which, we pray God. May become and continue to be a
place for the concourse of the wise and the good; wherein
justice and love may rule the actions of men, and where
shall be demonstrated the beauty of harmony in all the
transactions of daily life.
MUSIC
“Philippines My Philippines”
MASTER: (Steps in front of GM, bows and says) Most Worshipful
Grand Master We, Brethren of ……………… Lodge No. ………..
being animated with a burning desire to promote the
honor and interest of our honorable and ancient Crafts,
have conceived to build a Temple for our convenience and
accommodation. We are desirous that you commence with
the ceremonies of laying its cornerstones in accordance
with ancient form and usage. (Remain standing.)
G.M.: Worshipful Master and Brethren of
__________________ Lodge No ______ it gives us great
pleasure to comply with your desire to discharge this
important and significant duty which devolves upon us.
We shall now proceed with the ceremony.
Bro. Grand Marshall, you will form the Grand Officers in
Oblong square.
(The Grand Marshall forms the Grand Officers in Oblong
Square in front of the platform. The Grand Master at
the East side, the DGM at the North, SGW at the West,
JGW at the South, Grand Treasurer at the Northeast, the
Secretary at the Southeast, the Grand Chaplain at the
left of the Grand Master. Other officers and members of
the Lodge stand behind the Grand Officers. All being so
arranged, the Grand Master commences the ceremony)
G.M.: (Calls up brethren): Brethren, before entering upon any
great or important, undertaking, and in accordance with
the teachings of our Ancient Craft, it is our duty to invoke
the blessing of God. We will, therefore, unite with our
Grand Chaplain in an invocation to the Throne of Grace.
GRAND CHAPLAIN: Let us pray:
Almighty and Eternal God, Creator of the Universe, the
Masonic Law Book 169
Great Jehovah. Who laid the foundation of the earth, we
beseech Thee to look with favor on this our undertaking
of laying the cornerstones of a material building. We look
to Thee for guidance, and we pray that Thou wilt on this
occasion give us wisdom to guide us, strength to support
us, and the beauty of holiness to adorn our labors and to
render them acceptable in Thy sight. Grant, O God, that
Thy blessing and watchful care may sustain and protect
the workmen who are here to be employed. So order their
lives and their work that no discord or confusion may
disturb the harmony that should be theirs. And when the
structure shall be finished, we pray Thee that it shall be
devoted to all that stand for good, and to the glory of Thy
holy Name. And when our labors on earth are ended, we
pray that we may be received in “that House not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Amen.
MUSIC
G.M.: Bro. SGW – It has been the custom among the Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons from time immemorial, to
assemble for the purpose of laying the foundation stones of
public buildings, when requested to do so by those having
authority. The Grand Lodge of the Philippines having
been invited by the Master of ___________ Lodge No.
_____ of this town (or city) of ____________________
to lay the cornerstone of their Temple, to be dedicated to
Masonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence, it has, by my
order, here been convened and it is my will and pleasure
that they do now assist me in the performance of that
significant duty. This you will communicate to the Junior
Grand Warden, and to the Craft, that they, and all others
present, may be duly notified thereof.
SGW: Bro. Junior Grand Warden – it is the will and pleasure of
the Most Worshipful Grand Master that the Grand Lodge of
the Philippines do now performs in laying the foundation
stones of this Masonic Temple. This you will report to the
brethren, that they, and all others here assembled, may
have due and timely noticed of this order.
JGW: Brethren, it is the will and pleasure of Most
Worshipful ……………………. Grand Master of Masons in the
jurisdiction of the Philippines, that the Grand Lodge do
now proceed with the ceremony of laying the cornerstone
170 RITUALS AND CEREMONIES
of this Masonic Temple. Of this you will take due notice,
and govern yourselves accordingly.
MUSIC
G.M.: Bro. Grand Treasurer, it has ever been the custom of the
Craft upon occasion like the present, to deposit within a
cavity in the stone placed at the northeast corner of the
edifice, certain memorials of the period at which it was
erected; so that, if in the lapse of ages, the fury of the
elements, the violence of man, or the slow but certain
ravages of time, should lay bare its foundations, an
enduring record may be found be succeeding generations,
to bear testimony to the untiring, unending industry of
Free and Accepted Masons. Has such a deposit now been
prepared?
GRAND TREASURER: It has, M.W. Grand Master, and the
various articles of which it is composed are safety enclosed
within the casket now before you.
G.M.: Bro. Grand Secretary, you will read the record of the
contents of the casket.
(Grand Secretary reads the contents of the casket.)
G.M.: Bro. Grand Treasurer, you will now deposit the casket in
the cavity beneath the cornerstone; and may the Great
Architect of the Universe, in His wisdom, grant that ages
upon ages shall pass away ere it again be seen of men.
(Grand Treasurer, assisted by some brethren, places
casket in the cavity of the lower stone. During this time
the band or choir may play or sing some suitable music or
ode: “Lord the Saviour of my soul.”)
G.M.: Bro. Principal Architect, you will now distribute the working
tools among the Grand Officers.
(Principal Architect distributes working tools to the
following officers)
Grand Master - Trowel
DGM - Square
SGW - Level
JGW - Plumb
Masonic Law Book 171
G.M.: The Grand Officers will approach the stone and place
themselves around it. (GM at the East, DGM at the North,
SGW at the West, and JGW at the South. The GRAND
MASTER, assisted by some brethren or workmen, spreads
the cement upon the lower stone, after which he says)
G.M.: Craftsmen, you will lower the stone, (the stone should be
suspended from a derrick, stopping it twice in the descent.
At each stop, and at the third and last time when the stone
touches the foundation, the public Grand Honors, led by
the Grand Marshal are given once by all Masons present).
GRAND MARSHAL: Together, Brethren: As it was in the
beginning is now and ever shall be world without end.
Amen.
(When the stone is about it edges, the Grand Master then
address the DGM)
G.M.: Bro. Deputy Grand Master, what is the jewel of your office?
DGM: The Square, Most Worshipful
G.M.: Then you will apply the Square to those portions of the
stone which should be squared.
DGM: (Applies the Square to the various corners of the stone)
I have obeyed your order, Most Worshipful Grand Master,
and found that in that respect, the Craftsmen have done
their duty.
G.M.: Bro. SGW, what is the jewel of your office?
SGW.: The Level, Most Worshipful.
G.M.: You will then apply the Level to the stone, and see if it
has been laid in a manner creditable to our Ancient Craft.
SGW: (Applies Level to the surface of the stone.) I have obeyed
your order, M.W. Grand Master, and found that the stone
has been well leveled by the craftsmen.
G.M.: Bro. JGW, what is the jewel of your office?
JGW: The Plumb, Most Worshipful
172 RITUALS AND CEREMONIES
G.M.: You will apply the Plumb to the stone, and see if it has
been properly adjusted.
JGW: (Tries the several sides of the stone with the Plumb) I
have obeyed your order, M.W. Grand Master and found
that the work of the craftsmen in that respect has been
skillfully performed.
G.M.: (Approaches the stone); The craftsmen having faithfully
and skillfully performed their duty I, therefore, declare
this foundation stone to be well formed, true and trusty
and laud according to the rules of our Ancient Craft.
(Each phrase is accompanied with a firm stroke on the
stone with the handle of his trowel) May the edifice which
is to rest upon it ever be devoted to the uses of those
whose mission it is extend the spread of useful knowledge
to practice unceasing and unostentatious charity and to
inculcate fraternity and good will among men and may it
be completed by the craftsmen in peace, love and harmony
– they suffering no contention among themselves except
that noble and fraternal one, as to who best can work and
best agree.
CONSECRATION
G.M: Brethren and friends: it is customary after laying the
cornerstone of a building to consecrate it, in which corn,
wine and oil are deposited on the upper surface of the
newly laid stone, as symbols of the prosperity, peace,
freedom, and joy which a grateful people acknowledge
as gifts bestowed upon them by the Divine Creator in
Whom they put their trust. Bro. Grand Marshal, you will
distribute the vessels of Corn. Wine and Oil to the DGM
and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, respectfully.
DGM: (Pours the Corn upon the stone at the same time saying)
May the Grand Architect of the Universe strengthen and
sustain the craftsmen while engaged in this important
work and may He ever bountifully vouchsafe the Corn
nourishment to all employed in honest and useful toil.
SGW: (Pours the Wine upon the stone at the same time saying)
May the Great Giver of all enable the craftsmen in due
Masonic Law Book 173
time to complete this beautiful Temple and during their
intervals from labor may the constantly be blessed with
that refreshment of which this wine is emblematic.
JGW: (Pours the Oil upon the stone at the same time saying)
May the blessing of Heaven descend upon this and all
good works and may our beloved Fraternity long exist to
pour forth the oil of joy upon the hearts of the widowed,
the fatherless, and the distressed.
(The Grand Master extending his hand, makes the
following)
INVOCATION
G.M.: May the All-Bounteous Author of Creation lend aid to
those who have conceived and thus far carried on this
goodly enterprise may He protect the workmen employed
upon this building from every accident and long preserve
it for the beneficent uses which it is destined to sub serve
and may He grant to us all an ever bountiful supply of the
Corn of Nourishment the Wine of Refreshment and the Oil
of Joy. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
Bro. GRAND MARSHAL you will now collect from the Grand
Officers the several working tools and entrust them into
the hands of the Chief Architect of the Building
(Done)
Bro. Principal Architect, relying upon your skill in your noble
art, I now entrust to you those implements of Operative
Masonry. May this undertaking be speedily accomplished;
may there be no envy, discord or confusion among the
workmen; and may you perform the important duties with
which you have been charged, not only to the satisfaction
of those who have entrusted you with their fulfillment, but
in such manner as shall secure the approbation of your
own conscience, and redound to the honor of our Ancient
Craft.
(GM return to the platform followed by his officers and
resume their seats)
174 RITUALS AND CEREMONIES
MUSIC
(Address – Grand Master or Grand Orator)
G.M.: (Calls up brethren) The Grand Chaplain will give the
Benediction.
GRAND CHAPLAIN: (Stretches forth right hand at a 45°angle)
May the blessing of Almighty God, Who made the heaven
and the earth, and all who dwell therein, be with us all and
remain with us, now and forevermore. Amen.
G.M.: Bro. Grand Marshall, you will reform the procession to
return to the Lodge Hall.
(Procession is reformed and returns to the Lodge)
Grand Lodge is closed in due form.
15. Installation Ceremony for the Officers of Blue Lodges;
16. Masonic Funeral Rites;
A.2. District.
17. Installation Ceremony for Grand Lodge Inspectors - Edict
No. 148 (MW Mateo);
18. Providing for a Uniform Procedure in the District Turn-over
Ceremonies - Edict No. 274 (MW Rentoy);
19. Public form for District Turn- over Ceremonies - Edict No.
274-A (MW Gazmin);
20. Ceremony for the Lodge of Remembrance;
A.3 Grand Lodge.
