046233 GJottteU Imueraitg iCihrary Jtljara, Nftti fork FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY Cornell University Library HS445.P4 A2 1868 The Ahiman Rezon 3 1924 030 300 697 olin.anx / 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/details/cu31924030300697 THE AHIMAN BEZON OB BOOK OF THE CONSTITUTION, RULES AND REGULATIONS OP THE fanb JDrttge of Imnsgltattia, TOGETHER WITH THE ANCIENT CHARGES AND CEREMONIAL OP THE ORDER. tobtxnmmt of t\t ffiraft nvtott this jUrisbfction. COMPILED FOR THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, AND ADOPTED ON THE l5th DAY OF JUNE, 1857. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED FOE THE GRAND LODGE OP PENNSYLVANIA, BT JAMBS B. CHANDLER, A. D. 1868.— A. L. 5868. ' J)-"/. H-s A.$f 4-713 Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1857, BY PETER WILLIAMSON, R. W. G. M., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ^TlTt; r/o RULES AND REGULATIONS Section 1. The Grand Lodge is composed of the Grand and Past Grand Officers; of the Masters and Wardens or their representatives, of all warranted and constituted Lodges under its jurisdiction, and of Past Masters by service therein. Every member of the Grand Lodge must be a mem- ber of a Subordinate Lodge, except Past Grand and Deputy Grand Masters, who are members of the Grand Lodge for life, and except honorary members specially admitted by a vote of the Grand Lodge. Each Lodge within this jurisdiction may elect, as its representative to the Grand Lodge, the Worshipful Master of the said Lodge, or a Past Master in good standing therein. On all questions before the Grand Lodge, and in the election of officers, such representa- tives shall be permitted to cast one vote for each member of his Lodge in good standing, who is a member of the 6 AHIMAN REZON. Grand Lodge, and who is not at the time personally present therein : Such representative shall be chosen at a stated meet- ing of the Lodge, and his certificate of appointment shall be signed by the Masters and Wardens, and attested by the Secretary, with the seal of the Lodge ; a duplicate of the said certificate shall be sent to the Grand Secretary at least three days before the meeting of the Grand Lodge, at which it is proposed to use the same. The officers and Past Masters of any Lodge, which shall be twelve months in arrears for dues to the Grand Lodge, shall not be permitted to vote therein, either personally or otherwise. No member of the Grand Lodge can appear therein without his proper jewel and clothing. The body thus composed is styled " The Grand Lodge of the most ancient and honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging." The representatives of five Lodges are indispensably necessary to open the Grand Lodge. Sect. 2. The officers of the Grand Lodge are such as are elective, and such as are appointed by the Grand Master. The elective officers are the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary. Those appointed by the Grand Master, are the Dis- trict Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Chaplains, Grand Deacons, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Pursuivant, and Grand Tyler. 3. Do, 4. Do. 5. Do. 6. Do. 7. Do. 8. Do. AHIMAN REZON. 7 No brother is permitted to hold more than one of the foregoing offices in the Grand Lodge at one and the same time. The following Grand Committees, and the Stewards of the Stephen Girard Charity Fund, are annually appointed by the Grand Master, viz : 1. Committee on Land Marks. 2. Do. of Finance, of Charity, or Almoners, of Correspondence, on By-Laws. on Printing and Publishing, on Appeals, on Hall. 9. Stewards of Stephen Girard Charity Fund. The officers and committees of the Grand Lodge take precedence in the order above stated. The elective Grand Officers are chosen by ballot at the quarterly communication, next preceding St. John the Evangelist's Day, yearly. A majority of the whole number of votes given is necessary for a choice. But if on the first ballot, no choice be made, a second shall be had, confined where the votes are unequal, to the two highest on the return ; and where there are three or more candidates, one having a plurality of the votes, and two or more an equal number of votes, then confined to such candidates ; and where the votes are equal, to those having an equal number of votes. If, on the second ballot, there be no election, the contest between the candidates in either of the above contin- gencies, shall be determined by lot. The officers so elected, are to be installed in their 8 AHIMAN REZON. respective offices, if practicable, on St. John the Evan- gelist's Day succeeding their election. The officers by appointment of the Grand Master are to be nominated by him after his installation, from the members of the Grand Lodge ; except the Chaplains and the Grand Tyler, who are not required to be mem- bers of the Grand Lodge. On the death, resignation or removal from the Com- monwealth of any elective Grand Officer, the Grand Lodge may be convened for the purpose of filling the vacancy by election. Sect. 3. The Grand Lodge is the only true and legiti- mate source of Masonic authority. Subordinate Lodges congregate under its warrants — with it resides the power to enact laws and regulations for the government of the craft, to alter and repeal such laws and regulations, preserving the ancient land marks of the order. It has the inherent power to investigate and determine all Masonic matters relating to the craft in general, to particular Lodges, or to individual brethren, either directly or by its delegated authority. An appeal lies to the Grand Lodge by any person aggrieved by the proceedings of a Subordinate Lodge. No person whose petition for initiation has been rejected, shall be entitled to an appeal to the Grand Lodge for and on account of said rejection, unless such appeal be recommended by the Lodge in which the rejection took place. All such appeals shall be made in writing, and filed with the Grand Secretary. The appellant is required to give notice thereof to the appellee, at least ten days, if within three miles of the place of meeting of the Grand Lodge, and twenty days GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. At the Quarterly Grand Communication, held December 6th, A. D. 1871, A. L. 5871, the following Amendments to the Ahiraan Rezon were agreed to, viz : — Section IV.— (On pages 9 and 10,)— to read— The Revenue of the Grand Lodge is derived — 1. Prom the rents of the Masonic Hall. 2. Warrants for New Lodges, each $200 00 3. Dispensations to pass the Chair, each 10 00 4. Dispensations to Enter, Pass or Raise, for each degree ... 10 00 5. Grand Lodge Certificates, each 2 00 6. Dues and Fees of Subordinate Lodges, viz : Lodges meeting outside the City of Philadelphia. For each Initiation ,8 00- For each Member, annually 1 00 - Lodges meeting in the City of Philadelphia, viz : For each Initiation 10 00 For each Member, annually 2 00 And in addition to which, every Lodge meeting in the City of Phila- delphia shall pay Ten per Cent, out of each Initiation, to the Building Fund for the New Masonic Temple. 7. The Dues and Fees provided for above shall only continue until the debt of the Grand Lodge is reduced to $500,000, (which shall be ascertained by deducting the Sinking Fund from the amount of the Grand Lodge Loans,) when they shall revert to what they now are (1871) ; and when the Masonic Loans are all paid off, then the Dues and Fees shall revert to what they were in 1867. Attest, .JOHN TflOMSt,:\ C :.,: S ,-rr 77. AHIMAN REZON. 9 if beyond that distance, before proceedings shall be had thereon. The Grand Lodge shall hold Quarterly Communica- tions on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December, and a Grand Communication on St. John the Evangelist's Day, in every year. It may also meet on Extra Communications, by order of the Grand Master. The communications shall commence at seven o'clock in the evening from March 25th to September 25th, and at six o'clock in the evening for the remainder of the year, except the stated December communication, which shall commence at ten o'clock in the forenoon, and con- tinue for one day or more. Election of officers, except to fill vacancies, shall be confined to, and all propositions to amend the Ahiman Rezon, or to determine questions of general finance, shall only be acted upon at the December communi- cation. Members residing within three miles of the place of meeting of the Grand Lodge, shall be notified by written or printed notices from the Grand Secretary. All matters in the Grand Lodge are determined by a majority of votes, the Grand Master or other presiding officer having the casting vote. Sect. 4. The revenue of the Grand Lodge is derived — 1. From the rents of the t Masonic Hall. 2. "Warrants for new Lodges, each - $81 3. Dispensations to pass the Chair, each - 10 4. Dispensations to enter, pass and raise, for each degree, 10 10 AHIMAN REZON. 5. Grand Lodge Certificates, each - - |2 6. Dues from Subordinate Lodges, for each member, annually, .... 1 7. Tbe dues from Subordinate Lodges for each mem- ber annually shall be one dollar, and the fee for each initiation shall be two dollars, in addition to which every Lodge meeting in the City of Philadelphia, shall pay ten per cent, out of each initiation to the Building Fund for building the new Masonic Temple, and this law shall only continue in force until the new Masonic Loan is paid off, when the dues and initiations shall revert to the present rates. Sect. 5. No proposition to increase or diminish the dues or contributions of Subordinate Lodges, the fees for warrants or dispensations, 'or the salaries for services performed by any elective Grand Officer of the Grand Lodge, shall be entertained, unless it be submitted at a quarterly communication. On the presentation of any such proposition, the Grand Secretary shall immediately give notice thereof to all the Lodges within this juris- diction, and the subject may be acted upon at any sub- sequent quarterly communication. In such cases every member of the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to vote personally, in writing, or by proxy specially delegated for such purpose, to any member of the Grand Lodge ; and on such questions, any member of the Grand Lodge may (besides his own) give as many votes as are dele- gated to him. Sect. 6. No member of the Grand Lodge, as such, is relieved from the payment of dues to the Subordinate Lodge of which he is a member, nor is such Lodge relieved from the payment of dues to the Grand Lodge AHIMAN REZ0N. ]_]_ assessed on such member, Past Grand Masters and Past Deputy Grand Masters excepted. Sect. 7. No brother made in a Lodge beyond this jurisdiction, and having been a resident here for three years without joining a Lodge, shall be entitled to Masonic relief; nor shall his family be entitled to apply therefor. No brother, or the family of such brother, shall be entitled to relief from any of the funds of this Grand Lodge, unless he shall have paid the whole of his initiation fee, and shall be in good standing at the time of the application. Sect. 8. There shall be no procession of the Grand Lodge, unless by special order thereof, except funeral processions on the death of present or past Grand Officers, by direction of the Grand Master, or his substitute. No funeral or other procession of a Subordinate Lodge in regalia, shall be had without the approbation of the Grand Master, or his substitute, upon the appli- cation of the Master or presiding officer of such Lodge ; or where a brother shall die, not being a member of any Lodge, on the application of five brethren. Sect. 9. The jewels worn by the Grand Officers are of gold, pendant to a collar of purple ribbon or velvet, the aprons of white silk with the appropriate jewel embroidered thereon in gold, trimmed with purple ribbon and purple silk fringe. The jewels of Subordi- nate lodges are of silver, the hangings and trimmings of blue, the aprons white. The Masonic dress is a black suit and white gloves. 12 AHIMAN RBZON. Grand Master. Sect. 10. The Grand Master is to be installed by the last preceding Grand Master present, assisted by skillful brethren, at his discretion. When installed he is to be proclaimed and saluted, in due form, Grand Master of Masons. To him belongs the general supervision and govern- ment of the fraternity : For these purposes he is em- Dowered— To appoint District Deputy Grand Masters, the sub- ordinate officers of the Grand Lodge, and all Standing Committees ; and all Special Committees, whose appoint- ment is not otherwise provided for : To preside in the Grand Lodge and in all Subordinate Lodges, attended or unattended by his grand officers : To send his Deputy or other grand officers to visit the subordinate lodges : To cause Masons to be made in his presence, at any time and at any place, a Lodge being opened by him for that purpose : To grant, and authorize to be granted, dispensations for making Masons, for constituting Lodges, and for passing the chair : To command at all times the attendance of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, with their clerks and books for his information : To appoint by warrant any brother to represent him in a sister Grand Lodge. He is, ex-officio, Chairman of any committee he may think proper to attend. It is his duty to visit annually every lodge within the AHIMAN REZON. J3 city of Philadelphia, and all other lodges under his juris- diction, as often as may be practicable. Deputy Grand Master. Sect. 11. On the death, resignation, or absence of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master is his plenary representative. His station in the Grand Lodge is at the left of the Grand Master. District Deputy Grand Master. Sect. 12. The Masonic jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge is, from time to time, divided into districts, over each of which a District Deputy Grand Master is appointed, but no district shall comprise less than five lodges. It is the duty of this officer, to visit the lodges in his district, to inspect their labors, inquire into their condi- tion and proceedings, to give them Masonic advice and instruction, and to report to the Grand Lodge, annually, the state of the lodges in his district, and all that he shall have done therein. He may congregate severally the Masters, Wardens, and brethren of such lodges, at their respective places of meeting, at such times as he may think proper, may grant dispensations to enter, pass, and raise persons to the degree of Master Mason, and for passing brethren to the chair upon regular appli- cation made to him in writing for that purpose, signed by the applicant and recommenders of the lodge. He is to account for and pay over to the Grand Treasurer all moneys received by him, quarterly. He shall attend the Grand quarterly communications of the Grand Lodge (at least twice in each year), when his actual 14 AHIMAN REZ0N. expenses shall be paid by the Grand Lodge. He shall also be furnished with a collar and appropriate jewel, to be handed by him to his successor in office. Should the Grand Master require, it, the District Deputy Grand Masters shall meet him at any place within this Masonic jurisdiction he may think proper to name, their actual expenses in attending such meet- ing to be paid by the Grand Lodge. Grand Wardens. Sect. 13. There are two Grand Wardens, Senior and Junior, whose duty it is to aid the Grand Master in conducting the business of the Order. Each has his appropriate station in the Grand Lodge. Grand Treasurer. Sect. 14. To the Grand Treasurer is confided the funds of the Grand Lodge. It is his duty, with the aid of the Grand Secretary, to collect the same. He shall keep separate accounts of the appropriations made for interest, for the use of the Hall Committee, Grand Mas- ter, Grand Secretary, Grand Tyler, or any other appro- priation or appropriations that may be made, crediting such appropriation with the amount appropriated by the Grand Lodge, and charging the proper appropriation with all orders drawn as herein directed against it, and he shall not pay beyond the appropriation. When any appro- priation is exhausted, he shall inform the Chairman of the Committee, or officer in whose favor such appropria- tions are generally made, of the same. The orders drawn by the Hall Committee, or any special Committee, shall be signed by the Chairman, AHIMAN REZON. 15 and attested by the Secretary of such Committee ; and all other orders shall be drawn by the Grand Master, and attested by the Grand Secretary. He shall, within ten days after the expiration of every month, furnish the Grand Secretary with an account of his receipts and payments for the preceding month, and shall within fifteen days after the termination of any quarter, fur- nish his account to the Committee of Finance. Before entering on the duties of his office, he is to give a joint and several bond to the Grand Master, Deputy Grand' Master, and Grand "Wardens, for the time being, in such penal sum as the Grand Lodge shall determine, con- ditioned for the due performance of his trust. He shall open an account as Grand Treasurer in one of the City Banks, through which all moneys received and paid by him, on account of the Grand Lodge, shall pass. He shall keep the books and accounts appertaining to his office, at the Hall, or some other place approved by the Grand Lodge, and shall attend daily from 11 to 12 o'clock A. M., to discharge the duties of his office. Grand Secretary. Sect. 15. The duty of the Grand Secretary is to record the minutes of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge : To preserve its archives and seal : To issue summonses to its members residing within three miles of the Hall, to attend its meetings : To transmit annually, as soon as practicable, after every St. John the Evangelist's day, to each subordinate lodge of this jurisdiction, and to all Grand Lodges in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, an account of 16 AHIMAN REZON. such of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge at its quar- terly communications, and other sessions, as may be selected by the Committee appointed for that purpose, together with a list of the Grand Officers for the Masonic year, and a list of the lodges under its jurisdiction, and the times and places of their meeting. To receive all petitions and memorials intended for the Grand Lodge, and to lay them forthwith before the Grand Master or other proper authority. To keep in suitable and sepa- rate books, registries of all warrants, dispensations, and certificates granted by the Grand Lodge or its officers, of the returns of the Subordinate Lodges, and an alpha- betical list of the suspensions, expulsions and rejections in such Lodges, or which may be communicated by other Grand Lodges. To attest the dispensations granted by the Grand Master, receive the fees, pay the same forth- with to the Grand Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor : To transmit to every Lodge in arrears, at least once a year, a statement of its account, and in conjunction with the Grand Treasurer, adopt such measures as may be proper to collect the same : To conduct the correspondence of the Grand Lodge under the direction of the Grand Master, preserving copies of all letters, written in a book to be provided for that purpose, to submit to the Grand Master all letters received, as soon as practicable thereafter, and file the same in regular order. To keep the accounts of the Grand Lodge by way of double entry, in such a manner that the state of them may at any time be known, and to report at least once a year to the Grand Lodge, a correct transcript of the balances : To report quarterly to the Grand Lodge, the Subor- AHIMAN REZON. 17 dinate Lodges suspended, or otherwise deprived of their representations therein : To report annually to the Grand Lodge, in a con- densed form, at the Grand Quarterly Communication in September, the number of members belonging to each Subordinate Lodge, the number of initiations, admissions, resignations, suspensions, expulsions and deaths, during the preceding year. He shall cause the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge to be carefully bound up in a book with a suffi- cient number of blank leaves, on which he shall* enter in their proper places, and under their proper heads, any amendment or alteration that may be made therein. He shall attend in his office daily, from 9 to 12 o'clock in the morning, and from 7 to 8 o'clock in the evening. Grand Deacons. Sect. 16. There are two Grand Deacons, whose duty it is to bear the messages of the Grand Master and Grand Wardens, throughout the Grand Lodge. Grand Chaplains. Sect. 17. As many Grand Chaplains as are necessary, are annually appointed. Their duty is to attend the Grand Lodge at its Grand Quarterly and other commu- nications, there to offer up to the Great Architect of the universe, the prayers of the brethren, to invoke His blessings on their labors, and to assist in the necessary rites and ceremonies on all Masonic occasions. Grand Stewards. Sect. 18. There are two Grand Stewards, to whom is 2 lg AHIMAN REZON. confided the care of providing and superintending the festivals of the Grand Lodge. It is also their duty to direct the members and visitors at the meetings of the Grand Lodge, to the places assigned them, and see that the regulations of the Grand Lodge in this respect, be complied with. Grand Marshal. Sect. 19. The duty of the Grand Marshal is to pro- claim the Grand officers, to form and regulate all processions of the Grand Lodge, make all necessary proclamation, and to take order that the proper cere- monies on public occasions be duly observed. Grand Sword Bearer. Sect. 20. The Grand Sword Bearer carries the sword of State before the Grand Master in the processions of the Grand Lodge, and performs such duties as may be assigned to him, in the Grand Lodge, by the Grand Master. Grand Pursuivant. Sect. 21. The Grand Pursuivant is placed near the door of the Grand Lodge, to receive the reports of the Grand Tyler, and to announce the name and Masonic title of all who desire admission. He is to see that none enter without their proper clothing and decora- tions, and is to execute the orders of the Grand Master in the business of the Grand Lodge. Grand Tyler. Sect. 22. The Grand Tyler must be a Master Mason. His duty is, to guard the outer door of the Grand AHIMAN KEZ0N. jg Lodge, and to report to the Grand Pursuviant the names of such as desire admission ; to summon the members of the Grand Lodge, under the direction of the Grand Secretary, and to do such other things as may be re- quired of him by the Grand Lodge. He is charged with the care of the rooms appropriated to Masonic purposes, in the Masonic Hall, and with the safe keeping of the furniture and jewels of the Grand Lodge, for which he is responsible ; and, under the direction of the Hall Committee, is to attend to the cleaning and preser- vation of the Hall and its appurtenances. He is allotted a pecuniary compensation for his services. Trustees of the Grand Lodge Charity Fund. Sect. 23. The Trustees of the Grand Lodge Charity Fund shall consist of five members, and are chosen by ballot at the quarterly communication next preceding St. John the Evangelist's Day, under the same rules which govern the election of Grand Lodge Officers. They are to receive and hold in trust, all moneys and securities of whatsoever kind belonging to said fund, make all investments on account thereof, and appro- priate quarterly, or whenever needed, to the use of the almoners the amount designed for distribution in Charity, and otherwise conform to the By-Laws enacted by the Grand Lodge for the government of said fund. They are to report their proceedings and the state of the fund annually, or whenever required by the Grand Master. Committee on Land Marks. Sect. 24. This Committee shall consist of three appointed members, who in conjunction with the R. W. 20 AHIMAN REZON. Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, shall be a Standing Committee, to whom shall be referred all questions touching the Ancient Land Marks, customs and usages of the order, and the Constitution, Kules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Trustees of the Girard Bequest. Sect. 25. The Trustees of the Girard Bequest shall consist of five members, to be chosen by ballot annually, on the first Monday in Decembpr, under the same rules and regulations which govern the election of Grand Officers. They are to keep safely invested, the moneys belonging to said fund, and receive the interest thereon. They are to report to the Grand Lodge on the first Monday of March in each year, or whenever required by the Grand Lodge, the condition of the fund. In their annual report, they shall state the amount of interest received for the past year, and recommend to the Grand Lodge a sum to be appropriated to charity for the current year. Almoners of Grand Lodge Charity Fund. Sect. 26. The Almoners of the Grand Lodge Charity Fund, or Committee of Charity, consists of four mem- bers, who are appointed annually. They are to act in conjunction with the Almoners chosen by the several subordinate Lodges, and assist in dispensing charitable relief to the widows, mothers, sisters, and orphan children of worthy Master Masons deceased, in accordance with the By-Laws enacted by the Grand Lodge for the gov- ernment of said fund. AHIMAN REZON. 21 Committee of Finance. Sect. 27. The Committee of Finance is composed of five members. They are required to report to the Grand Lodge, on the first Monday in December an- nually, an estimate of the probable disbursements for the ensuing year, with a statement of the sinking fund, and the debts due to and by the Grand Lodge, and such other matters as may be necessary to a correct view of its finances. It is their duty to recommend to the Grand Lodge from time to time such measures, as they may deem expedient, for collection of its dues, the economy of its funds, and increase of its revenues ; to register by their Chairman, in a book kept for that purpose, all appro- priations made by the Grand Lodge, specifying under their proper heads, the purposes for which such appro- priations are made, such book of registry being at all times accessible by the Grand Master, and any member of the Committee of Finance. The Committee may, at all times, have access to the books and papers of the Grand Secretary, Grand Trea- surer, and other officers, or committees intrusted with moneys of the Grand Lodge. And such officers and committees are to have their books and accounts made up, posted, balanced, and ready for examination by the Committee of Finance on the 15th days of February, May, August and November of each year. All matters relating to the finances of the Grand Lodge, are referred to the Committee. They are to audit the accounts of the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and other officers or committees intrusted with the moneys of the Grand 22 AHIMAN KEZON. Lodge, quarterly, receive their vouchers, deposit the same properly endorsed in the office of the Grand Secre- tary, and make report to the Grand Lodge at every quarterly communication. Committee of Correspondence. Sect. 28. The Committee of Correspondence consists of five members, to whom are referred all communica- tions made to this Grand Lodge, from other Grand Lodges, and such other subjects requiring special con- sideration, as the Grand Lodge may deem proper to sub- mit to them. They are to examine the transactions of the preceding year, and select therefrom such matter as may be materal for publication. This Committee must report all its proceedings for the approbation of the Grand Lodge. Committee on By-Laws. Sect. 29. The Committee on By-Laws consists of five members, to whom are referred the By-Laws and Begu- lations of the subordinate Lodges, submitted for the approbation of the Grand Lodge. It is their duty to expunge from such By-Laws and Begulations, all pro- visions contravening the established usages and Begula- tions of the order, and to make report of their proceed- ings to the Grand Lodge for its approbation. Committee on Printing and Publishing. Sect. 30. The Committee on Printing and Publishing consists of five members, and shall have the ordering and control of all printing for and on account of the Grand Lodge. AHIMAN REZON. 23 Committee on Appeals. Sect. 31. The Committee on Appeals consists of five members, to whom shall be referred all appeals from subordinate Lodges, from any brother feeling himself masonically aggrieved, or from individuals as provided for in section third. Hall Committee. Sect. 32. The Hall Committee consists of five mem- bers, and shall have the care of the Hall, and the super- vision of the jewels and furniture of the Grand Lodge, and they are to cause the same to be kept in good order. They are to provide the necessary fuel and lights, and to attend to the renting of the stores. They may let the rooms of the Hall, at the rents ascertained by the Grand Lodge, and are to report to the Grand Secretary on or before St. John the Evangelist's Day, annually, the changes in the occupation of the lodge rooms, and the number of extra meetings held by each subordinate lodge : they are to suffer no use to be made of the building, or any part thereof, which may vitiate the policies of insurance thereon. They are to organize themselves and keep regular minutes of their proceedings, all orders drawn by them to be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and to be taken from an order book which shall be kept with a margin of reference, they shall report their proceedings quarterly, to the Grand Lodge for approval. Stewards of Stephen Girard Charity Fund. ■ Sect. 33. The Stewards of the Stephen Girard Charity Fund consist of as many members as there are 24 AHIMAN EEZOK. Lodges meeting at the Hall, or within three miles thereof, whose duty shall be to distribute the proceeds of the fund in the manner provided for in the rules and regula- tions for the government of that body. Proceedings in Grand Lodge. Sect. 34. When five or more Lodges are represented, the Grand Master, or other presiding officer, takes the chair, and upon his call, the brethren take their seats, the Masters or proxies, and Past Masters of each Lodge, being seated at the left hand of the Grand Master, and the Wardens of the several Lodges on the right, unless invited to other seats by the Grand Master. In the absence of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, and in his absence the Grand Wardens, according to rank, preside in the Grand Lodge. In the absence of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, Past Grand Masters, in the order of rank take the chair ; and in their absence the Master of the Senior Subordinate Lodge present, is entitled to preside. But the Grand Master may give a special commission under his hand and seal of office, counter- signed by the Grand Secretary, to any Grand Officer or Master of a Subordinate Lodge, past or present, to supply his place, in the absence of the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens. " The Grand Lodge is opened in ample form, when the Grand Master is present ; in due form when a Past Grand Master, or the Deputy presides ; at all other times in form only. In the absence of any officer of the Grand Lodge, the presiding officer may supply his place with such member AHIMAN REZON. 