ANNEX B 049005 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THIS BOOK IS ONE OF A COLLECTION MADE BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 AND BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY CONSTITUTIONS, 'GENERAL REGULATIONS, FORMS, Etc., MOST PUISSANT GRAND COUNCIL jgal m\A ^tkd §^mim STATE CiF NEW YORK. REVISED AND AMENDED, FEBRUARY 6, 1873, A. Dep. 2873. NKW YORK: CORLIES, MACy & CC, 21'_".TI0iNE? " '"" PRINT' ^S, 39 Nassau Steeet. 1873. Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924030348217 CONSTITUTIONS, GENERAL REGULATIONS, FORMS, Etc., MOST PUISSANT GRAND COUNCIL ^0pl mA M^fi ^Mim STATE OF NKW YORK. REVISED AND AMENDED, FEBRUARY 6, 1873, A. Dep.. 2873. NEW YORK. OOELIESj MACY & CO., STATIONEKS AND PKINTEBS, 3;ft Nassau Steeet. 1873. 737 1^1 A/f 3? ^ la. f REAMBLE. We, the several Councils now hailing from and constituting the jurisdiction of the Most Puissant Gband Council of Boyai and Select Masters of the State op New Yokk, for the purpose of pro- moting harmony and brotherly love, advancing our Order, diffu- sing Masonic instruction, and regulating our labors by one uniform standard, do obdain and dec^aee the fqUowiiig Articles to be the CONSTITUTIONS of this Grand Council. CONSTITUTI GIFT'S. ABTICLE I. or THE geand council. J 1. This Grand Council shall be composed of a Grand Master (whose style is Most Illustrious), a Deputy Grand Master, Grand Prin- cipal Conductor of the Work, Grand Treasurer, Grand Recorder, Grand Captain of the Guard, Grand Conductor of the Council, Grand Chaplain, Grand Lecturer, Grand Marshal (the style of all of whom is Eight Illustrious), Grand Steward, and Grand Sentinel (whose style is Illustrious), all Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Illustrious Masters, Grand Principal Conductors of the Work, and all Masters, Deputy Masters, and ^Principal Conductors of the Work, for the time being, of the several Councils under its jurisdiction, with all Past Masters of such Councils, so long as such Past Grand and Subor- dinate officers shall remain members of any Council under the juris- diction of this Grand Council. g 2. Each officer and permanent member of this Grand Council is entitled to one vote, and the acting Grand Master to an additional vote in case of an equal division ; and each Council of fifty members or less shall be entitled to three votes if duly represented, and an ad- ditional vote for each additional fifty members. Grand Oificers and permanent members may vote as such and as Kepresentatives. § 3. Each Warranted Council within this jurisdiction is entitled to be represented in this Grand Council by its first three officers, but in case either of them cannot attend, the Council (or, in case of its fail- ure to do so, its Master or acting Master) may appoint either of its of- fxqers or members to act as their proxy, and shall furnish said proxy a certificate of appointment, over the signature of the Master or acting Master, attested by the Secretary, and nnder the seal of the Council. § i. The first five officers of this Grand Council shall be elected at the Annual Assembly, by ballot, and by a majority of votes ; and the remaiping officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master, and hold office during his pleasure. But no Companion shall be eligible to the office of Grand Ijfaster, Deputy Grand Master, or Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, unless he shall be a present or Past Master of a Subordinate Council; provided nothing herein shall be so construed as to render ineligible any Companion who has heretofore served in either of those offices. § 5. The Grand Council shall have the sole government and super- intendence of the several Councils under its jurisdiction ; shall have power to assign their limits, prescribe the fees for admission, and set- tle controversies that may arise between them. It shall also have power to grant Warrants to new Councils within the State of New York, or in any other State or Territory unoccupied by a Grand Council. J 6. The Grand Master has power to convene any Council within this jurisdiction, to preside therein, to inspect its proceedings, and require its conformity to Masonic rules ; he may require the attend- ance of, and information from, any Grand Officer respecting his office ; he may make Royal and Select Masters at sight, in a Council ; he may grant Dispensations for new Councils, on proper application, when the Grand Council is not in session ; he may appoint and accredit foreign Kepresentatives to and from this Grand Council, and during the recess of the Grand Council may exercise all its executive func- tions. ^ 7, Sub. 1. The Deputy Grand Master shall exercise a general su- pervision over all Subordinate Councils and affairs of the Cryptic Eite in such portion of the jurisdiction nearest his residence as may be designated by the Grand Master, subject, however, in all cases to the approval of the Grand Master ; and in case of the death, absence, or inability of the Grand Master, will succeed to his powers, duties, and prerogatives for all purposes. Sub. 2. In case of the death, absence, or inability of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work will succeed to the powers, duties, and prerogatives of Grand Master. § 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Eecorder : 1. To record the transactions of the Grand Council. 2. To register the members of Councils under this jurisdiction, re- turned to him for that purpose, with the particulars set forth in such returns. 3. To receive, duly file, and safely keep all papers and documents of the Grand Council. 4. To sign and certify all instruments from the Grand Council. 5. To prepare, for the Annual Assembly, a correct list of the offi- cers, past officers, and members of the Grand Council entitled to vote, together with the names and numbers of all Subordi- nate Councils entitled to representation in this Grand Council. 6. To receive and keep a proper account of all moneys belonging to the Grand Council, and pay over the same, without delay, to the Grand Treasurer. • 7. To report annually to the Grand Council the amount of moneys received by him, by items, and the specific sources from which it was received ; also the Councils that have neglected to ren- der proper returns of their elections, members, and dues, and such general information as to the state of the Councils as may be proper for the information or action of the Grand Council, 8. To conduct the correspondence of the Grand Council, under the direction of the Grand Master, and in a Masonic manner, 9. To attend, with all necessary writings, papers, and documents under his control, on all assemblies of the Grand Council, on requisition of the acting Grand Master ; and also to attend up- on the Grand Master, or Deputy Grand Master, on Masonic business, when required. 10. To transmit to the several Grand Councils in correspondence with this Grand Council, a certificate of the election of the Grand Officers, immediately thereafter, containing their signatures re- spectively, and authenticated under his hand and the seal of the Grand Council, with a request for a similar document from each of said Grand Councils ; and, 11. To attend to all such other matters and duties as, by Masonic usage, appertain to his office. § 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand Treasurer: 1. To take charge of all the funds, property, securities, and vouchers of the Grand Council. 2. To pay all orders duly drawn and attested, under general regula- tions, or special directions of the Grand Council. 3. To attend on the Grand Council or its presiding officer, when re- quired, with the books and all necessary documents relating to his office ; and to attend, when required, the meeting of any Committee whose duty it may be to act in relation to the fiscal affairs of the Grand Council. 4. To report annually to the Grand Council the amount of his re- ceipts and expenditures, by items, and from whom received, and to whom paid ; and the amount of securities in his hands, for funds invested by the Trustees. 