21. Opening and Closing of GLP - Edict No. 249-A (MW
Gazmin);
22. Installation Ceremony for the Officers of the Grand Lodge
of the Philippines;
A.4. In General.
23. Harmonizing All Existing Edicts Pertaining to Grand
Honors and Reception of Dignitaries - Edict 175-B (MW
Masonic Law Book 175
Labitoria);
24. Amending Par 15 of Edict 175-B on the Reception of Past
Grand Masters During Lodge Meetings or District or Multi-
District Convention - Edict No. 240 (MW Aniag);
25. Introduction of the Grand Master as Guest Speaker - Edict
No. 281 (MW Rentoy); and
26. Appointment of Grand Master’s Duly Authorized
Representative or Grand Master’s Deputy - Edict 175-C
(MW Rentoy).
B. EDICTS ON AWARDS
1. On Honors, Awards and Citations - Edict No. 79 (MW
Bunda);
2. On Honors, Awards and Citations - Edict No. 79-A (MW
Labitoria);
3. Additional Honors, Awards and Citations to Deserving Past
Masters - Edict No. 79-B (MW Labitoria);
4. Establishing The Hiram Award - Edict No. 166 (MW
Aportadera); and
5. Additional Honors, Awards and Citations to Deserving Master
Masons – Edict No. 79-C (MW Gabionza).
C. MASONIC CELEBRATIONS
a. Proclaiming The Annual Observance of Widows and Orphans
Day - Edict No. 162 (MW Aportadera);
b. Declaring December 19 of Every Masonic Year as Past Grand
Master’s Day – Edict No. 278 (MW Rentoy);
c. ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF JUNE 19 AND DECEMBER 30;
In connection with resolution of Iloilo Lodge No. 11
recommending to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge the
appropriate observance of June 19th and December 30th in
honor of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Special Committee after taking
note of the fact that June 19th is the birthday of Rizal and
should, therefore be the day for appropriate observance in
his honor, begs leave to recommend that all Lodges under
this Jurisdiction be requested and urged to observe in an
appropriate manner the two dates aforementioned, June 19th
and December 30th, in view of the fact that Rizal was, in
life a worthy exemplification and exponent of Masonic virtues.
(proc. 1941, p.129)
176 RITUALS AND CEREMONIES
d. MASONIC HEROES DAY.
The celebration of the following holidays must be participated
in by every brethren by joining the programs of the government
in the observance of said holidays, namely:
June 12, 1993 - Independence Day
June 19 , 1993 - Bro. Jose Rizal’s Birthday
August 29, 1993
(last Sunday of August) - National Heroes Day
November 30, 1993 - Bro. Andres Bonifacio Day
December 30, 1993 - Bro. Jose Rizal Day
The Lodges are also encouraged to observe the birthday
of prominent Masonic personalities born in their towns or
provinces by holding a memorable public activity or program
that will propagate the vision and virtues of our beloved
departed Masonic personalities, namely:
1. Bro. Jose Abad Santos - born February 19, 1886
at San Fernando, Pampanga
2. Bro. Gregorio Aglipay - born May 5, 1860
at Batac, Ilocos Norte
3. Bro. Emilio Aguinaldo - born March 22, 1869
at Kawit, Cavite
4. Bro. Hadji Butu - born 1865 at Jolo, Sulu
5. Bro. Ladislao Diwa - born June 27, 1863
at San Roque, Cavite
6. Bro. Graciano Lopez Jaena - born December, 1856
at Jaro, Iloilo
7. Bro. Jose P. Laurel - born March 9, 1891
at Tanauan, Batangas
8. Bro. Antonio Luna - born October 29, 1866
at Binondo, Manila
9. Bro. Apolinario Mabini - born July 23, 1864
at Tanauan, Batangas
Masonic Law Book 177
10. Bro. Marcelo H. del Pilar - born August 29, 1850
at Bulacan, Bulacan
11. Bro. Manuel L. Quezon - born August 19, 1878
at Baler, Quezon
12. Bro. Manuel A. Roxas - born January 1, 1892
at Capiz, Capiz
13. Bro. Paulino Santos - born June 22, 1890
at Camiling, Tarlac
14. Bro. Dionisio Gutierrez - born October 9, 1891
at Batangas, Batangas
All lodges named after Masonic personalities must also
observe the birthdays of their benefactors with an appropriate
program even during their Stated Meeting.
D. OTHERS
1. To All Masters, Officers and Members of Lodges under this
Jurisdiction (Administrative Assistant to the Grand Master) –
Edict No. 72 (MW Kalaw);
2. Standard Building Plan For Provincial Lodges - Edict No. 123
(MW Choa);
3. Uniform Code of By-Laws For Districts - Edict No. 127 (MW
Choa);
4. An Act Providing Permanent Membership Numbers to All
Masons Thru a new ID- Dues Card System - Edict No. 153
(MW Mateo);
5. RE: Bids of Subordinate Lodges to Host Annual Communications
Outside of the City of Manila - Edict No. 136 (MW Choa);
6. Regulations Governing the Appropriate Use of the Centennial
Monitor and Subsequent Revisions Thereof – Edict No. 260
(MW Gabionza);
7. Regulating the production, Sale, Purchase and Use of
Promotional Masonic Items; and imposing penalties for
violations thereof - Edict No. 273 (MW Rentoy); and
8. Amending Edict 273 By Providing Accreditation Fees in
Regulating the Production, Sale, Purchase and Use of
Promotional Masonic Items - Edict 273-A (MW Rentoy).
178 RITUALS AND CEREMONIES
PART V
MISCELLANEOUS
REGULATIONS
RULES OF ORDER
AND
ORDER OF BUSINESS - GRAND LODGE
RULES OF ORDER
I. When a member desires to address the Grand Lodge, or deliver
any matter for its consideration, he shall arise and respectfully
address himself to the M.W. Grand Master and confine himself
to the subject matter under discussion.
II. All motions, resolutions or proposition shall be reduced in
writing, and read by the Grand Secretary, and if seconded shall
be considered as before the Grand Lodge for its action.
III. All communications, returns, petitions and documents, unless
otherwise ordered, shall be referred to appropriate committees,
who shall report thereon in writing signed by the members of
the committee making the report.
IV. Any motion or proposition may be withdrawn by the mover with
the consent of the seconder at any time before decision or its
amendment by, or its reference to a committee.
V. A question may be divided at the request of a member. A
member requesting a division of a question must state definitely
into how many parts he would have it divided. Each of these
parts must be able to stand alone, and the remainder must be
able to stand in like manner and be consistent and entire.
VI. When an amendment is pending, motions to amend must be
limited exclusively to that amendment.
VII. A motion to amend an amendment shall preclude all further
propositions to amend until it shall be decided; and the question
on the proposition to amend, last made, shall be put first.
VIII. All questions shall be put in the order in which they were moved;
and in filling blanks, the largest sum or quantity, and the longest
Masonic Law Book 179
time, shall be put first.
IX. A motion substantially the same as the one disposed of, or
under advisement or inconsistent with one adopted, cannot be
entertained in the same session.
X. When a question has been decided in the affirmative or negative,
it shall be, in order for any member who voted on the side which
prevailed to move a reconsideration thereof on the same day on
which the decision was had, or on the next day thereafter.
A motion to reconsider, if rejected, cannot be moved again.
XI. When a question is postponed indefinitely, the same shall not be
acted upon again during the same session.
XII. A motion to reconsider does not bring up the merits of the
propositions for discussion. The propriety of reconsidering it is
the only matter debatable. If the proposition is reconsidered, it
is before the Grand Lodge in the same form it was immediately
before it was voted on.
XIII. No member shall speak more than once on the same question,
without leave of the Grand Lodge, unless he be the mover,
proposer, or introducer, of the matter pending; in which case he
shall be permitted to reply, but not until every member choosing
to speak shall have spoken.
XIV. When a member rises on a question of privilege or order, the
M.W. Grand Master will recognize the member, and the question
of order or privilege, shall be disposed of at once. The member
temporarily interrupted then resumes the floor.
XV. The M.W. Grand Master shall decide all questions of order,
subject to an appeal to the Grand Lodge.
XVI. Every brother shall have the right to vote, and any brother who
is present, when the question is put, shall vote unless for special
reasons he be excused.
XVII. No brother shall vote, who is present, when he is particularly
and personally interested; nor shall there be any debate after
the question is put by the M.W. Grand Master.
XVIII. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received
180 MISCELLANEOUS
unless to amend it, to commit it, to postpone it, or for the
previous questions.
XIX. The previous question being moved and seconded, the question
shall be “Shall the main question be put now?” and if a majority
present vote in the affirmative, the main question shall then be
put.
XX. The ordering of the previous question shall only be to cut off
debate and subsequent amendments; and the question shall be
on amendments pending, beginning with the last successively
back to the original proposition.
XXI. The previous question shall be decided without debate.
XXII. These rules shall not be modified or suspended, except by a
vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and entitled to
vote at the time the vote is taken.
XXIII. These rules are for the government of the Grand Lodge alone
and not for Subordinate Lodges.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
I. Prayer by the Grand Chaplain.
II. Calling of the roll of Officers and permanent members of the
Grand Lodge and noting absences, if any, by the Grand Secretary.
III. Calling the roll of Lodges, and noting those represented, and
announcing the result.
IV. The solemn ceremonies of opening the Grand Lodge.
V. Reading and approving the Minutes of the previous communication
not before read and approved unless dispensed with.
VI. The announcement of the Committee on Credentials; and any
business affecting the organization of the Grand Lodge.
VII. Address of the M.W. Grand Master, and reference thereof.
VIII. Annual Report of the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and
reference thereof; and the Committee on Correspondence.
Masonic Law Book 181
IX. Appointment of Regular Committees and filling vacancies, if any,
in Standing Committees.
X. Reports on unfinished business.
XI. Presentation and reference or other disposition of memorials,
petitions and communications.
XII. Motions and Resolutions, and reference or other disposition of
the same.
XIII. Reports of Regular and Standing Committees and action thereon,
preference to be given in accordance with the order named in
the Constitution.
XIV. Reports of Special Committees and action thereon.
XV. Special orders, if any.
XVI. Consideration of amendments of the Constitution, By-Laws,
Rules and Regulations, if any.
XVII. Miscellaneous business, if any, not included in the above.
XVIII. Election of Grand lodge Officers, and Installation of Elective and
Appointive Officers, Appointment of Standing Committees.
DUTIES AND TENURE OF
GRAND REPRESENTATIVES
The first duty of the commissioned Grand Representative is to
write to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Body which he represents,
acknowledging receipt of his commission, thanking for the honor
conferred upon him, and giving his correct address.
He should then endeavor to familiarize himself with the history
and character of the Grand Lodge he represents and with everything
concerning the same, until he shall be the best informed man on the
subject in this Grand Jurisdiction.
Grand Representatives are expected to attend each Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and answer the
182 MISCELLANEOUS
roll call of Grand Representatives, and it is considered a duty of courtesy
for each Grand Representative to write to the Grand Lodge he represents
that he has attended the Annual Communication, and to convey to it
the fraternal greetings of our Grand Master and Grand Lodge, and to
communicate to it any information of special interest that there may be.
It is a tacit rule in this Grand Jurisdiction that if any Grand
Representative fails to attend three consecutive Annual Communications
of the Grand Lodge, the M.W. Grand Master will recommend that he be
relieved by another Brother who is apt to be more active.
A similar nomination will be made in case of removal from the Grand
Jurisdiction, suspension, or expulsion.
BASIS FOR RECOGNITION OF GRAND LODGES
(a)
RESOLVED, that the following be adopted as the fundamental
requirements in establishing regularity as the basis for recognition of
Grand Lodges by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the
Philippines:
I. Legitimacy of the origin of constituent lodges uniting to form a
Grand Lodge.
II. Sovereign and independent control of Ancient Craft Masonry in
the State, province or other territorial divisions constituting the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge.
III. Belief in God, and the presence of the Bible on the Altar as the
Great Light in Masonry. Inherent in this is the acceptance of the
doctrine of the immortality of the soul. (Proceedings 1915,62)
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR GRAND LODGE RECOGNITION
(b)
1. Regularity of origin, i.e., each Grand Lodge, shall have been
established by a duly recognized Grand Lodge or by three or more
regularly constituted Lodges.
2. That a belief in the Great Architect of the Universe and His revealed
will shall be an essential qualification for membership.
Masonic Law Book 183
3. That all initiates shall take their Obligation on or in full view of the
open Volume of the Sacred Law, by which is meant the revelation
from above, which is binding on the conscience of the particular
individual who is being initiated.
4. That the membership of the Grand Lodge and individual Lodges
shall be composed exclusively of men; and that each Grand Lodge
shall have no Masonic intercourse of any kind with mixed Lodges or
bodies which admit women to membership.
The establishment by a Grand Lodge of female Lodges either separately or
in connection with Lodges for men would be unmasonic, illegal, null and
void and would subject that Grand Lodge to severance of fraternal relations.
(The above Standards of Recognition, which are those used by the United
Grand Lodge of England, were adopted by our Grand Lodge on January 27,
1932)
5. That the Grand Lodge shall have sovereign jurisdiction over
the Lodges under its control; i.e., that it shall be responsible,
independent, self-governing organization, with sole and undisputed
authority over the Craft or Symbolic Degrees (Entered Apprentice,
Fellowcraft, and Master Mason) within its own jurisdiction; and shall
not in any way be subject to or divide such authority with a Supreme
Council or other Power claiming any control or supervision over
those degrees.
6. That the three Great Lights of Freemasonry (namely, the Volume
of the Sacred Law, the Square of the Compasses) shall always be
exhibited when the Grand Lodge or its subordinate Lodges are at
work, the chief of this being the Volume of the Sacred Law.
7. That the principles of the Ancient Landmarks, customs and usage of
the Craft shall be strictly observed.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
The proceedings and ceremonies in all Lodges in this jurisdiction
shall be conducted either in English, Spanish, or in Filipino.
184 MISCELLANEOUS
PROHIBITION TO HOLD MEMBERSHIP IN ANY
ORGANIZATION USING A MASONIC
EMBLEMS, INSIGNIA, etc.
Resolved, by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of the Philippines, at its twelfth (12th) Annual Communication.
That Masons under its jurisdiction are hereby forbidden from holding
any kind of membership in any organization or society which without
due authority from said Grand Lodge, makes use of Masonic emblems,
insignia, or rituals, or any near resemblance thereto, which in the
opinion of the Grand Master might tend to deceive or be confused with
Masonic emblems, regalla, insignia and rituals, and
“Resolved, further that the penalty for any violation of this
resolution shall be expulsion; provided, however that those Masons
already holding membership in any such organization or societies at the
time of the passage of this resolution shall have ninety (90) days from
the date of the publication of this resolution in the Cabletow within which
to discontinue such membership, or memberships, without incurring the
penalty hereof; and Provided, further for those Masons who are absent
from the Philippines, ninety (90) days time shall be allowed from the
time of their return to the Philippines; and
Resolved, Finally that the Most Worshipful Grand Master be and is
authorized and required to declare and publish monthly a list containing
the name of the organizations and societies coming within the ban of
this resolution.” (Pro 1924, page 110)
LODGE ADMINISTRATION
1. That it be made the duty of the Master of each subordinate Lodge
upon his installation to prepare a budget of the Lodge’s expenditures
and its income from dues and investments, if any, for the year, and
have it approved by the Lodge, and to furnish a copy of such budget
to the Grand Lodge.
2. That the Committee on Administration of Lodges created by the
Grand Lodge cooperate (in conjunction with the District Deputy
Grand Master and the Inspectors) with the Masters in the preparation
of the budgets and give the officers instruction and counsel in
relation to the use of such budgets, as well as in their duties and
responsibilities toward the Lodges, and that it be the duty of this
Masonic Law Book 185
Committee and the District Deputy Grand Masters and Inspectors
to see that the budgets are strictly adhered to during the year’s
operation.
3. That it be made the duty of the Master of each subordinate Lodge at
the end of each month to have a statement prepared from the books
of the Lodge, showing in detail the receipts and disbursements of
the Lodge during the month and such other information as may be
required, which statement shall be certified by the Secretary and
filed with the aforementioned Committee for the information of the
Grand Lodge. (Adopted, 1930)
RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Special Committee of Religious Instruction in Public Schools,
presented its report as follows;
RESOLVED by the M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
the Philippines, in Annual Communication assembled, that it expresses
as it does hereby express its most emphatic disapproval and opposition
to the plan of certain members of the National Assembly to introduce
religious instruction of a denominational character in all public schools
of the Philippines during the regular school hours.
We believe the adoption of such plan would be a violation of the
fundamental principle of our Constitution regarding the separation of
Church and State.
We are not opposed to religious teaching, but the public schools,
being the common heritage of the citizens of this country, should not
become instruments for the dissemination of sectarian teachings for
such would be detrimental to the larger interest of the nation.
We note that there already exist numerous denominational and
sectarian schools in this country which can give religious instruction to
children should their parents desire it.
We should not countenance, therefore, any tax-support institution,
and much less our public schools, to be made the center of propaganda
of any sectarian doctrine or teaching. (Proc. 1938, Page 123)
186 MISCELLANEOUS
CANDIDATES REJECTED
IN FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS
In all cases where the petitioners for degrees have previously been
rejected in another Grand Jurisdiction, the petitioners must be endorsed
to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge in order that appropriate
action may be taken and the investigation made before ballot on any
such petitions. (Proc. 1925, p.70)
USE OF THE TITLE “MASONIC”
The unauthorized use of the word “Masonic” in connection with the
names of societies, clubs and other organizations is forbidden.
The Grand Lodge is the Supreme Masonic authority in the Philippines
and it is improper for any society or organization to prefix the word
“Masonic” in its name without authority from this Grand Lodge. (Proc.
1926)
PRESENTATION OF BIBLES
Custodians of the Work shall be instructed to prepare suitable forms
for the appointment of a “Masonic Father” and the presentation of a copy
of the Holy Bible to newly obligated Master Masons; this presentation
shall take place immediately after the signing of the By-Laws by the
brother on the occasion of his being raised to the Sublime Degree of
Master Mason. This ceremony shall be optional. (Proc. 1926, p.26)
SPECIAL TEAMS FOR DEGREE WORK
On such occasion that degrees shall be conferred by special teams
composed of members of the Scottish Rite Bodies, designation in the
program indicating that the members hold the Thirty-third Degree, or
other degrees foreign to those used in Symbolic Lodges, shall not be
made (Proc. 1926, p. 28)
USE OF WORD “PROFANE”
The use of the word “profane” when reference is made to persons
Masonic Law Book 187
not Masons, shall be avoided whenever possible by the use of some other
word expression in its stead such as “uninitiated’ or “non-Masonic”.
(Proc. 1926, p.56)
THE WORD “ SUBORDINATE”
AS USED IN THE CONSTITUTION
The word “subordinate” as used in the Constitution, means “placed
in a lower order, class, or rank”. The word “constituent” means “serving
to form, compose or make up, component or constitutive”.
The word “subordinate” is the proper word that expresses the
relation of the Lodge to the Grand Lodge, which is the Supreme Masonic
Power in the Philippines.
The Grand Lodge is not composed of Lodges, but is made up of
Masters, Wardens and Past Masters of Lodges under the jurisdiction of
the Grand Lodge.
SOUVENIR TROWEL
It is recommended that our Lodges present a souvenir trowel to
the candidate in the Third Degree; such presentation shall be optional.
(Proc. 1932, pp. 34-44)
PAYMENT OF BURIAL EXPENSES NOT AN
OBLIGATION OF LODGE OR GRAND LODGE
It is not the obligation of a Lodge to pay the burial expenses of
a member unless he dies in financial circumstances requiring it. The
Lodge has no obligation to pay the burial expenses of a deceased
member except as a matter of charity where the family is unable to
pay such expenses. The Grand Lodge is under no obligation to pay the
burial expenses of a Mason and obligation should not be undertaken or
incurred by the Grand Lodge. The greater the expenses of the Grand
Lodge, the greater must be the assessment it makes upon the Lodges
to supply it with funds necessary to pay its obligations. The policy of
shifting the financial burdens of the Lodges to the Grand Lodge should
not be encouraged. All such matters should be handled under the
authority and at the expense of the Lodge of which the deceased brother
was a member. (Proc. 1933, pp. 129-130)
188 MISCELLANEOUS
PRINTING MATTERS
The following are defined to be Masonic Offenses:
1. To use or to permit the use of the word “mason” or any
kindred word or emblem of Ancient Craft Masonry in any
form of advertising, or in the promotion of any business, or
in connection with announcement of political speakers.
2. To publish a list of members of a Lodge or any portion of the
same without the consent of the Grand Master.
