account
R7.7.5 Recommend to Grand Lodge the
amount that may be placed to the credit of
the Masonic Bursary Account from the
General Fund of Grand Lodge.
Present Annual Estimates
R7.7.6 Present annual estimates before the
close of each Annual Communication of the
probable expenses of the ensuing year,
giving each class of expenditure under its
proper head.
Annual Per-capita Assessment
R7.7.7 Recommend to Grand Lodge for its
adoption the assessment to be paid by each
Lodge for each member to accompany the
approval of estimates of expenditures for the
ensuing year at the Annual Communication.
The assessment is to be based on the
membership as at the preceding December
31st to produce the amount required to meet
the expenditures in the estimates after taking
into account anticipated revenue from other
sources.
Community Charities Fund Assessment
R7.7.8 Recommend to Grand Lodge its
adoption of the assessment to be paid by
each Lodge for each member to meet the
Community Charities Fund requirements for
the ensuing year. The assessment is to be
based on the membership as of the
preceding December 31st. The
recommended amount required takes into
account anticipated revenue from other
resources.
Grand Lodge Fees
R7.7.9 To determine, in consultation with the
Grand Secretary, fees payable by Lodges for
goods and services received. The fees must
be presented as an appendix to the Grand
Lodge budget annually for approval at the
Grand Lodge Communication, and published
and provided to each Lodge in September of
that year.
Auditors
Duties
R7.8 The Auditor, for such periods as Grand
Lodge may direct, or whenever directed by
the Grand Master, must:
(a) audit the financial records of the
Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary
and the Trustees of the Benevolent
Fund of Grand Lodge;
45
(b) deliver an audit report to the
Grand Master, the Grand Treasurer,
the Grand Secretary and to the
Chairman of the Committee on
Finance;
(c) make recommendations for the
better management, care and
custody of the funds and securities of
Grand Lodge;
(d) present any reports or
recommendations to Grand Lodge at
its next Annual Communication.
Warranted Lodges and Lodges under
Dispensation Committee Duties
R7.9 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) examine the returns of the
proceedings and work of all
Warranted Lodges and Lodges Under
Dispensation for the preceding year
and to report to Grand Lodge its
findings thereon;
(b) recommend to Grand Lodge the
division of this Grand jurisdiction into
Districts, including their names and
numbers, boundaries and the Lodges
to be included in each District.
Grand Lodge Communication
Committee Duties
R7.10 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) liaise with the Grand Treasurer
and the Grand Secretary who are
responsible for overseeing the Grand
Lodge Communication;
(b) liaise with the Local Committee;
(c) liaise with the Finance Committee;
(d) assist with Grand Lodge
Registration and Credential
Committee;
(e) assist with Ritual and Protocol;
(f) assists on rates, planning and
advertising;
(g) examine and consider the
suitability of places for each Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge,
including the adequacy of the
facilities and accommodations for the
meeting. Report to Grand Lodge
their findings and recommendation
before any place of meeting is
considered;
(h) applications for the place of
meeting for the Grand Lodge
Communication must be submitted to
the Grand Lodge Communication
Committee at least four years in
advance and by December 31st in the
year prior to the next Grand Lodge
Communication.
Lodge Buildings Committee
Duties
R7.11 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) provide advice, consultation and
assistance to all Lodges, including
matters of design and construction of
new or existing Lodge Buildings and
on taxation and insurance.
Jurisprudence Committee
Duties
R7.12 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) consider and report to Grand
Lodge on any questions, papers and
decisions relating to Masonic law and
46
usage that may be referred to them
by the Grand Secretary.
Rituals Committee
Duties
R7.13 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) supervise all amendments to and
revisions of the Rituals and
Ceremonies as approved by Grand
Lodge;
(b) when deemed necessary, to
recommend such amendments to
correct any anomalies or defects as
may become apparent in the practical
performance of the work;
(c) consider and report on such ritual
or ceremonial matters that may be
brought to their attention and to make
recommendations to Grand Lodge as
necessary.
Education and Leadership Committee
Duties
R7.14 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) develop and promote instructional
material in appropriate formats in
support of mentor, Lodge
management and leadership training
programs;
(b) publicize and recommends the
circulation of this and other Masonic
material through District and Lodge
Education Officers.
Constitution Committee
Duties
R7.15 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) examine all proposed
amendments to the Constitution or
Regulations;
(b) see that they are in accordance
with strict Masonic usage;
(c) supervise all revisions of the
Constitution or Regulations;
(d) provide recommendations and
advice as it considers necessary.
Community Relations Committee
Duties
R7.16 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) provide advice, consultation and
assistance to Grand Lodge on
request in matters of media exposure
and community relations;
(b) to assist Craft Lodges in the
preparation of, and to approve on
behalf of Grand Lodge (subject to the
direction of the Grand Master), all
public releases on behalf of Grand
Lodge;
(c) to assist in the development of
communications skills in dealing with
new and prospective members;
(d) oversee video and audio
productions and the publications of
Grand Lodge;
(e) render such other assistance to
the Grand Master in the field of
Community Relations as he may
direct.
Fraternal Relations Committee
Duties:
R7.17 The Committee for such periods as
Grand Lodge may direct, or whenever
directed by the Grand Master, must:
(a) review and investigate the
legitimacy and regularity of all Grand
Jurisdictions requesting recognition
47
and make recommendations to
Grand Lodge;
(b) review and report when
necessary to Grand Lodge on the
basic principles for Grand Lodge
recognition;
(c) maintain and review a list of
recognized Grand Jurisdictions;
(d) review the appointments of
Representatives of other Jurisdictions
near this Grand Lodge and make
recommendations on these to the
Grand Master;
(e) review and makes
recommendations to Grand Lodge
regarding the Grand Representative
program.
Mediation Committee
Purpose
R7.18 The Grand Lodge Mediation
Committee acts at the request of the Grand
Master to provide mediation assistance to
Lodges and their Brethren where;
(a) unresolved conflicts exist within
Lodges relating to conduct of the
Lodge and its business;
(b) serious piques or quarrels exist
between individual Brothers or
groups of Brethren.
How Services Obtained
R7.18.1 To access the services of the
committee;
(a) the Secretary of the Lodge in
which the issue has arisen must
contact the Grand Secretary, explain
the nature of the concern(s) and
request assistance;
(b) the Grand Secretary may, after
becoming aware of a dispute in a
Lodge, recommend referral to the
committee.
Appointments
R7.18.2 The chairman of the Mediation
Committee is appointed by the Grand Master
and will serve at his discretion. There will be
no other permanent members on the
committee.
R7.18.3 Individuals will be recommended for
temporary appointment as a mediator on a
case-by-case basis by the committee
chairman in consultation with the Grand
Secretary.
R7.18.4 Normally, to serve as mediators, the
Brethren will have some professional
experience and demonstrated skill in dispute
mediation and resolution.
R7.18.5 Preferably members will be selected
for temporary appointment from the
geographic area near the Lodge where the
concern has arisen in order to provide best
ease of access for Lodges and Brethren to
the services of the mediator.
R7.18.6 The committee chairman may act
directly in the capacity of a mediator.
Mediation Process
R7.18.7 Once advised by the Committee
Chairman of the details of the conflict, the
appointed mediator will communicate directly
with the Lodge and or Brethren involved and
provide his assistance as a mediator. He
may work in concert with the Committee
Chairman in this undertaking;
R7.18.8 On the conclusion of his efforts, the
mediator will report to the Committee
Chairman and Grand Secretary who will
determine if the matter has been
satisfactorily resolved and, if not,
recommend if the matter should be referred
to the Trial Commission;
R7.18.9 The final decision as to the
appropriateness of the resolution of the
concern and whether it should be referred to
the Trial Commission will rest with the Grand
Secretary and the Grand Master.
48
REGULATION 8 - AD HOC
COMMITTEES
R8.1 The Grand Master may appoint ad hoc
committees with specific mandates.
REGULATION 9 - GRAND LODGE
FUNDS
Benevolent Fund
Purpose of Fund
R9.1 The purpose of the Benevolent Fund is
to expend funds in the financial relief of
Brethren within this jurisdiction. The Fund is
primarily to be used for the permanent relief
of Lodge Members or their widows, orphans
and dependants; but the Board of Trustees
may grant assistance to Grand Lodge,
Lodges and Grand Lodges of other
recognized jurisdictions for temporary relief
and for funerals.
Board of Trustees
R9.1.1 The Benevolent Fund is administered
by a five member Board of Trustees, three to
form a quorum for the transaction of
business.
R9.1.2 One trustee is appointed by the
Grand Master at each Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge to hold
office for five years.
R9.1.3 All trustees hold office until their
successors are appointed.
R9.1.4 The Grand Master may make
appointments to fill any vacancies that may
occur on the Board for the unexpired term of
the vacancy.
R9.1.5 When appointed, three members of
the Board must reside in the Counties of
Vancouver or Westminster and one on
Vancouver Island.
Duties of Trustees
R9.1.6 Assess all requests for funds paying
heed to whether in the opinion of the Board
of Trustees the amounts requested will
relieve the Brother’s distress.
R9.1.7 Administer the revenue or income
from the Fund.
R9.1.8 Examine and report on all matters
referred to it by Grand Lodge relating to or
arising out of the administration of the Fund.
R9.1.9 Examine all reports of the Secretaries
of Lodges regarding relief, which have been
referred to the Board of Trustees by the
Grand Secretary, and to report and make
recommendations to Grand Lodge.
R9.1.10 Make rules and regulations
governing its administration which are
consistent and comply with the Constitution
and Regulations.
R9.1.11 Provide a written report to Grand
Lodge each year at the Annual
Communication.
R9.1.12 May also approve the transfer of up
to 15% of unspent revenue to the
Emergency Relief Fund annually.
Fund kept separate
R9.1.13 The Fund must be kept separate
from the ordinary Funds of Grand Lodge,
and be in the custody of the Grand Treasurer
and the Grand Secretary. They may invest or
reinvest portions of the Funds as are
available in such securities of high quality
and low risk as they consider prudent and
appropriate. They are not limited to those
investments authorized by law for Trustees.
Securities, holding and purchase
R9.1.14 The Finance Committee may advise
and direct the Grand Treasurer and Grand
Secretary regarding the safekeeping of the
securities of the Fund and the purchase,
sale, transfer or exchange of such securities.
49
R9.1.15 A purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange may be made only on the written
order of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and a member of the Finance
Committee or any two of them, one of whom
shall be a member of the Finance
Committee.
Reporting
R9.1.16 When the need for relief arises, the
circumstances should be reported in writing
to the Board of Trustees, which may take
such action as it deems necessary. A portion
of such unexpended revenue or income in
the Fund at the end of each year as the
Board of Trustees may recommend and
Grand Lodge approves may be transferred to
the Masonic Bursary Fund.
How Funds disbursed .
R9.1.17 Disbursements of revenue or
income including interest of the Fund can be
made by the Grand Treasurer only on written
authorization signed by the Grand Secretary
and one other member of the Board of
Trustees of the Benevolent Fund.
Capital may be used
R9.1.18 The capital of the Fund may be
disbursed for such patriotic, benevolent and
charitable purposes as Grand Lodge by
resolution may determine;
R9.1.19 Capital of the Benevolent Fund can
be dispersed by the Grand Treasurer only on
written authorization signed by the Grand
Secretary and the Grand Master after Grand
Lodge has passed a resolution authorizing
such a disbursement.
Grand Lodge Approval required
R9.1.20 Grand Lodge cannot spend more
than $5000 of the Capital of the Benevolent
Fund in any one year for any specific
purpose until a written notice of motion is
given at a previous Grand Lodge
Communication or to the Grand Secretary
three months before the Communication at
which the motion is to be made. The notice
of motion to make the expenditure and the
purpose for which it is proposed to be
expended must be stated.
R9.1.21 The Grand Secretary must send a
copy of the motion to the Lodges at least two
months before the Communication. The
motion also must be published in the notice
calling the Communication.
Report from Finance Committee
R9.1.22 No recommendation or motion for
the disbursement of any portion of the capital
of the fund may be placed before Grand
Lodge until a report on the same is received
from the Finance Committee.