5. To execute and file with the Grand Recorder an official bond, with two or more sufficient sureties, to be approved by the Grand Master, conditioned that he will pay or deliver on de- mand to the Grand Council, or to his successor in office, all funds and property of the Grand Council that shall come into his possession as Grand Treasurer ; and, 6. To pay and deliver, at the expiration of his term of office, to his successor, or such person as shall be designated by the Grand Council, all moneys, securities, evidences of debt, books, writ- ings, and property of the Grand Council under his control, with all proper assignments, when necessary. J 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand Officers whose duties have not been hereinbefore specifically set forth, to discharge such func- tions as, by ancient usage, pertain to their offices. § 11. The Grand Council shall, by resolution, at each Annual As- sembly, fix the time and place for holding the next Annual Assembly, and the presence of one of the first three Elective Officers of this Grand Council, and the representatives of five Subordinate Councils, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum ; but a Special Assembly may be called, whenever the Grand Master may deem it necessary ; and, also, whenever it shall be required by five Councils under this jurisdiction, jprovided such requisition be made in writing to the Grand Master. g 12. It shall be the duty of the Grand Master, as soon after his in- stallation as may be practicable, to appoint a committee of three, to be called the Finance Committee, whose duty it shall be to superin- tend the financial concerns of the Grand Council, to audit all bills against it, and to certify them by their signatures, when correct, and to report at the Annual Assembly, or whenever required by the Grand Council. § 13. The Grand Master shall appoint, at the Annual Assembly, as soon after his installation as may be practicable, a Grand Lecturer, whose duty it shall be to attend the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council, and he shall be a member thereof, and shall, during the ses- sion, exhibit to the members the standard work, which is approved and determined by the Grand Council for the practice of the Coun- cils under its jurisdiction, unless the Grand Council shall otherwise order. It shall also be his duty to impart said Lectures to the said Councils, or to Companions authorized to receive them, whenever he shall be invited so to do; and he may receive such compensation therefor as may be fixed by the Grand Council. He shall make an annual report of the state of proficiency of the Councils he may visit. § 14. The Grand Eecorder, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Sentinel shall receive such compensation as this Grand Council may, from time to time, determine upon. § 15. The revenues of this Grand Council shall be derived from the following sources: For eveiy Warrant $30 00 For every Dispensation to form a new Council 20 00 And if a "Warrant is afterward granted, the additional sum of 10 00 For every other Dispensation 50 For affixing the Seal to every Grand Council Diploma 50 For every Companion received and greeted in a Subordinate Council 1 00 For adfoining fee of every Select Master 50 Every Council shall pay for each of its members, annually. . . 50 J 16. Every Council shall be accountable to the Grand Council for the dues of each of its members embraced in its returns. g 17. The management of the Permanent Fund is vested in a Board of Trustees, denominated the "Trustees of the Permanent Fund," whose duty it shall be to take the best measures for the security and increase of said fund, and of all the invested funds of this Grand Council, and to invest, from time to time, as a majority may decide upon, all money which shall come into the hands of the Grand Treas- urer, after paying the necessary current expenses, and after leaving in his hands such sum or sums for contingent purposes as the Grand Council may, from time to time, direct. The said Trustees shall de- posit in the hands of the Grand Treasurer the securities and vouchers, of the said invested funds, and shall not have the power to transfer,, sell, dispose of, or appropriate any part of the invested or permanent- fund, without a vote of the Grand Council, at its Annual Assembly.. Said Board of Trustees shall consist of three members of the Grand? Council, and shall be elected annually at the Annual Assembly, by bal- lot (unless it be unanimously resolved at the time to take the vote- by show of hands), and by a majority of votes. J 18. There shall not be a greater number of Coimcils established ini the State than there are Royal Arch Chapters, nor more than one Council within the jurisdiction of each Chapter; and a Council shall not confer the degrees upon a candidate who resides nearer some other Council without the consent of such Council; nor upon a candidate who resides in another State, without the consent of the Council in whose jurisdiction he resides; but two or more Councils located in the same city or village shall be accounted as equally near, and shall hold concurrent jurisdiction; except that the Councils in the cities of New York and Brooklyn shall have one and the same jurisdiction. § 19. Any Council neglecting or refusing to make returns and pay dues for two years, may be punished by the forfeiture of its Warrant, and only restored by paying all back dues, and offering sufficient apology for violation of the constitutional regulations of this Grand Council. § 20. All governmental powers, whether executive, legislative, or judicial, not expressly delegated by the Grand Council, are inherent in and reserved to it, as the supreme governing body. ARTICLE II. EEGtriiATIONS FOB THE GOVERNMENT OI" SDBOEDINATB COUNCILS. J 21. A Council of Royal and Select Masters shall consist of a Master (whose style is Thrice Illustrious), a Deputy Master (whose style is Illustrious), a Principal Conductor of the Work (whose style is Illus- trious), a Recorder, Treasurer, Captain of the Guard, Conductor of the Council, Steward, and Sentinel, and as many members as may be convenient, congregating and working by virtue of a Warrant held un- der the Grand Council, and at the place designated in the Warrant, or by the Grand Council. J 22. No Council of Royal and Select Masters in this State shall be considered legal unless it has a Warrant from this Grand Council, or a Dispensation from the Grand Master ; and no Dispensation shall be granted to form a new Council, unless upon the application of not less than nine Royal and Select Masters in good standing, who must be vouched for as such, and who shall furnish evidence that all dues to the Council to which they formerly belonged are paid, or their con- nection therewith severed by lawful authority ; nor within sixty days next jDreceding the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council. No Warrant shall be granted to any such body, until it shall have given proof of its skill, by labor under Dispensation, and shall have fur- nished a certificate from the Grand Lecturer, or other Grand Officer, of its ability to confer the degrees of the Cryptic Rite, and shall have obtained the consent and recommendation of the nearest Council ; and Masonic communication is hereby forbidden between any Council under this jurisdiction, or any member thereof, and any Council or Assembly that may be working without such Warrant or Dispensa- tion, or with any of the individual members of such illegal Council or Assembly, or with any Companion, received or greeted therein, un- til such Council or Councils, person or persons, shall have been reg- ularly healed. § 23. The powers and privileges of a Subordinate Council are such as are defined in its Warrant, by this Constitution, or by the Ancient Landmarks. ? 24. No Warrant of a Council can be forfeited for cause other than that mentioned in ^ 19, except upon charges regularly made in the Grand Council, at the Annual Assembly, of which due notice shall be given the Council, and an opportunity of being heard in defence, and then only for disobedience to this Constitution, ceasing to meet for one year or more, or for contumacy to the authority of the Grand Master or Grand Council ; but a Warrant may be suspended by the Grand Council or Grand Master at any time, upon proper cause, which suspension shall not extend beyond the next Annual Assembly. § 25. The first five officers of a Subordinate Council, hereinbefore named, must be chosen annually, by ballot, and by a majority of the votes cast at the regular Assembly immediately preceding the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, and must be installed on or before the next regular Assembly thereafter ; and the remaining officers shall be appointed by the Master, and hold office during his pleasure. ^ 26. A Master may fill vacancies in office, except those of Master, Deputy Master, and Principal Conductor of the Work, Treasurer, and Recorder, at any stated Assembly; but, in case of vacancy in the offices in this section mentioned, an election can only be held by virtue of a Dispensation trom the Grand Master, which is to be applied for by the Master of the Council, and is to be so certified by the Eecorder. J 27. The Master shall not be responsible for his official acts, or otherwise, to the Council over which he presides ; but shall be at all times subject to discipline from the Grand Council or Acting Grand Master. g 28. It shall be the duty of the Recorder of a Council : 1. To record the proceedings of the Council, under the direction of the presiding officer, which shall be read and approved by the Council before it is closed ; and such proceedings shall be sub- mitted to the Grand Council whenever required. 