3. To print the names of candidates in any Lodge bulletin or
circular, nor should the names of members who have been
expelled or suspended or names of masons who are being
tried for a masonic offense be printed in such bulletin or
circulars, except in official correspondence with the Grand
Secretary as required by regulations. (Proc. 1950)
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PALMA’S BOOK
The Special Committee appointed to draft a resolution on Palma’s
Book submitted the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, the Constitution, the Supreme Law of the land,
provides that “all educational institutions are under the supervision
of and subject to regulations by the State”;
WHEREAS, certain individuals like Archbishop Reyes and
certain institutions are seeking to ban the book of Rafael Palma on
Rizal entitled, “The Pride of the Malay Race”, and
BE IT RESOLVED by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in
its Thirty-fourth Annual Communication assembled in Manila,
to condemn as it hereby condemns the intolerance shown in the
attempts to ban the reading and possession of the Book by Rafael
Palma, a good Filipino scholar and patriot, on Jose Rizal, the greatest
Filipino, and the pride of the Malay race.; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED to commend as it hereby
commends the government authorities and agencies for their
action in approving the use of said books on Rizal in the Philippine
Institutions of learning.
Masonic Law Book 189
The resolution was adopted unanimously. (Proc. 1950)
INVITATION TO SIT IN THE EAST
The Master of the Lodges has the unquestionable right to invite
any person to sit in the East with him. The Master of the Lodge has
unlimited powers over his Lodge. He is responsible only to the Grand
Master, the Grand Master’s deputy or the Grand Lodge. His actions are
restricted only by the Constitution, General Regulations, Edicts of the
Grand Lodge and the By- Laws of his Lodge.
There is nothing in the Constitution, Rules or Regulations of this
Grand Lodge that prohibits the Master from inviting anyone to sit beside
him in the East. The general practice in this jurisdiction is to invite
Officers of the Grand Lodge and Past Masters to sit in the East, but
the Master has the right to invite Speakers, or visiting Chaplain or any
distinguished visitor that he may choose to sit with him in the East.
(Proc. 1950)
ON COMMUNISM
The following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, Masonry enjoins all masons to, among other things,
maintain a zealous regard for their duties of citizenship, loyalty to
constituted authorities, and vigilant care for the welfare and safety
of the country to which they owe allegiance and under whose
protection they live;
WHEREAS, Communism threatens the peace of the world and poses
great dangers to our country from without as well as from within;
WHEREAS, one of the most serious threats to the security of the
State is the spread of insidious propaganda of this atheistic, anti-
democratic and anti-masonic way of life;
WHEREAS, such converts come from the masses, particularly
the peasant population who due to lack of proper knowledge and
instruction, do not realize the blessings of democracy and the fact
that Communism is a system of physical, mental and spiritual
slavery;
190 MISCELLANEOUS
WHEREAS, our government, burdened with numerous and serious
problems, needs the cooperation of all individuals and institutions.
NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved
that all Masons under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of the Philippines, in Annual Communication assembled,
reaffirm their faith in democratic principles and ideals, and to make
a solemn pledge to uphold the same;
In recommending the approval, the Committee on Jurisprudence
said:
It is an admitted fact that Masonry is the great ally of
Democracy. Both stand for the freedom of man. The ideals
of the former do not conflict, but on the contrary, coincide
with those of the latter. Where democracy reigns, Masonry
thrives. By and large, the leaders in a democracy are also
the pillars of Masonry.
The following was therefore adopted: that all Masons under the
jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines, in
Annual Communication assembled, reaffirm, as they reaffirm, their faith
in democratic principles and ideals, and to make a solemn pledge to
uphold the same. (Proc. 1951)
THE ANCIENT LAWS
(I) THE OLD YORK CONSTITUTION OF 926
The Fifteen Articles
1. The Master must be steadfast, trusty and true; provide victuals for
his men. And pay their wages punctually.
2. Every Master shall attend the Grand Lodge when duly summoned,
unless he has a good and reasonable excuse.
3. No Master shall take an Apprentice for less than seven years.
4. The son of a bondman shall not be admitted as an Apprentice, lest,
when he is introduced into the Lodge, any of the brethren should
be offended.
Masonic Law Book 191
5. A candidate must be without blemish, and have the full and proper
use of his limbs; for a maimed man can do the craft no good.
6. The Master shall take special care, in the admission of an Apprentice,
that he do his lord no prejudice.
7. He shall harbor no thief or thief’s retainer, lest the craft should come
to shame.
8. If he unknowingly employ an imperfect man, he shall discharge him
for the work when his inability is discovered.
9. No Master shall undertake a work that he is not able to finish to his
lord’s profit and the credit of his Lodge.
10. A brother shall not supplant his fellow in the work, unless he be
incapable of the doing it himself; for then he may lawfully finish it,
that pleasure and profit may be mutual result.
11. A Mason shall be not be obliged to work after the sun has set in the
West.
12. Nor shall he decry the work of a brother or fellow, but shall deal
honestly and truly by him, under a penalty of not less than ten
pounds.
13. The Master shall instruct his Apprentice faithfully, and make him a
perfect workman.
14. He shall teach him all the secrets of his trade.
15. And shall guard him against the commission of perjury, and all other
offenses by which the craft may be brought to shame.
The Fifteen Points:
1. Every mason shall cultivate brotherly love and the love of God and
frequent Holy Church.
2. The workman shall labor diligently on work days, that he may
deserve his holidays.
3. Every Apprentice shall keep his Master’s counsel, and not betray the
192 MISCELLANEOUS
secrets of his Lodge.
4. No man shall be false to the craft, or entertain a prejudice against
his Master or Fellows.
5. Every workman shall receive his wages meekly, and without scruple;
and should the Master think proper to dismiss him from the work, he
shall have due notice of the same before H. xii.
6. If any dispute arise among the brethren, it shall be settled on a
holiday, that the work be not neglected, and God’s law fulfilled.
7. No Mason shall debauch, or have carnal knowledge of the wife,
daughter, or concubine of his Master or Fellows.
8. He shall be true to his Master, and a just mediator in all disputes or
quarrels.
9. The Steward shall provide good cheer against the hour of
refreshment, and each Fellow shall punctually defray his share of
the reckoning, the Steward rendering a true and correct account.
10. If a Mason live amiss, or slander his Brother, so as to bring the
Craft to shame, he shall have no further maintenance among the
brethren, but shall be summoned to the next Grand Lodge, and if he
refuses to appear, he shall be expelled.
11. If a Brother see his Fellow hewing a stone, and likely to spoil it by
unskillful workmanship, he shall teach him to amend it, with fair
words and brotherly speeches.
12. The General Assembly, or Grand Lodge, shall consist of Masters,
and Fellows, Lords, Knights and Squires, Mayor and Sheriff, to make
new laws, and to confirm old ones when necessary.
13. Every Brother shall swear fealty, and if he violate his oath he shall
not be succored or assisted by any of the Fraternity.
14. He shall make oath to keep secrets, to be steadfast and true to all
the ordinances of the Grand Lodge, to the King and Holy Church,
and to all the several points herein specified.
15. And if any Brother break his oath, he shall be committed to prison,
and forfeit his goods and chattels to the King.
Masonic Law Book 193
Additional Ordinances:
That a General Assembly shall be held every year, with the Grand
Master at its head, to enforce these regulations, and to make new
laws, when it may be expedient to do so, at which all the brethren are
competent to be present; and they must renew their O.B. to keep this
statutes and Constitutions, which have been ordained by King Athelstan,
and adopted by the Grand Lodge of York. And this assembly further
directs that, in all ages to come, the existing Grand Lodge shall petition
the reigning Monarch to confer this sanction on their proceedings.
(II) THE CONSTITUTIONS OF EDWARD III
1. That for the future, at the making or admission of a Brother, the
Constitutions and the charges shall be read.
2. That Master Masons or Masters of the work, shall be examined
whether they able to cunning to serve their respective lords, as well
the highest as the lowest, to the honor and worship of the aforesaid
art, and to the profit of their lords; for they be their lords that
employ them for their travel.
3. That when the Master and Wardens meet in Lodge, if need be, the
Sheriff of the country, or the Mayor of the City, or Alderman of the
town, in which the congregation is held, should be made fellow and
sociate to the Master, in the help of him against rebels, and for
upbearing the rights of the realm.
4. That Entered Apprentices at their making were charged not to be
thieves, or thieves-maintainers; that they should travel honestly for
their pay, and love their Fellows as themselves to be true to the King
of England, and to the realm, and to the Lodge.
5. That at such congregations it shall be enquired, whether any Master
or Fellow has broken any of the articles agreed to. And if the offender,
being duly cited to appear, prove, rebel, and will not attend, then
the Lodge shall determine against him that he shall forswear (or
renounce) his Masonry, and shall no more use this craft; the which if
he presume for to do, the sheriff of the country shall prison him, and
take all his good into the King’s hands, until his grace be granted
him an issue, for this cause principally have these congregations
194 MISCELLANEOUS
been ordained that as well the lowest as the highest should be well
and truly served in this art foresaid throughout all the kingdom of
England.
(III) REGULATION OF 1663
1. That no person, of what degree so ever, be made or accepted a
Freemason, unless in a regular Lodge, whereof one to be a Master
or a Warden in that limit or division where such Lodge is kept, and
another to be a craftsman in the trade of Freemasonry.
2. That no person shall hereafter be accepted a Freemason but such
as are of able body, honest parentage, good reputation, and an
observer of the laws of the land.
3. That no person hereafter who shall be accepted a Freemason, shall
be admitted into any Lodge or assembly, until he has brought a
certificate of the time and place of his acceptation from the Lodge
that accepted him, unto the Master of that limit or division where
such Lodge is kept; and the said Master shall enroll the same in a
roll of parchment, to be kept for that purpose, and shall give an
account of all such acceptation at every Generally Assembly.
4. That every person who is now a Freemason, shall bring to the Master
a note of the time of his acceptation, to the end the same may be
enrolled in such priority of place as the Brother deserves; and that
the whole company and Fellows may be better know each other.
5. That for the future the said fraternity of Freemasons shall be
regulated and governed by one Grand Master, and as many Wardens
as the said society shall think fit to appoint at every Annual General
Assembly.
6. That no person shall be accepted, unless he be twenty-one years old
or more.
(IV) THE ANCIENT INSTALLATION CHARGES
1. That ye shall be true men to God and the Holy Church, and to use no
error or heresy by your understanding, and by wise men’s teaching.
2. That ye shall be true liegemen to the King of England, without
Masonic Law Book 195
treasons or any falsehood, and that ye know no treason but ye shall
knowledge thereof to the king, or to his counsel; also, ye shall be
true one to another, that is to say, every Masons of the craft that is
a Mason of the craft that is Mason allowed, ye shall do to him as ye
would be done unto yourself.
3. And ye shall keep truly all the counsel that ought to be kept in the
way Masonhood, and all the counsel of the Lodge or of the chamber.
Also, that ye shall be no thief nor thieves to your knowledge free;
that ye shall be true to the king, lord or master that ye serve, and
truly to see and work for his advantage.
4. Ye shall call all Masons your Fellows, or your brethren, and no other
names.