Emergency Relief Fund
Purpose of Fund
R9.2 The capital together with any income
accruing on it may be used for the purpose
of providing emergency relief for Masonic
benevolence, natural or manmade disasters,
or other relief as determined by the trustees.
Trustees
R9.2.1 The Board of Trustees comprises the
Grand Secretary, the Grand Treasurer and
the Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Trustee Duties
R9.2.2 Assess the merits of each request for
assistance.
R9.2.3 Determine the amount of any
disbursements to be made;
R9.2.4 Provides a written report to Grand
Lodge each year.
50
Fund kept separate
R9.2.5 The Fund must be kept separate from
the ordinary funds of Grand Lodge and is in
the custody of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and the Finance Committee.
R9.2.6 Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary
and the Finance Committee may invest or
reinvest such portions of the Funds as are
available in such securities of high quality
and low risk as they consider prudent and
appropriate.
R9.2.7 They are not limited to those
investments authorized by law for Trustees.
Securities, holding and purchase
R9.2.8 The Finance Committee may advise
and direct the Grand Treasurer and Grand
Secretary regarding the safekeeping of the
securities of the Fund and the purchase,
sale, transfer or exchange of such securities.
R9.2.9 A purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange may be made only on the written
order of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and a member of the Finance
Committee or any two of them, one of whom
must be a member of the Committee on
Finance.
Masonic Bursary Fund Purpose of Fund
R9.3 The purpose of the Bursary Fund is to
divide the revenue or income from the capital
along with any donations designated for
current use (non capital) each year into
Bursaries to assist the advanced studies of
promising students who otherwise would not
be able to continue their education.
Board of Trustees
R9.3.1 A Trustee is appointed by the Grand
Master at each Annual Communication of
Grand Lodge to replace a retiring Trustee.
R.9.3.2 Trustees serve for five years.
R9.3.3 All Trustees hold office until their
successors are appointed. If a vacancy
occurs, the Grand Master may make an
appointment to fill the vacancy on the Board
of Trustees for the unexpired term of the
vacancy.
Trustee Duties
R9.3.4 Apportion the revenue available each
year into a number of Bursaries in amounts
they consider appropriate;
R9.3.5 Determine, in consultation with
educational authorities, the conditions for the
award of Bursaries;
R9.3.6 Promote interest throughout the
Grand Jurisdiction in the Masonic Bursary
Fund and devise methods of increasing its
support;
R9.3.7 Provide a written report to Grand
Lodge each year.
Fund Kept Separate
R9.3.8 The Fund must be kept separate from
the ordinary Funds of Grand Lodge, and be
in the custody of the Grand Treasurer, the
Grand Secretary and the Finance
Committee;
R9.3.9 They may invest or reinvest such
portions of the Funds as are available in
such securities of high quality and low risk as
they consider prudent and appropriate;
R9.3.10 They are not limited to those
investments authorized by law for Trustees,
except that no investments may be made in
mortgage of real estate.
Securities, holding and purchase
R9.3.11 The Finance Committee may advise
and direct the Grand Treasurer and Grand
Secretary regarding the safekeeping of the
securities of the Fund and the purchase,
sale, transfer or exchange of such securities.
R9.3.12 A purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange may be made only on the written
51
order of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and a member of the Finance
Committee. Two written orders are required
of which one signature must be a member of
the Finance Committee.
Library and Archives Fund Purpose of Fund
R9.4 The purpose is to administer, operate
and grow the GL Library and Archives
through the acquisition, preservation,
cataloguing and appropriate display of
suitable historical and archival material
related to Freemasons and Freemasonry.
Board of Trustees
R9.4.1 The Grand Lodge Library and
Archives and the Grand Lodge Library Trust
Fund are administered by the Grand Lodge
Library Board of Trustees comprising four
members with three to form a quorum for the
transaction of business.
R9.4.2 The Grand Master appoints one
Trustee at each Annual Communication of
Grand Lodge for four years. All Trustees hold
office until their successors are appointed
and the Grand Master may make
appointments to fill a vacancy that may occur
for the unexpired term of such vacancy.
R9.4.3 Two members of the Board must
reside in the Greater Vancouver – New
Westminster area and one on Vancouver
Island.
Trustee Duties
R9.4.4 Be responsible for the administration,
operation and growth of the Grand Lodge
Library and Archives within the fiscal limits of
the annual grant voted by Grand Lodge
combined with such other funds as may
become available to the Board for Library or
Archive purposes.
R9.4.5 Make such Rules and Regulations
governing its administration as it requires,
providing they are consistent and comply
with the Constitution and Regulations;
R9.4.6 Provide for the acquisition,
preservation, cataloguing and display of
suitable historical and archival material
related to Freemasons and Freemasonry;
R9.4.7 To serve as the trustees and
receiving agents for donations to the fund;
R9.4.8 Promote and encourage the growth of
a Grand Lodge Library Trust Fund;
R9.4.9 Make such rules and regulations for
the operation of the Fund and for the
disbursement of income from it as required,
provided they are consistent with and comply
with the Constitution and Regulations;
R9.4.10 Provide a written report to Grand
Lodge each year.
Masonic Building Fund Purpose of Fund
R9.5 The purpose is to provide financial
assistance to Masonic Lodges within the
jurisdiction of Grand Lodge or their building
companies or societies that are, in the
opinion of the Grand Lodge Building
Committee, experiencing grave financial
difficulties in maintaining their Lodge
premises and properties.
Terms of Loan
R9.5.1 A Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction, its
Temple/Hall Company or Society may make
application for a loan under this program
through the Board of Trustees of the
Masonic Building Fund so that the
outstanding balance of any loan or loans
does not exceed Forty Thousand Dollars at
any one time. The interest rates on any
advances must not exceed the Prime Rate
interest at the time of application. Prime Rate
interest is defined as that rate which is
charged to its most substantial commercial
customers by the Canadian Chartered Bank
where the Masonic Building Fund account is
52
carried. While not in default, the advance(s)
shall enjoy a discounted rate of interest to
5% per annum.
R9.5.2 The advance may be amortized over
not more that twenty-five years, while the
term for the interest rate to be fixed must not
exceed five years. The advance (or
combined advances) to a borrowing entity
(Lodge or building society, etc.) must not
exceed 40% of the combined appraised
value of the same land and building(s). The
maximum outstanding amount to a borrowing
entity (Lodge and/or its building society, etc.)
must not exceed Forty Thousand Dollars.
Board of Trustees
R9.5.3 The Board of Trustees comprises the
Grand Secretary, the Grand Treasurer and
the Chairman of the following committees:
(a) Constitution,
(b) Finance, and
(c) Lodge Buildings.
Trustee Duties
R9.5.4 Assess the merits of each application
for assistance.
R9.5.5 Determines the amount of any
advance to be made to the borrowing entity
and the terms and conditions of any
mortgage or other documentation to secure
repayment of the advance. For that purpose,
it may cause to be incorporated a company
under the laws of the Province of British
Columbia to hold mortgages or other
securities and to ensure repayment of the
advances by the ultimate borrowing entity be
it a Lodge, its company or building society.
R9.5.6 Promote interest throughout the
Grand Jurisdiction in the Masonic Building
Fund and to devise methods of increasing its
support by the Brethren.
R9.5.7 Provide a written report to Grand
Lodge each year.
Fund kept separate
R9.5.8 The Fund must be kept separate from
the ordinary funds of Grand Lodge and in the
custody of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and the Finance Committee.
R9.5.9 Such portion of the Fund as is
available for investment or reinvestment
must be invested in Securities, of high quality
and low risk as the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and Finance Committee consider
prudent and appropriate without being limited
to those investments authorized by law for
Trustees.
Securities, holding and purchase
R9.5.10 The Committee on Finance must
advise and direct the Grand Treasurer and
Grand Secretary as to the safekeeping of the
securities of the Fund and as to the
purchase, sale, transfer or exchange of such
securities.
R9.5.11 A purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange may be made only on the written
order of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and a member of the Committee
on Finance or two of them, one of whom
must be a member of the Committee on
Finance.
Masonic Community Charities Fund Purpose of Fund
R9.6.1 The purpose is to promote the
interest of the fund within the Masonic
Community and to recommend community
charitable projects to Grand Lodge. The
capital fund and any income accruing may
be used for the purpose of funding identified
and approved community charitable projects
of this Grand Lodge to be administered in
this jurisdiction.
Board of Trustees
R9.6.2 The Board of Trustees comprises
nine members - the Grand Master, the
53
Immediate Past Grand Master, the Deputy
Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden, the
Junior Grand Warden, the Grand Secretary,
the Grand Treasurer, the Chairman of the
Benevolence Committee and the Chairman
of the Finance Committee.
R9.6.3 Five members form a quorum.
Trustee Duties
R9.6.4 Identify and recommends community
charitable projects to Grand Lodge after the
financial aspects of each proposal have been
considered by the Finance Committee.
R9.6.5 Promotes interest throughout the
Grand Jurisdiction in the Masonic
Community Charities Fund and devise
methods of increasing its support by our
Brethren;
R9.6.6 Provide a written report to Grand
Lodge each year.
Fund kept separate
R9.6.7 The Fund must be kept separate from
the ordinary funds of Grand Lodge and in the
custody of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and the Finance Committee.
R9.6.8 Such portion of the Fund as is
available for investment or reinvestment
must be invested by them in such securities
of high quality and low risk as they consider
prudent and appropriate without being limited
to those investments authorized by law for
Trustees.
R9.6.9 No investments can be made in a
mortgage of real estate.
Securities, holding and purchase
R9.6.10 The Committee on Finance must
advise and direct the Grand Treasurer and
Grand Secretary as to the safekeeping of the
securities of the Fund and as to the
purchase, sale, transfer or exchange of such
securities.
R9.6.11 A purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange may be made only on the written
order of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and a member of the Committee
on Finance or two of them, one of whom
must be a Member of the Committee on
Finance.
Life and Perpetual Membership Fund
Purpose of the Fund
R9.7.1 The purpose of this fund is to provide
Brethren the opportunity to establish life
membership in this jurisdiction. The income
accruing from the Fund must be remitted to
each Lodge according to their pro rata share
of the income each year ending December
31st in the following month of March,
together with a statement showing the net
return, the total value of the Fund, and the
amount held in the Fund to the credit of the
Lodge.
Life Membership may be purchased
R9.7.2 A member who is in good standing
and has paid his current dues in this
jurisdiction is eligible to purchase a Life
Membership by payment of the minimum as
determined by his age and the calculation
multiplier.
Minimum Fees
R9.7.3 The minimum fee to be paid by a
Member for a Life Membership is the product
of the current annual dues of the Member’s
Lodge and the following multipliers:
Member’s Age Multiplier
(a) From 26 to 35 years 20 times
(b) From 36 to 45 years 18 times
(c) From 46 to 55 years 15 times
(d) From 56 to 65 years 12 times
(e) 66 years and over 10 times
54
Paid into Life Membership Fund
R9.7.4 The minimum fee paid by the
Member to his Lodge must be forwarded to
the Grand Secretary to be held in trust and
invested for the credit of the Lodge in the Life
Membership Fund.
R9.7.5 When remitting the fee, the Grand
Secretary must be informed of the full name
of the Brother becoming a Life Member.
No Administration Fee
R9.7.6 There are no administration fees
payable to Grand Lodge in connection with
the Life Membership Fund.
Fund kept separate
R9.7.7 The Fund must be kept separate from
the ordinary funds of Grand Lodge and in the
custody of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and the Finance Committee.
R9.7.8 Such portion of the fund available for
investment or re-investment must be
invested by them in such securities of high
quality and low risk as they consider prudent
and appropriate without being limited to
those investments authorized by law for
Trustees.
R9.7.9 No investments can be made in
mortgage of real estate.
Securities, holding and purchase
R9.7.10 The Committee on Finance must
advise and direct the Grand Treasurer and
Grand Secretary regarding the safe-keeping
of the securities of the Fund and the
purchase, sale, transfer or exchange of such
securities.
R9.7.11 A purchase, sale, transfer or
exchange may be made only on the written
order of the Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary and a Member of the Finance
Committee or two of them, one of whom
must be a member of the Finance
Committee.