2. To receive all moneys paid into the Council, and pay the same to the Treasurer. 3. To transmit, immediately after every election, a certificate there- of to the Grand Recorder. 10 i. To make a full and complete return to the Grand Council, annu- ally, of all the members of the Council, in such form and at such time, as may be required by general regulation. 5. To certify and affix the seal of the Council to all returns and cer- tificates of election rendered to the Grand Council ; and, 6. To attest the official signature of the Master to all other Masonic documents, when necessary. § 29. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of a Council : 1. To receive all moneys paid into the Council from the hands of the Eecorder. 2. To keep a just and correct account thereof ; and, 3. To pay them out by direction of the presiding officer, and con- sent of the Council. § 30. A Council has full power and authority to enact By-Laws for its own government, not inconsistent with this Constitution. § 31. No Council under this jurisdiction shall confer the degrees for a less sum than ten dollars, nor upon any one who shall not have re- ceived, in a regular manner, the several Degrees of Entered Appren- tice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Past Master, Most Ex- cellent Master, and Koyal Arch Mason. § 32. The returns to the Grand Council shall contain the following items, viz. : 1. Council number of each Companion. 2. Name. 3. Age. 4. Occupation. 5. Birthplace. 6. Residence. 7. Time of receiving the degrees. 8. Time of adjoining. 9. Lodge. 10. Chapter. 11. Council in which degrees were received. 12. Connection dissolved — when, and by what. 13. Dues, viz. : Reception fees, adjoining fees, and annual dues. ARTICLE IIL MISCBLliAKBOUS. J 33. Vacancies in Elective Offices can only occur by death or by re- moval after election beyond the jurisdiction of this Grand Council, by promotion at an election to fill vacancies, and by suspension or expul- sion. 11 ? 34. Each Subordinate Council within this jiirisdiction shall make annual return to this Grand Council of all its work, as provided in i 32, up to the time fixed for its annual election, together with a cer- tificate of the officers elected, and cause the same to be transmitted to the Grand Recorder, at such time as may be fixed by general regula- tion. § 35. A member of a Council may present his application to another Council for afiiliation therein, and such last-mentioned Council may receive the application, and refer it to a committee of investigation, and upon the report of the committee take a ballot. And if thereupon such application be accepted, the Companion shall become a member of the Council so accepting him, when it shall receive a certificate that such Companion has been regularly discharged from membership in the first-mentioned Council. § 36. No member shall be permitted to dimit from the Council of which he is a member, until he shall present a certificate from some warranted Council that he has been accepted for membership therein; on presentation of such certificate, and upon the written request of the Companion, the Council at a stated Assembly may, if the member is not an elective ofiioer of or indebted to the Council, or under charges, issue a certificate of dimit, which shall not be delivered to the Companion, but shall be transmitted by the Eecorder of the Council, to the Council from which said certificate of acceptance came; which dimit shall not become operative, or the Companion's membership in the Council issuing the dimit terminated until the Companion shall have consummated membership in the other Coun- cil. But any member of a Council against whom charges are not pending, and whose dues and indebtedness to the Council are paid, may withdraw from membership by presenting a written application therefor at a stated Assembly. The Council shall grant the request of the Companion by dropping his name from the rolls, and his member- ship shall thereby be terminated, and he shall be subject to the dis- abilities of an unaffiliated Koyal and Select Master; provided, however, that an elected officer cannot withdraw during his term of office. § 37. The compensation of the Officers of the Grand Council, and Eepreseutatives of Subordinate Councils, shall be fixed by the Grand Council, from time to time, as the state of its funds may warrant; but no Bepresentative of a Subordinate Council shall receive pay or mile- age in excess of the amount of dues paid in by the Council which he represents. Past Grand Masters of this Grand Council shall be entitled to the same compensation for attendance as Officers and Eepresentatives. 12 AETICLE rV. AMENDMENTS. ? 38. This Grand Council is competent at any time to alter or amend this Constitution on the concurrence of two-thirds of the mem- bers present at an Annual Assembly; provided the proposed alteration shall have been submitted in writing at one Annual Assembly, and laid over until the next for consideration. § 39. No general regulations shall be adopted inconsistent with this Constitution, and all former written Constitutions and General Begu- lations heretofore made and adopted are hereby repealed. -9p Xqxis JO OJB ni3 nodn papna^xa sassBdraoo eq^ 'sja:)SBj\[ paB.i£) (jsej; JO !}Bq^ ni fpAicix pnc 9JT!tit)g ■B 'J3JSBJH pnB.T£) ^-jndaQ; aq; jo ^^q^ tii ijaAiOJX pni3 'sassBdraoQ 'ajBtibg aqi papnadsns si ja;s'Bi\[ pnBj£) 9q:> Xq njo.u. a^SnBTJX aq^ uj -loioo ui ?t 8niiqraaBa.T jujara araos jo ppS JO aq o^ apqAi 9\\% 'q^caiM c Xq paxojpna st qoiqAV 'axSuBi-ix 'e ni pasojoni aJB xpanoQ puisjo stq; jo sjaoijjo eqi we jo epAiaf aqx 'g •joaiaqj ajjnao eqj ni ^qSnojAi. piiat si^'BudoaddB aq^ q^fiM. 'psua^Bra em^s eqij jo uojdy uv jo pan 'aSni.ij puB ao^i pioS qjTM pamniu; '^aApA ajdjnd jo 'pAvaC aqj joj SnjSaBq JO 'jB^of) B jo b;sis -tioo ijonnoQ ■puviQ siq:} jo siaoggo eqj jo qosa jo ■BiuSigni aqx 'Z ■VIKBISUI •apTS{)no loop aq'j ((b 'pni((nag pnBjf) eq:j JO paB iapisni joop aq^f ^b 'pjTJAia:)g pnBjQ aqj jo iq^nog eq^ ui '[8qsj'Bj\[ pnBjQ aqj jo '.^I0^ aqj jo jojonpnoQ i^dionuj pnej£) aqj jo ^jaj aq^ no 'niB^deqQ pnBj£) aq^ jo fqjnog aqj ui '[pnnoQ aq^ jo lojonp -noQ pnBJ£) aq^ jo !^sa;\^ aq; ni 'pj^nQ aqj jo nrajdcQ put!J£) aq; jo fiajsBjfj; pnBj£) jC^tidaQ; aq; jo ;nojj nt 'aajns'eajx puBi^) aqj jo i^fjow aq; JO jopiipnoQ ^Bdpuijj; puBjQ aqj jo ;nojj nj 'aapiooag; pnEar) eq; jo ;.Ta;sBj\[ pnBj£) aqj jo ;jai; aq; no '^xo^ aq; jo jojonpnoQ ^tjdp -ni.Tj ywexJQ aq; jo ;j:a;si3j\[ pnBjg aq; jo ;qS;j: aq; no '.ia;sBj\[ puBj£) X;ndaQ; aq; jo i;seg[ aq; m st j;a;s'8pi[ pnxjjr) aq; jo not;'B;g eqx "I •sxoixvig ■^loxnoo aMYao d "h aex ao saaoiLiiSO ■SNOIXV^noaH ^vHa^[ao 14 the Work, the Trowel and Level; in that of the Grand Recorder, the Trowel and Cross Pens; in that of the Grand Treasurer, the Trowel and Cross Keys ; in that of the Grand Captain of the Guard, the Trowel and Battle-Axe; in that of the Grand Conductor of the Coun- cil, the Trowel and Baton; in that of the Grand Chaplain, the Trowel and Holy igible open; in that of the Grand Marshal, the Trowel and Baton crossed upon the scroll ; in that of the Grand Steward, the Trowel and Cross Swords; and in that of the Grand Sentinel, the Trowel and Cimeter crossed. STATIONS, INSIGNIA, DRESSES, AND JEWELS OP OFFICERS OF SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. Stations. 4. The station of the Master is in the East; of the Deputy Master, on the right of the Master; of the Principal Conductor of the Work, on the left of the Master; of the Recorder, in front of the Principal Conductor of the Work; of the Treasurer, in front of the Deputy Master; of the Captain of the Guard, in the West; of the Conductor of the Council, near the South, on the right; of the Chaplain, on the left of the Principal Conductor of the Work; of the Marshal, near the South, on the left; of the Steward, at the door inside; and of the Sen- tinel, at the door outside. Insignia. 5. The hangings for Jewels are of purple, and may be trimmed with gold; the Aprons are of lambskin, trimmed with purple. Deesses. 6. The Master is clothed in a Robe of royal purple trimmed with ermine, a Crown upon his head and a Sceptre in his hand; the Dep- uty Master, in a Robe of scarlet trimmed with ermine, a Crown upon his head and a Sceptre in his hand; the Principal Conductor of the Work, in a Robe of yeUow, a Turban on his head and a Trowel in his hand; and the Captain of the Guard, in the military dress of the East- ern nations 3,000 years ago. All the other officers are clothed in pur- ple Tunics and Turbans, with a Trowel in one hand and a Sword in the other. 15 Jewels. 