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THE
CALIFORNIA DIGEST
Masonic Law,
CONTAIN IKG THE
OLD CHARGES AND REGULATIONS OF 1720,
CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL REGULATIONS
p.-. m.-. ©rand f ortoe of OfalKoniJa,
AS AMENDED TO 1866,
WITH THE
Resolutions and Decisions
NOW IN FORCE IN THAT M.-.W.'. GRAND BODY, ETC.
COLLATED BY
LORENZO GORDIN YATES,
Deputy Grand Lecturer and Master of Alameda Lodge, No. 167.
San Francisco :
EDWARD BOSQUI & CO.. BOOK & JOB PRINTERS.
1867.
GIFT
BERTRAM SMITH
DEC 8 1933
Entebed according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1867,
By LOKENZO GORDIN YATES.
In the Clerk"s Office of the Disf-rict (.Xnii't of the Ignited States for the District of
Cahfomia.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE.
List of Grand Officers of Grand Lodge of California 4
Charges of a Freemason 5
Old Regulations 13
Constitution of the Grand Lodge 27
General Regulations of the Grand Lodge 78
Uniform Code of By-laws 84
By-laws of the Grand Lodge • 89
Code of Resolutions, Decisions, etc., of Grand Lodge 93
List of Subordinate Lodges 143
List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Lodge 150
Constitution of Grand Chapter 155
General Regulations of Grand Chapter 180
Rules of Order of Grand Chapter 182
List of Subordinate Chapters -. 184
List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Chapter 186
Constitution of Grand Council 189
List of Subordinate Councils 199
Statutes of the Grand CoMxMandery 201
Rules of Order of Grand Commandery 217
List of Subordinate Commanderies 219
List of Past Grand Officers op Grand Commandery 220
Index 223
THE
OLD CHARGES AND REGULATIONS
OF THE
Free and Accepted Masons,
Collected from the Old Records of the Lodges, and
Presented to the Grand Lodge of England
ON the 27TH Day of Dec, 1721.
Ordered to be Printed with the Proceedings of the
Grand Lodge of California, May
Eighth, 1855.
THE
CHAHGES OF A FEEEMASON
EXTRACTED FEOM THE
Ajicient Records of Lodges beyond the Sea, and of those in England,
Scotland, and Ireland, for the use of Lodges in Efigland ;
TO BE BEAD AT THE
MAKING OF NEW BRETHREN^
OR WHEN THE MASTER SHALL ORDER IT.
CHARGE I.
COXCERNING GOD AND RELIGION.
A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obe}^ the moral
law ; and if he rightly understands the art, he will never
be a stupid atheist, nor an irreligious libertine. But
though in ancient times Masons were charged in every
country to be of the religion of that country or nation,
whatever it was, yet it is now thought more expedient
only to oblige them to that religion in which all men
agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves ;
that is, to be good men and true, or men of honor and
honesty, by whatever denominations or persuasions they
may be distinguished ; whereby Masonry becomes the
centre of union, and the means of conciliating true friend-
ship among persons that must have remained at a per-
petual distance.
\
6 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
CHARGE II.
OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE SUPREME AND SUBORDINATE.
A Mason is to be a peaceable subject to the civil
powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to
be concerned in plots or conspiracies against the peace
and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself unduti-
fully to inferior magistrates ; for as Masonry hath been
always injured by war, bloodshed, and confusion, so an-
cient kings and princes have been much disposed to en-
courage the craftsmen, because of their peaceableness
and loyalty, whereby they practically answered the cav-
ils of their adversaries, and promoted the honor of the
Fraternity, who ever flourished in times of peace. So
that if a brother should be a rebel against the State, he
is not to be countenanced in his rebellion, however he
may be pitied as an unhappy man ; and if convicted of
no other crime, though the loyal brotherhood must and
ought to disown his rebellion, and give no umbrage or
ground of political jealousy to the government for the
time being, they cannot expel him from the Lodge, and
his relation to it remains indefeasible.
CHARGE III.
OP LODGES.
A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work ;
hence that assembly or duly organized society of Masons,
is called a Lodge, and every brother ought to belong to
one, and be subject to its by-laws and the general regu-
lations. It is either particular or general, and will best
be understood by attending it, and by the regulations of
the general or Grand Lodge hereunto annexed. In an-
cient thues, no Master or fellow could be absent from it,
especially when named to appeeir at it, without incurring
a severe censure, until it appeared to the Master and
Wardens that pure necessity hindered him.
The persons admitted members of a Lodge must be
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 7
good and true men, free born, and of mature and discreet
age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral or scandalous
men, but of good report.
CHARGE lY.
OF MASTERS, WARDENS, FELLOWS, AND APPRENTICES.
All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real
Avortli and personal merit only ; that so the lords may be
well served, the brethren not put to shame, nor the Royal
Craft despised : therefore no Master or Warden is chosen
by seniority, but for his merit. It is impossible to de-
scribe these things in writing, and every brother must
attend in his place, and learn them in a way peculiar to
this Fraternity. Only candidates may know, that no Mas-
ter should take an Apprentice, unless he has sufficient
employment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth,
having no maim or defect in his body, that may render him
incapable of learning the art of his serving his Master's
lord, and of being made a brother, and then a Fellow-
Craft in due time, even after he has served such a term
of years as the custom of the country directs ; and that
he should be descended of honest parents ; that so, when
otherwise qualified, he may arrive to the honor of being
the Warden, and then the Master of the Lodge, the
Grand Warden, and at length the Grand Master of all
the Lodges, according to his merit.
No brother can be a Warden until he has passed the
part of a Fellow-Craft ] nor a Master, until he has acted
as a Warden, nor Grand Warden untiLhe has been Master
of a Lodge, nor Grand Master unless he has been a
Fellow-Craft before his election, who is also to be nobly
born, or a gentleman of the best fashion, or some eminent
scholar, or some curious architect or other artist, descend-
ed of honest parents, and who is of singular great merit
in the opinion of the Lodges. And for the better, and
easier and more honorable discharge of his office, the
Grand Master has a power to choose his own Deputy
8 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Grand Master, who must be then, or must have been
formerly, the Master of a particular Lodge, and has the
privilege of acting whatever the Grand Master, his prin-
cipal, should act, unless the said principal be present, or
interpose his authority by a letter.
These rulers and governors, supreme and subordinate
of the ancient Lodge, are to be obeyed in their respective
stations by all the brethren, according to the old charges
and regulations, with all humility, reverence, love, and
alacrity.
CHARGE V.
OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CRAFT IN WORKING.
All Masons shall work honestly on working days, that
they may live creditably on holy days, and the time
appointed by the law of the land, or confirmed by custom,
shall be observed.
The most expert of the Fellow- Craftsmen shall be
chosen or appointed the Master or Overseer of the lord's
work ; and who is to be called Master by those that
work under him. The craftsmen are to avoid all ill
language, and to call each other by no disobliging name,
but brother or fellow ; and to behave themselves courte-
ously within and without the Lodge.
The Master, knowing himself to be able of cunning,
shall undertake the lord's work as reasonably as possible,
and truly di spend his goods as if they w^ere his own ;
nor to give more wages to any brother or Apprentice
than he really may deserve.
Both the Master and the Masons receiving their wages
justly, shall be faithful to the lord, and honestly finish
their work, whether task or journey , nor put the work
to task that hath been accustomed to journey.
None shall discover envy at the prosperity of a brother,
nor supplant him, or put him out of his w^ork, if he be
capable to finish the same ; for no man can finish another's
work so much to the lord's profit, unless he be thorough-
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 9
ly acquainted with the designs and draughts of him that
began it.
When a fellow-craftsman is chosen Warden of the
work under the Master, he shall be true both to Master
and fellows ; shall carefully oversee the work in the
^Master's absence to the Lord's profit ; and his brethren
shall obey him.
All Masons employed shall meekly receive their wages,
without murmuring or mutiny, and not desert the Mas-
ter till the work is finished.
A younger brother shall be instructed in working, to
prevent spoiling the materials for want of judgment,
and for increasing and continuing of brotherly love.
All the tools used in working shall be approved by the
Grand Lodge.
No laborer shall be employed in the proper work of
Masonry ; nor shall Freemasons work with those that
are not free, without an urgent necessity ; nor shall they
teach laborers and unaccepted Masons, as they should
teach a brother or fellow.
CHARGE VI.
OF BEHAVIOR, VIZ. : IN THE LODGE WHILE CONSTITUTED.
1. You are not to hold private committees, or sep-
arate conversation without leave from the Master, nor
to talk of anything impertinent or unseemly, nor inter-
rupt the Master or Wardens, or any brother speaking to
the Master ; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly
while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn;
nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence
whatsoever ; but to pay due reverence to your Master,
Wardens, and fellows, and put them to worship.
If any complaint be brought, the brother found guilty
shall stand to the award and determination of the Lodge,
who are the proper and competent judges of all such
controversies (unless you carry it by appeal to the Grand
Lodge), and to whom they ought to be referred, unless a
2
10 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
lord's work be hindered the meanwhile, in which case a
particular reference may be made ; but you must never
go to law about what concerneth Masonry, without an
absolute necessity apparent to the Lodge.
BEHAVIOR AFTER THE LODGE IS OVER AND THE BRETHREN
NOT GONE.
2. You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treat-
ing one another according to ability, but avoiding all
excess, or forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his
inclination, or hindering him from going when his occa
sions call him, or doing or saying anything offensive, or
that may forbid an easy and free conversation, for that
would blast our harmony, and defeat our laudable pur-
poses. Therefore, no private piques or quarrels must
be brought within the door of the Lodge, far less any
quarrels about religion, or nations, or State policy, we
being only, as Masons, of the catholic religion above
mentioned ; we are also of all nations, tongues, kindreds,
and languages, and are resolved against all politics, as
what never yet conduced to the Avelfare of the Lodge,
nor ever will. This charge has been always strictly
enjoined and observed ; but especially ever since the
reformation in Britain, or the dissent and secession of
these nations from the communion of Rome.
BEHAVIOR WHEN BRETHREN MEET WITHOUT STRANGERS, BUT
NOT IN A LODGE FORMED.
3. You are to salute one another in a courteous man-
ner, as you will be instructed, calling each other brother,
freely giving each other mutual instruction as shall be
thought expedient, without being overseen or overheard,
and without encroaching upon each other, or derogating
from that respect which is due to a brother, Avere he not
a Mason : for, though all Masons are as brethren upon
the same level, yet Masonry takes no honor from a man
that he had before ; nay, rather it adds to his honor,
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 11
especially if he has deserved well of the brotherhood,
who must give honor to whom it is due, and avoid ill
manners.
BEHAVIOR IN PRESENCE OF STRANGERS NOT MASONS.
4. You shall be cautious in your words and carriage,
that the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to
discover or find out what is not proper to be intimated ;
and sometimes you shall divert a discourse, and manage
it prudently for the honor of the worshipful Fraternity.
BEHAVIOR AT HOME AND IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
5. You are to act as becomes a moral and wise man ;
particularly not to let your family, friends and neighbors
know the concerns of the Lodge, etc., but wisely to con-
sult your own honor, and that of the ancient brother-
hood, for reasons not to be mentioned here. You must
also consult your health, by not continuing together too
late, or too long from home, after Lodge hours are past ;
and by avoiding of gluttony or drunkenness, that your
families be not neglected, or injured, nor you disabled
from working.
BEHAVIOR TOWARDS A STRANGE BROTHER.
6. You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method
as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be im-
posed upon by an ignorant false pretender, whom you
are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware
of giving him any hints of knowledge.
But if you discover him to be a true and genuine
brother, you are to respect him accordingly ; and if he
is in want, you must relieve him if you can, or else direct
him how he may be relieved. You must employ him
some days, or else recommend him to be employed. But
you are not charged to do beyond your ability, only to
prefer a poor brother, that is a good man and true,
before any other poor people in the same circumstances.
12 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Finally, all these charges you are to observe, and also
those that shall be communicated to you in another way ;
cultivating brotherly love, the foundation and cope stone,
the cement and glory of this ancient Fraternity, avoiding
all wrangling and quarreling, all slander and backbiting,
nor permitting others to slander any honest brother, but
defending his character, and doing him all good offices,
as far as is consistent with your honor and safety, and no
farther.
And if any of them do you injury, you must apply to
your own or his Lodge ; and from thence you may ap-
peal to the Grand Lodge at the quarterly communication,
and from thence to the annual G-rand Lodge, as has been
the ancient laudable conduct of our forefathers in every
nation ; never taking a legal course but when the case
cannot be otherwise decided, and patiently listening to
the honest and friendly advice of Master and fellows,
when they would prevent your going to law with stran-
gers, or would excite you to put a speedy period to
all lawsuits, so that you may mind the affair of Masonry
with the more alacrity and success. But with respect
to brothers or fellows at law, the Master and brethren
should kindly offer their mediation, which ought to be
thankfully submitted to by the contending brethren ; and
if that submission- is impracticable, they must, however,
carry on their process, or lawsuit, without wrath and
rancor (not in the common way) saying or doing nothing
which may hinder brotherly love, and good offices to be
renewed and continued ; that all may see the benign
influence of Masonry, as all true Masons have done from
the beginning of the world, and will do to the end of
time.
Amen — So mote it be.
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 13
GENERAL REGULATIONS.
I. The Grand Master, or his Deputy, hath authority and
right not only to be present in any true Lodge, but also
to preside wherever he is, with the Master of the Lodge
on his left hand, and to order his Grand Wardens to at-
tend him, who are not to act in particular Lodges as
Wardens, but in his presence and at his command ; be-
cause there the Grand Master may command the Wardens
of that Lodge, or any other brethren he pleaseth, to at-
tend and act as his Wardens jjro tempore.
II. The Master of a particular Lodge has the right
and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge
into a Chapter at pleasure, upon any emergency or oc-
currence, as well as to appoint the time and place of
their usual forming ; and in case of sickness, death, or
necessary absence of the Master, the Senior Warden
shall act as Master pro temjjore, if no brother is present
who has been Master of that Lodge before ; for in that
case the absent Master's authority reverts to the last
Master then present ; though he cannot act until the
said Senior Warden has once congregated the Lodge, or,
in his absence, the Junior Warden.
III. The Master of each particular Lodge, or one of
the Wardens, or some other brother by his order, shall
keep a book containing their by-laws, the names of their
members, Avith a list of all the .Lodges in town, and the
usual times and places of their forming, and all their
transactions that are proper to be written.
IV. No Lodge shall make more than five new breth-
ren at one time, nor any man under the age of twenty-
five, who must be also his own master ; unless by a dis-
pensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy.
V. No man can be made or admitted a member of a
14 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
particular Lodge without previous notice one month
before given to the said Lodge, in order to make due in-
quiry into the reputation and capacity of the candidate,
unless by the dispensation aforesaid.
YI. But no man can be entered a brother in one par-
ticular Lodge, or admitted to be a member thereof, with-
out the unanimous consent of all the members of that
Lodge then present wKen the candidate is proposed, and
their consent is formally asked by the Master ; and they
are to signify their consent or dissent in their own pru-
dent way, either virtually or in form, but with unanimity :
nor is this inherent privilege subject to a dispensation ;
because the members of a particular Lodge are the best
judges of it; and if a fractious member should be im-
posed on them, it might spoil their harmony or hinder
their freedom, or even break or disperse the Lodge ;
which ought to be avoided by all good and true brethren.
YII. Every new^ brother at his making is decently to
clothe the Lodge, that is, all the brethren present, and
to deposit something for the relief of indigent and de-
cayed brethren, as the candidate shall think fit to bestow,
over and above the small allowance stated by the by-
laws of that particular Lodge ; which charity shall be
lodged with the Master or Wardens, or the Cashier, if
the members think fit to choose one.
And the candidate shall also solemnly promise to sub-
mit to the Constitutions, the Charges, and Regulations,
and to such other good usages as shall be intimated to
him in time and place convenient.
YIII. No set or number of brethren shall withdraw
or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they
were made brethren, or were afterward admitted mem-
bers, unless the Lodge becomes too numerous ; nor even
then, without a dispensation from the Grand Master or
his Deputy; and when they are thus separated, they
THE CHARCxES OF A FREEMASON. 15
must either immediately join themselves to such other
Lodge as they shall like best, with the unanimous con-
sent of that other Lodge to which they go (as above
regulated), or else they must obtain the Grand Master's
Warrant to join in forming a new Lodge.
If any set or number of Masons shall take upon them-
selves to form a Lodge without the Grand Master's War-
rant, the regular Lodges are not to countenance them,
nor own them as fair brethren and duly formed, nor ap-
prove of their acts and deeds ; but must treat them as
rebels, until they humble themselves, as the Grand
Master shall in his prudence direct, and until he approve
of them by his Warrant, which must be signified to the
other Lodges, as the custom is when a new Lodge is to
be registered in the list of Lodges.
IX. But if any brother so far misbehaves himself as
to render his Lodge uneasy, he shall be twice duly ad-
monished by the Master or Wardens in a formed Lodge ;
and if he will not refrain his imprudence, and obediently
submit to the advice of his brethren, and reform what
gives them offence, he shall be dealt with according to
the by-laws of that particular Lodge, or else in such a
manner as the quarterly communication shall in their
great prudence think fit ; for which a new regulation
may be afterward made.
X. The majority of every particular Lodge, when con-
gregated, shall have the privilege of giving instructions
to their Master and Wardens before the assembling of
the Grand Chapter, or Lodge, at the three quarterly
communications hereafter mentioned, and of the annual
Grand Lodge too ; because their Masters and Wardens
are their representatives, and are supposed to speak
their mind.
XL All particular Lodges are to observe the same
usages as much as possible ; in order to which, and for
16 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
cultivating a good understanding among Freemasons,
some members out of every Lodge shall be deputed to
visit the other Lodges as often as shall be thought con-
venient.
XII. The G-rand Lodge consists of, and is formed by,
the Masters and Wardens of all the regular particular
Lodges upon record, with the Grand Master at their
head, and his Deputy on his left hand, and the Grand
Wardens in their proper places, and must have a quar-
terly communication about Michaelmas, Christmas, and
Lady Day, in some convenient place as the G-rand Master
shall appoint, where no brother shall be present who is
not at that time a member thereof, without a dispensation ;
and while he stays, he shall not be allowed to vote, nor
even give his opinion, without leave of the Grand Lodge
asked and given, or unless it be duly asked by the said
Lodge.
All matters are to be determined in the Grand Lodge
by a majority of votes, each member having one vote
and the Grand Master having two votes, unless the said
Lodge leave any particular thing to the determination of
the Grand Master for the sake of expedition.
XIII. At the said quarterly communication all mat-
ters that concern the fraternity in general, or particular
Lodges, or single brethren, are quietly, sedately, and ma-
turely to be discoursed of and transacted. Apprentices
must be admitted Masters and Fellow-Craft only here,
unless by a dispensation. Here also all differences that
can not be made up and accommodated privately, nor by
a particular Lodge, are to be seriously considered and
decided ; and if any brother thinks himself aggrieved by
the decision of this Board, he may appeal to the annual
Grand Lodge next ensuing, and leave his appeal in writ-
ing with the Grand Master, or his Deputy, or the Grand
Wardens.
Here also the Master or the Wardens of each particular
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 17
Lodge shall bring and produce a list of such members as
have been made, or even admitted in their particular
Lodges since the last communication of the Grand Lodge :
and there shall be a book kept by the Grand Master, or
his Deputy, or rather by some brother whom the Grand
Lodge shall appoint for Secretary, wherein shall be re-
corded all the Lodges, with their usual times and places
of forming, and the names of all the members of each
Lodge ; and all the affairs of the Grand Lodge that are
proper to be written.
They shall also consider of the most prudent and
effectual methods of collecting and disposing of what
money shall be given to, or lodged with them in charity?
toward the relief only of any true brother fallen into
poverty or decay, but of none else ; but every particu-
lar Lodge shall dispose of their own charity for poor
brethren according to their own by-laws, until it be
agreed by all the Lodges (in a new regulation) to carry
in the charity collected by them to the Grand Lodge, at
the quarterly or annual communication, in order to make
a common stock of it, for the more handsome relief of
poor brethren.
They shall also appoint a Treasurer, a brother of good
worldly substance, who shall be a member of the Grand
Lodge by virtue of his office, and shall be always present
and have power to move to the Grand Lodge anything,
especially what concerns his office. To him shall be
committed all money raised for charity, or for any other
use of the Grand Lodge, which he shall write down in a
book, with the respective ends and uses for which the
several sums are intended ; and shall expend and dis-
burse the same by such a certain order, signed as the
Grand Lodge shall afterward agree to in a new regulation ;
but he shall not vote in choosing a Grand Master or
Wardens, though in every other transaction. As in like
manner the Secretary shall be a member of the Grand
3
18 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Lodge by virtue of his office, and vote in everything
except in choosing a Grand Master or Wardens.
The Treasurer and Secretary shall have each a clerk,
who must be a brother and Fellow-Craft, but never must
be a member of the Grand Lodge, nor speak without being
allowed or desired.
The Grand Master, or his Deputy, shall always command
the Treasurer and Secretary, with their clerks and books^
in order to see how matters go on, and to know what is
expedient to be done upon any emergent occasion.
Another brother (who must be a Fellow-Craft) should
be appointed to look after the door of the Grand Lodge,
but shall be no member of it.
But these offices may be further explained by a new^
regulation, when the necessity and expediency of them
may more appear than at present to the fraternity.
XIV. If at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional,
quarterly or annual, the Grand Master and his deputy
should be both absent, then the present Master of a
Lodge that has been the longest a Freemason, shall take
the chair and preside as Grand Master "pro tempore, and
shall be vested with all his power and honor for the time,
provided there is no brother present that has been Grand
Master formerly, or Deputy Grand Master ; for the last
Grand Master present, or else the last Deputy present,
should always of right take place in the absence of the
present Grand Master and his Deputy.
XY. In the Grand Lodge none can act as Wardens
but the Grand Wardens themselves, if present; and if ab-
sent, the person who presides in his place, shall order
private Wardens to act as Grand Wardens pro tempore,
whose places are to be supplied by two Fellow-Craft of
the same Lodge, called forth to act, or sent thither by
the particular Master thereof; or if by him omitted, then
they shall be called by the Grand Master, that so the
Grand Lodge may be always complete.
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 19
XYI. The Grand Wardens, or any others, are first to
advise with the Deputy about the affairs of the Lodge or
of the brethren, and not to apply to the Grand Master
without the knowledge of the Deputy, unless he refuse
his concurrence in any certain necessary affair ; in which
case, or in case of any difference between tile Deputy
and the Grand Wardens, or other brethren, both parties
are to go by concert to the Grand Master, who can easih^
decide the controversy and make up the difference, by
virtue of his great authority.
The Grand Master should receive no intimation of
business concerning Masonry but from his Deput}^ j&rst,
except in such certain cases as his Worship can well
judge of; for if the application to the Grand Master be
irregular, he can easily order the Grand Wardens, or any
other brethren thus applying, to wait upon his Deputy,
who is to prepare the business speedily, and to lay it
orderly before his Worship.
XYII. No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master,
Grand Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, or whoever acts
for them, or in their stead pro tempore^ can at the same
time be the Master or Warden of a particular Lodge ; but
as soon as any of them has honorably discharged his
Grand Office, he returns to that post or station in his
particular Lodge from which he was called to officiate
above.
XYIII. If the Deputy Grand Master be sick, or neces-
sarily absent, the Grand Master may choose any Fellow-
Craft he please to be his Deputy pro tempore : but he
that is chosen Deputy at the Grand Lodge, and the Grand
Wardens too, can not be discharged without the cause
fairly appear to the majority of the Grand Lodge ; and
the Grand Master, if he is uneasy, may call a Grand
Lodge on purpose to lay the cause before them, and to
have their advice and concurrence ; in which case, the
majority of the Grand Lodge, if they can not reconcile
20 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
the Master and his Deputy or his Wardens, are to concur
in allowing the Master to discharge his said Deputy
or his said Wardens, and to choose another Deputy im-
mediately ; and the said Grand Lodge shall choose other
Wardens in that case, that harmony and peace may be
preserved.
XIX. If the Grand Master should abuse his power,
and render himself unworthy of the obedience and sub-
jection of the Lodges, he shall be treated in a way and
manner to be agreed upon in a new regulation ; because
hitherto the ancient fraternity have had no occasion for
it, their former Grand Masters having all behaved them-
selves Avorthy of that honorable office.
XX. The Grand Master, Avith his Deputy and Ward-
ens, shall (at least once) go round and visit all the
Lodges about town during his Mastership.
XXL If the Grand Master die during his Mastership,
or by sickness, or by being beyond sea, or any other
way should be rendered incapable of discharging his
office, the Deputy, or, in his absence, the Senior Grand
Warden, or in his absence, the Junior, or, in his absence,
any three present Masters of Lodges, shall join to con-
gregate the Grand Lodge immediately, to advise together
upon that emergency, and to send two of their number
to invite the last Grand Master to resume his office,
which now in course reverts to him ; or, if he refuse,
then the next last, and so backward. But if no former
Grand Master can be found, then the Deputy shall act as
principal until another is chosen ; or if there be no Dep-
uty, then the oldest Master.
XXII. The brethren of all the Lodges in and about
London and Westminster, shall meet at an annual com-
munication and feast, in some convenient place, on St.
John Baptist's Day, or else on St. John Evangelist's Day,
THE CHARGES OP A FREEMASON. 21
5is the Grand Lodge shall think fit by a new regulation,
having of late years met on St. John Baptist's Day ;
Provided^ The majority of the Masters and Wardens,
with the Grand Master, his Deputy, and Wardens, agree
at their quarterly communications, three months before,
that there shall be a feast and a general communication
of all the brethren ; for if either the Grand Master or
the majority of the particular Masters are against it, it
must be dropped for that time.
But whether there shall be a feast for all the brethren
or not, yet the Grand Lodge must meet in some conve-
nient place annually on St. John's Day ; or if it be Sun-
day, then on the next day, in order to choose every year
a new Grand Master, Deputy, and Wardens.
XXIII. If it be thought expedient, and the Grand
Master, with the majority of the Masters and Wardens,
agree to hold a grand feast, according to the ancient
laudable custom of Masons, then the Grand Wardens
shall have the care of preparing the tickets, sealed with
the Grand Master's seal, of receiving the money for the
tickets, of buying the materials of the feast, of finding
out a proper and convenient place to feast in, and of every
other thing that concerns the entertainment.
But, that the work may not be too burdensome to the
two Grand Wardens, and that all matters may be expe-
ditiously and safely managed, the Grand Master, or his
Deputy, shall have power to nominate and appoint a
certain number of Stewards, as his Worship shall think
fit, to act in concert with the two Grand Wardens ; all
things relating to the feast being decided among them
by a majority of voices, except the Grand Master or his
Deputy interpose by a particular direction or appoint-
ment.
XXIY. The Wardens and Stewards shall, in due
time, w^ait upon the Grand Master, or his Deputy, for
directions and orders about the premises ; but if his Wor-
22 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ship and his Deputy are sick, or necessarily absent, they
shall call together the Masters and Wardens of Lodges
to meet on purpose for their advice and orders ; or else
they may take the matter wholly upon themselves and
do the best they can.
The Grand Wardens and the Stewards are to account
for all the money they receive, or expend, to the Grand
Lodge, after dinner, or when the Grand Lodge shall think
fit to receive their accounts.
If the Grand Master pleases, he may in due time sum-
mon all the Masters and Wardens of Lodges, to consult
with them about ordering the grand feast, and about any
emergency or accidental thing relating thereunto, that
may require advice ; or else to take it upon himself
altogether.
XXV. The Masters of Lodges shall each appoint one
experienced and discreet Fellow-Craft of his Lodge, to
compose a committee, consisting of one from every
Lodge, who shall meet to receive, in a convenient apart-
ment, every person that brings a ticket, and shall have
power to discourse him, if they think fit, in order to ad-
mit or debar him, as they shall see cause ;
Provided^ They send no man away before they have
acquainted all the brethren within doors with the reasons
thereof, to avoid mistakes ; that so no true brother may
be debarred, nor a false brother or mere pretender ad-
mitted. This committee must meet very early on St.
John's Day, at the place, even before any persons come
with tickets.
XXVI. The Grand Master shall appoint two or more
trusty brethren to be porters or doorkeepers, who are
also to be early at the place, for some good reasons ;
and who are to be at the command of the committee.
XXVII. The Grand Wardens, or the Stewards, shall
appoint beforehand such a number of brethren to serve
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 23
at table as they think fit and proper for that work ; and
they may advise with the Masters and Wardens of
Lodges about the most proper persons, if they please,
or may take in such by their recommendation ; for none
are to serye that day but Free and Accepted Masons,
that the communications may be free and harmonious.
XXVIII. All the members of the Grand Lodge must
be at the place long before dinner, with the Grand Mas-
ter, or his Deputy, at their head, who shall retire and
form themselves.
And this is done in order —
L To receive any appeals duly lodged, as above reg-
ulated, that the appellant may be heard, and the affair
may be amicably decided before dinner, if possible ; but
if it can not, it must be delayed till after the new Grand
Master is elected ; and if it can not be decided after din-
ner, it may be delayed, and referred to a particular
committee, that shall quietly adjust it, and make report to
the next quarterly communication, that brotherly love
may be preserved.
2. To prevent any difference or disgust which may be
feared to arise that day, that no interruption may be
given to the harmony and pleasure of the Grand Feast.
3. To consult about whatever concerns the decency
and decorum of the Grand Assembly, and to prevent all
indecency and ill manners, the assembly being promis-
cuous.
4. To receive and consider of any good motion, or any
momentous and important affair that shall be brought
from the particular Lodges by their representatives, the
several Masters and Wardens.
XXIX. After these things are discussed, the Grand
Master and his Deputy, the Grand Wardens, or the
Stewards, the Secretar}^, the Treasurer, the Clerks, and
every other person shall withdraw and leave the Masters
24 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
and Wardens of the particular Lodges alone, in order to
consult amicably about electing a new Grand Master, or
continuing the present, if they had not done it the day
before ; and if they are unanimous for continuing the
present Grand Master, his Worship shall be called in,
and humbly desired to do the fraternity the honor of
ruling them for the year ensuing ; and after dinner it
will be known whether he accepts of it or not ; for it
should not be discovered but by the election itself.
XXX. Then the Masters and Wardens, and all the
brethren, may converse promiscuously, or as they please
to sort together, until the dinner is coming in, when
every brother takes his seat at table.
XXXI. Some time after dinner, the Grand Lodge is
formed, not in the retirement, but in the presence of
all the brethren who yet are not members of it, and must
not therefore speak until they are desired and allowed.
XXXII. If the Grand Master of last year has con-
sented with the Masters and Wardens in private, before
dinner, to continue for the year ensuing, then one of the
Grand Lodge, deputed for that purpose, shall represent
to all the brethren, his Worship's good government, etc.,
and, turning to him, shall, in the name of the Grand
Lodge, humbly request him to do the fraternity the
great honor (if nobly born, if not), the great kindness,
of continuing to be their Grand Master for the year
ensuing. And his Worship declaring his consent by a bow
or a speech, as he pleases, the said deputed member of the
Grand Lodge shall proclaim him Grand Master, and all
the members of the Lodge shall salute him in due form.
And all the brethren shall for a few minutes have leave
to declare their satisfaction, pleasure, and congratulation.
XXXIII. But if either the Master and Wardens have
not in private, this day before dinner nor the day before,
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 25
desired the last Grand Master to continue in the Master-
ship another year ; or if he, when desired, has not con-
sented : Then
The last Grand Master shall nominate his successor
for the year ensuing, who, if unanimously approved by
the Grand Lodge, and if there present, shall be proclaim-
ed, saluted, and congratulated the new Grand Master as
above hinted, and immediately installed by the last Grand
Master, according to usage.
XXXIV. But if that nomination is not unanimously
approved, the new Grand Master shall be chosen imme-
diately by ballot, every Master and Warden writing his
man's name, and the last Grand Master writing his man's
name too ; and the man whose name the last Grand
Master shall first take out, casually or by chance, shall be
Grand Master for the year ensuing ; and, if present, he
shall be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated as above
hinted, and forthwith installed by the last Grand Master,
according to usage.
XXXV. The last Grand Master thus continued, or
the new Grand Master thus installed, shall next nominate
and appoint his Deputy Grand Master, either the last or
a new one, who shall also be declared, saluted, and con-
gratulated as above hinted.
The Grand Master shall also nominate the new Grand
Wardens, and if unanimously approved by the Grand
Lodge, shall be declared, saluted, and congratulated as
above hinted ; but if not, they shall be chosen by ballot,
in the same way as the Grand Master ; as the Wardens
of private Lodges are also to be chosen by ballot in each
Lodge, if the members thereof do not agree to their Mas-
ter's nomination.
XXXVI. But if the brother whom the present Grand
Master shall nominate for his successor, or whom the
majority of the Grand Lodge shall happen to choose by
ballot, is, by sickness or other necessary occasion, absent
26 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
from the Glrand Feast, he can not be proclaimed the new
Grand Master, unless the old Grand Master, or some of
the Masters and Wardens of the Grand Lodge can vouch,
upon the honor of a brother, that the said person so
nominated or chosen, will readily accept of the said
office ; in which case the old Grand Master shall act as
proxy, and shall nominate the Deputy and Wardens in
his name, also receive the usual honors, homage, and
congratulation.
XXXVII. Then the Grand Master shall allow any
brother, Fellow-Craft, or Apprentice to speak, directing
his discourse to his Worship : or to make any motion for
the good of the fraternity, which shall be either imme-
diately considered and finished, or else referred to the
consideration of the Grand Lodge, at their next com-
munication, stated or occasional. When that is over,
XXXYIII. The Grand Master or his Deputy, or some
brother appointed by him, shall harangue all the brethren,
and give them good advice ; and lastly, after some other
transactions, that cannot be written in any language, the
brethren may go away or stay longer as they please.
XXXIX. Every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent
power and authority to make new Regulations, or to alter
these, for the real benefit of this ancient fraternity :
provided, always, that the old Landmarks be caretully
preserved, and that such alterations and new Regulations
be proposed and agreed to at the third quarterly com-
munication preceeding the annual Grand Feast ; and
that they be offered also to the perusal of all the brothren
before dinner, in writing, even of the youngest Apprentice,
the approbation and consent of the majority of all the
brethren present being absolutely necessary to make the
same binding and obligatory ; which must, after dinner,
and after the new Grand Master is installed, be solemnly
desired, as it was desired and obtained for these Regula-
tions, Avhen proposed by the Grand Lodge, to about 150
brethren, on St. John Baptist's Day, 1721.
GRAND LODGE
FREE Aro ACCEPTED MASONS.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
l^.'.W.-.G^RJ^NT) LODGE
OF
STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
AS REVISED AND ADOPTED IN MAY, A. L. 5859, AND AMENDED
TO OCTOBER, A.L. 5866.
PART I .
Of the Organization of the Grand Lodge.
ARTICLE I.
OF ITS TITLE AND SEAL.
Section 1. This Grand Lodge shall be entitled " The
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of the State of California."
Sec. 2. It shall have a Seal, bearing such devices and
inscriptions as have heretofore been, or may hereafter be
determined, which shall be affixed to all instruments
issued by or under its authority.
28 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE 11.
OF ITS MEMBERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS.
