CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

2 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents Definitions... 4 Style and Title of Grand Lodge... 7 Seal of Grand Lodge... 7 Coat of Arms of Grand Lodge... 7 Standard Logo... 8 Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge... 9 Work Authorized By Grand Lodge... 9 Composition of Grand Lodge... 9 Grand Lodge Officers... 9 Rank of Officers and Members of Grand Lodge Meetings of Grand Lodge Nominations Elections and Appointments Voting Powers of Grand Lodge Powers and Duties of the Grand Master Powers and Duties of the Deputy Grand Master Powers and Duties of the District Grand Master Powers and Duties of Other Grand Lodge Officers Monies and Accounts of Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes Standing Committees of the Board Powers and Duties of Standing Committees Lodges of Instruction Public Processions and Functions Other Organizations Fees Payable to Grand Lodge Formation of a New Lodge Lodge Under Dispensation Amalgamation of Lodges Certificates and Medals Warrants Membership Demits Resignation from the Craft Non-Payment of Dues Suspension / Exclusion Visitors Election and Appointment of Officers Removal of Officers Powers and Duties of the Master and Other Officers Installation and Investiture of Lodge Officers Lodge Meetings Lodge Records, Accounts and Monies Examination of Accounts Returns and Payments to Grand Lodge Lodge Seal Lodge By-Laws Application for Initiation... 56

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Processing an Applicant for Initiation Balloting for Applicants Application for Joining Initiation and Advancement of a Candidate Research Lodges Distinctive Lodges Entered Apprentice Apron Fellow Craft Apron Master Mason Apron Master and Past Master Apron Collar of Officer Jewels of Master and Officers One Hundred Year Old Lodge Dress Regalia of Very Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past Dress Jewels of Very Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past Undress Regalia of Very Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past Undress Jewels of Very Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past Dress Regalia of Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past (except Deputy Grand Master) Dress Jewels of Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past Undress Regalia of Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past Undress Jewels of Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers Present and Past Dress Regalia of Deputy Grand Master Present and Past Dress Jewel of Deputy Grand Master Present and Past Dress Regalia of Grand Master Present and Past Dress Jewel of Grand Master Present and Past Undress Regalia of Grand Master Present and Past Undress Jewel of Grand Master Present and Past MASONIC OFFENCES, INVESTIGATIONS, CHARGES AND TRIALS FOR UN-MASONIC CONDUCT Benevolence Regulations Governing Grants of Benevolence THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON Summary of the Antient Charges and Regulations CERTIFICATE OF DEMISSION TYLER'S OATH MINUTE BOOK CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS APPLICATION FORM Form 6 - NOMINATION FORM Form 7 NOMINATION FORM GRAND TREASURER Form 8 NOMINATION FORM GRAND SECRETARY THE FORM OF PETITION FOR A DISPENSATION TO HOLD A NEW LODGE INDEX

4 4 PART 1 - DEFINITIONS Definitions In the Book of Constitutions as aforesaid, and in any Forms and Ceremonies authorized under it, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms herein after mentioned shall mean, and shall bear the following construction: Ample Form Grand Lodge shall be declared to be opened or closed in "Ample Form" when the Grand Master is present. Applicant (see Petitioner). Brother Is an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft or Master Mason belonging to a Constituent Lodge in this jurisdiction or a jurisdiction recognized by Grand Lodge. Candidate Is a person who has been accepted for membership by a Lodge and awaiting admission. Ceased to Exist Means the removal of a Constituent Lodge from the register of Lodges by recognized authority. Certificate of Standing (see Clearance Certificate). Charter (see Warrant). Clandestine The term "Clandestine" is used to describe an irregularly formed Lodge or Grand Lodge. Clearance Certificate A written document issued by a Lodge indicating that the Brother is not now indebted to the Lodge for past dues. The Certificate must contain the signature of the Secretary and an imprint of the Lodge Seal. Commission Is a written authorization issued by the Grand Master to some Brother to act for and in the place of the Grand Master in the performance of some duty which would otherwise require to be performed by the Grand Master in person. Demit Is a Certificate issued by proper authority to a member withdrawing in good standing from a Lodge or issued to a member of an erased Lodge. Dispensation Is a written authorization issued by the Grand Master to an Officer, Lodge or member to do that which, without the authority, would be in contravention of the Constitution. Distinctive Lodge Lodges which were formed for the express purpose of fellowship and/or Masonic education. Lodges included are Union Lodge No. 28, Installed Masters Lodges, and Farnham Lodge No. 33. Due Form Grand Lodge shall be declared to be opened, or closed in "Due Form" when the Grand Master is absent and the Deputy Grand Master or a Past Grand Master presides. Duly Returned The term means that a Qualified Brother reported to the Grand Secretary on an Annual Return or by completed application form during the current year. Edict (see Regulations).