Life Memberships transferable
R9.7.12 If a Lodge surrenders or forfeits its
Charter. A Member holding a Life
Membership in this fund is entitled to direct
that his Life Membership and its value in the
Life Membership Fund be transferred to a
Lodge with which he wishes to affiliate in this
Grand Jurisdiction. The value of the Life
Memberships of both the Members who do
not affiliate and of those Brethren of that
Lodge who have died will be held in the Life
Membership Fund for the benefit of all
participating Lodges in the Life Membership
Fund on a pro rata basis.
R9.7.13 In the event of two or more Lodges
amalgamating, all Life Membership funds of
the Lodges involved must be credited to the
account of the newly-formed Lodge.
R9.7.14 If a Member who has a Life
Membership in the fund affiliates with a
Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction and demits
from one in which he holds a Life
Membership, he may have the value of his
interest in the Life Membership Fund
transferred to the credit of the Lodge with
which he has affiliated.
R9.7.15 If the minimum fee for his Life
Membership is less than the amount which
would be required in the Lodge with which he
has affiliated at the time he became a Life
Member, the Member must pay the
additional amount to the Lodge with which he
has affiliated.
R9.7.16 If the minimum fee is more than the
amount which would be required in the
Lodge with which he has affiliated at the time
he became a Life Member, the excess
minimum fee is transferred to the credit of
the Lodge with which he has affiliated.
R9.7.17 A Member who receives a dues
benefit from his Lodge as a non-resident and
who subsequently becomes disentitled to the
benefit, will be required to pay the difference
between the amount he has paid and the
55
amount he would have paid as a resident, if
he wishes to continue his Life Membership. If
he does not wish to continue his Life
Membership, he is entitled to a return of the
amount he paid for his Life Membership, and
must pay annual resident dues.
R9.7.18 Nothing in this section limits the
number of times a Life Member may demit
and affiliate.
Lodges may participate in Fund
R9.7.19 Lodges that administer their own
Life Membership Plan may remit funds in
their Life Membership Plan and the names of
those Brethren holding Life Memberships to
the Grand Secretary for them to be included
in the Grand Lodge Life Membership Plan.
R9.7.20 If two or more Lodges amalgamate
after December 31st, 1991, where one or
more had their own Life Membership Plan,
the amalgamated Lodge may extend a life
Membership Plan to the Members of the
amalgamated Lodge on the basis of the Life
Membership Plan existing in the former
Lodge or Lodges.
R9.7.21 The Lodge is responsible for issuing
dues cards to Life Members annually which
expire on December 31st.
PART 2 – CRAFT LODGES
REGULATION 10 - FEES AND
ASSESSMENTS
Fee schedule
R10.1 Fees are payable to Grand Lodge for;
(a) granting a Dispensation for a new
Lodge;
(b) granting a Warrant, including a set
of Lodge books, seal and stationery;
(c) dispensation (funeral and
attending Divine Service excepted);
(e) past Master’s Certificate or
replacement Grand Lodge Certificate
or Warrant;
(f) for every person Initiated in a
Lodge (to include a Member’s
manual);
(g) for every Brother Passed;
(h) for every Brother Raised (to
include a Grand Lodge Certificate
and a copy of the Constitution and
Regulations;
(i) for every Affiliate (Entered
Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master
Mason).
Per Capita Assessment
R10.2 For every member, except life
members made before June 17, 1982, each
Lodge must pay the annual assessment
adopted by Grand Lodge when the estimates
are approved. If the assessment is not
adopted at that time, the assessment in
effect during the preceding year is payable. If
a Member has membership in two or more
Lodges, the annual assessment is payable
only by one of the Lodges, based on the
Member’s Grand Lodge identity number.
R10.3 For every member reinstated the
assessment for that member that would have
been payable on his behalf had he not been
suspended must be paid by the Lodge.
R10.4 If a Lodge suspends a Member for
nonpayment of dues; it is not required to pay
the Grand Lodge assessment for the
suspended member for the year in which the
uspended Member failed to pay his regular
dues to the Lodge.
R10.5 For every Member, each Lodge must
pay the annual assessment adopted by
Grand Lodge when the charitable project
expenditures of the Community Charities
56
Fund are approved. If a Member has
membership in two or more Lodges, the
assessment is payable only by one of the
Lodges, based on the Member’s Grand
Lodge identity number.
Assessments Due
R10.6 All fees and assessments payable to
Grand Lodge, are payable by the Lodge
upon receipt of invoice.
When Lodge Dues remitted
R10.7 When a Lodge decides to remit the
annual dues of any Member who is unable to
pay them, the annual assessments are not
payable to Grand Lodge in respect to that
Member.
R10.7.1 If any dues remitted by Lodges are
paid at a future date, the annual
assessments payable to Grand Lodge for
those Members are then due and payable.
REGULATION 11- LODGES
UNDER DISPENSATION
Requirements to obtain Dispensation
R11.1 An application for a Dispensation to
open a new Lodge must include;
(a) a petition of at least fifteen Master
Masons in good standing;
(b) a certificate of good standing (or a
Demit from a regularly Warranted
Lodge of this or some other
recognized Jurisdiction) of each of
the petitioners;
(c) a recommendation from the
Warranted Lodge nearest to the
location of the proposed Lodge, or
where two or more Lodges hold
concurrent jurisdiction the petitioners
must give written notice of their
intention to apply for a Dispensation
to each of the said Lodges and must
obtain the recommendation of such
Lodge or Lodges as the District
Deputy Grand Master of the District in
which the proposed new Lodge would
be situate directs;
(d) a certificate that the Brethren
selected as Worshipful Master and
Wardens of the proposed Lodge have
appeared in open Lodge before such
Lodge as the District Deputy Grand
Master directs, or before him, and
exemplified the work of the three
Degrees, and that they are
competent to confer the same in a
proper Masonic manner;
(e) a certificate from the District
Deputy Grand Master of the District,
or some other duly qualified Brother
delegated for the purpose by the
Grand Master, certifying that the
petitioners have complied with the
requirements set out in the preceding
four clauses, and that in his opinion
the best interests of the Craft will be
advanced by the establishment of the
new Lodge.
Dispensation may be Granted
R11.2 On receipt of the Petition for
Dispensation, the Grand Master may grant a
Dispensation, and must report the same at
the next Annual Communication, when the
Dispensation will expire unless approved by
that Annual Communication.
Grand Lodge officers to organize
R11.3 The initial organization of a Lodge
under Dispensation is the responsibility of
the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master,
District Deputy Grand Master, or some
Member of Grand Lodge specially appointed
by the Grand Master for that purpose.
57
Petitioner’s Membership not forfeited
R11.4 A Brother’s membership in his
Warranted Lodge is not affected by his
participation in the Petition for Dispensation.
Returns to be made
R11.5 Every Lodge under Dispensation
must, not later than June 1st, return to the
Grand Secretary its letter of Dispensation
together with its annual returns and an
abstract of the work done, to include:
(a) the name and location of the
Lodge;
(b) the date and time when each
Communication was held;
(c) the names of the officers,
members and visitors present;
(d) whether the Communication was
a Regular or an Emergent one, and
what Degrees the Lodge conferred;
(e) all its proceedings, especially
those relating to petitions for
Initiation, by whom
recommended, fees paid, to whom
referred, report thereon, ballot and its
result.
May Petition for Warrant
R11.6 With the return of its letter of
Dispensation, a Lodge under dispensation
may present to Grand Lodge a petition for a
Warrant, and Grand Lodge may:
(a) order the issue of a Warrant to
such Lodge and assign it such name
and number on the Register;
(b) place it in such District as is
deemed proper;
(c) may order the continuance of the
Dispensation for such further period
of time as it may see fit;
(d) direct that the Dispensation be
discontinued;
(e) take such other action as would
appear to it to be in the best interests
of the Craft.
Regulations
R11.7 A Lodge under Dispensation is
governed by the Ancient Landmarks, the
Constitution and Regulations of Grand Lodge
and these specific regulations:
(a) officers cannot be installed;
(b) cannot add to their membership
by affiliation;
(c) is not required to pay
assessments to Grand Lodge, but
must pay fees for Initiations,
Passings, Raisings, and Certificates.
Who Performs Constitution
R11.8 A Lodge granted a Warrant must be
Constituted, as soon as convenient, by the
Grand Master or a Brother designated by
him.
By-laws
R11.9 A new Warranted Lodge, as soon as
possible, must formulate and adopt suitable
By-laws, and send them to the Grand
Secretary for the Grand Master’s approval.
Members’ Standing if Dispensation
withdrawn
R11.10 If for any reason a Dispensation is
withdrawn by the Grand Master, or not
approved by Grand Lodge, all the Members
in good standing have the status of regularly
demitted Freemasons, insofar as their
membership in the Lodge under
Dispensation is concerned.
R11.10.1 Upon the return of all books,
records and funds collected to the Grand
Secretary, each of the Members of the
Lodge, as shown by such books and
records, are entitled to receive from the
Grand Secretary, under seal of Grand
58
Lodge, a certificate showing such facts, and
such certificate has the force and effect of a
demit.
R11.10.2 No Member may receive such
certificate until he has paid to the Grand
Secretary all dues owed by him to such
Lodge at the date of its demise.
REGULATION 12 - LODGE OF
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Purpose
R12.1 A Research Lodge is devoted to
Masonic research. Its purpose is to provide
opportunities for its members to research
various aspects of Freemasonry. The object
of a Lodge of Research is the historical and
comparative study and illustration of the
origins, development, and modern trends
and activities of Freemasonry, its
organisation, ritual and teachings. The
outcomes of its research is disseminated
amongst the members of the Lodge and
other Brethren. It is a Lodge, and as such
has a charter from the GL of BC &Y.
However, it does not confer degrees.
Special License required
R12.2 The Grand Master may authorize a
special license to a Lodge to hold a District
Lodge of Education and Research.
R12.2.1 The Grand Master will name at least
three capable Brethren to be responsible for
the activities of the Lodge.
R12.2.2 The Grand Master will direct the
time and place of meeting along with other
matters relating to the Lodge. The Grand
Master may vary these directions as
required.
Must keep Minutes
R12.3 All Lodges of Education and
Research, must keep complete minutes of
their activities. Upon request, these minutes
must be made available to the Grand Master
and the Lodge granting its authority.
Grand Master may cancel License
R12.4 The Grand Master may cancel the
Special License. Upon cancellation, all
properties, funds, books and records
become the property of Grand Lodge.
Ashlar College
R12.5 The Grand Master may by a special
license, and authority in writing, authorize the
operation of The Ashlar College of
Freemasonry.
R12.5.1 This authorization names at least
five well skilled Brethren who have agreed, in
writing, to accept the responsibility for the
proper conduct of the College. The
authorization must give such directions as
the Grand Master may see fit and such
directions may be varied from time to time.
REGULATION 13 - LODGE OF
INSTRUCTION
Purpose
R13.1 The purpose of The Lodge of
Instruction is to provide Officers and those
who wish to become Officers an opportunity
to rehearse ritual under the guidance of an
experienced Brother. There may also be
lectures around the ritual and the symbolism
in the Craft Lodge in order to develop the
knowledge and understanding of the
membership.
Authority required
R13.2 A Lodge, under its Warrant, may
approve in writing a Lodge of Instruction. The
approval must state the time and place of
meeting along with at least three proficient
Brethren who have agreed in writing to
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accept responsibility for the management of
the Lodge.
R13.2.1 These Brethren and the sponsoring
Lodge are accountable to Grand Lodge for
the operation of the Lodge.
R13.2.2 No Lodge may authorize a Lodge of
Instruction outside of their Jurisdiction.
Must keep Minutes
R13.3 All Lodges of Instruction must keep
complete minutes of their activities. Upon
request, these minutes must be made
available to the Grand Master and the Lodge
granting its authority.
Sponsor may withdraw Authority
R13.4 At any Regular Communication, a
Lodge that has authorized a Lodge of
Instruction may withdraw the authority.
R13.4.1 For the Lodge to withdraw its
authority it must:
(a) provide warning of its intent to
withdraw authority in the notice for
the communication;
(b) provide notification to the Lodge
of Instruction of the resolution
withdrawing its
authority;
(c) the Grand Master at any time can
cancel the authority given by a
sponsoring Lodge.