Section 1. The Grand Lodge shall be composed of a
Grand Master (whose address shall be Most IVorsJii^ful ),
a Deputy Grand Master, a Senior Grand Warden, and a
Junior Grand Warden (whose addresses shall severally
be BigJit Worslii^ful)^ a Grand Treasurer and a Grand
Secretary (whose addresses shall severally be Very Wor-
shipful), a Grand Chaplain (Avhose address shall be Very
Reverend), a Grand Orator, a Grand Marshal, a Grand
Standard Bearer, a Grand Sword Bearer, a Grand Bible
Bearer, a Senior Grand Deacon, a Junior Grand Deacon,
two Grand Stewards, a Grand Organist, a Grand Pursui-
vant and a Grand Tyler (whose addresses shall severally
be Worshipful), and such other officers as it may hereaf-
ter designate ; together with all the Past Grand Officers
and Past Masters of this jurisdiction, and the Masters
and Wardens of the several chartered and duly consti-
tuted Lodges, or the representatives thereof, duly elected
as provided in Art. II, Part YII.
Sec. 2. Each officer and member of the Grand Lodge
must be a member of some Lodge within its jurisdiction.
With the cessation of such membership shall cease his
office and membership in the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 3. No member of the Grand Lodge shal] be rep-
resented therein by proxy.
ARTICLE III.
OF ITS POWERS AND AUTHORITY.
Section 1. The Grand Lodge is the Supreme Masonic
Power and Authority in this State, possessing all the at-
tributes of sovereignty and government — legislative, ex-
ecutive, and judicial — limited only by a strict adherence
to the Ancient Landmarks of the Order, and to the pro-
visions of its own Constitution and Regulations.
Sec. 2. Its legislative powers extend to every case of
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 29
legislation not expreysly delegated by itself to the
Lodges ; and the Constitution and Regulations, which it
has an inalienable right to adopt and promulgate at its
own convenience, and to alter, amend, or repeal at its
own pleasure, under the limitations therein imposed, are
final and binding upon all Lodges and Masons Avithin its
jurisdiction, until so altered, amended, or repealed.
Sec. 3. Its executive powers include the granting of
dispensations and charters to establish and perpetuate
Lodges within this State, and in other territory where
no Grand Lodge exists ; the revocation or suspension
thereof; the issuing of special dispensations for all pur-
poses permitted by any of the provisions of this Consti-
tution ; and the exercise, generally, of all such authority
as may be necessary to carry its own legislation into
complete effect.
Sec. 4. Its judicial powers are of two kinds :
1st. Original — Including the decision of all contro-
versies between any of the Lodges, or between one of
them and a member or members of another, or between
members of different Lodges; and the enforcement of dis-
cipline upon its own members and upon the Lodges under
its jurisdiction : and
2d. Apjoelkde — Embracing the revision of all matters
of controversy or discipline, proper for Masonic investi-
gation, which may have arisen in any of the Lodges, and
over which it has not retained original jurisdiction.
ARTICLE IV.
OF ITS COMMUNICATIONS.
Section 1. The Grand Lodge shall hold its Annual
Communications for the transaction of its regular busi-
ness, at the City of San Francisco, commencing on the
second Tuesday of October, at 10 o'clock, a.m.
Sec. 2. Special Communications may be ordered by the
Grand Master whenever, in his opinion, the welfare of
the Fraternity shall require it.
30 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Sec. 3. Special Communications shall be ordered bj
the Grand Master, upon an application therefor in writing
setting forth the causes which demand it, and signed by
the Masters of at least five chartered Lodges.
Sec. 4. Every order for a Special Communication shall
designate the object thereof, so far as is proper to be
Avritten, and shall be issued to each Lodge and Grand
Officer at least thirty days before the day named for
meeting ; and no business shall be transacted thereat
other than that for which the Grand Lodge was espe-
cially convened.
Sec. 5. The officers or representatives of at least fif-
teen chartered Lodges shall be present in order to
transact any business in the Grand Lodge, either at an
Annual or Special Communication ; but, upon occasions
of ceremony only, the Grand Master, or his duly author-
ized representative, with a sufficient number of brethren
to fill the stations and places, may at any time open the
Grand Lodge, and perform the ceremonies for which it
was convened.
ARTICLE V.
OF THE ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS.
Section 1, The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master,
Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary
shall be elected by ballot, at each Annual Communica-
tion, upon the fourth day thereof; shall be installed be-
fore its close ; and shall hold their respective offices until
their successors shall have been elected and installed.
A majority of all the votes cast shall be necessary for an
election.
Sec. 2. All other Grand Officers shall be appointed by
the Grand Master, immediately after his installation, at
each Annual Communication ; shall be properly invested
before the close thereof ; and shall hold their respective
offices during his Avill and pleasure.
Sec. 3. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in any elective
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 31
office of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master shall have
power to fill the same by appointment, which appoint-
ment shall be valid nntil the succeeding annual election
and installation ; and the officer so appointed shall be
charged with all the duties and responsibilities of one
regularlv elected.
ARTICLE VL
OF ITS VOTING AND REPRESENTATION.
Section 1. All questions in the Grand Lodge (except
elections of officers) shall be decided either viva voce, or
by a show of hands — unless, before the announcement
of the result thereof, three members shall demand that
the vote be taken by yeas and nays, in which case it shall
thus be taken.
Sec. 2. Each Grand Officer present, whether elected
or appointed (except the Grand Tyler), and each Past
Grand Officer present, shall be entitled to one vote.
Sec. 3. Each Lodge represented shall be entitled to
three votes ; and the Past Masters of each Lodge shall,
collectively, be entitled to one vote.
Sec. 4. No Grand Officer, Past Grand Officer, or Past
Master, voting, or participating in a vote, in either of
those capacities, shall vote, or participate in a vote, in
any other of them ; but either of such members may, as
Master, Warden, or representative of a Lodge, cast also
the vote or votes to which such position shall entitle him.
Sec. 5. When a Lodge shall be represented by only
two of its proper officers, the officer highest in rank may
cast two of the three votes.
Sec. 6. When a Lodge shall be represented by only
one of its proper officers, or by a representative, such
officer or representative may cast all the votes to which
it is entitled.
Sec. 7. Li all cases of a tie vote, except votes by bal-
lot, the Grand Master, in addition to his proper vote^
may have the casting vote.
32 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE VII.
OF ITS COMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES.
Section 1. The following regular committees, to con-
sist of five members each, shall be appointed by the
Grand Master at each Annual Communication, viz : On
Credentials, on Grievances, on Finances, on Jurispru-
dence, on Charters, on Returns, on By-Laws, and on Cor-
respondence.
Sec. 2. Special committees may also be appointed by
the Grand Master, whenever it may be deemed necessary
by the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 3. No business of any kind shall be finally acted
upon, until after reference to and report upon, by a com-
mittee, unless by unanimous consent ; and no appropria-
tion of money shall be made until after reference to, and
report upon, by the Committee on Finances.
ARTICLE VIII.
OF ITS REVENUES.
i Section 1. The revenue of the Grand Lodge shall be
derived from the following sources :
1st. From fees charged for dispensations, charters, di-
plomas, and other documents issued under its authority:
2d. From contributions levied upon the Lodges, which
shall always be equal and uniform, in proportion to their
membership, admissions, and degrees conferred : and
3d. From the funds, dues, and proceeds of all property
of dissolved Lodges within its jurisdiction.
Sec. 2. The following shall be the fees charged as
above, exclusive of those provided in Sec. 3, Article lY,
Part II, to be paid to the Grand Secretary :
1st. For a dispensation to form a new Lodge, the sum
of seventy-five dollars :
2d. For a charter to perpetuate a Lodge, the sum of
fiftv dollars :
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 33
3d. For a dispensation 'to hold an election of an officer
or officers at a time other than that named in Sec. 1, Art.
I, Part lY, the sum of ten dollars :
4th. For a dispen -ation to ballot for a candidate for
the degrees, without the reference to a committee pro-
vided in Sec. 3, Art. Ill, Part III, the sum of ten dollars:
5th. For a dispensation to receive and act upon the
petition of a rejected candidate, within a less period than
the twelve months prescribed in Sec. 2, Art. Ill, Part
III, the sum of ten dollars : and
6th. For a diploma of any kind, the sum of two dollars,
except when issued for the widow or children of a de-
ceased Mason, in w^hich case there shall be no charge :
but no diploma shall issue except upon the presentation
to the Grand Secretary of a certificate from the Secre-
tary of a Lodge, in one of the forms prescribed in Art.
III^ Part VII.
Sec. 3. In no case shall either of the foregoing docu-
ments be issued until the fees therefor shall have been
paid to the Grand Secretary.
Sec. 4. The following contributions shall be paid, as
annual dues, by each of the Lodges, whether chartered
or under dispensation, at the time and in the manner
provided in Sec. 4, Art. II, Part III :
1st. For each degree it shall have conferred during
the year, the sum of one dollar :
2d. For each member it shall have received by affilia-
tion during the year, the sum of one dollar :
3d. For each Master Mason borne upon its roll at the
date of its annual return, the sum of one dollar :
And the Grand Lodge may levy, in addition to the
above, such other contributions as in its judgment may
be required.
Sec. 5. In case of the dissolution of a Lodge, the Grand
Secretary, or some brother by him duly authorized, shall
at once proceed to receive its funds on hand, collect its
outstanding dues, and dispose of its jewels, furniture, and
5
34 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
property of every kind, in such manner as shall seem to
him most judicious ; and he shall place the proceeds
thereof, after the payment of necessary expenses, among
the funds of the Grand Lodge.
PART II.
Of tJie Grand Officers^ their Powers and Duties.
ARTICLE L
OF THE GEAND MASTER.
Section 1. The Grand Master, during the interval
between the Communications of the Grand Lodge, may
exercise all its executive powers as defined in Sec. 3,
Art. Ill, Part I, except the granting of charters. By
virtue of these, authority is given him —
1st. To grant dispensations for the formation of new
Lodges, under the regulations prescribed in Sec. 2, Art.
I, Part III :
2d. To grant dispensations for the holding elections
of an officer or officers at times other than the regular
periods prescribed in Sec. 1, Art. I, Part YI, under the
regulations provided in Sec. 2, Art. I, Part IV :
3d. To grant dispensations to ballot for and confer the
degrees upon candidates, without the reference of their
applications to committees, as provided in Sec. 3," Art.
Ill, Part III, under the regulations prescribed in Sec. 4,
Art. Ill, Part III :
4th. To grant dispensations to receive and act upon
the petitions of rejected applicants, within a less period
than the twelve months prescribed in Sec. 2, Art. Ill,
Part III, under the regulations provided in Sec. 4, Art.
Ill, Part III :
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 35
5tli. To convene any Lodge, preside therein, inspect
its proceedings, and compel its conformity to Masonic
usage :
6th. To arrest the charter or dispensation of any
Lodge, for good reasons shown, and suspend the opera-
tions thereof until the next Annual Communication :
7th. To suspend the Master of any Lodge from the
exercise of the powers and duties of his office, for good
reasons shown, until the next Annual Communication :
8th. To require the attendance of, and information
from any Grand Officer, respecting matters appertaining
to the duties of his office : and
9th. To appoint Representatives in other recognized
Lodges, and to receive and accredit such Representa-
tives from them.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Master —
1st. To preside in the Grand Lodge at all its Commu-
nications :
2d. To present, at each Annual Communication, a
written message, therein setting forth all his official acts
during the year, exhibiting the general condition of
Masonry within the jurisdiction, and recommending such
legislation as he may deem necessary or expedient for
the welfare of the Order :
. 3fd. To constitute all chartered Lodges, either in per-
son or by a duly authorized representative, in accord-
ance with the ancient usages and regulations :
4th. To exercise a general and careful supervision
over the Craft, and see that the Constitution and Regu-
lations of the Grand Lodge are strictly maintained, sup-
ported, and obeyed : and
5th. To discharge all the necessary executive functions
of the Grand Lodge, when that body is not in session.
ARTICLE IL
OF THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER AND GRAND WARDENS.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Deputy Grand
36 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Master to assist the Grand Master in the discharge of his
duties at all the Communications of the Grand Lodge,
and, in his absence, to preside therein ; and, in the event
of the death of the Grand Master, or of his absence from
the State, or of his inability, from any cause, to perform
the functions of his office, the Deputy Grand Master shall
succeed to and be charged Avith all his powers and duties.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Wardens
to assist the Grand Master at all the Communications of
the Grand Lodge, and, in his absence, and that of the
Deputy Grand Master, to preside therein in the order of
their rank ; and, in case of the death, absence from the
State, or inability as before, of both their superiors, the
Grand Wardens shall, in the order of their rank, succeed
to and be charged with all the powers and duties of the
Grand Master.
ARTICLE III.
OF THE GRAND TREASURER.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Treas-
urer—
1st. To receive all moneys belonging to the Grand
Lodge, from the Grand Secretary ; to give him duplicate
receipts therefor ; and to keep, in proper books, a just
account thereof :
2d. To take charge of all other property of the Grand
Lodge, except as provided in Sec. 1, Art. lY, of this
Part, and keep an accurate account thereof :
3d. To pay all orders drawn upon such funds and
moneys, under such regulations as may be provided by
the Grand Lodge :
4th. To attend the Grand Lodge at all its Communica-
tions, and the Grand Master, when required, with the
books and all necessary papers appertaining to his office ;
and also, if required by the Grand Lodge or Grand
Master, to attend with such books and papers upon any
committee which may be appointed to act in relation to
the fiscal concerns of the Grand Lodge : and
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 37
5th. To report at each Annual Communication a de-
tailed account of his receipts and disbursements, with
proper vouchers for the latter ; and to present a state-
ment of the existing condition of its property and
finances.
Sec. 2. He shall execute and file in the office of the
Grand Master, within fifteen days after his installation,
an official bond, in such penal sum and with such sure-
ties as shall be approved by the Grand Master, condi-
tioned that he will faithfully discharge the duties of his
office, as prescribed in this Constitution, and, at the end
of his term, pay over and transfer to his successor all
funds or property of the Grand Lodge which shall have
come into his keeping.
Sec. 3. He shall receive such compensation for his
services as the Grand Lodge may direct.
ARTICLE IV.
OF the grand secretary.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Sec-
retary—
1st. To record all the transactions of the Grand Lodge
which it is proper to have written ; and to superintend
the publication thereof, immediately after the close of
each Communication, under such instructions as may be
given by the Grand Lodge :
2d. To receive, duly file, and safely keep all papers
and documents addressed or belonging to the Grand
Lodge ; and to present such as may require its action, at
each Annual Communication thereof :
3d. To keep the Seal of the Grand Lodge, and affix
the same, w^ith his attestation, to all instruments emana-
ting from that body, and to all the written official acts of
the Grand Master :
4th. To collect all moneys due to the Grand Lodge,
keep a correct account thereof in proper books, and pay
the same quarterly to the Grand Treasurer :
38 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
5th. To report, at each Annual Communication, a de-
tailed account of all moneys received by him during the
year, with a specific statement of the sources whence
they were derived ; and to present therewith the receipts
of the Grrand Treasurer therefor :
6th. To report, at each Annual Communication, all
Lodges which shall be in arrears to the Grand Lodge, or
which shall have neglected or refused to comply with
any provision of its Constitution and Regulations :
7th. To conduct the correspondence of the Grand
Lodge, and to submit copies thereof, at each ' Annual
Communication, for its inspection :
8th. To attend the Grand Lodge at all its Communica-
tions, and the Grand Master, when required, with the
books and all necessary papers appertaining to his ofl&ce :
9th. To keep his office, with all the books, papers,
and archives of the Grand Lodge, in a fire-proof build-
ing ; and to have the same open at least six hours each
day (except Sundays) for the transaction of Masonic
business :
lOtli. To transmit to each Lodge within the jurisdic-
tion, once in every two months, a list of all rejections,
expulsions, suspensions, and restorations of Avhich he
shall have been notified by the several Lodges :
lltli. To present, at each Annual Communication, an
estimate of the probable expenses of the ensuing year,
giving each class of expenditures under its proper head ;
and also to present an estimate of the probable income
from the known sources of revenue, during the same
period :
12th. To issue notices of any special Communication
ordered by the Grand Master, to each Lodge and Grand
Officer within the jurisdiction :
13th. To issue notices to each Lodge, of the granting
of a dispensation by the Grand Master, for the formation
of a new Lodge :
14th. To transmit to any Lodge, which shall send him
^^
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.*. GRAND LODGE. 39
a certificate of membersliip and good standing of a de-
ceased brother, in the form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part
VII, stating that he leaves a wife, child, or children, a
Grand Lodge diploma for her, his, or their benefit, free of
charge, when so requested by such Lodge :
15th. To take charge of the jewels, furniture, clothing,
and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge, during its vaca-
tions :
16th. To furnish every Grand Officer, elected or ap-
pointed, with a certificate of such election or appoint-
ment :
17th. To act as Grand Librarian, and take charge of
the library of the Grand Lodge, under such regulations
as it may prescribe :
18th. To report, at each Annual Communication, all
unfinished business of the Grand Lodge ; and to present
all such other matters to its notice as may properly come
within his province : and
19th. To perform all such other duties, appertaining
to his office, as the Grand Lodge may direct.
Sec. 2. He shall execute and file in the office of the
Grand Master, within fifteen days after his installation,
an official bond, in such penal sum and with such sureties
as shall be approved by the Grand Master, conditioned
that he will faithfully discharge the duties of his office
as prescribed in this Constitution.
Sec. 3. He shall receive such compensation for his ser-
vices as the Grand Lodge may direct ; and in addition
thereto shall receive the following fees :
1st. For a dispensation to open a new Lodge, the sum
of fifteen dollars :
2d. For a charter to perpetuate a Lodge, the sum of
ten dollars :
3d. For a dispensation to hold an election of an officer
or officers at another than the regular period, the sum of
five dollars :
4th. For a dispensation to ballot for a candidate and
40 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
confer the degrees, without reference to a committee^ the
sum of five dollars :
5th. For a dispensation to receive and act upon the
petition of a rejected applicant, within a less period than,
twelve months, the sum of five dollars :
6th. For a diploma of any kind (except when issued
for the widow or children of a deceased brother), the
sum of three dollars : and
7th. For every certificate (except those hereinbefore
named) requiring the seal of the Grand Lodge^ the sum
of three dollars.
Sec. 4. He may, with the approval of the Grand Mas-
ter, appoint an Assistant Grand Secretary, for whose offi-
cial acts he shall be responsible, and who shall be con-
sidered an appointed officer of the Grand Lodge, and
shall receive such compensation for his services as it
may direct.
ARTICLE V.
OF the appointed grand OFFICERS.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Chaplain,
during each Communication of the Grand Lodge, to per-
form such services, appertaining to his office, as may be
required of him by the Grand Master.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Orator, at
each Annual Communication, to deliver an address to
the Grand Lodge upon matters appertaining to the Craft.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Grand Marshal —
1st. To proclaim the Grand Officers at their installa-
tion, and to make such other proclamations as by the
Grand Master may be directed :
2d. To introduce the Eepresentatives of other Grand
Lodges, and all visiting brethren of distinction : and
3d. To conduct all processions of the Grand Lodge,
under the direction of the Grand Master, and to perform
such other duties, proper to his office, as maybe required.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Grand Standard
COXSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.*. GRAND LODGE. 41
Bearer to bear the Banner of the Grand Lodge in all
processions and at all public ceremonies.
Sec. 5. It .shall be the dut}^ of the Grand Sword
Bearer to attend upon the Grand Master, and bear the
Sword of the Grand Lodge in all processions and at all
public ceremonies.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the Grand Bible Bearer
to bear the Holy Writings in all processions and at all
public ceremonies.
Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Grand Deacons to
assist the Grand Master and Grand Wardens in such
manner as the ancient usages of the Craft prescribe.
Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Stewards
to superintend the preparations for all festive occasions
directed by the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand Organist to
preside at the organ at the opening and closing of the
Grand Lodge, and to conduct its music upon all occasions
of ceremony, when required.
Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand Pursui-
vant—
1st. To guard the inner door of the Grand Lodge, and
communicate with the Grand Tyler without :
2d. To announce all applicants for admission by their
names and proper Masonic titles, and see that all who
enter wear the jewel and clothing proper to their rank :
and
3d. To allow none to withdraw who have not obtained
permission to do so from the Grand Master.
Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the Grand Tyler —
1st. To guard the outer door of the Grand Lodge, and
communicate with the Grand Pursuivant within :
2d. To report all applicants for admission to the Grand
Pursuivant, and see that all who enter are duly author-
ized and properly clothed :
3d. To make suitable preparations for the accommoda-
tion of the Grand Lodge at all its Communications, and
42 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
see that its hall is kept in proper condition during their
continuance :
4th. To take charge of and safely keep the jewels, fur-
niture, clothing, and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge
during its Communications : and
5th. To carry all notices and summonses, and perform
such other duties as may be required of him by the
G-rand Lodge or Grand Master.
Sec. 12. The Grand Tyler shall receive for his serv-
ices such compensation as the Grand Lodge may direct.
ARTICLE VI.
OF THE COMPENSATION OF GRAND OFFICERS.
Section 1. Each of the elective Grand Officers shall
be entitled to receive payment for the amount of his
necessary expenses in attending the Grand Lodge at any
of its Communications : but, in all cases, the claims for
such expenses shall be ascertained by the Committee on
Finances, and be by it reported on, before allowance by
the Grand Lodge.
PAKT III.
Of Subordinate Lodges.
ARTICLE I.
ON the organization of a lodge.
Section 1. A Lodge can only be formed by authority
of a dispensation from the Grand Master, or of a charter
from the Grand Lodge ; and no charter shall be granted
to any Lodge, until it shall have worked a time under
dispensation, and shall have exhibited to the Grand
Lodge satisfactory evidence of its Masonic capability.
Sec. 2. Upon the petition of seven or more Master
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 43
Masons being presented to the G-rand Master, in the form
prescribed in Art. Ill, Part VII, he may grant them a
dispensation to open and hold a Lodge at the place
therein to be named, with power to make Masons and
receive members by affiliation ; and he shall therein ap-
point the Master and Wardens of the new Lodge. But
in no case shall such dispensation be issued, unless the
petition be accompanied by a recommendation from the
nearest or most convenient chartered Lodge (if from a
town or city where more than one Lodge exists, then
from a majority of such Lodges), setting forth, in the
form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part YII, that the petition-
ers are all Master Masons in good standing, that the es-
tablishment of the new Lodge is of manifest propriety
and will conduce to the good of the Order, and that a safe
and suitable Lodge room has been provided therefor ;
nor unless the petition shall also be accompanied by a
certificate of withdrawal of each petitioner from the
Lodge of which he was last a member, and by a certifi-
cate from a Master, wdiom the Grand Master is satisfied
is well skilled in the craft, declaring that the Master pro-
posed in such petition is fully competent properly to
confer the three degrees of Masonry, and to deliver en-
tire the lectures thereunto appertaining. Such dispen-
sation shall terminate upon the first day of the month in
which the next succeeding Annual Communication shall
be holden ; and shall then be returned to the Grand Sec-
retary, together with the by-laws, book of records, and
returns of the new Lodge to that date.
Sec. 3. Upon the return of the dispensation of a new
Lodge, as above, with a petition for a charter, in the
form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part VII, if an examination
of its work and proceedings shall prove satisfactory, the
Grand Lodge may order the issue of a charter to such
Lodge, and assign it such name and number on the reg-
istry as shall be deemed proper ; and such Lodge shall
be duly constituted within sixty days thereafter, or its
44 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
charter shall be forfeited. If the examination be not
satisfactor}^, the petition may be totally refused, or a
contmuance of the dispensation, until the next Annual
Communication, may be ordered ; but no such continu-
ance shall be granted a second time.
Sec. 4 A Lodge shall consist of a Master, a Senior
Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a
Senior Deacon, a Junior Deacon, a Tyler, and such other
officers as its by-laws may provide; together with as
many members as it may find convenient.
ARTICLE n.
OF THE POWERS AND DUTIES OP A LODGE.
Section 1. The powers and duties of a Lodge are
such as are prescribed in its dispensation or charter, by
the Constitution and Eegulations of the G-rand Lodge,
and by the general regulations of Masonry: and they are
defined as follows :
1st. Executive — 'In the direction and performance of
its Avork, as prescribed by the Grand Lodge, under the
control of the Master ; and in all other matters, in aid of
the Master, who is the primary executive authority of
the Lodge :
2d. Legislative — Including all matters of legislation
relative to its internal concerns, wdiich shall not be in
violation of the general regulations of Masonry, the Con-
stitution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, or its own
particular b3Maws : and
3d. Judicial — Embracing the exercise of discipline
over its own members (except the Master) and all other
Masons within its jurisdiction, and the settlement of con-
troversies between them ; subject always to a revision
by the Grand Lodge, upon appeal.
Sec. 2. Each Lodge shall have not more than one
stated meeting in each lunar month, but may hold such
other meetings as it may determine, or the Master shall
direct ; but no business of an}^ kind, except collections
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 45
or appropriations for charity, conferring of degrees,
ceremonial observances, or balloting for Commissioners
to try charges of unmasonic conduct, shall be done at
any other than a stated meeting, unless by dispensation
from the Grand Master, as provided in Sec. 1, Art. I,
Part II. And all business, except the examination of
candidates and conferring of the subordinate degrees,
shall be done in a Lodge of Master Masons.
Sec. 3. Each chartered and duly constituted Lodge
shall be represented in the G-rand Lodge at every Com-
munication, by one or more of its proper officers, or by a
representative duly elected as provided in Art. II, Part
YII, which representative shall have credentials in the
form provided in Art. Ill, Part YII.
Sec. 4. Each chartered Lodge shall transmit to the
Grand Secretary a full and correct return of its transac-
tions for the twelve months next preceding the first day
of August in each 3^ear, within fifteen days thereafter, in
the form provided in Art. Ill, Part VII; and each Lodge
under dispensation shall transmit a similar return from
the date of its organization to the first day of October,
in each year, without delay; and every Lodge shall ac-
company such return w^ith payment of its dues to the
Grand Lodge for those periods, as prescribed in Sec. 4,
Art. YIII, Part I.
Sec. 5. Each Lodge shall transmit to the Grand Sec-
retary a copy of its by-laws, as soon as adopted ; but no
such by-laws, nor any subsequent amendments thereunto,
shall be deemed valid until approved by the Grand
Lodge, though they may be acted under until the next
Annual Communication, if approved by the Grand Mas-
ter.
Sec. 6. Each chartered Lodge shall, within two
months from the date of its charter, provide a suitable
seal, bearing such devices as may be deemed proper, and
having inscribed thereon the name and number of the
Lodge, the date of its charter, and the place of its location ;
46 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST t)F MASONIC LAW.
and all documents or papers of every kind whatsoever,
emanating from sucli Lodge, or from its Master or Secre-
tary, in his official capacity, shall bear the impress of
such seal, or be considered null and of no effect.
Sec. 7. Each Lodge shall have all official communi-
cations from the Grand Master or Grand Secretary read
in open Lodge, at the stated meeting next following their
receipt.
Sec. 8. Each Lodge shall provide the several books
prescribed in Sec. 2, Art. V, Part TV, to be kept by its
Secretary, which shall be prepared in accordance with,
forms to be provided.
Sec. 9. Each Lodge shall provide, in such manner as
it may deem proper, for the payment of its officers or
representative in attending the Communications of the
Grand Lodge.
Sec. 10. For the neglect or violation of any duty im-
posed upon a Lodge in this Constitution, its charter may
be suspended or forfeited ; and for the neglect or viola-
tion of any duty herein imposed upon a Secretary, his
Lodge shall be held responsible.
ARTICLE III.
OF PROHIBITIONS.
Section 1. No Lodge shall remove its place of meet-
ing from that named in its dispensation or charter, unless
notice shall have been given at a stated meeting that a
resolution for such removal will be offered at the next
succeeding one, nor unless such resolution shall have
been adopted by the votes of at least two-thirds of the
members present at such succeeding meeting ; nor shall
such removal then take place until the action of the
Lodge shall have been approved by the Grand Lodge or
Grand Master.
Sec. 2. No Lodge in this State shall receive an appli-
cation for the degrees of Masonry unless the applicant
shall have been a resident within the State during twelve
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 47
months, and within the jurisdiction of the Lodge during
six months, next preceding the date of his appHcation.
Nor shall any Lodge receive such application from any
person, who, within tAvelve months next preceding, shall
have been rejected by any Lodge, unless by dispensation
from the Grand Master, as provided in Sec. 1, Art. I,
Part II. All such applications, as well as those for affili-
ation, shall be in writing, signed by the applicant, and
recommended by at least two members of the Lodge, in
the forms prescribed in Art. 3, Part YII.
Sec. 3. No Lodge shall ballot upon such application
(except by dispensation from the Grand Master, as pro-
vided in Sec. 1, Art. I, Part II), until it shall have been
referred to a committee, whose duty it shall be to make
strict examination into the moral, mental, and physical
qualifications of the applicant, and to report thereon at
the next stated meeting, unless further time be granted.
No application shall be withdrawn after reference to a
committee, and it shall require an unanimous ballot to
elect. But if one black ball only appear in the ballot-
box, the Master, without declaring the result, may at
once order a second ballot for the purpose of correcting
a possible mistake.
Sec. 4. No dispensation shall be issued to a Lodge to
ballot for and confer the degrees upon a candidate with-
out reference to a committee as provided in the preced-
ing section, nor to receive and act upon the petition of a
rejected applicant within less than twelve months after
the date of such rejection, unless the application there-
for be made by the Lodge, by an unanimous vote by
ballot ; and of the special meeting to be holden under
such dispensation, and the purpose thereof, the members
of the Lodge shall have due notice.
Sec. 5. No Lodge, unless it be otherwise provided in
its By-laws, shall have more than one ballot for the three
degrees : but, though an applicant may be elected to re-
ceive them, if, at any time before his initiation, objection
48 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
be made by any member, he shall not receive the degree
until such objection shall have been withdrawn ; and if,
after his initiation, but before being passed, or after
passing, before being raised, objection to his advance-
ment be made by any member, such objection shall be
referred to a committee, with power to inquire into the
cause thereof, who shall, at the next stated meeting
(unless further time be given) report thereon ; and
upon the reception of such report, if no cause for the
objection has been assigned, or if the cause assigned be,
in the opinion of two-thirds of the members present, not
a valid and Masonic one, the Lodge may confer the de-
gree in the same manner as if no objection had been
made.
Sec. 6. No Lodge shall advance an Entered Appren-
tice or a Fellow-Craft to a higher degree until, after a
strict examination .in open Lodge, he shall have given
satisfactory evidence that he is entirely proficient and
well qualified in that or those which he has already
taken ; and no Entered Apprentice or Fellow-Craft shall
be advanced to a higher degree in any Lodge other than
that in which he shall have received those, or either of
those degrees, unless by the official consent of such
Lodge, if it then be in existence.
Sec. 7. No Lodge within this State shall confer the
three degrees for a less fee than fifty dollars ; nor shall
any Lodge without the State, and under this jurisdic-
tion, confer them for a less fee than thirty dollars ; and
in every case the fee for each, or all of the degrees, as
may be regulated by the Lodge, shall accompany the
application.
Sec. 8. No Lodge shall confer degrees upon more
than five candidates at any one meeting ; nor shall con-
fer more than one degree upon any one candidate at any
one meeting ; nor shall confer either of the degrees upon
more than one candidate at a time.
Sec. 9,f^No Lodge shall expel a member for the non-
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 49
payment of his dues ; but in case any member shall have
refused or neglected to pay his regular dues during a
period of six months, he shall be notified by the Secre-
tary that, unless at the next stated meeting, either his
dues be paid, or sickness or inability to pay be shown as
the cause of such refusal or neglect, he will be suspend-
ed from all the rights and privileg'es of Masonry. If
neither of these things be done, he shall be so suspended,
unless, for special reasons shown, the Lodge may otherwise
determine ; but any Mason thus suspended, who shall at
any time pay the arrearages due at the time of his sus-
pension, together with such further dues as would, had
he retained his membership, have accrued against him
to the date of such payment, shall by that act be restored.
Sec. 10. No Lodge shall receive lectures from any
person who is not duly authorized by the Grand Lodge
or the Grand Master.
Sec. 11. No Lodge shall receive an application for
affiliation unless it be accompanied by a proper dimit
from the Lodge of which the applicant was last a mem-
ber, or a satisfactory explanation, in writing, of his in-
ability to furnish such dimit.
Sec. 12. No Lodge shall hold Masonic communica-
tion with any Lodge which has been declared illegal by
the Grand Lodge, or with any person who has received
degrees in, or is a member of such a Lodge.
Sec. 13. No Lodge shall admit a visitor without due
inquiry or examination, nor if there be, in the opinion of
the Master, a valid objection made to such admission by
a member of the Lodge.
Sec. 14. No Lodge which shall have failed to make
its annual returns, as provided in Sec. 4, Art. II, Part
III, and in Sec. 1, Art. V, Part IV, shall be entitled to
representation at the next Communication.
Sec. 15. No Lodge, until chartered and duly consti-
tuted) shall be entitled to representation in the Grand
Lodge ; but a Lodge under dispensation may send dele-
7
50 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
gates thereto, who may be admitted to seats and be per-
mitted to speak, but shall have no vote.
ARTICLE IV.
OF THE DISSOLUTION OF LODGES.
Section 1. A Lodge may be dissolved —
1st. By the voluntary surrender of its charter, when
such surrender shall have been accepted by the Grand
Lodge : and
2d. By the revocation of its charter by the G-rand
Lodge.
Sec. 2. The charter of a Lodge may be surrendered
if notice shall be given at a stated meeting that a reso-
lution to that effect will be presented at the next suc-
ceeding one, and if, at such succeeding meeting, there
shall not be seven members present who oppose such
resolution ; but no such act of surrender shall be consid-
ered final until it shall have been approved and accepted
by the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 3. The charter of a Lodge may be forfeited —
1st. By disobedience to any provision of the Consti-
tution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge :
2d. By disregard to the lawful authority of the Grand
Master :
3d. By violation or neglect of the ancient and recog-
nized usages of the Craft : or
4th. By failure to meet during a period of six succes-
sive months. But no charter shall be forfeited unless
charges against the Lodge shall have been presented to
and investigated in the Grand Lodge, of which charges
the Lodge accused shall have had due notice ; though
the same may be arrested until the next Annual Commu-
nication, either by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master,
upon satisfactory reasons therefor being shown.
Sec. 4. The forfeiture or arrest of the charter of a
Lodge involves the suspension of all its members from
the rights and privileges of Masonry, excepting those
who may be specially exempted from such effect.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 51
Sec. 5. The surrender or forfeiture of the charter of
a Lodge, when declared by the G-rand Lodge, shall be
conclusive upon the Lodge and its members ; and all its
funds, jewels, furniture, dues, and property of every
kind shall be disposed of as provided in Sec. 5, Art. VIII,
Part I.
PART IV.
Of the Office7's of Subordinate Lodges.
ARTICLE I.
OP elections and appointments.
Section 1. The Master, Wardens, Treasurer, and
Secretary of each Lodge shall be elected annually, by
ballot, at the stated meeting next preceding the anni-
versary of St. John the Evangelist : and a majority of
the votes of the members present shall be necessary to
elect. They shall be installed as soon as practicable
thereafter, and shall hold their respective offices until
their successors shall have been duly elected and installed.
Sec. 2. In case any Lodge shall fail to hold such
election at the time above named, upon good cause being
show^n therefor, the Grand Master may issue a dispensa-
tion to hold such election at another time ; and in case a
vacancy shall at any time occur in either of the offices of
Master or Warden in any Lodge, upon proper represen-
tation of the necessity therefor, the Grand Master may
issue a dispensation for an election to fill such vacancy.
But in either of these cases, such dispensation shall be
issued only upon the application of the Lodge, setting
forth the reasons therefor, to be approved by two-thirds
of the members present at a stated meeting, and to be
properly certified by the Secretary ; and of the special
52 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW.
»
election which may thus be ordered, the members shall
have due notice.
