Code of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio 2014 EDITION

Transcription

1 Code of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio 2014 EDITION This edition includes the Constitution Bylaws Code Uniform Code of Bylaws for Constituent Chapters Ceremonies of the Order Approved Forms Questions and Answers Index Previous Revisions October, 1932 October, 1950 October, 1961 October, 1970 October, 1991

2 Preface 2014 Edition ii The last five printings of this Grand Chapter's Code were in 1932, 1950, 1961, 1970 and In 2014, our Grand High Priest, MEC Robert W. Thomas, tasked the Publications Committee to incorporate all changes approved since 1991, and to prepare for printing the entire Bylaws, Code, Uniform Code of Bylaws, Resolutions, Ceremonies and Approved Forms. MEC Thomas also tasked our committee to carry on with the initiative begun in 2012 to have an up to date Code available on-line for all Companions. This collection has been completely re-indexed, and it is suggested that the index be kept in the very back of the binder for easy access. This printing also moves several resolutions that have been superseded by legislative enactments, or by death, to a section titled Historical Resolutions. Both sides of the sheets are used for printing to reduce paper and shipping costs and the bulk of the binder. It is hoped that this edition will be found somewhat easier to use than previous editions, and that you will also find it convenient to use the up to date, searchable, electronic version of this Code, which may be found at Fraternally submitted, JEFFREY L. ADDIS, Chairman, Committee on Publications, Grand Captain Of The Host DALE G. RAY, Jr. Grand Secretary JAMES W. HIMMELRIGHT, PGHP J. KEITH GREEN, Grand Principal Sojourner ABRAHAM KAY, Grand Parliamentarian ROBERT J. HOMOLY, PHP DALE NASH ROBERT W. THOMAS, GRAND HIGH PRIEST Independence, Ohio October 8, 2014

3 iii Table of Contents Preface... ii Constitution... 1 PREAMBLE... 1 ARTICLE 1: Name... 1 Section 1. Name... 1 ARTICLE 2: Jurisdiction... 1 Section 1. Exclusive and Final... 1 ARTICLE 3: Membership... 1 Section 1. Shall Consist of Section 2. Representative must be a member of chapter of [sic or] lodge of Mark Masters... 2 Section 3. Names and Titles... 2 Section 4. In addition to the listed appointive offices... 2 ARTICLE 4: Eligibility of Officers... 2 Section 1. Who Eligible to Office Section 2. Members or Officers must be in Good Standing... 3 Section 3. Only One of First Three Grand Officers from One Chapter... 3 Section 4. Officers, How and When Chosen Section 5. When and Where Installed... 3 Section 6. Obligation of Fealty to Grand Chapter, by Whom taken... 3 Section 7. Officers Must Be Installed and Make Necessary Declaration... 3 Section 8. Installation... 4 Section 9. Hold Office Until Successors Qualified... 4 Section 10. In the event of the death, resignation or removal... 4 ARTICLE 5: Annual and Special Convocations... 4 Section 1. Time and Place... 4 Section 2. Number Necessary to Constitute Quorum... 4 ARTICLE 6: Powers... 4 Section 1. Sole Government of Subordinate Bodies... 4 Section 2. To Grant Dispensations and Constitute New Chapters and Lodges... 5

4 Table of Contents iv Section 3. To Prescribe Rituals... 5 Section 4. To Assess Dues and Fees... 5 Section 5. Disciplinary... 5 ARTICLE 7: Miscellaneous Provisions as to Officers... 5 Section 1. Who Shall Preside... 5 Section 2. Disability of Grand High Priest... 5 Section 3. Powers of Grand High Priest... 5 Section 4. Other Officers... 6 ARTICLE 8: Recognized Degrees... 7 Section 1. Recognized and Required... 7 Section 2. Degrees and Membership Fees... 7 Section 3. Order of High Priesthood... 7 ARTICLE 9: Representation in Grand Chapter... 7 Section 1. Representation in Grand Chapter... 7 ARTICLE 10: Legislation and Repeal... 7 Section 1. Legislation, How Enacted... 7 Section 2. Amendments, How Made... 8 Section 3. Constitution Effective When... 8 By-Laws of the Grand Chapter Grand Chapter How Opened Committees How and When Appointed Standing Committees Committees on Masonic Jurisprudence Ritual Committee Committee on Masonic Education Historian Committee Vacancies Investment Committee Long Range Planning Committee

5 Table of Contents v 5.08 Publications Committee Youth Organizations Committee Membership Development Committee Information and Technology Committee Distinguished Guests Committee General Reports Grand High Priest Submission of Matters to Jurisprudence, Charters and Dispensations To Grand Chapter Expense Fund Chapter Placed on Probation; Arrest Charter; Suspend Officer Fraternal Correspondent and Necrologist Duties of the Grand Fraternal Correspondent Compensation of Shall Submit to Fraternal Correspondent To Necrologist Grand Treasurer Bond, Duties and Salary Where Funds to be Deposited Permanent Fund Grand Secretary Duties and Salary Bond. The Grand Secretary Voting Who Entitled to Vote in Grand Chapter and Number of Votes When Chapter May Not Be Represented When and How Made Mileage and Per Diem Grand Lodge Code, Grand Officers Jewels of Grand Officers and Past Grand High Priests... 15

6 Table of Contents vi Material to be furnished by the Grand Officers Communications of Grand High Priest and Grand Secretary, Grand Representatives Rituals Custody of Ritual Charter May Be Arrested for Conferring Degrees in Any Form Not Prescribed Unmasonic to Use Ritual Other Than as Adopted by Grand Chapter Distribution of Rituals Ownership of Rituals Penalty for Disseminating Illegally Uniform Code of By-Laws Chapter Shall Adopt Amendment, Effective When Chapter Inspections State Shall Be Divided into Districts Duties of District Deputies Grand High Priest Inspections Must Be Concluded Before June 1st Expense, How Paid Regulations as to Dispensations and Charters How Granted Procedure at First Meeting of Chapter Under Dispensation Cannot Receive Members on Demit Cannot Confer Degrees Application for Recommendation Alteration of Petition Right of Petitioners to Vote Copies of Marks Charters Shall Contain Chapter Not Affected by Loss of Charter Disposition of Records on Surrender of Charter... 21

7 Table of Contents vii Charter Fee Consolidation of Chapters Procedure New Lodges of Mark Master Masons Procedure for surrender of Charter and Application for Limited Charter Special Chapters Chapter of Research Dramatic Chapter Grand Chapter Seal Form of When Used Grand Chapter Awards Distinguished Service Award First Line Signers on Petitions Past District Deputy Grand High Priest Jewel Chapter Membership Award Capitular Lady Of The Year Award Rules of Order Rules of Order Amendment to By-Laws How Made Schedule Effective When Code of Capitular Masonic Jurisprudence The Chapter Shall Consist of Convocations Defined Convocations Shall Be Held, How Many Election and Inspection, Notice of Special, How Called Quorum... 29

8 Table of Contents viii a b c Opening and Closing Degree in Which Business Transacted Name and Meeting Place Public Appearance Seal May not Incorporate Officers Elective Appointive Who Eligible When and How Elected Installation Failure or Refusal to be Installed May Not Resign, Transfer or Demit Death of Officers Special Elections, How Authorized Objection to Installation High Priest Charges Against Finance Committee Reports and Annual Returns When Made Contents of Annual Return Penalty for Failure to Make Fees Amount of and Division York Rite Festival Fee Dues... 36

9 Table of Contents ix Shall Be Assessed Dues (a). Life Endowed Membership How Fixed and Date of Payment May be Remitted Exemption from Payment Suspension for Non-Payment Notice of Suspension Form of Notice Restoration of Member Suspended Restoration of Member Indefinitely Suspended Dues of Expelled or Indefinitely Suspended Member Payment or Remission after Decease Prorating Thereof Grand Dues (a). Grand Dues, Amount and Payment Ballot Section Deleted. (October 3, Petitions and Applications for Degrees or Membership Petitions and Applications for Degrees or Membership Qualifications of Petitioners Qualifications of Applicant for Membership Past Master Degree Must Be Received in Chapter Investigation and Withdrawal of Petition Certificate Submitted by Applicant for Membership Where and Time Application May be Made What Degrees Royal Arch Mason Must Have Received Objection to Candidate Effect of, on Petitioner for Degrees Effect of, on Applicant for Affiliation on Demit How Made Reasons for Objection... 43

10 Table of Contents x By Non-Member Shall Remain in Force, How Long Removal of by Suspension or Expulsion Effect of Withdrawal as to Fees Candidate Refusing to Receive Petition by Rejected Candidate When to be Submitted Jurisdiction Over Rejected Candidate Requisites for Membership Members Shall be Affiliated Master Mason Exception to Rule Restoration of Master Mason, Effect of Honorary Membership Honorary Membership Jurisdiction Statewide Concurrent Jurisdiction Candidate Rejected May Not Petition Unless Waiver of Jurisdiction by Foreign Chapter Membership Member May Withdraw, How Effect of Demit Dual/Plural Membership Transfer of Membership Who are Members of Chapter Whose Charter Has Been Revived General Provisions Grievance and Trial Procedure and Practice Evidence Must Be Preserved One Year Notification of Suspension and Expulsion to Councils Appeal to Grand Chapter Must Be Made Within One Year Restoration... 48