Disposal of Property when withdrawn
R13.5 When authority is withdrawn, all
properties, funds, books and records of the
Lodge of Instruction become the property of
the sponsoring Lodge.
Notice to Grand Secretary
R13.6 The times and places of meetings of
all Lodges of Instruction, and of Education
and Research, must to given to the Grand
Secretary.
REGULATION 14 - FUNERAL
LODGE
Purpose
R14.1 Where a Freemason’s religious
affiliation will not perform a funeral due to the
Brother being a Freemason or other
circumstances such as death at sea or war,
a Funeral Lodge may be initiated by the GM.
The underlying principle of a Masonic
Funeral is to teach the living that death is a
certainty and we do not know when death
might occur. The Funeral Lodge enriches
the teachings of the MM degree. A Funeral
Lodge is not a substitute for the Funeral
Rites of a religious denomination that a
Brother belonged to.
Grand Master may authorize
R14.2 Upon request the Grand Master may
license a Funeral Lodge for the purpose of
establishing and conducting Masonic funeral
services.
Rules and Regulations
R14.3 The Grand Master in the license will
outline the rules and regulations for the
Funeral Lodge along with the names of at
least seven Brethren who have accepted
responsibility for its supervision.
Power to cancel license
R14.4 The Grand Master can at any time
cancel the Funeral Lodge license with all
properties, funds, books and records
becoming the property of Grand Lodge.
Request necessary
R14.5 A Freemason may not be interred with
the formalities of the fraternity unless a
specific request is made to the Lodge or the
Worshipful Master by the person entitled to
the disposition of the deceased. The
deceased must have been a Master Mason.
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Masonic Funerals – Residents
R14.6 For the purpose of conducting a
Masonic funeral or memorial service, the
Worshipful Master may invite other Lodges
to attend in form.
R14.6.1 The whole ceremony must be under
the absolute direction of the Worshipful
Master of the Lodge to which the deceased
Brother belonged.
Masonic Funerals of Sojourners
R14.7 When a Master Mason from beyond
the Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge dies in this
Jurisdiction, the provisions of the
Regulations relating to deceased Members
of Lodges of this Jurisdiction apply as far as
practicable.
R14.7.1 Any Worshipful Master of a Lodge
may direct the funeral and conduct it in the
same manner as provided for resident
deceased Members.
Limitation of Unaffiliated Freemason
R14.8 An unaffiliated Freemason is not
entitled or permitted to Masonic burial except
when it is shown that the Brother was not at
fault or indifferent to his duty.
REGULATION 15 - CRAFT
LODGES
Grand Lodge Warrant is required for a
Lodge
R15.1 Every Lodge in this Jurisdiction must
have a Warrant from Grand Lodge and can
only work when it has been regularly
constituted and its officers installed.
Returns and Payments to Grand Lodge
R15.2 On or before March 1st each year,
every Lodge must submit to the Grand
Secretary returns and payments completed
as at the preceding December 31st, using
forms prescribed by the Grand Secretary.
R15.2.1 Payments must include:
(a) assessments levied by Grand
Lodge;
(b) a penalty of $1.00 for every day a
Lodge is delinquent.
Penalty for Not Making Returns
R15.3 The Worshipful Master and Wardens,
or any representatives of a Lodge neglecting
to submit returns and payments, will be
disqualified from taking part in the
proceedings of Grand Lodge until the returns
and payments have been made.
Lodge Membership .
R15.4 Lodge Members include those
Brethren named in the Warrant or Charter,
Brethren admitted by affiliation, and Master
Masons.
Jurisdiction over Members
R15.5 The jurisdiction of a Lodge includes all
its Members, wherever they reside, and all
Freemasons residing nearer to its meeting
place than to any other Lodge. Where more
than one Lodge exists, each Lodge has
separate jurisdiction over its Members and
concurrent jurisdiction over all Freemasons
who are not Members of these Lodges who
reside in the same community, or nearer
than to any other place where a Lodge
exists.
Representation in Grand Lodge
R15.6 The Worshipful Master and Wardens, or their duly elected proxies, have the duty to represent their Lodge at Grand Lodge. Right to Instruct R15.7 A majority of Members of a convened
Lodge may give direction to the Worshipful
Master, Wardens or their proxies regarding
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the wishes of the Members before a
Communication of Grand Lodge.
Master Masons have the right to ballot or
vote
R15.8 Master Masons, who are Members of
the Lodge, are the only Brethren who can
ballot or vote in their Lodge.
Procedure for Voting
R15.9 Voting in a Lodge is by a show of
hands. A ballot must take place when
directed by the Constitution or Regulations.
Worshipful Master may require Ballot
R15.10 The Worshipful Master may direct
that a ballot is required if in his judgement
the matter is significant or major differences
exist among the Brethren.
Honorary Members
R15.11 A Lodge may elect a Brother in good
standing for his service to the Craft in
general, or to any particular Lodge, as an
Honorary Member.
R15.11.1 A Notice of Motion to elect a
Brother as an Honorary Member must be
given at one Regular Communication and
placed on the notice for the next.
R15.11.2 The election must be by ballot and
requires a favourable ballot of two-thirds of
the Members present to elect him as an
Honorary Member if he is a Member of that
Lodge. If he is not a Member of that Lodge,
he may be declared elected unless three or
more negative votes are cast.
R15.11.3 An Honorary Member is not
entitled to vote unless that right is included in
the motion conferring his Honorary
Membership. The Lodge may pass a
subsequent motion to allow an Honorary
Member voting rights providing the original
procedure of notice of motion and election is
followed.
R15.11.4 The Lodge must include Honorary
Members in its returns to Grand Lodge and
pay to Grand Lodge the assessments as are
payable for regular Members on behalf of
such Honorary Members.
R15.11.5 An Honorary Member may
terminate his Honorary Membership by
mutual consent of himself and the Lodge.
Lodge Sporting Sponsorships
R15.12 A Lodge may undertake the full or
partial sponsorship of an amateur athletic
sports team for minor children provided that
one of the stated aims of the team, or the
league of which it is a member, is the
promotion of sportsmanship among minor
children.
Job’s Daughters or DeMolay
Sponsorships
R15.13 A Lodge may undertake the full or
partial sponsorship of a Bethel of the
International Order of Job’s Daughters
and/or a Chapter of the Order of DeMolay of
Canada.
Lodge Porch Book
R15.14 Every Lodge must provide a Porch
Book for all Members and visitors to
complete. Before entering the Lodge, each
Brother must sign his name and give his
Masonic rank. Visiting Brethren must also
enter the name and location of the Lodge
from which they hail.
Master Mason Certificate to be procured
R15.15 For every Member raised, a Lodge
must obtain from the Grand Secretary a
Grand Lodge certificate to be paid for by the
Lodge. This certificate is to be presented
after the member has passed a satisfactory
examination in open Lodge.
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Grand Lodge Certificate must be signed
R15.16 Upon receiving a Grand Lodge
certificate, the Member must sign his name
on it in the presence of the Worshipful
Master or the Secretary of the Lodge. If the
Member is away from the Lodge meeting
place, it may be forwarded to a Lodge
requested by the Member and he must then
sign it in the presence of the Worshipful
Master or Secretary of that Lodge.
Publication of Minutes prohibited
R15.17 The printing, publishing or
distribution of any minutes or proceedings of
all or part of any Lodge communication, or
the names of anyone present at a Lodge
communication, is prohibited unless:
(a) express permission has been
given by the Grand Master; or
(b) the purpose in so doing is for the
benefit of the Lodge Members only.
Penalty
R15.17.1 Anyone who publishes any minutes
is liable to reprimand, suspension or
expulsion as Grand Lodge may determine.
Exclusion from Prohibition on publication
of minutes
R15.18 The prohibition on publication of
minutes does not extend to:
(a) the writing, printing or publishing
of any notice issued to the members
of a Lodge authorized by the
Worshipful Master;
(b) the proceedings of any festive or
public meeting at which persons who
are not Freemasons are permitted to
attend.
Circulars Prohibited
R15.19 Unless the approval of the Grand
Master is first obtained, a Lodge or a
Member, must not circularize other Lodges
or Members in an endeavour to
(a) obtain support for, or expressions
of opinion on, a proposition or
propositions in which it or he may be
interested;
(b) solicit donations of funds.
Use of Audio/Visual Equipment
R15.20 While at labour, no one may use or
cause to be used any sound recording or
photographic or playback device to record or
play back the proceedings of any Lodge. The
equipment may be used only to provide
music to enhance the ceremonies of the
Lodge or for the purpose of an educational
presentation.
Right to regulate own Proceedings
R15.21 The majority of Members at any
regularly assembled Lodge has an
undoubted right to regulate their own
proceedings, provided they comply with the
Lodge By-laws, the Constitution and the
Regulations of Grand Lodge.
REGULATION 16 - CRAFT
LODGE POWERS
Power to compose By-laws
R16.1 A Lodge has the power to compose
By-laws for its own government provided
they comply with the Constitution and
Regulations of Grand Lodge. A By-law or its
amendment is not valid until it has been
submitted to the Grand Secretary and has
received the approval of the Grand Master.
Any Lodge By-law that conflicts with the
Constitution or Regulations of Grand Lodge
is hereby declared invalid and repealed.
All Members to acknowledge By-laws
R16.2 By-laws including all amendments
must be published by every Lodge and made
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accessible to all its Members within a
reasonable time. Every new Member of a
Lodge must sign an acknowledgment
regarding the Lodge By-laws.
R16.2.1 Failure to acknowledge the By-laws
does not relieve a Member from paying
dues.
May remit dues
R16.3 A Lodge has the power to remit the
dues of any Member to Grand Lodge.
May suspend for NPD
R16.4 When a Member has not paid his
current year dues for three months, the
Lodge Secretary, or Member acting on his
behalf, must notify him by any reasonable
means that the matter will be placed before
the next Regular Communication of the
Lodge, unless:
(a) his dues are paid, or
(b) his failure to pay is due to
sickness or any other misfortune.
Process of suspension for non-payment
of dues
R16.5 Every Lodge has the power to
suspend from the privileges of the Lodge any
Member for nonpayment of dues.
R16.5.1 At the Regular Communication, the
Lodge may:
(a) grant him further time for
payment, or
(b) remit his dues,
(c) on a two-thirds affirmative vote of
the Members present, the Worshipful
Master may declare him to be
suspended from all rights and
privileges of the Lodge.
Masonic Privileges Deprived During
Suspension.
R16.6 All Brethren suspended, in this or any
other Jurisdiction recognized by Grand
Lodge, shall be deprived, while suspended,
of all Masonic privileges in this Jurisdiction,
including laying a charge against any
Member of the Lodge which suspended him.
Reinstatement from suspension
R16.7 If a Brother who has been suspended
for non-payment of dues wishes his Lodge
membership to be reinstated, the following
procedure must be followed:
(a) the Brother must apply in writing
for reinstatement to the Lodge that
suspended him accompanied by full
payment of all outstanding dues
owing at time of his suspension,
including the current year dues;
(b) if the Secretary receives the
application and payment within thirty
days of the suspension, the Member
may be reinstated immediately;
(c) if the application and payment are
received by the Secretary after thirty
days from the date of the suspension,
the Worshipful Master must direct a
three member Lodge Investigation
Committee examine the moral,
mental and other qualifications of the
Brother seeking reinstatement and
report to the Lodge.
Dues retained by Lodge
R16.8 If a candidate for re-instatement is
rejected, all monies paid remain the property
of the Lodge.
Cessation of dues on demit
R16.9 Dues cease once the application for a
demit is read and approved in open Lodge.
No dues charged
R16.10 Entered Apprentices and Fellow
Crafts are not charged dues.
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REGULATION 17 - LIMITS OF
CRAFT LODGE POWERS
No Travelling Certificates
R17.1 A Lodge or Member cannot, under
any circumstances, give a recommendation
to enable a Brother to proceed from Lodge to
Lodge as a pauper for the purpose, or with
the intent, of requesting support or relief.
Use of Dedicated Room
R17.2 A dedicated Lodge room cannot be
used for any other purpose, while it
continues to be regularly used for Masonic
purposes.
Cannot Adjourn
R17.3 A Lodge Communication must be
completed on the same day it starts and
cannot be adjourned to the next day.