5 PART 1 - DEFINITIONS 5 Erasure (See Ceased to Exist) Exclusion Is a deprivation of a Brother's rights and privileges as such and prohibits all Freemasons and Lodges from holding any Masonic communications with him until he rejoins the Lodge. Expelled Is an absolute deprivation of all the rights and privileges of the Fraternity and prohibits all Freemasons and Lodges from holding any Masonic communication with the one expelled unless he be restored by Grand Lodge. It is the severest penalty known to Masonic Law. Foreign Joiner A Mason joining a Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction from a recognized Grand Jurisdiction. Form Grand Lodge shall be opened or closed "In Form" when both the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master are absent and some other member of Grand Lodge other than a Past Grand Master presides. Joiner - A mason who is a member of a Lodge of this jurisdiction who joins another Lodge. Good Standing The status of a member of a Constituent Lodge who is free from any Masonic charges or who is an Honourary Member of or has paid all dues owing, including those for the current year, to his Lodge. Grand Lodge The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Newfoundland & Labrador. Grand Master This title applies to him, and to him only, who has been elected and installed as Most Worshipful Grand Master. Irregular (see Clandestine). Joiner A mason who is a member of a Lodge of this jurisdiction and joins another Lodge. Lewis The uninitiated son of a Mason and it matters not whether the son was born before or after his father became a Mason. Where a Lewis is a candidate being initiated with other candidates on the same day he would be the senior for the purpose of ceremony. He cannot claim precedence over candidates proposed or elected previously to him and he must take his place in the usual rotation on any waiting list. Lodge Means a Constituent Lodge of this Grand Jurisdiction or a Lodge holding under Dispensation from the Grand Master or Grand Lodge. Lodge of Instruction - An informal meeting of Freemasons where skills are rehearsed and practiced. The Lodge of Instruction enables teachings and information to be imparted in a relaxed and informal manner as opposed to the formal workings of the lodge. Member Is an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft or Master Mason belonging to a Constituent Lodge in this Jurisdiction. Month Means a calendar month. Ordinance (see Regulations).

6 6 PART 1 - DEFINITIONS Past Master This title applies to him and to him only who has served a full term as Worshipful Master of a Warranted Lodge. Petitioner Is a person or Brother who has made written application to join a Lodge. Qualified Brother A subscribing member in good standing of a regular lodge of this jurisdiction. Regulation Means any resolution, edict, ruling, direction or ordinance of any kind passed or approved by Grand Lodge, or any of its Officers duly authorized in that behalf, and having the effect of law, other than, and in addition to, but not in substitution of, inconsistent with, or in contravention of this Constitution. Rejoin Means a Brother who has demitted, been excluded or suspended may rejoin the Lodge in accordance with the Book of Constitutions and By-laws of the Lodge. Resolution (see Regulation). Restoration (see Rejoin). Resignation From Craft A letter written by a Brother, enclosing his Grand Lodge Certificate (if in possession of same), indicating that he wishes to terminate his membership in the Craft. Ruling (see Regulation). Summons Is an imperative order in writing at times issued under the Seal of the Lodge by the Worshipful Master or by some other recognized authority requiring the Brother to whom it is addressed to appear at such time and place as may therein be designated, and for the purposes therein set forth. Suspension of Freemason Is a temporary deprivation of all his rights and privileges as such and prohibits all Freemasons and Lodges from holding any Masonic communication with him until the suspension shall have ceased. Suspension of a Lodge Is an arrest of its Warrant and a temporary prohibition to assemble or work as a Lodge until again authorized to do so by recognized authority. Unattached Brother Is a Brother who has resigned in good standing from all Lodges of this jurisdiction. He has no Masonic privileges. Warrant Is the written authorization issued by Grand Lodge to a Constituent Lodge to meet and act as such. Worshipful Master This title applies to him and him only, who has been elected and installed or invested as Worshipful Master of a Lodge.

7 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 7 CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR Preamble We, the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Newfoundland & Labrador, in order to form a perfect fraternal union, to establish order, to ensure tranquility, to provide for and promote the general welfare of the Craft, and to secure to the fraternity in the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador all the blessings of Masonic privileges, do order and establish this Constitution. Style and Title of Grand Lodge 1. The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Newfoundland & Labrador, now existing, hereinafter referred to as Grand Lodge, shall continue to exist under the same name, style and title. Seal of Grand Lodge 2. The following is the Seal of Grand Lodge as hitherto adopted by Grand Lodge. The Seal of Grand Lodge consists of the Coat of Arms of Grand Lodge within a circular border on which is inscribed the words: Coat of Arms of Grand Lodge 3. GRAND LODGE OF A. F. & A. M. OF NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR a) The following is the Coat of Arms as hitherto adopted by Grand Lodge.