7. The Jewels of each of the OflScers of a Subordinate Council are suspended in a Triangle, and are as follows, viz. : that of the Master, the Square, Compasses, and Trowel; that of the Deputy Master, the Trowel and Level; that of the Principal Conductor of the Work, a Trowel and Plumb; "that of the Past Master, a Trowel and the Com- passes extended on an arc of 60 degrees; that of the Recorder, the Trowel and Cross Pens; that of the Treasurer, the Trowel and Cross Keys; that of the Chaplain, the Trowel and open Bible; that of the Captain of the Guard, the Trowel and Battle- Axe crossed; that of the Conductor of the Council, a Trowel; that of the Marshal, the Trowel, Baton, and Scroll; that of the Steward, the Trowel and Cross Swords; and that of the Sentinel, the Trowel and Oimeter crossed. Insignia of Mbmbebs op Councils. 8. The members of a Subordinate Council wear a lambskin or white Apron, trimmed with purple. HeAIiING. 9. The Grand Master alone shall direct the process of healing such Companions as have been irregularly made Koyal and Select Masters, RULES OF ORDER. 1. At the stroke of the Grand Master's gavel, there shall be a gen- eral silence, and he who breaks silence without leave from the presi- ding officer shall be subject to a public reprimand. 2. Under the same penalty, every Companion shall keep his seat, and observe strict silence whenever the Grand Master shall call to order. 3. No Companion is to speak more than once to the same question, unless by permission. 4. If, in the Grand Council, any member is twice called to order, at one Assembly, for transgressing these rules, and is guilty of the third offence of the same nature, the Grand Master may peremptorily order him to leave the Council Chamber for that session. 5. Whoever shall be so rude as to ridicule any Companion, or what another says, or has said, may be forthwith solemnly excluded the Assembly, and declared incapable of ever being a member of this Grand Council, unless he publicly own his fault, and he be excused. 6. All motions are to be decided by a majority of votes, each mem- ber having one vote, and the Grand Master two votes, in case that an equal niimber shall require his decision. 7. The opinions or votes of the members may be signified by hold- ing up the left hand, unless some member shall call for a vote by Councils, which shall be sustained by at least three members. 8. All members shall keep their places, except the Grand Captain of the Guard and Grand Marshal, who are allowed to move from place to place, in the discharge of their duties. 9. Every one who speaks shall rise and remain standing, addressing himself to the Grand Master ; and no member shall interrupt him, un- less to call him to order ; but after he has been set right he may pro- ceed, if he observe due order and decorum. 10. Every proposition offered for consideration shall be in writing, if required by any member. 17 11. At any Annual Assembly of the Grand Council, the following Standing Committees shall be appointed, to consist of three members each : 1. A Committee on Credentials of Members and Eeturns of Councils. 2. A Committee on Warrants and Dispensations. 3. A Committee on Foreign Coi-respondence. 4. A Committee on the Constitutions and By-Laws of Coun- cils. To this committee shall be referred all proposi- tions to amend the Constitutions, General Eegulations, and Rules of the Grand Council ; also all questions rel- ative to the usages, privileges, customs, and work of the fraternity. 5. A Committee on Grievances and Appeals. 6. A Committee on Finance. 7. A Committee on Unfinished Business of the previous An- nual Assembly. 12. The Standing Committees shall not sit while the Grand Council is actually in session, unless on leave obtained, and shall all report at the same Assembly at which they were appointed, and be discharged at the close thereof, unless otherwise ordered, except the Committee on Foreign Correspondence and the Committee on Unfinished Busi- ness. 13. The following shall be the Order of Business and proceedings of the Grand Council, at each session of the Annual Assembly, except that the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth shall not be observed after the first session : 1. Calling the Eoll of Councils by the Grand Recorder. 2. The usual ceremonies of opening the Grand Council in ample form, and with prayer by the Grand Chaplain. 3. Reading and approving the Minutes of any previous Spe- cial Assembly of the Grand Council not before read and approved. 4. Address of the Grand Master, and action thereon. 5. Reports of the Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer, and action thereon. 6. Appointment of Committees. 7. Reports upon Credentials of Members. 8. Reports on Unfinished Business of the previous Assembly. 9. Presentation and reference, or other disposition of Memo- rials, Petitions, and Communications. 10. Motions and Resolutions, and reference or other disposi- tion of the same. 2. 18 11. Keports of Standing Committees, and action thereon: the Committees on Foreign Correspondence and Constitu- tions and By-Laws having the preference. 12. Reports of Special Committees, and action thereon. 13. Special Orders (if any). 14. Consideration of Amendments to the Constitutions, Gen- eral Regulations, and Rules (if any). 15. Unfinished Business of previous sessions (if any). 16. Miscellaneous Business, not included in the above. 17. Reading and approval of the Minutes of the session. 14. Should the Order of Business not be concluded at the session at which it is first called, it shall be commenced at the succeeding session where it was left off, and so on throughout the Assembly, taking up the Order of Business, as in Rule 13, again when once finished, and going through with it in the same manner ; provided, nevertheless, that the reading and approval of the minutes shall be the last business in order at each session, and that the appointment of a time for the election and installation of officers, and for the lectures, shall be in order at any time designated by the Grand CounoU. 15. At each session of the Annual Assembly, the Grand Council . shall determine the time of holding the next session. 16. The Rules of Order shall not be suspended at any time, except .by unanimous consent. 17. These Rules may be amended at any time, by a vote of two- ithirds of the Grand Council. 18. All former Rules of Order of the Grand CouncU, inconsistent herewith, are hereby abrogated. INSTALLATION OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. At the time appointed for the Installation, the Grand Council being regularly opened, the Chair must be taken by some Grand or Past Grand Master; or, if none be present, by the highest Grand or Past Grand Officer, who is, or has been, a presiding officer in a Subordi- nate Council. The B. P. Grand Marshal shall then introduce the Grand Master elect to the Installing Officer, saying: Most Puissant — I present to you Companion , who, having been duly elected Grand Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York, for the ensuing Masonic year, now declares himself ready for installation. The Installing Offlcer shall then address the members of the -Grand Council, saying: Companions of the Grand CouNcrL — Companion having been duly elected to preside over you, as your Grand Master, now declares himself ready for installation. If any of you can show just cause why he should not be installed, you will make your objections now known, or forever after hold your peace. If objections are made, the Grand Council shall proceed at once to hear and determine the same. If no objections are made he shall continue to say ; No cause being shown to the contrary, I shall now proceed to in- stall him. The Installing Officer shall then administer the following obligation of office, all the Companions standing : 20 I, , do solemnly promise and swear that I will serve as Grand Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York, for the term for which I have been elected, and will, to the bsst of my abili- ties, faithfully discharge the duties appertaining to that office. I do furthermore promise and swear that I will support and maintain the Constitutions of this Grand Council, and inviolably preserve the an- cient landmarks of the Order. So help me God. The Grand Chaplain shall then offer the following prayer : O thou most holy and omnipotent Lord God of heaven and earth ! we do most humbly beseech thee to smile upon and bless this Grand Council, now assembled. Sanctify unto each one of us now present the transactions of this hour. Make us humble and thankful recip- ients of all the bounties thou art continually bestowing upon us, and move our hearts with impulses of tenderness and charity toward all men, and esptcially toward those who have wrought with us their regular hours in the secret vault. Bestow upon us, we beseech thee, a portion of thine infinite wisdom, and especially upon him who has been selected to preside over this Grand Council. Take from him all pride of heart, stubbornness of