ANNEX UBRARY n H vj CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THIS BOOK IS ONE OF A COLLECTION MADE BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 AND BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY IbW-'i.; -jMJ^II fr VM» U JWUHJJ gMy: I SOMERfMi, if aS3;T : I f V' T 101^ OF THE \^. |iwdppil?f|w^^ MASSA&HUSEtTS;- ., I I,- ' i^K^ilni ■^eguJattmiis fntt 'i\\ ioa^iTim^it of intmttla UNDER ITS; JHRISDICTIOi^. WOfiCESTBR, MASS. ' „ PRESS OF COMPS. TYLER & SEAGRAVE. > ■ ' ' '\. , '. ,;1877./. '"-'•• -.c Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tlie Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030348100 CONSTITUTION OF THE \mi i?wiil of |?!!?( I OF MASSACHUSETTS, S^imial "JlEguIittttina fnii i\ti iau^rnittEnt nf inutitth UNDEK ITS JURISDICTION. WOBCBSTEB, MASS. PKESS OF COMPS. TYLER & SEAGRAVE. 1877. /4^ 737 /yj if/ >9-<3 1^77 /t.'l3^ /^f f i]sr-£)E^. Page , Constitution of Grand Council, - - 5 Style and Title, Juriediction. Powers, 5 — Members, Attendance and Proxies, 6 Officers and Election, 7 — Assemblies, Prerogatives and Duties of Officers, 8. New Councils, 9 — Fees for Dispensation and Charter, 10. Constitution of Subordinate Councils, - 10 Members, 10 — Duties of Officers, Shall be a Member of but one CovRicfl, Obliga- tion, Annual Returns, 11 — Degrees, Fees and Rule of Succession; Applica- tion for Degrees, 12 — Fees for Degrees to be Paid for, Sojourners, Questions, 13 — Regalia, Work to be Uniform, Amendments, 14. Stations, Insignia and Jewels of the Officers of the Grand Council, - ^- - lo Stations, Insignia, Jewels and Dresses of Subordinate Councils, 16 'Order of Ceremonies in Constituting and Dedicating New ■ Councils and Installing Officers, 18 I Forms, - - 30 i Petition for Dispensation, Form of Dispensation, 30 — Petition for Charter, 31 — Form of Charter, 32 — Form of Proxy, Form of Application for Degrees, 34 — Form of Dimit,35. aRA.I^D COUNCIL OF CONSTITUTION, Article I. GRAND COUNCIL. STYLE AND TITLE. Section 1. The style and title of this body is " The Grand Council op Royal and Select Masters op Massa- chusetts." jurisdiction. Sect. 2. Its jurisdiction extends over the territorial limits of Massachusetts, and the Grand East of this body shall be located in the city of Boston. powers. Sect. 3. In it alone is vested the right and duty, which it cannot delegate, to superintend and govern all Councils of Royal and Select Masters within the jurisdiction. It has exclusive power to grant Dispensations and War- rants for forming and opening new Councils, apd to extend or revoice-the same. It enacts laws, issues edicts and amends and repeals the same. b CONSTITUTION OP THE It censures, suspends and erases Councils, and any of the members, for violation or neglect of its laws and edicts. It has supreme power and authority, throughout this jurisdiction, in all matters pertaining to Councils of Eoyal and Select Masters, and the Appendant Degree of Super- Excellent Master, subject only to the Ancient Landmarks. MEMBERS. Sect. 4. It shall consist of a Most Illustrious Grand Master ; Deputy Grand Master ; Grand Principal Conductor of the Work ; Grand Treasurer ; Grand Eecorder ; Grand Captain of the Guard ; Grand Conductor ; Grand Steward ; Grand Sentinel ; Grand Chaplain ; Grand Marshal or Mas- ter of Ceremonies ; ex-officiis, of all Past Most Illustrious Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, and Past Grand Principal Conductors of the Work ; of the Thrice Illustrious Masters, Deputy Masters, Principal Conductors of the Work, for the time being, of Subordinate Councils under this jurisdiction ; and of all Past Thrice Illustrious Masters of such Subordinates, so long as they are members of a Council under this jurisdiction in good standing. The above-named Present and Past Officers (the Grand Sentinel excepted,) and Representatives and Past Thrice Illustrious Masters of Subordinate Councils, or their prox- ies, are the only voters in this Grand Council. Each Sub- ordinate Council under this jurisdiction shall, in all elec- tions and other business in this Grand Council, he entitled to three votes, which may be cast by one or more of its representatives. Bach member has but one vote. In case of a tie, the Most Illustrious Grand Master may give the casting vote. attendance and proxies. Sect. 5. The Most Illustrious Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Principal Conductor of the GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 7 Work, of this Grand Council, and the Past Most Illustrious Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Past Grand Prin- cipal Conductors of the Work, being unable to attend the Assemblies in person, shall have the power to appoint a proxy, who shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of his constituent, except that of taking his rank in the Grand Council. Such proxy must, at the time of his appointment, be a member of some Subordinate Council under this jurisdic- tion, and must present a properly authenticated certificate of his appointment. Thrice Illustrious Masters, Deputy Masters, and Princi pal Conductors of the Work, for the time being, of Subor- dinate Councils, being unable to attend the Assemblies of this Grand Council in person, shall have the power to ap- point a proxy, who shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of his constituent, except that of taking his rank in this Grand Council. Such proxy must, at the time of his appointment, be a member of the same Subordinate Council as his principal, and must present a properly authenticated certificate of his appointment. OFFICERS AND ELECTION. Sect. 6. The first five ofiicers shall be chosen by written ballot ; the others by appointment of the Most Illustrious Grand Master. No Companion is ehgible to any oflace in the Grand Council unless he be a member of some Subordinate Coun- cil under this jurisdiction. No Companion, except some Past Thrice Illustrious Mas- ter, is eligible to the office of Most Illustrious Grand Master ; and no Companion shall hold the office for more than three years successively, or hold any office in a Sub- ordinate Council during his term of office in the Grand Council. , 8 'constitution op the The officers thus chosen shall serve until their successors have beeu installed. Any Companion who shall have been regularly elected and duly installed as Thrice Illustrious Master of a Council shall be deemed a Past Thrice Illus- trious Master so far as this section relates, ASSEMBLIES. Sect. 7. The Grand Council shall meet on the second Wednesday in, December, annually, at such place and hour as the Most Illustrious Grand Master shall appoint, for the transaction of such business as shall be presented. Special Assemblies