8 8 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE The Coat of Arms of the Grand Lodge of Newfoundland & Labrador consists of a shield surmounted by a crest, supported by a ribbon with a motto thereon. The shield in blue represents the North Atlantic Ocean surrounding our shores including the many lakes, rivers and streams of our Province. The compasses, in gold, a Masonic symbol divides the shield into three parts. The Caribou also in gold represent the two parts of our province, Labrador where there is found the largest free ranging herd in the world and the Island where caribou also roam. The sailing ship within the extended points of the compasses, consisting of seven white sails, signifies the strong connection with the sea; fishing, trading, and our ties with Great Britain. For the Crest, in gold, on a wreath of the colours a representation of an ark supported on either side by a seraphs rising from a bed of seven Pitcher Plants, the Provincial flower, with the motto in Hebrew characters "Holiness to the Lord". The motto on the ribbon below in Latin is "Audi Vide Tace", which put in plain English is to say, "Hear and See but Keep your Counsel". Standard Logo b) The formal logotype of Grand Lodge shall be in the following form and shape (regardless of size): The logotype shall consist of a stylized inverted square on which is superimposed compasses opened at 45 o angle with the letter G in the centre. In all Masonic signage, communications, and publications including Lodge crests, whenever a square and compasses appear, they shall be the formal logotype hereby adopted. This provision shall not apply to any Lodge crest or signage in existence and currently in use on the Consecration date of Grand Lodge.

9 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 9 Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge 4. Grand Lodge has Masonic jurisdiction throughout the territorial limits of the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador and is headquartered at Freemasons Hall, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland & Labrador. Work Authorized By Grand Lodge 5. The approved ritual is the Work, as amended from time to time, except where a constituent Lodge was in existence at the date of the consecration of the Grand Lodge. The Ritual of such Lodges shall be grand-fathered. 6. The Ritual is under the direction of a Ritual Committee which consists of the Grand Master, the Past Grand Masters and the Deputy Grand Master. 7. No addition or alteration of the Ritual shall be made except that authorized by the Ritual Committee and approved by the Board of General Purposes. Composition of Grand Lodge 8. Grand Lodge shall consist of its Grand Officers, its Past Grand Officers, and the Masters, Past Masters and Wardens of all Lodges duly returned on the Grand Lodge register. 9. The Grand Master, with the concurrence of the Board of General Purposes, may constitute any Past Master of eminence and ability, who hails from another Grand Lodge recognized in this Grand Lodge and who has rendered service to the Craft, an honourary member of this Grand Lodge, with such rank and distinction as he may deem appropriate. Grand Lodge Officers 10. The Officers of Grand Lodge, with their official designations, are as follows: The Most Worshipful the Grand Master, The Right Worshipful the Deputy Grand Master, The Right Worshipful the District Grand Masters (One for each District), The Right Worshipful the Grand Senior Warden, The Right Worshipful the Grand Junior Warden, The Right Worshipful the Grand Chaplain, The Right Worshipful the Grand Treasurer, The Right Worshipful the Grand Secretary, The Right Worshipful the Grand Registrar, The Right Worshipful the Grand Director of Ceremonies The Right Worshipful and Very Worshipful Members of the Board of General Purposes, The Very Worshipful the Grand Inspector The Very Worshipful the Grand Senior Deacon, The Very Worshipful the Grand Junior Deacon, The Very Worshipful the Grand Superintendent of Works, The Very Worshipful the Assistant Grand Secretary,

10 10 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE The Very Worshipful the Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, The Very Worshipful the Grand Sword Bearer, The Very Worshipful the Grand Organist, The Very Worshipful the Grand Pursuivant, The Very Worshipful the Grand Stewards, (Three in number), The Very Worshipful the Grand Standard Bearer, The Very Worshipful the Grand Tyler, The Very Worshipful the Grand Historian. Rank of Officers and Members of Grand Lodge 11. The rank of Officers and members of Grand Lodge is as follows: The Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, according to seniority in office, The Deputy Grand Master Past Deputy Grand Masters The District Grand Masters, Past District Grand Masters, The Grand Senior Warden, Past Grand Senior Wardens, The Grand Junior Warden, Past Grand Junior Wardens, The Grand Chaplain, Past Grand Chaplains, The Grand Treasurer, Past Grand Treasurers, The Grand Secretary, Past Grand Secretaries, The Grand Registrar, Past Grand Registrars, The Grand Director of Ceremonies, Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies, The Grand Inspector Past Grand Inspectors The Grand Senior Deacon, Past Grand Senior Deacons, The Grand Junior Deacon, Past Grand Junior Deacons, The Grand Superintendent of Works, Past Grand Superintendent of Works, The Assistant Grand Secretary, Past Assistant Grand Secretaries, The Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Past Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies,