5. Ye shall not take your Fellow’s wife in villainy, nor deflower his
daughter or servant, nor put him to disworship.
6. Ye shall truly pay for your meat or drink, wheresoever ye go to table
or board. Also ye shall do no villainy there, whereby the craft or
science may be slandered.
(V) THE ANCIENT CHARGES AT MAKINGS
1. That no Mason take on him no lord’s work, nor any other man’s,
unless he know himself well to be able to perform the work, so that
the craft have no slander.
2. Also, that no Mason take work but that he take reasonable pay
for it ; so that the lord may truly served, and the Master to live
honestly, and to pay his Fellows truly. And that no Master or Fellow
supplant others of their work, that is to say, that if he hath taken a
work, or else stand a Master of any work, that he shall not put him
out, unless he be unable of cunning to make an end of his work.
And no Master nor Fellow shall take no Apprentice for less than
seven years. And that the Apprentice be free born, and of limbs
whole as a man ought to be, and no bastard. And that no Master
nor Fellow take no allowance to be made Mason without the assent
of his Fellows, at the least six or seven.
3. That he that be made able in all degrees; that is, free-born, of a
good kindred, true, and no bondsman, and that he have his right
limbs as a man ought to have.
196 MISCELLANEOUS
4. That a Master take no Apprentice without he having occupation to
occupy two or three Fellows at the least.
5. That no Master or Fellow put away any lord’s work to task that ought
to be journeywork.
6. That every Master give pay to his Fellows and servants as they may
deserve, so that he be not defame with false working. And that none
slander another behind his back to make him lose his good name.
7. That Fellow in the house or abroad, answer another ungodly or
reproveably without cause.
8. That every Master Mason to reverence to his elder; and that a
Mason be no common player at the cards, dice or hazard; or at any
other unlawful plays through which the science and craft may be
dishonored and slandered.
9. That no Fellow go into town by night, except he have a Fellow with
him, who may bear him record that he was in an honest place.
10. That every Master and Fellow shall come to the assembly, if it be
within fifty miles of him, if he have any warning. And if he have
trespassed against the craft, to abide the reward of Master and
Fellows.
11. That every Master Mason and Fellow that hath trespassed against
the craft, shall stand to the correction of other Master and Fellows
make him accord; and if they cannot accord, to go to the common
law.
12. That a Master or Fellow make not a mould stone, square nor rule to
no lowen, nor let no lowen work within their Lodge nor without, to
mould stone.
13. That every Mason receive and cherish strange Fellows, when they
come over the country, and set them on work, if they will work, as
the manner is; that is to say, if the Mason have any mould stone in
his place, he shall give him a mould stone and set him on work; and
if he have none, the Mason shall refresh him with money unto the
next Lodge.
14. That every Mason shall truly serve his Master for his pay.
Masonic Law Book 197
15. That every Master shall truly make an end of his work, task or
journey, witherso it be.
(VI) THE REGULATION OF 1703
That the privileges of Masonry should no longer be restricted to
operate Masons, but extend to men of various profession, provided they
are regularly approved and initiated into the Order.
(VII) THE REGULATION OF 1717
That the privileges of assembling as Masons, which had been
hitherto unlimited, should be vested in certain Lodges or assemblies
of Masons, convened in certain places; and that every Lodges to be
hereafter convened, except the four old Lodges at this time existing,
should be legally authorized to act by a warrant from the Grand Master
for the time being, granted to certain individuals by petition, with the
consent and approbation of the Grand Lodge in communication; and that
without such warrant, not Lodge should be hereafter deemed regular or
constitutional.
(VIII) THE REGULATION OF 1720
In future, the new Grand Master shall be named and proposed to the
Grand Lodge sometime before the feast; and, if approved and present,
he shall be saluted as Grand Master elect; and every Grand Master,
when he is installed, shall have the sole power of appointing his Deputy
and Wardens, according to ancient custom.
(IX) THE CHARGES APPROVED IN 1722
I. Concerning God and Religion.
A Mason is obliged by his tenure, to obey the moral law; and if
the rightly understand the art, he will never be a stupid atheist, nor
an irreligious libertine. But though in ancient times Masons were
charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation,
whatever it was yet it is now thought more expedient only to oblige
them to that religion in which all man agree, leaving their particular
opinions to themselves; that is, to be good men and true, or men of
198 MISCELLANEOUS
honor and honesty, whatever denomination or persuasions they may
be distinguish; whereby Masonry becomes the centre of union, and the
means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must else
have remained at a perpetual distance.
II. Of the Civil Magistrate, Supreme and Subordinate
A Mason is to be peaceful subject to the civil powers, wherever he
resides or works, and is never to be concerned in plots and conspiracies,
against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself,
undutifully to inferior magistrates; for as Masonry hath been always
injured by war, bloodshed and confusion, so ancient kings and princes
have been much dispose to encourage the crafts men, because of their
peaceableness and loyalty, whereby they practically answered the
cavils of their adversaries and promoted the honor of the Fraternity,
which ever flourished in times of peace. So that if a Brother should be
a rebel against the State, he is not to be countenanced in his rebellion,
however he may be pitied as an unhappy man; and, if convicted of no
other crime, though the loyal brotherhood must and ought to disown
his rebellion, and give no umbrage or ground of political jealousy to the
government for the time being, they connot expel him from the Lodge,
and his relation to it remains indefeasible.
III. Of Lodges.
A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work; Hence, that
assembly, or duly organized society of Masons is called a Lodge, and
every brother ought to belong to one, and be subject to its by-laws and
general regulations. It is either particular or general regulations. It is
either particular or general and will be best understood by attending it,
and by the regulation of the General or Grand Lodge hereunto annexed.
In ancient times, no Master or Fellow could be absent from it, especially
when warned to appear at it, without incurring a severe censure, until it
appeared to the Master and Wardens, that pure necessity hindered him.
The person admitted members of a Lodge must be good and true
men, free-born, and of mature discreet age, no bondmen, no women,
no immoral or scandalous men, but of good report.
IV. Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows and Apprentices.
All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real worth and
personal merit only; that so the lords may be well served, the brethren
not put to shame, nor the Royal Craft despised. Therefore, no Master
or Warden is chosen by seniority, but for his merit. It is impossible
Masonic Law Book 199
to described these things in writing, and every brother must attend
in his place, and learn them in a way peculiar to his fraternity: Only
candidates may know, that no Master should take an Apprentice unless
he has sufficient employment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth,
having no maim or defect in his body, that may render him incapable
of learning the art, of serving his Master’s lord, and of being made a
brother, and then a Fellow craft in due time, even after he has served
such a term of years as the custom of the country directs; and that
he should be descended of honest parents; that so, when otherwise
qualified, he may arrive to the honor of being the Warden and then the
Master of the Lodge, the Grand Warden, and at length the Grand Master
of all the Lodges, according to his merit.
No Brother can be a Warden until he has passed the part of a
Fellowcraft; or a Master until he has acted as a Warden nor Grand
Warden until he has been Master of a Lodge, nor Grand Master unless
he has been a Fellowcraft before his election, who is also to be nobly
born, or a gentleman of the best fashion, or some eminent scholar, or
some curious architect, or other artist, descended of honest parents,
and who is singular great merit in the opinion of the Lodges. And for the
better and easier and more honorable discharge of his office, the Grand
Master has a power to choose his own Deputy Grand Master, who must
be then, or must have been formerly the Master of a particular Lodge,
and has the privilege of acting whatever the Grand Master, his principal,
should act, unless the said principal be present, or by a letter.
These rulers and governors, supreme and subordinate, of the
Ancient Lodge, are to be obeyed in their respective stations by all the
brethren, according to the old charges and regulation, with all humility,
reverence, love and alacrity.
V. Of the Management of the Craft in Working.
All Masons shall work honestly on working days, that they may live
creditably on holy days; and the time appointed by the law of the land
or confirmed by custom shall be observed.
The most expert of the Fellow Craftsman shall be appointed the
Master, or Overseer of the lord’s work, who is to be called Master by
those that work under him. The Craftsmen are to avoid all ill language
and to call each other by no disobliging name, but Brother or Fellow;
and to behave themselves courteously within and without the Lodge.
200 MISCELLANEOUS
The Master, knowing himself to be able of cunning, shall undertake
the Lord’s work as reasonably as possible, and truly dispend his goods
as if they were his own; nor to give more wages to any brother or
apprentice than he really may deserve.
Both the Master and the Masons receiving their wages justly, shall
be faithful to the lord, and honestly finish their work, whether task
or journey; nor put the work to task, that hath been accustomed to
journey.
None shall discover envy at the prosperity of a brother, nor supplant
him or put him out of his work, if he be capable to finish the same, for
no man can finish another’s work so much to the lord’s profit unless he
be thoroughly acquainted with the designs and drafts of him that began
it.
When a Fellow Craftsman is chosen as Warden of the work under the
Master, he shall be true both to Master and Fellows and shall carefully
oversee the work in the Master’s absence to the lord’s profit, and his
brethren shall obey him.
All Masons employed shall meekly receive their wages, without
murmuring or mutiny, and not desert the Master till the work is finished.
A young brother shall be instructed in working, to prevent spoiling
the materials for want judgment, and for increasing and continuing of
brotherly love.
All the tools used in working shall be approved by the Grand Lodge.
No laborer shall be employed in the proper work of Masonry; nor
shall Freemasons work with those that are not free, without an urgent
necessity; nor shall they teach laborers and unaccepted Masons, as they
should teach a brother or fellow.
VI. Of Behavior, viz.:
In the Lodge while constituted. - You are not to hold private
committees, or separate conversations, without leave from the Master,
nor to talk of anything impertinent unseemly, nor interrupt the Master
or Wardens, or any brother speaking to the Master: nor behave yourself
ludicrously or jestingly while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious
and solemn; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence
Masonic Law Book 201
whatsoever; but to pay due reverence to your Master, Wardens, and
Fellows, and put them to worship.
If any complaint be brought, the brother found guilty shall stand
to the award and determination of the Lodge, who are the proper and
competent judges of all such controversies, (unless you carry it by
appeal to the Grand Lodge), and to whom they ought to be referred
unless a lord’s work be hindered the meanwhile in which case a
particular reference may be made; but you must never go to law about
what concerneth Masonry, without an absolute necessity apparent to
the Lodge.
1. Behavior after the Lodge is over, and the Brethren not gone
– You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treating
one another according to ability, but avoiding all excess or
forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his inclination, or
hindering him from going when his occasions call him or doing
or saying anything offensive or that my forbid an easy and free
conversation, for that would blast our harmony, and defeat our
laudable purposes. Therefore, no private piques or quarrels
must be brought within the door of the Lodge, far less any
quarrels about religion, or nations, or State policy, we being
only, as Masons, of the Catholic Religion above mentioned, we
are also of all nations, tongues, kindreds, and languages, and
are resolved against all politics, as what never yet conducted to
the welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will. This charge has been
always strictly enjoined and observed; but especially ever since
the reformation in Britain, or the dissent and secession of these
nations from communion of Rome.