Sec. 3. Every member in good standing, and whose
dues are paid, shall be entitled to a vote at all elections ;
and every voter shall be eligible to any office in the
Lodge.
Sec. 4. The Deacons, Tyler, and^such other subordi-
nate officers as the by-laws of each Lodge may designate,
shall be appointed in such manner as they may direct :
and the officers so appointed shall be properly invested
as soon as practicable after their appointment.
ARTICLE 11.
OF THE MASTER.
Section 1. The Master shall have power —
1st. To congregate his Lodge whenever he shall deem
it proper:
2d. To issue, or cause to be issued, all summonses and
notices which may be required :
8d. To discharge all the executive functions of his
Lodge : and
4th. To perform all such other acts, by ancient usage
proper to his office, as shall not be in contravention of
any provision of the Constitution or Regulations of the
Grand Lodge.
Sec. 2. It shall be his duty —
1st. To preside at all meetings of his Lodge :
2d. To confer all degrees in strict accordance with the
ritual which has been, or may hereafter be ordained by
the Grand Lodge :
3d. To give, in full, the lectures appertaining to each
degree, at the time it is conferred, in accordance with
such ritual :
4th. To superintend the official acts of all the officers
of his Lodge, and see that their respective duties are
properly discharged : and
5th. To carefully guard against any infraction, by the
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W. '.GRAND LODGE. 5B
members of his Lodge, of its own by-laws, of the Consti-
tution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, or of the gen-
eral regulations of Masonry.
Sec. 3. From the decisions of the Master there shall
be no appeal to the Lodge ; but objections to such deci-
sions may be laid before the Grand Master, and by him
be dealt with in the manner provided in Art. II, Part YI.
Sec. 4. In all cases of a tie vote, except votes by bal-
lot, the Master, in addition to his proper vote, may have
the casting vote.
Sec. 5. For the neglect or violation of any duty im-
posed by this Constitution upon the Master of a Lodge,
he shall be subject to deprivation of office, suspension, or
expulsion, as provided in Art. II, Part VI.
ARTICLE in.
OF THE WARDENS.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Wardens to
assist the Master in the performance of his duties, and to
discharge all those duties which ancient usage has as-
signed to their respective stations.
Sec. 2. In the absence of the Master, the Senior War-
den (and in his absence also the Junior Warden) shall
succeed to and be charged with all the powers and duties
of the Master.
ARTICLE IV.
OF THE TREASURER.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer —
1st. To receive and safely keep all moneys or property
of every kind which shall be placed in his hands by order
of the Lodge :
2d. To disburse or transfer the same, or any part
thereof, upon the order of the Master, duly attested by
the Secretary :
3d. To keep a book or books wherein a correct ac-
count of his receipts and disbursements shall be ex-
hibited :
54 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW.
4th. To present a statement of the finances of the
Lodge whenever required : and
5th. To perform such other duties, appertaining to his
office, as the by-laws may require, or the Lodge may at
any time direct.
ARTICLE V.
OF THE SECRETARY.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary —
1st. To record all the proceedings at each meeting,
which it is proper should be written, under the direction
of the Master ; and to submit such record to the Lodge
nt its next stated meeting for approval or correction :
2d. To prepare and transmit a copy of such record, or
•of any part thereof, to the G-rand Lodge, when required :
3d. To collect and receive all moneys due to the
Lodge, and pay them over to the Treasurer :
4th. To keep the seal of the Lodge, and to affix the
same, with his attestation, to all papers issued under its
authority, or in obedience to the requirements of the
Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge :
5th. To transmit to the G-rand Secretary, immediately
after each election and installation in the Lodge, a cer-
tificate thereof, in the form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part
VII:
6th. To transmit to the Grand Secretary the annual
return required in Sec. 4, Art. II, Part III, in the form
provided in Art. Ill, Part YII : and
7th. To report to the Grand Secretary, immediately
after their occurrence, all rejections, expulsions, suspen-
sions, and restorations, in the forms provided in Art. Ill,
Part VIL
Sec. 2. He shall keep the following books of the
Lodge, in such forms as may be provided :
1st. A Record Book, in which he shall record all the
transactions of the Lodge, proper to be written, after the
same shall have been approved :
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W/.GRAND LODGE. 55
2d. A Book of By-Laws, for the signatures of the mem-
bers in the order of their admission :
3d. A Roll Book, in which he shall record, upon pages
alphabetically arranged, the names of all belonging to
the Lodge ; the dates of their initiation, passing, raising,
or affiliation ; the name, number, and location of the
Lodges of which those affiliated were last members ; the
age and occupation of each when received; and the dates
of their Avithdrawal, expulsion, suspension, death, or res-
toration :
4th. A Black Book, in which he shall record, upon
pages alphabetically arranged, the names of those re-
jected, expelled, suspended, or restored by any of the
Lodges, so far as he shall receive the proper notice
thereof : and
5th. A Register, to be kept in the Tyler's room, in
which all members shall record their names ; and all vis-
itors shall record their names and the names, numbers,
and locations of their respective Lodges, before entering
the Lodge.
Sec. 3. He shall also keep such Account Books as
may be necessary to present clearly the account of each
member with the Lodge, the receipts of the Secretary,
and his payments to the Treasurer ; and shall preserve
the Books of Constitutions and Regulations of the G-rand
Lodge, which may from time to time be published, to-
gether with all the printed proceedings thereof, as pro-
mulgated by its order.
ARTICLE VL
OF THE APPOINTED OFFICERS.
Section 1. The Deacons, Tyler, and other appointed
officers, shall perform such duties, consonant with the
usages of the Craft and appertaining to their respective
offices, as may be required by the by-laws, or directed
by the Master.
56 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PART V.
Of Individual Masons.
ARTICLE I.
OF MEMBERSHIP.
Section 1. Membership in a Lodge may be acquired —
Lst. By having regularly received the degree of Mas-
ter Mason therein :
2d. By having been duly elected for affiliation there-
with : and
3d. By having been named in a dispensation for a new
Lodge, as one of the petitioners therefor.
Sec. 2. No Mason shall be a member of more than
one Lodge at the same time.
Sec. 3. Membership in a Lodge can onty be termin-
ated—
1st. By the dissolution of the Lodge :
2d. By voluntary withdrawal therefrom : and
3d. By death, suspension, or expulsion.
Sec. 4. A member of a Lodge, in good standing, and
whose dues are paid, may withdraw therefrom at any
time by giving notice of his intention so to do at a stated
meeting ; but no recommendatory certificate shall be
given him, except by a vote of the majority of the mem-
bers of the Lodge then present.
ARTICLE 11.
OF DUTIES, PROHIBITIONS, AND PENALTIES.
Section 1. It is the duty of every Master Mason to
be a member of some Lodge ; and every one who, having
resided six months within the jurisdiction of a Lodge,
shall refuse or neglect to make application so to be, or
who shall not have regularl}^ contributed to such Lodge
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 57
an amount equivalent to its regular dues, while able so
to do, shall be deemed unworthy of Masonic considera-
tion, and shall not be entitled to, nor be the recipient of,
any of the rights, privileges, or charities of the Order.
Sec. 2. No member of a Lodge shall be required to
divulge his vote upon a ballot for affiliation, or for the
degrees of Masonry; nor to assign reasons for such vote,
if it be known.
Sec. 3. No Mason shall hold any Masonic intercourse
with an expelled or suspended Mason, with an illegal
Lodge, with any person who has received degrees
therein, or is a member thereof, nor with any Mason not
acknowledged as such by this G-rand Lodge.
Sec. 4. For non-payment of his dues, a member may
be suspended from all the rights and privileges of Ma-
sonry, in the manner provided in Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III.
Sec. 5. For any violation of the Ancient Landmarks
of the Order, of the Constitution or Regulations of the
Grand Lodge, of the by-laws of his Lodge, or of any por-
tion of the Masonic or moral law, a member, or any other
Mason within the jurisdiction of a Lodge, may be repri-
manded, suspended, or expelled, in the manner provided
in Art. IV, Part VI.
PART VI .
Of Trials, Appeals, and Penalties.
ARTICLE i
RELATIVE TO THE GRAND MASTER.
Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the
Grand Master for abuse of his power, violation of the
Constitution or Regulations of the G-rand Lodge, or other
unmasonic conduct, by any five Masters of Lodges ;
58 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
which charges shall be in writing, over their signatures,
and shall be presented to the last Past Grand Master of
this Grand Lodge who may be within the State, and who
is a member of a Lodge within its jurisdiction.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it
shall be the duty of such Past Grand Master to transmit
a copy thereof to the accused, if within the State, at
least thirty days, and if without the State, at least ninety
days, before the time designated for the trial, together
with a notification to attend at such time, and at the
place he may therein name, which shall be one most con-
venient for the parties ; and he shall also summon four
or more other Past Grand Masters of this State, who
shall be members of Lodges therein, to assemble with
him at the time and place designated, and shall notify
the accused thereof.
Sec. 3. The tribunal thus assembled, or any of its
members, shall have power to summon witnesses at the
request of either party ; it shall receive such testimony
as in its judgment shall be proper, and shall determine
finally upon the guilt or innocence of the accused ; and
the opinion of a majority shall be the judgment of the
tribunal, and shall be final.
Sec. 4. The only penalty inflicted shall be depriva-
tion of office ; but, when thus deprived, the adjudged
may be amenable to his Lodge upon a charge of unma-
sonic conduct.
Sec. 5. The Grand Secretary shall attend at the trial
to keep a record of the proceedings and of the judgment,
which shall be filed in his office, and shall be presented
at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 6. All necessary traveling expenses of the mem-
bers of such tribunal shall be paid by the Grand Lodge,
in the same manner as those of Grand Officers attending
its Communications.
CONSTITUTION OP THE M.'.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 59
ARTICLE II.
RELATIVE TO MASTERS OF LODGES.
Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the
Master of a Lodge for abuse of his power, violation of
the Constitution or Regulations, or for unmasonic con-
duct of any kind, by any five Master Masons in good
standing ; which charges shall be in writing, over their
signatures, and shall be presented to the Grand Lodge,
if in session, or to the Grand Master during the vacation.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, the
Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master, as the case may be,
may at once appoint and summon not less than three nor
more than seven disinterested Masters, to assemble as
Commissioners to hear and determine thereupon ; and
shall then summon the accused to appear and answer
thereunto, at such time and place most convenient for
the parties as shall be indicated in said summons, giving
him, if within the jurisdiction of his Lodge, at least ten
days — if without that jurisdiction and within the State,
at least thirt}^ days — and if without the State, at least
ninety days — to answer thereunto ; and transmitting to
him also a copy of the charges.
Sec. 3. The Commissioners, thus assembled, shall
choose one of their number to preside ; and they, or any
of them, shaU have power to summon witnesses at the
request of either party. The witnesses, if Masons, shall
testify upon their honor as such ; if not, their depositions
shall be taken, in writing, before an officer legally author-
ized to administer oaths ; and, in such case, the party re-
quiring such depositions shall notify the other of the
time and place when and where they will be taken, that
he may, if he choose, be present thereat.
Sec. 4. The Commissioners may adjourn from time tc
time, at their own convenience, or for good cause shown
by either party ; provided^ that the period within which
their duties shall be concluded, shall not exceed ten days.
60 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
"unless, for sufficient reasons, the Grand Master shall
grant them further time.
Sec. 5. The opinion of a majority of the Commission-
ers shall be deemed the judgment of the whole, and
shall be conclusive, unless an appeal be taken at the next
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 6. The penalties which may be inflicted by such
Commissioners, may be either deprivation of office, sus-
pension, or expulsion, as in their judgment shall be
deemed proper.
Sec. 7. The Commissioners shall keep a complete
record of their proceedings and of their judgment, and
shall transmit the same to the Grand Secretary, at the
conclusion of the trial ; and the judgment shall at once
be carried into effect by order of the Grand Master.
Sec. 8. An appeal to the Grand Lodge maybe taken
at its next Annual Communication, by either party, if
notice thereof be given to the Grand Secretary within
thirty days after the conclusion of the trial.
ARTICLE in.
RELATIVE TO LODGES AND MEMBERS OP DIFFERENT LODGES.
Section 1. When a controversy shall arise between
Lodges, or between a Lodge and a member or members
of another Lodge, charges may be preferred by either
party, if in good standing ; which charges shall be in
writing, and shall be presented to the Grand Lodge or
Grand Master, as provided in Sec. 1, Art. II of this Part.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, not
less than five nor more than seven Commissioners shall
be appointed and summoned, as provided in Sec. 2,
Art. II of this Part, which Commissioners shall be Mas-
ters or Wardens, and shall be selected from at least three
different Lodges not interested in the controversy, and
most convenient to the parties ; and the accused party
shah be summoned, with such time to answer as pro-
vided in the section and article last quoted.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.-.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 61
Sec. 3. The Commissioners shall have power to pro-
ceed, and shall keep a record of their proceedings and
judgment in the same manner as provided in Art. II of
this Part ; and the penalties which they may inflict may
be any known to Masonic usage ; or, if the case be one not
involving a violation of Masonic duty, the decision may
be such special one as the circumstances shall, in their
judgment, warrant.
Sec. 4. An appeal may be taken by either party to
the Grand Lodge, as provided in Sec. 8, Art. II of this
Part.
ARTICLE IV.
RELATIVE TO MASONS INDIVIDUALLY.
Section 1. When any member of a Lodge (except
its Master or the Grand Master), or any Mason residing
within its jurisdiction, shall be accused of unmasonic
conduct, charges to that effect may be preferred by any
Master Mason in good standing ; which charges shall be
in writing, over his signature, and shall be presented to
the Master of the Lodge having jurisdiction thereof.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it
shall be the duty of the Master, by due notification, to
call a special meeting of his Lodge, as soon as practica-
ble, and there cause to be elected, by ballot, and by a
majority of those present, not less than seven nor more
than nine of its members, who shall assemble as Com-
missioners, to hear and determine thereupon, at such
time and place, convenient to the parties, as he shall in-
dicate ; and he shall also summon the accused to appear
and answer thereunto at such time and place ; and shall,
at the same time, cause the Secretary to furnish him
with a copy of the charges, and to notify the accuser of
the said time and place of trial.
Sec. 3. If the accused be within the jurisdiction of
the Lodge, the summons and copy of the charges shall
be issued at least ten days prior to the day appointed for
62 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
the trial, and shall be served personally by the Tyler, or
shall be left at his ordinary residence or place of busi-
ness. If he be without the said jurisdiction, but within
the State, and his residence be known, they shall be
issued at least thirty days before the day of trial, and
shall be forwarded to his address by the Secretary, by
mail or other usual mode of conveyance, which shall be
deemed sufficient service. If he be without the State,
and his residence be known, they shall be issued at least
ninety days before the trial, and shall be forwarded to
his address by the Secretary, as before provided, which
shall be sufficient service. If his address is unknown, the
Master shall order the trial to proceed at once upon the
testimony, ea^jparfe.
Sec. 4. The Commissioners shall assemble at the
time and place appointed, and shall be presided over by
the Master, who shall decide all questions of Masonic
law which may arise during the trial, but shall have no
vote in the final decision of the case by the Commission-
ers ; and the Secretary, by order of the Master, shall
attend them and keep a full and correct record of the
proceedings and of the judgment, under their super-
vision.
Sec. 5. The Master shall summon such witnesses,
within the jurisdiction of his Lodge, as may be desired
by either party, and the accused may select any brother
in good standing to assist him in his defenes. The wit-
nesses, if Masons, shall testify on their honor as such ; if
not, their depositions shall be taken in writing, before
an officer legally authorized to administer oaths, and, in
such case, the party requiring such depositions shall
notify the other of the time and place when and where
they will be taken, that he may, if he choose, be present
thereat.
Sec. 6. The Commissioners may adjourn from time
to time, at their own convenience, or for sufficient cause
shown by either party; provided, that the period within
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.*.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 6B
which their duties shall be concluded sliall not exceed
ten days, unless, for good reasons shown, the Master shall
grant them further time.
Sec. 7. After all the testimony shall have been re-
ceived, the Commissioners shall proceed to deliberate
upon their verdict and sentence, with none present save
themselves and the Secretary, which last shall have no
voice in the proceedings. The judgment of a majority
of the Commissioners shall be taken as the decision of
the whole ; and when the trial is concluded, the Secretary
shall make a fair copy of the record and finding, under
their supervision, which shall be signed by the Chairman
of such Commission, and attested by the Secretary, and
shall be presented to the Master, who, at the next meet-
ing of his Lodge, shall, in the presence of its members
only, announce the result, and direct the Secretary to
record the same as the judgment of the Lodge, and file
the record for safe keeping among its archives.
Sec. 8. The penalties which may be inflicted are
reprimand in open Lodge, suspension, or expulsion. If
the sentence be reprimand, the Master shall summon the
adjudged to appear at the next stated meeting, when it
shall be carried into effect, in the presence only of mem-
bers of the Lodge. If it be suspension or expulsion, it
shall at once go into effect, and the Secretary shall imme-
diately notify the Grand Secretary thereof ; and it shall
be final and conclusive, unless an appeal be taken to the
G-rand Lodge.
Sec. 9. An appeal may be taken to the Grand Lodge
by either party, at its next succeeding Annual Commu-
nication, but not unless a notice of such intended appeal
shall be given to the Master within thirty days after
his announcement of the result of the trial. And in all
cases of expulsion or suspension, the Master shall cause
the Secretary to prepare a transcript of the record of
trial, and immediately transmit it to the Grand Secretary,
together with information of the appeal intended, if an}^
there be.
64 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE V.
OF REVISIONS AND RESTORATIONS.
Section 1. All judgments from which an appeal shall
be taken, as hereinbefore in this Part provided, shall be
reviewed in the Grand Lodge, or before a committee
thereof, during its sessions, upon the record sent up, and
upon such other proper documents as may be submitted ;
and its decision shall be final and conclusive.
Sec. 2. All sentences of suspension shall be for an
indefinite period ; and a Lodge may, at any stated meet-
ing, by the votes of two-thirds of the members present,
annul any such sentence of suspension pronounced by
itself, and restore the Mason thus suspended to all his
Masonic rights ; provided, that notice of a resolution for
-such restoration shall have been given at the stated meet-
ing next preceding. And in case of such restoration,
the Secretary shall at once notify the Grand Secretary
thereof.
Sec. 3. The Grand Lodge may, at any Annual Com-
munication, if good cause therefor be shown, restore a
Mason who has been suspended or expelled within its
jurisdiction : but such restoration shall not restore him
to membership in the Lodge by which he was suspended
or expelled.
Sec. 4. No suspension, expulsion, or restoration shall
be published otherwise than as hereinbefore provided,
except by authority of the Grand Lodge, or by order of
the Grand Master.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.-.W.-.(JRAND LODGE. 65
PART VII.
Of Ameiidments, Definitions, and Forms.
ARTICLE I.
OF AMENDMENTS.
Section 1. An}^ proposed amendment to this Consti-
tution shall be presented at an Annual Communication,
and shall in all cases be referred to the Committee on
Jurisprudence, who shall report before a vote thereon
be taken.
Sec. 2. After the report of said committee, if the
vote in favor of such proposed amendment be unanimous,
it shall be declared adopted ; and from and after the
close of that Communication, shall become a part of the
Constitution.
Sec. 3. If the vote in favor of such proposed amend-
ment be not unanimous, but there be a majority there-
for, it shall lie over for one year, and shall be published
with the proceedings, under the caption of " Proposed
Amendments to the Constitution ; " and if, at the next
succeeding Annual Communication, it shall receive two-
thirds of the votes given thereon, it shall be declared
adopted, and from and after the close of that Communi-
cation, shall become a part of the Constitution.
Sec. 4. No vote upon a proposed amendment shall
be taken after the election of the Grand officers.
Sec. 5. All former written Constitutions of this Grand
Lodge are hereby repealed, as are also all Regulations, or
parts thereof, which are repugnant to or inconsistent
with this Constitution ; and no Regulation shall hereafter
be adopted which shall be in violation of or inconsistent
with any of its provisions.
66 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE II.
OF D EFINITIONS.
The words and terms used in this Constitution shall
bear the construction which is given them in the follow-
ing definitions :
Grand Master. — This title applies, not only to him
who has been elected and installed as Grand Master, but
to either of the Grand Officers who, under the provis-
ions of Art. II, Part 11, of this Constitution, shall have
succeeded to the powers and duties of Grand Master.
Master. — This title applies, not only to him who has
been elected and installed as Master, but to either of the
Wardens, who, under the provisions of Art. Ill, Part
TV, of this Constitution, shall have succeeded to the
powers and duties of the Master.
Past Grand Officer. — This title applies only to one
of the six elective Grand Officers who has been regularly
elected and installed, and has served his term as such in
this Grand Lodge ; and who remains a member, in good
standing, of some Lodge under its jurisdiction.
Past Master. — This title applies only to one who has
been regularly elected, or named in a charter, and in-
stalled, and has served a term as Master of a chartered
Lodge, within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge ; and
who still remains a member, in good standing, of one of
its subordinates.
Representative. — The Bepresentative of a Lodge
within this State, is one who, being a member thereof,
in the event that neither the Master nor either of the
Wardens can be present at the Grand Lodge, has been
elected by the Lodge, at a stated meeting, or at a special
meeting called for that purpose, by ballot, and by a ma-
jority of the votes present, to represent it at the next
Communication. A Lodge without the State, may be
represented by a member of any Lodge under this juris-
diction, elected as before.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 67
Vacancy. — Yacancies in office, either in a Lodge or
in the Grand Lodge, may occur by death, deprivation,
resignation, removal from the jurisdiction, suspension, or
expulsion.
Jurisdiction. — The jurisdiction of the G-rand Lodge
includes all Lodges and Masons witliin the territorial
limits of this State, and all Lodges and their members
without this State, acting under its authority.
The jurisdiction of a Lodge includes all Masons residing
nearer to its place of meeting than to that of any other
Lodge within this State, except in towns or cities where
more than one Lodge exists ; in which case, each of such
Lodges has separate jurisdiction over its own members,
and concurrent jurisdiction over all Masons not members
of one of such Lodges, who reside in such town or city,
or nearer thereto than to any other place where a Lodge
exists.
Regulation. — ^By a regulation of the Grand Lodge is
meant any resolution, edict, law, or ordinance of any kind
whatever, other than the Constitution, which it may
adopt.
Suspension. — The suspension of a Lodge is an arrest
of its charter, and a temporary prohibition to assemble
or work as a legal Lodge, until again authorized so to
do by competent authority ; and the act suspends all its
members, except those especially exempted from its
effect.
The suspension of the Master of a Lodge is a temporary
deprivation of his office, and prohibits all recognition of
him in that capacity, until he be restored by competent
authority.
The suspension of a Mason is a temporary deprivation
of all his rights and privileges as such, and prohibits all
Masons and Lodges from holding any Masonic inter-
course whatever with him, until he shall be legally re-
stored by the Lodge which suspended him, or by the
Grand Lodge.
68 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Expulsion. — The expulsion of a Mason is the highest
penalty known to the Masonic law. It is an absolute
deprivation of all the rights and privileges of the Order,
and prohibits all Masons and Lodges from holding any
Masonic intercourse Avith him forever, unless he be
restored by the Grand Lodge.
Notification. — A notification is a call issued by the
Secretary, by order of the Lodge or Master, or by other
competent authority as hereinbefore provided, to attend
for some specific purpose at the time and place therein
indicated ; and it is the duty of every Mason to comply
with its direction, if he can, without great inconvenience,
do so.
Summons. — A summons is an imperative order, issued
by the Master, or by other competent authority, as
hereinbefore provided, to appear at such time and place
as may therein be designated. The obligation to obey
it is absolute, and the penalty for disobedience shall be
expulsion, unless it shall be shown that such disobe-
dience was unavoidable, or was occasioned by some
pressing necessity.
Stated Meetings. — The stated meetings of a Lodge
is the one only meeting in each lunar month, at which
business may be done, with the exceptions specified in
Sec. 2, Art. II, Part III. It shall be designated as such
in the by-laws of each Lodge, and no adjourned or called
meeting shall ever be considered as a part of such stated
meeting.
ARTICLE IIL
of forms.
Form of Certificate for a Diploma.
Lodge, No . . . , F. and A. M., i
, A.L. 58.. j
To the Very Worshipful ,
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California :
I hereby certify that Brother is a Master
CONSTITUTION OP THE M/.W.*. GRAND LODGE. 09
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
Lodge aforesaid, at the date above written.
[Seal.] , Secretary.
Form of Certificate for a Diploma for the benefit of the
family of a deceased Brother.
Lodge, No. . . . , F. and A. M., )
, A.L. 58.. )
To the Yery Worshipful ,
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California :
I hereby certify that Brother , who died
at , on the .... day of , A. L. 58. . ,
was, at the date of his decease, a Master Mason and a
member of this Lodge, in good standing ; and that he
left {here insert ^'awidoiv,^^ "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 the Lodge aforesaid, at the
date first above written, as witness my hand
and the Seal thereof.
[Seal.] , Secretar}^
Form of Petition for a Dispensation to form a new Lodge.
To the Most Worshipful ,
Grand Master of Masons in California :
The petition of the undersigned respectfully repre-
sents, that they are Master Masons in good standing ; that
they were last members of the respective Lodges named
opposite their several signatures hereunto, as will ap-
70 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
pear from the dimits of each of the petitioners, herewith
transmitted ; that they reside in or near the of
, in the county of , in the
State of CaUfornia ; 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 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
in all respects competent to perform all the duties of the
several stations for which they are 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 undeviating conformity to the Constitution
and Regulations of the Grand Lodge.
Dated at , on the . . . day of , A. L. 58. .
Signatures.
Name and No. of Lodae.
State or Country.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W/.GRAND LODGE. 71
Form of Recommendation of a Petition for the Institution
of a neio Lodge.
Lodge, No. . . . , F. and A. M.,
. and A. M.^ |
, A.L.58..')
To the Most Worshipful ,
Grand Master of Masons in California :
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 county
of , has been presented to this Lodge for its
recommendation ; and ivhereas, 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.
Li testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of the Lodge aforesaid,
at the date above written.
[Seal.] , Secretary.
Form of Certificate of the Qualifications of the Master
proposed in a Petition for a new Lodge.
To the Most Worshipful ,
Grand Master of Masons in California:
The petition of .... brethren, residing at the
72 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
of , in tlie county of , 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 Brother being
recommended therein for nomination as the first Master
of said proposed new Lodge : now, I Master of
Lodge, No , do hereby certify that, to my
positive knowledge, said Brother is fully com-
petent properly to confer the three degrees of Masonry,
and to deliver entire the several lectures thereunto ap-
pertaining.
Given at , in the county of , this . . .
day of , A. L. 58. .
J
Master.
FoEM of Petition for a Charter.
To the M.'.W.*. Grand Lodge of California :
The undersigned respectfully represent that on the
.... day of A. L. 58 ... a Dispensation was
issued by the Grand Master, for the formation of a new
Lodge at , in the county 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 rec-
ords, by-laws, and returns, herewith presented ; and that
it is the anxious desire of the members of said Lodge
that its existence be perpetuated.
They therefore pray that a charter be granted to said
Lodge, by the name of Lodge, with such num-
ber as the usage of the Grand Lodge may assign it ; and
recommend that Brother be named therein
as Master, Brother as Senior Warden, and
Brother as Junior Warden : promising, as here-
tofore, strict obedience to the commands of the Grand
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.*.W.'. GRAND LODOE. 73
Master, and uncle viating conformity to the Constitution
and Regulations of the Grand Lodge.
Given by instruction from, and on behalf of said Lodge,
at , this . . . day of , A. L. 58. . ,
Delegates.
Form of Credential for a Representative elected by a Lodge.
Lodge, No. ..,F. & A. M.
A. L. 58..
To the M.-.W.*. Grand Lodge of California :
This is to certify that, at a meeting of this
Lodge, held at the date above written, it having been
made known that neither the Master nor either of the
Wardens thereof would be enabled to attend the Grand
Lodge at its next Annual Communication, Bro
, a member of the Lodge, was, by ballot, duly
olected to serve as its Representative during said Com-
munication.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand,
and have caused the Secretary to affix the
[Seal.] Seal of the Lodge, with his attestation, at the
date above written.
, Master.
, Secretary.
Form of Petition for tJie Degrees of Masonry.
To the Worshipful Master, the Wardens, and Members of
Lodge, No. . . ., F. & A. M. :
The undersigned respectfully represents, that, unbi-
ased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives,
he freel}^ and voluntarily offers himself as a candidate
10
74 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW.
for the mysteries of Masonry; that he is prompted to so-
licit this privilege by a favorable opinion conceived of
the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish
to be serviceable to his fellow-creatures ; that he has re-
sided in the State of California more than one year, and
at the place below named more than six months, next
preceding the date hereof ; that he has not, within twelve
months past, been rejected by any Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons ; and that he promises, if found worthy,
to conform to all the ancient usages and regulations of
the Fraternity.
His place of residence is , , his age,
years, and his occupation
[Date] ,18...
[Signature]
Kecommended by Bros.
[To he members of the Lodge.']
Form of Application for Membership.
To the Worshipful Master, the Wardens, and Brethren of
Lodge, No. ...,F. & A. M. :
The undersigned respectfully represents, that he is a
Master Mason, in good standing ; that he was last a mem-
ber of Lodge, No. . . , in the of ... .
, from which he has honorably withdrawn, as by
the accompanying certificate will appear ; and that he
now desires, if found worthy, to become a member of
your Lodge.
His place of residence is , his age
years, and his occupation
[Bate] , A. M., 58..
[Signature]
Recommended by Bros, -j
[To be members of the Lodge.]
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 75
Form of Certificate of the Election and Installation of the
Officers of a Subordinate Lodge,
Lodge, No. . . , F. & A. M.,
A. L. 58.. j
To the Yery Worshipful ,
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California :
I hereby certify that, at the stated meeting of this
Lodge held on the day above written, it being that next
preceding the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, the
following officers were duly elected for the ensuing Ma-
sonic year, viz. :
Bro , Master ;
Bro , Sen. Warden ;
Bro , Jun. Warden ;
Bro , Treasurer ;
Bro , Secretary.
And that on the .... day of , A. L. 58 . . , said
officers were duly installed by {Jiere give the name and Ma-
sonic title of the installing officer'].
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Lodge,
on the day last above written.
[Seal.] , Secretary.
Form of Notice of Bejections, Siispensions, Expulsions, and
Restorations.
Lodge, No. . . , F. & A. M., )
A. L. 58 . . [
To the Yery Worshipful ,
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California:
I hereby certify that, at a stated meeting of this Lodge
held at the date above written, the petition of ,
an applicant for the degrees of Masonry, was rejected.
76 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW.
(Or, Bro , after due notice, as prescribed
in tlie Constitution, Avas suspended from all the rights
and privileges of Masonry, for non-payment of his dues.)
(Or, Bro. , after due trial, in the manner
prescribed in the Constitution, was declared to be sus-
pended from all the rights and privileges of Masonr}",
for unmasonic conduct.)
{Or, Bro . . , after due trial, in the manner
prescribed in the Constitution, was declared to be ex-
pelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, for
unmasonic conduct.)
{Or, Bro , heretofore suspended by this
Lodge for non-payment of dues, having paid up all arrear-
ages (or, having had his dues remitted by the Lodge),
as provided in the Constitution, resumed his rights and
privileges as a Mason and as a member of this Lodge.)
{Or, Bro. , heretofore suspended by this
Lodge for unmasonic conduct, was, by a two-thirds vote,
in the manner prescribed in the Constitution, restored to
all his rights and privileges as a Mason and as a member
of this Lodge.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Lodge
aforesaid, at the date above written.
[Seal.] , Secretary.
CONSTITUTION OP THE M/.W/. GRAND LODGE.
77
Form of Annual Report of a Lodge.
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GENERAL REGULATIONS
x^u& ^0^ge 0i §u\xi0tni^.
1. The practice of dueling being repugnant to the
principles of Freemasonry, in all cases where two breth-
ren resort to this mode of settling their disputes, it shall
be the duty of the Lodge or Lodges of which they are
members, or within whose jurisdiction they may reside
forthwith to expel them from all the rights and privileges
of Masonry ; and no brother who may fall in a duel shall
be buried with Masonic honors. [1854.]
2. All bodies purporting to be Masonic Lodges — held
in the United States or any of their Territories, within
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of any State or Ter-
ritory^— without authority from such Grand Lodge, and
all the members thereof, are declared illegal. [1854.]
3. All Lodges within this State, having concurrent
jurisdiction with other Lodges, shall immediately notify
such others of all applications for membership or initia-
tion. [1854.]
4. This Grand Lodge, having recognized the principle
that no one should be initiated into the mysteries of our
Order, except in the Lodge nearest his place of residence
(unless by its permission), and having, by an established
regulation, taken care to avoid infringing the jurisdic-
tional rights of others, will not tolerate that its own
GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE M.'.W/.GRAND LODGE. 79
be invaded ; and it is therefore ordered that no Lodge,
subordinate to the Grand Lodge of California, shall admit
to membership any person who, being at the time a resi-
dent of this State, has received, or claims to have re-
ceived, the degrees of Masonry from any source beyond
its jurisdiction, without the proper permission, until ho
shall have paid the Lodge to which he applies for mem-
bership, the full amount charged by that Lodge for con-
ferring the degrees, less the sum paid by him to the
Lodge in which he received them. [1855, 1857.]
5. This Grand Lodge recognizes no degree of Past
Master conferred by any authority not holden under a
legitimate Grand Lodge — acknowledging only the Order
of that name as its exists in the ceremonies attending
the installation of the Master elect of a chartered Lodge ;
Avhich Order shall be conferred only by a convocation of
Present or Past Masters, not less than three in number,
who have thus regularly received it. [1855.]
6. All Masonic communication between the Lodges
and Masons of this jurisdiction and those acknowledging
allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, is hereby
forbidden, while that body shall continue its unlawful
and reprehensible invasion of the jurisdictional rights of
the Grand Lodge of New York. [1855.]
7. Such standard of revenue shall be continued here-
after as will afford an excess over the current expendi-
tures of at least one thousand dollars ; which excess shall
each year be set aside as an accumulating fund, for the
future erection of a Masonic Hall, and shall not be used
for any other purpose. At each Annual Communication,
a Board of Trustees, three in number, shall be elected,
whose duty it shall be judiciously to invest all moneys
set aside for such fund, and all moneys accruing from the
interest on such investments ; and each member of said
Board shall execute and file in the office of the Grand
Secretary, a bond in the penal sum of $5,000, to be
approved by the Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, and
80 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Grand Secretary, conditioned that he will faithfully per-
form the duties of his trust. [1856.]
8. All members of Lodges, the charters of which have
been surrendered, who were in good standing at the date
of such surrender, and whose dues shall have been paid,
are entitled to and may receive from the Grand Secre-
tary, a certificate to that effect. [1858.]
9. No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be allowed
to transact business, other than the conferring of degrees,
with a less number than seven members present. [1859.]
10. The Grand Secretary is authorized to charge the
sum of one dollar, for the use of the Grand Lodge, for
each copy of its printed proceedings for the current year,
other than the four copies to be sent to each subordinate
Lodge, and those required for transmission abroad, for
future binding, and for the use of the Grand Lodge at its
next succeeding Annual Communication. [1859.]
11. All Masons, heretofore stricken from the rolls of
Lodges within this jurisdiction, for non-payment of dues,
who have not been reinstated, are hereby declared to be
suspended, as provided in Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, of
the Constitution. [1859.]
12. The names of Entered Apprentices and Fellow-
Crafts shall be returned to the Grand Lodge for two
years only, in either of those degrees, but this shall not
affect their position in their respective Lodges. [1860,
1862.]
13. In addition to the dues prescribed in the Consti-
tution, there shall be levied hereafter upon the subordi-
nate Lodges the sum of seventy-five cents for each Mas-
ter Mason wdiose name is borne upon their rolls at the
date of the annual returns, which shall constitute a spe-
cial fund to be denominated '• The Representative Fund ;"
and it shall be the duty of the several Lodges to pay the
said sum at the time and in the manner directed in the
Constitution for the payment of their annual dues. At
each Annual Communication, an auditing committee, to
GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE M.*.W.*. GRAND LODGE. 81
consist of three, shall be appointed by the Grand Master,
who shall audit all accounts of Representatives of Lodges
for tlieir necessary traveling expenses to and from the
place of the Communication, and shall certify the amount
due each Representative to the Grand Secretary, who
shall thereupon draw his warrant upon the Grand Treas-
urer therefor ; but no warrant shall issue to more than
one Representative from any Lodge, nor shall any Repre-
sentative receive payment for such traveling expenses
whose Lodge shall not have paid its dues for the current
year, or who shall not. have been in attendance during
the entire Communication. [1861, 1865.]
14. The appointed Grand Officers and the Chairmen of
standing committees shall receive paymient for their nec-
essary traveling expenses to and from each Annual Com-
munication of the Grand Lodge, in the same manner as
ordered for the Representatives of Lodges ; but no such
Officer, Chairman, or Representative, shall receive such
payment in more than one of those capacities, nor shall
he receive it unless he shall have been in attendance at
such Communication from the first to the last day
thereof, inclusive (unless excused by the Grand Lodge) ^
nor if he shall already have been paid for such traveling
expenses by any other Masonic Grand Body. [1862,
1863, 1864.]"
15. The work and lectures presented by the committee
appointed for their examination and revision, are ap-
proved, adopted, and made obligatory upon all Lodges
within this jurisdiction ; and any Lodge which shall have
had opportunity to obtain instruction therein, and shall
neglect or refuse to learn and use the same, shall, upon
representation of that fact to the Grand Master, be liable
to the arrest of its charter, if, in his discretion, he shall
think it proper. [1863, 1864.]
16. Non-affiliated Masons, who are suspended by oper-
ation of Sec. 1, Art. II, Part Y, of the Constitution, if
they desire to restore themselves by affiliation, shall pay
11
82 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
a sum equivalent to six months' dues, in addition to the
affiliation fee required by the by-laws of the Lodge to
which they may apply; or, if they desire to restore them-
selves by contribution, they shall pay a sum equivalent to
the amount of the regular dues of the Lodge within
whose jurisdiction they reside, during the whole period
of such residence, unless sickness or inability to pay
be shown as the reason for such non-affiliation or non-
payment. [1866.]
17. When it is the intention of any Lodge to take
measures to apply to the Grand Lodge for the restoration
of a Mason who has been expelled, it shall be the duty of
the Master thereof to notify the members of his Lodge ^
as far as possible, of the time when such proposed action
will be had ; and to cause to be recorded, in the minutes
of the meeting at which such action shall be had, the fact
that such notification was duly given. [1864.]
18. The person who desires to be made a Mason must
be a man ; no woman nor eunuch ; freeborn, neither a slave
nor the son of a bondwoman ; a believer in God and a
future existence ; of moral conduct ; capable of reading
and writing ; not deformed or dismembered, but hale and
sound in his physical conformation, having his right
limbs as a man ought to have ; and be able to conform
literally to what the several degrees respectively require
of him. [1864.]
19. Whenever any Mason, under sentence of suspen-
sion, who has submitted to the judgment of the subordi-
nate Lodge, or whose sentence of suspension has been
affirmed by the Grand Lodge, desires to apply to the
Grand Lodge for restoration to the rights and privileges
of Masonry, it shall be his duty first to make such appli-
cation to the Lodge by which he was suspended ; and, if
it be there refused, that then it may be made to the Grand
Lodge, provided that due notice be given to the subordi-
nate Lodge of such intended application. [1865.]
20. Whenever it is the intention of a person, who has
GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE M/.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 83
been expelled from the rights and privileges of Masonry,
to petition the G-rand Lodge for restoration, it shall be
his duty to notify the Lodge which expelled him of such
intention, at least sixty days before the meeting of the
G-rand Lodge, accompanying said notice with a copy of
his intended petition ; and before said petition shall be
considered by the Grand Lodge, proof shall be made of
the giving of said notice. [1866.]
TH
TJIIFOEM CODE OF BY-LA¥S,
As Revised and Recommended by the Grand Lodge
IN May, i860.
ARTICLE L
OF NAME AND OFFICERS.
Section 1. This Lodge shall be known by the name
of Lodge, No , of Free and
Accepted Masons, and its officers shall consist of a Mas-
ter, a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, a
Secretary, a Senior Deacon, a Junior Deacon, a Marshal,
two Stewards, a Tyler, and such other officers as the
Lodge may deem proper to appoint.
ARTICLE II.
OF ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS.
Section 1. The Master, the Senior and Junior Ward-
ens, the Treasurer, and the Secretary shall be elected by
ballot, in conformity with Section 1, Article I, Part lY,
of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. The other offi-
cers shall be appointed by the Master, except the Junior
Deacon, who may be appointed by the Senior Warden.
ARTICLE III.
OF MEETINGS OF THE LODGE.
Section 1. The stated meetings of this Lodge shall
be holden on the in each month.
THE UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS. 85
Sec, 2. Special meetings may be called from time to
time, as the Lodge, or the presiding officer thereof, may
direct.
ARTICLE IV.
OF INITIATION AND MEMBERSHIP.
Section 1. All petitions for initiation or affiliation
must be signed by the petitioner, and be recommended
by two members of the Lodge. Every such petition
shall be referred to a committee of three, whose duty it
shall be to report thereon at the next stated meeting
(unless further time be granted), when the applicant may
be balloted for and received or rejected, or the ballot
may be postponed until the ensuing stated meeting, as
the Lodge may determine.
Sec. 2. If an applicant, elected to receive the degrees
in this Lodge, does not come forward to be initiated
within three months thereafter, the fee shall be forfeited,
unless the Lodge shall otherwise direct.
Sec. 3. Every person raised to the degree of Master
Mason in or elected a member of this Lodge, shall sign
the By-Laws thereof.
ARTICLE Y.
OF THE TREASURER.
Section 1. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys
from the Secretary; shall keep an accurate and just ac-
count thereof; and shall pay the same out only upon an
order duly signed by the Master, and countersigned by
the Secretary. He shall, at the stated meetings in June
and December of each year, submit a report in full of
the monetary transactions of the Lodge. The Lodge
may also, at any time, when considered necessary, cause
him to present an account of his receipts and disburse-
ments, and of the amount of funds on hand.
Sec. 2. He shall, if required by the Lodge, execute
a good and sufficient bond to the Master, for the faithful
performance of his duties.
86 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE yi.
OF THE SECRETARY.
Section 1. The Secretary shall keep a faithful rec-
ord of all proceedmgs proper to be written ; shall trans-
mit a copy of the same to the Grand Lodge, when re-
quired ; shall keep a separate account for each member
of the Lodge ; shall report at the stated meetings in
June and December, the amounts due by each ; shall re-
ceive all moneys due the Lodge, and pay the same to the
Treasurer ; and shall perform all such other duties as
may properly appertain to his office.
Sec. 2. He shall receive such compensation for his
services as the Lodge may direct.
ARTICLE VIL
OF the TYLER.
Section 1. The Tyler, in addition to the necessary
duties of his office, shall serve all notices and summonses,
and perform such other services as may be required of
him by the Lodge.
Sec. 2. He shall receive such compensation for his
services as the Lodge may direct.
ARTICLE VIIL
- OF FEES.
Section 1. The table of fees for this Lodge shall be
as follows : for the degree of Entered Apprentice, $....;
for the degree of Fellow-Craft, $....; for the degree of
Master Mason, $....; for Affiliation, $
ARTICLE IX.
OF DUES.
Section 1. The dues of each member of this Lodge
shall be , payable quarterly in advance.
Sec. 2. No member who shall be in arrears for dues
THE UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS. 87
at the time of the annual election, shall be permitted to
vote, or shall be eligible to any office.
Sec. 3. Any member who shall have been suspended
for non-payment of his dues, shall be restored to mem-
bership upon payment of all arrearages.
Sec. 4. Any member in good standing may withdraw
from membership, by paying his dues and notifying the
Lodge to that effect at a stated meeting ; but no recom-
mendatory certificate shall be issued, unless ordered by
the Lodge.
ARTICLE X.
OF COMMITTEES.
Section 1. The Master and Wardens shall be a Char-
ity Committee, and shall have power to draw upon the
Treasurer for any sum, not exceeding
dollars, at any one time, for the relief of a distressed
worthy brother, his wife, widow, or orphans.
Sec. 2. The Master, at the stated meeting next suc-
ceeding his installation, shall appoint an auditing com-
mittee, whose duty it shall be to examine all accounts
presented against the Lodge.
Sec. 3. All reports of committees shall be made in
writing.
ARTICLE XL
OF REVEALING THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE LODGE.
Section 1. When a candidate for initiation or affilia-
tion is rejected, or a brother reprimanded, suspended, or
expelled, no member or visitor shall reveal, either di-
rectly or indirectly, to such person, or to any other, any
transactions which may have taken place on the subject ;
nor shall any proceeding of the Lodge, not proper to be
made public, be disclosed outside thereof, under the
penalty of reprimand, suspension, or expulsion, as the
Lodge may determine.
88 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE XII.
OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Section 1. The regular order of business at every
stated meeting of this Lodge, shall be as follows :
1. Reading of the Minutes. 2. Reports of Committees.
3. Ballotings. 4. Reception of Petitions. 5. Miscella-
neous and Unfinished Business. 6. Conferring Degrees.
ARTICLE XIII.
OF AMENDMENTS.
Section 1. These By-Laws, so far as relates to the
times of meeting, and the amounts of fees, dues, and
disbursements by the Charity Committee, may be amend-
ed at any stated meeting, by the votes of two-thirds of
of the members present, provided that notice of such
amendment shall have been given at the stated meeting
next preceding ; but such amendment shall have no eifect
until approved by the G-rand Lodge or Grand Master,
and until such approval shall have been transmitted to
the Crand Secretary.
OF THE
(and ^&A%t of €lalHtf»ttia,
As Adopted May, A.L. 5855.
ARTICLE I.
Section 1. After the Grand Lodge is opened, the
Grand Secretary shall call a roll of the members.
Sec. 2. The Grand Master shall then appoint a Com-
mittee on Credentials.
Sec. 3. The Grand Master, after the report of the
Committee on Credentials is returned, shall appoint the
various committees, as provided in the Constitution.
Sec. 4. The Grand Secretary and the Grand Treas-
urer shall, on the afternoon of the first day of the session,
make their reports, which shall be read and referred to
the Finance Committee.
ARTICLE II.
Section 1. After the business is completed, as laid
down in the foregoing article, petitions shaM be read
and referred to the appropriate committees.
12
90 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW.
Sec. 2. All committees shall make their reports in
writing, before the final close of the Communication,
and be discharged, unless otherwise ordered. This is
not to include the Committees on Foreign Correspond-
ence and Unfinished Business.
ARTICLE III.
Section 1. The order of business at each session,
after the first day, shall be as follows :
1. Reading and approving the minutes of the preced-
ing session.
2. Eeports of the Committee on Credentials.
3. Reports of Unfinished Business of previous Com-
munication.
4. Motions and resolutions, and reference or other dis-
position of the same.
5. Reports of Standing Committees, and action there-
on ; the Committee on Foreign Correspondence to have
precedence.
6. Reports of Special Committees of last and present
Communication, and action thereon.
7. Special orders and motions (if any).
8. Consideration of Amendments to the Constitution,
General Regulations and Rules (if any).
9. Unfinished Business of previous session (if any).
10. Miscellaneous business, not included in any of the
foregoing.
Sec. 2. Should the business, as laid down, not be
concluded at the session at which it is first called up,
it shall be commenced at the next succeeding session,
where it was left off, and so on through the Communica-
tion, taking up the order of business as set forth ; pro-
vided, that the reading of the minutes be first in order
at each session.
BY-LAWS OF THE M/.W.*. GRAND LODGE. 91
ARTICLE IV.
Section 1. No member, representative, or proxy shall,
under any pretense, be admitted into the Grand Lodge,
without his proper clothing, or be allowed to vote with-
out his jewel, unless he offer a satisfactory excuse, and
have permission from the Grand Lodge.
ARTICLE V.
Section 1. In filling blanks, the largest sum or num-
ber and the longest time shall be first stated.
Sec. 2. No member shall speak more than twice upon
the same subject, unless he first obtain consent of the
Grand Lodge, nor then more than five minutes at either
time.
Sec. 3. All reports, motions, and resolutions must be
in writing before being introduced.
Sec. 4. The rules of order shall not be suspended at
any time, except by unanimous consent.
Sec. 5. No new motion or other business shall be
received, except in regular routine.
Sec. 6. No motion to reconsider a vote or motion
shall be entertained, unless made at the same session
of the same day on which the question shall have been
decided ; nor shall it be in order, unless moved by one
of the majority, and duly seconded.
Sec. 7. If the previous question should be called for
by the representatives of one Lodge, and duly seconded
by the representatives of another, and the majority of
the members present sustain such call, it shall be put in
this form : " Shall the main question be now put ? " and
if carried, such main question shall be the original prop-
osition as amended at the time of adoption of the call
for the previous question.
92 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Sec. 8. Any of these By-Laws may be amended by
notice in writing being given at one session, and to be
acted upon at the next ; and it shall require two-thirds
of all present to carry such amendment.
Sec. 9. All other By-Laws of this Grand Lodge are
hereby repealed, from and after the close of the present
Communication.
CALIFOENIA
Mason ic Code
CALIFORIIA MASOIIC CODE.
POWERS OF A GRAND MASTER.
There is no appeal from the ruling of a Grand Master.
The authorities and the reasoning may be found fully set
forth by Mackey, in his Masonic Jurisprudence, where
he gives not only his own views, but those of some of the
ablest Masonic jurists in the country ; and the question
has already been decided by this Grand Lodge, vide
pages 108 and 109, Yol. I, of our Proceedings. — Commit-
tee on Jurisprudence^ p. 100, 1865.
See Sec. 2, Art. IV, Part I, Constitution.
Sees. 2, 3, Art. Y, Part I, Constitution.
Sec. -, Art. I, Part II, Constitution.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF MASTERS OF LODGES.
Resolved, That when it is the intention of any Lodge to
take measures to apply to the Grand Lodge for the res-
toration of a Mason who has been expelled, it shall be
the duty of the Master thereof to notify the members of
his Lodge, as far as possible, of the time when such pro-
posed action will be had ; and to cause to be spread upon
the minutes of the meeting at which such action shall be
had, the fact that such notification was duly given. — ^p.
354, 1864.
96 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
On the third decision, which relates to the duty of the
Master of a Lodge upon the decision of an objection to
advancement, your committee say that, ordinarily, the
Master of the Craft is the proper one to judge of the fit-
ness of the materials of which his building is to be com-
posed. But, when the Lodge has decided that the appli-
cant is worthy, and the required proficiency has been
attained, the Master should, if not absolutely contrary to
his obligations, proceed to confer the next degree. — Com-
mittee on Jurisprudence, p. 110, 1863.
The Master of a Lodge has absolute control within his
Lodge. Our ritual prescribes that none shall enter with-
out his permission, and he may refuse admission to any
at his discretion. He may even cause a member of his
Lodge to be excluded or removed, but he must recollect
that there should be strong cause for the exercise of such
an act of authority, and that the Constitution provides a
remedy for those who may be aggrieved by the abuse of
the power which his station temporarily gives him. — De-
cision of Grand Master N. Greene Curtis, p. 381, 1860.
Your committee believe the law to be, that in all cases
of a tie vote (except by ballot), the Master, in addition
to his proper vote, has the right to give the casting
vote. — Committee on Grievances, p. 118, 1859.
See Votes in a Lodge, p. 99.
Opening and Closing of Lodges, p. 97.
Notifications and Summonses, p. 125.
Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106.
Art. II, Part IV, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 17.
MASTERS AND WARDENS.
I have been asked so often to construe Sec. 4, Art. I,
Part V, of the Constitution, that it seems proper to re-
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 97
peat here what I have many times decided, in answer to
particular inquiries — 1st. That the Master, or an}^ other
officer of a Lodge, may withdraw therefrom in the same
manner as any other member, and that whatever may be
the rule elsewhere, our laws make no distinction. — Decis-
ion of Grand Mctster Belcher, p. 251, 1854 : Approved by
Grand Lodge, p. 366, 1864.
See Sec. -, Art. I, Part IV, Constitution.
Sec. -, Art. Ill, Part IV, Constitution.
OPENING AND CLOSING OF LODGES.
A Master may, if he choose, omit a portion of the usual
ceremony of opening or closing a Lodge, but your com-
mittee are not acquainted with the regulation which
authorizes an entire waiver of all these ceremonies. —
p. 74, 1861.
See Business of a Lodge, p. 98.
WORK AND LECTURES.
Your committee believe that a uniform system of work
is not only earnestly desired by a large majority of the
Lodges in our jurisdiction, but that the establishment of
such uniformity is entirely practicable at this time ; and
so believing, for the purpose of securing such a system
and affording to the Lodges a thorough instruction there-
in, they offer the following resolutions and recommend
their adoption :
Resolved, That the Grand Master, Deputy Grand
Master, and three Past Masters, to be appointed by the
Grand Master, be constituted a committee, who shall
assemble at the call of the Grand Master, for the purpose
of examining and revising the work and lectures as here-
tofore adopted by this Grand Lodge,
is"
98 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Resolved^ That when such revision as they may deem
requisite shall have been made by said committee, the
Grand Master shall appoint a Grand Lecturer and as
many Deputy Grand Lecturers as may be necessary, in
order that the Lodges of the jurisdiction may be fully
instructed in the system of work approved and adopted
by this Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That the Grand Lecturer shall receive a sal-
ary of $1,000 per annum from this Grand Lodge, and be
entitled to receive from such Lodges as he may visit and
instruct, all necessary traveling expenses accruing by
reason of such visitation ; and that each Deputy Grand
Lecturer shall receive from each Lodge visited, the trav-
eling expenses attending such visitation.
Resolved, That after due and timely notice has been
given the Lodges under this jurisdiction, of the work
and appointment of the Grand Lecturer and Deputy
Grand Lecturers, and said Lodges have had full oppor-
tunity to obtain instruction in said system of work and
lectures, any Lodge neglecting or refusing to learn and
use such work, so approved and adopted by this Grand
Lodge, shall, on proper representation of the facts to the
Grand Master, be liable to the arrest of its charter (if
in his discretion he shall think proper), until they shall
conform in all things to the regulations of the Grand
Lodge in the premises. — Committee on Jurisprudence, pp.
101-2, 1863.
See Sec. 10, Art. Ill, Part X, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 15.
BUSINESS OF A LODGE.
Resolved, That no Lodge under this jurisdiction be
allowed to transact business, other than the conferring
of degrees, with a less number than seven members
present. — GommMee on Jurisprudence, p. 107, 1859.
CALIFOENIA MASONIC CODE. 99
— They discover, however, that in several instances this
Lodge has opened its stated Communications on the first
or second degree ; deferring the approval of the minutes
of the preceding stated Communication until after the
conferring of the first or second degree, as the case
might be. This your committee deem an irregularity,
believing that the stated Communication should always
be opened on the third degree, and that the first busi-
ness transacted should be the approval of the minutes
of the preceding stated and called Communications. —
Committee on Charters, p. 50, 1861.
See Lodges iiuder Dispensation, p. 103.
Opening and Closing of Lodges, p. 97.
Art. II, Part III. Constitution.
General Regulation. No. 9.
•VOTES m A LODGE.
Your committee believe the law to be, that in all cases
of a tie vote (except by ballot), the Master, in addition
to his proper vote, has the right to give the casting-
vote. — Committee on Grievances, p. 118, 1859.
See Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114.
Sec. 3, Art. I, Part IV, Constitution.
Sec. 4, Art. II, Part IV, Constitution.
BALLOTING.
Your committee, to whom was referred the following
proposition from Bro. J. P. Miller, viz. : "An Entered Ap-
prentice, made elsewhere, petitions a Lodge for the second
and third degrees. Accompanying his petition is a per-
mission from the Lodge in which the first degree was
conferred, for any other Lodge to receive his application
100 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
for those other two. Can the Lodge to which he applies
confer those degrees without subjecting the candidate to
the ordeal of the ballot?" — have given it due considera-
tion, and report as follows :
Sections 2 and 3, of Article III, Part III, of our Consti-
tution, plainly state that every application " for the de-
grees of Masonry" must be referred to a committee,
reported upon, and balloted for ; and that this applies to
any, as well as all of the degrees, is perfect^ obvious
from the fact that our Constitution allows the Lodges
who wish so to do, to receive applications for the degrees
separately. The law, and this plain construction of it, is
founded upon simple common sense. Although a distant
Lodge may have elected a candidate to receive the three
degrees, and may have conferred one upon him, it does
not at all follow that some other Lodge, within whose
jurisdiction he has recently arrived, and to whose mem-
bers he is perhaps an utter stranger, should confer the
remaining degrees upon him without first endeavoring
to ascertain his worthiness. The permission is not a re-
quest to do the work for the Lodge granting it, but sim-
ply authorizes some other Lodge, if it shall please, to
confer the remaining degree or degrees ; and it is given
only because both our own Constitution and the common
law of Masonry forbid that any Lodge shall complete the
unfinished work of another without its assent. It would
be singular, indeed, if an Entered Apprentice or a
Fellow-Craft Avere to be considered entitled to receive
the remaining degrees or degree upon terms of less care-
ful scrutiny than our laws provide for the application of
a Master Mason for affiliation ; and your committee have
no hesitation in saying that a petition for any degree or
degrees must be referred, reported on, and balloted for,
unless there be a dispensation from the Grand Master in
regard to the reference, which our Constitution per-
mits.— Report of Committee on Jurisjjrudence, p. 415,
1866.
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 101
— And every Mason should know and remember that
it is neither his privilege nor his right to inquire -or to
know how his neighbor may have voted upon any peti-
tion, nor is it the right or the privilege of the neighbor
to show or tell how he intends to vote or how he has
Yoted.— Grand Master W. C. Belcher, p. 15, 1865.
I think there should be but one ballot for the three
degrees ; and if, by a fair construction, the law, as it is,
does not prohibit absolutely the use of more than one, I
advise that it be so amended that it will. — Grand Master
Belcher, p. 12, 1863.
Where it appears evident that a black ball has been care-
lessly dropped, when a white one was intended, or when
it is shown that a negative vote has been cast under a
misapprehension as to the name or identity of the candi-
date, your committee think that justice requires a cor-
rection of the error. But it is better that such cases,
unless corrected immediately, should take the usual
course, when a re-ballot is desired, and be referred to the
Grand Master, with all the necessary evidence, for his
dispensation, if he deem one proper. — Committee on Ju-
risprudence, p. 107, 1859.
The power to cast adverse ballots must be free and
unquestioned, or the ballot box will cease to express the
wishes of the members of a Lodge. — S23ecial Committee,
p. 113, 1859.
See Rejected Candidates, p 112.
Sec. 3, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
Sec. 2, Art. II, Part V, Constitution.
WITHDRAWING PETITION BEFORE BALLOT.
Your committee having carefully considered the ques-
tion presented by Bro. Bishop, in regard to the course to
102 THE CALIFORNIA ©IGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
be pursued upon an application for affiliation, report as
follows :
Taking the language of Sections 2 and 3, of Art. Ill,
Part III, of the Constitution together, and construing
them so as to give every part effect, there can be no
question but that an application for affiliation must take
the same course and be governed by the same rules as
an application for the degrees.
They therefore answer that an application for affilia-
tion, having once been referred to a committee, cannot
be withdrawn, but must go to a ballot. — Committee on
Jurisprudence^ p. 98, 1865.
See Sec. 3, Art. III. Part III, Constitution.
REMOVALS OF LODGES.
In several instances applications have been made for
permission to remove only from one building to another,
in the same town or village ; and, as the undersigned,
when he prepared our present Constitution, certainly
never intended that the prohibition to a Lodge to "re-
move its place of meeting " should be construed so liter-
ally, he has always answered that in such cases no action
but that of the Lodge itself was necessary. The laAv
says that " no Lodge shall remove its place of meeting
from that named in its dispensation or charter, unless,"
etc., etc. ; and as the name of the city, town, or village is
the only " place " mentioned in either of those instru-
ments, it is only a removal from, and not within, such
place which can require the proceedings prescribed in
that portion of our Constitution providing for such
cases. — Beport of Grand Secretary, p. 22, 1865.
In the matter of the removal of a Lodge from the
place of meeting named in its dispensation or charter,
they are of the opinion that the language of Sec. 1, Art.
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 103
III, Part III, of the Constitution, will bear no other con-
struction than that which is given to it by the Grand
Secretary. They therefore recommend the adoption by
the Grand Lodge of the view so expressed, that the Con-
stitution prohibits removal from the town or city in
which a Lodge is located, and not removal from one hall
to another loithin such town or city. — Committee on Juris-
prudence, p. 98, 1865.
See Sec. 1, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
LODGE MEETINGS ON SUNDAYS.
We have often regretted the disposition of some of the
Lodges of this jurisdiction to meet for Avork on the Sab-
bath, as we deem it entirely inconsistent with and con-
trary to the teachings of the institution. We distinctly
teach regard for the Sabbath, based upon the example
of the ancient craftsmen and the words of our Great
Light ; and the clear and only inference from the teach-
ings of our ritual is, that, as speculative workmen, we
revere and follow the example of the Great Architect
and of our operative brethren, in doing " no work on the
Sabbath." — Committee on Correspondence, p. 32, 1865.
LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION.
Resolved, That whenever the Grand Master shall issue
a dispensation for the formation of a new Lodge, such
Lodge shall be required to procure a suitable record
book, and enter therein a short history of the preliminary
proceedings for its organization, with a copy of the peti-
tion to the Grand Master and of the dispensation, before
commencing the minutes of its proceedings. — Committee
on Charters, p. 121, 1865.
104 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Your committee are of the opinion that a charter
should not be granted to any Lodge until it affirmatively
appears, in a clear and positive manner, that there is a
population within its jurisdiction sufficient to afford the
requisite number of contributing members and unworked
material, whereby to enable it to have sufficient pecuniary
resources to support the character and dignity of the
Lodge. — Committee on Dispensations and Charters, p. 120,
1859.
See Art. I, Part III, Constitution.
Sec. 15, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
PROPERTY OF DISSOLVED LODGES.
Your committee are of the opinion that upon the sur-
render or forfeiture of the charter of a Lodge, all its
effects become the property of the Grand Lodge, by
operation of the Constitution ; and they deem it inexpe-
dient for this Grand Lodge to make voluntary donations
from its funds to individual Lodges. — p. 360, 1860.
See Sec. 5, Art. YIII, Part I, Constitution.
Art. IV, Part III, Constitution.
JURISDICTION OF A LODGE.
Your committee believe that the right of exclusive
jurisdiction of a Lodge over parties living nearer to its
place of meeting than to that of any other Lodge in the
State, except in towns or cities where more than one
Lodge exists, is a provision of the Constitution which
must in all cases be strictly observed, in order that the
harmony of the Craft be not disturbed. A Lodge should
know the exact extent of its jurisdiction, and not rely
for such information upon the statement of petitioners ;
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 105
and if any doubt existed, certainly inquiry should be
made of, and consultation had with, the neighboring
Lodge or Lodges. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 374,
1862.
There is no one subject which has so often called forth
an expression of opinion by this Grand Lodge as that of
jurisdiction, and your committee can see no difference
between a temporary sojourn under a Lodge in this, and
under one of another jurisdiction. The principle is the
same, and should be enforced. — Committee on Jurispru-
dence, p. 117, 1859.
The jurisdiction of each Lodge within the State, ex-
cept those located in the cities, which have concurrent
jurisdiction, extends in every direction to the geograph-
ical center between it and the contiguous Lodges. The
air line governs, and not the route of travel. — Decision
of Grand Blaster Claiborne, p. 293, 1866.
See Witnesses, Testimony, and Trials, p. 128.
Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106.
Sec. 1, Art. 11, Part V, Constitution.
Art. n, Part VII, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 4.
CANDIDATES FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS.
A Lodge cannot lawfully pass or raise an Entered
Apprentice or Fellow-Craft, upon whom the authority
of another jurisdiction rests, without first obtaining
permission from the Lodge or G-rand Lodge in whose
jurisdiction his original petition is filed. — Grand Master
Claiborne, p. 293, 1866.
See Jurisdiction of a Lodge, p. 104.
Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106.
14
106 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES.
He who, in our day and in our country, so far forgets
himself as to grow up to the stature of a man without
being able to read or write, or who, having arrived at
man's estate, neglects to acquire that abihty, is not
deserving a place in our midst. He is not just and true
to himself, nor can he be so to us. — Grand Master Belcher,
p. 15, 1865.
"The person who desires to be made a Mason must be
a man ; no woman nor eunuch ; freeborn, neither a slave
nor the son of a bondwoman ; a believer in God and a
future existence ; of moral conduct ; capable of reading
and writing ; not deformed or dismembered, but hale
and sound in his physical conformation, having his right
limbs as a man ought to have ; and be able to conform
literally to what the several degrees respectively re-
quire of him." — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 364, 1864 ;
adopted as a General Regulation.
ADMISSION AND ADVANCEMENT OF CANDIDATES.
" If an Entered Apprentice removes from the jurisdic-
tion of the Lodge in which he received that degree, and
is dropped from the report of the Lodge to the Grand
Lodge, after two years, as provided by our laws, can he
petition another Lodge within whose jurisdiction he may
live, for the remaining degrees and receive them, if
elected ? " — the Committee on Jurisprudence report that,
under the provision of Sec. 6, Art. Ill, Part III, of our
Constitution, he cannot. He may apply to the Lodge
into whose jurisdiction he may have removed, but his
application must be accompanied by a permission from
the Lodge in which he received his first degree, if it be
in existence, else his petition cannot be received.
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 107
At first your committee were of opinion, that the act
of dropping the Entered Apprentice from the return to
the Grand Lodge was a relinquishment of all claim to
him, but further examination shows that the law is plain,
and to that the Lodges must adhere. It is not supposed
that any Lodge to whom application is made would
refuse or neglect to give such permission without good
reason, which, as Masons, they would be willing to state.
— Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 349, 1864.
1st. When an objection has been made, and a commit-
tee appointed to investigate the causes of objection,
what is the duty of the committee ; and may they advise
the candidate of the objection, and hear his defense ?
2d. When a member of the Lodge has interposed an
objection, stating the cause, and the Lodge, upon the
report of its committee, has decided that it is not " a
valid and Masonic one," has the same member, or another,
the right to interpose the same objection a second time,
or any objection for the same cause ?
<8d. When an objection has been decided by the Lodge
not to be "a valid and Masonic one," is it the duty of the
Master to proceed to confer the remaining degree or
degrees whenever the candidate exhibits suitable pro-
ficiency ?
I report to you my decisions upon these questions,
that you may take such action upon them as shall seem
just, and in accordance with the spirit of the law, so
that the Craft may be advised of the rights of all par-
ties interested in like cases which may arise hereafter.
1st. The committee is appointed to hear the testimony
that may be adduced, and to inquire into, determine,
and report the facts to the Lodge for its advisement,
that it may wisely determine whether or not the objec-
tion is well founded ; or, in the language of the clause,
whether or not the cause is a valid and Masonic one.
That the committee may arrive at the facts, it must hear
108 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
all the testimony, as well for the defense as the prosecu-
tion. The candidate is a Mason, and, before conviction,
should be heard — should have his day in court. In many
cases he should therefore be informed of the objection
made against him, and should be heard in his defense.
2d. When a member of the Lodge has objected to the
advancement of a candidate, stating the cause of objec-
tion, and the cause of objection has been inquired into,
and decided by the Lodge not to be " a valid and Masonic
one," it is not competent for the same, or another mem-
ber, to interpose a second objection for the same cause,
except on the ground of newly-discovered and material
evidence, or for acts subsequently committed. In the
first instance, it is the right of every member to object,
without stating the cause, if he so choose ; but if he, or
another, desires to interpose a second objection, he must
state the grounds on which it is based, and it is for the
Lodge to determine whether it will or should consider
the second objection.
3d. When the Lodge has decided that the objection is
not sustained, or that the cause is not a valid and Masonic
one, and the candidate has attained suitable proficiency,
it is his right to ask to receive the remaining degrees,
and it is the duty of the Master to confer them. He has
promised " to submit to the awards of his brethren, when
convened, in every case consistent with the constitutions
of the Order." When the Lodge has decided that the
candidate is worthy, and he presents himself, ready to
approve his proficiency, the Master may not refuse to
confer the remaining degrees, and thus overrule the
action of his Lodge. — Decisions of Grand Master Belcher,
p. 13, 1863.
In regard to the first decision of the Grand Master,
your committee conceive that it is strictly in accordance
with the common-sense doctrine that there is a remedy
for every wrong. It must be borne in mind always that
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 109
under the original organization of the Fraternity, the
Entered Apprentices formed the great body of Masons ;
and that only in modern times have they been placed in
their present position in regard to the body of the Fra-
ternity. So few rights are left to them that not only
charity, but justice, demands that those remaining rights
receive a liberal construction. No man should be con-
demned without a hearing. This would virtually be
done if we decide that the brother whose advancement
is objected to, can have no knowledge of the objection
and no opportunity of combating it ; and your commit-
tee apprehend that " our law condemns no man before it
hears what he says." They, therefore, recommend that
the decision of the Grand Master, made in these words :
" In many cases, therefore, he should be informed of the
objection against him and be heard in his defense" —
be and the same is hereby approved.
Upon the second decision, your committee believe that
the rule — that a man shall not be twice placed in jeop-
ardy for the same offense — is entirely applicable to Ma-
sonic jurisprudence. If a committee, appointed for the
purpose, has properly attended to its duty, has inves-
tigated the objection made against a brother's advance-
ment, has reported the objection as " not a valid and
Masonic one," and the Lodge has adopted the report, and
thus, by a two-third vote, has ratified the finding of the
committee, then the brother who has made the objection,
and the minority, acting with him, should yield their
opinion. It amounts, in the opinion of your committee,
to factious opposition on the part of any brother thus to
set up his own view against so large a majority of his
brethren ; and, when he has been decided against, to
renew the very same objection. Your committee there-
fore recommend the approval of the second decision of
the Grand Master, given in these words : " It is not com-
petent for the same or another member to interpose a
second objection for the same cause, except on the
110 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ground of newly-discovered and material evidence, or for
acts subsequently committed."
On the third decision, which relates to the duty of the
Master of a Lodge upon the decision of an objection to
advancement, your committee say that, ordinarily, the
Master of the Craft is the proper one to judge of the fit-
ness of the materials of which his building is to be
composed. But, when the Lodge has decided that the
applicant is worthy, and the required proficienc}^ has
been attained, the Master should, if not absolutely con-
trary to his obligations, proceed to confer the next
degree. Your committee would take away no right
from the Master of a Lodge which is his by ancient
usage, conferred for the best good of the Craft. They
would give no countenance to the spirit of innovation so
prevalent in our free country. They would not relieve
the Master from any respoiiisibility which he of right
should assume. He should not rule his Lodge in a
haughty or arbitrary manner, but should, when proper —
that is, when no harm can accrue to the Craft there-
from— yield to the decision of his brethren when consti-
tutionally expressed. They therefore recommend the
approval of the Grand Master's third decision. — Commit-
tee on Jurisprudence^ p. 110, 1863.
