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The California Masonic Code
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CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE
containing
CONSTITUTION AND ORDINANCES
of
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS of the STATE OF CALIFORNIA
San Francisco 1991
As amended 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999
Copyright 1991 by Grand Lodge F.& A.M. of California
Printed in the United States of America. All rights in this book are reserved. No part thereof may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the Grand Lodge of California, except that quotations may be embodied in reviews by such other Grand Jurisdictions as have been recognized officially by this Grand Lodge. For information, address letters to: Grand Secretary, 1111 California Street, San Francisco, California 94108-2284.
FOREWORD
The Craft, at the 1988 Annual Communication, adopted Most Worshipful Leo B. Mark's Recommendation to appoint a special committee to be known as the "Code Revision Committee," to prepare a revised California Masonic Code written in simple, understandable language, free from inconsistencies or ambiguities.
The Committee, during the past three years endeavored to accomplish the assignment in a manner that did not result in any substantive changes. It had the counsel of the Committee on Jurisprudence to assist in areas of legal interpretation.
This third edition of the California Masonic Code shall be the governing law of the Grand Lodge of California, subject to future amendments, well into the 21st Century.
CODE REVISION COMMITTEE
Jack R. Levitt (35), Chairman
Ralph M. Hinds (122)
Ralph E. Enz (708)
Melville H. Nahin (520)
Richard S. Andrews (60)
Kenneth J. Brisbin (87)
Kenneth P. Elliott (327)
Harold S. Stein, Jr. (136)
Click here to go to the Index
Click a Letter to go to an Alphabetical Subject Line: A
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U
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W X
Y Z
Table of Contents
DEFINED TERMS
§10 Ballot
§11 Clandestine
§12 Constituent Lodge
§13 Dimit
§14 Fraternal Intercourse
§15 In Good Standing
§16 Masonic Association
§17 Masonic Clothing
§18 Masonic Communication
§19 Masonic Organizations
§20 Masonic Regalia
§21 Masonic Youth Orders
§22 Notice
§23 Summons
CONSTITUTION of the GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA
ARTICLE I. TITLE AND SEAL
§110 Title
§120 Seal
§130 Use of Title and Emblem
ARTICLE II.
JURISDICTION AND COMPOSITION
§210 Jurisdiction
§220 Sovereignty
§230 Members and Manner of Address
§240 Prerequisite to Membership
§250 Elected Lodge Representatives
ARTICLE III. POWERS AND RESTRICTIONS
§310 General Powers
§320 Executive Powers
§330 Legislative Powers
§340 Judicial Powers
§350 Grand Master
§360 Revenue
§370 Funds
§380 Politics and Religion
§390 Information Booths
ARTICLE IV. COMMUNICATIONS
§410 Annual
§420 Special
§430 Ceremonial
§440 Quorum
§450 Attendance
§460 Transaction of Business
ARTICLE V. GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
§510 Elected
§520 Appointed
§530 Jewels of Office
§540 Vacancy or Incapacity
ARTICLE VI. VOTING AND REPRESENTATION
§610 Manner of Voting
§620 Votes
§630 Cumulative Voting
§640 Tie Vote
ARTICLE VII. CONSTITUENT LODGES
§710 Formation
§720 Powers and Duties
§730 Membership
ARTICLE VIII . AMENDMENTS
§810 Presentation
§820 Required Vote
§830 Time of Vote
ARTICLE IX . REPEAL
§910 Former Constitutions Repealed
ORDINANCES of the GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA
PART I. GRAND LODGE
ARTICLE I. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GRAND MASTER
§1010 General
§1020 Discretionary
§1030 Dispensation Procedure
§1040 Dispensations
§1050 Powers
§1060 Duties
ARTICLE II. POWERS AND DUTIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS
§2010 Deputy Grand Master
§2020 Grand Wardens
§2030 Grand Treasurer
§2040 Grand Secretary
§2050 Grand Lecturer
§2060 Executive Committee
ARTICLE III . DUTIES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS
§3010 Assistant Grand Treasurer (Eliminated)
§3020 Assistant Grand Secretary
§3030 Assistant Grand Lecturers
§3040 Grand Chaplain
§3050 Grand Orator
§3060 Grand Marshal
§3070 Grand Standard Bearer
§3080 Grand Sword Bearer
§3090 Grand Bible Bearer
§3100 Grand Deacons
§3110 Grand Stewards
§3120 Grand Pursuivant
§3130 Grand Organist
§3140 Grand Tiler
ARTICLE IV. INSPECTORS
§4010 Appointment
§4020 Duties
§4030 Power of Inspector to Grant Dispensations
ARTICLE V. BONDING, COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENT AND RETIREMENT
§5010 Official Bond
§5020 Compensation of Grand and Assistant Grand Secretary
§5030 Reimbursement of Lodge Officers and Representatives
§5040 Reimbursement of Grand Lodge Officers, Past Grand Masters, Inspectors, Board Members and Committeemen
§5050 Multiple Reimbursement
§5060 Retirement
ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES
§6010 Membership
§6020 Standing
§6030 Jurisprudence
§6040 Policy and General Purposes
§6050 Temple Properties and Taxation
§6060 Public Schools
§6065 Masonic Homes Endowment
§6070 United States Constitution Observance
§6080 Charters
§6090 Grand Lodge Week Activities
§6100 Finance
§6110 Trial Review
§6120 Credentials
§6140 Masonic History
§6150 Memorial Service
§6160 Masonic Education
§6170 Ritual
§6190 Investments
§6200 Masonic Service Bureaus
§6210 Special
§6220 Reports
§6230 Reference of Business
ARTICLE VII. FUNDS AND ASSETS
§7010 Title
§7020 Investment
§7030 Audit of Accounts
§7040 Grand Lodge Budget
§7050 Grand Lodge Endowment Fund
ARTICLE VIII. MASONIC HOMES
§8010 Purpose
§8020 Composition of Board
§8030 Management
§8040 Title to Property
§8050 Annual Reports
ARTICLE IX. MASONIC HOMES ENDOWMENT BOARD
§9010 Purpose
§9020 Composition of Board
§9030 Management
§9040 Custody of Funds
§9050 Purpose of Fund
ARTICLE X. CALIFORNIA MASONIC MEMORIAL TEMPLE
§10010 Purpose
§10020 Composition of Board
§10030 Management
§10040 Annual Reports
ARTICLE XI. CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION
§11010 Purpose
§11020 Composition of Board
§11030 Management
§11040 Annual Reports
ARTICLE XII. CALIFORNIA FREEMASON
§12010 Management
§12020 Editors
ARTICLE XIII. REVENUE
§13010 Fees
§13020 Lodge Contributions
§13030 Masonic Homes Contributions
§13040 National Memorial and Memorial Temple Contributions
PART II. CONSTITUENT LODGES
ARTICLE I. LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION
§14010 Petition for Dispensation
§14020 Notice of Intention to Apply
§14030 Inspector's Recommendation and Certificate
§14040 Name
§14050 Charter Members
§14060 Affiliation
§14070 Rights and Privileges
§14080 Termination and Dispensation
§14090 Issuance of Charter
§14095 Change of Lodge Name
ARTICLE II. POWERS AND RESTRICTIONS
§15010 Executive
§15020 Legislative
§15030 Judicial
§15040 Masonic Intercourse
§15045 Recognition of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California
§15050 Alcoholic Beverages
§15060 Public Schools Discussion
§15070 Financial Aid Solicitation
§15080 Fraudulent or Illegal Ventures
§15090 Gambling
§15095 Bingo
§15100 Commercial Ventures (Eliminated)
§15105 Commercial Ventures by Masonic Organizations (Eliminated)
§15110 Advertising (Eliminated)
§15115 Publications
§15120 Electioneering
§15130 Membership in Masonic Organizations
§15140 Social Events (Eliminated)
§15150 Public Fund Raising (Eliminated)
§15160 Sponsoring Masonic Youth Orders
§15165 Grand Master's Youth Support Award (10/00)
§15170 Notification of Identity of Applicants and Candidates
ARTICLE III. MEETINGS
§16010 Conditions for Conducting and Business to be Transacted
§16020 Presence of Charter
§16030 Stated Meetings
§16040 Special Meetings
§16050 Place
§16060 Destruction of Lodge Room
§16070 Must be Closed
§16080 Sunday Meetings
§16090 Smoking Forbidden
§16100 Display of Flag
§16110 Change of Place
§16115 Multiple Meeting Places
ARTICLE IV. BALLOTING
§17010 Manner of Voting
§17020 Tiler's Vote
ARTICLE V. MASONIC CLOTHING
§18010 Public Processions or Meetings
§18020 Aprons
ARTICLE VI. REQUIREMENTS
§19010 Seal
§19020 Official Communications
§19030 Books
§19040 Uniform By-laws
§19050 Adoption of By-laws
§19060 Representation in Grand Lodge
§19070 Annual Reports (Eliminated)
ARTICLE VII. CONSOLIDATION, SUSPENSION, TERMINATION AND SPECIAL CLASSIFICATIONS
§20010 Consolidation
§20020 Dissolution
§20030 Surrender of Charter
§20040 Suspension or Forfeiture by Neglect of Duty
§20050 Suspension
§20060 Forfeiture
§20070 Status of Members When Charter Surrendered, Arrested, or Revoked
§20080 Property Rights
§20090 Research Lodges
§20100 Past Masters Associations
§20110 Officers Associations
ARTICLE VIII. FUNDS AND PROPERTY
§21010 Control and Use
§21020 Revolving Funds
§21030 Investment
§21040 Title to Assets
§21050 Life Membership
§21060 Use of Funds
§21070 Required Expenditures
§21080 Discretionary Expenditures
§21090 Social and Fraternal Expenditures
§21100 Property of Dissolved Lodge
ARTICLE IX. TEMPLE ASSOCIATION
§22010 Organization and Operation
§22020 Investment in Temple Associations
ARTICLE X. MEMBERSHIP
§23010 Acquisition
§23020 Multiple
§23030 Race and Religion Not a Condition
§23040 Duty to Retain Membership
§23050 Dimitting
§23060 Standing of Dimitted Master Mason
§23070 Standing of Member When Charter is Revoked or Arrested
§23080 Right to Attend Meetings
§23090 Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts
§23100 Withdrawal and Dimits for Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts
§23110 Trial of Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts
§23120 Termination
§23130 Membership in New Lodge
§23140 Withdrawal of a Multiple Member
§23150 Golden Veteran and Diamond Jubilee Awards
§23155 Hiram Awards
§23160 Service of Notice
§23170 Duty to Obey Notice
§23180 Duty to Obey Summons
§23190 Members of Masonic Organizations
§23210 Compliance with Law of Foreign Jurisdictions
ARTICLE XI . VISITATION
§24010 Privilege
§24020 Objection to Visitor
§24030 Examination of Visitor
§24040 Avouchment for Visitor
§24050 Private Examinations and Lecturing Forbidden
ARTICLE XII . OFFICERS
§25010 Election
§25020 Special Elections of Masters and Wardens
§25030 Vacancy in Office
§25040 Appointment if Vacancy
§25050 Vacancy in Offices of Secretary and Treasurer
§25060 Qualifications of Voters
§26070 Qualifications of Master
§25080 Qualifications of Senior Warden
§25090 Qualifications of Junior Warden
§25100 Qualifications of Senior Deacon
§25110 Failure to Qualify or Appear for Installation
§25120 Installation
§25130 Powers of Master
§25140 Duties of Master
§25150 Decision of Master
§25160 Master's Deciding Vote
§25170 Suspension of Master
§25180 Title of Master
§25190 Title of Past Master
§25200 Resignation of Master
§25210 Duties of Wardens
§25220 Duties of Treasurer
§25230 Duties of Secretary
§25240 Duties of Appointed Officers
ARTICLE XIII. DEGREES AND AFFILIATION
§26010 Moral and Physical Qualifications
§26020 Ineligibility for Degrees
§26030 Qualification of Residence
§26040 Uniformed Services Residence
§26050 Affiliation
§26060 Jurisdiction to Receive Applications
§26070 Waiver of Jurisdiction
§26080 Jurisdiction After Rejection
§26090 Applications
§26100 Fees for Degrees
§26110 Fees and Contributions Must Accompany Application
§26120 Investigating Committee
§26130 Report of Investigating Committee
§26140 Withdrawal of Application
§26150 Balloting
§26160 Members Present Must Vote
§26170 Balloting Procedure
§26180 Method of Balloting
§26190 Unanimous Ballot
§26200 Correction of Possible Mistake
§26210 Ballot Secrecy
§26220 Objection by a Non-Member
§26230 Objection by a Member Before Ballot
§26240 Objection by a Member Before Initiation
§26250 Objection by a Member After Initiation
§26260 Committee to Resolve Objection
§26270 Decision of Lodge on Objection
§26280 Restrictions on Conferring Degrees
§26290 Ritual
§26295 Alternate Holy Writings
§26300 Cipher Rituals
§26310 Change of Ritual
§26320 Conferral of Degrees Upon Impaired Candidate
§26330 Restoration of Previously Forfeited Fees
§26340 Advancement
§26350 Initiation in Another Lodge
§26360 Advancement and Proficiency in Another Lodge
§26370 Receiving Degrees in Another Jurisdiction
§26380 Courtesy Work for Another Jurisdiction
§26390 Exclusive Jurisdiction to Confer Degrees
ARTICLE XIV. DUES
§27010 Minimum
§27020 Life Membership
§27030 Removal of Life Member from Roll Book
§27040 Receipt for Dues
§27050 No Assessments
§27060 Remission of Dues
§27070 Non-Payment of Dues
§27080 Return of Dues
§27090 Dues Increase
§27100 Restoration
ARTICLE IV. OTHER PERMITTED FINANCIAL SUPPORT
§27500 Permitted Financial Support
§27550 Masonic Lodges Not Business Establishments
§27600 Additional Financial Support for Masonic Lodges
§27700 Additional Financial Support for Masonic Organizations
§27800 Additional Financial Support for Charitable Activities
§27900 Financial Support for Masonic Youth Orders
ARTICLE XVI. RELIEF
§28010 Duties of Lodge
§28020 Masonic Service Bureaus
§28030 Burial and Burial Expenses
§28040 Funeral Services
§28050 Refunding Relief Advances
PART III. TRIALS AND RESTORATIONS
ARTICLE I. TRIAL OF GRAND MASTER
§29010 Charges
§29020 Transmission of Charges
§29030 Formation of Tribunal
§29040 Expense of Tribunal
§29050 Procedure
§29060 Penalty
ARTICLE II. TRIAL OF MASTERS
§30010 Charges
§30020 Formation of Commission
§30030 Procedure
§30040 Penalties
§30050 Record of Proceedings
§30060 Appeal
ARTICLE III. TRIAL OF LODGES
§31010 Charges (Eliminated)
§31020 Service of Summons (Eliminated)
§31030 Formation of Commission (Eliminated)
§31040 Record of Proceedings (Eliminated)
§31050 Penalty (Eliminated)
§31060 Appeal (Eliminated)
ARTICLE IV. TRIAL OF INDIVIDUAL MASONS
§32010 Masons Subject to Penalties
§32020 Unmasonic Conduct
§32030 Not Unmasonic Conduct
§32040 Foreign Conviction
§32050 Penal Jurisdiction of Lodge
§32060 Charges
§32070 No Preferment of Charges by a Lodge
§32080 Standardized Forms Required
§32090 Charges Must be Specific
§32100 Presentation of Charges
§32110 Rights Pending Trial
§32120 Procedure on Receipt of Charges
§32130 Time and Manner of Service
§32140 Certificate of Service
§32150 Procedure if Accused Pleads Guilty, or Nolo Contendere or Fails to Plead Not Guilty
§32160 Procedure if Accused Pleads Not Guilty
§32170 Notice to Elect Commission
§32180 Election of Commission
§32190 Trial Master
§32200 Disqualification to be Trial Master
§32210 Amending Charges
§32220 Notice of First Meeting of Commissioners
§32230 Disqualification to be Commissioner and Vacancies
§32240 Automatic Dissolution of Commission
§32250 Trial Summons
§32260 Service of Trial Summons
§32270 Counsel
§32280 Record of Trial Proceedings
§32290 Stenographic Reporter
§32300 Acquittal in Courts No Bar
§32310 Testimony
§32320 General Procedure
§32330 Continuance
§32340 Trial Pending in Courts
§32350 Verdict
§32360 Penalties
§32370 Suspension
§32380 Expulsion
§32390 Signing Record of Trial
§32400 Recording and Announcement of Verdict
§32410 Transcript of Record
§32420 Disposition of Trial Papers
§32430 Notice to Member's Lodge if Trial Elsewhere
§32440 No Charge for Services by Secretary
ARTICLE V. REVISIONS, REVERSALS AND RESTORATIONS
§33010 Grand Lodge Action on Review
§33020 Additional Evidence and Arguments on Review
§33030 Review of Judgment of Acquittal
§33040 Procedural Error
§33050 Reversal by Grand Lodge
§33060 Double Jeopardy
§33070 Application for Restoration by Suspended Mason
§33080 Lodge Restoration of Suspended Mason
§33090 Grand Lodge Restoration of Suspended or Expelled Mason
§33100 Application for Restoration by Expelled Mason
§33110 Lodge Application for Restoration of Expelled Mason
§33120 Suspension, Expulsion or Restoration Not to be Published
PART IV. AMENDMENTS AND REPEAL
ARTICLE I. AMENDMENTS
§34010 Presentation
§34020 Required Vote
§34030 Time of Vote
ARTICLE II. REPEAL
§35010 Former Ordinances and Regulations Repealed
PART V
RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR ANNUAL AND SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS
APENDIX
Grand Masters' Decisions
Interpretation of Section 8010 of the California Masonic Code
Admission to the Masonic Homes (2000 G.M. Decision No. 1)
Interpretation of Section 15040 of the California Masonic Code.
Fraternal Dealings with Unrecognized Masons (1993 G.M. Decision No. 6)
Interpretation of Section 15050 of the California Masonic Code.
Guidelines for Use of Alcoholic Beverages by Masonic Lodges and Masonic Organizations (1995 G.M. Recommendation No. 5)
Interpretation of Section 15090 of the California Masonic Code.
Advertising for Gambling Establishments in Masonic Publications (1996 G.M. Decision No. 3)
Interpretation of Section 21090 of the California Masonic Code.
Use of Lodge Funds to Pay Dues n Community Organizations (996 G.M. Decision No. 2)
Interpretation of Section 25110 of the California Masonic Code.
Installation Dates (1993 G.M. Decision No. 1)
Interpretation of Sections 27600 and 27700 (formerly Section 15110) of the California Masonic Code.
Guidelines for Advertising in Masonic Publications (1993 G.M. Decision No. 5)
(as modified by 1996 G.M. Decision No. 3 and Recommendation No.1)
Interpretation of Section 26340 of the California Masonic Code
Optional Long Form Proficiencies (1998) G.M. Decision No. 2)
Interpretation of Section 28040 of the California Masonic Code.
Wearing Yarmulkes at Masonic Funerals (1996 G.M. Decision No. 4)
Interpretation of Lodge Publications.
Lodge Publications (1995 G.M. Decision No. 1)
Interpretation of the California Ritual.
Discussing Masonry with the Non-Mason (1993 G.M. Decision No. 2)
Grand Lodge Seal.
Jewels of Grand Master, Past Grand Master and Past Master.
Provisions for Gold Buttons for Veteran Master Masons.
DEFINED TERMS
The following definitions are a part of the Constitution and Ordinances of the Grand Lodge of California and shall constitute the meaning of such terms wherever used therein.
§10 BALLOT:
A secret vote by balls and cubes or in writing.
§11 CLANDESTINE:
Not recognized by the Grand Lodge of California.
§12 CONSTITUENT LODGE:
A Lodge chartered by or under dispensation from a Grand Lodge.
§13 DIMIT:
A document, bearing the seal of a Lodge and attested to by the Secretary, terminating membership.
§14 FRATERNAL INTERCOURSE:
Activities that promote fraternalism in constituent Lodges or Masonic Youth Orders and are not prohibited by this Code.
§15 IN GOOD STANDING:
When dues are current.
§16 MASONIC ASSOCIATION:
A group of Masons with common employment or profession and with a membership of not less than 25 Master Masons of this Jurisdiction in Good Standing.
§17 MASONIC CLOTHING:
White aprons.
§18 MASONIC COMMUNICATION:
Any communication involving the esoteric or secret portion of the ritual.
§19 MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS:
Any group, chapter, order, club, association or organization requiring Masonic affiliation as a prerequisite to membership, except Masonic Lodges.
§20 MASONIC REGALIA:
Aprons, jewels, implements and hats appropriate to one's station or office.
§21 MASONIC YOUTH ORDERS:
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
International Order of Job's Daughters
International Order of DeMolay
§22 NOTICE:
A call issued by the Secretary by order of the Lodge or Master or by other competent authority to attend or perform as specified.
§23 SUMMONS:
An imperative order issued by the Master and attested to by the Secretary or by other competent authority to appear as specified. A trial summons is one issued for the purpose of answering Masonic charges.
CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA
Adopted October 16, 1991
ARTICLE I
TITLE AND SEAL
§110. TITLE.
This Grand Lodge shall be entitled "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California."
§120. SEAL.
The Grand Lodge shall have a seal which shall be affixed to all instruments issued by or under its authority.
§130. USE OF TITLE AND EMBLEM
The title and emblem of this Grand Lodge has been registered with the Secretary of State pursuant to the California Corporations Code and Grand Lodge is entitled to control of the use thereof. The unauthorized wearing of the emblem is prohibited by the California Penal Code.
ARTICLE II
JURISDICTION AND COMPOSITION
§210. JURISDICTION.
The Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge includes all Lodges and Masons in this state and other states or territories where no other Grand Lodge exists, and all Lodges and their members outside of this state, acting under its authority, and members of Lodges of this Jurisdiction wherever residing.
§220. SOVEREIGNTY.
Grand Lodge shall recognize as a sovereign Grand Lodge only Grand Bodies that:
A. Are regularly formed by subordinate Lodges which trace their origin to regular and legitimate Ancient Craft Masonry;
B. Hold undisputed sway as the acknowledged supreme power in Ancient Craft Masonry in the territory in which they claim jurisdiction, must not render allegiance or obedience, in any sense whatsoever, to any other Masonic power or Supreme Council, must recognize the exclusive jurisdiction of all other Grand Lodges in their respective territories, and must not presume to project their authority or sovereignty into the territory of their Grand Lodge;
C. Confine their authority and the exercise thereof to the three degrees of Craft or Symbolic Masonry; and
D. Recognize and support the Ancient Landmarks which include, particularly, the Three Great Lights and belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.
This Grand Lodge shall recognize only one Grand Lodge in any state or territory of the United States unless the Grand Lodge which we recognize with exclusive jurisdiction over that state or territory chooses to waive its right to maintain exclusive jurisdiction and permit concurrent jurisdiction. In the event of such a waiver, this Grand Lodge may also recognize such additional Grand Lodges in that state or territory as have been granted such concurrent jurisdiction.
§230. MEMBERS AND MANNER OF ADDRESS.
Grand Lodge shall be composed of a Grand Master (whose manner of address shall be Most Worshipful), a Deputy Grand Master, a Senior Grand Warden, and a Junior Grand Warden (whose manner of address shall be Right Worshipful), a Grand Treasurer, a Grand Secretary and a Grand Lecturer (whose manner of address shall be Very Worshipful), a Grand Chaplain (whose manner of address shall be Very Reverend), the Assistant Grand Lecturers, a Grand Orator, an Assistant Grand Secretary, a Grand Marshal, a Grand Standard Bearer, a Grand Sword Bearer, a Grand Bible Bearer, a Senior Grand Deacon, a Junior Grand Deacon, a Senior Grand Steward, a Junior Grand Steward, a Grand Pursuivant, a Grand Organist, a Grand
Tiler, and, at the discretion of the Grand Master, an Assistant Grand Organist and an Assistant Grand Tiler (whose manner of address shall be Worshipful), together with all Past Grand Officers and Past Masters of this Jurisdiction, and the Master and Wardens of the several chartered and duly constituted Lodges (except Research Lodges) or their representatives duly elected. (10/97)
A Past Grand Lodge officer is one of the elective Grand Lodge officers who has been regularly elected and installed and has served his term in Grand Lodge. (10/96)
§240. PREREQUISITE TO MEMBERSHIP.
Each officer and member of Grand Lodge must be a member of some Lodge in its Jurisdiction. If membership ceases, membership in Grand Lodge shall cease. Each officer, other than the Grand Chaplain, Grand Organist and Assistant Grand Organist, must, at the time of his election or appointment, be a member of Grand Lodge. (10/96)
§250. ELECTED LODGE REPRESENTATIVES.
The Representative of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction must be a member thereof and be one who, in the event that neither the Master nor either of the Wardens can be present at Grand Lodge, has been elected by ballot by the Lodge at a Stated Meeting or at a Special Meeting called for that purpose, and by a majority of the members present, to represent it at the next Annual or Special Communication.
ARTICLE III
POWERS AND RESTRICTIONS
§310. GENERAL POWERS.
Grand Lodge is the supreme Masonic power and authority in this Jurisdiction and is vested with all legislative, executive, and judicial powers, limited only by a strict adherence to the Ancient Landmarks, and by the provisions of its own Constitution and Ordinances. It alone has authority to charter or grant dispensations for a Masonic Lodge in this Jurisdiction.
§320. EXECUTIVE POWERS.
The executive powers of Grand Lodge include:
A. The granting of dispensations and charters to establish and perpetuate Lodges in this state and in other territory where no Grand Lodge exists, and the revocation or suspension thereof;
B. The issuing of special dispensations for all purposes permitted by any of the provisions of the Constitution and Ordinances; and
C. The exercise of all authority necessary to carry its own legislation into complete effect.
§330. LEGISLATIVE POWERS.
Grand Lodge reserves all legislative powers to itself except those specifically delegated to the Lodges in this Code. The Constitution and Ordinances which the Grand Lodge has an inalienable right to adopt and promulgate at its own convenience, and to amend or repeal at its own pleasure, are final and binding on all Lodges and Masons in its Jurisdiction until amended or repealed.
The Constitution, and Ordinances, which constitute the California Masonic Code, as amended or as interpreted by a Grand Master with the approval of Grand Lodge, shall constitute the entire law of the Grand Lodge of California.
§340. JUDICIAL POWERS.
The judicial powers of Grand Lodge are:
A. The decision of all controversies between any of the Lodges, or between one of them and a member or members of another;
B. The enforcement of discipline upon Masons and Lodges under its Jurisdiction; and
C. The review of all matters of controversy or discipline, which may have arisen in any of the Lodges, and over which it has not retained original jurisdiction.
§350. GRAND MASTER.
The Grand Master, during the interval between the Annual Communications of Grand Lodge, possesses all its executive powers, except the granting of charters. This power and the title of Grand Master applies not only to him who has been elected and installed as Grand Master, but to any of the Grand Officers who shall have succeeded to the powers and duties of the Grand Master. Only Grand Lodge, itself, at an Annual Communication can reverse or modify the decisions of the Grand Master. Neither the Grand Master nor Grand Lodge is precluded from acting merely because a matter is not placed in a formal manner. It is mandatory that the Grand Master immediately investigate any matter
in violation of our laws, make such orders in respect to the case as may be required, and report to Grand Lodge at the next Annual Communication.
§360. REVENUE.
The revenue of Grand Lodge, which can be required from constituent Lodges, may be derived only from the following sources:
A. Fees charged for dispensations, charters, diplomas, and other documents issued under its authority;
B. Contributions levied upon Lodges, which shall always be equal and uniform, in proportion to their membership and degrees conferred;
C. Funds, dues, and proceeds of all property of dissolved Lodges in its Jurisdiction; and
D. That part of the Life Membership Fund of a dissolved Lodge that may be allocated to it.
§370. FUNDS.
Funds of Grand Lodge may be used for any purpose it deems proper.
§380. POLITICS AND RELIGION.
Grand Lodge and constituent Lodges shall not interfere or voice an opinion with regard to political or religious matters. Members, when they are assembled in constituent Lodges or Grand Lodge, may not discuss political or religious matters. Members must have a belief in a Supreme Being and a future existence; however, no invocation, benediction, or prayer shall be delivered which would have a sectarian significance.
§390. INFORMATION BOOTHS.
Grand Lodge shall annually sponsor information booths at the State Fair in California.
ARTICLE IV
COMMUNICATIONS
§410. ANNUAL.
Grand Lodge shall hold an Annual Communication for the transaction of its regular business commencing at 9:00 a.m. on the second Monday of each October, in the City and County of San Francisco.
§420. SPECIAL.
A Special Communication may be convened by the Grand Master whenever, in his opinion, the welfare of the fraternity requires, and shall also be convened by him upon receipt of an application signed by the Masters of at least 20% of the chartered Lodges setting forth the business to be transacted. Every notice of a Special Communication shall state the business to be transacted and a copy shall be mailed to each officer and committee chairman of Grand Lodge and the Master of each Lodge not less than 30 days prior to the Special Communication. No business shall be transacted at such communication other than that stated in the notice.
§430. CEREMONIAL.
The Grand Master, or his duly authorized representative, may convene Grand Lodge at any place in this Jurisdiction, at such time as he directs for the performance of any of its public or private ceremonies. The only ceremonies that may be held on Sunday are funeral services, cornerstone laying and dedication ceremonies. Grand Lodge may be opened prior to public ceremonies, in the discretion of the Grand Master. Masons may be present during such communications.
§440. QUORUM.
The officers or representatives of at least 20% of the Lodges chartered by this Grand Lodge shall be present in order to transact any business in Grand Lodge, either at an Annual or Special Communication. If assembling the required number of persons is prohibited by competent state or national authority, thereby precluding an Annual Communication, the power of Grand Lodge to appropriate money, tax constituent Lodges, approve acts of constituent Lodges, and review trial records may be exercised by the elected officers of Grand Lodge. The elective officers of Grand Lodge shall continue in their respective offices until the Annual Communication following recision of the prohibition.
No member of Grand Lodge shall be represented therein by proxy.
§450. ATTENDANCE.
Any Master Mason who is a member of a constituent Lodge in this Grand Lodge or other Grand Lodge recognized by this Grand Lodge may be present during an Annual, Special or Ceremonial Communication.
§460. TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS.
Transaction of business in Grand Lodge at its Annual Communications shall be upon written resolutions and reports. All such resolutions must be presented to the Grand Secretary at least 180 days prior to the commencement date of the next Annual Communication. This restriction shall not apply to:
A. Decisions and recommendations of the Grand Master which are included in his written message presented at the Annual Communication;
B. Emergent matters which may be presented and considered at any time upon consent of a five-sixths vote of the members present; and
C. Resolutions which form a part of the report of a committee and do not purport to amend the law of Grand Lodge.
If a resolution is signed by two or more proponents, then there must be stated the name or names of not more than two of the proponents either of whom is authorized to represent and act for the proponents with respect to the resolution before committees and Grand Lodge.
Except as provided for elsewhere in this Code regarding the vote required to amend the Constitution and Ordinances of Grand Lodge, the transaction of business at its Annual Communication shall be decided by a majority vote.
If resolutions of a similar nature on the same subject matter have been presented to Grand Lodge at two consecutive Annual Communications and after a vote thereon are not adopted, no resolution of a similar nature on the same subject matter shall be presented to or considered at an Annual Communication until two such Annual Communications have been held. This restriction shall not apply to emergent matters. A resolution considered in two consecutive years because of the carryover provisions of this Code is a single resolution and shall be considered as such.
ARTICLE V
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
§510. ELECTED.
The Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Wardens, the Past Grand Masters, and three members of Grand Lodge appointed annually by the Grand Master to serve for a single term only concurrently with his term and who are not past or present elected Grand Officers, shall constitute a committee to recommend to Grand Lodge a member for election as Junior Grand Warden. The Grand Master shall call and preside at meetings of the committee, but shall not vote except in cases of tie votes. A majority of the whole committee shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of those present and eligible to vote shall be necessary to select the recommendee.
The recommendee shall be a member of a Lodge in the North and of a Lodge in the South, alternately. Within 30 days following the selection by the Recommending Committee, but in no case later than 60 days prior to the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, the name of the recommendee and his biographical sketch shall be sent to:
A. Each Inspector, to be communicated promptly by the Inspectors to the Masters and Wardens of each Inspectoral District and through them to other members of Grand Lodge in their respective Lodges; and
B. To such other members of Grand Lodge as the Grand Master determines.
All dissemination of this information thereafter shall be oral and not by any means of reproduction.
The Executive Committee shall recommend members of Grand Lodge for election to the offices of Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand Lecturer, to serve for the ensuing Masonic year. The Grand Master shall communicate the names of the recommendees to all Lodges no later than 60 days prior to the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.
Should any recommendee be unable or unwilling to serve in the office for which he was recommended, the Executive Committee shall make a further recommendation.
The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and Grand Lecturer shall be elected by written ballot as the final item of business before the installation of said officers at each Annual Communication. A majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for an election. Grand Lodge, by unanimous consent, may permit any designated officer to cast the ballot for Grand Lodge.
The elective officers shall be installed before the close of the Annual Communication. This installation may be public or private at the option of the incoming Grand Master.
If an elective officer is unable to be present, due to circumstances beyond his control, he may be installed by the Grand Master at an appropriate place, with such ceremony as deemed proper by the Grand Master, as soon as practicable not to exceed 60 days. If the elective officer is not installed within 60 days, the office shall be declared vacant and the Grand Master may appoint any member of Grand Lodge to fill the vacant elective office temporarily or for the remainder of the Grand Lodge year.
§520. APPOINTED.
The Grand Secretary may, with the approval of the Grand Master, appoint an Assistant Grand Secretary.
All other appointive Grand Lodge Officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master, after his election, at each Annual Communication.