2. Behavior when Brethren meet without Strangers, but not in a
Lodge formed. – You are to salute one another in a courteous
manner, as you will be instructed, calling each brother, freely
giving mutual instruction, as shall be thought expedient without
being overseen or overhead, and without encroaching upon
each other, or derogating from that respect which is due to any
brother, were he not a Mason; for though all Masons are as
brethren upon the same level, yet Masonry takes no honor from
a man that he had before; nay, rather it adds to his honor,
especially if he has deserved well of the brotherhood, who must
give honor to whom it is due, and avoid ill manners.
3. Behavior in presence of Strangers not Masons. – You shall be
cautious in your words and carriage, that the most penetrating
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stranger, shall not be able to discover or find out what is not
proper to be intimidated; and sometimes you shall divert
a discourse, and manage it prudently for the honor of the
worshipful Fraternity.
4. Behavior at home and in your neighborhood. – You are to act
as becomes a moral and wise man; particularly, not to let
your family, friends and neighbors, know the concerns of the
Lodge, etc., but wisely to consult your own honor, and that of
the ancient brotherhood, for reasons not to be mentioned here.
You must also consult your health, by not continuing together
too late, or too long from home, after Lodge hours are past; and
by avoiding gluttony or drunkenness, that your families be not
neglected or injured, nor you disabled from working.
5. Behavior towards a strange Brother. – You are cautiously to
examine him, in such a method as prudence shall direct you, that
you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant false pretender,
whom you are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware
of giving him any hints of knowledge.
But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother, you
are to respect him accordingly, and if he is in want, you must
relive him if you can, or else direct him how he may be relieved:
You must employ him some days or else recommend him to be
employed. But you are not charged to do beyond your ability,
only to prefer a poor brother, that is a good man and true,
before any other poor people in the same circumstances.
Finally, all these charges you are to observe, and also those that are
to be communicated to you in another way; cultivating brotherly love, the
foundation and capstone, the cement and glory of this ancient Fraternity,
avoiding all wrangling and quarreling, all slander and backbiting, nor
permitting others to slander any honest brother, but defending his
character, and doing him all good offices, as far as is consistent with
your honor and safety, and no further. And if any of them do you injury,
you must apply to your own or his Lodge; and from thence you may
appeal to the Grand Lodge at the quarterly communication, and from
hence to the annual Grand Lodge, as he has been the ancient laudable
conduct of your forefathers in every nation, never taking a legal course
but when the case cannot be otherwise decided, and patiently listening
to the honest and friendly advice of Master and Fellows, when they
would prevent your going to law strangers, or would excite you to put
Masonic Law Book 203
a speedy period to all law suits, that so you may mind the affairs of
Masonry with more alacrity and success; but with respect to brothers
or fellows at law, the Master and brethren should kindly offer their
mediation, which ought to be thankfully submitted to by the contending
brethren; and if that submission is impracticable, they must, however,
carry on their process, or lawsuit, without wrath and rancor, (not in
the common way), saying or doing nothing which may hinder brotherly
love, and good offices to be renewed and continued; that all may see
the benign influence of Masonry, as all true Masons have done from the
beginning of the world, and will do to the end of time. Amen, so mote
it be.
(X) THE “OLD REGULATIONS” IN 1721
Article I.
The Grand Master, or his deputy, hath authority and right, not only
to be present in any true Lodge, but also to preside wherever he is, with
the Master of the Lodge on his left hand, and to order his Grand Wardens
to attend him who are not to act in particular Lodges as Wardens, but in
his presence, and at his command; because there the Grand Master may
command the Wardens of that Lodge, or any other brethren he pleaseth,
to attend and act as his Wardens pro tempore.
Article II.
The Master of a particular Lodge has the right and authority of
congregating the members of his Lodge into a Chapter at pleasure, upon
any emergency or occurrence, as well as to appoint the time and place of
their usual forming; and in case of sickness, death or necessary absence
of the Master, the Senior Warden shall act as Master pro tempore, if
no brother is present who has been Master of that Lodge before, for in
that case, the absent Master’s authority reverts to the last Master then
present, though he cannot act until the said Senior Warden has once
congregated the Lodge, or in his absence the Junior Warden.
Article III.
The Master of each particular Lodge, or one of the Wardens, or some
other brother by his order, shall keep a book containing their by-laws,
the names of their members, with a list of all the Lodges in town, and
the usual times and places of their forming and all their transactions
that are proper to be written.
Article IV.
No Lodge shall make more than five new brethren at one time, nor
204 MISCELLANEOUS
any man under the age of twenty-five who must also be his own Master;
unless by a dispensation from the Grand Master or his deputy.
Article V.
No man can be made or admitted a member of a particular Lodge
without previous notice, one month before given to the said Lodge,
in order to make due inquiry into the reputation and capacity of the
candidate; unless by the dispensation aforesaid.
Article VI.
But no man can be entered a Brother in any particular Lodge, or
admitted to be a member thereof, without the unanimous consent of
all the members of that Lodge then present, when the candidate is
proposed, and their consent formally asked by the Master; and they
are to signify their consent or dissent in their own prudent way, either
virtually or in form, but with unanimity; nor is this inherent privilege
subject to a dispensation; because the members of a particular Lodge
are the best judges of it; and if a fractious member should imposed on
them, it might spoil their harmony, or hinder their freedom; or even
break and disperse the Lodge, which ought to be avoided by all good
and true brethren,
Article VII.
Every new brother at his making is decently to clothe the Lodge,
that is, all the brethren present, and to deposit something for the relief
of the indigent and decayed brethren, as the candidate shall think fit to
bestow, over and above the small allowance stated by the by-laws of
that particular Lodge; which charity shall be lodged with the Master or
Wardens, or the cashier, if the members think fit to choose one. And the
candidate shall also solemnly promise to submit to the Constitutions,
the Charge, and Regulations, and to such other good usages as shall be
intimated to them in time and place convenient.
Article VIII.
No set of number of brethren shall withdraw or separate themselves
from the Lodge in which they were made brethren, or were afterwards
admitted members, unless the Lodge becomes too numerous, nor even
then, without a dispensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy.
And when they are thus separated, they must either immediately
join themselves to such other Lodge as they shall like best, with the
unanimous consent of that other Lodge to which they go (as above
regulated), or else they must obtain the Grand Master’s warrant, to join
in forming a new Lodge. If any set or number of Masons shall take upon
themselves to form a new Lodge without the Grand Master’s warrant,
Masonic Law Book 205
the regular Lodges are not to countenance them, nor own them as fair
brethren and duly formed, nor approve of their acts and deeds; but
must treat them as rebels, until they humble themselves, as the Grand
Master shall, in his prudence direct, and until he approves of them by
his warrant, which must be signified to the other Lodges, as the custom
is when a new Lodge is to be registered in the list of Lodges.
Article IX.
But if any brother so far misbehaves himself as to render his Lodge
uneasy, he shall be twice duly admonished by the Master of Wardens in
a formed Lodge, and if he will not refrain his imprudence, and obediently
submit to the advice of the brethren, and reform what gives then offense,
he shall be dealt with according to the by-laws of that particular Lodge,
or else in such a manner as the Quarterly Communication shall in their
great prudence think fit, for which a new regulation may be afterwards
made.
Article X.
The majority of every particular Lodge, when congregated, shall have
the privilege of giving instructions to their Master and Wardens, before
the assembling of the Grand Chapter, or Lodge, at the three Quarterly
Communications, hereafter mentioned, and of the Annual Grand Lodge
too; because their Master and Wardens are their representatives, and
are supposed to speak their mind.
Article XI.
All particular Lodges are observe the same usages as much as
possible; in order to which, and for the cultivating a good understanding
among Freemasons, some members out of every Lodge shall be deputed
to visit the other Lodges as often as shall be thought convenient.
Article XII.
The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed by the Masters and
Wardens of all the regular particular Lodges upon record, with the
Grand Master at their head, and his Deputy, on the left hand, and
the Grand Wardens in their proper places, and must have a Quarterly
Communication about Michaelmas, Christmas, and Lady-Day, in some
convenient place, as the Grand Master shall appoint, where no brother
shall be present who is not at that time a member thereof, without a
dispensation, and while he stays he shall not be allowed to vote nor
even give his opinion, without leave of the Grand Lodge, asked and
given, or unless it be duly asked by the said Lodge. All matters are to
be determined in the Grand Lodge by a majority of votes, each member
having one vote and the Grand Master having two votes, unless, the
206 MISCELLANEOUS
said Lodge leave any particular thing to the determination of the Grand
Master, for the sake of expedition.
Article XIII.
At the said Quarterly Communication, all matters that concern the
Fraternity in general or particular Lodges, or single brethren, are quietly,
sedately, and maturely to be discoursed of and transacted: Apprentices
must be admitted Masters and Fellowcrafts only here, unless by a
dispensation. Here also all differences, that cannot be made up and
accommodated privately nor by a particular Lodge, are to be seriously
considered and decided. And if any brother thinks himself aggrieved by
the decision of his board, he may appeal to the annual Grand Lodge next
ensuing, and leave his appeal in writing, with the Grand Master, or his
Deputy, or the Grand Wardens.
Here also, the Master of Wardens of each particular Lodge shall
bring and produce a list of such members as have been made, or even
admitted in their particular Lodges since the last communication of the
Grand Lodge. And there shall be a book kept by the Grand Master, or
his Deputy, or rather by some brother whom the Grand Lodge with their
usual times and places of forming, and names of all the members of
each Lodge, and all the affairs of the Grand Lodge that are proper to be
written.
They shall also consider of the most prudent and effectual methods
of collecting and disposing of what money shall be given to, or lodged
with them in charity, towards the relief only of any true brother, fallen
into poverty or decay, but on none else. But every particular Lodge
shall dispose of their own charity for poor brethren, according to their
own by-laws, until it be agreed by all the Lodges (in a new regulation) to
carry in the charity collected by them to Grand Lodge at the Quarterly or
Annual Communication, in order to make a common stock in it, for the
more handsome relief of poor brethren.
They shall also appoint a Treasurer, a brother of good wordly
substance, who shall be a member of the Grand Lodge by virtue of his
office, and shall be always present, and have power to move to the
Grand Lodge anything, especially what concerns his office.
To him shall be committed all money raised for charity, or for any
other use of the Grand Lodge, which he shall write down in a book, with
the respective ends and uses for which the several sums are intended;
and shall expend or disburse the same by such a certain order signed,
as the Grand Lodge shall agree to in a new regulation: But he shall not
Masonic Law Book 207
vote in choosing a Grand Master or Wardens, though in every other
transaction. As like as manner of the Secretary which shall be a member
of the Grand Lodge by virtue of his office, and vote in every thing except
in choosing Grand Master or Wardens.