11 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 11 The Grand Sword Bearer, Past Grand Sword Bearers, The Grand Organist, Past Grand Organists, The Grand Pursuivant, Past Grand Pursuivant, The Grand Stewards, Past Grand Stewards, The Grand Standard Bearers, Past Grand Standard Bearers, The Grand Tyler, Past Grand Tylers, The Grand Historian, Past Grand Historians, The Master, Past Masters and Wardens of Lodges, in order of the numbers of their respective Warrants. 12. No Brother shall be entitled to Past Rank in office in Grand Lodge unless he has served a full term of twelve months or unless expressly granted by Grand Lodge. 13. The granting of Past Grand Rank to serving Grand Lodge Officers upon completion of their term is subject to the recommendation of the Grand Master and approval of Grand Lodge. 14. The granting of Past Grand Rank to elected or appointed members of the Board of General Purposes upon completion of their term is subject to the recommendation of the President of the Board of General Purposes and approval of Grand Lodge. 15. The privileges of Masonic Rank under this Grand Lodge shall be restricted to a) those who have attained rank under this jurisdiction, or b) those who have attained the rank of Past Master under the jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge recognized by this Grand Lodge, i. from the date of attaining such rank, if on that date he was a member in good standing of a Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge; or ii. upon joining any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. 16. The code for extending the Grand Honours to Officers and members of Grand Lodge is as follows: a) the Grand Master and Past Grand Masters - nine; b) all Brethren of the rank of Right Worshipful, present and past - seven; c) all Brethren of the rank of Very Worshipful, present and past - five; d) a Brother appointed by the Grand Master to represent him at the constitution of a Lodge, and not otherwise entitled to more - five; e) the Masters and Past Masters - three, and

12 12 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE f) all Grand Masters and Past Grand Lodge Officers of Grand Lodges recognized by this Grand Lodge may receive similar honours to those accorded to members of our own Grand Lodge, according to their ranks by courtesy only. Meetings of Grand Lodge 17. The Annual meeting of Grand Lodge shall be convened in the forenoon of the third Saturday in October, at a time to be established by the Grand Master. The Annual meeting shall be held once every three years in each of the municipalities of St. John s, Gander and Corner Brook. The hours set for the time of the Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge, and for registrations and elections, shall be according to the time in effect in the place where Grand Lodge is being held. 18. The Grand Master, or in the event of his absence from the Province, or inability to act, the Deputy Grand Master, or in the event of his absence or inability to act, the Grand Wardens may summon and hold special meetings of Grand Lodge whenever the good of the Craft shall, in their opinion, require it. The particular reason for convening such meetings shall be stated in the summons, and no other business shall be entered upon at such meeting. 19. No member of Grand Lodge or visitor shall attend at any meeting thereof without his proper Masonic clothing, except that the head of Concordant Bodies or their representative invited to Grand Lodge is permitted to wear regalia of their office provided that such regalia include an apron, nor wear any jewel not recognized by Grand Lodge. None but duly returned members shall be present without permission of the Grand Master. 20. The Grand Master, if present, shall preside in Grand Lodge. If, at any meeting thereof, annual or special, except at a meeting to assist in the performance of a ceremony, the Grand Master be absent, the Deputy Grand Master shall preside. If the Deputy Grand Master also be absent, the senior Past Grand Master present shall preside. In the absence of all the foregoing, Grand Lodge shall be ruled by the elective Grand Lodge Officer next in rank and seniority, who may be present, and if no elective Grand Lodge Officer be present, the meeting shall be deemed to be cancelled. 21. A Brother, who has not attained the rank of a Past Grand Master, shall not assume the Grand Master s chair, though he be entitled in the absence of the Grand Master to rule Grand Lodge. 22. When the Grand Wardens are in Grand Lodge, no others can fill their places, but in the absence of either, the Grand Master may appoint any Past Grand Warden present to act. If no Past Grand Warden be present, the Grand Master may direct any other member of Grand Lodge to act as Grand Warden for that occasion. This section does not apply to the Ceremony of Installation and Investiture of Grand Lodge Officers. 23. Grand Lodge is declared open in ample form when the Grand Master presides; in due form when a Past Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master presides; and at all other times, in form, yet with the same authority.

13 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE The Grand Master having taken his seat and opened Grand Lodge shall follow the order of business as detailed in the Preliminary Report of Proceedings or as amended by Grand Lodge. 25. At the Annual Meeting the reports of the Committee on Credentials and the Committee of the Scruitneers shall be presented. 26. The order of business shall be moved by the Grand Secretary at each meeting and may at any time be suspended or changed by two-thirds vote of Grand Lodge, and not otherwise. 27. The installation and investiture of Officers of Grand Lodge, according to ancient usage, shall take place immediately before the close of the Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge. 28. a) Grand Lodge at any Annual Meeting may leave any particular matter to the determination of the Grand Master or Board of General Purposes. b) Unless otherwise provided all matters brought up for discussion in Grand Lodge shall be decided by a majority of votes, each Brother present having one vote, and the Grand Master a deciding vote in case of a tie. Each Brother when voting shall hold up the voting card issued to him at registration. The Grand Deacons shall count the votes, unless the numbers in the opinion of the Grand Master be so unequal as to render counting unnecessary. c) Motions properly presented may be withdrawn by the proposer with the permission of the seconder. No motion can be tabled but may be deferred by a motion which must state the reason for deferral and state a time when it must again be taken up by Grand Lodge. 29. Any Brother present in Grand Lodge shall have the right of appeal to Grand Lodge from any decision or ruling of the Grand Master given in Grand Lodge. 30. When a Brother appeals from the decision of the Grand Master given while Grand Lodge is in session he shall state briefly the grounds for his appeal. The Grand Master may then state his reasons for his decision and, without further debate, shall put the question, Shall the decision of the chair be sustained? When the vote has been taken the decision of Grand Lodge shall be announced. 31. Except when addressing the chair, all members shall keep their seats, except the Grand Deacons, the Grand Director of Ceremonies and his assistant, and the Grand Stewards, who are allowed to move about from place to place in the discharge of their duties. 32. No Brother shall speak twice on the same question, unless in explanation, or the mover of a motion in reply. 33. Everyone who speaks shall rise and remain standing, addressing himself to the Grand Master; and no Brother shall presume to interrupt the speaker except to address the Grand Master on a point of order.