"When a brother has been initiated, has remained
upon the roll of a Lodge as an Entered Apprentice over
two years, and has been dropped from the roll under
General Regulation No. 12, what action is necessary on
the part of the Lodge to authorize the conferring of the
other degrees upon him ? " respectfully report as follows :
Where a Lodge has balloted for all three degrees at
the same time, if no objection is made, as provided in the
Constitution, nothing is necessary but to require pro-
ficiency.
Where a Lodge ballots separately for each degree, a
clear ballot and proof of proficiency only are necessary.
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. Ill
The object of the 12th Regulation w?.s not to alter the
status in a Lodge of persons who had been initiated or
passed, but simply to prevent cumbering the rolls annu-
ally returned to the Grand Lodge with the names of
those who, for two years or more, had remained Entered
Apprentices or Fellow-Crafts. — Committee on JiLrisioru-
dence, pp. 385-6, 1862.
See Powers and Duties of Masters of Lodges, p. 95.
Candidates from other Jurisdictions, p. 105.
Conferring Degrees and Proficiency, p. 111.
Balloting, p. 99.
Rejected Candidates, p. 112.
Sec. 1, Ai't. I, Part II, Constitution.
Art. 3, Part III, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 12.
CONFERRING DEGREES AND PROFICIENCY.
Some of the Lodges are inclined to manifest too great
haste in conferring the several degrees, as, in one instance
in particular, a candidate was passed one night and raised
on the next. Though our regulations fix no period of
time as necessary to elapse between the conferring of
the several degrees — requiring only absolute proficiency
in that last received before another shall be conferred —
it is certain that more time than a single day ought to be
devoted to that reflection and deliberation so essential to
a proper understanding of the sublime principles of our
Order ; and he who too hastily passes through our solemn
ceremonies is ill prepared to attach to them that dignity
and importance which their moral precepts demand.
When Lodges are about to pass upon the proficiency of
candidates, let them remember how important it is, both
to the Fraternity and the applicants, that the examination
be most thorough, and the evidences of a knowledge of
that which has gone before, absolute and complete. —
Committee on Charters, p. 363, 1862.
See Balloting, p. 99.
112 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
REJECTED CANDIDATES.
I therefore decided that an objection made to the initia-
tion of one who had been elected to receive the degrees
of Masonry in a Lodge was, unless withdrawn, equivalent
to a rejection, and should be so reported by the Secre-
tary to the Grand Secretary ; and that the party so
rejected might, at any time after one year, again petition
that or another Lodge, as in cases of rejections. — Grand
Master Belcher^ p. 13, 1865 ; approved by the Grand Lodge,
see p. 98, 1865.
When, after initiation, but before passing or raising,
an objection has been made, and has been, by proper
proceedings, declared by the Lodge to be a " valid and
Masonic objection," what is the effect of the objection so
declared to be " valid and Masonic ? " Is it a rejection
for the remaining degree or degrees, or a suspension ;
and if a rejection, when and how can the rejected candi-
date again apply for advancement?
In my judgment it is not a suspension from the rights
and privileges which he has acquired as an Entered
Apprentice or a Fellow-Craft — for of these he can only
be deprived by a trial, in the form prescribed by our law
and by the judgment of his peers — but is a rejection ;
and the satne rule should apply ae in cases where a sep-
arate ballot is required for each degree and one is rejected
for the second or third degree. Considering it a rejec-
tion, I was yet in doubt what course should be pursued ;
whether he must wait a full year before making applica-
tion again, and whether his application should be made
by simply presenting himself to the Lodge as an Appren-
tice or Fellow- Craft, well skilled and proficient in all the
work and learning of his degree, and again asking simply
to be advanced ; or, whether his petition must be pre-
sented to the Lodge in form, and must take the course of
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 113
otlier petitions for degrees or membership. In the case
presented, I decided that the objection sustained was in
effect a rejection for the remaining degrees ; that the
party so rejected must wait twelve months, and then, if
he desired to proceed, he must petition his Lodge anew ;
and that his petition must take the usual course. In any
view of the case he was entitled to that, if no more. —
Decision of Grand blaster Belcher, p. 13, 1865.
Your committee recommend the approval of the decis-
ion— that the candidate may apply to that Lodge, or any
other within whose jurisdiction he may be, at the expira-
tion of twelve months, as though he had been rejected
by ballot. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 99, 1865.
See Balloting, p. 99.
Powers and Duties of Masters of Lodges, p. 95.
Withdrawing Petition before Ballot, p. 101.
Sec. 1, Art. I. Part II. Constitution.
MEMBERSHIP.
See Affiliation, p. 114,
Residence, p. 116.
Art. 1, Part V, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 4.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP.
A Subordinate Lodge may, for good reasons of its own,
release a member from the requirements which impose
upon him active duties and relieve him from contribu-
tions— say for such reasons as the Virginia Committee
give ; but it can not relieve itself from its own responsi-
bility, assumed in bearing his name on the roll. The
Lodge thus expressing toward a cherished brother — its
member — the estimation in Avhich he is held, may call
15
114 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
that act by any name it may select, whether honorary or
not, but your committee certainly think there is nothing
in this jurisdiction which justifies such a Masonic title ;
and we do not know outside of it where the custom
legitimately originated, nor do we approve of it. — Com-
mittee on Jtcrisprudence, p. 376, 1862.
AFFILIATION.
A Mason may make application for affiliation as often
as it may please him so to do. The rejection of his peti-
tion for that purpose by a Lodge, simply implies that that
particular Masonic family, or some one or more of its
members, has objection to the immediate association : but
it does not prevent him from applying for membership
to any other Lodge, or to the same one, at any time
thereafter. — Grand Master Curtis, p. 381, 1860.
See Residence, p. 116.
Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122.
Withdrawing Petition before Ballot, p. 101.
Sec. 2, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 4.
General Regulation, No. 16.
NON-AFFILIATED MASONS.
" Regulation 16. Non-affiliated Masons, who are sus-
pended by operation of Sec. 1, Art. II, Part Y, of the
Constitution, if they desire to restore themselves by
affiliation, shall pay a sum equivalent to six months' dues,
in addition to the affiliation fee required by the by-laws
of the Lodge to which they may apply ; or, if they desire
to restore themselves by contribution, they shall pay a
sum equivalent to the amount of the regular dues of the
Lodge within whose jurisdiction they reside, during the
whole period of such residence : unless sickness or inabil-
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 115
it}^ to pay be shown as the reason for such non-affiliation
or non-payment." — p. 410, 1866.
Your committee, to whom was referred the question
of Bro. Stanley as to the right of a so-called " contribut-
ing member" to vote on any and all occasions, report that
they suppose the question refers to those Masons who,
though non-affiliated, are nevertheless willing to, and do,
contribute a sum equal to the monthly dues required of
the members of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction
they reside, and thus avoid suspension under our law.
If this supposition be correct, the committee are at a loss
to know how it could be imagined that one so situated
was entitled to a vote at all ; and they simply have to say
— what there should be little need of saying — that an un-
affiliated contributor is not entitled to a vote on any occa-
sion whatever. — Committee on Jicrisprudence, p. 110, 1865.
The position occupied by non-affiliated Masons in this
State is plainly defined in the Constitution. In Sec. 1,
Art. II, Part Y, of that instrument it is declared, that
" it is the duty of every Master Mason to be a member
of some Lodge ; and every one who, having resided six
months within the jurisdiction of a Lodge, shall refuse
or neglect to make application so to be, or who shall not
have regularly contributed to such Lodge an amount
equivalent to its regular dues, while able so to do, shall
be deemed unworthy of Masonic consideration, and shall
not be entitled to, or be the recipient of, any of the
rights, privileges, or charities of the Order." This is
literally the language of suspension ; and, under this law,
every non-affiliated Mason, coming within its purview, is
absolutely suspended, until by compliance with either of
the alternatives which it provides, he shall choose to free
himself from the disability. — Decision of Grand Master
Curtis, p. 381, 1860.
See Residence, p. 116.
General Regulation, No. 16.
116 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
RESIDENCE.
It is not necessary, though it would be very proper,
that every Mason should apply for affiliation to the Lodge
nearest his place of residence. It is the right of a Master
Mason to affiliate where he may choose, whether at the
place nearest his residence or not, for our Constitution
evidently conveys this meaning in the words : " It is the
duty of every Master Mason to be a member of some
Lodge. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 368, 1862.
It is not necessary that a Mason should be a member
of the Lodge nearest his place of residence. He may
hold membership, or apply for it, wherever it shall please
him. It is certainly better that he should be a member
of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides, but I
know of no law which requires it ; and to be a mem-
ber, in good standing, in any regular Lodge, is to be in
good standing everywhere. — Decision by Grand Master
N. Greene Curtis, p. 381, 1860.
See Sec. 2, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
DEMISSION.
That when a member of a Lodge has paid his dues,
and at a stated meeting announced his intention to with-
draw his membership, his membership ceases ; and he
can become a member of that Lodge only by petition
and ballot, as in the case of any other non-affiliated
Mason. It is not competent for the Lodge by vote to
reinstate him. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 251, 1864.
The Grand Master, in his Address, lays before the
G-rand Lodge the following decision on a point of Masonic
law :
"When a member of a Lodge has paid his dues, and.
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 117
at a stated meeting, announces his intention to withdraw
from membership, his membership ceases, and he can
become a member again only by petition and ballot as
any other non-affiliated Mason. It is not competent for
his Lodge by vote to reinstate him."
The said decision was referred, among other things, to
the Committee on Jurisprudence, who have considered
the same and now report a recommendation that the
decision of the Grand Master be approved. — Committee
on Jurisprudence^ p. 354, 1864.
" The Master, or any other officer of a Lodge, may
withdraw therefrom in the same manner as any other
member. Whatever may be the rule elsewhere, our law
makes no distinction." — Committee on Jurisprudence^ p.
365, 1864.
See Sec. 4, Art. I, Part V, Constitution.
RIGHT OF VISIT.
"A difference of opinion exists as to the proper con-
struction of our fourth General Regulation, and, that its
true intent may be defined, the following is submitted :
A. B. has resided in this State several years. A little
less than a year ago he visited his former home in Maine,
and while there received the degrees of Masonry. Upon
his return to California he proposed to visit a Lodge,
but the- Master refused to admit him. He afterwards
offered to visit another Lodge, and was admitted. On
again applying to visit the first-named Lodge, should the
Master admit him upon the avouchment of a brother who
had sat with him in a regular Lodge ? Which Master was
right — the one who refused, or the one who permitted
his admission ? Would it affect the case if the applicant
stated that when he left this State he had no intention
to return, but afterward changed his mind ? Should he
118 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
apply for affiliation, the regulation is sufficiently clear;
but does it deny him the right to visit ? "
The regulation referred to has no application to the
right of visit. That right, so called, is not, as is gener-
ally supposed, absolute and indefeasible. The Master of
a Lodge is under obligation to preserve harmony among
his craftsmen. He represents the wise Master-builder
who laid the foundations of our speculative science, and
he must see that the guards and defenses of his Lodge
are of such character that nothing be suffered to pass or
repass them that might tend to disturb the peace of his
workmen. To this end he must be clothed with author-
ity to say who, of those hailing from other Lodges, shall
visit his. In regard to the brother whose case is men-
tioned in the question under consideration, we think the
fact of his intention to remain permanently out of the
State does affect the action of the regulation. Prima
facie an offense may have been committed, but often an
apparent wrong ceases to be rightly so considered when
the intention is taken into account. It may Avell occur
that one, for several years a resident of this State, may
return to the home of his youth, intending to reside per-
manently among the associations of his earlier days ; but,
finding that the attachments formed in the new home are
stronger than those severed in the past, determines to
return there, ere they too, like the old ones, shall have
become strange by long absence. If then, having in
good faith intended to change his place of residence, he
become a member of the Fraternity abroad, the regula-
tion of this State should not operate against him upon
his return. While we tenaciously adhere to and insist
upon our jurisdictional rights, we should not enforce the
regulation referred to, unless the violation of those rights
is clear and pointed. Nothing is to be gained by a too
strenuous and rigid interpretation of the law.
We conclude, then, that if the brother's purpose in
going to the Eastern States was to reside permanently
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 119
and become a citizen, his simple change of purpose and
return to this State within some short time, will not
of itself bring him within the regulation of this Grand
Lodge. We further conclude that, as the regulation
does not apply to the matter of visit, and as the Master
has control thereof, both Masters — the one who refused,
and the one who permitted — were within the purview of
their powers. — Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 433, 1866.
It appears that Alphonse Dennery, a native of France,
but a resident of this jurisdiction, returned to his native
country, and while there, received the degrees of Ma-
sonry. He took his dimit and returned to this State,
where he now seeks to affiliate, and the questions are
asked : " Can he be affiliated ? " and " Can he visit ? "
Under the fourth of our General Regulations he may
affiliate, by paying the full amount charged by the Lodge
to which he applies for conferring the degrees, less the
sum paid for them to the Lodge in which he received
them.
We do not think he can visit until he has complied
with the foregoing regulation, or has endeavored to do so
in good faith. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 349, 1864.
ec. 13, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
CHARITABLE RELIEF.
Your committee are aw^are that Masonic authorities
are somewhat contradictory upon this point ; but, upon a
full consideration of the subject, they are of opinion that
it would be an unfortunate proposition to establish, that
a Masonic Lodge, devoted, as it should be, to charitable
objects and the assistance of the distressed, could Avith
impunity suffer its members to want for the necessaries
of life, and thus bring discredit upon the whole Frater-
nity.— Committee on Grievances, p. C74, 1864.
120 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Believing that, aside from actual necessary expenses,
all the funds of a Lodge should be devoted to charitable
uses. — Committee on By-Laws, p. 90, 1863.
MASONIC FUNERALS AND EXPENSES.
If a Mason forget his duty to G-od, his fellow, and him-
self, and commit suicide, shall he or may he be buried by
his Lodge with Masonic honors ? Several cases have oc-
curred, as I am informed, in which suicides have been so
buried. It should not always be so. When a Mason has
unfortunately been deprived of that reason which God
has given him to enable him to distinguish between right
and wrong, and, being actually demented, deprives him-
self of life, I see no reason why he should not be interred
with the usual Masonic honors and ceremonials. An in-
sane man cannot commit a crime, and it would be an utter
forgetfulness of that charity which is the brightest jew^el
of the Craft, to refuse the Masonic rite of burial, when de-
sired by his relatives or friends, to one who had only been
unfortunate. Not so, however, with one who wittingly,
or in consequence of intemperate habits, destroys the life
which Heaven has given him for useful and beneficent
purposes. We would throw the mantle of charity over the
faults of an erring brother, dead or living, but we should
not lightly overlook his crimes. By all law, human and
divine, he who takes his own life is as guilty as he who
takes the life of another. Before God and man he is
guilty, and it is not fitting that we, as a society, should
hold ourselves out to the world as the excusers of such
crime. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 252, 1864.
Li the matter of the burial, with Masonic honors, of
Masons who commit suicide, referred to in the Address
of the Grand Master, the Committee on Jurisprudence
report as follows :
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 121
It is difficult to conceive that any man in his right mind
could be guilty of destroying his own life. It is probably
true that one who commits suicide has previously become,
by some means, demented. Self-preservation is the first
law of nature. A very high authority declares that " no
man ever yet hated his own flesh." This being true, a
man must in some way have lost the right use of his men-
tal powers before he can lift a hand against his own life.
Reason may be dethroned, either by the visitations of
God, or by indulgence in licentious and vicious habits.
If the hand of God has been laid upon a brother, recall-
ing the reason which He had given, and, while thus de-
mented, he shall take his life, we think he may properly
receive the honors paid by our Order to the dead. But
if, forgetting the first perfect point of his entrance and
the virtue by which it is exemplified, and which it is
designed to enforce ; if, neglecting his solemn obligations
and that prudence which should characterize every
brother in his conduct in the Lodge and when abroad
in the world, he, by indulgence in drink or other habits
which are calculated to enervate the mind, loses his rea-
son, and, Avhile tlms out of his mind, destroys his own
life, we think he is not entitled to and should not receive
the burial rites of the Order.
We therefore recommend that the sentiments of the
Grand Master's Address on this subject be approved. —
p. 338, 1864.
It is asked whether, when a Mason dies, he is entitled
to Masonic burial ; and if so, whether a single individual
must bear the expense ? A deceased sojourning brother,
who was in good standing, is certainly entitled to Masonic
burial ; and if an individual renders that last service, he
may well ask that his brethren and neighbors help him
to bear the burden, if so it appears to him to be. But
he can scarcely demand this as a right. He has done his
duty, and they ought to be willing to assist him ; but
16
122 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
let liim not detract from the merit of his charity by his
complainings. God loveth a cheerful giver. — Committee
on Jurisprudence, p.SSjlSGl.
See Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131.
General Regulation, No. 1.
FEES, DUES, AND ASSESSMENTS.
Your committee to whom was referred the following
question : '' Has the M.'.W.*. Grand Master authority to
prevent individual Masons or Lodges from corresponding
with each other on subjects relating to the levy of assess-
ments upon subordinate Lodges ? " — have had the same
under consideration, and are of the opinion that the
Grand Master has no authority to prevent any proper
correspondence on such subjects. — Special Committee, p.
97, 1865.
Your committee are of opinion that during the period
of suspension for unmasonic conduct, the dues of a
brother should cease. He is under a disability from
which he cannot, of his own will, free himself. When
suspended simply for non-payment of dues, he is in a
position from which he may, by his own act, at any time
relieve himself, and he should pay his dues accordingly.
But while he is under suspension for unmasonic conduct^
he is cut off entirely from all privileges, and can only be
restored by an act of his Lodge, or of the Grand Lodge.
They answer, then, that a Mason, suspended for non-
payment of dues, and subsequently suspended for unma-
sonic conduct, should be charged dues only during the
period when he was under suspension for non-payment
thereof. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 100, 1865.
Your committee, to Avhom was referred the inquiry as
to what is required in a notice to those in arrears. for
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 123
dues, report tliat the question involves the construction
of the hinguage of Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, of the Con-
stitution. The wording of the law is such as evidently
to make it the duty of the Secretary to give the notice,
without any order from the Master or the Lodge to that
effect ; and by the fourth subdivision of Sec. 1, Art. V,
Part IV, of the Constitution, he is required to affix the
seal of the Lodge to all papers issued by authority of
the Lodge, or in obedience to the requirements of the
Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. The
notice to members in arrears for dues, is made in obe-
dience to the Constitution, and must have the seal of the
Lodge diXid.c\\Qdi.— Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 110, 1865.
In reply to Bro. Blake, it is the opinion of the commit-
tee that it is not necessary or right to require a member
who withdraws, and afterward desires to affiliate again
with the same Lodge, to pay dues during the time he
was not a member, in order to affiliate. — Committee on
Jurisprudence, p. 368, 1862.
See Affiliation, p. 114.
Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114.
Suspension for Non-payment of Dues, p. 123.
Representative Fund. p. 137.
Art. VIII, Part I, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 16.
SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OP DUES.
"Has a subordinate Lodge the right, under Sec. 9,
Art. Ill, Part III, of the Constitution, to restore a Mason
laboring under suspension for non-payment of dues, in
any other manner than th^t provided for in the funda-
mental law — that is, by paying all arrearages due — in
other words, can a Lodge remit dues until a brother is
restored ? " — beg leave to report as follows :
The proposition is susceptible of division into two
124 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. '
branches — the question of obedience to laws, and the
question of construction of laws. In answer to the first,
it is the opinion of the committee that a subordinate
Lodge can do nothing rightfully, either in respect to the
restoration of a Mason laboring under suspension for non-
payment of dues, or any other matter, in any way other
than that provided in the fundamental law. In answer
to the second, it is the opinion of the committee that the
fundamental laws of Masonry respecting its morality
should be construed strict^, but always with charity ;
in respect to its government, with liberality, and in the
true spirit of the enactments and customs. To say that
a Lodge cannot remit a portion or all of the arrearages,
for good and satisfactory reasons, of a member suspended
for non-payment of dues, in order that he may be restored,
appears to us like the construction which Shylock would
have put upon his bond. We do not believe that such
a spirit did or could exist in the Masonic mind of the
framers of our fundamental law ; and we are therefore of
the opinion that a subordinate Lodge, for good cause, in
the exercise of a discreet judgment, under the section
referred to, may remit dues in favor of a member sus-
pended for non-payment of dues, in order to restore him.
— Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 356, 1862.
Suspension for non-payment of dues is absolute sus-
pemion. The disabilities which it involves under our
laws, are the same as if the penalty had been incurred
by unmasonic conduct. In fact, such is really the mis-
demeanor which has induced the punishment, as a viola-
tion of the by-laws of a Lodge (all which require the pay-
ment of certain quarterly or monthly dues), is eminently
unmasonic. The only difference which our Constitu-
tion makes between suspension for (so-called) unmasonic
conduct, and suspension for non-payment of dues, is, that
in the first case, it requires the votes of two-thirds of the
Lodge of which the delinquent was a member, to effect
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 125
his restoration, while in the second, he may restore him-
self by payment of his arrearages. — Grand Master Curtis^
p. 38i, 1860.
See Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114.
Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122.
Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131.
Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
Sec. 4, Art. II, Part V, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 11.
DROPPING NAMES FROM THE ROLL.
The object of the 12th Regulation was not to alter the
status in a Lodge of persons who had been initiated or
passed, but simply to prevent cumbering the rolls annu-
ally returned to the Grand Lodge with the names of
those w^ho, for two years or more, had remained Entered
Apprentices or Fellow-Crafts. — Committee on JurispTU-
dence, pp. 385-6, 1862.
Besolved, That the names of Entered Apprentices and
Fellow-Crafts shall be returned to the Grand Lodge for
two years only, and be thereafter dropped from the roll.
— Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 369, 1860.
See Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106.
General Regulation, No. 12.
NOTIFICATIONS AND SUMMONSES.
Your committee, to whom w^as referred the inquiry as
to what is required in a notice to those in arrears for
dues, report that the question involves the construction
of the language of Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, of the Con-
stitution. The wording of the law is such as evidently
to make it the duty of the Secretary to give the notice,
without any order from the Master or the Lodge to that
126 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
effect ; and by the fourth subdivision of Sec. 1, Art. Y,
Part IV, of the Constitution, he is required to afl&x the
seal of the Lodge to all papers issued by authority of the
Lodge, or in obedience to the requirements of the Con-
stitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. The no-
tice to members in arrears for dues, is made in obedience
to the Constitution, and must have the seal of the Lodge
attached. — Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 110, 1865.
Your committee to whom was referred the resolution
offered by Bro. Alex. G. Abell, defining what shall be
deemed due notification in cities and towns where daily
newspapers are printed, have given the same careful
consideration, and respectfully report that, in their judg-
ment, the trial of a brother upon charges for unmasonic
conduct is a matter of such serious moment to the Craft
that every thing connected with it should be done
"decently and in order," and that every member of the
Lodge should be in fact notified of the time when the
Commissioners are to be elected. There is no necessity
for haste in such a matter, and it is better that one who
is unjustly accused should suffer somewhat from the law's
delay than that we should seem to treat the matter of
trials lightly, or neglect any precaution necessary to en-
sure to every brother an opportunity to be present upon
an occasion of so much importance.
In cities and large towns, although the membership of
the Lodges may be extensive, yet all reside within a
convenient distance. One of the duties of the Tyler of
a Lodge is to serve notices, as it is one of the duties of
the Secretary to prepare them ; and your committee
deem it much more important that every member of the
Lodge should be personally notified, than that the Secre-
tary and Tyler, who, alone of the officers, receive com-
pensation for their services, should be saved a little
labor. It is true, probably, that a notification published
in one or more daily papers of San Francisco, or any
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 127
other city, would be a notification in fact to a consider-
able number of the members of any Lodge there ; but it
is also true that not every man who reads the papers
reads the general advertisements, or even the special
notices, and that, at least, some of the members would
thus fail to be notified. It is the right of the accused,
and the duty of the Lodge, to have every thing connected
with the trial conducted in such manner as w^ill best
insure a fair and impartial result : and in order to secure
this, the most important step is the election of Commis-
sioners.
Your committee think that every member of the
Lodge should at least have an opportunity to partici-
pate in such election ; and, being of the opinion that a
notification by advertisement, in the manner proposed
in the resolution referred to them, would not be the best
method of insuring that desirable result, they return
the resolution with the recommendation that it be not
adopted. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 57, 1861.
The Constitution of this Grand Lodge provides that,
upon the presentation of charges, it shall be the duty of
the Master, " by due notification,^^ to call a special meet-
ing of his Lodge for the election of Commissioners. A
^^ notification'^ is defined by the Constitution to be " a call
issued by the Secretary, by order of the Lodge or Mas-
ter, or by other competent authority, as hereinbefore
provided, to attend for some specific purpose at the time
and place therein indicated." We find that a " summons^'
is defined by the Constitution to be " an imperative order
issued by the Master or by other competent authority,
as hereinbefore provided, to appear at such time and
place as may therein be designated." Stripping these
two definitions of all verbiage unnecessary to a determi-
nation of the point now under consideration, we find
that a notification is " a call issued by the Secretary to
attend at the time and place therein indicated ; " wdiile
128 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
a summons is " an imperative order issued by the Master
to appear at said time and place, as may therein be des-
ignated." Nothing whatever is said as to the mode of
service of either, but as the definition of the two are
so very similar, varying only sufficiently to indicate to
the brethren served the difference between the two, we
think there is no doubt but that a notification and a
summons should be served in a similar manner ; for if
this was not intended, or if any mode of notification
could be adopted which a Lodge might see proper to
select, why did this Grand Lodge define w^hat a notifica-
tion is ? We are therefore of the opinion that a notifica-
tion should be served in the same manner as a summons.
Now, would any one suppose for a moment, that the
announcement of the Master at a stated meeting, that all
the members of the Lodge were summoned to appear at
a certain time, would be a service of the summons upon
all the members of the Lodge, or would the publication
of a summons in the newspapers be so regarded? Un-
questionably not. How then could such announcement
or publication be considered due notification ? In the
opinion of your committee it cannot be, as this Grand
Lodge has decided that in a case of charges preferred, it
is the duty of the Master to see that every member of his
Lodge, who can possibly be notified of the meeting, is no-
tified in due season.— (7omm^^fee on Grievances^ p. 364, 1860.
See Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131.
Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122.
Part VI. Constitution.
Art. II, Part VII, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 7.
WITNESSES, TESTIMONY, AND TRIALS.
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Grand Lodge,
the language of Sec. 3, Art. lY, Part lY, of the Consti-
tution, should not be so construed as to prevent the
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 129
accuser, any more than tlie accused, from employing a
brother in good standing to assist him at a trial. — p. Ill,
1861.
See p. 87, 1863, Relative to Trials, ex parte.
Besolved, That the Committee on Grievances prepare
a form of transcript of proceedings on trial in subordi-
nate Lodges, and forward the same, when prepared, to
the Grand Secretary, who shall cause the same to be
printed and distributed to the various Lodges ; and that
said Lodges be and they are hereby required, as far as
possible, to adhere to said form in returning the record
of proceedings on trials. — p. 108, 1863.
In response to Bro. Wiggin, it is the opinion of the
committee, that it certainly is the right of a brother
upon trial for unmasonic conduct, to make a statement
before the Commission assembled to try him ; and that
such statement should have its weight before the Com-
mission— though not as great as that of a disinterested
brother — and should form part of the record. The con-
stitutional words requiring the Master to "summon the
accused to appear and answer,^^ should be construed dif-
ferently in Masonry from what it is in the civil courts, for
Masonic law should receive a more liberal construction.
— Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 367, 1862.
A Fellow-Craft was admitted to testify upon his honor
as a Mason ; this was wrong, as none but Master Masons
should be permitted so to testify — all others should be
sworn. — Committee on Grievances^ p. 364, 1860.
In cases of trial, a majority of the Commissioners,
elected or appointed, may proceed with the business
committed to them. The Constitution does not say thus
much in terms, but it does by inference, as it declares
that " the judgment of a majority of the Commissioners
shall be taken as the decision of the whole." To rule
17
130 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
otherwise would be to defeat the justice sought for in
the regulations upon this subject, as it would probably
not often happen that all the Commissioners named
w^ould be in attendance during the whole period given
for a trial under our Constitution. The vote upon the
finding and the sentence should be by ballot, and a
majority of all the Commissioners is requisite for judg-
ment.— Decision of Grand Master Curtis, p. 381, 1860.
See Commissioners and their Reports, p. 130,
Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106.
Appeals, p. 130.
• Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131.
Notifications and Summonses, p. 125.
Part VI, Constitution.
APPEALS.
In the matter as to who may take an appeal from the
judgment of a Commission for trial, they are of opinion
that the language of the law excludes every one save
the accuser and the accused. By operation of law the
judgment of a majority of the Commissioners becomes
the judgment of the Lodge ; and it was never yet heard
that a court rendering judgment in a case might turn
about and appeal to a higher court, from its own judg-
ment. They recommend the approval of the action of
the Grand Master in ordering the judgment in the case
to which he refers to be carried into effect. — Committee
on Jurisprudence, p. 99, 1865.
See Powers of a Grand Master, p. 95.
Part VI, Constitution.
COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR REPORTS.
Your committee having considered the question pre-
sented by Bro. Crane, respectfully report that the law
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 131
to which reference is made in the question, requires the
Secretary " to keep a full and correct record of the pro-
ceedings and the judgment " of the Commissions for trial,
and that this requirement can only be met by his keep-
ing a record of all the testimony in the case ; not a mere
abstract, but the testimony of each witness in full, so
that if appeal be had to this G-rand Body, its committees
may have the whole case before them. Witnesses, not
Masons, testify before the Commission in the form of
deposition, taken before some officer entitled to adminis-
ter oaths ; and in order that the witnesses w^ho are Ma-
sons may stand on the same footing, their testimony must
be written out in full by the Secretary. — Committee on
Jurisprudence^ p. 109, 1865.
" In cases of trial, when one or more of the Commis-
sioners is absent, can a quorum proceed to the trial of
the case and render judgment, or must the Master ap-
point to fill vacancies ? "
It has been more than once decided already, that a
quorum of the Commissioners may proceed to trial and
judgment, but that, in such case, the judgment must be
that of a majority of all the Commissioners elected, to
wit : if the number of the Commissioners be seven, four
may try the case — but all four must concur in the judg-
ment. No power is anywhere conferred upon the Master
to appoint members to fill vacancies. — Committee on Juris-
prudence^ p. 110, 1865.
See Witnesses, Testimony, and Trials, p. 128.
Part VI, Constitution.
SUSPENSIONS, EXPULSIONS, AND RESTORATIONS.
Resolved, That whenever it is the intention of a person,
who has been expelled from the rights and privileges of
Masonry, to petition the Grand Lodge for restoration, it
132 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
shall be his duty to notify the Lodge Avhich expelled him
of such intention, at least sixty days before the meeting
of the Grand Lodge, accompanying said notice Avith a
copy of his intended petition ; and before said petition
shall be considered by the Grand Lodge, proof shall be
made of the giving of said notice. — General Begulation,
No. 20, p. 419, 1866.
Your committee are aware that, in reporting in favor
of restoring the memorialist, they may appear to be
somewhat running counter to the wishes of the subordi-
nate Lodge to which the memorialist belongs, inasmuch
as an application to restore him has there been refused,
but they can well imagine how the Lodge could decline
to reverse their former action and restore the applicant
to membership therein, when they might not materially
object to his restoration by the Grand Lodge, which
would only give him the general privileges of a Mason.
— Committee on Grievaiices, p. 93, 1865.
In the matter of the effect of a reversal by the Grand
Lodge of a judgment of suspension or expulsion, your
committee agree with the Grand Master, that the accused
is at once restored to the standing he had before charges
Avere preferred. If this be not so, the appeal and the
iudgment of reversal are simply solemn farces. The
reversal, in terms, declares that the charges were untrue
or unsupported by evidence, and the judgment founded
thereon unwarranted, and of course, unjust. Its effect
is to put the brother appealing in precisely the position
he occupied before the charges were preferred. Bro'.
Mackey, on this point, well says : " When a Lodge has
wrongfully deprived a Mason of his membership by ex-
pulsion from the Order, the Grand Lodge, on his appeal,
if it shall find the party innocent, that wrong has been
inflicted, that, by the sentence, the laws of the institu-
tion as well as the rights of the individual have been
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 133
violated, may, on his appeal, interpose and redress the
wrong, not only by restoring him to his rights and privi-
leges as a Mason, but also to membership in the Lodge.
This, it seems to me, is the true principle, not only of
Masonic law, but also of equity. If a brother be inno-
cent, he must be restored to everything of which an
unjust sentence had deprived him — to membership in
his Lodge, as well as to the general rights of Masonry."
— Committee on Jmnsprudence, p. 99, 1865.
When a brother, w^ho has been suspended for non-
payment of dues, pays up all his arrearages, he thereby
becomes restored to all the former privileges enjoyed by
him in his Lodge, and it is unnecessary that he should
again go through the form of signing its by-laws. — Com-
mittee on Grievances^ p. 373, 1864.
Resolved, That when it is the intention of any Lodge to
take measures to apply to the Grand Lodge for the res-
toration of a Mason who has been expelled, it shall be
the duty of the Master thereof to notify the members of
his Lodge, as far as possible, of the time when such pro-
posed action will be had ; and to cause to be spread upon
the minutes of the meeting at which such action shall be
had, the fact that such notification was duly given. — p.
354, 1864.
A suspended Mason, dying while still under sentence
of suspension, cannot be restored by any action subse-
quent to his death. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 93,
1863.
Question 1st. — Can a Lodge proceed to try a Master
Mason, under suspension for non-payment of dues, for
unmasonic conduct, without first restoring him ?
Ansiver. — It can ; no matter what the cause of suspen-
sion may have been, it is certainly within the power of a
Lodge, having jurisdiction, to try a suspended Mason on
134 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
charges of further mimasonic conduct, and to inflict such
further punishment as it may deem proper.
Question 2d. — Can a Lodge proceed to try, for further
unmasonic conduct, a Mason suspended by itself, who,
at the time charges are preferred against him, resides
within the jurisdiction of another Lodge, although the
offenses charged were committed while within the juris-
diction of the Lodge first named ?
Answer. — It can not ; the proper course would be to
prefer the charges before the Lodge within whose juris-
diction the delinquent actually resides, by which he can
and should be tried. From the date of his suspension,
whatever the cause thereof, his membership in that
Lodge ceases, and residence elsewhere carries with it
jurisdiction. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 76, 186L
There is no better established custom in the Mason-
ry of the United States, than that the Lodge (or the
Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction such Lodge ex-
ists) which expels or suspends a Mason, should alone
have the right to restore him. — Committee on Jurispru-
dence,^. 373, 1860.
See Powers and Duties of Masters of Lodges, p. 95.
Suspension for Non-payment of Dues, p. 123.
By-laws, p. 140.
Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114.
Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122.
Sec. 9. Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
Sec. 4, Art. IV, Part III, Constitution.
Sec. 5, Art. II, Part V, Constitution.
Art. II, Part VI, Constitution.
Art. II, Part VII, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 1.
General Regulations, Nos. 17, 19, and 20.
UNMASONIC CONDUCT.
Your committee, to whom was referred the appeal of
Bro from the action of St. John's Lodge, No. 37,
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 135
in suspending him from all the rights and privileges of
Masonry, have had the same under consideration, and
report that the evidence does not sustain the specifica-
tion on which the accused was found guilty and sus-
pended. Though it does not show that the accused
advised the candidate to withdraw his petition, as he
was sure to be blackballed, it does show that he con-
versed with the candidate as to the likelihood of his
being blackballed. This certainly was very reprehensi-
ble, and had the specification been in accordance with
the facts, a little wholesome punishment in the case
might have proved advantageous to the Craft generally,
by the lesson it would teach of the necessity of abstain-
ing from all conversation with a candidate as to the
action upon his petition. — Committee on Grievances, p.