will, and self-sufficiency of understand- ing, and all vanity, ostentation, and arrogance, if any such he have; and give him in their stead a meekness and lowliness of heart, and a kmdness and gentleness of disposition, that shall cause him to rule and govern his Companions with love and affection, and in thy fear. And we pray thee, O Lord God, that, when our labors here are ended and the hour of everlasting rest has arrived, we may be re- ceived into the Grand Coiincil above, and hear the thriUing welcome, " Come, ye blessed of my Father, into the mansions prepared for you from the beginning of the world." Amen. Response by the Companions. — So mote it be. The Installing Officer then invests ike Grand Master elect with the insig- nia of his office, and proceeds with the following CHARGE. By the voice of your Compations, you have been elevated to the highest office within their gift; and as they rely with entire confidence upon the rectitude of your intentions and the integrity of your charac- ter, it becomes your duty to set them an example of diligence, indus- try, and fidelity; to see that the officers associated with you faithfully perform their respective duties, and that the reputation and interests of this Grand Couucil are not endangered by imprudence or neglect. The important trust committed to your charge will call for your best exertions, and the exercise of your best faculties. As the Representa- 21 tive of the wise King of Israel, it will be your duty to recite the secret traditions, to illustrate the moral principles of the Order, to cherish the worthy, and to hold in due veneration the ancient landmarks of our time-honored institution. The purple robe, the crown, and the sceptre are emblems of union and authority. They are to indicate to you that, while you govern your Companions with mildness, firmness, and impartiality, you are to teach them lessons of union and harmony, which are the chief sup- ports in our great Masonic edifice. And as you are seated in the East, the place of light and heat, so you are to be the source of light and heat to those under your charge. Enlighten them with a knowledge of our traditions, our forms and ceremonies; the signification of our tools and emblems, and the general arts and mysteries of our craft; and impart to them a portion of the warmth of zeal and devotion that burns in your own bosom. By a frequent recurrence to the Constitutions of this Grand Coun- cil, and the general regulations of the fraternity, together with a con- stant observance of the great priaciples inculcated in the various lec- tures and charges, you will be enabled to fulfil the important obliga- tions resting upon you with honor to yourself and credit to the craft. And may He, without whose approving smiles our labors are all in vain, give strength to your endeavors, and support to your exertions. The Grand Master elect shall then take his seat in the East, and assume the gavel. After which (all the Companions standing) the Grand Cap- tain of the Guard shall make proclamation, thus : Companions : In the name of the Most High God, I do proclaim Most Puissant Companion, , Grand Master of the Grand Coun- cil of the State of New York, for the term prescribed by the Constitu- tions. The remaining officers elect, standing in order before the officiating offlr cer, shall then make the following declaration : I, , do solemnly promise that I will faithfully, and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the ofiice to which I have been elected, and that I will strictly conform to the requirements of the Constitutions of the Grand Council of the State of New York, to- gether with the general regulations of the Order, so far as they may come to my knowledge. After which the officers elect shall kneel (the rest of the Companions present standing), while the R. P. Grand Chaplain repeats the following 22 PKATEE. Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great architect of heaven and earth, we approach thee with reverence, and implore thy blessing on these Companions, selected to assist our presiding officer in conduct- ing the business of this Grand Council, and now prostrate before thee. Fill their hearts with thy fear, that their tongues and actions may promote thy glory. Make them steadfast in thy service. Grant them wisdom, that they may teach thy judgments and thy laws. Animate their hearts, and strengthen their endeavors. Bless them, O Lord, and bless the work of their hands. Accept us in mercy. Hear thou, from heaven, thy dweUing-place, and forgive our transgressions. Amen. Response. — So mote it be. The R. P. Gh-and Marshal will now present each of the remaining Grand Officers elect in order, according to rank, when they shall be charged by the Installing Officer, respectively, as foUoits : (After each charge, the R. P. Grand Marshal shall conduct the officer elect, so charged, to his proper position in the Grand Council Chamber. ) CHARGE TO THE DEPUTY GRAND M.iSTEE. Eight Puissant Compakion : Have you attended to the important obligation taken by your superior, and do you promise to support all the ancient charges and regulations as freely and fully as he has done ? Answer. — ^I do. The duties of the important office to which your Companions have elected you will require your constant and earnest attention. You are to occupy the second seat in this Grand Council, and it will be your duty to aid and support your Chief in all the requirements of his of- fice. In his absence, you will be called upon to preside in the Grand Council, and to discharge all those important duties which now de- volve upon him. Let it, therefore, be your unremitting study to ac- quire such a degree of knowledge and information as will enable you, when called upon, to discharge with promptness and propriety all the important duties annexed to your station. CH.iEGE TO THE GEAND PEINCIPAL CONDUCTOE OF THE WOKK. Eight Puissant Companion : As the third officer of this Grand Council, it will be your duty to sound the silver trumpet at early dawn and eve of day, when the sun's first and last beams gild the mountain- tops, to announce high noon, and proclaim the time of rest and labor. 23 In the absence of your superiors, you ■will be required to perform their duties ; and as the interests of the Grand Council should never be permitted to suffer through want of intelligence in its officers, you ■will allow me to urge upon you the necessity of being always qualified and prepared to meet the emergency, should any such arise. Having been admitted to the fellowship of kings, you wiU be fre- quently reminded that the office of mediator is both honorable and praiseworthy. Let it, therefore, be your constant care to preserve harmony and unanimity of sentiment among the members of the Grand Council. Discountenance whatever may tend to create divi- sion and dissensions among the Companions in any of the depart- ments of Masonry. And as the glorious sun at its meridian dispels the mists and clouds that obscure the horizon, so may your exertions tend to dissipate the mist of jealousy and discord, should any such ever unfortunately arise. CHAKGE TO THE GEAND BECOBDEB. Eight Puissant Companion : It is with much pleasure that I install you into the office to which you have been elected by your Compan- ions. The qualities which should recommend a Recorder are : correct- ness in recording the proceedings ; judgment in discriminating be- tween what is proper and what is improper to be written ; regularity in attendance upon the Grand Council ; integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass through his hands, and fidelity in paying the same over to the Grand Treasurer. The possession of these qualities, I have no doubt, has designated you as a suitable Companion for this important office. I have the utmost confidence, therefore, that you wiU discharge all the duties incumbent on you with fidelity and honor. May God grant that, when you shall have completed the rec- ord of your transactions here below, you may be admitted into the Grand Council above, and find your name recorded in the Book of Life. CHAEGE TO THE GBAND TBEASUREE. Eight Puissant Companion : You have been elected to an important and responsible station in this Grand Body. It will be your duty to number and weigh out the shekels of the sanctuary, and to provide for the helpless and the destitute. The qualities which should distin- guish you are accuracy and fidelity — accuracy in keeping a true and fair account of the receipts and disbursements ; fidelity in carefully preserving the property and funds of the Grand Council, and in ren- dering a just account of the same when required. Your interest in this Grand Council, your attachment to the craft, and your known in- 24 tegrity of character are a sufficient guaranty that these duties ■will be faithfully performed. CHAEGE TO THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE GUAED. KiGHT Puissant Companion : Having been appointed Captain of the Guard of this Grand Council, I present you with the insignia of your office. Guard well your post, and suffer none to pass it but the select, the faithful, and the true. Be ever attentive to the commands of your Chief, and be always near at hand to see them duly executed. CHAEGE TO THE GEAND CONDUCTOR OF THE COUNCIL. EiGHr Puissant Companion : Having been appointed Conductor of the Council of this Grand Council, you are now presented with the jewel of your office. Your duties are none the less important because they are subordinate in character. In your discharge of those duties which you now assume, be fervent and zealous ; let uprightness and integrity attend your steps, and let justice and mercy mark your conduct. CHAEGE TO THE GEAND CHAPLAINS. Eight Puissaxt and Eev. Companions : You have been appointed Chaplains of this Grand Council. Your good inclinations will un- doubtedly aid you in the performance of those solemn services which created beings should constantly render to their Great Creator, and which, when offered by one whose holy profession it is to point to Heaven and lead the way, may, by refining our morals, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds, prepare us for admission into the presence of our Supreme Grand Master, where happiness will be as perfect as it is endless. CHARGE TO THE GEAND MAESHAL. Eight Puissant Companion : The office to which you have been ap- pointed is one of "much importance in the proceedings of this Grand Council. In the discharge of the duties appertaining to it, and with which you are familiar, be fervent and zealous. Let uprightness and integrity attend your steps ; let justice and mercy mark your conduct, and predominate in aU your actions through life. You wiU now as- sume your station. CHAEGE TO THE GEAND STEWARD AND SENTINEL. Puissant Companions : You are appointed respectively to the office of Grand Steward and Sentinel of this Grand Council, and I now in- 25 vest you with the implements of your ofiSce. As the sword is placed in the hands of the Sentinel to enable him to guard the sanctuary and entrance to the secret passage with sleepless vigilance against intru- ders, so should it morally serve as a constant admonition to us all to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts, to place a watch at the door of our lips, to post a sentinel at the avenues of our actions, there- by excluding every unworthy thought, word, and deed, and enabling us to preserve our consciences void of offence toward God and man. You will now assume your respective stations. CHARGE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. Companions : From the nature of the constitution of every society, some must of necessity rule and others ohey. And while justice and moderation are required of the officers in the discharge of their official duties, subordination and respect for their rulers are equally demand- ed of the members. The relation is reciprocal ; the interests of both are inseparable, and without mutual co-operation the labors of neither can succeed. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Let, therefore, brotherly love prevail among you ; let each be emulous of the others in all good works, and in no other way. Let the avenues of your passions be strictly guarded ; let no curious intruder find his way into the secret recesses of your retirement, to disturb the harmony which should ever prevail among the select and chosen. In so doing, you will secure the prosperity of this Grand Council, the respect of your Companions, the commendation of your own consciences, and, finally, the ajDproval of your Supreme Grand Master and a Crown of Life. The Grand Marshal shall then make the following proclamation : I am directed by the Most Puissant Grand Master to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, the officers of the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York duly and reg- ularly installed, in ample form. The Eight Puissant Grand Chaplain shall then offer the following or some suitable prayer, which shall conclude the ceremonies of installation of the Grand Officers : To thee, O God, we now pommend ourselves, and the varied inter- ests committed to our charge. Ever keep and preserve this Grand Council in purity and usefulness, and may its proceedings tend to thy glory and the benefit of our race. Amen. Besponse. — So mote it be. OBDEE OF CEREMONIES IN CONSTITUTING AND DEDICATING COUNCILS OP KOYAL AND SELECT MASTEES. The new Couiicil shall assemble in their hall, and be called to order by their presiding officer. The Grand Council ■will meet and open in an adjoining room. A committee from the new Council shall inform the Grand Marshal that the new CouncU is prepared to receive the Grand Council. The Grand Marshal will announce the same to the Grand Master. The committee shall then conduct the Grand Council to the hall of the new Council, where they shall be received mth the usual honors. The officers of the new Council shall then resign their seats to the Grand Officers, and cause their jewels to be laid upon the altar and covered. An ode shall then be sung, or an appropriate piece of music be per- formed, after which the Grand Chaplain shall repeat the following or some other suitable form of PEAYER . Almighty and Supreme Architect of the Universe, maker and ruler of all things, who is there in heaven but thee, and who upon earth can stand in competition with thee ? Thine omniscient mind brings all things in review, past, present, and to come. Thine omnipotent arm directs the movements of the vast creation. Thine omnipresent eye pervades the secret recesses of every heart. Thy boundless be- neficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoyment. Thy un- speakable perfections and glory surpass the understanding of the chil- dren of men. We do most humbly invoke thy special blessings upon the purposes of our present assembly. Let this Council be established to thy honor and glory. May its officers be endowed with wisdom to 27 discern and fidelity to pursue its ti-ue interests. May its members be ever mindful of the duty they owe to their God, the obedience they owe to their superiors, the love they owe to their equals, and the good will they owe to all mankind. May this Council be erected to thy glory, and may its members ever exemplify their love to thee by their beneficence to their fellow-man, and eventually enjoy the rewards of a well-spent life in the sacred sanctuary on high. Glory be to God, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Response.— So mote it be. Should time permit, an oration or some suitable address may now he delivered. Tlie Grand Marshal shall then address the Grand Master in the words following, viz. . Most Puissant Geand Master: A constitutional number of Com- panions, duly instructed in the sublime mysteries, having received from the Grand Council a Charter, authorizing them to open and hold a regular Council of Eoyal and Select Masters in this place, are now assembled for the purpose of having the same legally constituted and solemnly dedicated, in ample form. The Cliarter granted the new Council shall then be read by the Grand Recorder. The Grand Master will then address the Companions forming the new Council, as follows ; Companions: Do you accept the Charter which has just been read in your hearing by the Grand Kecorder, and do you promise to per- form all the requirements therein contained, conforming in all your Masonic workings to the Constitutions, By-Laws, and General Regula- tions of the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York ? TJie answer being in the affirmative, the Grand Master shall proceed as follows : By virtue of the high power in me vested as Grand Master of Eoyal and Select Masters of the State of New York, I do now form and con- stitute you, my worthy Companions, into a regular Council of Boyal and Select Masters, by the name of Council, No. — ; and I hereby authorize and empower you and your successors to open and hold said Council, and to do and perform all such things as may ap- pertain thereunto, conforming in all things to the Constitutions, By- Laws, and General Regulations of the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York. And may the God of our Fathers be with you to guide and direct you in all your doings. Amen. Response. — So mote it be. 28 An Ode or Hymn shall then he sung, or a suitable piece of music per- formed, during which the Grand Marshal shall uncover the jewels. The following Dedicatory Declaration shall then be pronounced ly the Grand Master : To our Ancient and Most Puissant Grand Master Solomon, King of Israel, we solemnly dedicate this Council. May the blessings of him who presides in the Grand Council above rest upon all the members thereof, and may he so direct their labors