14 14 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 34. If any Brother shall have been twice called to order for transgressing these rules, and shall nevertheless be guilty of a third offence at the same session, the Grand Master may peremptorily command him to leave Grand Lodge for that session. 35. No motion or any new subject shall be made, nor any new matter entered on, after six o clock at night. 36. No money grants shall be made by Grand Lodge without the prior consideration of the Board of General Purposes. Nominations 37. Any member of Grand Lodge may nominate any eligible Candidate for an elective office, requiring nomination, or for the Board of General Purposes. 38. a) Nomination for any elective office requiring nomination and for the Board of General Purposes, except for a District Grand Master, shall be made in writing (Form 6), giving the full name, age, occupation, or (if retired), former occupation and post office address of the Candidate, together with the name, number and Masonic District of his Lodge, the year(s) he was Master of his Lodge, any elective or appointive Grand Lodge office and the year(s) of such election or appointment, the year(s) of service on the Board of General Purposes and the office for which he is nominated. Nominations for the offices of Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer shall be made on forms prescribed by the Board of General Purposes (Form 7 Grand Secretary and Form 8 for Grand Treasurer). Such forms will be provided by the Grand Secretary upon request. b) The nomination shall also show the full name, post office address and Masonic Rank of the proposer as well as the name and number of his Lodge. The nomination shall be signed by the Candidate, to signify his willingness to accept the nomination, and by the proposer. 39. All nominations must be received and time stamped by the Grand Secretary on or before 1 st day of July prior to the Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge at which the voting shall take place, provided, however, that when the 1 st day of July falls on a Sunday or holiday, then on or before the following day. 40. The Grand Secretary shall send at once by first class mail or electronically, to all members so nominated, a complete list of all such nominations in alphabetical order for each office, and, unless notice of withdrawal is received by the Grand Secretary on or before the 1 st day of August, from the member so nominated, over his signature, the name of such member shall appear on the final list of nominations. 41. Four copies of the final list of all nominations in alphabetical order for each office with particulars required by Section 38 a) shall be provided by the Grand Secretary to each Lodge Secretary, one copy to each member of the Board of General Purposes, one copy to each of the nominees on or before the 15 th day of August, and shall be published as part of the Preliminary Report of Proceedings.

15 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE No Brother shall be nominated for more than one elective office. For the purposes of this section a nomination for the Board of General Purposes shall be deemed to be a nomination for an elective office. Violation of this regulation shall result in the disqualification of the Brother as a Candidate for any elective office. A Candidate duly nominated may withdraw his name in writing at any time before the vote is taken. Notice of such withdrawal shall be posted at the polling location for the duration of voting. Elections and Appointments 43. The elective and appointive Officers of Grand Lodge shall hold office until their successors shall have been elected or appointed and installed or invested in their stead a) The Officers of Grand Lodge, except for the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, District Grand Masters, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Registrar, Assistant Grand Secretary, and the members of the Board of General Purposes shall be elected or appointed annually. b) Where no nominations are received for an elected office or elected position on the Board of General Purposes, the Grand Master is empowered to fill the vacancy by appointment until the next Annual Communication. c) The Grand Master is empowered to appoint a replacement for any Board of General Purposes position that becomes vacant between Annual Communications. The appointment shall be for the remainder of the term of the elected or appointed brother who vacated the position. a) The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, District Grand Masters, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand Registrar shall be elected for two years. b) The Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand Registrar shall be eligible for reelection. c) The members of the Board of General Purposes shall be elected or appointed for two years and shall be eligible for re-election or reappointment. 46. No Brother shall be eligible for office in Grand Lodge unless he has attained the rank of Past Master. 47. The Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master shall be elected by ballot without nomination. 48. Any Brother who has served an elective office or as an elected member of the Board of General Purposes shall be entitled to have his name published as a Candidate for the office of Deputy Grand Master if he signifies his intention in writing to the Grand Secretary on or before the 1 st day of July prior to the Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge at which a Deputy Grand Master is to be elected. The announcement of his candidacy for that office shall be

16 16 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE made at the same time as the nominations for other Grand Lodge offices are published, but such announcement shall not be construed as a nomination for the office of Deputy Grand Master and shall not preclude the candidature of other similarly qualified Brethren for the office, up to and including the time of voting for that office. 49. The Grand Senior Warden, the Grand Junior Warden, the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Secretary, the Grand Registrar and the members of the Board of General Purposes elected as such by Grand Lodge shall be elected by ballot after nomination. All other Officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master. 50. Should any Officer of Grand Lodge, other than the Grand Master or the Deputy Grand Master, die or cease to reside in the jurisdiction, or become incapable for any reason of performing the duties of his office, the Grand Master shall appoint a qualified Brother to fill the position until the next Annual Meeting, or during such incapacity. 51. a) A Candidate for the office of District Grand Master must be a Past Master of a Lodge of the District and be a resident thereof, or his place of residence must be considered by the Grand Master to be near enough to the District to enable such District Grand Master to discharge his duties and responsibilities to the District in a satisfactory manner. b) A Candidate wishing to stand for election for the Office of District Grand Master must signify his intention in writing to the Grand Secretary on or before the 1 st day of July prior to the meeting of Grand Lodge. c) Should a Past Master, at the time of his election, be in office as Master of a Lodge within this jurisdiction, and should his election be confirmed by the Grand Master, such election shall operate to vacate his office of Master, and a new election shall be held forthwith by the Lodge. 52. The election of the District Grand Master. a) The election of the District Grand Masters will take place in each Lodge during the September meeting or, if a Lodge does not regularly meet during that month, at a special meeting called for that purpose. b) The Grand Secretary's Office will by the 15 th day of August prepare the necessary ballot papers and lodge specific eligible voter list and forward them to Lodge Secretaries. The Lodge will distribute the ballot to eligible Brethren (Section 57) in attendance at the meeting. The Brethren will vote and the ballots will be sealed in the envelope provided and returned forthwith with voters list via registered mail, courier, or by hand to the Grand Secretary's Office. c) The Grand Secretary will immediately turn over the sealed envelopes to the Committee of Scruitneers (Section 55). The Committee of Scruitneers, once it has all envelopes in its possession, will break the seals, count the ballots, and if there is a clear majority, seal the results until the date of the Annual Communication. In the event that there is no clear majority, the Scruitneers will advise the Grand Secretary who will prepare ballots for a second ballot at the Annual Communication. A written report of the holding of a

17 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 17 second ballot, with the surnames of the two Candidates in alphabetical order, shall be delivered to the delegates of the applicable District at registration. Only those Brethren who have placed first and second on the original ballot for the office of District Grand Master shall be eligible as Candidates on the second ballot. d) The results of the election for the District Grand Masters will be announced with the results of voting for the other elective offices. e) Any deviation from this process shall result in the election being invalidated and the Grand Master shall appoint a District Grand Master to serve until the next Annual Communication. 53. The election of a District Grand Master shall be subject to confirmation by the Grand Master. Should confirmation not be given the Grand Master shall appoint a District Grand Master to serve until the next Annual Communication. Voting 54. The ballot papers shall be printed under the direction of the Grand Secretary, and shall contain: a) a letter or figure showing the number or order of the ballot; b) properly defined spaces into which may be written the names of the Brethren to be voted for as Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master and spaces into which may be marked X opposite the names of the Brother or Brothers to be voted upon; c) a list of the elective offices and the Candidates thereof in alphabetical order for each office; and d) the number of votes cast with each ballot. 55. The Grand Master shall appoint a Committee of Scruitneers and name a Chairman by September 1st, to take charge of the ballot. None of the Committee shall be Grand Lodge Officers or nominees for a Grand Lodge office. It shall be the duty of the Chairman to supervise the Scruitneers in the performance of their duties, to decide any doubtful ballots and to report the result of each ballot to the presiding Officer of Grand Lodge. Before entering upon their duties the Scruitneers shall solemnly pledge themselves to perform the same truly and faithfully. 56. The Scruitneers shall meet at such hours and in such places as the Grand Master may direct. In supervising the elections they shall act in pairs under the direction of the Chairman. Each pair shall be provided with a ballot box and a book containing the name and number of the Lodge of each Brother entitled to vote and the number of votes to which he is entitled. 57. a) Each Lodge shall be entitled to three votes to be cast by the Master and Wardens if present. Past Masters who are serving as a Principal Officer of a Lodge relinquishes their right to vote under Section 57 (b).