may be called at the pleasure of the Most Illustrious Grand Master ; but no business shall be done at a Special Assembly other than that specified in the notice for the Assembly. ■PREROGATITES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS. Sect. 8. It is the duty of the Most Illustrious Grand Master, in person or by one of his Council, to visit and examine every Subordinate Council in the jurisdiction, at least annually, and cause a report of the same to be made at the annual Assembly of this Grand Council. It is the dutyof the Grand Treasurer to receive and be the custodian of all the funds of the Grand Council ; pay all bills approved by the Most Illustrious Grand Master and the Finance Committee, and all appi-opriations made by the Grand Council and attested by the Grand Recorder ; and report at the annual Assembly the amount of his receipts and expenditures for the past year. It is the duty of the Grand Recorder annually to com- municate to the Grand Recorder of all State Grand Coun- cils a list of all the Grand Officers of this Grand Council, and such other matters as the Most Illustrious Grand Mas- ter, shall deem expedient, or as shall be ordered by this Grand Council. He shall furnish each Subordinate Conn- GRAND COUNCIL OF MASS. S* cil with the proper blanks, notifying them to fill out and transmit the same immediately after the election in such Council ; shall notify each Subordinate Council and perma- nent member of this Grand Council of any proposed altera- tions, additions or amendments to these Grand Constitu- tions at least twenty days before the time of the Assembly when such proposed alterations, additions or amendments are to be acted upon, and shall also notify the members of this Grand Council of the time and place of each annual and special Assembly. The other duties of the above ofiicers, and the duties of the other officers, are such as are traditionally appropriate to their offices, and such as may be required of them by this Grand Council and the Most Illustrious Grand Master. NEW COUNCILS. Sect. 9. Dispensations for forming and opening new Councils may be issued by the Most Illustrious Grand Mas- ter during recess of the Grand Council only ; Dispensations so issued to be in force only until the succeeding annual Assembly of this body, unless continued by vote thereof; provided, however, that no Dispensation shall be issued to a less number than nine Royal and Select Masters, nor without the consent of the Council nearest to the place where the new one is to be located ; and if in that town or city there is more than one, then the consent of all shall be obtained. Charters shall be granted by vote of the Grand Council alone, and at the annual Assembly. A Council formed within this jurisdiction, without a Dis- pensation or Charter, as above provided, shall be deemed illegal ; and all communications between Councils under this jurisdiction, and members of such illegal one, are here- by strictly forbidden. 10 CONSTITUTION OP THE FEES FOB DISPENSATION AND CHARTER. Sect. 10. The fees for a Dispensation are five dollars to the Grand Council and two dollars to the Grand Recorder ; and for a Charter, thirty dollars to the Grand Council and five dollars to the Grand Recorder. In no case shall a Dispensation or Charter be issued until the required fees shall have been paid to the Grand Re- corder. Sect. 11. At each annual Assembly of the Grand Coun- cil, a Finance Committee, consisting of three members of the Grand Council, shall be appointed by the Most Illus- trious Grand Master, whose duty it shall be to audit and approve all bills against the Grand Council, and to audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder, and report to the Grand Council at the ensuing annual Assembly an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer. Article II. SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. MEMBERS. Section 1. Every Subordinate Council shall consist of a Thrice Illustrious Master, Deputy Master, Principal Con- ductor of the Work, Treasurer, Recorder, Captain of the Guard, Conductor of the Council, Chaplain, Marshal, Stew- ard, Sentinel, and such other ofi&cers and members as may be found convenient. The first five ofiicers shall be elected by written or printed ballots ; the others may be appointed by the Thrice Illus- trious Master. The officers thus chosen shall serve until their successors shall linve been installed. GRAND COUNCIL OF M'ASS. 11 DUTIES OP OFFICERS. Sect. 2. The Thrice Illustrious Master of a Subordinate Council has it in special charge to see that the By-Laws of his Council and this Grand Constitution are duly observed ; that accurate records are kept and just accounts rendered ; that regular returns to this Grand Council are made annu- ally ; and that the annual dues are promptly paid. He calls special Assemblies of his Council at pleasure ; and it is his duty, with the Deputy Master and Principal Conductor of the Work, to attend all Assemblies of this Grand Council. The duties of the other officers are such as are tradition- ally appropriate, and such as may be assigned by the Coun- cil or the Thrice Illustrious Master. SHALL BE A MEMBER OP BUT ONE COUNCIL. Sect. 3. No Companion shall hold membership in more than one Council within this jurisdiction at the same time ; and no Companion, having been elected an honorary mem- ber of a Subordinate Council within this jurisdiction, shall have the right to vote or hold office in such Council, unless he is at the time an actual member of such Council. No Companion shall be constituted into a new Council until he shall have been regularly discharged from the Council with which he is affiliated. OBLIGATION. Sect. 4. The officers of every Subordinate Council, before installation, and every candidate, upon admission, shall take an obligation of fealty to this Grand Council, in which they shall be required to support its Constitution and obey its edicts. ANNUAL RETURNS. Sect. 5. Every Subordinate Council shall make a return to the. Grand Recorder of this Grand Council, on or before 12 CONSTITUTION OF THE the first day of December, annually, of the roll of its officers and members ; of all candidates for the degrees accepted or rejected ; of all members who have dimitted or deceased, or who have been suspended or expelled during the year ; and shall pay to this Grand Council two dollars for each candidate on whom the Degree of Royal Master has been conferred, and an annual fee of three dollars. DEGREES, PEES AND E0LE OP SUCCESSION. Sect. 6. No Subordinate Council shall confer the Degrees for a less sum than fifteen dollars, nor on any person who shall not have previously received the Royal Arch Degree in a regular- and constitutional