that his name may be mag- nified, now and ever. Amen. Response. — So mote it be. The following proclamation shall then be made by the Grand Marshal: I am directed by the Most Puissant Grand Master to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, this Council, by the name of Council, No. •, duly constituted and dedicated, this day of , A. D. -. Should it be deemed desirable, another suitable piece of music may be now performed, when the ceremonies shall close with ihefolloicing benedic- tion, to be pronounced by the Grand Chaplain : BENEDICTION. May the blessing of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob rest upon and be with you always, now and forever. Amen. Response. — So mote it be. Should any other officer than the Grand Master officiate at the dedicatory ceremonies, the word ample I'.s to be omitted wherever it occurs i7i tJie ser- vice, and in place thereof shall be used the words "in due and ancient FOEM." INSTALLATION OFFICERS OF A SUBORDINATE COUNCIL. Officers of Subordinate Councils may be installed by any present or Past Grand Officer, or by any present or Past Master of a Council in good standing in any regularly constituted Council of Boyal and Se- lect Masters. The Council being duly assembled and in working order, the install- ing officer shall direct the Recorder to read so much of the records as refer to the election of the officers presenting themselves for instal- lation. After which he shall say : Companions of Council, No. — , do you remain satisfied with the choice you have made in the selection of your officers for the en- suing Masonic year ? The ansuer being in the affirmative, the officers elect shall he arranged by the Marshal (an officer to be appointed for the occasion) in due form in front of the installing officer, when they shall be required to make the following DECLARATION. I, , do solemnly promise that I will faithfully, and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected in this Council, and that I will strictly conform to the require- ments of the By-Laws of this Council, and the Constitutions and Gen- eral Regulations of the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York, so far as they may come to my knowledge. The officers elect shall then resume their seats among their Companions. The following, or some suitable prayer, shall then be delivered by the Chaplain : 30 PKAYEK. Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, the Great and Mighty Father of all men, -we, thy humble servants, desire to approach thee with all reverence, and to implore thy blessing upon the Companions se- lected to preside over and conduct the affairs of this Council, and now before thee. FiU their hearts, we beseech thee, with thy fear, that their tongues and actions may promote thy glory. . Make them stead- fast in thy service. Grant them firmness of mind. Animate their hearts, and strengthen their endeavors. May they be enabled to teach thy judgments and thy laws. Bless them, O Lord, and bless the work of their hands. Accept us in mercy. Hear thou irom Heaven, thy dwelling-place, and forgive our transgressions. Glory be to God as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Response. — So mote it. Tlie Marshal will then present the officers elect severally, according to rank, for installation. Addressing the installing officer hy his proper Masonic title, he shall say: •, I present to you Companion , for installation as of this Council. I find him to be weU-skilled in the Eoyal Mysteries, zealous in diffusing the sacred principles of our fathers, and in whose integrity and fidelity his Companions of Council, No. , repose the highest confidence. The installing officer will then complete the ceremonies hy delivering the following Address and Charges, severally, to the officers elect, as they are severally presented to him, according to rank, by the Marshal. ADDKESS AND CHARGE TO THE MASTER. Thkice Lllustriotts Companion: I feel great pleasure in receiving you as the presiding officer of this CouncU. It is a station highly honorable to him who diligently and faithfully performs the duties it imposes upon him. Before investing you, however, with the appro- priate insignia of your office, I must require your unequivocal assent to the following interrogatories: 1. Do you solemnly promise that you will use your best endeavors to correct the vices and purify the morals of your Companions, and to promote the peace and prosperity of your Council ? 2. That you wiU not suffer your Council to be opened when there are less than nine or more than twenty-seven Select Masters present ? 3. That you wlQ not suffer any one to pass the circle of perfection 31 in your Council, in whose integrity, fervency, and zeal you have not entire confidence ? 4. That you 'will not acknowledge or hold intercourse with any Council that does not work under some regular and constitutional authority ? 5. That you will not admit a visitor into your Council who has not been regularly and lawfully invested with the degrees conferred there- in, without his having previously been formally healed ? ' 6. That you will faithfully observeand support such By-Laws as may be made by your Council, in conformity with the Constitutions and General Regulations of the Order ? 7. That you will pay due respect and obedience to the Grand Of- ficers, when duly installed, and sustain them in the discharge of their lawful duties ? 8. Do you submit to these requirements, and promise to observe and practise them faithfully ? Response. — I do. With entire confidence in the rectitude of your intentions, and in the integrity of your character as a Select Master, I now invest you with the appropriate insignia of your office. Having been honored with the free suffrages of your Companions, and elevated to the highest office within their gift, it becomes your duty to set them an example of diligence, industry, and fidelity; to see that the officers associated with you faithfully perform their re- spective duties, and that the interest and reputation of your Council are not endangered by imprudence or neglect. The important trusts committed to your charge will call forth your best exertions, and the exercise of your best faculties. As the representative of the wise King of Israel, it wiU be your duty to recite the secret traditions, and illustrate the moral principles of the Order, to cherish the worthy, and to hold in due veneration the ancient landmarks. By a frequent recurrence to the By-Laws of your Council, and the General Regulations and Constitutions of the Grand Council, you wiU be enabled to fulfil the important obligations resting upon you with honor to yourself and with credit to the craft. , And may He, without whose approving smiles our labors are all in vain, give strength to your endeavors and support to your exertions. CHARGE TO THE DEPUTY MASTER. Right Illxjsteiotjs Companion: Having been elected to the second office in this Council, I, with great pleasure, invest you with the in- signia of your office. 32 The duties of the important office to which your Companions have elevated you ■will require your constant and earnest attention. You are to occupy the second seat in the Council, and it wiU be your duty to aid and support your Chief in all the requirements of his office. In hie absence yon ■will be called upon to preside in the Council, and to discharge aU the important duties annexed to his station. Although the representative of a king, and elevated in rank above your Companions, yet may you never forget that in all the duties you o^we to God, your neighbor, and yourself, you and they stand upon the same level of equality. Let the bright example of your predeces- sor in the Grand Council at Jerusalem stimulate you to the faithful performance of every duty, and ■when the King of kings shall summon you to his immediate presence, may you receive from his hand a cro^wn of glory that shall never fade a^way. CHAEGE TO THE PEINCIPAL CONDUCTOK OF THE WORK. Illtjsteidus CoMPAsios: As the third officer of this Council, I now invest you with the insignia of your office. It is your duty to sound the silver trumpet at early dawn and eve of day, when the sun's first and last beams gild the mountain-tops, to announce high noon, and proclaim the time of rest and labor. In the absence of either of your superior officers, you ■will be re- quired to perform the duties annexed to his station respectively; and as the interests of your Council ought never to suffer from the want of intelligence in its officers, you will allow me to urge upon you the ne- cessity of being always qualified and fully prepared to meet the emer- gency, should it ever arise. Having been admitted to the fellowship of kings, you will be fre- quently reminded that the office of mediator is both honorable and praiseworthy. Let it therefore be your constant care to preserve harmony and unanimity of