11 Table of Contents xi Power of Restoration Restoration of Expelled Member Restoration of Members Indefinitely Suspended Vote Shall Be By Ballot Amendments How Made Schedule Effective When RESOLUTIONS Resolution: 50-Year Member Awards Resolution: Authorize Loan of Rituals to Apollo Dramatic Chapter Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Grand Secretary be authorized to issue (13) copies of the Ritual of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio to Apollo Dramatic Chapter under the conditions as set forth in the Bylaws, Section (Adopted October 7, 1971) Resolution: Use of The Word as Ritual Banned Resolution: Discontinue Membership in General Grand Chapter Resolution: Recognition of Grand Chapter of New South Wales Resolution: Recognition of Grand Chapter of Belgium Resolution: Recognition of Grand Chapter of South Australia Resolution: High Priests May Represent Grand High Priest at Masonic Youth Functions Resolution: Five-Year Limit for District Deputies Grand High Priest Resolution: High Priest Not To Serve More Than Three Consecutive Years Resolution: Urge Grand York Rite Bodies to Meet in Same City Resolution: Each Constituent Chapter Must Exemplify all Four Degrees during Year Resolution: Recognize Grand Chapter of Newfoundland Resolution: Recognize Grand Chapter of Greece Resolution: Recognize Grand Chapter of Portugal Resolution: Recognize Grand Lodge of Mark Masters of France Resolution: Recognize The Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Ohio Royal Arch Masons Resolution: Authorize a committee to form the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Foundation Resolution: Name of Distinguished Service Award

12 Table of Contents xii Resolution: To Present Uniform Audit Report at Time of Inspection Resolution: Steven J. Oliver Honorary Past Grand High Priest Resolution: To Commend General Grand Chapter Resolution: William L. Lear Honorary Past Grand High Priest Resolution: Emeritus Status F. Raymond Sharritts Resolution: Recognize Grand Chapter of Cyprus HISTORICAL RESOLUTIONS Resolution: Dewey A. McClure Declared Grand Guard, Emeritus Resolution: Titles of Past Grand Chaplains, Guards, Marshals and Musicians Resolution: Titles of Grand Historian and Fraternal Correspondent Resolution: Grant the Title of Grand Parliamentarian to Excellent Companion George Hall Resolution: Emeritus Status Robert L. Jordan Resolution: Consolidated Liability and Property Insurance UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS Chapter Shall Adopt Amendment, Effective When Sample Uniform Code of By-Laws Letter of Transmittal Amendments to Chapter By-Laws Suggested Form for ANNUITY MEMBERSHIP FUND Standing Resolution CEREMONIES OF THE ORDER Installation of the Officers of the Grand Chapter Consecration of a New Chapter Installation of Officers of Constituent Chapters Ceremonies of the Dedication of Royal Arch Apartments Ceremonies of Rededication for a Royal Arch Chapter Ceremony For Undedicating Capitular Apartments Questions for Past Master Degree Index... 93

13 Constitution of the Grand Chapter Of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio PREAMBLE WHEREAS, this Grand Chapter recognizes the ancient usages and landmarks of Freemasonry; that the Royal Arch Degree is the complement of the Master Mason Degree and the completion of Ancient Craft Masonry; that God is everywhere and that God s Temple is wherever men meet in spirit and in truth; and, WHEREAS, this Grand Chapter has an inherent right to formulate a Constitution and Laws for the government of the Capitular Rite in this State; Therefore, the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio does hereby ordain, establish and promulgate the following Constitution: 1 ARTICLE 1: Name Section 1. Name. This Chapter shall be known by the name and style of THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE STATE OF OHIO. ARTICLE 2: Jurisdiction Section 1. Exclusive and Final. This Grand Chapter shall have exclusive jurisdiction of Capitular or Chapter Masonry in Ohio. Its Constitution, Bylaws and Code shall be supreme. All subordinate chapters must conform to and abide by the same. ARTICLE 3: Membership Section 1. Shall Consist of. This Grand Chapter shall consist of its Grand Officers; Past Grand High Priests; District Deputies Grand High Priest; Past District Deputies Grand High Priest; the High Priest, King and Scribe of each constituent chapter under its jurisdiction, or their duly constituted and appointed proxies, or upon the failure of such officers to attend Grand Chapter or to appoint proxies, such companions as may be appointed by their chapter as their representatives; Past High Priests in good standing of its constituent chapters; the Right Worshipful Master of each constituent lodge of Mark Masters under its jurisdiction, or his duly constituted and appointed proxy, either of whom must be a Royal Arch Companion, or upon the failure of such officer to attend Grand Chapter or to appoint a proxy, such Royal Arch companions as may be appointed by their Lodge of Mark Masters as their representative. No other companions shall be members of this Grand Chapter. No Grand, or Past Grand Officers, District Deputy Grand High Priest, Past District Deputy Grand High Priest or Past High Priest, as such, shall be represented by proxy.

14 Constitution 2 Section 2. Representative must be a member of chapter of [sic or] lodge of Mark Masters represented. No companion shall be entitled to serve as a representative of a chapter of [sic or] lodge of Mark Masters other than that of which he is a member nor shall he serve as a representative of both a chapter and lodge of Mark Masters at the same time. Officers Section 3. Names and Titles. The Officers of this Grand Chapter shall consist of the following and shall take rank in the order named: 1. Elective Officers: Grand High Priest, titled Most Excellent Grand King, titled Right Excellent Grand Scribe, titled Right Excellent Grand Treasurer, titled Right Excellent Grand Secretary, titled Right Excellent Grand Captain of the Host, titled Right Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner, titled Right Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain, titled Right Excellent Grand Masters of the Veils, titled Right Excellent 2. Appointive Officers: Grand Chaplain, titled Right Excellent Grand Necrologist, titled Right Excellent Grand Guard, titled Right Excellent Grand Marshal, titled Right Excellent Grand Musician, titled Right Excellent Grand Historian, titled Right Excellent Grand Fraternal Correspondent, titled Right Excellent Grand Parliamentarian, titled Right Excellent All Grand Appointive Officers shall retain the title of Right Excellent following their term of office. Section 4. In addition to the listed appointive offices, the Grand High Priest shall be permitted to appoint Associate or Assistants in the appointive offices, and said officers shall also be titled Right Excellent, and shall also retain the title of Right Excellent following their term of office. ARTICLE 4: Eligibility of Officers Section 1. Who Eligible to Office. No companion shall be eligible to election or appointment to an Elective Office in this Grand Chapter who has not been elected and installed

15 Constitution 3 as High Priest of a subordinate chapter or installed High Priest of a chapter under dispensation. All companions are eligible to be appointed to any Grand Appointive Office. Section 2. Members or Officers must be in Good Standing. No one shall be or continue an officer or member of this Grand Chapter who is not a member in good standing of a subordinate chapter of this Grand Chapter. Section 3. Only One of First Three Grand Officers from One Chapter. Not more than one of the first three Grand Officers to be installed shall be elected from any one chapter under the jurisdiction of this Grand Chapter. Section 4. Officers, How and When Chosen. The Grand High Priest, the Grand King, the Grand Scribe, the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Secretary, the Grand Captain of the Host, the Grand Principal Sojourner, the Grand Royal Arch Captain, and the three Grand Masters of the Veils shall be elected by written ballot and by a majority vote of the ballots cast. The Grand Chaplain, the Grand Guard and the Grand Marshal shall be appointed by the incoming High Priest. The Grand Chapter officers shall be elected and appointed at each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter. Section 5. When and Where Installed. The Grand Officers of this Grand Chapter shall be installed either at the convocation of the Grand Chapter at which they are chosen, or, by authority of the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest, within any Subordinate Chapter of this Grand Jurisdiction, or, if any Grand Officer shall be unable to present himself for installation within this Grand Jurisdiction, he may, by dispensation of the Grand High Priest, or by direction of this Grand Chapter, be installed in a Grand or subordinate chapter of a sister Grand Jurisdiction. Section 6. Obligation of Fealty to Grand Chapter, by Whom taken. The officers of the Grand Chapter and of each subordinate chapter in this jurisdiction, before entering upon the exercise of the functions of their respective offices, and every candidate upon his admission, shall take an obligation to support and maintain and to obligate themselves to strict compliance with the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio and the ancient landmarks, usages, customs and regulations of Freemasonry. Section 7. Officers Must Be Installed and Make Necessary Declaration. Each Grand Officer, previous to entering upon the duties of his office, shall be legally installed, and shall make the following declaration: I, A.B., do solemnly promise, upon my honor as a Royal Arch Mason, that, to the utmost of my knowledge and ability, I will strictly comply with the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, and with the ancient usages and landmarks of the Order.

16 Constitution 4 Section 8. Installation. Grand Officers and Subordinate Chapter Officers may be installed either publicly or in a closed chapter convocation. Section 9. Hold Office Until Successors Qualified. All Grand Officers of this Grand Chapter, when installed, shall retain their respective offices until their successors are duly elected or appointed, qualified and installed, unless such Grand Officers are elected or appointed to other offices and are duly installed therein. Section 10. In the event of the death, resignation or removal of any of the Grand Officers during the interim between annual Grand Convocations of the Grand Chapter, the Grand High Priest shall, within thirty (30) days, call an emergency meeting of the elected Grand Officers and Past Grand High Priests of this Grand Chapter to select a Companion to fill the vacant station. He shall by declaration, advance, if they so choose, the current Grand Line Officers to fill the vacancy created. A quorum consisting of a minimum of five (5) elected Grand Officers and three (3) Past Grand High Priests being present, by written ballot and with the approval of the majority of those voting, shall select the Companion to serve as Grand Master of the First Veil. Should the Grand Master of the First Veil choose not to advance, the appointment shall then be to fill the next open station. The Grand High Priest shall install him / them into office as soon as possible thereafter. (Amended October 07, 2015) ARTICLE 5: Annual and Special Convocations Section 1. Time and Place.. This Grand Chapter shall hold one stated convocation each year, at such time and place as may be designated by the Grand Chapter. The Grand High Priest, or in his absence or inability to act, the Grand King, or, in his absence or inability to act, the Grand Scribe, may call special convocations, to be held at such time and place as he may designate. Section 2. Number Necessary to Constitute Quorum. A representation from thirty of the chartered chapters shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a smaller number may meet and adjourn from day to day until a constitutional quorum be present. ARTICLE 6: Powers Section 1. Sole Government of Subordinate Bodies. This Grand Chapter has the sole government and superintendence of the several Royal Arch Chapters and Lodges of Mark, Past and Most Excellent Master Masons within the State of Ohio, with authority to settle controversies that may happen between them, to assign their limits, to prescribe laws and regulations for their government, to review, confirm or annul their decisions and actions.

17 Constitution 5 Section 2. To Grant Dispensations and Constitute New Chapters and Lodges of Mark Master Masons. This Grand Chapter has the power under its seal and the official signature of the Grand High Priest, Grand King and Grand Scribe, attested by the Grand Secretary, to issue dispensations for and constitute new Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, with the right to open and hold Lodges of Mark, Past and Most Excellent Masters, and Lodges of Mark Master Masons, and when expedient, revoke, suspend or annul the same. Section 3. To Prescribe Rituals. This Grand Chapter shall have the sole power to prescribe the rituals, including forms and ceremonies, for the conferring of all chapter degrees and for the opening and closing of all chapter degrees by subordinate chapters of this Grand Jurisdiction. Section 4. To Assess Dues and Fees. This Grand Chapter may require from the subordinate chapters such dues and fees as will at all times discharge the engagements of the Grand Chapter. Section 5. Disciplinary. For violation of any of its laws, this Grand Chapter may reprimand, suspend or expel any of its members. ARTICLE 7: Miscellaneous Provisions as to Officers Section 1. Who Shall Preside. The Grand High Priest, if present, shall preside at all convocations of the Grand Chapter; in case of his absence, the Grand King, or Grand Scribe, in the order here named, and in the absence of all these, the senior Past Grand High Priest present shall fill the chair. Section 2. Disability of Grand High Priest. In case of the death or permanent absence or inability of the Grand High Priest, the Grand King, or in case of the death or permanent absence or inability of both, the Grand Scribe, shall, upon installation, succeed to the office, title, rank, powers and duties of the Grand High Priest, provided such vacancy shall occur more than four months prior to the date fixed for the next succeeding Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter. If such vacancy by death, permanent absence or inability occurs less than four months prior to the date fixed for the next Annual Convocation, then the powers and duties of his station shall, for the time being, devolve upon the Grand King, or, in case of death, permanent absence or inability of both, shall devolve upon the Grand Scribe. In case the death, absence or inability of all of the first three officers of this Grand Chapter, the Junior Past Grand High Priest present in the Jurisdiction and able to serve shall act as Grand High Priest during such time. Section 3. Powers of Grand High Priest. The Grand High Priest shall have all such powers and perform such duties as are provided by this constitution and the laws enacted thereunder, together with the right to exercise all of the powers inherent in the office and consistent with the ancient landmarks, usages, customs and regulations of Freemasonry.

18 Constitution 6 Section 4. Other Officers. In addition to the constitutional officers, the Grand Chapter may constitute such other offices as it may deem expedient for the dispatch of its business, together with the right to exercise all of the powers inherent in the office and consistent with the ancient landmarks, usages, customs and regulations of Freemasonry.

19 Constitution 7 ARTICLE 8: Recognized Degrees Section 1. Recognized and Required. The degrees recognized and required by this Grand Chapter to be conferred by its Subordinate Chapters are as follows: Mark Master Degree, Past Master Degree, Most Excellent Master Degree, Royal Arch Degree, and they shall be conferred in the order here named. Section 2. Degrees and Membership Fees. All fees charged for conferring degrees and membership fees shall be provided for in the Code of this Grand Chapter. No subordinate chapter shall donate fees or charge fees for any degrees other than as specified by the Code. Section 3. Order of High Priesthood. Until further order of this Grand Chapter, the Order of High Priesthood, conferred under the auspices of the Ohio Council of Anointed High Priests, is recognized by this Grand Chapter as teaching lessons of value and importance to Royal Arch Masons, and the membership therein of High Priests and Past High Priests of this jurisdiction is approved and encouraged. ARTICLE 9: Representation in Grand Chapter Section 1. Representation in Grand Chapter. Every constituent chapter shall be represented by its High Priest, King, and Scribe, or their proxies, and each Lodge of Mark Master Masons by its Master or his proxy, who in either case must be a Royal Arch Mason, at each annual convocation. Each Chapter or Lodge that is not represented by one or more of its officers, or their proxies, for three consecutive years, or neglects for two years to pay its Grand Dues, shall be suspended from all functions of the Grand Chapter and, unless within one year from the date of its suspension, the said Chapter or Lodge shall discharge all arrearages or show good cause to the contrary, it shall be stricken from the rolls of the Grand Chapter. ARTICLE 10: Legislation and Repeal Section 1. Legislation, How Enacted. The legislation of this Grand Chapter shall be by enactment, amendment or revision of its Bylaws or Code. The Jurisprudence Committee shall classify and number the sections of such legislation.

20 Constitution 8 Section 2. Amendments, How Made. This constitution may be altered or amended in the following manner only: The proposed alteration or amendment must be offered in writing, at an annual convocation; if seconded by a vote of one-third of the members present it shall be entered upon its minutes until the next annual convocation, at which time the Grand High Priest shall put the question upon its adoption, and if concurred in by the votes of two-thirds of the members present, it shall from thenceforth be in full force and effect. Section 3. Constitution Effective When. This constitution shall become and be in full force and effect immediately on and after its adoption by this Grand Chapter, and all previous constitutions, provisions thereof, amendments thereto and decisions thereunder, heretofore adopted by this Grand Chapter and not herein contained, are hereby repealed.

21 9 By-Laws of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio 1. Grand Chapter 1.01 How Opened. At the time and place appointed for the Grand Convocation, the Grand High Priest, having satisfied himself that a constitutional quorum of the Grand Chapter is present, shall open the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio in ample form. 3. Committees 3.01 How and When Appointed. It shall be the duty of the Grand High Priest to appoint at least thirty days before each annual convocation of the Grand Chapter the following committees consisting of not fewer than five companions each, to wit: A Committee on Grievances. A Committee on Credentials. A Committee on Pay Roll. A Committee on to Examine Visiting Companions. A Committee on Unfinished Business. A Committee on Charity. A Committee on Subordinate Returns. A Committee on Topical Reference. and such other committees as he may deem necessary or as may be ordered by the Grand Chapter. There shall be a Committee on Time and Place, which shall consist of the Grand High Priest, the Grand King, the Grand Scribe, the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Secretary and the Chairman of the Committee on Finance. After the time and place of the annual convocation shall have been established, any local committee appointed to handle arrangements shall function as a subcommittee of, and under the authority of, the said Committee on Time and Place. The members of the first two committees, together with the Committees on Jurisprudence, Charters and Dispensations and Finance shall meet with the Grand High Priest, the Grand King and the Grand Secretary at the place appointed for the meeting of the Grand Chapter on the day previous to such meeting, to examine and consider the matters that appropriately come within the duties of such committees respectively.

22 By-Laws Standing Committees 5.01 Committees on Masonic Jurisprudence, Charters and Dispensations and Finance. The Grand High Priest, within thirty days after his installation, shall appoint a Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence, a Committee on Charters and Dispensations and a Committee on Finance, each of which shall consist of not fewer than five members, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed Ritual Committee. There shall be a standing committee on ritual, consisting of not fewer than five members, who shall be appointed at each Annual Convocation of this Grand Chapter by the Grand High Priest. All matters pertaining to changes, additions, amendments, alterations or interpretations of the said ritual shall be referred to and decided by this committee subject to the approval of this Grand Chapter Committee on Masonic Education. There shall be a standing committee on Masonic Education consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee to plan, supervise and oversee the educational program of this Grand Chapter Historian. Upon his election, the Grand High Priest shall appoint a historian of the Grand Chapter. It shall be the duty of the historian to gather, process, annotate and otherwise prepare for future use, all materials, documents, papers and artifacts proper to be preserved as being of historic interest. Such materials, suitably catalogued, shall be stored at such place as the Grand Chapter or the Grand High Priest may direct. He shall annually report to the Grand Chapter concerning his activities and make such recommendations as seem fit. The historian shall hold office at the pleasure of the Grand High Priest Committee Vacancies. Vacancies on all committees occurring in the interim between annual convocations shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the Grand High Priest Investment Committee. There shall be a standing committee on investments. a. The membership of the investment committee shall be the Chairman, the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Secretary, the Chairman of the Grand Chapter Committee on Finance, and three at-large members. The at-large members shall be appointed or re-appointed by the Grand High Priest, to serve staggered three year terms. The Chairman of the Investment Committee shall be appointed or re-appointed by the Grand High Priest to serve a one year term. b. The Investment Committee is hereby authorized, at its discretion, to invest or re-invest any funds of the Grand Chapter in such securities as are or may be lawful investments for fiduciaries under, and as limited by, the laws of the State of Ohio, as are now or hereafter in effect, and in making such investments or re-investments, shall have the power of fiduciaries as limited by such laws as are now or hereafter in effect. The Investment Committee is hereby authorized to sell any of such investments for the purpose of re-investment, or for any other purpose or authorized by the Grand Chapter. (Adopted October 06, 2011)

23 By-Laws Long Range Planning Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Long Range Planning, consisting of at least five members. The Grand Principal Sojourner shall be the Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, and the Grand Royal Arch Captain, the Grand Master of the Third Veil, the Grand Master of the Second Veil, and the Grand Master of the First Veil, shall also serve on the Long Range Planning Committee. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint said officers, and may also appoint other members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed. (Adopted October 07, 2015) 5.08 Publications Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Publications consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed. (Adopted October 07, 2015) 5.09 Youth Organizations Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Youth Organizations consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed. (Adopted October 07, 2015) 5.10 Membership Development Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Membership Development consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed. (Adopted October 07, 2015) 5.11 Information and Technology Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Information and Technology consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed. (Adopted October 07, 2015) 5.12 Distinguished Guests Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Distinguished Guests consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed. (Adopted October 07, 2015) 5.99 General Reports. All Committees and officers shall report upon their activities to the Grand Chapter or to the Grand High Priest, unless otherwise directed. (Adopted October 07, 2015) 7. Grand High Priest 7.01 Submission of Matters to Jurisprudence, Charters and Dispensations and Grievance Committees. The Grand High Priest, not less than thirty days prior to the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter, shall submit all papers, conclusions, decisions or other action taken by him in matters requiring attention of the Committees on Jurisprudence, Charters and Dispensations and Grievance, to the respective chairmen of said committees.