manner, and the preceding Degrees of E.A., F.C., M.M., M.M.M., P.M., and M.E.M. The Degrees in the Council shall be conferred in the fol- lowing order: 1. Royal Master; 2. Select Master; 3. Super-Excellent Master. APPLICATION FOR DEGREES. , Sect. 7. All applications for the Degrees in a Subordinate Council shall be made to the Council in the town or city where the applicant resides, if there be a Council therein ; but if there be no such Council, he shall apply to the Coun- cil nearest to his residence. Such applicant may, on obtaining the consent of the nearest Council to his resi- dence, apply to some other Council. Each applicant shall, stand proposed for not less than two weeks. Each applica- tion shall be signed by the applicant, accompanied by a certificate signed by three Select Masters, in the following form : To the Thrice Illustrioiis Master, Officers and Companions of Council of Royal and Select Masters: I, , having regularly received the several Degrees, from Entered Apprentice to that of Rojal Arch Mason, inclusive, in duly constituted Masonic Bodies, and being desirous to make further progress GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 13 in Masonry, do hereby offer myself as a candidate for the Degrees con- ferred in your Council; and promise, if admitted, to conform to all your requirements. My place of residence is . Age, . Occupation, I have before applied for said Degrees. ■ A. Dep. 28 . We, the subscribers, Select Masters of regular standing, do hereby certify that we are acquainted with Companion , the above named applicant ; that we know him to be a regular Royal Arch Mason in good standing, and believe he is worthy the honor he solicits. FEES FOR DEGREES TO BE PAID FOR. Sect. 8. No Subordinate Council shall confer the De- grees on any person whatever, without the full payment of the fees for the same, as required by the By-Laws of sucli Subordinate Council ; and no Council shall remit the fees paid for the Degrees, or make any appropriation to any j)erson for the purpose of relieving such person from the payment of such fees. SOJOURNERS. Sect. 9. No Subordinate Council shall confer the De- grees upon any sojourner from any State or place in which there is a Council regularly established, except by consent of the Council having jurisdiction. Any Council may take cognizance of the conduct of sojourning Companions. QUESTIONS. Sect. 10. At any Assembly of Subordinate Councils all questions (except the admission of candidates and mem- bers, and of matters specially reserved by the By-Laws,) shall be decided by a majority vote — the presiding officer, 2 14 CONSTITUTION OF THE if a member, being entitled to one vote, and, in case of a tie, to the casting vote. REGALIA. Sect. 11. The regalia of this Grand Council and its Subordinates is such as is from time to time approved by this Grand Body. WORK TO BE UNIFORM. Sect. 12. The several Councils under the jurisdiction of this Grand Council are required to have their Work uniform and approved by this Body. For this purpose the Most Illustrious Grand Master, for the time being, shall appoint a Grand Lecturer, to whom the Councils may refer for the necessary information. There shall be an exemplification of the Work of the Degrees, under the direction of the Grand Council, at least once a year. AMENDMENTS. Sect. 13. This Grand Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any Assembly ; but no alteration or amendment shall be acted upon unless notice of the proposed alteration or amendment shall have been sent to each subordinate Coun- cil under this jurisdiction and permanent member of this Grand Council, as provided in Article I., Section 8. GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 15 STATIONS, INSIGNIA AND JEWELS OP THE OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. I. — STATIONS. The Most Illustrious Grand Master, in the East ; Deputy Grand Master, on the right of the Most Illustrious Grand Master; the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, on the left of the Most Illustrious Grand Master ; the Grand Chaplain, on the left of the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work ; the Grand Treasurer, on the right, in front of the Deputy Grand Master ; the Grand Recorder, on the left, in front of the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work ; the Grand Master of Cerenaonies, in front of the Grand Recorder; the Grand Captain of the Guard, in the West; the Grand Conductor, in the South; the Grand Steward, at the door inside ; the Grand Sentinel, at the door outside. II. INSIGNIA. The collars of the officers to be of purple velvet, trimmed with gold lace and fringe ; aprons the same, with the appropriate jewels wrought in the centre. Collars and aprons of the members to be of the same material, trimmed with gold lace. III. JEWELS. The jewels of all the officers and members are to be of gold, or a metal resembling it in color, suspended from the collars, and contained in a triangle surrounded by a wreath ; the wreaths of the first two officers to be surmounted by 16 STATIONS, INSIGNIA AND JEWELS OP crowns. In the triangle worn by the Most Illustrious Grand Master are suspended the square, compasses and trowel ; in that of the Deputy Grand Master, the square, level ' and trowel ; in that of the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, the square, plumb and trowel ; in that of the Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, the compasses, extended on an arc of sixty degrees, with the trowel in the centre ; in that of the Grand Chaplain, the trowel and Holy Bible, open ; in that of the Grand Treasurer, the trowel and cross- keys ; in that of the Grand Recorder, the trowel and cross- pens ; in that of the Grand Master of Ceremonies, the trowel and baton, crossed on the scroll ; in that of the Grand Captain of the Guard, the trowel, sword and battle- axe, crossed ; in that of the Grand Conductor, the trowel and cross-swords ; in that of the Grand Steward, the trowel and sword ; in that of the Grand Sentinel, the trowel and scimetar, crossed ; in that of the Members, the trowel. STATIONS, INSIGNIA, JEWELS AND DRESSES OF THE OFFICERS OF SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. I. — STATIONS. The stations of the officers in Subordinate Councils are like those of the corresponding officer in the Grand Council. II. — INSIGNIA. The collars of the officers to be of velvet, trimmed with gold lace, and of a color corresponding with their respec- GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 17 tive dresses. The collars of the members to be of velvet, either purple, scarlet or blue, as each Council may deter- mine, trimmed with gold or silver lace. The aprons of the officers, and members to be white and appropriately trimmed. III. — JEWELS. The jewels of the officers and members of Subordinate Councils are like those worn in the Grand Council, except- ing the wreath. They may be either silver or gold. Should any Council so determine, the jewel for a member may be simply a trowel, suspended from the collar. IV.