18 18 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE b) In addition thereto, each Past Master who is an Installed Master under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge and who is not holding office as a Master or Warden of a Lodge shall be entitled to one vote as a Past Master of one Lodge only. c) In addition thereto, each Past Master who is an Installed Master under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge recognized by this Grand Lodge, and a Foreign Joiner of any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge and who has been ordinarily resident of the Province for a period of at least the last two years, shall be entitled to one vote as a Past Master of one Lodge only. 58. No representative (Master or Warden) of any Lodge which has neglected to deliver to the Grand Secretary its Returns and payments to Grand Lodge on or before the 15 th day of August in each year shall be permitted to vote, including voting for elective Grand Lodge offices and the Board of General Purposes, at the Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge, unless by special resolution of the Board of General Purposes. Nothing in this clause shall deprive a Past Master, unless he is a Master or Warden of a delinquent Lodge, of his vote as such. 59. With the exception of voting for the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, each Brother voting shall mark an X upon one of the ballot papers in the space provided therefore opposite the name or names of the duly nominated Brother or Brethren for whom he desires to vote, such names having been printed on the ballot papers. He shall vote for four nominated members of the Board of General Purposes, otherwise his ballot for the Board of General Purposes shall be void. He shall deposit his ballot paper in the proper ballot box. 60. A Candidate for the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary or Grand Registrar must, in order to be elected, receive a majority of the all votes cast. 61. a) With the exception of District Grand Masters, voting for all elective Offices and Board of General Purposes, shall take place at the time and place of registration and voting shall close at the hour of 10:00 a.m. on the forenoon of the day of the Annual Meeting. b) The vote shall be counted forthwith and if a second ballot is required the procedures herein before stated, shall be followed. c) Only those Brethren who have placed first and second on the original ballot for the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary or Grand Registrar shall be eligible as Candidates on the second ballot. A written report of the requirement for a second ballot, with the surnames of the two Candidates in alphabetical order, shall be delivered to the Grand Master forthwith. The Grand Master shall direct the holding of the second ballot. d) The results of the final ballot for the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand Registrar shall be announced at the Annual Meeting.

19 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 19 e. In the event of a tie vote of any elective office of Grand Lodge which is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Election and Appointments (Articles 42 to 52 inclusive) and Voting (Articles 53 to 63 inclusive) sections, of this constitution, the following procedure shall apply: i. The Grand Master shall be advised by the Chair of the Scruitneers Committee. ii. iii. iv. The Chair of Scruitneers Committee shall prepare a ballot box for voting. The doors to the Annual Communication general session room will be tiled, after which a vote to decide the tie will be carried out by those present attending registered members, who have a recognized voting card in their possession. Upon completion of the vote the Scruitneers Committee will retire and tabulate same. 62. The four Brethren nominated for the Board of General Purposes obtaining the greatest number of votes shall be declared duly elected. 63. The District Grand Master of each District shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the Masters, Past Masters and Serving Wardens of Lodges in each District, at a meeting in September. Eligible voters may only vote in one Lodge where they are a subscribing member. 64. All ballot papers cast at any election shall be deposited forthwith by the Chairman of the Scruitneers with the Grand Secretary, who shall retain them for three months, and shall then, unless otherwise directed by the Grand Master, destroy them. Powers of Grand Lodge 65. Grand Lodge has the sole power and authority to enact rules and regulations for the government of the Craft and to amend or repeal them from time to time, subject only to the Ancient Landmarks and this Constitution. 66. Only Grand Lodge has the inherent power to investigate and decide any matter concerning the Craft in general or any Lodge or member thereof in particular; provided, however, that instead of exercising this power directly, Grand Lodge may delegate such authority or any part thereof. 67. Grand Lodge has the sole power to revoke the Warrant of any Lodge. 68. a) The Constitution of the Grand Lodge may be amended at the Annual Meeting thereof by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting. A Notice of Motion in writing, stating distinctly the proposed amendment shall have been given at the preceding Annual Meeting or shall have been received by the Grand Secretary on or before the 1 st day of May preceding the meeting at which the motion is to be considered, or at such shorter period as may appear to the Grand Master on consultation with the Committee on Constitution and Jurisprudence to be just and appropriate considering the special circumstances of the case. The Committee on

20 20 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 69. Constitution and Jurisprudence shall have reported favourably on the constitutional validity of the proposed amendment and Grand Lodge shall have adopted its report. b) All amendments which address more than two Articles of the Constitution, or which are more than 600 words in length, must be submitted by the first of March. a) Any proposed amendment to the Constitution which has been rejected by Grand Lodge shall not be considered at any time within three years after such rejection, except by leave of Grand Lodge by a two-thirds vote taken without debate. A motion to defer voting on a Constitution Amendment shall not be in order unless, in the opinion of the presiding officer, that to hold a vote on the amendment would be detrimental to Grand Lodge. b) No Constitutional Amendment relating to fee structures shall be presented to Grand Lodge except upon recommendation of the Board of General Purposes, following close scrutiny be the Finance Committee. 69. The Grand Master may, subject to the Ancient Landmarks and the Constitution, rule upon matters submitted to him on usage, order and Masonic Law. Every such ruling shall cease to have effect at the conclusion of the next Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge, unless Grand Lodge: a) On the recommendation of the Committee on the Grand Master s Address shall have recommended that the ruling be referred to the Committee on Constitution and Jurisprudence for a report on its constitutional validity; b) On the recommendation of the Committee on Constitution and Jurisprudence and approval by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of Grand Lodge present and voting, a motion to the effect that the ruling be incorporated in the Constitution by an appropriate amendment thereto; and c) Adopts such amendment by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of Grand Lodge present and voting. 70. Grand Lodge, either with or without recommendation from the Grand Master may, without prior notice of motion, recognize the service, eminence, or ability of one of its own members by conferring on him; a) such rank as it may deem appropriate up to and including the rank of Past Grand Senior Deacon, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of Grand Lodge present and voting; or b) Any other rank it may deem appropriate, by a unanimous vote of the members of Grand Lodge present and voting. 71. Except in the case of Masonic offences, every Lodge or Brother affected by any ruling, decision or action of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, a District Grand Master, the Board of General Purposes, or any subordinate authority of Grand Lodge, including the