Cannot suspend By-laws
R17.4 A Lodge cannot suspend any part of
its By-laws, except the Order of Business.
Cannot Incorporate
R17.5 A Lodge cannot become a limited or
incorporated entity.
Limit to Degrees Conferred
R17.6 A Lodge is limited to confer Degrees
on no more than five candidates at any one
Communication. After that, at least two days
must elapse before a further Communication
to confer Degrees may be held, except by
Dispensation of the Grand Master.
Minimum Fee for three Degrees
R17.7 A Lodge cannot confer the three
Degrees for a fee of less than four hundred
dollars.
REGULATION 18 - CRAFT
LODGE COMMUNICATION
Time necessary for Notices
R18.1 At least five days’ notice must be
given of all Lodge Communications except
for funerals. Notices may be sent by
electronic means if the recipient can receive
them.
Place and Time of Meeting
R18.2 The place, day and starting time of
Regular Communications of a Lodge must
be specified in its By-laws.
R18.2.1 A Regular Communication of a
Lodge is held on the days and times
designated in its By-laws, except by
Dispensation. It is the only meeting at which
business may be done, with any exceptions
specified in the Constitution or Regulations.
No Emergent Communication can be
considered to be part of a Regular
Communication.
R18.2.2 Only on the authority of the
Worshipful Master, an Emergent
Communication may be called by him, or in
his absence the Senior Warden, or in their
absence the Junior Warden. The business to
be done at the Emergent Communication
must be stated in the notice and recorded in
the minutes and no other business may be
done.
Business in any Degree
R18.3 A Regular Communication of a Lodge
is held on the days and times designated in
its By-laws, except by Dispensation. It is the
only meeting at which business may be
done, with any exceptions specified in the
Constitution or Regulations. Business can be
done in any degree deemed appropriate by
the Worshipful Master. No Emergent
Communication can be considered to be part
of a Regular Communication.
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Quorum
R18.4 At all regular or emergent
Communications of a Lodge, a quorum is
seven Master Masons. No business may be
transacted at any Communication unless at
least five members of the Lodge are present,
one of whom must be the Worshipful Master
or one of the Wardens.
Grand Lodge Officers to Receive Notices
R18.5 Notices of all regular and emergent
Communications must be sent to the Grand
Master, Grand Secretary and the District
Deputy Grand Master of the District.
Official Visit of Grand Master Procedure
R18.6 The Grand Master may direct the
District Deputy Grand Master of a District to
summon any two or more of the Lodges in
his District to attend at an Official Visit of
Grand Master.
Prior to the Entrance of the Grand Master
R18.7 Prior to the entrance of the Grand
Master, the Worshipful Master of the host
Lodge will resign the chair and gavel to the
District Deputy Grand Master and invite him
to preside and receive the Grand Master on
behalf of the Lodge.
The Grand Master and His Suite
R18.8 The Grand Master and his suite will be
received, the officers of Grand Lodge seated,
and the business conducted in accordance
with this Constitution and Regulations and
the Book of Ceremonies except that:
(a) the District Deputy Grand Master
will meet and receive the Grand
Master at the altar, resign the gavel
to him, escort him to the East;
(b) if the Deputy Grand Master is
present, he will be placed at the right,
and the District Deputy Grand Master
at the left of the Grand Master. The
Worshipful Master will be placed to
the right of Deputy Grand Master. If
the Deputy Grand Master is not
present, the District Deputy Grand
Master will be placed at the right, and
the Worshipful Master at the left, of
the Grand Master;
(c) when the Grand Master wishes to
retire, he will resign the gavel to the
Worshipful Master of the host Lodge
and the District Deputy Grand Master
will retire with the Grand Master and
his suite.
Unless otherwise directed by the Grand
Master
R18.9 Unless otherwise directed by the
Grand Master, the procedure by which the
officers and members of the Lodges other
than the host Lodge will meet and pay their
respects to the Grand Master and the part
they will take in the Communication will be
as determined earlier by the District Deputy
Grand Master.
Expenses Incurred by the Host Lodge
R18.10 The expenses incurred by the host
Lodge for the Communication, as approved
in advance by the Junior Wardens of the
District Lodges, are shared by all the Lodges
summoned, including the host Lodge, in
proportion to their membership.
REGULATION 19 - DUTIES OF
CRAFT LODGE OFFICERS
Worshipful Master
Purpose
R19.1 The WM is the leader in his Lodge.
His purpose is to promote peace and
harmony in the Lodge. He accomplishes this
through masonic knowledge, fiscal
responsibility, masonic education, masonic
ritual, degrees and knowledge of their
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meaning, honourable service, fairness,
enthusiasm, policies not details, delegation
of tasks and resolving issues.
Eligibility
R19.2 No Member is eligible for the office of
Worshipful Master, except by dispensation of
the Grand Master, unless he has filled the
office of Warden in a Lodge of this Grand
Lodge, or one recognized by this Grand
Lodge, for a full year or is a Past Master. A
Member cannot serve as Worshipful Master
of more than one Lodge at the same time.
Powers
R19.3 The Worshipful Master has the power
to summon his Lodge, or any Member, for
cause.
Custodian of Warrant
R19.4 The Worshipful Master is the
custodian of the Warrant of the Lodge and is
responsible to Grand Lodge for the proper
practice of its privileges and observance of
the Ancient Landmarks, Laws, Regulations
and By‐laws of the Lodge.
Responsibility
R19.5 The Worshipful Master must see that
membership information and Lodge
transactions are recorded by the Secretary.
Records of the Members must include full
names, birth dates or ages, addresses, titles,
occupations, and details of their Masonic
careers, including the dates of proposal,
initiation, passing, raising or affiliations.
Instruction and Examination
R19.6 It is the duty of the Worshipful Master
to see that every Brother who is raised to the
Sublime Degree of a Master Mason is
properly instructed and passes an
examination in open Lodge.
To see all monies are accounted for
R19.7 The Worshipful Master must see that
all money received or paid is recorded by the
Secretary and Treasurer and that the
accounts are reviewed annually by a
Financial Review Committee, elected or
appointed by the Lodge.
No appeal from Worshipful Master
R19.8 A Lodge may not appeal a decision of
its Worshipful Master. His decision may be
reviewed only by Grand Lodge. If an appeal
is made to Grand Lodge, it may only be by
the Member or Members against whom the
decision was made.
May Obtain Past Master’s Certificate
R19.9 A Worshipful Master who has served
his term in this Jurisdiction is entitled to a
Past Master’s Certificate supplied by the
Grand Secretary.
The Wardens and Deacons R19.10 If the Worshipful Master dies, is
removed, or is absent from his Jurisdiction,
or is incapable of discharging the duties of
his office, the Senior Warden and in his
absence the Junior Warden succeeds to and
is charged with all the powers and duties of
the Worshipful Master, but must not assume
the Worshipful Master’s chair.
R19.10.1 No member may be installed as
Deacon or Warden until he has received his
Master Mason certificate.
Past Master Privileges R19.11 A Past Master of any regular
recognised Lodge may be invited by the
Worshipful Master to officiate as Worshipful
Master, and may confer Degrees or perform
any other ceremony.
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Worshipful Master and Wardens
Summons R19.12 The Worshipful Master or Wardens
of any Lodge, when summoned to do so,
must attend the Grand Master, the Deputy
Grand Master, the District Deputy Grand
Master, the Grand Lodge, or the Committee
or person authorized by Grand Lodge; and
must produce, if required, the Warrant,
minutes and books of the Lodge.
Secretary R19.13 The Secretary of a Lodge must as
soon as the information is available, or when
required by the Grand Secretary, send notice
to the Grand Secretary of the following
matters, giving all necessary particulars,
including full names, addresses and
occupations of the parties concerning;
(a) all Regular and Emergent
Communications,
(b) petitions for the Degrees and for
affiliation,
(c) results of the ballots, or other
action on petitions,
(d) demits granted,
(e) applications for waiver of
jurisdiction,
(f) results of applications for waiver of
jurisdiction,
(g) suspensions for non-payment of
dues,
(h) suspensions or recommendations
for expulsions, for unmasonic
conduct,
(i) restorations to rights and
privileges,
(j) refusals to grant reinstatement,
(k) Entered Apprentices or Fellow
Crafts dropped from the Roll,
(l) dual or plural memberships,
(m) deaths of members,
(n) church services attended by the
Lodge in Masonic clothing,
(o) monies received for special Grand
Lodge funds,
(p) loss of property through fire or
theft,
(q) information with regard to
imposters or clandestines,
(r) installation of new officers,
(s) list and amount of relief granted.
Other Officers R19.14 The other officers of the Lodge
perform such duties as are detailed in the
By-laws of the Lodge or as are contained in
the instructions specified at their installation.
REGULATION 20 - PETITIONERS
AND CANDIDATES
Qualifications
R20.1 A person must be able to read and
write in the English language to be eligible
for membership in a Lodge.
R20.1.1 Residency – A petitioner must have
resided within the Jurisdiction of the Lodge
for six consecutive months immediately prior
to the date of his petition. The Grand Master
may grant a Dispensation reducing the
length of residency required.
R20.1.2 Capacity – A candidate is eligible for
the degrees of Freemasonry if he is capable
of learning the Masonic Art and
understanding the secrets and mysteries of
the Craft. If there is any doubt of his
capability, a ruling from the Grand Master
should be requested.
R20.1.3 Age, etc.- When making his
application, a candidate must be at least 21
years old, free born and capable of
supporting himself and those dependent
upon him.
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Permissible Questions
R20.2 These questions may be asked of a
perspective candidate. There is no
requirement that these questions be given or
an affirmative answer be obtained. The
questions are;
(a) Do you believe in the existence of
a Supreme Being?
(b) Do you believe that the Supreme
Being will punish vice and reward
virtue?
(c) Do you believe that that
Supreme Being has revealed His will
to man?
R20.2.1 If the questions are put to the
Candidate the first question requires a
positive answer from the Candidate to insure
that the initiation process continue. If the
Candidate is “unsure” or “does not have” a
response to questions (b) and (c) this is
acceptable and the initiation process can
continue.
Time to elapse for Rejected Petition
R20.3 A Lodge cannot receive a petition for
the Degrees of Freemasonry from any
person who has been rejected by any Lodge
within the preceding twelve months, except
by Dispensation from the Grand Master.
Petition Form
R20.4 A petition for the Degrees must be
made in the prescribed form, signed by the
petitioner, and recommended by at least two
Members of the Lodge to which application is
made.
Procedure on receiving Petition
R20.5 A Lodge cannot ballot on any petition
for initiation, reinstatement or affiliation,
except by Dispensation from the Grand
Master;
(a) until information has been
received from the Grand Secretary
that the applicant is clear on the
current records of this Grand Lodge,
(b) the full name, age, profession or
occupation and place of residence of
the applicant has been sent to all the
Members of the Lodge in the notice
for a Regular Communication of the
Lodge,
(c) the petition and the declaration of
each sponsor of the candidate
received at a Regular Communication
has been referred to an Investigation
Committee of three members of the
Lodge who have examined the
applicant’s moral, mental, physical
and other proper qualifications,
(d) the Investigation Committee has
reported on the preceding at the first
Regular
Communication held following a
period of at least four weeks from the
Regular Communication at which the
application was received, unless
further time is granted.
Committee Report Unfavourable
R20.6 If the report of the Committee, or any
Member of it, is unfavourable, a ballot cannot
be taken, and the Worshipful Master may
upon receiving the report, declare the
applicant rejected.
Conditions for Withdrawal
R20.7 Following referral to the Investigation
Committee, a petition cannot be withdrawn
except;
(a) if the Committee finds the
applicant disqualified due to
insufficient residence or physical
disability, but finds no other objection
to him, they must report accordingly;
(b) the Worshipful Master may then
direct the withdrawal of the petition
without further action and this
69
direction must be entered in the
minutes.
Balloting
R20.8 Every Member has a duty to ballot on
petitioners to his Lodge. The Worshipful
Master must require every Member present
to cast a ballot.
R20.8.1 Each petitioner must be balloted on
individually.