All appointive Grand Lodge Officers shall be installed before the close of each Annual Communication. They shall hold their respective offices during the will and pleasure of the Grand Master. (10/97)
§530. JEWELS OF OFFICE.
Grand Lodge shall establish the jewels of office for its officers and for Past Grand Masters and Past Masters.
§540. VACANCY OR INCAPACITY.
Should the offices of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens all become vacant or all the incumbents become incapacitated, it shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary or Assistant Grand Secretary to convene a Special Communication within 60 days of the last occurring vacancy or incapacitation at which members of Grand Lodge shall be elected and installed in the manner provided for at an Annual Communication. Pending the election and installation, the immediate living Past Grand Master shall discharge the duties of the Grand Master. (10/97)
ARTICLE VI
VOTING AND REPRESENTATION
§610. MANNER OF VOTING.
All questions in Grand Lodge, except election of officers, shall be decided either by voice, hand, a rising vote or by written ballot, as the Grand Master shall direct, unless, before the announcement of the result thereof, three members shall demand that the vote be taken by written ballot. At least one member demanding the written ballot must have the authority to speak for the others joining with him in the request and this shall be so stated in the request for the written ballot. At least one designated spokesman must be present in Grand Lodge at all times that a written ballot is to be taken pursuant to the demand. If no spokesman is present the Grand Master may in his
discretion proceed as though no demand had been made.
A written ballot is defined as one inscribed upon a slip of paper, or a computer punch card provided by the Grand Secretary and distributed, collected and counted by appointed Grand Lodge tellers.
§620. VOTES.
The following shall each be entitled to one vote:
A. Elective and appointive Grand Lodge Officers except the Grand Tiler and the Assistant Grand Tiler;
B. Past Grand Officers;
C. Masters, Senior Wardens and Junior Wardens of chartered Lodges; and
D. Past Masters collectively of each chartered Lodge. (10/96)
§630. CUMULATIVE VOTING.
If one or more of the elective officers of a Lodge entitled to vote has not registered, or has registered and is not present, the senior elective officer registered, in addition to his own vote, may also cast the vote of the absentee or absentees. If the elective officers of a Lodge entitled to vote have not registered, the elected representative may cast the three votes of the Lodge. If an incumbent officer of Grand Lodge or a Past Grand Lodge officer is also an elective officer or elected representative of a Lodge he may also cast the vote or votes to which such positions shall entitle him, except that the Grand Lodge officer or Past Grand Lodge officer shall not be entitled to cast the
vote afforded the Past Masters of a Lodge. In each instance, the Brother seeking to cast any absentee vote must have in his possession the credentials of the absentee.
§640. TIE VOTE.
The Grand Master shall have a regular vote in all matters before Grand Lodge. In case of a tie vote, he may also cast the deciding vote.
ARTICLE VII
CONSTITUENT LODGES
§710. FORMATION.
A Lodge can be formed only by authority of a dispensation from the Grand Master, or of a Charter issued by Grand Lodge. A Charter shall not be granted to any Lodge until it has worked a time under dispensation, and has exhibited to Grand Lodge satisfactory evidence of its Masonic capability. Grand Lodge has the sole right to grant or direct a Charter to be issued to any worthy Brethren if qualified. If any Lodge duly chartered by any Grand Body recognized by this Jurisdiction, shall, with the consent and approval of such Grand Body, petition Grand Lodge for a Charter, Grand Lodge shall have the power to issue a Charter to the Lodge upon such terms and in such manner as it deems
proper without any Dispensation having been issued.
The anniversary of the formation of the Lodge is the date of the issuance of the Dispensation by the Grand Master, not the date of the Charter.
§720. POWERS AND DUTIES.
The powers and duties of a Lodge are those prescribed in its Dispensation or Charter, by the Constitution and Ordinances of Grand Lodge, and by the General Regulations of Masonry.
§730. MEMBERSHIP.
A Chartered Lodge may have as many members as it finds convenient.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
§810. PRESENTATION.
Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be presented by written resolution or recommendation to the Grand Secretary at least 180 days prior to the commencement of the next Annual Communication. This restriction shall not apply to:
A. Decisions and recommendations of the Grand Master, which are included in his written message presented at the Annual Communication; and
B. Emergent matters, which may be presented and considered at any time upon consent of a five-sixths vote of the members present.
Written resolutions, in order to be considered for action at an Annual Communication, must bear the signatures, as proponents, of at least three members of this Grand Lodge, each a member of a different constituent Lodge of this Jurisdiction.
All resolutions and recommendations shall be referred to the Committees on Jurisprudence and Finance which shall report thereon before a vote is taken.
§820. REQUIRED VOTE.
Following the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence and all committees to which any proposed amendment has been referred, the vote shall be taken. If five-sixths of the vote is in favor of the proposed amendment, it shall be adopted and at the close of that Communication, it shall become a part of this Constitution.
If the vote in favor of a proposed amendment is less than five-sixths but there is a majority, it shall lie over for one year, and shall be published with the Proceedings, under the caption of "Proposed Amendment to the Constitution." If, at the next succeeding Annual Communication, it receives two-thirds of the votes it shall be adopted. At the close of that Communication it shall become a part of this Constitution.
§830. TIME OF VOTE.
A vote on a proposed amendment shall not be taken after the election of the Grand Lodge Officers.
ARTICLE IX
REPEAL
§910. FORMER CONSTITUTIONS REPEALED.
All former Constitutions of this Grand Lodge are hereby repealed.
ORDINANCES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA
Adopted October 16, 1991
PART I
GRAND LODGE
ARTICLE I
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GRAND MASTER
§1010. GENERAL.
The Grand Master, possesses only those powers contained in the Constitution and Ordinances of this Grand Lodge.
§1020. DISCRETIONARY.
Discretionary action by one Grand Master does not bind his successors, the discretion being personal to each Grand Master.
§1030. DISPENSATION PROCEDURE.
The power of the Grand Master to issue dispensations may be exercised upon a written request from a Lodge after the required vote, except no vote is required:
A. When a Lodge room has been destroyed; or
B. For formation of new Lodges.
§1040. DISPENSATIONS.
The Grand Master may grant dispensations for:
A. The formation of new Lodges, except traveling Lodges;
B. Balloting for and conferring of degrees upon applicants without referring their applications to a committee of investigation. The Lodge shall give at least 10 days written notice to each of its members of the meeting at which a ballot on any application for such dispensation will be taken and the purpose thereof. Application for each dispensation shall be by the Lodge after unanimous vote by ballot;
C. Receiving and acting upon the new applications of rejected applicants for the degrees within a shorter period than 12 months after rejection. Application for each dispensation shall be by the Lodge after unanimous vote by ballot;
Only the Lodge that rejected an applicant may apply for dispensation to ballot upon the reapplication. The request for dispensation must state the reason it should be issued, specifically showing that a mistake was made or extraordinary circumstances existed at the time the original ballot was taken;
When authorized by dispensation, the Lodge shall give 10 days written notice to each of its members of the Stated or Special Meeting at which a ballot on the reapplication will be taken and the purpose thereof, and a ballot, as provided for elsewhere in this Code, must be held;
D. The wearing of Masonic Clothing and Masonic Regalia, including station aprons, officers' jewels, and Masters' top hats, at public meetings. Application for each dispensation shall be by the Lodge after majority vote by ballot; and
E. Any activity for which a dispensation may be granted by the Inspector, when application is made as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§1050. POWERS.
The Grand Master may:
A. Convene any Lodge, preside therein, inspect its proceedings, and compel its conformity to Masonic usage;
B. Arrest the charter or dispensation of any Lodge and suspend the operations thereof until the next Annual Communication;
C. Suspend the Master of any chartered Lodge from the exercise of the powers and duties of his office until the next Annual Communication. In case of a Lodge under dispensation, the Grand Master may remove the Master and appoint another qualified brother as Master;
D. Transfer the trial of an accused from a Lodge having jurisdiction by reason of membership or residence, to another Lodge:
1. On his own initiative or at the request of a Master to whom charges of unmasonic conduct against a Mason have been presented; or
2. Whenever, for the convenience of witnesses or other good cause, such transfer is, in his judgment, necessary or expedient.
The charges and the order of transfer shall be transmitted to the Master of the Lodge to which such transfer is made. Such Master, upon the receipt thereof, shall proceed in the manner provided for the trial of individual Masons;
E. Require the attendance of any Grand Lodge Officer respecting matters appertaining to the duties of his office;
F. By appointment, fill a vacancy occurring in any elective office of Grand Lodge and may remove and appoint the successors of any appointive officer.
A vacancy in a Grand Lodge Office may occur by death, removal by the Grand Master, resignation, removal from the Jurisdiction, suspension, or expulsion as a Mason;
G. Appoint representatives to other recognized Grand Lodges, and may receive and accredit Representatives from them;
H. Issue edicts requiring:
1. The officers and members of constituent Lodges to cease and desist from giving any aid or support to any business, project, scheme, plan, individual or concern asserted to be Masonic in character or using any term, name or words implying a connection with Masonry, whenever facts presented to the Grand Master prove to his satisfaction that:
a. Any such business, project, scheme or plan is unmasonic, unethical, fraudulent, or misleading; or
b. The individual, group or concern in charge of or employed in the prosecution, promotion, operation or product of any such business, project, scheme or plan has indulged in unmasonic, unethical, fraudulent, misleading acts or practices in connection therewith; and
2. Masonic Organizations requiring Masonic affiliation or sponsorship to cease and desist any business or entertainment schemes which reflect on Masonry or violate the laws of Grand Lodge. The Grand Master may order trials of any Masons engaging in such enterprises;
I. Make Masons at sight or at will only in a regular Lodge with the unanimous consent of the members present; and
J. Officiate, upon request submitted on the appropriate Grand Lodge form, at the laying of a cornerstone for or the dedication of a Masonic or public building or may delegate a Grand Lodge officer or Past Grand Master to officiate in his place.
Such ceremonies may be conducted on Sunday if they can be performed without infringing the spirit of Masonry.
Grand Lodge may assist in defraying the cost of cornerstone laying events with Grand Lodge funds, not to exceed $500 each. The costs may include the acquisition of the stone, which need not be a true supporting stone, any engraving or embellishment on the stone, the sealed container, programs, invitations and other printed materials.
§1060. DUTIES.
The Grand Master shall:
A. Preside in Grand Lodge at all Annual and Special Communications. There shall be no appeal from his rulings as presiding officer;
B. Present, at each Annual Communication, a written message setting forth:
1. All his official acts during the year;
2. The general condition of Masonry within the Jurisdiction; and
3. Recommending such legislation as he deems necessary or expedient for the welfare of the Craft;
C. Constitute the Lodge for which a charter is granted in accordance with the ancient usages and regulations. He may do so either in person or by a duly authorized representative;
D. Cause to be personally served on any Mason appearing to be engaged in the conduct or promotion of any raffle, lottery or other form of gambling that is being conducted, or is about to be conducted in the name of, or for the benefit of any committee or other subordinate body of any Lodge or Masonic Organization, a notice requiring that Mason to immediately discontinue his participation.
If the Mason fails to discontinue his participation in such enterprise, the Grand Master shall refer the matter to a Lodge of this Jurisdiction for trial on the charge of unmasonic conduct. The Junior Warden of the Lodge shall prefer the charges against the Mason. Pending the trial, the Grand Master may suspend the Mason from all the rights and benefits of Masonry;
E. Exercise general and careful supervision over the Craft, and see that the Constitution and Ordinances of Grand Lodge are strictly maintained, supported, and obeyed; and
F. Discharge all necessary executive functions of Grand Lodge when it is not in session. (10/96)
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND DUTIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS
§2010. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER.
It shall be the duty of the Deputy Grand Master to assist the Grand Master in the discharge of his duties at all Communications of Grand Lodge, and, in his absence, to preside. In the event of the death of the Grand Master, or his absence from the Jurisdiction, or his inability to perform the functions of his office, the Deputy Grand Master shall succeed to and be charged with all his powers and duties.
§2020. GRAND WARDENS.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Wardens to assist the Grand Master at all Communications of Grand Lodge, and, in his absence and that of the Deputy Grand Master, to preside in the order of their rank. In case of death, absence from the Jurisdiction, or inability to perform the function of office of both of their superiors, the Grand Wardens shall, in the order of their rank, succeed to and be charged with all the powers and duties of the Grand Master.
§2030. GRAND TREASURER.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Treasurer:
A. To receive all monies belonging to Grand Lodge from the Grand Secretary, giving his receipt therefor, and, immediately upon the receipt of said monies, to deposit the same to the credit of Grand Lodge, in a bank or banks selected by the Grand Treasurer with the approval of the Grand Master. Funds on deposit shall be withdrawn by the Grand Treasurer, or in case of his inability or unavailability, by the Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master and the Grand Secretary;
B. Keep an accurate, complete and uniform set of financial records, accounting for the receipts, disbursements and properly recognizable assets and liabilities of Grand Lodge and the various entities of the Grand Lodge. Such records shall be kept on the accrual basis of accounting and maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
C. Take charge of all other property of Grand Lodge, except property specifically charged to the Grand Secretary, and to keep an accurate account thereof. Bonds and other securities held in the name of the respective nominees of the several entities of Grand Lodge, shall be deposited with a bank or trust company or in safe deposit vaults, selected as provided in subdivision "A" of this section. Such securities shall be withdrawn from such depository only on the written order of the Grand Treasurer, and in case of bearer securities only on the written order of the Grand Treasurer approved by the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden or
Junior Grand Warden, or in case of the absence or inability of the Grand Treasurer to act, then as to any security only on the written order of the Grand Secretary approved by any one the following: the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden or Junior Grand Warden;
D. Make transfers of funds under such regulations as may be provided by Grand Lodge; to disburse funds for all appropriations by Grand Lodge, for all orders of the Grand Master to meet cases of emergency that may arise in a recess of Grand Lodge, and in payment of bills, claims and demands upon Grand Lodge; and to audit and approve claims for reimbursement of expenses submitted as provided herein;
E. Attend Grand Lodge at all its Communications, except Ceremonial Communications, and to make available to the Grand Master, when required, the books and all necessary records appertaining to his office; and also, if required by Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, to provide such books and records to any committee which may be appointed to act in relation to the fiscal affairs of Grand Lodge;
F. Prepare and deliver, at each Annual Communication, a detailed report of the financial condition of Grand Lodge and all related entities prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Such report shall have been examined by the independent public accountant of Grand Lodge, submitted to the Committee on Finance, and shall be published in the Proceedings of Grand Lodge. The financial statements of Grand Lodge shall be prepared on a fiscal year ending with the end of the calendar month during which the Annual Communication is held. The financial statements of each related entity shall be prepared on a fiscal year as may be selected by the Grand
Treasurer in consultation with the governing board of such entity;
G. Act as Treasurer of various Boards, Boards of Trustees and other entities of Grand Lodge as provided for elsewhere in this Code, but these duties do not require that he serve as a member of such Boards, Boards of Trustees or other entity of Grand Lodge;
H. Select, when appropriate, with the approval of the Grand Master, a stock and bond brokerage firm or firms or dealer or agent to purchase or sell bonds and other securities of Grand Lodge and its entities in the manner and as authorized by the Investment Committee and the laws and ordinances of this Grand Lodge; and to designate, when appropriate, with the approval of the Grand Master, a nominee or a custodian nominee for the securities;
I. Be responsible for the management of the personnel of the Accounting Section of the Grand Lodge office and to create and adopt job descriptions for and define the duties of said personnel, however, they are subject to the general administration of the Grand Secretary; and
J. Pay over and transfer to his successor at the end of his term all funds and property of Grand Lodge then in his possession.
§2040. GRAND SECRETARY.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to:
A. Staff and manage the office of Grand Lodge, establish and administer all personnel policies, prepare job descriptions and define the duties of office employees, supervise all Grand Lodge personnel whose offices are within the Grand Lodge office, evaluate those employees' performance on a regular basis;
B. Supervise, subject to the ultimate control of the Trustees of the Masonic Homes of California, the Trustees of the California Masonic Memorial Temple, the Trustees of the California Masonic Foundation, the Grand Treasurer, or the governing board of any other entity of Grand Lodge, as the case may be, all clerical, administrative or accounting personnel employed by or assigned to such officer or entity, whose offices are within the Grand Lodge office;
C. Serve as Secretary of record for various Boards and other entities of Grand Lodge as provided for elsewhere in this Code, but these duties shall not require that he be a member of such Boards and entities nor that he personally attend each meeting to record the minutes thereof. He shall maintain files of all minutes of such Boards and entities, taken by him or his designee, in a safe place in the Grand Lodge office;
D. Record all transactions of Grand Lodge proper to be written; oversee the publication of its Proceedings, Roster and Masonic Code; forward, without charge, one copy of the annual Proceedings and Roster to each Lodge, and one copy of the annual Proceedings, Roster and Masonic Code, or amendments thereto, to those designated by the Grand Master;
E. Provide statistical information for inclusion in the Proceedings of Grand Lodge;
F. Receive, duly file and safely keep, in a fire-resistive storage facility, when necessary, all essential papers and documents addressed or belonging to Grand Lodge;
G. Conduct the correspondence of Grand Lodge and communicate with other Grand Lodges on behalf of the Constituent Lodges and members of this Jurisdiction;
H. Keep the Seals of Grand Lodge and its entities and affix the appropriate seal, with his attestation, to all instruments emanating from Grand Lodge and its entities when required;
I. Attend Grand Lodge at all its Communications, except Ceremonial Communications; report, at each Annual Communication, all unfinished business of Grand Lodge; and present for the consideration of Grand Lodge all other matters as may properly come within his province;
J. Report, at each Annual Communication, those Lodges which are in arrears to Grand Lodge, and to the Grand Master those Lodges which have neglected or refused to comply with any provision of the Constitution or Ordinances;
K. Receive all Resolutions presented to Grand Lodge, together with any available Decisions and Recommendations of the Grand Master, Committees and Boards and transmit, at least 150 days prior to the commencement of the next Annual Communication, a copy of the same to the members of the Committee on Jurisprudence for their review and any needed drafting or redrafting and to the members of the Committee on Finance for their review and the preparation of an estimate of the anticipated cost of implementing such proposed legislation; and transmit, at least 60 days prior to the commencement of the next Annual Communication, a copy of each such resolution,
recommendation, and decision in the form approved by the Committee on Jurisprudence, together with the cost estimate as prepared by the Committee on Finance, to the Master, Wardens and Secretaries of the Constituent Lodges, Inspectors, and members of the Committees on Jurisprudence, Policy and General Purposes and Finance, and such additional Committees as may be designated by the Grand Master;
L. Provide staff and facilities for the collection of all monies received by Grand Lodge and its entities, maintain proper records thereof and present a timely record of such transactions to the Grand Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor; act for the Grand Treasurer, in his absence;
M. Maintain a computerized record of membership statistics, including the Masonic history, current status and fields of expertise of each member of this Jurisdiction, updating this record on a regular basis;
N. Maintain a supply of and provide Lodges with Forms, Awards, Diplomas, Certificates and Masonic booklets appropriate to their needs, at cost; establish a system of control and standardization of forms used by Grand Lodge and the Constituent Lodges; furnish, at cost, each new Lodge under dispensation with a set of record books immediately after a dispensation has been granted; and furnish at cost, copies of the Constitution and By-laws and other publications, as required, to Constituent Lodges for presentation to each newly raised Master Mason;
O. Provide for the safe keeping and availability of the jewels, furniture, clothing and other paraphernalia of Grand Lodge; furnish each new Past Grand Master and each new Inspector with his official apron;
P. Ensure that adequate insurance, as recommended by the Committee on Insurance, is obtained for Grand Lodge and its entities, as well as for the Constituent Lodges; secure a fidelity bond as provided for elsewhere in this Code;
Q. Issue notices of any Special Communication of Grand Lodge ordered by the Grand Master to all members of Grand Lodge; and convene a Special Communication of Grand Lodge, giving due notice thereof, in the event that the offices of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens all become vacant or all the incumbents become incapacitated;
R. Serve as a member of the Board for the California Freemason and perform such duties as may be assigned to him by that Board;
S. Perform the duties in respect to the property of a dissolved Lodge as provided for elsewhere in this Code;
T. Attend the trial of a Grand Master and record its Proceedings;
U. Attend such conferences, seminars and workshops as may be necessary and desirable in the performance of his duties; and
V. Perform such other duties as may be requested by the Grand Master or Grand Lodge.
§2050. GRAND LECTURER.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Lecturer to:
A. Supervise and direct the Assistant Grand Lecturers and Inspectors in the performance of their duties, with respect to the Ritual, and to require conformity with the adopted ritual and work;
B. Examine the Assistant Grand Lecturers and issue Certificates of Proficiency to such as are duly qualified, on receiving notice of their appointment by the Grand Master;
C. See that the Inspectors examine all officers who are required to produce certificates of proficiency at their installation in accordance with these Ordinances;
D. Render to Grand Lodge at each Annual Communication a full and detailed account of his services during the year, and to set forth, with respect to ritual, the condition of the Lodges;
E. Cause to be held Lodges of instruction for the Inspectors and at his convenience to attend schools of instruction held by Assistant Grand Lecturers or Inspectors; and
F. Call and preside at meetings of the Committee on Ritual whenever in his judgment it is necessary or advisable for the committee to convene.
§2060. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
The Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, and the Grand Wardens shall constitute the Executive Committee, which shall meet monthly, at a time and place designated by the Grand Master, and shall be chaired by him. Its function shall be to counsel with the Grand Master concerning the operation and affairs of the Grand Lodge, and to perform such other duties he designates.
ARTICLE III
DUTIES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS
§3010. ASSISTANT GRAND TREASURER.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§3020. ASSISTANT GRAND SECRETARY.
The Assistant Grand Secretary shall be an appointive officer of Grand Lodge and shall assist the Grand Secretary in the discharge of his duties and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Grand Secretary and, in his absence or inability, shall act for him. (10/97)
§3030. ASSISTANT GRAND LECTURERS.
The Grand Master shall divide the Jurisdiction into general divisions, and shall appoint for each such division an Assistant Grand Lecturer who shall be a Past Master and member of a Lodge in such division, and who shall, before entering upon his duties, produce a certificate from the Grand Lecturer that he is proficient in the Ritual and Lectures adopted by the Grand Lodge and is qualified to act as Assistant Grand Lecturer.
It shall be the duty of each Assistant Grand Lecturer to:
A. Assist the Grand Lecturer in the discharge of his duties;
B. Examine and instruct the Inspectors within his division in the performance of their duties with respect to ritual and assist the Grand Master as and to the extent that he may direct in the supervision of such Inspectors in the performance of their duties as the Grand Master's representative to the Lodges in each's District;
C. Exercise general supervision over the ritual work in the Lodges under their care;
D. Attend meetings of the Committee on Ritual whenever required by the Grand Lecturer;
E. Arrange and conduct an annual conference for the Inspectors within his division, subject to the approval of the Grand Lecturer;
F. Oversee arrangements for Ceremonial Communications of Grand Lodge in his division when directed by the Grand Master;
G. Attend at each Annual Communication any school of instruction held by the Grand Lecturer;
H. Be present at each session of the Annual Communication to assist the Grand Lecturer in the discharge of all the necessary functions of the Committee on Ritual; and
I. Perform such other services as may be deemed necessary to insure proper instruction to the officers on the ritual and strict compliance with the adopted work.
If an Assistant Grand Lecturer has served nine consecutive years, he shall be ineligible for reappointment until the lapse of one year, unless the Grand Master determines his reappointment is appropriate for the good of the Craft.
§3040. GRAND CHAPLAIN.
The Grand Chaplain shall present a devotional service at each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge and shall perform such services, appertaining to his office, as may be required of him by the Grand Master.
§3050. GRAND ORATOR.
The Grand Orator shall deliver an address at each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge upon matters appertaining to the Craft and to deliver such other addresses as the Grand Master may request.
§3060. GRAND MARSHAL.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Marshal to:
A. Proclaim the Grand Officers at their installation and to make such other proclamations as may be directed by the Grand Master;
B. Introduce representatives of other Grand Lodges and all visiting brethren of distinction;
C. Conduct all processions of Grand Lodge, under the direction of the Grand Master; and
D. Perform such other duties proper to his office as may be required.
§3070. GRAND STANDARD BEARER.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Standard Bearer to bear the banner of Grand Lodge in processions and public ceremonies when required by the Grand Master.
§3080. GRAND SWORD BEARER.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Sword Bearer to bear the sword of Grand Lodge in processions and public ceremonies when required by the Grand Master.
§3090. GRAND BIBLE BEARER.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Bible Bearer to bear the Holy Writings in processions and public ceremonies when required by the Grand Master.
§3100. GRAND DEACONS.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Deacons to assist the Grand Master and Grand Wardens in such manner as the ancient usages of the Craft prescribe.
§3110. GRAND STEWARDS.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Stewards to superintend the preparations for festive occasions when required by the Grand Master.
§3120. GRAND PURSUIVANT.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Pursuivant to:
A. Guard the inner door of Grand Lodge and communicate with the Grand Tiler;
B. Announce all applicants for admission by their names and proper Masonic titles, and see that all who enter wear the jewel and clothing proper to their rank;
C. Allow none to withdraw who have not obtained permission to do so from the Grand Master; and
D. Act as assistant to the Grand Marshal in all processions of the Grand Lodge and all public ceremonies.
§3130. GRAND ORGANIST.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Organist to preside at the organ during the opening and closing of Grand Lodge, and to conduct its music upon all occasions of ceremony when required by the Grand Master. The Grand Master may appoint an Assistant Grand Organist from the opposite part of the state from the Grand Organist. The Assistant Grand Organist shall discharge the duties of the Grand Organist in the absence of that officer. The Assistant Grand Organist shall be entitled to any expense reimbursement otherwise available to a Grand Lodge Officer only when thus discharging the duties of the Grand Organist. (10/96)
§3140. GRAND TILER.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Tiler to:
A. Guard the outer door of the Grand Lodge and communicate with the Grand Pursuivant;
B. Report to the Grand Pursuivant all applications for admission and see that all who enter are duly authorized and properly clothed;
C. Make suitable preparation for the accommodation of Grand Lodge at all its Communications;
D. Take charge of and safely keep the jewels, furniture, clothing, and other paraphernalia of Grand Lodge during its Communications; and
E. Serve all notices and summonses, and perform such other duties as may be required of him by Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.
The Grand Master may appoint an Assistant Grand Tiler from the opposite part of the state from the Grand Tiler. The Assistant Grand Tiler shall discharge the duties of the Grand Tiler in the absence of that officer. The Assistant Grand Tiler shall be entitled to any expense reimbursement otherwise available to a Grand Lodge Officer only when thus discharging the duties of the Grand Tiler. (10/96)
ARTICLE IV
INSPECTORS
§4010. APPOINTMENT.
The Grand Master shall divide the Jurisdiction into districts, and shall appoint for each district an Inspector, who shall be a Past Master of this Jurisdiction, and who shall, before entering upon his duties, produce a certificate from the Grand Lecturer or an Assistant Grand Lecturer that he is proficient in the work and lectures adopted by the Grand Lodge and is qualified to act as Inspector. Each Inspector shall serve for a term of one year, commencing on January 1 following the Grand Master's installation and terminating on December 31 of the same year.
If an Inspector has served nine consecutive years, he shall be ineligible for reappointment until the lapse of one year, unless the Grand Master determines his reappointment is appropriate for the good of the Craft.
§4020. DUTIES.
It shall be the duty of the Inspector to:
A. Hold schools of instruction and instruct the officers of the Lodges in the ritual;
B. Require any Master of a Lodge in his district to convene his Lodge for inspection, and report to the Grand Master the failure of any Master to do so;
C. Cause to be organized within his district an Officers' Association and to supervise meetings of such an association for the purpose of instruction in those portions of the Constitution and Ordinances of Grand Lodge which relate to the government of the Lodge, for instruction in the proper administration of the affairs of the Lodges and such other matters as may be for the welfare of the Craft.
It shall be the duty of the officers of his district to attend such meetings and failure, without due cause, of an officer to attend as required may constitute grounds for the Inspector to withhold a certificate of advancement where applicable or to request that the Master remove said officer.
D. Appoint in each Lodge within his district an Officers' Coach, who shall be a qualified Past Master of a Lodge of this Jurisdiction, and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Inspector. The Officers' Coach shall assist in teaching the ritual to the officers of the Lodge, and assist in preparing them to qualify for advancement;
E. Issue certificates, where required by Masonic law, to the officers of the Lodges when they are qualified to give the work and lectures required of them respectively, without regard to moral or other considerations. Masters-elect and Wardens-elect must have received a Certificate of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree in order to be installed as elected, and the Inspector must be satisfied that they are proficient in those portions of the Constitution and Ordinances of Grand Lodge which relate to the government of the Lodge;
F. Report to the Grand Master any failure of an officer to qualify within the time required by law;
G. Visit each Lodge in his district whenever he deems it necessary for the faithful performance of his duties;
H. Inspect the work and, if necessary, correct the same in accordance with the work adopted by Grand Lodge;
I. Report the working condition of each Lodge in his district, as it pertains to the ritual, to the Grand Lecturer on or before the 30th day of June of each year;
J. Report the condition in all matters, other than ritual, to the Grand Master on or before the 30th day of June of each year;
K. Examine the books and records of each Lodge, with or without an audit, to determine if its manner of transacting business conforms to Masonic law, and to report to the Grand Master any violations of law; and
L. Attend the Lodges of instruction as directed by the Grand Lecturer.
In the performance of his duties he shall be the Representative of the Grand Master in his District and on official visits he shall be received with Grand Honors.
Each Inspector shall be entitled to reimbursement by Grand Lodge for his necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his official duties including attendance at the Annual Communication, upon presentation of an itemized claim. No Lodge or Officers' Association shall pay or reimburse the expenses of an Inspector.
§4030. POWER OF INSPECTOR TO GRANT DISPENSATIONS.
Upon a written request from a Lodge after the required vote, the Inspector, on behalf of the Grand Master, may grant dispensations for:
A. Holding elections for a Lodge officer or officers at times other than the prescribed time, except for the purpose of filling a vacancy, in which case no dispensation is required. Application for each dispensation shall be by the Lodge after a majority vote by ballot;
B. Changing the date and/or time of a Stated Meeting on such notice to the members of the Lodge as the Inspector may require. Application for each dispensation shall be by the Lodge after majority vote by ballot;
C. Receiving and acting upon applications for degrees of men belonging to the armed forces of the United States who do not possess the qualification of residence. The Lodge shall give at least 10 days written notice to each of its members of the meeting at which a ballot on any application for such dispensation will be taken and the purpose thereof. Application for each dispensation shall be by the Lodge after unanimous vote by ballot.
If the dispensation is issued, the application for degrees shall be processed as provided for elsewhere in this Code for regular applications;
D. The wearing of Masonic Clothing and Masonic Regalia, including station aprons, officers' jewels, and Masters' top hats, in public processions and parades. Application for each dispensation shall be by the Lodge after majority vote by ballot; and
E. Approval of a building other than that fixed in the Lodge Charter or Dispensation, or place in the open for a Special Meeting of a Lodge. (10/96)
ARTICLE V
BONDING, COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENT AND RETIREMENT.
§5010. OFFICIAL BOND.
The Grand Secretary shall secure from a reputable casualty company and maintain in force a blanket fidelity bond covering all officers of Grand Lodge, Lodges, Masonic Homes of California, California Masonic Foundation, Masonic Service Bureaus, and California Masonic Memorial Temple with a minimum coverage of $5,000 for each officer and a maximum coverage in an amount as determined by the Grand Master. The bonds on the officers of any Lodge in excess of the minimum at the request of the Lodge shall be secured by the Grand Secretary and the premium shall be paid by Grand Lodge. The Lodge shall reimburse Grand Lodge for the premium.
§5020. COMPENSATION OF GRAND AND ASSISTANT GRAND SECRETARY.
The Grand Secretary and Assistant Grand Secretary shall receive such compensation as the Grand Lodge may direct. (10/97)
§5030. REIMBURSEMENT OF LODGE OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES.
At the close of each Annual Communication, Grand Lodge shall pay to the officers or the representatives of each constituent Lodge present, the cost of round trip transportation for one person from the location of the Lodge to the place of the Communication, at the rate fixed by the Committee on Finance, provided the:
A. Lodge has paid its dues to Grand Lodge in full;
B. Lodge has transmitted certificates of election and installation of its officers to the Grand Secretary within the time provided for elsewhere in this Code; and
C. Officer or representative has been in attendance at the Communication from the first day through the last day, unless excused by Grand Lodge.
The mileage used for such payment calculations shall be determined from published records of the California State Automobile Association.
§5040. REIMBURSEMENT OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS, PAST GRAND MASTERS, INSPECTORS, BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTEEMEN.
Grand Lodge Officers, Inspectors, Board Members and Committeemen shall receive reimbursement for their necessary expenses in the performance of their duties, as approved by the Grand Master or provided by Grand Lodge. Past Grand Masters, not entitled to reimbursement as committeemen, shall receive reimbursement for their round trip transportation to each Annual Communication, in the same manner provided for officers or representatives of Lodges.
§5050. MULTIPLE REIMBURSEMENT.
Under no circumstances may anyone be reimbursed for the same expense in more than one capacity.
§5060. RETIREMENT.
The Retirement Plan Committee shall administer the California Masonic Retirement Plan, which has been established for the benefit of the employees of the Masonic Homes of California, the California Masonic Memorial Temple, the Masonic Service Bureaus, Grand Lodge and such other agencies as may qualify under the Plan. The appointment and terms of office and its powers, duties and responsibilities shall be as set forth in the California Masonic Retirement Plan and the applicable governmental law.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES
§6010. MEMBERSHIP.