24 By-Laws To Grand Chapter. It shall be the duty of the Grand High Priest to communicate to the Grand Chapter a statement of his official acts during the recess of the Grand Chapter, which statement shall be in writing. He shall also give information upon subjects of Masonic interest, and recommend such measures as he may deem expedient Expense Fund. The Grand High Priest of this Grand Chapter shall receive the sum of Six Thousand dollars, ($6,000.00), to cover his expenses during his term of office. Payments from this fund shall be in equal quarterly installments by warrant drawn on the Grand Treasury. In cases of emergency, additional amounts may be allowed in the interim between Convocations upon approval of at least five of the following: The members of the Committee on Finance, the Grand Treasurer, and the Grand Secretary. (Adopted ) 7.04 Chapter Placed on Probation; Arrest Charter; Suspend Officer. When the condition of any chapter is such as to endanger its own best interests or the welfare of Capitular Freemasonry in its jurisdiction, the Grand High Priest, may in his discretion, place such chapter under probation and appoint a committee which shall have general supervision of the work and conduct of the affairs of the chapter. If such chapter or its officers shall fail to observe the directions of such committee, the Grand High priest may arrest the charter of the chapter or suspend the offending officer or officers until the next annual convocation of this Grand Chapter. When a Chapter has deemed it in the best interest of Capitular Masonry to consolidate said Chapter with another specified Chapter and has attempted, unsatisfactorily, to fulfill the requirements of Section 3.01, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, Grand Chapter Bylaws, upon a majority vote of the officers of said Chapter and the recommendation of the Charters and Dispensations Committee, who shall have the general supervision of the work and conduct of the affairs of said Chapter, and by approval of the Jurisprudence Committee, the Grand High Priest, may act to consolidate the petitioning Chapter with the petitioned Chapter without delay. All other procedures of Section 31.01, Grand Chapter By-Laws shall be applicable. For any gross irregularity or willful violation of the law, the Grand High Priest may arrest the charter of a chapter or suspend an officer or officers until the next annual convocation of this Grand Chapter. 9. Fraternal Correspondent and Necrologist 9.01 Duties of the Grand Fraternal Correspondent and of the Grand Necrologist. The Grand Fraternal Correspondent shall review all foreign communications and proceedings submitted to him and report thereon to the Grand Chapter. The Grand Necrologist shall prepare suitable memorials to the fraternal dead of this and other jurisdictions and report the same to the Grand Chapter Compensation of The Fraternal Correspondent shall receive for his services the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per year and the Necrologist shall receive the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per year, which sums shall be in addition to their mileage and per diem Shall Submit to Fraternal Correspondent. The Grand Secretary shall forward all foreign communications to the Fraternal Correspondent and said Correspondent shall report thereon at the next Annual Grand Convocation.

25 By-Laws To Necrologist. The Grand Secretary shall forward all communications received by him, giving information of the decease of companions in this and other Grand Jurisdictions, to the Necrologist, and said Necrologist shall report in writing thereon at the next Annual Grand Convocation. 11. Grand Treasurer Bond, Duties and Salary. The Grand Treasurer shall before any money be paid into his hands and within thirty days after he has been elected and installed, enter into a good and sufficient bond, to be approved by the Grand High Priest, in the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), payable to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, conditioned that he shall faithfully keep all the monies and effects of the Grand Chapter; pay out no monies except upon the warrant of the Grand High Priest, by vote of the Grand Chapter, except for ordinary expenses which may accrue from time to time during the annual recess of the Grand Chapter when a vote of the Grand Chapter cannot be had thereon. He shall take vouchers for every payment made by him, keep just and sufficient books of accounts; make a full balance sheet, and submit the same, with his books of account, to the Grand Chapter at the Annual Grand Convocation, and pay over to his successor in office such balance as may remain in his hands as soon as his successor has given bond, as required by the provisions of this Bylaw. The Grand Treasurer shall annually account for all interest by him received. He shall receive for his services the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) per annum, in addition to his mileage and per diem, and shall hold his office until his successor is elected and installed, and has given bond Where Funds to be Deposited. The funds of this Grand Chapter in the hands of the Grand Treasurer shall be deposited in such bank or banks as the Grand High Priest, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and the Chairman of the Committee on Finance from time to time shall designate Permanent Fund. The surplus funds of this Grand Chapter shall be invested by the Investment Committee, in accordance with Section 5.06 of these By-Laws. All securities, bonds, certificates of deposit and other documents evidencing the assets and investments of this Grand Chapter shall be placed in a safety deposit box chosen by the Grand High Priest, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Chairman of the Committee on Finance and Chairman of the Investment Committee; in the name of the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, the key thereto to be held by the Grand Treasurer, unless otherwise determined by the Grand Chapter. Said safety deposit box, however, shall not be opened except in the presence of at least two of said officers and chairmen. Provided, however, the Grand High Priest may authorize a Grand Officer or Past Grand High Priest to act in place of one of said officers and chairmen. All monies so invested shall be known as a permanent fund. No withdrawal shall be made from such fund without the consent of this Grand Chapter, but the income and interest accruing therefrom shall be deposited by the Grand Treasurer in the General Fund. The Investment Committee shall make a detailed report of the investment and disposition of said surplus at each annual Grand Convocation, or in the interim, to the Grand High Priest upon his written request. (Adopted October 06, 2011)

26 By-Laws Grand Secretary Duties and Salary. The Grand Secretary shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the Grand Chapter; he shall receive all monies due the Grand Chapter and pay them over to the Grand Treasurer, when the Grand Treasurer shall have given bond as provided by Section of these Bylaws, and he shall take proper vouchers therefor. He shall keep sufficient books of account, in which separate account shall be kept with each subordinate chapter; he shall keep the seal of the Grand Chapter, and affix the same to all official documents; he shall see that the returns of the subordinate chapters and the payment of their fees and dues be regularly made; superintend the printing and publishing of all proceedings ordered by the Grand Chapter, and duly forward two copies of the same to the General Grand and each of the State Grand Chapters, and one copy to each officer of this Grand Chapter and the Grand Representatives, and one copy to each of the subordinate chapters; he shall do and perform all other established duties of his office and shall present his books, accounts and vouchers at the Annual Grand Convocation for the inspection and approval of the Grand Chapter. He shall notify each and every chapter that is or shall be delinquent, and for his services he shall receive Sixtyseven Hundred Dollars ($ ) per annum, in addition to his mileage and per diem Bond. The Grand Secretary, within thirty days after his installation and Before any money shall be paid into his hands, shall enter into a good and sufficient bond, to be approved by the Grand High Priest, in the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), payable to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, conditioned that he shall faithfully account for all monies and effects of the Grand Chapter that may come into his hands, and shall otherwise faithfully perform the duties of his office. 15. Voting Who Entitled to Vote in Grand Chapter and Number of Votes. Members of this Grand Chapter shall include Grand Officers; Past Grand High Priests; District Deputies Grand High Priest; Past District Deputies Grand High Priest; the High Priest, King and Scribe of each constituent chapter under its jurisdiction or their duly constituted and appointed proxies, or upon the failure of such officers to attend Grand Chapter or to appoint proxies, such companions as may be appointed by their chapter as its representatives; Past High Priests in good standing of its constituent chapters; the Right Worshipful Master of each constituent Lodge of Mark Masters under its jurisdiction, or his duly constituted and appointed proxy, either of whom must be a Royal Arch Companion, or upon the failure of such officer to attend Grand Chapter or to appoint a proxy, such Royal Arch Companions as may be appointed by their Lodge of Mark Masters as their representative. Each of the above identified members of this Grand Chapter are entitled to one vote in Grand Chapter, when present. No Grand or Past Grand Officer, District Deputy Grand High Priest, Past District Deputy Grand High Priest, or Past High Priest, as such, shall be represented by proxy. No companion shall be the proxy or the representative of any chapter of which he is not a member. (effective October, 1992)

