THE LAW -fLC
OF
ROYAL ARCH -MASONRY
IN
SOUTH CAROLINA.
A. I. 2426
COLUMBIA, S. C.
(:HAKL{:S A. CALVO, JR.. PRINTER.
1897.
/ ^
THE LAW
ROYAL ARCH MASONRY
IN
SOUTH CAROLINA.
J^. I. 2426.
COLUMBIANS. C.
CHARLES A. CALVO, JR., PRIXTER.
1897.
CONSTITUTION
OF
THE GRAND CHAPTER
The Most Excellent Grand Koval Aioli Chapter of South Carolina does hereby ordain, establish and proninlgate the following Constitution and By Laws for its future govern nient, and does make and prescribe the following Rules and Regulations for the government of the Chapters under its jurisdiction:
ARTICLE L
Name.
The name, style and title of this (Jrand Chapter shall be "The Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina."
ARTKTvE IL
Mi<:mbers.
Section 1. The Grand Chapter shall consist of a Grand High Priest, Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe, Grand Chaplain, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Captain of the Host, Grand Sentinel, and of the High I*riests, Kings and Scribes for the time being of the several Chapters under the jurisdiction of this Grand Chai)ter; also, of the Past (Jrand Pligh Priests, I'ast Deputy Grand High I'l'iests, Kings and I'ast Grand Scribes of this Grand Chap- ter; and the said enumerated officers or the proxies of the said officers of the several Chapters (except the Grand Sen- tinel, shall be members and voters in this Grand Chapter.
Section 2. Every High IMiest wlio has served for twelve months as the High Priest of a (/hapter in this Jurisdietiou, and who continues to be affiliated with a Chapter therein, shall, after he has registered his name in a book, to be kept for that purpose by the Grand Secretary, be entitled to be present at all Convocations of the Grand Chajiter, to assist in its deliberations, to be placed on Committees, and shall be eligible to any office, but he shall not be permitted to vote on an}' subject.
ARTICLE III.
. Grand Cox vocations.
There shall be one Annual Convocation of the Grand <Miapter, which shall be iioldeu at such place as the Grand (Chapter may from time to time determine, on the first Tues- day after the second Monday in February, and such extra ( 'onvocations as the Grand High Priest, or, in his absence from this Jurisdiction, the Deputy Grand High Priest, shall think proper and necessary. Xo business shall be trans- acted unless five Chapters are represented,
ARTICLE IV.
Election of Officeus.
Section 1. The Grand Chapter shall proceed to the elec- tion of its officers at such time duving it.s Annual Convoca- tion as may be deemed most expedient. No Companion shall be eligible to the office of Grand High Priest, Deputy (Jrand High Priest, Grand King, or Grand Scribe, but a High Priest or Past High Priest of a Subordinate Chapter, nor to any other office in this Grand Chapter (except that of Grand Chaplain and Grand Sentinel) unless he is a mem- ber thereof, or a Past High I'riest of a Subordinate Chapter. The candidates having a majority of vcjtes shall be duly elected, and shall be installed as soon after the election as may be convenient. The officers eiected shall hold office for one year and until their successors shall have been legally elected and mstalled.
Section 2.' The stations of Grand I*nncipal Sojourner, Grand Royal Arch Captain, Grand Master of the Third \'ail, (irand Master of the Second Vail and (h-and ^^laster of the
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First Vail shall be tilled at each Convocation in the order jiiven by the Hi^h I'riests of the oldest Chapters who may be present.
ARTICLE V.
Oath of Sti'uemacy.
EA-ery officer of the Grand Chajiter, as well as of every Snbordiniite Chapter in this Jurisdiction, shall, at the time of his installation, take the oath to support and maintain the Constitution, of the Grand Chapter of vSouth Carolina, and that of the General Grand Chai)ter of the United ^>tates of .Vmerica.
ARTICLE VL
Powers.
The Grand Chapter is the highest source of authority in capitular :\Lisonry in this Juiisdiction, subject to the an- cient landmarks and to the Constitution of the General <}rand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the ITiuted States of America. As such it has the government and control of all Lodges of Mark Masters, Past Masters and Most Excel- lent Masters, and Chapters of Royal Arch .Masons, within the State of South Carolina.
ARTICLE VII.
New CHArTERS.
Sectiox 1. A Chapter can only be formed by authority of a dispensation from the Grand High Priest or of a charter from the Grand Chapter, and no charter shall be granted to any Chapter until it shall have worked for a time under a dispensation.
Section 2. Upon the petition of nine or more Royal Arch Masons in good standing being presented to the Grand High I'riest, he may grant them a dispensation to open and hold a Chapter, and shall therein appoint the High Priest, King and Scribe.
Sr:cTiox 3. Such petition must have the recommendation of the Chapter nearest the place where the new Chapter is proposed to be located, certifying under its seal, attested by
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the Seeretaiy, that the petitioners are Royal Arch Masons in good standin<; and members of some Lodge of Ancient Free Masons in good standing, and tliat it is desirable to es- tablish a Chapter at the place named.
Section 4. No warrant of di.spensation for the institution of a new Chapter shall be granted for a less sum than ten dollars, and no charter shall be granted for a less sum than eighty dollars, in addition to the dispensation fee herein provided for.
