'i£iisilirdmt^£i£tt^d£€fi(£'jaSf*V^&' 
 
>15 
 
 QlarttcU Imnetsitg SJtbtatg 
 
 itifaca, Nfttt fork 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY 
 
 COULECTED BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWY 
 
 1854-1919 
 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 

 CMvihi^^i^ii 
 
 
 n 
 
 flA/«A<*^' 
 
 >^l><a-VCC-fl*k.; 
 
 
 Date 
 
 Due 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cornell University Library 
 HS445.P4 A3 
 
 Digest of decisions of lie Grand Lodge a 
 
 3 1924 030 300 713 
 olin.anx 
 
VL^O^^^T 
 
 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030300713 
 
OP THE 
 
 O^ranb Itobge anb O^ranb HSa£(terg 
 
THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF THE 
 MOST ANCIENT AND HONORARLE FRATERNITY OF 
 FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
 AND MASONIC JURISDICTION THEREUNTO RELONGEVG 
 
 J^tsesit of ^ttiimti 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OBranb ILob^t mh a^ranb/^asterg 
 
 A. D. 1912, A. L. 5912 
 PRINTED FOR THE GRAND LODGE 
 
 QOHUtLL 
 
 Ufj Vf-kM'i Y 
 
 i I B R ft 1^ Y 
 

 Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1912, by 
 
 WILLIAM L. GORGAS, R. W. G. M. 
 In the oflBce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
 
 Copies of the Ahiman Rezon and of the Digest of Decisions of the 
 
 Grand Lodge and Grand Masters may be obtained by the Brethren, 
 
 from the office of the R. W. Grand Secretary, Masonic Temple, 
 
 Philadelphia. Price, postage prepaid, $1.00 each. 
 
 3. Horace MoFarland Company 
 Habkisburo, Pa. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In his valedictory address, on St. John the Evangelist's 
 Day, A. D. 1909, A. L. 5909, R. W. Grand Master Brother 
 George B. Orlady said: 
 
 "During the past year an earnest effort was made to put 
 into form the decisions of Past Grand Masters, and the reports 
 of Committees approved by this Grand Lodge. This under- 
 taking involved a great deal of labor, as it required the read- 
 ing of every letter written by Grand Masters for the last forty 
 years, as well as the reports of the Proceedings, and has re- 
 sulted in the compilation of decisions aggregating over 1,000 
 pages of typewritten matter. I regret that it was not possible 
 to put this work into convenient form for the use of the Dis- 
 trict Deputy Grand Masters and Lodges during my adminis- 
 tration, and this matter is cheerfully passed over to my dis- 
 tinguished successor for such action as in his wise judgment 
 may be deemed right and proper." 
 
 In my salutatory address, on St. John the Evangelist's Day, 
 A. D. 1911, A. L. 5911, I stated: 
 
 "With fourteen hundred decisions, since the year 1856, when 
 Right Worshipful Brother Williamson was Grand Master, 
 down to the present day, staring me in the face, I sincerely hope 
 I will not be called upon, during my term of office, to give any 
 interpretation of or my views upon any part of the Ahiman 
 Rezon. It would seem as if every possible construction has 
 been put on every line and sentence of it, and therefore advis- 
 able to have the many hundred pages of typewritten decisions 
 prepared by Right Worshipful Brother George B. Orlady, when 
 he was Grand Master, condensed, codified, and printed, or our 
 Ahiman Rezon revised to cover these decisions." 
 
 I have asked Brother James M. Lamberton, Chairman of 
 the Committee on Correspondence, to arrange and edit these 
 decisions; and, in doing so, the decisions of recent years have 
 been gone over, and some others have been included. 
 
 In the Ahiman Rezon of 1895, now in use. Section XII 
 contains "Digest of Decisions of the Grand Lodge, and 
 Grand Masters." In 1895, the Committee on Revision, the 
 
 (v) 
 
VI PREFACE 
 
 then Grand Master, R. W. Brother Matthias H. Henderson, 
 and R. W. Brothers William J. Kelly, Henry W. Williams, and 
 George E. Wagner, each of whom became Grand Master in 
 due course, being members of the Committee and approving, 
 recommended that a number of previous decisions should be 
 modified, and in consequence the "Digest" in its modified form, 
 with the rest of the matters contained in the book in addition 
 to the "Ahiman Rezon" proper, was submitted to the Grand 
 Lodge for its approval, which it received, December 4, A. D. 
 1895, A. L. 5895, and which is indicated by the addition under 
 the title of Section XII, page 178, of "Revised, A. D. 1895, 
 A. L. 5895." 
 
 These decisions, with one or two exceptions which were 
 found to conflict with the Ahiman Rezon, are included in the 
 present Digest, and are indicated by "Grand Lodge, 1895." 
 
 Since the last revision of the Ahiman Rezon, in 1895, ad- 
 ditional questions have been presented by the Committees on 
 Landmarks and on Appeals and by Special Committees, whose 
 reports, having been approved by the Grand Lodge, are con- 
 trolling on the questions so decided. 
 
 The references to the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge 
 prior to A. D. 1880, A. L. 5880, are to be found in the Reprint 
 of the Minutes of the Grand Lodge, in twelve volumes, being in- 
 dicated by "Reprint, Vol. — , p. — ." 
 
 The letter books, preserved in the Grand Master's office, 
 begin with No. 1, when R. W. Brother Richard Vaux was 
 Grand Master, his years of service and those of his successors 
 being as follows (each having been installed on St. John the 
 EvangeUst's Day of the preceding year) : 
 
 R. W. Brother Richard Vaux *1868 and 1869 
 
 R. W. Brother Robert A. Lamberton 1870 and 1871 
 
 R. W. Brother Samuel C. Perkins 1872 and 1873 
 
 R. W. Brother Alfred R. Potter 1874 and 1875 
 
 R. W. Brother Robert Clark 1876 and 1877 
 
 R. W. Brother J. Madison Porter 1878 
 
 R. W. Brother Michael Nisbet 1879 and 1880 
 
 R. W. Brother Samuel B. Dick 1881 and 1882 
 
 R. W. Brother Ckjnrad B. Day 1883 and 1884 
 
 R. W. Brother E. Copp6e Mitchell 1885 and 1886 
 
 R. W. Brother Joseph Eichbaum 1887 and 1888 
 
 R. W. Brother Clifford P. MacCaUa 1889 and 1890 
 
 * Brother Vaux became Acting Grand Master on July 17, 1867i on the 
 death oi R. W. Grand Master Brother John L. Goddard. 
 
PREFACE Vii 
 
 R. W. Brother J. Simpson Africa 1891 and 1892 
 
 R. W. Brother Michael Arnold 1893 and 1894 
 
 R. W. Brother Matthias H. Henderson 1895 and 1896 
 
 R. W. Brother WiUiam J. Kelly 1897 and 1898 
 
 R. W. Brother Henry W. Williams 1899 
 
 R. W. Brother George E. Wagner *1900 and 1901 
 
 R. W. Brother Edgar A. Tennis 1902 and 1903 
 
 R. W. Brother James W. Brown 1904 and 1905 
 
 R. W. Brother George W. Kendrick, Jr 1906 and 1907 
 
 R. W. Brother George B. Orlady 1908 and 1909 
 
 R. W. Brother George W. Guthrie 1910 and 1911 
 
 R. W. Brother WilUam L. Gorgas 1912 
 
 Decisions of the Grand Lodge are the lawuntil changed by 
 the Grand Lodge; a decision of the Grand Master is the law 
 until changed by a succeeding Grand Master. 
 
 After consultation with my fellow Grand Officers and with 
 the Committee on Landmarks, to whom, for their valuable 
 suggestions, I return my cordial thanks, this Digest of Decisions 
 is issued by me, so as to furnish in convenient form infor- 
 mation for the determination of questions touching the Ancient 
 Usages, Customs, Landmarks, Rules and Regulations of the 
 Fraternity, and, in connection with the Ahiman Rezon, repre- 
 sents the Masonic Law of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Grand Masters have made decisions, both orally and in 
 writing, and issued Edicts upon matters contained in this Digest, 
 as well as upon additional and supplemental questions; and, in 
 cases of real or apparent conflict between decisions herewith 
 issued and those heretofore decided, the earlier ones are con- 
 sidered and interpreted as amended, revised, or suspended; all 
 other previous decisions are suspended. 
 
 Where the decisions of Grand Masters as given in this 
 Digest are not printed verbatim as first announced, it will be 
 understood that they have been interpreted or modified as 
 herewith issued. 
 
 William L. Gorgas, 
 December, A. D. 1912, A. L. 5912. Grand Master. 
 
 *Brother Wagner became Acting Grand Master on January 25, 1899, on 
 the death of R. W. Grand Master Brother Henry W. Williams. 
 
DIGEST OF DECISIONS 
 
 ADMISSION OF MEMBERS AND VISITORS. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Article XXFV, Sections 1, S,p. 71. 
 
 VISITATION. 
 
 1. A visitor to a Lodge is admitted as an act of courtesy 
 and not as a matter of right. 
 
 Nisbet. July 28, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 777. 
 
 2. The Master has an absolute right to admit visitors at 
 
 his pleasure. He is bound, however, to maintain the harmony 
 
 of his Lodge, and it should never be his pleasure to admit a 
 
 visitor, to whom objection is made by a member in open Lodge. 
 
 Committee on Landmarks. Jan. 4, 
 1853. Reprint, Vol. IX, p. 46. 
 MacCalla. Pro. 1890, p. 143. Ar- 
 nold. Pro. 1893, p. 93. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 3. The power of a Master to refuse admission to any one 
 
 desiring to visit his Lodge, is undoubted. The harmony of the 
 
 Lodge is entrusted to his care, and he must have the power to 
 
 say who may or who may not be admitted to its meetings. 
 
 Committee on Landmarks. Pro. 1883, 
 p. 12. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 A, Much of the difficulty which has arisen upon the subject 
 of the right of visitation is attributable to the fact that that 
 right has been dignified by the appellation of "Landmark," 
 and has been by some regarded as such. In this Jurisdiction 
 it is not so held. A Master whose duty it is to superintend 
 and govern his Lodge, and to promote peace and harmony 
 among those directly committed to his care, must direct his 
 course and rule, guided by the Landmarks at all times, other- 
 wise he is unfitted for his station. He must not deviate from 
 them. "The good order and harmony of a Lodge are entrusted 
 to the Master 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 
 
 (1) 
 
2 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 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 fraternal and Masonic manner." [Procedings of June 4, 
 1855. Reprint, Vol. EX., p. 46.] 
 
 I am imwilUng to dignify as a Landmark the right of visita^ 
 tion. I recognize a custom as in existence and to be observed, 
 which may be phrased thus : It is a custom of the Craft to 
 permit an aflfihated Master Mason in good standing to visit 
 and sit in any regular Lodge, subject to the Usage, Law and 
 Regulation of the Jurisdiction in which he may at the time be. 
 When I speak of a visitor, I mean an afiiUated Master Mason 
 seeking admittance to a Lodge other than his own. A visitor 
 possesses the right of visiting any regular Masonic Lodge, sub- 
 ject to be controlled in the exercise of that right by the Laws 
 or Regulations of the Jurisdiction which he proposes to visit. 
 A Master Mason possesses the unqualified right of objecting 
 to the adinission of a visitor, being answerable to his own 
 consciience alone, that his objection is founded upon good and 
 sufficient cause. A Master Mason objecting to a visitor is 
 bound neither to account to the Lodge, nor to give his reasons 
 for the objection. He is the sole and exclusive judge of the 
 sufficiency of the reason inducing the objection. He is entitled 
 to the whole force of the presumption that he is keeping his 
 Masonic covenant, and would not wilfully or knowingly wrong 
 his Brother. It is alike his privilege and his duty to be in his 
 Lodge. His presence may be needful to his Brethren, but, 
 whether so or not, he passes upon the question as to whether 
 he shall be driven from his own Lodge by the introduction of 
 one offensive to him, or to his aversion be compelled to remain. 
 If a Master Mason has sufficient reason for objecting to a 
 visitor, it is not his duty to prefer charges. He may do so, if 
 he thinks it proper. It is purely optional with him. 
 
 Lamberton. Feb. 26, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 70. 
 
 EXAMINATION OF VISITORS. 
 
 5. The greatest caution should be taken in the examination 
 
 and recognition of visitors not known or vouched for as Masons, 
 
 Perkins. Pro. 1872, p. 103. (Reprint, 
 Vol. XI, p. 439). Potter. Pro. 1873, 
 p. 43. (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 469). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 3 
 
 6. No examination shall be gone into in any case, unless the 
 
 visitor shall have sent into the Lodge his name written by 
 
 himself, accompanied by a Lodge or Grand Lodge Certificate, 
 
 if he hails from a Lodge within the State; or a Grand Lodge 
 
 Certificate from the proper Jurisdiction, if he hails from a 
 
 Lodge without the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. 
 
 Special Committee. December 15, 1828. 
 Reprint Vol. VI, p. 31. 
 
 7. It is necessary in this and many Jurisdictions that either a 
 Grand Lodge Certificate or a receipt for dues for the preceding 
 year, with the seal of the Lodge attached, be presented, before 
 entering upon the examination of a visitor who cannot be law- 
 fully vouched for. Guthrie. Pro. 1910. p. 144. 
 
 8. One cannot be admitted as a visitor on documentary 
 
 evidence alone. He must prove himself in the usual way. The 
 
 old direction must be observed "You are cautiously to examine 
 
 him, etc., etc., and beware of giving him any hints of knowledge," 
 
 A competent Committee in making an examination consider 
 
 all the facts of the case, and the known character of the visitor, 
 
 and must be satisfied. Lamberton. March 14, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 
 p. 43. 
 
 9. An examination for visitation should never be made in 
 any other place than a Lodge room. Masonic Hall, and there 
 only by a Committee appointed by the Master, or, if the Lodge 
 be not meeting, by the Master in the interval between meetings. 
 No one except the Master or the Committee of the Lodge has 
 authority to make such an examination, and no place except 
 that above indicated is proper for the same. 
 
 MacCalla. Sept. 24, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 p. 939. Africa, Apr. 8, 1891. L. B. 
 13, p. 89. 
 
 10. Ad. applicant for admission as a visitor to a Lodge must 
 satisfy the Committee of Examination, and, through it, the 
 Lodge, that he is a Master Mason in good Masonic standing; 
 and there is no appeal from its decision in this respect. 
 
 MacCalla. June 30, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 635. 
 
 11. No private examination is sufficient to authorize a 
 Brother to vouch for one who applies to visit a Lodge. 
 
 Perkins. Sept. 27, 1872. L. B. 5, p. 299. 
 
4 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 12. Examinations by individual members are not permitted. 
 The proper way is by a Committee of a Lodge appointed by 
 the Master and within tyled doors. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1905, p. 103. Wagner. 
 Pro. 1901, p. 103. 
 
 13. It is neither right nor proper to send the Jimior Warden 
 as a member of a Committee to examine a visitor, who may 
 apply for admission to the Lodge. The duties of the Junior 
 Warden are well defined, and among them is not the exami- 
 nation of visitors. Lamberton. Feb. 16, 1871. L. B. 3, 
 
 p. 490. 
 
 14. It is neither proper nor expedient for a Lodge to 
 
 suspend its proceedings, while the examination of a visitor is 
 
 in progress. MacCalla. Sept. 14, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 916. 
 
 15. An Examining Committee may report in either a 
 
 Master Mason's, a Fellow Craft, or an Entered Apprentice 
 
 Lodge, and should not be kept waiting until the Lodge is opened 
 
 in the Master Mason's degree, in case the Conamittee is ready to 
 
 report and no work is in progress. 
 
 MacCaUa. June 19, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 p. 703. 
 
 16. After the examination is completed, the visitor should 
 retire to the ante-room, and be introduced in the usual manner, 
 after the Committee have made their report. 
 
 Perkins. Oct. 21, 1872. L. B. 5,p. 320. 
 
 ANNOUNCEMENT OF MEMBERS AND VISITORS. 
 
 17. The names of members and visitors must be written 
 by themselves, and handed to the Tyler, and by him to the 
 Pursuivant. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 216. 
 
 18. All members of, or visitors to, a Lodge should be an- 
 noimced by name in the Lodge before the Master permits them 
 to enter. The names of all members should be announced to 
 the Master by the Pursuivant, before they are admitted. The 
 names of visitors should be announced by the Senior Warden 
 to the Master, who may admit them, if known or vouched, or 
 deny them admission at his will and pleasure. Several members 
 may be announced together. In no case should the Pursuivant 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 5 
 
 be directed to admit those known to hinx without announce- 
 ment. Thi^ can be done only in the Grand Lodge by the dis- 
 pensing power of the Grand Master. 
 
 Arnold. Sept. 15, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 935. 
 
 VOUCHING JFOR VISITOR. 
 
 19. A Tyler of a Lodge may vouch for a visitor whom he 
 
 has not sat with in a Lodge, if the visitor is introduced to him 
 
 outside of the Lodge by one with whom he has sat, who vouches 
 
 to the Tyler, in the presence of the proposed visitor, that the 
 
 said visitor is a Master Mason. What is requisite in every such 
 
 case is, that all three Brethren shall be present together; that 
 
 one Brother should have been Masonically known to the other, 
 
 and one of these two vouches to the other that the third party 
 
 is a Master Mason. MacCaUa. July 1, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 
 746. 
 
 20. It is not proper for the Master to receive the Tyler's 
 
 avouchment for a stranger from the Pursuivant. When the 
 
 latter announces that the former can vouch for a stranger, the 
 
 Tyler should be reqmred to come into the Lodge room,. and 
 
 make his avouchment directly to the Master. There will then 
 
 be no danger of the identity of the visitor being lost. Any other 
 
 method is not proper, and cannot be permitted. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1895, p. 109. Wagner. 
 Pro. 1901, p. 104. 
 
 21. If a Brother A, who has sat in a Master Mason's Lodge 
 
 with a Brother B, meets a Brother C otherwise than in Lodge, 
 
 and personally introduces B to C as a Master Mason, C can 
 
 vouch for B. If B and C are both present at the opening of 
 
 the Lodge, when the question as to B's being a Master Mason 
 
 comes up, C can vouch for him at once. If the Lodge is already 
 
 open, and C is in the Lodge, when the name of B is announced 
 
 as a visitor, C must go outside and satisfy himself by personal 
 
 inspection that B, whose name is so announced, is the identical 
 
 B to whom he was introduced as a Master Mason by A. This 
 
 method of vouching cannot be carried further in succession; 
 
 that is, C cannot after the introduction to him of B by A, as a 
 
 Master Mason, introduce B to D, and then D vouches B upon 
 
 such information. Perkins. Oct. 16, 1872. L. B. 5, p. 
 
 312. 
 
6 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 22. To sit with a person somewhere else than in a regular 
 Lodge, is not lawful Masonic information that he is a Master 
 Mason in good standing. Mitchell. Jan. 1, 1886. L. B. 10, p. 17. 
 
 VISITORS ON ELECTION NIGHT. 
 
 23. The Ahiman Rezon, Section 1, Article XLV, page 71, 
 
 reading, "No visitor shall be admitted during an election of 
 
 officers," means "No visitor shall be admitted or be present 
 
 during the election of officers." 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 221. 
 
 24. After the election is completed, you may permit visitors 
 to enter and witness the installation and other work, and take 
 part in the refreshments, if any are prepared. 
 
 * Arnold. Dec. 24, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 
 771. 
 
 VISITORS WHO MAY NOT BE ADMITTED. 
 
 25. The Lodge cannot admit a visitor, or examine those who 
 have certificates issued by any Grand Orient or other Bodies 
 which derive their authority from any Grand Orient, Grand 
 Council, or Scottish Rite. They must hail from a Grand Lodge 
 working the three Symbolic degrees only. 
 