27 By-Laws When Chapter May Not Be Represented. No subordinate chapter shall be represented in the Grand Chapter while in arrears for grand dues When and How Made. Every resolution or motion, contemplating an appropriation from the funds of the Grand Chapter, shall be proposed by, or referred to, some standing committee. Before any resolution or amendments involving the expenditure of money is passed, it shall be referred to the Committee on Finance and to such other committee or committees as the Grand Chapter or the Grand High Priest may designate Mileage and Per Diem, Who Shall Receive. The superior of the first three officers of each constituent chapter, and each chapter under dispensation, present in the Grand Chapter, or in the absence of the High Priest, King and Scribe, their proxies in the order named or, in the absence of all of them, the duly designated representative shall be entitled to receive from the funds of the Grand Chapter for each day s attendance on the Grand Chapter, fifteen dollars, and in addition thereto he shall be paid fifteen cents per mile for traveling expenses in going to and returning from the annual convocation of the Grand Chapter, to be estimated by the nearest and most direct traveled route from the chapter of which he is a member; and each Constitutional Officer, Past Grand High Priest, and each District Deputy Grand High Priest for the current year in attendance, and Royal Arch Masons who are required to be present in Grand Chapter, for like services, shall receive like per diem and mileage allowances. (Effective October 15, 1980) Grand Lodge Code, Governs When. In all cases where the law of the Grand Chapter is silent, the Code of the Grand Lodge of Ohio should, where applicable, in similar cases be adopted and followed. 17. Grand Officers Jewels of Grand Officers and Past Grand High Priests. All Grand Officers jewels, including Past Grand High Priests jewels, are and shall remain the property of the Grand Chapter. Each elected and appointed Grand Officer shall be the custodian of his jewel, for safe keeping, and wear the same when required or proper. Upon the advancement, resignation, removal or death of any Grand Officer or Past Grand High Priest, his jewel shall be returned immediately to the Grand Secretary. (Effective October, 1975) Material to be furnished by the Grand Officers. Not later than ten days after his election and installation each Grand Master of the First Veil shall furnish to the Grand Secretary a photograph of himself, cabinet size and a sketch of his civil and Masonic record. The Grand Secretary shall carefully preserve them in the permanent files of the Grand Chapter and shall add to them from time to time such additional information as may be furnished to him Communications of Grand High Priest and Grand Secretary, Chapter Officers Must Answer. Whenever the Grand High Priest or Grand Secretary fails, within a reasonable time, to receive a reply from an officer of a chapter to a communication upon the business of the Grand Chapter, the communication shall be once repeated and sent by certified

28 By-Laws 16 mail with receipt. Should no response be received within thirty days the Grand High Priest or his proxy shall summon the chapter of the offending officer to meet him or his proxy in its Masonic Hall to remedy the difficulty. Should the chapter itself be at fault, the Grand High Priest may suspend said chapter until the next Annual Convocation of this Grand Chapter Grand Representatives. This Grand Chapter approves and officially recognizes the system of the exchange of Grand Representatives. The tenure of office of a Grand Representative near the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio shall continue until his resignation, or until his official removal by the Grand High Priest, or the withdrawal of his commission by the Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of which he is the Grand Representative. The absence from the annual convocation of this Grand Chapter for three consecutive years, unless a suitable excuse therefor in writing is sent to the Grand Chapter, shall warrant the Grand High Priest in requesting the recall of his commission by the Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter represented. 21. Rituals Custody of Ritual. The ritual prescribed by this Grand Chapter for the conferring of the several degrees of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Mason, both in pen written and typewritten form, shall be in the keeping and custody of the Grand Secretary of this Grand Chapter, and the Grand High Priest shall at all times have the right to take possession of same for such length of time as he may desire during his term of office, and upon so doing shall receipt for same to the Grand Secretary; and any retiring Grand High Priest having said ritual in his possession at the expiration of his term shall immediately turn over said ritual to the Grand Secretary, taking his receipt therefor. And the remaining Grand Officers of this Grand Chapter shall at all times have the right to consult said ritual while same may be in the custody of either the Grand High Priest or the Grand Secretary. Said ritual shall not be taken out of the possession of either the Grand High Priest or the Grand Secretary except by the Ritual Committee, for its uses and purposes, when needed by said committee, and the chairman of said committee shall execute proper receipt therefor. One, and only one, photocopy of the typewritten ritual may be permitted to exist. This photocopy shall be in the custody of the Grand Secretary, and it shall be bound separately for each Degree, making four books in all. These typewritten copies may be loaned only to a Grand Officer or to a District Deputy Grand High Priest for examination or instruction purposes at District Schools, etc., and that Grand Officer or District Deputy is personally responsible for the Ritual. Only under very unusual circumstances should more than one degree be loaned to the same individual at a time. The Ritual must be transported to and from the Grand Secretary s office either in person or by Certified Mail with Receipt, and must be returned to the Grand Secretary s office the next day after its use.

29 By-Laws Charter May Be Arrested for Conferring Degrees in Any Form Not Prescribed By the Ritual. When any subordinate chapter under the jurisdiction of this Grand Chapter shall permit the conferring of any of the several degrees in any other manner or form than that prescribed in the ritual and regulations of this Grand Chapter, the Grand High Priest shall, upon receiving satisfactory information of such conduct, immediately arrest the charter of said chapter and hold same until the next annual convocation of this Grand Chapter for its final decision and determination of the case. Provided, however, upon the issuance of dispensations by the Grand High Priest of this Grand Chapter and the Grand High Priest of any Grand Chapter recognized by this Grand Chapter, any of the several degrees may be conferred upon candidates of any constituent chapter of this Grand Chapter at an official visitation of or to a constituent Chapter of such foreign Grand Chapter, provided further that such degree or degrees are conferred in the manner and form prescribed in the ritual and regulations of such foreign jurisdiction Unmasonic to Use Ritual Other Than as Adopted by Grand Chapter. It shall be unmasonic for any companion of this grand jurisdiction to use any manual or ritual in conferring any degree or degrees in any subordinate chapter in this jurisdiction other than as prescribed in the ritual adopted by this Grand Chapter Distribution of Rituals. Four (4) copies of the complete ritual containing the Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch degrees shall be issued to the High Priest of each constituent chapter and sixteen (16) additional copies thereof may be issued to each chapter upon the payment of Ten Dollars ($10.00) each, to the Grand Secretary. Once issued, these rituals become the property of the chapter. One (1) copy of such complete ritual shall be issued to each Grand Officer, Past Grand Officer and District Deputy Grand High Priest. The Grand Secretary, in his discretion with the approval of the Grand High Priest and the chairman of the Ritual Committee, upon application of the General Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International, or the Grand Secretary of any Grand Chapter with which this Grand Chapter is in fraternal relation, may loan to such General Grand Chapter, International or Grand Chapter copies of such ritual and upon such loan and thereafter not less frequently than annually, the Grand Secretary shall require written receipt therefor and may require the surrender of rituals so loaned when he shall deem such action expedient or when he shall be directed so to do by the Grand High Priest. A copy of this section shall be pasted on each copy of the Ritual so loaned. Four (4) copies of the ritual for the Mark Master and the Past Master Degrees only, shall be issued to each chartered lodge of Mark Master Masons and eight (8) additional copies may be issued to each chartered lodge upon the payment of Five Dollars ($5.00) each to the Grand Secretary. Once issued, these rituals become the property of the Mark Master lodge. The authorized ritual as adopted and published by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio may be purchased through the Grand Secretary s office by a member of the Grand Chapter of Ohio for a sum to be determined by the Grand High Priest, Grand Secretary and the Ritual Committee. These rituals become the property of the purchaser. Purchased, authorized rituals will not be revised, exchanged or replaced by this Grand Chapter when changes occur or are made by the Ritual Committee. All replacements will be the responsibility of the member who purchased his ritual. (Adopted October 8, 2003)

30 By-Laws Ownership of Rituals. The authorized rituals as adopted, published, loaned or purchased from this Grand Chapter and distributed as provided in Section hereof, shall remain the property of this Grand Chapter in the case of those loaned to Grand Officers, Past Grand Officers and District Deputies Grand High Priest or other Grand Chapters or the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International. Rituals issued to chapters or Mark Master lodges shall be their property and may be replaced as needed by payment of the fee then in effect. (Adopted October 8, 2003) Penalty for Disseminating Illegally. Any companion who shall disseminate the ritual contrary to the usages of Masonry, the laws of the Grand Chapter, or the discretion of the Grand High Priest shall be subject to Masonic discipline, and if a High Priest of a chapter, or an officer of the Grand Chapter, shall be deposed from office by the Grand High Priest. 23. Uniform Code of By-Laws Chapter Shall Adopt. All Chapters in the jurisdiction shall adopt anew the Uniform Code of By-Laws prescribed for the use of subordinate chapters; but the chapters may adopt such additional Bylaws as their necessities may require, if the By-Laws are in conformity with the laws of Capitular Masonry. The Grand High Priest may approve the adoption of such Uniform Code, and subsequent amendments thereto, without reference to the Grand Chapter. No resolution having the effect of a By-Law shall be adopted by a subordinate chapter. Further provided that all changes in Chapter By-Laws, authorized by action of the Grand Chapter, shall be effective immediately with no further action required of the Constituent Chapter except that of bringing their By-Laws into conformity with the newly adopted changes. On and after October 10, 1983, the adoption by a constituent Chapter of the full Uniform Code of By-Laws containing no provisions other than those specifically set out in the Uniform Code of By-Laws need not be submitted to the Grand High Priest for approval but shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the said constituent Chapter Amendment, Effective When. Amendments of the By-Laws of a subordinate chapter; (1) fixing the time of convocation, (2) amount of annual dues, and (3) amount of fees for degrees or for membership, when not less than the minimum annual dues or the minimum fees permissible under the Code of the Grand Chapter, shall become effective upon approval by the constituent Chapter without further action by the Grand High Priest. Any other By-Laws which conform with the uniform Code shall become effective upon approval by the Grand High Priest. All other By-Laws shall become effective, if and when approved by the Grand High Priest with the advice, consent and approval of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence, and shall remain in effect unless thereafter disapproved or modified by the Grand Chapter. (Revised October 1974)