ARTICLE VIII.
Amendments.
This Constitution may l)e altered or amended in the fol- lowing manner only: The proposed alteration or amend- ment must be made in writing. If seconded by five mem- Ix rs it shall be entered upon the minutes and be thereby submitted to the several chartered Chapters for their ap- proval or rejection. If the majority of the chartered Chap- tws approve thereof, hy certificate over their respective Seals, to the next succeeding Grand Chapter, the Grand High Priest shall put the question upon its adoption, and if concurred in' by a majority of the members present and voting it shall from thenceforth be considered as a part and parcel of this Constitution.
BY-LAWS
OF THE
GRAND CHAPTER OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
SECTION I.
Standing Committees.
1. On the first day of the Annual Convocation the Pre- siding Officer shall ai)point the following Standing Commit- tees to serve until their successors shall have been duly ap- liointed:
Credentials and Returns.
Address of the (3 rand High Triest for Topical Reference.
Finance.
Jurisprudence.
Appeals and Grievances.
Charters and Dispensations.
Per Diem and Mileage.
Fraternal Correspondence.
'2. The Committee on Credentials shall examine the cre- dentials of members and Representatives, shall report the Chapters that are represented, shall report the names of members. Representatives and others present and the votes to which each one is entitled. The Committee shall care- fully examine and correct the Annual Returns of the Chap- ters and submit to the Grand Chapter a tabular abstract oi the condition of the Craft.
3. The Committee on the Address of the Grand High Priest for Topical Reference shall consider the address of the Grand High I'riest and recommend distribution of the same to the i)roper Committees.
4. The Committee on Finance shall examin(^ the books and vouchers of the Grand Treasurer and firand Secretary, settle and balance the same, and report the actual state of the funds to the Grand Chapter. The said Committee shall take into consideration the condition of the funds and es-
tale of liu' (Jraiid Clini)t('i' and all })i-()i)Ositions and reso- lutions aftVctin^ its revenue which may be referred to such Coniniittee. It shall report thereon, and nmy recommend any measures whieh, in its opinion, will operate for the financial benelit of the institution.
."). The Committee on Jurisprudence shall investij'ate and report upon all questions that may be referred to it by the (xrand Chapter or Grand High Priest.
(). All matters of controversy and grievance brought be- fore the (Irand Chapter shall be referred to the Committee on Appeals and Grievances, whose duty it shall be to ex- amine into the same and report thereon to the Grand Chap- ter.
7. The <;ommittee on Charters and Dispensations shall examine work and records of all Chapters under dispensa- tion and all proceedings relating to the same, and such other matters as shall be referred to it by the Grand Chapter, and report thereon,
S. The Committee on Per Diem and Mileage shall exam- ine and report the names of members and Representatives entitled to jier diem and mileage, and the amount to which each is entitled.
•J. The Committee on Fraternal Correspondence shall review the Proceedings of sister Grand ( 'hapters and report thereon.
I^ECTION II.
Grand Chapter Officers.
1. The Most Excellent Grand High Priest shall govern and preside over this Grand Chapter when present, and in his absence the Deputy Grand High Priest, King or Scribe, t;;king precedence according to rank.
The Grand High Priest shall have all the prerogatives, and powers of granting dispensations, usually vested in and exercised by said officer.
On the first day of the Annual Convocation the Grand High Priest shall submit to the Grand Chapter a written address, to be printed with its transactions, setting forth an account of his official proceedings during the past year, and suggesting such recommendations for advancing such views as he nuiy consider to be for the good of the Grand Cha]>ter
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or its Subordinate Chapters, or for the advantajie of Royal Arch Masonary in general.
2. The Grand Treasurer shall have charge of all the funds, securities and vouchers of the (irand Chapter, and shall pay all orders from the moneys on hand that may be directed by the Grand Chapter or otherwise constitutionally drawn. It shall be his duty to attend 'all the Convocations of the Grand Chapter, with the books of account, and vouchers for money paid out, in order that his accounts nuiy be settled by a proper Committee. Before entering upon the duties of his office he shall give bond in some standard guarantee company in such sum as the Grand High Priest may direct, the premium on said bond to be paid out of the funds of the Grand Chapter. For the faithful performance of his duties he shall be allowed two and a half per cent, on all moneys received and the same on all moneys paid out.
3. The Grand Secretary shall record the transactions of the Grand Chapter, and shall attend jjersonally each Con- vocation of the Grand Chapter with the necessary books r.::d papers of his office; he shall keep the Seal of the Grand Chapter and affix the same with his attestation to all instru- ments required to be so executed; he shall receive, receipt for and immediately pay over to the Grand Treasurer all dues, fees and other moneys, taking a proper voucher there- for; he shall keep a faithful journal of all the proceedings of the Grand Chapter, distribute the same when ordered printed for circulation, and conduct any correspondence re- quired of him under the orders of the Grand Chapter or the directions of the Grand High Priest; he shall procure all the necessary books and stationery, to be paid for out of the funds of the Grand Chapter, and shall have charge of all the records, jewels, papers, parchments, certificates and docu- ments other than those belonging to the Grand Treasurer; he shall do and perform any other duties customary to his office under the established usages of Eoyal Arch Masonary, and for his services he shall receive a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars per annum and a fee of one dollar for every certificate or dispensation attested by him. He shall be ex officio Librarian of the Grand Chai)ter and Chairman of the Committee on Fraternal Correspondence, and for the proper preparation of the report of said Committee shall receive the sum of one hundred dollars per annum; he shall authen-
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ticate no diploma that does not boar the signature of the Companion to whom it is to be issued. Before entering upon the duties of liis office he shall give bond in some standard guarantee company in such sum as the Grand High Priest may direct, the premium for said bond to be paid out of the funds of the Grand Chapter.