Members of all boards and committees of Grand Lodge shall be members of Grand Lodge or Master Masons who are members in good standing in Lodges in this Jurisdiction whose special talents, in the discretion of the Grand Master, are considered to be desirable or required for the accomplishment of the mission of the boards or committees. At least 70% of the total number of members on each board or committee shall be members of Grand Lodge.
No Chairman shall be appointed to any committee who shall have served as Chairman of that committee for an aggregate of five years. If a member has served for nine consecutive years, including service as Chairman, he shall be ineligible for reappointment until the lapse of one year. To each committee having a membership of seven or more there shall be appointed each year at least one Brother who was not a member the preceding year. To each committee having a membership of less than seven there shall be appointed in alternate years at least one Brother who was not a member the preceding year. This paragraph shall not apply to the Committee on Ritual.
In addition to the regular membership of all committees, commissions and boards, the Grand Master, under special or demanding circumstances, may appoint as a consultant to a committee, commission or board, any member in good standing of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction. The Grand Master may remove a consultant at any time. Consultants shall perform services, render advice, and attend committee meetings, as may be directed by the Chairman of the committees to which they are assigned, but shall have no vote.
They shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties on the same basis and subject to the same provisions and restrictions as members of the committees.
§6020. STANDING.
The members of standing committees shall be appointed by the newly installed Grand Master at each Annual Communication before the close thereof.
The following are standing committees:
A. To consist of not less than five nor more than nine members each:
1. Jurisprudence;
2. Policy and General Purposes; and
3. Investments.
B. To consist of not less than 15 nor more than 50 members:
1. Public Schools; and
2. Masonic Homes Endowment.
C. To consist of not less than ten nor more than 30 members:
1. U.S. Constitution Observance.
D. To consist of not less than six nor more than 15 members:
1. Charters.
E. To consist of not less than five nor more than 15 members:
1. Grand Lodge Week Activities.
F. To consist of not less than three nor more than seven members each:
1. Finance;
2. Trial Review;
3. Credentials; and
4. Masonic History.
G. To consist of not less than three nor more than five members each:
1. Memorial Service; and
2. Masonic Service Bureaus.
H. To consist of not less than ten nor more than 30 members:
1. Masonic Education.
I. To consist of not less than ten nor more than 30 members:
1. Temple Properties and Taxation.
J. To consist of the Grand Lecturer and Assistant Grand Lecturers:
1. Ritual.
The duties of such committees shall continue during the year and shall cease at the close of the next succeeding Annual Communication, except as to members of committees whose terms do not end with the close of that Annual Communication. (10/99) (10/00)
§6030. JURISPRUDENCE.
The Committee on Jurisprudence shall:
A. Review proposed resolutions and recommendations to be considered at the next Annual Communication, upon receipt of them from the Grand Secretary, and recommendations or decisions of the Grand Master, other elective officers, committees or boards of Grand Lodge and:
1. Prepare legislation as may be required, together with a brief statement of the purpose and effect of them on Grand Lodge, and which will carry out the intent of the proponents; and
2. Transmit, at least 90 days prior to the commencement date of the next Annual Communication, a copy of all resolutions and recommendations, received prior thereto, together with the brief statement of purpose and effect of each, to the Grand Secretary.
B. Report to Grand Lodge:
1. Its recommendations as to the legality of decisions and dispensations issued by the Grand Master;
2. Whether proposed amendments to this Code will accomplish the purpose of the proponents;
3. The legal effect of the proposed amendments; and
C. When appropriate, prepare supplementary legislation to proposed amendments and prepare legislation to accomplish recommendations of the Grand Master, other elective officers, committees or boards of Grand Lodge, and report to Grand Lodge thereon its recommendations.
D. To edit and prepare for publication the annual changes in our laws and submit to Grand Lodge any revisions that may seem necessary or desirable.
§6040. POLICY AND GENERAL PURPOSES.
The Committee on Policy and General Purposes shall consider and report on matters referred to it as to whether any action taken or proposed is consistent with the general purposes and policies of Grand Lodge.
§6050. TEMPLE PROPERTIES AND TAXATION.
The Committee on Temple Properties shall examine and approve all details regarding any contract involving a Lodge, Temple Association, committee, partnership or corporation or other entity representing itself to be Masonic in character, or operating for the benefit of a Lodge or Lodges in this Jurisdiction for:
A. Any option or contract for the purchase of real property, the encumbrance of real property or the lease of real property, as lessor or lessee, for more than three years;
B. A contract for or commencement of the construction, alteration, improvement, replacement, repair, or maintenance of a Masonic Temple in excess of $25,000; and
C. Any option or contract regarding the sale or listing for sale of any real property owned by such entity.
The committee shall, subject to the approval of the Grand Master, establish rules and regulations governing the processing of applications for committee approval.
The committee shall review the reports of transactions of Temple Associations submitted to the Grand Secretary as provided for elsewhere in this Code and may give counsel and advise concerning the operation of those Temple Associations.
The committee shall, also, advise Lodges and the Grand Lodge on matters of taxation with respect to income, property, sales and employment taxes. (10/00)
§6060. PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The Committee on Public Schools shall develop and promote methods of increasing interest in and support for the public schools.
§6065. MASONIC HOMES ENDOWMENT.
The Committee on Masonic Homes Endowment shall develop and implement strategies designed to promote annual contributions to the Masonic Homes General and Endowment Funds. The Committee shall:
A. Provide communications, through presentations and written materials, to Lodges and other interested parties, to increase awareness and encourage and promote annual contributions;
B. Respond to and initiate contact with California Masons who may be interested in providing major financial support to the Homes and refer them to Grand Lodge and Homes representatives for further cultivation; and
C. Present a year-end contribution report at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication. (10/99)
§6070. UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION OBSERVANCE.
The Committee on United States Constitution Observance shall develop and promote methods of interest in and support for the Constitution of the United States and other patriotic observances.
§6080. CHARTERS.
The Committee on Charters shall:
A. Conduct an investigation, including examination, of the records and proceedings of organizations seeking Lodge status, and report its findings and recommendations to the Grand Master; and
B. Counsel with Lodges under dispensation and examine their records and proceedings and report its findings and recommendations to the Grand Lodge prior to the close of the next Annual Communication.
§6090. GRAND LODGE WEEK ACTIVITIES.
The Committee on Grand Lodge Week Activities shall attend to entertainment during Grand Lodge Week as directed by the Grand Master.
§6100. FINANCE.
The Committee on Finance shall:
A. Assist and consult with the Grand Master, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary regarding the financial affairs of Grand Lodge;
B. Advise and assist all boards in financial matters, when requested;
C. Assist in the preparation of the Grand Lodge Budget to the extent provided in Section 7040 of this Code;
D. Estimate and make provision for the reimbursement of the expenses of Grand Lodge officers, Past Grand Masters, Inspectors, and members of committees and boards as approved by the Grand Master or adopted by Grand Lodge;
E. Supervise compliance with the adopted budget of Grand Lodge;
F. Prescribe procedures for the filing of all expense claims and be responsible for approval or disallowance of the claims;
G. Report on every appropriation of money before it can be made; and
H. Upon receipt from the Grand Secretary of proposed resolutions and recommendations to be considered at the next Annual Communication, review them and prepare an estimate of the cost impact of each, if adopted, and transmit, at least 75 days prior to the commencement date of the next Annual Communication, a report of such cost estimates to the Grand Secretary.
Every over-expenditure of budgeted items, needing supplemental appropriations approved by the Grand Master, shall be referred to and reported on by this Committee.
No appropriation of money shall be made at any Annual Communication after the election of Grand Officers, except by a three-fourths vote of the members present.
§6110. TRIAL REVIEW.
The Committee on Trial Review shall review the records of trials held in constituent Lodges and examine each application for restoration after suspension or expulsion by Grand Lodge. It shall report to Grand Lodge its recommendations as to action to be taken.
§6120. CREDENTIALS.
The Committee on Credentials shall register and report the number registered to Grand Lodge of members, elected representatives and guests of the Grand Lodge, and other Master Masons, and validate their credentials. It shall report to Grand Lodge the Lodges which are not represented.
§6140. MASONIC HISTORY.
The Committee on Masonic History shall gather, preserve and document historic facts relating to Grand Lodge and its constituent Lodges.
§6150. MEMORIAL SERVICE.
The Committee on Memorial Service, during the Annual Communication, shall present a fitting memorial service for members of Grand Lodge, or other distinguished Master Masons of this Jurisdiction, who were called from their earthly toil during the preceding year.
§6160. MASONIC EDUCATION.
The Committee on Masonic Education shall assist Grand Lodge and constituent Lodges in promoting Masonic education. Subject to the approval of the Grand Master, it may regulate the publication and dissemination in this Jurisdiction of materials emanating from research Lodges, research clubs, research organizations, or research committees of this or any other Jurisdiction.
§6170. RITUAL.
The Committee on Ritual shall be the custodian of the esoteric work.
§6190. INVESTMENTS.
The Committee on Investments shall invest and reinvest the funds of Grand Lodge and any other entity thereof or under control of Grand Lodge, except constituent Lodges, Masonic Temple Associations, and Masonic Cemeteries. All such activities shall require a majority number of the members to be present as a quorum.
The Committee shall consist of nine members appointed by successive Grand Masters from among the members of Grand Lodge with experience in the broad field of investments. Each Grand Master shall designate one of the members of the Committee as chairman and another as vice-chairman to serve during the tenure of the Grand Master and until a successor, in that capacity, is designated. Each Grand Master shall also appoint three members to the Committee to serve thereon for a three year term. Any vacancy occurring on the Committee shall be filled by the Grand Master, the appointee to serve thereon for the remainder of the unexpired term of his predecessor. The Grand Master may
appoint the Grand Treasurer or representatives of any Grand Lodge entity to the Committee.
The Grand Secretary shall serve as Secretary of the Committee, attend its meetings, keep its minutes, and handle its correspondence but shall not have a vote unless he is an appointed member. If the Grand Treasurer and the Chairman of the Committee on Finance are not members of the Committee, they shall be given ample notice of the meetings of the Committee and may attend and participate, but shall not have a vote.
§6200. MASONIC SERVICE BUREAUS.
The Committee on Masonic Service Bureaus shall supervise the activities of Masonic Service Bureaus and assist them to standardize their operations. It may formulate rules and amendments necessary for their effective operation, subject to the approval of Grand Lodge.
It shall process all applications for the formation of new bureaus and shall submit them, with its recommendations, to Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.
All applications from Masonic Service Bureaus or Lodges for funds or reimbursement shall be submitted to this committee at least 60 days prior to each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. The Committee shall make a thorough investigation of the merits of each application and report its findings and recommendations to the Committee on Finance on or before the opening day of the Annual Communication. If, in the opinion of this Committee, good cause is shown that immediate reimbursement is essential, reimbursement may be made with the approval of the Grand Master.
§6210. SPECIAL.
Special Committees may be created and members appointed by the Grand Master at any time during the term of his office. He shall appoint members to special committees created by direction of Grand Lodge. The size of each of the committees shall be within the discretion of the Grand Master, unless directed by Grand Lodge, and their duties shall continue during the year, ceasing at the close of the next Annual Communication.
§6220. REPORTS.
Committees designated by the Grand Master shall file written reports with him as he requests. He may direct that the report or any portion thereof be presented orally by the committee during the Annual Communication.
§6230. REFERENCE OF BUSINESS.
All business shall be referred to and reported on by one or more committees before it can be finally acted on by the members of Grand Lodge, except by their unanimous consent. All such committees shall report before any vote shall be taken in Grand Lodge. The vote shall be taken upon the business as originally presented.
ARTICLE VII
FUNDS AND ASSETS
§7010. TITLE.
Title to all securities belonging to Grand Lodge, the Masonic Homes of California, the California Masonic Memorial Temple, the Masonic Homes Endowment Fund, the California Masonic Foundation, or any other entities or funds of Grand Lodge or under control of Grand Lodge, may be held in the name of a nominee or in the name of a custodian nominee designated by Grand Lodge as the depository for such securities or funds. Grand Lodge has full power to substitute or change nominees from time to time. A nominee shall always be a bank or trust company chartered by the United States of America or the State of California.
§7020. INVESTMENT.
The funds of Grand Lodge and any entity thereof or under the control of Grand Lodge shall be separately invested as follows:
A. Such funds shall be invested with the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including but not limited to the general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the entity whose funds are being invested, that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like character and with like aims to accomplish the purposes of that entity.
B. The specific and detailed guidelines to govern the day-to-day investment activities of each entity subject to this section shall be promulgated from time to time by the Grand Lodge Committee on Investments in consultation with the Grand Treasurer. Those guidelines applicable to Grand Lodge investments shall be subject to the approval of the Grand Master. Those guidelines applicable to the investments of the Masonic Homes and the Masonic Homes Endowment Fund shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Homes. Those guidelines applicable to the investments of the California Masonic Memorial Temple shall be subject to the
approval of the Board of Trustees of that entity. Those guidelines applicable to the investments of the California Masonic Foundation shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of that entity.
C. The various funds of each entity subject to this section may be pooled for investment purposes, but no funds of any one entity may be pooled with the funds of any other entity.
§7030. AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS.
The Grand Master, after consultation with the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Secretary and Chairman of the Committee on Finance, shall designate certified public accountants to examine the financial statements of Grand Lodge, the Masonic Homes of California, California Masonic Foundation, California Masonic Retirement Plan, and the California Masonic Memorial Temple in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The examination shall include tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as are considered necessary by them. The examiner shall call to the attention of the Grand Master or Grand Treasurer items that are not recorded in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
§7040. GRAND LODGE BUDGET.
Grand Lodge shall have a budget for each fiscal year as follows:
A. The Grand Lodge Budget shall be prepared under the direction and control of the Deputy Grand Master. The Grand Treasurer and the Grand Lodge Committee on Finance shall consult in the preparation of the Grand Lodge Budget as requested by the Deputy Grand Master. The Deputy Grand Master shall be assisted in the preparation of the budget by such other persons as he may select to assist him.
B. Each Grand Lodge Budget shall be based upon the per capita sum to be collected for Master Masons carried on the rolls of each Constituent Lodge as of the June 30th most immediately preceding the commencement of the fiscal year covered by such budget.
C. The proposed Grand Lodge Budget shall be transmitted by the Grand Secretary to the Masters of the several Lodges, Inspectors and members of the Committee on Finance at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the next Annual Communication.
D. The proposed Grand Lodge Budget shall be referred to the Committee on Finance for its review and report to Grand Lodge before the vote is taken whether to adopt the budget.
E. The Deputy Grand Master shall present the proposed budget to the members of Grand Lodge for their approval. The Grand Lodge Budget shall be adopted by a majority vote.
F. The Grand Treasurer and the Committee on Finance shall monitor compliance with the adopted Grand Lodge Budget during the Grand Lodge year.
G. An expense category in the Grand Lodge Budget shall not be exceeded without the consent of the Grand Master. An expense category shall not be exceeded by more than five percent without the consent of at least two of the following: the Grand Secretary, the Grand Treasurer and the Chairman of the Committee on Finance.
§7050. GRAND LODGE ENDOWMENT FUND.
The Grand Lodge Endowment Fund shall be a separate fund on the books and records of Grand Lodge. Contributions to the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund shall be placed in the custody of the Grand Treasurer to be held, accounted for and disbursed by him. Should the Grand Lodge in any fiscal year have an excess of revenue over expenses, the excess shall be added to the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund. The income from the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund shall be combined with the per capita assessment to fund Grand Lodge operations. The principal of the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund may be expended for any lawful purpose but only after such expenditure has been approved by a two-thirds vote of the
members of Grand Lodge present and voting at an Annual Communication.
(EFFECTIVE DATE INFORMATION: The excess of Grand Lodge revenue over expenses shall not be added to the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund until the cumulative excess since June 30, 1991 equals $700,000.)
ARTICLE VIII
MASONIC HOMES
§8010. PURPOSE.
The Board of Trustees of the Masonic Homes of California shall control, conduct and manage homes, hospitals and other facilities for the care, maintenance and support of the aged, indigent or infirm Master Masons, their wives, widows and children, and schools for the education of such children, and grant non-resident assistance instead of admission to the Homes. In addition, the Board of Trustees may consider for admission to the Masonic Homes any child without a known blood relationship to a Master Mason on the same rules, terms and conditions as a child with such a relationship is considered; provided that preference for admission shall always be given to children with a blood relationship to
a Master Mason of a Lodge subject to the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. Any child without a known blood relationship to a Master Mason must be sponsored by a Lodge subject to the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. Under extraordinary circumstances, the Board of Trustees may consider for admission to the Masonic Homes a mother of a Master Mason of a Lodge subject to the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge and may grant her non-resident assistance instead of admission, provided that preference for admission shall always be given to Master Masons, their wives and widows.
The Trustees shall establish rules, terms and conditions, subject to the approval by the Grand Master, governing admissions to the Masonic Homes of deserving recipients of Masonic charity. They shall pay the necessary burial expenses of residents of the Homes who die while under the supervision of the Trustees, in an amount to be determined by them. (10/00)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§8020. COMPOSITION OF BOARD.
The Trustees of the Masonic Homes of California shall be 12 in number. The Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand Warden shall be Trustees ex-officio; the other nine Trustees shall be appointed by successive Grand Masters. The term of appointive Trustees shall be three years from the close of the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. At all times four of the nine appointive Trustees shall be residents in the vicinity of the Home at Union City and four shall be residents in the vicinity of the Home at Covina.
If a Trustee is appointed and serves three full consecutive terms, he shall be ineligible for reappointment until the lapse of one year.
§8030. MANAGEMENT.
The Trustees of the Masonic Homes shall elect officers each year, at the close of the Annual Communication. The Grand Treasurer shall be the treasurer of the Board of Trustees and of the Masonic Homes of California, and the Grand Secretary shall be the secretary of the Board of Trustees and of the Masonic Homes of California. The Board shall be furnished and maintain an office in the same building and in connection with offices of the Grand Secretary. They shall adopt, alter, or amend By-laws for their own guidance and for the management of the charity, all subject to the approval of the Grand Master. The Grand Master shall at all times have the right of visitation and
inspection and the supervision of the entire management. He may remove a Trustee at any time, upon request of two-thirds of the Trustees, and appoint another.
§8040. TITLE TO PROPERTY.
The non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the State of California, known as "Masonic Homes of California," shall be vested the title to all property, real and personal, including the Masonic Homes Endowment Fund, and all rights of action belonging to the charity, or to which it may become entitled.
§8050. ANNUAL REPORTS.
The Trustees shall make a complete report of the property, condition and operation of the charity for the preceding Grand Lodge year at each Annual Communication. They shall have their report prepared, printed and ready for distribution on the first day of each Annual Communication.
ARTICLE IX
MASONIC HOMES GENERAL AND ENDOWMENT FUNDS
§9010. PURPOSE AND CUSTODY OF FUNDS.
The Grand Secretary shall collect the funds and securities contributed or inuring to the Masonic Homes General and Endowment Funds. All funds and securities shall be placed in the custody of the Grand Treasurer to be held, accounted for and distributed by him.
A. All contributions to the General Fund shall be delivered to the Trustees of the Homes whenever required by them for the maintenance and operation of the Homes.
B. The income from the Endowment Fund shall be delivered to the Trustees of the Homes annually for the maintenance and operation of the Homes. No part of the principal of the Endowment Fund shall ever be expended for any purpose. (10/99)
§9020. COMPOSITION OF BOARD.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§9030. MANAGEMENT.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§9040. CUSTODY OF FUNDS.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§9050. PURPOSE OF FUND.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
ARTICLE X
CALIFORNIA MASONIC MEMORIAL TEMPLE
§10010. PURPOSE.
The non-profit corporation, known as the California Masonic Memorial Temple, shall hold title to and operate the California Masonic Memorial Temple and all property owned by it.
§10020. COMPOSITION OF BOARD.
The Trustees of the California Masonic Memorial Temple shall be nine in number. The Junior Grand Warden shall be a Trustee ex-officio. The other eight Trustees shall be appointed by the Grand Master for terms of three years each. The terms of at least two of the appointed Trustees shall expire at the close of each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. When a vacancy occurs, the appointee shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. The Grand Master may remove a Trustee at any time, upon request of two-thirds of the Trustees, and appoint another. (10/01)
If a member shall have served for nine consecutive years, including service as a Chairman, he shall be ineligible for reappointment until the lapse of one year. (10/99)
§10030. MANAGEMENT.
The Trustees of the California Masonic Memorial Temple shall elect officers within forty-five days after the close of each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary shall be secretary and the Grand Treasurer shall be treasurer of the Board of Trustees. They shall adopt, alter or amend By-laws for their own guidance and for the management of the corporation, all subject to approval of the Grand Master. They shall have the right to incur indebtedness, but not to borrow money without the consent of the Grand Master. The Grand Master shall at all times have the right of visitation and inspection, and the supervision of the entire management.
§10040. ANNUAL REPORTS.
The Trustees shall submit a complete Annual Report to Grand Lodge at the beginning of each Annual Communication, respecting operations and the conditions of the assets and liabilities of the corporation, for the preceding Grand Lodge year.
ARTICLE XI
CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION
§11010. PURPOSE.
The non-profit charitable corporation, known as the "California Masonic Foundation," shall receive gifts, bequests and contributions for the furtherance of educational, charitable and scientific purposes.
§11020. COMPOSITION OF BOARD.
The Board of Trustees of the California Masonic Foundation shall be 15 in number. The Deputy Grand Master shall be a Trustee ex-officio. The other 14 Trustees shall be appointed by the Grand Master for terms not to exceed three years each. The terms of at least four of the appointed Trustees shall expire at the close of each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. When a vacancy occurs, the appointee shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. The Grand Master may remove an appointed Trustee at any time upon request of two-thirds of the Trustees and appoint another. In appointing Trustees the Grand Master shall give consideration to geographical diversification in
order that the entire Jurisdiction may have representation.
If a Trustee has served nine full consecutive years, he shall be ineligible for reappointment until the lapse of one year.
§11030. MANAGEMENT.
The Trustees shall elect officers within 45 days after the close of each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary shall be the secretary and the Grand Treasurer shall be the treasurer of the Board of Trustees. They shall adopt, alter or amend By-laws for their own guidance and for the management of the corporation, all subject to approval of the Grand Master. They shall have the right to incur indebtedness, but not to borrow money without the consent of the Grand Master. The Grand Master shall at all times have the right of visitation and inspection, and the supervision of the entire management.
§11040. ANNUAL REPORTS.
The Trustees shall submit a complete Annual Report to Grand Lodge at the beginning of each Annual Communication, respecting operations and the conditions of the assets and liabilities of the corporation, for the preceding Grand Lodge year.
ARTICLE XII
CALIFORNIA FREEMASON
§12010. MANAGEMENT.
The publication and distribution of the California Freemason shall be administered by a board comprised of the Grand Master, the Grand Secretary and Editor-in-Chief.
§12020. EDITORS.
The Editor-in-Chief of the California Freemason and one Associate Editor, or more as the Grand Master determines, shall be appointed by the Grand Master.
If any have served for nine consecutive years, they shall be ineligible for reappointment until the lapse of one year.
ARTICLE XIII
REVENUE
§13010. FEES.
The following fees shall be charged by Grand Lodge, for:
A. A dispensation to form a new Lodge - $75;
B. A Charter to perpetuate a Lodge - $50;
C. Each dispensation to ballot for an applicant for the degrees, without the reference to a committee - $10;
D. Each dispensation to receive and act upon the new application of a rejected candidate for the degrees within a period of less than 12 months - $10;
E. A diploma of any kind, an amount to be fixed by the Grand Secretary, except when issued for the widow or minor children of a deceased Mason, in which case there shall be no charge; and
F. A copy of the Annual Proceedings, other publications, blanks and supplies required by Grand Lodge to be produced and sold, the amounts to be fixed by the Grand Secretary.
In no case shall any of the documents referred to herein be issued until fees therefor shall have been paid to the Grand Secretary. In the case of a diploma, not until presentation to the Grand Secretary of a certificate, from the Secretary of the Lodge, on the prescribed form.
§13020. LODGE CONTRIBUTIONS.
Each Lodge, whether chartered or under dispensation:
A. Shall pay with its Annual Returns the following contributions, for:
1. Every degree it has conferred during the year - $1,
2. Each Master Mason carried on its rolls as of June 30, such per capita sum, not less than $.50, as Grand Lodge requires, and
3. Each Master Mason carried on its rolls as of June 30, such per capita sum as Grand Lodge levies for the support of Masonic Homes of California;
B. Shall not pay per capita sums for:
1. Master Masons whose dues have been remitted by Lodge action for the 12 months of the preceding calendar year, and
2. Master Masons whose dues have been remitted because of residence in the Masonic Homes of California.
§13030. MASONIC HOMES CONTRIBUTIONS.
Each applicant for the degrees, each petitioner to form a new Lodge, and each applicant for affiliation whose Dimit or Certificate is from a Lodge of another Jurisdiction, shall accompany the petition or his application with a contribution of $25 for the use and benefit of Masonic Homes of California, unless he shall have paid such contribution with a former application to a Lodge of this Jurisdiction.
All contributions for Masonic Homes of California collected by a Lodge shall be transmitted to the Grand Secretary at the time and in the manner specified on forms provided for that purpose. Before issuance of a Dispensation to form a new Lodge, petitioners therefore shall transmit the contributions accompanying their petition to the Grand Secretary. Immediately upon receipt of contributions the Grand Secretary shall pay the same over to the Grand Treasurer to be held by him subject to the order of the Trustees for the use and benefit of the Homes.
Such contributions are non-refundable (10/01)
§13040. NATIONAL MEMORIAL AND MEMORIAL TEMPLE CONTRIBUTIONS.
In addition to the contribution to the Masonic Homes of California, each applicant for the degrees shall accompany the application with a contribution of $5 for the Endowment Fund of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and $9 for the California Masonic Memorial Temple. All such contributions shall be transmitted by the Lodge to the Grand Secretary at the time and in the manner specified on forms provided for that purpose. The Grand Secretary shall pay the same over to the Grand Treasurer to be held subject to allocation and payment by order of the Grand Master. Such contributions are non-refundable (10/01)
PART II
CONSTITUENT LODGES
ARTICLE I
LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION
§14010. PETITION FOR DISPENSATION.
Upon the petition of at least 25 and not more than 50 Master Masons in good standing, the Grand Master may grant them a dispensation to open and hold a Lodge at the place named therein, under such name as shall be approved by him, with power to make Masons and receive members by affiliation. He shall appoint the Master and Wardens of the new Lodge, provided that the Grand Secretary has certified to the Grand Master that each signer on the petition has presented either a:
A. Dimit;
B. Dues receipt accompanied by a certified statement from the Secretary of his Lodge that a Dimit will be issued on notification that the requested dispensation has been issued;
C. Dues receipt from members of Lodges in this Jurisdiction accompanied by either:
1. A demand for transfer of membership, or
2. A statement of the petitioner's desire to affiliate as a plural member; or
D. Certificate of Good Standing and a statement of the petitioner's desire to affiliate as a dual member in the case of a member belonging in a Jurisdiction which recognizes dual membership.
Whenever this Section requires a dues receipt be presented, a photocopy thereof, duly certified by the Secretary of any Lodge in this Jurisdiction, may be substituted.
§14020. NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY.
The Grand Master shall not issue a Dispensation for a new Lodge until he is satisfied that the petitioners have provided written notification of their intention to apply for dispensation to each Lodge whose immediate Jurisdiction would be affected by the new Lodge. Such notification shall be provided at least 45 days prior to making application for dispensation and shall contain the:
A. Full names of the petitioners with their present and former Masonic affiliations;
B. Names of the proposed Master and Wardens;
C. Proposed name of the new Lodge; and
D. Location of its meeting place.
§14030. INSPECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION AND CERTIFICATE.
The petition for a Dispensation for a new Lodge shall be accompanied by:
A. A recommendation from the Inspector of the district in which the nearest or most convenient Lodge is situated (if in a city or town where more than one Masonic district exists, then from a majority of such Inspectors) setting forth, that:
1. The petitioners are all Master Masons in good standing;
2. The establishment of the new Lodge is in accordance with the principles of Masonry and contributes to the good of the order; and
3. A safe and suitable Lodge room is available.
B. A certificate from an Inspector whom the Grand Master selects, declaring that the proposed Master and Wardens:
1. Have received Certificates of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree;
2. Are fully competent to properly confer the three degrees of Masonry and to deliver the lectures of the three degrees; and
3. Are proficient in those portions of this Code that relate to the government of a Lodge.
The Grand Master may grant the dispensation in the absence of the Inspector's recommendation if, after full investigation, he deems such action to be for the best interests of Masonry.
§14040. NAME.
A new Lodge may not have a name similar to an existing Lodge. The name of a new Lodge shall not be selected to honor a living person.
This section does not preclude the naming of a room or area within a Masonic Temple in honor of a Brother Mason, whether living or deceased.
§14050. CHARTER MEMBERS.
The charter members of a Lodge are only those named in the Dispensation for the formation of the Lodge.
§14060. AFFILIATION.
A Mason whose name does not appear on the Dispensation must apply for affiliation in order to be elected to membership in the new Lodge.
§14070. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES.
Lodges under dispensation are Masonic Lodges for all purposes and thus have all the rights and privileges thereof and are governed by all the Constitution and Ordinance provisions governing chartered Lodges, except they shall not:
A. Have a vote at a Grand Lodge Communication;
B. Have penal jurisdiction or conduct a Masonic Trial; and
C. Form a Temple Association.
§14080. TERMINATION AND DISPENSATION.
A dispensation shall terminate upon the first day of the month in which the next succeeding Annual Communication is held. It shall then be returned to the Grand Secretary, together with the By-laws, books of records, returns and itemized list of receipts and expenditures of the new Lodge to that date. If Grand Lodge orders the issuance of a Charter, the Dispensation shall be revived and the Grand Secretary shall return it, together with the By-laws, books of records and returns to the Lodge which presented them. The Lodge may then proceed to work under the revived Dispensation, unless legally revoked, until duly constituted.
§14090. ISSUANCE OF CHARTER.
A Lodge under dispensation may petition for a Charter, and Grand Lodge may order the issuance of a Charter to the Lodge, and assign it a name and number of the registry if:
A. It is found qualified;
B. The necessary Certificates of Proficiency have been obtained; and
C. It is clear of all indebtedness.
The name of the Lodge can be changed only as provided in Sections 14095 and 20010. The number of the Lodge can be changed only by Grand Lodge.
The Lodge shall be duly constituted within 90 days thereafter, or its Charter shall be forfeited.
If a Charter is not issued, the petition may be refused or continued one time to the next Annual Communication. (10/96)
§14095. CHANGE OF LODGE NAME.
A Lodge may change its name by satisfying the following procedure:
A. Giving notification at a Stated Meeting that a written resolution to change the Lodge's name will be offered at a succeeding Stated Meeting;
B. Giving written notice to each Lodge member setting forth the text of the proposed name change resolution and the date of the Stated Meeting at which the vote is to be taken;
C. Adopting such resolution by the votes of at least two-thirds of the members present at such succeeding Stated Meeting; and
D. Obtaining the approval of the Grand Master.
The Secretary of the Lodge shall note in the minutes of the Lodge the notice of the proposed name change resolution when made. When transmitting a name change resolution for approval by the Grand Master, the Lodge Secretary shall forward a certificate, under seal, showing that the law has been complied with and that the name change resolution has received the required vote.
A Lodge may not select a name then being used by another Lodge. Once approved, the Lodge shall receive a new Charter without charge or may have an endorsement of the authorization of the new name made upon its existing Charter. The Lodge shall obtain a new seal. (10/96)
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND RESTRICTIONS
§15010. EXECUTIVE.
The Lodge shall have executive powers in directing and performing its work, as prescribed by Grand Lodge, under the control of the Master.
§15020. LEGISLATIVE.
The Lodge shall adopt legislation to govern its affairs, which shall not be in violation of its By-laws or the General Regulations of Masonry, or this Code.
§15030. JUDICIAL.
Subject to a revision by Grand Lodge upon review, the Lodge shall exercise discipline over its own members (except the Master and the Grand Master) and all other Masons within its jurisdiction.
§15040. MASONIC INTERCOURSE.
A Mason shall not have Masonic communication with:
A. Any person who is not a member of a Masonic Lodge chartered by or holding allegiance to a Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of California; or
B. An expelled or suspended Mason.
While outside the State of California, a Mason may have Masonic communication with any person legally present at the tiled meeting of a Masonic Lodge or Masonic Organization chartered by or holding allegiance to a Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of California. This exception includes the tiled meetings of any such recognized Grand Lodge. During such a tiled meeting, a Mason may have Masonic communication with any person legally present even though such a person is not a member of a Masonic Lodge chartered by or holding allegiance to a Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of California. This exception applies only during such a tiled meeting and at no other time.
While in any state or territory outside the State of California, a Mason shall not have Masonic communication with any person who is a member of a Masonic Lodge which has been chartered by, or holds allegiance to, a Grand Lodge which is not recognized by the Grand Lodge which we recognize with jurisdiction over that state or territory.
No Masonic Organization in this Jurisdiction may permit any man suspended or expelled as a Mason in this or any other Jurisdiction to retain membership in it, or attend its tiled meetings.
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§15045. RECOGNITION OF PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA.
Any other provision of this Code to the contrary notwithstanding, the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of California recognizes the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons States of California and Hawaii, Incorporated as having concurrent jurisdiction within the State of California. This recognition includes the following:
A. A Mason may have Masonic communication with any person who is a member of a Masonic Lodge which has been chartered by, or holds allegiance to, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California, with one exception. While in any state or territory outside the State of California, a Mason shall not have Masonic communication with any person who is a member of a Masonic Lodge which has been chartered by, or holds allegiance to, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California, unless the Grand Lodge which we recognize with jurisdiction over that state or territory recognizes the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California.