 Clark. Jan. 20, 1877. L. B. 7, p. 226. 
 
 26. A Brother visiting a clandestine Lodge or affiliating with 
 clandestine Masons, must not be admitted to a Lodge in this 
 Jurisdiction. Members of Lodges holding Masonic intercourse 
 with clandestine Masons give cause to have charges preferred 
 against them. KeUy. Pro. 1898, p. 110. 
 
 27. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania declared the Cemeau 
 Rite to be clandestine, and one of my predecessors, in pursuance 
 thereof, issued an Edict instructing the Masters of all the Lodges 
 in the Jurisdiction "not to admit as a visitor any person claim- 
 ing to be a Free and Accepted Mason who is a member of any 
 body of the said clandestine Cerneau Rite, either in this or in 
 any other Masonic Jurisdiction." 
 
 Africa. Aug. 26, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 348-349. 
 
 See Clandestine Bodies, S09-SZ7. See also, 5-19, SIS, 415, 7S8. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS / 
 
 ADULTERY. 
 
 28. Adultery with a Master Mason's wife is crime against 
 Masonry, which it never has pardoned, and never can pardon. 
 See Protection, 79S. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1892, p. 44. 
 
 ADVANCEMENT. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, AH. XVII, Sec. 2Z, p. 5i: Art. XIX, Sec. S, p. 58 
 
 29. It is the duty of a Lodge to advance a Brother desiring 
 it, unless charges are preferred against him. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1871, p. 36 
 (Reprint, Vol. XI., p. 335). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 30. A Freemason under charges cannot be advanced. 
 
 MacCalla. Deo. 17, 1889. L. B. 12, p. 
 144. 
 
 31. It is essential that an Entered Apprentice or Fellow 
 Craft Mason should be under the tongue of good Masonic 
 report in order to justify his advancement. Hence, if the con- 
 trary is alleged, charges may be preferred against such an 
 Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason, the charge being that 
 the said candidate for advancement is not under the tongue of 
 good Masonic report. In support of this charge, any competent 
 testimony may be introduced that goes to prove the bad char- 
 acter of said candidate. Those making the charge are not 
 confined to matters which occurred subsequent to the date of 
 his being entered, his entire character is under review, of course, 
 as to his present character and how it is affected by his past 
 acts. He must be of good moral character now to warrant his 
 advancement, and his character now may be proved by his 
 recent acts and general reputation. The specifications under 
 the charge should specifically set forth the alleged defects of char- 
 acter. While a Brother cannot have been guilty of unmasonic 
 conduct before he was made a Mason, he may have deceived 
 his present Brethem as to his real character, and if this is 
 discovered to have been bad before his initiation and to remain 
 bad, at the present time, he is manifestly not under the tongue 
 of good Masonic report, and a charge may be lawfully brought 
 against him. A charge of not being under the tongue of good 
 Masonic report will not he against a Master Mason. He must 
 
8 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 be charged with umnasonic conduct, and this conduct must 
 
 have been exhibited since initiation. 
 
 See 14s. MacCaJla. Jan. 23, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 257. 
 
 32. I directed a Lodge not to advance a Brother for the 
 reason, that an investigation of his case developed the fact 
 that he was not under the tongue of good Masonic report. 
 Such authority is clearly incident to the office of the Grand 
 Master, and I consider it his bounden duty to exercise that 
 power, when there is evidence of any lack of a proper investi- 
 gation by a Lodge, coupled with clearly proven facts, that 
 should prevent a man of doubtful probity becoming a member 
 of our Fraternity. Orlady. Pro. 1909, p. 158. 
 
 33. By a decision of the Grand Lodge of October 2, 1854 
 
 [Reprint, Vol. VIII, pp. 414, 426, 457], as soon as a petitioner 
 
 is initiated, he becomes a member of the Lodge, and is entitled 
 
 to the other two degrees, unless charges are preferred against 
 
 him in open Lodge; notice of these charges must be given him. 
 
 The Lodge may act on the charges by referring them to a 
 
 Committee, and a majority of the members shall decide whether 
 
 the objections have been sustained; and, if not sustained, the 
 
 Brother is entitled to advancement. Every Brother must have 
 
 due Masonic notice of the charges preferred against him, and 
 
 when and where they will be investigated, and ample time 
 
 allowed him to put in a defense. 
 
 Nisbet. Sept. 6, 1880. L. B. 8, pp. 
 169-170. 
 
 34. An Entered Apprentice, although he has been such for 
 
 over a year, is not for that reason debarred from advancement. 
 
 If there was objection to his advancement, charges should have 
 
 been preferred. He is to be protected in his rights by the 
 
 Master. Lamberton. Jan. 7, 1871. L. B. 3, p. 
 
 428. 
 
 35. A Brother must go to the Lodge in which he was in- 
 itiated, pay all they claim of him, resign, with a Certificate of 
 good standing; and then, with that, apply for membership to 
 another Lodge, be elected unanimously in it, and take therein 
 
 the other degrees. Vaux. Feb. 17, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 183 
 
 Jan. 13, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 133. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 9 
 
 36i A member of a Lodge stating that he had charges 
 against a Brother and would be ready at the next meeting to 
 present them, requesting the Master to stop advancement of 
 the Brother, is sufficient to stop proceedings. He must be tried 
 on these charges in an Entered Apprentice, a Fellow Craft, or 
 a Master Mason's Lodge, as the facts require. The notice of 
 charge or charges presented stops the advancement or further 
 advancement, either, that is in a Fellow Craft or Master 
 Mason's degree. Vaux. Apr. 12, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 287. 
 
 37. Should objection be made to the adv§.ncement of a 
 
 Brother, the Master should allow a reasonable time to prepare 
 
 the charges, which ought always to be prepared carefully, 
 
 specifying distinctly the offence or offences complained of. 
 
 When objection is so made, and it is declared that the charges 
 
 will be formally preferred, the Master ought to announce in 
 
 open Lodge that he will postpone the advancement until the 
 
 next regular stated meeting, and unless the charges shall then 
 
 be preferred, he will proceed with the work. At such meeting, 
 
 the charges should be made, or the Brother advanced. 
 
 Lamberton. Feb. 12, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 54. 
 
 38. If a Brother's intemperate habits and unmasonic con- 
 duct have been continued since his initiation, charges can be 
 preferred against him, and, if they are sustained, he can be 
 expelled. If you are satisfied of his intemperate habits, you 
 can and should decline to advance him, until assured that a 
 permanent reform has been made. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 20, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 
 260. 
 
 39. An Entered Apprentice member having disgraced 
 himself and the Brethren by drunkenness and street fighting, 
 his advancement should be delayed a reasonable time, in order 
 to determine whether his offence be condoned, or he be 
 charged and tried. Arnold. May 25, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 See 168. '^^^■ 
 
 40. You will remember that the candidate is to be in- 
 structed and advanced on his instruction in Pennsylvania 
 work. He must have Pennsylvania instruction to entitle him 
 
10 DIGEST. OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 to advancement; hence, he cannot be passed on the work of any 
 
 other Jurisdiction. Arnold. June 26, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 839. 
 
 41. The question of proficiency in the work must be left to 
 
 the judgment of the Master, not to be interfered with, except 
 
 in case of gross negligence or misconduct. Ahiman Rezon, Art. 
 
 XIX, Sec. 3, p. 58. MitcheU. Feb. 20, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 
 675. 
 
 42. Before a candidate can be advanced, he should have 
 a general famiUarity with the work. He is not required to be 
 letter perfect in the final descriptive lecture, but with all that 
 precedes it he should have a thorough acquaintance. The obli- 
 gation is a very important part of the examination. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 4, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 372. 
 
 43. Proficiency before advancement, within the meaning 
 of the Ahiman Rezon, means such as to enable a Brother to 
 prove himself a Brother of the degree he has taken and pass 
 an examination for admission into a Lodge. He should be 
 able to state how he was prepared, the essential parts of his 
 obligation, and the ceremonies connected with the degree or 
 degrees he has received; but it is not necessary that he should 
 repeat all the ceremonies of his initiation. The Master alone 
 is to decide whether the Brother shall be advanced. 
 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 82. 
 
 44. The Master of a Lodge should select competent Brethren 
 of his Lodge, whose duty it should be to instruct candidates in 
 the several degrees, so that they may give evidence of pro- 
 ficiency before advancement. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 137. 
 
 45. In view of the fact that Bro. , a Fellow Craft 
 
 Mason and member of your Lodge, "has removed to New York 
 
 City, and now finds that he cannot come on" etc., etc., "to get 
 
 the proper examination," etc., the Master is hereby authorized 
 
 to advance Bro. to the degree of Master Mason, being 
 
 careful to subject Bro. to such an examination and 
 
 giving him such instructions as his limited time will warrant. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 20, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 
 264. 
 
GKAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 11 
 
 46. A Master is justified in refusing to advance a candidate 
 who has not properly qualified himself for such advancement, 
 by familiarizing himself with what has already been imparted 
 to him. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 138. 
 
 47. After receiving the degree of a Fellow Craft Mason, a 
 
 Brother who had the misfortune to lose his left hand is entitled 
 
 to receive such advancement. The Craft has different codes 
 
 of physical qualification applicable to the cases of profane and 
 
 Freemasons. MacCalla. Jan. 12, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 
 298. 
 
 48. Where a candidate who has no forefinger on his right 
 hand has been entered through the ignorance of the Lodge as 
 to such a privation being a physical disqualification, advance- 
 ment must be refused, the candidate's name be stricken from 
 the roll, and the Lodge refund the whole of the fee. It would be 
 a wrong to the candidate to permit any part of the fee to be 
 retained from him, the fault not being his. 
 
 Lamberton. March 16, 1870. L. B. 
 3, pp. 107-115. 
 
 49. Physical disqualification occurring after initiation does 
 
 not necessarily bar the member from advancement. 
 
 Mitchell. Pro. 1885, p. 89. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 50. An accident happening to a Brother after he has 
 received light does not disqualify, if he have the ability to give 
 the signs, etc., properly. MitcheU. L. B. 9, p. 961. 
 
 51. Physical disquahficatlon arising after the initiation 
 
 of a Brother will not prevent his advancement, provided he is 
 
 mentally and morally qualified. 
 
 Gorgas. Sept. 20, 1912. 
 
 52. It has been repeatedly decided by my predecessors, that 
 
 a candidate cannot be twice advanced between two successive 
 
 stated meetings of the Lodge. 
 
 Africa. July 6, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 89. 
 
 53. If the candidates for the second and third degrees 
 respectively received the preceding degree at your last stated 
 meeting, on the first Monday of November, they cannot be 
 
12 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 advanced at a special meeting held before the stated meeting in 
 December. A Masonic month will not have elapsed until the 
 hour for the stated meeting in December. 
 
 Africa. Nov. 27, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 566. 
 See Passing to the Chair, 663-680. See also 421, B89. 
 
 AHIMAN REZON. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Section XIII, p. SOI. 
 
 54. The Grand Master cannot set aside the provisions of the 
 Ahiman Rezon by an Edict. On the contrary, he is bound to 
 see them enforced. Day. Dec. 10, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 518. 
 
 55. The three copies of the Ahiman Rezon sent to the Lodge 
 
 shoidd be on the pedestals of the Master, and Senior and 
 
 Junior Wardens, while the Lodge is open and at work. They 
 
 do not belong to the members who fill those stations. 
 
 Arnold. Aug. 14, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 583. 
 
 56. The Forms printed in the Ahiman Rezon will not be 
 changed or altered by the Grand Master to meet conditions 
 not provided for therein. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 157. 
 
 57. A Lodge has not the power to change, amend, alter, 
 modify, set aside or evade, any provision of the Ahiman Rezon, 
 or any form or ceremonial contained therein. 
 
 Nisbet. Feb. 2, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 28. 
 
 ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE. 
 
 58. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania does not claim juris- 
 diction over the Bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, 
 but does claim the right to prohibit members of the Masonic 
 Fraternity of its obedience from visiting or having Masonic 
 intercourse with any Bodies or individuals called Masonic, 
 that have not been sanctioned by the Grand Lodge. 
 
 Eichbaum. Aug. 24, 1887. L. B. 10, 
 p. 582. 
 
 59. The Scottish Rite Bodies in America have always dis- 
 claimed any right to confer or control the Symbolic degrees 
 
GKAND LODGE AND GKAND MASTERS 13 
 
 and their Constitution expressly states that an applicant must 
 
 be a Master Mason made in a regularly constituted Lodge. 
 
 Eichbaum. Sept. 7, 1888. L. B. 11, p. 
 95. 
 See Clandestine Bodies, S09-SS7. See also 26. 
 
 ANNUAL RETURN OF LODGE. 
 
 See Ahiman Ream, Art. XII, Sec. 9, p. 23; Art. XVII, Sees. 17, 18, and 
 ZO, pp. 49, 50; Section XI, pp. 176, 177. 
 
 60. The Grand Secretary is bound by the report of deaths 
 contained in your annual return. A "supposition" that Bro. 
 A. B. is dead will not justify him in striking the name of the 
 Brother from the list of members. 
 
 Africa. March 10, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 
 48. 
 See Svspension of Members, 8S9-8B1. See also 661. 
 
 APPEALS. 
 
 See Circular Letters and Appeals, 20S-208. 
 
 APPEAL TO THE GRAND LODGE. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezrni, Art. XIII, Sees. 16-35, pp. 32-34; Art. XVII, Sec. 
 IS, p. 48; Art. XXII, Sec. 3, p. 70- 
 
 61. After charges and trial, an appeal may be made to 
 
 the Grand Lodge by an accused, or by a member of his Lodge 
 
 which has taken final action in his case. Any member may 
 
 appeal. MacCalla. April 30, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 517. 
 
 62. An appeal to the Grand Lodge must be signed by the 
 
 accused, and must be taken within six (6) months. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1899, p. 
 95; Pro. 1900, p. 36; Pro. 1899, p. 124. 
 
 63. If any member of the Lodge is dissatisfied with its 
 action or the action of the Master, the course for him is to 
 appeal. Perkins. Feb. 21, 1873. L.B.5,p. 437. 
 
 64. As Master there is no appeal in your Lodge from any 
 decision you make, but you must also bear in mind that it is 
 your duty to protect every Brother in his rights and privileges 
 in the Lodge. Your decisions should be governed by the broad- 
 est principles of Masonic justice and equity, and, while there is 
 
14 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 no appeal from them therein, any Brother may appeal from them 
 to the Grand Master. Niabet. Jan. 2, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 1. 
 
 ASSESSMENT. 
 
 65. A Masonic Lodge cannot assess its members upon the 
 
 death of one of their number, to pay a stated sum to the family 
 
 of the deceased as a funeral benefit. A Masonic Lodge does 
 
 not exist for that purpose, while other organizations do. "What 
 
 is.not permitted is prohibited" in Freemasonry. 
 
 MacCalla. Jan. 17, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 224. 
 
 AUDITING COMMITTEE. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. 16, p. 49. 
 
 66. The Minute Book should show the items of all moneys 
 paid to the Lodge and by, whom paid, and the amount of all 
 orders granted, to whom granted and for what purpose — hence 
 the Minutes ought not be lumbered with a repetition of these 
 details. The Committee can properly state in their report the 
 amount of money received by the Secretary as reported at each 
 stated meeting, the purpose for which the money was paid, 
 whether for fees, dues or other purposes, and that the same was 
 paid to the Treasurer as appears by his receipts. The Committee 
 should also certify that they have carefully examined the ac- 
 counts of the members for dues, and compared the same with 
 the amounts reported on the Minutes and found the same 
 correct. They should also certify the correctness of the accounts 
 and vouchers of the Treasurer; and that they have examined the 
 accounts of the Trustees and the securities of the Lodge held 
 by them, and found them correct. It is important that the Au- 
 diting Committee should be vigilant, faithful and thorough in 
 the performance of their duties. The results of their labors 
 can be embraced within the scope I have indicated for a report. 
 
 Africa. Jan. 20, 1892. L. B. 13, p, 
 690, 691. 
 
 67. The duties of an Auditing Committee are to examine 
 the books, vouchers, and accounts of the Treasurer, Secretary, 
 Trustees, and Committees holding or handling fimds of a Lodge, 
 and report at least once a year thereon. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 212 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 15 
 
 68. The Auditing Committee of a Lodge must not meet 
 for the object of its appointment in a saloon, restaurant, or 
 place of like character. Such a Committee is, in a measure, 
 a part of the Lodge. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 181. 
 
 BALLOT. 
 
 ^ee Ahiman Rezon, Art. V, Sec. 1, p. 8; AH. XVII, Sec. 8, p. Ifi; Art. 
 XXI, Sec. B, p. 61; Sec. 4, p. 6$; Sec. 6, p. 63; Sec. 14, p. 67. 
 
 69. It is not customary, before balloting for a petitioner, 
 for members to volunteer openly in the Lodge information as 
 to who and what the petitioner is; but, if the Master thinks it 
 proper to enable his Lodge to vote inteUigently, or if the infor- 
 mation be asked by a member, then it is proper that it be given. 
 
 Lamberton. March 16, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 108. 
 
 70. It is usual to ballot upon petitioners in the order in 
 
 which their petitions were received; still it is in the power of the 
 
 Master to use his discretion and direct a ballot to be takeii 
 
 upon any or either of them first. 
 
 Arnold. June 16, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 504. 
 
 71. A petitioner for initiation must be balloted upon at a 
 
 stated meeting, but may be initiated at a special meeting. 
 
 MitcheU. Nov. 16, 1886. L. B. 10, 
 p. 312. 
 
 72. If a petitioner is approved, he may be initiated at 
 once; as there is nothing indelicate, improper or hasty in initia- 
 ting a candidate at the same meeting at which he was approved. 
 
 Arnold. Aug. 30, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 598. 
 
 73. Black balls, and not black cubes, must be used in ballot- 
 ing in a Lodge. MacCalla. Pro. 1890, p. 144, Grand 
 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 74. No specified number of black balls in proportion to the 
 white balls need be in the ballot box; it is presumed there is a 
 fair proportion of both colors. The balls should be distinct as 
 to color, so that the black balls can be distinguished from the 
 white, without effort. Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 181. 
 
16 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 75. No substitute for the Altar can be permitted. The 
 ballot box must be placed thereon when the members vote. 
 Every member present should vote, and the Master should 
 not excuse a member from voting, except for good reason. 
 
 While there is no Law prescribing the number of white and 
 black balls, the officers should be governed by the nmnber of 
 members of a Lodge, as the Ahiman Rezon provides, Art. XXI, 
 Sec. 4, p. 62, "Every member of the Lodge present unless 
 excused by the Master, on his own application shall vote upon 
 this ballot, that unanimity before initiation may be ascer- 
 tained." Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 170. 
 
 76. The custom is to hand the ballot box to the elected 
 officers only; not from any respect to them, but to obviate the 
 necessity of their leaving their stations. 
 
 MitcheU. Jan. 21, 1886. L. B. 10, p. 
 38. 
 
 77. Li every case of ballot on a petitioner for initiation and 
 membership, where the Wardens have made their announce- 
 ments, the Master should make his announcement also, and 
 then, if he considers it necessary, he may order a test ballot. 
 
 MacCaUa. Feb. 27, 1889. L.B.ll,pp. 
 375-376. 
 
 78. No Brother has a right to demand the result of the 
 ballot on a petitioner. Neither the Master nor the Wardens 
 should disclose the result in any way different from that which 
 they are taught to use at their respective stations. 
 
 Eichbaum. Pro. 1887, p. 91. 
 
 79. The Master will not allow a Brother to state that he 
 
 had cast the black ball and withdraw his objection. This is 
 
 not permitted to be done. An oral objection after approval 
 
 cannot be withdrawn by him who made it. 
 
 Lamberton. Aug. 16, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 p. 202. 
 