sentiment among the members of your Cojincil. Discountenance whatever may tend to create divisions and dissensions among the brethren in any of the departments of Masonry. And as the glorious sun at its meridian dispels the mists and clouds that obscure the horizon, so may your exertions tend to dissipate the mist of jealousy and discord, should any such ever unfortunately arise in your Council. CHAEGE TO THE EECOEDEE. Companion: I now invest you with the insignia of your office. The qualities which should distinguish you in discharging the various duties annexed to your station are, correctness in recording the pro- ceedings of your Council; judgment in discriminating between what is 33 proper and wliat is improper to be written; regularity in mating the returns to the Grand Council; integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass through your hands, and fidelity in paying the same over to the Treasurer. The possession of these qualities has designat- ed you as a suitable Companion for the important office to which you have been elected, and I entertain no doubt but that you will dis- charge all the duties incumbent on you with fidelity and honor. And when you shall have completed the records of your transactions here below, and finished the term of your probation, may you be admitted to the Grand Council above, and find your name recorded in the book of life. CHARGE TO THE TKEASUEEB. Companion : You have been elected to a very important and respon- sible office in this Council, and I now, with pleasure, invest you with the insignia of your office. It is your duty to number and weigh out the shekels of the sanctuary, and to provide for the helpless orphan. The qualities which should distinguish you are accuracy and fidelity : accuracy in keeping a fair and true account of the receipts and dis- bursements; fidelity in carefully preserving the property and funds of the Council, and in rendering a just account of the sanne when re- quired. Tour interest in this Council, j^our attachment to the craft, and your known integrity of character are a sure guaranty that your duties will be faithfully performed. CHAEGE TO THE CAPTAIN OP THE GUABD. Companion : Having been appointed Captain of the Guard in this Council, I present you with the insignia of your office. Guard well your post, and suffer none to pass it but the select, the faithful, and the worthy. B6 ever attentive to the commands of your chief, and be always near at hand to see them duly executed. OHAEGE TO THE CONDUCTOK. Companion : The office to which you have been appointed is one of much importance in the proceedings of this Council. In the dis- charge of the duties appertaining to it, and with which you are doubt- less familiar, be fervent and zealous ; you will thus secure the respect and esteem of your Companions, and the approbation of your own conscience. You will now assume your station. 34 CHABGE TO THE CHAPLAIN. Bev. Companion : You have been appointed Chaplain of this Conn- 'oiL Tonr good inclinations wiU nndoubtedly aid you in the perform- ance of those solemn services which created beings should constantly Tender to their Great Creator, and which, when offered by one whose Jioly profession it is to point to heaven and lead the way, may, by refining our morals, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds, pre- pare us for admission into the presence of our Supreme Grand Master, where happiness wUl be as perfect as it is endless. CHARGE TO THE MAESHAL. CoMPAjnoN : Xfce duties of your office require but little elucidation. It is your duty, in connection with the Conductor, to attend to the ex- amination of visitors, and to take special care that none are permitted to enter but such as have proved their title to our favor and friend- ship. I present you with the implement of your office, in the confi- dent belief that it is intrusted to competent and faithful hands. CHARGE TO THE STEWAED AND SENTINEL. Companions : You have been appointed to the office of Steward and Sentinel, respectively, and I now, ■srith pleasure, invest you with the appropriate insignia of your office. Let the sword placed in your hands serve as a constant admonition to you to set a guard at the en- trance of your thoughts, to place a watch at the door of your Kps, to post a sentinel at the avenues of your affections, thereby excluding every unworthy thought, word, and deed, and enabling yon to pre- serve your consciences void of offence toward God and man. CHARGE TO THE COUNCIL. WoETHT AND Beloved COMPANIONS : From the nature of our be- loved institution, some must of necessity rule and others obey. And while justice and moderation are required of the officers in the dis- charge of their official duties, subordination and respect for their rulers are equally demanded of the members. The relation is recip- rocal. The interests of both are inseparable, and without mutual co- operation the labors of neither can succeed. Let the avenues to your passions be strictly guarded. Let no curious intruder find his way into the secret recesses of your retirement, to disturb the harmony which should ever prevail among the select and chosen. In so doing, you will best secure the prosperity of your Council, the respect of your Companions, and the commendation of your own consciences. 35 The Installing Officer shall then make the following declaration r By virtue of the powers in me vested, I do now declare the officera of Council, No. , regularly installed, in due and ancient form. The Chaplain shall then conclude the installation ceremonies by deliver- ing the following or some suitable form, of PEAYEK. Eternal and ever blessed Jehovah, most humbly do we beseech thee to look down with an eye of favor upon this Council, now assembled before thee. Bless, if it shall please thee, the proceedings of this hour, and grant that every transaction of this body may tend to thy glory and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue, and to thy great name shall be ascribed eternal praises, world without end. Amen. Response. — So mote it be. FOEM OF EETURN OF ELECTION. The Certificate of Election should be in the folio-wing form, and must be filed in the office of the Grand Recorder, before the elected officers of the Subordinate Councils can be recognized as members of the Grand Council': Be it known, that on the day of , A. Dep. 28 — , at a reg- ular Assembly of Council, No. — , Comp. was elected Master, Comp. • , Dep. Master, and Comp. , Princi- pal Conductor of the Work, for the ensuing year, and that said officers have been duly installed. In testimony whereof, we, the members of said Council, [ij. s.] have caused the seal thereof to be hereunto affixed, and our Kecorder to sign the same. , Recorder. THE PROXY Of the Subordinate Councils should be in the following form, viz. : At a regular Assembly of Council, No. — , held on the day of , A. Dep. 28 — , Resolved, That our Comp. (Present or Past Grand Officer, Present or Past Master, as the case may be) be, and he is hereby appointed Proxy, to represent this Council in the Grand Council of the State of New York ; and he is fully empowered to act in our behalf, in all the transactions of the Grand Council, as effectually as if we ourselves were present. All which we have caused to be certified by our first three [l. a] officers, and the seal of our said Council to be affixed. , Master. , Bep. Master. , P. 0. of the W. Attest : , Recorder. FORM OF A PETITION FOR A NEW COUNCIL. To the M. P. Grand Council of the State of ; The undersigned petitioners, being Koyal and Select Masters, hav- ing the prosperity of the fraternity at heart, and being willing to ex- ert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Cryptic Masonry, respectfully represent that they are desirous of forming a new Council in the town of , county of , and State of — — , to be named Council, No. — . They therefore pray for Letters of Dispensation, or a Warrant of Con- stitution, to empower them to assemble as a legal Council, to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, accord- ing to the original forms of the Order and the regulations of the Grand Council. They have nominated and do recommend Comp. A. B. to be the first Master, Comp. C. D. to be the first Dep. Master, and Comp. E. F. to be the first Principal Conductor of the Work of said Council. If the prayer of the petitioners shall be granted, they promise a strict conformity to the Constitutions, Laws, and Eegulations of the Grand Council. Dated at , A. Dep. 28—. (N. B. — The above petition must be signed by not less than nine Select Masters.) O O I^ T EJ^l" T S. Page Constitutions 3 General Regulations 13 Bules of Order 16 Installation — Grand Council 19 Ceremonies in Constituting and Dedicating Councils 26 Installation — Subordinate Council 29 Form of Eeturn of Election 36 Form of Proxy 36 Form of a Petition for a New Council 37 \ .% Wm0