B. A Mason may have Masonic communication with any person legally present at the tiled meeting of a Masonic Lodge or Masonic Organization within the State of California which has been chartered by, or holds allegiance to, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California. A Mason may have Masonic communication with any person legally present at the tiled meetings of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California. During such a tiled meeting, a Mason may have Masonic communication with any person legally present even though such a person is not a member of a Masonic Lodge chartered by or holding allegiance to a Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of California. This exception
applies only during such a tiled meeting and at no other time.
A member of a Masonic Lodge chartered by, or holding allegiance to, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California shall not be subject to the penal jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.
§15050. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
Alcoholic beverages may be sold, served, and consumed on property owned by or leased to a Masonic Lodge, Temple Association, or Masonic Organization and at Masonic activities held elsewhere if the following requirements are observed:
A. Alcoholic beverages may not be sold, served, or consumed in a Lodge room or in a room in which Masonic ceremonies are normally conducted except when such room serves a dual purpose as a ceremonial room and social room;
B. A Masonic Lodge, Temple Association, or Masonic Organization may not maintain, on a regular or permanent basis, a bar stocked with alcoholic beverages;
C. The funds of a Masonic Lodge or Temple Association may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages;
D. Alcoholic beverages may not be served, consumed, or sold during the course of a meeting of a Masonic Lodge, Temple Association, or Masonic Organization;
E. A Masonic Lodge or Temple Association may not directly or indirectly apply for, assume title to, or operate under any government license or permit for the purpose of consuming, serving or selling alcoholic beverages, whether in, on, or away from premises owned, leased, or rented by either of them;
F. A Masonic Lodge, Temple Association, or Masonic Organization may not rent or lease property in which it has an ownership interest to business establishments wherein alcoholic beverages are served, consumed or sold unless such service, consumption, and sale are incident to and not the primary purpose of the business; and
G. Any sale, service, or consumption of alcoholic beverages pursuant to this section must comply with all applicable laws of the State of California. (10/96)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§15060. PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISCUSSION.
Statewide public schools welfare is a proper subject for discussion in Lodges, as well as the subject of school bonds and school taxes. No action may be taken by any Lodge to endorse, approve or disapprove any candidate, bond or tax issue. Solicitation of individual donations for any statewide purpose concerning the protection or improvement of the public schools system may be made on Lodge premises, but not in a tiled Lodge. Such solicitation may be made by first class mail in a sealed envelope by a duly authorized Lodge committee, which committee may use the Lodge membership list for such purpose.
§15070. FINANCIAL AID SOLICITATION.
No Mason shall circulate on Lodge premises a petition asking financial aid for any non-Masonic matter or thing whatever, however worthy it may be, except for statewide public school purposes, and then only as a duly appointed member of an authorized Lodge committee.
§15080. FRAUDULENT OR ILLEGAL VENTURES.
Neither a Lodge, nor a member thereof, nor a Body, nor a Masonic Organization shall, directly or indirectly, engage in any business, project, venture, promotion, scheme or plan which is unethical, fraudulent, misleading or illegal. Any violation of this section shall be deemed unmasonic conduct.
§15090. GAMBLING
Neither a Lodge, a Masonic Organization, nor a Mason shall, directly or indirectly, give or attempt to give the aid or countenance of Masonry to, or participate in, the conduct or preparation of any raffle, lottery or other form of gambling, conducted in the name of, or directly or indirectly for the monetary benefit of, any Lodge or of any Masonic Organization. A Lodge shall not accept any of the proceeds or profits of any raffle, lottery or other gambling enterprise.
Prizes may be awarded if not purchased from monies collected as admission fees and if no separate charge is made for the chance to win. (10/96)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§15095. BINGO.
A Lodge or Masonic Organization may sponsor a bingo game, if the sponsor observes the following rules:
A. Attendance at the event is limited to the sponsor's members, their families and friends.
B. There are no signs or other advertising visible to the general public referring to the game.
C. No donation, admission fee, meal purchase or other charge is accepted or required for the opportunity to participate.
D. Prizes of minimal value may be awarded if purchased by the sponsor or donated.
Neither a Lodge, a Masonic Organization, nor a Mason shall, directly or indirectly, give or attempt to give the aid or countenance of Masonry to, or participate in, the conduct or preparation of any raffle, lottery, bingo game or other gambling enterprise, conducted in the name of, or directly or indirectly for the monetary benefit of, any Lodge or of any Masonic Organization. A Lodge shall not accept any of the proceeds or profits of any raffle, lottery or other gambling enterprise.
Prizes may be awarded if not purchased from monies collected as admission fees or from monies paid for the chance to win. (10/96)
§15100. COMMERCIAL VENTURES.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
Refer to Sections 27500 through 27900
§15105. COMMERCIAL VENTURES BY MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
Refer to Sections 27500 through 27900
§15110. ADVERTISING.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
Refer to Sections 27500 through 27900
§15115. PUBLICATIONS.
A Lodge may:
A. Publish and mail a Lodge bulletin informing the members of the Lodge of its activities and including news items relating to other Masonic organizations such as to promote Masonic intercourse. The bulletin may be a joint publication of the Lodge and one or more other Lodges and Masonic Organizations if each participating organization pays its pro rata share of the cost to publish and mail the bulletin. However, the sponsors of a joint publication may permit any Masonic Youth Order to include material in the publication without charge, and the sponsors may assume the cost of mailing the publication to members of the Masonic Youth Order;
B. Post at the entrance of the community where the Lodge is located, a sign or plaque exhibiting the Masonic emblem and giving the name and number of the Lodge and information as to when and where it meets;
C. Publish a roster for Masonic purposes and for the benefit of its members containing the names, home addresses and home telephone numbers of all members, including Entered Apprentices and Fellow Craft, together with the business or vocation, business address and business telephone number of each member; and
D. Publish in a newspaper of general circulation an announcement showing the Masonic emblem, the name and number of the Lodge and the dates of meetings. (10/96)
§15120. ELECTIONEERING.
Neither a Lodge or Mason shall:
A. Send out any circular or other written communication to Lodges or Masons concerning legislation to be brought before Grand Lodge without the permission of the Grand Master or Grand Lodge; or
B. Send out any circular or other written communication to Lodges or Masons concerning the election of officers in Grand Lodge, except as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§15130. MEMBERSHIP IN MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.
A Mason residing in this Jurisdiction shall not become a member of any Masonic Organization unless:
A. The Masonic Organization existed in this Jurisdiction on September 27, 1957; or
B. The Constitution and By-laws of the Masonic Organization have first been submitted to Grand Lodge for approval at a subsequent Annual Communication. Any organization so approved shall conduct its business and activities in conformance with the laws of Grand Lodge.
This section shall not be construed as a recognition of any organization whether or not in existence on September 27, 1957; nor shall it be construed as prohibiting clubs organized for the purpose of instituting a new Lodge or organizations or associations of Past Masters or Masters and Wardens of a Lodge or Lodges of this Jurisdiction or organizations or associations of Masons which do not confer degrees, and except for ceremonies of installation, do not have a ritual other than the established ritual of Grand Lodge.
§15140. SOCIAL EVENTS.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§15150. PUBLIC FUND RAISING.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§15160. SPONSORING MASONIC YOUTH ORDERS.
A Lodge, by resolution, may sponsor a Masonic Youth Order provided that the Constitution and Statutes of the particular Youth Order permit such sponsorship.
A Lodge may invite a Masonic Youth Order to exemplify, before the Lodge, at any public meeting, all or any portion of the public ceremonies or non-secret ritualistic work of such youth order.
§15165. GRAND MASTER'S YOUTH SUPPORT AWARD.
The Grand Master's Youth Support Award may be presented to a Master Mason in good standing for his exemplary support and service of youth through one or more of the following four Masonic Youth groups: the International Order of Job's Daughters, the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, DeMolay International's Jurisdiction of Northern California and DeMolay International's Jurisdiction of Southern California. Final selection of the recipient(s) shall be made by the Grand Master. Only one award for each of the four Masonic Youth groups may be presented in any Masonic year, for a maximum of four awards annually. Where possible, presentation of the Grand Master's Youth
Support Award shall be made by the seated Grand Master at the Annual Communication.
The Award shall be comprised of a medallion of the design in use before October 1999, suspended by a red ribbon, and shall be accompanied by a suitable certificate.
Nominations shall be submitted to the Grand Lodge Committee on Youth Orders, if there be such a committee, on forms provided by the committee. Nominations may be accepted from members of the Grand Lodge F.& A.M. of California and from the California state-wide or jurisdiction-wide adult leaders of the four Masonic Youth groups. Self-nominations shall not be considered. Confidentiality shall be maintained. Disclosure of the identity of a nominee prior to selection by the Grand Master and notification to the recipient by the Grand Secretary shall cause
disqualification of that nominee. The Grand Lodge Committee on Youth Orders shall maintain and promulgate guidelines for eligibility for nomination. Nominations shall be submitted to the Chairman of the Youth Orders Committee no later than the last day of May for award in that year. The Youth Orders Committee shall review the nominations and forward its recommendations to the Grand Master for final selection. Members of the Youth Orders Committee may be considered for selection; however, the name of the committee member shall not be presented at a meeting of the committee but shall be submitted directly to the Grand Master by the Chairman. Nomination of the Chairman shall be
submitted directly by the nominator to the Grand Master for consideration.
Should there be no Grand Lodge Committee on Youth Orders or similar committee, nominations shall be made directly to the Grand Master using such procedure as he may provide. (10/00)
§15170. NOTIFICATION OF IDENTITY OF APPLICANTS AND CANDIDATES.
A Lodge may inform its members by United States mail, in the Lodge bulletin or otherwise of:
A. The names of applicants for the degrees; and
B. The names of candidates and the dates of conferral of degrees.
A Masonic Association may inform its members by bulletin, or by a letter enclosed in sealed envelopes, by United States mail, of the name of an elected candidate and the dates of conferral of degrees, on obtaining permission of the Master of the Lodge in which his degrees are to be conferred.
ARTICLE III MEETINGS
§16010. CONDITIONS FOR CONDUCTING AND BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED.
A Lodge shall not be opened, nor shall any work be done or business transacted, except by, or in the presence of, and under the continual direction of the Master or the ranking Warden or the Grand Master or his designated representative. All business, except the examination of candidates in the lectures of the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft degrees, the conferring of the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft degrees, and the consideration of relief of a worthy Brother, shall be done in a Lodge of Master Masons. No Lodge shall transact any business with less than seven members present except the conferring of degrees. The Tiler is present while at his post in the Tiler's room.
All business shall be transacted at a Stated Meeting, except the following may also be conducted at a Special Meeting:
A. Collections or appropriations for charity;
B. Conferring degrees;
C. Ceremonial observances;
D. Electing a representative to the Grand Lodge;
E. Balloting for commissioners to try charges of unmasonic conduct; or
F. After dispensation from the Grand Master:
1. Balloting for and conferring the degrees upon an applicant without reference to a committee, or
2. Receiving and acting upon the application of a rejected applicant within less than 12 months after the date of his rejection.
§16020. PRESENCE OF CHARTER.
No meeting shall be conducted by a Lodge unless the Charter of the Lodge is present. A photostatic copy of the Charter may be made under the direction of the Grand Secretary at the request and expense of the Lodge. The Grand Secretary shall attach thereto a certificate with the seal of Grand Lodge affixed, that the copy is a true copy of its Charter. The copy may be used by the Lodge instead of the original Charter at any time.
§16030. STATED MEETINGS.
A Lodge shall hold a Stated Meeting for the transaction of its regular business once in each calendar month, except that Lodges whose By-Laws provide for meetings fixed by the phase of the moon shall hold a Stated Meeting each lunar month. The foregoing notwithstanding, Gravel Range Lodge No. 59, Mountain Shade Lodge No. 18, Trukee Lodge No. 200 and Harmony Lodge No. 164 shall only be required to hold a Stated Meeting for the transaction of its regular business once in each of ten calendar months during the year, as it may provide in its By-laws. (10/01)
A Lodge may be opened for a Stated Meeting prior to the time fixed in its By-Laws. No business shall be transacted prior to such time.
The Inspector may grant a dispensation to change the date of a Stated Meeting, as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
In the event that the Master of a Lodge determines that inclement weather, including ice, snow, and flood conditions, existing on the day established in the By-Laws of the Lodge for its Stated Meeting, makes it hazardous for members of the Lodge to attend the meeting, he may, with the consent of the Inspector of the District to which the Lodge is assigned, postpone the Stated Meeting to the same day of the week next following the week scheduled for the Stated Meeting. Upon such postponing, the Master shall notify, to the extent possible, all members of the Lodge residing within 50 miles of the meeting place of the Lodge.
Should a Stated Meeting be postponed, the business transacted at the postponed Stated Meeting shall be limited to the reading of the minutes of the last Stated and subsequent Special Meetings, action thereon, payment of the invoices of the Lodge, and such other business of an emergent nature as determined by the Master to require immediate consideration. No other new business shall be considered. (10/00)
§16040. SPECIAL MEETINGS.
A Lodge may hold such Special Meetings in addition to its Stated Meeting as it determines or the Master shall direct. No Special Meeting shall be considered as a part of a Stated Meeting. A postponed Stated Meeting shall not be considered to be a Special Meeting. More than one meeting at a time shall not be held.
§16050. PLACE.
A. All Stated Meetings shall be held in the approved building in the place (city, town or community) fixed by its Charter or Dispensation. Special Meetings may be held in the same location or in:
1. the Lodge rooms at the Masonic Homes at Union City and Covina;
2. the Masonic Temple at Columbia;
3. the First Masonic Temple erected in California at Benicia;
4. the Quitman Masonic Temple in the Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park;
5. the Old Masonic Hall in El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historical Monument at Los Angeles;
6. a Lodge room or a room where ceremonies are normally conducted; or
7. a building other than that fixed by the Lodge Charter or Dispensation, or place in the open, approved by the Inspector of the District wherein such building or place is located in a dispensation issued for that purpose.
B. An open Installation of Officers may be held in a place other than that fixed in the Charter, provided that the distance from the place fixed in the Charter is not excessive and that the Lodge first opens in the regular Lodge room.
§16060. DESTRUCTION OF LODGE ROOM.
In the event of the destruction or partial destruction of the Lodge room, the Grand Master, upon written application of the Master of the Lodge stating the facts, may issue a dispensation to the Lodge to hold Stated and Special Meetings in another building or at another place for such period of time and subject to such conditions and notice to the members of the Lodge as he may prescribe in the dispensation.
§16070. MUST BE CLOSED.
There shall be no adjourned meeting. Each meeting of a Lodge must be closed when the business proposed for transaction has been concluded.
§16080. SUNDAY MEETINGS.
No Stated or Special Meetings of a Lodge shall be held on Sunday except for the annual Installation of Officers or funeral services.
§16090. SMOKING FORBIDDEN.
Smoking is forbidden in the Lodge room at all times when the Lodge is in session.
§16100. DISPLAY OF FLAG.
The Flag of our country shall be displayed at all meetings of Lodges and carried on all ceremonial occasions except at funerals. At the annual election of officers, and at such other meetings as may be deemed desirable by the Master, the Flag shall be formally presented at the altar and received in the manner prescribed by the Grand Lecturer.
The Altar of a Lodge shall not be decorated with any flag.
§16110. CHANGE OF PLACE.
A Lodge may move its meeting place from one building to another within the same city, town or community, or to a different city, town or community than that named in its charter, only after:
A. Giving notification at a Stated Meeting that a written resolution for such move will be offered at the next succeeding Stated Meeting;
B. Adopting such resolution by the votes of at least two-thirds of the members present at such succeeding Stated Meeting; and
C. Obtaining the approval of the Grand Master.
In the case of removal to a different city, town or community the Charter shall be amended by proper proceedings.
§16115. MULTIPLE MEETING PLACES.
A Lodge may hold its Stated Meetings in locations other than the approved building in the place (city, town or community) fixed by its Charter or Dispensation if the Lodge has satisfied the following procedure:
A. Giving notification at a Stated Meeting that a written resolution to authorize multiple meeting places will be offered at the next succeeding Stated Meeting;
B. Adopting such resolution by the votes of at least two-thirds of the members present at such succeeding Stated Meeting; and
C. Obtaining the approval of the Grand Master.
Once this procedure has been satisfied, a Lodge may hold a Stated Meeting at one of the additional locations approved by such resolution if written notice shall have been given to each Lodge member of the date and location of such meeting. If the written notice has not been given with respect to the location of a particular Stated Meeting, that Stated Meeting shall be held in the approved building in the place (city, town or community) fixed by the Lodge's Charter or Dispensation.
So long as one of the approved meeting places is in the place (city, town or community) fixed by the Lodge's Charter or Dispensation, no change to the Charter or Dispensation shall be required.
ARTICLE IV
BALLOTING
§17010. MANNER OF VOTING.
All questions in a Lodge, except as otherwise provided, shall be decided either by a voice vote or by a rising vote, unless, before the announcement of the result thereof, three members shall demand that the vote be taken by ballot, in which event it shall be thus taken. All questions shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present except as otherwise provided.
§17020. TILER'S VOTE.
The Tiler, if a member of the Lodge, has the privilege of debating and voting on questions before the Lodge or balloting on applications. If the Tiler so requests, the Master shall direct that he be relieved of his duties as Tiler for such purposes.
ARTICLE V
MASONIC CLOTHING
§18010. PUBLIC PROCESSIONS OR MEETINGS.
Except for burial of a Brother or for the performance of some other strictly Masonic duty or ceremony, neither a Lodge, nor any Mason, shall appear in Masonic clothing or Masonic Regalia:
A. In any public procession, except in accordance with a dispensation of the Inspector; or
B. At any public meeting, except in accordance with a dispensation of the Grand Master.
§18020. APRONS.
The apron appropriate to one's rank or station may be worn at any gathering of Masons at which officers of Lodges are authorized to wear the apron of their respective stations. A Past Master, as defined in this Code, may wear an apron having the jewel of a Past Master upon it. A Past Master shall not wear a Past Master's apron while occupying any officer's station but shall wear the apron of the station that he is occupying. However, when a Past Master occupies an officer's station on the occasion of a Lodge's Past Master's Night, he shall be allowed to wear his Past Master's apron.
ARTICLE VI
REQUIREMENTS
§19010. SEAL.
Each chartered Lodge shall, within two months from the date of its Charter and after approval of the design by the Grand Secretary, provide a suitable seal, bearing such devices as may be deemed proper, and having inscribed thereon the name and number of the Lodge, the date of its Charter, and the city, town or community of its location.
All documents or papers of every kind, emanating from the Lodge, or from its Master or Secretary in his official capacity, shall bear the impress of the seal or be considered null and of no effect.
§19020. OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS.
All official communications from the Grand Master or Grand Secretary shall be read in open Lodge at the Stated Meeting next following their receipt, or at a time otherwise directed. Such communication shall not be published unless specifically authorized.
§19030. BOOKS.
Each Lodge shall maintain the books prescribed by Grand Lodge.
§19040. UNIFORM BY-LAWS.
The following Uniform Code of By-laws shall be adopted by and become the By-laws of every Lodge of this Jurisdiction:
THE UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS OF LODGES
ARTICLE I
NAME AND OFFICERS
Section 1. This Lodge shall be known by the name of____________ Lodge No._____, of Free and Accepted Masons of California. Its officers shall consist of Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, a Marshal, two Stewards, Tiler, and other officers as the Lodge may deem proper to appoint.
ARTICLE II
ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Section 1. The Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary, shall be elected in conformity with the Ordinances of Grand Lodge. The other officers shall be appointed by the Master. Any Master Mason in good standing, whether or not a member of the Lodge, may be appointed Tiler or Organist.
ARTICLE III
MEETINGS OF THE LODGES
Section 1. The stated meetings of this Lodge shall be held on the _________ in each month, at _____o'clock ___.m., except as follows. During the months of __________________, the Stated Meeting shall be held at _______ o'clock ___.m. In any month when the regular meeting date shall fall on _______ or ______, legal holidays, or during the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, the Stated Meeting shall be held on the __________ of _________ month at ___.m. If, due to a religious observance, this Lodge shall by a majority vote of the Lodge at a Stated Meeting, held either in the second or third month immediately preceding the month in which
such religious observance occurs, change the meeting date, in the manner provided for elsewhere in this Code, such change of meeting date need not be approved by Grand Lodge or the Grand Master. Notice thereof shall be given to the Grand Master and the members of the Lodge not less than three weeks before the meeting date fixed in the By-Laws. This change of date shall not be an amendment to these By-Laws. (10/96)
* Requires appropriate revision for Lunar Lodges and for Gravel Range Lodge No. 59, Mountain Shade Lodge No. 18 Truckee Lodge No. 200 and Harmony Lodge No. 164. (10/01)
Section 2. Special meetings may be called from time to time, as the Lodge or the presiding officer may direct.
ARTICLE IV
INITIATION AND MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. All applications for the degrees or affiliation must be signed by the applicant and be recommended by two members of the Lodge. Every application shall be referred to a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to report at the next Stated Meeting, unless further time is granted, when ballot shall be taken on the application.
Section 2. If an applicant, elected to receive the degrees in this Lodge, does not present himself to be initiated within three months after election, the fees shall be forfeited, unless the Lodge shall direct otherwise.
Section 3. Every person elected to be a member of or raised to the degree of Master Mason in this Lodge, except when such degree has been conferred at the request of another Lodge, shall sign its By-laws.
Section 4. Applications and By-laws may be signed by signature or by a mark attested to by two members of the Lodge.
ARTICLE V
THE TREASURER
Section 1. The Treasurer shall receive all monies from the Secretary and shall keep an accurate and just account thereof. He shall pay the same out only when an order is duly signed by the Master, countersigned by the Secretary, and approved by vote of the Lodge. He shall, at the Stated Meetings in August and February of each year, submit a report in full of the monetary expenditures, funds collected from the Secretary and assets of the Lodge for the six month period ending on the preceding June 30 and the 12 month period ending on the preceding December 31 respectively. The Lodge may also at any time when considered necessary cause him to present an account of his receipts and
disbursements, and the amount of funds on hand.
ARTICLE VI
THE SECRETARY
Section 1. The Secretary shall:
A. Keep a faithful record of all proceedings proper to be written;
B. Transmit a copy of the same to Grand Lodge when required;
C. Keep a separate account for each member of the Lodge, and for report at the Stated Meetings in August and February of each year, for the six month period ending on the preceding June 30 and the 12 month period ending on the preceding December 31 respectively, the amounts due by each;
D. Receive all monies due the Lodge, and pay the same monthly or more frequently as necessary, to the Treasurer; or shall deposit the same not less frequently than monthly to the credit of the Treasurer of the Lodge, in some bank or trust company designated by the Lodge, taking duplicate deposit tags or receipts therefor, one to be immediately delivered to the Treasurer, the other to be kept by the Secretary as a voucher; and
E. Perform such other duties as may properly pertain to his office.
Section 2. He shall receive such compensation for his services as the Lodge may direct.
Section 3. If the office of Assistant Secretary is authorized by the Lodge, that officer shall assist the Secretary in the performance of all of his duties. The Assistant Secretary shall receive such compensation for his services as the Lodge may direct. (10/00)
ARTICLE VII
THE TILER
Section 1. The Tiler, in addition to the necessary duties of his office, shall serve all notices and summonses, and perform such other services as may be required of him by the Lodge.
Section 2. He shall receive such compensation for his services as the Lodge may direct.
ARTICLE VIII
FEES
Section 1. The table of fees for this Lodge shall be as follows:
A. For the degrees, the sum of $_____;
B. For the degrees of Fellow Craft and Master Mason, when the Entered Apprentice degree has been received in another Lodge, the sum of $______;
C. For the degree of Master Mason, when the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft degrees have been received in another Lodge, the sum of $______; and
D. For affiliation the sum of $_____, except that the affiliation fee shall be $_____ if the Dimit accompanying the application is issued by [Here insert "this Lodge" or "a Lodge in this Jurisdiction," or any other special classification desired.]
Section 2. An application shall not be presented by the Secretary to the Lodge unless accompanied by the fee.
ARTICLE IX
DUES
Section 1. The dues of each member of this Lodge shall be $_____ per annum, payable in advance on the first day of January.
Section 2. No member, who shall be in arrears for dues at the time of an election shall be permitted to vote, or be eligible to be elected or hold any office. Such disqualification shall not apply to a member whose dues have been remitted at any time within one year previous to an election.
Section 3. Should any member suspended for non-payment of dues neglect for the period of two years to pay his dues or have the same remitted by his Lodge, he may be restored to good standing as provided for by the Ordinances.
Section 4. Any member in good standing may withdraw from membership by paying his dues and notifying the Lodge to that effect at a Stated Meeting.
ARTICLE X
COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Master and Wardens shall be a Charity Committee, and shall have the power to draw upon the Treasurer for any sum, not exceeding $_____ at any one time, for the relief of a distressed worthy Brother, his wife, widow, or orphan.
Section 2. The Master, at the Stated Meeting next succeeding his installation, shall appoint an Auditing Committee, whose duty it shall be to examine all accounts presented against the Lodge.
Section 3. A committee on delinquent members shall be appointed by the Master at the Stated Meeting next succeeding his installation to personally, or otherwise, interview each delinquent member, ascertain the cause, and work closely with the Master and officers in a continuing effort to effect the retention of all deserving members unable to pay.
Section 4. All reports of committees shall be in writing.
ARTICLE XI
REVEALING THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE LODGE
Section 1. When an applicant for initiation or affiliation is rejected, or a Brother reprimanded, suspended, or expelled, no member or visitor shall reveal, either directly or indirectly, to such person, or to any other, any transactions which may have taken place on the subject. No proceeding of the Lodge not proper to be made public shall be disclosed outside thereof, under penalty of reprimand, suspension or expulsion, as the Lodge may determine. When the Secretary of the Lodge from which a Brother has been suspended or expelled has knowledge that the Brother is also a member of a Masonic Organization, the Secretary shall notify the presiding officer or secretary of such
Organization of the suspension or expulsion. The Secretary should, on restoration of the member, notify the presiding officer or secretary of the Masonic Organization of the restoration.
ARTICLE XII
THE ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 1. The regular order of business at every Stated Meeting of this Lodge shall be as follows:
A. Reading of the minutes;
B. Reports of investigating committees;
C. Balloting;
D. Reception of applications;
E. Miscellaneous and unfinished business; and
F. Conferring of degrees.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These By-Laws, relating to the times of meetings, and the amounts of fees, dues, and disbursements by the Charity Committee, may be amended at any Stated Meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present, if the proposed amendment, in writing, has been presented at a preceding Stated Meeting and written notice has been given to each Lodge member setting forth the text of the proposed amendment and the date of the Stated Meeting at which the vote is to be taken. It shall have no effect until approved by Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, and until approval has been transmitted to the Grand Secretary. The Secretary of the Lodge shall note in the minutes of the Lodge the
notice of proposed amendments when made. When transmitting an amendment for approval, he shall forward a certificate, under seal, showing that the law has been complied with and that the amendment has received the required vote. (10/96)
§19050. ADOPTION OF BY-LAWS.
Each Lodge shall transmit to the Grand Secretary a copy of its By-laws as soon as adopted. Neither those By-laws, nor any subsequent amendment thereto, shall be deemed valid until approved by Grand Lodge. They may be used until the next Annual Communication if authorized by the Grand Master.
The Uniform Code of By-laws, as adopted by the Grand Lodge, are the By-laws of the constituent Lodges and are to be copied into the Lodge's Book of By-laws and obeyed as such. Amendment of the Uniformed Code by Grand Lodge amends the By-laws of each constituent Lodge. The only legislative power of a constituent Lodge in regard to its By-laws is to fill in the blank spaces therein provided for the day and time of the Stated Meetings, relief authority of the Charity Committee, and the amount of fees and dues.
§19060. REPRESENTATION IN GRAND LODGE.
Each chartered and duly constituted Lodge shall be represented in Grand Lodge at every non-ceremonial Communication by one or more of its Master and Wardens, or by an elected representative. It may instruct its officers or its representative relative to voting upon any business to be considered at any Communication.
A Lodge which has failed to make its annual returns, with payment of dues, shall not be entitled to representation at the next Annual Communication.
§19070. ANNUAL REPORTS
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
ARTICLE VII
CONSOLIDATION, SUSPENSION, TERMINATION AND SPECIAL CLASSIFICATIONS
§20010. CONSOLIDATION.
A. Two or more Lodges, located near each other, may consolidate into one Lodge upon such terms as may be agreed between the Lodges, provided they perform the following in consecutive order:
1. Adoption of a written resolution by each Lodge at a Stated Meeting to the effect that a consolidation is expedient and that a committee be formed to meet and arrange terms;
2. Giving of notice in writing of the adoption of this resolution to all members of the Lodge without delay;
3. Agreement by the Committees upon the terms;
4. Reporting of the terms to their respective Lodges, in writing, at a Stated Meeting, and acceptance of the terms by a majority vote of those present; and
5. Receipt of the signatures of at least three-fourths of the members of each Lodge to a consent form agreeing to the proposed terms of the consolidation.
If the Grand Master finds it impracticable for a Lodge to secure the required written consents, he may approve the consolidation upon the written consent of not less than a majority of the members of each Lodge.
At a Stated Meeting not earlier than the third Stated Meeting after adoption of the first resolution, the Master of each Lodge shall examine the consent forms of the members of his Lodge, and if he finds the required number of valid signatures, he shall declare the consolidation to be approved by the Lodge.
B. When all proceedings are completed, they shall be entered upon the records of the existing Lodges. The written consents and a certificate of proceedings and action taken by the Lodges must then be certified to the Grand Secretary by the respective Secretaries under the seals of their respective Lodges.
No consolidation shall go into effect until all the relative proceedings have been submitted to and approved by Grand Lodge or by the Grand Master during the intervals between communications of Grand Lodge.
C. A consolidated Lodge may bear:
1. The name and number of one of the Lodges comprising it, in which event it may retain the Charter and seal of that Lodge;
2. The name of one and the number of another of the Lodges;
3. A combination of the names of the Lodges and the number of one of the Lodges; or
4. An entirely new name and the number of one of the Lodges, in which event it:
a. Shall then receive a new Charter without charge; or
b. May have an endorsement of the authorization of the consolidation by Grand Lodge made upon the Charter of one of the component Lodges.
In the event that the name or number of the Lodge is changed, the Lodge shall obtain a new seal.
D. The consolidated Lodge succeeds to all the funds and property of its constituents and is responsible for the debts of each Lodge. The pro rata portion of the dues paid in excess of the dues established by the consolidated Lodge shall be either refunded to the member or, at his discretion, credited as dues paid in advance. The Past Masters and life members of each Lodge become such of the new Lodge.
§20020. DISSOLUTION.
A Lodge may be dissolved by:
A. The voluntary surrender of its Charter, when such surrender has been accepted by Grand Lodge; or
B. The revocation of its Charter by Grand Lodge.
§20030. SURRENDER OF CHARTER.
A Lodge may surrender its Charter if:
A. Notification is given at a Stated Meeting that a resolution for surrender will be presented the next succeeding Stated Meeting;
B. There are not 13 members present at such succeeding Stated Meeting who oppose the resolution; and
C. The act of surrender is approved and accepted by Grand Lodge.
§20040. SUSPENSION OR FORFEITURE BY NEGLECT OF DUTY.
A Lodge's Charter may be suspended or revoked for:
A. The neglect or violation of any duty imposed upon a Lodge in the Constitution or Ordinances; or
B. For neglect or violation of any duty imposed upon a Secretary.
§20050. SUSPENSION.
The suspension of a Lodge is an arrest of its Charter, and a temporary prohibition to assemble or work as a Lodge, until the Charter is restored. With the consent of the Grand Master, and after notice to the brethren who were members of the Lodge at the time of the suspension, meetings of such Brethren may be held for the purpose of:
A. Granting relief;
B. Paying bills and other obligations of the Lodge;
C. Granting Dimits; or
D. Other actions authorized by the Grand Master.
The places and stations of the officers shall be filled by members of the Lodge designated by the Grand Master. Upon completion of the transaction of business for which the meeting was called, the Brother acting as Secretary shall prepare and forward to the Grand Master a statement setting forth that notice was given of the meeting and the action taken on the matter or matters presented. On the approval of the proceedings by the Grand Master, the regular Secretary of the Lodge is then authorized to draw such warrants, and on order of the Master, the Treasurer shall pay the same from the assets of the Lodge. The Secretary is also directed to issue such Dimits, certificates or other
documents as may be authorized at the meeting, and approved by the Grand Master.
§20060. FORFEITURE.
A Lodge may forfeit its Charter by:
A. Disobedience of any provisions of the Constitution or Ordinances of Grand Lodge;
B. Disregard of the lawful authority of the Grand Master;
C. Violation or neglect of the ancient and recognized usages of the Craft;
D. Receiving applicants known to be unworthy, physically disqualified, or refusing or neglecting to discipline unworthy members; or
E. Failure to meet within a period of six successive months.
No Charter shall be revoked except by action of Grand Lodge after charges against the Lodge have been presented to and investigated by Grand Lodge, and the accused Lodge has received due notice of the charges. The Charter may be arrested until the next Annual Communication, either by Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.
§20070. STATUS OF MEMBERS WHEN CHARTER SURRENDERED, ARRESTED, OR REVOKED.
The status of each member in good standing of a Lodge shall be that of a non-affiliated Master Mason in good standing when:
A. His Lodge has surrendered its Charter;
B. His Lodge's Charter has been arrested; or
C. His Lodge's Charter has been revoked.
A member in good standing on the effective date of the surrender or revocation is entitled to, and may receive from the Grand Secretary, a certificate that he is a non-affiliated Master Mason in good standing, which shall have the same effect as a Dimit.
A member in good standing on the effective date of the arrest may apply for a Dimit.
The status of a non-affiliated Master Mason in good standing is subject to pending charges for unmasonic conduct and to the subsequent institution and prosecution of any such charges based on matters occurring prior to the surrender, arrest or revocation.
§20080. PROPERTY RIGHTS.
The surrender or revocation of the Charter of a Lodge, when declared by Grand Lodge, shall be conclusive upon the Lodge and its members; and all its funds, jewels, furniture, dues, and property of every kind including its Life Membership Fund, shall be disposed of as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§20090. RESEARCH LODGES.
A special classification of constituent Lodges is hereby established, to be known as Research Lodges, with authority to conduct research, hold discussions, gather and preserve Masonic information, maintain a library, supply papers or speakers at the request of other Lodges, and conduct a program of general service to the Craft in the field of Masonic education and information, subject to all the provisions of this Code except:
A. The word "Research" shall be included in the name of the Lodge;
B. Membership:
1. Shall consist of Master Masons in good standing,
2. Shall cease if a member loses such status, and
3. May be voluntarily severed at any time by resignation;
C. Only Master Masons in good standing in a Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall hold office and vote;
D. Grand Lodges, their constituent Lodges and York and Scottish Rite Bodies, recognized by this Grand Lodge, may become "Subscribing Members," entitled only to receive bulletins and publications;
E. Receipts for dues must accompany a Petition for Dispensation, but no Dimit or Request for Dimit shall be received or issued by a Research Lodge;
F. The provisions of this Code requiring certain recommendations, notifications and certificates from an Inspector dealing with qualifications of officers and membership in a Lodge seeking a Dispensation or Charter shall be deemed complied with if an Inspector designated by the Grand Master certifies to the standing of the petitioners, the provision for a suitable Lodge room and the qualification of the officers for their duties. The Dispensation and Charter shall be issued without charge;
G. The provisions of this Code dealing with the qualifications of Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden and Senior Deacon shall not apply to the officers of Research Lodges. When the Master-elect or a Warden-elect or a Senior Deacon appointed, is not a Past Master of a California Lodge, before he can be installed he must produce a certificate from the Inspector of the district in which the Research Lodge is situated certifying to the proficiency of such officer in the opening and closing ceremonies;
H. They shall not:
1. Have power to confer degrees,
2. Be liable for the relief of a member, his wife, widow or orphan, and a member of a Research Lodge shall not be eligible for admission to the Masonic Homes of California unless he is a member in good standing in a Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, or
3. Be entitled to representation in Grand Lodge or any vote therein;
I. They shall be exempt from the contributions levied on Lodges;
J. No officer or former officer shall, by reason of that position alone, be a member of Grand Lodge. Sections of this Code dealing with the title of Past Master shall not be applicable to one who has served as Master of a Research Lodge only, and the Master of a Research Lodge shall not, upon death or completion of his term of office, by reason of that fact alone, become or be known as or designated as a Past Master, and shall possess none of the rights, powers or privileges of a Past Master of a Lodge;
K. Their Stated Meetings shall be held at least once quarterly. By a vote of its members, the Lodge may change the place, date and time of a Stated or Special Meeting to something other than what is fixed in its Charter or By-laws. The place must be one suitable for any Lodge meeting in this Jurisdiction as provided for elsewhere in this Code. Business may be transacted immediately following the opening of any Stated Meeting. Members shall be given notice of any change to the place, date and time of Stated Meetings; (10/99)
L. The forms of Petition for Dispensation, Petition for Charter, Charter and Uniform Code of By-Laws shall be adopted insofar as the provisions may be applicable to such Lodges, except:
1. The provisions for referral of applications to a committee of three for investigation and report thereon, and
2. Applications for membership may be voted on at the Stated Meeting following the meeting at which they are submitted and read;
M. They shall have no judicial powers;
N. The giving of notice of receipt of application provided for elsewhere in this Code dealing with jurisdiction is dispensed with;
O. Suspension of a member for non-payment of dues shall not affect his membership in any other Lodge;
P. They shall be chartered only by name and without a Lodge number;
Q. They shall be exempt from the minimum annual dues requirement imposed by this Code;
R. They may provide complimentary memberships to Junior Wardens, Senior Wardens or Masters of this Jurisdiction.
§20100. PAST MASTERS ASSOCIATIONS.
Past Masters Associations are voluntary associations of Masons and are not directly amenable to the supervision of Grand Lodge except through the power of Grand Lodge to regulate and govern the activities of each member as an individual Mason.
§20110. OFFICERS ASSOCIATIONS.
Officers Associations may be organized in his district, by an Inspector, for the purpose of instruction in those portions of this Code which relate to the government of the Lodge, for instruction in the proper administration of the affairs of the Lodge and such other matters as may be for the welfare of the Craft.
Funds to be used for authorized purposes only shall be by voluntary contribution.
Joint meetings may be held with the approval of the Inspector of each participating district.
ARTICLE VIII
FUNDS AND PROPERTY
§21010. CONTROL AND USE.
A Lodge must retain control of its own funds and property. It may deposit its funds in a sound and reputable bank or banks. A Chartered Lodge may, after receiving consent from the Grand Lodge Committee on Temple Properties and Taxation, cause the incorporation of a Temple Association for the purpose of purchasing, erecting or maintaining and holding title to real estate for a temple for Lodge uses and purposes, and a Lodge or Lodges may hold shares of stock in such corporation. Space in such temple may be rented for commercial and other uses consistent with the purposes of the Lodge or the corporation and not in violation of this Code.
A Lodge shall not incorporate. It shall not divide its funds or property with its members, even those withdrawing to form a new Lodge or with the new Lodge thus formed. A Lodge shall not divide its funds with an existing Lodge by way of a contribution.
A Lodge shall adopt a budget for the following twelve months at the first Stated Meeting held after the annual installation of the officers of the Lodge.
No money shall be drawn without the express consent of the Lodge, even though included in a Lodge budget, except that:
A. Dispensed by the Charity Committee;
B. Due Grand Lodge; and
C. Required to pay the taxes or other charges of local, State or Federal governmental agencies.
Lodges may approve bills against the Lodge only when the bills are supported by proper documentation, such as an invoice or receipt. No warrant shall be drawn unless there are sufficient funds to honor it.
A Lodge shall not invest any of its funds in any manner or obligate itself in any way for the purpose of acquiring land or building a Masonic temple except upon compliance with the provisions of this Code.
A Lodge shall not establish or form a foundation separate from the Lodge with power to receive, hold, administer, invest or reinvest funds received by the Lodge. (10/99)
§21020. REVOLVING FUNDS.
By appropriate action a Lodge may establish two revolving funds, one of not more than $500, subject to provisions of this Code, for the use of its Stewards or Junior Warden, as the Master may determine, in providing refreshments for all regular Lodge functions; and one of not more than $500 for the use of its Secretary for his incidental expenses, which funds may be replenished monthly on presentation of receipted vouchers.
§21030. INVESTMENT.
Exclusive of a Lodge investment in an incorporated Temple Association, a Lodge may invest its funds only as provided in this section. All Lodge investments shall be held in the name of the Lodge. The Lodge's investments allowed under this section shall be administered either by an investment committee appointed by the Master or by a Board of Trustees elected by the Lodge. If a Lodge uses a Board of Trustees to administer the Lodge's investments, the Trustees shall be governed by a standing resolution of the Lodge, the form of which shall be promulgated by the Grand Master.
Through the Lodge investment committee or Board of Trustees, the Lodge shall confer and counsel as to any proposed or contemplated investments under this section with a Registered Investment Advisor of its choice. A Lodge may freely choose to accept or reject any and all recommendations made to it by the Advisor. Alternatively, a Lodge may retain a Registered Investment Advisor operating as an investment manager who offers standardized portfolios through a managed investment account.
A Lodge may invest its assets, exclusive of Lodge Temple property and Lodge Temple securities, as follows:
A. At least 20% of the assets available for investment, as valued at the time of deposit or purchase, must be in:
1. Cash or cash equivalents;
2. Accounts of depository institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, including but not limited to checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit;
3. Obligations of the United States Government or obligations whose payment is pledged by the full faith and credit of the United States Government;
4. Obligations of the State of California and its political subdivisions including but not limited to general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, warrants, revenue anticipation notes, certificates of participation and comparable securities;
5. Short-term evidences of indebtedness with a maturity of not greater than one year and whose issuer holds a credit quality of Prime A1, A2 or A3, as determined by a nationally-recognized credit rating organization, including but not limited to commercial paper, bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit and comparable securities; or
6. Investment companies or investment trusts that invest in the above referenced financial instruments.
B. Up to 80% of the assets available for investment, as valued at the time of deposit or purchase, may be invested in:
1. Evidences of indebtedness, preferred stock and common stocks which must be fully registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and whose issuers have a market capitalization of at least $500 million; or
2. Investment companies or investment trusts that invest in the above referenced financial institutions. (10/00)
§21040. TITLE TO ASSETS.
A Lodge may hold title to all of its assets with the power to acquire, mortgage, sell and convey property and to invest and reinvest its funds. It may, through trustees provided for in a standing resolution, exercise such powers, provided that they shall always be under the control of the Lodge, and may not buy property for the Lodge or sell property of the Lodge without prior approval of the Lodge.
One who acts as trustee, for other than the Lodge, under any trust agreement by the terms of which the Lodge has a present or future interest, direct or indirect, is ineligible as a Lodge trustee and the Master shall immediately remove him. The office shall be filled in the manner provided for in the standing resolution.
A Lodge shall not sell its property for less than fair market value of the property.
§21050. LIFE MEMBERSHIP.
The original amounts paid for life memberships shall be forever kept and maintained as and for a permanent Life Membership Fund. Only interest or dividends paid in cash on bank deposits or authorized investments in securities shall be available for general Lodge use. A Lodge may invest its life membership funds provided for in this Code if such investments are kept separate and apart from all other Lodge assets.
§21060. USE OF FUNDS.
Lodge funds, including fees, dues, rental, profit or otherwise, are trust funds set apart for the payment of the necessary, discretionary and social expenses of the Lodge and for the special calls for charity. They may not be invested in a life membership fund. Where funds are donated and accepted in trust for any proper Masonic purpose they may be used only for it. They may not be expended for alcoholic beverages. Gifts or bequests to a Lodge, which are not limited to specific purposes, may be used by the Lodge for any purpose permitted by this Code.
A Lodge or Temple Association shall not use any of its funds and property to subsidize, directly or indirectly, any organization using or occupying its property, except Masonic Youth Orders. A Lodge may, by approval of a majority of those members present and voting at a Stated Meeting, allocate funds for community improvement, charitable activity, or sponsorship of programs that will benefit residents of the community in which the Lodge is located. A Lodge or Temple Association may permit use of its facility without rental charge for community or public activities consistent with the provisions of this Code, provided the user defrays any separate expense
resulting from such use.
Funds collected by an officer, committee, or member of a Lodge from members of the Lodge for social purposes of the Lodge or its members are received in trust as special funds and are not funds of a Lodge, and can only be used for the purpose for which the funds were collected. Receipts and disbursements thereof should not be entered in the Lodge books, or deposited in or withdrawn from the Lodge bank account. No officer, committee, or member of a Lodge shall use any pressure in collecting such funds and all payments and contributions must be voluntary. The Lodge shall approve a procedure for receiving contributions, making disbursements, presenting accountings for such trust funds,
and disposing of surplus. Surplus may be designated for an object or purpose which will be to the benefit or welfare of the Lodge and may accumulate for one year after which time it shall become part of the funds of the Lodge. All funds shall be subject to audit annually or more frequently as the Lodge may direct.
§21070. REQUIRED EXPENDITURES.
The expenditure of funds for any program required by Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master, shall be deemed to be part of the necessary expenses of the Lodge.
§21080. DISCRETIONARY EXPENDITURES.
A Lodge may:
A. Provide for the payment of its officers or representatives in attending the communications of Grand Lodge;
B. Appropriate from its funds any amount for the purchase of a testimonial for its retiring Master;
C. Purchase a life membership for a retiring Master;
D. Appropriate money for floral pieces for an ill or deceased Brother, or a contribution in his name or memory to the Masonic Homes Endowment Fund or to the California Masonic Foundation;
E. Compensate the Organist;
F. Purchase books and maintain a library for the use of Lodge members;
G. Purchase a trowel for presentation to a candidate in the Master Mason degree;
H. Make a nominal contribution in honor of the Grand Master to the Masonic Homes Endowment Fund, the California Masonic Foundation or to the Masonic Youth Orders;
I. Establish a scholarship program for the awarding of financial aid to worthy students;
J. Pay its annual dues for membership in a Secretaries Association and the reasonable expenses of that Association including the cost of the meals for Lodge officers attending the meetings;
K. Purchase and maintain a burial place for a deceased member and pay for necessary burial expense;
L. Pay the cost of obtaining credit association reports in respect to applicants for the degrees or affiliation;
M. Purchase clothing or other needed items for use by a member who is in the Masonic Homes of California; and
N. Contribute a reasonable sum to a Lodge or Temple Association in this Jurisdiction which has suffered damage or loss as a result of a natural catastrophe.
§21090. SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL EXPENDITURES.
A Lodge may expend, not to exceed 30% of its total revenue derived from dues, fees and net income from investments annually, for the purposes of refreshments and the promotion of fraternal intercourse, including community improvement, charitable activity, or sponsorship of programs that will benefit residents of the community in which the Lodge is located. Bequests, contributions to the Masonic Homes, trust funds and profit realized from the sale of capital assets shall not be included in the calculation of the 30% allowance. In the discretion of the Lodge, this fund may be cumulative to the extent such monies were available and unexpended in an amount not to exceed 30% each year. (10/96)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§21100. PROPERTY OF DISSOLVED LODGE.
In the event of the dissolution of a Lodge, the Grand Secretary, or his duly authorized representative, shall, in such manner as shall seem to him most judicious:
A. Proceed at once to receive its funds on hand, except the Life Membership Fund;
B. Collect outstanding dues;
C. Dispose of its jewels, furniture, and other property; and
D. Place the proceeds thereof, after the payment of all just debts and necessary expenses, among the funds of Grand Lodge.
In the event of the dissolution of a Lodge the assets of its Life Membership Fund shall be delivered to the Grand Treasurer, who shall hold it as a trust fund pending its disposition. The Grand Treasurer shall compute the interest of each living life member in the Fund and the interest of Grand Lodge therein, on a just and equitable basis. When the interests are determined by Grand Lodge, the Grand Treasurer shall distribute the Fund, or the proceeds of a sale thereof, in accordance with that determination.
ARTICLE IX
TEMPLE ASSOCIATION
§22010. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION.
All Temple Associations shall be organized and shall operate as follows:
A. A Temple Association may be organized either as a non-profit or as a general law corporation under the laws of the State in which it owns or is to acquire real estate, land or a building;
B. The exclusive purpose for which a Temple Association may be organized is to hold title to property, collect income therefrom and turn over the entire amount thereof, less expenses, to its members or shareholders, all of which must be organizations described in Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. A Temple Association shall not engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of this exclusive purpose. No part of the net earnings of a Temple Association shall inure to the benefit of any member or private shareholder, as defined for purposes of Section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954;
C. Uniform Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws for Temple Associations written by the Grand Lodge Committee on Temple Properties, with the approval of the Grand Master, shall be adopted for use by each Temple Association. Any amendments to such Uniform Articles or By-laws by the Grand Lodge Committee on Temple Properties, with the approval of the Grand Master, also shall be adopted for use by each Temple Association. Appropriate revisions to the Uniform Articles and By-laws may be authorized by the Committee on Temple Properties for Temple Associations with more than one member or shareholder;
D. A Lodge shall exercise its rights as a member or shareholder of a Temple Association, including its right to elect or remove directors, pursuant only to the authorization of a majority of members of the Lodge present at a Stated Meeting of the Lodge at which a quorum is present. Such authorization shall not be contested if written instruments, executed by the Master or Secretary of the Lodge, setting forth the authorization are filed with the Secretary of the Temple Association. The Lodge may exercise its rights through the Master of the Lodge, or any person authorized by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by him who is authorized to execute any documents and to vote
the Lodge's membership or shares at any members' or shareholders' meeting of the Temple Association in accordance with the terms of any action previously authorized by the Lodge;
E. A Temple Association shall submit a written report to each Lodge which is a member or shareholder of the Association on August 1 of each year and on the following February 1. The report shall be presented at the next Stated Meeting of the Lodge. The August 1 report shall include a statement of income and expenditures for the six month period ending on the preceding June 30, together with a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Association on the preceding June 30. The February 1 report shall include a statement of income and expenditures for the twelve month period ending on the preceding December 31, together with a statement of the assets and liabilities of
the Association on the preceding December 31. A copy of each such report shall be given to the Inspector of the District to which such Lodge is assigned;
F. Annually on or before the 15th day of the fifth month following the end of its fiscal year, each Temple Association shall submit to the Grand Secretary a full and correct report of its transactions for that preceding fiscal year on a form as may be provided. The report shall include a statement of assets, liabilities and net worth as of the end of the 12 month period. Temple Associations formed during the 12 month period shall transmit a report from the date of incorporation;
G. A Temple Association may not hold or administer funds for any purpose not specifically set forth in this Code; and
H. Temple Associations funds, not Lodge funds, must be used to compensate employees. (10/96)
§22020. INVESTMENT IN TEMPLE ASSOCIATIONS.
A Lodge, after first obtaining the consent of the Grand Lodge Committee on Temple Properties, may also invest its funds in or maintain an investment in:
A. Memberships or shares in a Temple Association wherein a Masonic Lodge or Masonic Lodges collectively hold a majority of memberships or shares or when a controlling interest is acquired by such investment. The Temple Association shall be one that:
1. Owns real estate embracing a building suitable for the occupancy in whole or in part by a Masonic Lodge;
2. Owns land upon which it is proposed to erect such a building;
3. Is formed for the purpose of acquiring such real estate or building; or
4. Owns such other investments in real property which have received the specific approval of the Grand Lodge Committee on Temple Properties and Taxation.
B. A loan evidenced by:
1. A duly executed promissory note amply secured by a first lien against property of a class described under paragraphs A.1 or A.2; or
2. A promissory note duly executed by a Temple Association in which the Lodge owns a controlling interest.
ARTICLE X
MEMBERSHIP
§23010. ACQUISITION.
One may acquire membership in a Lodge by:
A. Having regularly received the degree of Master Mason therein;
B. Having been duly elected for affiliation therewith and complying with the conditions thereof;
C. Having been a petitioner named in a Dispensation for a new Lodge as of date of institution; or
D. The consolidation into one Lodge of two or more Lodges, of one of which he was a member.
§23020. MULTIPLE.
Dual membership is membership in Lodges of different Grand Jurisdictions. Plural membership in two or more Lodges in the same Grand Jurisdiction. A multiple membership is either dual or plural membership.
This Grand Lodge recognizes and authorizes multiple membership under the following conditions:
A. A member of a Lodge of this Jurisdiction residing in the Jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge which allows dual membership may affiliate with one or more Lodges in that Jurisdiction while retaining his membership in this Jurisdiction. He becomes a dual member.
B. A member of a Lodge of any other Grand Jurisdiction which allows dual membership may affiliate with one or more Lodges under this Grand Lodge while retaining his membership in such other Jurisdiction. He becomes a dual member.
C. A member, in good standing, of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction may retain such membership and affiliate with any one or more other Lodges under this Grand Lodge or join in a petition for a Dispensation for a new Lodge and may present a paid up dues receipt in lieu of a Dimit or Request for Dimit. He becomes a plural member.
Upon election of a multiple member or the formation of a new Lodge containing one or more multiple members, the Secretary shall immediately notify the Grand Secretary and also every other Lodge in which each multiple member holds membership. The Grand Secretary shall provide forms to cover this section.
A multiple member shall pay all dues required by each Lodge wherein membership is held and shall have all the rights and privileges of membership in each of the Lodges except that he shall not be Master, Warden or Secretary, or any combination thereof, of more than one of such Lodges at the same time. The burden of the relief of a multiple member, his wife, widow and orphans shall rest on the Lodges in which he holds membership in proportion to the length of membership in each.
A multiple member may receive a Certificate of Discontinuance of Multiple Membership as provided in this Code if otherwise entitled to the same.
Suspension or expulsion of a multiple member by any of his Lodges for other than non-payment of dues, shall forthwith suspend or expel his membership in all Lodges in this Jurisdiction, and the Secretary of any Lodge in this Jurisdiction suspending or expelling such member shall immediately notify the Grand Secretary and also every other Lodge in which the multiple member holds membership. Any member who has been suspended or expelled in any other Grand Jurisdiction for other than non-payment of dues, and who is subsequently restored to membership therein, may also be restored to membership in this Jurisdiction in the same manner as is provided in this Code for members suspended or expelled by a
Lodge in this Jurisdiction initially.
Suspension by a Lodge in this Jurisdiction for non-payment of dues of a multiple member shall automatically suspend his membership in all Lodges in this Jurisdiction. The Secretary of any Lodge suspending such a member shall immediately notify the Grand Secretary and also every other Lodge in which the multiple member holds membership. Notification shall also be given in case of reinstatement by a Lodge in this Jurisdiction which shall automatically restore him to membership in every other Lodge of which he was a member in this Jurisdiction, upon payment of any dues or the performance of any other obligations required for restoration to membership.
The suspension shall become effective only after a 60 day prior Notice of Intent to Suspend has been sent to every other Lodge in which the member holds membership. During this 60 day period the other Lodge or Lodges may contact the member in an effort to avoid suspension. If within the 60 day period the member fails to obtain good standing in all Lodges involved, he shall be suspended. The suspension shall automatically terminate his membership in all Lodges in this Jurisdiction.
Suspension by a Lodge in any other Grand Jurisdiction for non-payment of dues shall automatically suspend his membership in all Lodges in this Jurisdiction. The suspension and any restoration shall become effective in the same manner as provided in this section for members suspended by a Lodge in this Jurisdiction.
§23030. RACE AND RELIGION NOT A CONDITION.
Racial or ethnic background, color of skin, or religious belief, except for the requirement of a belief in a Supreme Being, shall not be considered either for membership or visitation.
§23040. DUTY TO RETAIN MEMBERSHIP.
It is the duty of every Master Mason to be a member of some Lodge.
§23050. DIMITTING.
A member, in good standing, against whom no charges are pending, may withdraw at any time. Such withdrawal may be obtained by requesting in writing, over his signature, a Dimit at a Stated Meeting. Upon request, the Master of the Lodge shall order the Secretary to issue a Dimit immediately, in the form provided, as evidence of the withdrawal.
Where transfer of membership from one Lodge to another within this Jurisdiction is involved, the Secretary, upon receipt of notification of election to membership, shall immediately issue the Dimit on the form provided by the Grand Secretary and report the fact of the issuance to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting.
Where transfer of membership from one Lodge to a Lodge in another Jurisdiction is involved, the Secretary, upon the request of a member in good standing, may issue a Certificate of Standing. It shall specify the date through which the member's dues are paid and that a Dimit will be issued upon receipt of the notification of election in another Lodge if such notification is received prior to the date through which such dues are paid. On receipt of notification of election, the Secretary shall immediately issue a Dimit on the form provided by the Grand Secretary and shall report the fact of the issuance to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting.
An Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft who has permanently removed from this Jurisdiction, against whom no charges are pending, may withdraw from his Lodge at any time by giving written notification of his intention to do so at a Stated Meeting, and he may receive a Dimit.
The date of the issuance of a Dimit shall be the date of termination of membership.
A duplicate Dimit may be issued if the original is lost.
§23060. STANDING OF DIMITTED MASTER MASON.
A Mason holding a Dimit shall remain in good standing for a period of one year following the date of his Dimit or Grand Secretary's Certificate of Non-affiliation in Good Standing. Should he fail to become a member of some Lodge within the period of one year from the date of the Dimit or Certificate, he shall not thereafter be entitled to any of the rights, privileges or benefits of Masonry, except the right to apply for affiliation.
§23070. STANDING OF MEMBER WHEN CHARTER IS REVOKED OR ARRESTED.
A member of a Lodge whose Charter has been revoked, or who withdraws while the Charter of his Lodge is under arrest shall remain in good standing by making application for membership to a Lodge within the Jurisdiction, and by depositing, in addition to the affiliation fee, if any, required by such Lodge, an amount equal to six months' dues therein. If rejected, the affiliation fee paid by him shall be returned and the amount paid as dues shall be remitted to Grand Lodge and shall become the property of Grand Lodge. He may then apply for membership as a non-affiliated Master Mason to any Lodge within this Jurisdiction before the expiration of six months from the date of his prior
application upon the same terms as above set forth, and, if necessary, may continue to so apply at intervals not greater than six months.
§23080. RIGHT TO ATTEND MEETINGS.
A member of a Lodge is at all times entitled to be present and participate in its proceedings while he conducts himself with due order and propriety. For a breach of propriety the Master may refuse him admission or exclude him, and should refuse admission to any member who presents himself in a state of intoxication.
§23090. ENTERED APPRENTICES AND FELLOW CRAFTS.
Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts have only the right to sit in the Lodge in which they received the degree or degrees when open in a degree taken by them, and the right to advancement therein after satisfactorily passing a strict examination in open Lodge. They may, with the consent of the Master, visit another Lodge working in a degree taken by them, if accompanied by a Master Mason who has sat with them in open Lodge and vouches for them.
They are not required to pay dues and are not entitled to vote or speak in Lodge. They may be buried with Masonic honors upon the request of their family. Neither they nor their widows or orphans are entitled to relief from the Lodge. They shall not exercise any control over Lodge funds for charity, or for other purposes.
§23100. WITHDRAWAL AND DIMITS FOR ENTERED APPRENTICES AND FELLOW CRAFTS.
Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts, against whom no charges are pending, may withdraw from their Lodge and may apply for membership and advancement in another Lodge by obtaining a Waiver of Jurisdiction and Dimit from their Lodge.
§23110. TRIAL OF ENTERED APPRENTICES AND FELLOW CRAFTS.
Charges may be preferred against Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts for offenses committed, which shall be made in the same manner and tried by a Commission of Master Masons elected as prescribed for trial of individual Masons. If found guilty the same punishment may be inflicted as is prescribed for individual Masons.
§23120. TERMINATION.
Membership in a Lodge can be terminated only by;
A. Dissolution of a Lodge;
B. Consolidation of the Lodge with another Lodge or other Lodges;
C. Voluntary withdrawal therefrom, after giving proper notification;
D. Suspension, or expulsion; or
E. Death.
§23130. MEMBERSHIP IN NEW LODGE.
When the Grand Master grants a Dispensation for the formation of a new Lodge, the membership of anyone who signed the petition shall cease in any other Lodge in this Jurisdiction as of the date of institution unless he has already withdrawn. He shall nevertheless be liable for and pay to his former Lodge such unpaid dues as may have accrued between the date of his Certificate of Standing in that Lodge and the date of the instituting of the new Lodge.
This section shall not apply to anyone who has indicated a desire to affiliate as a plural member.
§23140. WITHDRAWAL OF A MULTIPLE MEMBER.
A multiple member in good standing shall be entitled to withdraw from a Lodge at any time by giving written notification of his intention to do so at a Stated Meeting. He shall receive a Certificate of Discontinuance of Multiple Membership from that Lodge.
The date of the issuance of the Certificate of Discontinuance of Multiple Membership shall be the date of termination of membership.
§23150. GOLDEN VETERAN AND DIAMOND JUBILEE AWARDS.
The Grand Lodge, upon request, shall provide a Golden Veteran's Award to members of this Jurisdiction who have been in good standing for a total of 50 years or more, presentation being made by the Grand Master, District Inspector, or their representative with appropriate ceremony.
The Grand Lodge, upon request, shall provide a Diamond Jubilee Award to members of this Jurisdiction who have been in good standing for a total of 75 years or more, presentation being made by the Grand Master or his designee with appropriate ceremony.
In the case of a deceased Mason, if he was eligible for but had not received the Award prior to his death, or in the case of an incompetent Brother, presentation on request may be made to the family or heirs.
In computing the length of time requisite for issuance of either award, a period of up to one year, during which the Brother held a Dimit from any Lodge recognized by this Grand Lodge, may be included; however, periods during which the Brother held a Dimit for more than one year from the date of the Dimit, or was suspended for non-payment of dues, must be added to the time when the Brother would otherwise have been eligible to receive the award. The period between the issuance of a Dimit for the purpose of becoming a charter member of a new Lodge and the institution of the new Lodge is not an interruption of the required number of years of continuous membership. (10/96)
§23155. HIRAM AWARDS.
The Grand Lodge, upon request of a Masonic Lodge under its jurisdiction, shall furnish a certificate honoring the Master Mason designated by the Lodge as a recipient of the Hiram Award. The certificate shall be delivered to the Masonic Lodge for presentation to the recipient. The Grand Lodge shall make available for purchase a medallion and lapel pin for recipients of the Hiram Award.
The Lodge may only designate for the Hiram Award a Master Mason who has served the Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity with devotion over and above the ordinary. Service as an officer or as Master of a Lodge shall not be in itself sufficient qualification for the award nor shall it be a disqualification. The award should be based on what the recipient has done, not what positions he has held.
The Hiram Award shall be considered the highest honor for service that can be bestowed upon a member by a Masonic Lodge. The presentation should be made with appropriate ceremony. When a selection has been made, it should be announced so the recipient may invite family and friends to the award presentation. To maintain the prestige and importance of the Hiram Award, a Lodge may present only one Hiram Award in any one calendar year. Such limitation should not suggest that this award should be presented every year. (10/98)
§23160. SERVICE OF NOTICE.
A notice shall be written or printed and shall, when practicable, be personally served upon the Brother to be notified by the Tiler or some other Masons properly designated for the purpose. If personal service cannot conveniently be accomplished, the notice shall be left at the residence or usual place of business of the Brother, or be sent by first class mail to him at his usual address in a sealed envelope. If a notice is to be given to all members of a Lodge, it may be given by insertion in the Lodge bulletin or sent by either first, second or third class mail.
§23170. DUTY TO OBEY NOTICE.
It is the duty of every Mason to comply with a notice if he can do so without great inconvenience.
§23180. DUTY TO OBEY SUMMONS.
The obligation to obey a summons is absolute and the penalty for disobedience shall be expulsion, unless it is shown that such disobedience was unavoidable or was occasioned by some pressing necessity.
The summons shall be served in the manner of a trial summons as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§23190. MEMBERS OF MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.
All members of Masonic Organizations within this Jurisdiction shall be subject to the same standards of conduct and propriety as are or may be imposed upon Master Masons in this Jurisdiction.
§23210. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW OF FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS.
A member of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, when in another Jurisdiction, may act in accordance with the law, policy and practice of that Jurisdiction and shall obey and be subject to the Masonic law of the other Jurisdiction and also to the Masonic law of this Jurisdiction which is consistent with the practice, policy or law of the other Jurisdiction. A member of a Lodge of this Grand Jurisdiction may not do anything in this Jurisdiction in violation of the Masonic law of this Jurisdiction whether he resides or is in or out of this Jurisdiction.
ARTICLE XI
VISITATION
§24010. PRIVILEGE.
Before visiting a Lodge, a Master Mason shall satisfy himself of its lawful authority. The Lodge is required to show a visitor its Charter if requested to do so. Visitation is not a right but a favor which a Master Mason in good standing has a right to request and the Master of the Lodge may grant or refuse. The Master may ask visitors to retire at any time and should do so when controversial, delicate or sensitive matters are under discussion.
§24020. OBJECTION TO VISITOR.
A visitor shall not be admitted if, in the opinion of the Master, there is a valid objection to the admission by a member of the Lodge. The objection shall be made privately to the Master, stating the reason therefor. The Master's decision shall be governed by his discretion and is final. He shall not disclose to the visitor, any member, or any other person the name of the Brother objecting, but shall privately inform the visitor that a Brother objects.
§24030. EXAMINATION OF VISITOR.
A Lodge shall make due inquiry or individual examination before admitting a visitor. The visitor shall produce written evidence under the seal of his Lodge showing that he is in good standing. He shall prove himself to be a Master Mason either by examination under the test oath, or by avouchment.
A record of visitors shall be maintained by each Lodge on forms prescribed by Grand Lodge.
§24040. AVOUCHMENT FOR VISITOR.
To vouch for a visiting Brother of this or any Grand Lodge or its constituent Lodges recognized by this Grand Lodge, a Master Mason must have sat with him in open Lodge, in a tiled School of Instruction or examined him under proper authority. A member of one Lodge who has sat in open Lodge with such a visiting Brother, can vouch for the visiting Brother to a member of any other Lodge, all three being present. The Brother to whom such avouchment is made can then vouch for the visiting Brother to the Master of his Lodge.
Members of Lodges in this Jurisdiction shall not vouch for any member of any unrecognized Grand Lodge or its constituent Lodges to gain admission to a Lodge in this Jurisdiction.
§24050. PRIVATE EXAMINATIONS AND LECTURING FORBIDDEN.
Except for the examination of a visitor authorized by the Master, private examinations are forbidden. Lecturing a visitor in the work is forbidden under all circumstances.
ARTICLE XII
OFFICERS
§25010. ELECTION.
The election of the Master, Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary of each Lodge shall be by ballot. The Lodge, by unanimous consent, may permit any designated officer to cast the ballot for the Lodge. If an eligible candidate fails to receive a majority of the votes cast, and the candidate receiving a majority is ineligible, there is no election. A blank ballot shall not constitute a vote cast. A majority of all votes cast shall be necessary for an election. An annual election held contrary to the provision of the section shall be void.
The Master, Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary of each Lodge shall be elected annually at the Stated Meeting in November each year.
§25020. SPECIAL ELECTIONS OF MASTERS AND WARDENS.
If any Lodge fails to hold the annual election of officers on the day fixed, an application shall promptly be made by the Lodge requesting the Inspector to issue a dispensation to hold the election at another time. The incumbent officers shall hold their positions until their successors are installed.
If a vacancy occurs in either of the offices of Master or Warden, no dispensation shall be required for an election to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs in the office of Master, the Senior Warden succeeds to the powers and duties of the Master and acts as Master, but the vacancy can be filled only by an election.
§25030. VACANCY IN OFFICE.
An office becomes vacant by death, removal by the Master, resignation or removal from the Jurisdiction, or suspension or expulsion as a Mason.
§25040. APPOINTMENT IF VACANCY.
If any office except that of Master or warden becomes vacant, the Master shall have the right to appoint a successor for the unexpired portion of the current term.
§25050. VACANCY IN OFFICES OF SECRETARY AND TREASURER.
If a vacancy occurs in either of the offices of Secretary or Treasurer, no dispensation shall be required for an election to fill the vacancy.
Until a vacancy in the office of Treasurer is filled, the Master is the proper custodian of Lodge funds.
§25060. QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS.
Members in good standing whose dues are paid or have been remitted at any time within one year previous to an election, though the dues of such members accruing since remission have not been paid, shall be entitled to vote at an election. Every voter shall be eligible for any office in the Lodge.
When a candidate for office is ineligible because he is delinquent in his dues, but his dues are paid before a second ballot, and he receives a majority of the votes cast a second time, he is properly elected.
§25070. QUALIFICATIONS OF MASTER.
Before a Master-elect can be installed there shall be presented to the Installing Officer the Certificate of the Grand Lecturer, Assistant Grand Lecturer of the division in which his Lodge is situated, or the Inspector of the district in which his Lodge is situated, certifying that:
A. He has personally examined the Master-elect and that he is qualified to give the work and lectures in the three degrees;
B. He has received a Certificate of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree; and
C. He is proficient in those portions of this Code that relate to the government of a Lodge.
§25080. QUALIFICATIONS OF SENIOR WARDEN.
Before a Senior Warden-elect can be installed there shall be presented to the Installing Officer the Certificate of the Grand Lecturer, the Assistant Grand Lecturer of the division in which his Lodge is situated, or the Inspector the district in which his Lodge is situated, certifying that:
A. He has personally examined the Senior Warden-elect, and that he is qualified to give the work and lectures of the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Degrees;
B. He has received a Certificate of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree; and
C. He is proficient in those portions of this Code that relate to the government of a Lodge.
§25090. QUALIFICATIONS OF JUNIOR WARDEN.
Before a Junior Warden-elect can be installed there shall be presented to the Installing Officer the Certificate of the Grand Lecturer, the Assistant Grand Lecturer of the division in which his Lodge is situated, or the Inspector of the district in which his Lodge is situated, certifying that:
A. He has personally examined such Junior Warden-elect, and that he is qualified to give the work and lecture of the Entered Apprentice Degree;
B. He has received a Certificate of Proficiency in the Candidate's Lecture of the Master Mason Degree; and
C. He is proficient in those portions of this Code that relate to the government of a Lodge.
§25100. QUALIFICATIONS OF SENIOR DEACON.
Before a Brother can be installed as Senior Deacon there shall be presented to the Installing Officer the Certificate of the Grand Lecturer, the Assistant Grand Lecturer of the division in which his Lodge is situated, or the Inspector of the district in which his Lodge is situated, certifying that:
A. He has personally examined the Brother; and
B. He is duly qualified to give the work and Senior Deacon's lecture of the Fellow Craft Degree.
§25110. FAILURE TO QUALIFY OR APPEAR FOR INSTALLATION.
The Lodge shall immediately petition the Inspector to issue a dispensation to hold an election for the office of Master or Warden when a Master-elect or a Warden-elect is not installed within a period of 60 days subsequent to his election because of:
A. Failure to present himself for installation; or
B. Failure to procure the necessary Certificate of Qualification.
The petition is not necessary if the Inspector, for good cause, grants additional time to procure the Certificate.
The officer elected under the dispensation shall not be the one who had been previously elected.
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§25120. INSTALLATION.
The officers, including incumbents, shall be installed in the manner prescribed by Grand Lodge, as soon as practical after their election or appointment, and shall hold their respective offices until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and installed.
The installation may be performed by the Master or, by invitation of the Master, by any qualified Past Master of any jurisdiction. It is not the privilege of the Master-elect to select the Installing Officer or in any way interfere with the duties and privileges of the office of Master. If performed by a Past Master, the Master or a Warden of the Lodge must be present. There can be no installation by proxy. Installation may be private or public. Two Lodges may participate in a joint installation.
The Certificates required for installation, endorsed by the Installing Officer, shall be forwarded to the Grand Secretary.
§25130. POWERS OF MASTER.
The Master shall have power to:
A. Congregate his Lodge whenever he deems it proper;
B. Issue, or cause to be issued, all summonses or notices which may be required;
C. Discharge all the executive functions of his Lodge; and
D. Perform all such acts, by ancient usage proper to his office, which are not prohibited by the Constitution or Ordinances of Grand Lodge.
If any officer, elected or appointed, fails to qualify or neglects the performance of his duties, the Master shall remove him from office.
§25140. DUTIES OF MASTER.
It shall be the duty of the Master to:
A. Preside at all meetings of the Lodge;
B. Confer or have conferred all degrees in strict accordance with the ritual which has been, or may hereafter be, approved by Grand Lodge;
C. Give, or have given, in full, the lectures appertaining to each degree, at the time it is conferred, in accordance with the ritual;
D. Appoint those officers as provided for in the By-laws;
E. Appoint an Auditing Committee and a Committee on Delinquent Members at the Stated Meeting next succeeding his installation;
F. Appoint a chairman to coordinate with the Grand Lodge Committees on Public Schools, United States Constitution Observance, Masonic Education and Masonic Homes Endowment;
G. Attest at each Stated Meeting of his Lodge all minutes or records of proceedings as approved at such meetings by the Lodge;
H. Superintend the official acts of all the officers of his Lodge and to see that their respective duties are properly discharged;
I. Carefully guard against any infraction, by the members of his Lodge, of its own By-laws, of the Constitution or Ordinances of Grand Lodge, or of the General Regulations of Masonry; and
J. Provide for the installation of his successor. (10/99)
§25150. DECISION OF MASTER.
There shall be no appeal to the Lodge from the decisions of the Master. Objections to such decisions may be presented to the Grand Master and dealt with by him.
§25160. MASTER'S DECIDING VOTE.
The Master shall have a regular vote in all matters before the Lodge. In case of a tie vote, he may also cast the deciding vote.
§25170. SUSPENSION OF MASTER.
The suspension of a Master of a Lodge is a temporary deprivation of his office, and prohibits all recognition of him in that capacity until he is restored.
§25180. TITLE OF MASTER.
The title of Master applies not only to him who has been elected and installed as Master, but to either of the Wardens while acting as Master.
§25190. TITLE OF PAST MASTER.
The title of Past Master applies to one who:
A. Has been regularly elected or named in a Charter;
B. Has been installed as Master of a chartered Lodge in this Jurisdiction;
C. Has served until the installation of his successor; and
D. Remains a member in good standing in a constituent Lodge in this Jurisdiction.
Where a Master who has been regularly elected or named in a Charter and installed as Master of a chartered Lodge dies, while serving as Master, he may by resolution of his Lodge be designated as a Past Master.
When two or more Lodges consolidate, the Masters and Past Masters who do not become Master of the consolidated Lodge become Past Masters of the Lodge thus formed.
One who is a Past Master as defined herein but of a Lodge within the jurisdiction of any other Grand Lodge, and who is a member in good standing in a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, may take the honorary title of "Past Master," but shall not thereby become a member of this Grand Lodge.
If Grand Lodge charters a Lodge formed by a Grand Body recognized by this Grand Lodge, it may by resolution provide that the title of Past Master shall apply to the Past Masters of such Lodge, and entitle them to the rights and privileges of Past Masters of this Jurisdiction.
§25200. RESIGNATION OF MASTER.
If a Master resigns before the installation of his successor he forfeits all right to the title of Past Master and to membership in Grand Lodge, unless otherwise qualified.
§25210. DUTIES OF WARDENS.
It shall be the duty of the Wardens to assist the Master in the performance of his duties, and to discharge all those duties which ancient usage has assigned to their respective stations. During the absence of the Master, the Senior Warden, and in his absence the Junior Warden, shall succeed to and be charged with all the powers and duties of the Master.
§25220. DUTIES OF TREASURER.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to:
A. Receive and safely keep monies, property and all other assets of the Lodge, except to the extent they are entrusted to the Lodge Trustees by resolution, disburse or transfer the same, or any part thereof, upon the order of the Master, duly attested by the Secretary with the approval of the Lodge;
B. Keep a book or books wherein a correct account of his receipts and disbursements shall be exhibited in detail, accounting for sources of income and expenditures;
C. Report at the Stated Meeting in August and February of each year for the six month period ending on the preceding June 30 and the 12 month period ending on the preceding December 31 respectively; and
D. Perform such other duties, appertaining to his office, as the By-Laws may require or the Lodge may direct.
§25230. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to:
A. Record all proceedings at each meeting proper to be written, under the direction of the Master, and to transcribe the same in a minute book to be kept for that purpose, and at the next Stated Meeting to read the minutes to the Lodge and, after they are approved, to present them to the Master for his signature. After approval no change may be made except by appropriate motion properly recorded;
B. Present to the Lodge at each August Stated Meeting, a statement of income and expenditures, assets and liabilities, on a form promulgated by the Grand Master, for the six months ended on the preceding June 30, and at each February Stated Meeting a similar statement for the 12 months ended on the preceding December 31, and to submit a copy thereof to the Inspector of the District to which the Lodge is assigned and to the Grand Master;
C. Prepare and transmit a copy of such record, or of any part thereof, to Grand Lodge, when required;
D. Collect and receive all monies due the Lodge and pay them to the Treasurer;
E. Keep the seal of the Lodge and affix it with his attestation to all papers issued under its authority or in obedience to all the requirements of the Constitution and Ordinances of Grand Lodge;
F. Transmit a Certificate of Election, accompanied by a copy of the dispensation, if required, when the election is held at a time other that prescribed, to the Grand Secretary, immediately after each election in the Lodge;
G. Transmit reports to the Grand Secretary in such form and with such frequency as the Grand Secretary shall determine, but in no event more frequently than monthly nor less frequently than annually;
H. Transmit with the annual report to the Grand Secretary the number of life members, the amount of the fund thus created, and the manner in which the fund is invested;
I. Transmit with the annual returns to the Grand Secretary the names, dates of initiation, passing and raising, and the dates of death of all permanent members of Grand Lodge;
J. Report all rejections for the degrees, expulsions, suspensions, and restorations to the Grand Secretary, immediately after their occurrence, in the forms provided;
K. Promptly notify an applicant who is not elected in writing of his rejection, and refund all fees and contributions paid;
L. Furnish to the Masonic Homes Endowment Committee such information pertaining to matters affecting or relating to his Lodge as may be requested from time to time;
M. Send the required notification to delinquent dues;
N. Keep, in such form as may be provided, the following books of the Lodge;
1. A minute book, in which he shall record all the transactions of the Lodge proper to be written of all Stated and Special Meetings,
2. A book of By-laws, for the signatures of the members in the order of their admission, in which he shall see that each member signs his name in full,
3. A roll book, in which he shall record, upon pages alphabetically arranged, the:
a. Full name or names of all members of the Lodge,
b. Dates of their initiation, passing, raising, or affiliation,
c. Name, number and location of the Lodges of which those affiliated last were members,
d. Age and occupation of each when received, and
e. Dates of their withdrawal, expulsion, suspension, death, or restoration,
4. A register, to be kept in the Tiler's room, in which all members and all visitors shall record their names, and the names, numbers, and locations of their respective Lodges, before entering the Lodge. All entries shall be in ink or other permanent writing, and
5. A set of such account books as may be necessary to present clearly:
a. The account of each member with the Lodge,
b. The receipts of the Secretary which provide a clear and permanent record of all monies received and from whom received with accounts outstanding, if any,
c. His payments to the Treasurer; and
O. Preserve the Code which may from time to time be published, together with all the printed proceedings. (10/99)
§25240. DUTIES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS.
The appointive officers shall perform such duties consistent with the usages of the Craft and relating to their respective offices as may be required by the By-laws or directed by the Master.
ARTICLE XIII
DEGREES AND AFFILIATION
§26010. MORAL AND PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS.
An applicant for the degrees of Masonry must be:
A. A man who has attained the age of 21 years;
B. A believer in a Supreme Being and a future existence;
C. Of good moral conduct; and
D. Without physical or mental impairment that would prevent him from learning and practicing the principles of Masonry or which would create a burden on the Lodge.
The question as to the physical or mental acceptability of the applicant shall be left to the sound discretion of the Lodge. The Master shall state the nature and extent of any such impairment upon receiving the application and before the ballot is taken.
§26020. INELIGIBILITY FOR DEGREES.
A person who has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been convicted of, a crime that is morally wrong in itself, is not eligible to apply for the degrees of Masonry unless, for the reason that he did not commit the offense, he either has been pardoned or had his judgment of conviction vacated.
No person shall hold or be eligible for membership in any Lodge who:
A. Has advised, advocated, or taught, or who has been a member of, or affiliated with any group, society, association or organization that advises, advocates or teaches, or has advised, advocated or taught the overthrow, by force or violence or other unlawful means of the Government of the United States of America or of any State of the Union; or
B. Holds a dimit from a Lodge in a Jurisdiction not recognized by this Grand Lodge unless he has terminated his membership in the unrecognized Lodge.
§26030. QUALIFICATION OF RESIDENCE.
An applicant for the degrees must have been a resident within the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge during 12 months next preceding the date of his application, except as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§26040. UNIFORMED SERVICES RESIDENCE.
A member of any uniformed service of the United States, whose duty station is at a facility or on a vessel having an officially designated home port, may apply for and receive the degrees of Masonry in any Lodge having jurisdiction of the location of such facility or home port. If the member of any such uniformed service has not resided at such facility or been attached to such vessel for at least six months immediately preceding the date of his application, a dispensation from the Inspector is required. Uniformed Service of the United States includes the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Public Health Service and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
§26050. AFFILIATION.
A Mason against whom no charges are pending may apply to any Lodge in this Jurisdiction for affiliation and if rejected may apply again as often as he chooses to do so.
In order that his application can be received by a Lodge, he must prove to the satisfaction of the Master that he is a Master Mason and must accompany his application with any affiliation fee required by the Lodge, and:
A. If the applicant be a member in good standing in this Jurisdiction, a receipt or a copy of a receipt from the Lodge of which he is a member showing that his dues are paid through at least the current calendar year together with a written request, signed by him, to his Lodge for a Dimit, except as provided for herein.
If elected, the Secretary shall immediately complete and forward the Request for Dimit. Membership in the electing Lodge shall commence as of the date of the issuance of the Dimit. Dues shall commence, and be prorated, as of the first day of the next month, as provided in the Uniform Code of By-laws. The receipt of the Dimit and the date it was issued shall be reported to the Lodge by the Secretary at the next Stated Meeting;
B. If the applicant is a member of a Lodge in another Jurisdiction, the sum of $25 for the use and benefit of the Masonic Homes of California unless the contribution had already been made by the applicant, and either a Certificate of Good Standing in his Lodge and a statement by the applicant that he desires to retain his membership therein, or a certificate from his Lodge that a Dimit will be issued on notification of his election to membership in a Lodge of this Jurisdiction and a Request for Dimit signed by him.
In cases of dual membership, and in cases where a dimit accompanies the application, membership in the electing Lodge shall commence as of the date of election and dues shall commence as of the first day of the next month following election. In cases where the Dimit is issued after election, membership in the electing Lodge shall commence as of the date of the issuance of the Dimit and dues shall commence as of the first day of the next month, as provided in the Uniform Code of By-laws. The receipt of the Dimit and the date it was issued shall be reported to the Lodge by the Secretary at the next Stated Meeting;
C. A Dimit from the Lodge of which he was last a member, regardless of its age, or a satisfactory explanation in writing of his inability to furnish it, together with the contribution to the Masonic Homes of California, if he is a member of a Lodge in another Jurisdiction. If he was last a member of a Lodge whose Charter is revoked or under arrest, a deposit equal to six months' dues of the Lodge to which he applies for affiliation; or
D. If the applicant is a member in good standing in this Jurisdiction and desires to hold plural membership, a receipt or a copy of a receipt from the Lodge of which he is a member showing his dues are paid through the current calendar year. Membership in the Lodge shall commence as of the date of the election and dues shall commence as of the first of the month next succeeding as provided in the Uniform Code of By-laws.
If an applicant for affiliation is rejected, the Lodge shall return all amounts paid to it by the applicant. (10/96)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§26060. JURISDICTION TO RECEIVE APPLICATIONS.
Any Lodge in this Jurisdiction can receive and act on an application for any degrees of Masonry from a qualified resident of this Jurisdiction. If the applicant is a candidate of another Lodge, his application must be accompanied by a Waiver of Jurisdiction from the Lodge of which he is a candidate, directed to the Lodge to which he is applying.
A Lodge shall notify any other Lodge or Lodges within 10 miles of its place of meeting of any applications it may receive for degrees or affiliation within 10 days after receipt. Notification to the Masonic Service Bureau or to the Masonic Secretaries Association, whichever operates a clearing house for applications for the degrees and for dual or plural membership by affiliation, in the area in which the Lodge is situated shall be deemed to constitute notification to other Lodges within 10 miles. (10/98)
§26070. WAIVER OF JURISDICTION.
A Lodge has, and may retain, jurisdiction over Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts of its Lodge. It may grant Waivers of Jurisdiction to apply for the remaining degree or degrees in another Lodge, in this or any other Jurisdiction, provided all the requirements have been met. If the candidate is rejected or the Lodge that elects him fails to complete the requirements, he remains subject to the jurisdiction of the Lodge that granted the waiver.
A. A Lodge may grant a Waiver of Jurisdiction to another Lodge in this Jurisdiction provided the:
1. Request is in writing and signed by the candidate;
2. Request states the name of the specific Lodge to which the candidate will apply for the remaining degree or degrees; and
3. Lodge approves the request by a majority vote at a Stated Meeting.
B. A Lodge may grant a Waiver of Jurisdiction to permit a resident within this Jurisdiction to apply to a particular Lodge in another Jurisdiction, provided the:
1. Request is in writing and signed by the applicant, directed to a Lodge near to where the applicant resides;
2. Request has been validated by the Grand Master of this Jurisdiction;
3. Request is transmitted by the Grand Secretary of this Jurisdiction to the Lodge; and
4. Lodge approves the request by a majority vote at a Stated Meeting.
C. A Lodge cannot grant a Waiver of Jurisdiction to a candidate who has been denied advancement due to an objection. If the objection is removed by a majority vote, the waiver may be granted.
§26080. JURISDICTION AFTER REJECTION.
A new application for the degrees from an applicant, who within 12 months next preceding its receipt shall have been rejected by a Lodge, shall not be received by that Lodge unless by dispensation from the Grand Master.
If lack of the required time period is discovered, the Lodge must deliver the fees paid for any degrees conferred to the Lodge which had rejected the candidate and the remainder of the fees shall be returned to the applicant. The applicant may apply for any remaining degrees after the required 12 month period following the usual ballot and reference as provided for a new application.
§26090. APPLICATIONS.
Applications for the degrees and for affiliation shall be on the form approved by the Grand Master, signed by the applicant, or for affiliation, by mark properly attested, if unable to write by reason of physical affliction, and recommended by at least two members of the Lodge. A recommender need not have previously known the applicant, as long as prior to signing the application he first makes a careful investigation to ascertain if the applicant is worthy. Recommendation of an applicant is a personal pledge of Masonic honor to the Lodge that the applicant possesses the positive qualifications required. Any recommendation once given cannot be withdrawn after the application has been
received by the Lodge. References need not be Masons or of the male gender.
An applicant may sign the completed application by signature or by a mark attested to by two members of the Lodge. An application is received when it is read by the Secretary at a Stated Meeting, unless, by a majority vote, the Lodge declines to receive it, which is equivalent to its withdrawal.
The Lodge cannot receive an application until the applicant has attained the age of 21 years. The Master may not refuse to receive an application or direct the Secretary to withhold it for any other reason.
The refusal of a Lodge to receive an application is equivalent to its withdrawal, and the applicant need not wait 12 months before presenting another application to that or any other Lodge. (10/00)
§26100. FEES FOR DEGREES.
A Lodge shall not:
A. Confer a degree without charge or donate a fee back to an applicant under any pretext whatever;
B. Confer the three degrees for a fee less than $50; or
C. Confer the degrees for less than $75 where Lodges have concurrent jurisdiction, except by consent of all such Lodges.
If the applicant has received the Entered Apprentice degree, or the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft degrees in another Lodge, the fee for the remaining degrees or degree shall be that portion of the fee for the three degrees as the By-laws of the Lodge shall prescribe.
If the applicant is elected to membership in another Lodge in this or another Jurisdiction, under a Waiver of Jurisdiction or Dimit issued by his Lodge, or dies before receiving a degree, the Lodge shall return to the applicant or to the legal representative of the applicant the sum fixed in the By-laws for the degree or degrees not conferred, if the fees have not been forfeited.
§26110. FEES AND CONTRIBUTIONS MUST ACCOMPANY APPLICATION.
The required contribution for the Masonic Homes of California, together with the fee for the degree or degrees, except where the applicant has already paid the contribution in a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, shall accompany the application or it not be received by the Lodge.
§26120. INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE.
All applications for the degrees shall be referred to a committee of three, unless dispensation has been granted by the Grand Master to receive them without reference to a committee. The members of the Investigating Committee and its report shall be known only to the Master. It shall be the duty of the committee to make strict examination into the moral, mental, physical and other proper qualifications of the applicant, and to report to the Master at the next Stated Meeting, unless he grants further time. The Investigating Committee shall inform themselves as to the character of the applicant. They are guilty of a serious neglect of duty if they report favorably on an
application without reliable information as to all matters on which the Lodge requires advice. Any application for affiliation will be voted on with no requirement for investigation unless an objection is made by a Brother, in which case the application shall be referred to an investigating committee as herein provided for.
It is within the right and power of the Master to appoint an additional committee to meet with the applicant and supplement the work of the committee of three.
The Master shall request that a courtesy investigation be made by another Lodge when the applicant resides at such a distance from the Lodge to which he has applied that, in the judgment of the Master of the Lodge receiving the application, an investigating committee from that Lodge would be unusually inconvenienced to perform the investigation. Any request made for such an investigation shall be accompanied by three copies of the appropriate investigation form with envelopes addressed to the Master of the Lodge to which the application was made, together with the dates of each of the next two Stated Meetings of the Lodge to which the application has been made.
On receipt of a request for such a courtesy investigation, the Master of the Lodge receiving the request shall immediately appoint a committee of three. Their duty shall be to furnish the completed investigation reports directly to the Master of the Lodge to which the application was made, and to inform the Master of their own Lodge of the completion of the investigation. At the first Stated Meeting of his Lodge following receipt of the request, the Master of the Lodge requested to perform the courtesy investigation shall report the request to his Lodge, state the name of the applicant and the fact that an investigating committee has been appointed.
The committee investigation reports shall be made with the same scrutiny and diligence as if the applicant were applying to the Lodge of which the Investigating Committee are members. The reports shall be made and returned to the Master of the Lodge to which the application was made before the next Stated Meeting.
If the Committee performing the investigation finds that additional time is required to complete the investigation, the Master of their Lodge shall report that fact to the Master of the Lodge to which the application was made and the reports shall then be made before the second Stated Meeting. (10/96)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§26130. REPORT OF INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE.
The report of the Investigating Committee shall set forth in detail the facts ascertained respecting the applicant and the conclusion of the Committee, which conclusion shall be read to the Lodge. The facts ascertained shall be read when directed by the Master, or when request therefore is made by any member of the Lodge. The names of the members of the Committee shall not be made known. The fact of the appointment of the Committee and the character of its report should appear in the minutes and be made known to the Lodge. The Master shall not delegate the appointment of such committees to any other person.
The committee report is subject to revision and may be referred back to the Committee before completion of the ballot or the Master may discharge that Committee and appoint another to do the work more faithfully or more exhaustively whenever it appears that further investigation is desirable. Any member may request that the facts be read, whether the report is favorable or unfavorable, but the request must be made at the meeting at which the report is given by the Master and before the ballot is taken. If the Master, upon receipt of an unfavorable report, declares the applicant rejected, a request for the facts cannot be made at a subsequent meeting.
If any member of the Committee reports unfavorable, the report of the Committee is unfavorable, or if the report shows that an applicant is in any way not qualified or unworthy to be made a Mason, no ballot shall be had but the Master shall, upon receipt of such report, declare the applicant rejected.
§26140. WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION.
The Investigating Committee shall make a special report if it finds the applicant disqualified for no reason other than the following:
A. Insufficient residence;
B. Physical or mental disability; or
C. His application has been received within 12 months after his rejection by a Lodge.
The Master may then direct the withdrawal of the application without further action, and such direction shall be entered on the record.
If the applicant has moved from this Jurisdiction after filing his application, the application may be withdrawn if the applicant so desires and the Lodge consents.
In no other case shall an application be withdrawn after it is received.
§26150. BALLOTING.
The ballot box shall be prepared by placing therein a sufficient number of white balls and black cubes, one-third of the whole number being cubes. It shall be suitably lined so as to deaden the sound of the fall of the balls or cubes to insure the secrecy of the ballot. It shall then be presented to the Master for inspection. If no objection has been made by any member of the Lodge and an unfavorable committee report has not been received, a ballot shall be promptly taken by use of balls and cubes.
§26160. MEMBERS PRESENT MUST VOTE.
Every member of a Lodge, when present, must vote upon a ballot for the degrees or for affiliation.
The Master should not permit anyone to enter or retire from the Lodge room after the announcement of the report of the Investigating Committee or during a ballot except for sickness or other imperative reason. The entrance of members at the conclusion of an initial ballot, a single cube appearing, should not be allowed to interfere with the taking of a second ballot to correct a possible mistake.
The "Lodge room" does not include the Tiler's room or, for voting purposes, the preparation room.
§26170. BALLOTING PROCEDURE.
Before a ballot is taken there may be discussion of the qualifications of the applicant and the propriety of receiving him into the Lodge.
If, during balloting, an objection is made that the ballot box is not properly prepared, the Master must, before announcing the result of the ballot, examine it, and if not properly prepared, he must at once rectify the error and have a proper ballot taken.
§26180. METHOD OF BALLOTING.
When balloting upon two or more applicants, whether for degrees or affiliation, or both, the Master may at his discretion determine whether a separate ballot shall be taken on each applicant or whether the entire group shall be balloted upon collectively.
When the method of group balloting is employed the Master shall read the names of the applicants with the essential information about each, as supplied by the application, and as furnished by the Committee of Investigation. A ballot shall then be taken in the usual manner and on the applicants collectively, and if no cube appears, each applicant shall be declared elected. If one or more cubes appear, the Master may either direct an individual ballot or divide the names of the applicants into groups. The Lodge shall then proceed to ballot in the usual manner on each individual or on each group. The Master shall declare each applicant in a group elected if no cube appears.
This procedure shall continue until an individual ballot has been taken in the usual manner, if necessary, and all applicants have been balloted upon.
§26190. UNANIMOUS BALLOT.
Lodge shall have but one ballot for the three degrees. It shall require a unanimous vote of the members present to elect for the degrees or for affiliation. Except for the three officers whose duty it is to examine the ballot box, no one is entitled to know the number of votes cast for or against an applicant. If all members of the Lodge have voted and no negative vote appears, the ballot is unanimous regardless of the fact that one or more members failed to deposit a ball at the time he voted.
§26200. CORRECTION OF POSSIBLE MISTAKE.
When balloting upon one applicant, if only one cube appears, the Master, without declaring the result, shall at once order a second ballot which shall be the last, for the purpose of correcting a possible mistake. In no case, after one ballot has been taken, shall any discussion be permitted in the Lodge before the second ballot. The second ballot shall not be postponed to another meeting of the Lodge. If, despite this section, a second ballot to correct a possible mistake is not taken, the applicant stands rejected and a reballot cannot, thereafter, be had on the same application without obtaining a dispensation.
§26210. BALLOT SECRECY.
There shall be no discussion regarding an unfavorable ballot. No member of a Lodge shall be required, requested, or allowed to divulge his vote upon a ballot for affiliation or for the degrees of Masonry, or to assign reasons for such vote, if it be known, except to the Master for the purpose of correcting a mistake.
§26220. OBJECTION BY A NON-MEMBER.
A Lodge must give immediate attention to a proper objection made by another Lodge, any Mason, or any non-Mason to the election for the degrees, initiation or advancement of an applicant or candidate.
The Junior Warden should make an objection on the basis of the information received, and the Master should appoint a committee to investigate and report on the validity of the objection. If the committee determines that the objection is proper and valid, proceedings should be taken as provided for elsewhere in this Code. If the committee determines that the objection is not proper and valid, the Junior Warden shall immediately withdraw the objection.
§26230. OBJECTION BY A MEMBER BEFORE BALLOT.
At any time after an application for the degrees or affiliation is received, objection to the applicant's election may be made orally or in writing by any member of the Lodge privately to the Master. If objection is made before ballot, no ballot shall be taken unless objection is withdrawn, and unless withdrawn within 60 days such objection shall have the effect of a rejection by ballot and shall be reported to the Grand Secretary. The Investigating Committee need not be appointed, or if appointed need not act, unless the objection is withdrawn. If an objection is made, the Master shall report the fact to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting and the 60 day period shall commence on
the date of such meeting. If the objection is made at a Stated Meeting, the Master shall report the fact to the Lodge at that meeting and the 60 day period shall commence on the date of such meeting.
§26240. OBJECTION BY A MEMBER BEFORE INITIATION.
If objection to an applicant for the degrees is made after election and before the initiation has been completed, the applicant shall not receive the degree or the remainder thereof unless the objection is withdrawn. If it has not been withdrawn within 60 days, it shall have the effect of a rejection by ballot and be so reported to the Grand Secretary. Whenever such objection is made, the Master shall report the fact to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting and the 60 day period shall commence on the date of such meeting. If the objection is made at a Stated Meeting, the Master shall report the fact to the Lodge at that meeting and the 60 day period shall commence on the date of that
meeting. No reason need be given for the objection and it may be renewed after withdrawal.
§26250. OBJECTION BY A MEMBER AFTER INITIATION.
If objection to advancement is made by any Mason after the candidate's initiation, before being advanced, the cause for the objection must be stated. If no cause is stated, the Master may disregard the objection and proceed to confer the remaining degree or degrees. If the cause seems insufficient to the Master, he shall relate the matter to the Lodge at its next Stated Meeting, and the Lodge shall then decide, by majority vote, whether or not further investigation shall be made. If the objection seems to the Master to be sufficient or to merit investigation, or if the Lodge shall so decide, the Master shall:
A. Appoint a committee to inquire into the cause of the objection;
B. Fix the time and place for its meeting;
C. Have the objector and the applicant notified thereof; and
D. Have Masons whose statements seem necessary or proper summoned to appear.
§26260. COMMITTEE TO RESOLVE OBJECTION.
The Committee appointed to resolve an objection shall meet at the time and place fixed. The Master shall be a non-voting member and chairman of the Committee. The Secretary, or a Brother appointed in his place, shall record the proceedings. The Committee may receive the statements of Masons or non-Masons in such manner as it determines. Any oral statements made shall be taken down in narrative or other form by the Secretary or, at the Master's option, by a stenographic reporter qualified as provided for elsewhere in this Code. The Committee may adjourn from time to time, and shall have complete charge of the investigation. It may hear the statements privately or in
the presence of the objector and applicant or either of them. Neither shall be allowed any objection to the Committee or its methods. It shall report at the next Stated Meeting unless further time be given by the Master or the Lodge, stating fully the cause of objection and its conclusions thereon. The statements upon which the report is based shall be read in the Lodge, if required.
§26270. DECISION OF LODGE ON OBJECTION.
After receiving the report from the Committee appointed to resolve the objection, the Lodge shall vote by ballot on whether or not the objection is valid and Masonic. If in the opinion of two-thirds of the members present, the objection is not a valid and Masonic one, the Lodge may confer the degree in the same manner as if no objection had been made, and the Master shall not allow the same objection to be made a second time. The decision is final and may not be reconsidered and no appeal may be taken.
If the objection is found to be valid and Masonic, the contributions and that part of the fee for the degree or degrees not taken by the applicant shall be returned to him. The candidate denied advancement shall have the status of one rejected for the unconferred degrees. His status shall be reported to the Grand Secretary, and the time interval applying to other rejections of an application must elapse before a new application may be made for advancement. The application shall be made on the form approved by Grand Lodge and shall take the usual course of investigation and ballot.
§26280. RESTRICTIONS ON CONFERRING DEGREES.
No Lodge in this Jurisdiction shall confer:
A. Any degree on Sunday;
B. Degrees upon more than five candidates at any one meeting;
C. More than one degree upon a candidate at any one meeting;
D. Any of the degrees upon more than one candidate at a time;
E. More than five degrees in any one day;
F. A degree where the Lodge has been called down for the purpose of examination;
G. A degree without completing it at the time it is conferred, except because of an emergency over which Lodge officers have no control; or
H. A degree or any part of a degree prior to the time fixed for convening a meeting therefor.
§26290. RITUAL.