 80. A Master should not exercise his prerogative of excusing 
 members from voting except upon their individual application, 
 and not then where member after member has asked to be 
 excused. He should do nothing the tendency of which would 
 be to expose the ballot. His authority should be guided by his 
 
GEAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 17 
 
 official judgment, which should ever have in view the Landmark 
 of the absolute secrecy of the ballot. It is a Masonic offense 
 to expose by any means whatever the ballot, for which a Lodge 
 By-Law usually provides, and the punishment might be either 
 suspension or expulsion. MaoCaUa. March H, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 364. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 135. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 170. 
 
 81. The Master has the power to excuse a Brother from 
 balloting when a proper reason is given to him; but when he 
 has reason to believe that the application is due to a desire to 
 invade the secrecy of the ballot in the slightest degree, or will 
 have a tendency to produce such a result, it must be refused. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 165. 
 
 82. It is reprehensible and unmasonic for a Brother to 
 divulge how he voted on a petition. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 165. 
 
 83. If a visitor send in his card and desires an examination, 
 the Master can defer action in his case until after the balloting 
 is over. If, however, while a Committee are examining a visitor, 
 a Committee of Inquiry on a petitioner for initiation and mem- 
 bership should make a report to the Lodge, the Master should 
 either postpone action on the ballot until the Committee on 
 Examination have concluded their duty, or invite them to 
 return to the Lodge while the ballot is being held. 
 
 Henderson. April 10, 1895. L. B. 15, 
 p. 900. 
 
 84. When a test ballot is had, it is not necessary to say so 
 
 in the Minutes. But the ballot must be had at once, before 
 
 any of the Brethren have retired. 
 
 Arnold. March 30, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 679. 
 
 85. A motion to take a test ballot is unnecessary. The 
 Master, after confirming the reports of the Wardens, may of 
 his own volition, or at the request of a Brother, order a test 
 ballot to ascertain if an error has occurred in the vote just 
 taken, but such test ballot cannot be taken if any Brother has 
 retired. Nisbet. March 22, 1880. L.B.8,p. 70. 
 
 See Black Ball, 98-104; Elections, 304-316; Grand Master, 34^-349; Peti- 
 tions for Initiation and Membership, 688-725; Tyler, 661, 66S. 
 
18 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 BANQUET. 
 
 86. Table Lodges cannot be opened elsewhere than in a 
 Masonic Hall, and all Masons as guests are under the due 
 guard of the Fraternity, E. A. on that occasion. 
 
 Vaux. Dec. 8, 1869. L. B. 2, p. 523. 
 
 87. A Lodge caimot give a dinner in a Lodge room or any 
 
 other place, as a Lodge, to an assemblage including persons 
 
 who are not Masons. A Lodge at refreshment is still a Lodge. 
 
 Day. Pro. 1883, p. 119. MitcheU. Pro. 
 1885, p. 89. Eichbaum. Pro. 1886, p. 
 124. Africa. Pro. 1891, p. 93. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 88. No matter how high may be the social or public position 
 
 of the profane, he is out of place in an assembly professing to be 
 
 held by a Lodge, which should consist exclusively of Masons. 
 
 Mitchell. April 28, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 786. 
 
 89. At a banquet given by authority of a Lodge, or in its 
 name at its expense, or under its auspices. Masons only can 
 be present. While the presence of our wives, sisters and daugh- 
 ters ought to be sought in ordinary social assemblages, it must 
 be remembered that Masonry is a law unto itself; and it is my 
 duty to enjoin and exact an observance of the Rules and Regu- 
 lations of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 4, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 579. 
 
 90. A Lodge can vote to pay the cost of a banquet out of 
 its funds. Li such a banquet only Masons can participate. 
 The profane must be excluded. If any Lodge wilfully violates 
 either of the decisions referred to, it would be guilty of insub- 
 ordination, and I would not hesitate to sequestrate its Warrant. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 21, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 470. 
 
 91. As your banquet will be held in a place which cannot 
 be tyled, your Master should caution the speakers to avoid 
 saying anything about Masonry, which ought to be said only 
 in the Lodge. Be careful that none are present but Masons, 
 and the waiters should be required to retire while the speaking 
 is taking place. Arnold. Feb. 9, 1894. L. B, 15, p. 212. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 19 
 
 92. Ladies cannot attend a banquet given under the 
 direction of or at the expense of a Lodge. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 128. 
 
 93. An illustrated lecture with stereopticon views at a 
 Lodge banquet is prohibited. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 175. 
 
 94. A Lodge room is especially and distinctly set apart 
 
 for Lodge work, and every other thing is expressly excluded 
 
 from it by decisions and decrees. A Lodge banquet, as such, 
 
 is limited by the same rules — a Lodge at refreshment is still a 
 
 Lodge. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 172. 
 
 See Entertainments, S19-SBB; Intoxicating Liquors, 370-373; Lodge Meet- 
 ings, 441-454; Lodge Rooms, 488-609. See also 787. 
 
 BIBLE. 
 
 95. There must be three copies of the Holy Bible for the 
 use of a Lodge; one on the Altar, one on the Master's pedestal, 
 and one for the use in the Examining Room. 
 
 See 493, 618. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 136. 
 
 BLACK BALL. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XXI, Sec. H, p. 67. 
 
 96. The use of the black ball is a right secured to every 
 Master Mason, which he should be permitted to exercise with- 
 out supervisory interference or questioning by any Brother. 
 If he makes known the fact of having voted a black ball, and 
 admits that in doing so his motives were false and malicious, 
 he must take the consequences of his indiscretion and admission. 
 A Brother may remove the veil of secrecy and unfold the reason 
 for his conduct, if he sees fit; but until he does so voluntarily and 
 of his own accord, it is Masonically wrong to seek to penetrate 
 or force his mystery from him. The Grand Lodge has not 
 decided that a Brother cannot be expelled for indiscriminate 
 use of the black ball, no matter what cause or motive impelled 
 
 him to use it. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1865, pp. 
 
 30, 26 (Reprint, Vol. XI. pp. 28, 25). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 97. The ballot is not to be polluted for the purpose of 
 petty malice, private revenge, or in a spirit of retahation for 
 
20 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 real or fancied injuries. One who thus wields the power which 
 Masonry gives him, and excludes from our Temple those 
 against whom there is no other objection, has been declared 
 by the Grand Lodge to "violate his Masonic obligations" — "to 
 be a foe to Masonry, and false to every principle of duty and 
 right, and unfit to belong to the Craft." 
 
 Lamberton. Pro. 1869, p. 66 (Reprint, 
 Vol. XI, p. 243). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 98. Any Brother who violates the Masonic Law in disclosing 
 
 his reason for casting a black ball, makes his reason the subject 
 
 of Masonic charge and investigation. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1892, p. 
 92. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 99. A member's reasons for refraining from depositing a black 
 
 ball and subsequently making an oral objection, are immaterial. 
 
 A member has an absolute right to object to a candidate either 
 
 by depositing a black ball or making an oral objection after 
 
 approval. The usual, and probably the better, way is to use the 
 
 black ball when the opportunity is presented; but a member 
 
 is not compelled to do so, and cannot be called to account and 
 
 disciplined, because he prefers to pursue the other course. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Fro. 1900, p. 
 74. 
 
 100. A mistake as to the facts upon which the use of the 
 black ball is based, is no evidence of maUce. 
 
 A member can cast his ballot as his conscience dictates. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1906, p. 
 24. Pro. 1882, p. 178-179. 
 
 101. There can be no doubt of the right of every member to 
 use the ballot as he pleases, without being questioned or in- 
 timidated in any way; but, if he makes known his use of the 
 black ball, and admits that it was from false or malicious 
 motives, he must suffer the consequences of that admission. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1902, p. 
 
 74. 
 
 102. A Brother having no personal knowledge of a petition- 
 er's unfitness to be made a Mason, has the right to cast a black 
 ball at the request of an absent member. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 132. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 21 
 
 103. No Brother has a right to demand that another 
 
 Brother shall either cast a black ball for him, or interpose an 
 
 oral objection. If he wishes either of these done, he must do it 
 
 himself in person. MacCaUa. Pro. 1889, p. 143. Grand 
 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 104. He cannot accomplish this [103] by writing a letter to the 
 Lodge, unless the letter induces some other Brother to object. 
 The fact that a Brother is in arrears for dues to his Lodge does 
 not disqualify him from voting, or orally objecting to a candi- 
 date, unless the Lodge has previously suspended him for non- 
 payment of dues. MacCalla. Aug. 10, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 
 859. 
 See Ballot, 69-86; Objections, S69-584; Protest, 794, 79S. 
 ( 
 
 BOOKS. 
 
 105. There are but three Books recognized by us as Masons, 
 viz; the Holy Bible, the Ahiman Rezon and Book of Minutes; 
 all others are prohibited to be used for Masonic instruction; 
 any person peddhng such other books is unworthy the name 
 
 of Mason. Clark. Jan. 20, 1876. L. B. 7, p. 39. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, 54-57; Bible, 96; Lodge Minutes, 455-466. 
 
 BURIAL. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XXIII, Sec. 2, p. 71; Section IX, pp. 129-1S7. 
 
 106. Masonic burial is one of the Ancient Customs of the 
 Fraternity. According to that Custom, which has received the 
 official sanction and approval of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
 vania, it was your duty as Master on having received notice of 
 the decease of a Brother, and that it was the desire of his 
 family that he be interred with Masonic ceremonies, to summon 
 [i. e. call] the Lodge, and, at your discretion, to invite members 
 of other Lodges to attend. You would then proceed with the 
 ceremonial as prescribed on pages 129 to 137 of the Ahiman 
 Rezon. To neglect or refuse so plain a duty is calculated to ex- 
 cite the criticism and censure of the profane, and lessen among 
 members of the Craft respect for our institution. 
 
 Africa. July 20, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 289-291. 
 
 107. The Masonic Burial Service is intended for use only 
 when the body is interred by being laid in a grave. There is no 
 
22 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 service prepared for use when the body is incinerated in a 
 
 crematory. Arnold. Sept. 16, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 940. 
 
 108. We should never intrude upon funerals, but when 
 
 requested to render our services, they should be exclusive of 
 
 and not in conjunction with other associations. 
 
 Arnold. March 14, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 291. 
 
 109. A person who commits suicide is not for that reason 
 
 deprived of the right to a Masonic burial. A Brother who has 
 
 made himself notoriously criminal, as by first murdering and 
 
 robbing another, and then killing himself, ought not to receive 
 
 any Masonic recognition. Arnold. March 17, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 
 299. 
 
 110. The Master of the Lodge, upon the death of a mem- 
 ber whose family desire the Masonic Burial Service, shall forth- 
 with notify the members of this fact, and convene his Lodge in 
 the Lodge room, where the Lodge Service as prescribed in the 
 Ahiman Rezon shall be performed before proceeding to the 
 house of the deceased Brother or to the Church. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 115. 
 
 111. On the subject of calling special meetings of a Lodge 
 on Simday for the purpose of holding Fimeral Services, it is my 
 firm conviction that a Lodge of Freemasons should not be 
 opened on Sunday; and hereafter, should the family of a de- 
 ceased Brother desire to have his funeral take place on that 
 day, then, and in that event, the Brethren may assemble and 
 proceed to the funeral of the Brother, without opening a 
 Lodge and holding Masonic Services in the Lodge room. 
 
 If time will permit. Services may be held in the Lodge at 
 its next stated meeting. Brown. May 11, 1905. 
 
 112. The Masonic ceremonies must therefore follow imme- 
 diately after the religious services are performed. In case 
 there should be no religious services at the grave, the Masonic 
 ceremonies must take priority, and be performed first. In all 
 funeral processions of Lodges, the left should be in front, and, 
 as the Masonic Fraternity are by an inherent right entitled to 
 the post of honor, all other associations and societies should 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 23 
 
 precede them, consequently they are located immediately in 
 front of the coflBn containing the corpse of the deceased Brother. 
 
 Nisbet. Sept. 18, 1878. L.B.7,p.562. 
 
 113. The Masonic Burial Service makes no mention of pall 
 bearers. They are generally selected by the family of the de- 
 ceased from among their friends, without regard to their society 
 connections. Thus Masons, Odd Fellows, Grand Army members 
 and persons who are not members of any society are frequently 
 invited to be pall bearers. All that we insist on is that our 
 Services shall come next after the Church Services. 
 
 Arnold. Feb. 26, 1894. L.B.15,p.254. 
 
 114. I decline to grant a Dispensation, permitting the 
 Masonic burial of an imafl&liated Mason. One who does not 
 during his life contribute to the support of our Fraternity with 
 his influence and his means, cannot expect to receive its benefits, 
 either before or after death. No doubt there are cases in which 
 such a Dispensation might with propriety be granted; but the 
 rule is a safe one to adhere to, and, in the absence of any par- 
 ticulars, I must withhold it. Henderson. April 9, 1895. L. B. 15, p. 
 
 896. 
 
 115. In the use of ribbon and the evergreen at Masonic 
 fvmerals, it is proper to attach the ribbon to the coat lapel and 
 carry the evergreen in the hand until the ceremony of deposit- 
 ing the evergreen in the grave has been reached, when the 
 Brother should remove the ribbon, attach it to the evergreen, 
 
 and drop both into the grave. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 189. 
 
 116. It is never proper to give notice by posters in public 
 places of a Masonic funeral. MacCalla. Aug. 26, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 
 See 568. ^^• 
 
 BY-LAWS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, AH. XVII, Sec. 15, ■p. 48; Art. XVIII, Sec. 7, p. 54. 
 
 117. Upon the adoption by any Lodge of any By-Laws or 
 amendments, alterations, or additions thereto, it shall be the 
 duty of the Secretary of such Lodge to forward immediately 
 to the Grand Lodge under cover, addressed to the Grand Sec- 
 retary, two copies of such By-Laws, amendments, alterations, 
 
24 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 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 certificate to be 
 made on the same paper as, or securely attached to, said copies 
 respectively. One of said copies shall be returned to the Lodge 
 by the Grand Secretary, with a statement of the action of the 
 Grand Lodge thereon, and the other shall be filed in the Archives 
 of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 No Lodge shall print any By-Laws or amendments, alter- 
 ations, or additions thereto, until the same have received the 
 approval of the Grand Lodge; and when printed, the title page 
 shall contain a statement of the fact of such approval, with 
 its date. 
 
 It is enjoined upon the Lodges promptly to forward to the 
 Grand Secretary a printed copy of its approved By-Laws, or 
 amendment, alteration, or addition thereto, when printed, to 
 be deposited in the Archives of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 The exact 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 Ahiman Rezon are printed, the 
 
 extracts should be literal, and refer to the page upon which 
 
 they are to be found. Committee on By-Laws. Pro. 1860, 
 
 p. 69 (Ahiman Rezon, edition of 1877, 
 p. 228). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 118. The proper person in a Lodge to construe the law is the 
 Master. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 164. 
 
 119. The Master cannot dispense with a By-Law or any 
 
 part of one. He must see the By-Laws enforced. 
 
 Lamberton. May 27, 1870. L. B. 3. 
 p. 207. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 120. The Ahiman Rezon and Rules and Regulations of the 
 
 Craft always control the By-Laws of a Lodge, and they should 
 
 not be made to seem to conflict therewith. 
 
 MacCalla. March 25, 1890. L. B. 12. 
 D. 417. 
 
 121. It is the right of a Lodge at any time to amend its 
 By-Laws, so as to increase its fees and dues, when such increase 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 25 
 
 is deemed necessary to preserve its life, or to provide funds 
 necessary to defray its legitimate expenses. Such amendments 
 must, however, be approved by the Grand Lodge before they 
 become operative, and then they are binding upon all the mem- 
 bers of the Lodge. Africa. Nov. 30, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 572. 
 
 122. Amendments to By-Laws are not in force until the 
 
 advice of the Grand Secretary that such amendments have 
 
 been approved by the Grand Lodge, has been received by and 
 
 read in open Lodge at a stated meeting. 
 
 Mitchell. Pro. 1885, p. 90. Kendrick. 
 Pro. 1905, p. 104. 
 
 123. Amendments to the By-Laws of a Lodge must be acted 
 on and adopted at a stated meeting of the Lodge. 
 
 Day. Jan. 21, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 238. 
 
 124. A Lodge may not, by the adoption of a resolution, set 
 aside any provision of its By-Laws. 
 
 See S5B, 407, 4119, 782. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 183. 
 
 CERNEAU RITE. 
 
 See Clandestine Bodies, S09-227. 
 
 CERTIFICATES. 
 
 See AUman Ream, Art. XI, pp. 18, 19; AH. XVII, Sees. SS,'36, S7, pp. 
 61, 62; Art. XVIII, Sec. 6, p. 64.. 
 
 125. The A him an Rezon of 1781 provided that Grand 
 Lodge Certificates should be printed in Latin, French and 
 English. The revision of 1825 made no mention of the language 
 to be used in the Certificates, and a practice grew up of issuing 
 the Certificates in the Enghsh and French languages. It has 
 been decided that hereafter Grand Lodge Certificates shall be 
 issued in the English language only. 
 
 Certificates not authorized by this Grand Lodge, or con- 
 taining the language required by it, and embellished by pic- 
 tures of implements, scenes and sights never witnessed in a 
 Lodge, have no place in Pennsylvania Freemasonry, and the 
 Grand Secretary has been directed to attest no more of such 
 Certificates, and the Lodge officers are prohibited from signing 
 them. The only Certificates permitted to be issued in Pennsyl- 
 
26 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 vania are those which are authorized by the Ahiman Rezon, 
 and follow the form prescribed. 
 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 84. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 126. The words "dimit" and "withdrawal card" have no 
 place in Masonic Law and practice. A dimit, strictly speaking, 
 is a letter of dismissal from one body to another — as from one 
 church to another church. In Freemasonry, instead of letters 
 dismissory, dimits or withdrawal cards, we have Lodge Cer- 
 tificates, which are preceded by resignations of memberships. 
 A Brother desiring to change his membership from one Lodge 
 to another, on payment of his dues in full, may resign his mem- 
 bership, when the ofiicers of the Lodge must give him a Lodge 
 Certificate, stating that he has regularly withdrawn, and rec- 
 ommending him to the Fraternity. Or, if a Brother, having 
 been suspended for non-payment of dues, should pay his dues 
 in full and be restored to good Masonic standing, he would 
 then be entitled to receive a similar Certificate, stating that he 
 has ceased to be a member of the Lodge and is in good Masonic 
 standing. This Certificate, every Brother in good Masonic 
 standing is entitled to receive when his connection with the 
 Lodge has ceased. It must be given to him, on his appUcation 
 by the Master, and the officers of the Lodge. They are not 
 privileged to refuse it. 
 
 The Lodge has nothing to do with granting a Lodge Cer- 
 tificate, erroneously called a dimit. All that the Lodge has to 
 do in the matter is to act upon the resignation. Failure to 
 comply with the Law in this respect has been the cause of re- 
 quiring the Lodges to pay dues for Brethren after they had 
 intended to resign, but had not regularly done so; the Minutes 
 of the Lodge simply showing that a Lodge Certificate was 
 granted, which, as before said, is not the work of the Lodge 
 and has no place in its Minutes. 
 
 MitcheU. Pro. 1885, p. 84. Arnold. 
 Pro. 1893, p. 97. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 127. A Brother is entitled to a Lodge Certificate when he 
 resigns, and his resignation is lawfully accepted; he cannot join 
 another Lodge in this Jurisdiction without producing such 
 Certificate. Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 100. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 27 
 
 128. When a member of a Lodge has resigned and received 
 a Certificate of withdrawal, which becomes lost, mislaid or 
 destroyed, he is entitled to receive another on satisfactory 
 proof of the loss to the Master and Wardens of the Lodge. 
 After the lapse of several years from the acceptance of a resig- 
 nation of a member, officers of Lodges should hesitate about 
 issuing duphcate Certificates, if anything has occurred mean- 
 time to affect the withdrawing member's "Masonic standing." 
 