4. The Grand Sentinel shall be a worthy Royal Arch Mason. It shall be his duty to prepare the rooms for the Convocations of the Grand Chapter, to see that its jewels and furniture are kept in safety and in good order, to deliver all notices^ handed in by the Grand Secretary, and to guard the door. For the faithful discharge of these duties he shall receive the sum of five dollars per day for each day's session of the Grand Chapter and his traveling expenses when the Grand Chapter does not meet at his place of residence.
SECTION III.
Voting ix Grand Chapter.
1. Each member of the Grand Chapter (except the Grand Sentinel) is entitled to one vote, and each chartered Chapter to three vote«, to be cast by the representative or represent- atives present. If any officer of a Chapter is not present in person or by proxy, his vote may be cast by the senior officer present, or if none, by the proxy of the senior officer. If no officer or his proxy is present, the representative pf the Chapter shall be entitled to three votes.
2. Each one of the three principal officers possesses for himself the inherent prerogative of representing his Chapter at all Grand Chapter Convocations; also to ap})oint his own proxy for that purpose if by reason of inability he cannot attend in person. Such proxy shall be a member of the Chapter he represents.
3. In case of the death or absence of any of the said offi- cers of any Chapter, it may authorize one of i-ts members to represent such officers by a resolution reciting such death or absence, certified by the Secretary under the seal of the Chapter.
4. All questions before the Grand Chapter shall be deter- mined by a majority of the votes given. The yeas and nays may be ordered u})on any question at the recpiest of five
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membei'S. If the votes are equal on any question the pre- sidino- offieei' shall in addition to his own vote cast the de- cidinj*' vote.
5. No Companion shall be allowed to vote both as mem- ber and as a representative, but shall be required to give his vote as representative in preference to that as a member if he is present in both capacities.
SECTION IV^
• . Per Diem and Mileage.
1. One representative from each Chapter shall be entitled to receive his traveling' expenses in coming from his Chap- ter to the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter and in returning, and also two dollars and a half per day for each day's attendance on said Convocation, which sums shall be paid to the highest officer present, or, if none be present, to the proxy of the highest officer; or, if neither offi- cer nor i)roxy be present, to the representative of the Chaj)- ter.
2. Grand officers who attend the Annual Convocation shall be entitled to the same pay as delegates, but no mem- ber shall receive pay both as a delegate and as a Grand Officer.
SECTION V.
Miscellaneous.
1. Every motion or resolution shall b<^ reduced to writing, if required, and the member offering the same shall read it in his place and then present it to the Presiding Officer.
2. All papers coming before the Grand Chapter, which are to be referred to Committees, shall be placed in the hands of the Grand Secretary, and by him passed to the appropriate (.^ommittee, before they shall be considered as matters for record.
3. No person shall speak more than twice on any subject, unless to explain, without ])ermission from the Chair.
4. Every member wishing to speak on a question must rise and address the Chair.
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5. No member shall hiterniiit the Presiding Officer or any member Avhen speakinji'.
G. No Comi)auion shall be permitted to sit as a visitor in the Grand Chapter without the consent of the Presiding Officer or of the Grand Chapter.
7. No member or visitor shall retire during the transac- tion of business without permission from the Chair.
8. All Committees shall be appointed by the Chair.
9. There can be no appeal from the decision of the Chair, except to the Grand Chajjter.
SECTION VI.
Amendments.
No by-law shall be altered or done away with, or new one adopted, until the proposed alteration, amendment, nullifi- cation or addition be reduced to writing and seconded by five members. It shall then be entered upon the minutes and lie over until the next succeeding Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter, when, if approved by two-thirds of the members present, the same shall be adopted: Provided, That by unanimous consent any proposition as aforesaid may be acted upon at the Convocation at which it is intro- duced.
, SECTION C.
Ciiai:teked Chapter^, — Their GoverNxMent.
1. A Eoyal Arch Chapter consists of a High Priest, King, Scribe, Treasurer, Secretary, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Poyal Arch Captain, three Masters of the Vails, a Sentinel and as many members as are convenient.
2. The election of the High Priest, King, Scribe, Trea- surer and Secretary shall be by a majority vote by ballot, and shall take place at the stated Convocation next pre- ceding the festival of St. John the Evangelist, and the offi- cers-elect shall be installed as soon after the election as pos- sible and on or before such festival; and such officers shall hold office for the space of one year from the festival of St. John the Evangelist next succeeding their election, and un-
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til tlieii' successors shall have been duly elected and in- stalled. Immediately after the installation the vSecretary of each Chapter shall forward to the Grand Secretary of the Orand Chapter a certiticate in the followinji' form:
''I hereby certify that on day of last, A. B.
was elected Hijih Triest, C. D. King, and E. F. Scribe, of Chapter No. , and that they have been regularly in- stalled as snch. Dated at , this day of .