R20.8.2 If the Investigation Committee
report is favourable, the ballot on the
applicant must proceed. Two black balls or
cubes are required to reject a candidate. If
two black balls/cubes appear in the ballot
box, the Worshipful Master, without declaring
the result, must at once order a second ballot
for the purpose of correcting a possible
mistake, which ballot is final. After one ballot
has been taken, no discussion is permitted in
the Lodge before the second ballot is taken,
nor can the second ballot be postponed until
another Communication of the Lodge. No
Member may enter or leave once balloting
has commenced, except for necessity.
Petitioners from Canadian Forces
R20.9 Petitioners who are members of the
Canadian Forces and who, because of their
service, are unable to satisfy residential
qualifications, may have their petitions
received provided the petitioner has resided
in the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge, and of the
Lodge to which he presents his petition, for
three consecutive months prior to the date of
his petition. The petition must include the
facts bringing the petitioner under this
section.
R20.9.1 The Grand Master may grant a
Dispensation reducing the times of
residence, and for the other proceedings in
connection with the petition, including
permitting Emergent Communications of the
Lodge to deal with the petition and to confer
the Degrees.
Time Limit after Election
R20.10 If a petitioner does not present
himself for initiation within six months after
his successful ballot, a second petition and
ballot is required.
Objection to Petitioner or Candidate
R20.11 No Constituent Lodge shall have
more than one ballot for the three Degrees;
R20.11.1 If, after balloting and before a
petitioner’s initiation, an objection is
received, the objection has the same effect
as two black balls or cubes.
R20.11.2 II after initiation, but before being
passed or, after passing but before being
raised, objection is received, the objection
must be referred to an Investigation
Committee of three members of the Lodge to
enquire into the cause and to report at the
next Regular Communication.
R20.11.3 On receiving the report, if the
objection has been found to have no cause,
or if the cause is considered by a two-thirds
majority of Members present to be not a valid
and Masonic one, the Worshipful Master
may proceed to confer the remaining
Degree(s). If the objection is deemed to have
sufficient cause, charges must be laid
against the Brother for unmasonic conduct
and he must be tried accordingly.
Advancement after Ballot
R20.12 A Lodge may confer the EA degree
on a candidate at least two weeks after the
ballot has been taken. His full name, age,
profession, and residential address must
appear in the notice for the Communication
at which he will receive the EA degree. The
Grand Master may grant a Dispensation to
permit a change in the waiting period.
70
Advancement after Initiation
R20.13 A Lodge cannot advance a candidate
from an EA or FC Degree unless:
(a) two weeks have elapsed since he
received his present Degree,
(b) his name is on the notice calling
the communication when he is to
receive the Degree.
Examination in Open Lodge
R20.14 Candidates must be examined in
open Lodge before advancing. The
Worshipful Master can decide on the length
of the examination and must be satisfied on
the proficiency of the candidate.
R20.14.1 The Candidate can be advanced in
his Mother Lodge or another Lodge
recognized by Grand Lodge.
R20.14.2 If the Lodge that an EA or FC is
from is now extinct, he can apply to any
Lodge in our Jurisdiction. The Grand Master
must approve of his advancement first.
R20.14.3 An EA or FC has up to twelve
months to appear at Lodge for advancement.
If the time is close to twelve months, the
Lodge Secretary will inform the candidate
that, if he does not attend, he will be dropped
from the Lodge membership.
Reinstatement after twelve months
R20.15 If an EA or FC appears after twelve
months, he can ask to be reinstated. He has
to make application which will be received at
a Regular Lodge meeting. The Lodge
Members will be informed by notice of the
request for reinstatement and, after an
investigation; a written ballot must be taken.
Candidates may receive Degrees in any
Lodge
R20.16 A Lodge can take a candidate to
another Lodge and confer any Degree using
their own ritual. Their candidate may also
receive any Degree using the ritual of the
Lodge being visited.
Degrees conferred by Ritual Teams
R20.17 Ritual Teams, using their own ritual,
may confer a Degree on a candidate in any
Lodge
Application for Affiliation
R20.18 If a Brother (MM, FC, EA) wishes to
affiliate with a Lodge, he must apply on a
prescribed form and have two Members
sponsor him. He must provide the Secretary
of the Lodge with proof of his good standing
as a Mason, or his demit from the last Lodge
of which he was a Member. He must declare
that he is not a Member under suspension or
expelled from any Lodge.
R20.18.1 The applicant’s full name, age,
profession, place of residence, name and
number of last Lodge of which he is or was a
Member must be placed on the notice for the
next Lodge meeting.
R20.18.2 His application must be examined
by an Investigation Committee of three
Members, which should report on the
applicant after four weeks unless extra time
is requested.
R20.18.3 If all three Members are not
satisfied with the applicant, then he will not
be balloted upon; otherwise a ballot will be
taken. Three black balls or cubes are
required to reject the applicant.
REGULATION 21 - BRETHREN
Must obey Summons
R21.1 Every Member is under an absolute
obligation to obey a summons issued to him.
If he disobeys a summons, he may be
suspended or expelled, unless it can be
shown that his disobedience was
unavoidable or was caused by some urgent
necessity.
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Majority of Members Demit Power to
Retain Warrant
R21.2 If a majority of the Members of a
Lodge demit from their Lodge, the remaining
Members may continue to hold the Warrant
and function as a Lodge, provided there are
no less than seven Members. If less than
seven Members remain, the Lodge Warrant
shall cease and the Lodge becomes extinct,
and the authority thereby granted reverts to
Grand Lodge.
Demit to Brethren when Lodge Extinct
R21.3 If a Lodge surrenders or forfeits its
Warrant or Dispensation, or otherwise
ceases to exist, the Grand Secretary may
issue demits to any of its Members, Entered
Apprentices or Fellow Crafts if he receives
application from any of them. He must first
be satisfied with proof that they were in good
standing having paid all fees or dues owing
as at the date the Lodge ceased to exist.
Demits to Members (Resignation)
R21.4 A member who wishes to resign from
a Lodge may apply for a demit, either
personally in open Lodge or by notifying the
Secretary. He is entitled to a demit only if he
is in good standing, free from any Masonic
charge and is not indebted to the Lodge
when his application is made to the Lodge or
received by the Secretary. His application
must be received at a Regular Lodge
Communication and lie on the table for one
month unless the Lodge decides by
resolution there is an urgent need for
immediate action.
What a Demit signifies
R21.5 A demit granted by a Lodge confirms:
(a) the Brother was a Member,
(b) he was free from any Masonic
Charges as at the date of the demit,
and
(c) he was not indebted to the Lodge
from which he has demitted.
Status and Privileges while holding a
Demit
R21.6 A demit does not entitle the Brother to
any Masonic privileges consistent with Lodge
membership.
R21.6.1 While unaffiliated, the Brother may
not visit any Lodge more than twice except
with the consent of that Lodge.
R21.6.2 A demitted Brother is in “good
standing” indefinitely.
Reinstatement
R21.7 A Brother who wishes to be reinstated
as a Member of the Lodge which demitted
him must apply in writing. His application
must be presented at a Regular
Communication and notice of the application
given to all Members of the Lodge in the
notice for the Regular Communication at
which the question of reinstatement is to be
voted on. Subject to a favourable report of an
investigating committee, a written ballot on
the application must be taken. Reinstatement
requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the
Members present.
Demits to Entered Apprentice or Fellow
Craft
R21.8 A Lodge may by resolution grant a
demit to an Entered Apprentice or a Fellow
Craft after he has made an application and
the same procedure for granting a demit to a
Member has been followed.
Refund for Unmasonic Conduct
R21.9 An Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft
mason is entitled to a refund of a
proportional amount of his fees for his
72
initiation if he is found guilty of unmasonic
conduct.
REGULATION 22 - DECORUM
Members Remain Seated
R22.1 All Members must remain seated
during the transaction of business. The only
exceptions are those who are required to
move about as part of their official duties.
Speaker to Stand
R22.2 Anyone who wishes to speak must
rise and remain standing, addressing himself
to the Worshipful Master, and he must not be
interrupted.
Point of order
R22.3. If a Member wishes to address the
Worshipful Master on a point of order, or the
Worshipful Master calls the speaker to order,
after he has been set right, he may proceed
provided he observes due order and
decorum.
Speak Only Once
R22.4 No Member may speak more than
once to the same question, unless in
explanation, or the mover in reply, without
permission from the Worshipful Master.
Acceptable Jewels to be worn
R22.5 Members who belong to the Order of
the Holy Royal Arch may wear in Lodge and
in Grand Lodge the honorary Jewel of that
Order, but not the clothing. It is must be worn
on the right lapel.
R22.6 Any jewel, button or medal approved
by the Grand Master and authorized by
Grand Lodge may be worn in Lodge and
Grand Lodge including;
(a) Past Masters jewel
(b) Past Grand Lodge officers jewel
(c) Grand Lodge representative of
another Grand Lodge jewel
(d) Lewis Jewell
(e) Denis Marsh Medal
(d) Long Service Recognition Medal
(f) Masonic Medal of Merit
The Denis Marsh Medal, Long Service
Recognition Medal and Masonic Medal of
Merit must be worn on the right lapel.
REGULATION 23 - VISITORS
Who May Visit
R23.1 A Master Mason in good standing may
be permitted to visit any Lodge. An Entered
Apprentice or Fellow Craft in good standing
may be permitted to visit a Lodge while
working in any Degree which he has
received.
Vouching for Visitors
R23.2 A visitor may be vouched for by any
Brother present at the Lodge which the
visitor desires to visit. The Brother who
vouches for a visitor is responsible and must
be satisfied that the visitor is in good
standing and duly qualified to visit the Lodge.
Examination Committee for Visitors
R23.3 If a visitor cannot be vouched for, the
Worshipful Master must appoint a committee
of three skilled brethren to examine him and
report the result to the Worshipful Master
who may grant or refuse admittance to the
visitor.
Must have documentary evidence
R23.4 Before any visitor can be examined,
he must provide the name and location of the
Lodge of which he is, or was last, a Member
or in which he received his degrees in
Freemasonry, and must take the Tyler’s
oath. He must produce satisfactory
73
documentary evidence of his good standing
which is reported to the Worshipful Master
before the Committee of Examination is
appointed.
Member may object to Visitor
R23.5 If any Member of the Lodge objects to
sitting in the Lodge with a visitor, the
Worshipful Master must refuse the visitor
admittance. If the visitor has been admitted,
he must be requested to retire from the
Lodge.
Tyler’s Oath
R23.6 When required the following Tyler’s
Oath will be used:
I, _________________ do hereby and
hereon solemnly swear that I have been
regularly initiated, passed and raised in a just
and legally constituted Lodge of Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons; that I do not stand
suspended or expelled, and that I know of no
just reason why I should not hold Masonic
intercourse with my Brethren.
REGULATION 24 - GENERAL
Masonic Picnic
R24.1 A Lodge Picnic held on a Sunday
cannot commence before 1:00 pm.
Procession in Public
R24.2 A Lodge cannot form, or walk in, any
Masonic procession in public without
permission from the Grand Master, except
when:
(a) the Lodge is conducting a funeral
or memorial service, or
(b) attending a Divine Service,
(c) participating in a Memorial Parade
to the cenotaph as a formed body,
wearing regalia and jewels of rank, to
pay respects to ‘fallen Brethren’. This
must be at the request of, or with the
permission of, the organizing body.
REGULATION 25 - LONG
SERVICE RECOGNITION
Long Service eligibility
R25.1 Long Service eligibility of Members
must be verified by Grand Lodge office
records. In calculating long service eligibility,
deductions are made for;
(a) time over six months between
demit and affiliation,
(b) time lost as a result of action by a
Trial Committee, and
(c) time during which the Member
was suspended for non-payment of
dues.
R25.1.1 No time deduction is made for a
Brother who was suspended for N.P.D. prior
to 1939, due to the great depression of the
1930s, nor for the period of World War II, if it
is recommended by his Lodge, and approved
by the Grand Master.
Twenty-five to Forty-five Years
R25.2 A Member who has been affiliated
with any Lodges in this Jurisdiction, or
Lodges of Jurisdictions recognized by Grand
Lodge, for twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five, forty
and forty-five years from the date of his
Initiation may be presented with a Lapel
Emblem, as approved by the Lodge and the
Grand Master.