 Africa. Nov. 26, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 
 420. 
 
 129. The officers of the Lodge should furnish a withdrawal 
 Certificate, dated as of the date of its issue (not antedated), 
 and signed by the present officers, to a Brother who had resigned 
 from the Lodge some years ago, and to whom a Certificate, 
 as provided by the Ahiman Rezon, had not been given. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 150. 
 
 130. Masons who have resigned from their Lodge and ob- 
 tained such a Certificate may be elected members of Lodges 
 in this State or become Warrant members of a new Lodge, with- 
 out regard to the time which has elapsed since they resigned. 
 
 Arnold. Aug. 31, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 600. 
 
 131. Can an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason 
 resign? Answer, He can. If so, is the proceeding the same as 
 if he were a Master Mason? Answer, It is, but stating the 
 degree to which he has arrived. 
 
 See 804, 810. Clark. Jan. 19, 1876. L. B. 7, p. 37. 
 
 132. It is forbidden to sign, seal or issue, to a Chapter of the 
 Order of the Eastern Star, any certificate as to the standing of 
 a member. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 153. 
 
 See 807. 
 
 CHAPLAIN. 
 
 See OMcers, 669, 660; Prayers, 774. 
 
 CHARGES AND TRIAL. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XXII, pp. 69, 70; Section X, pp. 1S8-U7. 
 
 133. Masonry is also a law unto itself. More ancient than 
 any empire or kingdom now existing or any order instituted by 
 
28 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 man, we are not bound by any of their laws, and neither the 
 rules of the United States Army or even of the United States 
 ■Government itself, law-abiding citizens thereof as we all are, 
 are of any value to us when a Custom, Usage or Landmark 
 of our Fraternity is concerned. 
 
 Nisbet. Sept. 6, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 559. 
 
 134. Freemasonry will not take cognizance of differences 
 
 which are cognizable in civil tribunals of the law, unless they 
 
 are Masonic offences, per se. In business matters the Civil 
 
 Courts alone must try and decide them. A Lodge is not a civil 
 
 tribunal to hear and determine questions of mere business 
 
 transactions between Brethren. It is only Masonic offences 
 
 which are specific, Hmited and easily ascertained, that are 
 
 triable by the Lodge. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1880 p. 38 
 
 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 377). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 135. It is the Law in this Grand Lodge that disputes arising 
 from business connections must be adjudicated by the proper 
 legal authority of the land. Lodges cannot be converted into 
 Civil Courts, nor can they be used to force settlements of such 
 disputes. 
 
 A Lodge cannot be resorted to for the purpose of coercing, 
 
 threatening or punishing a member for business transactions. 
 
 Insolvency is not a Masonic offence. 
 
 C!ommittee on Appeals. Pro. 1871, p. 
 34 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 334) ; Special 
 Committee. Pro. 1872, p. 76 (Re- 
 print, Vol. XI, p. 425) ; Committee 
 on Appeals. Pro. 1880, p. 38 (Reprint, 
 Vol. XII, p. 377; Pro. 1883, pp. 22, 
 25, 27. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 136. If a Brother in his business transactions has so con- 
 ducted himself as to bring reproach upon the Craft, charges 
 may be preferred against him for unmasonic conduct prejudi- 
 cial to the reputation of the Fraternity. 
 
 Nisbet. Oct. 13, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 823. 
 
 137. While it is the duty of every Mason to do his part to 
 assist in bringing all offenders against the laws of Freemasonry 
 to proper punishment, it must be borne in mind that no Mason 
 ■can be deprived of the rights and privileges of membership in a 
 Lodge, except after due trial and being found guilty of the charges 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 29 
 
 against him, which must be formally preferred, as prescribed in 
 
 the Ahiman Rezon. Africa. Sept. 11, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 
 402. 
 
 138. The accused Brother is in good standing and member- 
 ship until the Lodge has taken action against him; and he should 
 therefore, if he testifies as a witness, testify on his obligation 
 
 as a Mason. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1906, 
 
 p. 32. 
 
 139. A member of a Lodge against whom charges are pend- 
 ing, has the right to ballot on petitioners. Unless he is found 
 guilty of the charges, he has the same rights and privileges as 
 any other member. Brown Pro. 1904, p. 217. 
 
 140. A Brother cannot be deprived of his rights and privi- 
 leges of membership in a Lodge on mere allegation of immasonic 
 conduct, nor until convicted, after hearing on charges formally 
 preferred. As soon as proper evidence is found against any 
 offending Brother, duty to the Lodge and to the Fraternity 
 in general demands that charges should be made. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 9, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 391. 
 
 141. In every trial in a Lodge for an offence against the Laws, 
 
 Regulations, or Principles of Freemasonry, any Master Mason 
 
 may be the accuser of another; but the profane cannot be 
 
 permitted to prefer charges against a Master Mason. It is not 
 
 necessary that the accuser should be a member of the same 
 
 Lodge. It is sufficient if he is an affiliated Mason. It follows 
 
 as a natural sequence that he who has the right to accuse, has 
 
 also the right to all process necessary to sustain the accusation, 
 
 including that of appeal to the Grand Lodge. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1885, 
 p. 17. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 142. An expelled Mason cannot prefer charges against a 
 member of a Lodge. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 138. 
 
 143. The Grand Lodge has decided that a Brother cannot 
 
 be tried for offences committed by him whilst he was a profane. 
 
 See SI. Africa. June 30, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 253. 
 
 [Pro. 1885, p. 20.] 
 
30 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 144. By direction of the Master, the Junior Warden usually 
 prefers charges in cases which affect the Fraternity generally. 
 
 Eichbaum. Aug. 18, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 p. 88. 
 
 145. The only place where charges can be prefen-ed against 
 
 a Master is in the Grand Lodge. The only place where charges 
 
 can be preferred against a member of a Lodge who is not the 
 
 Master, is in the Lodge. MacCalla. March 19, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 390. 
 
 146. A Lodge has the right to prefer charges and try any 
 member of the Lodge, except the Master. 
 
 Perkins. Jan. 3, 1872. L. B. 5, p. 119. 
 
 147. Charges cannot be preferred in any Lodge against 
 the Master during his term of office. They must be preferred 
 in the Grand Lodge. Nisbet. May 3, 1878. L. B. 7, p. 504. 
 
 148. If a Senior Warden or Junior Warden is under charges, 
 till convicted he is presumed innocent. Pending such charges 
 he is elected Master, the election shows that a majority of the 
 members do not agree to the guilt. If, after election as Master, 
 the charges are framed, then, as Master, he must be tried by the 
 Grand Lodge. The charges, proceedings and report of Com- 
 mittee and action of the Lodge come up as charges by the Lodge 
 against the Master, and the Grand Lodge appoints a Committee, 
 and the trial proceeds de novo; and if proved, the Grand Lodge 
 can expel both Mason, member and Master. As Master, he is 
 only responsible to the Grand Lodge. 
 
 Vaux. Nov. 24, 1868. L. B. 2, p. 51. 
 
 149. Members of Lodges in this Jurisdiction, but residing 
 
 in another Jurisdiction, may be tried and pimished for a Masonic 
 
 offence by a Lodge nearest to which they may then be. 
 
 Day. Pro. 1883, p. 119. Arnold. Pro. 
 1893, p. 82. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 150. A Lodge after accepting a Brother's resignation cannot 
 proceed against him, except for offences subsequent thereto. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1897, p. 65. 
 
 151. A Lodge has jurisdiction to try a Brother who has 
 resigned from the Lodge and is vmaffiliated, should he subse- 
 quently to his resignation be guilty of conduct which would 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 31 
 
 Tender him liable to Masonic punishment, had his membership 
 
 still continued. Perkins. Ileb. 21, 1873. L. B. 5, p. 440. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1897, 
 See 255. p. 65. 
 
 152. A member of a Lodge outside of this Jurisdiction, but 
 residing in it, may be tried for umnasonic conduct in this Juris- 
 diction by the Lodge nearest to his place of residence. The man- 
 ner of proceeding will be as set forth in the Ahiman Rezon. If 
 found guilty and expelled or suspended, the Lodge must furnish 
 a properly certified copy of all proceedings and the evidence to 
 the Lodge of which the accused is a member, as well as its final 
 
 action thereon. Nisbet. March 18, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 
 
 675. 
 
 153. Your Lodge cannot try a member of a West Virginia 
 Lodge, unless the charges are preferred in your Lodge. If your 
 Committee or Commission takes testimony to be transmitted 
 to West Virginia, the testimony need not appear on the Minutes 
 of your Lodge. Africa. Nov. 4, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 378. 
 
 154. Charges having been preferred, unless the charges 
 should be withdrawn the Lodge must proceed to a trial. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 30, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 455. 
 
 155. It does not necessarily follow that a Trial Committee 
 
 is summarily discharged, merely from the fact that their 
 
 report is not adopted by the Lodge. Nor upon a vote to 
 
 reconsider the report being taken and carried, does it ; also 
 
 necessarily follow that the report is thereby adopted 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1896,, p. 
 69. 
 
 156. While it is not a matter of right to withdraw charges 
 
 against a Brother, yet under special circumstances consent will 
 
 be given for that purpose. Arnold. Feb. 16, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 
 235. 
 
 157. A Lodge is without jurisdiction to suspend a member, 
 because he will not aid a Trial Committee in adjusting a per- 
 sonal difficulty with a Brother, which has not disturbed the 
 harmony of the Lodge. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1883, p. 27. 
 
 158. There is no way by which a Mason can be tried in a 
 Lodge for perjury committed in a legal proceeding. Lodges 
 
32 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 have no jurisdiction to try cases of that nature. If the person 
 
 accused should be tried and convicted in a Criminal Court, then 
 
 he can be charged in his Lodge with conduct unbecoming a 
 
 Mason, and the specification would be his conviction in Court. 
 
 Arnold. Sept. 30, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 972. 
 
 159. It is a Masonic offence for a Mason to be convicted 
 and sentenced in the Civil Coiui; for a violation of the State 
 law, and where a Mason is charged with having been so con- 
 victed and sentenced, the record of the Court would be evidence 
 against him. Committee on Appeals, Pro. 1902, p. 29. 
 
 160. To dismiss charges against a man who is serving a 
 sentence for bribery, because the Mason who made the charges 
 fails to bring in evidence to convict the convict before the 
 Trial Committee, is to refuse to give any weight to the verdict 
 of our Courts. 
 
 As Masons and citizens, we must give effect to the judgments 
 of our Criminal Courts, affirmed by the Appellate Courts. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1911, p.29. 
 
 161. A Brother tried, convicted, and sentenced to im- 
 prisonment for violation of the laws of the State, may be ex- 
 pelled from Freemasonry. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1890, p. 
 
 85. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 162. It is possible for a member to so plainly expose the 
 entirely umnasonic character of his reason for black balling 
 another, or others, and his purpose to take vengeance on all 
 petitioners for initiation in a Lodge, without any regard what- 
 ever to their personal qualification or disqualification, and 
 merely from motives of revenge on a Lodge for some fancied 
 injury it has done him, as to constitute sufficient groimd for a 
 charge of unmasonic conduct by him, which might justify his 
 
 suspension or expulsion. Arnold. April 13, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 710. 
 
 163. If a member of a Committee upon a petition for initia^ 
 tion and membership refuses to sign a favorable report thereon 
 to gratify personal malice, revenge or spite, charges can be 
 preferred against him. But how are you going to prove the 
 charge, unless he avowed his motive? Should a Brother publicly 
 state that a Brother who had been tried for a crime and ac- 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 33 
 
 quitted, was acquitted in consequence of his being a Mason, 
 charges might be preferred against him. If charges are preferred 
 for such a statement, and the Brother is tried and punished 
 therefor, and considers himself aggrieved, he can appeal to the 
 Grand Lodge, which will definitely determine the question. 
 
 Nisbet. April 17, 1879. L. B, 7, p. 722. 
 
 164. Withholding knowledge of the previous rejection of 
 
 petitioner is a very grave Masonic offence, for which the 
 
 offender will be expelled. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1875, 
 
 p. 49 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 48). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 165. A Brother guilty of installing the Master of a Lodge 
 
 contrary to the Usages of Freemasonry, will be suspended. 
 
 Special Conmiittee. Pro. 1880, p. 20 
 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 362). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 166. A Master permitting a petitioner to be initiated who 
 
 is physically imperfect, will be suspended or expelled, and the 
 
 candidate stricken from the roll of members. 
 
 Special Committee. Pro. 1882, p. 39. 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 167. A Master who initiates a petitioner in violation of 
 
 instructions of the Grand Master, or District Deputy Grand 
 
 Master, will be expelled. Special Committee. Pro. 1888, p. 69. 
 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 168. A Brother appearing in a Lodge in an intoxicated 
 
 condition may be tried and suspended therefor. 
 
 See 39. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1865, p. 
 
 27 (Reprint, Vol. 'XI, p. 25). Pro. 
 1886, p. 110. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 169. Any and all business transacted in a Masonic Lodge 
 is not for the eye or ear of the public; and any member of a 
 Lodge exposing Lodge transactions will be dealt with according, 
 to the Laws. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 218. 
 
 170. Making threats is not a Masonic offence, nor is the 
 presumption that a Brother cast a black ball. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1890, p.. 
 85. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
34 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 171. Masonic pledges cannot be invoked in business affaire; 
 nor can Brethren be tried for violating such pledges. 
 
 Committee on Appeals Pro. 1872, p. 5 
 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 378). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 172. A Lodge cannot try a Brother for not paying a debt 
 
 to another Brother, or for perjury in making a bank statement, 
 
 or in a lawsuit. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1876, p. 
 
 57 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 96). Ar- 
 nold. Pro. 1893, p.92. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 173. Members of Lodges holding Masonic intercourse with 
 clandestine Masons, give cause to have charges preferred against 
 them. KeUy. Pro. 1898, p. 110. 
 
 174. The Master can select any member of a Lodge to sit 
 on a Trial Committee, notwithstanding the fact that the same 
 Brother may have already sat on a former Committee trying 
 the same charges. Wagner. Pro. 1899. 167. 
 
 175. There is no law limiting the number composing a Trisfl 
 Committee, but it is not desirable to have too large a Com- 
 mittee, as it may be difficult to have their attendance at all 
 the sessions. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 220. 
 
 176. It is competent for the Secretary of a Lodge to serve 
 on a Committee on Trial, in a case in which charges are pre- 
 ferred against a member of the Lodge for unmasonic conduct, 
 and to serve as secretary of the Committee. A Trial Committee 
 may subpcena persons not members of the Fraternity to attend 
 a meeting of the Committee to give testimony in the case. A 
 person aggrieved, although not a Mason, is competent to give 
 
 testimony. Africa. March 16, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 
 
 812. 
 
 177. The Lodge has no reason to employ an attorney to 
 represent it at a trial of a Brother. The Committee should be 
 competent, and if there should be a member of the Lodge who 
 is an attorney-at-law he might be named as a member of the 
 Trial Committee. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 136. 
 
 178. Any member of the Lodge having knowledge personally, 
 or by rehable and trustworthy information, of the offence com- 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GHAND MASTERS 35 
 
 mitted, may prefer the charge. The accuser must not be on the 
 Committee. The Master may be a member of the Committee, 
 if not the accuser. The witnesses ought not to be members 
 of the Committee, if it can be avoided. The Brother charged 
 with the offence has the undoubted right to have the help of 
 Masonic counsel. After the finding of the Committee, on the 
 question of penalty the Master has the right to vote. The ac- 
 cused, when the vote is taken, must not be present and has not 
 the right to vote. The accuser and the counsel engaged on 
 either side, must not vote. Although not usual, there is no 
 reason why the vote should not be by ballot. If by ballot, of 
 
 course, it is a secret ballot. Lamberton. Feb. 8, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 
 46. 
 
 179. The Master is perfectly competent as a witness in a 
 case of which he may have knowledge. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1906, p. 32. 
 
 180. Where a witness needed in a Masonic trial has removed 
 from the Jurisdiction, his testimony may be obtained in one 
 or the other of two ways. (1) The most satisfactory to both 
 sides is to have him come on and be personally present; or (2) 
 if he cannot be obtained in this way, have both sides prepare 
 interrogatories and cross-interrogatories, after the manner 
 adopted in civil proceedings, and send them both together on 
 to him, and, if the witness be a Freemason, have him answer 
 both series of questions on his honor as a Mason. An ex parte 
 affidavit alone should not be \ised, since the right of cross- 
 examination should not be denied. 
 
 MacCaUa. April 22, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 489. 
 
 181. The Committee must be the judges as to what evidence 
 to receive or reject, and, if it err in its judgment in the opinion 
 of either side, an appeal can be taken. A Masonic trial widely 
 differs from a legal one. The technicalities that are permitted 
 in the latter are not admissible in the former. A Committee 
 appointed to try a case cannot appoint a sub-committee to 
 perform the duty entrusted to it; but where witnesses reside 
 beyond the reach of a siunmons, and for that reason their 
 attendance cannot be enforced, a sub-committee may be ap- 
 pointed to take their testimony; but such testimony can have 
 no greater force than a deposition, where the opposite side has 
 
36 DIGEST OP DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 had no opportunity to cross-examine, unless he was represented 
 at the time the testimony was being taken. Witnesses who are 
 Masons must testify upon their obhgations as such. Others 
 must be sworn by some one empowered to administer a judicial 
 oath. The accuser and the accused may testify in their own 
 behalf, but cannot be compelled to be a witness. When a 
 Brother has been charged with a Masonic offence, it becomes the 
 duty of the Lodge to fully investigate the charge, but it cannot 
 before doing so exact or impose upon the accuser any con- 
 dition or conditions prejudicial to his rights, either as a Mason 
 
 or a citizen. Nisbet. Aug. 23, 1880. L. B. 8, pp. 
 
 - 162-163. 
 
 182. The Minutes of a Committee appointed to try a Brother 
 must contain a complete history of the proceedings before them, 
 commencing with their first meeting and ending with the com- 
 pletion of their report. Everything must be entered in the 
 order of its occurrence. Testimony of witnesses must be written 
 out at length consecutively, and signed by the witnesses when 
 completed. Documentary evidence must be noted when offered, 
 and by whom offered, and identified by marks endorsed thereon, 
 and also entered in the Minutes. The record of an appeal must 
 be made up in the order directed by the Ahiman Rezon and 
 securely fastened together so that no part of it may become 
 mislaid or foreign matter be included. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1884, p. 
 24. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 183. A stenographer (a Master Mason) may be employed 
 in taking testimony at a trial. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1905, p. 101. 
 
 184. A summons is not waived by voluntary appearance 
 
 of accused. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1888, p. 
 
 59. 
 
 185. The Master may direct how the vote of the Lodge shall 
 be taken, either viva voce, or by placrag the ballot box on the 
 pedestal; the vote is then by balls; the balls, either black or 
 white, are counted. A majority vote adopts or rejects the 
 resolutions. So iit a majority vote is shown by the number of 
 balls in the box, that is sufficient. 
 
 Vaux. April 16, 1869. L. B. 2, p. 294. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 37 
 
 186. Guilt as to the specifications by no means involves 
 
 guilt as to the charge, for the facts alleged in the specifications 
 
 may be true, and yet be insufficient to sustain the charge. There 
 
 must be a finding upon the charge itself. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1886, p. 
 109. 
 
 187. A Lodge may, when the evidence is conflicting, reverse 
 a finding of a Trial Committee. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1906, p. 32. 
 
 188. A Fellow Craft Mason who is under charges may 
 
 lawfully visit an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Lodge, 
 
 while said charges are pending. 
 
 MacCalla. April 28, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 497. 
 
 189. If a Brother has been guilty of a Masonic offence, 
 which is also an offence under the laws of the land, it is not 
 necessary to await the result of the profane trial before pro-- 
 ceeding against him in the Lodge; but if the offence be one that 
 is not Masonic in its nature, but only brings reproach on Free- 
 masonry, then the Lodge should await the final determination 
 of the profane proceedings. If a Brother against whom charges 
 are preferred be in prison, the summons, etc., could be served 
 upon him there. Of course, the Master should appoint some 
 Brother to represent him, communicate with him, and see that 
 his case was fairly and fully presented. 
 
 MacCalla. March 8, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 pp. 398-399. 
 
 190. Where a member of a Lodge is in arrears for dues, and 
 also has committed an offence against the criminal law of the 
 land which seriously reflects upon him as a Freemason and 
 tends to bring the Craft into disrepute, it is optional with the 
 Lodge whether it will take proceedings to suspend him from 
 membership for non-payment of dues, or to prefer charges 
 against him for conduct unbecoming a Mason. A summons 
 to pay dues or show cause why he should not be suspended, or a 
 summons to answer charges, may be served upon a Brother 
 in jail or in the penitentiary. If charges be preferred, the 
 Master should appoint some member to represent the accused. 
 If he does not answer the summons to pay dues, he may be 
 suspended. The Master may direct the Junior Warden to 
 
38 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 bring charges, if they are deemed necessary, and he then does 
 
 it officially and not personally. 
 
 MacCaUa. March 25, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 412. 
 
 191. The accused ought to be convicted by testimony 
 "positive, obvious and exact." 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1901, p. 80. 
 
 192. Naked technical objections, based upon rules of evi- 
 dence in civil tribunals, are not tolerated in Masonic trials. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1888, 
 p. 26. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 193. In a Masonic trial of a Brother for maliciously slan- 
 dering a Brother who is a member of another Lodge, no evi- 
 dence is admissible, or should be considered, which relates to 
 acts performed or words uttered before either of them was made 
 a Mason. Such an offence, if offence it were, would not be a 
 
 Masonic offence. MacCaUa. October 27, 1890. L. B. 
 
 12, p. 819. 
 
 194. An Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason may 
 be tried upon the charge of not being under the tongue of good 
 Masonic report. The membership of a Lodge should be purged. 
 
 All of the proceedings in the trial on such charges must 
 
 be in a Lodge of the degree to which the accused member 
 
 has attained. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 157. 
 
 See Printed Ritual, Monitors and Ciphers, 775-780; Protection, 793. See 
 also 456, 600, 816, 850. 
 
 CHARGES AT CONFERRING OF DEGREES. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Section II, pp. 79-83. 
 
 195. The Charges in the Ahiman Rezon should be read to 
 the candidates after conferring the degrees. 
 
 Africa. May 25, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 961. 
 
 CHARITY. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Section XIII, pp. 20S-228. 
 
 196. Applications for charity should be made in the Lodges, 
 either by a Committee or by personal apphcation. When cir- 
 culars are printed and sent out broadcast, they provoke com- 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 39 
 
 plaints and criticisms, which are exceedingly unpleasant. Such 
 
 circulars, when sent into other Jurisdictions, have brought 
 
 forth complaints in very strong language. Experience has 
 
 shown that, besides the impleasant criticisms which these 
 
 circulars provoke, no substantial benefit is derived from them. 
 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 101. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 197. The Lodge having charge and control of its own funds 
 may grant any amount it pleases for charity. The Committee 
 on Charity should be restrained from recommending the grant- 
 ing to itinerant and other applicants for charity. 
 
 Arnold. Aprill, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 688. 
 
 198. If a stranger applies for charity you can grant it, if 
 in the course of conversation with him you are inclined to 
 believe him to be a Mason; but no examination can be had, 
 except as required by the Regulations. 
 
 See S-16. Clark. Feb. 21, 1876. L. B. 7, p. 60. 
 
 199. There is nothing in our Law or Regulation preventing 
 
 a Lodge from making a donation to the widow of an expelled 
 
 Mason. The punishment of expulsion was imposed upon the 
 
 husband for his sin, and after his death does not follow his 
 
 ■widow or orphan children. A Lodge has control of its own 
 
 charitv fund and selects the objects of its bounty. 
 
 Lamberton. Jan. 9, 1871. L. B. 3, p. 
 430-431. 
 
 200. The custom in our Jurisdiction in granting relief to 
 the needy or destitute' is that the grant is an unconditional 
 gift, that is not expected to be returned either by the donor, or 
 any one of them, and a demand for • a return of a grant that 
 has been made without the knowledge of the Lodge in whose 
 name the request is preferred, is not imderstood to be binding 
 by our Lodge. Nisbet. Nov. 17, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 206. 
 
 201. It is not only entirely competent, but very desirable, 
 that a Lodge should have a Charity Fund, countributions to 
 which might be made by the Lodge, or the individual members, 
 or both. The Committee to take charge of it, however, should 
 be the Lodge. And no grants from it should be made without 
 a direct vote of the Lodge in each case, or a reference by the 
 
40 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 Lodge to the Committee on Charity, with power to grant any 
 
 sum not exceeding a certain amount out of said fund. 
 
 MacCalla. Jan. 22, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 249. 
 
 202. A Lodge in this Jurisdiction will not be permitted 
 to repudiate its Masonic obligations, especially when the obliga- 
 tion is to a Lodge in another Jurisdiction. 
 
 Africa. Aug. 23, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 203. 
 
 See Circular Letters and Appeals, 203-208; Lodge Funds, 427-439; Lodge 
 Solidting Aid, 610. 
 
 CIPHERS. 
 
 See Printed Rituals, Monitors and Ciphers, 77S-780. 
 
 CIRCULAR LETTERS AND APPEALS. 
 
 203. Circular letters of appeal cannot be issued by Lodges 
 in this Jurisdiction. Arnold. May 25, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 766. 
 
 204. It is contrary to the laws of this Jimsdiction to permit 
 such circulars [for support of National Masonic Home for 
 Consumptives, at Santa Fe, New Mexico] to be sent to Lodges 
 or Brethren through the official machinery of the Lodge. We 
 do not permit our members to be taxed for such enterprises, or 
 canvassed in the Lodge in aid thereof. 
 
 Arnold. May 18, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 433. 
 
 205. Lodges are not established for this purpose and com- 
 plaints have been made to me from pther Jurisdictions that 
 they consider such circulars as intrusion upon them. 
 
 Arnold. July 5, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 852. 
 
 206. Lodges must not send out soliciting circulars of any 
 kind. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 164. 
 
 207. The use of chain-letters by Lodges or individual mem- 
 bers of the Fraternity, is positively prohibited, no matter what 
 the purpose. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 182. 
 
 208. The reading of circular letters, other than Masonic, 
 in any of the Lodges, is forbidden, unless permission be first 
 given by the Grand Master. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 149. 
 
 See Charity, 196-20S; Lodge Notices, 466-483; Lodge Soliciting Aid, 510. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 41 
 
 CITIZENSHIP. 
 
 See 397; 61S, 699. 
 
 CLANDESTINE BODIES. 
 
 209. No member of the Masonic Fraternity under the 
 
 jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, has the right 
 
 to visit any assemblage of individuals claiming to be Masons, 
 
 if such assemblage "is not sanctioned by the Grand Lodge; and 
 
 any Masonic intercourse with such assemblage is a violation 
 
 of the duties and obligations of the Craft. 
 
 Grand Lodge. Pro. March 6, 1797 
 Reprint, Vol. I, p. 269. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 210. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania have adopted the prin- 
 ciple of Ancient Masonry, that it consists of four degrees, 
 the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason and 
 Holy Royal Arch; that every regular Warranted Lodge pos- 
 sesses the power of forming and holding Lodges in these several 
 .degrees, the last of which, from its pre-eminence, is denomi- 
 nated a Chapter. [Dec. 4, 1826, the government of Holy Royal 
 Arch Masonry and its Chapters was given up by the Grand 
 Lodge to the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsyl- 
 vania.] * * * 
 
 Over all Lodges held under its authority in the degrees 
 recognized by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, it exercises 
 conclusive Jurisdiction. With the Bodies exercising the other 
 degrees of Masonry, by whatever name they are called, it does 
 not interfere, leaving those Bodies to govern themselves and 
 manage their concerns in their own way. Nor does it prevent 
 any Mason under its jurisdiction from attaching himself to 
 .any of those Bodies regularly constituted according to the rules 
 of such Bodies, and taking as many of those degrees as he 
 pleases. But the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania denies the 
 right of any of those Bodies to interfere with any of the degrees 
 of Ancient Masonry before mentioned, or to grant Warrants or 
 Constitutions for holding Lodges in any of the said degrees 
 of Ancient Masonry. 
 
 Whether the Body lately established at the Havanna called 
 the Grand Consistory has been established according to the 
 Rules and Regulations of that order, is a matter in which 
 
42 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 themselves and other Bodies practising those degrees are con- 
 cerned, — the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, as such, has noth- 
 ing to do with it. 
 
 If the said Grand Consistory has authorized the holding 
 of Lodges in any of the four degrees of Ancient Masonry first 
 mentioned, they have done wrong, and such authority is void 
 and all persons made under it are illegal and spurious. 
 
 Resolved, that if the said Grand Consistory lately established 
 at the Havanna has not established Lodges in any of the 
 degrees of Ancient Masonry above mentioned, but has confined 
 itself to conferring the other degrees, all Masons under the 
 jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania are at lib- 
 erty to take those other degrees conferred by the said Grand 
 Consistory, or not, as they please. 
 
 Resolved, that all Lodges held in the four degrees of An- 
 cient Masonry by virtue of any authority given by the Grand 
 Consistory before mentioned, are illegal and unconstitutional, 
 and Masonic intercourse is hereby strictly prohibited between 
 all Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of 
 Pennsylvania and any persons made in or belonging to Lodges 
 held in the degrees above mentioned, by virtue of any 
 authority granted by the said Grand Consistory. 
 
 Resolved, that any Member of a Lodge under the jurisdic- 
 tion of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, knowingly -violating 
 the last above mentioned resolution, shall be expelled. 
 
 Special Committee. July 6, 1818. Re- 
 print, Vol. IV, p. 133. 
 
 2n. The Lodges at the Havanna exercising the degrees of 
 Ancient Masonry under the pretended authority of the Grand 
 Consistory of that place, are illegal and unconstitutional. 
 
 No regular Ancient Mason or Lodge can have Masonic 
 intercourse with those Lodges, or with the Masons made therein, 
 without violating his or their Masonic duty. 
 
 Unless Lodge No. 157 shall, within one month after they 
 
 shall have received a copy of this report, return to their 
 
 duty and conform to the Regulations of the Grand Lodge on 
 
 this subject, the Warrant of said Lodge shall be vacated. 
 
 Special Committee. Dec. 6, 1819. Re- 
 print, Vol. IV, p. 221. 
 
GKAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 43 
 
 212. There is a well established doctrine called "American," 
 
 that two Masonic Bodies cannot occupy the same territory at 
 
 once, and both be genuine. Eichbaum. Aug. 27, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 
 pp. 100-102. 
 
 213. In March, 1866, the Grand Lodge made it imperative 
 that no Brother under its control should connect himself with 
 any Body claiming to be Masonic, and not sanctioned by the 
 Grand Lodge. This Cemeau Body is beyond doubt one claim- 
 ing to be Masonic, and not sanctioned by the Grand Lodge. 
 The Grand Lodge recognized nothing beyond (I will not say 
 above) the Symbolic degrees including the Royal Arch. It 
 cannot tolerate the presence of more than one Body of a kind 
 in its Jurisdiction, as that state of affairs would inevitably bring 
 discord into our Lodges, where harmony should always prevail. 
 
 The Brethren must elect which Body they will stay with, 
 but they cannot stay with both. In the examination of visitors, 
 you can have an addition made to the test oath to the effect 
 that the visitor is not connected with the Cerneau Body, as 
 has been done in other places. 
 
 Eichbaum. Aug. 30, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 pp. 108-111. 
 
 214. A Brother visiting a clandestine Lodge, or affiliating 
 with clandestine Masons, must not be admitted to a Lodge 
 in this Jurisdiction. Kelly. Pro. 1898, p. 110. 
 
 215. All Bodies of the so-called Cerneau Rite are clandestine 
 Bodies, so far as this Grand Lodge is concerned; and every 
 Master Mason in this Jurisdiction connected with such clandes- 
 tine Body, who does not retire therefrom, thereby subjects him- 
 self to Masonic trial and punishment. 
 
 MacCalla. Jan. 12, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 299. 
 
 216. A Master Mason in good standing who is a member of 
 
 the so-called "Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of America, 
 
 its territories and dependencies, presided over by John J. 
 
 Gorman," is not permitted to visit a Lodge in the Jurisdiction 
 
 of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The reason is that said 
 
 body is a branch of the so-called Cerneau Rite, which has been 
 
 declared clandestine by this Grand Lodge. 
 
 MacCalla. Dec. 17, 1889. L. B. 12, 
 p. 141. 
 
44 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 217. If the member of a Lodge knows that any of his mem- 
 bers are associated with the so-called Cemeau Eite of Scottish 
 Masonry, or that his Lodge is sharing its place of meeting with 
 such Body, and no measures have been taken to prevent it, 
 then his Lodge is contumacious and defying the order of the 
 Grand Lodge as represented by the Grand Master, and it 
 will be your duty to take up the Warrant of such Lodge. 
 
 Eichbaum. Nov. 3, 1888. L.B.ll,p.l88. 
 
 218. All Grand Lodge Edicts, of course, only cover the 
 Grand Lodge jurisdiction; Pennsylvania's Edict does not 
 extend to New York, nor New York's to Pennsylvania. Each 
 Grand Lodge is supreme and sovereign within its own ter- 
 ritorial jurisdiction and no further. It is perfectly compe- 
 tent for any Master Mason in Pennsylvania to visit any other 
 regular Grand Lodge or Lodge under it. This right is not 
 confined to Grand OflScers but belongs to all Master Masons. 
 There is no fraternizing with so-called Cemeau Masons. 
 
 MacCaUa. July 22, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 pp. 672-673. 
 
 219. As to visits by members of Lodges elsewhere, who are 
 also members of the clandestine so-called Cemeau Rite, they 
 are not permissible to our Lodge. In the test administered to 
 applicants for admission in the Examining Room, they should 
 state that they are not members of the Cerneau Rite, or else 
 they cannot be admitted. MacCalla. March 8, 1889. L. B. ll.p. 399. 
 
 220. The permission by a Lodge for the use of its place of 
 
 meeting for the practice of the Cemeau Rite, or for any other 
 
 purpose than one recognized as Masonic, is unauthorized and 
 
 improper. Mchbaum. July 23, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 
 pp. 74r-76. 
 
 221. A member of a clandestine Masonic body can petition 
 a Lodge in this Jurisdiction by renouncing his allegiance to 
 said body, and a copy of his letter to that effect must accom- 
 pany his petition. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 132. 
 
 See SOS. 
 
 222. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, on June 4th inst., 
 
 resolved to edict the so-called "Egyptian Masonic Rite of 
 
 Memphis," as being Masonically a clandestine body. 
 
 MacCalla. Pro. 1890, p. 25. June 13, 
 1890. L. B. 12, p. 605. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 45 
 
 223. This Grand Lodge does not recognize either the Grand 
 Orient of France or anything created by it. Any Mason sub- 
 ject to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania who visits or affili- 
 ates with the Grand Orient of France, or anything set up by 
 it in this Jurisdiction, is subject to the penalties denounced by 
 
 Grand Lodge. Eichbaum. Aug, 24, 1887. L. B. 10, p. 
 
 582. Committee on Correspondence, 
 Pro. 1876, p. 15 (Reprint, Vol. XII, 
 p. 71). 
 
 224. In view of the fact that certain persons are endeavor- 
 ing to introduce within the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge 
 certain Orders, Rites, Degrees, Mystic Shrines, with their 
 ceremonies and rituals claiming to be Masonic, I fraternally 
 call your attention to the decision of this Grand Lodge as 
 adopted March 5, 1866, on the recommendation of the Com- 
 mittee on Landmarks as follows: 
 
 1st. Resolved, That no member of the Masonic Fraternity 
 under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 
 has the right to visit any assembly or collection of individuals 
 claiming to be Masons, when such assembly or meeting is 
 not sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and that 
 any communion or Masonic intercourse with such clandestine 
 assembly or meeting is a plain, palpable, and flagrant viola- 
 tion of the most solemn duties and obligations of the Craft. 
 
 2nd. Resolved, That if hereafter any member of the Masonic 
 
 Fraternity should violate the solemn duties imposed on him, it 
 
 would become the duty of the appropriate Masonic tribunal 
 
 to bring the offender to trial in accordance with the Rules and 
 
 Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and to expel such offender and 
 
 deprive him of all communion with the Craft throughout the 
 
 world. Day. Qrcular Letter, March 14, 1883. 
 
 L. B. 8,p.871i 
 
 225. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will not grant a 
 Warrant to colored people. It is not admissible for any Free 
 and Accepted Mason to visit a clandestine Lodge; and all 
 Lodges in Pennsylvania which do not derive their Warrant 
 from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, are clandestine. 
 
 Vaux. Oct. 16, 1867. L. B. 1, p. 54. 
 
 226. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania holds in regard to 
 colored Masons: we do not refuse them recognition on account 
 of their color, but simply because under our Law they are 
 
46 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 clandestine. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is supreme in 
 her own Jurisdiction, and cannot recognize the power or author- 
 ity of any one to make Masons in her Jurisdiction, excepting 
 by authority from her, and all others are clandestine. 
 
 Dick. Feb. 5, 1881. L. B. 8, p. 289. 
 
 227. There are so many so-called- Lodges scattered all 
 
 over the United States, composed in whole or in part of colored 
 
 men, that are altogether irregular and clandestine, that it is 
 
 quite a dangerous business for a Lodge to investigate the claim 
 
 of one to be received as a visitor. 
 
 MitcheU. July 21, 1885. I» B. 9, p. 
 843. 
 See Jurisdiction over Petitioner, 379-399; Renunciation, 803; Foreign and 
 Other Jurisdictions, SS9-S39; Warrant, 858-881. 
 
 COMMISSION. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Section XI, p. 168. 
 
 228. A Commission to visit foreign Lodges will only be 
 issued by the Grand Master to members of the Grand Lodge, 
 and even then under peculiar circumstances. 
 
 Porter. Feb. 13, 1878. L. B. 7, p. 459. 
 
 COMMITTEE OF EXAMINATION. 
 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 1-^. 
 
 COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY. 
 
 See Ahmum Rezon, Art. XVIII, Sec. 9, p. 66; Art. XX, Sec. 1, p. 69; 
 Art. XXI, Sec 1, p. 61; Sec. 3, p. 62. 
 
 229. In inquiring upon a petition for initiation and mem- 
 bership, the question of residence should receive the most 
 careful attention, and full and searching inquiry must be made 
 as to the standing and character of the petitioner and his 
 fitness to be made a Mason. This inquiry, to be effectual, 
 must be made at his home and of those who know him. If he 
 has changed his residence recently, inquiry should also be 
 made where he formerly resided. 
 
 See 705. Special Committee. Pro. 1880, p. 46. 
 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 230. The inquiry should be sifting and thorough. It should 
 be made, not by novices, but by experienced Brethren. Par- 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 47 
 
 tioular care should be made to inquire as to the place of resi- 
 dence given by the petitioner, and the length of time he has 
 resided there. If he has changed his residence within a short 
 time, the inquiry should be made more searching and thorough, 
 and should also be made at his former place of residence. 
 
 MacCalla. Pro. 1890, p. 98. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 231. A Brother who does not decline an appointment on a 
 Committee of Inquiry is bound on honor to perform all the 
 duties devolving upon him as such, and, if he refuses, may be 
 made a subject of Masonic discipUne. 
 
 It is the duty of such Committee to report a petitioner 
 worthy, or unworthy, or physically disqualified from having 
 ^he prayer of his petition granted. If the Brother who refuses 
 to sign the report knows the petitioner to be unworthy or 
 physically disquahfied, his duty to the Craft requires him to 
 state the fact; and if he knows him to be worthy, his refusal 
 is a gross injustice to the petitioner, and an attempt to wrong 
 his Lodge by keeping out good material. The Master can dis- 
 charge the Committee, and appoint a new one, to report at a 
 subsequent stated meeting. Nisbet. Jan. 26, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 25. 
 
 See 2S9. 
 
 232. It is not necessary for a Committee of Inquiry on 
 a petition for initiation and membership to make inquiries as 
 to the legitimacy of the birth of the petitioner; but, if the fact 
 of his illegitimacy is known to the Committee, it is their duty 
 to report him disqualified by a Landmark of the Fraternity. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 30, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 458. 
 
 233. A Committee appointed to inquire into the character, 
 etc., of a petitioner for initiation and membership, should hand 
 in their report to the Lodge as early in the evening as possible. 
 
 Henderson. April 10, 1895. L. B. 15, 
 p. 900. 
 
 234. If a member of the Lodge informs the Committee of 
 Inquiry that there is an objection to a petitioner, it is his 
 duty, as a good and worthy Brother, to state it, otherwise the 
 Committee cannot consider the objection; and should make 
 their report upon such information as they have been able to 
 obtain. Africa. Sept. 15, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 751. 
 
48 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 235. It is optional with the Committee of Inquiry as to 
 
 what evidence of good character and standing in society is 
 
 sufficient. They must satisfy themselves. To do so, it might 
 
 be necessary to write to his references abroad. There should 
 
 always be very careful inquiries made concerning strangers. 
 
 MacCalla. March 20, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 237. 
 
 236. A Committee of Inquiry have no right to conamunicate 
 the result of their investigation to the petitioner or to any of 
 his friends, or in any other way except by their formal report in 
 the Lodge. Nor can the Committee return to the petitioner 
 his petition. It must be brought by them into the Lodge, 
 and when the report is laid upon the Secretary's table, it is 
 considered as made, and the petition cannot be withdrawn|f 
 imless the report be favorable. 
 
 Lamberton. March 11, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 98. 
 
 ■ 287. The unfavorable report of the Committee of Inquiry 
 is a rejection of the petitioner. It is not a perpetual bar. It 
 has the same effect as a black ball, no more. But the rejected 
 petitioner can apply again nowhere except to the same Lodge 
 which rejected him. MitcheU. Nov. 16, 1886. L. B. 10, p. 312. 
 
 238. The Committee has no right to say what is the char- 
 acter of the report before it is laid on the table of the Secre- 
 tary. There is no necessity to "accept" an unfavorable report. 
 The moment it is made, it works a rejection, without any action 
 of the Lodge. Vaux. Sept. 21, 1867. L. B. 1, p. 26. 
 
 239. In the absence of a member of the Committee of 
 Inquiry on a petition, the Master may appoint a Brother to 
 fill the vacancy, but not for the purpose of hastening the action 
 of the Lodge. The substitution shall be annoxmced in the 
 Lodge and entered on the Minutes. Such Committee so con- 
 stituted should not report at once, but it should give the 
 additional member time to make a full investigation of the case. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1899. p. 166. 
 
 240. When a petition has been referred to a Committee of 
 Inquiry it is imder the control of that Committee for a period 
 not exceeding four months. The Committee may report unfavor- 
 ably, favorably or that the petitioner is physically disqualified. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 49 
 
 If favorably, a ballot shall be had, or a motion to withdraw 
 (if a first petition) may be made. 
 
 If balloted for and approved, a motion to withdraw or an 
 oral objection is in order imtil initiation. 
 
 Orlady. 26. L. B., p. 791. 
 
 241. The failure of a Committee of Inquiry to report in 
 four months (except as provided in Art. XXI, Sec. 2, p. 62, of 
 the Ahiman Rezon) is equivalent to an unfavorable report, 
 and, therefore, is a rejection: and the Master should declare 
 the petitioner rejected by failure of the Committee of Inquiry to 
 report within four months. Eichbaum. Oct. 12, 1897. 
 
 242. While the failure of a Committee of Inquiry to report 
 on a petition within four months is equivalent to an unfavor- 
 able report, and, therefore, is a rejection, it does not release the 
 control of the Lodge in which it was presented; and such 
 petitioner, if he again petitions, must do so to the same Lodge, 
 such new petition being subject to the same procedure as in 
 the case of the first petition. Tennis. Pro. 1902. p. 133. 
 
 243. If a member of a Lodge has an objection to a petitioner 
 
 for initiation and membership, he may communicate the same 
 
 to the Committee of Inquiry, whose duty will require it to 
 
 investigate the same. Should the Committee report favorably, 
 
 any member believing that he has a Masonic objection to the 
 
 petitioner may cast a black ball. 
 
 Africa. March 31, 1892. L.B.13,p.843. 
 
 244. A protest, if sent to the Lodge receiving the petition, 
 should then be sent to the Committee of Inquiry on the petition. 
 This Committee should, thus put on its guard, the more care- 
 fully perform its duty. Vaux. May 27, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 364. 
 
 246. Where a member objects privately to the Master to 
 a petitioner before ballot on his petition, the Master should 
 give the name of such objector to the Committee of Inquiry 
 having the petition of the petitioner in charge, so that the 
 Committee may satisfy itself by seeing such objector. 
 
 MacCalla. Dec. 26, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 916. 
 
 246. If a petitioner dies, or removes from the residence 
 given in his petition after it has been presented to the Lodge, 
 
50 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 thereby making it impossible for the Committee of Inquiry to 
 call on him and perform its duty, that fact should be reported to 
 the Lodge, entered in the Minutes, and reported immediately to 
 the Grand Secretary. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 168. 
 
 247. It is the duty of a Master of a Lodge to instruct a 
 Committee of Inquiry in its duties at the time a petition is 
 placed in its possession, and he should in every instance know 
 that this duty has been complied with. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 168. 
 
 248. The Committee of Inquiry should satisfy itself of the 
 
 proficiency of a petitioner for membership before making a 
 
 report. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 135. 
 
 See Ballot, 69-85: Petition for Initiations and Membership, 688-725. See 
 also 163, 466, 51Z, 690, TJfi, 766, 769. 
 
 COMMITTEE ON CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 See 335. 
 
 COMMITTEE ON TEMPLE. 
 
 See AMman Rezrni, Art. XIII, pp. 37, 38; Section XIII, ■pp. SSS, ZSS. 
 
 249. It is perfectly competent for your Committee on Temple 
 to make whatever arrangements your combined judgment 
 dictates for the viewing of the Temple in Philadelphia, at any 
 convenient time by any body of Brethren and their friends. 
 We are not so selfish as to deny the public, much less our 
 Masonic Brethren, whether associated with a portion of that 
 public or not, opportimity at your will and pleasure to view our 
 marble halls and all the architectural and decorative splendors 
 of the Temple. 
 
 It is not permissible to have any description of entertain- 
 ment in the Temple, to be participated in by a mixed company 
 of Freemasons and the profane. By entertainment I mean, a 
 banquet or an address, a lecture, recitations, vocal and instru- 
 mental music, or the like. A Masonic Temple does not exist 
 for this purpose. It is not a public hall of entertainment, it is 
 for the use of the Craft only. Its various Halls are for rental', 
 
 not for use without cost. MacCaUa. April 4, 1890. L. B. 12, pp. 
 
 457-459. 
 
 250. Under the Ahiman Rezon, the Temple in Philadelphia 
 is in the care of the Committee on Temple, and I, as Grand 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 51 
 
 Master, have no authority to direct the deliberations or control 
 the action of the Committee, unless it exceed its powers. 
 
 Africa. Feb. 20, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 18. 
 
 251. I cannot consent to the removal of any portrait from 
 the Grand Master's room for any purpose. I have refused a 
 number of similar applications, and must be consistent with 
 my decisions, and show no partiality in any way. 
 
 Day. April 30, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 348. 
 
 252. I am in receipt of yours, asking for paintings, photo- 
 graphs, etc., of Masonic Temple, or former Temples, as may be 
 appropriate to the Municipal Exhibit of Philadelphia at the 
 New Orleans Exposition. The Committee on Temple have charge 
 of the Temple and all the property contained in it, but I have 
 not the faintest idea that they would consent to the removal 
 of any picture from the building for the purpose you indicate. 
 
 Day. Nov. 24, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 508. 
 See Intoxicating Liquors, 370S7S. See also 499. 
 
 COMMITTEES. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVIII, Sec. 2, p. 63. 
 
 253. A Master of a Lodge is ex-offido a member of all 
 Committees. The report of a Committee should be made by 
 the remaining members of the Committee, as the Master will 
 preside when the report comes up for action of the Lodge. 
 
 The Lodge has the power to refer any question to a regular 
 Standing Committee or to a Special Committee, as the Lodge 
 by a majority vote may determine. 
 
 When a Brother is appointed on a Committee and declines 
 for any reason to serve, it is proper for the Master to substitute 
 another Brother whether in the Lodge or out of it. If the Min- 
 utes of the meeting have not been written up, he can direct the 
 Secretary to substitute the name of the Brother last appointed, 
 
 and read it as the Minutes. Dick. Jan. 23, 1881. L. B. 8. Day. 
 
 Nov. 29, 1883. L. B. 9, p. 153. 
 
 COMMUNICATIONS. 
 
 254. The Grand Lodge holds Communications, a Lodge 
 meetings. And these are the proper terms to be used. 
 
 Lamberton. Feb. 26, 1871. L. B. 3, p. 
 490. 
 
52 DIGEST OP DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 CONDUCT. 
 
 255. September 6, 1847, it was decided that a Lodge has the 
 right to take cognizance of the moral conduct of every Mason 
 residing within its limits or jurisdiction. 
 
 Nisbet. Aug. 25, 1879. L.B.7,p.795. 
 
 256. No Mason or body or Masons can be permitted by 
 their indiscreet action to bring reproach upon the Fraternity, 
 without proper punishment. Africa. April 27, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 910- 
 
 257. Each Lodge owes to itself and to the Fraternity in 
 
 general to see that its members behave on all occasions as 
 
 Masons, and to inflict proper punishment upon such of its 
 
 members who may be guilty of conduct unbecoming a Mason. 
 
 Africa. April 18, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 
 890-891. 
 See Charges and Trial, 133-194. 
 
 CONVENTION OF LODGES. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XII, See. 5, p. 21; Sec. 11, p. S5. 
 
 258. Conventions of Lodges are unlawful, and no one is 
 
 authorized to call two or more Lodges together except the 
 
 Grand Master or the District Deputy Grand Master. 
 
 MacCalla. Pro. 1890, p. 144. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 259. No Convention of Lodges shall be held except it be 
 called by the Grand Master, or by a District Deputy Grand 
 Master, in his District. Should such a District Convention 
 be called, it shall be for instruction only; all other purposes 
 are prohibited. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 164. 
 
 CORNER-STONE. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XII, Sec. S, p. 21; Section V, pp. lOS-llS; Section 
 VII, pp. 121-127. 
 
 260. If a comer-stone of a public building, Church or Masonic 
 Hall is desired to be laid with Masonic ceremonies, the com- 
 munication requesting it should be addressed to the Grand 
 Master, as he alone has power to perform said ceremony; 
 when he may issue a Dispensation, delegating that power to a 
 Grand Officer or a District Deputy Grand Master. 
 
GKAND LODGE AND GEAND MASTERS 53 
 
 A Dispensation will not be issued to lay a comer-stone on 
 Sunday with Masonic ceremonies. A Lodge can not be opened 
 on Sunday for any purpose, unless in case of great emergency 
 after permission of the Grand Master has been obtained. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 171. 
 
 261. The comer-stone should if possible be laid at the North- 
 east corner of the building, whether above or below the surface 
 
 of the earth. Mitchell. June 29, 1886. L. B. 10, 
 
 p. 205. 
 
 262. It is not right to lay, with Masonic ceremonies, the 
 comer-stone of village stores, or buildings of any kind, to be 
 used for mixed purposes. Day. Aug. 7, 1883. L. B. 9, p. 34. 
 
 263. A Lodge should not ask to lay the corner-stone of a 
 Church or any other public edifice. The request to have a 
 comer-stone laid with Masonic ceremonies should come from 
 the properly constituted authorities of the building about to 
 be erected. Day. Aug. 28, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 447. 
 
 264. The ceremony of the laying of a corner-stone is that 
 printed in the Ahiman Rezon, Section VII, p. 121. It is custo- 
 mary on such occasions to print copies of the ceremonies. It is 
 not necessary to read the Dispensation to the Lodge but not im- 
 proper to do so, but it should be shown to the Master, that he 
 may be assured of your authority. There is no objection to the 
 Civic, Literary and Educational Societies joining in the parade. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 27, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 287, 
 
 265. A Masonic Lodge never assists some other organiza- 
 tion in laying a comer-stone. 
 
 Africa. April 25, 1892. L.B. 13,p.901. 
 
 266. A collection for the benefit of a Church may not be 
 
 taken up at the time of laying its corner-stone by the Grand 
 
 Master or his Representative. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 150. 
 
 CUSTOMS, USAGES AND LAW. 
 
 267. The Grand Lodge has set itself against the healing 
 business. Violations of Customs, Usages and Law must be 
 healed by the offenders undoing what they have done wrong, 
 
54 DIGEST OP DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 and doing it over again correctly, following the law as laid 
 down by the Grand Lodge. Day. Feb. 27, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 270. 
 
 DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. 
 
 See Masonic Halls, B28-B3B. 
 
 DEDICATION OF MONUMENT. 
 
 268. The dedication of a Soldiers' Monument on the Fourth 
 of July is not a Masonic ceremony, or one which the Ahiman 
 Rezon provides for a Lodge participating in by a Dispensation. 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Section XI, page 168. 
 
 Day. May 17, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 366. 
 
 269. In reply to your invitation to participate in the unveil- 
 ing of the statue, I would respectfully state that the Masonic 
 Fraternity as a body can not take part in the ceremonies. 
 
 Day. May 12, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 359. 
 
 DIGEST OF DECISIONS. 
 
 270. A Digest and Index of the Decisions of the Grand 
 Lodge and Grand Masters may not be issued except officially, 
 and not by any private Brother. It should be an official and 
 an authoritative publication. MacCalla. Jan. 17,1890. L. B.12, p. 225. 
 
 271. Grand Masters having made decisions, both orally and 
 in writing, and issued Edicts upon matters herein contained, as 
 well as upon additional and supplemental questions, in cases of 
 real or apparent conffict between decisions herewith issued and 
 those heretofore decided, the earlier ones are considered and 
 interpreted as amended, revised or suspended; all other previous 
 decisions are suspended. Gorgas, November, 1912. 
 
 See Grand Master, 342-349. 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 See Charges and Trial, 133-194 
 
 DISPENSATIONS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. X, Sec. 1, p. 17; Art. XII, Sec. S, p. 21; Sec. 11, 
 p. $5; Art. XVII, Sec. 10, p. 47; Art. XX, Sees. 3-6, p. 68; Section 
 XI, pp. 149, 168-160, 162-168, 172. 
 
 272. A Dispensation to hold an election is not granted 
 upon the application of any officer of a Lodge, but only upon 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 55 
 
 a resolution of request, adopted by the Lodge itself, properly 
 certified. Nisbet. Jan. 15, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 633. 
 
 See 852. 
 
 273. Dispensations are not such Masonic documents as 
 
 can be sent by telegraph. Lamberton. July 25, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 
 p. 189. 
 
 274. A Dispensation is never issued in cases of physical 
 disqualification. Africa. Nov. 1, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 360. 
 
 275. Dispensations to Enter, Pass and Raise, are only 
 
 granted by the Grand Master, or by his special direction. 
 
 Day. June 20, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 397. 
 See Comer-atone, 260, District Deputy Grand Masters, 277-283; Masonic 
 Clothing, 617, 618; Passing to the Chair, 683-680. See also 626, 741, 764. 
 
 DISPUTES AND OFFENCES. 
 
 276. Lodges are prohibited from taking cognizance of 
 ecclesiastical or political offences, or, as the Ancient Consti- 
 tutions have it, "We are also all nations, tongues, kindreds 
 and languages, and are resolved against all politics, as what 
 never yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will." 
 
 Hence any intermeddling by the Lodges is not to be tolerated. 
 
 Lamberton. May 12, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 180. 
 
 DISSOLUTION OF A LODGE. 
 
 See Warrant, 872-881. 
 
 DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS. 
 
 See Ahiman Eezon, Art. XII, Sees. 10-12, pp. 25, 26; Art. XVI, Sec. 2, 
 p. 43; Art. XVIII, Sec. 9, p. SB; Section XI, p. 171; Section XIV, p. 24.0. 
 
 277. A District Deputy Grand Master is the Representative 
 
 of the Grand Master, and has the right, and it is his duty, to 
 
 visit any Lodge in his District for the purpose of conferring 
 
 degrees or giving instructions. He may take the station of 
 
 the Master, and fill the other stations with competent Brethren. 
 
 Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 133. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 278. As to the appointment of a District Deputy Grand 
 Master, it is not made by the Grand Lodge, nor does it come 
 
66 DIGEST OP DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 before the Grand Lodge until after the appointment is made. 
 
 The District Deputy Grand Master is the personal appointee 
 
 of the Grand Master and his Representative, and he alone is 
 
 responsible for his appointment; he alone can make it. 
 
 MacCalla. March 28, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 427. 
 
 279. A District Deputy Grand Master, when visiting his 
 own or another Lodge officially, should wear the clothing of 
 his office. It is not necessary that he wear his clothing to the 
 meeting of his own Lodge, unless he desires to do so; nor is it 
 proper to make a decision in his own or another Lodge, unless 
 present in his official capacity. 
 
 A District Deputy Grand Master can in his official capacity 
 "coimsel and instruct" a Master of a Lodge. He has no 
 authority to "direct or compel," since the Master is supreme in 
 his Lodge. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 127. 
 
 280. A direction by a District Deputy Grand Master is a 
 command that is to be obeyed without question and without 
 demur. He is supreme in his District, £tlthough amenable to 
 the Grand Lodge and the Grand Master. If any Lodge con- 
 siders itself aggrieved by him, it can appeal to the Grand Master; 
 but I do not intend to permit any Lodge to sit in judgment upon 
 him, or set at defiance his authority. When right, the Dis- 
 trict Deputy Grand Master must be maintained. 
 
 Nisbet. Oct. 20, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 832. 
 
 281. A District Deputy Grand Master has a perfect right 
 
 to request the Minute Book of a Lodge to be sent to him, to 
 
 enable him to properly examine it; of course, he should be 
 
 careful to return it before the next meeting of the Lodge, so 
 
 that the Minutes can be read from it. 
 
 See 64S. MacCalla. June 29, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 735. 
 
 282. It is the duty of the District Deputy Grand Master 
 to see that the meeting rooms of Lodges conform to the require- 
 ments of the Ahiman Rezon; that they are properly protected 
 from eavesdroppers; and that they are so tyled as to preserve 
 absolute secrecy. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 169. 
 
 283. The following are the Regulations for the performance 
 of the official duties of District Deputy Grand Masters: 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 57 
 
 1. Upon receipt of your Commission, you will visit all the Lodges in 
 your District and cause this Circular Letter of Instructions to be read; and 
 deliver a copy thereof to each of said Lodges, with instructions to pre- 
 serve it for reference. The instruction heretofore given to copy the Circular 
 Letter in the Minutes is not renewed as to this Letter. It mil be sufficient 
 for the Secretary to enter a minute that it has been received. 
 
 You will notify the Lodges in your District to send one copy of the notices 
 of their meetings to the Grand Master, and also one to the District Deputy 
 Grand Master of the District. 
 
 You will, once during each year, examine the Minutes of each Lodge, and 
 make a written report in regard to the Minute Book, correcting any errors 
 you may discover in the matter thereof or the manner of recorcfing the 
 same, and instruct the Master to have your report read at the next meet- 
 ing of his Lodge, and copied in full in the Minutes of that meeting. The 
 Form for Recording Minutes, issued in 1905, must be on the Secretary's 
 desk at every meeting. 
 
 2. On your visit to a Lodge, you will carefully inspect the Lodge room; 
 see that it is suited to its purpose and is securely tyled; and have one or 
 more of the degrees rehearsed in your presence, so that you may correct 
 it, if it is not the authorized Work, or is imiperfectly rendered. 
 
 3. A Record and a Dispensation Book will be sent you, which must 
 be returned, with all petitions for Dispensations granted by you, to the 
 Grand Master for his examination, before the twentieth day of December 
 next. 
 
 In your Record Book you wiU enter your visits to the Lodges, also 
 each petition for a Dispensation and your action thereon. A check to 
 the order of the R. W. Grand Secretary for the whole amount received 
 by you for Dispensations, and an account of your expenses, must be sent 
 to him. From your Dispensation Book, you will issue all Dispensations, 
 entering at the same time upon the margin the full particulars of such 
 Dispensations. 
 
 4. A Dispensation to pass and raise or to baise may be granted by 
 you, if you are satisfied as to the necessity thereof. The fee is ten dollars 
 for each degree. 
 
 5. A Dispensation to pass to the chaik will be granted only to a 
 Master Mason of Six Months' Standing, who is a member of a Lodge 
 within your District, to be acted upon in that Lodge only with the con- 
 sent of the majority of the members present, to be determined by a viva 
 voce vote, which shall be entered upon the Minutes of the Lodge. You 
 must he satisfied as to the petitioner's qualifications, and that he is sufficiently 
 proficient to warrant the advancement. The fee is ten dollars. 
 
 6. You will instruct the Masters and Wardens of the Lodges in your 
 District in their Work, and see that they are fuUy qualified for their 
 duties in this respect. 
 
 7. Notify all officers and members of the Lodges in your District that 
 they will, in the first instance, address you on all questions of Work and 
 Law, and for all information relating thereto, which they may seek. Your 
 opinions, decisions and correspondence you will cause to be preserved as 
 part of the official record of your administration. Through you all appeals 
 to this office must be made, and with every appeal you will send copies 
 of your decisions to which said appeal refers, and of the correspondence 
 relating thereto. All correspondence relative to your official duties must 
 be addressed to the Grand Master. 
 
 8. Whenever application is made to you for permission to have a pro- 
 cession in Masonic clothing, you will report such application to this office, 
 and withhold your consent until authorized to give it by the Grand Master. 
 
 9. You will see that every Lodge in your District has in its possession 
 at least one copy of the Ahiman Rezon of the edition of 1895, and three copies 
 
58 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 of the Holy Bible. You will urge on the officers of the Lodges in your 
 District the necessity of a careful study of the Ahiman Rezon, and'of making 
 themselves acquainted with its various provisions, which will guide them 
 aright in the management and conduct of the affairs of their Lodges. 
 
 10. You will render obedience to that clause of Sec. 11 of Art. XII of the 
 Ahiman Rezon, page 25, which makes it imperative upon you to attend 
 the Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge at least twice a year. 
 
 11. You will regard your allegiance to the Grand Lodge as paramount to 
 all other Masonic connections or relations, and devote yourself to teaching 
 the authorized Work by convocations of the officers of the Lodges in your 
 District for instruction, at convenient places, on appropriate and recurring 
 occasions, or by visits to each Lodge, as you may deem most beneficial. 
 
 12. You will advise with the Grand Master upon such subjects regard- 
 ing which you may need instruction. As a guide to forming your own 
 judgment, it is stated as an axiomatic principle in Masonry in this Juris- 
 diction, that "What is not permitted is prohibited" to the Craft and Subor- 
 dinate Lodges. 
 
 13. You will understand that your judgment and discretion are relied 
 upon to carry out these Regulations. 
 
 14. All former Regulations inconsistent with the foregoing are hereby 
 revoked. 
 
 Gorgas. Circular Letter. Dec. 27, 1911. 
 See Installaiion, 369-368. See also 836. 
 
 DUES AND FEES. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. X, p. 17; Art. XVII, Sees. 19, SO, 22, 29, pp. 60- 
 61, 62; Art. XVIII, Sec. 9, p. 66; Art. XIX, Sees. 1, 2, 6, pp. 56-68. 
 
 284. A Lodge must pay its dues to the Grand Lodge not 
 later than the first day of March, annually. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 138. 
 
 285. Dues owing by Lodges shall bear interest at the rate 
 of six per cent per annum, after the first day of March following 
 the date when the same should have been paid; and rents over 
 due shall bear interest at the same rate from thirty days after 
 the same should have been paid. Provided that this shall not 
 apply to the dues of 1911, or to rents now owing. 
 
 Committee on Finance. Sept. 4, 1912. 
 
 286. The whole amount of dues and fees for conferring 
 
 the three degrees is due and payable before initiation. If, 
 
 after iaitiation, a Brother does not see fit to receive the Fellow 
 
 Craft and Master Mason's degrees in the Lodge in which he 
 
 was initiated, he will have to pay an extra charge to the Lodge 
 
 which confers said degree on him subsequently. 
 
 Committee on By-Laws. Dec. 15, 
 1-856. Reprint, Vol. IX, p. 181. 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 59 
 
 287. Payment for initiation and life membership fees must 
 be made in money, and not in stock of a Masonic Hall Associa- 
 tion. Special Committee. Pro. 1880, _p. 49 
 
 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 383). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 288. Lodges may provide that dues shall be payable monthly 
 
 or annually. Committee on By-Laws. Pro. 1887, p. 
 
 15. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 289. The fee is paid once for initiation and membership, 
 which entitled the petitioner, if approved to receive the three 
 degrees. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania does not permit 
 a fee for each degree. Perkins. Dec. 22, 1873. L. B. 5, p. 628. 
 
 290. To refund any portion of the initiation fee to a peti- 
 tioner by a Lodge is imlawful, and will be immediately followed 
 by a suspension of the Warrant. 
 
 Lamberton. Oct. 17, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 p. 246. 
 
 291. Dues are chargeable to members as soon as they 
 become such. When a petitioner receives his first degree, he 
 becomes a member and chargeable with dues. When a peti- 
 tioner is elected to membership, he is chargeable from that 
 time with dues. After suspension for non-payment of dues, 
 
 the dues cannot be remitted. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1907, p. 129. 
 
 292. A note is not a payment under Masonic law. 
 
 Arnold. June 13, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 808. 
 
 293. Where the By-Law provides for a fee for membership, 
 a member, who has heretofore resigned and desires to return 
 to the Lodge as a member, must pay the fee prescribed. 
 
 KeUy. Pro. 1897, p. 74. 
 
 294. Lodge dues are payable annually, unless the By-Laws 
 provide for the payment at other intervals, and at the meeting 
 next preceding St. John the Evangelist's Day. 
 
 If not paid at that time, a member is in arrears, and is not 
 entitled to vote or hold office. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 213. 
 
60 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 295. When a candidate has received the Entered Appren- 
 tice degree and signed the By-Laws of the Lodge, he there- 
 upon becomes a member, subject to the payment of dues, from 
 that time, and to all other provisions of the By-Laws. Before 
 any member can be suspended for non-payment of dues, he 
 must have been regularly summoned by the Lodge to pay them, 
 and in this respect an Entered Apprentice or a Fellow Craft 
 Mason stands on the same level as a Master Mason. 
 
 MacCalla. April 15, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 470. 
 
 296. A Lodge may not adopt a resolution offered by which 
 
 the members would be compelled to pay the dues in advance. 
 
 Such a resolution is unlawful. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 221. 
 
 297. A Lodge cannot charge dues to a Brother after accept- 
 ing his resignation as a member. 
 
 MitcheU. Oct. 5, 1886. L. B. 10, p. 
 274. 
 
 298. A Brother to obtain the benefit of a By-Law provid- 
 ing for one-half dues, after having paid full dues for twenty 
 years, must have paid the full dues for the full term of twenty 
 years. Kelly. Pro. 1897. p. 77. 
 
 299. All Brethren are eligible to vote at a special election, 
 whose dues were paid in full to St. John the Evangelist's Day 
 last. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 129. 
 
 300. All moneys paid into a Lodge, whether for dues or 
 initiation fee, must be paid over to the Treasurer; and, in the 
 latter case, if there is a rejection, an order should be drawn on 
 the Treasurer for the amount to be returned. The Treasurer 
 alone is the custodian of all funds paid into the Lodge. 
 
 Potter. July 1, 1874. L. B. 6, p. 51. 
 
 301. The following may be printed with the name, number, 
 and location of the Lodge, inserted in the blank spaces; but 
 receipts are not to be signed in blank, or have the seal of the 
 Lodge attached, until payment is made by the Brother to 
 whom it is to be given. The seal must not be printed on the 
 receipt. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 61 
 
 Form of Receipt for Dues with Seal Attached, to be Issued by 
 Lodges In Pennsylvania when Requested 
 
 Lodge No , F. and A. M. 
 
 At a {Sd l'^^^*^"^ of Lodge, No 
 
 F. & A. M., held at , Pennsylvania, on the 
 
 day of , A. D , A. L dues were received from 
 
 Brother , amounting to 
 
 dollars, in full to 
 
 « 
 
 Extract from the Minutes. 
 
 [seal] Attest: Secretary. 
 
 Note. — When payment is made between meetings and an immediate 
 receipt is desired, this form may be altered, in accordance with the facts. 
 
 Guthrie, Pro. 1910, p. 145. 
 
 See Sitspenaion of Members, 839-851. See also 48, 104. 
 
 EASTERN STAR. 
 
 302. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania utterly discoun- 
 tenances everything that tends to innovate upon the body of 
 Masonry. It does not tolerate or in any manner recognize 
 what are called side degrees, conferred upon certain females 
 related to or connected with Freemasons. It permits no 
 deviation from the Landmark with which we are all familiar, 
 that a woman cannot be a Mason. Hence, a Lodge as such 
 cannot have anything to do with the so-called side degree, nor 
 should a Brother permit any woman of his household to labor 
 imder the delusion that they form a part of Freemasonry. 
 
 Lamberton. April 28, 1871. L. B. 4, p. 
 103-104. 
 
 303. The Grand Lodge does not recognize a degree called 
 the Eastern Star degree. A Masonic Lodge cannot recognize 
 it either. It would be highly improper for a Lodge to make 
 any mention of it in its Minutes. To confer it in open Lodge, 
 in my opinion, would be sufiScient reason to call in and void 
 the Warrant of the Lodge. There are no degrees in a Masonic 
 Lodge, except the three: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, 
 and Master Mason. Mitchell. Oct. 2, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 910. 
 
 See Certificates, 132; Lodge Rooms, 608. 
 
62 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 ECCLESIASTICAL DISPUTES. 
 
 See Disputes and Offences, 276; Religious Faith and Services, 800-802. 
 
 EDICTS. 
 
 See Grand Master, S4S-S49. See also 388, 583, 769, 874.. 
 
 EGYPTIAN MASONIC RITE OF MEMPHIS. 
 
 See Clandestine Bodies, 209-227; Lodge Rooms, 506; Masonic Recognition, 642. 
 
 ELECTIONS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. V, p. 8; Art. XVII, Sees. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 
 
 pp. Jfi-Jfi. 
 
 304. When the By-Laws of a Lodge provide that members 
 
 shall not be permitted to vote at an election for officers, unless 
 
 they have previously paid their dues, an election at which 
 
 members, disquahfied from voting under the By-Laws, have 
 
 voted, is illegal, and will be set aside. 
 
 Special Committee. March 6. 1843. 
 Reprint. Vol. VII, p. 148. Perkins. 
 Pro. 1872, p. 96 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 
 434). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 305. Every Master Mason in good standing, member of a 
 Lodge, has a right to vote at any election for officers, pro- 
 vided he has complied with the By-Laws. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 101. 
 
 306. A Master can admit a member of his Lodge during an 
 election for officers, and permit him to vote, but not during a 
 ballot upon a petition. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 165. 
 
 307. No Brother not a member of the Lodge may act as 
 Teller of an election. Nisbet. June 28, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 134. 
 
 308. No Lodge is permitted to violate the plain law on 
 election of officers as laid down in the Ahiman Rezon, by elect- 
 ing them by acclamation. If they do, the persons are not 
 elected, and cannot serve as such. All elections must be done 
 by ballot. Day. Dec. 26, 1883. L. B. 9, p. 187. 
 
 309. At the stated meeting of a Lodge, at the time pre- 
 scribed by the Ahiman Rezon, if a Brother is elected as an 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 63 
 
 oflScer, but declines to serve, the Lodge may at once proceed 
 to elect another. No Dispensation is necessary. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 136. 
 
 310. A Dispensation to a Lodge to hold a special election 
 to fill a vacancy will not be granted unless and until the Lodge 
 by its action requests the same. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 136. 
 
 311. It is imperative to send to all the members of the Lodge 
 due and timely notice of special elections. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p, 100. 
 
 312. No Dispensation is necessary to hold an election to 
 fill a vacancy for Representative ia the Grand Lodge or Trustee, 
 but the members must have- due and timely notice that such 
 an election is to be held. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 133. 
 
 See 631. 
 
 313. It is usual for Lodges to have prepared a number of 
 ballots, omitting names of candidates for stations which are to 
 become vacant. As to officers who are usually advanced, if 
 deserving, their names may be printed, as for the advancement 
 of a Warden. Arnold. Feb. 3, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 198 
 
 314. The Lodge officers, however, should not print tickets 
 
 for contested offices, as Junior Warden. 
 
 Arnold. Dec. 21, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 763. 
 
 315. A member of a Lodge who was not present in person 
 requested in writing a member to vote for him, which was 
 done. This is an error; no such vote could be received, and 
 as it was unlawful, it affected the whole ballot. 
 
 Vaux. Jan. 27, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 147. 
 
 316. It has always been considered that the disfranchise- 
 ment of Brethren in arrears for dues applies to elections for 
 officers and eligibihty to office only. Taking the By-Laws of 
 your Lodge, Art. II, Sec. 2, in its connection and place, we 
 find that it applies only to voting for and eligibility to office. 
 Read according to its evident meaning, it means that "No mem- 
 ber shall be entitled to vote (for) or be eligible to any office until 
 his dues shall have been paid in full," etc. The word, "for," 
 which I have inserted, has always been understood as being 
 
64 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 there. Besides, you are aware that it never is the practice to 
 
 read out the disfranchised before votes are taken, except for 
 
 the election of officers. Arnold. Feb. 15, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 551. 
 
 See BaUot, 69-86; Dues and Fees, 284-SOl. 
 
 ELECTIONEERING. 
 
 317. Caucusing, nominating, or electioneering for Masonic 
 stations is unmasonic. The right of the Brethren to stand as 
 candidates, and of their friends to recommend them, cannot be 
 gainsaid; but the methods of pubUc politics would be destruc- 
 tive of the welfare of the Fraternity. The spectacle of Brethren 
 standing in the ante-room of a Lodge, or even inside, electioneer- 
 ing and soliciting votes for themselves, cannot be too severely 
 reprimanded. It exhibits a want of delicacy and refinement, 
 which should not be shown in a fraternity like a Masonic 
 Body. 
 
 Friends of candidates may write letters to persons known to 
 them, reconmiending Brethren for preferment; but the whole- 
 sale issue of printed circulars to persons, unknown as well as 
 known to the sender, is highly improper, and will, if not 
 checked, tend to degrade the Fraternity. 
 
 Printed tickets for candidates are not improper. They 
 save much time at the meetings, in the preparation of tickets; 
 but they should be distributed by friends of candidates and 
 not by candidates themselves. They should be distributed 
 in the Lodge room, during the time when the Lodge is called 
 off preparatory to going into an election. The Lodges may 
 prepare ballots for those officers who are usually advanced 
 without contest, leaving blanks for those who are not. 
 
 Printed circular instructions to a Representative from a 
 Past Master to vote for a Brother therein named are not bind- 
 ing on the Representative. 
 
 It is not permissible to open headquarters outside of the 
 Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, in the interest of any candi- 
 date for Masonic office. Lamberton. Pro. 1870, p. 58 (Reprint, 
 
 Vol. XI, p. 305). Clark. Pro. 1877, p. 
 57 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 138). Dick. 
 Pro. 1882, p. 231.Nisbet. Pro. 1890, 
 p. 142. Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 99. 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 65 
 
 ELECTRIC LIGHT. 
 
 318. There is no objection to the use of electricity in light- 
 ing the three Lesser Lights. Arnold. Dec. 19, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 
 756. 
 
 ENTERTAINMENTS. 
 
 319. Lodges have nothing to do with Masonic excursions. 
 
 Masonic balls, or the like. The Grand Lodge, by organic 
 
 Law, forbids any public Masonic gathering unless permission 
 
 be first obtained. Lamberton. Pro. 1870, p. 63 (Reprint, 
 
 Vol. XI, p. 307). Nisbet. Pro. 1878, 
 p. 74 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 197). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 320. A Lodge cannot hold a meeting at which other than 
 Masons are present. Lady friends cannot attend a meeting of 
 the Lodge, either in the Lodge room or elsewhere for refresh- 
 ment, amusement or any other object, however innocent. 
 
 Mitchell. Feb. 19, 1886. L. B. 10, 
 p. 82. 
 
 321. No entertainment or address can be given in your 
 Lodge room before mixed assemblages. I cannot permit your 
 Lodge room to be used for any other purpose than strictly 
 Masonic business. Whatever entertainment you give in 
 Armory Halls must be as individuals and not as Masons. 
 
 Day. March 19, 1883. L. B. 8, p. 879. 
 
 322. There is no objection to the Trustees of the Masonic 
 
 Fund Society, who own the Masonic Temple in your city, 
 
 permitting the use of the large banqueting room on the fifth 
 
 floor for the organizations of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
 
 in September next; and, I would add that I think it is highly 
 
 commendable in the Trustees according this privilege. 
 
 Arnold. May 18, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 431. 
 
 323. This [533] will not prevent your opening your new 
 Hall to pubUc inspection at any appropriate time that you may 
 see proper, but there could be no formal Masonic reception at 
 this opening, since Freemasons do not formally receive the pro- 
 fane. Nor would it be proper to have a Masonic banquet in the 
 evening of the day of the dedication of your Masonic Hall, at 
 
66 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 which banquet profane might be present. On purely Masonic 
 
 occasions only Freemasons can be present. 
 
 MacCalla. June 3, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 596. 
 
 324. Lodge funds must not be used to pay for the playing of 
 a band of music in a public square, or for any similar use; such 
 is not a Masonic purpose. 
 
 Lodges must keep within due bounds in the expenditure of 
 their funds, which must not be used for any but strictly Masonic 
 purposes. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 173-174. 
 
 325. A Masonic Hall is not intended for any other than 
 
 Masonic purposes, nor can such means of raising funds for 
 
 Masonic Lodges as Masonic fairs be sanctioned. The Lodge 
 
 room cannot Ibe used for holding a fair, and the use of the 
 
 term "Masomc," or the display of Masonic clothing or Masonic 
 
 emblems in connection with fairs, excursions, balls, etc., is 
 
 forbidden. Perkins. Jan. 23, 1873. L.B.5,p.401. 
 
 See Lodge Funds, 4S7-439; Lodge Meetings, 441-454; Lodge Rooms, 488-509. 
 See also S4S. 
 
 EXPULSION. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. 17, p. 49; Art. XVIII, Sec. 7, p. 65; 
 AH. XX, Sec. 3, p. 60. 
 