25 as he thinks proper ; except that in the absence of the Deputy Grand Master, his place is supplied by the Senior or Junior Warden, according to rank, and the seat of the Senior Grand Warden, when vacated by him, is to be filled by the Junior Grand Warden. Visitors cannot be admitted after one hour has elapsed from the stated time of meeting of the Grand Lodge, excepting brethren residing more than three miles from the Hall. At the first stroke of the Grand Master's gavel, or when he rises and calls to order, there shall be a general silence, the members keeping their seats under the penalty of a public reprimand. Every question moved and seconded, shall be put by the presiding officer; and no new matter shall be entered upon until that under consideration be first decided. No brother shall speak more than twice to the same question, without special permission, or to explain him- self. The presiding officer determines all questions of order. On the call of five members, a majority of the Grand Lodge may demand that the previous question be put. If a member be twice called to order at one communi- cation, and he offend again, the presiding officer may peremptorily command him' to quit the room, and he shall be excluded during the time of the meeting in which he has thus offended. Every one that speaks, shall rise and continue stand- ing, and address himself in a proper manner to the Chair. He shall not be interrupted or called to order, except by or through the Grand Master ; when called 26 AHIMAN EEZON. to order lie mast sit down, but being corrected may again proceed. The votes of the members on all questions stated by the Chair, shall when requested, be taken by the rising of the members, unless a ballot be required by any one Lodge, in which case such ballot shall be' taken. No vote shall be taken at any extra session of the Grand Lodge, touching any charge by or against any Lodge, or its pecuniary interest, unless previous reason- able notice has been given to such Lodge or its proxy. Grand Lodge certificates shall be granted to every brother producing to the Grand Secretary a certificate of his good standing in the Lodge of which he is, or was a member, under the seal thereof, signed by the Master, and countersigned by the Secretary. Grand Lodge cer- tificates are given under the seal of the Grand Lodge with the signatures of the Grand Officers. No committee charged with disbursement of moneys, shall be considered as finally discharged until all the debts contracted by it shall have been paid. The business of the Grand Lodge is taken up in the following order : 1. Minutes of preceding Grand Quarterly Communi- cations and intervening meetings are read. 2. Petitions and communications read and referred. 3. Reports of Standing and Special Committees made and read. 4. Eeturns of Lodges read. 5. Unfinished business. 6. New business offered. This order of business may be dispensed, with by the presiding officer. AHIMA.N REZON. 27 Subordinate Lodges. Sect. 35 Every legitimate Lodge of Masons in this State, works under a warrant from this Grand Lodge. A warrant is granted by the Grand Lodge, when deemed expedient, on the petition of at least five Master Masons, not members of any Lodge, on the recommenda- tion of at least three Master Masons. But no warrant will be granted to any number of Masons in the country, residing within five miles of the place mentioned in the warrant of an established Lodge, without the consent of such Lodge, given under its seal, unless under special circumstances. The petition must be accompanied with certificates from the Lodge or Lodges to which they last belonged, or other satisfactory evidence of the good stand- ing of the petitioners, and that they are not members of any Lodge. Every Lodge must be solemnly constituted by the Grand Master, with his officers ; or in the absence of the •Grand and Deputy Grand Masters, by the Grand Wardens, according to their rank, or by some Past Master, duly authorized by the acting Grand Master. The deputation to constitute a Lodge is given under the private seal of the Grand Master, or his deputy, in the absence of the Grand Master ; or in the absence of both, under the seal of the Grand Lodge, attested by the Grand Secretary. No Lodge can be represented in £he Grand Lodge until duly constituted. The Masonic Officers of the Lodge are, the Master, two Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, two Deacons, and 28 AHIMAN RBZON. Tyler, to which, for the better regulation of the Lodge, may be added other officers, such as Chaplain, Stewards, Masters of Ceremonies, &c. The Master and Wardens of every new Lodge are named in the petition for a warrant, and are appointed by the warrant of such Lodge. The Treasurer and Sec- retary are to be elected, and the Deacons and Tyler are appointed after the Lodge has been constituted. " On the stated meeting of the Lodge next preceding St. John the Evangelist's Day, in every year, the Master, Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary: are elected by ballot, conducted according to the rules te'giilating the election of Grand Officers. The Master and Wardens are, if practicable, to be duly installed on or before such St. John the Evangelist's Day. No officer shall enter upon his duties, until he has- been regularly installed. But the old officers, who have been regularly installed, continue in office until their successors be duly qualified. In case of the death of the Master; and Wardens, or their removal from this jurisdiction, the Grand Master, may, by dispensation, permit a special election, to fill their places until the next stated election. No brother can be elected Master of a Lodge, who has not been elected and served as Warden of a Lodge in this jurisdiction, except in extraordinary cases, or, at the formation of a new Lodge, when no Past Warden who is willing and qualified to act as Master, is to be found among the members. In such cases, three Master Masons who have served in no former office, may be constituted Master and Wardens. AHIMAN EEZON. 29 Master. It is the special duty of the Master to enforce the observance of the By-Laws of his Lodge, and of the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge; to see that his Wardens discharge their duties faithfully ; that true and exact minutes be made of all Lodge proceedings; that the Treasurer, keeps and renders true and just accounts at the stated times, according to the By-Laws and orders of the Lodge ; and that the property and funds of the Lodge be justly managed and dispensed. It is- also his duty, and that of his Wardens, to attend all communications of the Grand Lodge. He is em- powered to call a meeting of his own Lodge at pleasure. He has the special charge of the warrant of constitu- tion, which must always be in the Lodge, when it is opened, and during its labors. To him belongs the appointment of all the officers of the Lodge not elective. Wardens. Master Masons only, can be Wardens of a Lodge. In case of death, resignation or absence of the Master, the Wardens, according to rank,"supply his place until the next stated election. ■ The business of the Wardens in the Lodge is to assist the Master in conducting its labors. ,* Treasurer. The Treasurer is required by the Master to keep an exact account of moneys received, and to pay the same, on orders drawn upon him by the authority of the Lodge, which shall be signed by the Master, and counter- 30 AHIMAN REZON. signed by the Secretary. He is to keep regular entries of his receipts and expenditures, and to have his books and vouchers always ready for examination, at such periods as the By-Laws require, or whenever called upon by order of the Master of the Lodge. Secretary •*>"* The Secretary shall keep a register of all" the trans- actions of the Lodge proper to be committed to writing, that they may be submitted to the Master or a committee of his Lodge, and to the Grand Lodge, whenever squired. He shall preserve a copy of the By-Laws of his Lodge, and of the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, a list of the members of the Lodge, and .the dates of their initiation or admission. He shall make a record of all the deaths, expulsions, suspensions, or rejections and resignations in his own Lodge, and those communicated by the Grand Lodge. Transmitting the name or. names of the former, forthwith to the Grand Secretary:. He is to issue the summonses for all meetings, to make his returns in time and form required by the Grand Lodge, and to perform such other duties as may apper- tain to his office. Other Officers. The duties of the remaining officers of the lodge are analogous to those of the corresponding officers in the i Grand Lodge. Duties of Lodges. 1. A Lodge not distinguished by a name or a title, being desirous of taking one, must for that purpose, procure AHIMAN EEZON. 31 the approbation of the Grand Master, and the name must be registered with the Grand Secretary. No Lodge > is permitted to alter its name without the like approba- tion and registry. 2. A Lodge should assemble for work at least once in every calendar month. 3. The stated place of meeting of a Lodge is commonly inserted in its warrant, but should circumstances at any one time render such a place of meeting improper, the Master may convene the Lodge at some other place, if within the limits named in the warrant. But no Lodge can be removed without the Master's knowledge, nor any motion made for that purpose, unless he be present. When a motion is made to change the stated place of meeting of the Lodge, and is seconded by two members, a summons shall- be issued to every member, stating the proposition for- removal, and assigning a day for hearing and determining upon it ; such summons to be issued at least ten days before the hearing; and upon such special call, no other business than that designated, shall be entered, upon. A majority of two-thirds of the members present "shall be necessary to authorize such removal, and when resolved, immediate notice shall be given to the Grand/Secretary. The minority may appeal from the vote of the Lodge, directing such removal, and a hearing will be given to both parties in the Grand Lodge, before such removal be confirmed and registered. 4. Elections, and all other business and work, are done in a Master Mason's Lodge, excepting only such business or work as shall strictly belong to the lesser degrees. \ 32 AHIMAN KEZON. 5. The majority of members of a Lodge when assem- bled, may instruct their Master and Wardens on any subject to be considered in the Grand Lodge, and such instructions recorded on the minutes of the Lodge, shall be binding upon such representatives. 6. The precedence of a Lodge is determined by the date of its warrant, as recorded on the minutes of. the Grand Lodge. "*••'- Every Lodge has power to frame By-Laws for its own government, provided they be not inconsistent with the general regulations of the Grand Lodge. The By-Laws of every subordinate Lodge, therefore, are submitted fbr- the revision of the Grand Lodge, and when approved, a copy must be deposited in its archives. Such By-Laws are delivered by the Grand Secretary to the Committee on By-Laws, and by them are reported to the G^and Lodge for its approbation. ./ - A committee is appointed once in every year to audit and report on the accounts of the Lodge. / If a brother by his behavior shall disturb the harmony of the Lodge, he is to be thrice formally admonished by the Master ; and if he persists in his irregular conduct, he may be punished according to the By-Laws of his Lodge ; or the Master may command him to quit the Lodge for the remaining time of the meeting in which he mis- behaves. No Lodge may exclude or suspend a brother at an extra meeting, nor without giving him due notice, if practicable, of the charge preferred against him, and of the time appointed for its consideration. Every subordinate Lodge is required, on or before St. John the Evangelist's Day, in every year, to transmit AHIMAN EBZON. 33 to the Grand Lodge a list of its initiations, passings, raisings, admissions, deaths, rejections, suspensions, and expulsions, with the reasons for such suspension or expulsion, also a list of re-instatements of suspended members, and of expelled members re-instated by authority of the Grand Lodge, together with a return of the election of officers to the Grand Communication next following such election. Every Lodge within the State failing to make such return on or before the first Monday of March, is notified thereof by the Grand Secretary, and if such returns be not received by him within three months from the date of the notice, the warrant of the default- ing Lodge is, ipso facto, suspended: Lodges beyond the limits of the State are to make their returns before the first Monday of June ensuing, and failing therein, notice is to be given them by the Grand Secretary, and if their returns be not received within six months from the date of the notice, the warrants of such Lodges are, ipso facto, sus- pended. Warrants of all Lodges suspended for delinquency as to returns, are revived on the receipt of such returns. Any Lodge in arrears with the Grand Lodge for two years dues, is to be notified thereof by the Grand Secretary, and if the arrearages be not paid within six months from the date of such notice, its warrant is suspended, and unless cause be shown to the contrary, at the next quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge, will be vacated. During the suspension of such Lodge, its representatives cannot sit in the Grand Lodge. 3 34 AHIMAN KEZON. A Lodge may be dissolved : • 1. By neglecting to make its returns in due time. 2. By neglecting to pay its dues. 3. By not assembling during twelve months. 4. By the death or resignation of its members. 5. By unmasonic conduct, and' the resumption of its warrant by the Grand Lodge. But the warrant of a Lodge cannot be forfeited until it has been duly warned of its offence, and has been summoned by the Grand Secretary, to answer the charge made against it. When a Lodge is dissolved, it is the duty, of the last : Secretary and Treasurer, within three months after its dissolution, to surrender to the Grand Secretary, the warrant, books and papers, jewels, furniture, and funds of such Lodge; and the last presiding, officer is to transmit to, the Grand Secretary an inventory thereof, and be responsible for the execution of this article. No brother of such Lodge shall be admitted into any other Lodge, nor entitled to the benefits of Masonry, until he has paid, all arrears due from him to such Lodge, to the Grand Treasurer, or has had the same remitted by the Grand Lodge. Every Subordinate Lodge is to have a Masonic seal, to be affixed to its certificates and other documents .proper for publication. An impression from such seal.is to be sent to the Grand Secretary, and due notice, is to be given him of any change in such seal, with an impres- sion from the substitute. No Lodge or brother is permitted to print or publish, or cause to be printed or published, the Whole, or any part of the proceedings of any Lodge. Nor shall any AHIMAN, REZON. 35 brother publish any work or discourse relative to Masonry, without previously obtaining the consent of the- Grand Lodge. If any brother be summoned to attend the Grand Lodge, or any committee thereof, and do not comply, or give a sufficient reason for his non-compliance, the summons is to be repeated, and if he continue contu- macious, he shall be expelled from the benefits of Masonry. No brother unless duly elected Master of a Lodge, can pass the chair without dispensation, legally issued. Members. The requisite qualifications for initiation and mem- bership in a Lodge, are that the applicant be of good re- port, free born, of mature age, hale and sound, so as to be capable of gaining a livelihood for himself and family, and to perform the work of a member in the Lodge. He must also have some visible'means of an honest live- lihood. He must apply for admission by petition at a' stated meeting at least one month prior to his reception, recom- mended by two Master Masons members of the Lodge, such petition stating his age, occupation and residence, and that he has not been rejected by any regular Lodge, and that he believes in the existence of a Supreme Being. A Committee of Inquiry of three Master Masons, members of the Lodge, neither of whom is a recommender, is appointed on such application, who, reporting favorably, the candidate is balloted for on a stated night of meeting, and receiving a unanimous vote is declared to be approved. 36 AHIMAN EEZON. An applicant for initiation or membership, may with- draw his petition before report made thereon or after- wards, if the report be favorable. If an applicant be rejected, a second ballot may be had on the motion of any member duly seconded, made at one stated meeting, and adopted at the next, or at some subsequent meeting. But the ballot so allowed shall be taken ^tthe next stated meeting after the adoption of such motion. /The Kj "W. G. Lodge will not receive any application for a newlballot, or authorize any Lodge to receive any new petition from any rejected candidate, unless it shall appear — 1st. That the motion for such application has laiclover for one month and was unanimously adopted. 2d. That a ballot was had at least one month after the vote, as provided for above, and was unanimously in favor of the application. * 3d. That due notice was given to the members of such Lodge that such motion and ballot was to be considered and had. Whenever any privilege ;is granted as aforesaid, the proceedings shall be conducted as provided for in the Ahiman Rezon, pages 35 and 36, under title " members," ^onjiotice being given to the members of such Lodge._^/ If the application is for membership, the brother must produce a certificate from the Lodge to which he .last belonged, or other satisfactory proof-that he is not already a member of some Lodge. Should an applicant for initiation and membership, or for membership only, neglect to come forward for the space of six months from the time he was balloted for, GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. » ♦ ♦ At the Quarterly Communication held December 2, A. D. 1874, A. L. 5874, the following Amendment to the Ahiman Rezon was agreed to : "Amend Sec. 35 of the Ahiman Rezon by striking out of page 36, from the tenth to the twenty-fifth lines inclusive, and in- serting the following in lieu thereof, to wit : " After the expiration of one year any rejected applicant for ini- tiation may renew his application by new petition to the Lodge in which he was rejected, or, with the consent of such Lodge, he may apply to any other Lodge. "In case the application is made to the Lodge in which he was rejected, the petition shall state the fact of the former rejection with the date thereof; if the application is to another Lodge the petition shall state that- this petitioner has received the consent of * * * Lodge, No. , to make this application and shall be accompanied by a certificate over the seal of such rejecting Lodge of their consent. " Before a ballot shall be taken upon such application, notice thereof, stating therein the time when the ballot will be taken, shall be sent to every member, and such ballot shall not be taken within one hour after the time fixed for the opening of such Lodge, and in case of the approval of any such applicant,- notice thereof shall be sent forthwith to the Grand Secretary. "The Lodge to which such application is presented, may, in ad- dition to the fee for initiation require the payment of the expenses of giving the notices herein required. ' ' _ ^Accomymvymg are forms for petitions requisite under the foregoing amendments. 1 A HI MAN REZON. '■ 37 all proceedings in such case shall be null and void, and a new application must be made, as in the first instance. A candidate shall not receive more than one degree on one day, nor a subsequent degree at a less interval than one month from his reception of a former degree, without dispensation from the Grand- Master. But it is recommended to all Lodges to require proof of a brother's proficiency in the craft, before he be advanced. Masons made by dispensation are not thereby members of the Lodge in \fhich they are made. To become mem- bers, they must 'be duly proposed, approved and elected. Not more than five brethren fe'an be made in one Lodge on the same day ; nor any one under the age of twenty- one years, unless by dispensation. The fees for initiation and admission to membership, are such as each Lodge. ordains for itself, subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge. A member of a Lodge ceases to be such by expulsion, suspension or resignation. But no member shall be permitted to withdraw until his dues have been paid or remitted by his Lodge, or pending any inquiry in which his character may be implicated. '".„:.' No brother shall use his certificate, nor expose any Masonic emblem as a sign, in his business transactions. A brother who has been suspended for non-payment of dues, may on the payment of the same, be restored to good Masonic standing by a majority vote of the Lodge; and if he is then desirous of joining the Lodge from which he was suspended, or any other Lodge, he must apply by petition, and be recommended by two Master Masons, members of the Lodge ; which petition, 38 AHIMAN REZON. shall be referred to a committee of three Master Masons, neither of whom are recommenders, and at a subsequent stated meeting, the committee having unanimously reported in favor of the petition, a ballot shall be had, and if receiving a unanimous vote, he shall be declared elected. > «," A brother who has been expelled or suspended from a Lodge for any other cause than for non-payment of dues, and is desirous of being restored to membership or standing, must apply at a stated meeting to the Lodge of which he was last a member, when if a majority of the Lodge shall so decide, the Lodge shall request the Grand Lodge to remove the expulsion or suspension ; which being removed, the brother may apply for membership in the same manner, and subject to the same regulations, prescribed in the foregoing article. Visitors. Visitors unknown to the Master, are admitted into Subordinate Lodges, on motion regularly made, seconded and adopted, upon the voucher of some brother, either a member or visitor, or after examination. Visitors known to the Master, may, at all times, be admitted by him without motion. A brother who is not a member of a Lodge; shall not be permitted to visit any Lodge under this jurisdiction more than once. AHIMAN REZON. 39 Of Certificates. A Lodge certificate is not granted to a brother unless he was initiated therein, or has been admitted a member thereof. Such certificate is signed by the Master, War- dens and Secretary, and ,has the seal of the Lodge affixed ; the brother to whom it is granted subscribes his name at full length in the margin. No Lodge, nor officer, nor member of a Lodge, is per- mitted to grant a certificate or recommendation to enable any Mason to proceed from Lodge to Lodge as a pauper, or in an itinerant manner to apply to Lodges for relief. No amendments or alterations of the Rules and Regu- lations of the Grand Lodge shall be made, unless pro- posed in writing at one stated Grand Quarterly Commu- nication, and acted upon at the next, or some subsequent stated Grand Lodge Communication, nor then, unless previous notice has been given to the Subordinate Lodges of such proposed amendments, and the same shall be approved of by a majority of the number present. AHIMAN REZOtf. CEREMONIAL OF MASONRY. CHAPTER I. Praters Used in Lodges. Section I. A Prayer used among the Primitive Christian Masons. The might of the Father of Heaven, and the wisdom of His glorious Son, through the grace and goodness of the Holy Ghost, being three persons in one godhead, be with us at our beginning, and give us grace so to govern us here in our living, that we may come to His bliss that never shall end. Amen. Another Prayer, and that which is most general at making or opening. Most holy and Glorious Lord God, Thou great Archi- tect of heaven and earth, who art the giver of all good gifts and graces, and hast promised when two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt be in the AHIMAN REZON. 4J midst of them : In Thy name we assemble and meet together, most humbly beseeching Thee to bless us in all our undertakings, that we may know and serve Thee aright, that all our doings may tend to Thy glory and the salvation of our souls. Section II. Prayer at the making a Brother. We beseech Thee, Lord God, to bless this our present undertaking, and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate his life to Thy service, and ^become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that he may, through the influence of the pure principles of our Order, be better enabled to display the beauties of holi- ness to the honor of Thy great name. Amen. Section III. Prayer to be used at closing a Lodge. May the blessings of heaven rest on us, and on all regular Free Masons ! May we practise out of the Lodge those principles of religion and morality we are taught within it ! May every moral and social virtue cement us in the bond of peace and fraternal love, and procure Thy gracious favor, 0, blessed Lord God, who livest and reignest in undescribable glory and happiness, for ever and ever. Amen. 42 AHIMAN REZ0N. CHAPTER II. Charges Used in Lodges. Section I. Charge to the Grrand Master at his Installation. Let me congratulate you, Most Worshipful sir, on the honor of being raised, from the level of equality, to the high station of presiding over the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and the Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging. We look up with confidence to a brother, [whose age alone would entitle him to our respectful deference, but]* whose person is endeared to us, by that love of fraternity which is sanctioned by the experience of many revolving years. May the Father of light, of life, and of love, invest you with his choicest gifts; may heavenly wisdom illumine your mind ; may hea- venly power give strength to your exertions ; may heavenly goodness fill and enlarge your breast ; may your feet rest upon the rock of justice; from your hands may streams of beneficence continually flow ; and round your head may there bend a circle made splendid by the rays of honor ; and late, very late in life, may you be transmitted from the fading honor of an Earthly Lodge, to the mansions prepared for the faithful in another and a better world. Let me congratulate you, the Grand Officers and other brethren, on the election of our [venerable]* Grand Master. As it is his duty to command, accord- ing to our constitutions, so it is ours with readiness to obey. Look to the sun, and behold the planetary * What is included within brackets must be omitted as occasion may require. AHIMAN BEZON., 43 worlds revolving around him in continual order and harmony, with the happiest effect, and learn to imitate their regularity, in hope of obtaining from the chair of Solomon the light of wisdom and the warmth of love. Or look higher still, and behold the cherubim and seraphim, who are exhibited to us in the oracles of revelation, as flaming spirits, burning with zeal and love before the throne of God. Behold the heavenly host, filled with love to their Creator, and love to our race. See these ministering spirits, exercising their kind offices to men, relieving their wants, securing them from danger, and endeavoring to promote their good. " Myriads of spiritual beings walk the earth, Unseen, or when we Bleep, or when we wake." Of them let us learn to rise in our affection to the great Father of all, and thence descending, expand the heart from brother to brother, and to all mankind. Of them let us learn never to be weary in the ways of well-doing, but to " mourn with them that mourn, and to rejoice with them that do rejoice," until having finished our work on earth, we shall be admitted into the temple above, "not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," Section II. Charge to the Master of a Lodge at his Installation. Worshipful brother, you have been of too long stand- ing, and are too good a member of oUr community, to require now any information in the duty of your office. What you have seen praiseworthy in others, we doubt not but you will imitate ; and what you have seen defective you will in yourself amend. 44 AHIMAN KEZON. We have, therefore, the greatest reason to expect that you will be constant and regular in your attendance on the Lodge, faithful and diligent in the discbarge of your duty ; and that you will make the honor of the Supreme Architect of the universe, and the good of the craft, the chief objects of your regard. While we are confident that you will pay punctual attention to the laws and regulations of our society, as more particularly becoming your present station, we trust that you will, at the same time, require a due obedience to tHem from every member, well knowing that without this, the best laws are useless. For a patterh of imitation, consider the great lumi- nary of nature, which, rising in the east, regularly diffuses light and lustre to all within his system. In like manner, it is your province to communicate and spread light and instruction to the brethren of the Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high importance of Free Masonry, and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge them to practise out of the Lodge those duties which they have been taught within it ; and, by amiable, discreet, and virtuous con- duct, to convince mankind of the excellence of the insti- tution. So that when any one is said to be a Free Mason, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrows, and not be betrayed ; to whom distress may prefer its suit, and not be rejected; whom bigotry has never prevented from being the friend of virtuous men of all professions; whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence ; who listens to the admoni- tions of temperance, and the modest voice of humility. AHIMAN REZ0N. 45 In a word, one whose life demonstrates his love of God, and regard for men. Tell them that whatever eloquence they may exert in speaking of the excellence of their Order, it is their example only, which can recommend them to the esteem of the world. From the knowledge, Worshipful sir, we already have of your zeal and abilities, we- rest assured that you will discharge the duties of your important station, in such a manner as will redound to your own honor, as well as the honor of the Lodge over which you are elected to preside. Section III. A Charge at the Opening of a Lodge. As useful knowledge is the great object of our desire, we ought to apply with zeal to the practice and profes- sion of Free Masonry. The ways of wisdom are beauti- ful, and lead to pleasure. Knowledge is attained by degrees, and cannot everywhere be found. Wisdom seeks the secret shade, and the lonely cell, designed for contemplation. There enthroned she sits, delivering her sacred oracles. There we are to seek her, and to pursue the real bliss. Though the passage be difficult, the farther we trace it the easier it will become. If we are united, our society must flourish. Let all private animosities, therefore, if any should exist, give place to peace and good fellowship. Uniting in the same grand design, let us be happy ourselves, and endeavor to contribute to the happiness of others. Let us promote the useful arts, and by that means, mark our superiority and distinction. Let us cultivate the moral virtues, and improve in all that is good and amiable. 46 AHIMAN EEZON. Let the genius of Free Masonry preside over bur con- duct, and, under her sovereign sway,' let us preserve a nobleness and justness of understanding, politeness of manners, and evenness of temper. Let our recreations be innocent, and pursued with moderation ; and never let us suffer irregular indulgences to expose our character to derision and contempt. Thus, shall we act in con- formity to our precepts, and support the name we have always borne, of being a respectable, a regular, and a uniform society. Section IV. A Charge at the Closing of a Lodge. Brethren, you are now about to quit the sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be, therefore, diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. And remember also, that around this altar you have solemnly and repeatedly promised to befriend and relieve, with unhesitating cordiality, so far as shall be in your power, every brother who shall need your assistance ; that you have promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation ; to vindicate his character when wrongfully traduced ; and to suggest in his behalf, the most candid, favorable, and palliating circumstances, even when his conduct is justly repre- hensible. If you faithfully observe these duties, the world will observe how Free Masons love one another, in obedience to the will of God. AHIMAN REZON. 