^DEESSES. The Thrice Illustrious Master is clothed in a robe of royal purple, trimmed with gold lace or ermine, a crown upon his head and a sceptre in his hand ; the Deputy Master in a robe of scarlet, trimmed with silver lace or ermine, a crown upon his head and a sceptre in his hand ; the Princi- pal Conductor of the Work, in a robe of blue, trimmed with silver lace or ermine, a turban on his head and a gavel in his hand ; the Master of Ceremonies, in a purple tunic and tui'ban, with a baton in his hand ; the Captain of the Guard, in the ancient military costume of the Eastern nations, with a sword in his hand ; the Conductor and Steward, in purple tunics and turbans, with a sword in their hands. Each officer and member should be furnished with a trowel, and the officers may all wear swords. ORDER OF CEREMONIES IN CONSTITUTING AND DEDICATING NEW COUNCILS AND INSTALLING THEIR OFFICERS. The new Council will assemble in their hall and be called to order by their presiding officer. The Grand Council will meet and open'in an adjoining room. A committee from the new Council shall inform the Grand Master of Ceremonies that the new Council is prepared to receive the Grand Council. The Grand Master of Ceremonies will announce the same to the Most Illustrious Grand Master. The committee shall then conducfthe Grand Council to the hall of the new Council, where they shall be received with the usual honors — an ode being sung or an appropriate piece of music performed on the organ while the Grand Council is entering. The officers of the new Council shall resign their seats to the Grand Officers, their jewels having previously been deposited near the Most Illustrious Grand Master, and covered. An ode shall then be sung or an appropriate piece of music be per- formed : after which the Grand Chaplain shall repeat the following, or some other suitable form of PRAYER. Most glorious Lord God, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, which was and which is, and which was to come, the Almighty ; who shall not fear thee and glorify thy name ? We would raise a memorial of thine abundant kindness, and tell out thy works with gladness. We acknowledge that thou hast hitherto wonderfully helped us, and that all thy doings towards us have been GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 19 faithfulness and truth. Thou hast done for us more than we have either desired or deserved, and far more than we are able to express. But though, thou art exalted high above all blessing and praise, yet we beseech thee to accept our thanks, such as they are, and help us in future to give unto thee more of the glory which is due unto thy name. And now we implore thee to let thy blessing be with us, and prosper the purposes of our present 'assembly. Let this Council be established to thy honor and glory. May its ofEcei's be endowed with wisdom to discern and fidelity to pursue its true interests. May its members ever be mindful of the duty they owe to their God, the obedience they owe to their superiors, and the love they owe to all manliind. May they honor thee by uprightness and fidelity in all their ways, so that whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, the'y may think of these things and have strength to perform them, and thus secure for themselves an inheritance of bliss in thy everlasting king- dom. Glory be to God on High. Response. — As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Grand Master of Ceremonies shall direct the new Council to form in front of the Most Illustrious Grand Master, and address him as follows : Most Illustrious Grand Master : — A constitutional num- ber of Companions, duly instructed in the sublime myste- ries, having received from the Grand Council a Charter, authorizing them to open and hold a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters in this place, are now assembled for the purpose of having the same legally constituted and solemnly dedicated in ample form. 20 ORDER OP CEREMONIES OP The Most Illustrious Grand Master directs the Grand Recorder to read the Charter. After the reading of the Charter, the Most Illustrious Grand Master will then address the Companions forming the new Council as follows : Companions : — Do you accept the Charter which has just been read in your hearing by the Grand Recorder, and do you promise to perform all the requirements therein con- tained, conforming in all your Masonic working to the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ? Companions : — Do you still approve of the officers named in the Charter ? The answers being in the affirmative, the Most Illustrious Grand Master shall proceed as follows : By virtue of the high power in me vested as Most Illus- trious Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters of Massa- chusetts, I do now form and constitute you, my worthy Companions, into a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters, by the name of Council ; and I hereby authorize and empower you and your successors to open and hold said Council, and to do and perform all such things as may appertain thereto, conforming in all things to the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And may the God of our fathers be with you, to guide and direct you in all your doings. An ode or hymn shall then be sung, or a suitable piece of music per- formed, during which the Grand Master of Ceremonies shall uncover the jewels. The following dedicatory Declaration shall be pronounced by the Grand Chaplain : To our Ancient and Most Illustrious Grand Master Solo- mon, King of Israel, we solemnly dedicate this Council. May tlic blessing of Almighty God rest upon all its mem- GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 21 bers, and may he so direct their labors that his name may be magnified now and ever. Glory be to God on High. Response.