Ct. H., Secretary."
All other officers named in Paragraph 1 shall be ap- pointed by the High Priest, with the consent of the King and Scribe, and be installed with the elective officers.
3. Xo officer can be recognized as such until he shall have been installed; but the old officers will exercise all the pre- rogatives of their respective offices until their successors shall have been installed.
4. Xo officer can resign his office or dimit after he shall have been installed.
5. It is not necessary for the due and legal discharge of his functions that a High Priest elect should receive the Order of High Priesthood. But it is recommended that every High I'riest should, as soon as convenient after his election, apply to a Convention of High Priests for admis- sion to that Order.
G. Every Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall assemble at least once in every three months, if possible; and any Chapter neglecting to meet for one year shall forfeit its war- rant of Constitution, unless some satisfactory cause is as signed to the Grand Chapter for the neglect; and no Chap- ter can suspend its Convocations for any period between the 1st of October and the 1st of July except by a dispensation of the Grand High Priest.
7. ^Mien tlie High Priest of a Chapter is absent his duties must be performed by the King and Scribe in succession. If Ihey should likewise be absent, the Chapter cannot be opened. The Warrant of Constitution is granted to the High Priest, King and Scribe, and their successors in office, and to none else, and none else can lawfully act. But a Past High Priest may, at the request and under the author- ity of a King or Scribe, who is present, take the Chair and preside over the Chapter.
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S. It shall be the duty of the Hij-h Triest, Kinp: and Sci-ibe of every Chapter to attend all Convocations of the Grand Chapter.
1). All business shall be done only in the Chai)ter, and iiothing- shall be done but conferring degrees unless there be present nine or more members of the particular Chapter.
10. Chapters should hold to a strict account all members \rho may be guilty of intemperance, gambling, immoral or disreputable conduct, or profane swearing, and all who shall disobey the summons of the High Priest, or of the Chapter.
11. Chapters may make by-laws, after consideration of the same one month, and, on notice given at any stated Con- ^'ocation, may modify or abolish any existing by-law, or make a new one, at the next stated Convocation by a two third vote of all its members present: Provided, The same shall not take effect until approved by the Grand High* Priest.
ll\ Every Chapter shall have a Seal, with the name and liumber thereof engraved thereon, an impression of which shall be deposited with the Grand Secretary.
13. As long- as nine Companion Eoyal Arch Masons in good standing, members of a Chapter, desire to hold the charter, the Chapter has no power to surrender it.
14. A Chapter cannot be called off from one day or night to another day or night, except in case of trials.
15. The powers of a High Priest are absolute in his Chap- ter, and members can only appeal from his decision to the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest. In the exercise of sound discretion he has the right to temporarily exclude a member from the Chapter; such exclusion can be justified only upon grounds warranting charges for unmasonic con- duct.
IG. It is his duty to maintain order in his Chapter. To this end he may refuse admission to a member or cause an offending member to be removed from the Chapter. This he does to maintain order; but a member cannot be excluded when he is announced at the door because another member objects to his admission.
15 SECTION CI.
PROrEUTY.
1. AVheii a cliiirtcr shall b(' surn^udered or arrested, all the property of the Chapter, of whatever kind or descrip- tion, shall be vested in the (h-and Chapter, subject to the debts of the Chapter: Provided, That upon the revival of the ( 'hapter, the property shall be restored to it by the Grand Chapter.
2. A Chapter cannot dispose of the funds of the Chapter for any other than strictly Masonic purposes.
SECTION CI I.
Candidates.
1. No candidate residinf>- in or near any city or place where a Koyal Arch Chapter is held shall be exalted in any other Chapter without a unanimous recommendation from the Chapter nearest to his place of residence; nor shall any ("hapter exalt a candidate whose application has been re- jected in any other Chapter, after having- received notice of such rejection; and it is hereby made the duty of the Secre- tary of each and every Chapter under this Jurisdiction to give notice of the name, residence and occupation of every rejected applicant to the Grand Secretary, who shall imme- diately communicate the same to the Subordinate Chapters under this Jurisdiction.
2. A Master Mason who becomes maimed in person is not thereby absolutely disqualified from receiving the Capitular degrees, but the degree of injury or maiming shall be min- utely and accurately reported to the M.-. E.-. Grand High Priest by the High Priest of the Subordinate Chapter, and if in the judgment of the M.-. E.-. Grand High Priest the injury or maiming does not essentially disqualify the appli- cant from conforming to the ceremonies and requirements of the Chapter, he may, by dispensation, authorize the Sub- ordinate Chapter to receive the petition of the applicant.
8. No candidate shall be (^ected to receive the degrees in, nor any Koyal Arch Mason admitted a member of, any Chapter in this Jurisdiction without the unanimous con- sent of all the members of the Chapter- then present. Nor
ssliall any unaffiliated Mason bo accepted as a candidate in any Chapter in this Jurisdiction.
4. Neither more nor less than three candidates can be exalted at one and the same time, but the system of sub- stitutes is, in cases of emergency, permissible.
5. No petitioner for the Degrees of Koyal Arch Masonry shall be eligible unless he be a member in good standing of some Lodge of Ancient Free ^lasons.
6. A candidate for the Chapter Degrees must have re- sided for six months within the Jurisdiction of the Chapter where his petition is presented.
SECTION CIIL
Jurisdiction.
1. No Chapter shall confer any degree upon any petitioner residing- beyond its jurisdiction without the consent of the rUiapter nearest his residence, attested by its seal and certi- fied by its Secretary.
2. Waiver of jurisdiction completely severs all connection between Chapter and petitioner, and is final.
3. A Chapter conferring degrees at the request of another Chapter has no right to the fees or any part thereof, nor should it spread the ballot. The membership remains in the Chai}ter making the request.
4. A petitioner is within the jurisdiction of the Chapter nearest his residence in the direction of a straight line.
5. A petitioner having a lawful Masonic residence within the jurisdiction of a Chapter at the time his petition was received, the Chapter does not lose jurisdiction by his removing i)revious to his receiving the degrees.
G. xV chartered Chapter has exclusive territorial juris- diction half way in an air line to each surrounding chartered Chapter: Provided, That where there are two or more Chap- ters located in the same city they shall have concurrent ju- risdiction.
7. No resident of any other State in which there is a Chapter can receive the degrt-es in any Chapter in this State without the consent of the Chapter nearest his place of resi- dence.
17 SECTION CIV.
Petitions.
1. All receptions of petitions, reports on same, and all bal- loting? must be had at stated Convocations, and none arc stated Convocations except those designated as such in the by-laws of the Chapter.
2. All petitions for degrees or membership must lie over one lunar month.
;>. After a petition is regularly received by a Chapter and entered upon its minutes it cannot be withdrawn.
4. A petitioner for degrees or affiliation w'ho has been rejected must again petition in writing, when the petition must be referred to a Committee and lie over one lunar month.
5. After a petition for the degrees conferred in a Chapter has been rejected, no new petition shall be received from the applicant under six months.
G. A petition that may have been rejected by the Chapter having jurisdiction thereof may, upon the recommendation, bj^ a unanimous vote of such Chapter and the consent of its Council, be received and acted upon by any other Chapter.
7. A ])etitioner has no right to know the names of the Committee on his petition.
SECTION CV.
Ballotixc; and Objecting.
t
1. A ballot need not be had on an unfavorable report.
2. A Chapter cannot excuse a member from voting on a petition for degrees or affiliation.
?>. A unanimous ballot in favor of petitioners for degrees or affiliation is required.
4. A new ballot is required in case a petitioner does not take the degrees for one year after his election.
5. A High Priest may order the ballot passed a second or ])erhaps a third time, when he thinks that a black-ball may liave been cast by mistake. The result must be declared at the time and is final.
. G. The right of a Companion to cast a black-ball cannot be questioned in any case where a secret ballot is had; neither
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should the Chapter or any of its members attempt to find out who cast it; full protection must be given to the Com- panion casting a black-ball.
7. Any Chapter can file objections in another Chapter against the conferring of any of the degrees, but the reasons must be given, and if of a trivial nature they need not be recognized; but if such as justify the preferring of charges, they must be respected.
SECTION CVI.
Chapter Membership.
1. A dimitted Royal Arch Mason, who is also a dimitted Master JNIason, must affiliate with a Lodge before he can become a member of a Chapter.
2. Any Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, or Royal Arch Mason, who for twelve months remains unaffiliated with any Lodge of Ancient Free Masons is ipso facto suspended in his Chapter, and every member of a Chapter is required to furnish the Secretary, at least once a year, with. satisfactory evidence of his affiliation with some liOdge.
3. A Chapter should not consider a petition for member- ship unless accompanied by a dimit or certificate of Masonic standing equivalent to a dimit under the law of the Grand Jurisdiction whence emanating.
4. A non-affiliating Royal Arch Mason never loses his right to petition for admission to a chartered Chapter, no matter where located. •
5. A Companion must be vouched for or be examined before he can be elected a member of a Chapter.
G. A candidate under all circumstances, is a member of the Chapter which elects him, no matter by what Chapter the degrees are conferred.
7. E'M-h Royal Arch Mason exalted by or admitted to be a member of a Chapter shall sign its by-laws.
8. No Companion shall be expelled, suspended, or other- wise punished by any Chapter in this Jurisdiction unless written charges have been preferred at a stated Convoca- tion, a copy of which is to be delivered to him if his place of residence be known, and trial has been had at some subse- quent stated Convocation, when opportunity shall be given
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to liiin to make liis defense aud })ower granted to summon witnesses if (?ompanions, or to examine them by commission if they are not. ' 9. The only punishment recognized as Masonic are expul- sion, suspension, definite or indefinite, reprimand and cen- sure.
10. It shall require a vote of two-thirds to expel or sus- pend, but a majority may reprimand or censure.
11. Xo Mason having been expelled or indefinitely sus- pended can be restored except by a unanimous vote of the Chapter after petition and reference.
12. A Mason expelled or suspended by a Symbolic Lodge shall stand in the relation of an expelled or suspended Eoyal Arch Mason without further trial.
13. Any member ma}' appeal from the decision of the Chapter to the Grand Chapter, whose decision shall be final; and the sentence of the Chapter in cases of trial shall be held in abeyance until the decision of the Grand Chapter is had when notice of appeal is given.
14. All trials of Companions shall take place in the Royal Arch Degree. But a Brother who is not a Eoyal Arch Mason shall be tried in the degree to which he has attained, but the final decision must always be taken in the Royal Arch Degree,
15. There can be no appeal from the decision of the Grand Chapter to the General Grand Chapter.
SECTION CVII.
Work.
1. Before advancement each candidate shall prove him- self to be a skilled master workman as a Master Mason to the satisfaction of the Council, and as a Mark Master and ^tfost Excellent Master in open Lodge to the entire satisfac- tion of the Chapter in which he seeks advancement by ex- amination in the degrees last conferred.
2. Xo Mark Master shall be exalted to the Royal Arch until his mark is recorded.
3. Xine members are necessary to open a Clia])ter of Royal Arch Masons. Eight brethren may open and work as a Lodge of Mark Masters, and seven as a Lodge of Past ]Masters or Most Excellent Masters.
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4. It is not necessai'v to open a Chapter preliminary to opening a Lodsj;e of Mark, Past or Most Excellent Masters.
SECTION CVIII.
Visitors.
1. Chapters snbordinate to the Grand Chapter of South Carolina must require of all visitors for examination from other Jurisdictions prior to admission a declaration in the following- words: "I do not stand suspended or expelled for any cause' whatever; neither has my name been stricken from the roll of members, nor have I been suspended from membership for non-payment of dues in m}' Lodge of Master Masons or my Chapter of Royal Arch Masons."
2. Chajiters shall admit visiting Companions from such Chapters only as hold warrants from Grand Chapters recog- nized by the Grand Chapter of South Carolina.
3. A visitor has the right to see the charter of the Chap- ter previous to his examination.
4. A visiting Companion is present in a Chapter by cour- ttsy only, and can participate in the Chapter proceedings simply to the extent that leave is granted, and his action is simply advisory.
5. If a member of a Chapter objects to the admission of a visitor, the objection must be respected and the visitor de- nied admission.
0. Royal Arch Masons hailing from foreign Jurisdictions wliere the intermediate degrees are not conferred may be healed in an^' Chapter in this State without further expense, and in such eases the Grand Chapter will exact no fee from the Chapter so conferring the intermediate degrees.
SECTION CIX.
Chapter Fees axd Dues.
1. Every Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall pay one dollar for every degree conferred therein.
2. Every Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall i)ay one dollar per annum for every life and annual member of the Chapter; but it is not required to contribute for members for wliom fees shall have been paid to the Grand Chapter
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for decrees conferred dnriiij;' the year, nor ministers of God, who may be exempt from dues by its by-hnvs.
3. Chapters under dispensation shall be required to make returns and pay dues for all degrees conferrtMl, as well as those working under warrants of Constitution; and as soon as a charter is ordered to be issued to a Chapter working under dispensation, it shall be entitled to representation in the Grand Chapter, and the ofllicers named in the dispensa- tion shall be the officers under the warrant until their suc- cessors shall have been elected and installed.
4. Every Royal Arch Chapter under this Jurisdiction shall make an annual return in the prescribed form, contain- ing full information of its members, number of degrees con- ferred, and dues up to St. John's day, and pay the amount due thereon to the Grand Secretary on or before the 10th of January of each year.
5. The Committee on Returns shall add, as a part of the dues and fees of chartered Chapters, 10 per centum of the gross amount thereof upon all such returns as are not for- warded to the Grand Secretary's ot!ice on or before the 10th day of January in the current year.
6. Chapters may relieve or exempt any member from payment of dues to such Chapter, but such action will not relieve or exempt such Chapter from the payment of Grand Chapter dues for such members. excei)t ministers of God, who may be exempt by its by-laws.
7. Any Chapter neglecting for one year to make due pay- ments without good cause, shown to the satisfaction of the Grand Chai)ter, shall be punished by the arrest of its char- ter, to be restored only on the payment of the dues and sat- isfactory reasons given for such non-pa jTiient.
8. A member's dues begin at the date he is exalted or affiliated.
9. Members are not liable for dues during the suspension of their charter.
10. A suspended Companion cannot be charged with dues during the term of his suspension,
11. Xo Chapter shall confer the degrees for less than twenty dollars upon any candidate, except upon ministers of God, upon whom the degrees may be conferred on pay- ment of such sum as the Chapter ma^' deem sufficient to
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pay the actual expenses thereof, iiiclnding fees to the Grand (^hapter for the same, which sum shall be fixed by its by- laws.
12. It is unlawful to accept notes or other promises in l>ayment of fees; and any rebate, donation or other device which in effect reduces the fees below tw^euty dollars is un- lawful, and upon prima facie evidence that such has been done the Grand High Priest shall arrest the charter of such Chapter until the next Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter,
13. Every member of a Chapter neglecting- to pay his dues for more than twelve months, unless excused by a vote of the Chapter, shall, after due notice and trial, be sus- pended from membership and his name erased from the roll.
14. A Chapter under dispensation does not collect dues nor pay (rrand Chapter dues; those named in a dispensa- tion creating a new Chapter pay dues to the chartered Chapter to which they belong.
SECTION ex.
1. A petition for a dispensation to open and hold a new Chapter must be presented for the recommendation of the nearest chartered Chapter at a stated Convocation. No pe- titioner can vote on the question of granting the recom- mendation.
2. The Grand High Priest before granting a dispensation for a new Chapter must have satisfactory evidence that the proposed officers are duly qualified.
H. A Chapter under dispensation cannot meet or work without its Avarrant.
4. A Chapter under dispensation cannot admit or dimit members, nor discipline offenders.
5. All who are named in a. dispensation creating a new Chapter, together with those exalted therein, are entitled to vote on all matters coming before the Chapter.
C. An officer of a chartered Chapter may also be an officer of {I Chapter under dispensation.
7. A Chapter under dispensation has no representation in the Grand Chapter, except by special vote of the Grand Chapter.
8. The charter members of a new Chapter should consist of those named in its dispensation, those exalted in the
(.'liapter, and siieli Companions as the (Chapter may select by a unanimous ballot.
U. \ Chapter under disf>ensation has no power or au- thorit}' except to a*dvance Masons, and for that purpose has the same exclusive territorial jurisdiction as chartered Chapters.
SECTION CXI.
Miscellaneous.
1. Xc Chapter can suspend its By-Laws even by unani- mous consent.
2. All ballotings for candidates must take phu-e in the Royal Arch Degree.
o. Xo Chapter can at an extra Convocation alter or expunge the proceedings of a regular one.
4. The only Royal Arch apron acknowledged in this Juris- diction is a square one of lamb skin edged with scarlet rib- bon, and having the triple Tau Cross within a triangle, and that within a circle inscribed upon its flap. Silk or linen aprons should not be used, and are strietly prohibited as being wholly un-Mai*.onic.
5. On all subjects upon which these By-Law^, together with the Constitutions of this Grand Chapter and the Gen- eral Grand Chapter, are silent, the Laws; Usages and Cus- toms of Ancient Craft Masonry prevailing In this; Jurisdic- tion shall govern^.
Code of By-Laws for Subordinate Chapters.
NAME.
rTio:y 1. TliisCJ^apler shall be known by tlie nanip^f ^^"^"^^ ^ " " Royal Arch Chapter, Xo. q .
COXVOCATIOXS.
__ Skction 2. The stated^ Convocations shall be held on
^V«</<t^ IhUtH^. ^T^u-^-cA. -^^/^^'^f^aeh month at — ^ o'clock P. M. ' "ivLw April 1st to October 1st, and at ^^ o'clock P. M. during the remainder of the year.
Section 3. The last stated Convocation preceding St. John's Day in December of each year shall be the Annual Convocation.
ORDTSR OF BrsiNESS.
Section 4. The order of business at stated Convocations shall be as follows:
1. Reading and conflrmiug minutes,
2. Receiving and referring petitions for degrees or mem- bership.
3. Reports of Committees on Petitions.
4. Balloting.
5. Unfinished business. fi. Kew business.
7. Work.
8. Reading minutes for correction.
Section 5. Special Convocations may be called at the pleasure of the Excellent High Priest.
OEFrCEKS.
Section 6. The officers of this Chapter shall consist of those persons presscribed by the By-Laws of the Grand Chapter.
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Section 7, The duties of the officers shall be such as are traditionally appropriate to their several stations and in accordance with the established usages of Capitular Masonry.
Section 8. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all moneys from the Secretary, giving his receipt for the same; to pay all orders signed by the High Priest and coun- tersigned by the Secretary; and, annually, at the close of his official term, to make out and submit a full account of the receipts and disbursements of his office, and of the financial standing of the Chapter. For the faithful performance of his duties he shall receive the sum of
per annum, (he cannot be exempt from the payment of annual dues). He shall "^^^^J^e required to give bond for the faithful discharge of his duoes, the amount and^tyle of
bond being left to the discretion of theC-
If the bond is given in a Guarantee Compan}', the Chapter
shall pay the premium thereon.
Section 9. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the records and record all the proceedings of the Chapter proper to be written; to receive all moneys in behalf of the Chapter, and pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same; to countersign all orders on the Trea- surer; to make out all reports to the Grand Chapter, and at the close of his official term submit a full report in writ- ing of all moneys received and orders drawn. He shall keep a Book of Mark"! for the use of the members. For the faith- ful performance of his duties lie shall receive the sum of
^
dollars per annum, (he cann^ be exempt from the payment of annual dues). He shall -^^^^c^^^^be required to give bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, the amount and style of bond being left totlie discretion je'f' the
If the bond is given in a Guarantee Company, the Chapter shall pay the premium thereon.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE.