31 By-Laws Chapter Inspections State Shall Be Divided into Districts. The Grand High Priest shall, as soon as practicable after his installation, divide the state into districts for the purpose of the annual inspection of subordinate chapters, and shall place each district under the supervision of a companion who shall have regularly attained the title of Excellent, and who shall be known as District Deputy Grand High Priest, titled Right Excellent and who, as such shall have the right, in emergency, to appoint a suitable companion or companions to act for him. The Grand High Priest may, if he deems it expedient, appoint additional District Deputies Grand High Priest for any district. All District Deputies Grand High Priest so appointed shall have equal powers and authority subject to any limitation set by the Grand High Priest. Provided, however, that the Grand High Priest may, for good cause, suspend the operation of this section during his term of office. A Past District Deputy Grand High Priest shall retain the title of Right Excellent Duties of District Deputies Grand High Priest. The duties of a District Deputy Grand High Priest shall be officially to visit each chapter in his district and make such inspection and report as the Grand High Priest may require and such other duties as the Grand High Priest or the Grand Chapter may from to time require Inspections Must Be Concluded Before June 1st. The High Priests and District Deputies Grand High Priest shall conclude all inspections before the first day of June each year unless the Grand High Priest, for good cause, extends the time Expense, How Paid. The necessary expense of inspections and visitations shall be paid from the treasury of the Grand Chapter upon approval of the Grand High Priest. 27. Regulations as to Dispensations and Charters How Granted. No dispensation for the institution of a new chapter shall be granted except upon the petition of twenty-seven or more Royal Arch Masons, which petition shall be prepared in duplicate, and filed with the Grand Secretary, and shall be accompanied by a certificate from the chartered chapter nearest the place where the new chapter is intended to be opened, vouching for the moral character and Masonic ability of the petitioners, and recommending that dispensation be granted them. The Grand Secretary shall forthwith transmit one of said petitions to the chairman of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, which committee shall make a thorough investigation of the proposed place of meeting, the necessity and advisability of establishing a new chapter as applied for, and submit its report and recommendation at the next annual convocation of the Grand Chapter. Provided, however, if said petition for dispensation be filed with the Grand Secretary, more than ninety days prior to the annual convocation of the Grand Chapter, a copy of such petition shall forthwith be transmitted to the Grand High Priest and to the chairman of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations and the report and recommendations of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations shall within twenty days after receipt of said petition by the

32 By-Laws 20 chairman of the committee be submitted to the Grand High Priest, and, if such recommendations be favorable, the Grand High Priest may, in his discretion, issue such dispensation, and shall report his action with reference thereto to the Grand Chapter at the next ensuing annual convocation for such action as it may deem proper. Petitioners for a new chapter who are members of any Ohio chapter in good standing, shall not be required to file demits with the application for the new chapter, but all other petitioners shall be required to do so. In case a charter shall be refused said proposed chapter by the Grand Chapter, all demits which were filed with the application shall be returned by the Grand Secretary to the companions by whom they were filed, and all other of the petitioners shall be restored to full membership in their respective chapters without further action; and in such case the Grand Secretary shall issue to any brother or companions who has received all or part of the degrees in said chapter while under dispensation a certificate of that fact, which certificate shall have the same force and effect as a demit in case said brother or companion desires to affiliate with any regularly constituted chapter in this jurisdiction. In case any of the applicants for the dispensation are members of any Ohio chapter other than the consenting chapters, the Grand Secretary shall notify the chapter of which he is a member, of the fact of his having signed said application. After the issue of the dispensation for a new chapter, the rights and duties of its members shall be the same as those of members of regularly constituted chapters, except that the petitioners who are members of other Ohio chapters at the time of signing the petition shall, until said proposed new chapter has been duly constituted, continue to be liable to said former chapters for the amount of their annual dues of each for the fraction of the year the member was a companion thereof Procedure at First Meeting of Chapter Under Dispensation. The companions named in the dispensation shall meet, the dispensation shall be read, and the officers named in it shall appoint from among the petitioners a Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Royal Arch Captain, three Masters of the Veils, a Treasurer, Secretary, Guard, and a Chaplain. A chapter shall then be opened. The first business shall be the adoption of a Code of Bylaws. It may then proceed with the work in conformity with the laws and usages of the order Cannot Receive Members on Demit. A chapter under dispensation cannot receive members on demit Cannot Confer Degrees. When a chapter under dispensation cannot, after the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter at which a charter was granted to said chapter, proceed to confer degrees until the chapter is constituted and its officers installed, unless specifically authorized by the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest Application for Recommendation. All applications to a chapter for its recommendation for the establishment of a new chapter shall be presented in writing at a stated convocation and lie over to the next stated convocation when a vote on the question may be had.

33 By-Laws Alteration of Petition. After the recommendation for the formation of a new chapter has been given by the nearest chartered chapter, the petition therefor cannot be altered by adding to or striking therefrom the names of petitioners Right of Petitioners to Vote. A member of a chapter, although he is one of the petitioners for a new chapter, shall have the right to vote on the question of giving the recommendation of his chapter to the establishment of such new chapter Copies of Marks. Copies of marks of petitioning companions need not accompany petitions for new chapters. However, before a charter for such new chapter shall be granted by the Grand Chapter, certificates of the High Priests and secretaries, under seal, of the various chapters of which the petitioning companions are members, shall be filed with the Grand Secretary, showing that the requirements of selecting and registering the companion s marks, have been complied with. 29. Charters Shall Contain. Charters hereafter issued to chapters working under dispensation shall contain the names as charter members of all candidates exalted in the chapter while under dispensation as well as the names of the original petitioners Chapter Not Affected by Loss of Charter. A chapter chartered and constituted under the Grand Chapter of Ohio shall not lose its authority as such by the loss or accidental destruction of its charter Disposition of Records on Surrender of Charter. When the charter of a subordinate chapter shall be surrendered or forfeited, the charter, records, and all other property of such chapter, appropriate for Masonic purposes only, shall be vested in the Grand Chapter and be at its disposal Charter Fee. The fee for instituting a new chapter shall be one hundred dollars, which fee shall accompany the application, but should a charter not be granted at the next annual convocation of the Grand Chapter, nor the dispensation continued, the fees shall be returned to the petitioners, excepting such part thereof as shall have been expended by reason of their application.

34 By-Laws Consolidation of Chapters Procedure. Whenever the majority of the members resident within the jurisdiction of any chapter shall sign a written declaration that they deem it for the best interest of Capitular Masonry to consolidate said chapter with another specified chapter and shall present the same at a stated convocation of their own chapter, the High Priest shall thereupon cause the same to be read in open chapter, to be entered on its records and a written notice of such proposed consolidation to be mailed to all members, to the Grand High Priest, to the District Deputy Grand High Priest, to the Regional Officer assigned to that Chapter, To the Chairman of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, and to the Grand Secretary. (Amended October 3, 1996) Such declaration shall be read at each stated convocation thereafter until acted upon and if approved by a vote of three-fourths of the members present at such stated convocation at which it is acted upon, it shall be deemed adopted. Such vote shall be by ballot. If such proposition is so adopted the Secretary of such chapter shall at once transmit to the chapter with which a consolidation is so proposed, the original declaration and a certified copy of the proceedings of his chapter thereon, together with an invoice of the property and effects thereof, and a list of the members. If any of the above procedures cannot be accomplished within a reasonable length of time, the Grand High Priest may, in his discretion, pursuant to Section 7.04, Grand Chapter Bylaws, consolidate said petitioning Chapter without delay. Upon receipt of said papers by the chapter with which said consolidation is proposed, the High Priest shall cause the same to be read in open chapter at its next stated convocation and entered upon its records. A stated convocation shall thereupon be fixed, which shall not be earlier than the second convocation thereafter, at which action upon such proposition shall be taken, unless the matter be laid over by the vote of the chapter until some particular future stated convocation. At the stated convocation so fixed action shall be taken by ballot and if approved by a vote of three-fourths of the members present, the proposition to consolidate shall be deemed agreed upon by such chapter. If the proposition is so agreed upon by such chapter, the Secretary thereof shall forthwith forward to the Grand Secretary certified copies of the proceedings of each of such chapters relative to the proposed consolidation. If the Grand High Priest, after submission to and approval by the Jurisprudence Committee, approves such a proposed consolidation, the chapters so desiring consolidation shall, from and after such approval, be deemed and held to be one chapter, existing under the charter and governed by the By-Laws of the chapter so petitioned. The members of the petitioning chapter shall become members of the chapter petitioned and all property of the petitioning chapter shall become the property of the chapter petitioned and the title thereto shall be vested in the chapter petitioned, provided however, that the transfer of the title to real estate shall be made by deed properly executed by the petitioning chapter for the transfer of the same before such consolidation becomes effective, and the territory within the jurisdiction of the petitioning chapter shall be treated the same as if such petitioning chapter had surrendered its charter. It is hereby further provided that all chapters which have heretofore taken proceedings for consolidation in other forms than provided herein shall be deemed consolidated upon approval of the Grand High Priest and the Jurisprudence Committee. (Amended October 8, 1980)