102, 1865.
The brother manifestly labored under a serious error
when he considered that gambling was not a Masonic
offense. A very slight examination of the ancient regu-
lations of the Order, or a conversation with any intelli-
gent Mason, would have apprised him that this offense
is one strictly forbidden by Masonry, upon all moral and
social grounds ; and is an evil in all its effects and conse-
quences which cannot be too greatly deprecated. — p. 348,
1864.
See Witnesses, Testimony, and Trials, p. 128.
Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131.
ORDINARY DEBTS.
Should a Lodge entertain charges for unmasonic con-
duct against a brother because, for any reason, he has
neglected or refused to pay his debts, or has paid them
in the depreciated currency of the country?
My ow^n opinion has always been that the Lodge was
not the proper place for the settlement of the business
136 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
difficulties of its members, or the enforcement of the
payment of debts ; and I have so decided in the cases
presented. The civil government has instituted courts,
and appointed judges, and authorized juries, for the ex-
press purpose of determining and protecting the rights
of citizens, and enforcing the proper remedies in cases
of wrong. If I owe a brother a debt and refuse to pay
him, he may very properly invoke the aid of the law to
compel me to do that which I ought to have done with-
out compulsion. Exceptional cases may occur, involving
such breach of faith and turpitude of conduct that we
ought to notice them, even if they had been carried by
the parties to the proper tribunals for adjudication ; but
they are the exceptions, not the rule. Masons should
deal honestly with one another, and with all men, and
should pay all they owe ; but it does not always follow
that any special moral turpitude attaches to them because
they sometimes fail to do this last ; and, however much
we may disapprove the act of one who avails himself of
the benefits of the laws, and pays debts, perhaps hon-
estly due in gold, in legal tenders, I think we may prop-
erly leave the aggrieved party to charge the blame, if
any, partly upon himself, that he has been so careless
and negligent in the management of his own business.
That which the laws of the land sanction, can hardly be
an offense against any law of Masonry. — Grand Master
Belcher, p. 251, 1864. '
In reference to that portion of the GrTand Master's
address which treats of the question whether a Masonic
Lodge is a proper place for brethren to settle their
differences in business transactions, and whether, if a
brother pays debts owing to another brother, in the
depreciated currency of the country, he is liable to a
charge for unmasonic conduct, the Committee on Juris-
prudence report as follows :
This is one of those questions which we think ought
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 137
to be determined by the circumstances. We agree with
the Grand Master, that the courts of the country are
estabUshed for the purpose of settKng differences which
may arise in business transactions between men. A man
does not cease to be a citizen when he becomes a Mason.
All his duties and rights as a citizen are retained. Ma-
sonic Lodges are established and exist for other and
different purposes, and were we to open the door of the
Lodge and invite Masons to make it the tribunal before
which to try their business disputes, the real purposes
of the fraternity would be forever rendered impossible.
It is true, however, that circumstances may arise, in the
course of transactions between Masons, of such a char-
acter that one or the other would be liable to a charge
for violation of Masonic obligations ; and of such cir-
cumstances and their bearing upon the particular case
to which they are sought to be made applicable, the
Commissioners must judge, subject to the revision of
this G-rand Lodge on appeal. It is impossible to estab-
lish any certain rule. We have seen already, in the
reports of the Committee on Grievances, that cases arise
and are duly tried, in which the proof Avas of such a
nature that the able committee who considered them
found no violation of the obligations of the brother
charged ; and yet, we apprehend that another case
might arise in which the same committee would feel
themselves constrained to affirm a judgment of convic-
tion.
We recommend that no action be had in the premises.
— Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 349, 1864.
REPRESENTATIVE FUND.
Resolved, That, for the ensuing fiscal year, there shall
be levied upon the Lodges under this jurisdiction, in
addition to the dues prescribed by the Constitution, the
18
138 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
sum of seventy-five cents for each member borne upon
their respective rolls at the date of their annual returns,
for account of the Representative Fund ; which assess-
ment shall be paid at the same time and in the same
manner as is prescribed for the payment of the regular
annual dues. — p. 382, 1864.
Resolved, That for the year ending March 1, 1864,
there shall be levied upon the subordinate Lodges, in
addition to the dues prescribed by the Constitution,
the sum of seventy-five cents for each member borne
upon their respective rolls at the date of their annual
returns — to be assessed for the purpose and in the man-
ner provided in certain resolutions relative to a Repre-
sentative Fund adopted on the sixteenth day of May,
1861, the same being in lieu of one dollar for each mem-
ber, as therein directed. — p. 124, 1863.
Resolved, That, in addition to the amount at present
levied upon the subordinate Lodges, there be levied the
sum of one dollar for the name of each Master Mason
borne upon the rolls at the date of the annual returns,
which shall constitute a special fund to be denominated
" The Representative Fund " ; and that it shall be the
duty of the several Lodges to pay the said sum at the
time and in the manner prescribed for the payment of
their annual dues. — pp. 51-2, 1861.
See General Regulation, No. 13.
COMPENSATION TO GRAND OFFICERS AND MEM-
BERS OF THE GRAND LODGE.
Resolved, That hereafter no Grand Officer, Chairman of
a Standing Committee, or Representative' of a Lodge,
shall receive payment for his necessary traveling ex-
penses in attending a Communication of a Grand Lodge,
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 139
who shall not have been in attendance from the first to
the last day, inclusive, of such Communication, unless
excused by special action of the Grand Lodge. — p. 382,
1864.
Resolved, That hereafter the appointed Grand Officers
and the chairmen of the several Standing Committees,
shall receive payment for their necessary traveling ex-
penses to and from the place of meeting of the Grand
Lodge, in the same manner as ordered for the Represent-
atives of Lodges ; "provided, Jioivever, that no such Offi-
cer, Chairman, or Representative, shall receive payment
in more than one of those capacities ; and provided, fur-
ther, that no such Officer, Chairman, or Representative
shall receive any pay who shall already have been paid
for such necessary traveling expenses by another Masonic
Grand Body. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 125, 1863 :
ordered to he published as a General Regulation.
See Representatives and Delegates of Lodges, p. 139.
Sec. 1, Art. YI, Part II, Constitution.
REPRESENTATIVES AND DELEGATES OF LODGES.
Resolved, That, at each Annual Communication, an Au-
diting Committee, to consist of three, shall be appointed
by the Grand Master, which committee shall audit all
accounts of delegates from subordinate Lodges, for their
necessary traveling expenses to and from the place of the
Annual Communications ; and shall certify the amount
due each delegate to the Grand Secretary, who shall
thereupon draw liis warrant upon the Grand Treasurer
for the amount due such delegate. The warrant shall
specify the fund from which the money is drawn, and no
warrant shall be issued to more than one delegate from
each Lodge ; provided, that no delegate shall receive
such payment who shall not have remained during the
140 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
entire Communication, unless excused by the Grrand
Lodge, and whose Lodge shall not have paid its dues for
the current year. — p. 52, 1861.
Bee Sec. 14, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.
Art. VI, Part I, Constitution.
Art. II, Part VII, Constitution.
General Regulation, No. 13.
BY-LAWS. •
The charge that the brother has not signed the by-
laws is one that ought not to be made in a well governed
Lodge now. If he has not done so, he has certainly neg-
lected his duty, but that neglect cannot forfeit his mem-
bership, any more than would the neglect or violation of
any other provision which they contain, until after due
trial for such offense, that penalty should be incurred ;
and this fact shows that the officers have been careless
in the discharge of their duty, and that the brethren
themselves cannot avoid a share of the blame which at-
taches in this case. We advise the Masters of Lodges
who * have not attended to this plain duty, to look well
to it. — Committee on Jurisprudence^ p. 377, 1862.
See Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131.
Sec. 5, Art. II, Part III, Constitution.
UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS.
In relation to that portion of the Annual Report of
the Grand Secretary concerning the by-laws of Lodges,
which was referred to your committee, they can only
echo the hope expressed by him, and strongly urge all
Lodges in this jurisdiction to adopt the Uniform Code of
By-laws, not only because they have been very carefully
prepared by one of the best Masonic jurists in the State,
CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 141
and contain, in the opinion of your committee, all that is
required for the proper regulation and government of the
Lodges, but because it is most desirable that in this, as in
all other respects, there should be uniformity throughout
the jurisdiction. — Committee on Bij-latvs, p. 56, 1861.
Resolved^ That the form of by-laAvs for the government
of subordinate Lodges, as now revised and corrected by
the special committee, be approved by the Grand Lodge ;
and that it be recommended to all the Lodges within the
jurisdiction for their adoption. — Committee on By-laius,
p. 368, 1860.
MASONIC CLOTHING AND PROCESSIONS.
On no occasion, except for the burial of a brother, is
it permitted for any Lodge or number of Masons to ap-
pear in Masonic clothing in public procession, without
special permission from the Grand Master ; and that
permission ought very rarely to be asked or granted. —
Grand blaster Belcher, p. 16, 1865.
The sentiments of the Grand Master in regard to par-
ticipating in our character as Masons, in public celebra-
tions not of a Masonic character, are heartily approved,
—p. 85, 1865.
On occasions of festivity, as at Masonic balls, it seems
to me to be in exceeding bad taste for brethren to appear
in Masonic clothing. The white apron, in its place, is
the appropriate and emblematic badge of a Mason, but
in a ball-room, nothing could look much more absurd and
out of good taste. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 16, 1865.
142 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
STANDING RESOLUTIONS RESCINDED.
Your committee, appointed at the last Annual Com-
munication to revise the Standing Resolutions and Regu-
lations for Trials heretofore in force in this jurisdiction,
report as follows : They find upon the statute book
seventy-eight so-called Standing Resolutions, with the
exception of three — Nos. 12, 44 and 46 — which have at
different times been rescinded. Of these, forty-seven,
viz. : 1, 2, 3, 5, 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21,
22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 40, 41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 49,
53, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 70, 75, 76, and 78—
have, together with the Regulations for Trials, been
substantially incorporated in the new Constitution pre-
sented by this committee, and just adopted by the Grand
Lodge— twenty, viz. : Nos. 4, 6, 17, 23, 26, 34, 35, 36, 38,
45, 54, 55, 56, 57, 62, 68, 71, 72, 73, and 74— should be
dropped ; some, as being entirely useless, some, as con-
taining only enunciations of common truths in regard to
which no legislation is required, others, as having been
intended but for a temporary purpose, others still, as an-
nouncing erroneous doctrine, and one or two perhaps, as
being simply absurd ; and eight, viz. : Nos. 31, 37, 39,
50, 51, 52, 69, and 77 — should, with some alterations of
phraseology, be retained as general regulations. The
committee therefore recommend the adoption of the fol-
lowing resolution :
Resolved, That all the Standing Resolutions of this
Grand Lodge, with the exception of those now numbered
as 31, 37, 39, 50, 51, 52, 69, and 77, be and are hereby re-
scinded ; and that those excepted, after proper correction,
shall be published hereafter, with the annual proceed-
ings, under the name of General Regulations. — p. 116,
1859.
LIST OF SUBOEDINATE LODGES.
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GEAND OFFICEES
ELECTED SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND LODGE
OF CALIFORNIA, APRIL 18th, A.L. 5850.
Note. — Those deceased are indicated thiTS (*).
1850.
Jonathan D. Stevenson Grand Master,
John A. Tutt. Deputy Grand Master,
Caleb Fenner Senior Grand Warden,
Saschel Woods ^ Junior Grand Warden,
Levi Stowell '^ Grand Treasurer,
John H. Gihon Grand Secretary.
1851.
John A. Tutt Grand Master,
Benjamin D. Hyam Deputy Grand Master,
E. F. W. Ellis ^- Senior Grand Warden,
B. S. Olds Junior Grand Warden,
TowNSEND A. Thomas Grand Treasurer,
Levi Stowell ^ Grand Secretary.
1852.
Benjamin D. Hyam Grand Master,
Charles M. Radcliff Deputy Grand Master,
Adolphus Hollub Senior Grand Warden,
LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS. 151
John R. McConnell Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin . . . . • Grand Treasurer,
Levi Stowell ^' Grand Secretary.
1853.
Charles M. Radcliff Grand Master,
Townsend a. Thomas Deputy Grand Master,
John R. Grand all Senior Grand Warden,
Richard F. Knott Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Levi Stowell - Grand Secretary.
1854.
William H. Howard ^ Grand Master,
N. Greene Curtis Deputy Grand Master,
Rector E. Cole Senior Grand Warden,
Robert N. Wood"^" Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Leyi Stowell ^ Grand Secretary.
1855. ■
William H. Howard ^ Grand Master,
TowNSEND. A. Thomas Deputy Grand Master,
John A. Raymond Senior Grand Warden,
Samuel A. Merritt. Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Levi Stowell ^ Grand Secretary.
1856.
William H. Howard - Grand Master,
John A. Raymond Deputy Grand Master,
Lemuel Lyon Senior Grand Warden,
Philip W. Randle Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
152 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
1857.
N. Greene Curtis Grand Master,
Charles Marsh Deputy Grand Master,
Aaron D. Park Senior Grand Warden,
John B. Bope Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
1858.
N. Greene Curtis Grand Master,
Philip W. Shepheard ^ Deputy Grand Master,
Wm. McCormick Senior Grand Warden,
James W. Bicknell Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
1859.
N. Greene Curtis Grand Master,
Philip W. Shepheard ^ Deputy Grand Master,
Ebenezer Lane Senior Grand Warden,
Thomas P. Hawley Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
i860.
N. Greene Curtis Grand Master,
Philip W. Shepheard ^' Deputy Grand Master,
William C. Belcher Senior Grand Warden,
Alvinza Hayward Junior Grand Warden,
Addison Martin Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
1861.
James Lawrence English Grand Master,
William C. Belcher Deputy Grand Master,
John W. Haryille Senior Grand Warden,
LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS. 153
Caleb E. Wilcoxon Junior Grand Warden,
James Laidley Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell .'. Grand Secretary.
1862.
William Caldwell Belcher Grand Master,
Gilbert B. Claiborne Deputy Grand Master,
John W. Harville Senior Grand Warden,
John B. Hewson Junior Grand Warden,
James Laidley Grand Treasurer,
x\.LEXANDER G. Abell Grand Secretary.
1863.
William Caldwell Belcher Grand Master,
Gilbert B. Claiborne Deputy Grand Master,
Louis Cohn Senior Grand Warden,
William A. Dayies Junior Grand Warden,
James Laidley Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
1864.
William Caldwell Belcher Grand Master,
Gilbert B. Claiborne Deputy Grand Master,
William A. Dayies Senior Grand Warden,
Isaac S. Titus Junior Grand Warden,
James Laidley Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell. Grand Secretary.
1865.
Gilbert B. Claiborne Grand Master,
William A. Dayies Deputy Grand Master,
Isaac S. Titus Senior Grand Warden,
Henry H. Hartley Junior Grand Warden,
James Laidley Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
20
154 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
1866.
GriLBERT B. Claiborne Grand Master,
Henry H. Hartley Deputy Grand Master,
William H. Peterson Senior Grand Warden,
Thos. Beck Junior Grand Warden,
James Laidley Grand Treasurer,
Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary.
GRAND CHAPTER
ROYAL ARCH MASONS.
COlSrSTITUTION
OF THE
M. •.£.-. GRAND CHAPTER
il02itl %Xt)X liaS0ttJS
OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
Of the Organization of the Grand Chapter.
ARTICLE I.
OF ITS TITLE AND SEAL.
Section 1. This Grand Chapter shall be entitled
"The Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons of the State of California," and shall have a
Seal, bearing suitable devices and inscriptions, which
shall be affixed to all instruments issued by or under its
authority.
ARTICLE II.
OF ITS MEMBERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS.
Section 1. This Grand Chapter shall be comprised
of a Grand High Priest, a Deputy Grand High Priest, a
Grand King, a Grand Scribe, a Grand Treasurer, a Grand
Secretary, a Grand Chaplain, a Grand Captain of the
158 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Host, a G-rand Royal Arch Captain, a Grand Guard, and
such other officers as it may hereafter designate ; to-
gether with all Past Grand High Priests, Past Deput}^
Grand High Priests, Past Grand Kings, Past Grand
Scribes, and Past High Priests, by service in this juris-
diction, and the High Priests, Kings, and Scribes of the
several chartered and duly constituted Chapters, or their
regularly appointed proxies.
Sec. 2. Each officer and member of the Grand Chap-
ter must be a member of some Chapter within its juris-
diction ; and with the cessation of such membership
shall cease his office and membership in the G-rand
Chapter.
ARTICLE in.
OF ITS POWERS AND AUTHORITY.
Section 1. This Grand Chapter has the sole govern-
ment and superintendence of all Chapters of Royal Arch
Masons, and Lodges of the Intermediate Degrees, in the
State of California ; with authority to settle controver-
sies that may arise between them ; to assign their limits ;
to prescribe laws and regulations for their government ;
and to review, confirm, or annul their decisions.
Sec. 2. It may grant dispensations and charters for
holding regular Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, and
may revoke, suspend, or annul the same for good cause.
Sec. 3. It may assess and collect, from the several
Chapters under its jurisdiction, such sums of money,
annually, as may be found necessary for its maintenance
and support.
ARTICLE IV.
OF ITS CONVOCATIONS.
Section 1. The Grand Chapter shall hold its annual
convocations for the transaction of its regular business,
at such place as the M.'.W.*. Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of California shall meet,
commencing at 10 o'clock, a.m., on the Monday next sue-
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E.'. GRAND CHAPTER. 159
ceeding the day upon which that Grand Body commenceR
its annual communications.
Sec. 2. The Grand High Priest may call special con-
vocations of the Grand Chapter whenever in his opinion
the welfare of the Order shall require it.
Sec. 3. Special convocations shall be ordered by the
Grand High Priest upon an application therefor in writ-
ing, setting forth the causes which demand it, and signed
by the High Priests of at least five chartered Ciiapters.
Sec. 4. Every order for a special convocation shall
designate the object thereof, so far as is proper to be
written, and shall be issued to each Chapter and Grand
Officer at least thirty days before the day named for
meeting ; and no business shall be transacted thereat,
other than that for which the Grand Chapter was con-
vened.
Sec. 5. There must be at least nine chartered Chap-
ters represented in order to transact any business in the
Grand Chapter, either at an annual or a special convoca-
tion.
xVRTICLE V.
OF ITS ELECTIONS.
Section 1. The officers of the Grand Chapter (except
the Grand Chaplain and the Grand Guard) shall be
chosen by ballot at each annual convocation ; shall be
installed before the close thereof ; and shall hold their
respective offices until their successors are elected and
installed. A majority of all the votes cast shall be
necessary for a choice. The Grand Chaplain shall be
appointed b}'- the Grand High Priest.
Sec. 2. The Grand Guard shall be appointed by the
Grand High Priest, immediately after his installation,
at each annual convocation ; shall be properly invested
before the close thereof ; and shall hold his office during
the will and pleasure of the Grand High Priest.
Sec. 3. Any vacancy in office occurring when the
Grand Chapter is not in session, may be filled by the
160 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Grand High Priest, and the ofj&cer so appointed shall
possess all the powers, and be charged with all the duties
of one regularly elected.
ARTICLE VI.
OF ITS VOTING AND EEPRESENTATION.
Section 1. All questions in the Grand Chapter (ex-
cept elections of officers) shall be decided viva voce, or
by a show of hands, unless, before the announcement of
the result thereof, three members shall demand that the
vote be taken by yeas and nays, in which case it shall
thus be taken. In all cases of a tie vote, except votes
by ballot, the Grand High Priest, in addition to his
proper vote, may have the casting vote.
Sec. 2. Each Grand Officer present (except the Grand
Guard), and each Past Grand High Priest, Past Deputy
Grand High Priest, Past Grand King, and Past Grand
Scribe present, shall be entitled to one vote.
Sec. 3. Each Chapter represented shall be entitled
to three votes ; and the Past High Priests of each Chap.-
ter shall, collectively, be entitled to one vote.
Sec. 4. No Grand Officer, Past Grand Officer, or Past
High Priest, voting, or participating in a vote, in either
of those capacities, shall vote, or participate in a vote, in
any other of them ; but either of such members may,
as High Priest, King, Scribe, or as the proxy of either
or all of them, cast also the vote or votes to which such
position shall entitle him.
ARTICLE VH.
OF ITS COMMITTEES.
Section 1. The following regular committees, to con-
sist of not less than three nor more than five members
each, shall be appointed by the Grand High Priest at
each annual convocation, viz. : On Credentials, on Griev-
ances, on Finances, on New Chapters, on Returns, on
By-laws, on Jurisprudence, and on Correspondence. The
CONSTITUTION OP THE M.'.E. '.GRAND CHAPTER. 161
two last named shall be Standing Committees, and shall
serve d-^ring the year.
Sec. 2. Special Committees may also be appointed
by the Grand High Priest whenever deemed necessary
by the Grand Chapter.
ARTICLE VIII.
OF ITS REVENUES .
Section 1. The revenue of the Grand Chapter shall
be derived from fees charged for dispensations, charters-
diplomas, and other instruments issued under its author-
ity, and from contributions levied upon the Chapters,
which shall always be equal and uniform, in proportion
to their membership and degrees, as follows :
1st. For a dispensation to open a new Chapter, ninety
dollars, of which fifteen dollars shall be the fee of the
Grand Secretary :
2d. For a charter to perpetuate a Chapter, sixty dol-
lars, of which ten dollars shall be the fee of the Grand
Secretary :
3d. For a dispensation to hold an election for an officer
or officers at a time other than that named in this Con-
stitution, five dollars :
4th. For a dispensation to ballot for a candidate for
the degrees, without reference to a committee, five dol-
lars :
5th. For a diploma, five dollars, of which three dollars
shall be the fee of the Grand Secretary :
And in no case shall any of the foregoing documents
be issued until the fees therefor sliall have been paid to
the Grand Secretary.
Sec. 2. The following contributions shall be paid as
annual dues, by each of the Chapters, whether chartered
or under dispensation :
1st. For each Mark Master's, Past Master's, Most Ex-
cellent Master's, and Royal Arch 'Degree, conferred dur-
ing the year, the sum of one dollar :
21
162 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
2d. For each Royal Arch Mason borne upon its roll,
at the date of its annual return, the sum of one dollar ;
and the Grand Chapter may levy, in addition to the
above, such other contributions as, in its judgment, may
be required.
Of the Grand Officers.
ARTICLE IX.
OF THE GRAND HIGH PRIEST.
Section 1. The Grand High Priest shall, at each an-
nual convocation, present a written report of all his offi-
cial acts during the year, and of the condition of Royal
Arch Masonry within his jurisdiction, together with such
recommendations as he shall deem conducive to the pros-
perity and advancement of the Order. From his decis-
ions there shall be no appeal.
Sec. 2. He shall carefully supervise the subordinate
Chapters^ and see that the Constitutions and Regulations
of the General Grand Chapter, as well as those of this
Grand Chapter, are faithfully observed.
Sec. 3. He shall have power, when the Grand Chap-
ter is not in session —
1st. To issue dispensations for the formation of new
Chapters :
2d. To issue dispensations for the election of an officer
or officers of a Chapter at a time other than that named
in this Constitution :
3d. To issue dispensations to ballot for a candidate for
the degrees without reference to a committee :
4th. To convene any Chapter within his jurisdiction,
preside therein, inspect its proceedings, and give such
orders and instructions as he may deem necessary :
5th. To arrest the charter or dispensation of any Chap-
ter, for good reasons shown, and, for proper cause, to
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E. '.GRAND CHAPTER. 163
suspend any High Priest from the functions of his office
until the ensuing annual convocation.
Sec. 4. He shall constitute, either in person or by
proxy, all newly-chartered [^Chapters, and install their
officers.
ARTICLE X.
OF THE DEPUTY GRAND HIGH PRIEST.
Section 1 . The Deputy Grand High Priest shall have
power, during the recess of the Grand Chapter, to grant
dispensations for the formation of new Chapters.
Sec. 2. In the event of the death of the Grand High
Priest, or of his absence from the State, or his inability,
from any cause, to perform the functions of his office,
the Deputy Grand High Priest shall succeed to and be
charged Avith all his powers and duties.
ARTICLE XI.
OF THE GRAND KING AND GRAND SCRIBE.
Section 1. The "Grand King and Grand Scribe, in the
event of the death, absence from the State, or inability,
as before, of both their superiors, shall in the order of
their rank, succeed to and be charged with all the pow-
ers and duties of the Grand High Priest.
Sec. 2. In case all the four principal Grand Officers
shall be absent from any convocation, the Past Grand
Officers of like rank, shall, in the order of their rank and
seniority, be empowered to preside ; and in the event of
the absence of all the Grand and Past Grand Officers,
the High Priest of the oldest Chapters represented,
shall take charge.
ARTICLE XII.
OF THE GRAND TJlEAStFRER.
Section L The Grand Treasurer shall receive all
moneys belonging to the Grand Chapter from the Grand
Secretary, and shall pay the same out under such regu-
164 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
lations as may by it be provided. He shall keep a just
account thereof in proper books, and at each annual
convocation shall present a detailed statement of his
receipts and disbursements, together with proper vouch-
ers for the latter, and a full statement of the existing
condition of the finances.
Sec. 2. He shall execute and file with the Grand
High Priest, within fifteen days after his installation, a
bond, in such penal sum, and with such sureties, as shall
be approved by that officer, conditioned that he will
faithfully discharge his duties, and at the end of his term
of office, pay over and transfer to his successor all funds
or property of the G-rand Chapter which shall have come
into his keeping.
ARTICLE Xni.
OF THE GRAND SECRETARY.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Secre-
tary to record all the transactions of the Grand Chapter
which it is proper to have written, and to superintend
the publication thereof immediately after the close of
each annual convocation. He shall receive, duly file,
and safely keep, all papers and documents addressed or
belonging to the Grand Chapter, and present such as
may require its action, at each convocation. He shall
keep the Seal of the Grand Chapter, and fix the same
w^ith his attestation to all documents emanating from
that body. He shall collect the revenue of the Grand
Chapter, pay it over to the Grand Treasurer, and pre-
sent a detailed report of his receipts and of all business
appertaining to his office, at each annual convocation.
He shall report at each annual convocation all Chapters
which are in arrears to the Grand Chapter, or which
shall have neglected or refused to comply with any
provision of its Constitution or Regulations. He shall
conduct the correspondence of the Grand Chapter, and
submit copies thereof at each annual convocation. He
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E/. GRAND CHAPTER. 165
shall take charge of the jewels, furniture, clothing, and
paraphernalia of the Grand Chapter during its vaca-
tions. He shall report at each annual convocation all
unfinished business, and shall perform such other duties
as may be assigned him by the Grand Chapter or Grand
High Priest.
Sec. 2. He shall receive such compensation for his
services as the Grand Chapter may direct, and shall
execute and file with the Grand High Priest, Avithin
fifteen days after his installation, a bond, in such penal
sum, and with such sureties, as shall be approved by
that ofiicer, conditioned that he will faithfully discharge
the duties of his office, as prescribed by this Constitution.
Relative to Subordinate Chapters.
ARTICLE XIV.
OF THEIR FORMATION.
Section 1. Upon the petition of nine or more Royal
Arch Masons in good standing, the Grand Chapter,
Grand High Priest, or Deputy Grand High Priest, may
issue a Letter of Dispensation authorizing them to form
and open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and Lodges
of the Intermediate Degrees, with power to confer the
several degrees thereof and receive members by affilia-
tion. But no such dispensation shall issue, unless the
petition be accompanied by a recommendation from the
chartered Chapter nearest the location of the proposed
new one, which shall certify to the good standing of each
of the petitioners, and that a suitable place of meeting
has been provided ; and by a certificate from the Grand
Lecturer (if there be one), or from a High Priest Avhom
the Grand High Priest is satisfied is well skilled in the
Royal Art, declaring that the High Priest proposed in
said petition is qualified to properly confer all the Chap-
166 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ter degrees and deliver the lectures thereunto apper-
taining ; nor unless the petition shall also be accompan-
ied by a certificate of withdrawal of each petitioner from
the Chapter of which he was last a member. Such dis-
pensation shall terminate on the first day of the month
in which the next succeeding annual convocation shall
be holden, and then shall be returned to the Grand Sec-
retary, together with the book of records, by-laws, and
returns to that date, when, if the transactions of the new
Chapter shall appear satisfactory to the G-rand Chapter,
it may, upon petition therefor, receive a charter.
Sec. 2. A Chapter shall consist of a High Priest, a
King, a Scribe, a Captain of the Host, a Principal So-
journer, a Royal Arch Captain, three Masters of the
Vails, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a Guard, and such other
officers as its By-laws may provide, together with as
many members as it may find convenient.
ARTICLE XV.
OF THEIE DUTIES.
Section 1. Each Chapter shall have a stated meeting
at least once in every month for the transaction of its
regular business. Special meetings may be ordered by
the Chapter, or by the High Priest, but no business shall
be done thereat, except collections or appropriations for
charity, or conferring of degrees. All business, except
the conferring of degrees, shall be done in a Chapter of
Eoyal Arch Masons.
Sec. 2. Each chartered and duly constituted Chapter
shall be represented in the Grand Chapter at every con-
vocation, by one or more of its proper officers, or by his
or their proxies ; but such proxy or proxies shall be
members of such Chapter.
Sec. 3. Each chartered Chapter shall transmit to the
Grand Secretary a full and correct returns of its trans-
actions for the twelve months next preceding the first
day of August in each year, within fifteen days there-
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E.*. GRAND CHAPTER. 1G7
after, in the form hereinafter provided, and shall accom-
pany such return with payment of its dues to the Grand
Chaptjer.
Sec. 4. Each Chapter shall transmit to the Grand
Secretary a copy of its By-laws, as soon as adopted, but
no such By-laws, nor any subsequent amendment there-
unto, shall be deemed valid, until approved by the Grand
Chapter, though they may be acted under until the next
annual convocation, if approved by the Grand High
Priest.
Sec. 5. Each chartered Chapter shall, within three
months from the date of its charter, provide a suitable
seal, bearing such devices as shall be deemed proper,
and having inscribed thereon the name and number of
the Chapter, the date of its charter, and the place of
its location ; and all documents and papers emanating
from such Chapter, or from its High Priest, or Secre-
tary, in his official capacity, shall bear the impress of
such seal, or be considered null and of no effect.
ARTICLE XVI.
OF THEIR ELECTIONS.
Section 1. The officers of each Chapter (except the
Guard, w^ho shall be appointed by the High Priest) shall
be chosen by ballot, at the stated meeting next preced-
ing the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist ; shall
be installed as soon thereafter as practicable, and shall
hold their respective offices until their successors shall
have been duly elected and installed. A majority of all
the votes cast shall be necessary for a choice.
Sec. 2. In case any Chapter shall fail to hold such
election at the time above specified, upon good cause
being shown therefor, the Grand High Priest may issue
a dispensation to hold such election at another time ;
and in case a vacancy shall at any time occur in either
of the offices of High Priest, King, or Scribe, in any
Chapter, upon proper representation of the necessity
168 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
therefor, the Grand High Priest may issue a dispensa-
tion to fill such vacancy. But, in either of these cases,
such dispensation shall be issued only upon the applica-
tion of the Chapter, setting forth the reasons therefor,
to be approved by two-thirds of the members present at
a stated meeting, and to be properly certified by the
Secretary ; and of the special election which may thus
be ordered the members shall have Hue notice.
Sec. 2. Every member in good standing, and whose
dues are paid, shall be entitled to vote at all elections ;
and ever}^ voter shall be eligible to any office in the
Chapter.
ARTICLE XVII.
OF PROHIBITIONS.
Section 1. No Chapter in this State shall receive an
application for the degrees unless the applicant shall
have resided within its jurisdiction during six months
next preceding the date of his application, except by
permission of the Chapter nearest his place of residence ;
nor shall the application of a rejected candidate for the
degrees be presented to any Chapter within six months
after such rejection, without the unanimous consent of
the Chapter in which he was rejected. All such appli-
cations, as well as those for affiliation, shall be in writing,
signed by the applicant, and recommended by at least
two members of the Chapter.
Sec. 2. No Chapter shall ballot upon such applica-
tion (except by dispensation of the Grand High Priest),
until it shall have been referred to a committee, whose
duty it shall be to make strict examination into the qual-
ifications of the applicant, and to report thereon at the
next stated meeting, unless further time be granted. No
application shall be withdrawn after reference to a com-
mittee, and it shall require a unanimous ballot to elect.
But if one black ball only appear in the ballot-box, the
High Priest, without declaring the result, may order a
second ballot, for the purpose of correcting a possible
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E.'. GRAND CHAPTER. 16;)
mistake, when, if a black ball again be cast, the appli-
cant shall be declared rejected.
Sec. 3. No dispensation shall be issued to a Chapter
to ballot for a candidate for the degrees without the ref-
erence of his petition to a committee, as before, unless
application therefor be made by a majority of the Coun-
cil thereof, and of the issue of such dispensation and its
purpose the members of the Chapter shall have due no-
tice.
Sec. 4. No Chapter shall receive a petition for the
degrees, or for membership, unless the applicant there-
for is a Master Mason, in good standing ; nor shall an
application for affiliation be received unless it be accom-
panied by a certificate of dismissal from the Chapter of
which the applicant was last a member, or a satisfactory
explanation, in writing, of the inability to furnish such
certificate.
Sec. 5. No Chapter shall confer the degrees for a
less sum than fifty dollars ; and in every case the fee for
each, or all of the degrees, as may be regulated by the
Chapter, shall accompany the application.
Sec. 6. No Chapter shall expel a member for the
non-payment of his dues, but any member who shall be
six months in arrears therefor shall be immediately noti-
fied thereof by the Secretary, and if the said dues shall
not be paid at or before the next stated meeting, or some
sufficient reason be presented for such non-payment, he
shall be suspended from all the rights and privileges of
Royal Arch Masonry. Any member thus suspended,
who shall at any time thereafter pay the arrearages due
at the time of his suspension, together w4th such further
dues as would, had he retained his membership, have
accrued against him, to the date of such payment, shall
by that act be restored.
Sec. 7. No Chapter shall receive lectures from any
person who is not duly authorized by the Grand Chap-
ter, or Grand High Priest.
22
no THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Sec. 8. No Chapter which shall have failed to make
its annual returns shall be entitled to representation at
the next annual convocation of the Grand Chapter.
Sec. 9. No person shall be admitted either as a mem-
ber or a visitor in any Chapter, unless he shall have
regularly received the degree of Entered Apprentice,
Fellow- Craft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Past Master,
Most Excellent Master, and the Royal Arch, in just and
legally constituted bodies of such.
Sec. 10. No Chapter, until chartered and duly con-
stituted, shall be entitled to representation in this Grand
Chapter ; but a Chapter under dispensation may send
delegates thereto, who may be admitted to seats and be
permitted to speak, but shall have no vote.
Sec. 11. No Chapter of Royal Arch Masons within
this jurisdiction shall be considered legal without a dis-
pensation or charter from this Grand Chapter ; and no
Masonic communication shall be held with any such
Chapter, or with any person Avho is a member thereof,
or has received the degrees therein.
ARTICLE XVIII.
OF THE DISSOLUTION OF CHAPTERS.
Section 1. The charter of a Chapter may be surren-
dered, if notice shall be given at a stated meeting that a
resolution to that effect will be presented at the next
succeeding one ; and if, at such succeeding meeting,
there shall not be nine members present who oppose
such resolution, it may be surrendered, if it shall be so
ordered by a majorit}^ of those assembled ; but no such
act of surrender shall be considered final until it .shall
have been approved and accepted by the Grand Chapter.