47 And these generous principles are to extend farther. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. So that we enjoin it upon you to " do good unto all" while we recommend it more especially to the " house- hold of the faithful" Sectioh V. Charge at Initiation to First Degree. Brother, — You are now admitted, by the full and due consent of this Lodge, a fellow of our most ancient and honorable society — ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial — and honorable, as tending in every particular to do honor to those who conform to its noble precepts. The greatest ' monarchs and most exalted heroes and patriots, of all ages and countries throughout the known world, have been encouragers of the royal art; and many of them have presided as Grand Masters of Masons in their respective territories; not thinking it any lessening of their highest dignities to level them- selves with their brethren in Masonry, and to act upon the same square as they did. The world's great Architect is our Supreme Master ; and the unerring rule he has given us, is that by which we work ; religious disputes are never suffered within the Lodge ; for, as Masons, we only pursue the universal religion, or the religion of nature. This is the centre which unites the most different principles in one sacred band, and brings together those who were the most distant from one another. There are three general heads of duty which Masons ought always to inculcate, viz. : to God, our neighbor, and ourselves ; — to God, in never mentioning His name 48. AHIMAN REZON. but with that reverential awe which a creature ought to bear to his Creator, and to look upon Him always as the summum bonum which we came into the world to enjoy, and according to that view to regulate all our pursuits ; — to our neighbor, in acting upon the square, or doing as we would be done by ; — to ourselves, in avoid- ing all intemperance and excesses, whereby we may be rendered incapable of following our work, or led into behaviour unbecoming our laudable profession, and always keeping within due bounds, and free from all pollution. In the State, a Mason is to behave as a peaceable and dutiful subject, conforming cheerfully to the government under which he lives. He is to pay a due deference to his superiors ; and from his inferiors he is rather to receive honor with some reluctance, than to extort it. He is to be a man of benevolence and charity, not sitting down contented while his fellow creatures (but much more his brethren) are in want, when it is in his power (without preju- dicing himself or his family) to relieve them. In the Lodge he is to behave with all due decorum, lest the beauty and harmony thereof should be dis- turbed or broken ; he is to be obedient to the Master and the presiding officers, and to apply himself closely to the business of Masonry, that he may the sooner be- come a proficient therein, both for his own credit and for that of the Lodge. He is not to neglect his own necessary avocations for the sake of Masonry, nor to involve himself in quarrels with those who through ignorance may speak evil of or ridicule it. < AHIMANKEZON. 49 He is to be a lover of the arts and sciences, and is to take all opportunities to improve himself therein. If he recommends a friend to be made a Mason, he must vouch him to be such as he really believes will conform to the aforesaid duties, lest by his misconduct at any time the Lodge should pass under evil imputa- tions. Nothing can prove more shocking to all faithful Masons than to see any of their brethren profane the sacred rules of their order ; and such as do, they wish had never been admitted. Section VI. A Charge at Passing to the Second Degree. Brother, being now advanced to the second degree of Free Masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the external qualifications, of a man, are principally regarded by Free Masonry. As you increase in knowledge, you will consequently im- prove in social intercourse. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the several duties which, as a Free Mason, you are bound to discharge ; or to enlarge, on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have convinced you of their value. It may be sufficient to observe that your past beha- viour and regular deportment has merited the additional honor which we have now conferred ; and, in this new character, it is expected that you will not only conform to the principles of Free Masonry, but still persevere in the practice of virtue. 4 50 AHIMAN REZON. The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your considera- tion; especially the noble science of geometry, which is established as the basis of our art. Free Masonry and geometry were originally synonymous terms, and this science being of a divine and moral nature, is en- riched with the most useful knowledge; for while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it also demon- strates the more important truths of morality. As the solemnity of our ceremonies require a serious deport- ment, you are to be particularly attentive to your beha- viour in our regular assemblies ; to preserve the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity sacred and inviola- ble, and induce others, by your example, to hold them in due veneration. Every regular sign or summons, given or received, you are duly to honor, and punctually to obey, as they accord with our professed principles. Such is the na- ture of your present engagements ; and to these duties you are now bound by the most sacred ties. Section VII. A Charge at Raising to the Third degree. Brother, your zeal for our institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor. Duty, honor and gratitude now bind you to be faith- ful to your trust ; to support the dignity of your charac- ter on all occasions; and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets AHIMAN REZON. 51 of Free Masonry. Exemplary conduct, on your part, will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors are not un- deservedly bestowed. In this respectable character you are authorized to restrain the irregularities of less informed brethren ; to correct their errors ; to fortify their minds with resolu- tion against the snares of the insiduous, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices. To preserve unsullied .the reputation of the fraternity ought to be your constant care; and, therefore, it becomes your province to caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity. Our laws and regulations you are to support and maintain, and be ever ready to aid in their execution. You are not to palliate or aggravate the offences of your brethren, but in the decision on every trespass against our rules, your are to judge with candor, to admonish with friendship, and to reprehend with justice. In our private assemblies, you may now offer your sentiments and opinions on such subjects as correspond with and are agreeable to the tenets of Free Masonry. You are also entitled to the privilege of introducing any motion which you may suppose will be for the advan- tage or honor of the fraternity. By the exercise of these privileges, you may improve your rational and intellectual powers, qualify yourself to become a useful member of society, and vie with skillful brethren in an endeavor to excel in everything that is good and great. You are cheerfully to relieve the necessities of your brethren, to the utmost of your power and ability, without prejudice to yourself or your private concerns. 52 AHIMAN REZON. And on no account, are you to injure a brother, or to see him injured; but you are to apprize him of all approaching dangers, and consider his interest as insepa- rable from your own. To your inferiors you are to recommend obedience and submission ; to your equals, courtesy and affability ; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Univer- sal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate ; and, by the regularity of your conduct, endeavor to remove every aspersion against this venerable institution. Our ancient landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not suffer them, on any pretence, to be infringed, or countenance any deviation from our established usages and customs. Your virtue, honor and reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity, the respectable character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows to God, or betray your trust ; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist whom you have this evening represented. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and worthy of the confidence that we have reposed. AHIMAN REZON. 53 CHAPTER III. Section I. The manner of constituting a Lodge, including the Ceremony of Consecration and Installation. On the/day and hour appointed for constituting a new- Lodge, the brethren thereof will assemble in the Lodge room. The Grand Master and his officers (or the brother authorized by the Grand Master for the purpose, with such other brethren as he shall call to his assistance) meet at the same time in some place convenient to the Lodge room. The officers of the new Lodge are then to wait upon the Grand Master, who will request the Deputy Grand Master to make the necessary examination, on which duty he will immediately enter, and on its completion, the proposed officers of the new Lodge will return to the Lodge room. The members of the new Lodge are then to send a messenger to the Grand Master, who will address him as follows : Eight Worshipful Grand Master, The officers and brethren of Lodge No. have instructed me to inform you that the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, having granted them a warrant to open and hold a Lodge in the they are desirous that the Lodge should be consecrated, and the officers installed, agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the craft; for which 54 AHIMAN REZ0N. purpose they are now met in the Grand Lodge room, by order of the Eight Worshipful Grand Master, and await his pleasure. The Grand Master will answer : Brother, Be pleased to inform the officers and brethren of Lodge No. that the Grand Master and his officers will forthwith attend them to comply with their desires. The messenger returns to the Lodge room and makes his report, and the brethren prepare for the reception of the Grand Officers. The Lodge or floor cloth is to be placed in the centre of the Lodge room, with the three lights thereon, and three silver vases or pitchers containing the elements of consecration ; corn, wine and oil. The room will be opened and untyled, all the brethren present quietly seated, the chairs of the officers remain- ing vacant ; each officer nominated for the new Lodge occupying a seat next to or near his intended chair; and the private members of the new Lodge seated in the north-east part of the room. iisrsTitxriwiEisrT'jA.ri zmttxsio. March. — While the officers of the Grand Lodge enter the Lodge room. When the Grand Officers enter, the brethren will rise, with as much silence as possible, and remain standing until the Grand Officers take the respective chairs. A Grand Lodge will then be opened by the Grand Officers in ancient form, followed by this short prayer — AHIMAN REZON. 55 The might of the Father of Heaven, be with us now at oar beginning, and teach us so to govern us here in our living and working, that we may come to His bliss which never shall have an end. Amen. After the prayer, the brethren will sing the Anthem. — " Unto Thee, great Qod belong." Unto Thee, great God belong Mystic rites and sacred song ; Lowly bending at Thy shrine, We hail Thy Majesty divine. Glorious Architect above, Source of light and source of love, Here Thy light and love prevail: Hail ! Almighty Master, hail ! The Grand Marshal will then direct the officers and members of the new Lodge, to form in a semi-circle in front of the Grand Master, when the Deputy Grand Master will address the Grand Master as follows : Right Worshipful, A number of brethren, duly instructed in the myste- ries of Masonry, having a desire to form a Lodge, have, for that purpose, made application to the Right Worship- ful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, who have granted them a regular warrant : the brethren now attend before your worship, according to your instructions, and are desirous that their Lodge should be consecrated and con- stituted, and their officers installed, agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity. 56 AHIMAN REZON. The Grand Master will answer : Right Worshipful Brother, The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania having been pleased to grant a warrant to the brethren of this new Lodge, conferring on them the rights and privileges of a regu- larly constituted Lodge, I shall proceed, with pleasure, to comply with their request. And then addressing the Grand Secretary — Brother Grand Secretary, Be pleased to read the warrant granted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, for the constitution of Lodge No. The Grand Secretary will then read the warrant. When the warrant shall have been read, the brethren will sing the Ode — " Hail ! Mysterious, Glorious Science." Hail," Mysterious, Glorious Science, Which to discord bids defiance, Harmony alone reigns here. Come, let's sing to Him that rais'd us From the rugged path that maz'd us, To the Light that we revere. Hail! Mysterious, Glorious Science, Which to discord bids defiance. After the consecration prayer, the brethren will sing the Response — "As it ivas in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen." AHIMAN REZON. 57 Consecration. The ceremony of consecration will then be entered upon by the following prayer : Consecration Prayer. Great Architect of the Universe ! Maker and Kuler of all worlds ! deign, from Thy celestial temple, from realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes of our present assembly. We humbly invoke Thee to give us at this, and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty of harmony in all our communications. Permit us, Oh Thou Author of light and life, to erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honor of Thy glory. Glory be to God on high ! Response by the brethren. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. During the response, the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens take the vessels of corn, wine and oil in their hands, and at the proper time sprinkle the ele- ments of consecration on the Lodge. Be pleased, Lord, to vouchsafe that as we now sprinkle the elements of consecration over this Lodge, they may be the harbingers of Thy bounties to the brethren, and that they and all of us may be blessed by Thy goodness with the corn of nourishment, the wiue of refreshment, and the oil of joy. Grant, Lord, that those who are now about to be in- vested with the government of this Lodge may be indued 58 AHIMAN REZON. with wisdom to instruct the brethren in all their duties. May brotherly love, charity and truth always prevail amongst the members of this new Lodge, and may these bonds of union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world. Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed, and grant speedy relief to all who are oppressed or distressed. We affectionately commend to Thee all the members of Thy whole family. May they increase in the know- ledge of Thee, and in the love of each other. Finally, may we finish all our work here below with Thine approbation, and then have our transition from this earthly abode to Thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory and bliss, ineffable and eternal. Glory be to God on high ! JReponse by the brethren. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen ! so mote it be ! Amen ! The Grand Chaplain then dedicates the Lodge as follows : To the memory of holy St. John, we dedicate this Lodge. May every brother revere his character and imitate his virtues. Glory be to God on high ! Response by the brethren. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen ! so mote it be ! Amen. Here solemn music may be introduced. AHIMAN REZON. 59 The Grand Master will then say : Brethren, we shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge. Constitution. The officers of the new Lodge being in possession of their respective jewels and badges, though not yet in- vested or clothed with them, will present them to their Master, who will present them, together with his own, to the Deputy Grand Master, who will present them to the Grand Master. The Deputy Grand Master will then present the Mas- ter elect of the new Lodge to the Grand Master, saying : Eight Worshipful, I present you brother , whom the members of the new Lodge, now to be constituted, have chosen for their Master. The Grand Master will ask them if they remain satis- fied with their choice. The brethren of the new Lodge will bow in, token of assent. The Grand Master will then inquire of the Deputy, whether he has examined the Master elected by the members and nominated in the warrant, and has found him well skilled in the noble science and the royal art. The Deputy Grand Master answering in the affirma- tive, will advance with the Master elect, and present him in front of the Grand Master's pedestal, saying : Eight Worshipful Grand Master, I present you my worthy brother, , to be installed Master of this new Lodge. I find him to be of 60 AHIMAN EEZON. good morals, and of great skill, true and trusty ; and as he is a lover of the whole fraternity wherever dispersed, I doubt not that he will discharge his duty with fidelity towards his Lodge, and in strict conformity to the requi- sitions of the Eight Worshipful Grand Lodge. The Grand Master will then address the Master elect, saying- Brother, Previous to your installation and investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your assent to those ancient charges and regulations which point out the duty of a Mason. The Grand Master will then request the Grand Secre- tary to read a summary of the ancient charges, which are as follows : Charges. Summary of the Ancient Charges on the Installation of a Master. 1. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law. 2. You agree to be a peaceable citizen and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside. 3. You promise not to be concerned in plots and con- spiracies against government, but patiently to submit to the decisions of the supreme legislature. 4. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrate, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men. 5. You agree to hold in veneration the original rules AH IMAN REZO N. 61 and patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their stations ; and submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren when convened, in every case consistent with the constitutions of the order. 6. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess. 7. You agree to be cautious in carriage and behaviour, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your Lodge. 8. You promise to respect genuine brethren and to discountenance imposters and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry. 9. You agree to promote the general good of the society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the art. 10. You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed ; and strictly conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge, or general assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles and ground work of Masonry. 11. You admit that it is not in the power of any man or body of men, to make innovations into the body of Masonry. 12. You promise a regular attendance on the com- mittees and communications of the Grand Lodge on receiving proper notice ; and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry on convenient occasions. 13. You admit that no new Lodge shall be formed without permission of the Grand Lodge ; and that no countenance be given to any irregular Lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to the ancient charges of the Order. 62 AHIMAN REZON. 14. You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a member of any regular Lodge without previous notice, and due inquiry into character. 15. You agree that no visitors shall be admitted into your Lodge without due examination, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated into a regular Lodge. The Grand Master will then say : Brother, These are the regulations of free and accepted Masons. Do you submit to these charges, and promise to support these regulations, as Masters have done in all ages be- fore you ? The Master elect will answer : Eight Worshipful, I do. The Grand Master will then say : Brother, In consequence of your cheerful acquiescence in, and promise of conformity to, the ancient charges and regulations of our order, you are now to be installed Master of this new Lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill, and capacity to govern the same. All the brethren present, not Past Masters, will then withdraw for a few minutes ; and during their absence the Master will be installed by the Deputy Grand Master in ancient form. The members who have withdrawn will then return and take their seats, a march being performed during their entrance. AHIMAN EEZON. 63 The various implements of the profession, as emble- matical of our conduct in life, will be then explained to the Master after the following manner : The holy Bible, that great light in Masonry, will guide you in the path of truth, direct you to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man. The square teaches to regulate our actions by the principles of morality and virtue. The compasses, to limit our desires in every station, that rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted. The rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty, press forward in the path of integrity, and inclining neither to the right nor left, keep eternity in view. The line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, and to avoid dissimulation in our conversation and actions. The book of constitutions' you are to search at all times, and to cause it, as well as your By-laws, to be read by your members, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins. Installation. The officers and members of the new Lodge will then form a procession in the northeast part of the room, preceded by the Master and Wardens, who will pass in a single file round the Lodge room, passing in a slow pace the chairs of the Junior Warden in the south and the Senior in the west. When the Master reaches the east, he will halt under the Grand Master's pedestal facing the west, and the officers and members will each one salute him as he passes in the usual manner. 64 AHIMANKEZON. As the procession proceeds, the Grand Master will say: Brethren ! Behold your Master ! During the procession, on notice given by the Grand Master, the following Ode to Masonry will be sung : Hail, masonry divine ! Glory of ages shine, Long may'st thou reign j Where'er thy Lodges stand, May they have great command, And always grace the land, Thou art divine ! Great fabrics still arise, And grace the azure skies, Great are thy schemes; Thy noble orders are Matchless beyond compare ; No art with thee can share, Thou art divine. Hiram, the architect, Did all the craft direct How they should build ; Solomon, great Israel's king, Did mighty blessings bring, And left us room to sing Hail, royal art. Chorus three times. The brethren having resumed their seats, the Master will present, severally, his Wardens and other officers, naming them and their respective offices. AHIMAN EEZON. 65 The Grand Master will inquire of the brethren if they remain satisfied with each and all of themythiey will bow in token of assent. The jewels of the several officers are then to be delivered by the Grand Master to each of the Grand Officers, according to their rank, and the Subordinate Officers are to be installed and invested with their jewels by each Grand Officer of corresponding rank. Each officer, as installed, will be conducted to the Grand Master, who will deliver to each of them a short charge. Charge to the Senior Warden. Brother : You are appointed Senior Warden of this new Lodge, and are now invested with the insignia of your office. The level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope ; and though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we are brethren. He who is placed in the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel, may be entitled to our regard, because a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinc- tions, but that of goodness, shall cease, and death, the grand leveler of human greatness, shall reduce us to the same state. Your regular attendance at the meetings of the Lodge is essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master, you are to govern this Lodge. In his presence you are to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on your knowledge of Masonry, and attachment to the 66 AHIMAN BBZON. Lodge for yonr faithful discharge of the duties of this important trust. Look well to the west ! Charge to the Junior Warden. Brother : You are appointed Junior Warden of this new Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. The plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations, to hold the scale of justice in equal poise, to observe the just measure between pleasure and intemperance, and to make our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our duty. To you is entrusted the reception of candidates, also the superintendence of the craft, during the hours of refreshment. It is therefore indispensably neces- sary that you should not only be temperate and discreet in the indulgence of your own inclinations, but care- fully observe that none of the craft be suffered to con- vert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance and excess. Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly requested, and I have no doubt but that you will faith- fully execute the duty which you owe to your present appointment. Look well to the south ! At the conclusion of the Charges, will be sung, by two of the brethren, the following duett : AHIMAN REZON. 67 DUETT—" God of the Fatherless." Solo. When the sun gloriously domes forth from the ocean, Making earth beautiful, chasing shadows away, Thus do we offer Thee our prayer of devotion, God of the Fatherless ! guide, oh ! guide us to-day. Duett. When o'er the western hills the sunset tints blending, Show us how quickly fades all that on earth seems bright ; Then to unfading realms our prayer ascending, God of the Fatherless ! guard, oh ! guard us to-night. Charge to the Secretary. Brother : You are appointed Secretary of this new Lodge. It is your duty to observe the "Worshipful Master's will and pleasure ; to record the transactions of the Lodge in an exact and Masonic manner, and to pay over such moneys of the Lodge as you may receive, into the hands of the Treasurer. Your good inclinations to Masonry and this Lodge will, I hope, induce you to discharge the duties of your office with attention and fidelity, and by so doing you will merit the esteem and applause of your brethren. Charge to the Treasurer. Brother : You are appointed Treasurer of this new Lodge. It is your duty to receive all the moneys of the Lodge, keep just and regular accounts of the same, and pay them out at the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure, with the consent of the Lodge. 68 AHIMAN KEZON. I trust your regard for the fraternity will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office. Charge to the Senior and Junior Deacons. Brothers : You are appointed Deacons to this new Lodge. It is your province to attend on the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in many of the active duties of the Lodge, such as the annunciation of candidates for the different degrees of Masonry, and the introduc- tion and accommodation of visitors, and you also act as assistants in the immediate practice of our rites. These wands as badges of your office, I entrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention. [Music] Concluding Charge of the Grand Master. Worshipful Master: The Grand Lodge having committed to your care the superintendence and government of the brethren, who are to compose this new Lodge, you cannot be insensible of the obligations which devolve on you as their head, nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties of your office. The honor, reputation and usefulness of your Lodge will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you manage its concerns ; whilst the happiness of its members will be generally promoted, in proportion to the zeal and ability with which you propagate the genuine principles of our institution. AHIMAN REZON. 69 For a pattern of imitation, consider the great lumi- nary of nature, which rising in the east, regularly diffuses light and lustre to all within its circle. In like manner, it is your province to communicate and spread instruction and light to the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high importance of Masonry, and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge them to practise out of the Lodge those duties which they have been taught in it, and by amiable, discreet and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the institution; so that when any one is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burthened heart may pour out its sorrows, to whom distress may always prefer its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and his heart expanded by benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance of the By-laws of your Lodge, the constitutions of Masonry, and, above all, the Holy Scrip- tures, which are given as the rule and guide of your faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing when time shall be no more. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens : You are too well acquainted with the principles of Masonry, to warrant any fear that you will be found wanting in the discharge of your respective duties. Suffice it to mention that what you have seen praise- worthy in others, you should carefully imitate, and what in them may have appeared defective, you should in yourselves amend. You should be examples of good order and regularity ; 70 AHIMAN EEZON. for it is only by a due regard to the laws in your own conduct, that you can expect obedience to them from others. You are assiduously to aid the Master in the discharge of his trust, diffusing light and imparting knowledge to all whom he shall place under your care. In the absence of the Master, you will succeed to higher duties ; your acquirements must therefore be such as that the craft may never suffer for want of instruc- tion. From the spirit which you have hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt but that your future conduct will be such as to merit the applause of your brethren, and the testimony of a good conscience. Brethren of Lodge No. Such is the nature of our constitution that as some must, of necessity, rule and teach, so others must of course learn to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The officers who are appointed to govern your Lodge, are sufficiently acquainted with the rules of propriety and the laws of the institution, to avoid exceeding the powers with which they are en- trusted, and you are of too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. I therefore trust that you will have but one aim, to please each other, and unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness. Finally, my brethren, as this association has been formed and perfected in so much unanimity and concord in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. AHIMAN REZON. 