— As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amea. The following Proclamation shall be made by the Grand Master of Cere- monies : I am directed by the Most Illustrious Grand Master to proclaim, and I do hereby -proclaim this Council, by the name of Council, constituted and dedicated in due and ancient form. All interested will be governed accord- ingly. Should it be deemed desirable, another suitable piece of music may be now performed. The Grand Master of Ceremonies then presents the Thrice Illustrious Master, named in the Charter, for installation, to the Most Illustrious Grand Master, saying : Most Illustrious Grand Master: — I present to you Companion , for installation as Thrice Illustrious Master of this Council. I find him to be well skilled in the Royal Mysteries, zealous in diffusing the sacred principles of our fathers, and one in whose integrity and fidelity his Companions of Council repose the highest confidence. ADDRESS AND CHARGE TO THE THRICE ILLUS- TRIOUS MASTER. Thkice Illustrious Companion : — I take great pleasure in re- ceiving you as the presiding officer of this Council. It is a station highly honorable to him who diligently and faithfully performs its duties. Before investing you, however, with the appropriate insignia of your office, I must require your unequivocal assent to the following interrogatories : 1. Do you solemnly promise that you will use your best en- deavors to correct the vices and purify the morals of your Com- panions, and promote the peace and prosperity of your Council ? 3 22 ORDER OP CEREMONIES OP 2. That you will not suffer your Select Council to be opened when there are less than nine Select Masters present ? 3. That you will not suffer any one to pass the Circle of Per- fection in your Council in whose integrity, fervency and zeal you have not entire confidence ? 4. That you will not acknowledge nor hold intercourse with any Council that does not work under some regular and constitu- tional authority ? 5. That you will not admit any visitor into your Council who has not been regularly and lawfully invested with the degrees con- ferred therein, without his having previously been formally healed ? 6. That you will faithfully observe and support such by-laws as may be made by your Council, in conformity with the Constitu- tion and General Regulations of the Order ? 7. That you will pay due respect and obedience to the Grand Officers, when duly installed, and sustain them in the discharge of their lawful duties ? Do you submit to all these requirements, and promise to observe and practice them faithfully ? Response. — I do. The Grand Master of Ceremonies will then conduct the Thrice Illus- trious Master to the altar for the official obligation, previous to taking which the Grand Chaplain is conducted to the altar, where the follow- ing prayer is offered : PRAYER. Eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of every good and perfect gift, we thy humble servants approach thee with reverence and implore thy blessing upon the Com- panion elected to preside over this Council, and now prostrate before thee. Fill his heart with thy love and fear, that his words and actions may proclaim thy glory. Make him steadfast in thy service ; animate his heart and strengthen his endeavors, that he may teach thy judgments and laws; and grant him, we beseech thee, that sure trust and confidence in thee which will enable him GRAND COUNCIL OF MASS. 23 to live according to thy will, impartially administering justice, and faithfully maintaining true religion and virtue in the Council over vifhich he presides. Bless him, O Lord, and bless the work of his hands. Hear thou in heaven, thy dwelling-place, and forgive our trans- gressions. Glory be to God on High. Response. — As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. OBLIGATION. I, , do solemnly promise that I will faithfully, and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and that I will strictly conform to the require- ments of the By-Laws of this C9uncil and the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Most Illustrious Grand Master addresses the Thrice Illustrious Master as follows : With entire confidence in the rectitude of your intentions and in the integrity of your character as a Select Master, I now invest you with the appropriate insignia of your office. I now present, you with the Holy Bible, Square and Compass, together with the Trowel. The Holy Bible, that Great Light in every degree in Free- masonry, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path ; it will strengthen our faith, inspire our hope, and lead us to noble deeds of charity to all mankind. The Square and Compass teach us to practice the precepts of the moral law, and to bring our passions and prejudices in subjec- tion to the will of our Heavenly Father. • The Trowel teaches us to cultivate those social virtues which will cement us into one sacred society of Companions and Brothers. I also commit to your charge the Charter, by the authority of which this Council is held ; you are carefully to preserve and duly transmit it to your successor in office. 24 ORDER OF CEREMONIES OF I present you with the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Council, and also the By-Laws of your Council. You will cause them to be frequently read and punctually obeyed. Lastly, I place in your hands this Gavel, the emblem of author- ity, one blow of which will always command attention. Having been honored with, the free suffrages of your Compan- ions, and elevated to the highest office within their gift, it becomes your duty to set them an example of diligence, industry and fidel- ity ; to see that the officers associated with you faithfully perform their respective duties, and that the interests and reputation of your Council are not endangered by imprudence or neglect. The important trust committed to your charge will call forth your best exertions and the exercise of your best faculties. As the representative of the wise King of Israel, it will be your duty to recite the sacred traditions and illustrate the moral princi- ples of the Order ; to cherish the 'worthy, and to hold in due venera- tion the Ancient Landmarks. By a frequent recurrence to the By-Laws of your Council and the General Regulations and Constitution of the Grand Council, YOU will be enabled to fulfil the important obligations resting upon you with honor to yourself and credit to the Craft. And may He, without whose approving smiles our labors are all in vain, give strength to your endeavors and support to your exertions. The Most Illustrious Grand Master then conducts the Thrice lUusti-ious Master to his seat, and addresses the Companions of the new Council as follows : Companions of Council, behold your Thrice Illustrious Master, and salute him with the (public or private) honors of a Royal and Select Master. The Grand Master of Ceremonies then presents each of the officers in succession to the Most Illustrious Grand Master, who will administer an obligation similar to that administered to the Thrice Illustrious Master, and address each as follows : CHARGE TO THE DEPUTY MASTER. Illttstrious Companion : — Having been elected to the second office in this Council, it is with great pleasure that I now invest you with the insignia