California Masonic Code

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)

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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   Lodge Support
§6065   Masonic Homes Endowment
§6070   United States Constitution Observance
§6080   Charters
§6090   Annual Communication 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.