Section 10. TIhmc sliall be a]>i)ointod at each Annual Convocation Ji Coiinnittee of three, whose duty it shall be to examine and audit all bills and accounts which may be brouj^ht aj^ainst the Chapter, and approve or disapprove the same; and no bill shall be paid until it shall have received the endorsement of this Committee. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to take into consideration the finan- cial condition of the Chai>ter at any time, and make such suggestions and recommendation in relation to the same as they may deem necessary. They shall have full power to recpiire the Secretary or Treasurer at any time to give full information in relation to the funds in their hands. They shall examine and audit the books and accounts of the Treasurer and Secreta^' and rei»ort thereon at the stated Convocation in — ^^^j-J^^t-d^^..^..^*^^ -^ — 7 ^^ eaoh year.
THE SENTINEL.
Section 11. The Sentinel shall have charge, under direc- tion of the High Priest, of the hall, rooms, furniture, para- phernalia, &c., of the Chapter, and shall cause them always to be kept in order for the comfort of the Companions and the convenience of the Chapter. For theJaithful perfoi ance of his duties he shall recei ve/^'^^ ifn^^^'e^-^-^--^lJ*r\ {2.c/u (He cannot be exempt from the payment of annual dues.)
PETITIONS.
Section 12. All petitions for membership or degrees must be in writing, stating age, occupation and residence of the petitioner; also, the Chapter or Lodge of which he is or last was a member, and whether or not he has ever been re- jected by another Chapter; must be signed by the applicant and be recommended by two Companions who are members of the Chapter. The petition shall be received and referred to a Committee of three, who shall examine into the char- acter and Masonic standing of the applicant, and report at the next stated Convocation of the Chapter, at which time a ballot shall be had if the report of the Committee is favor- able.
Section 13. In all cases where a petition for the degrees or for membership is rejected, the fee accompanying such
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ix'tition shall iinmodiatoly be returned to the petitioner, with information of the rejection, which information shall in no case be communicated by any member of this Chapter or any visitor wlio may be jH'esent to one not a Koyal Arch Mason, under penalty in the fcMuier case of liability to dis- cii)line, and in the hitler case of not beiny- again permitted to visit the Chaitter. The same shall also apply to the im- proj)er disclosui-e c.f any of tlie prcK-eedings of this Chapter.
PEES AND DUES.
SEC'rj^«C-_l 4. The tees for the degrees in this Chapter shall
HCmi'iC^J 4. riietee
be ^ ^
dollars, divided as follows;
Fee accompanying petition %0.,..
Fee for Degree of Mark Master 0^/7 O
Fee for Degree of Past Master fv^-r-.: — ^
Fee for Degree of Most Ex. Master l/^/?^
Fee for Degree of Royal Arch 0'^^. 6
But the total fee^to be charged Ministers /-T^ Cod shall \m^ .^^r-^^C^r^. O-JJ^-M^^r^^^r^ ,
Which sums<^espectively shall b</paid at or before the time of receiving the petition or the conferring of the degree to which the payment is applicable. ^
The fee for affiliation shall be |^«-rT~ which sum shall accompan}^ the i}etition. —^
Each member of this Chapter shall pay |X-'!-r-annually to the Secretary as dues, to be paid on or before the Annual Convocation ot_i^ach year, except ministers of God, who shall pay |>J..^. annually.
Section 15. Any member who shall have paid dues to this Chapter for y^ — """ years consecutively may be exempt from the payment of all dues thereafter except the Grand Chapter annual dues.
Section 10. Any member who is in arrears for one year's dues shall be suspended from membership unless excused by the Chapter.
DISCIPLINE AND TRIALS.
Section 17. All (piestions of discipline and trials shall b(" governed by, and in accordance with, established Masonic usage.
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WITHDRAWALS.
Section 18. Any Companion desirous of witlidrawinji' from this Cliapter shall send his application for a dimit in writinji', throuj>li the Secretary, which shall be read at a reji'iilar Convocation, when, if all arrearages are paid, and there are no charges against him, he shall be entitled to a dimit from this Chapter, to which may be added a general recommendation to the Craft by the unanimous vote of the Chapter.
AMENDMENTS.
Section 19. Each Subordinate Chapter may fill in the blanks of this Code of By-Laws and amend the same at a slated Convocation, by a two-thirds vote of the members present: Provided, A resolution to insert, alter or amend shall have been presented at the stated Convocation preced- ing the one when the vote is to be taken, and the same shall become operative when approved by the Grand High Priest.
RULES OF ORDER.
1st. When a Companion dcsiret-"^ to speak, lie shall arise from his seat and address the Hij^h l*riest, and not proceed to speak until recognized by that officer.
2d. The High Priest shall decide all questions of order.
Hd. There can be no appeal from the decision of the pre- siding officer except to the (irand Chapter.
4tli. No member shall speak more than twice upon the same (inestion (unless to explain) without permission from the Chapter.
5th. jSTo motion shall be entertained until seconded, and no debate had thereon until it is stated by the High Priest.
()th. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received but to postpone, indefinitely or to a time certain, to refer, or to amend, which motions shall always be in order, and shall take precedence in the order named.
7th. Any member may call for a division when the vote may a}»pear doubtful.
Stli. The usual rules of i)arliamentary practice, so far as they agree with Masonic usage, and do not conflict with these by-laws, or the laws of the (Jrand Chapter, shall be Ihe guide in all questions tliat may come before this Chapter.
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