35 By-Laws New Lodges of Mark Master Masons. A petition for the institution of a Lodge of Mark Masters shall be signed in duplicate by at least eighteen Royal Arch Masons and filed in the office of the Grand Secretary. It shall be accompanied by a certificate from the Chapter nearest the place where the Lodge is intended to be opened, vouching for the moral character and Masonic ability of the petitioners, and recommending that a dispensation be granted to them. The procedure to be followed thereafter shall be that established in Sections and inclusive, except Sections and 29.04, of the Bylaws of the Grand Chapter so far as applicable. The charter fee for a new Lodge of Mark Masters, not previously chartered, shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) which shall accompany the application, and shall be returned to the petitioners if a charter is denied. (Amended October 7, 1981) a. The officers of Lodge of Mark Masters shall be the same as those in a Lodge working in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons except that the Bylaws may provide for the appointment of the Overseers and the Tyler, and such other officers as desired. The Ritual shall be the same as that now used in constituent chapters. b. Should such Mark Lodge ultimately change to a Royal Arch Chapter, it would pay as a charter fee the difference between the amount charged for a Mark Lodge charter and that charged for a Royal Arch Chapter. c. The minimum fee to be charged by a Lodge of Mark Masters shall be ten dollars ($10.00), and the minimum dues shall be three ($3.00). The annual dues to be paid by such Lodges to the Grand Chapter shall be two dollars ($2.00) for each member who is not a member in good standing of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of this grand jurisdiction, which shall be divided as provided for in Section of the Code. No dues to the Grand Chapter shall be paid by a Lodge of Mark Masters for a member who is also a member in good standing of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of this grand jurisdiction. Each Lodge shall be entitled to representation at the Annual Convocations of the Grand Chapter by its Right Worshipful Master, or his proxy, either of whom must be a Royal Arch Mason, and shall be entitled to one vote, and shall receive the same per diem and mileage as delegates from constituent Chapters of Royal Arch Masons. d. Membership in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons shall be by petition and a favorable ballot. The fee to be charged to be that stated in the Chapter Bylaws for the Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Degrees, if the petitioner is a member of a Lodge of Mark Masters. e. The fee for each new member Marked shall be one dollar ($1.00) payable with the Annual Return to the Grand Chapter. f. Constituent chapters shall include in their Bylaws a provision to accept petitions for degrees from members of Mark Master Lodges which are either chartered or recognized by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. g. At the discretion of the Grand High Priest any Lodge of Mark Masters, capable of doing so, can be granted authority to confer the Past Master degree. h. No companion shall serve as Right Worshipful Master of a Mark Lodge while serving as High Priest, King or Scribe of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

36 By-Laws 24 i. Any Royal Arch Mason may petition for and upon favorable ballot become a member of a Lodge of Mark Masters without losing his status, prerogatives or rights as a Royal Arch Mason and without losing his membership in a Royal Arch Chapter. Any Mark Master Mason advanced in a Lodge of Mark Masters may petition for and upon favorable ballot and receiving the necessary degrees, become a member of a Royal Arch Chapter without losing his membership or right Mark Lodge. j. All requirements, prohibitions, restrictions, etc. which apply to Royal Arch Chapters and companions thereof, whether by the Constitution, Bylaws or Code of this Grand Chapter, or by the Constitution, Laws or edicts of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, shall, when appropriate, apply equally to Lodges of Mark Masters and brethren thereof Procedure for surrender of Charter and Application for Limited Charter. Whenever a majority of the resident members of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons shall sign a written declaration that they deem it for the best interest of Capitular Masonry to surrender their existing charter and accept in lieu thereof a limited charter as a Lodge of Mark Masters, and shall present the same at a stated convocation of their Chapter, the High Priest shall thereupon cause the same to be read in open Chapter, to be entered on its records, and a copy thereof mailed to all members. Such declaration shall be read at each stated convocation thereafter until acted upon. Action shall be taken by written ballot and, if three-fourths of the members present shall vote in favor thereof, it shall be deemed adopted. If such proposition is so adopted, the Secretary of such Chapter shall at once transmit to the Grand Secretary the original declaration and a certified copy of the proceedings of the Chapter thereon. The Grand Secretary shall cause two copies of the documents to be prepared, file the originals in his office and send one copy to the Grand High Priest, and one copy to the Chairman of the Charters and Dispensations Committee. The charter fee for a previously chartered Chapter converting to a limited charter shall be Twenty Five Dollars ($25.00), which shall accompany the transcript filed with the Grand Secretary, but returned if the application is denied. The Committee on Charters and Dispensations shall make a thorough investigation of the desirability of the action requested by the Chapter and submit its report and recommendation at the next Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter. In the meantime, until action is taken by the Grand Chapter, the local Chapter shall continue to operate under its existing charter. If and when the Grand Chapter approves the request, the existing charter shall be deemed surrendered and a new, limited charter shall be issued. All property and cash assets in possession of the Chapter relinquishing its charter and accepting a charter as a Lodge of Mark Masters shall be transferred to and become the property of said Lodge. The officers of such Lodge of Mark Masters shall be the same as outlined in Section 31.02, as shall the grand dues and fees, petition fees, dues, representation at Grand Chapter, etc.

37 By-Laws Special Chapters Chapter of Research. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Constitution, Bylaws and Code of this Grand Chapter, a dispensation or charter may be granted under its seal and the official signature of the Grand High Priest, Grand King and Grand Scribe, attested by the Grand Secretary, for a Chapter to be known as the Chapter of Research, which chapter shall be organized and shall function solely for the purpose of Masonic study and research. The Chapter shall have the right to determine the number, classes and qualifications of its members, who shall be members in good standing of recognized Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, or any organization recognized as Masonic by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, its fees and dues, its convocations and meeting places. These shall not, however, be fewer than three stated convocations each year. It may by its Bylaws, provide for such other matters as may be necessary for its government and operation. Such Bylaws shall be approved by the Grand Chapter, or in the interim between convocations, by the Grand High Priest and the Committee on Jurisprudence. No fees for dispensation or charter nor grand fees or dues shall be chargeable to such chapter. But it shall make annual returns in such form as the Grand Secretary shall provide. It shall not have the power to confer degrees. Membership in said chapter shall not be construed to constitute dual membership Dramatic Chapter. Notwithstanding any provision of the Constitution or enactments thereunder of this Grand Chapter, a proper and valid dispensation or charter may be granted a constitutional number of companions, all of whom are and must remain, members in good standing of Chapters of Royal Arch Masons recognized by this Grand Chapter, to be known by such name as shall be approved by the Grand High Priest, which Chapter shall be organized and shall function solely to study and implement the application of the dramatic arts to ritual conferral or such other matters as the Grand High Priest or the Grand Chapter from time to time refer to it. It shall have the right to organize itself and its members in such form as in its judgment may be most appropriate to its purpose, provided however, that that form must conform to Capitular usage and Masonic propriety. It shall be the sole judge of the qualifications of its members, other than those above provided. It shall hold not less than three stated convocations per year. Its Bylaws and amendments thereto shall be effective only on approval of the Grand High Priest. No fees for dispensation or charter shall be chargeable to such Chapter, but it shall make annual returns in such form as the Grand Secretary may require. It shall not have the power to initiate candidates, but may confer degrees in and at the request of other Chapters. Membership in said Chapter shall not constitute dual membership within the meaning of this Code. 35. Grand Chapter Seal Form of. The seal of the Grand Chapter of Ohio shall consist of a circular shield, having two outer plain circles and an inner beaded circle. Between the beaded circle and inner circle of outer circles shall be inscribed the words, GRAND R. A. CHAPTER STATE OF OHIO. Within the beaded circle shall be inscribed an Ark of the Covenant.

38 By-Laws When Used. The Grand Chapter seal shall be affixed by the Grand Secretary to all dispensations and charters granted by this Grand Chapter and to all other official communications issued in behalf of this Grand Chapter 37. Grand Chapter Awards Distinguished Service Award. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio shall create an award, hereafter named, The Distinguished Service Award of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. Subject award shall be made to those Companions selected by the Awards Committee and Grand High Priest from nominations made in accordance with the prescribed form and qualifications listed thereon. The number of awards given during the Capitular Year shall not exceed four (4). Deadline for nominations shall be June 30th of the current Capitular Year First Line Signers on Petitions. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio shall create an award for those Companions who have been first line signers on Petitions for Royal Arch Masonry. Qualifications for subject award shall be five petitions, with the eligibility final when all five have been exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason Past District Deputy Grand High Priest Jewel. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio shall create a Past District Deputy Grand High Priest Jewel. Subject Jewel shall be awarded to those District Deputies Grand High Priest who have served the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio upon completion of service. Jewel shall be presented at Grand Chapter Convocations at retirement. (Adopted October 7, 1981) Chapter Membership Award. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio shall create awards for the subordinate chapter which has had the highest numerical increase in net membership of its Companions; and for the subordinate chapter which has had the highest percentage increase in net membership; covering the period from June 1st of the prior year, to May 31st of the current year; as determined by the Annual Returns submitted to the Grand Secretary Both of these awards shall be called the Most Excellent Companion Steven J. Oliver Chapter Membership Award. (Adopted October 09, 2013) Capitular Lady Of The Year Award. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio shall create an award, hereafter named, The Capitular Lady Of The Year Award of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. Subject award shall be made to those ladies selected by the Awards Committee and Grand High Priest from nominations made in accordance with the prescribed form and qualifications listed thereon. The number of awards given during the Capitular Year shall not exceed four (4). (Adopted October 07, 2015)