Fifty Years
R25.3 A Member who has been affiliated
with any Lodges in this Jurisdiction, or
Lodges of Jurisdictions recognized by Grand
Lodge, for fifty years from the date of his
Initiation may be presented with a Grand
Lodge fifty year Recognition Breast Jewel,
fifty year Lapel Emblem and a fifty year Long
74
Service Recognition Certificate, as approved
by Grand Lodge and the Grand Master.
Sixty, Seventy, Seventy-five Years
R25.4 A Member who has been affiliated
with any Lodges in this Jurisdiction, or
Lodges of Jurisdictions recognized by Grand
Lodge, for sixty, seventy, or seventy-five
years from the date of Initiation may be
presented with a Grand Lodge Emblem and
Long Service Recognition Certificate
appropriate to the number of years as
approved by Grand Lodge and the Grand
Master.
Grand Lodge provides at Cost
R25.5 Grand Lodge Long Service
Recognition Jewels, Lapel Emblems and
Recognition Certificates must be provided by
Grand Lodge to the Lodges at cost. These
may be presented after the Member
becomes eligible when convenient to the
Lodge.
Masonic Medal of Merit
R25.6 Any Master Mason who has not been
installed as a Worshipful Master of a Lodge
is eligible to receive the award of the British
Columbia and Yukon Masonic Medal of Merit
and a suitable certificate.
R25.6.1 His nomination and
recommendation by two sponsors must be
approved by a Selection Committee.
Recommendations are to be based on the
service of the nominee to his Lodge and his
Community and on how he exemplified
Masonic principles in both these areas.
R25.6.2 The Selection Committee consists of
three members of Grand Lodge, one of
whom must be appointed by the Grand
Master each year for a three year term. The
Chairman is the member who has one year
remaining to serve. The four Grand Lodge
Principal Officers, the Immediate past Grand
Master and the Grand Secretary are ex-
officio members of the Committee, and the
Grand Secretary is Secretary of the
Committee.
R25.6.3 Nominees are not to be informed of
their nomination. All submissions by
sponsors to the Selection Committee are to
be treated as confidential correspondence.
75
Appendix A
The Charges
Of A Free Mason
Extracted From
The Ancient Records of Lodges beyond
Sea,
and those in England, Scotland and
Ireland,
for the use of the Lodges in London:
To be read at the making of new Brethren,
or when the Worshipful Master shall order
it.
THE GENERAL HEADS, VIZ.
I. Of God and Religion.
II. Of the Civil Magistrate, supreme and
subordinate.
III. Of Lodges.
IV. Of Worshipful Masters, Wardens, Fellows
and Apprentices.
V. Of the management of the Craft in
working.
VI. Of Behaviour, viz.:
1.In the Lodge while constituted.
2. After the Lodge is over and the
Brethren not gone.
3. When Brethren meet without
strangers, but not in a Lodge.
4. In the presence of strangers not
Freemasons.
5. At home and in the neighborhood.
6. Towards a strange Brother.
I. CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION
A Freemason is obliged, by his tenure, to
obey the moral law; and if he rightly
understands the Art, he will never be a stupid
atheist, nor an irreligious libertine. But
though in Ancient times Freemasons were
charged in every country to be of the religion
of that country or nation, whatever it was, yet
it is now thought more expedient only to
oblige them to that religion to which all men
agree, leaving their particular opinions to
themselves; that is, to be good men and true,
or men of honour and honesty, by whatever
denominations or persuasions they may be
distinguished whereby Freemasonry
becomes the centre of union, and the means
for conciliating true friendship among
persons that must have remained at a
perpetual distance.
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia at its
Annual Communication in 1964 purported to
adopt the following in lieu of the foregoing
paragraph:
“A Freemason is obliged, by his tenure, to
obey the moral law; and if he rightly
understands the Art he will never be an
atheist nor an irreligious libertine. He, of all
men, should best understand that God seeth
not as man seeth; for man looketh at the
outward appearance, but God looketh to the
heart. A Freemason is, therefore, particularly
bound never to act against the dictates of his
conscience. Let a man’s religion or mode of
worship be what it may, he is not excluded
from the Order, provided he believe in the
glorious Architect of heaven and earth, and
practise the sacred duties of morality.
Freemasons unite with the virtuous of every
persuasion in the firm and pleasing bond of
fraternal love; they are taught to view the
errors of mankind with compassion and to
strive, by the purity of their own conduct, to
demonstrate the superior excellence of the
faith they may profess.”
II.OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, SUPREME
AND SUBORDINATE
A Freemason is a peaceable subject of the
Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works,
and is never concerned in plots and
conspiracies against the peace and welfare
of the nation, nor to behave himself
undutifully to inferior Magistrates; for as
Freemasonry hath always been injured by
war, bloodshed and confusion, so Ancient
76
Kings and princes have been men disposed
to encourage the Craftsmen, because of
their peaceableness and loyalty, whereby
they practically answered the cavils of their
adversaries and promoted the honour of the
Fraternity, whoever flourished in times of
peace. So that if a brother should be a rebel
against the State, he is not to be
countenanced in his rebellion, however, he
may be pitied as an unhappy man; and, if
convicted of no other crime, though the loyal
Brotherhood must and ought to disown his
rebellion and give no umbrage or ground of
political jealously to the Government for the
time being; they cannot expel him from the
Lodge, and his relation to it remains
indefeasible.
III. OF LODGES
A Lodge is a place where Freemasons
assemble and work; hence that assembly or
duly organized Society of Freemasons is
called a Lodge, and every Brother ought to
belong to one, and to be subject to its By-
laws and the General Regulations. It is either
particular or general, as will be best
understood by attending it, and by
Regulations of the General or Grand Lodge
hereunto annexed. In Ancient times no
Master or Fellow could be absent from it,
especially when warned to appear at it,
without incurring a severe censure, until it
appeared to the Worshipful Master and
Wardens that pure necessity hindered him.
The persons admitted members of a Lodge
must be good and true men, free-born, and
of mature and discrete age, no bondmen, no
women, no immoral or scandalous men, but
of good report.
IV OF WORSHIPFUL MASTERS,
WARDENS, FELLOWS AND
APPRENTICES
All preferment among Freemasons 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 Worshipful
Master or Warden is chosen by seniority, but
for his merit. It is impossible to describe
these things in writing and every Brother
must attend in his place and learn them in a
way peculiar to this Fraternity. Only
candidates may know that no Worshipful
Master shall take an apprentice, unless he
has sufficient employment for him, and
unless he is a perfect youth, having no maim
or defect in his body that may render him
incapable of learning the Art, or serving his
Master’s Lord, and of being made a brother,
and then a Fellow Craft in due time, even
after he has served such a term of years as
the custom of the country directs; and that he
should be descended of honest parents; that
so, when otherwise qualified, he may arrive
at the honor of being the Warden, and then
the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, the
Grand Warden, and at length the Grand
Master of all the Lodges, according to his
merit.
No Brother can be a Warden until he has
passed the part of a Fellow-Craft; nor a
Worshipful Master until he has acted as a
Warden, nor Grand Warden until he has
been Worshipful Master of a Lodge, nor
GRAND MASTER unless he has been a
Fellow-Craft before his election who is also
to be nobly born or a Gentlemen of the best
Fashion, or some eminent Scholar, or some
curious Architect or other Artist, descended
of honest Parents, and of their own conduct,
to demonstrate the superior excellence of the
faith they may profess.”
77
II. OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE,
SUPREME AND SUBORDINATE
A Freemason is a peaceable subject of the
Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works,
and is never concerned in plots and
conspiracies against the peace and welfare
of the nation, nor to behave himself
undutifully to inferior Magistrates; for as
Freemasonry hath always been injured by
war, bloodshed and confusion, so Ancient
Kings and princes have been men disposed
to encourage the Craftsmen, because of
their peaceableness and loyalty, whereby
they practically answered the cavils of their
adversaries and promoted the honour of the
Fraternity, whoever flourished in times of
peace. So that if a brother should be a rebel
against the State, he is not to be
countenanced in his rebellion, however, he
may be pitied as an unhappy man; and, if
convicted of no other crime, though the loyal
Brotherhood must and ought to disown his
rebellion and give no umbrage or ground of
political jealously to the Government for the
time being; they cannot expel him from the
Lodge, and his relation to it remains
indefeasible.
III. OF LODGES
A Lodge is a place where Freemasons
assemble and work; hence that assembly or
duly organized Society of Freemasons is
called a Lodge, and every Brother ought to
belong to one, and to be subject to its By-
laws and the General Regulations. It is either
particular or general, as will be best
understood by attending it, and by
Regulations of the General or Grand Lodge
hereunto annexed. In Ancient times no
Master or Fellow could be absent from it,
especially when warned to appear at it,
without incurring a severe censure, until it
appeared to the Worshipful Master and
Wardens that pure necessity hindered him.
The persons admitted members of a Lodge
must be good and true men, free-born, and
of mature and discrete age, no bondmen, no
women, no immoral or scandalous men, but
of good report.
IV OF WORSHIPFUL MASTERS,
WARDENS, FELLOWS AND
APPRENTICES
All preferment among Freemasons 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 Worshipful
Master or Warden is chosen by seniority, but
for his merit. It is impossible to describe
these things in writing and every Brother
must attend in his place and learn them in a
way peculiar to this Fraternity. Only
candidates may know that no Worshipful
Master shall take an apprentice, unless he
has sufficient employment for him, and
unless he is a perfect youth, having no maim
or defect in his body that may render him
incapable of learning the Art, or serving his
Master’s Lord, and of being made a brother,
and then a Fellow Craft in due time, even
after he has served such a term of years as
the custom of the country directs; and that he
should be descended of honest parents; that
so, when otherwise qualified, he may arrive
at the honor of being the Warden, and then
the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, the
Grand Warden, and at length the Grand
Master of all the Lodges, according to his
merit.
No Brother can be a Warden until he has
passed the part of a Fellow-Craft; nor a
Worshipful Master until he has acted as a
Warden, nor Grand Warden until he has
been Worshipful Master of a Lodge, nor
GRAND MASTER unless he has been a
Fellow-Craft before his election who is also
to be nobly born or a Gentlemen of the best
78
Fashion, or some eminent Scholar, or some
curious Architect or other Artist, descended
of honest Parents, and who is of singular
great merit in the Opinion of the Lodges. And
for the better, and easier, and more
honourable Discharge of his Office, the
Grand Master has a power to choose his
own Deputy-Grand Master, who must be
then, or must have been formerly, the
Worshipful Master of a particular Lodge, and
has the Privilege of acting whatever the
Grand Master, his Principal, should act,
unless the said Principal be present, or
interpose his Authority by a Letter.
These rules and governors, supreme and
subordinate, of the ancient Lodge, are to be
obeyed in their respective stations by all
Brethren, according to the Old Charges and
Regulations, with all humility, reverence, love
and alacrity.
V. OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE
CRAFT IN WORKING
All Freemasons shall work honestly on
working days, that they may live creditably
on holy days; and the time appointed by the
law of the land, or confirmed by custom, shall
be observed.
The most expert of the Fellow Craftsmen
shall be chosen or appointed the Worshipful
Master, or Overseer of the Lord’s work; who
is to be called Worshipful 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 Fellow; and to behave
themselves courteously within and without
the Lodge.
The Worshipful Master, knowing himself to
be of cunning shall undertake the Lord’s
work as reasonably as possible, and truly
dispense 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 Worshipful Master and the
Freemason receiving their wages justly, shall
be faithful to the Lord, and honestly finish
their work, whether task or journey; nor put
the work to task that hath been accustomed
to journey.
None shall discover envy at the prosperity of
a brother, or supplant him, or put him out of
his work, if he is capable to finish the same;
for no man can finish another’s work so
much to the Lord’s profit, unless he be
thoroughly acquainted with the designs of
him that began it.
When a Fellow Craftsman is chosen Warden
of the work under the Worshipful Master, he
shall be true to both Worshipful Master and
Fellows, shall carefully over-see the work in
the Worshipful Master’s absence to the
Lord’s profit; and his Brethren shall obey
him.
All Freemasons employed shall meekly
receive their wages without murmuring or
mutiny, and not desert the Worshipful Master
till the work is finished.