Sec 2. The charter of a Chapter may be forfeited —
1st. By disobedience to any provision of the Consti-
tution or Regulations of this Grand Chapter, or of the
General Grand Chapter :
2d. By disregard to the lawful authority of the Grand
HiQ-li Priest :
CONSTITUTION^ OF THE M.'.E.'. GRAND CHAPTER. 171
3cl. By violation or neglect of the ancient and recog-
nized usages of the Craft :
4th. By a failure to meet during a period of six suc-
cessive months ; or
oth. By a reduction of its members to a less number
than nine.
Sec. 3. In case of the dissolution of a Chapter, the
Grand Secretary, or some companion by him duly author-
ized, shall at once proceed to receive its funds on hand,
collect its outstanding dues, and dispose of its jewels,
furniture, and property of every kind, in such manner
as shall seem to him most judicious : and he shall place
the proceeds thereof, after the payment of the necessary
expenses, among the funds of the G-rand Chapter.
ARTICLE XIX.
OF THE OFFICERS OF CHAPTERS.
Section 1. Each High Priest has it in special charge
to see that the By-laws of his Chapter, and the Consti-
tution and Regulations of the Grand Chapter, as well as
those of the General Grand Chapter are duly observed ;
that accurate records are kept, and just accounts and
proper reports rendered by his officers ; and that regular
returns are annually made to the Grand Chapter at the
time prescribed therefor, with prompt payment of the
annual dues. From his decisions there shall be uo appeal
to the Chapter, but any five members thereof may com-
plain of his decisions or conduct to the Grand Chapter
or Grand High Priest.
Sec. 2. The King and Scribe shall perform the duties
severally assigned them by the traditional usages of the
Order, and, in the absence of the High Priest, shall, in
the order of their rank, succeed to and be charged with
all his powers and duties.
Sec. 3. The Treasurer shall receive from the Secre-
tary all moneys belonging to the Chapter, and shall pay
the same out under such re o: illations, and account there-
172 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
for at such times and in such manner as by it may be
prescribed.
Sec. 4. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record
of all the transactions of the Chapter which should be
written, including a list of the officers and members
present at each meeting ; shall collect the revenue, and
pay it over to the Treasurer ; shall keep correct accounts
of the dues of members ; shall prepare and transmit the
annual returns to the Grand Secretary ; shall keep the
Seal of the Chapter, and affix it to all documents ema-
nating therefrom ; and shall perform such other duties
as may be required of him by the Chapter or High
Priest.
Sec. 5. The other officers shall perform such duties
as traditionally appertain to their respective stations, or
may be assigned them by the Chapter or the High
Priest.
ARTICLE XX.
OF MEMBERSHIP.
Section 1. Membership in a Chapter may be acquired
by having regularly received the degree of Royal Arch
Mason therein ; by having been duly elected for affilia-
tion therewith ; or, by having been named, in a dispen-
sation for a new Chapter, as one of the petitioners there-
for.
Sec. 2. No Royal Arch Mason shall be a member of
more than one Chapter at a time.
Sec. 3. Membership in a Chapter can only be termi-
nated by voluntary withdrawal therefrom ; by the disso-
lution of the Chapter ; or, by death, suspension, or ex-
pulsion.
Sec. 4. A member of a Chapter may withdraw there-
from, unless charges are pending against him, by pay-
ing his dues and notifying the Chapter of such intention
at any stated meeting ; but no recommendatory certifi-
cate shall be issued, unless ordered by a majority of the
members present.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E. '.GRAND CHAPTER. 173
Sec. 5. No member of a Chapter shall be required to
divulge his vote upon a ballot for the degrees or for affili-
ation, nor to assign reasons for such vote, if it be known.
Of Trials^ Appeals^ and Penalties.
ARTICLE XXI.
RELATIVE TO THE GRAND HIGH PRIEST.
Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the
Grand High Priest for abuse of his power, violation of
the Constitution or Regulations of the Grand Chapter,
or other unmasonic conduct, by any five High Priests of
Chapters ; which charges shall be in writing, over their
signatures, and shall be presented to the last Past Grand
High Priest of this Grand Chapter who may be within
the State, and who is a member of a Chapter within its
jurisdiction.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it
shall be the duty of such Past Grand High Priest to
transmit a copy thereof to the accused, if within the
State, at least thirty days, and if without the State, at
least ninety days, before the time designated for the trial,
together with a notification to attend at such time and at
the place he may therein name, Avhich shall be one most
convenient for the parties ; and he shall also summon four
or more other Past Grand High Priests of this State, who
shall be members of Chapters therein, to assemble Avith
him at the time and place designated, and shall notify the
accused thereof.
Sec. 3. The tribunal thus assembled, or any of its
members, shall have power to summon witnesses at the
request of either party ; it shall receive such testimony
as in its judgment shall be proper, and shall determine
finally upon the guilt or innocence of the accused ; and
the opinion of a majority shall be the judgment of the
tribunal, and shall be final.
174 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Sec. 4. The only penalty inflicted shall be depriva-
tion of office ; but, when thus deprived, the adjudged
shall be amenable to his Chapter upon a charge of un-
masonic conduct.
Sec. 5. The G-rand Secretary shall attend at the trial
to keep a record of the proceedings and of the judgment,
which shall be filed in his office, and shall be presented
at the next annual convocation of the Grand Chapter.
Sec. 6. All necessary traveling expenses of the mem-
bers of such tribunal shall be paid by the Grand Chap-
ter.
AETICLE XXII.
RELATIVE TO HIGH PRIESTS .OP CHAPTERS.
Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the
High Priest of a Chapter for abuse of his power, viola-
tion of the Constitution or Regulations, or for unmasonic
conduct of any kind, by any five Royal Arch Masons
in good standing ; which charges shall be in writing, over
their signatures, and shall be presented to the Grand
Chapter, if in session, or to the Grand High Priest dur-
ing the vacation.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, the
Grand Chapter, or the Grand High Priest, as the case
may be, may at once appoint and summon not less than
three nor more than seven disinterested High Priests, to
assemble as Commissioners to hear and determine there-
upon ; and shall then summon the accused to appear and
answer thereunto, at such time and place most conveni-
ent for the parties as shall be indicated in said sum-
mons ; giving him, if within the jurisdiction of his Chap-
ter, at least ten days — if without that jurisdiction and
within the State, at least thirty days — and if without the
State, at least ninety days — to answer thereunto ; and
transmitting to him also a copy of the charges.
Sec. 3. The Commissioners thus assembled shall choose
one of their number to preside ; and they, or any of them,
shall have power to summon witnesses, at the request of
COXSTITUTIOX OF THE M.'.E.'.GRAXP CHAPTER. 175
either party. The witnesses, if Masons, shall testiiy upon
their honor, as such : if not. their depositions shall be
taken, in writing, before an officer legally authorized to
administer oaths ; and. in such case, the party requiring
such depositions shall notify the other of the time and
place when and where they will be taken, that he may,
if he choose, be present thereat.
Sec. 4. The Commissioners may adjourn from time
to time, at their own convenience, or for good cause
shown by either party ; provided., that the period withiu
which their duties shall be concluded shall not exceed
ten days, unless, for sufficient reasons, the Grand High
Priest shall grant them further time.
Sec. 5. The opinion of a majority of the Commis-
sioners shall be deemed the judgment of the whole, and
shall be conclusive, unless an appeal be taken at the next
annual convocation of the Grand Chapter.
Sec. 6. The penalties which may be iniiicted by such
Commissioners may be either deprivation of office, sus-
pension, or expulsion, as in their judgment shall be
deemed proper.
Sec. T. The Commissioners shall keep a complete
record of their proceedings and of their judgment, and
shall transmit the same to the Grand Secretary, at the
conclusion of the trial : and the judgment shall at once
be carried into effect, by order of the Grand High Priest.
Sec. 8. An appeal to the Grand Chapter may be
taken at its next annual convocation, by either party, if
notice thereof be given to the Grand Secretary within
thirty days after the conclusion of the trial.
AETICLE XXIII.
relative to chapters axd aieaibers of differext
chaptei^s.
Sectiox 1. When a controversy shall arise between
Chapters, or between a Chapter and a member or mem-
bers of another Chapter, charges may be preferred by
176 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
either party, if in good standing ; which charges shall
be in writing, and shall be presented to the Grand Chap-
ter, or Grand High Priest, as provided in Sec. 1, Art.
XXII.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, not
less than five nor more than seven Commissioners shall
be appointed and summoned, as provided in Sec. 2, Art.
XXII ; which Commissioners shall be High Priests,
Kings, or Scribes, and shall be selected from at least
three different Chapters not interested in the contro-
versy, and most convenient to the parties ; and the ac-
cused party shall be summoned, with such time to an-
swer as provided in the section and article last quoted.
Sec. 3. The Commissioners shall have power to pro-
ceed, and shall keep a record of the proceedings and
judgment in the same manner as provided in Sec. 7, Art.
XXII, and the penalties which they may inflict may be
any known to Masonic usage ; or, if the case be not one
involving a violation of Masonic duty, the decision may
be such special one as the circumstances shall, in their
judgment, warrant.
Sec. 4. An appeal may be taken by either party to
the Grand Chapter, as provided in Sec. 8, Art. XXII.
ARTICLE XXIV.
relative to royal arch masons individually.
Section 1. When any member of a Chapter (except
its High Priest, or the Grand High Priest), or any Poyal
Arch Mason, residing within its jurisdiction, shall be ac-
cused of unmasonic conduct, charges to that effect may
be preferred by any Poyal Arch Mason in good standing ;
which charges shall be in writing, over his signature,
and shall be presented to the High Priest of the Chap-
ter having jurisdiction thereof.
Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it
shall be the duty of the High Priest, by due notifica-
tion, to call a special meeting of the Chapter as soon as
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E.'.GRAND CHAPTER. 177
practicable, and there cause to be elected, by ballot, and
by a majority of those present, not less than seven nor
more than nine of its members, who shall assemble as
Commissioners, to hear and determine thereupon, at such
time and place convenient to the parties as he shall indi-
cate ; and he shall also summon the accused to appear
and answer thereunto at such time and place ; and shall,
at the same time, cause the Secretary to furnish him with
a copy of the charges, and to notify the accuser of the
said time and place of trial.
Sec. 3. If the accused be w^ithin the jurisdiction of
the Chapter, the summons and copy of the charges shall
be issued at least ten days prior to the day appointed for
the trial, and shall be served personally by the Guard,
or shall be left at his ordinary residence or place of busi-
ness. If he be without the said jurisdiction, but within
the State, and his residence be known, they shall be is-
sued at least thirty days before the day of trial, and shall
be forwarded to his address by the Secretary, by mail or
other usual mode of conveyance, which shall be deemed
sufficient service. If he be without the State, and his
residence be known, they shall be issued at least ninety
days before the trial, and shall be forwarded to his ad-
dress by the Secretary, as before provided, which shall
be sufficient service. If his address is unknown, the High
Priest shall order the trial to proceed at once upon the
testimony, ex 'parte.
Sec. 4. The Commissioners shall assemble at the time
and place appointed, and shall choose one of their num-
ber to preside ; and the Secretary, by order of the High
Priest, shall attend them, to keep a full and correct record
of the proceedings and of the judgment, under their su-
pervision.
Sec. 5. The High Priest shall summon such witnesses,
within the jurisdiction of his Chapter, as may be desired
by either party, and the accused may select any iDrother
in good standing to assist him in his defense. The wit-
23
178 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
nesses, if Masons, shall testify on their honor as such ;
if not, their depositions shall be taken in writing, before
an officer legally authorized to administer oaths ; and, in
such case, the party requiring such depositions shall
notify the other of the time and place when and where
they will be taken, that he may, if he choose, be present
thereat.
Sec. 6. The Commissioners may adjourn from time
to time, at their own convenience, or for sufficient cause
shown by either party ; provided, that the period within
which their duties shall be concluded ^all not exceed,
ten days, unless for good reason shown tne High Priest
shall grant them further time.
Sec. 7. After all the testimony shall have been re-
ceived, the Commissioners shall proceed to deliberate
upon their verdict and sentence, with none present save
themselves and the Secretary, which last shall have no
voice in the proceedings. The judgment of a majority
of the Commissioners shall be taken as the decision of
the whole ; and when the trial is concluded, the Secre-
tary shall make a fair copy of the record and finding, un-
der their supervision, which shall be signed by the chair-
man of such Commission, and attested by the Secretary,
and shall be presented to the High Priest, who, at the
next meeting of his Chapter, shall, in the presence of its
members only, announce the result, and direct the Secre-
tary to record the same as the judgment of the Chapter,
and file the record for safe keeping among its archives.
Sec. 8. The penalties which may be inflicted are rep-
rimand in open Chapter, suspension, or expulsion. If
the sentence be reprimand, the High Priest shall sum-
mon the adjudged to appear at the next stated meeting,
when it shall be carried into effect, in the presence only
of members of the Chapter. If it be suspension or ex-
pulsion, it shall at once go into effect, and the Secretary
shall immediately notify the Grand Secretary thereof;
and it shall be final and conclusive, unless an appeal be
taken to the Grand Chapter.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E/.GRAND CHAPTER. 179
Sec. 9. An appeal may be taken to the Grand Chap-
ter by either party at its next succeeding annual convo-
cation, but not unless a notice of such intended appeal
shall be given to the High Priest within thirty days after
his announcement of the result of the trial ; and in all
cases of expulsion or suspension the High Priest shall
cause the Secretary to prepare a transcript of the recgrd
of trial, and immediately transmit it to the Grand Secre-
tary, together with information of the appeal intended,
if any there be.
ARTICLE XXV.
OF REVISIONS AND RESTORATIONS.
Section 1. All judgment from which an appeal may
be taken, as hereinbefore provided, shall be reviewed in
the Grand Chapter, or before a committee thereof, dur-
ing its session, upon the record sent up, and upon such
other proper documents as may be submitted ; and its
decision shall be final and conclusive.
Sec. 2. All sentences of suspension shall be for an
indefinite period ; and a Chapter may, at any stated meet-
ing, by the votes of two-thirds of the members present,
annul any such sentence of suspension pronounced by
itself, and restore the Mason thus suspended to all his
Masonic rights ; provided, that a notice of a resolution
for such restoration shall have been given at the stated
meeting next preceding. And in case of such restora-
tion, the Secretary shall at once notify the Grand Secre-
tary thereof.
Sec. 3. The Grand Chapter may, at any annual convoca-
tion, if good cause therefor be shown, restore a Mason who
has been suspended or expelled within its jurisdiction ;
but such restoration shall not restore him to membership
in the Chapter by which he was suspended or expelled.
Sec. 4. No suspension, expulsion, or restoration shall
be published otherwise than as hereinbefore provided,
except by authority of the Grand Chapter, or by order
of the Grand High Priest.
180 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Of Amendments and Obligations of Office.
ARTICLE XXVI.
OF AMENDMENTS.
Section 1. This Constitution may be altered or
amended at any annual convocation of the Grrand Chap-
ter by a vote of two-thirds of the members present ;
but no alteration or amendment shall be acted upon until
after its reference to the Committee on Jurisprudence,
who shall report thereon as soon as practicable.
ARTICLE XXVII.
OF obligations OF OFFICE.
Section 1. All officers of the G-rand Chapter and of
its subordinates, before entering upon the duties of their
respective stations, shall . take a solemn obligation that
they will maintain and support the Constitution and
Regulations of the General Grand Chapter of the United
States of America, and of the Grand Chapter of the State
of California.
GENERAL REGULATIONS.
1. The Degree of Past Master must be conferred upon
all candidates who have previously had the degree con-
ferred upon them in a convocation of Past Masters, by
virtue of an election to preside over a Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons.
2. All the Chapters under this jurisdiction are re-
quired, in the conferring of degrees, to conform to the
ritual adopted by the Grand Chapter, at its special con-
vocation in September, 1855.
3. Every Mark Master attached to a Chapter under
GENERAL REGULATIONS. 181
this jurisdiction, must, Avithin six months after his admis-
sion, select his Mark, and record the same in a Book of,
Marks, kept b}^ the Chapter for that purpose ; and it is
made the special duty of the Secretary of each Chapter
to see that this regulation is complied with.
4. The term " nearest Chapter," used in the Consti-
tution, means the nearest by geographical measurement.
5. No Masonic communication shall he held with a
Royal Arch Mason who stands suspended as a Master
Mason, for any cause.
6. Each Chapter under this jurisdiction shall pay,
in addition to its annual dues, the sum of one dollar for
each Royal Arch Mason borne upon its roll at the date
of its annual report, which additional assessment shall be
used as a fund to defray the actual expenses of one dele-
gate from each Chapter represented at the annual con-
vocations of the Grand Chapter, the same to be appor-
tioned by a special committee appointed for that purpose.
7. Whenever two or more Chapters exist in any city
or town within this jurisdiction, it shall be the duty of
such Chapters to notify the other or others existing in
the same place of all applications presented to it for the
degrees.
EULES OP OEDEK
K^n& €iltaptf« 0i ^^AUfatnim,
1
Rule 1. When the Grand Chapter shall have assem-
bled, the Grand Secretary shall call the roll of its mem-
bers, and if a sufficient number of Chapters are repre-
sented, the Grand Chapter shall be opened. The Grand
High Priest shall then appoint a Committee on Creden-
tials, and no further business shall be transacted until
after its report shall have been received.
Rule 2. After the reception of the report on Cre-
dentials, the proceedings of the preceding convocation
shall be read by the Grand Secretary, unless their read-
ing be dispensed with ; the address of the Grand High
Priest, and the reports of the Deputy Grand High
Priest, Grand Secretary, and Grand Treasurer, shall be
presented, and appropriately referred, in the order here
named ; and the Grand High Priest shall appoint the
regular committees, to whom all papers then in the hands
of the Grand Secretary requiring such reference, shall
be at once referred. The Committee on Correspondence
shall then present its annual report.
Rule 3. After the business of the convocation is thus
begun, the regular order for each session, during its con-
tinuance, shall be as follows :
1. Reading of the minutes of the last session.
2. Report of the Committee on Credentials.
RULES OF ORDER OF THE M.'.E. '.GRAND CHAPTER. 183
3. Reception and action upon, or, reference of peti-
tions, memorials, and appeals.
4. Reports of regular and special committees, and ac-
tion thereupon.
5. Motions, resolutions, and other business.
Rule 4. All reports submitted, all petitions, memo-
rials, or appeals presented, and all orders, motions, or
resolutions, shall be in writing, and shall be read by the
Grand Secretary, before any action is taken thereupon.
Rule 5. No motion to reconsider shall be entertained,
unless made during the same session when the question
proposed to be reconsidered was decided, nor unless such
motion be made by one who voted with the majority upon
that question.
Rule 6. When a day and hour shall have been named
for the election of G-rand Officers, such election shall, at
that time, take precedence of all other business, unless
the Grand Chapter, by a two-thirds vote, shall otherwise
direct.
Rule 1. These rules shall only be suspended by unan-
imous consent, but may at any time be amended by a vote
of two-thirds of the members present.
184
THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
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LIST OF SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS.
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24
GKAND OFFICEES
ELECTED SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND CHAP-
TER OF CALIFORNIA, JULY 28th, A.L 2384.
/
1854.
Charles M. Radcliff Grand High Priest,
John D. Creigh Deputy Grand High Priest,
A. B. Hoy Grand King,
Hugh G. Platt Grand Scribe.
1855.
John Dunbar Creigh Grand High Priest,
Isaac Davis Deputy Grand High Priest,
William W. Traylor Grand King,
Leverett Bradley Grand Scribe.
1856.
Orange H. Dibble Grand High Priest,
William W. Traylor Deputy Grand High Priest,
Whiting G. West Grand King,
James A. Jackson Grand Scribe.
1857.
William W. Traylor Grand High Priest,
Thomas H. Caswell Deputy Grand High Priest,
Whiting G. West Grand King,
James A. Jackson Grand Scribe.
LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS. 187
1858.
Thomas H. Caswell Grand High Priest,
Whiting G. West Deputy Grand High Priest,
James A. Jackson Grand King,
Henry Hare Hartley Grand Scribe.
1859.
Whiting G. West Grand High Priest,
Henry Hare Hartley Deputy Grand High Priest,
Aaron D. Park Grand King,
Lewis Reynolds Grand Scribe.
i860.
Henry Hare Hartley Grand High Priest,
Adolphus Hollub Deputy Grand High Priest,
James W. Bicknell Grand King,
Ezra Howard Yan Decar Grand Scribe.
1861.
Henry Hare Hartley Grand High Priest,
Adolphus Hollub Deputy Grand High Priest,
Ezra Howard Yan Decar Grand King,
John Kirkpatrick Grand Scribe.
1862.
Adolphus Hollub , Grand High Priest,
Ezra H. Yan Decar Deputy Grand High Priest,
John Kirkpatrick ^ Grand King,
Charles Marsh Grand Scribe.
1863.
Ezra Howard Yan Decar Grand High Priest,
John Kirkpatrick Deputy Grand High Priest,
Charles Marsh Grand King,
William A. Davies Grand Scribe.
188 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
1864.
Isaac Dayis Grand High Priest,
John Kirkpatrick Deputy Grand High Priest,
Charles Marsh Grand King,
William A. Davies Grand Scribe.
1865.
John Kirkpatrick Grand High Priest,
Charles Marsh Deputy Grand High Priest,
William A. Davies Grand King,
Isaac S. Titus '... . Grand Scribe.
1866.
Charles Marsh. Grand High Priest,
William A. Davies Deputy Grand High Priest,
Isaac S. Titus Grand King,
John W. Harville Grand Scribe.
GRAND COUNCIL
ROYAL AID SELECT MASTERS.
/
CONSTITUTION
M.-. P. -.GRAND COUNCIL
0pl itttd ^tUti "^uUv^,
OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
AS REVISED AND ADOPTED MAY, A. DEP. 2862.
Relative to the Grand Council.
ARTICLE I.
OF ITS TITLE AND SEAL.
Section 1. This body shall be entitled "The Grand
Council op Royal and Select Masters of the State
OF California," and shall have a Seal, bearing suitable
devices and inscriptions, which shall be affixed to all
instruments issued by or under its authority.
ARTICLE II.
OF ITS OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
Section 1. The Grand Council shall be composed of
192 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
a Grand Master, a Deputy Grand Master, a Grand Illus-
trious Master, a Grand Principal Conductor of the Works,
a Grand Treasurer, a Grand Recorder, a Grand Captain
of the Guard, a Grand Chaplain, a Grand Steward, a
Grand Sentinel ; all Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy
Grand Masters, Past Grand Illustrious Masters, Past
Grand Principal Conductors of the Work ; all Thrice
Illustrious Masters, Deputy Illustrious Masters, and Prin-
cipal Conductors of the Work for the time being, of the
several Councils under its jurisdiction, and all Past Thrice
Illustrious Masters of such Councils, so long as all such
officers and past officers remain members of any Council
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council.
ARTICLE III.
OF ITS POWERS AND AUTHORITY.
Section 1. This Grand Council has the sole govern-
ment and superintendence of all Councils under its juris-
diction, with authority to settle all controversies that may
arise between them, to assign their limits, to prescribe
laws and regulations for their government, and to re-
view, confirm, or annul their decisions.
Sec. 2. It shall have power to grant dispensations
and charters for holding regular Councils within the
State of California, or in any other State or Territory in
which there is no Grand Council established, and may
revoke, suspend, or annul the same.
Sec. 3. It may assess and collect from the several
Councils under its jurisdiction such sums of money, annu-
ally, as may be found necessary for its maintenance and
support.
ARTICLE IV.
OF ITS ASSEMBLIES.
Section 1. The Grand Council shall hold its Annual
Assemblies at the same place in which the Grand Chap-
ter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California shall
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.P.'.GRAND COUNCIL. 193
annually convene, and on the day preceding such Annual
Convocation. Special Assemblies maybe ordered by the
Grand Master, at his discretion, or whenever desired by
a majority of the Councils under this jurisdiction ; but
no business shall be transacted thereat other than that
specified in such order.
ARTICLE V.
OF ITS ELECTIONS.
Section 1. The first six officers of the Grand Council
shall be chosen by ballot at each Annual Assembly : shall
be duly installed before the close thereof : and shall hold
their respective offices until their successors are elected
and installed. A majority of all the votes cast shall be
necessary for a choice. The remaining officers shall be
appointed by the Grand Master. Any vacancy in office
occurring when the Grand Council is not in session may
be filled by the Grand Master ; and the officer so ap-
pointed shall possess all the powers and be charged with
all the duties of one regularly elected.
ARTICLE VI.
OF PROXIES.
Section 1. Each Thrice Illustrious Master, Deputy Il-
lustrious Master, and Principal Conductor of the Works
of the Subordinate Councils under this jurisdiction, may
appear and vote by proxy, but such proxy must be a
member of the same Council with his principal.
ARTICLE VII.
OF VOTING.
Section 1. Each member of the Grand Council pres-
ent shall be entitled to one vote, and all questions shall
be determined by a majority of votes. In all cases of a
tie vote, except votes by ballot, the Grand Master, in ad-
dition to his proper vote, may have the casting vote.
25
194 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE VIIL
OF REVENUE.
Section 1. The revenue of the Glrand Council shall
be derived from the following sources :
For every dispensation to form a new Council, the sum
of seventy-five dollars, of which ten dollars shall be the
fee of the Grand Recorder ;
For every charter to perpetuate a new Council, the
sum of twenty-five dollars, of which five dollars shall be
the fee of the Grand Recorder ;
For each companion received and greeted, the sum of
fifty cents ; and
For each member borne upon the rolls of the subordi-
nate Councils at the date of their annual returns, the
sum of fifty cents.
ARTICLE IX.
OF c ommittees.
Section 1. The following regular committees, to con-
sist of three members each, shall be appointed by the
Grand Master at each Annual Assembly, viz. : On Cre-
dentials, on Reports of the Grand Officers, on Appeals
and Grievances, on Finances and Returns, and on New
Councils.
Of the Grand Offi cer s .
ARTICLE X.
OF THE GRAND MASTER.
Section 1 . The Grand Master shall have power, w^hen
the Grand Council is not in session, to issue dispensations
for the formation of new Councils, and shall, either in
person or by proxy, constitute all new Councils, when
chartered, and install their officers. He may visit and
preside in any Council within his jurisdiction, inspect its
CONSTITUTION OP THE M/. P. -.GRAND COUNCIL. 195
proceedings, and require its conformity to Masonic rule ;
and, during the recess of the Grand Council, may exer-
cise all its executive functions.
ARTICLE XI.
OF THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, THE GRAND ILLUSTRIOUS
MASTER, AND THE GRAND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE
WORKS.
Section 1. In case of the death of the Grand Master,
his absence from the State, or of his inability from any
cause to perform the functions of his office, the Deputy
Grand Master, the Grand Illustrious Master, and the
Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, shall, in the
order of their rank, succeed to and be charged with all
the duties of that office.
ARTICLE XII.
OF THE GRAND TREASURER.
Section 1. The Grand Treasurer shall receive all
moneys belonging to the Grand Council from the Grand
Recorder, and shall pay the same out under such regula-
tions as by it may be provided. He shall keep a just ac-
count thereof in proper books, and at each Annual As-
sembly shall present a detailed statement of his receipts
and disbursements, together with vouchers for the last,
and a full statement of the existing condition of the
finances.
ARTICLE XIII.
OF THE GRAND RECORDER.
Section 1. The Grand Recorder shall keep an accu-
rate record of all the transactions of the Grand Council
which should be written. He shall collect the revenue,
and pay it over to the Grand Treasurer. He shall pre-
sent a detailed report of his receipts and of all business
appertaining to his office, at each Annual Assembly. He
shall keep the Seal of the Grand Council, and shall affix
it with his attestation, to all instruments emanating from
196 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
that body, and to all dispensations issued by the Grand
Master. He shall report at each Annual Assembly all
unfinished business ; shall conduct the correspondence
of the Grand Council ; and shall perform such other du-
ties as may be assigned him by the Grand Council or
Grand Master. He shall receive such compensation for
his services as the Grand Council may direct.
Of Subordinate Councils.
ARTICLE XIV.
OF THEIR FORMATION.
Section 1. Upon the petition of nine or more Royal
Select Masters, in good standing, the Grand Council, or
the Grand Master, may issue a Letter of Dispensation,
authorizing them to form and open a Council of Royal
and Select Masters, and to hold the same until the next
Annual Assembly. But no such dispensation shall issue
unless the petition be accompanied by a recommendation
from the Council nearest or most convenient to the loca-
tion of the proposed new one, which shall certify to the
good standing of each of the petitioners, to the proper
qualifications of the officers whom they have nominated,
and that a suitable place of assembling has been pro-
vided. The dispensation, thus issued, shall be returned
at the next Annual Assembly, together with the Book of
Records, By-laws, and Returns, when, if the transactions
of the New Council shall appear satisfactory, it may,
upon petition, receive a charter.
Sec. 2. A Council shall consist of a Thrice Illustri-
ous Master, a Deputy Illustrious Master, a Principal
Conductor of the Works, a Treasurer, a Recoisder, a
Captain of the Guards, a Conductor, a Marshal, a Stew-
ard, a Sentinel, and as many members as may be found
convenient.
CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.P.'.GRAND COUNCIL. 197
ARTICLE XV.
OF THEIR DUTIES.
Section 1. Each Council shall hold a stated assembly
at least once in each month for the transaction of its reg-
ular business. Special meetings may be ordered by the
Thrice Illustrious Master, at his discretion. A failure to
assemble for six successive months shall be deemed suf-
ficient cause for the arrest or revocation of the charter.
Sec. 2. The first five officers of each Council shall be
chosen by ballot at the stated meeting next preceding
the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, and shall be
installed as soon thereafter as convenient. A majority
of all the votes cast shall be necessary for a choice.
The other officers shall be appointed by the Thrice Il-
lustrious Master.
Sec. 3. The returns of each Council shall be made
up to and including the last day of February in each
year, and shall be forwarded within fifteen days there-
after, with the annual dues, to the G-rand Recorder.
Sec. 4. The returns to the Grand Council shall con-
tain the names of all the members, alphabetically ar-
ranged, the names of the Lodges and Chapters of which
they may be members, the names of the Councils to
which those who have affiliated during the year last be-
longed, and such other particulars as may be prescribed
by the Grand Recorder.
ARTICLE XVI.
OF FEES AND DUES.
Section 1. No Council under this jurisdiction shall
confer the degrees for a less sum than fifteen dollars,
w^hich fee must invariably accompany the petition. The
dues of the members of each Council shall be such as
may be provided in its By-laws, and the non-payment of
such dues for a period of twelve months, unless a good
reason therefor be shown, shall be punished by suspen-
sion.
198 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ARTICLE XVII.
OF PROHIBITIONS.
Section 1. No Council shall confer the degrees of
Royal and Select Master upon an}^ one who is not a
Royal Arch Mason in good standing.
Sec. 2. There shall not be a greater number of Coun-
cils established in this State than there are Royal Arch
Chapters, nor more than one Council within the jurisdic-
tion of a Chapter. /
ARTICLE XYIIL
OP truls and appeals.
Section 1. The mode of proceeding in all trials, shall,
as nearly as may be, be that which is now or may here-
after be prescribed in the Regulations of the Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of this State ; and
appeals from the results of such trials may, in like man-
ner as is directed by the Grand Lodge, be made to and
adjudicated by the Grand Council.
ARTICLE XIX.
Section 1. This Constitution may be altered or amend-
ed at any Annual Assembly by the votes of two-thirds of
the members present.
LIST OF SUBORDINATE COUNCILS.
199
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GRAND COMMANDERY
OF
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.
STATUTES
^xmA (^mmmAix^ of ^wxqW ©mplat;,
STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
CHAPTER I.
RELATIVE TO THE GRAND COMMANDERY.
I.
Of its Title and Seal.
This body shall be entitled " The Grand Commandery
OF Knights Templar of the State of California"; and
shall have a Seal, bearing suitable devices and inscrip-
tions, which shall be affixed to all instruments issued by
or under its authority.
II.
Of its Officers and Members,
The Grand Commandery shall be composed of a Grand
Commander (whose address is Bight Eminent) ; a Dep-
uty Grand Commander (whose address is Very Eminent) ;
a Grand Generalissimo ; a Grand Captain General ; a
Grand Prelate ; a Grand Senior Warden ; a Grand Jun-
ior Warden ; a Grand Treasurer ; a Grand Recorder ; a
204 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Grand Standard Bearer ; a Grand Sword Bearer ; a
Grand Warder (whose several addresses are Eminent) ;
a Grand Captain of the Guards (the Sentinel) ; all Past
Grand Commanders, Past Deputy Grand Commanders,
Past Grand Generalissimos, and Past Grand Captains
General of this Grand Commandery ; all Past Command-
ers, by service, of chartered Commanderies under its
jurisdiction; and the Commanders, Generalissimos, and
Captains General, for the time, of the several chartered
and duly constituted Commanderies subordinate thereto.
III.
Of Qualifications for Office or Membership.
Every officer and member of the Grand Commandery
must be a member of some Commandery under its juris-
diction ; and with the suspension or cessation of such
membership, shall cease his office and membership in
the Grand Commandery.
IV.
Of its Powers and Authority.
The Grand Commandery derives all its powers from
the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the
United States of America, to the Constitution and Reg-
ulations of which its obedience is ever due. Under
these powers it has authority over all Commanderies
and Knights Templar within the State of California.
It may grant Dispensations and Charters for forming
and holding Commanderies therein, and, at its pleasure,
may arrest, suspend, or revoke them. It may enact such
statutes and pass such orders, for its own government
and for that of its subordinates and the Knights within
its jurisdiction, as shall not conflict with the Constitution
and Regulations of the Grand Encampment ; may alter,
amend, or annul the same ; and may exercise all other
authority which shall be deemed necessary for the good
STATUTES OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY. 205
of the Order in this State, and which shall be in con-
formity with its precepts and the Constitution and Reg-
ulations of the Grand Encampment.
Of its Conclaves.
The Grand Commandery shall hold an Annual Con-
clave, for the transaction of its regular business, at the
City of San Francisco, commencing on the second Tues-
day in November, at 10 o'clock, a.m. Special Conclaves
may be ordered by the Grand Commander, at his discre-
tion, but no business shall be transacted thereat other
than that specified in such order.
VI.
Of its Elections.
The officers of the Grand Commandery shall be chosen
by ballot at each Annual Conclave ; shall be duly installed
before the close thereof ; and shall hold their respective
offices (except as hereinbefore provided) until their suc-
cessors are elected and installed. A majority of all the
votes cast shall be necessary for a choice. Any vacancy
in office occurring when the Grand Commandery is not
in Conclave, may be filled by the Grand Commander ;
and the officer so appointed shall possess all the pow-
ers and be charged with all the duties of one regularly
elected.
VII.
Of Proxies.
Any member of the Grand Commandery, except Past
Commanders and the Grand Captain of the Guards, may
appear and vote by proxy ; but such proxy must, at the
time of service, be a member of the same Commandery
as his principal, and must present a properly authentica-
ted certificate of his appointment.
206 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
VIII.
Of Voting.
Each member of the Grand Commandery present shall
be entitled to one vote, and all questions shall be deter-
mined by a majority of votes. In case the votes are
equally divided, the Grand Commander, in addition to
his proper vote, shall giA^e the casting vote.
IX.
Of Revenue.
The revenue of the Grand Commandery shall be de-
rived from fees charged for Dispensations, Charters,
Diplomas, and other instruments issued under its author-
ity, as follows :
1. For a Dispensation, one hundred and twenty-five
dollars, of which fifteen dollars shall be the fee of the
Grand Recorder :
2. For a Charter, seventy-five dollars, of which fifteen
dollars shall be the fee of the Grand Recorder :
3. For a Diploma, five dollars, of which three dollars
shall be the fee of the Grand Recorder :
And from the following contributions levied upon the
several Commanderies —
1. For each Order of the Red Cross conferred, two
dollars :
2. For each Order of the Temple conferred, three dol-
lars :
3. For each Knight Templar borne upon the rolls at
the date of the annual returns, one dollar.