21 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE 21 Committee on Credentials, shall be duly served with notice of such ruling, decision or action and shall have the right to appeal there from to the Grand Master or Grand Lodge. 72. Notice of appeal shall be given by the appellant in writing to the Grand Secretary within twenty-one days after the notice of such ruling, decision or action shall have been served upon him either in person, by registered or certified mail. Powers and Duties of the Grand Master 73. The Grand Master shall, following his installation at the Annual Meeting or as soon thereafter as possible, appoint every Grand Lodge Officer whose appointment is not otherwise provided for by the Constitution. 74. The Grand Master shall, during the Annual Meeting, install and invest or cause to be installed or invested, all Officers who require installation or investiture, and who are present, and shall give directions for the installation or investiture of those who are not present. 75. It is the prerogative of the Grand Master to constitute and consecrate any Lodge, dedicate any Lodge room, lay any foundation stone, install and invest any Grand Lodge Officer; and no Brother can lawfully perform any of these ceremonies unless authorized to do so by the Grand Master. 76. The Grand Master may, by Warrant, appoint any Brother who is a Past Master of a Lodge to represent the Grand Lodge at or near a sister Grand Lodge and may recommend any Brother who is a Past Master of a Lodge to represent a sister Grand Lodge at or near this Grand Lodge. If such latter representative fails to attend three consecutive Annual Communications, without satisfactory explanation, his representation shall be deemed to be terminated. 77. The Grand Master, on the recommendation of the Board of General Purposes, has the power to form any specified area in the Province into a District, to realign boundaries of Districts, and to eliminate Districts where there are not a sufficient number of Lodges to warrant a District. 78. The Grand Master when present shall be the presiding Officer of Grand Lodge whenever it may meet. 79. The Grand Master may preside over any Lodge and may direct the business thereof during his visit thereto. 80. The Grand Master may send any of the Present or Past Grand Lodge Officers to visit any Lodge at any time. 81. The Grand Master may, by a Committee of Inquiry appointed by him, investigate any subject of Masonic complaint which may be brought before him, and may give such orders and directions with respect to the attendance of Brethren and the production of books and papers, including the Warrant, books and accounts of any Lodge, as he may deem necessary for the purposes of such investigation. Should his orders or directions be disobeyed he may suspend any offending Brother for such disobedience until the next meeting of Grand

22 22 PART 2 - GRAND LODGE Lodge, or until his orders and directions are obeyed. He shall report in writing to Grand Lodge the action taken by him, his reasons therefore, and his opinion respecting any further action in the matter which should be taken by Grand Lodge. 82. The Grand Master may, when such action appears to him to be necessary or expedient, suspend any Brother, or arrest the Warrant or Dispensation of any Lodge and suspend the operation thereof until the next meeting of Grand Lodge. He shall report in writing to Grand Lodge the action taken by him, his reasons therefore, and his opinion respecting any further action in the matter which should be taken by Grand Lodge. Notwithstanding the above no brother shall be suspended and no warrant or dispensation shall be arrested until the brother or lodge in question shall have had an opportunity to hear the reasons therefore and to present reasons why such suspension or arrest should not take place. 83. The Grand Master may direct any Lodge not to initiate or advance any Candidate whom he knows or believes to be unworthy of initiation or advancement. 84. The Grand Master has authority to grant Dispensation for the following purposes: a) to authorize the requisite number of Brethren to meet as a Lodge until the next Annual Meeting of Grand Lodge. Such Lodge shall not be assigned a Lodge Number while under dispensation; b) to authorize the Grand Secretary to issue a Grand Lodge Certificate to a Brother who has been legally admitted to a higher degree at a shorter interval than prescribed by the Constitution; c) to relieve from Masonic disability any member of a Lodge which has been suspended; d) to hold a public procession of the members of the Lodge, or any other function in the name of the Lodge or of the fraternity; e) to permit the election and installation of the Officers of a Lodge at a time other than fixed by the By-laws of the Lodge; f) to hold a Lodge of Instruction; g) to confer a higher degree on a Brother at a shorter interval than that prescribed by the Constitution; h) to initiate more than five Candidates in one day; i) to allow service under Dispensation to rank as service under Warrant in the case of any Brother who has filled the office of Master or Warden in the same Lodge, partly under Dispensation and partly under Warrant; and j) a Lodge may in special circumstances apply to the Grand Master for a Dispensation to waive the requirements of Section The foregoing powers and prerogatives of the Grand Master shall not be construed as limiting or abridging the powers and prerogatives attached to the office of Grand Master by Masonic Law and custom, except insofar as they are by this Constitution expressly limited or abridged.