Each degree conferred and all lectures in this Jurisdiction must be in conformity with the ritual now or hereafter taught by the Grand Lecturer and recognized by Grand Lodge, and such must be adhered to by all Lodges and Masons in this Jurisdiction, except that:
A. Lodges composed predominately of Brethren of a particular ethnic origin whose primary language skills are in a language other than English, may perform the ritual in such foreign language; and
B. Lodges in this Jurisdiction whose long-established ritualistic work is in part a departure from the uniform ritual of this Jurisdiction may continue to perform the ritual, insofar as the same may not be disapproved by the Grand Master and the Grand Lecturer, provided, however, that a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, conferring a degree upon an applicant elected to receive such degree in another Jurisdiction may, for such purpose, with the consent of the Grand Master of this Jurisdiction, use the ritual of such other Jurisdiction; and provided further that Brethren from another Jurisdiction may be permitted to use the ritual thereof upon a candidate from such other Jurisdiction.
The officers of an excepted Lodge, under dispensation from Grand Lodge, may confer a degree or degrees in the approved foreign language upon the candidate of another Lodge in his Lodge, when invited, provided the candidate speaks, reads and understands the foreign language. La Parfaite Union No. 17, Vallee de France No. 329, and Hermann Lodge No. 127 are Lodges which have long-established ritualistic work. Maya Lodge No. 793 is a Lodge that may perform the ritual in a foreign language.
Where a candidate refuses to be divested of all minerals and metals, insisting on retaining a wedding ring because of his marriage vows, or if minerals and metals cannot be removed, substantial compliance may be permitted by taping and disregarding the ring.
§26295. ALTERNATE HOLY WRITINGS.
A candidate for the degrees in Masonry may select alternate Holy Writings on which he will be obligated, but only under the following circumstances:
A. If a man does not wish to be obligated on the Holy Bible, he must select alternate Holy Writings from a list promulgated from time to time by the Grand Master of the Holy Writings of those recognized religions whose theology is not inconsistent with a belief in a Supreme Being and a future existence. The Grand Master's list shall at all times include the al-Kitab al-Aqdas of Bahaism, the Tripitaka of Buddhism, the Analects of Confucianism, the Vedas of Hinduism, the Koran of Islam, the Tanach of Judaism, the Koji-ki of Shintoism, the Adi Granth of Sikhism, the Tao-te Ching of Taoism and the Zend Avesta of Zoroastrianism. In selecting alternate Holy Writings, the man must
state that the book chosen is the Holy Writings of his religious faith.
B. The particular book selected for use on the altar during the ceremonies of a man's degrees must be of a suitable size as determined by the Ritual Committee.
C. Grand Lodge shall make available all books on the list. Grand Lodge shall loan any book on the list upon request to a Lodge which requires it for a degree.
D. The book selected shall remain on the altar throughout the meeting during which it is used for a man's degree, unless the Lodge schedules more than one man to receive a degree at a meeting and all men receiving a degree on that occasion will not be obligated on the same book of Holy Writings. In that event, the book shall be changed when the Lodge is at refreshment between the degrees.
E. When alternate Holy Writings are used during a degree, a closed Holy Bible of any size must be on the altar.
F. Alternate Holy Writings may be used only at a Lodge meeting during which a man selecting the alternate Holy Writings receives a degree and on no other occasion.
§26300. CIPHER RITUALS.
Master Masons are authorized to possess and use an approved cipher ritual.
Grand Lodge shall cause to be prepared, published and sold to Master Masons only, a cipher ritual of the degrees and lectures, as recognized by Grand Lodge.
A Master Mason who is an authorized Candidate Coach may reproduce that portion of the cipher ritual that pertains to the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft proficiency examinations for subsequent utilization by the candidate during his proficiency.
In no event, however, shall any cipher ritual, or portion thereof, be used during a tiled meeting except where such meeting is called for the purpose of practicing the ritual. Such use, however, shall be permitted only by members who are not participating in the presentation of the ritual.
§26310. CHANGE OF RITUAL.
Grand Lodge alone has power to authorize any changes in the ritual. Any change in the ritual requires approval by the same vote as provided for any proposed amendment to these Ordinances.
§26320. CONFERRAL OF DEGREES UPON IMPAIRED CANDIDATE.
In the case of candidates with some impairment which requires special consideration in the conferral of the degrees, the manner of the conferral shall be in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Ritual Committee and approved by the Grand Master.
The several degrees shall be conferred by the Lodge upon an impaired candidate under the supervision of the Inspector in accordance with the guidelines, and in the event that the specific needs of a particular candidate are not covered by the guidelines, any additional modifications to the ritual shall be left to the sound discretion of the Inspector. The entire ritual, without omission of any part, shall be presented to the candidate, who may be an active participant in all or in such part of the ceremony as he chooses.
If the candidate normally uses a prosthesis or other artificial device of any kind, he shall, at this option, be allowed to wear or use during the conferral of the degree, the aid or aids usually worn or used by him provided that he can do so with safety to himself and others. Such aids shall be deemed a part of his person of which he cannot be divested.
§26330. RESTORATION OF PREVIOUSLY FORFEITED FEES.
Any Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft who failed to present himself for advancement to the next higher degree, and whose fees and contributions shall have been forfeited for failure to advance in accordance with the laws of this Jurisdiction previously in effect, shall have all such fees and contributions restored as if no action to forfeit these fees had ever taken place. He shall be restored automatically as an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft, as the case may be, as if the forfeiture had never taken place, and shall be entitled to advancement by presenting himself to the Lodge and complying with the provisions of Section 26340 of this Code. (10/97)
§26340. ADVANCEMENT.
A Lodge shall advance an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft to a higher degree if:
A. He has given satisfactory evidence, by examination in open Lodge, that he is proficient and well qualified in the degrees which he has already taken. To demonstrate such proficiency, an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft shall only be required to recite from memory the obligation of each degree, together with the signs and modes of recognition of each degree. Any number of applicants may be examined at a meeting, but not more than five shall be examined at any one time with the questions being asked in rotation. Such examination shall be held in front of the East between the altar and the Master's station.
B. He has completed the Basic Masonic Education Course in the degrees which he has already taken. He shall demonstrate such completion by answering in writing and in open book fashion the questions appertaining to each of the pamphlets of the Basic Masonic Education Course, as such questions and pamphlets may be promulgated from time to time by the Grand Master for this purpose. The candidate's written answers shall be approved by a committee of three elective officers or three Past Masters or a combination thereof and shall be retained as a part of the Lodge records for a period of not less than one year.
If for any reason there is an erroneous conferral of a degree or degrees, the candidate retains the status reached but must wait one year and present an application for a higher degree or degrees. (10/00)
§26350. INITIATION IN ANOTHER LODGE.
An elected candidate of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction may receive the Entered Apprentice degree in another Lodge in this Jurisdiction, provided a:
A. Request of the candidate for courtesy work is approved by a majority of the members present at a Stated Meeting of the Lodge in which he was elected; and
B. Certified copy of the approval has been forwarded to the Grand Secretary and approved by the Grand Master or his designee.
§26360. ADVANCEMENT AND PROFICIENCY IN ANOTHER LODGE.
An Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction may receive the remaining degree or degrees and coaching and examinations for proficiencies in any degree in another Lodge in this Jurisdiction, provided:
A. The request is approved at a Stated Meeting of his Lodge by a majority of the members present; or
B. After receiving a Waiver of Jurisdiction from his Lodge, the candidate has applied to another Lodge in this Jurisdiction for the remaining degree or degrees, accompanying his application with the required fees.
Any member of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction may receive coaching and examination for proficiency in another Lodge in this Jurisdiction provided the request for the coaching or examination is approved by a majority of the members present at a Stated Meeting of his Lodge.
§26370. RECEIVING DEGREES IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION.
An applicant elected to receive the degrees in a Lodge in this Jurisdiction may receive any or all of the degrees and the necessary coaching and examination for proficiency in a Lodge in another Jurisdiction, provided a:
A. Request of the applicant for the courtesy work is approved by a majority of the members present at a Stated Meeting of the Lodge in which he was elected; and
B. Certified copy of the approval has been forwarded to the Grand Secretary and approved by the Grand Master or his designee.
§26380. COURTESY WORK FOR ANOTHER JURISDICTION.
An applicant elected to receive any or all of the degrees in a Lodge in another Jurisdiction recognized by this Jurisdiction may receive any or all of the degrees and the necessary coaching and examination for proficiency, provided the request of the applicant has been transmitted by the Grand Master or Grand Secretary of the other Jurisdiction to the Grand Secretary of this Jurisdiction and approved by the Grand Master or his designee.
No application, reference, ballot or fee shall be required in the Lodge in this Jurisdiction conferring a courtesy degree and the applicant will be a member of the Lodge which requested the work.
§26390. EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION TO CONFER DEGREES.
A Lodge shall not recognize as a Mason or confer a courtesy degree upon any person who, at a time when he was a resident of this Jurisdiction, was elected or claims to have been elected to receive the degrees of Masonry from any source beyond this Jurisdiction without proper permission, until a Lodge of this Jurisdiction shall have received him as a member.
The proper permission may only be given by the Lodge nearest his place of residence, and in the manner necessary for an election to receive the degrees. A resident of this Jurisdiction who receives one or more of the degrees elsewhere and then applies for the remaining degrees to the Lodge within whose Jurisdiction he resides, is not required to pay again for the degree or degrees already received and may tender with his application only that portion of the fees attributable to the remaining degree or degrees.
A Lodge shall recognize as a Mason a person who, while in the uniformed service of the United States, has received the degrees of Masonry in a regular Lodge under a Jurisdiction recognized by this Jurisdiction in which he is stationed at the time of receiving the degrees and in accordance with the laws of that Jurisdiction.
ARTICLE XIV
DUES
§27010. MINIMUM.
The minimum annual dues are $12. Dues shall commence with the first day of the month next following the conferring of the Master Mason Degree or as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§27020. LIFE MEMBERSHIP.
A Lodge may adopt a standing resolution providing for a system of life membership, which shall forever exempt a member from the payment of dues therein. The resolution or any amendment shall not be acted on at the Stated Meeting at which it is introduced, or until notice in writing has been forwarded by mail to every member of the Lodge. It must provide that life membership shall be granted upon payment of a sum of money named therein, which sum shall in case the annual dues are $12 be not less than $250 and the minimum amount be proportionately greater as the dues are greater; or, in the alternative, it may provide for the granting of such a life membership upon payment of a sum of money
equal to the annual dues of the Lodge multiplied by the factor indicated opposite the member's age in the following schedule:
Under age 49, 21 times annual dues;
50 to 54 inclusive, 19 times annual dues;
55 to 59 inclusive, 17 times annual dues;
60 to 64 inclusive, 14 times annual dues;
65 and over, 11 times annual dues;
shall then become an executed contract requiring the consent of the Lodge and the life member to rescind it. The resolution shall take effect only upon its approval by the Grand Master.
When the annual dues of the Lodge are increased, the Lodge's standing life membership resolution shall be deemed to have been amended without further action of the Lodge to increase the dollar amounts required for a life membership by the same percentage that the Lodge dues have been increased.
§27030. REMOVAL OF LIFE MEMBER FROM ROLL BOOK.
The Secretary of a Lodge which has life members shall send to each life member at his last known address, annually, a Life Membership Dues Card for the next calendar year. In the event that the Card is returned by the U.S. Post Office for six consecutive years as unclaimed or the addressee unknown, the Secretary shall on the seventh year send such card by registered mail to the last known address of the life member. If such registered mail is returned to the Secretary by the post office, then the Secretary shall:
A. Report the fact to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting and note in the minutes;
B. Remove the member's name from the roll-book of the Lodge; and
C. Transmit to the Grand Secretary, with his annual reports, a notification that the name of the life member has been removed from the roll book and the reason.
In the event that the life member shall be located at any time subsequent to the removal of his name from the roll book, he shall immediately be restored and the fact shall be transmitted to the Grand Secretary with the annual reports. The Lodge shall pay all per capita taxes accrued on the life member from the date of removal to the date of restoration.
§27040. RECEIPT FOR DUES.
Each Lodge shall use, without change, the uniform receipt for dues furnished by the Grand Secretary.
§27050. NO ASSESSMENTS.
A Lodge shall not levy any assessments on its members.
§27060. REMISSION OF DUES.
If recommended by the Charity Committee, a Lodge, without giving the name of members except to the Secretary, may remit to December 31 of the current calendar year the accrued dues of those of its members who are unable to pay.
The Charity Committee should review the situation of a member whose dues were remitted by a Lodge the preceding calendar year before the February Stated Meeting. If, in the opinion of the Charity Committee, the necessity for the remission of his dues still exists, it shall recommend to the Lodge that the dues be remitted to December 31 of the current calendar year. A Lodge shall not remit the dues of any of its members, for any stated period, or in advance, except as herein provided.
A Brother who is mentally incompetent to such an extent as to be incapable of taking care of himself, or a Brother who is a resident of the Masonic Homes of California, may be considered as unable to pay dues.
§27070. NON-PAYMENT OF DUES.
A member shall not be expelled from Masonry for non-payment of dues, but may be suspended from all its rights and privileges.
In case any member has not paid his dues during a period of 12 months, and after notification by the Secretary, unless at the next Stated Meeting either his dues are paid or sickness or inability to pay is shown as the cause for the failure to pay, he shall be declared by the Master to be suspended, unless for special reasons shown, the Lodge shall remit his dues or grant him further time for payment.
The Secretary shall give him notice of these requirements either by registered letter or certified mail, with return receipt requested, addressed to his last known address or by actual service of notice, duly certified by the Tiler.
§27080. RETURN OF DUES.
If a brother dies, is issued a Dimit or discontinues multiple membership, the Lodge shall refund to the proper estate or to him, dues paid in advance of the current month when he died or his membership terminated; provided, however, that a brother issued a Dimit or discontinuing multiple membership may only obtain a refund of his dues paid in advance if he has returned his dues receipt in such Lodge with his request for a Dimit or Certificate of Discontinuance of Multiple Membership. (10/00)
§27090. DUES INCREASE.
If a Lodge increases dues, members who have paid in advance must pay the increase.
§27100. RESTORATION.
A member suspended for non-payment of dues:
A. Shall be automatically restored if, within two years, he pays any arrearage due at the time of his suspension, together with such further dues as would have accrued against him had he not been suspended, to the date of his payment, unless such arrearage and dues have been remitted by his Lodge; and
B. May make a request to his Lodge for restoration if he has not paid them or had them remitted by his Lodge for the period of two years. The member shall not be restored except by a two-thirds vote by ballot of all the members present at the next Stated Meeting after the request for restoration is presented. As a condition of his restoration, he shall pay any arrearage due at the time of his suspension, together with such further dues as would have accrued against him had he not been suspended, to the date of his payment, unless the arrearage and dues have been remitted by his Lodge. A petition denied may be renewed at any future Stated Meeting.
ARTICLE XV
OTHER PERMITTED FINANCIAL SUPPORT
§27500. PERMITTED FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
A Masonic Lodge or a Masonic Organization may solicit and receive the following types of financial support only:
A. Dues from its members;
B. Contributions and other financial assistance from its own members;
C. Contributions and other financial assistance from such persons and entities (other than its members) as may be approved by the Grand Master;
D. Interest, dividend, rental, royalty and other forms of investment income;
E. Proceeds from the sale or exchange of assets; and
F. Other types of support as are specifically authorized in this Article XV.
No other forms of financial support are permitted.
§27550. MASONIC LODGES NOT BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS.
A Masonic Lodge is not a business establishment. Therefore, a Masonic Lodge may not under any circumstance regularly offer goods or services to the general public. A Masonic Lodge may not under any circumstance provide a forum which encourages business relations to grow nor which enhances any commercial advantage of its members. No member of any Masonic Lodge may engage in any of these activities except in his individual capacity and then only without the use of the name of the Lodge.
§27600. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MASONIC LODGES.
A Masonic Lodge may solicit and receive financial support for its fraternal operations and charitable activities from the following additional sources:
A. A Masonic Lodge may hold periodic activities to which tickets are sold to its members and their families and friends. No tickets to such an activity may be sold to the general public nor may there be any other public solicitation of support for such an activity. The sponsor shall disclose that any profits from the activity will be used for the sponsor's fraternal and not charitable purposes, if such is the case. In the event that such disclosure is not given, through inadvertence or otherwise, all proceeds from the activity shall be given to a recognized Masonic charity.
B. Advertising may be included in publications which the Lodge uses to communicate with its members, provided that:
1. The advertisements are in good taste and within the bounds of propriety;
2. Advertisements for controlled substances, alcohol, or tobacco are not accepted;
3. Advertisements for religious or political groups are not accepted;
4. Lodge mailing lists or Grand Lodge rosters are not furnished to advertisers;
5. No representation is made to Masons that it is their duty to advertise;
6. Advertising is accepted only from members and businesses or commercial establishments owned or operated by members of the Lodge. In joint publications to the members of the Lodge and to the members of one or more other Lodges or Masonic Organizations, advertising is accepted only from members and businesses or commercial establishments owned or operated by members of one or more of the participating Lodges and Masonic Organizations;
7. Solicitation of advertisements is by a member in good standing of a Lodge or Masonic Organization for whose publication advertising is solicited; and
8. Any advertising revenue in excess of the expenses of publishing, printing, and mailing such publication is donated to a recognized Masonic charity.
C. A Masonic Lodge may participate in local community fairs, celebrations and similar community events by sponsoring, occupying and operating booths for selling food or non-alcoholic beverages to persons attending or participating in such events.
D. A Masonic Lodge may participate in any other activity which has been approved by the Grand Master. (10/96)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§27700. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS.
A Masonic Organization may solicit and receive financial support for its fraternal operations and charitable activities from the following additional sources:
A. A Masonic Organization may hold periodic activities to which tickets are sold to its members and their families and friends. No tickets to such an activity may be sold to the general public nor may there be any other public solicitation of support for such an activity. The sponsor shall disclose that any profits from the activity will be used for the sponsor's fraternal and not charitable purposes, if such is the case. In the event that such disclosure is not given, through inadvertence or otherwise, all proceeds from the activity shall be given to a recognized Masonic charity.
B. A Masonic Organization may solicit and receive financial support for its fraternal operations and charitable activities from its members and their families and friends, as well as from the general public, if the sponsor observes the following guidelines:
1. The square and compass, the words "Mason", "Masonic", "Freemasonry", "Freemason" and any variation of any such words may not be used in connection with the activity or any publicity associated with it.
2. The activity may not be unethical, fraudulent, misleading or illegal under applicable state and federal laws.
3. The sponsor shall disclose that any profits from the activity will be used for the sponsor's fraternal and not charitable purposes, if such is the case. In the event that such disclosure is not given, through inadvertence or otherwise, all proceeds from the activity shall be given to a recognized Masonic charity.
4. Solicitation of support shall not occur on the premises of any Constituent Lodge.
Permitted fund-raising activities shall include the solicitation of advertising from any individual or business.
C. A Masonic Organization may participate in local community fairs, celebrations and similar community events by sponsoring, occupying and operating booths for selling food or non-alcoholic beverages to persons attending or participating in such events.
D. A Masonic Organization may participate in any other activity which has been approved by the Grand Master.
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§27800. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES.
In addition to the activities permitted by the other provisions of this Article XV, a Masonic Lodge and a Masonic Organization may also solicit and receive financial support for its charitable activities from its members and their families and friends, as well as from the general public, if the sponsor observes the following guidelines:
A. Publicity, tickets and programs relating to the event clearly identify the charitable purpose;
B. The net proceeds of the event are distributed to the charities named (net proceeds are defined as the proceeds available for distribution after deduction of all expenses, including advances by a co-sponsoring commercial organization);
C. The event itself and the associated publicity are within the bounds of propriety;
D. Masonic Code provisions regarding advertising and gambling are followed; and
E. If the activity is held in cooperation with one or more commercial sponsors, the following additional requirements are met:
1. Any advances by commercial co-sponsors represent less than 50% of the total expenses, including these advances;
2. An independent audit of the financial transaction is conducted and reported to the head of the sponsoring Lodge or Masonic Organization, subject to approval by the Grand Master; and
3. If the activity is sponsored by a Constituent Lodge, the activity has been approved by the Grand Master.
§27900. FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MASONIC YOUTH ORDERS.
A Masonic Youth Order may solicit and receive financial support for its fraternal operations and charitable activities from its members and their families and friends, as well as from the general public, when done within the bounds of propriety and when fair prices are charged.
ARTICLE XVI
RELIEF
§28010. DUTIES OF LODGE.
A Lodge must relieve its own members, their widows and orphans, when in distress, regardless of their place of residence, according to its own circumstances and ability. It shall see that its needy members do not suffer or want, or become a burden to others.
An "orphan" is the son or daughter under the age of majority of a deceased Master Mason. No man or woman over the age of majority shall be entitled to relief as a matter of right. However, a Lodge may, in its discretion, provide relief in exceptional circumstances to the adult child of a deceased Master Mason where a need arises by reason of a physical or mental impairment.
A "widow" is one who was married to a Master Mason at the time of his demise. A widow who remarries forfeits all rights to Masonic relief from her previous husband pursuant to this section even though such remarriage is later terminated by divorce, dissolution, or otherwise.
Money given a Brother as a charity by a Lodge cannot be charged to him.
§28020. MASONIC SERVICE BUREAUS.
Masonic Service Bureaus shall be for the purpose of:
A. Properly relieving the distress of Masons who are members of Lodges in other areas of this Jurisdiction or of Lodges in other Jurisdictions, their widows and orphans, while residing or visiting in the area of the Masonic Service Bureau;
B. Arranging and conducting funerals of such deceased Masons;
C. Making investigations requested by Lodges of this or other Jurisdictions;
D. Visiting sick sojourning Masons;
E. Operating a clearing house as to applicants for the degrees and for dual or plural membership by affiliation of Lodges in the area of that Masonic Service Bureau; and
F. Such Masonic activities as may be authorized by the Committee on Masonic Service Bureaus as provided in this Code subject to appeal and review of the Grand Master or Grand Lodge.
Lodges may form a Masonic Service Bureau under a compact to be agreed upon among themselves and approved by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master before becoming effective. They may provide, among other things, for paying the expenses of the work in such manner as they shall deem proper.
The Committee on Masonic Service Bureaus shall, with the consent and by direction of the Grand Master, have the power to compel any Lodge within this Grand Jurisdiction to become a member of the Masonic Service Bureau nearest its place of meeting. The Committee on Masonic Service Bureaus may, when the interests of the Craft will be served, cause to be organized with the consent of and by direction of the Grand Master additional Masonic Service Bureaus.
A Lodge may withdraw from a Masonic Service Bureau for good cause, subject to the approval of the Committee on Masonic Service Bureaus.
Masonic Service Bureaus shall report annually to the Committee on Masonic Service Bureaus showing their work, receipts and disbursements in detail, specifying separately what, if any, has been expended for relief of Masons, their widows and orphans, funerals of deceased Masons, and how much thereof has been repaid. Grand Lodge will not appropriate any of its funds to any Bureau not so reporting, and unless it has shown that its actual expenses have been borne by the Lodges constituting it.
§28030. BURIAL AND BURIAL EXPENSES.
Every Mason who dies while in good standing is entitled to a Masonic memorial service or burial with Masonic honors.
It is the duty of the Lodge within whose Jurisdiction a Mason belonging to a Lodge in another Jurisdiction dies while in good standing to bury him and, if his financial circumstances require it, to pay the necessary expenses of the burial even though his Lodge refuses to reimburse the Lodge for such expenses.
When financial circumstances require, it is also the duty of the Lodge to pay all the necessary expenses of the burial for each of its members, their widows and orphans dependant upon them and to reimburse any other Lodge for the reasonable expenses incurred by it in suitably burying them. No Lodge shall fix in advance the amount to be paid for such burial.
The Lodge through its Master and Wardens may, in its discretion, conduct Masonic funeral services for a member suspended for non-payment of dues if there is no other Masonic offense established against him but it shall not pay the expenses of the burial.
§28040. FUNERAL SERVICES.
To constitute burial with Masonic honors the funeral service authorized by the Grand Lodge must be used. The Lodge may be opened in due form in the Lodge room, or the Master may call the members of his Lodge together at the place designated for the funeral, there put on the proper regalia and conduct the funeral without the necessity of a formal opening of the Lodge in which case the Secretary shall enter in the minutes of the next Stated Meeting the fact that the funeral had been conducted by the Lodge.
No Lodge shall attend any funeral or take part in any funeral service or procession unless it is under the direction of the Grand Lodge, the Lodge itself, a Masonic Service Bureau, or another Masonic Lodge. The Lodge conducting the service shall assign positions as to it may seem proper to other Masonic Lodges and to other persons.
Any Master Mason certified to conduct Masonic funeral services may deliver the service.
It is a member's duty to attend the funeral of a deceased member or Master Mason within the Jurisdiction of his Lodge.
The funeral of an Entered Apprentice or a Fellow Craft shall be conducted without the formal opening of the Lodge. (10/96)
For more information, please refer to the Appendix on Grand Masters' Decisions.
§28050. REFUNDING RELIEF ADVANCES.
A Lodge of which a needy Brother is a member shall refund to any other Lodge or Masonic Service Bureau all sums not exceeding $100 advanced in any one case for the relief of a Brother. Should the Master of the needy Brother's Lodge authorize the other Lodge or Service Bureau to advance sums in excess of $100 in any one case, all sums so advanced shall be refunded by such Lodge.
PART III
TRIALS AND RESTORATIONS
ARTICLE I
TRIAL OF GRAND MASTER
§29010. CHARGES.
Charges may be preferred, for any or all of the following reasons, against the Grand Master, as Grand Master, during his tenure in office, by the Masters of any five Lodges of this Jurisdiction, for:
A. Abuse of his power;
B. Violation of the Constitution or Ordinances; or
C. Other unmasonic conduct.
The charges shall be in writing signed by the accusers, and presented to the last Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge who is then residing in the State and who is a member in good standing of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction.
§29020. TRANSMISSION OF CHARGES.
The Past Grand Master shall transmit a copy of the charges to the accused as follows:
A. At least 30 days before the time designated for the trial, if the accused is in the State; or
B. At least 90 days before the time designated for the trial, if the accused is out of the State.
Included with the charges shall be a notice to the accused to attend at such time and place as is therein designated, which place shall be one convenient for the parties.
§29030. FORMATION OF TRIBUNAL.
The Past Grand Master who received the charges shall summon four or more other Past Grand Masters of this Jurisdiction, who shall at the time be members in good standing of Lodges therein, to assemble with him at the time and place designated, to then and there try the accused.
Each member of the tribunal shall have power to summon witnesses at the request of either the accused or accusers and the tribunal shall receive such testimony as in its judgment shall be proper, and shall, by a majority vote of all of its members, determine upon the guilt or innocence of the accused. The judgment of the tribunal shall be final.
§29040. EXPENSE OF TRIBUNAL.
All necessary expenses of the members of the tribunal shall be paid by Grand Lodge, in the same manner as those of Grand Lodge officers attending Grand Lodge Communications.
§29050. PROCEDURE.
The proceedings at the trial of the Grand Master, not fully prescribed in this Article, shall be, so far as is applicable, in conformity with the provisions for trial of individual Masons. The Grand Secretary shall attend at the trial to keep a record of the proceedings and of the judgment, which shall be filed in his office and shall be presented at the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.
§29060. PENALTY.
The only penalty that may be imposed shall be removal from office. The adjudged may also be subject to a charge of unmasonic conduct.
ARTICLE II
TRIAL OF MASTERS
§30010. CHARGES.
Charges may be preferred for any or all of the following reasons against the Master of a Lodge, as Master during his tenure in office, by any five Master Masons who are members in good standing of his Lodge, for:
A. Abuse of his power;
B. Violation of the Constitution or Ordinances; or
C. Other unmasonic conduct.
The charges shall be in writing, signed by the accusers, and shall be presented to Grand Lodge, if in session, or to the Grand Master.
When presented to the Grand Master, he shall be the sole judge as to whether the specifications properly charge a Masonic offense, subject to appeal as provided for elsewhere in this Code. His decision is binding on the Commissioners appointed to try the accused.
When presented to Grand Lodge in session, it shall be the sole judge as to whether the specifications properly charge a Masonic offense.
§30020. FORMATION OF COMMISSION.
Upon presentation of charges, Grand Lodge or the Grand Master may at once appoint and summon not less than three or more than seven disinterested Brethren, who shall be either Masters or Past Masters, to assemble as Commissioners to hear and rule thereupon.
The Commissioners shall choose one of their number to preside and each member shall have power to summon witnesses at the request of the accused or the accusers.
§30030. PROCEDURE.
The accused shall be summoned to appear and answer at the time and place most convenient for the parties and as shall be indicated in the summons. A copy of the charges and the summons shall be served upon the accused in the manner provided for elsewhere in this Code. The accused shall be given time to answer as follows:
A. If served in the County of his Lodge, at least 10 days;
B. If served out of that County and in the State, at least 30 days; or
C. If served out of State, at least 90 days.
The Commissioners may adjourn from time to time at their own convenience or for good cause shown by the accused or the accusers. Their duties shall be concluded within ten days, except where the adjournment is at the request of the accused or where the Grand Master grants further time.
The proceedings at the trial of the Master shall be in conformity with the provisions for trial of individual Masons.
The opinion of the majority of all the Commissioners shall be considered as the judgment of the whole and shall be conclusive, subject to appeal as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§30040. PENALTIES.
The penalty that may be imposed by the Commissioners is any one of the following:
A. Removal from office;
B. Suspension; or
C. Expulsion.
§30050. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS.
The Commissioners shall keep a complete record of their proceedings and of their judgment, and shall transmit the same to the Grand Secretary at the conclusion of the trial. The judgment shall be carried into effect at once by order of the Grand Master.
§30060. APPEAL.
An appeal to the Grand Lodge may be taken, by either party, if notification is given to the Grand Secretary within 30 days after the conclusion of the trial.
ARTICLE III
TRIAL OF LODGES
§31010. CHARGES.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§31020. SERVICE OF SUMMONS.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§31030. FORMATION OF COMMISSION.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§31040. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§31050. PENALTY.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
§31060. APPEAL.
This Section Has Been Eliminated in its Entirety
ARTICLE IV
TRIAL OF INDIVIDUAL MASONS
§32010. MASONS SUBJECT TO PENALTIES.
Any Mason who violates the Ancient Landmarks of the Order, the Constitution or Ordinances of Grand Lodge, the By-laws of his Lodge, or any Mason who violates, or who violated before initiation, any portion of the moral law, thereby committing a Masonic offense, may be reprimanded, suspended, or expelled, in the manner provided for elsewhere in this Code.
The passage of time shall not bar prosecution for any such violation.
§32020. UNMASONIC CONDUCT.
The following breaches of faith or moral turpitude constitute unmasonic conduct sufficient to support the filing of charges against a Mason:
A. Any violation, before or after initiation, of the criminal laws of the United States or of any other governmental entity involving moral turpitude;
B. The following acts committed against a Brother Mason, or the wife, or child, or widow of such a Brother:
1. Use of defamatory, vile, indecent, profane, abusive or threatening language,
2. Habitual intemperance and drunkenness,
3. Personal violence,
4. Falsehood, treachery and deceit, or
5. Actions similar to those offenses listed herein;
C. The following acts committed against his Lodge or the Master thereof:
1. Misrepresentation of any fact in an application for degrees, affiliation or restoration,
2. Declaration that he does not believe in a Supreme Being,
3. Attempted resignation from or renunciation of Masonry,
4. Visiting a clandestine Lodge or vouching for a member of a clandestine Lodge,
5. Disclosure of secret or confidential matters to a non-Mason or by a member of a Lodge to a non-member Mason not otherwise entitled to the same,
6. Reducing secret work to writing or use of a cipher ritual during a tiled meeting,
7. Refusal to obey Master's authority properly exercised,
8. Refusal to sign Lodge By-laws,
9. Improper use of ballot or objection to candidate's advancement without proper cause, or
10. Actions similar to those offenses listed herein;
D. The following acts committed by a Mason against Grand Lodge or the Grand Master:
1. Refusal to obey an edict of the Grand Master,
2. Electioneering as prohibited by this Code,
3. Organizing or promoting as a Lodge function:
a. A trip to another Jurisdiction for the purpose of conferring a degree, without first obtaining a dispensation, or
b. An event in violation of the Masonic or civil laws of this Jurisdiction,
4. Membership in any organization advocating the violent overthrow of the government or an organization whose tenets are in conflict with the basic principles and tenets of Masonry, or
5. Actions similar to those offenses listed herein;
E. Acts or actions in breach of the obligations of the degrees; or
F. The use of the Masonic name or emblems for other than legitimate Masonic purposes.
§32030. NOT UNMASONIC CONDUCT.
An act does not constitute a Masonic offense that neither violates this Code nor involves a breach of faith or moral turpitude.
The following do not constitute unmasonic conduct sufficient to support the filing of charges against a Mason:
A. A business dispute not involving fraud or one that involves the innocent inability to pay a just debt as promised;
B. Political differences and acts in respect thereto;
C. A possible conflict of interest arising from a transaction between a Mason in his private capacity and his Lodge or Temple Association where a full disclosure of the possible conflict has been made prior to the transaction; or
D. Actions allegedly violating the laws of other fraternal or social organizations, including Masonic Organizations.
§32040. FOREIGN CONVICTION.
Whenever it appears by the record for conviction from another Grand Jurisdiction, recognized by this Grand Lodge, that a member of one of our Lodges, resident in that Jurisdiction, but not a multiple member, has been suspended or expelled for unmasonic conduct in that Jurisdiction while a resident thereof, it shall be the duty of Junior Warden of his Lodge in this Jurisdiction to procure two certified copies of the record of conviction, which shall include the charges or complaint and the judgment or order of expulsion or suspension.
Notice in writing shall be given to the member by registered mail, forwarded to his last known place of address, notifying him of the record of conviction and requiring him within 60 days to elect in writing, if he so desires, to have a trial on the charge of unmasonic conduct based on the offense or offenses of which he was convicted in the other Jurisdiction. The written election shall be filed with the Secretary of his Lodge in this Jurisdiction.