X.
Of Committees.
The following regular committees, to consist of three
members each, shall be appointed by the Grand Com-
mander at each Annual Conclave, viz. : On Credentials,
STATUTES OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY. 207
on Reports of the Grand Officers, on Appeals and Griev-
ances, on Finances and Accounts, on New Commanderies,
and on Returns of Subordinates. The Grand Commander
may also appoint such special committees, at any Con-
clave, as may be deemed expedient by the Grand Com-
mandery.
CHAPTER II.
RELATIVE TO THE GRAND OFFICERS.
XI.
Of the Grand Commander.
The Grand Commander shall, at each Annual Conclave,
present a written report of all his official acts during
the year, and of the condition of the Order within his
jurisdiction, together with such recommendations as he
shall deem conducive to its prosperity and advancement.
He shall have a watchful supervision over the subordi-
nate Commanderies, and shall carefully see that the Con-
stitution and Regulations of the Grand Encampment,
and the Statutes and Orders of the Grand Commandery,
are duly and promptly observed. He shall have power,
when the Grand Commandery is not in conclave, to issue
Dispensations for the formation of new Commanderies,
as hereinafter provided ; and shall, either in person or
by proxy, constitute all new Commanderies, when char-
tered, and install their officers. He may, for good reasons
shown, issue Special Dispensations to Commanderies, au-
thorizing them to hold elections of officers at times other
than that named in the twentieth of these Statutes ; to re-
ceive and act again upon the petitions of rejected appli-
cants for the Orders of Knighthood, within a less period
than the twelve months prescribed in the twenty-second
of these Statutes ; to ballot for and confer the orders upon
candidates, without the reference of their petitions to
committees ; and to do such other things, not specifically
208 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
provided for, as shall not be repugnant to or inconsistent
with the general regulations of the Order. He may order
Special Conclaves, at his discretion,*specifying the object
thereof. He may visit and preside in any Commandery
within his jurisdiction, and give such orders and instruc-
tions as he may deem necessary, and as shall not be in-
consistent with the enactments of the Grand Encamp-
ment and Grand Commandery. He may arrest the
Charter or Dispensation of any Commandery for good
reasons shown, and for proper cause may suspend any
Commander from the functions of his office until the next
Annual Conclave. It shall be his duty, either in person
or by proxy, to attend all meetings of the Grand En-
campment ; and there shall be no appeal to the Grand
Commandery from his decisions.
XII.
Of the Deputy Grand Commander.
The Deputy Grand Commander, in the absence of the
Grand Commander from any conclave, shall take com-
mand ; and, in the event of the death, absence from the
State, or inability to serve, from any cause, of the Grand
Commander, he shall succeed to and be charged with all
the powers and duties of that officer. At all other times
he shall perform such duties as may be assigned him by
the Grand Commandery or Grand Commander ; and he
is required, either in person or by proxy, to attend all
meetings of the Grand Encampment.
XIII.
Of the Grand Generalissimo and the Grand Captain General.
The Grand Generalissimo and Grand Captain General,
in the absence of their superiors from any conclave,
shall severally take command, in the order of their rank ;
and in the event of the death, removal from the State,
or inability to serve, from any cause, of their superiors.
STATUTES OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY. 209
shall in like manner succeed to and be charged with all
the powers and duties of the Grand Commander. At
all other times they shall perform such duties as may be
assigned them by the Grand Commandery or Grand
Commander ; and they are required, either in person or
by proxy, to attend all meetings of the Grand Encamp-
ment.
Of the Grand Treasurer.
The Grand Treasurer shall receive all moneys belong-
ing to the Grand Commandery from the Grand Recorder,
and shall pay the same out under such regulations as by
it may be provided. He shall keep a just record thereof
in proper books, and at each Annual Conclave shall pre-
sent a detailed account of his receipts and disbursements,
together with vouchers for the last, and a full statement
of the existing condition of the finances. He shall exe-
cute and file with the Grand Recorder, within fifteen
days after his installation, a bond, in such terms, in such
penal sum, and with such sureties, as shall be approved
by the Grand Commander, conditioned that he will faith-
fully discharge the duties of his office.
XV.
Of the Grand Recorder.
The Grand Recorder shall keep an accurate record of
all the transactions of the Grand Commandery, which
should be written. He shall collect the revenue, and
pay it over to the Grand Treasurer. He shall present a
detailed report of his receipts, and of all business apper-
taining to his office, at each Annual Conclave. He shall,
as soon as practicable, after each Annual Conclave, trans-
mit copies of the transactions thereat to the Grand Mas-
ter of the Order, the Grand Recorder of the Grand
Encampment, the Grand Recorders of the several Grand
Commanderies under the jurisdiction of that body, and
27
210 THE CALIFORNIA, DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
the Recorders of the several Commanderies within this
jurisdiction. He shall keep the Seal of the Grand Com-
mandery, and shall affix it, with his attestation, to all
instruments emanating from that body, and to all Dis-
pensations issued by the Grand Commander. He shall
conduct the correspondence of the Grand Commandery,
and shall present at each Annual Conclave a summary
of such proceedings of other Grand Commanderies as
may have come into his possession. He shall report at
each Annual Conclave all unfinished business, and shall
perform such other duties as may be assigned him by
the Grand Commandery or Grand Commander. He
shall receive such compensation for his services as the
Grand Commandery may direct ; and shall execute and
file with the Grand Treasurer, within fifteen days after
his installation, a bond, in such terms, in such penal
sum, and with such sureties, as shall be approved by the
Grand Commander, conditioned that he will faithfully
discharge the duties of his office.
XVI.
Of the other Grand Officers.
The duties of the remaining Grand Officers shall be
such as traditionally appertain to their respective sta-
tions, and shall correspond, as nearly as may be, to those
of the officers of similar rank in the Grand Encampment.
In case all the four principal Grand Officers shall be ab-
sent from any conclave, the Past Grand Officers of like
rank, shall, in the order of their rank and seniority, be
empowered to take command.
STATUTES OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY. 211
CHAPTER III.
RELATIVE TO SUBORDINATE COMMANDERIES.
XVII.
Of their Formation.
Upon the petition of nine or more Knights Templar,
in good standing, the Grand Commandery, or the Grand
Commander, may issue a Letter of Dispensation, author-
izing them to form and open a Commandery of Knights
Templar, and to hold the same until the next Annual
Conclave. But no such dispensation shall issue unless
the petition be accompanied by a recommendation from
the Commandery nearest the location of the proposed
new one, which shall certify to the good standing of each
of the petitioners, to the proper qualifications of the
officers whom they have nominated, and that a suitable
place of assembling has been provided. The dispensa-
tion, thus issued, shall be returned at the next Annual
Conclave, together with the Books of Records, By-laws,
and Returns, when, if the transactions of the new Com-
mandery shall appear satisfactory, it may, upon petition,
receive a Charter.
XVIII.
Of whom Composed.
A Commandery consists of a Commander (whose ad-
dress is Eminent)^ a Generalissimo, a Captain General, a
Prelate, a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer,
a Recorder, a Standard Bearer, a Sword Bearer, a Warder,
a Captain of the Guards (the Sentinel), three Guards,
and as many members as may be found convenient for
work or discipline.
XIX.
Of Assemblies.
Each Commandery should hold a stated Assembly at
least once in each month, for the transaction of its reg-
212 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
ular business. Special meetings may be ordered by the
Commander, at his discretion, but no business shall be
done thereat other than that specified in the order. A
failure to assemble for six successive months, shall be
deemed sufficient cause for the arrest or revocation of
its Charter.
XX.
Of Elections.
The officers of each Commandery (except the Sentinel
and Guards, who shall be appointed by the Commander),
shall be chosen by ballot at the first stated Assembly in
the month of March in each year, and shall be installed
before or at the next stated Assembly. A majority of
all the votes cast shall be necessary for a choice.
XXI.
Of Voting.
All questions in a Commandery shall be determined
by a majority of votes. Each member present shall be
entitled to one vote, and when the votes are equally
divided (except in elections), the Commander shall, in
addition, have the casting vote.
XXII.
Of Qualifications for the Order.
No Commandery shall confer an Order of Knighthood
upon any one who is not a regular oyal Arch Mason,
according to the requirements of the General Grand
Chapter of the United States of America, nor unless he
shall have produced evidence of his good standing at
the time of application ; and no application for the
Orders shall be received by any Commandery, from one
who within twelve months next preceding shall have
been rejected by any Commandery (unless by dispensa-
tion from the Grand Commander), nor unless the appli-
cant shall have resided one year next preceding in this
STATUTES OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY. 213
State, and three months next preceding within its juris-
diction, except by permission of the Commandery near-
est his place of residence.
XXIII.
Of Fees and Dues.
No Commandery shall confer the several Orders of
Knighthood for a less fee than sixty dollars, and no appli-
cation therefor shall be received unless accompanied by
such fee. The dues of the members of each Command-
ery shall be such as may be provided in its By-laws, and
the non-payment of such dues for a period of six months,
unless good reason therefor be shown, shall be punished
by suspension.
XXIV.
Of the Commander.
Each Commander has it in special charge to see that
the By-laws of his Commandery, the Statutes and Orders
of the Grand Commandery, and the Constitution and Reg-
ulations of the Grand Encampment, are duly observed
by the Knights under his command ; that accurate rec-
ords are kept, and just accounts and proper reports
rendered by his officers ; and that regular returns are
annually made to the Grand Commandery at the time
prescribed therefor, with prompt payment of the annual
dues. From his decisions there shall be no appeal to
the Commandery, but any five members thereof may
complain of his decisions or conduct to the Grand Com-
mandery or Grand Commander. It shall be his duty,
either in person or by proxy, to attend all conclaves of
the Grand Commandery.
XXV.
Of the Generalissimo and Captain General.
The Generalissimo and Captain General shall perform
the duties severally assigned them by the traditional
214 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
usages of the Order ; and, in the absence of the Com-
mander, shall, in the order of their rank, succeed to and
be charged with all his powers and duties. It shall be
the duty of both, either in person or by proxy, to attend
all Conclaves of the Grand Commandery. In the absence
of all the three principal officers, the Past CommanderSj
in the order of their seniority, may take command.
XXVI.
Of the Treasurer and Recorder.
The Treasurer shall receive from the Recorder and
safely keep all moneys belonging to the Commandery ;
and shall pay the same out under such regulations, and
account therefor at such times and in such manner, as
by it may be prescribed. The Recorder shall keep an
accurate record of all the transactions of the Command-
ery, which should be written, including a list of the offi-
cers, members, and visitors present at each Assembly ;
shall collect the revenue and pay it over to the Treas-
urer ; shall keep correct accounts of the dues of mem-
bers ; shall prepare and transmit the annual returns to
the Grand Recorder ; shall keep the seal of the Com-
mandery, and affix it to all documents emanating there-
from ; and shall perform such other duties as may be
required of him by the Commandery or Commander.
XXVII.
Of Beturns.
The returns of each Commandery shall be made up to
the first day of October in each year, in such form as
shall be prescribed by the Grand Commandery ; and
shall immediately be forwarded to the Grand Recorder,
with the dues as hereinbefore provided.
STATUTES OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY. 215
CHAPTER TV.
MISCELLANEOUS.
XXVIII.
Trials and Appeals.
The mode of proceeding in all trials shall, as nearl}^ as
may be, be that which is now or may hereafter be pre-
scribed in the Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of this State ; and appeals from
the results of such trials may, in like manner as is di-
rected by the Grand Lodge, be made to and adjudicated
by the Grand Commandery.
XXIX.
Of Penalties.
Censure, suspension, or expulsion may be inflicted by
any Commandery upon any Knight within its jurisdic-
tion, for unknightly conduct or for violation of or dis-
obedience to any of the By-laws, Statutes, Orders, Reg-
ulations, or Constitutions of the Order. Information of
a suspension or expulsion by any Commandery, shall
immediately be communicated by its Recorder to the
Recorder of each other Commandery in the State, and to
the Grand Recorder ; but no publication thereof shall be
made except by the Grand Commandery. Suspension
may be removed by the Commandery which imposed it,
but an expelled Knight can only be restored by the
Grand Commandery.
XXX.
Of Vows of Office.
All officers of the Grand Commandery and of its sub-
ordinates, before entering upon the duties of their re-
spective stations, shall take a solemn vow that they will
maintain and support the Constitution and Regulations
216 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the
United States of America, and the Statutes and Orders
of the Grand Oommandery of the State of California.
XXXI.
Of Amendments.
These Statutes may be altered or amended at any
Annual Conclave by the votes of two-thirds of the mem-
bers present.
EULE8 OF OEDEE
OF THE
Rule 1. When the Grand Commandery is opened,
the Grand Recorder shall call the roll of its members,
and note the names of those who may be present. The
Grand Commander shall then appoint a Committee on
Credentials, and no further business shall be transacted
until after its report shall have been received.
Rule 2. After the reception of the report on Cre-
dentials, the proceedings of the preceding Conclave
shall be read by the Grand Recorder, unless their read-
ing be dispensed with ; the reports of the Grand Com-
mander, the Grand Recorder, and the Grand Treasurer,
shall be presented and appropriately referred, in the
order here named ; and the Grand Commander shall
appoint the regular committees, to whom all papers then
in the hands of the Grand Recorder, requiring such
reference, shall at once be referred.
Rule 3. After the business of the Conclave is thus
begun, the regular order for each session during its con-
tinuance shall be as follows : 1st. Reading of the minutes
of the last session ; 2d. Reception and action upon or
reference of petitions, memorials, and appeals ; 3d. Re-
ports of regular and special committees, in the order
named, and action thereupon ; 5th. Motions, resolutions,
and other business.
28
218 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
Rule 4. All reports submitted, all petitions, memo-
rials, or appeals presented, and all orders, motions, or
resolutions proposed, shall be in writing, and shall be
re^d from .the desk of the G-rand Recorder, before any
action is taken thereupon.
Rule 5. No member shall be allowed to speak more
than twice upon the same subject, nor Diore than ten
minutes at either time, except by special permission of
the Grand Commandery.
Rule 6. No motion to reconsider shall be entertained,
unless made during the same session when the question
proposed to be reconsidered was decided, nor unless of-
fered by one who voted with the majority upon that
question.
Rule 7. When a day and hour shall have been named
for the election of Grand Officers, such election shall, at
that time, take precedence of all other business, unless
the Grand Commandery, by a two-thirds vote, shall oth-
erwise direct.
Rule 8. These rules shall only be suspended by
unanimous consent, but may at any time be amended by
a vote of two-thirds of the members present.
LIST OF COMMANDERIES.
219
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GEAND OFFICEES
ELECTED SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND COM-
MANDERY OF CALIFORNIA, AUGUST 10th, A.D. 1858.
1050.
Isaac Davis G-rand Commander,
Leander Ransom Deputy G-rand Commander,
John S. Ceaham • Grand Generalissimo,
'Stillman H. Fickett Grand Captain General.
1859.
Leander Ransom Grand Commander,
James Lawrence English . . Deputy Grand Commander,
John S. Graham Grand Generalissimo,
Charles Marsh Grand Captain General.
i860.
James Lawrence English. Grand Commander,
Charles Marsh Deputy Grand Commander,
Aaron D. Park Grand Generalissimo,
Henry Hare Hartley Grand Captain General.
1861.
Alexander Gurdon Abell Grand Commander,
Charles Marsh Deputy Grand Commander,
Henry Hare Hartley Grand Generalissimo,
Isaac S. Titus Grand Captain General.
LIST OF CxRAND OFFICERS. 221
1862.
Cpiarles Marsh Grand Commander,
Hexry Hare Hartley .... Deputy Grand Commander,
Isaac S. Titus Grand Generalissimo,
James Horace Culver Grand Captain General.
1863.
Henry Hare Hartley Grand Commander,
Isaac S. Titus. -. Deputy Grand Commander,
William Caldwell Belcher .... Grand Generalissimo,
Reuel C. Gridley Grand Captain General.
1864.
William Caldwell Belcher Grand Commander,
William Mason Rundell . . Deputy Grand Commander,
Thomas Callow Grand Generalissimo,
Theodore F. Tracy Grand Captain General.
1865.
Henry Holcombe Rhees Grand Commander,
William Mason Rundell. .Deputy Grand Commander,
Theodore F. Tracy Grand Generalissimo,
William Wilson Traylor .... Grand Captain General.
1866.
William Mason Rundell Grand Commander,
Isaac S. Titus Deputy Grand Commander,
William Wilson Traylor Grand Generalissimo,
Thomas Hubbard Caswell .... Grajid Captain General.
I ]srr> E X.
PAGE.
By-laws of the Grand Lodge of Califoknia 89
Uniform code of 84
Chapters, list of subordinate 184
CHAEGES OF A FREEMASON 5
Of behavior after the Lodge is over and the brethren not
gone 10
at home, and in your neighborhood 11
in presence of strangers not Masons 11
in the Lodge while constituted 9
toward a strange brother 11
when brethren meet without strangers, but not
in a Lodge formed 10
Of Lodges 6
Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows, and Apprentices 7
Of the civil magistrate, supreme and subordinate , 6
Of the management of the craft in working 8
Code of Resolutions, Decisions, etc., of the Grand Lodge of Cali-
fornia , 93
CoMMANDERiES. list of Subordinate 219
CoMJiANDERY, Statutes of Grand 201
CONSTITUTION OF GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH
MASONS 155
General Regulations of TkE Grand Chapter 180
Of amendments aiid obUgailons of office 180
Of the Gh^and Officers —
Of the Deputy Grand High Priest 163
Grand High Priest 162
King and Grand Scribe 163
Secretary 164
Treasurer 163
Trials, appeals, and penalties —
Revisions and restorations 179
Relative to Chapters and members of different Chapters 175
224 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PAGE.
Constitution of Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons (Continued).
Relative to Grand High Priest 173
High Priest of Chapters 174
Royal Arch Masons individually 176
Organization of the Grand Chapter —
Of its committees 160
convocations 158
elections 159
members and their qualification 157
powers and authority , . . . 158
revenues 161
title and seal 157
voting and representation 160
Belat'we to Subordinate Chapters —
Dissolution of Chapters 170
Of their duties 166
elections 167
formation 165
membership 172
officers 171
Prohibitions 168
Rules of Order of the Grand Chapter 182
CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND
SELECT MASTERS 189
Of the Grand officers —
Deputy Grand Master 195
Grand Master 194
Recorder 195
Treasurer 195
Of Subordinate Councils —
Amendments 198
Duties 197
Fees and dues , 197
Formation 196
Prohibitions ' 198
Trials and appeals 198
Relative to Grand Council —
Assemblies ". 192
Committees 194
Elections 193
Officers and members 191
Powers and authority 192
Proxies 193
Revenue 194
Title and seal 191
INDEX. 225
PAGE.
CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE.. 27
Address of officers of the Grand Lodge 28
Advancement of candidates, objections to 47
Affiliation, application for, must be accompanied by demit 49
Amendments to Constitution, relative to 65
Annual report of a Lodge, form of 77
Appeal relative to trials of individual Masons 63
Lodges and members of different 60
Lodges 60
Masters of Lodges (Sec. 8) 60
Appeals 64
Appointed officers of subordinate Lodges 52
Appointments, elections and 30
Grand Master lias power to make, to fill vacan-
cies 30
Application, fees must accompany 47
for affiliation must be accompanied by demit. ... 49
for membership, form of 74
Applications must be in writing 47
to Grand Lodge for restoration, relative to (Gen-
eral Regulations, Nos. 17, 19, and 20) 82
Ballot, dispensation to, without reference to committee 47
elective officers shall be elected by 30
Master may order a second, when 47
must be unanimous to elect 47
one, for the three degrees 47
secresy of the 57
Balloting 47
Burial, no brother who may fall in a duel shall receive Masonic 78
Business in the Grand Lodge 32
of a Lodge 44
must be done in a Lodge of Master Masons 45
number of members necessary to transact 80
By-laws, amendments to, must be approved by Grand Lodge . 45
Lodge shall transmit copies of, to Grand Lodge 45
Candidates must pass examination in open Lodge 47
objection to advancement of 47
qualification of (General Regulation, No. 18) 83
Ceremony, on occasions of. Grand Master may appoint to fill
stations 30
Charter, fee to Grand Lodge for 32
Secretary for 39
for a new Lodge may be issued, when 43
forfeiture of 50
or arrest of, involves suspension of members 50
29
226 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PAGE.
Constitution op the Grand Lodge (Continued).
Charter, forfeiture or arrest of, when declared by Grand Lodge,
shall be eonclusive 51
form of petition for 72
surrender of 50
Charges may be preferred against Grand Master 57
individual Masons 61
Lodges 60
Master of Lodges 59
Commissioners on trial of Masters of Lodges 59
Committees of the Grand Lodge 32
on applications 47
regular 32
relative to payment of chairmen of standing 81
special 32
Communications of the Grand Lodge 29
special, may be ordered by the Grand Master 29
shall be ordered upon application of
the Masters of five chartered Lodges 30
Communications shall be read in open Lodge 46
Compensation of Grand Officers 42
Conferring degrees 47
Constitution, amendments to 65
of the Grand Lodge of California 27
Definitions 66
Degrees, conferring 47
fees for 47
must accompany application 47
form of petition for 73
Delegates have no vote in Grand Lodge 50
Lodges under dispensation may send, to Grand
Lodge 49
Demission 56
Deputy Grand Master, powers and duties of 35
Diploma, form of certificate for 68
for benefit of family of decead-
brother 69
Dispensation, fee to Grand Lodge for 32
Secretary for 39
to ballot without reference to committee 47
receive petition of rejected applicant 47
Lodges under, may send delegates to Grand
Lodge , 49
to elect officers of subordinate Lodges 51
form a new Lodge, form of petition for. ... 69
open a new Lodge 43
INDEX. 227
PAGE.
Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued).
Dissolution of Lodges 50
Dissolved Lodges, disposition of property of 51
property of, Grand Secretary shall receive . 33
to be placed with funds of Grand
Lodge 34
Dueling, relative to 78
Dues, non-payment of 47
to the Grand Lodge 33
Duties of individual Masons 56
Election of officers, dispensation for 51
time of 51
to fill vacancies 51
Elections, every member whose dues are paid shall be entitled
to vote at 52
in Grand Lodge 30
Elective ofl&cers of Grand Lodge 30
subordinate Lodge 51
Entered Apprentices, names of, shall be returned to the Grand
Lodge for two years only 80
striking names of, from the roll does not
affect their position 80
Expelled Masons, relative to application to Grand Lodge for
restoration of 82
Expulsion, definition of 68
form of notice of - 75
Fees charged by Grand Lodge for dispensations, charters, etc. 32
Secretary for dispensations, charters,
etc 39
for degrees 47
must accompany application 47
Fellow-Crafts, names of, shall be returned to Grand Lodge for
two years only 80
stricken from, the roll, does not affect their po-
sition 80
Form of annual report of a Lodge 77
application for membership 74
certificate for a diploma 68
for the benefit of the family of
a deceased brother 69
Form of certificate of election of officers of subordinate Lodges 75
the qualification of the Master proposed
for a new Lodge 71
credential for a representative elected by a Lodge . . 73
notice of expulsion 75
rejection 75
228 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PAGE.
Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued).
Form of notice of restoration 75
suspension 75
petition for a charter 72
dispensation to form a new Lodge .... 69
the degrees 73
recommendation of a petition to form a new Lodge. . 71
Forms 68
General regulations of the Grand Lodge ■. 78
Grand Lodge of California, communications of 29
committees and their duties 32
constitution of 27
dues 33
^ fees for charters, dispensations, etc. 33
general regulations of 78
judicial powers of 29
jurisdiction of 67
may levy contributions 33
members of and their qualifications 28
powers and authority of 28
representatives in 31
revenues of 32
seal affixed to all instruments is-
sued by Grand Secretary 27
title and seal 27
voting and representation in 31
Grand Lodge of Hamburg, communication with, forbidden. . 79
Grand Master, definition of 66
charges may be preferred against 57
powers and duties of 34
Grand Officers, appointed, duties of 40
payment of 81
compensation of 42
powers and duties of 34
Grand Secretary, powers and duties of 37
fees of 39
may appoint an assistant 40
Treasurer, powers and duties of 36
Wardens, powers and duties of ' 36
Hamburg, Grand Lodge of, relative to 79
Illegal Lodges 49
(General Regulation, No. 2) 78
Individual Masons, of 56
duties, prohibitions, penalties 56
Installing Officers of subordinate Lodges 51
Judicial powers of Grand Lodge 29
INDEX. 229
PAGE.
Constitution op the Grand Lodge (Continued).
Jurisdiction, definition of 67
concuiTont 78
Jurisdictions, candidates for merabership who have received
degrees in other, while residents of this State . 78
Lectures 49
Lodge, jurisdiction of a 67
lectures in a 49
liable to arrest of charter for neglecting or refusing to
use the revised work 81
may have its charter suspended or forfeited for neglect
of duty 46
must be duly chartered and constituted to entitle it to
representation in Grand Lodge 49
must have made its returns to entitle it to represen-
tation 49
of whom it shall consist 44
organization of a 42
petition to open a new 43
powers and duties of a 44
removal of a 46
each, represented entitled to three votes in Grand
Lodge 31
responsible for its Secretary 46
shall accompany its returns with payment of its dues . 45
be represented in Grand Lodge at every commu-
nication 45
have official communications read in open Lodge . 46
provide a seal 45
for payment of its officers or representa-
tive in attending communications of
Grand Lodge 46
the several books prescribed 46
transmit a copy of its By-laws to Grand Secretary 45
to Grand Secretary returns of transac-
tions 45
Lodges, charges against 60
dissolution of 50
illegal 78
payment of representatives of 81
subordinate, officers of 51
under dispensation, may send delegates to Grand
Lodge 49
without the State may be represented by a member of
any Lodge under this jurisdiction 66
Masonic Hall Fund 79
230 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PAGE.
Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued),
Masonic honors, no brother who may fall in a duel shall be
buried with 78
Masons shall testify on their honor as such 59
Master, definition of 66
powers and duties of 52
is the primary executive authority of a Lodge 44
Masters of Lodges, relative to trials of 59
Member may withdraw from a Lodge at any time 56
Membership, form of application for 74
in a Lodge, how acquired 56
terminated 56
of 56
Members of dissolved Lodges, relative to 80
no Lodge allowed to transact business other than con-
ferring degrees, with less than seven, present 80
of the Grand Lodge, and their qualifications 28
not to be represented by proxy 28
Non-aflfiliated Masons, relative to 81
Non-payment of dues, members may be suspended for 49
relative to members stricken from the
roll for 80
restoration of members suspended for. . 49
Notification, definition of 68
Objections to advancement of candidates 47
Office in a Lodge, every voter eligible to any 52
Officers appointed 52
duties of 55
Lodge to provide for payment of, in attending Grand
Lodge 46
of subordinate Lodges ... 51
elections and appointments of. 51
of the Grand Lodge 28
elective, shall be elected by ballot 30
must be members of some Lodge
within its jurisdiction 28
Of the officers of subordinate Lodges 51
Organization of a Lodge 42
Past Grand Officer, definition of 66
Master, definition of 66
relative to degree of 79
Payment of officers and representatives to Grand Lodge 46
Penalties 56
which may be inflicted upon individual Masons 63
Lodges 61
Masters of Lodges 60
INDEX. 231
PAGK.
Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued).
Petition for a charter, form of 72
dispensation to form a new Lodge, form of 69
the degrees 73
to form a new Lodge 42
Powers and authority of the Grand Lodge 28
duties of a Lodge 44
Grand Oflficers 34
Masters 52
judicial, of a Lodge , 44
legislative, of a Lodge 44
Proceedings, relative to price to be charged for copies of 80
Prohibitions relative to individual Masons 56
Proxy, members of Grand Lodge not to be represented by . . . 28
Qualifications of candidates 82
Questions in Grand Lodge, how decided 31
Quorum 30
Eecommendation of a petition to form a new Lodge, form of. 71
Regulation, definition of 67
Regulations, general, of the Grand Lodge of California 78
repealed 65
Rejected applicants 47
dispensation to receive application of 47
Rejection, form of notice of 75
Removal of Lodges 46
Representation, Lodge must be duly instituted to entitle it to . 49
have made its returns to entitle it
to 49
Representative, definition of 66
form of credential for a 73
fund, levy of. 13
Lodge to provide for payment of 46
Representatives of Lodges, payment of 81
voting in Grand Lodge 31
Represented, a Lodge without the State may be, by a member
of any Lodge under this jurisdiction 66
Residence 46
candidate must apply to the Lodge nearest his place
of 78
Restorations 64
by Grand Lodge shall not restore to membership
in Lodge 64
form of notice of. 75
of expelled Masons 82
members suspended for non-payment of dues. . 49
suspended Masons, relative to 82
232 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PAGE.
CoNSTiTuuioN OF THE Grand Lodge (Continued).
Restoration, suspension, or expulsion, shall not be published
except by Grand Lodge or Grand Master 64
Restore, Grand Lodge may 64
Revenue of Grand Lodge, excess of, how disposed of 78
Revenues of the Grand Lodge 32
Revised work made obligatory upon all the Lodges 81
Revision and restorations 64
Seal, Lodge shall provide a, within two months 45
of the Grand Lodge : 27
Secretary, duties of. 54
Special meetings, what business may be done at 44
Stated meetings, definition of 68
each Lodge shall have not more than one, in
each month 44
Subordinate Lodges, of 42
officers of 51
Summons, definition of. 68
Suspended for non-payment of dues, member may be 57
Suspensions, definition of. 67
shall not be published except by the Grand Lodge
or Grand Master 64
form of notice of 75
Suspension of a Lodge, definition of 67
Mason, definition of 67
Master, definition of 67
shall be for an indefinite period 64
Title of Grand Lodge of California 27
Treasurer, Grand, duties of 36
of subordinate Lodge, duties of 53
Trials, appeals, and penalties 57
of Grand Master 57
individual Masons 61
Lodges and members of different Lodges 60
Trustees of Masonic Hall Fund 79
Vacancy, definition of. 67
Violations, of 56
Visitors, no Lodge shall admit, without due inquiry or exami-
nation 49
Vote, Grand Master to have casting, when 31
no member of a Lodge required to divulge his 57
Past Masters of each Lodge collectively entitled to one 31
Voter eligible to any office in a Lodge. 52
Votes, each Lodge represented entitled to three 31
Voting in Grand Lodge 31
Wardens of Subordinate Lodges 53
INDEX. 233
PAGE.
Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued).
"Wardens, duties of Grand 36
Witnesses, relative to testimony of 59
Work and lectures, revised 81
Councils, list of subordinate 199
General Regulations ©"f the Grand Qhapter 180
Lodge 78
Gr.aa'd Chapter, Constitution of. 155
general regulations of 180
Grand officers of, elected since 1854 186
rules of order of 182
Grand Commandery, list of Grand officers of 220
rules of order of 217
statutes of 201
Grand Council Royal and Select Masters, Constitution of 189
Grand Lodge of California, By-laws of 89
Constitution of 27
general regulations of 78
list of officers elected since 1850 150
Grand Officers of Grand Chapter, elected since 1854 186
COxMmandery, elected since organization. . 220
Lodge, elected since 1850 150
for 1866-7 4
Knights Templar, statutes of Grand Commandery of. 201
List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Chapter 186
Commandery 220
Lodge . 150
Subordinate Chapters 184
commanderees 219
Councils 199
Lodges 143
Lodges, list of 143
MASONIC CODE (resolutions and decisions of Grand Lodge) 93
Admission and advancement of candidates 106
Affiliation 114
Appeal, no, from the ruling of a Grand Master 95
Appeals 130
Assessments 122
Balloting 99
Ballot, withdrawing petition before 101
Business of a Lodge 98
By-laws 140
uniform code of, relative to 140
Candidates, admission and advancement of 106
from other jurisdictions 105
30
234 • THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PAGE. .
Masonic Code (Continued).
Candidates, qualifications of 106
rejected 112
Charitable relief 119
Code of By-laws, Uniform 140
Commissioners and their reports 130
Compensation to Grand Officers and members of the Grand
Lodge 138
Conduct, unmasonic 134
Conferring degrees and proficiency Ill
Debts, ordinary 135
Degrees, conferring Ill
Delegates of Lodges 139
Demission 116
Dispensation, Lodges under 103
Dissolved Lodges, property of 104
Dropping names from the roll 125
Dues 122
suspension for non-payment of 123
Expulsions 131
Fees, dues, and assessments . . . .: , 122
Funerals and expenses , 120
Grand Master, powers of 95
Officers, compensation to 138
Honorary membership 113
Jurisdiction of a Lodge 105
Jurisdictions, candidates from other 105
Lectures, work and 97
Lodge, jurisdiction of a 104
meetings on Sunday 103
opening and closing of 97
property of dissolved 104
Lodges, removals of 102
representatives and delegates of 139
under dispensation 103
Masonic clothing and processions 141
funerals and expenses 120
Masons, non-affiliated 114
Masters and Wardens, relative to withdrawal of 96
of Lodges, powers and duties of 95
Membership 113
honorary 113
Members of the Grand Lodge, compensation to 138
Non-affiliated Masons 114
Non-payment of dues 125
Notifications 1 25
INDEX. 2B5
PAGE.
Masonic Code {Continued).
Opening and closing of Lodges 97
Ordinary debts 135
Petition, withdrawing, before ballot 101
Powers and duties of Masters 95
of a Grand Master 95
Processions 141
Proficiency Ill
Property of dissolved Lodges 104
Qualifications of candidates 106
Rejected candidates 112
Relief 119
Removals of Lodges ; 102
Reports of Commissioners 130
Representative fund 137
Representatives of Lodges 139
Residence 116
Resolutions rescinded 142
Right of visit 117
Roll, dropping names from 125
Standing resolutions rescinded 142
Summonses 125
Sundays, Lodge meeting on 103
Suspension for non-payment of dues 123
Suspensions, expulsions, and restorations 131
Testimony 128
Trials 128
Unmasonic conduct 134
Visit, right of 117
Votes in a Lodge 99
Wardens, Masters and 96
Witnesses, testimony, and trials 128
Work and lectures 97
OLD CHARGES OF A FREEMASON 5
Regulations 13
Regulations, General, of the Grand Chapter 180
Lodge 78
Old 13
Royal and Select Masters, Constitution of Grand Council of . . 189
Royal Arch Masons, Constitution of Grand Chapter of 155
Rules of Order of the Grand Chapter 182
commandery 217
236 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW.
PAGE.
STATUTES OF GRAND COMMANDERY OP KNIGHTS TEM-
PLAR 201
Miscellaneous —
Amendments 216
Penalties 215
Trials and appeals 215
Vows of oflBce 215
Belative to Grand Commandery —
Committees 206
Conclaves 205
Elections 205
Officers and members 203
Powers and authority 204
Proxies 205
Qualifications for office or membership 204
Revenue 206
Title and seal 203
Voting 206
Relative to Grand Officers —
Deputy Grand Commander 208
Grand Captain General 208
Commander 207
Generalissimo 208
Recorder 209
Treasurer , 209
Past Grand Officers 210
Belative to Subordinate Commanderies —
Assemblies 211
Commander 213
Elections 212
Eees and dues 213
Formation 211
Generalissimo and Captain General 213
Of whom composed 211
Qualifications for the Order 212
Returns 214
Treasurer and Recorder ... 214
Voting 212
Sdbokdinate Chapters, list of 184
Commanderies, list of 219
Councils, list of 199
Lodges, list of 143
Uniform Code of By-laws 84
H 84 89 <
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