A younger Brother shall be instructed in
working, to prevent spoiling the materials for
want of judgment, and for increasing and
continuing in Brotherly love.
All the tools used in working shall be
approved by the Grand Lodge.
No labourer shall be employed in the proper
work of Freemasonry; nor shall Freemasons
work with those that are not free, without an
urgent necessity; nor shall they teach
labourers and unaccepted Freemasons as
they would teach a brother or Fellow.
VI. OF BEHAVIOUR, VIZ.:
1.IN THE LODGE WHILE CONSTITUTED
You are not to hold private committees, or
separate conversations, without leave from
the Worshipful Master, nor to talk of anything
impertinent or unseemly, nor interrupt the
Worshipful Master or Wardens, or any
79
Brother speaking to the Worshipful Master.
Nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly
while the Lodge is engaged in what is
serious or solemn; nor use any unbecoming
language upon any pretext whatever; but to
pay due reverence to your Worshipful
Master, Wardens and Fellows and put them
to worship.
If any complaint be brought, the Brother
found guilty shall stand to the award and
determination of the Lodge, who are proper
and competent judges of all such
controversies, (unless you carry it by appeal
to the Grand Lodge), and to whom they
ought to be referred, unless a Lord’s work be
hindered the meanwhile, in which case a
particular reference may be made; but you
must never go to law about what concerneth
Freemasonry, without an absolute necessity
apparent to the Lodge.
2. BEHAVIOUR AFTER THE LODGE IS
OVER AND THE BRETHREN NOT GONE
You may enjoy yourself with innocent mirth,
treating one another according to ability, but
avoiding all excess 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 anything
offensive, or that may forbid an easy and
free conversation; for that would blast our
harmony, and defeat our laudable purposes.
Therefore no private piques or quarrels must
be brought within the door of the Lodge, far
less any quarrels about religion, or nations,
or State policy, we being only, as
Freemasons of the Catholic Religion above
mentioned; we are also of all nations,
tongues, kindreds, and languages, and are
resolved against all politics, as what never
yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge nor
ever will. This Charge has always been
strictly enjoined and observed; but especially
ever since the Reformation in Britain, or the
Dissent and Secession of these nations from
the Communion of Rome.
3. BEHAVIOUR WHEN BRETHREN
MEET WITHOUT STRANGERS, BUT NOT
IN A LODGE FORMED
You are to salute one another in a courteous
manner, as you will be instructed, calling
each other Brother, freely giving mutual
instruction as shall be thought expedient,
without being overseen or overheard, and
without encroaching upon each other, or
derogating from that respect which is due to
any Brother, were he not a Freemason. For
although all Freemasons are as Brethren
upon the same level, yet Freemasonry takes
no honour from a man that he had before;
nay, rather it adds to his honour, especially if
he has deserved well of the Brotherhood,
who must give honour to whom it is due, and
avoid ill manners.
4. BEHAVIOR IN PRESENCE OF
STRANGERS NOT FREEMASONS
You will be cautious in your words and
carriage, 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 honor of the Worshipful
Fraternity.
5.BEHAVIOR AT HOME AND IN YOUR
NEIGHBOURHOOD
You are to act as becomes a moral and wise
man, particularly not to let your family,
friends and neighbours know the concerns of
the Lodge, etc., but wisely to consult your
own honour and that of the Ancient
Brotherhood, for reasons not to be
mentioned here. You must also consult your
health, by not continuing together too late, or
too long from home after Lodge hours are
past; and by avoiding of gluttony or
80
drunkenness, that your families be not
neglected or injured, nor you disabled from
working.
6. BEHAVIOR TOWARDS A STRANGE
BROTHER
You 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 of giving
him any hints of knowledge.
But if you discover him to be a true and
genuine Brother, you are to respect him
accordingly; and if he is in want you must
relieve him if you can, or else direct him how
he may be relieved. 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 and true, before
any other poor people in the same
circumstances.
FINALLY, all these Charges you are to
observe, and also those that shall be
communicated to you in another way;
cultivating Brotherly Love, the Foundation
and Cope stone, the Cement and the Glory
of this Ancient Fraternity, avoiding all
wrangling and quarreling, all slander and
backbiting, nor permitting others to slander
any honest Brother, but defending his
character, and doing him all good offices, so
far as is consistent with your honour and
safety, and no further. And if any of them do
you injury, you must apply to your own or his
Lodge; and from thence you may appeal to
the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly
Communication, and from thence to the
Annual Grand Lodge, as has been the
Ancient and laudable conduct of 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 of Worshipful
Master and Fellows, when they would
prevent you going to law with strangers or
would excite you to put a speedy period to all
lawsuits that so you may mind the affair of
Freemasonry with the more alacrity and
success; but with respect to Brothers or
Fellows at law, the Worshipful Master and
Brethren should kindly offer their mediation,
which ought to be thankfully submitted to by
the contending Brethren; and if that
submission is impracticable, they must
however carry on their process, or lawsuit,
without wrath or rancor (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 of Freemasonry, as all true
Freemasons have done from the beginning
of the world, and will do to the end of time.
Amen, so mote it be.
81
Appendix B
Aims and Relationships of the Craft
From time to time the Grand Lodge of British
Columbia and Yukon has deemed it
desirable to set forth in precise form the
Aims of Freemasonry as consistently
practiced under its jurisdiction since it came
into being as an organized body in 1871, and
also to define the principles governing its
relations with those other Grand Lodges with
which it is in fraternal accord.
In view of representations which have been
received, and of statements recently issued
which have distorted or obscured the true
objects of Freemasonry, it is once again
considered necessary to emphasize certain
fundamental principles in the Order.
1. The first condition of admission into, and
membership of, the Order is a belief in the
Supreme Being. This is essential and admits
of no compromise.
2. The Bible, referred to by Freemasons as
The Volume of the Sacred Law, is always
open in the Lodges. Every candidate is
required to take his obligation on that book,
or on the volume which is held by his
particular creed to impart sanctity to an oath
or promise taken upon it.
3. Everyone who enters Freemasonry is, at
the outset, strictly forbidden to countenance
any act which may have a tendency to
subvert the peace and good order of society;
he must pay due obedience to the law of any
state in which he resides or which may afford
him protection, and he must never be remiss
in the allegiance due to the Sovereign of his
native land.
4. While British Columbian Freemasonry
thus inculcates in each of its members the
duties of loyalty and citizenship, it reserves
to the individual the right to hold his own
opinion with regard to public affairs. But
neither in any Lodge, nor at any time in his
capacity as a Freemason, is he permitted to
discuss or to advance his views on
theologically or political questions.
5. The Grand Lodge has always consistently
refused to express any opinion of foreign or
domestic state policy, either at home or
abroad, and it will not allow its name to be
associated with any action, however
humanitarian it may appear to be, which
infringes its unalterable policy of standing
aloof from every question affecting the
relations between one government and
another, or between political parties, or
questions as to rival theories of government.
6. The Grand Lodge is aware that there do
exist bodies, styling themselves as
Freemasons, which do not adhere to these
principles, and while that attitude exists the
Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon
refuses absolutely to have any relations with
such bodies, or to regard them as
Freemasons.
7. The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and
Yukon is a Sovereign and Independent Body
practicing Freemasonry only within the three
degrees and only within the limits defined in
its Constitution as “pure Antient Masonry”. It
does not recognize or admit the existence of
any Superior Masonic authority, however
styled.
8. The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and
Yukon will refuse to participate in
conferences with so-called International
Associations claiming to represent
Freemasonry, which admit to membership
Bodies failing to conform strictly to the
principles upon which the Grand Lodge of
British Columbia and Yukon is founded, nor
can its views be represented by any such
International Association.
9. There is no secret with regard to any of
the basic principles of Freemasonry, some of
which have been stated above. The Grand
Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon will
82
always consider the recognition of these
Grand Lodges which profess and practice,
and can show that they have consistently
professed and practised, those established
and unaltered principles, but in no
circumstances will it enter into discussion
with a view to new or varied interpretation of
them. They must be accepted and practised
wholeheartedly and in their entirety by those
who desire to be recognized as Freemasons
by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and
Yukon.
The United Grand Lodge of England has
been asked if it still stands by these Aims
and Relationships of the Craft. The United
Grand Lodge of England replied that it stood
by every word of the declaration, and has
since asked for the opinion of the Grand
Lodges of Ireland and Scotland. A
conference was held between these three
Grand Lodges, and all unhesitatingly
reaffirmed the statement that as pronounced
in 1938: nothing in present-day affairs has
been found that could cause them to change
from that attitude.
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and
Yukon, and the three Grand Lodges of
England, Ireland and Scotland, are
convinced that by a rigid adherence to these
Aims and Relationships that Freemasonry
has survived the constantly changing
doctrines of the outside world, and are
further compelled to place on record their
complete disapproval of any action which
may tend to permit the slightest departure
from the basic principles of Freemasonry.
They are strongly of the opinion that if any
Grand Lodge does so it cannot maintain a
claim to be following the Ancient Landmarks
of the Order.
83
Appendix C
Resolutions
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and
Yukon may acknowledge a Concordant Body
to be in ‘Amity’ and have friendly relationship
with it provided that Body is found to be a
regular member of the Fraternal Masonic
Family that recognises Grand Lodge as the
Cornerstone of Freemasonry and shows
loyalty to it. Their membership must
acknowledge the Ancient Landmarks of
Freemasonry as practised in this Jurisdiction
and must maintain their membership on its
registry. It is understood that Grand Lodge
has no jurisdiction in the operation or
management of said Concordant Body.
[2004]
Resolved that the Grand Lodge of British
Columbia is in amity with the following
bodies:
1984
1. The Sovereign Grand Lodges,
recognized as such by the Grand Lodge of
British Columbia, and the Lodges working
under them.
2. The Grand Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons of British Columbia, having its
headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., and the
Grand Royal Arch Chapters, recognized as
such by it; and the chapters working under
all such bodies.
3. The Sovereign Great Priory of
Canada of the United Orders of Malta and
the Temple, having its headquarters in
Toronto, Ontario, and the Great Priories of
other countries and jurisdictions recognized
by it; and all the priories and preceptories
working under the authorization of all such
bodies.
4. The Grand Council Royal and Select
Masters of Western Canada, of the Cryptic
Rite of Freemasonry, having its headquarters
in Vancouver, B.C., and the Grand Councils
of other countries and jurisdictions
recognized by it; and the councils working
under all such bodies.
5. The Grand Imperial Conclave of
Canada of the Red Cross of Constantine
having its headquarters in Barrie, Ontario,
and the Grand Imperial Conclaves
recognized as such by it; and the conclaves
working under all such bodies.
6. The Grand Imperial Council of
Scotland of the Red Cross of Constantine
having its headquarters in Edinburgh,
Scotland, and the Grand Imperial Conclaves
recognized as such by it; and the conclaves
working under all such bodies.
7. The Supreme Council of the Thirty-
Third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada,
having its headquarters in Hamilton, Ontario,
and the Supreme Councils of the Rite,
recognized as such by it; and the
consistories, chapters and lodges working
under all such bodies.
8. The Royal Order of Scotland, having
its headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, and
all the Provincial Grand Lodges of that order,
chartered and recognized as such by it.
9. The Imperial Council of North
America of the Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine having its
headquarters in Tampa, Florida; and the
Temples and Shrine organizations chartered
and recognized as such by it.
1987
10. The Supreme Council of the Grottoes
of North America, having its headquarters in
Columbus, Ohio, and the Grottoes chartered
and recognized as such by it.
84
1996
11. The order of the Holy Royal Arch
Knight Templar Priests, Grand Lodge of
Great Britain and Tabernacles Overseas,
having its headquarters in the City of York,
England, and the Tabernacles chartered and
recognized by it.
2004
12. The Grand Conclave of the Order of
the Secret Monitor, or the Brotherhood of
David and Jonathan of Canada, and the
Conclaves chartered and recognized by it.
13. The Convent General Knights of the
York Cross of Honor, and the Priories
chartered and recognized by it.
14. The Grand Council of Allied Masonic
Degrees of Canada, and the Councils
chartered and recognized by it.
15. The York Rite Sovereign College of
North America, and the Colleges chartered
and recognized by it. [2005, p. 5.]