The Treasurer and Secretary shall each have a Clerk, who must be
a brother and Fellowcrafts, but never must be a member of the Grand
Lodge, nor speak, without being allowed or desired.
The Grand Master, or his Deputy, shall always command the Treasurer
and Secretary with their clerks and books, in order to see how matters
go on, and to know what is expedient to be done upon any emergent
occasion.
Another Brother (who must be Fellowcraft) should be appointed to
look after the door of the Grand Lodge; but shall be no member of it.
But these offices may be farther explained by a new regulation, when
necessity and expediency of them may more appear that at present to
the Fraternity.
Article XIV.
If any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, quarterly or annual, the
Grand Master and his deputy should be both absent, then the present
Master of a Lodge, that has been the longest a Freemason, shall take
the chair, and preside as Grand Master formerly pro tempore and shall
be vested with all his power and honor for the time; Provided there is
no brother present that has been Grand Master formerly, or Deputy
Grand Master, for the last Grand Master present , or else the last Deputy
present, should always of right to take place in the absence of the
present Grand Master or his deputy.
Article XV.
In the Grand Lodge none can act as Wardens but the Grand
Wardens themselves, if present; and if absent, the Grand Master, or the
person who presides in his place, shall order private Wardens to act as
Grand Wardens pro tempore, whose places are to be supplied by two
Fellowcrafts of the same Lodge, called forth to act, or sent thither by
particular Master thereof; or by him omitted, then they shall be called
by the Grand Master, that so the Grand Lodge may be always completed.
Article XVI.
The Grand Wardens or any other, are first to advise with the Deputy
about the affairs of the Lodge or of the brethren, and not to apply to the
208 MISCELLANEOUS
Grand Master without the knowledge of the Deputy, unless he refuse hid
concurrence in any certain necessary affair, in which case, or in case of
any difference between the Deputy and the Grand Wardens, or other
brethren, both parties are to go by concert to the Grand Master, who
can easily decide the controversy, and make up the difference by virtue
of his great authority.
The Grand Master should receive no intimation of business concerning
Masonry, but from his Deputy first, except in such certain cases as his
Worship can well judge of; or if the application to the Grand Master be
irregular, he can easily order the Grand Wardens or any other brethren
thus applying, to wait upon his deputy, who is to prepare the business
speedily, and to lay it orderly before his worship.
Article XVII.
No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Treasurer,
Secretary, or whoever acts for them, or in their stead, pro tempore, can
at the same time be the Master of Warden of a particular Lodge; but
as soon as any of them has honorably discharged his Grand Office, he
returns to that post or station in his particular Lodge, from which he was
called to officiate above.
Article XVIII.
If the Deputy Grand Master be sick, or necessarily absent, the Grand
Master may choose any fellow Craft he pleases, to be his Deputy pro
tempore: but he that he is chosen Deputy of the Grand Lodge, and
the Grand Wardens too, cannot be discharged without the cause fairly
appear to the majority of the Grand Lodge; and the Grand Master, if he
is uneasy, may call a Grand Lodge on purpose to lay the cause before
them, and to have their advice and concurrence: In which case, the
majority of the Grand Lodge, if they cannot reconcile the Master and his
Deputy of his Wardens, are to concur in allowing the Master to discharge
his said Deputy or his said Wardens, and to choose another Deputy
immediately; and the said Grand Lodge shall choose other Wardens in
that case, that harmony and peace may be preserved.
Article XIX.
If the Grand Master should abuse his power, and render himself
unworthy of the obedience and subjection of the Lodge, he shall be
treated in a way and manner to be agreed upon in a new regulation;
because hitherto the ancient Fraternity have had no occasion for it,
their former Grand Master having all behaved themselves worthy of that
honorable office.
Masonic Law Book 209
Article XX.
The Grand Master with his Deputy and Wardens, shall (at least once)
go round and visit all the Lodges about town during his Mastership.
Article XXI.
If the Grand Master die during his Mastership; or by sickness, or
by being beyond sea, or any other way should be rendered incapable
or discharging his office, the Deputy or in absence, the Senior Grand
Warden, or in his absence, the Junior, or in his absence, any three
present Masters of Lodges, shall join to congregate the Grand Lodge
immediately, to advise together upon that emergency, and send two of
their number to invite the last Grand Master to resume his office, which
now in course reverts to him; or if he refuse, then the next last, and so
backward: But if no former Grand Master can be found, then the Deputy
shall act as principal, until another is chosen; or if there be no Deputy,
then the oldest Master.
Art. XXII.
The brethren of all the Lodges in and about London and Westminster,
shall meet at an Annual Communication and Feast, in some convenient
place on St. John Baptist’s Day, or else on St. John Evangelist’s Day as
the Grand Lodge shall think fit by a new regulation, having of late years
met on St. John Baptist’s Day; Provided, the majority of the Masters
and Wardens, with the Grand Master, his deputy and Wardens, agree at
their Quarterly Communication, three months before, that there shall be
a feast, and a General Communication of all the brethren; For, if either
the Grand Master or a majority of the particular Masters, are against
it, it must be dropped for that time. But whether here shall be a feast
for all the brethren, or not, yet the Grand Lodge must meet in some
convenient place annually on St. John’s Day; or if it be Sunday, then on
the next day, in order to choose every year a new Grand Master, Deputy
and Wardens.
Article XXIII.
If it be thought expedient, and the Grand Master, with the majority of
the Masters and Wardens, agree to hold a Grand Feast, according to the
ancient laudable custom of Masons then the Grand Wardens shall have
the care of preparing the tickets, sealed with the Grand Master’s seal,
of disposing the tickets, or receiving the money for the tickets or buying
the materials of the feast, finding out a proper and convenient place to
feast in, and of every other thing that concerns the entertainment. But
that the work may not be too burthensome to the two Grand Wardens,
and that all matters may be expeditiously and safely managed, the
Grand Master or his deputy shall have power to nominate and appoint
210 MISCELLANEOUS
a certain number of stewards, as his Worship shall think fit to act in
concert with the two Grand Wardens; all things relating to the feast
being decided amongst them by a majority of voices; except the Grand
Master or his Deputy interpose by a particular direction or appointment.
Article XXIV.
The Wardens and Stewards shall, in due time, wait upon the Grand
Master, or his deputy, for directions and orders about the premises; but
if his Worship and his Deputy are sick, or necessarily absent, they shall
call together the Masters and Wardens of the Lodges to meet on purpose
for their advice and orders, or else they may take the matter wholly
upon themselves, and do the best they can. The Grand Wardens and
the Stewards are to account for all the money they receive, or expend,
to the Grand Lodge after dinner, or when the Grand Lodge shall see fit to
receive their accounts. If the Grand Master pleases, he may in due time
summon all the Masters and Wardens of Lodges to consult with them
about ordering the Grand Feast, and about emergency or accidental
thing relating thereunto, that may require advice; or else to take it upon
himself altogether.
Article XXV.
The Masters of Lodges shall each appoint one experienced and
discreet Fellowcraft of his Lodge, to compose a committee consisting
of one from every Lodge, who shall meet to receive, in a convenient
apartment, every person that brings a ticket, and shall have power to
discourse him, if they think fit, in order to admit him, or debar him, as
they shall see cause; Provided, they send no man away before they have
acquainted all the brethren within the door with the reason thereof, to
avoid mistakes; that so no true brother may be debarred, nor a false
brother, or mere pretender admitted. This committee must meet very
early on St. John’s day at the place, even before any persons come with
tickets.
Article XXVI.
The Grand Master shall appoint two or more trusty brethren to be
porters, or doorkeepers, who are also to be early at the place, for some
good reasons; and who are to be at the command of the committee.
Article XXVII.
The Grand Wardens, or the Stewards shall appoint beforehand such
a number brethren to serve at tables as they think fit and proper for that
work; and they may advise with the Masters and Wardens of Lodges
about the most proper persons, if they please, or may take in such by
their recommendation; for none are to serve that day, but Free and
Masonic Law Book 211
Accepted Masons, that the Communication may be free and harmonious.
Article XXVIII.
All the members of the Grand Lodge must be at the place long
before dinner with the Grand Master, or his Deputy, at their head, who
shall retire, and form themselves. And this is done in order-
1. To receive any appeals duly lodged, as above regulated, that
the appellant may be heard, and the affair, may be amicably
decided before dinner, if possible; but if it cannot, it must be
delayed till after the new Grand Master is elected; and if it cannot
be decided after dinner, it may be delayed, and referred to a
particular place committee that shall quietly adjust it, and make
report to the next Quarterly Communication, that brotherly love
may be preserved.
2. To prevent any difference or disgust which may be feared to
arise that day; that no interruption may be given to the harmony
and pleasure of the Grand Feast.
3. To consult about whatever concerns the decency and decorum
of the Grand Assembly, and to prevent all indecency and ill
manners, the assembly being promiscuous.
4. To receive and consider of any good motion, or any momentous
and important affair, that shall be brought from the particular
Lodges, by their Representatives, the several Masters and
Wardens.
Article XXIV.
After these things are discussed, the Grand Master and his Deputy,
the Grand Wardens or the Stewards, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the
Clerks, and every other person shall withdraw and leave the Masters
and Wardens of the Particular Lodges alone, in order to consult amicably
about electing a new Grand Master, or continuing the present, if they have
not done it the day before, and if they are unanimous for continuing the
present Grand Master, his Worship shall be called in, and humbly desired
to do the Fraternity the honor of ruling them for the year ensuing, and
after dinner it will be known whether he accepts of it or not: for it should
not discovered but the election itself.
Article XXX.
Then the Master and Wardens, and all the brethren, may converse
promiscuously, or as they please to sort together, until the dinner is
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coming in, when every brother takes his seat at table.
Article XXXI.
Some time after dinner the Grand Lodge is formed, not in retirement,
but in the presence of all the brethren, who yet are not members of it,
and must not therefore speak until they are desired and allowed.
Article XXXII.
If the Grand Master of the last year has consented with the Masters
and Wardens in private, before dinner, to continue for the year ensuing,
then one of the Grand Lodge, deputed for that purpose, shall represent
to all the brethren his Worship’s good government, etc. And turning to
him, shall, in the name of the Grand Lodge, humbly request him to do
the Fraternity the great honor (if nobly born, if not) the great kindness,
of continuing to be their Grand Master for the Year ensuing. And his
Worship declaring his consent by a vow or speech, as he pleases, the
said deputed member of the Grand Lodge shall proclaim him Grand
Master, and all the members of the Lodge shall salute him in due form.
And all the brethren shall for a few minutes have leave to declare their
satisfaction, pleasure, and congratulation.
Article XXXIII.
But if either the Master and Wardens have not in private, this day
before dinner, nor, the day before, desired the last Grand Master to
continue in the mastership another year; or if he, when desired, ha not
consented: then, the last Grand Master shall nominate his successor for
the year ensuing, who, if unanimously approved by the Grand Lodge,
and if there present, shall be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated the
new Grand Master as above hinted, and immediately installed by the
last Grand Master, according to usage.
Article XXXIV.
But, if that nomination is not unanimously approved, the new
Grand Master shall be chosen immediately by ballot, every Master and
Warden writing his man’s name, and the last Grand Master writing his
man’s name too; and the man, whose name the last Grand Master
shall first take out, casually or by chance, shall be Grand Master for
the year ensuing; and of present, he shall be proclaimed, saluted, and
congratulated, as above hinted, and forthwith installed by the last Grand
Master, according to usage.
Masonic Law Book 213
THE LANDMARKS OR THE UNWRITTEN LAW
By: Albert G. Mackey
Landmark First
The Modes of Recognition are, of all the Landmarks, the most
legitimate and unquestioned. They admit of no variation; and if ever
they have suffered alteration or addition, the evil of such violation of the
ancient law always made itself subsequently manifested. An admission
of this is to be found in the proceedings of the late Masonic Congress
in Paris, where a proposition was presented to render these modes of
recognition once more universal – a proposition which never would have
been necessary, if the integrity of this important Landmark has been
rigorously preserved.
Landmark Second
The divisions of symbolic Masonry into three degrees, is a Landmark
that has been better preserved than almost any other, although even
here the mischievous spirit of innovation has left its traces, and by
the disruption of its concluding portion from the third degree, a want
to uniformity has been created in respect to the final teaching of the
Master’s degree; and the Royal Arch of England, Scotland, Ireland and
America, and the “high degrees” of France and Germany, are all made
to differ in the modes in which they lead the neophyte to the great
consummation of all symbolic Masonry. In 1813, the Grand Lodge
of England, vindicated the ancient Landmark, by solemnly enacting
that Ancient Craft Masonry, consisted of the three degrees of Entered
Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason, including the Holy Royal Arch.
But the disruption has never been healed, and the Landmark, although
acknowledged in its integrity by all, still continues to be violated.
Landmark Third
The legend of the Third Degree is an important Landmark, the
integrity of which has been well preserved. There is no rite of Masonry,
practiced in any country or language, in which the essential elements
of this legend are not taught. The lectures may vary, and indeed are
constantly changing, but the legend has ever remained substantially
the same. And it is necessary that it should be so, for the legend of the
Temple Builder constitute the very essence and identity of Masonry. Any
rite which should exclude it, or materially alter it, would at once, by that
exclusion or alteration, cease to be a Masonic rite.
214 MISCELLANEOUS
Landmark Fourth
The government of the fraternity by a presiding officer called a Grand
Master, who is elected from the body of the Craft, is a Fourth Landmark
of the Order. Many persons ignorantly suppose that the election of
the Grand Master is held in consequence of a law or regulation of the
Grand Lodge. Such, however, is not the case. The office is indebted
for its existence to a Landmark of the Craft. Grand Masters are to
be found in the records of the institution long before Grand Lodges
were established; and if the present system of legislative government
by Grand Lodges were to be abolished, a Grand Master would still be
necessary. In fact, although there has been a period within the records
of history, and indeed of very recent date, when a Grand Lodge was
unknown, there never has been a time when the Craft did not have its
Grand Master.
Landmark Fifth
The prerogative of the Grand Master to preside over every assembly of
the Craft, wheresoever and whensoever held, is a Fifth Landmark. It is
in consequence of this law, derived from ancient usage, and not from
any special enactment, that the Grand Master assumes the chair, or as it
is called in England, “the throne”, at every communication of the Grand
Lodge; and that he is also entitled to preside at the communication of
every Subordinate Lodge, where he may happen to be present.
Landmark Sixth
The prerogative of the Grand Master to grant dispensations for
conferring degrees at irregular times, is another and very important
Landmark. The statutory law of Masonry requires a month, or other
determinate period, to elapse between the presentation of a petition
and the election of a candidate. But the Grand Master has the power
to set aside or dispense with this probation, and to allow a candidate to
be initiated at once. This prerogative he possesses in common with all
Masters, before the enactment of the law requiring a probation, and as
no statute can impair his prerogative, he still retains the power, although
the Masters of Lodges no longer possess it.
Landmark Seventh
The prerogative of the Grand Master to give dispensation for opening
and holding Lodges is another Landmark. He may grant, in virtue of
this, to a sufficient number of Masons, the privilege of meeting together
and conferring degrees. The Lodges thus established are called “Lodges
Masonic Law Book 215
under Dispensation”. They are strictly creatures of the Grand Master,
created by his authority, existing only during his will and pleasure, and
liable at any moment to be dissolved at his command. They may be
continued for a day, or a month, or six (6) months; but whatever be the
period of their existence, they are indebted for that existence solely to
the grace of the Grand Master.
Landmark Eighth
The prerogative of the Grand Master to make Masons at sight, is
a Landmark which is closely connected with the preceding one. There
has been much misapprehension in relation to this Landmark, which
misapprehension has sometimes led to the denial of its existence in
jurisdictions where the Grand Master was perhaps at the very time
substantially exercising the prerogative without the slightest remark or
opposition. It is not to be supposed that the Grand Master can retire
with a profane into a private room, and there, without assistance, confer
the degrees of Freemasonry upon him. No such prerogative exists, and
yet many believe that this is the so much talked of right of “making
Masons at sight”.
The real mode and the only mode of exercising the prerogative is
this: The Grand Master summons to his assistance not less than six other
Masons, convenes a Lodge, and without any previous probation, but on
sight of the candidate, confers the degrees upon him, after which he
dissolves the Lodge, and dismisses the brethren. Lodges thus convened
for special purposes are called “occasional Lodges”. This is the only way
in which any Grand Master within the records of the institution has ever
been known to “make a Mason at sight”. The prerogative is dependent
upon that of granting dispensations to open and hold Lodges.
If the Grand Master has the power of granting to any other Mason
the privilege of presiding over Lodges working by his dispensation,
he may assume this privilege of presiding to himself; and as no one
can deny his right to revoke his Dispensation granted to a number of
brethren at a distance, and to dissolve the Lodge at his pleasure, it will
scarcely be contended that he may not revoke his Dispensation for
a Lodge over which he himself has been presiding, within a day, and
dissolve the Lodge as soon as the business for which he had assembled
it is accomplished. The making of Masons at sight is only the conferring
of the degrees by the Grand Master, at once, in an Occasional Lodge,
constituted by his dispensing power for the purpose, and over which he
presides in person.
216 MISCELLANEOUS
Landmark Ninth
The necessity for Masons to congregate in Lodges is another
Landmark. It is not to be understood by this that any ancient Landmark
has directed that permanent organization of Subordinate Lodges which
constitutes one of the features of the Masonic system as it now prevails.
But the Landmarks of the Craft always prescribed that Masons should
from time to time congregate together, for the purpose of either operative
or speculative labor, and that these congregations should be called
Lodges. Formerly these were extemporary meetings called together
for special purposes, and then dissolved, the brethren departing to
meet again at other times and other places, according to the necessity
of circumstances. But Warrants of Constitution, By-Laws, permanent
officers and annual arrears, are modern innovations wholly outside of
the Landmarks and dependent entirely on the special enactments of a
comparatively recent period.
Landmark Tenth
The government of the Craft, when so congregated in a Lodge by
a Master and two Wardens, is also a Landmark. To show the influence
of this ancient law, it may be observed by the way, that a congregation
of Masons meeting together under any other government, as that for
instance of a president and vice-president, or a chairman, and sub-
chairman, would not be recognized as a Lodge. The presence of a
Master and two Wardens is as essential to the valid organization of a
Lodge as a Warrant of Constitution is at the present day. The names,
of course, vary in different languages, the Master, for instance being
called “Venerable” in French Masonry, and the Wardens “Surveillants”,
but the officers, their numbers, prerogatives and duties, are everywhere
identical.
Landmark Eleventh
The necessity that every Lodge, when congregated, should be
duly tiled, is an important Landmark of the Institution, which is never
neglected. The necessity of this law arises from the esoteric character of
Masonry. As a secret institution, its portals must of course be guarded
from the intrusion of the profane, and such a law must therefore always
have been in force from the very beginning of the Craft. It is therefore
properly classed among the most ancient Landmarks. The office of
the Tiler is wholly independent of any special enactment of Grand or
Subordinates Lodges, although these may and do prescribe for him
additional duties which vary in different jurisdictions. But the duty of
guarding the door and keeping off cowans and eavesdroppers, is an
Masonic Law Book 217
ancient one which constitutes a Landmark for his government.
Landmark Twelfth
The right of every Mason to be represented in all general meetings
of the Craft, and to instruct his representatives, is a Twelfth Landmark.
Formerly, these general meetings, which were usually held once a
year, were called “General Assemblies”, and all the fraternity, even to
the youngest Entered Apprentice, were permitted to be present. Now
they are called “Grand Lodges”, and only the Masters and Wardens
of the Subordinate Lodges are summoned. But this is simply as the
representatives of their members. Originally, each Mason represented
himself; now he is represented by his officers. This was a consession
granted by the fraternity about 1717, and of course does not affect
the integrity of the Landmark, for the principle of representation is still
preserved. The concession was only made for purposes of convenience.
Landmark Thirteenth
The right of every Mason to appeal from the decision of his brethren
in Lodge convened to the Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons,
is a Landmark highly essential to the preservation of justice, and the
prevention of oppression. A few modern Lodges in adopting a regulation
that the decision of Subordinate Lodges, in case of expulsion, cannot
be wholly set aside upon an appeal, have violated this unquestioned
Landmark, as well as the principles of just government.
Landmark Fourteenth
The right of every Mason to visit and sit in every regular Lodge is
an unquestionable Landmark of the Order. This is called “the right of
visitation”. This right of visitation has always been recognized as an
inherent right, which inures to every Mason as he travels through the
world. And this is because lodges are justly considered as only divisions
for convenience of the universal Masonic family. This right may, of course,
be impaired or forfeited on special occasions by various circumstances;
but when admission is refused to a Mason of good standing, who knocks
at the door of a Lodge as a visitor, it is to be expected that some good
and sufficient reason shall be furnished for its violation, of what is in
general a Masonic right, founded on the Landmarks of the Craft.
Landmark Fifteenth
It is a Landmark of the Craft, that no visitor, unknown to the
brethren present, or to some of them as a Mason, can enter a Lodge
218 MISCELLANEOUS
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