of your office. GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 25 The duties of the important ofRce to which your Companions have elevated you will require your constant and earnest attention. You are to occupy flie second seat in the Council, and it will be your duty to aid and support your Chief in all the requirements of his office. • In his absence you will be called upon to preside in the Council, and to discharge all the important duties pertaining to his station. Although the representative of a king, and elevated in rank above your Companions, you should never forget that, in all the duties you owe to God, your neighbor and yourself, you and they stand upon the same level of equality. Let the bright example of your illustrious predecessor in the Grand Council at Jerusalem stimulate you to the faithful perform- ance of every duty, and when the King of Kings shall summon you to his immediate presence may you receive from his hand a crown of glory that shall never fade away. CHARGE TO THE PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORK. Illustrious Companion : — As the third officer of this Coun- cil, I now invest you with the insignia of your office. In the absence of your superior officers you will be required to perform the duties pertaining to their respective stations ; and as the inter- ests of your Council ought never to suffer from the want of intel- ligence in its officers, you will allow me to urge upon you the necessity of being always qualified and prepared to meet any emergency that may arise. Having been admitted to the fellowship of kings, you will be frequently reminded that the office of Mediator is both honorable and praiseworthy. Let it, therefore, be your constant care to preserve harmony and unanimity of sentiment among the members of your Council. Discountenance whatever may tend to create division and dissensions among the brethren in any of the depart- ments of Masonry. And, as the glorious sun at its meridian dis- pels the mists and clouds that obscure the horizon, so may your exertions tend to dissipate the mists of jealousy and discord, should any such ever unfortunately arise in your Council. CHARGE TO THE TREASURER. Companion :— You have been elected to a very important and responsible office in this Council, and I now with pleasure invest 26 ORDER OP CEREMONIES OF you with the insignia of your ofBce. It is your duty to number and weigh out the shekels of the sanctuary, and provide for the helpless orphan. The qualities which should' distinguish you are accuracy and fidelity — accuracy in keeping a true and fair account of the receipts and disbursements ; fidelity in carefully preserving the property and funds of the Council, and in rendering a just account of the same when required. Your interest in this Council, your attachment to the Craft, and your known integrity of character, are a sure guaranty that your duties will be faithfully performed. CHARGE TO THE RECORDER. Companion : — I now invest you with the insignia of your office. The qualities which should distinguish you in discharging the various duties pertaining to your station, are correctness in record- ing the proceedings of your Council, judgment in discriminating between what is proper and what is improper to be written, regu- larity in making the returns to the Grand Council, integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass through your hands, and fidelity in paying the same over to the Treasurer. The possession of these qualities has designated you as a suitable Companion for the important office to which you have been elected, and I enter- tain no doubt you will discharge all the duties incumbent on you with fidelity and honor. And when you shall have completed the record of your transactions here below, and finished the term of your probation, may you be admitted to the Grand Council above and find your name recorded in the Book of Life. CHARGE TO THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD. Companion: — Having been elected Captain of the Guard in this Council, I present you with the insignia of your office. Guard well your post and suffer none to pass it but the select, the faithful and the worthy. Be ever attentive to the commands of your Chief, and be always near at hand to see them duly executed. CHARGE TO THE CONDUCTOR. Companion : — The office to which you have been elected is one of much importan.ce in the proceedings of this Council. I there- GRAND COUNCIL OF MASS, 27 fore with pleasure invest you with the insignia of your office. In the discharge of the duties appertaining to it, and with which you are doubtless familiar, be fervent and zealous ; let uprightness and integrity attend your steps, justice and mercy mark your conduct, and you will thus secure the respect and esteem of your Compan- ions and the approbation of your conscience. CHARGE TO THE CHAPLAIN. Rev. Companion : — You have been appointed Chaplain of this Council. I now invest you with the insignia of your office. Your good inclinations will undoubtedly aid you in the performance of those selemn services which created beings should constantly ren- der to their Great Creator, and which, when offered by one whose oly profession it is to point to Heaven and lead the way, may, by refining our morals, strengthening our virtues and purifying our minds, prepare us for admission into the presence of our Supreme Grand- Master, where happiness will be as perfect as it is endless. CHARGE TO THE MARSHAL OR MASTER OF CEREMONIES. Companion : — I now invest you with the insignia of your sta- tion. The duties of your office require your careful attention. It is your duty to sound the silver trumpet at early dawn and eve of day, when the sun's first and last beams gild the mountain tops ; to announce high noon, and proclaim the time of labor and of rest. It is your duty, in connection with the Conductor, to attend to the examination of visitors, and to take special care that none are per- mitted to enter but such as have proved their title to our favor • and friendship. I present you with the implement of your office, in the confident belief that it is intrusted to competent and faithful hands. CHARGE TO THE STEWARD. CoitPANiON : — You have been appointed Steward of this Coun- cil, and I now invest you with the insignia of your office, in full confidence that you will guard with sleepless vigilance the entrance to. the secret vault; and I trust that a just regard for the reputa- tion of a good and faithful servant will ever stimulate you to the faithful performance of the trust reposed in you. 28 ORDER OP CEREMONIES OP CHARGE TO THE SENTINEL. Companion : — You have been appointed Sentinel of this Coun- cil, and I take pleasure in investing