If the Mason elects to have a trial, it shall be the duty of the Junior Warden of his Lodge to prefer charges based on the offense or offenses of which he was convicted in the other Jurisdiction. The proceedings shall be as provided for elsewhere in this Code, except that the record of conviction in the other Jurisdiction shall be received as prima facie evidence of his guilt.
If no election to have a trial is filed within the 60 day period, or if one is filed and withdrawn by a written notice of withdrawal filed with the Secretary, the Master shall announce to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting that a certified copy of the conviction in the other Jurisdiction has been filed and that the required notice has been given. The member shall stand expelled or suspended, whichever was the penalty in the other Jurisdiction, from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, and it shall be so noted in the minutes and the record sent to the Grand Secretary.
If the member was a multiple member in the other Jurisdiction, the provisions of this Code relating to multiple memberships shall be applicable.
§32050. PENAL JURISDICTION OF LODGE.
The penal jurisdiction of a Lodge, subject at all times to the power of the Grand Master to designate the Lodge wherein an accused Mason shall be tried, includes all its own members wherever residing, and all Masons residing nearer to its place of meeting than to that of any other Lodge in this Jurisdiction, even though such member or such Mason is then suspended for any reason, including non-payment of dues. In places where more than one Lodge exists, such Lodges have the same penal jurisdiction over all Masons, so residing, and not members of one of them. A Lodge having once acquired jurisdiction does not lose it if the accused Brother changes his residence or joins another Lodge.
A Lodge shall not have penal jurisdiction over the Grand Master or its own Master during their tenure in office.
§32060. CHARGES.
A charge or charges of unmasonic conduct may be preferred against any member of a Lodge or any Mason residing within the Jurisdiction of a Lodge by any Master Mason in good standing. All charges shall be in writing over the signature of the accuser.
Charges to be preferred upon the Grand Master, as Grand Master, or a Master, as Master, shall be preferred as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
If facts, from any source, are brought to the attention of the Junior Warden of a Lodge showing that any Mason, over whom his Lodge has jurisdiction, could be guilty of unmasonic conduct, it shall be the duty of the Junior Warden to investigate whether these facts and any other facts discovered in the investigation give reasonable cause to believe that the Mason is guilty of unmasonic conduct. If, for the period of 30 days following the completion of his investigation, no Master Mason in good standing has preferred charges against such Mason and if the Junior Warden has reasonable cause to believe that the Mason is guilty of unmasonic conduct, then it shall become the official duty of the Junior
Warden to prefer the charges. He does so as a Master Mason and remains the accuser throughout the proceedings.
If the Junior Warden is the accused, or the information is against the Junior Warden, it shall be the official duty of the Senior Warden to prefer such charges. (10/96)
§32070. NO PREFERMENT OF CHARGES BY A LODGE.
The Lodge itself cannot prefer, dismiss or otherwise control charges.
§32080. STANDARDIZED FORMS REQUIRED.
Standardized forms as maintained by the Grand Secretary shall be used for all Masonic trials of individual Masons.
§32090. CHARGES MUST BE SPECIFIC.
The charge itself shall be a general one of unmasonic conduct. The unmasonic conduct shall be set forth in a specification or specifications stating clearly and precisely the facts giving rise to the offense or offenses, and giving time, place, and all necessary particulars as distinctly as possible, so that the accused may have full knowledge of all that he may be called upon to explain, disprove, or justify.
§32100. PRESENTATION OF CHARGES.
The charges shall be presented to the Master of a chartered Lodge having penal jurisdiction, and a copy shall be forwarded by the Secretary to the Grand Secretary who shall notify the Grand Master upon the receipt thereof.
Where the accused is a member of a Lodge under dispensation and where no chartered Lodge has concurrent penal jurisdiction, the charges may be presented to the Master of the Lodge under dispensation.
When the Lodge to which such charges are presented is a Lodge under dispensation, the Master shall at once transmit the charges to the Grand Master. If it appears to the Grand Master that the act or acts complained of constitute a Masonic offense, he shall designate a chartered Lodge to process the charges and he shall transmit the charges to the Master of the chartered Lodge, who shall proceed in the same manner as if the charges had been originally presented to him.
§32110. RIGHTS PENDING TRIAL.
A member of a Lodge shall retain all of his rights and privileges, except the right to dimit, until the charges are proven as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§32120. PROCEDURE ON RECEIPT OF CHARGES.
Upon presentation, the Master shall, without disclosing the name of the accused to any other person, examine the charge and specifications, and, if they are obviously frivolous, or if the act or acts with which the accused is charged clearly do not constitute a Masonic offense, he may refuse to entertain them. Should it appear otherwise, and it is known to the Master that the accuser is a Master Mason in good standing, he shall:
A. Cause true copies of the charges and specifications to be made;
B. Cause one of the copies to be forwarded to the Grand Secretary; and
C. Cause to be served upon the accused a true copy of the charges together with a notice that the charges have been filed and that the accused may, within 30 days after the service upon him, file with the Secretary of the Lodge a statement in writing that he is either guilty or not guilty of the charge.
If the accused fails to file, within 30 days as required, a statement in writing containing a plea of either guilty or not guilty, further proceedings will be taken against the accused without further notice to him.
Upon a plea of guilty, the penalty may be fixed by the Trial Master appointed by the Grand Master without further notice to the accused.
§32130. TIME AND MANNER OF SERVICE.
Service of the charges and notice upon the accused shall be made personally by the Tiler or some other member of the Lodge authorized by the Master. If personal service cannot be effected upon the accused after reasonable attempt, as determined by the Master, the Secretary shall serve the accused by ordinary mail directed to his last known address. The service of charges and notice is mandatory and in its absence the Trial Master has no authority to proceed.
§32140. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE.
A Certificate of Service of a true copy of the charge and specifications, and the notice to the accused, shall be executed by the Brother making the service showing the method by which it was accomplished. If service was by mail to the last known address of the accused, the Certificate must show the source of the address.
§32150. PROCEDURE IF ACCUSED PLEADS GUILTY, OR NOLO CONTENDERE OR FAILS TO PLEAD NOT GUILTY.
If within the time provided for in the notice, the accused has not filed in writing with the Secretary of the Lodge his plea of not guilty, the Trial Master shall:
A. Personally make a complete investigation;
B. Determine whether the charge and specifications are true;
C. Cause the facts relating thereto to be reduced to writing in triplicate;
D. Make a finding as to the guilt or innocence of the accused; and
E. Fix the penalty.
On the finding and determination of penalty, he shall cause one copy of the complete written record to be forwarded to the Grand Secretary and shall cause one copy to be filed in the archives of the Lodge.
At the next Stated Meeting of the Lodge, the Trial Master shall announce his findings and the penalty imposed, and a copy of the minutes shall be sent to the Grand Secretary as a part of the record.
On the filing by the accused of a written plea of guilty or of nolo contendere to the charge, the Trial Master may make a finding of guilt without further investigation, but may make any such investigation he believes necessary and, after determining the penalty, shall state it in his report to the Lodge.
Notice of the findings and the penalty fixed by the Trial Master shall be mailed to the accused at his last known address.
An accused may, at any time before a verdict is rendered by the Trial Commission or by a Trial Master sitting without a Commission, change a plea of not guilty to one of guilty. The Trial Master shall then dismiss the Commissioners and proceed in the manner provided for cases where a guilty plea was originally entered by the accused.
§32160. PROCEDURE IF ACCUSED PLEADS NOT GUILTY.
If, within the time provided for in the notice, the accused files his written plea of not guilty, the Master shall call a Special Meeting of his Lodge as soon as practicable for the purpose of electing Trial Commissioners unless the accused has requested, in writing, that the trial be held before the Trial Master only and the accuser has concurred in that request.
The Special Meeting may be held on the same date as, and in connection with, a Stated Meeting.
§32170. NOTICE TO ELECT COMMISSION.
A separate and distinct notice of a meeting to elect Trial Commissioners shall be given in writing to every member of the Lodge whose residence is known. The notice shall state that the purpose of the meeting is to elect Commissioners to try a Brother (using no name) upon a charge of unmasonic conduct. The notice shall show that it is issued by order of the Master, and be attested by the Secretary.
The accused, if a member, is entitled to this notice and to be present at the meeting.
Even if the Secretary is the accused, he should issue the notices and act in his official capacity until the Commissioners are elected; then he should be temporarily suspended from office, and a Secretary pro tempore appointed to discharge the duties of the office to the conclusion of the trial.
If the meeting is not held on the date indicated in the notice, the Master must proceed as though no meeting was called and a new notice of the new date must be given in the manner set forth above.
§32180. ELECTION OF COMMISSION.
The Special Meeting called for the election of Trial Commissioners shall proceed as follows:
A. The Master will announce the purpose of the meeting and shall recite the charges but shall not make known the accused;
B. The Lodge shall determine, by vote, the names of the Commissioners, who shall be seven in number plus two alternates;
C. Nominations may be made by members who are present at the meeting;
D. Each member will cast a vote, in writing, for names of enough members as will fill the Commission plus the two alternates;
E. Members found to have received a majority of all the votes cast shall be elected; and
F. The voting shall be repeated until the determined number of commissioners has been elected.
A member need not be present to be eligible for election as a Commissioner if otherwise qualified.
The Secretary is prohibited from serving as one of the Commissioners.
Immediately following the announcement of the names of those elected to serve as Commissioners, the Secretary shall announce the name of the accused.
§32190. TRIAL MASTER.
The Grand Master, or the Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, or Junior Grand Warden, if authorized by the Grand Master, upon being advised by the Grand Secretary of the receipt of charges, shall appoint a Past Master of this Jurisdiction, in good standing and skilled in Masonic Law, from a list of qualified Past Masters as maintained by the Committee on Trial Review, to preside at the trial. The person so appointed shall be known as the Trial Master and shall have all the powers and duties of the Master of the Lodge as provided for elsewhere in this Code regarding Trials of Individual Masons.
The Master of the Lodge may:
A. Receive the charges;
B. Call and preside at the meeting for the election of Commissioners;
C. Fix the time and place for the first meeting of the Commissioners;
D. Direct the giving of notice to the accuser, the accused, and the Trial Commissioners; and
E. Announce the result of the trial in the Lodge.
The Trial Master must make the investigation and findings, fix the penalty and make the report.
A Trial Master beginning a trial shall continue to preside until the trial is completed.
§32200. DISQUALIFICATION TO BE TRIAL MASTER.
A Master who has ordered the Junior Warden to file a charge of unmasonic conduct against a member is disqualified to preside at the trial of such member.
A Master or Past Master who cannot fairly try the matter, or who is a witness, is disqualified to preside at the trial.
§32210. AMENDING CHARGES.
The Trial Master, after his appointment, has a right to strike out portions of the charges containing no clear and precise specifications of an offense, or which are ambiguous, uncertain, unsatisfactory, or insufficient; and may, at any time, allow amendments which will tend toward justice. He may allow charges to be withdrawn before commencement of the trial, but not afterward.
§32220. NOTICE OF FIRST MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS.
The Trial Master will:
A. Name the time and place, unless already accomplished, for the first meeting of the Commissioners, considering the convenience of the parties and the time allowed to the accused for appearance;
B. Direct the Secretary to notify each Commissioner of his election and of such time and place of meeting, either in person or in writing;
C. Direct the Secretary to notify the accuser and the accused of the time and place of meeting and of the time and place of the trial, as the case may be; and
D. Direct the Secretary to prepare for his signature a summons which the Secretary will cause to be served, together with a copy of the charges, requiring the accused to appear and answer.
The summons shall be issued in duplicate, one copy for the accused, and the other to be presented to the Commissioners, with a proper certificate of service attached. The summons shall also inform the accused of his right to be represented by counsel as provided for elsewhere in this Code.
§32230. DISQUALIFICATION TO BE COMMISSIONER AND VACANCIES.
Trial Commissioners shall assemble under the direction of the Trial Master. No person who acted as a witness or Commissioner at a prior trial of the accused is qualified to act as Commissioner. One who cannot fairly try the matter is unqualified to act as Commissioner. Objections may be made to any Commissioner but reasons for objection must be stated at the time thereof and the Trial Master shall decide and rule upon the validity of all objections.
Vacancies on the Commission, because of objections or otherwise, shall be filled by the remaining Commissioners from qualified members of the Lodge, subject to the approval of the Trial Master. If a majority of the Commissioners are unable to act, the Trial Master shall refer the matter to the Lodge for the election of new Commissioners to fill the vacancies.
§32240. AUTOMATIC DISSOLUTION OF COMMISSION.
A Commission is automatically dissolved and all future actions attempted by it are void if it fails to meet on the date appointed by the Master or Trial Master, or if it fails to meet on the adjourned date and no further time is granted by the Trial Master. (10/99)
§32250. TRIAL SUMMONS.
The obligation to obey a trial summons is absolute and the penalty for disobedience shall be expulsion, unless such disobedience was unavoidable or was occasioned by some pressing necessity.
§32260. SERVICE OF TRIAL SUMMONS.
A. The trial summons and copy of the charges shall be delivered to the accused prior to the date of the trial according to his place of residence as follows:
1. If in the County, at least 10 days;
2. If out of the County, but in the State, at least 30 days; or
3. If out of the State, at least 60 days.
B. Service shall be performed by:
1. The Tiler personally or some other member of the Lodge if authorized by the Master or Trial Master;
2. Being left at his ordinary residence or place of business; or
3. Being mailed, by certified mail, to his last known address by the Secretary.
C. Service by mail shall be presumed complete on depositing the documents in the mail in a sealed envelope with sufficient postage with proof by certificate of the Secretary.
D. If his address is unknown, the Trial Master shall order the trial to proceed in the absence of the accused and the record shall contain a full statement of the fact constituting
due diligence in the effort to locate the accused.
§32270. COUNSEL.
Any Master Mason in good standing may, at the request of the accuser or the accused, appear as counsel to assist in the prosecution or defense. No Lodge funds shall be used to pay the expenses of an accused resulting from the trial. Such counsel may not, without permission of the accused, testify to facts disclosed to him by the accused or discovered by him as a direct result of any such disclosure, but may be compelled to disclose any facts otherwise in his knowledge.
Such counsel need not be any attorney at law. He may appear and represent the accused if the latter cannot be present at the trial. The summons served on the accused shall give notice of the provisions of this section.
The accuser has the burden of proving the charges. The counsel for the accuser has the duty of first presenting evidence to support the charge, after which the counsel for the accused may present evidence in defense. The counsel for the accuser shall, at the conclusion of the testimony, have the right to first make an oral summation. The counsel for the accused shall thereafter have the right to make such a summation after which the counsel for the accuser shall again have the right to make a final summation.
§32280. RECORD OF TRIAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Secretary, or, in his absence, some other unbiased member of the Lodge appointed for the purpose by the Master or Trial Master, shall keep a full record of the trial proceedings and of the judgment, under the supervision of the Trial Master. Arguments of counsel, including oral summation, are not part of the trial record. A tape recording of the testimony and other proceedings at the trial, properly monitored, shall be acceptable in place of a stenographic record.
§32290. STENOGRAPHIC REPORTER.
At the option of the Trial Master, a duly accredited stenographic reporter may be employed. Whenever reasonably possible, such reporter shall be a Master Mason. The Trial Master shall, however, have the option to employ a stenographic reporter who is not a Master Mason if he has first reasonable concluded that the conduct of the proceedings is not likely to involve the disclosure of any of the secrets of Freemasonry. If the reporter is a Master Mason, he shall qualify upon his honor as a Master Mason before entering upon his duty. The expenses of such reporter shall be borne by the Lodge of which the accused is a member, if it is in this Jurisdiction.
When the accused is not a member in this Jurisdiction, Grand Lodge shall pay the expenses of the reporter if:
A. The reporter is employed with the approval of the Grand Master;
B. The claim of the reporter is forwarded to the Grand Secretary; and
C. The claim is certified as correct by the Master and Secretary of the Lodge in which the trial was held. (10/00)
§32300. ACQUITTAL IN COURTS NO BAR.
Acquittal in the courts or the refusal of a Grand jury to indict for an offense is not a bar to a Masonic trial.
§32310. TESTIMONY.
The Trial Master shall, at the request of either party, summon witnesses who are Masons residing in the Jurisdiction of his Lodge to appear and testify before the Commission.
Whenever the attendance of a witness who is a Mason and who resides out of the Jurisdiction of the Lodge in which the trial is held cannot be procured, his testimony may be taken. This testimony may be taken before the Master of the Lodge within whose Jurisdiction he resides and upon notice to the adverse party by the Master of the Lodge in which the trial is held. His attendance may be compelled by summons to testify. His testimony shall be written in full, signed by him, and authenticated by the certificate of the Master before whom it is taken, under the seal of the Lodge. Whenever the testimony of a witness residing out of the State is desired, it shall be taken upon
interrogatories, agreed upon by the parties or settled by the Trial Master.
If the testimony of witnesses who are not Masons is desired, such witnesses may appear before the Commission and, after having been put under oath or affirmation by some officer authorized by the laws of the State wherein the testimony is taken to administer oaths, and at such time and place and upon such notice to the adverse party as shall be designated by the Trial Master.
Witnesses who are Master Masons in good standing shall testify upon their honor as such, and all others shall testify under oath or affirmation.
All oral testimony will be written in full by the Secretary or stenographer, and certified as correct. A tape recording, properly monitored and certified, may be used in place of a written record. The documentary testimony, including interrogations, depositions and affidavits, will be made part of the record by incorporating it, or a copy of it, therein.
§32320. GENERAL PROCEDURE.
Any Master Mason in good standing may be present at all times at a Masonic trial. The Trial Master may, for good cause and in the interest of justice, exclude any person whose presence is not necessary to the actual conduct of the trial. Under no circumstances shall one who is not a Master Mason be permitted to be present at a Masonic trial except for the limited purpose of testifying.
The Trial Master shall decide all questions of law which may arise during a trial, decide what and how much testimony shall be allowed and ensure that the trial is conducted in all respects with due order and propriety.
The ordinary rules of evidence employed in the courts of the State of California shall be followed as nearly as the circumstances permit. Admissions or confessions of the accused that would be admissible in the courts are admissible. The records and reporter's transcripts of testimony made in the Courts in criminal cases, but not in civil cases, properly authenticated, may be allowed in evidence. A witness shall not be examined or any testimony taken without an opportunity given the accuser and the accused to be present. Affidavits or depositions taken without notice cannot be received. Technical objections as to form shall not be permitted. Hearsay evidence is not
admissible. The certified record of final conviction in criminal proceedings is prima facie evidence in a Masonic trial of guilt of the offense covered in the criminal proceedings. The accused has a right, as a part of his presentation, to introduce testimony which explains his actions and has the further right to introduce evidence in extenuation and mitigation.
No Mason, the accused or otherwise, against whom charges are pending shall be required to be a witness or to testify to facts tending to incriminate himself. Before such testimony is accepted, the Trial Master must be satisfied that the accused has been advised of his right to remain silent.
Where guilt is sought to be proven by one witness, great caution is to be exercised.
Except in those cases wherein the parties have agreed that the trial be conducted before the Trial Master alone, the Commissioners are the sole judges of the facts proven, and the Trial Master shall have no vote in decision of the case.
§32330. CONTINUANCE.
The Trial Master may adjourn a trial at any time to a specified time for his convenience or for the convenience of any or all of the Commissioners, or for sufficient cause shown by either party. A reasonable continuance should be allowed the accuser or accused to permit a proper presentation of their side of the matter.
The period within which their duties shall be concluded shall not exceed 10 days unless the Trial Master grants them further time for good reason. (10/99)
§32340. TRIAL PENDING IN COURTS
When the charge is for an offense that is the subject of proceedings in court, the Masonic trial may, in the discretion of the Trial Master, be deferred until such proceedings are concluded.
§32350. VERDICT.
After all testimony has been received in a trial, when before Trial Commissioners, the Commissioners shall proceed without delay to deliberate upon their verdict and sentence. During deliberations, only the Commissioners may be present.
The guilt or innocence of the accused must be determined by the Commissioners. Only those Commissioners who have participated in the entire trial are entitled to participate in its deliberation and findings. The Trial Master, being only the presiding officer, cannot decide the facts or dismiss the case at the conclusion of the trial, except in the case of a trial held before a Trial Master alone, where, following a trial conducted in accordance with the procedure set forth elsewhere in this Code for trials before a Commission, the Trial Master alone shall determine the guilt or innocence of the accused and shall decide on the penalty.
After sufficient consultation and deliberation, a vote by ballot for "guilty" or "not guilty" shall be taken upon each specification, and each vote shall be recorded. A separate vote shall be taken upon the charge of unmasonic conduct and be recorded to determine if the facts proven and found constitute a Masonic offense. A majority vote of the original number of Commissioners elected is required to find a verdict of guilty. If the Commissioners cannot find the accused guilty of the charge or specification, they may delete any part which they do not find against the accused, and return a verdict, or judgment, for that portion of the specification or charge of which they find
the accused guilty.
Should the accused be found guilty of one or more of the specifications, and of the charge of unmasonic conduct as originally charged, or as modified by their findings, the Commissioners will proceed to vote upon the sentence. A majority of the original number of Commissioners elected will be required to determine the sentence. The vote shall be by ballot and the ballots shall have written on them "aye" or "no." The first vote will be upon the question - "Shall the accused be expelled§" If there is not the required majority vote for expulsion, the question will next be - "Shall the accused be suspended§" If there is not the required majority vote for suspension, the last
question will be - "Shall the accused be reprimanded§"
All questions and votes shall be recorded, giving the number of votes, both aye and no, upon each question.
If the required majority of the Commissioners cannot agree on the matters of guilt and punishment, the Trial Master must discharge the Commissioners and a new Trial Commission must be elected by the Lodge.
§32360. PENALTIES.
The penalties that may be imposed are reprimand in open Lodge, suspension or expulsion.
If the penalty is reprimand, the Master shall summon the accused to appear at the next Stated Meeting after the decision by Grand Lodge affirming the judgment. If trial of the charges has been transferred by order of the Grand Master, then the Grand Master may, after the announcement of the result of the trial, designate the Lodge in which the reprimand shall be given. The Trial Master, or such other person as the Grand Master may designate, shall deliver the reprimand.
If the sentence is suspension or expulsion, it shall at once go into effect, and the Secretary shall immediately notify the accused and the Grand Secretary.
§32370. SUSPENSION.
The suspension of a Mason is the deprivation of all his rights and privileges as a Mason, and prohibits all Masons and Lodges from holding any Masonic intercourse with him until he is legally restored.
§32380. EXPULSION.
Expulsion of a Mason is the most severe penalty that can be imposed by Masonic law. It is the absolute deprivation of all the rights and privileges of the Fraternity and prohibits all Masons and Lodges from holding any Masonic intercourse with him forever, unless he is restored by Grand Lodge.
§32390. SIGNING RECORD OF TRIAL.
The record of the trial shall be signed by the Trial Master and the Commissioners, attested by the Secretary and delivered to the Master for filing in the archives of the Lodge.
After the findings and judgment have been signed the Trial Commission cannot reassemble and review the findings or do anything further.
§32400. RECORDING AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF VERDICT.
On receipt of the record, the Master shall order the meeting opened and shall announce the result.
At the next Stated Meeting of the Lodge, the Master shall read the record and announce the result and the Secretary shall record it as the judgment of the Lodge and file it in the archives of the Lodge.
The accused and the accuser shall be notified by the Secretary of the verdict.
§32410. TRANSCRIPT OF RECORD.
In all cases, the Trial Master shall cause the Secretary to prepare a transcript of the trial record.
The transcript shall consist of:
A. A copy of the proceedings of the Lodge at the Special Meeting held for the election of Trial Commissioners, as recorded in the minutes;
B. A copy of the record of the proceedings before the Commissioners as recorded in the minutes, including copies of the charges, summons, notices, and Certificates of Service, including the written record of testimony or tape recording; and
C. All original papers in the record.
The Trial Master shall carefully examine the transcript to see that it is fairly and legibly written, and that it otherwise complies with this Code, and shall endorse his approval.
As soon as possible after the next Stated Meeting, the Secretary shall forward a copy of the original record, together with a certified copy of the minutes relating to the announcement of the result of the trial and a copy of the stenographic reporter's transcript or tape recording, if any, to the Grand Secretary.
A trial record shall never, except upon order of court, be used or introduced as evidence in any litigation.
§32420. DISPOSITION OF TRIAL PAPERS.
The Lodge shall keep in its archives the original record of proceedings before the Commission signed by the Commissioners who acted, the original papers and minutes connected therewith and the reporter's original transcript if a stenographic reporter was used. The transcript for Grand Lodge shall be a copy.
§32430. NOTICE TO MEMBER'S LODGE IF TRIAL ELSEWHERE.
In all cases where a trial is held in a Lodge other than the Lodge of which the accused is a member, the Grand Secretary shall notify the Lodge of which the accused is a member, of the result, upon the receipt by him of the transcript of the trial record.
§32440. NO CHARGE FOR SERVICES BY SECRETARY.
The Secretary shall not charge for his services, except for services as a stenographic reporter if he is qualified and acts as such.
ARTICLE V
REVISIONS, REVERSALS AND RESTORATIONS
§33010. GRAND LODGE ACTION ON REVIEW.
All transcripts of trial records of individual Masons shall be transmitted to the Grand Secretary and shall be forwarded by him to the Committee on Trial Review. That Committee shall examine them with such statements or arguments in writing, if any, as may be presented and shall report its recommendations at the next succeeding Annual Communication. Grand Lodge may affirm, modify, or reverse the judgment of the Lodge or may make such other order as it deems proper. When a new trial is ordered or a judgment of reprimand is affirmed, the Grand Secretary shall send a copy of the opinion and judgment of Grand Lodge to the Lodge as soon as possible.
Pending the report of the Committee on Trial Review, a Lodge may not take action toward the modification of the penalty or upon the restoration of a member under penalty of suspension.
§33020. ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE AND ARGUMENTS ON REVIEW.
If either the accused or accuser desires to have any evidence considered that could not have been produced at the trial or investigation in the Lodge, a written statement setting forth the substance of such evidence and explaining why it was not produced at the trial or investigation in the Lodge may be filed with the Grand Secretary not later than 60 days prior to the commencement of the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. Any arguments or representations which either the accused, the accuser, or any other Mason desires to present must be in writing and filed with the Grand Secretary not later than 60 days prior to the commencement of the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.
§33030. REVIEW OF JUDGMENT OF ACQUITTAL.
A judgment of acquittal should not be reversed or disturbed except in a case of gross violation of Masonic law by the Trial Commission or by the Lodge acquitting the accused.
§33040. PROCEDURAL ERROR.
Judgment of a Trial Commission shall not be set aside, or new trial granted, for any error of any sort as to pleading, procedure, or introduction of evidence, unless, after an examination of the entire case, including the evidence, Grand Lodge shall be of the opinion that the error committed has resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
§33050. REVERSAL BY GRAND LODGE.
Whenever a judgment is reversed and set aside by Grand Lodge and a new trial ordered:
A. A new trial shall be held;
B. The Lodge shall not dismiss the charges or take any action except to elect a new Commission and, through the Trial Master, amend the charges as provided for elsewhere in this Code;
C. The Brother who had been suspended or expelled shall be immediately entitled to all his rights and privileges as a member of the Lodge. If the Brother dies before the reversal, he must be considered as having been in good standing at the time of his death, if his dues were paid;
D. The accuser shall not withdraw the charges; and
E. At least 10 days' notice of such amended charges shall be given the accused before the new trial may proceed.
§33060. DOUBLE JEOPARDY.
When Grand Lodge determines that the accused ought not to have been convicted, and sets aside a judgment of conviction without ordering a new trial, the judgment is final, and the accused may not be tried again on the same charges.
§33070. APPLICATION FOR RESTORATION BY SUSPENDED MASON.
All sentences of suspension shall be for an indefinite period. Whenever any Mason, suspended for unmasonic conduct, desires to apply for restoration to the rights and privileges of Masonry, he shall first make application for restoration to the Lodge by which he was suspended. Notification in writing must be given to the Lodge of such intended application at a Stated Meeting not less than 40 days preceding the Annual Communication.
If his application is refused, or if the Lodge is not in existence, it may then be made to Grand Lodge.
§33080. LODGE RESTORATION OF SUSPENDED MASON.
A Lodge may, at any Stated Meeting taking place 90 days or more after the sentence of suspension has been imposed and affirmed by Grand Lodge, by the votes of two-thirds of the members present, annul any such sentence of suspension and restore the Mason thus suspended to all his Masonic rights and privileges. Notification of a resolution for such restoration must have been given at the Stated Meeting next preceding the meeting at which the vote is taken. In case of restoration, the Secretary shall at once notify the restored Brother and the Grand Secretary thereof. If the Mason suspended was not a member of the Lodge by which he was suspended, the application for restoration
shall be refused unless the consent of the Lodge in which membership was held, if it is in this Jurisdiction, is given. The request for such consent shall lie over at least one Stated Meeting.
Restoration need not be reviewed by Grand Lodge.
§33090. GRAND LODGE RESTORATION OF SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED MASON.
Grand Lodge may, at any Annual Communication, if good cause is shown and proof is given of the notification provided for elsewhere in this Code, restore to the rights and privileges of Masonry any Mason who has been suspended or expelled within its Jurisdiction. Restoration shall not restore him to membership in the Lodge by which he was suspended or expelled. He shall be issued a Certificate of Membership by the Grand Secretary, advising all concerned of his status as an unaffiliated Mason in good standing. If he fails to become a member of some Lodge within one year from the date of the Grand Secretary's Certificate, he shall not thereafter be entitled to any of the rights, privileges or
benefits of Masonry, except the right to apply for affiliation.
Restoration of a suspended or expelled Mason who has moved beyond the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge will be denied unless satisfactory evidence is furnished by the action of the Lodge in whose Jurisdiction he at the time resides, duly certified, that the applicant is worthy, and that his standing and character are such as would entitle him to affiliation in such Lodge.
§33100. APPLICATION FOR RESTORATION BY EXPELLED MASON.
Whenever any expelled Mason desires to apply to Grand Lodge for restoration to the rights and privileges of Masonry, he shall notify in writing the Lodge by which he was expelled, if it is still in existence, of his intention at a Stated Meeting at least 60 days before the Annual Communication at which his application is to be presented. A copy of the intended application shall accompany the notification.
Before the application shall be considered by the Grand Lodge, proof of the giving of the notification to the Lodge shall be furnished.
If the Lodge by which he was expelled was not the Lodge of which he was then a member, similar notification shall be given to the Lodge of which applicant was a member at the time of his expulsion, if it is in this Jurisdiction and is still in existence.
The notification must be read at the next Stated Meeting of the Lodge after its receipt by the Secretary and the Master must state to the members present that a vote may be taken then or at the following Stated Meeting on the question of approval or disapproval of the restoration. If a motion is made and seconded either to approve or disapprove the restoration, a written ballot shall be taken and the result entered in the minutes. The Secretary shall promptly notify the Grand Secretary of the result of the ballot.
The Master shall announce that any member may express his endorsement of or objection to the restoration by communication to the Grand Secretary or that any member may orally state his approval or disapproval to the Master. Prior to the opening of the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge the Master shall inform the Grand Secretary in writing the number of endorsers and of objectors.
§33110. LODGE APPLICATION FOR RESTORATION OF EXPELLED MASON.
Whenever any Lodge desires to apply to Grand Lodge for the restoration of an expelled Mason, the Master shall give due notice to all the members of his Lodge, so far as practicable, of the intended action and of the Stated Meeting at which it will be considered. At the meeting he shall cause to be recorded the fact that the notice was duly given. The votes of two-thirds of the members present shall be required to authorize the presentation of the application to Grand Lodge.
§33120. SUSPENSION, EXPULSION OR RESTORATION NOT TO BE PUBLISHED.
Unless otherwise authorized by Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, no suspension, expulsion or restoration shall be published except as provided for elsewhere in this Code. When the Secretary of the Lodge from which a Brother has been suspended or expelled has knowledge that the Brother is also a member of a Masonic Organization, the Secretary shall notify the presiding officer or secretary of that Masonic Organization of the fact of the suspension or expulsion. The Secretary should, on restoration of the member, notify the presiding officer or secretary of the Masonic Organization of the restoration.
PART IV
AMENDMENTS AND REPEAL
ARTICLE I
AMENDMENTS
§34010. PRESENTATION.
Proposed amendments to these Ordinances shall be presented by written resolution or recommendation to the Grand Secretary at least 180 days prior to the commencement of the next Annual Communication. This restriction shall not apply to:
A. Decisions and recommendations of the Grand Master, which are included in his written message presented at the Annual Communication; and
B. Emergent matters which may be presented and considered at any time upon consent of five-sixths vote of the members present.
Written resolutions, in order to be considered for action at an Annual Communication, must bear the signatures, as proponents, of at least three members of this Grand Lodge, each a member of a different constituent Lodge of this Jurisdiction.
All such resolutions and recommendations shall be referred to the Committees on Jurisprudence and Finance, which shall report thereon before a vote is taken.
§34020. REQUIRED VOTE.
Following the report of the Committee on Jurisprudence and all committees to which a proposed amendment has been referred, the vote shall be taken. If five-sixths of the votes are in favor of the proposed amendment, it shall be adopted and, from and at the close of that Communication, shall become a part of these Ordinances.
If the vote in favor of a proposed amendment be less than five-sixths but there is a majority, it shall lie over for one year, and shall be published with the Proceedings under the caption of "Proposed Amendment to the Ordinances." If, at the next succeeding Annual Communication, it receives two-thirds of the votes, it shall be declared adopted. At the close of that Communication, it shall become a part of these Ordinances.
§34030. TIME OF VOTE.
A vote on a proposed amendment shall not be taken after the election of the Grand Lodge Officers.
ARTICLE II
REPEAL
§35010. FORMER ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS REPEALED.
All former Ordinances, Regulations and the Appendix of this Grand Lodge are hereby repealed.