39 By-Laws Rules of Order Rules of Order. The Rules of Order of this Grand Chapter shall be as follows unless otherwise provided: 1. The Grand High Priest shall take the chair at the hour fixed for the convening or reconvening of the Grand Chapter, when the journal shall be read, and if necessary, corrected, unless otherwise ordered. 2. During the hours of business the members are required to keep their seats and observe strict order and decorum, and no member shall leave the hall without permission or absent himself from the service of the Grand Chapter, unless he has permission, or be sick and unable to attend. 3. When the Grand High Priest or presiding officer rises, all debate shall cease, and silence shall be observed. 4. When a member is about to speak, he shall rise from his seat and respectfully address the Most Excellent Grand High Priest. 5. The Grand High Priest shall decide all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Grand Chapter. 6. No member shall speak more than twice upon the same question, unless it be to explain, without permission of the Grand High Priest. 7. When question is put, it shall be the duty of every member present to vote, unless excused by the Grand Chapter, but no member shall vote on a question in the result of which he is personally interested. 8. No motion shall be entertained until it is seconded, and no debate shall be had thereon until it is stated by the Chair. 9. Every motion, at the desire of the Chair or Grand Secretary, shall be reduced to writing, with the mover s name endorsed thereon. 10. Any member may call for the division of a question, which shall be divided, if it comprehends questions so distinct that, one being taken away, the rest may stand entire for the decision of the Grand Chapter. A motion to strike out and insert shall be indivisible. 11. No report shall be received from any of the committees of the Grand Chapter unless the same be reduced to writing, and be signed by at least a majority of the members thereof. 12. No committee shall sit during the sitting of the Grand Chapter, without special leave. 13. These Rules of Order, or any part thereof, may be altered, abrogated or amended at any Annual Grand Convocation of this Grand Chapter by a vote of the majority of the members present.

40 By-Laws Amendment to By-Laws How Made. Each proposal for amendment to these By-Laws shall be filed with the Grand Secretary, reduced to writing in triplicate, and sponsored by at least five members of the Grand Chapter, at least ninety days before the opening of the Grand Convocation at which it will be considered. The Grand Secretary shall forthwith send one copy to the Grand High Priest, one to the Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence and file one copy in his office. Such proposals shall be considered only upon report from the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence. Provided, however, that the Grand Convocation may consider any matter if no more than twenty-five members of the Grand Chapter object. Adoption shall be by a favorable voice vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting. Provided further that the Grand High Priest be authorized to determine the decision of the Convocation by a roll-call vote of the voting members present. (Adopted October 06, 2011) 99. Schedule Effective When. These Bylaws become and be in full force and effect immediately on and after their adoption by this Grand Chapter, and all previous Bylaws, provisions thereof, amendments thereto, and decisions thereunder, heretofore adopted by this Grand Chapter and not herein contained, are hereby repealed.

41 29 Code of Capitular Masonic Jurisprudence For the Government of Subordinate Chapters Under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio 100. The Chapter Shall Consist of. A Royal Arch Chapter shall consist of ten or more Royal Arch Masons, duly assembled under a legal charter or dispensation Convocations Defined. The meetings of a chapter shall be known as convocations. Stated convocations are those held on the dates fixed by the Bylaws. Special convocations are those called pursuant to Section of this Code. Provided, however, when a chapter is prevented from holding a stated convocation by natural disaster, acts of God, or lawful orders of civil officials, the Grand High Priest may in his judgment grant dispensation for the holding of a stated convocation at any date within two weeks of the convocation so missed Convocations Shall Be Held, How Many. It shall be the duty of each and every constituent chapter under this jurisdiction to hold at least four stated convocations each year. Should any chapter fail to convene at least one stated convocation during one year, it shall thereby forfeit its charter and be stricken from the list of chapters Election and Inspection, Notice of. The Secretary of each chapter, at least seven days prior to the annual convocation for election of officers and likewise at least seven days prior to the convocation held for the purpose of inspection, shall send to each member of said chapter at his last known place of residence, written notice of the time, place and purpose of the convocation Special, How Called. Special convocations may be called by the High Priest at any stated convocation. He may at other times call such special convocation, but written notice thereof must be given to the membership by the Secretary. The notice shall state the business to be transacted. No business may be transacted at a special convocation, except the conferring of degrees; the installation of officers; or the receiving and balloting on petitions for degrees or applications for membership Quorum. a. The number of Royal Arch Masons necessary to open a regular Chapter and transact business is ten. Not all ten of the Royal Arch Masons comprising the quorum need be members of that Chapter. However, no vote of a Chapter shall be effective unless at least six members of that Chapter be present and vote in favor of the matter being voted on. b. No Chapter, without the authority of the Grand High Priest, can be opened or business transacted therein unless there be present at least one of the three principal officers, or a Past High Priest. c. An Extraordinary Session of a Royal Arch Chapter shall consist of six or more Royal Arch Masons who are members of the Chapter, duly assembled for the purpose of holding a session to act on petitions and vote on such bills as the Secretary and Treasurer are not entitled to pay. These bills would include Grand Dues, District Dues, Insurance, etc. An Extraordinary Session may be called at the pleasure of the High Priest on a date and time fixed for a Stated Convocation, and may be opened

42 Code 30 and closed by declaration, under a legal charter or dispensation, if necessary. Under no circumstances shall any Capitular Degrees be conferred at such an Extraordinary Session. (Amended October 07, 2015) Opening and Closing. A chapter cannot adjourn; nor may it be opened or closed in any degree in any other manner than that prescribed by the rituals of the Order Degree in Which Business Transacted. All the proceedings and business of a chapter shall be had and transacted in a chapter of Royal Arch Masons at labor, except the conferring of degrees of Mark Master, Past Master and Most Excellent Master. A chapter having been opened in the Royal Arch Degree, it may be closed or labor suspended therein; if labor is suspended, a subordinate lodge or lodges may be regularly opened, business transacted therein, and the lodge or lodges closed, after which labor shall be resumed in the Royal Arch Degree and the Chapter regularly closed. But if a special convocation be called for work in the Mark Master, Past Master or Most Excellent Master Degree only, a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons need not be opened. All the proceedings and business of a lodge of Mark Masters shall be had and transacted in a Lodge of Mark Masters at labor, except, upon proper dispensation, the conferring of the Past Master degree. But if, upon proper dispensation, a special convocation be called for work in the Past Master Degree only, a Lodge of Mark Masters need not be opened. (Amended October 6, 1976) Name and Meeting Place. No Chapter shall be named after a living person nor may it change its meeting place from that named in its Charter, nor the building in which it meets, except by authority of the Grand Chapter, or the Grand High Priest; nor may it meet or work except in suitable rooms under its control, except as specified in the next paragraph, or by authority of the Grand Chapter or the Grand High Priest. No Chapter may suffer its meeting place to be used for any illegal or improper purpose. Provided, however, that a Chapter may meet in any place dedicated to Masonic purposes to confer the Mark or Past Master Degrees; or in any place consecrated by the Grand Chapter of Ohio to hold its Inspection or to confer the Most Excellent Master or Royal Arch Degrees; or in any appropriate place to install officers; on the written approval of the District Deputy Grand High Priest after appropriate examination on his part. Such approvals shall be subject to such regulation as the Grand High Priest may provide. The Grand High Priest may in his judgment suspend the operation of this paragraph. Chapters are permitted to confer degrees in an outdoor meeting, when authorized by the Grand High Priest. The dedication of a hall or building for Masonic purposes by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio is a sufficient dedication for Capitular Masonic purposes. When a chapter abandons its Capitular Apartments it may, in its discretion, make use of such undedicating ceremony as it deems appropriate. (Amended October 07, 2015) Public Appearance. A chapter shall not appear in public except when its presence is required for Masonic purposes, as determined by the Grand High Priest upon proper application to him by the Constituent Chapter.

43 Code Seal. The seal of a subordinate chapter shall consist of the following device: A circular device, shown by the illustration below, 1-3/4 inches in total diameter, the outer rim raised and tooled in imitation of a cord 1/16 of an inch large; the space for lettering all around equal to 3/16 of an inch in width; the letters 2/16 of an inch high, enclosed by a beaded inner circle; dividing the central space of the seal from letter and border; the central space 1-1/8 inches in diameter, in the center thereof the device composed of a heavy outlined keystone 7/8 of an inch high, 7/8 of an inch wide at the large point of curve and 5/8 of an inch at base line; in the center of the keystone a circle with the letters H.T.W.S.S.T.K.S. embossed and enclosed by an inner circle, the space between the circles 1/8 of an inch wide to accommodate the letters; inside the inner circle a perfect triangle with three points just touching all around, and in the center of the triangle a triple tau cross emblematic of the word for which the words represented by the mystic characters on the sides of the triangle are covering words. Chapters hereafter formed shall adopt this seal. Chapters now having different seals, may, if desired, retain their present seals May not Incorporate. No subordinate chapter may become a body corporate Officers Elective. The elective officers of a Royal Arch Chapter shall be a High Priest, King, Scribe, Treasurer, Secretary, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Royal Arch Captain, Three Masters of the Veils and a Guard; provided, however, by Bylaw a chapter may provide for appointment of the Royal Arch Captain and the three Masters of the Veils Appointive. A Chaplain shall be appointed and a Senior and a Junior Steward may be appointed by the High Priest on the night of installation. A Chapter, by its Bylaws, may provide for the election or appointment of trustees, and the appointment of other officers, who need not be installed. But officers not installed shall make the declaration required by other officers. (Adopted October 8, 1980) Who Eligible. Any Royal Arch Mason is eligible to any office in the chapter of which he is a member in good standing, with the exception of the office of High Priest. No companion shall be eligible to be elected or appointed to the office of High Priest unless he has been elected and served as King or Scribe in some chartered Chapter, or has been appointed by the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest as King or Scribe, and has served in such capacity under dispensation. (Amended October 07, 2015)