71 May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct as men, and as Masons. Within your peaceful walls may your chjl- drens' children celebrate with joy and gratitude, the transactions of this auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to genera- tion. After the delivery of the foregoing charge, the Grand Master will pronounce as follows : In the name of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belong- ing, I now constitute and form you, my good brethren, into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. From henceforth I empower you to act as a regular Lodge, constituted in conformity to the rights of our Order, and the charges of our ancient and honorable fraternity; and may the Supreme Architect of the universe prosper, direct, and council you in all your doings. Response by the brethren, Amen ! So mote it be. The Grand Marshal will then make proclamation three times in the following manner : In the name of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, I proclaim this new Lodge, by the name of No. duly constituted. [Music.'] 72 AHIMAN REZ0N. Proclamation having then been made by the Grand Marshal, the brethren will sing the PSALM — " With one consent let all ike earth." "With one consent let all the earth To God their cheerful voices raise ; Glad homage pay with awful mirth, And sing before Him songs of praise. enter then His temple gate, Thence to His courts devoutly press . And still your grateful hymns repeat, And still His name with praises bless. The ceremony of closing will now succeed with the following Prayer. Supreme Architect of universal nature, we render Thee our thanksgiving and praise for the Masonic institution, as members of which we have at this time been assembled, and for the protection and aid afforded us in the important work we have just com- pleted. We thank Thee that the occasion of solemnly conse- crating and installing this new branch of the Masonic family has afforded us fresh inducements, and laid us under stronger obligations to the practice of virtue and morality, and to the observation of all Thy precepts and commandments. May these obligations, Oh ! blessed Father, have their full influence and effect upon our minds. Teach us, we pray Thee, the true reverence of Thy great and mighty name ; inspire us with firm and un- shaken resolution in every virtuous pursuit. AHIMAN KEZON. 73 May the solemnities of this day increase our love of Masonry, and have a beneficial tendency to the imr provement of our conversation and conduct in the Lodge, and in, our walk through life. ■> And Oh ! as Thou didst aforetime appear unto Thy servant Moses in a flame of fire, out of the midst of a bush, enkindle, we beseech Thee, in our hearts a flame of devotion to Thee, of brotherly kindness to each other, and of charity to all mankind. And now to Thee, King immortal and invisible, the only wise God, be everlasting glory and honor. Amen. Response by the brethren. Amen ! So mote it be ! Amen ! Section II. The Ceremony Observed at Laying the Foundation Stones of Public Structures. This ceremony must only be performed by the Grand Lodge, in general communication. The Chief Magis- trate and other civil officers of the place where the building is to be erected, generally attend on the occa- sion. The ceremony is thus conducted : At the time appointed, the brethren are convened at some convenient place approved by the Grand Master. A band of music is provided, and the brethren appear in the insignia of the order, well dressed, with white gloves and aprons. After the procession has been ar- ranged by the Grand Marshal, they proceed in the following order : 74 AHIMAN EEZON. The Grand Marshal attends to regulate the proces- sion. A triumphal arch is usually erected at the place where the ceremony is to be performed. The proces- sion passes under the arch, and the brethren repairing to their stands, the Grand Master and his officers take their places on a temporary platform. An ode on Free Masonry is sung. The Grand Master commands silence, and the necessary preparations are made for laying the stone, on which must be engraved the year of Free Masonry, the name, &c, of the Grand Officers. The Grand Chaplain offers a short prayer. The Grand Treasurer then, by the Grand Master's command, places under the stone various pieces of coin and medals of the present age and country. Solemn music is in- troduced, an anthem sung, and the stone laid in its proper place by the Grand Master. He then strikes the stone three times with his hiram, amidst the accla- mations of the spectators, and delivers over to the architect the various implements of his profession, en- trusting him with the superintendence and direction of the work. The Grand Master than re-ascends the platform, and an oration suitable to the occasion may be delivered. A song in honor of Free Masonry con- cludes the ceremony, after which the procession returns to the place whence it set out, and the brethren are dismissed. Where the site of the intended building is too remote for the Grand Lodge to attend, the Grand Master may grant a dispensation to the nearest Subordinate Lodge, to perform this ceremony, as near to the customary form as circumstances will admit. AHIMAN EEZON. 75 Section III. Ceremony Observed at the Dedication of Free Mason's Halls. On the day appointed for the celebration of the cere- mony of dedication, the brethren are convened in a convenient room adjoining to the place where the cere- mony is to be peiformed. The order of procession is read by the Grand Secretary, and a general charge re- specting propriety of behaviour, may be given by the Grand Master, and the procession formed as follows : MASTER OF CEREMONIES, ENTERED APPRENTICES, FELLOW CRAFTS, MASTER MASONS, PAST MASTERS, DEACONS, SECRETARY AND TREASURER, WARDENS, MASTER, GRAND TYLER, GRAND MARSHAL AND GRAND PURSUIVANT, GRAND STEWARDS, GRAND DEACONS, GRAND CHAPLAINS, DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS, PAST GRAND OFFICERS, GRAND SECRETARY AND GRAND TREASURER, GRAND WARDENS, DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, GRAND MASTER, GRAND SWORD BEARER. Every officer must wear the jewel of his office. The Grand Marshal attends to regulate the procession and preserve order. In all Masonic processions, the brethren open to the right and left, as far as the Grand Tyler, and 76 AHIMAN REZON. the Grand Officers and regalia pass through, the brethren being uncovered. When the procession reaches the Grand Master's chair, the Grand Officers are separately proclaimed, according to rank, by the Grand Marshal, as follows : " By virtue of the authority in me vested, I hereby proclaim brother Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic j uris- diction thereunto belonging," (and so with the other Grand Officers respectively.) After which a grand piece of music is performed while the procession is made three times round the Hall. The Lodge is then placed 1 in the centre, and the Grand Master having taken the chair under a canopy of state, the Grand Officers and the Masters and Wardens of the Lodges, &c, repair to the places previously prepared for their reception, and the Grand Lodge is opened. The five orders are arranged near the Lodge, and the gold and silver pitchers, with the corn, wine, and oil, are placed upon it. Near it stands the pedestal, with the Bible open, and the square and compasses laid thereon, and upon another pedestal, the book of constitution. These arrangements being made, an anthem is sung, and an exordium on Free Masonry may be given. The Architect then addresses the Grand Master, returns thanks for the honor conferred on him, and surrenders up the implements, which were entrusted to his caTe, when the foundation stone was laid, to the Grand Master, who, having expressed his approbation of the architect's conduct, an ode in honor of Tree Masonry is sung, accompanied by the band. The Grand Secretary informs the Grand Master, that AHIMA.N REZON. 77 it is the design of the fraternity to have the hall dedi- cated to Free Masonry, according to ancient usage ; upon which he orders the Grand Officers to assist in the ceremony, during which solemn music is continued, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. The Lodge is uncovered, and the first procession is made around it. When the Grand Master arrives at the east, the music is silent, and the Grand Chaplain delivers the following Consecration Prayer. Almighty and ever glorious and Gracious Lord God, Creator of all things, and Governor of everything Thou hast made, mercifully look upon Thy servants, now assembled in Thy name, and in Thy presence, and bless and prosper " all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee." Graciously bestow on us Wisdom, in all our doings ; Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the Beauty of harmony and holiness in all our communica- tions and work. Let Faith be the foundation of our Hope, and Charity the fruit of our obedience to Thy revealed will. " 0, Thou preserver of men !" graciously enable us now to consecrate this hall, which we have erected, to the honor and glory of Thy name, and mercifully be pleased to accept this service at our hands. May all who shall be lawfully appointed to rule in it according to our constitutions, be under Thy special guidance and protection, and faithfully observe and fulfill all their obligations to Thee and to the Lodge. May all who come within these consecrated walls, have but one heart, and one mind, to love, to honor, to 78 AHIMANREZON. fear, and to obey Thee, as Thy majesty and unbounded goodness claim ; and to love one another, as Thou hast loved us. May every discordant passion be here banished from our bosoms. May we here meet in Thy presence as a band of brethren, who were created by the same Almighty parent, are daily sustained by the same benefi- cent hand, and are travelling the same road to the gates of death. May we here have Thy holy word always present to our minds, and may virtue, love, harmony, and peaceful joy reign triumphant in our hearts. May all the proper work of our institution, that may be done in this hall, be such as Thy wisdom may approve and Thy goodness prosper. And, finally, graciously be pleased, Thou sovereign Architect of the Universe, to bless the craft wheresover dispersed, and make them true and faithful to Thee, to their neighbor, and to them- selves. And when the time of our labor is drawing near to an end, and the pillar of our strength is declining to the ground, graciously enable us to pass through " the valley of the shadow of death," supported by " Thy rod and Thy staff," 'to those mansions beyond the skies, where love, and peace, and joy, forever reign before Thy throne. Amen. The brethren answer : " Glory be to God on high, on earth, peace, good will towards men." The Grand Master then says : In the name of the supreme and eternal God, the grand Architect of Heaven and earth, to Whom be all honor and glory, I dedicate this hall to Free Masonry. AHIMANKEZON. 79 The Grand Chaplain then strews corn [wheat] over the Lodge ; and the grand honors are given. A piece of music is then performed, and the second procession is made round the Lodge. When the Grand Master arrives at the east, the music ceases, and he says : In the name of the supreme and eternal God, the grand Architect of heaven and earth, to Whom be all honor and glory, I dedicate this hall to virtue and science. The Grand Chaplain then pours wine on the Lodge ; and the grand honors are given. The music is resumed, and the third procession is made round the Lodge. When the Grand Master arrives at the east, the music ceases, and he says : In the name of the supreme and eternal God, the grand Architect of' Heaven and earth, to Whom be all honor and glory, I dedicate this hall to universal bene- volence. The Grand Chaplain then dips his fingers in the oil, and sprinkles it over the Lodge ; and the grand honors are given. The Grand Chaplain, standing before the Lodge, then makes the following Invocation. Lord God, there is no god like unto Thee, in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, Who keepest covenant and mercy with Thy servants, who walk before Thee with all their hearts. Let all the people of the earth know, that the Lord 30 AHIM AN REZON. is God ; and that there is none else. Let all the people of the earth know Thy Name, and fear Thee. Let all the people know, that this house is built and consecrated to Thy name. But will God, indeed, dwell on the earth ? Behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain Thee ; how much less this house that we have built ? Yet have Thou respect unto the prayer of Thy ser- vant, and to his supplication, Lord my God, to hear- ken unto the cry and to the prayer of Thy servant and Thy people. That Thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place consecrated to Thy name. And hearken Thou to the supplication of Thy servant, and of Thy people; and hear Thou in heaven, Thy dwelling-place ; and when Thou hearest, forgive. For they be Thy people, and Thine inheritance. For Thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be Thine inheritance. Response by the brethren. The Lord is gracious, and His mercy endureth for ever. The Grand Chaplain then pronounces the following blessing : Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto His people. The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. Let Him not leave us nor forsake us : That he may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and His statutes, and His judgments, which He has commanded. AHIMAN EBZON. gj Response by the brethren. Glory be to God on high, oh earth, peace, good will towards men. The Lodge is then covered, and the grand honors given, when the Grand Master retires to his chair. An Anthem is then swng. An Address may be then delivered by the Grand Chaplain, after which an appropriate hymn is sung. The grand procession is resumed, and after marching three times round the hall, with the Lodge, as at entrance, during which a grand piece of music is performed, the procession returns to the place whence it set out and is dismissed. Section IV. Ceremony at Grand Visitations. The Master opens his Lodge in the third degree, and places the Deacons at the sides of the door with their wands crossed. The brethren arrange themselves on each side in a line from the door to the chair. The Grand Officers then enter in the following form : GRAND PURSUIVANT AND GRAND MARSHAL. GRAND STEWARDS. GRAND CHAPLAINS AND DEPUTY GRAND SECRETARY. GRAND DEA.CONS. PAST GRAND OFFICERS. GRAND SECRETARY AND TREASURER. GRAND JUNIOR AND SENIOR WARDENS. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. GRAND SWORD BEARER. 6 82 AHIMAN B.EZON. They proceed toward the east. On the entrance of the Grand Master, the procession halts, opens to the right and left, and the Grand Master passes through. The Master receives the Grand Master according to ancient usage, and resigns to him the chair and hiram. When the Wardens resign tbeir seats to the Grand Wardens, the grand honors are then given. The Master then delivers to the Grand Master the warrant of Constitution, the Treasurer's and Secretary's books,* and a statement of the funds of the Lodge, for his inspection. Having examined them, he expresses his approbation or makes such observations as the cir- cumstances and situation of the Lodge may require, and may deliver an address. The Grand Master then re- signs the chair to the Worshipful Master, and the Grand Wardens leave their seats. Should the Grand Officers retire before the Lodge is closed, the same ceremony must be observed as at their entrance. Section V. Ceremony and Service at Funerals. No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the order unless he has been advanced to the third degree of Masonry, and at the time of his decease was a mem- ber of a Lodge and in good standing in the order, unless by dispensation from the Grand Master. The Master of the Lodge to which he was attached, having received notice of a brother's decease, and that it was the desire * Prior to the Grand Visitation, the Minnte Book of the Lodge must be delivered to the Grand Secretary when demanded, to enable him to examine the same, and to make report to the Grand Master. AHIMAN REZON. 83 of his family or friends that he should be interred with the ceremonies of the order, should summon his Lodge, and at his option invite the members of other Lodges to attend the funeral. All the brethren must appear in Masonic Dress, viz: full suit of black, with white gloves, a blue ribbon inserted in the coat, and worn on the left breast, and each one carrying in his hand a sprig of evergreen. The brethren may either assemble in their Lodge-room or some other convenient place, and perform the following service by the Master, or the Chaplain by his direction. SERVICE. Where is now our brother ? He sojourneth in darkness. Can we redeem our brother ? We have not the ransom. — The place that Jmew him shall know him no more ! Shall his name be lost ? [Here the roll is unfolded.] The memory of a brother is precious. We mil record his name. [Viewing the roll.] Write it here ! We mil write it in our hearts. How will it then be known ? [Here strew flowers, or evergreen.] It shall live in his virtues, which shall live in us and in every brother. Was he worthy ? 84 AHIMAN KEZON. Like him we will be brethren, and our last end shall be in peace. He was indeed our brother. But, who hath done this ? The Lord gave and the Lc/rd taketh away. — Let us then bless the name of the Lord. Ejaculation. What is our life ! — It is a shadow ! a dream ! We once were — but what were we ! Whither are we going ! what shall we become ! Who is poor ! who is rich ! the king and the beggar lie down together. Our brother hath forsaken us ! He is no longer one of ourselves ! Every connexion of life has ceased ! The form is no longer beautiful ! He stretcheth not his hands to us. The hour of death has overtaken him ! Shall not some friend comfort us ? [Here an oration may be delivered ; but if one has not been prepared for the occasion, then may follow : Thus our brother has reached the end of life ! How many offerings has he made upon the altar of charity ! — How honorably has he sustained the cares of life ! — How did he make the hearts of all around him happy ! — He trod not on the worm that moved at his feet ! — His heart was in the laws of his country. His religion to his God, taught him to love and to extend happiness to man. But he has bidden us the last fare- well. Farewell our brother! — We reply, farewell! AHIMAN EEZON. 85 Go, visit the Grand Lodge of brethren ! — Go, meet thy God ; and may he approve thee ! May we be as faith- ful ! — May our eyes be closed in peace, like thine ! — and our dying pillow be as easy !— Farewell till the grand summons ! — Then, brother, we will rise and meet thee ! — Glory be to God on high ! Response by the brethren. — As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. — Amem Light of life ! all things live before thee ! the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee ! — With Thee there is no darkness ! — Thou seest us at our birth, and at our death. — Thou knowest us when in the womb, and in the grave. Thou forgettest us not when we have been, or are to be. We are always present with Thee, and our thoughts never perish from Thy remembrance. May our brother live with us as well as with Thee. May good tidings be on our lips, and his works written upon our hearts. May memory and the virtues be the mourners ! Let his death teach us to die ; and with him let Thy gift to us be immortality ! The brethren then join hands, and renew in silence the tokens of their friendship, after which they form and proceed to the house of the deceased in the following order. MASTEE, WAEDENS, TKEASUKEE AND SECEETAEY, DEACONS, MASTEE OF CEEEMONIES, MEMBEES. gg AHIMAN REZON. On arriving there the above order is reversed, and continued until the procession reaches the place of interment, when the brethren open to the right and left and the corpse and mourners pass through, when the ranks are closed from the rear, the Master walking in front. The brethren then proceed to a spot con- venient to the grave, and after the usual services have ended, and the mourners have retired, they, silently approach the grave or tomb, the Worshipful Master, uncovered, holding up the apron, says, " This Lamb Skin or White Leather apron, is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Koman Eagle, and when worthily worn,' more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order instituted by man. (The Master then deposits it in the grave.) This emblem I now deposit in the grave of our deceased brother. By this we are reminded of the universal dominion of death. The arm of friendship cannot oppose the King of Terrors, nor the charms of innocence elude his grasp. This grave, that coffin, this circle of mourning friends, remind us that we too are mortal ; soon shall our bodies moulder to the dust. (The Master holding the evergreen in his hand, continues.) This evergreen is an emblem of our faith, the immortality of the soul. By this we are reminded that we have an immortal part within us which shall survive the grave, and which shall never, never die. (The Master then deposits it in the grave.) After which in regular succession each one as he passes drops the evergreen in like manner, and is dismissed at the place of interment. AHIMAN REZON. 87 Section VI. ORDER OF PROCESSION FOR ONE LODGE ON COMMON OCCASIONS. TYLEK WITH DRAWN SWOKD. MASTERS OP CEREMONIES. STEWARDS, WITH WHITE RODS. MUSIC. ( When the musicians are brethren, otherwise they form on the right and left of the procession, or precede the Tyler.) ENTERED APPRENTICES. ^ PELLOW CRAPTS. W MASTER MASONS. 5 DEACONS. S PAST MASTERS. SECRETARY AND TREASURER. SENIOR AND JUNIOR WARDENS. THE HOLY WRITINGS, SQUARE AND COMPASS, Carried by the oldest member in the Lodge not in office, accompanied with the CHAPLAIN. MASTER. Section VII. GRAND PROCESSION ON PUBLIC OCCASIONS. BAND. GRAND MARSHAL. 88 AHIMAN KEZON. {Each Lodge in the following order, the jwnwr Lodge in front, and in rear of the oldest Lodge brethren from other jurisdictions.) MASTERS OF CEEEMONIES. ENTERED APPRENTICES, (two and two.) FELLOW CRAFTS, do. MASTER MASONS, do. PAST MASTERS, do. JUNIOR AND SENIOR DEACONS. SECRETARY AND TREASURER. JUNIOR AND SENIOR WARDENS. MASTER. GRAND TYLER. BUILDING COMMITTEE. ARCHITECT. GRAND OFFICERS FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS. PAST GRAND OFFICERS. GRAND PURSUIVANT. GRAND STEWARDS. GRAND CHAPLAINS AND DEPUTY GRAND SECRETARY. GRAND ORATOR. GRAND DEACONS. GRAND SECRETARY AND GRAND TREASURER. - GRAND WARDENS. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. GRAND MASTER. GRAND SWORD BEARER. AHIMAN REZON. 89 When the ceremony of consecrating and constituting a Lodge is performed in public, &c, then [NEW LODGE To form as in preceding form, omitting Past Masters and Chaplain.] MUSIC. GRAND TYLEK, WITH A DRAWN SWORD. GRAND STEWARDS, WITH WHITE RODS. « When Masonic Halls are to be dedicated, &c, the corn, wine, and oil are to be carried by brethren placed here in the following order : [A brother carrying a golden vessel, containing com. Two brethren carrying silver urns, one containing wme, the other oil^\ GRAND SECRETARY AND TREASURER. Master of a Lodge bearing the sacred writing, square and compass, on a crimson velvet cushion, supported by the Stewards of the second oldest Lodge, with white rods, first Steward on his right, the second on his left. _j GRAND CHAPLAIN. < m PAST GRAND WARDENS. ^ PAST DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. g PAST GRAND MASTERS. Pi 5 GRAND WARDENS. § DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. 90 AHIMAN RBZON. MASTER OF THE OLDEST LODGE, Bearing the Book of Constitutions on a Velvet Cushion. JUNIOR GRAND f ") SENIOR GRAND DEACON, J on a line five I DEACON, On the left with a Black J feet apart. ( On the right with a Black Rod. I J -Rod. GRAND MASTER. GRAND SWORD BEARER, WITH A DRAWN SWORD. Gentlemen invited to join the procession follow two and two. The above order of procession may be varied at the option of the Grand Master. APPENDIX. No. 1. Form of a Recommendation for a Grand Lodge Certificate, to he signed by the Master, and countersigned by the Secretary, under the seal of the Lodge. To Esq., Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction there- unto belonging, We do hereby certify that brother is a Master Mason, < , > a member in good standing, of Lodge No. held in We therefore recommend him as worthy of obtaining a Grand Lodge Certificate. Witness our hands and the seal of the said Lodge, this day of A. D. A. L. [l. s.J W. M. Attest, Sec. No. 2. Form of a Ghrand Lodge Certificate. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to all ancient, regular, free and accepted Masons, throughout the globe, union, health, happiness. We do hereby certify that the bearer hereof, brother A. B., ?° w I a member of Lodge No. under our jurisdiction, hath been raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, and hath 92 APPENDIX. performed all his works amongst us, to the entire satisfaction of the brethren, he is therefore recommended as such. In testimony whereof, we have delivered to him this certificate ; and that the same may not be of use to any one else, we have caused him to sign his name in the margin, JO? VARIATUR. Given at Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, the day of A. L. 58. G. M. D. G. M. S. G. W. J. G. W. G. Sec. G. T. No. 3. Form of a Grand Lodge Certificate for Brethren made by Dis- pensation. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to all ancient, regular, free and accepted Masons throughout the globe, union, health, happiness. We do hereby certify that the bearer hereof, brother A. B., being otherwise fully qualified, but unable to abide the usual time among us, has been duly entered, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, by dispensation, in Lodge No. under our jurisdiction ; he is therefore recommended as such. In testimony whereof, we have delivered to him this certificate, and, that the same may not be of use to any one else, we have caused him to sign his name in the margin, JO? VARIATUR. Given at Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, the day of A. L. 58. G. M. D. G. M. S. G. W. J. G. W. G. Sec. G. T. APPENDIX. 93 2 No. 4. p § . Lodge Certificate for Members Travelling. 03 -g Whereas brother a Master Mason, and CD ,g W. M. '% S. W. * [L. S.] J. W. Attest, Sec. 94 APPENDIX. No. 6. Petition for Warrant, £c. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of free and accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging. We, the undersigned, being regular Master Masons, formerly members of the Lodges mentioned against our respective names, and at this time not members of any Lodge, pray for a warrant of constitution, empowering us to meet as at regular Lodge, at to be called and there to discharge the duties of Masonry in a constitutional manner, according to the forms of the Order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. And we have nominated, and do recommend brother to be first Master, brother to be the first Senior Warden, and brother to be the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge. The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise strict conformity to the ancient land marks of the Order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. Recommendation hy three or more well known and approved Master Masons. We recommend that the prayer of the above petition be granted. Recommendation of the nearest Lodge. At a meeting of Lodge No. held at on the day of A. D. A. L. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the above petition be recommended to the favorable consideration of the R. W. Grand Lodge. [L. S.] W. M. Attest, Sec. APPENDIX. 95 No. 7. Warrant for a New Lodge. Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden. To all whom it may concern. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, in ample form assembled at Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania : WISDOM, STRENGTH, FRATERNITY. Know ye, that we, the said Grand Lodge of the most ancient and honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons (accord- ing to the old constitutions, revived by his Royal Highness Prince Edwin, at York, in the kingdom of England, in the year of .the Christian era nine hundred twenty and six, and in the year of Masonry four thousand nine hundred twenty and six,) by virtue of the powers and authorities vested in us, do hereby constitute and appoint our worthy and well beloved brethren Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden of a Lodge to. be called No. , to be held or within five miles of the same. And we do further authorize and empower our said trusty and well beloved brethren to admit and make Free Masons according to the most ancient and honorable custom of the royal craft in all ages and nations throughout the known world, and not contrarywise. And we do further empower and appoint the said and their successors, to hear and determine all and singular, matters and things relating to the craft within the jurisdiction of the said Lodge, with the assistance of the members of the said Lodge. And lastly, we do hereby authorize and empower our said trusty and well-beloved brethren to instal their successors, being first 96 \ APPENDIX. duly elected and chosen, to whom they shall deliver this warrant, and to invest them with all the powers and dignities to their offices respectively belonging : and such successors shall in like manner, from time to time, install their successors, &c, &c, &c. Such installation to be made upon or near St. John the Evangelist's Day, during the continuance of this Lodge, for ever. Provided always, That the said above named brethren and their successors pay due respect to this Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, and the ordinances thereof, otherwise this warrant to be of no force or effect. Given in open Grand Lodge, under the hands of our Right Worshipful Grand Officers and the seal of our Grand Lodge, at Philadelphia, this day of A. D. one thou- sand eight hundred and , and of Masonry five thousand eight hundred and G. S. [l. S.J G. T. Attest. No. 8. Form of an Application for Initiation or Membership. to the worshipful master, Officers and Brethren ok, Lodge No. The undersigned respectfully prays that he may be initiated into the mysteries of Free Masonry, and become a member of your Worshipful Lodge. He declares that he is free by birth, unbiassed by the improper solicitations of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other improper motives ; that he is prompted solely by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, and a desire of knowledge, and freely and voluntarily offers himself a candidate. He further declares his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and that he has not heretofore been rejected by any regularly APPENDIX. 97 constituted Lodge, and if his application be approved he will cheer- fully conform to the ancient usages and customs of the order. Witness my hand, this day of , A. D. 18 Age, • A. B. Residence, Occupation, Recommended by No. 9. Form of an Application from a Brother for Membership. To the W. M., Officers and Brethren of Lodge No. {E. A- 1 initiated in Lodge No. F. C. Vheld M. M. J and last a member of Lodge No. , held as may be seen by reference to the inclosed certificate, respectfully prays that Re may be admitted a member of your Worshipful Lodge. Profession, A. B. Age, Residence, Recommended by ' No. 10. Form of a Report on a Petition for Initiation and Membership, or Membership only. To the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Lodge No. The Committee appointed on the to make the necessary 'A. B., an applicant for initiation and membership ; ( E. A. \ and an ap- Brother A. B., a 1 F. C. V plicant for (^ M.M. j membership, ^ inquiries relative to 98 APPENDIX. have performed that duty, and beg leave to report < > { against J the prayer of the petition being granted. A. D. 18 A. L. 58 } Committee. Note. — In case an applicant for initiation is physically disqualified accord- ing to the thirty-fifth section of the Constitution, (title members, p. 35,) the report should state the fact, and recommend that the applicant have leave to withdraw his petition. No. 11. Form of a Commission for a Proxy. To brother , a Past Master Mason, and member of Lodge No. , under, the jurisdiction of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. {stated ~) adjourned V meeting of Lodge No. , held at extra J on the day of , A. D. 18 , A. L. 58 , you were appointed the representative of this Lodge, in the said R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Witness our hands, and the seal of the Lodge, this day of , A. D. , A. L. [L. S.] Attest, Sec. APPENDIX. 99 o IS w o •fe ■g 00 ■s 3 02 S5 SO"*-) "•3 o Eh 125 H a o Hi Q 4 a S IS K 'a»np oSpoq prmrg 'moj, 'suoi^wjni X .. z ,, 8 !, * ., 5 » 9 » A » 8 » 6 „ 01 „ sq^nomix sj.9quj.ej5 JOJ gg pan ' jaqraata qo»9 aoj q?aotn led s^uea %S ^ sonp jo |urioajy Tor particulars see below. » a £ Cm a " j 3 a a t-, >. | 1 a £* O O Ph Ph Ph (> O Ph «$ CO Ph o hH EH Ph J MIT'S IS .3 p « ° 3-« Q a ■ga j? # MZ P boS-4 I *g *** m O CO u © £ WO M m fl 9 d » n 3.2,° • SB IS fSl>1 I •1 SK 1 !** m So e *v2 e l a •§ s j ■ 9 a •a rt E?C So - « fe S 1 5 £ _■ « to «j i-> oj a> a 2" s I -5 fl 5 H ° " » ai £ p « a ffl-Q S3 M a) o-a •a o a 3 te O O _ 4a i" « « S . a ea <« a s * m - ^a«4: "^ W g m Ph Pm o EI . o •3 a g H R B m ■3 « CD o H fa. OF o o o CO o to. o Q ■a at © 1 1 e to 1 *3 0» H) ^ fc- O 1 "S IB S h d ™ V. * s ii P22 at wIm m H E-i O -*> a £a a> * ■a" a « b S a SO b 5 ' * ■ 18 ', below,) r names ID s « i-3 tT ® O a P** a? ° o r; «J i H * eg # A k r~ 3— "C -u - a . ©■a « « * S. «£S , saw •-ts „ -a « ■ S fa a o ° « ■S-g*3 . If 3^ J3:S t>/"5 2 >.8o » if* >- » S » |&l" Sa S3 a ©.a-e ~ Hl-ta g i|«« 1*3 aw © 0, M nT r K ® fa5 D ® t) +3 ■- ._, > « ■rt w P ca g a fe) a b'S ^ 'g.S- ^* © a «■« -w "d ,3* s^-Sfl to o 60 O j. to. •a ■3.3, -■a a 3 ■Sa'ag afl ms a a b. S.a'O^a fcpa ,_, © eq JbSjsI ■g as © g > t 7 l * ■ "K 5 ° o £>Pj3 to Is a 5 P'S S3 / APPENDIX. 101 No 14. Form of a Dispensation to constitute a Lodge, and return thereto. We, , Esq., R. W. Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : To our worthy brother Greeting : Reposing the greatest confidence in your zeal, fervor, and constancy in the craft, we do, by virtue of the powers and au- thorities in us vested, hereby authorize and empower you to call to your assistance a sufficient number of known and approved Past Master Masons, in to open and constitute a new Lodge, to be held there ; and to proceed to the installation of our worthy brother master elect, and others, the officers of a new Lodge, there to be established and constituted, to be called and known by the name of Number according to the most ancient and honorable custom of the royal craft, in all ages, and amongst all nations in the known world, and not con- trary wise : And make report to us, hereunto annexed, of your proceedings. This dispensation to remain in force for months from the date hereof, and no longer. Given under our hand and seal, at the city of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this day of Anno Domini A. L. Attest, G. Sbo. I do hereby report, That in pursuance of the powers deputed in the above dispensation, on the day of Anno Domini Anno Lucis in conjunction with a sufficient 1Q2 APPENDIX. number of known and approved Past Master Masons, I did open and constitute the Lodge called No. and install the officers thereof, according to ancient usage and form In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand at this day of A. D. A. L. To Esq., R. W. Grand Master of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. No. 15. Deputation to a Past Master to issue Dispensations to Enter, Pass, and Raise, and to Pass the Chair. We, Esq., R. W. Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : To our worthy and respected brother a Past Master Mason, and member of Lodge No. held in the under the jurisdiction of our R. W. Grand Lodge ; Reposing the greatest confidence in your zeal, fervor, and con- stancy in the craft, We do, by virtue of the powers and authori- ties in us vested, hereby authorize and empower you, the said in the name of our R. W. Grand Master of our R. W. Grand Lodge, to grant dispensations in cases of emergency, for entering, passing, and raising persons to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, and also for passing Master Masons to the chair in any of the Lodges now held, which are, or hereafter may be, constituted under the jurisdiction of our R. W. Grand Lodge in the said And that you make due and regular returns quarterly to us, or to our successor in office, of your proceedings in the premises ; And also that you transmit with your said returns the price of each dispensation you shall so grant, being ten dollars for a dis- APPENDIX. 103 pensatiou to enter, pass, and raise, or either, and five dollars for a dispensation to pass the chair. This power and authority to be, and continue in force until revoked by us or by our successor in office. Given under our hand and seal, at the city of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this day of in the year of our Lord 18 and of Masonry, 58 [l. s.] G. M. Attest, G. Sec. No. 16. Petition for Dispensation to Enter, Pass, and Raise. To Esq., Right "Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging: The petition of Respectfully showeth, That your petitioner entertains a high opinion of the ancient and honorable society of Free Masons, and is desirous of becom- ing a member thereof; but being about to leave the State, he is unable to wait the usual delays required by the By-Laws of a Lodge. He declares he is free by birth, "unbiassed by the improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other improper motives. He further declares his belief in the exist- ence of a Supreme Being, and that he has not heretofore been rejected by any regularly constituted Lodge, and if the petition be granted, will cheerfully conform to the ancient customs and usages of the order, and therefore prays that you will be pleased to grant a dispensation authorizing him to be entered, passed, 104 APPENDIX. and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Lodge No. Witness my hand, this day of Age, Residence, Occupation. } We, the officers of Lodge No. beg leave to recommend the above petitioner to the Right Worshipful Grand Master, as a person who, in our opinion, is worthy of being initiated into the mysteries of our ancient and honorable fraternity. W. M. S. W. J. W. Granted. No. 17. Form of Dispensation to Enter, Pass, and Raise. We,* Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdic- tion thereunto belonging : To the Worshipful Master of Greeting : By virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, we do hereby authorize and empower you to enter, pass, and, raise, in your Lodge, to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, it appearing that he is about to leave the State, and cannot await the usual delays required by your By-Laws. If the same meets the approbation of your Lodge, this shall be your sufficient warrant for so doing. * When the ease requires, insert A. B. Esq., District Deputy Grand Master, acting for, &e. APPENDIX. 105 Given under our hand and seal at this day of in the year of our Lord 18 and of Masonry, 58 Attest, No. 18. Form of a Petition for a Dispensation to Pass the Chair. To * Esq. Eight Worshipful, Grand Master of Masons; in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : The petition of Respectfully showeth, That your petitioner is a Master Mason, and a member of Lodge No. held at That he is desirous of being further advanced in Masonry, and therefore prays that you will be pleased to grant a dispensa- tion, authorizing his being passed to the chair. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. Philadelphia, We, the officers of Lodge No. beg leave to recom- mend the above petitioner to the Right Worshipful Grand Master, as a worthy brother, and deserving of the favor by him prayed for. W. M. S. W. Granted. J. W. A. B. Grand Master. ,* Here insert, when the case shall require it, A. B. Deputy Grand Master, acting for, &c. 106 APPENDIX. No. 19. Form of a Dispensation to Pass the Chair. We,* Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : To the Worshipful Master, and Past Masters of Greeting : By virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, we do hereby authorize and empower you to pass to the chair brother a Master Mason, and a member of who has been duly recommended to us by your Lodge, as worthy thereof, and is desirous of being further advanced in Masonry. And for so doing, this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under our hand and seal at this day of in the year of our Lord 18 and of Masonry, 58 Attest, No. 20. Dispensation to a Lodge to continue its labors, after the destruc- tion or loss of its warrant. We Esq. Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Members of Lodge No. held in Greeting : Whereas, our Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, by warrant * When the oase requires, here insert A. B. Esq., D. D. G. M., acting for, &c. APPENDIX. 107 under the hands of the then R. W. Grand Officers, and seal of the R. W. Grand Lodge, bearing date, the day of in the year of our Lord one thousand hundred and and of Masonry, five thousand hundred and and recorded in the book of warrants, page authorized the holding of a Lodge under their jurisdiction in or within five miles thereof, to be called No. which Lodge was duly constituted on the and the labors thereof carried on agreeably to the ancient land marks, so far as our R. W. Grand Lodge has information respecting the same ; And whereas, it has been represented to us, that the said war- rant has been Now therefore, by virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, we do hereby authorize, empower, and request you, the present, and succeeding Worshipful Master, Wardens, and members of the said Lodge No. to continue your Masonic labors in the same full and complete manner to all intents and purposes, as you could, or might legally have done, if your said warrant had not been and was still in existence, agreeably to all the usages, rules and regulations of the ancient craft, and especially to those of our R. W. Grand Lodge, and not contrarywise. This dispensation to continue in force until the next Grand Communication of our said R. W. G. Lodge, and until her pleasure in the premises shall have been made known to you. Given under our hand and seal, at the city of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this 'day of in the year of our Lord, one thousand hun- dred and and of Masonry, five thousand hundred and [L. 8.] [a. m ] G. M. G. Sec. Attest, 108 APPENDIX. No. 21. Dispensation to enable a Lodge to form a Procession. We Esq., Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : To the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. held in Greeting : Whereas, Your Worshipful Lodge has prayed us for per- mission to form a Masonic procession, and attend divine service on the St. John the Baptist's Day. St. John the Evangelist's Day. The day appointed for opening and con- secrating the new Lodge room, being ^ The day appointed by the President of the United States, as a day of humilia- tion and prayer. The day appointed as a day of thanks- giving. Therefore, by virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, we do hereby authorize you to form a Masonic procession of the members of your Lodge, and other Ancient York Masons of full standing, for the purpose aforesaid, at on the And for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under our hand and seal, at the city of Philadelphia, this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and and of Masonry, five thousand eight hundred and [L. S.J [g. m.] G. M. G. Sec. Attest, APPENDIX. 109 No. 22. Form of a Register of Members and Officers recommended to be kept by every Lodge. ■8" Remaining. Ceased. Admitted. Initiated. Number of Members beginning of year. Qj 03 fe ^ ^ <2 c a. % I 3 OS 110 APPENDIX. m M < tA CO T-H o -.a ^ — a) 13 » ; f e s s u T3 CD DO "3 n3 a> no CO o3 P4 •a •« B « •S a 6 ■+5 '3 H-4 1 4* CD V ft a <3 1 s CD © CD n3 *53 CD CD bo < "I ft! c o "to CO O APPENDIX. 1\1 No. 23. Form of Special Election Return. I Worshipful Master of Lodge No. Ancient York Masons, held under the authority of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify to the said Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, that at an election held in virtue of a dispensation from the on the day of A. D. 18 the following brethren were duly elected officers of the said Lodge for the remainder of the term ending on St. John's Day in 18 W. M. S. W. J. W. S. T. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the said Lodge to be affixed, at the day of A. D. 18 and in the year of Masonry, 58 Master of Lodge No. Attest, Secretary of Lodge No. No. 24. Commission to a Brother to visit Foreign Gfrand Lodges and Lodges. To the Right Worshipful and Worshipful, the Grand Lodges and Lodges of the most ancient and honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons in the two hemispheres : We Esq., Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, send greeting : Health, stability, and happiness. 112 APPENDIX. Whereas, it is the intention of our worthy and respectable brother of the a member of Lodge No. under our jurisdiction, and of our Grand Lodge, to travel int0 f otheTstateT*" 68 ' } We have ' therefore > in order to P r0 " mote as far as in us lies, a brotherly communication with the different Lodges in the-j ¥j T - t ', q. >do hereby request and require our said brother to visit the Grand and Subordinate Lodges of Ancient Masons in the different < . ' >■ through which he may travel, and producing these, our credentials, to assure them of our most fraternal regards, and of our dispositions to cultivate a mutual correspondence, and to give to said Grand Lodge, Lodges, or brethren, such information as may be requisite concerning the state of the craft with us, conceiving that it will manifestly tend to promote order, harmony, and reciprocal affection over the globe. Not doubting but, that this our brother, will meet with all due attention wherever he shall make himself known, and promising all due respect and attention to foreign brethren, in like manner recommended to us, we have caused him to sign his name in his usual signature, in the margin hereof, ne variatur, and herewith we commit him to the protec- tion of the Great Architect of the Universe. Given under pur hand, and the seal of our Grand Lodge, at Philadelphia, this day of in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and , and of Masonry, five thousand eight hundred and [>. s.] [g. m.] Attestatur, G. M. G. Sec. APPENDIX. 113 No. 25. Deputation to visit Lodges. We, Esq., Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, -and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of all the Lodges held in the Greeting : By virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, we do hereby authorize, empower and request, our faithful and beloved brother , a Past Master Mason, and member of Lodge No. , under the jurisdiction of our R. W. Grand Lodge, in our name and behalf, to visit all the said Worshipful Lodges, to examine and inquire into their state and proceedings, and to make report thereon. Also in our name, and on our behalf, to deliver to the said Lodges respectful, affectionate and brotherly addresses ; recom- mending harmony and union amongst the brethren, and the strictest adherence to the true and acknowledged principles of Ancient Masonry. And also, for the purposes aforesaid, to congregate the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of the said Lodges, at such times and places, and within the limits of the respective Lodges, as to him shall appear fit. — This authority to continue in force for the term of months from the date of these presents, and no longer. Given under our hand and seal, at the city of Philadelphia, this day of in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and and of Masonry, five thousand eight hundred and [L. 8.] [G. M.] Attest, 8 G. M. G. Sec. 114 APPENDIX. No. 26. Form of a Commission to a District Deputy Grand Master. We, Esq., Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging ; To our trusty and well beloved brother, a Past Master Mason, and a member of under the jurisdiction of our Right Worshipful Grand Lodge : WISDOM, STRENGTH, FRATERNITY. Reposing the greatest confidence in your zeal, fervor, and skill in the Masonic art, we do, by virtue and in pursuance of the powers and authorities in us vested, hereby nominate, constitute and appoint you, our said beloved brother, our District Deputy Grand Master in and for the Masonic District of Pennsylvania, comprising the following counties, to wit : And we do hereby invest you with the rank and dignity of a District Deputy Grand Master of our said Right Worshipful Grand Lodge ; and we do hereby authorize and empower you, in the name of our said Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, to visit respectively all the Worshipful Lodges now constituted, or which may hereafter be constituted within the said district, as often as may be convenient, or you may judge necessary ; to inspect their labors, and examine and inquire into the state of the said Lodges and their proceedings, and to give them all due Masonic - advice and instruction. Also, in our name and on our behalf, to deliver to the said Lodges respectful, affectionate and brotherly addresses, recommending harmony and union among the breth- ren, and the strictest adherence to the true and acknowledged principles of Ancient Masonry. And also, for the purposes aforesaid, to congregate and assemble together severally the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and brethren of the said Lodges, at their respective places of meetings, and at such times as to APPENDIX. 115 you shall appear fit. And we do further authorize and empower you, in the name of the Right Worshipful Grand Master of our said Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, to grant dispensations to enter, pass and raise persons to the degree of Master Mason, and for passing brethren to the chair in any of the Lodges now constituted, or hereafter to be constituted within the said district. And that you annually make report to our Right Worshipful Grand Lodge your proceedings in the premises. This power and authority to be and continue in force during our continuance in office, unless sooner superseded or revoked, hereby revoking all former commissions that may have issued from us, or any of our predecessors in office, to any person or persons, vesting in them the like powers and authority within the said district. Given under our hand and seal, at the city of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this day of in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and , and of Masonry, five thousand eight hundred and G. M. Attest. G. Sec. No. 27. Form of a Dispensation to hold a Special Flection. We, A. B., Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging : To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of Lodge No. held at at under the jurisdiction of our Right Worshipful Grand Lodge. Greeting : In consequence of an emergency, and by special request of 116 APPENDIX. your Lodge duly certified to us, we do hereby authorize and em- power you, by virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, to hold an election for at your next regular stated meeting, and to fill any vacancies which may arise by reason thereof; Provided, however, That due and timely notice be given to the members of your Lodge of such election. And for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under our hand and seal this day of A. D. 18 and of Masonrv 58 [i. s.] Attest, G. M. G. Sec. Q No 28. Form of Monthly Returns from Subordinate Lodges. 18 To the R. W. G. Secretary, G. Lodge of Penna., A. Y. M. R. W. Sib. & Beo : — At a stated meeting of Lodge No. held at this day of 18 the following named petitioned this Lodge for initiation and mem- bership : Age. Occupation. Residence. APPENDIX. 117 The following named Petitioned for Membership . Name. Age. Occupation. Residence. Degree. formerly of Lodge. No. at ■ The following named were rejected : Name. Age. Occupation. Residence. Degree. 1st, 2d, or 3d ballot. Unfavorable .Report. Note. — When rejected on ballot granted by the Grand Lodge, so state. The following named were expelled- Age. Occupation. Residence. Po £$$£."" The following named were suspended — Age. Occupation. Residence. For what cause suspended. [L. B.] Secretary of Lodge No. DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. March 16, 1829. Committee report that a Lodge has the right to summons for the purpose of installation, or any other purpose vitally affecting its interests, or the interest of any of its members. March 6, 1843. The Grand Officers, a Committee to whom was referred the petition of a number of brethren in relation to an election for officers, reported — That the election in December last was set aside, the same having been conducted contrary to their By-Laws and the Constitution of the Grand Lodge ; and the said Lodge was directed to hold another election for officers at their next stated meeting. The reasons for the above decision are obvious. The By-Laws of a Lodge are sacred, and may not be set aside at will ; on this occasion they seem, by common consent, to have been disre- garded. To sanction the election under siich circumstances would be, in effect, to encourage the Lodge in the violation of its own By-Laws, a step which no good Mason could approve, and the strictness of the Order will not permit the Committee to adopt. It; is the special and bounden duty of the Worshipful Master of a Lodge to enforce the By-Laws ; yet how often does DECISIONS OF THE GKAND LODGE. ]Q9 a false delicacy prevent him so doing. When the question is one of a pecuniary nature, he should permit them on no account to be infringed. If a Brother, who is able, neglects to comply with them, the fault is his own, and he should not complain. If a Brother is unable to pay, the Lodge has the power to relieve him, and on proper representation will remit. The Committee notice with regret the too prevailing neglect in the Lodges under this jurisdiction to enforce (when there is ability in a Brother to liquidate his dues) the salutary provision in the By-Laws pre-requisite to the exercise of the privileges of suffrage, a requisition wisely intended by our Masonic ancestors to supply the Fountain of Charity, and effectually promote the noblest object of the Masonic family. So far as the officers of the Grand Lodge have the power to put a stop to this evil, (a growing one,) its exercise may be looked upon as certain, for in every case in which the matter is presented for their consideration, the By-Laws will be main- tained : and all practices contrary to their spirit and letter meet with no favor. Complaints by those who may feel themselves aggrieved, should be made in reasonable time, and according to the rules of the Order, otherwise the chance of redress will be considerably diminished. In every instance when a violation of the By-Laws is permit- ted by the W. M. of a Lodge, a protest should be promptly en- tered at the time, and notice given of an intention to apply to the Grand Lodge, and this application should be presented in form, at the Quarterly Communication succeeding the occur- rence ; the case then coming up, will be fresh for investigation, and the facts be of easy access. The action of the Grand Officers, so far as the same may be. invoked by the Grand Lodge, will be equally prompt and deci- sive — their duty is a plain and simple one, to preserve the Land- marks of the Order, and frown upon every attempt to violate and oppose them. They would be unworthy of the exalted posts they occupy, if, for the sake of convenience or any false notion 120 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. of expediency, they countenance, in a single instance, a depar- ture from the written or unwritten law. • It appeared also, in the course of this examination, that some of the Lodges are in the habit, at the meetings for election, of setting aside, by vote, the article in their By-Laws requiring the payment of dues previous to voting. This course is fully as re- prehensible as the other, if not more so, and at war with the principles of the Order. The practice also of admitting members by the Junior War- den, when the Lodge is called off to prepare for the election, is improper, because members are admitted contrary to the Consti- tution, which says : " No member can be admitted without the knowledge and consent of the Worshipful Master ;" and in many instances the members so admitted are permitted to vote without paying their dues, as the dues are collected previous to going into the election. The Lodges so acting, deliberately practice a wrong, as must be apparent to every Brother. A course so pernicious in its effects, and striking at the prosperity of the Order, should at once be abandoned, and never permitted to occur again. September 4, 1843. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Committee, publications in relation to Masonry are inexpedient, and that they therefore decline examining the book referred to in resolution of June 5th, 1843.* Approved by Grand Lodge. September 4, 1843. Resolved, That petitions asking a remission of dues be referred to the Committee on Finance. * Davis' Masonic Monitor. DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 121 October 16, 1843. To the Right Worshipful, The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Officers of the Grand Lodge, to whom was referred the Memorial and Appeal of Brother , of Lodge No. , at , respectfully report : That the said Brother protests against the action of Lodge No. in the premises, and claims the interference of the Grand Lodge upon two grounds : First, That he was not guilty of such conduct as made him liable to the Masonic action of the Lodge. And Second, That he had no summons which he was bound Masonically to notice, and his expulsion was therefore unjustifi- able, and contrary to Masonic usage. Thus appealed to by the complaining Brother, and called upon to settle a question as to form, the decision upon the second point being in his favor, all inquiry into the merits of the case is rendered unnecessary, and the Committee refrain from exa- mining the same, or expressing any opinion thereon. By the Records of the Lodge it appears that charges of unma- sonic conduct were made against the Brother at a stated meet- ing, held on the 13th day of April, 1843, and a Committee appointed by resolution to investigate the facts, after giving him notice, take testimony and make report of their proceedings, and the testimony taken to a special meeting, to be held that night two weeks. At the special meeting which was held on the 25th of April, 1843, the Committee reported that they had notified Brother , under date of the 15th, to attend before them on the Saturday evening following, the 22d of April, at the Lodge Room, at 7 o'clock, P. M., as at that time they would proceed, under their appointment, to inquire into the truth of the charges preferred against him ; which notice was sent to Brother , by the Tyler, and served upon him the day of its date. This Committee further reported, that 122 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. Brother did not attend at the time and place as noti- fied, and that they proceeded to take testimony, which testimony accompanied their report. At this meeting the further consi- deration of the report was, on motion of a Brother, fixed for the next stated meeting, the evening of the 15th of May, and the Secretary directed to give Brother special notice that he would then be heard in explanation and in defence of said charges. The Notice given by the Secretary is as follows : " Lodge, No. , May 10th, 1843. " Brother , "You are requested to meet the Brethren of Lodge, No. , at their Hall, this evening, at 7 o'clock, P. M. Charges are preferred against you for unmasonic conduct, in having represented to Brother Masons, as a Mason, things to be true which at the time you knew were not true, and afterwards acknowledged were not so. Of which the Com- mittee appointed in the case have made report thereof to the Lodge. " You are therefore summoned to attend to answer said charges in the matter whereof you are concerned. " By order of the W. M. (Signed) " , Secretary." At the stated meeting in May this matter was called up, when the Secretary reported, that he had given notice as above set forth to Brother . That Brother was not present, but sent in his resignation, which the W. M. very properly declined receiving in the then stage of the inquiry ; when after reading preamble, resolutions, and charges, the report of the Committee, and testimony taken, Brother was, upon motion made and seconded, expelled for unmasonic conduct and contemptuous treatment of the Lodge. The penalty of expulsion from the Masonic body is the severest DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 123 known to the practice of the Order. The disgrace which ensues is widely spread and as lasting as time. When such consequences result from its infliction, nothing short of the clearest proof of error and guilt, and a stern sense of justice should induce an appeal to its power. While a hope of reclamation remains, an erring Brother should have the door left open for his return ; it should only be closed upon him when all admonition has failed, and hope itself ceased to exist — and when closed, every Brother should take care that it is done in a Masonic spirit and according to Masonic form. In a Masonic spirit, because personal preju- dices and resentments should never be permitted to operate at the ballot box. In a Masonic form, so that right may be done according to the Land-marks of the Order, and the banished Brother feel that no part of its rules has been violated, that jus- tice swayed in all and crowned the whole. That Brother received notice is not denied by him, but he objects, that he did not receive Masonic notice ; and here the Committee agrees with him. The objection may be looked upon as technical, if such a term can be known to Masonry ; still he is entitled to the benefit of it. Nor can the Committee deny it to him — for to yield here would be to introduce a prece- dent that might be hurtful hereafter. The Masonic Institution, substantially one of Charity, is strengthened by forms ; these constitute, the chain which has kept it together in times past, and must continue to preserve it in all time to come. Let but one link be broken, and who can tell how far that chain may be unravelled. The duty of a Brother to attend the summons of his Lodge is not denied ; nor can any Mason, having a proper sense of such duty, fail to obey it. What constitutes that summons is another question, and here the Committee wish to be explicit. The Master of a Lodge cannot, of his own motion, summon a Brother — this must be done by the action of the Lodge itself, upon a motion made, seconded, and adopted. What is the evidence of such action ? A copy of the resolution under the seal of the Lodge, signed by the Master and attested by the Secretary. This is the true Masonic evidence. 124 DECISIONS OF THE GKA.ND LODGE. A summons so prepared, and duly served, would be a regular summons. Here the Lodge tad a seal, but it was not attached, nor does it appear from the notice served by the Secretary and signed by him alone, that he referred to any resolution of the Lodge, calling upon Brother to appear before it. Indeed, from a careful examination of their report, it does not appear that such a resolution, in form was passed, and without it there could not have been any regular Masonic summons served upon the Brother. The Lodge, in the opinion of the Committee on the report of its Committee of Investigation, should have adopted a resolution, summoning the Brother to appear at a cer- tain time before that Committee or the Lodge, caused a copy of the same, signed by the Master, and attested by the Secretary under the seal of the Lodge, to be served upon the Brother, and on proof of such service, and the Brother failing to appear, to have proceeded to his expulsion. All this may be looked upon as form, but it is form having deliberation and justice in view. It is intended to give every opportunity to the accused to explain, modify, defend, or justify, as his case requires. As in a criminal proceeding, the forms of law are never overlooked, however gross may be the crime of the offender, so in Masonic action, the rules of the Craft should be scrupulously observed, deeply committed as a Brother may have been in his violations of the duties of the Order. Better, far better. in every case, that the offending party should escape, than that fixed and settled principles should be made to yield, that he might be punished and disgraced. The Committee observe, too, that while the original charges against the Brother were for unmasonic conduct, the resolution for expelling him states, that his contemptuous treatment of the Lodge, subsequently to the presentation of those charges, is one of the causes of his expulsion. Of this the Brother certainly had no notice, as will appear from a perusal of the Secretary's com- munication. The Lodge therefore expelled him for an act which was not regularly made a charge against him by any Brother, and which he had no opportunity of explaining away, and in this DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. J25 particular were certainly wrong, admitting that they had observed every form in regard to the original accusations and proceedings thereon. The Committee, therefore, offer the following resolutions : Resolved, That the proceedings of Lodge, No. , of , so far as regards the expulsion of Brother , be, and the same are hereby set aside and annulled, it appearing upon the face of the record of the said Lodge, and by production of the notice, to which exception has been taken by the said Brother, That he was not summoned to appear, answer, and defend the charges preferred against him, according to Masonic usage and custom, and the Land-marks of the Order. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be directed to furnish a copy of the Report of the Committee and the resolutions attached thereto, duly authenticated, to Lodge No. , at Respectfully submitted. March 4, 1844. The following Report having been read and adopted, was, on motion duly made and seconded, Resolved that a copy be trans- mitted to all the Grand Lodges who are in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, viz : To the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsyl- vania and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging. The Grand Officers, to whom was referred the communication from Brother , President of the Convention of Grand Lodges, assembled at Baltimore in May last, forwarded under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, respectfully report, That they have carefully examined the said Communication, and given the subject to which it refers their most serious atten- tion, and cannot but regret that the action of the Grand Lodges, in the Convention alluded to, should have resulted in the produc- tion of a work so calculated to prejudice the Order of Masonry. 126 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. After several efforts to get up a Convention of the Grand Lodges of the different States of the Union, one was held at Bal- timore, in the month of May last. Although this Grand Lodge was appealed to, and asked to take part in that Convention, she declined doing so, as it was not apparent to her that any good could spring from it. She carefully kept aloof, and so far, has every reason to congratulate herself upon the wisdom of her course. In the answer which she returned, positively refusing to unite in any such Convention, she assumed the ground that Masonry, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, " altereth not," and as it was co-extensive with the nations of the earth, existing beneath all climates, and more or less known to nearly every race, nothing short of a representation from each and all should attempt to revise the system — a modification to suit one quarter of the world or a particular class of people would not answer for another ; and from its being a primitive and enduring bond of universal association, an attempt to change would resolve it into chaos, and the Land-marks of the Order be obliterated forever. To the latter we are bound to cling by our love for the Institution and by every obligation of duty ; watching with jeal- ous eyes and opposing hands, every effort at innovation, resolved that the " Ark of our Covenant " shall float in its beauty, sim- plicity and truth, upon the stream of Time into the ocean of Eternity. In this Convention fifteen Grand Lodges were represented. They proceeded to investigate and canvass the several modes of work practiced by themselves, and agreed upon a system by which the whole should be regulated, and with a view to its dis- semination, resolved to publish in the name of the Convention, a Tressel-Board or Mieroglyphie Monitor, which should represent the true work, and be the means of dispersing, as they thought, the spurious publications extant. This duty devolved upon Brother , of Virginia, Brother , of Massachusetts, and Brother , of Missouri. They agreed upon the out- lines and separated ; but the work, before being put to press, was to meet with Brother 's approbation. DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 127 The book, however, found its way into the world, in violation of this understanding between the members of the Committee, and in the language of Brother , " It is the most offen- sive, ridiculous, and objectionable book upon Masonry it had ever fallen to his lot to peruse, and in scarcely one feature to be recognized as having the most remote resemblance to the work of the Convention." It is clear, therefore, that the attempt by this body to establish a uniform system of work has resulted in the production of a publication under its auspices, calculated to do vast injury to the Masonic Fraternity, and the evil effects of which, no steps which that or any other Masonic body can now take will entirely avoid. The book may drive out of circulation other works only to supply their places with one of a more ob- jectionable character. So far as publications go, they have been uniformly repro- bated by this Grand Lodge. The door once open, it would be difficult to foresee the closing of it. Besides, the interests of the Craft do not require them, and it would be well if an end could be put to this evil. The Ahiman Rezon is a sufficient text-book, and furnishes all that is desirous to be known out of the Lodge. As a standard, it gives what is wanting with respect to the spirit and object of Masonry. As to the forms, these are for the Lodge alone — within its walls, to be sacredly kept from the eyes and ears of the uninitiated, cherished by the memory and enshrined in the heart of every Brother. As this Grand Lodge was not represented in the Baltimore Convention, she does not fall within the instructions given to Brother , in the resolution authorizing him to address circulars, requesting the Grand Lodges there represented to unite with the Grand Lodge of Virginia in suppressing the fur- ther circulation of the Tressel-Board, nor can the Committee conceive why, except for the sake of abundant caution, Brother should send a circular to this Grand Lodge ; they therefore do not perceive the necessity of any action in the premises, and submit merely the following resolution, as expres- 128 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. sive of the sense of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on this interesting subject : Resolved, That this Grand Lodge has always taken a decided stand against all publications on the subject of Masonry — par- ticularly as to its forms and ceremonies, and from the proceed- ings of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Virginia, held on the 11th of December, 1843, she is the more fully convinced of the propriety of her course in regard thereto. Respectfully submitted. June 1, 1846. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania recognize the propriety, and establish as a principle for her future govern- ment, the necessity of having at least five Subordinate Lodges to constitute a district, and be entitled to the privilege of a Deputy Grand Master. December 7, 1846. Resolved, That it is competent to any Committee appointed by the R. W. Grand Master as a Committee of the Grand Lodges to make any rules for the government and regulation of the pro- ceedings of said Committee ; if such rules shall not be in opposi- tion to or at variance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the R. W. G. Lodge. December 7, 1846. Committee report that they decline reviving the charters of Lodges No. — and No. — , believing that in no instance should such a revival be granted, where the warrant, books, and papers of a Lodge have not been returned in conformity to the regula- tions of the Ahiman Rezon, page 33. March 5, 1849. Resolved, That when an unfavorable report is made by the Committee, and that report is accepted, it is equivalent to a DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 129 black ball, and no ballot is necessary. [Corroborated by the following report of Committee on Land-marks — adopted Sep- tember 3, 1849.] To the R. W. Grand Master and Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Committeee appointed on the Communication from Lodge, No. , held at , respectfully report : That they have considered the matters referred to them. That by the existing rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, if a report of a Committee of Inquiry is favor- able, the candidate is balloted for, on a stated night of meeting, and receiving a unanimous vbte, is declared to be approved. (See Ahiman Rezon, page 35.) There is nothing contained in the Rules and Regulations directing the course to be pursued in case of an unfavorable report, but as a candidate cannot be admitted -without a ballot, and there is no provision to ballot on an unfavorable report, it follows, of course, that the candidate is rejected. The course to be pursued by the applicant in such case, if he believes that he has been aggrieved, is pointed out in the Rules and Regulations, page 8, viz : " An appeal lies to the Grand Lodge by any person aggrieved by the proceedings of a Subordinate Lodge," and the manner of appealing is therein set forth. The Rules and Regulations, page 36, provide that " If an ap- plicant be rejected, a second ballot may be had on the motion of any member, duly seconded, made at one stated meeting and adopted at the next, or at some subsequent meeting. But the ballot so allowed shall be had at the stated meeting next subse- quent to that at which such motion was adopted." From the above, it is plain that although the motion for a second ballot need not be adopted at the next stated meeting after it is made, but may be adopted at that or some subsequent meeting, yet the provision is express, that the ballot so allowed shall be had at the stated meeting next subsequent to that at which such motion was adopted. 9 130 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. The Committee offer the following resolution for adoption viz. : — Resolved, 1st. That an unfavorable report of a Committee, on a petition for initiation and membership, is a rejection of a candidate, and that he should be so returned by the Lodge to the Grand Lodge, stating in the return that the Committee re- port unfavorably. 2d. That when a motion has been made for a second ballot at one stated meeting, and adopted at the next, or some subse- quent stated meeting, the ballot must be bad at the stated meeting next subsequent to that at which such motion was adopted. Respectfully submitted. (Signed) , Chairman Com. September 3, 1849. July 1, 1850. Resolved, That the R. W. G. Lodge be requested to grant authority to the .Stewards of the Stephen Girard Charity Fund to make such alterations in the By-Laws for the government of the Stewards as to enable them to fix the hour of meeting of the Board, and also determine the number that shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business ; and also to meet on its own adjournment. Adopted. July 1, 1850. The following resolution was brought before the Grand Lodge, but no action was taken thereon, viz. : Resolved, That in future the approbation of the members of a Subordinate Lodge to a dispensation be ascertained by ballot, as in case of a petitioning candidate. This resolution caused considerable discussion ; when Past Grand Master Brother was appealed to, and his opinion was given as follows, viz. : That a dispensation merely DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. J3J does away with the time required by the By-Laws of the Lodge and the rules of Masonry, (and should be granted in only very urgent or pressing cases,) but it required the approbation of the Lodge to be given with unanimity, and that the usual mode is to take the voice of the Lodge ; but to ballot in a case of this kind is contrary to ancient usage, and never has been so done to the best of his recollection. June 7, 1852. The following Report from a Committee appointed on Regalia, &c, was read, and the resolutions thereto attached, adopted. To the Eight Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Committee appointed to report upon the appropriate re- galia of the Subordinate Lodges, in attending to the duty assigned them, find a great want of uniformity to exist among the various Lodges ; there being the most marked differences in the shape, color, and materials of the collars and aprons in use, and in the form of jewels worn by Past Masters. The result of which is to produce a very motley appearance in the Grand Lodge, and greatly to enhance the price for which the same article could be procured, were all made to one pattern. The Past Masters' jewel now in use consists of the extended compasses enclosing either the sun or a five pointed star, as the wearer chooses, and of a form or device most pleasing to his fancy, placed on the square, or on a segment of a circle, or on both. In the opinion of your Committee, the compasses, the sun, and the five pointed star, are emblems belonging to the Officers and Past Officers of the Grand Lodge, and should be only worn by them. In their examination of the subject, your Committee have been favorably impressed with the consistency and simplicity of the regalia of Subordinate Lodges, as prescribed by the Grand Lodge of England ; and would recommend it to the consideration 132 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODG of this Grand Lodge. But in so doing they think it by no means advisable to compel those Lodges and Brethren already supplied, to discard that which they have and procure new, but merely to establish a standard for that hereafter to be procured, which will in time bring about that uniformity so much to be desired. They would further recommend the adoption of a rule that not only the Officers, but the Past Blasters of Subordinate Lodges should therein, as well as in the Grand Lodge, wear their proper insignia. They therefore offer the following resolution : Resolved, That the regalia of Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, procured from and after the passage of this resolution, shall be as follows, to wit : APEONS. Entered Apprentice — A plain white lamb-skin, from four- teen to sixteen inches wide, and twelve to fourteen inches deep, square at bottom, and without ornament, white strings. Fellow Craft — A plain white lamb-skin, similar to that of the Entered Apprentice, with the addition only of sky blue rosettes at the bottom, and blue strings. Master Mason — The same with sky blue lining and edging, one inch and a half deep on the bottom and sides, and one inch deep at the top and round the flap, an additional rosette on the fall or flap, and silver tassels. Officers — Master Mason's apron with the emblems of their offices in silver or white in the centre of the apron. Master — The Master Mason's apron with the emblem of his office in white or silver in the centre, and in lieu and in the places of the three rosettes, perpendicular lines upon hori- zontal lines, thereby forming three several sets of two right angles ; the length of the horizontal lines to be two inches and a DECISIONS OF- THE GRAND LODGE. 133 half each, and of the perpendiclar lines, one inch; these em- blems to be of ribbon half an inch broad, and of the same color as the lining and edging of the apron. Past Master — The same as the apron of the Master of the Lodge, -with the Past Master's emblem in white or silver in the centre. Master, Past Master, JEWELS. The Square and the Diagram of the 47th Prop. 1st Book of Euclid engraved on a silver plate pendent within it. The Square; Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Deacons, Masters of Ceremony, Tyler, . . . The Level. The Plumb. The Cross Keys. The Cross Pens. The Dove. The Cross Rods. The Sword. The above named Jewels to be in silver, and suspended from the neck by a light blue ribbon. Resolved, That no Brother shall on any pretence be admitted into the Grand Lodge, or any Subordinate Lodge, without the regalia appropriate to his rank. Resolved, That these resolutions be printed, and a copy fur- nished by the Grand Secretary to each Lodge under this juris- diction. All of which is respectfully submitted. October 2, 1854. The following report was read and adopted : The Committee to whom was referred the communication from Brother , in relation to his non-advancement in Lodge No. , beg leave to report — 134 DECISIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE. That they have found the facts as set forth in said communi- cation substantially correct, to wit ; That he applied for initiation and membership in said Lodge, and after the accustomed in- quiries, was balloted for, approved, and initiated ; that subsequent to his initiation, a protest was entered against his advancement by a Brother of the Lodge, and that a Committee was appointed to inquire into his case, and report thereon ; said Committee re- ported that they could not recommend the Brother to further advancement. The Lodge refused to accept the report of the Committee, and passed a resolution directing the Secretary to give him notice to attend at the next stated meeting of the Lodge for advancement. By direction of the W. M. this notice was not given to the complainant, and in this emergency he appeals to the Grand Lodge. It may be here stated on behalf of the W. M. that his impression was that it required the unanimous voice of the Lodge for advancement ; hence ,his instructions to the Secretary. Your Committee, after having given the subject all the con- sideration its importance demands, are unanimous in their opinion that after an applicant for initiation and membership has been approved and initiated, he is a member, and as such, entitled to his remaining degrees, unless objected to, and charges preferred against him in the open Lodge ; notice of these charges, if prac- ticable, is to be given to the applicant. The Lodge may act on the charges directly, or refer them to a committee to inquire, and report at the earliest stated meeting possible. If referred, . the Lodge is to be notified of the time when the report of the Committee will be acted upon. A majority of the members present shall decide whether the objections have been sustained. If a majority decide that the objections have not been sustained, the Lodge will proceed to advance the applicant. The broad principle being unanimity be- fore initiation, and a majority to govern in all matters concerning a Brother afterwards. In accordance with the foregoing views, your Committee offer the following resolutions, viz., Resolved, That Lodge No. , be instructed to confer the DECISIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE. I35 remaining degrees upon Brother r , unless they shall for good and sufficient cause shown, rescind the resolution to do so already adopted by them. On motion duly made and seconded, it was Resolved, That the opinion contained in the report on Brother 's case be adopted, as the principle on which similar cases shall be settled in future. September 5, 1853. On motion duly made and seconded, the following was adopted, viz. Whereas, was rejected by Lodge No. , in this State ; he afterwards went to the city of New York, and was entered, passed, and raised ; and, whereas, such impositions and practices deserve censure and punishment, it is hereby ordered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that the said be debarred from visiting or becoming a member of any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. The members of the Subordinate Lodges should rise at the entrance of Grand Officers, of Past Grand, and Deputy Grand Masters, and Worshipful Masters of Lodges. The members of the Grand Lodge rise at the entrance of Past Grand Masters. June 4, 1855. The following Report was read, and on motion duly made and seconded, adopted. To the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge op Pennsylvania. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom was referred the communication of Lodge, No. , complaining of the action of the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. , at Lancas- ter, on the 8th of November last, in refusing to admit Brother ■. as a visitor, respectfully report — That no unworthy or improper motives or feelings are imputed 136 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. to the W. M. of No. , in the course he pursued, on the con- trary the protest and complaint itself states that the refusal of the W. M. of No. , to admit Brother ' — , was based upon the plea that his admittance would mar the harmony of the Lodge. There is no denial in the complaint that his admission would have had that effect — even if it would, it was not only the right but duty of the W. M. of Lodge No. , to refuse to admit Brother on the night in question. The good order and harmony of a Lodge are entrusted to the W. M. for the time being; and it is his duty so to exercise the powers entrusted to him as should best promote these objects. For this purpose he has power to refuse admittance to any visitor whose admission will destroy the peace and harmony of his Lodge, but at the same time he is responsible to the Grand Lodge for the exercise of that power in a paternal and Masonic manner. All of which is respectfully submitted. Signed by the Committee on Land-marks. On motion duly made and seconded, it was further resolved, That the principles set forth in the said Report be confirmed by the Grand Lodge. March 17, 1856. The following report was read, approved, and the resolution attached thereto adopted. To the Right Wokshipeul Grand Lodge os Pennsylvania. The Committee appointed under a resolution of the Grand Lodge, at their Communication, March 3d, to whom was referred the appeal of several Past Masters of Lodge, No. , in relation to the action of that Lodge, at their stated meetings in December, January, and February last, beg leave to submit the following report : Your Committee have held several meetings, and have en- deavored to arrive at a full and correct understanding of the whole DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. ^37 facts of the case submitted to them under the resolution of the Grand Lodge. To this end, they have examined fully the minutes as recorded by their Secretary, of the doings of that Lodge at the periods above stated, besides examining several witnesses in the case, who were members of the Lodge, and present at the time the transactions took place, complained of in the appeal. The appeal states as follows — " At the stated meeting in December last, Brother being S. W., was elected W. M., for the ensuing Masonic year ; but upon being asked whether he was willing to be installed in that office, he declared that he was not, and then read his resignation as a member of the Lodge." After being expostu- lated with by the W. M., and still persisting in offering his resig- nation, " A resolution was then formally offered and seconded, that Brother 's resignation be accepted. The W. M. in due order put the question, and it was accepted, and entered of record on their minutes." At the stated meeting in January, a resolution was adopted " That the R. W. G. Master be requested to give his dispensa- tion for the election of a W. M. in place of Brother ," &c. At the stated meeting in February, the W. M. failed to pro- duce the dispensation, although it was understood and stated in the Lodge that the R. W. G. M. had granted it, and that it was in readiness for the use of the Lodge. But, instead, the following resolution was offered and carried by eight majority, " That the Lodge re-consider and rescind the acceptance of the resignation of Brother , such acceptance being informal and illegal, in consequence of his obligation to serve the Lodge as S. W. for a period beyond that of his resignation. W. M., Brother , then declared his decision to be, that Brother was now again a member of Lodge No. ." Your Committee will first take up that portion which relates to the Lodge accepting the resignation of Brother at their stated meeting in December. It appears that Brother was elected by a majority of the votes in Lodge No. , W. M. 138 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. for the ensuing Masonic year. After the Lodge had got through with the" election of their other officers, Brother was asked by the W. M. if he was ready to take upon himself the usual obligation pertaining to the office, to which he replied he was not, and immediately read his resignation as a member of- the Lodge, which was accepted, and recorded on the book of minutes. A question here seems to have arisen in the minds of some members of the Order, whether Brother , at that time, had a right to resign his membership, or whether the Lodge had the power to accept it under the circumstances, for the reason that his term of office, as S. W. had not then expired. The Ahiman Rezon certainly contemplates that cases of this kind might arise, both in a Subordinate, as well as the Grand Lodge ; for in the Ahiman Rezon, page 156 and 157, it says, " In case of the death, resignation, or absence of the Master," &c, and on page 8, it says, " On the death, resignation, or removal from the Commonwealth of any elective Grand Officer," &c. It is therefore plain, that the framers of our Constitution contemplated that cases might arise where a Brother filling an elective office, either in the Grand or a Subordinate Lodge, might feel it impera- tive on him to resign from the Lodge, for reasons which he might consider good and sufficient. If, therefore, Brother , at the time of tendering his resignation, had complied with all the requirements of the By-Laws, he not only had the right to offer his resignation, but your Committee think it was their bounden duty to accept it. The next point in the appeal, to which your Committee will now refer, is in relation to what took place in Lodge No. — ^, at their stated meeting in January. Their minutes show that a resolution was offered and adopted, That the R. W. G. M. be requested to grant a dispensation authorizing Lodge No. to hold an election for W. M. in place of Brother , and to fill any other offices which might become vacant thereby. This action on the part of the Lodge the Committee consider perfectly correct and proper, and DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. I39 it is all that took place in Lodge No. at that meeting which is referred to in the subject matter of the appeal. The next and most important point under consideration by your Committee, is in relation to what transpired in Lodge No. , at their stated meeting in February.. The appeal states, " That the W. M. failed to produce the dispensation, though it was understood, and stated in open Lodge, that the R. W. Gr. M. had granted it, and that then it was in readiness for the use of the Lodge." There was no evidence before your Committee to show that the dispensation, as stated in the appeal, was then in readiness for the use of the Lodge, or that the R. W. Gr. M. had even issued it. There was proof, however, that the dispensation was so far completed that it only required the signature of the Gr. M., and had the proper officer of Lodge No. called for it, no doubt it would have been given for the use of the Lodge. Instead of this, however, it seems, from their minutes, that they re-con- sidered and rescinded the resolution of the Lodge, accepting the resignation of Brother — ■ , whereupon the W. M. declared him again a member, and then a special meeting was called of the Lodge on the 1st of March, and Brother was, as their minutes represent, installed W. M. for the present Masonic year. In these two last-named acts, your Committee are clearly and unanimously of the opinion that Lodge No. acted con- trary to the Ahiman Rezon, and Rules and Regulations of this Grand Lodge. They believe that the true and only course for that Lodge now to pursue, is to retrace her steps, and begin again where they stood immediately after passing the resolution at their January meeting, asking for a dispensation from the Gr. M. to hold another election for W. M. The Committee believe that if this course is adopted and acted on, the Lodge may, at an early day, have all her elective offices filled, that her regular labors may be proceeded with, and if all her members are governed with that true Masonic spirit which ought to fill the heart of every good Mason, she will be 140 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. enabled to accomplish as much, if not more good in the future than she has done in times past. With these views of the case, your Committee submit for the consideration and adoption by the Grand Lodge, the following resolutions, to wit : Resolved, That Brother violated none of the prin- ciples or rules of our Order in tendering his resignation as member of Lodge No. ; but having complied with all their By-Laws, the Lodge were in duty bound to accept his resignation. Resolved, That Lodge , No. , in adopting a resolution to request the R. W. G. M. to grant a dispensation to hold another election for W. M. in place of Brother , acted in accordance with the custom and regulations of the Grand Lodge, and that Lodge No. erred by not being governed by said resolution before taking any other action in the matter. Resolved, That Lodge No. erred in re-considering and rescinding the acceptance of Brother 's resignation, and this Grand Lodge now declares that act null and void ; and fur- ther, that Brother is not now a member of that Lodge. The only mode in which he or any other Brother, after resign- ing, can regain admission into membership, is in accordance with the rules of the Grand Lodge, viz : by petition, reference to a Committee, and unanimous ballot. Resolved, That the action of Lodge No. , installing Bro- ther as W. M., at their meeting on the first day of March, was illegal, and the same is hereby declared null and void and of no effect. That the proper course for that Lodge now to pursue is, under existing circumstances, to apply to the proper authority for a dispensation to hold a new election. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be directed to furnish' a copy of the above resolutions to Lodge No. , with instruc- tions that they be spread upon their book of minutes. All which is respectfully submitted. DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 141 December 15 1856. The Grand Secretary brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge, the wish of Lodge, No. , that they be per- mitted to divide the initiation fee into three payments, and take a portion from the applicant as he progresses through the F. C. degree and Master Mason. The Grand Lodge decided that the fee could not be divided. That the whole sum was due and payable as soon as the can- didate was initiated. That if, after an applicant's initiation, he did not see fit to take the F. C. and M. M. degrees in the Lodge in which he was initiated, he would have to pay an extra charge into the Lodge which conferred said degrees upon him subsequently. February 2, 1857. The following Report was read and adopted : To the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom was referred the communication from Lodge, No. -, together with all the papers submitted therewith, respectfully report : That the communication and papers referred to them relate to the application of for initiation and membership in Lodge, No. . It was in evidence before the Committee that was a man of unblemished character, and every way qualified, in a moral point of view, to become a member of the Order. ' It also appeared that had presented a regular petition for initia- tion and membership in No. ; that a Committee had been appointed whose report was favorable, and that had been balloted for and duly approved. Before he was actually initiated, some of the brethren dis- covered, as they thought, that was physically dis- 142 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. qualified from becoming a member of the Order, and the pro- ceedings were arrested, and a Committee of three members of the Lodge were appointed ~to confer with the Committee on Land-marks. Tour Committee have given the subject all the attention its painful and delicate nature requires ; and they regret to say that cannot be initiated. Masonry has always required not only moral qualifications, which possesses in a high de- gree, but also certain physical qualifications well known to the Brethren. Of these last, the Committee regret to say has been deprived by misfortune. He never can perform all the work of the Craft. He was visited by one of the members of this Committee, whose statement satisfied them that without any fault of his own, is debarred from entering the portals of Masonry. While your Committee deeply sympathize with and his friends in his and their disappointment, the regulation which excludes him is co-eval with the existence of the Order, and can- not be dispensed with. All which is respectfully submitted. February 2, 1857. The following Keport was read and adopted. To the K. W. Grand Lodge or Pennsylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom was referred the communication from Lodge, No. , asking for in- struction and decision, respectfully report : That the communication submitted to them involves the ques- tion, whether an applicant for initiation and membership, who has presented a petition in due form, which has been referred to the proper Committee, who have reported favorably, and their report been accepted and the Committee discharged, and the candidate balloted for and duly approved ; but before he is DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. ^43 actually initiated, such information is received by some of the members of the Lodge as to satisfy them that he was not wor- thy, and was not under the term of good Masonic report. Whether, under those circumstances, it is too late to prevent his initiation. In other words, whether a candidate who is discovered to be unworthy at the last moment, must then be initiated nevertheless. A moment's reflection will satisfy the Brethren that no man can enter the Lodge who is not under the term of good Masonic report; it is never too late to exclude any such. In fact, the door of Masonry cannot be opened to them, although they stand upon the very threshold, and knock ever so loudly. And if such a one cannot even enter the Lodge, much less can he become a member. All which is respectfully submitted, by order of the Com- mittee. December, 1857. The following Report, among other matters, was received from the Committee of Foreign Correspondence, and as it contains a principle of Masonic courtesy not generally known, is here pub- lished for the information of the Brethren. The following preamble and resolution from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey were received by the Grand Secretary, and re- ferred by the Grand Lodge to your Committee. Whereas, The Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this W. G. Lodge, located in the southern and eastern part of this State, experience much annoyance from the frequent and almost weekly practice of Subordinate Lodges located in Phila- delphia and New York, working under the authority of the Wj Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and New York, of receiving the applications of persons residing in this State, and passing them through the several degrees of Masonry without regarding the rights of this jurisdiction ; therefore, 144 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. Resolved, That the W. Grand Master, under the seal of this Grand Lodge, respectfully request the R. W. Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and New York to take such action as in their wisdom may be necessary, to protect the subordinates of this Grand Lodge adjacent to their jurisdiction, in not allowing subordinates working under that jurisdiction to entertain peti- tions for the honors of Masonry from persons residing in this State, without consulting the subordinate nearest the place of . residence of such applicant, and that the consent of such subor- dinate so consulted shall be requisite for the reception of any applicant. Tour Committee were not aware that the practice thus com- plained of by our Brethren of New Jersey was by any means as general or frequent as intimated in the preamble to their resolu- tion. They have long known that it has, to some extent, existed with other adjacent jurisdictions, and in some instances caused feelings that all good Masons should regret, and by every means endeavor to avoid. Few things are better calculated to cause jealousy and unpleasant bickerings, but, like many other ills of human life, it is far easier to point out the evil than apply the remedy. We are aware that it is a maxim of common law, that "for every wrong there is a remedy," but every day's experi- ence teaches that, like other general rules, there are many ex- ceptions. No general law can reach all individual cases. A vicious man may in a thousand ways annoy his neighbor without rendering himself amenable to the criminal code. Thus in the case before us. Your Committee have no hesitation in saying that the practice under consideration, and to the extent complained of, is wrong, but whether a total prohibition, under all possible circumstances, would be right, is another question. Intelligent writers on Masonic law have contended that Masonry is general and univer- sal, and its rights and privileges cannot be circumscribed by geographical limits. Let us suppose a case : Some men there are whose reputation is the common property of the country. Our history has furnished many such, and are we DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. ^45 without living examples at the present day? Men as distin- guished for personal purity in the relations of private life, as for integrity, honor, and patriotism in the field, the cabinet, the halls of legislation, the bench, or in the sanctuary of our holy religion. Suppose such a man to have been born in New Jer- sey, (and few States have furnished more such,) and on the banks of the beautiful Delaware. His childhood and youth have been spent among the romantic scenes of his cottage home, and there his memories and affections still cluster. The spreading tree beside the village church, the murmuring brook beside the village school-house, are still fresh in his recollections, and familiar as household words. The pursuit of fortune, or desire for honorable distinction, have early drawn him from the parental roof-tree, and he has made his home in Pennsylvania. Circumstances in middle life have induced him to inquire into the merits of Masonry, and being satisfied with his investigations, resolves to unite with the Order. His father was a Mason, and member of a Lodge in Trenton, and he earnestly desires to record his own name where the honored name of his father has long stood. But a difficulty interposes. The Lodge in Pennsylvania nearest his domicil, ambitious of having so distinguished a member, with- holds her assent. What say our brethren of New Jersey? Would they make that man a Mason? Would a man such as we have attempted to describe, being a citizen of Scotland or Ireland, be refused admission in a Lodge of London or Liverpool ? With every desire to meet the wishes of our brethren of New Jersey, in view of the many difficulties that present themselves to the minds of your Committee, they can only recommend to this Grand Lodge and its subordinates a fair, honest, and honor- able course in regard to neighboring jurisdictions, and not, unless in extreme cases, receive applications for membership from per- sons residing in other States, without the consent of the nearest Lodge to his residence, and in all our Masonic intercourse keep 10 146 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. constantly in view that Divine precept of " doing unto others as we would that they should do unto us." September 6, 1858. The Committee on Appeals made the following Report, which was read, and the resolution attached adopted. To the Eight Worshipful the Grand Lodge or Pennsylvania. In the matter of the appeal of Brother , of Lodge No. , A. Y. M., the Committee on Appeals respectfully report : That they have had before them the appellant, and also the W. M. of said Lodge, and heard their several statements of the facts, in regard to which there was little, if any, variation between them. The only dispute was, as to whether the Report of the Committee was or was not in the possession of the Lodge at the time a request was made to withdraw the peti- tion. In the judgment of the Committee, as soon as the peti- tion and report are handed over on the opening of the Lodge, the papers become the property of the Lodge, and must abide its action. There must be some point of time when the cus- tody of the petition is surrendered by the Committee, and the control of the Lodge begins, and that was fixed by the Committee in this case, when the report was handed to the Secretary of the Lodge, (and it was in his possession when the Lodge opened.) The power of the Committee over it was then gone. It needed no reading nor action of the Lodge to make the report complete so far as the Committee was con- cerned. It had passed from their possession and there could not therefore be "a withdrawal before report made," as is pro- vided by the Ahiman Rezon. The Committee therefore over- rule the appeal, and submit the following for the adoption of the Grand Lodge: DECISIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE. 147 Resolved, That the action of the W. M. of Lodge No. , in refusing to permit the withdrawal of a petition for initiation after report thereon, and the same had heen handed to the Sec- retary of the Lodge, was Masonically correct. Signed by the Committee. March 7, 1859. The following Report of the Committee on Land-marks was read, and on motion, adopted: To the Right Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom the Grand Lodge referred the overture of the Right Worshipful Grand Master, relative to reports of Committee upon application for initiation and membership, report : The question submitted to the Committee by the Grand Lodge is, whether the Report of the Committee of three Brethren upon the application of a candidate for initiation, or of a Brother for membership in a Lodge, requires a unanimous action of each member of a Committee, or whether a report of a majority of the Committee is sufficient. The inquiry is not without difficulty, and has engaged the serious attention of your Committee. In the ordinary routine of business, both in the Grand Lodge and in Subordinate Lodges, the parliamentary rule has been adopted, that a ma- jority of a standing or a special Committee is competent to make a report ; but the inquiry into the qualifications of a candidate for admission as a member of a , Lodge is peculiar in its character. The theory of the whole proceeding is that the candidate should be approved of without one dissenting voice. They therefore propose for the consideration and adoption of the Grand Lodge the following standing regulation ; 148 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. Reports of Committees, if favorable, upon the character and qualifications of a candidate for initiation or membership, must be signed by every member of the Committee, unless it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Lodge that the member of the Committee not signing such report was duly notified of his appointment, and was prevented by sickness, absence, or some other unavoidable cause, from attending the meeting of the Committee, and participating in their report. Respectfully submitted. Signed by the Committee. June 6, 1859. The following was adopted. To the Eight Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom was re-committed their report on the communication of the Officers of Lodge, No. , relative to the case of Brother , late a member of said Lodge, have carefully re-examined the subject, and submit the following resolution : Resolved, That the form of a Lodge certificate be given to a Brother who, after suspension or expulsion, has been regularly and legally placed in good Masonic standing, shall be as fol- lows, to wit : This is to certify that Brother , late a member of Lodge, No. — , has ceased to be a member thereof, and is in good Masonic standing. Therefore, we, the Officers of said Lodge, do grant him this certificate, and we do cordially recom- mend him to the kind consideration of the Fraternity throughout the world. DECISIONS OP THE GBAND LODGE. ;[49 Witness our hands and the seal of the Lodge, this day of 18—, A. L. 58— , W. M. [ seal. ] , S. W. , J. W. Attest, , Secretary. All of which is respectfully submitted. December IT, 1860. At an extra Communication of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania, held at the Masonic Hall on the 17th instant, the Com- mittee on By-Laws presented a report, to the following extracts from which, and the resolutions accompanying the same, your attention is specially invited. The Committee on By-Laws respectfully call the attention of the Grand Lodge to the necessity of enforcing upon the Subor- dinate Lodges a strict attention to the requirements of the Ahiman Rezon, in reference to their By-Laws, and greater care and regularity in the form in which they are submitted to the Grand Lodge. " By the Ahiman Rezon, page 31, Section 6, of the Article on * Duties of Lodges,' it is provided as follows : " ' Every Lodge has power to frame By-Laws for its own government, provided they be not inconsistent with the general regulations of the Grand Lodge. The By-Laws of every Sub- ordinate Lodge,' therefore, are submitted for the revision of the Grand Lodge, and when approved, a copy must be deposited in its archives ; such By-Laws are delivered by the Grand Secretary to the Committee on By-Laws, and by them are reported to the Grand Lodge for its approbation.' " Some of the Lodges, it is believed, from facts which have come to the notice of the Committee, have entirely neglected to observe the requirements of the above provision, and are actually working under By-Laws which have never been submitted to the 150 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. Grand Lodge, though in some instances adopted by the respec- tive Lodges several years since. This is wholly irregular ; every set of By-Laws and every amendment to existing By-Laws, should be forwarded by the Secretary of the Lodge, immediately upon their adoption, to the Grand Lodge, under cover, to the Grand Secretary. " The very words of the amendments proposed should in all cases be given ; and the exact place in the article or section to be amended, in which any proposed alteration is to be made should be specified. " When ' extracts' from ' the Constitution and Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge' are printed, the only proper source from which such ' extracts' can be taken is the present Ahiman Rezon, as adopted in June, 1857 ; and the ' extracts' should be literal, and refer to the page of the printed volume upon which they are to be found. " The requirement, that a copy of the By-Laws, when approved, must be deposited in the archives of the Grand Lodge is even more generally neglected or disregarded, a strict compliance is indispensable to a proper supervision of the Grand Lodge over the proceedings of the Subordinate Lodges, and to a prompt and efficient discharge of the duties incumbent upon this Committee. " The form and manner in which By-Laws and amendments are submitted to the Grand Lodge for its approval, is in many cases exceedingly loose and objectionable. Sometimes a printed copy is sent, and if any alterations are made by the Grand Lodge, it involves the mutilation and disfigurement of the whole edition. And it is believed that frequently no regard whatever is paid to the action of the Grand Lodge in the premises. Oftentimes By- Laws or amendments are sent to the Grand Lodge written upon loose sheets of paper, not attached together in any way ; and in very many instances their adoption by the Lodge is not certified to the Grand Lodge, even by the Secretary's signature. " The Committee respectfully submit the following resolutions, and ask their adoption by the Grand Lodge : " 1st, Resolved, That upon the adoption of any Subordinate DECISIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE. 151 Lodge of any By-Laws or amendments, alterations, or additions thereto, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of such Lodge im- mediately to forward to the Grand Lodge, under cover, addressed to the Grand Secretary, two copies of such By-Laws, amend- ments, alterations, or additions, certified by him under the seal of the Lodge ; and his certificate shall embody so much of the minutes of the Lodge as relates to the proposal and adoption of such By-Laws, amendments, alterations, or additions ; such cer- tificate to be on the same paper with, or securely attached to said copies respectively, one of said copies to be returned to the Lodge by the Grand Secretary, with a statement of the action of the Grand Lodge thereon, and the other to be filed in the archives of the Grand Lodge. "2d, Resolved, That no Subordinate Lodge be allowed to print any By-Laws or amendments, alterations, or additions thereto, until the same have received the approval of the Grand Lodge ; and that when printed the same shall state upon the title page the fact of such approval with its date. "3d, Resolved, That it be enjoined upon the Subordinate Lodges to promptly forward to the Grand Secretary a copy of the By-Laws, and of every amendment, alteration, or addition thereto, when approved, (if printed, a printed copy,) to be de- posited in the archives of the Grand Lodge ; and that such of the Lodges as have not already done so, be required forthwith to forward to the Grand Secretary a copy of their respective By- Laws, as approved by the Grand Lodge, and now in force, (if printed, a printed copy.) " 4th, Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to prepare, and send as early as practicable, a circular to each of the Subordinate Lodges, calling their attention to the above re- commendations, and containing a copy of these resolutions ; and that such circular be read in open Lodge, and spread at length upon the minutes." "Whereupon the report was accepted, and the resolutions unanimously adopted." 152 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. June 3, 1861. The following report from the Committee on Land-marks was read, viz: To the E. W. Grand Master, ~" Opmcers, and Members or the Grand Lodge of Penna. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom was referred the ap- plication of Lodge, asking information and direction in the case of a candidate for initiation and membership, who was duly approved at a meeting of said Lodge, but before his initia- tion at a subsequent meeting objection was made by a member to his admission, and propounding certain questions in relation to the same, respectfully report — The following, in answer to the proposed interrogatories, which will also embrace the information and direction required by the Lodge. To the first question. Should not all charges affecting the character of a candidate after his election or approval be made in open Lodge, and in the usual form, specifying the particulars ? Answer. The recognized practice of the Grand Lodge has heretofore been, and our general regulations in this respect, re- quiring, in the most peremptory manner, among other qualifi- cations, that of " Good Report," have fully warranted the con- clusion, that this course should not be insisted upon or demanded, and that without the full and free exercise of the privilege of objection, at any time previous to initiation, the harmony of the Lodge cannot be maintained, or the introduction of bad material prevented ; that the open objection to an applicant before the Lodge at any time previous to initiation is sufficient to close the door against his admission without reasons being assigned by the objector ; that the reasons which have influenced his decision are with himself and his own conscience, and should be regarded as equally sacred with the right to the use of the black ball at the time of ballot ; unanimity before initiation, and a majority to advance, being the settled principle on which the action of the Lodge is based. DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. J53 To the second question. Has not the Worshipful Master the right to enter a candidate after a unanimous ballot, or advance one already entered, unless specified charges are brought against the applicant in open Lodge ? Answer. The Worshipful Master has the undoubted right to enter in such case, and the principle above stated in reply to the first question will govern the proceedings afterwards. Third question. Is the mere objection (whether factious or otherwise) made by a member to the initiation or advancement of a candidate, stated privately to the Worshipful Master, sufficient to compel him to stop the proceedings when the W. M. is satisfied no valid impediment exists ? The answer to this question will be found in the replies to the preceding ones, in which the discrimination between the initiation of a candidate, and his right to be advanced when initiated, is laid down and recognized as a settled principle and usage of the Order. Fourth question. If a member has the right to arrest proceed- ings, as above stated, by simply objecting, how long a time should the Lodge be compelled to suspend its action, or await the withdrawal of said objection, and what course of action should the Lodge take ? To this question we answer, so long as the member objecting persists in his determination. Fifth question. Can the applicant in the position that now occupies withdraw his petition, he having been approved and there being no charges pending against him before the Lodge ? To this question we answer, that the petition cannot be with- drawn ; the applicant is in the position of a rejected candidate, and cannot therefore renew his application so long as this disa- bility continues. Respectfully submitted by the Committee. After considerable interchange of opinion, on motion of Past 154 DECISIONS OP THE GEAND LODGE. Grand Master, Brother , and duly seconded, the fol- lowing resolution was adopted, to wit : Resolved, That it is the fundamental regulation of this Grand Lodge, that the objection of any one member of the Lodge shall be sufficient to prevent the initiation of a candidate even after approval ; and after initiation, the advancement shall be within the control of the Lodge itself, and that the Committee be dis- charged from the further consideration of the subject. June 3, 1861. To the R. W. Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom was referred the case of , who was rejected in Lodge No. , upon his application for initiation and membership and who now desires to apply for the same privileges in Lodge No. , respectfully report — That in this, as well as in all other cases of a similar nature, where an applicant residing in a foreign jurisdiction has been rejected, either by a failure to obtain a unanimous or other vote necessary to his acceptance, upon his application for initiation, or upon the ballot for any of the subsequent degrees in Masonry, and who has subsequently removed from such jurisdiction and become a permanent resident under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, upon satisfactory evidence being furnished from the Lodge in which such rejection occurred, that the regulations of the Grand Lodge having jurisdiction therein, and the By-Laws of said Lodge do not prohibit the applicant from applying to any other Lodge for the same purpose, that then, and in all such cases, the clause contained in our form of application for initia- tion and membership, may be modified so as to read thus : " That I do not now, or at this present time, stand rejected by any regularly constituted Lodge." And such application may be received by any Lodge under this DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. J55 jurisdiction, with full authority and power to proceed legally to act upon the same. They therefore offer the following resolution — Resolved, That the foregoing report be adopted as the sense of this Grand Lodge for its future government in such cases, and the Committee discharged from the further consideration of the subject. Which report and the resolution attached were, on motion duly made, adopted Nemine Contradicente. June 3, 1861. The following was referred to Committee on Land-marks. To the Eight Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brothers op the R. W. G. Lodge of Pennsylvania, A. Y. Masons. Sirs and Brothers: — Your petitioner, a Past Master of Lodge No. , under your jurisdiction, begs leave to present his appeal from what he conceives to be an unjust and unlawful decision made by the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. on the 14th of May, inst., and also from the objections made by a Bro- ther to the initiation of a candidate after he has been duly elected, and bases his appeal upon the rules laid down in the Ahiman Rezon, page 35. He also begs to make the following statement, which, by referring to the extracts from the minutes of the Lodge hereto annexed, will be found to embrace the whole subject. On the 13th of February last the petition of , for initiation and membership was presented to our Lodge, and as is usual, the Worshipful Master asked, "What action will be taken upon the petition ?" A motion was made and seconded in Master's Lodge that the petition be referred to a Committee. A vote was taken on this motion, and no Brother making any objection, the W. M. appointed three Master Masons on said Committee. 156 DECISIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE. On the 12th of March last, this Committee made report in writing in favor of admitting the candidate. A ballot was taken and the applicant duly elected. On the 14th of May inst., the candidate presented himself for initiation, when Brother objected to his being initiated. Your appellant and other members of the Lodge desired the Brother to give his reasons for objecting, but he did not do so, and the W. M. decided — " That the candidate could not be initiated, and that the Bro- ther objecting need not give any reason for so doing." And although the Master refused to initiate the candidate, the Lodge, by a vote, refused to refund the money, on the ground fhat the applicant had been duly proposed, balloted for, and elected, and that the money belonged to the Lodge. By referring to the minutes of the 13th of February, it will be seen that was present at the time was pro- posed, and when the Committee was appointed. If he had any objections to the individual, then was the time to make them known. If he did not see proper to do so then, he knew who were on the Committee, one of whom resides in his neighborhood, it was his duty to make his objections known to that Committee ; not doing this, he had still another remedy — that of appearing on the 12th of March and casting a black ball. Having neglected all these opportunities, your appellant is of the opinion that he has no right to make an objection when the candidate presents himself for initiation, unless some charge had been brought against the individual, or he had been guilty of some offence unworthy of a Mason after his election. That in any case it was his duty to make a regular charge against the individual, giving his reasons for objecting and that the Lodge were the proper persons to decide upon the merits of the case. The Worshipful Master should have required to file his objections or make them known to the Lodge, and should not have refused to initiate the candidate without some good cause. At the meeting on the 14th of May, when presented DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. I57 himself, the two recommenders, and the whole of the Committee who signed the report, as well as all the members who voted for him on the 12th of March, were present in the meeting. By their action, they have said that the person in question came under the tongue of good report^ while only one individual says he does not. We would ask your honorable body whether the opinions of all these are to be laid aside,, and the candidate is to be de- barred merely because one man may have some personal or pri- vate animosity to gratify, which, if presented to the Lodge, would not be deemed sufficient reason to keep the individual out of the Lodge. A copy of the petition of is herewith transmitted, by which it will be seen that he has complied with all the re- quirements of the Ahiman Rezon, and, in the opinion of your appellant, is, to all intents and purposes, a fit subject for in- itiation and advancement, until charges of conduct unbecoming a Mason are duly preferred and acted upon by the Lodge, and that no such charges having been made, it was the duty of the Master to initiate him when he presented himself for that purpose. Your petitioner would respectfully ask your honorable body in what position this candidate will be placed if the decision of the Master of No. is sustained. He cannot be initiated in this Lodge so long as sees proper to keep him out, yet there are no charges against him. Or suppose he presents himself to the Lodge when is not present, if there are no objections to his being initiated, will it be presumed that ■ has been reconciled, and that he is satisfied that he be admitted. In that case, can the W. Mas- ter refuse to initiate him. Or should he see proper to make application to another Lodge for admission, what course will they pursue ? " He has not been rejected by any regularly con- stituted Lodge," and can sign the petition; can they initiate him, or will he have to come to the nearest and most convenient Lodge to his residence and place of business. 158 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. As this is probably the first case of the kind that has arisen, (at least in the knowledge of your petitioner,) he humbly hopes that you will take some action on the subject, and that your decision may be published to the different Lodges for their guidance in future. On the foregoing the Committee on Land-marks made the following Report, which was approved, and the resolutions there- unto attached were adopted : To the K. W. Grand Master, Officers, and Brethren op the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Committee on Land-marks, to whom was referred the appeal of Brother against the action of the W. M. of Lodge No. , in refusing to confer the degrees on , an applicant for initiation and membership ; also the refusal of the Lodge to refund the initiation fee, respectfully report : That the action of the W. M., refusing to initiate , after objection had been made in open Lodge, is sustained.* " Upon the general principle that the men made Masons must be free-born, (or no bondmen,) of mature age, and of good report, hale and sound, not deformed or dismembered at the time of their making. But no woman, no eunuch." Also, that the Lodge be directed to refund the money deposited by . The Committee therefore offer the following resolutions : Resolved, That Lodge No. be directed not to initiate ■ while any objection is made by any member. Resolved, That Lodge No. be directed to refund the money paid in advance on account of initiation fee. Respectfully submitted by the Committee. * When an objection is made, notice shouid be given to the Grand Sec- retary. DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. ^59 June 1, 1863. The Committee on Appeals offered the following resolution, which was adopted, viz : Resolved, That the power of a Lodge to reconsider a vote of suspension of a member be confined to the meeting at which the vote of suspension is passed. March 6, 1865. The Committee on Appeals offered the following resolution, which was adopted, viz ; Resolved, That in all cases of rejection hereafter, it shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master of said Lodge to direct the Secretary to give at once a written personal notice of the' fact to each applicant, and that the Grand Secretary be directed to no- tify the several Lodges in this jurisdiction of this resolution. March 6, 1865. The Right Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Lucius H. Scott, stated to the Grand Lodge that, in the case of a second ballot for initiation and membership, he had decided that the application for this purpose should be made within the period of six months from the date of such rejection ; otherwise the appli- cation should not be entertained. When, on motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That the decision of the Grand Master be approved, and hereafter adopted as the regulation of the Grand Lodge. March 4, 1867. The following resolutions, offered by the Committee on Hall, were, on motion, adopted, viz : Resolved, That the time for closing all Lodges meeting in this Hall shall not be later than half-past ten o'clock P. M., from the 160 DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 25th of September to the 25th of March ; and not later than eleven o'clock, from the 25th of March to the 25th of September. Resolved, That all Lodges that shall hereafter protract their sessions later than the respective hours named in the foregoing resolution, shall be charged at the rate of three dollars per hour, or the same for any fractional part thereof, in addition to the customary rental. June 5, 1867. The Grand Secretary stated, as there was doubt as to the term of service of the "representative of a Lodge," under the amendment to the Ahiman Rezon in March last, he desired a decision on that point. The Grand Master decided that the term of a "representa- tive " was like that of a "proxy," and continued until revoked. Report of Committee on Land-marks. To the R. W. Grand Master, Officers, and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Committee on Land-marks ask leave respectfully to re- port : That the petition, resolution, and proposed amendments to the Ahiman Rezon, offered by Brother Creigh, P. M. of Lodge No. 164, Brother B. James, W. M. of 274, relating to the proficiency of the Brethren before advancement in Masonry, have received careful attention. The Ahiman Rezon now contains all that is deemed necessary on this subject. It ordains a recommendation "to all Lodges to require proof of a brother's proficiency in the craft before he is advanced." (See page 37.) This makes it the duty of each Lodge to take proper action, and require and obtain the necessary proof, before advancing a member. To introduce a regulation into the Ahiman Rezon, giving a formula for evidence, or enacting a stringent law which would require an entire con- formity in all Lodges, would produce evils, among which would be the difliculty of strictly following the one, or yielding obedience DECISIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE. \Q\ to the other. Either would weaken the force of the edict, and its observance would be at last regulated by the opinion of each Lodge, as to performance of the duty enjoined, and the obliga- tion imposed in its discharge. There is no reason to believe that an amendment, by inserting a rule, would be more effectual than the recommendation now existing. It is strongly urged on all the Lodges to read this recommendation in open Lodge, at pro- per times, and their attention to it is fraternally requested. Something is due to the intelligence of the craft, and the wish of all to yield to the recommendations of the Grand Lodge. Your Committee believe it is best to leave the subject to the integrity of those Masonic relations which now so happily exist between the Grand and Subordinate Lodges. They respectfully offer the following : Resolved, That the Committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject. WM. BARGER, Chairman of Committee on Land-marks. To the R. W. Grand Master, Officers and Brethren or the Grand Lodge op Pennsylvania. The Committee on Land-marks ask leave to report : The appeal of Brother Robert Martin, from the action of Lewistown Lodge, No. 203, reprimanding him .for un-Masonic conduct, in aiding Oliver C. Chesney to be made a member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 194, at Selinsgrove, knowing it to be a breach of good faith towards the brethren of Lewistown Lodge, No. 203, as it was supposed Lewistown Lodge would not confer the rights and privileges on Mr. Chesney, has been fully con- sidered by your Committee. While there is no Land-mark or positive prohibition against a Lodge conferring Masonic rights and privileges on those who are worthy and competent to receive them, yet the propriety of strict inquiry and due examination in regard to an applicant seeking 11 162 DECISIONS OP THE GKAND LODGE. these benefits, who resides within the jurisdiction of another Lodge, with notice to such Lodge within the conventional bounds of which he may reside, has grown from a courtesy almost now into a Masonic custom. There are so many good and substantial reasons for this notice, it is not deemed necessary to more than suggest them. Lewistown Lodge having received the charges made against Brother Martin, referred them to a Committee^ which reported ; and the Lodge thus having all the testimony, and Brother Martin having made his defence, ordered Brother Martin to be reprimanded, which was done. It will be observed that your Committee has no duties enjoined, but such as relate exclusively to Land-marks. It is not, like the Committee on Appeals, invested with the powers of an appellate jurisdiction. Therefore, while deciding that Brother Martin violated no Land- mark, it is not within the province of the Committee to set aside the action of Lewistown Lodge, reprimanding its W. M. By the papers before your Committee, it is stated as a part of the charges that Brother Martin signed the recommendation as W. M., and, for any thing that appears, he was at the time the W. M. of Lewistown Lodge. If this be so, it is a Land-mark beyond ques- tion, that a Lodge cannot reprimand its W. M. for his actions as W. M., and the history of the craft does not furnish a due and lawful precedent for such proceedings by a Subordinate Lodge. Your Committee offer the following : Resolved, That the Committee be discharged from further con- sideration of this subject, and a copy of this report be sent to Lewistown Lodge, No. 203. WM. BARGER, Chairman of Committee on Land-marks. DECISIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE. ^g3 Report of Committee on Appeals. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania : The Committee on Appeals having had under consideration the appeal of J. W. Barnes, from the action of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 158, A. Y. M., in suspending him from membership therein ; after hearing the officers of the Lodge, and examining the records, respectfully report : That in the matter of suspension of which the said J. W. Barnes complains, the Lodge proceeded in strict accordance with Masonic law and usages, and it is too late for him to complain of it now, as he submitted to such action, and was subsequently placed in good standing by the Lodge, so that he might apply for member- ship in the manner provided by the Ahiman Rezon. That he did make such application for membership, and was twice rejected. Over this the Grand Lodge has no power. They submit the fol- lowing resolution : Resolved, That the action of Meridian Lodge, No. 158, in the case of J. W. Barnes, be approved. J. PAGE, Chairman Committee on Appeals. IlsTDEX A. ABSENCE, of Grand Master D. G. M. his plenary representative, 13, 24. " any Grand Officer, how place supplied, 25. " Master of a Lodge, Wardens to act, 29. ACCOUNTS, of Grand Treasurer, how kept, 14, 15. " G. T., G. Sec, and others, to be audited by Committee on Finance, 21. " Lodges, to be audited by a Committee, 32. AHIMAN KEZON, committee to revise, 3. adopted as the Constitution, 3. proposition to amend must be made at Dec. Communication, 9. rules governing amendments to, 39. AMENDMENTS, to Constitution of Grand Lodge, 9, 39. ALMONEKS, of Grand Lodge Charity Fund, how chosen, duties, &c, 20. APPENDIX, to Ahiman Bezon, 91. APPLICANTS, for charity, necessary qualifications, 11. " initiation and membership, qualifications of, 11. " membership, must produce certificates or other proof from Lodge to which formerly belonged, 36. '■' initiation or membership, must come forward within six months of ballot, 36. Committee on Application, 35. (See Forms.) 166 INDEX. APPEALS, Committee on, 7, 23. may be made to Grand Lodge, 8. rules governing, 8. from a minority, relative to change of place of meeting, may be made, 31. APRONS, Grand and Subordinate Lodges, 11. the lambskin apron defined, 86. (See Decision, 1852,) 132. ARREARS, Lodges in arrears twelve months not permitted to vote in Grand Lodge, 6. Lodges in arrears two years to be suspended, unless paid up within six months of notice, 33. AUTHORITY, Masonic, the Grand Lodge the only source of, 8. B. BALLOT, balloting for elective grand officers, when and how conducted, 7. balloting for a candidate for initiation, must be at a stated meeting, 35. a second ballot to be had on motion made and seconded at one stated meeting and adopted at a subsequent one, 36. rules governing Grand Lodge in case of application for new ballot, 36. BUILDING FUND, to receive ten per cent, of each initiation until new loan is paid off, 10. BUSINESS, an applicant for membership must have some visible means of procuring an honest living, 35. BY-LAWS, Grand Lodge Committee on, 7, 22. Subordinate Lodges to frame By-Laws, subject to approval of Grand Lodge, 32. (See Decisions,) 149. INDEX. 167 C. CEREMONY, of constituting a new Lodge, consecration and installation, 53. at laying foundation-stones, 73. " dedication of halls, 75. " grand visitations, 81. " funerals, 82. CERTIFICATES, cost of Grand Lodge certificate $2, 10. of representatives, how signed, 6. " " to be sent to the Grand Secretary three days before meeting of Grand Lodge, 6. " representatives, to whom to be given, &c, 26. not to be used in business transactions, 37. Lodge only can grant certificates to members, 39. not to be granted to itinerant paupers, 39. CHAPLAIN, Grand, not required to be a member of the Grand Lodge before his appointment as Grand Chaplain, 8. duties of Grand Chaplain,' 17. CHARGE, to the R. W. G. M. at installation, 42. " the Master of a Lodge, 43. at opening, 45. " closing, 46. " initiation, 47. " passing, 49. " raising, 50. on installation of Master of a new Lodge, 60. to Senior Warden, " " 65. " Junior " " " 66. " Secretary " " 67. " Treasurer . " « 67. concluding charge of Grand Master to officers and members of new Lodge, 68. CLOTHING, members of Grand Lodge to be properly clothed, 6. (See Dress.) COMMISSION, for a proxy, 98* to visit Foreign Lodges, 111. 268 INDEX. COMMITTEES, of Grand Lodge — how appointed, 7. " " " order of precedence, 7. on Land-marks, 7. " " duties of, 19. of Finance, 7. " " duties of, 21. " Charity and Almoners, 7. " " " duties of, 20. " Correspondence, 7. " " duties of, 22. on By-Laws, 7. " " duties of, 22. " Printing and Publishing, 7. " " " duties of, 22. " Appeals, 7. " " duties of, 23. " Hall, 7. " " duties of, 23. of Subordinate Lodge to Examine Accounts, 32. " " " to inquire into fitness of applicants, 35. no Committee charged with disbursement of money to be con- sidered discharged until all debts contracted are paid, 26. COMMUNICATIONS, of Grand Lodge, when held, and at what hours, 9. amendments to Ahiman Kezon must originate at December Com- munication, 9. CONDUCT, unmasonic, a cause for the dissolution of a Lodge, 34. CONSECRATION, ceremony of consecrating new Lodge, 37. " " " Hall, 75. " " " " prayer at, 77. CONSTITUTION, of Grand Lodge adopted, 3. ceremony of, 59. D. DEACONS, Grand, their duties, 17. of Subordinate Lodges, their duties are analogous to those of the Grand Deacons, 30. INDEX. 1Q9 DEATHS, (See Funerals.) DECISIONS, of Grand Lodge, 118. a Lodge has a right to summons for installation, or any other pur- pose vitally affecting its interests, 118. relative to conducting elections and impropriety of admission of members without knowledge and consent of the W. M., &c, 118. relative to Masonic publications, 120. referring petitions for remission of dues to Committee on Finance, 120. relative to informality in summons to answer charges, 121. relative to suppression of a publication in the "Tressel Board, or Hieroglyphic Monitor," 125. five Lodges to constitute a District, 128. committees to make their own rules, 128. charter not to be revived unless warrant, books, and papers re- turned, 128. an unfavorable Keport made by a Committee and accepted is equal to a blackball — no ballot is necessary, 128. relative to Stewards of Stephen Girard Charity Fund, 130. " to Lodges balloting on a petition for Dispensation, 130. " to Kegalia, 131. " to charges against a brother who has received only the first Degree, 133. relative to persons rejected in this jurisdiction and entered in another, 135. members of Lodges to rise at the entrance of Grand Officers, &c, 135. members of Grand Lodge to rise at entrance of Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, and Masters of Lodges, 135. W. Master a right to prevent the admission of a brother who will mar the harmony of the Lodge, 135. the resignation of a Master elect and decisions arising upon the non-acceptance of his resignation, 136. the initiation fee not to be paid in installments, &c, 141. relative to physical disqualification, 141. relative to unworthiness in a candidate not discovered until after favorable report and ballot, 142. relative to application for initiation from residents of New Jer- sey, 143. relative to withdrawal of petition after report made, 146. reports upon candidates to be signed by all the members of Com- mittee, 147. By-Laws of Lodges to be submitted to Grand Lodge, 149. relative to arresting further proceedings on applicant for initiation who had been approved at a previous meeting, 152. 170 INDEX. DECISIONS,— Continued. relative to an applicant rejected in another Lodge and jurisdic- tion, 154. upon the right of the W. M. to suspend the advancement of a candidate after a favorable ballot — also relative to refunding money paid by such applicant, 152. relative to an applicant rejected in another jurisdiction, 154. " to right of W. M. to refuse to initiate a candidate after a favorable ballot — also refunding of money previously paid by applicant, 155. A vote to suspend can only be reconsidered at the meeting at which it is passed, 159. in case of rejection — applicant to have a written personal notice, 159. An application for a second ballot must be made within six months of the rejection, 159. Time for closing Lodges — 25th September to 25th March, 10 o'clock, P. M— 25th March to 25th September, 11 o'clock, P. M. — Penalty %'d per hour in addition to customary rental, 160. Term of a Representative to continue until revoked by Lodge, 160. relative to proficiency of Brethren before advancement, 160. A Master of a Lodge cannot be reprimanded by his own Lodge for his actions as W. M., 161. approval of action of Lodge in case of suspension of a member, 162. DEDICATIONS, ceremony at, 75. DEGREES, only one to be conferred at less interval than a month unless by dispensation, 37. DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, in absence of Grand Master his plenary representative, 13, 24. his station in G. L. at the left of the G. M , 13. DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, his duties and powers, 13. DEPUTATIONS, to constitute new Lodge, how given, 27. (See Forms.) DISORDER, Members disturbing harmony of Lodge subject to reprimand, &c, 32. INDEX. 171 DISPENSATIONS, to pass the Chair $10, 9, " enter, pass, and raise, each $10, 9. Mason's made by dispensation not members of Lodge in which made, 37. A youth in his non-age may be made by dispensation, 37. ( See Forms.) DISSOLUTION, of a Lodge, causes for, 34. Duties of Secretary and Treasurer in case of, 34. Members of dissolved Lodge to pay up their back dues before they can be admitted to privilege of Masonry, 34. DUES, Subordinate Lodge to pay Grand Lodge $1 yearly for each mem- ber, 10. how only these dues may be increased or diminished, 10. Members of G. L. must pay dues in the Lodge to which they belong, 10. Subordinate Lodges pay to Gr. L. dues upon their members of Grand Lodge, except Past Grand and Past Deputy Grand Masters, 11. Lodge may be'dissolved for non-payment of its dues, 34. DUTIES, of Lodges, 30. (For Duties, or Officers of Grand Lodge and Subor- dinate, SEE TITLE OF THEIR OFFICE.) " officers of Subordinate Lodges not specially set forth in the Ahiman Kezon — analogous to those of corresponding officers of Grand Lodge, 30. DRESS, Masonic Dress — black suit, white gloves, 11. E. ELECTIONS, for Grand Officers, when and how conducted, 7. in case of death, resignation, or removal, 8. to be confined to December Communication except to fill vacan- cies, 3, 9. rules of Grand Lodge governing election of officers of Subordinate Lodges, 28. Special, may be held by dispensation to fill vacancies, 28. to be conducted in Master Mason's Lodge, 31. of officers to be reported to G. L. at Communication next after Election, 33. 172 INDEX. EMBLEMS, must not be used as business signs, 37. EXPULSIONS, a Brother cannot be expelled at an extra meeting — nor without due notice, if practicable, of the charge against him, 32. Brethren not attending G. L. summons liable to expulsion, 35. how an expulsion may be removed, 38. FEES, from Subordinate Lodges to G. Lodge $2 on each initiation, and 10 per cent on initiation fees to Building Fund until New Loan is paid off, 10. propositions to change must be made at one Communication and acted on at next — special notice to be given each Lodge, 10. Lodges to regulate their own, under the approval, of Grand Lodge, 37. FINANCE. Committee on, 7. questions of General Finance can be acted on" only at December Communication, 9. FOEMS, the Grand Lodge is opened — in Form — in Due Form — or — in Ample Form, 24. for forms of Prayers or Charges (see " Prater " — " Charge.") of a recommendation for a G. L. Certificate, 91. " a Grand Lodge Certificate, 91. " " " for brethren to be made by Dispen- sation, 92. " a Lodge Travelling Certificate, 93. " Certificate, 93. " " " to a Brother who has been expelled, but re-instated — Decision June 6, 1859, 148. " a petition for a "Warrant, 94. " a Warrant for a New Lodge, 95. " an application for Initiation and Membership, 96. " an application for Membership, 97. " report on petition for Initiation and Membership, or Member- ship only, 97. " Commission for a proxy, 98. " " to visit Foreign Lodges, 111. " " to District D. G. Master, 114. INDEX. 173 FORMS, of general returns from Lodge, 99. " annual returns from Lodge, 100. " return to dispensation, 101. " returns of special election, 111. " monthly returns, 116. " dispensation to constitute a Lodge, 101. " " to enter, pass, and raise, 104. " " to pass the Chair, 106. " " to work after loss or destruction of warrant, 106, " " for Lodge to form procession, 108. " " for Lodge to hold special election, 115. " deputation to Past Masters to issue dispensations to enter, pass, and raise, or to pass the Chair, 102. " deputation to visit Lodges, 113. " petition for dispensation to pass Chair, 105. " petition for dispensation to enter, pass, and raise, 103. " register of officers and members of Lodge, 109, 110. FOUNDATION STONES, Ceremony at laying, 73. FUNERALS, Requiring special orders, 11. Service and ceremony at, 82. (See " Processions." G. GRAND MASTER, His duties and powers, 12. GRAND WARDENS, their duties, &c, 14. to preside according to rank in absence of G. M. and D. G. M., 14. GRAND TREASURER, his duties, &c, 14. GRAND SECRETARY, his duties, 15, 16, 17. GRAND DEACONS, their duties, &C, 17. 174 INDEX. GEAND CHAPLAINS, their duties, &c, 17. need not be members of Grand Lodge before their appointment as Chaplains, 8. GEAND STEWAEDS, their duties, 17. GEAND MAESHAL, his duties, 18. GEAND PUESUIVANT, his duties, &c, 18. GEAND TYLEE, his duties &c, 18. GEAND LODGE, constitution adopted, 3. how composed, 5. qualification of members, 5. members to be properly clothed, 6. title of, 6. representitives of five Lodges necessary to open, 6. officers of, 6. a member can hold but one office at one time, 7. committees of, how appointed, 7. its authority defined, 8. revenue, how derived, 9. proceedings of, 24. rules governing debate, &c, 25. order of business, 26. GEAND VISITATIONS, ceremony at, 81. H. HALL, committee on, 7, 23. ceremony at dedication, 75. HEALTH, a candidate for Masonry must be hale and sound, 35. I. INITIATION, prayer at, 41. charge at, 47. INDEX. 175 INSTALLATION, of Grand Officers, St. John the Evangelist's Day, 8. " officers of Lodges should, if practicable, be on or before St. John the Evangelist's Day, 28. officers elect of Lodges must be installed before entering upon duties of office, 28. charge at installing Grand Master, 42. " " Master of a Lodge, 43. ceremony of, 63. INSTRUCTION, Lodges may bind their representatives to G. L. by instructions relative to any subject to be considered, 32. INVOCATION, at dedication of halls, 79. JEWELS, Grand Officers, of gold, 11. Subordinate Lodges, silver, 11. (See Decision, Regalia, 1832,) 133. every officer must wear his jewels at dedications, 75. LAND-MARKS, Committee on, 7. LAYING CORNER-STONES, ceremony at, 73. LOAN, new Masonic, to be paid off by ten per cent, on every initia- tion, 10. LODGES, may elect representatives to Grand Lodge, 5. in arrears twelve months not entitled to vote, 6. " arrears twenty-four months, to be suspended, 33. new, warrants for, cost, $81, 9, every Lodge must have a warrant from the Grand Lodge, 27. how and by whom to be solemnly constituted, 27. 176 INDEX. LODGES,— Continued. new, not entitled to representation until constituted, 27. officers of, 27. to have precedence from date of warrant, 82. by what causes dissolved, 34. ceremony at constituting, 53. certificates, 39. M. MARSHAL, Grand, his duties, 18. MASONIC AUTHOEITY, all centre in Grand Lodge, 8. MASTER, Grand, (see Grand Master.) D. Grand, (see Deputy Grand Master.) D. D. Grand, (see District Deputy Grand Master.) of new Lodge to be named on petition, and appointed by the warrant, 28. the Master elect must have served as a Warden in some Lodge within jurisdiction, (Exceptions), 28. his powers and duties, 29. MEETINGS, Lodges to meet every calendar month, 31. place of, to be named in warrant, 31. how to be changed — notice to the Grand Secretary, 31. a Lodge may be dissolved for not assembling during twelve months, 34. MEMBERS, of Grand Lodge must belong to a Subordinate Lodge, 5. " " must appear therein properly clothed, 6. " Subordinate Lodges, their qualifications, &c, 35. " " " subject to punishment for irregular con- duct, 32. " Lodges cease to be members by expulsion, suspension, or resignation, 37. N. NEW LODGES, Officers of, 28. INDEX. 177 0. OCCUPATION, an applicant must have some visible means of livelihood, 35. OFFICERS, of Grand Lodge, 6. " " order of precedence, 7. " " when and how elected, 7, 8. " " to be installed on St. John's Day, 8. " to be appointed by Grand Master, 8. " new Lodges, how appointed, 28. " Subordinate Lodges, 27. " " when and how elected, 28. " " " when to be installed, 28. " " to continue in office until successors are installed, 28. " " whose duties are not otherwise denned in the Ahiman Rezon, will consider their duties analogous to corresponding officers of Grand Lodge, 30. ORDERS, on Grand Treasurer, how drawn, 15. ORDER, of business of Grand Lodge, 25. " business of Grand Lodge may be dispensed with by presiding officer, 26. OPENING, Prayer at, '40. charge at, 45. P. PAST GRAND MASTERS, to preside in order of rank in absence of Grand Master and other officers of the Grand Lodge, 24. PASSING, to F. C. charge at, 49. the chair either by election or dispensation, 35. PETITIONS, for new Lodges must name the Master and Wardens, 28. " initiation, 35. may be withdrawn before a report is made, or after, if report be favorable, 36. (See Forms.) 12 178 INDEX. PRAYER, used by primitive Christian Masons, 40. at opening, 40. " making a brother, 41. " closing, 41. " constituting a Lodge, 35. " consecration of a Lodge, 57. " concluding ceremony of constituting a Lodge, 72. " consecrating a new hall, 77. PRECEDENCE, of officers and committees of Grand Lodge, 7. " Lodges to be taken from date of warrant, 32. PRESIDE, order relative to presiding in absence of Grand Master and ot*her officers, in G. L., 24. PRINTING AND PUBLISHING, committee on, 7, 22. no Lodge or brother to print or publish Masonic matter without consent of Grand Lodge, 35. PROCEEDINGS, in Grand Lodge, 24. PROCESSIONS, require, with a few exceptions, a special order, 11. of Subordinate Lodges must have the sanction of the Grand Master, 11. on decease of a brother not a member of any Lodge, to be applied for by five brethren, 11. at Dedications, 75. " Grand Visitations, 81. " funerals, 85. for one Lodge on common occasions, 87. on consecrating and constituting a Lodge in public, 89. To form — Dispensation for, 108. PROFICIENCY, Lodges ought to require proof of a brother's proficiency before advancement, 37. PURSUIVANT, Grand, 18. PROXIES, See form of commission, 98. INDEX. 179 Q. QUALIFICATIONS, of a Mason (see Applicants.) " members of Grand Lodge, 5. " Masons entitled to funeral honors upon decease, 82. If applicant prove physically disqualified committee to recom- mend to have petition withdrawn, 98. QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS, of Grand Lodge, when held, 9. QUORUM, Representatives of five Lodges to open the Grand Lodge, 6. E. RAISING, Charge at, 50. REGALIA, Decision June 7, 1852, 131. REGISTER, Form recommended to be kept by every Lodge, 109, 110. RELIEF, A brother living in jurisdiction three years without joining a Lodge is not entitled to relief, 11. A brother must have paid his initiation fee and be in good stand- ing to entitle him or his family to relief from funds of the Grand Lodge, 11. No brother can proceed from Lodge to Lodge in an itinerant man- ner, applying for relief, 39. REPORT, a petition for initiation may be withdrawn after a favorable re- port, or before a report is made, 36. (See Forms.) REPRESENTATIVES, to Grand Lodge, qualification and powers, 5. " Grand Lodge, when to be chosen, 6. " " " proper credentials, 6. no Lodge can send representatives until duly constituted, 27. must be bound by instructions from their Lodges, 32. 180 INDEX. RESIGNATION, a member may, if in good standing, resign, 37. decision on resignation of a Master elect, 136. RETURNS, to be made to Grand Lodge yearly, on or before St John's Day, 33. if not made within three months after the date of notice received from Grand Secretary, Warrant of Lodge is ipso facto suspended, 33, 34. Lodges beyond State to make returns before first Monday of June, and have six month's notice before suspension, 33. on making returns, suspended Lodges are revived, 33. duplicate returns to be kept, 99. (See Forms.) REVENUE, of Grand Lodge, how derived, 9. s. SALARIES, how propositions for changes to be made, 10. (See Fees.) SEAL, every Lodge to have masonic seal, b4. SECRETARY, Grand, (See Grand Secretary.) of new Lodges to be elected, 28. " Subordinate Lodges, duties, &c, 30. " " " in case of dissolution of Lodge, 34. SLAVERY, a man to become a Mason must have been born free, 158. STEWARDS, of Stephen Girard Charity Fund to be appointed annually, 7. " " " ' " their duties, 23. " Grand Lodge Charity Fund, 18. SUBORDINATE LODGES, (See Lodges.) INDEX. 181 SUMMONS, Brethren to attend summons of Grand Lodge, or any Committee thereof, on pain of expulsion, 35. SUSPENSIONS, a Brother is entitled to time to meet a charge before he can be expelled, 32. " Brother cannot be suspended or expelled at an extra meet- ing, 32. for nonpayment of dues, how relieved, 37. " other causes, how relieved, 33. T. TITLE, of Grand Lodge, 6. " a Lodge, how assumed, 31. change of, only by approbation of Grand Master, 31. TYLER, Grand, not necessarily a member of Grand Lodge before appoint- ment, 8. " his duties, 18. TREASURER, Grand, his duties, &c, 14. of new Lodge to be elected, 28. " Subordinate Lodge, his duties, &c , 29. " " " " in case of dissolution of Lodge, 34. TRUSTEES, of Grand Lodge Charity Fund to be five, how and when chosen, their duties, &c, 19. " Girard Bequest, their duties, 20. u. UNMASONIC CONDUCT, A Lodge may be dissolved for, 34. V. VISITORS, not admitted to Grand Lodge after one hour, except brethren residing more than three miles distant, 25. 182 INDEX. VISITORS — Continued. to Lodges, how admitted, 38. a Brother, not a member of a Lodge, can visit any Lodge in the jurisdiction only once, 38. VOTE, representative to Grand Lodge, to vote for each member of his Lodge a member of the Grand Lodge but not present, 5. majority of, to determine all matters in Grand Lodge, R. W. G. M. having casting vote, 9. a unanimous vote necessary to the approval of a candidate for initiation, 35. w. WARDENS, Seuior Grand and Junior Grand, their duties and stations, 14. of new Lodges to be named in petition and appointed by the warrant, 28. their privileges and duties. 29. WARRANTS, for new Lodges, cost 181, 9. • every Lodge must have warrant from the Grand Lodge, 27. when and how granted, 27. not granted to Masons in the country, within five miles of an established Lodge, unless with consent of said Lodge, given under its seal, 27. to new Lodges appoint Masters and Wardens, 28. of Lodges not making annual returns, suspended, 33. suspended for delinquency revived on receipt of returns, 33. of Lodges two years in arrears to Grand Lodge, are suspended, 33. " a Lodge cannot be forfeited until the Lodge has been duly notified, &c, 34. (See Forms.) WORK, all not belonging to the lesser degrees must be done in Master Mason's Lodge, 31. ff