you with this insignia and presenting you with this implement of your office. The Sword is placed in your hands to enable you to guard the Sanctuary and entrance to the secret passage against intruders ; it should morally serve as a constant admonition to us to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts, to place a watch at the door of our lips, to post a sentinel at the avenue of our actions, thereby excluding every unworthy thought, word and deed, and enabling us to preserve our consciences void of offence towards God and man. CHARGE TO THE COUNCIL. Worthy Companions : — From the nature of the constitution of ever}!' society, some must of necessity rule and others obey. And while justice and moderation are required of the officers in the dis- charge of their official duties, subordination and respect for their rulers are equally demanded of its members. The relation is recip- rocal.' The interests of both are inseparable ; and without mutual cooperation the labors of neither can succeed. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Let, therefore, brotherly love prevail among you ; let each be emulous of the others in all good works, in promoting peace and unity, and in striving to see who best can rule and best obey. Let the avenues to your passions be strictly guarded ; let no curious intruder find his way into the secret reces- ses of your retirement to disturb the harmony which should ever prevail among the select and chosen. In so doing you will secure the prosperity of your Council, the respect of your Companions, and the commendation of your own consciences. The following Proclamation is then made by the Grand Master of Cere- monies : By order of the Most Illustrious Grand Master, I proclaim that the officers of Council, elected and appointed, have been duly installed into their respective offices, and the Council is now constitutionally organized for business. All interested will take due notice, and be governed accordingly. GRAND COUNCIL OF MASS. 29 The Grand Chaplain shall conclude the installation ceremonies by deliv- ering the following, or some suitable form of PRAYER. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, by whose kind providence we have been permitted to assemble together this evening, in this place consecrated to the purposes of Freemasonry, we praise thee for thy goodness and implore the continuance of thy fatherly pro- tection. Most humbly do we beseech thee to be gracious to this Council. Pour upon it the continual dew of thy blessing, that it may always be kept in unity of spirit and in the bond of peace. May its officers and members follow the examples of that noble body of Masons who have gone before them, in all virtue and godly living, that so like them, when the work and discipline of life are ended, th.ey may come to those unspeakable glories which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee. And now unto thee, who art able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of thy glory, with ex- ceeding joy, even unto thee, the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, henceforth arid forever. Glory be to God on High. Response. — As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Grand Officers then retire, and the new Council is closed by its own officers. FORMiS, FORM OF A PETITION FOR A DISPENSATION FOR A NEW COUNCIL. To the M. I. Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massachusetts : The undersigned petitioners, being Royal, Select and Super- Excellent Masters, having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, and being willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Cryptic Masonry, respectfully represent that they are desirous of forming a new Council in the of , and Commonwealth of , to be named Council. They therefore pray for a dispensation to empower them to assemble as a legal Council, to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the Order and the Regulations of the Grand Council. They have nominated and do recommend Comp. A. B. to be the first T. I. Master, Comp. C. D. to be the first Deputy Master, and Comp. E. F. to be the first Principal Conductor of the Work of said Council. If the prayer of the petitioners shall be granted they promise a strict conformity to the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Council. Dated at , , A. Dep. 28 . N. B. — The above petition must be signed by not less than nine Select Masters, and be approved by the Council nearest to the proposed new one, which approval should always be obtained before presenting the petition to the M. I. Grand Master. FORM OF DISPENSATION. To all whom it may concern, Greeting : [l. S.J Whereas, a petition of sundry Companions, Royal Snd Select Masters, residing in or near the of , in the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts, praying that a Dispensation may be GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 31 granted them to open and hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in said ; and whereas the same has been duly- recommended, as required by the Regulations of our Grand Council. Now, KNOW YE. that I, , Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal an(f Select Masters of Mas- sachusetts, by virtue of the power in me vested, do grant this my Dispensation to A. B., C. D. and E. F., the petitioners aforesaid, and to their associates ; and empower them to open and hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters at the place aforesaid, to be called and distinguished by the name of Council, and to confer the several degrees of Royal, Select and Super-Excellent Master upon such person or persons, possessing the requisite qual- ifications, as they may deem proper. And I do by these presents appoint Companion A. B. as Thrice Illustrious Master, Companion C. D. as Deputy Master, and Com- panion E. F. as Principal Conductor of the Work ; with continuance to them of the said powers and privileges until the next annual Assembly of our Grand Council, to be held on the second Wednes- day of December, A. D. 18 — , and no longer. Provided, nevertheless, that the said officers and members of the said Council pay due respect to our Grand Council and to the Constitution and Edicts thereof, and in no way remove the Ancient Landmarks of our Order; otherwise this Dispensation, and all things therein contained, to be void and of no effect. Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Massachusetts, this day of , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy- , Most Illustrious Grand Master. Attest : , Grand Recorder. FORM OF A PETITION FOR A CHARTER. To the M. I. Grand Council of the Gommonwealth of Massachusetts : The utfdersigned petitioners, being Royal, Select and Super- Excellent Masters, respectfully represent that they have been 32 FORMS PRESCRIBED BY THE working as a Council of Royal and Select Masters, by virtue of a Dispensation granted by the Most Illustrious Grand Master, on the day of , 18 — , in the of , county of , and Commonwealth aforesaid, and that they have returned their dispensation to the Grand Council, together with their by- • laws and records, whicn they submit for the approval of your Grand Council, with their doings under said Dispensation, and now pray for a Charter, and to have their Council regularly con- stituted and consecrated, and their officers duly installed under the same, according to the regulations of your Grand Council. They have nominated and do recommend Comp. A. B. to be the first T. I. Master, Comp. C. D. to be the first Deputy Master, and Comp. E. F. to be the first Prinpipal Conductor of the Work of said Council. If this prayer of the petitioners shall be granted, they promise a strict conformity to the Constitution and regulations of the Grand Council. ^ Dated at , A. Dep. 28 . N. B. — This petition must be signed by at least nine of the original petitioners for the Dispensation. FORM OF CHARTER. To ALL Illustrious Companions, Royal and Selject Masters, throughout the Globe. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, in and L ■ ■-■ for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, sendeth greeting : Be it knovtn, That in pursuance of the powers vested in us by the Constitution of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and for sundry good and sufficient reasons and causes us thereunto moving, and reposing special confidence in the Masonic abilities of the follow- ing Companions, Royal and Select Masters, all resident in or near the , of , in the county of , in the Common- wealtli aforesaid, we have constituted, and by these presents do constitute, A. B., C. D. and E. F., together with all their regular associates, Companions and successors, into a Council of Royal GRAND C6UNCIL OF MASS. 33 and Select Masters, by the name of Council of Eoyal and Select Masters, to take rank, date and precedence from the in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and . And we do hereby authorize and empower them, the Companions aforesaid, or any nine of them, from time to tiine, and at all times hereafter, to open and hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters " in said , and to admit alt their discretion any Royal Arch Mason to the degrees of Royal Master, Select Master and Super- Excellent Master ; and for that purpose to open and hold Councils of Royal Masters, Select Masters and Super-Excellent Masters, agreeably to ancient usage and custom ; also to make and establish by-laws and regulations ' for the government of said Council, pro- vided such by-laws and regulations are not contrary to the Consti- tution of this Grand Council, and the same at pleasure to alter and repeal ; and further, to order and establish such dues and fees for the admission of candidates and members as to them, or a major part of them and their associates, shall seem propet*, and as are required by this Grand Council. And we do hereby appoint Companion first Thrice Illustrious Master, Companion first Deputy Master, and Companion first Principal Conductor of the Work, of said Council. And we do hereby enjoin upon the Companions of the said Council that they, or any number of them, do not at any time hold any private meetings or assemblies for Masonic purposes, except in the presence of the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, or a Companion appointed by the Most Illustrious Grand Master, or in liresence of either the Thrice Illustrious Master, Deputy Master or Principal Conductor of the Work of said Council, for the time being, and, further, that they regularly pay or cause to be paid, annually, to this Grand CouncU all their lawful dues. And it is absolutely required of the said Thrice Illustrious Mas- ter, Deputy Master and Principal Conductor' of the Work, tor the time being, that they attend regularly, either in person or by their proxies, at all stated Assemblies of this Grand Council. In witness whereof, ATe, the Most Illustrious Grand Mas- ter, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Principal Conductor of the 34 FOKMS PRESCRIBED BY THE Work have hereunto subscribed our names and caused the Seal of our Grand Council to be affixed, and the same to be attested by the Grand Recorder, in the city of Boston, and Commonwealth aforesaid, this day of , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and , and in the year of the Deposite two thousand ^ight hundred and . , Most Illustrious Grand Master. , Deputy Grand Master. , Grand Principal Conductor of the Work. , Attest : -, Grand Recorder. FORM OF PROXY. I, A. B., of Council, do hereby appoint Comp. C. D. my representative in the Grand Council of Massachusetts, at its next annual Assembly, to be held in Boston, on the — day of December, A. D. 18 — , empowering him to act in my behalf, here- by ratifying and confirming whatever he may lawfully do in said capacity. [seal.] FORM OF APPLICATION FOR DE'GREES. To the Thrice Illustrious Master, Officers and Companions of Council of Royal and Select Masters: I, , having regularly received the several degrees, from Entered Apprentice to that of Eoyal Arch Mason, inclusive, in duly constituted Masonic bodies, and being desirous to make fur- ther progress in Masonry, do hereby offer myself as a candidate for the degrees conferred in your Council, and promise, if admit- ted, to conform to all your requirements. My place of residence is . Age, . Occupation . I have before applied for said degrees. -A. D. 18 We, the subscribers. Royal and Select Masters, of regular stand- ing, do hereby certify that we are acquainted with Companion GRAND COUNCIL OP MASS. 35 , the above-named applicant; that we know him to be a regular Royal Arch Mason in good standing, and believe he is worthy the honor he solicits. FORM OF DIMIT. To all Royal and Select Masters, Greeting : Know Ye, that Companion was in good standing and clear of all charges on the books of Council of Royal and Select Masters, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council of Massachusetts, and by permission honorably withdrew his mem- bership from said Council on the day of , 18 — . In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my oflScial signa- ture and affixed the seal of Council, at , this ^ day of , 18 — . [l. s.] , Recorder. I GAYLAMOUNT 1 I PAMPHLET BINDER | GAYLORD BROS. Inc. i I Syracuse, N.Y. I Stockton, Calif. Cornell University Library HS737.M41 A3 1877 Constitution of the Grand Council of Roy 3 1924 030 348 100 olin,anx • =?*'*"■: