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

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: