MLB.2018

without first passing an examination according to ancient usage. Of
course, if the visitor is known to any Brother present to be a Mason in
good standing, and if that Brother will vouch for his qualifications the
examination may be dispensed with, as the Landmarks refer only to the
cases of strangers, who are not to be recognized unless after strict trial,
due examination, or lawful information.

Landmark Sixteenth

No Lodge can interfere in the business of another Lodge, nor
give degrees to brethren who are members of other Lodges. This is
undoubtedly an ancient Landmark, founded on the great principles of
courtesy and fraternal kindness, which are the very foundation of our
Institution. It has been repeatedly recognized by subsequent statutory
enactments of all Grand Lodges.

Landmark Seventeenth

It is a Landmark that every Freemason is amenable to the laws
and regulations of the Masonic Jurisdiction in which he resides, and this
although he may not be a member of any Lodge. Non-affiliation, which
is, in fact, in itself a Masonic offense, does not exempt a Mason from
Masonic Jurisdiction.

Landmark Eighteenth

Certain qualifications of candidates for initiation are derived from
a Landmark of the Craft. These qualifications are that he shall be a
man—shall be unmutilated, free-born, and of mature age. That is to
say, a woman, a cripple, or a slave, or one born in slavery, is disqualified
for initiation into the rights of Masonry. Statutes, it is true, have from
time to time been enacted, enforcing or explaining these principles;
but the qualifications really arise from the very nature of the Masonic
Institution, and from its symbolic teachings, and have always existed as
Landmarks.

Landmark Nineteenth

A belief in the existence of God as the Grand Architect of the
Universe, is one of the most important Landmarks of the Order. It
has been always deemed essential that a denial of the existence of a
Supreme and Superintending Power is an absolute disqualification for
initiation. The annals of the Craft never yet have furnished or could
furnish an instance in which an avowed atheist was ever made a Mason.
The very initiatory ceremonies of the First Degree forbid and prevent the

Masonic Law Book 219

possibility of so monstrous an occurrence.

Landmark Twentieth

Subsidiary to this belief in God, as a Landmark of the Craft, is
the belief in a resurrection to a future life. This Landmark is not so
positively impressed on the candidate by exact words as the preceding;
but the doctrine is taught by very plain implication, and runs through
the whole symbolism of the Craft. To believe in Masonry, and not to
believe in a resurrection, would be an absurd anomaly, which could only
be excused by the reflection, that he who thus confounded his belief and
his skepticism, was so ignorant of the meaning of both theories as to
have no rational foundation for his knowledge of either.

Landmark Twenty-First

It is a Landmark, that a “Book of the Law” shall constitute an
indispensable part of the furniture of every Lodge. I say advisedly, a
Book of the Law, because it is not absolutely required that everywhere
the Old and New Testaments shall be used. The “Book of the Law” is
that volume which, by the religion of the country, is believed to contain
the revealed will of the Grand Architect of the Universe. Hence, in all
Lodges in Christian countries, the “Book of the Law” is composed of the
Old and New Testaments; in a country where Judaism was prevailing
faith, the Old Testament alone would be sufficient; and in Mohammedan
countries, and among Mohammedan Masons the Koran might be
substituted. Masonry does not attempt to interfere with peculiar
religious faith of its disciples, except so far as it relates to the belief in
the existence of God, and what necessarily results from that belief. The
“Book of the Law” is to the speculative Mason his spiritual Trestleboard;
without this he cannot labor, whatever he believes to be the revealed
will of the Grand Architect constitutes for him this spiritual Trestleboard,
and must ever be before him in his hours of speculative labor, to be the
rule and guide of his conduct. The Landmark therefore, requires that
a “Book of the Law”, a religious code of some kind, purporting to be an
exemplar of the revealed will of God, shall form an essential part of the
furniture of every Lodge.

Landmark Twenty-Second

The equality of all Masons is another Landmark of the Craft. This
equality has no reference to any subversion of those gradations of rank
which have been instituted by the usage of society. The monarch,
the nobleman or the gentleman is entitled to all the influence, and
receives all the respect which rightly belong to his exalted position.

220 MISCELLANEOUS

But the doctrine of Masonic equality implies that, as children of one
great Father, we meet in the Lodge upon the level-that on that level
we are all traveling to one predestined goal—that in the Lodge genuine
merit shall receive more respect than boundless wealth, and that virtue
and knowledge alone should be basis of all Masonic honors, and be
rewarded with preferment. When the labors of the Lodge are over, and
the brethren have retired from their peaceful retreat, to mingle once
more with the world, each will then again resume that social position,
and exercise the privileges of that rank, to which the customs of society
entitle him.

Landmark Twenty-Third

The secrecy of the institution is another and a most important
Landmark. There is some difficulty in precisely defining what is meant
by a “secret society”. If the term refers, as perhaps, in strictly logical
language it should, to those associations whose designs are concealed
from the public eye, and whose members are unknown, which produce
their results in darkness, and whose operations are carefully hidden
from the public gaze—a definition which be appropriate to many political
clubs and revolutionary combinations in despotic countries, where
reform, if it is at all to be effected, must be effected by stealth—then
clearly Freemasonry is not a secret society.

Its design is not only publicly proclaimed, but is vaunted by its
disciples as something to be venerated—its disciples are known, for its
membership is considered an honor to be coveted it works for a result of
which it boasts—the civilization and refinement of man, the amelioration
of his condition and the reformation of his manners.

But if by a secret society is meant—and this is the most popular
understanding of the term—a society in which there is a certain amount
of knowledge, whether it be of methods of recognition or of legendary
and traditional learning, which imparted to those only who have passed
through an established form of initiation, the form of which is also
concealed or esoteric, then in this sense is Freemasonry undoubtedly
a secret society. Now, this form of secrecy is a form inherent in it,
existing with it from its very foundation, and secure to it by its ancient
Landmarks. If divested of its secret character, it would lose its identity
and would cease to be Freemasonry.

Whatever objections may, therefore, be made to the institution on
account of its secrecy, and however much some unskilled brethren have
been willing in times of trial, for the sake of expediency, to divest it
of its secret character, it will be ever impossible to do so, even were

Masonic Law Book 221

the Landmark not standing before us as an insurmountable obstacle;
because such change of its character would be social suicide, and the
death of the Craft would follow its legalized exposure. Freemasonry,
as a secret association, has lived unchanged for centuries—as an open
society it would not last for as many years.

Landmark Twenty-Fourth

The foundation of a speculative science upon an operative art, and
the symbolic use and explanation of the terms of that art, for purposes
of religious or moral teaching constitute another Landmark of the
Order. The Temple of Solomon was the cradle of the institution, and,
therefore, the reference to the operative Masonry which constructed that
magnificent edifice to the materials and implements which are employed
in its construction and to the artists who were engaged in the building,
are all component and essential parts of the body of Freemasonry, which
could not be subtracted from it without an entire destruction of the
whole identity of the Craft. Hence, all the comparatively modern rites
of Freemasonry, however they may differ in other respects, religiously
preserve this temple history and these operative elements, as the
substratum of all their modifications of the Masonic system.

Landmark Twenty-Fifth

The last and crowning Landmark of all is, that these Landmarks can
never be changed. Nothing can be subtracted from them—nothing can
be added to them—not the slightest modification can be made in them.
As they were received from our predecessors, we are bound by the most
solemn obligations of duty to transmit them to our successors. Not one
jot or one title of this unwritten laws can be repealed: for in respect to
them, we are not only willing, but compelled to adopt the language of
the sturdy old barons of England—“Nolumus leges mutari”, let the laws
abide.

222 MISCELLANEOUS

Of Forms for Various Purposes
CERTIFICATE FOR A DIPLOMA

FOR A MASTER MASON
……………………………………………. Lodge No. …………………………, F. & A.M.

…………………………………………………………, 20………
To the Most Worshipful ………………….
Grand Secretary
of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines:
I hereby certify that Brother ………………………………………………….. is
a Master Mason and a member of this Lodge, in good standing; and
as such he is hereby recommended, for a Grand Lodge Diploma, upon
payment of the usual fees.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge aforesaid at
the date above written.

……………………………………………..
Secretary
(Seal)

Masonic Law Book 223

CERTIFICATE FOR A DIPLOMA FOR THE BENEFIT
OF FAMILY OF A DECEASED BROTHER

……………………………………………. Lodge No. …………………………, F. & A.M.
…………………………………………………………, 20………

To the Most Worshipful ………………….
Grand Secretary
of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines:

I hereby certify that Brother …………………………………. who died at
………………………… on the day ………… of ………………….., 20….., was, at the
date of his death, a Master Mason and a member of this Lodge, in good
standing; and that he left (here insert “a widow”, “a child” or “children”
or any of them, as the case may be) for whose benefit a Grand Lodge
Diploma is desired.

Given by order of our Lodge aforesaid, at the date first above
written, as witness may hand and the seal thereof.

……………………………………………..

Secretary

(Seal)

224 MISCELLANEOUS

PETITION FOR A DISPENSATION TO FORM
A NEW LODGE

To the Most Worshipful …………………………………..
Grand Master of Masons of the Philippines:

The petition of the undersigned respectfully represents that they
are Master Masons in good standing; that they were last members of
the respective Lodges opposite their several signatures hereunto, as will
appear from the dimit of each of the petitioners, herewith transmitted;
that they reside in or near the ………………………. of ……………………………… in
the province of ……………………………………., in the Philippines; that among
them are a sufficient number of brethren well qualified to open and hold a
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and to discharge all its various duties
in the three degrees of Ancient Masonry, in accordance with established
usage; and that, having the prosperity of the Craft at heart and being
desirous to use their best endeavors for the diffusion of its beneficent
principles, they pray for a Dispensation empowering them to form, open
and hold a regular Lodge, at the …………………… of ……………………………………….
aforesaid to be called …………………………………………….. Lodge.

They have nominated and now respectfully recommend Brother
………………….. as the first Master, Brother ………………………….. as the first
Senior Warden, and Brother ………………………….. as the first Junior Warden
of the said Lodge, they being each, in all respects, competent to perform
all the duties of either of the stations for which they are severally
proposed; and, if the prayer of the petitioners be granted, they promise
in all things strict obedience to the commands of the Grand Master, and
an undeviating conformity to the Constitution and Regulations of the
Grand Lodge.

Dated at ………………………………., on the ……… day of ………………, 20……

Signatures, Name & No. of Lodge, Location

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(These signatures must give all the names of the subscribers in full)

Masonic Law Book 225

RECOMMENDATION OF A PETITION FOR THE
FORMATION OF A NEW LODGE

……………………………………………. Lodge No. …………………………, F. & A.M.
…………………………………………………………, 20………

To the Most Worshipful ………………………………………………..
Grand Master of Masons in the Philippines:

At a stated meeting of this Lodge, held at the date above written,
the following preamble and resolution were adopted:

“Whereas, a petition for the issue of a Dispensation to form
and open a new Lodge at …………………………… in the province of
………………………………………. has been presented to this Lodge for
recommendation;

And, Whereas, it is known to this Lodge that the signers to said
petition, …………………………………………….., in number, are all Master
Masons in good standing, and that a safe and suitable Lodge-room
has been provided by them for their meetings;

It is Resolved, That the establishment of said new Lodge is of
manifest propriety and will conduce to the good of the Order and
that this Lodge recommends to the Grand Master the granting of the
Dispensation prayed for in said petition.”

A true copy from the Minutes.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of our Lodge aforesaid, at the date above written.

……………………………………………..

Secretary



(Seal)

226 MISCELLANEOUS

CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION OF OFFICERS
PROPOSED FOR A LODGE

To the Most Worshipful ………………………………………
Grand Master of Masons in the Philippines:

The petition of …………………………… brethren, residing at
………………………………………., praying the Grand Master for a Dispensation
to open and hold a new Lodge, at said ………………………, to be called
………………………………. Lodge, having been presented to me; and Brothers
……………………….. and ………………………………. being recommended therein
for nomination, respectively, as Master, Senior Warden and Junior
Warden of said proposed new Lodge; now I …………………………………….,
Master of ……………………………………… Lodge No. ………….. do hereby certify
that, to my positive knowledge, each of said brethren is fully competent
properly to confer the three degrees of Masonry and to deliver the entire
several lectures thereunto appertaining.

Given at …………………………………….., in the province of
…………………………………, this ……………. day of ……………………………., 20…….

……………………………………………..

Master



Masonic Law Book 227

DISPENSATION TO FORM A NEW LODGE
THE GRAND LODGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

GREETINGS:

Whereas, A petition has been presented to me by sundry brethren,
to wit: - Brothers (Insert names of signers in full) all residing in or
near the ……………………….. of ……………………………. In the Province of
…………………………………………….. in the Philippines, praying to be congregated
into a regular Lodge known and designated as ……………………………….
Lodge, and promising to render obedience to the ancient usages and
landmarks of the Fraternity, and the Constitution and Regulations of our
Grand Lodge; And,

Whereas, the said petitioners have been duly recommended to me
as Master Masons in good standing, in the manner prescribed by the
Regulations of our Grand Lodge, by the Master, Wardens and Brethren
of …………………… Lodge No. ……………….., under our jurisdiction:

Now Know Ye, That I, …………………………………………………., Grand
Master of Masons in the Philippines, reposing full confidence in the
recommendation aforesaid, and in the Masonic integrity and ability
of the petitioners, do by virtue of the power in me vested, hereby
grant this Dispensation, empowering and authorizing our trusty and
well-beloved brethren aforesaid, to form and open a Lodge after the
manner of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, and therein to admit to
membership and make Free-masons, according to the ancient custom,
and not otherwise.

This Dispensation is to continue in full force until the first day of the
month in which the next Annual Communication of our Grand Lodge
shall be holden, unless sooner revoked by me; and I do hereby appoint
Brother …………………………………………. to be the first Master, Brother
…………………….. to be the first Senior Warden, and Brother ……………………….
to be the first Junior Warden of the said new Lodge; requiring them to
return this Dispensation, with their Book of Records, an attested copy of
their By-Laws, and a full report of the doings of their said Lodge, to our
Grand Lodge aforesaid, at the expiration of the time herein specified, for
examination and for such further action in the premises as shall then be
deemed wise and proper.

228 MISCELLANEOUS

Given under my hand and the seal of our Grand Lodge aforesaid, at
Manila, this ……………………………… day of …………………………………., 20………

……………………………………………..

Grand Master

(Seal)

Attest:

……………………………………………..
Grand Secretary

Masonic Law Book 229

PETITION FOR A CHARTER

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines:

The undersigned respectfully represent that on the ………… day of
……………………………………, a Dispensation was issued by the Grand Master
for the formation of a new Lodge at ………………….. in the province of
…………………………………………………., by the name of ………………………………………
Lodge; that on the ……….. day of ……………………………………….., next
ensuing, said Lodge was opened and organized, and has since continued
successfully to work during the period named in said Dispensation, as
will appear from its records, by-laws, and returns, herewith presented;
and that it is the anxious desire of the members of said Lodge that its
exercise be perpetuated.

They, therefore, pray that a Charter be granted to said Lodge by the
name of ……………………….. Lodge, with such number as the usage of the
Grand Lodge may assign it, and recommend that Bro. …………………………..
be named therein as Master, Bro. ……………………… as Senior Warden, and
Bro. ………………………………….. as Junior Warden; promising, as heretofore,
strict obedience to the commands of the Grand Master, and undeviating
conformity to the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge.

Given by instruction from and on behalf of said Lodge, at
……………………, this ………….. day of ………………………………., 20………..


…………………………………………)
…………………………………………)
…………………………………………) Delegates
…………………………………………)
…………………………………………)

230 MISCELLANEOUS

CHARTER

THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Greetings:

WHEREAS, It having been duly represented unto us that brethren
of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted
Masons, residing on or near the ………………………… in the Province
of ……………………………………………., within our jurisdiction, have,
heretofore, to wit: on ………………….. day of ………………………….. A. L.,
……………………………………….., received from our Most Worshipful Grand
Master a Dispensation to assemble as a Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons, for the purpose therein expressed; AND,

WHEREAS, it having been further represented that the said brethren
are now desirous that their Lodge shall be duly chartered, constituted,
and numbered upon our registry as a regular Lodge; and it appearing,
after due examination, that they are well qualified and in all respect
worthy to assume and fulfill the duties consequent upon the indulgence
of their said desire; AND,

WHEREAS, it being believed that the advancement of Freemasonry
will be encouraged, and the wise, moral, and beneficent purposes of
our Ancient Craft be promoted by the constitution and permanent
establishment of their said Lodge;

Now, THEREFORE, KNOW YE, That, we the Most Worshipful GRAND
LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES, have
authorized, constituted and appointed, and by this our WARRANT
and CHARTER, do hereby authorize, constitute and appoint our
trusty and well-beloved brethren ………….……………………………………….
Master; …….….……………………………………… Senior Warden; and
……………………………………….. Junior Warden; together with all such other
true and lawful brethren as have already been or may hereafter be
admitted to associate with them, to assemble and work as a regular
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, at the ………………………………………
aforesaid, by the name and designation of …………………………………………

Masonic Law Book 231

AND WE DO HEREBY GRANT AND COMMIT unto the Master and
Wardens aforesaid and their successors, and to the brethren of the said
Lodge, full power and authority to receive and enter Apprentices, pass
Fellowcrafts, raise Master Masons, and admit brethren to membership;
to choose a Master and Wardens and other officers, annually; to
exact from their initiates and members such fees and dues as may be
necessary for the maintenance of their widows and orphans, and for the
regular payment of such contributions to the Grand Lodge as shall by it
be directed; and, generally, to perform and do all other acts and things
which shall be in full accordance with the ancient usages and customs of
the Craft, and in strict obedience to the Constitution, Regulations, and
Edicts of this our Grand Lodge, aforesaid:

AND WE DO HEREBY REQUIRE the said Lodge to attend the Grand
Lodge at all its Communications, by its Master and Wardens, or by its
Representatives, duly appointed; to keep a fair and faithful record of all
its acts and proceedings which are proper to be written; and to lay the
same before the Grand Lodge whenever it may be directed;

AND, LASTLY, WE DO HEREBY ENJOIN upon the Master, Wardens
and Brethren of the Lodge, aforesaid, that they ever observe a strict
conformity to all the ordinances of our Grand Lodge, which is the
Supreme Masonic Power and Authority in the Philippines; and that they
constantly give due respect and obedience to the Grand Maser and their
other superiors in office, in all things appertaining to our Ancient Craft;

DONE IN GRAND LODGE, in accordance with its order, at the
City of Manila, Philippines, on this day of ……………………………………… at
the City of Manila, Philippines, on this day of ………………… Anno Lucis
…………………………………….. Anno Domini ………………………………….

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We, Grand Master of Masons in the
Philippines have hereunto set our hands and have caused our Grand
Secretary to make his attestation thereunto, and to affix the Seal of our
Grand Lodge.

……………………………………………..

Grand Master

(Seal)

Attest:

……………………………………………..
Grand Secretary

232 MISCELLANEOUS

…………….………………………… RECEIPT FOR DUES
Signature
…………………………………………..………………………….………………………….
Lodge No. ……………………… F. & A. M.
Under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of the
Philippines.

No. ……………………………… Date ……………………., 20……………..

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT

Brother .……………………………………………………………………………………
has paid dues from …………………………………………………., 20……….
to …………………………………………………………………………….., 20……….
P……………………………………….

……………………………………………….
Secretary

M. W. GRAND LODGE OF F. & A. M.
OF THE PHILIPPINES

This is to certify that the Lodge named on the reverse of this Certificate
is a regular and legally constituted Lodge under the jurisdiction of the
Grand Lodge, and that this is the only form of record for dues authorized
by our Grand Lodge.

……………………………………………….

Secretary

Masonic Law Book 233

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
TO ELECT TRIAL COMMISSIONERS

……………………………………………. Lodge No. …………………………, F. & A.M.
…………………………………………………………, 20………

Bro. ………………………………………………:
You are hereby notified to attend a special meeting of this Lodge, to
be held on the ……… day of …………………………, 20…….. at ………………………..
o’clock ……………………………M., for the purpose of electing Commissioners
to try a brother upon a charge of unmasonic conduct preferred against
him by a Master Mason in good standing.
By order of the Master, as witness my signature and the seal of our
Lodge.

……………………………………………..

(Seal)

234 MISCELLANEOUS

CERTIFICATE OF WITHDRAWAL
WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is to certify that Bro. ………………………………………………….., heretofore
a member of ………………………………………… Lodge No. ……………………………….
F. & A. M., under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines,
has paid his dues in full and has this day withdrawn from membership in
Lodge.

Given at the Hall of our Lodge aforesaid, at ………………………………………
Philippines, this …………. Day of …………………………, 20………. as witness my
hand, the seal of our lodge, and the attestation of our Secretary.

……………………………………………..

Master

(Seal)

Attest:

……………………………………………..
Secretary

Masonic Law Book 235

CERTIFICATE FOR AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS

……………………………………………. Lodge No. …………………………, F. & A.M.
…………………………………………………………, 20………

To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons:
This is to certify that at a stated meeting of this Lodge held on
the ………………………. day of ………………………………, 20……, the following
amendment of Section ……………., Article ………. of the By-Laws was
presented in writing and noted upon the minutes of the Lodge:
Article…………………………., Section……………………(here set in full the
section proposed to be amended.)
That at the next stated meeting, held on the ………….day of
…………………., 19…….., the said section was amended by the vote of two-
thirds of the members present.
Prior to amendment the section read as follows: (Here set out the
full text of the section as it read prior to proposed amendment.)
Witness my hand and the seal of the Lodge on the date first above
written.

236 MISCELLANEOUS

CHARGE OF UNMASONIC CONDUCT

…………………………………………………, Philippines, ………………………….., 20…..

To the Master of …………………………………………. Lodge No. …………. F. & A. M.

Worshipful Sir and Brother:

The undersigned, a Master Mason in good standing, and a member
of ……………. Lodge No. ………., at …………………………………………….., in the
Philippines, does hereby charge Bro. ………………………………, a Mason now
residing (or said to be residing) at ……………………………., with unmasonic
conduct, as set forth in the following specifications:

First. That on or about the ……………………….. day of ………………, 20…….,
he did, etc. (here sate the offense as particularly as may be practicable.)

Second. That on or about the ……………………… day of …………, 20………,
he did, etc. (here state the second specification, if any).

Third. That on or about, etc. (following with as many specifications
as there are distinct offenses charged.)

For all of which the undersigned desires that the said ………………………
be brought to trial and dealt with in such manner as our Masonic laws
provide.

Respectfully and fraternally,

…………………………………….

Should the charge be preferred by the Junior Warden, under the
direction of the Lodge or Master, the first portion of the first paragraph
foregoing should then read –

The undersigned, a Master Mason in good standing, and Junior
Warden of ……………….. at …………….. Lodge No. ………………………, at
…………………………………………….., does hereby, by direction of that Lodge,
(or of the Master thereof), charge Bro. …………………………………., etc.

Masonic Law Book 237

NOTIFICATION TO A COMMISSIONER

Hall of …..…………………………………….. Lodge No. ……………………, F. & A. M.
at ………………………………………….., Philippines, ………………………., 20……….

You are hereby notified that, at a special meeting of this Lodge held
on the ……….. day of …………………………………., 20………, you were elected to
be one of the ……………………….. Commissioners designated to try a certain
charge of unmasonic conduct preferred against a brother by a Master
Mason in good standing; and that meeting of said Commissioners, for
that purpose, will be held at ………………………………, on the …………… day of
…………………………, 20…., at …………………………….. o’clock ………………….. M.
By order of the Master.

……………………………………………..
Secretary
(Seal)

238 MISCELLANEOUS

NOTIFICATION TO AN ACCUSER
Hall of …..…………………………………….. Lodge No. ……………………, F. & A. M.

at ………………………………………….., Philippines, ………………………., 20……….
Bro. …………………………………………….:
You are hereby notified that the Commissioners elected by this Lodge
to try the charge preferred by you against Bro. ………………………., will
assemble at ……………………………., on ………………………………., the ……………..
day of ……………………………….., at ……………….. o’clock …………………M., for
that purpose.
By order of the Master.

……………………………………………..
Secretary
(Seal)

Masonic Law Book 239

SUMMONS TO AN ACCUSED BROTHER
_____________________

SERVICE

Hall of …..…………………………………….. Lodge No. ……………………, F. & A. M.
at ………………………………………….., Philippines, ………………………., 20……….

Bro. ………………………………………….

You are hereby summoned to appear to ………………………….., on
………………………………, the …………. Day of ……………………………………., 20………
at ……………………………. o’clock …………… M., there and then to answer to
a certain charge of unmasonic conduct preferred against you by Bro.
……………………………., a Master Mason in good standing, a certified copy of
which is hereunto annexed.

Given at the place and on the day first above written, as witness my
hand and the seal of our Lodge, with the attestation of our Secretary.

……………………………………………..

Master

(Seal)

ATTEST:

……………………………………………..
Secretary

240 MISCELLANEOUS

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, …………………………………………, Secretary (or Tyler, or member
authorized by the Master for this purpose), of this Lodge, hereby
certify that I duly served the annexed summons upon Bro.
……………………………………., the accused brother named therein, on the
……………….. day of ………………………………, 20………., by delivering to him
in person at ………………………………………… (or leaving at his ordinary place
of residence, to wit: ……………………………………., Street in ……………………,
Phil.) or leaving it at his place of business to wit: ………………………………., in
…………………………………., Philippines, the duplicate thereof, together with
a certified copy of the charge and specifications which accompanied the
summons.

………………………………………………..

The following may be a form for the certificate of service when the
service is had by mail or other mode of conveyance:

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, …………………………………………………., Secretary of this Lodge, hereby
certify that on the ……………….. day of ………………………………………………..,
20…….., I forwarded by mail (or other usual mode of conveyance,
stating it), to Bro. ………………………………………………, named in the annexed
summons at …………………………………… in the state of ……………………., which
place is the residence of the said brother, together with a certified copy
of the charge and specifications which accompanied the summons.

……………………………………………..
Secretary

(Seal)

Masonic Law Book 241

SUMMONS TO WITNESS

Hall of …..…………………………………….. Lodge No. ……………………, F. & A. M.
at ………………………………………….., Philippines, ………………………., 20……….

Bro: …………………………………………:

You are hereby summoned to appear at …………………………..,
on ……………………………, the …………… day of …………………………………..,
20……… at ……………………………… o’clock M., there and then to testify in
relation to a certain charge of unmasonic conduct preferred by Bro.
………………………………..

Given at the place and on the day first above written as witness my
hand and the seal of our Lodge with the attestation of our Secretary.

……………………………………………..

Master

(Seal)

ATTEST:

……………………………………………..
Secretary

242 MISCELLANEOUS

LETTER AUTHORIZATION TO TAKE TESTIMONY

Hall of …..…………………………………….. Lodge No. ……………………, F. & A. M.
at ………………………………………….., Philippines, ………………………., 20……….

To the Worshipful ………………………………,
Master of …………………………………………… Lodge No. ..…………………………, F. &
A. M. at ………………………………………………..:

A charge of unmasonic conduct having been preferred in
good standing, against Bro. ………………………. of this Lodge by Bro.
……………………………………….. a Master Mason in Lodge No. ……………..
at …………………………………………, a copy of which charge, with the
specifications is herewith transmitted; and the testimony of Bro.
…………………………………. A member (or a Mason residing within the
jurisdiction) of your Lodge being deemed important at the trial of said
charge you are hereby authorized and requested to take the testimony
of the said Bro. ………………………………., upon such matters as either the
accuser or the accused, or both, may indicate in the paper (or papers)
herewith annexed, and to make return thereof to me as early as may be
possible.

Given at the place and on the day first above-written, as witness my
hand and the seal of our Lodge, with the attestation of our Secretary.

……………………………………………..

Master

(Seal)

ATTEST:

……………………………………………..
Secretary

It should not be forgotten that, when either party desires to have
testimony taken elsewhere than before the Commissioners, NOTICE
THEREOF MUST BE GIVEN TO THE OTHER PARTY.

The testimony taken upon an authorization, such as the foregoing,
should be written out precisely in the same manner, with question and

Masonic Law Book 243

answer, as though taken before the Commissioners; and, after being
so written out and signed by the witness, should be attached to and be
returned with the authorization, accompanied with the following –

CERTIFICATE

……………………………………………Philippines …………………………………, 20…………
I do hereby certify that the foregoing pages, numbered from
………………………to……………….., inclusive, contain the full, true and perfect
deposition of Bro. ………………………………………..taken by me under and by
virtue of the annexed authorization.

………….………………………………….…………..
Master of …………………….. Lodge No……………………………

RECORD OF FINDING

All other business being concluded, and there being present only
members of his Lodge, the Master presented the record of the trial
of Bro. …………………………………, by the Commissioners elected on the
……………………….., 20….., and announced that he had been found guilty
upon one (or two, or all), of the specifications on the charge of unmasonic
conduct preferred against him, and also upon the charge; and had been
sentenced to expulsion (or suspension) from all the rights and privileges
of Masonry. (Or to reprimand in open Lodge.) (Or that he had been
found not guilty upon all the specifications of the charge of unmasonic
conduct preferred against him.) The Master directed the Secretary to
record the same as the judgment of the Lodge and to file the record of
the trial among the archives.

244 MISCELLANEOUS

FORM OF TRANSCRIPT OF RECORD OF TRIAL

First should come a fair copy of the proceedings of the Lodge at the
special meeting thereof held for the election of Trial-Commissioners,
which should have been entered in the minutes of the Lodge in
substantially the following form:

FORM OF RECORD AT A MEETING FOR ELECTION
OF TRIAL-COMMISSIONERS

Hall of …..…………………………………….. Lodge No. ……………………, F. & A. M.
at ………………………………………….., Philippines, ………………………., 20……….

By order of the Master, of which due notification was given to the
brethren, this Lodge was specially convened at the place and on the day
above written, at ………………………………o’ clock………..M., and there were
present the following. (Here give the names and titles of the officers,
and the number of other members present, referring for the names of
these last to the Tyler’s Register.)

A Lodge of Master Masons having been duly opened, the Master
stated that this special meeting had been called for the purpose of
electing Commissioners to hear and determine upon a certain charge
of unmasonic conduct preferred by a Master Mason in good standing
against a brother of this Lodge (or of some other Lodge, naming it, or
if a non-affiliated Mason, saying so), and desired that the Lodge should
indicate the number of Commissioners which it deemed advisable to
elect.

On motion, duly seconded, it was voted that the number of
Commissioners be ……………………….

The Master appointed Bros. ……………………… and …………………………..,
to act as tellers, and the Lodge proceeded to ballot for Commissioners.

At the conclusion of the …………………………… ballot it was found that
the following named brethren had each received a majority of the votes
of all the members, present, viz: - (Here give the names in full of all the
Commissioners elected.) And they were declared by the Master to be
duly elected to serve as Commissioners.

Masonic Law Book 245

The Master named …………………………………, the………………………………..
day of ………………………., 20….., at ……………………………… o’ clock………..M.,
at the Lodge room (or such other place as he may designate), as the
time and place for the first meeting of the Commissioners, and directed
the Secretary to notify each of them of his election and of the time and
place of meeting.

The Master also directed the Secretary to prepare, for his signature,
a summons to the accused to appear at said time and place before
the Commissioners, and handed the charge to the Secretary with
instructions that a certified copy thereof, under seal of the Lodge, be
made and transmitted to the accused with said summons.

The Master also directed the Secretary to notify the accuser of said
time and place of meeting of the Commissioners.

The business being thus concluded, the Lodge was closed.

……………………………………………..

Secretary



APPROVED:

……………………………………………..
Master

246 MISCELLANEOUS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE
COMMISSIONERS

This should be followed by the record of the proceedings before the
Commissioners, which may substantially, be in the following form, viz: -

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

At ………………………………………………………………….. 20………………….

The Commissioners elected by ………. Lodge No. ….. F. & A.M., on
………., 20….., to try a certain charge of unmasonic conduct preferred by
Bro. …………… against Bro. …………………………, met at the time and place
above noted, in accordance with the direction of the Master.

_______________________
Note: At this point, if the Master finds that the address of the accused

is unknown and directs the trial to proceed ex parte, record thereof may
be inserted and the direction as to summons being transmitted to the
accused may be omitted.

There were also present Bro. …………….…………………………, W.M. of
said Lodge, and Bro. ………………………., Secretary thereof. The accused
was (or was not) present, and he was (or was not) represented by an
attorney (naming him). The accuser was (or was not) present, and he
was (or was not) represented by an attorney (naming him).

The Master then stated the purpose for which the Commission is
assembled.

A majority of the Commissioners elected being present, the trial was
ordered to proceed.

The Master then caused the charge and specifications to be read by
the Secretary, and also the summons to the accused, with the certificate
of service thereof. The following is a copy of the same.

(Here insert copy of charge copy of summons, and copy of certificate
of service.)

Masonic Law Book 247

It was also shown that the accuser had been duly notified. No
objection was made by either party to any of the Commissioners (or, if
objection is made, the fact and reasons given must be stated, together
with the ruling of the Master thereon.)

The accused, in answer to said charge and specification, stated
(insert his statement, or, if his plea be in writing, insert copy thereof.)

The Commissioners then proceeded to hear the testimony, and the
following testimony was introduced on the part of the accuser: -

Bro. ………………………., a Mason in good standing, testified on his
honor as a Mason, as follows:

“I am a Mason in good standing, a member of ……………………………………
Lodge No. …………….., F. & A.M., of …………………………………….” (Here insert
the testimony of the witness, exactly as he gives it in his own words,
giving all the questions and answers.)

(Signed)………………………………………………………..

Theforegoingtestimony,givenbyBro.………………………………………………..,
was read to the witness, and, after such reading, was signed by him in
the presence of the Commissioners.
………………………………………………., a witness who is not a Mason,
appeared before the Commission, and having been put under oath to
testify truly by ………………………………. a ……………….., an officer authorized
by the laws of the Philippines to administer oaths, testified as follows: -

(Here insert testimony)

The deposition of ………………………………, who was not a Mason, taken
by order of the Master by an officer authorized by the laws of this State
to administer oaths, was here introduced.

(Here insert copy of such deposition, with copies of all papers
appertaining thereto.)

The testimony of Bro. ……………………………………, a Mason residing
without the jurisdiction of this Lodge, and taken by ……………………………..,
Master of ……………………………………… Lodge No. ………….., F. & A. M., by

248 MISCELLANEOUS

authorization of the Master of this Lodge, was here introduced.

(Here insert copy of authorization, testimony and certificate.)

The accused offered the following testimony: -

(Here insert all of such testimony in the manner already stated.)

No further testimony being offered, the matter was submitted
to the Commissioners for decision. The Commissioners thereupon
proceeded to deliberate, with none present save themselves, the Master
and Secretary. After sufficient consultation and deliberation, vote for
“guilty” or “not guilty” was taken by ballot on the first specification, and
the vote thereon was “guilty” -– “not guilty”, -- A vote for “guilty” or “not
guilty” was then taken by ballot on the second specification, and the
vote thereon was “guilty”, -- “not guilty”, -- A vote for “guilty” or “not
guilty” was then taken by ballot upon the charge of unmasonic conduct,
and the vote thereon was “guilty”, -- “not guilty” –

The Commissioners then proceeded to vote, by ballot, upon the
sentence. The Master submitted to the Commissioners the question
– “Shall the accused be expelled?” The Master then submitted to the
Commissioners the question – “Shall the accused be suspended?” The
ballot on such question resulted “aye”, -- “no”, --

The result of this ballot having been declared, the Commission,
having finished its work, adjourned.

………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………

Signatures of Commissioners who acted

Masonic Law Book 249

I, ………………………………………, Secretary of …………………………………………….
Lodge No. ……………, F. & A. M., Secretary of the Trial-Commission elected
by the said Lodge to try a charge of unmasonic conduct preferred by
…………………… against …………………………………………… certify that the
foregoing is a full and correct record of the proceedings and findings of
said Commission.

Dated ……………………………………., 20………

………………………………………………

(This completes the copy of the record of the Commission, the
original of which should be handed to the Master of the Lodge, who
makes the announcement at the next stated meeting of the Lodge.
The original record of the Commission, handed to the Master and filed
in the Lodge, should in all case contain the original papers (charges,
summons, deposition, etc.), and not copies. The original record remain
with the Lodge. The transcript for the Grand Lodge, given above, is a
copy of this original record, including copies of all papers therein.)

The above should be followed in the transcript sent to the Grand
Lodge by a copy of the minutes of the Lodge relating to the announcement
in the Lodge by the Master.

250 MISCELLANEOUS

CERTIFICATE OF MASTER AND SECRETARY

The transcript sent to the Grand Lodge should then be certified by
the Secretary of the Lodge. The following may be a form for such
certificate:

Hall of …..…………………………………….. Lodge No. ……………………, F. & A. M.
at ………………………………………….., Philippines, ………………………., 20……….

I, …………………………………………………………., Secretary of the above
named Lodge, do hereby certify that in the case of …………………………………,
charged of unmasonic conduct, the foregoing is a full and correct
copy of the minutes and proceedings of the Lodge at the election of
Commissioners, of the record of proceedings before the Commissioners,
and of the minutes of the Lodge as to the announcement of the result in
the Lodge.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the
said Lodge.

……………………………………………..
Secretary

(Seal)

This must be followed by the approval of the Master, which may be as
follows:

I, ……………………………………….., Master of said Lodge do hereby certify
that I have carefully examined the foregoing transcript of trial-record,
and I do hereby approve the same.

Dated …………………………………., 20………..

……………………………………………………………………………
Master of …………………… Lodge No. ……….., F. & A. M.

Masonic Law Book 251

WAIVER OF JURISDICTION

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is to certify that Brother ……………………………………………………,
who has signed his name in the margin hereof, was regularly initiated
as Entered Apprentice on …………………. Day of ……………………….. by
this Lodge; and as he has permanently removed from our territorial
jurisdiction, at his own request all further jurisdiction over him by this
Lodge was waived at a stated communication, held on the …………… day
of ……………………………………………, 20………

GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the Lodge, at
……………………………………… this ……… day of ………………………….., 20………..

……………………………………………..

Master
ATTEST:

……………………………………………..
Secretary

I hereby certify that the above Lodge
is legally constituted and working under
the jurisdiction of the GRAND LODGE OF
THE PHILIPPINES.

(Seal)
…………………………………………………….
Grand Secretary

……….………………………………………
Signature

252 MISCELLANEOUS

CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY

…………………………………….. Lodge No. ………………………, F. & A. M.
………………………………………………………… Date …………………………..

…..…………………………………………….……. This is to certify that
Signature of Member
Brother ……………………………………………………………………………
whose signature appears in the margin hereof has passed a
satisfactory examination in the lecture of the Master Mason
Degree as required by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

………………………………………………….

Master

(Seal)

………………………………………………….

Secretary

(This card cannot be accepted as certificate of membership in
good standing.)

GRAND LODGE OF F. & A. M.
OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is to certify that the Lodge named on the reverse side hereof is
a legally constituted Lodge working under a charter granted by the M.W.
Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the Philippines.

…………………………………………………...
Grand Secretary

Masonic Law Book 253