 326. Unless it is otherwise expressly prescribed by the By- 
 Laws of a Lodge, a vote of expulsion may be adopted by a 
 
 majority. Lamberton. March 10, 1871. L. B. 
 
 4, p. 35. 
 
 327. A resolution of expulsion cannot be reconsidered at a 
 
 meeting after that at which it was adopted. It is even denied 
 
 in a case of suspension. Lamberton. April 20, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 
 p. 88. 
 See 383, 397, 660, 661, 664, 681, 784, 794, S51, 888. 
 
 FOREIGN COUNTRY. 
 
 328. A communication regarding the formation of a Lodge 
 in Mexico, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
 vania, having been received, it was decided that it was 
 inexpedient for this Grand Lodge to grant Warrants to 
 new Lodges at so great a distance from the State. While it 
 was the custom in former times to do this, yet, as it is the 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 67 
 
 policy of the Grand Lodge at present to have all of its Subordi- 
 nate Lodges under the care of District Deputy Grand Masters, 
 and Mexico is so far away, for this and other reasons, it was 
 decided not to grant a Warrant to a Lodge formed in that 
 
 country. Arnold. June 16, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 
 497. 
 See Foreign and Other Jurisdiction, SS9SS9. 
 
 FOREIGN AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. XII, Sec. 9, p. S3. 
 
 329. All intra-Jurisdictional communications should be sent 
 
 through the offices of the Grand Masters. 
 
 Unanimous Recommendation of Con- 
 ference ■ of Grand Masters, Phila- 
 delphia, 1909. Pro. 1909, p. 109. 
 
 330. Members of Lodges in this Jurisdiction cannot hold 
 Masonic intercourse with Lodges of other Jurisdictions or 
 members thereof, with which this Grand Lodge is not in fra- 
 ternal intercourse. Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 103. 
 
 331. The appointment of a Grand Representative to another 
 Jurisdiction belongs in Pennsylvania exclusively to the Grand 
 Master. It is one of his prerogatives, recognized by our Ahiman 
 Rezon. The same may be said of the recognition of Grand 
 Representatives from other Jurisdictions. 
 
 Africa. June 16, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 41. 
 
 332. It is the undeniable right of a Grand Master to reject, 
 
 or withdraw his recognition from, a;ny Grand Representative 
 
 who is objectionable to him, and he is not bound to assign 
 
 reasons therefor, although it is usual to do so, because it avoids 
 
 misunderstanding. Arnold. June 14, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 815. 
 
 333. In recalling my Representatives to other Grand Masters 
 and announcing my purpose to appoint no more, I did not in 
 any wise intend to refuse recognition to Grand Representa- 
 tives sent from other Grand Masters, but it will be my pleas- 
 ure to receive and acknowledge all Grand Representatives who 
 may be duly accredited to me by the Most Worshipful Grand 
 Masters of other Jurisdictions. 
 
 Arnold. Feb. 10, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 536. 
 
68 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 334. This Grand Lodge is not in correspondence with any 
 Chinese Grand Lodge, or any person claiming to be a Grand 
 Master thereof. Arnold. March 4, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 588. 
 
 335. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is not in communi- 
 cation with the Grand Lodge of Holland. That relation must 
 be first established, before we could receive or recognize Masons 
 from that country, and any proposition to that end must be 
 referred to the Committee on Correspondence. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 26, 1892. L.B.14,p.283 
 
 336. Our rxile is that all matters between the Craft in our own 
 Jurisdiction and another Jurisdiction must be carried on through 
 and settled by their respective Grand Masters, unless it is upon 
 a subject that can be settled only by the act of their respective 
 Grand Lodges. 
 
 For this reason, no Lodge here can grant permission to a 
 Lodge in another Jurisdiction to act upon the petition of one 
 of our residents temporarily residing in its vicinity, nor can it 
 act under a like permission in a similar case. Neither can one 
 of our Lodges grant permission to a Lodge within our Jur- 
 isdiction to act upon one of its rejected petitioners. The 
 Lodge in which a petitioner is rejected must first show that 
 the objection has been removed, before he can apply elsewhere. 
 
 If a resident of another Jurisdiction apphes to one of our 
 Lodges for initiation and membership, it is the duty of that 
 Lodge to apply to om- Grand Master for permission to act 
 upon his petition. This permission is never granted, imtil we 
 first learn from the Grand Master of the Jurisdiction in which 
 the petitioner resides, whether it meets with his approbation, 
 and if it does not, the permission is refused. 
 
 Nisbet. Dec. 14, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 229. 
 
 337. Masonic recognition must be refused to one who, while 
 a resident of this Jurisdiction, petitions a Lodge in another 
 Jurisdiction, was received and initiated, without permission 
 having been granted by us. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 133. 
 
 338. Our Grand Lodge does not hold correspondence with 
 any other Grand Lodge that has not sole control of its terri- 
 tory. See Proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 1875, p. 224. 
 
 Eichbaum. Aug. 24, 1887. L. B. 10, pp, 
 582-583. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 69 
 
 339. A subject that requires notice is that of residents of 
 Pennsylvania who go to foreign counties, more especially 
 England, Ireland, and Scotland, and are there made Masons, 
 and expect to be recognized as such on their return. Some of 
 them do this imwittingly, acting under the bad advice of friends; 
 others do it understandingly, and because the degrees cost less 
 there than here. No person so made can be recognized by our 
 Lodges. If they desire to enjoy the privileges of Freemasonry 
 in Pennsylvania, they must resign from their foreign Lodge, 
 surrendering all allegiance to it and to the Grand Lodge under 
 which it holds, and apply in regular course for initiation 
 and membership, paying the fees required by the By-Laws 
 of the Lodge to which they apply. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1896, p. 118. 
 
 iSee Clandestine Bodies, 209-227; Jurisdiction over Petitioners, 379-399. 
 
 FUNERAL. 
 
 See Burial, 106-116. 
 
 GOOD MASONIC STANDING. 
 
 See Restoration, 816-824. See also 10, 22, 126, 128, 399, 733. 
 
 GRAND HONORS. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Section IV, p. lOZ. 
 
 340. The grand honors are only given to the Grand 
 Master of Pennsylvania, when, accompanied by the Grand 
 Officers, he pays a formal Grand Visitation to a Lodge. 
 
 Day. April 11, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 335. 
 
 341. Freemasonry in Pennsylvania has no public honors 
 or public grand honors. We have no honors or signs save those 
 which are given in the tyled Lodge. We neither have nor use 
 any monitors in this Jurisdiction. We Pennsylvania Masons 
 are a peculiar people; our work is pecuharly ancient, as are 
 also our Usages and Customs. We do not admit the public 
 to witness any of our Lodge ceremonies, such as installations, 
 nor do we give grand honors to be seen by the profane. 
 
 MacCaUa. April 21, 1890. L. B. 12, ' 
 p. 487. 
 
70 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 GRAND MASTER. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. IX, Sec. I4, p. IB; Art. XII, Sec. S, p. 19; Art. 
 XVI, Sees. 1, S, pp. 42, 43; Section XIV, p. 234. 
 
 342. In the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, there cannot be 
 an appeal from a decision of a Grand Master. This is estab- 
 lished Masonic Law. If a Lodge, with full cognizance of this, 
 should attempt to controvert it, it would become the duty of 
 a Grand Master to sequestrate the Warrant of the Lodge. 
 
 MacCalla. May 26, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 582. 
 
 343. The Grand Master of Pennsylvania is more than a 
 presiding officer, and there is no appeal from any of his acts. 
 His decisions have all the force of established law until some 
 of his successors reverse them, and, as they are generally 
 logical and equitable, this is seldom done. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1896, p. 96. 
 
 344. An Edict of a Grand Master emanates from the inher- 
 ent powers of his office, as well as from those conferred by the 
 Ahiman Rezon, and has the authority of Masonic Law. 
 
 Special Committee. Pro. 1888, p. 87. 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 345. The Grand Master's summons you are bound to obey, 
 unless prevented by sickness or some imavoidable occurrence, 
 of which you should have notified me. A failure to comply 
 with such summons will cause the suspension of the officer so 
 neglecting to comply without a reasonable excuse. 
 
 Dick. Dec. 26, 1881. L. B. 8, p. 468. 
 
 346. The Grand Master has not the power to set aside a 
 Landmark. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 168. 
 
 347. The Grand Master has full and complete author- 
 ity in reference to the surrender of jurisdiction by the Grand 
 Lodge over residents of this Jiuisdiction, who may reside 
 nearer a Lodge in an adjoining Jurisdiction than is this. 
 
 Committee on Landmarks. Pro. 1883, 
 p. 13. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 348. Permission given by the Grand Master holds good 
 during his term of office only, unless revoked. 
 
 Nisbet. Oct. 19, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 192. 
 
GBAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 71 
 
 349. A rule of this office [i.e. of the Grand Master] pro- 
 hibits the giving of the names of correspondents, unless by 
 withholding the same some injustice should be done a Brother. 
 
 Africa. March 25, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 80. 
 
 See Comer-Stone, S60-S66; Digest of Decisions, S70, Z71; District Deputy 
 Grand Masters, S77-S83; Foreign and Other Jurisdictions, S4S-S43; Grand Honors, 
 SJfi, 341; Grand Officers, 360S6Z; Making a Mason at Sight, 611-614; Making 
 a Mason of a Youth Under Aage, 616; Processions, 789-79Z. See also Index. 
 
 GRAND OFFICERS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. II, Sec. 1, p. 5; Art. Ill, Sec. 1, p. 6; Art. IV, 
 Sec. 2, p. 7; Art. XVI, Sees. 1, S, pp. J,2, 43; Section XIV, pp. 234-^44- 
 
 350. The members of the Grand Lodge should rise at the 
 entrance of a Past Grand Master. 
 
 The members of Lodges should rise at the entrance of the 
 
 Grand Officers, of Past Grand Masters, of Past Deputy Grand 
 
 Masters, of District Deputy Grand Masters, and of Masters 
 
 of Lodges. Grand Lodge, Sept. 5, 1853. Ahiman 
 
 Rezon, edition of 1857, p. 135. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 351. No Brother not a Grand Officer can act as such, except 
 by virtue of a Commission issued to him by the Grand Master. 
 
 Nisbet. April 19, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 90. 
 
 352. It is not the custom of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
 vania to issue notices to other Jurisdictions of the death of any 
 of its Grand or Past Grand Officers. 
 
 Africa. Aug. 24, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 209. 
 
 iSee Commission, S28; Warrants, 880. See also 60, 126. 
 
 GRAND REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 See Foreign and Other Jurisdictions, 329-339. 
 
 GRAND SECRETARY. 
 
 See By-Laws, 117, 122; Certificate, 125. See also Index. 
 
 HONORARY MEMBERS. 
 
 353. Lodges shall not confer honorary membership upon 
 
 Brethren not members thereof. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1877, p. 
 30 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 122). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
72 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 354. One of the incidents attaching to honorary member- 
 ship is the payment of dues. If a life member voluntarily 
 changes that relation to honorary membership, and refuses 
 to pay dues, he may be suspended. 
 
 Cominittee on Appeals. Pro. 1880, p. 
 40 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 378). 
 
 355. Honorary member is only another name for life mem- 
 ber, and Brethren cannot be made such for less than $40 
 (Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. 4, p. 45.), or, by a provision 
 of the By-Laws, without having paid twenty years' dues. 
 The Grand Lodge does not approve By-Laws which allow a 
 less time. In cases of financial disability, the Lodge may remit 
 the dues of the member from time to time. 
 
 See Life Members, 405-41S. Arnold. Jan. 9, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 135. 
 
 INCORPORATION. 
 
 356. A Lodge should not be incorporated. 
 
 Perkins. Feb. 6, 1872. L. B. 5, p. 156. 
 
 357. Neither the Grand Lodge nor Subordinate Lodges 
 
 are incorporated, and must hold real estate in the names of 
 
 trustees. If you conclude to purchase real estate and build 
 
 a Hall thereon, it would be best to creat a trust. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 12, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 595. 
 
 INITIATION. 
 
 358. After having been duly prepared to receive the first 
 degree in Freemasonry, a candidate refused to conform with 
 and obey certain Landmarks of the Craft. This refusal dis- 
 qualifies him from initiation in any Lodge in this Jurisdiction, 
 and you will direct your Secretary to make proper record 
 thereof, and to make report to the Grand Secretary accordingly. 
 Freemasonry does not proselyte. Those who desire its privi- 
 leges must seek them of their own free will, and must accept 
 and obey, without condition or reservation, all of its Ancient 
 Usages, Customs, and Landmarks. 
 
 Africa. Oct. 24, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 336. 
 
 See Ballot, 69-86; Objections, 669-58 J,.; Protest, 794, 795. See also 670, 671, 
 887, 891. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 73 
 
 INSTALLATION. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. IV, Sec. 4, p. 7; Art. XVII, Sec. 8, p. 46. 
 
 359. To prevent the installation of a Master, the choice 
 
 of his Brethren, there should be presented potential objections. 
 
 Lamberton. Nov. 7, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 351. 
 
 360. When St. John the Evangelist's Day falls on Sunday, 
 the Master-elect of a Lodge should be installed on a date prior 
 thereto. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 173. 
 
 361. A District Deputy Grand Master cannot convene 
 for installation purposes the officers of the various Lodges in 
 his District, at some central place. The installation of the 
 officers of a Lodge is a distinctive act, to take place if practi- 
 cable in the presence of those over whom they are to rule, and 
 at the accustomed place of meeting. 
 
 Lamberton. Nov. 7, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 352. 
 
 362. It is not permissible to install the officers of one Lodge 
 at the place of meeting of another, or for a Lodge to be opened 
 elsewhere than at that designated in its Warrant, except as pro- 
 vided ia the Ahiman Rezon. Lamberton. Jan. 4, 1871. L. B. 3, p. 
 
 414. 
 
 363. It is not in the power of a Lodge to open a Grand 
 
 Lodge, nor is a Grand Lodge to be opened to install the officers 
 
 of a Lodge, nor are any but elected officers to be installed. 
 
 Nisbet. Feb. 23, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 49. 
 
 364. Masters can be iastalled, and Brethren Passed to the 
 Chair in the presence of Past Masters only. 
 
 Nisbet. April 19, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 89. 
 
 365. A District Deputy Grand Master is imder no obliga- 
 tion to install the officers of any Lodge in the District, unless 
 he chooses to do so. It is the duty of the Master to install 
 his successor, or authorize it to be done by a competent Past 
 Master, or a member of this Grand Lodge, if your Master is 
 not competent to do it. Day. Feb. 20, 1883. L. B. 8, p. 832. 
 
 366. Neither the Ahiman Rezon nor Custom nor Usage 
 of the Grand Lodge warrant the installation after St. John 
 
74 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 the Evangelist's Day. The Master and Wardens should be 
 installed the night that they are elected; then all difficulty 
 about meeting on St. John the EvangeUst's Day is avoided, and 
 the Regulations of the Grand Lodge are complied with. 
 
 Day. Nov. 29, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 512. 
 
 367. The presence of three Past Masters at the installation 
 of the Master of the Lodge was sufficient. Li this ceremony, 
 it is not necessary to have seven offices filled. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 31, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 642. 
 
 368. The Siunmary of the Ancient Charges, as fovmd on 
 page 92 of the Ahiman Rezon, should be read at the installation 
 
 of a Master. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 134. 
 
 See St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, 8B5-829. See also 6Z4, 
 6Z7, 636, 680. 
 
 INSTRUCTION. 
 
 369. In the matter of giving Masonic instruction, two things 
 
 are of primary importance: first, that the instructor is in 
 
 possession of the authorized work of the Craft, and imparts 
 
 instruction by the authorization of either the Grand Master 
 
 or District Deputy Grand Master; and second, that such 
 
 instruction is given, if possible, in a Lodge room, or, if be a 
 
 nmnber of miles distant, then in some secure place, retired 
 
 from observation, every precaution being taken to exclude 
 
 eavesdroppers from proximity to the place. 
 
 MacCaUa. Feb. 19, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 321. 
 
 See School of Instruction, 830; Work, 88$. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 
 
 370. It is not proper for a Lodge to have wine and beer, 
 or either of them used in the Lodge room, nor is it proper 
 that the Lodge room should be used at all for purposes of 
 actual refreshment or banqueting. The Lodge room is for 
 Masonic labor and refreshment only, and a room apart from 
 it must be used for banqueting purposes. 
 
 MacCaUa. Oct.8,1889. L.B.ll,p.966. 
 
 371. Intoxicating liquors will not be permitted at Masonic 
 banquets, or in any Masonic Temple in this Jurisdiction. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 132. 
 
GKAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 75 
 
 372. The use of any intoxicating liquor as a beverage, in 
 any room under the control of a Lodge, and also at any banquet 
 conducted by a Lodge, which is contributed to in whole or in 
 part from the funds of a Lodge, is prohibited. 
 
 The Committee on Temple, with the approval of the Grand 
 Master, has directed that intoxicating liquor as a beverage 
 is prohibited in any part of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 174. 
 
 373. The lease of a Lodge room in a building must not 
 be renewed, unless the use of liquor is excluded from the build- 
 ing. The members of a Lodge cannot constitute any part of a 
 club where liquor is served in a building in which the Lodge 
 meets. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 138. 
 
 Qualified by Grand Master Orlady, 1908, to apply only to 
 such cases where a Lodge, as such, has control over the build- 
 ing or room leased for use of sale of liquor, etc. 
 
 JEWELS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVI, pp. 4^-44; Section XIV, pp. S34-Z50. 
 
 374. Past Masters, members of the Grand Lodge, are 
 
 admitted to its ComjnUnications when clothed in such aprons 
 
 as may be furnished by the Grand Lodge, and, in addition 
 
 thereto, wearing the jewel of a Past Master, to be worn 
 
 either suspended by a blue ribbon around the neck or on the 
 
 left lapel of the coat. MacCalla. Feb. 5, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 
 279. 
 
 375. The Ahiman Rezon provides that no Brother shall be 
 
 admitted into the Grand Lodge or any Subordinate Lodge, 
 
 without the Masonic clothing appropriate to his rank. It is 
 
 the prerogative of either the Grand Master or a Master to 
 
 direct a Brother to be admitted without it, if to his judgment 
 
 there exists a good and sufficient reason. 
 
 MacCalla. Feb. 13, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 310. 
 
 376. No jewels except of silver may be purchased by 
 Lodge funds. Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 189. 
 
76 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 377. A Dispensation to wear a Past Master's jewel of gold, 
 
 or part gold, will not be issued. Collars of officers and Past 
 
 Masters should not have any stars on them. 
 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 89. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 378. The Master must not permit a Past Master to attend 
 meetings of the Lodge wearing other than the regulation 
 jewel, as prescribed in the Ahiman Rezon. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 190. 
 <See Masonic Clothing, 617, 518. 
 
 JUNIOR WARDEN. 
 
 See Officers, 585-604, 620-630. 
 
 JURISDICTION OVER PETITIONER. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XXI, Sec. 8, p. 64. 
 
 379. A Lodge in this Jiu-isdiction cannot receive and act 
 upon a petition for initiation and membership from a Hin- 
 doo, a native and resident of India, who is in this country 
 temporarily as a student and intends to return to India on 
 completion of his studies, without obtaining a surrender of 
 jurisdiction from the proper Masonic authorities at his place 
 of residence. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 181. 
 
 380. A petitioner, being a resident of this Jurisdiction, 
 presented his petition to a Lodge in Maryland; upon inquiry, 
 the Lodge nearest his place of residence replied that there was 
 Masonic objection, and his petition was therefore rejected; 
 held: that if he desired to present a second petition, he must 
 do so to the Lodge in Maryland to which his first petition was 
 presented. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 180. 
 
 381. A Lodge has no defined territorial jurisdiction. A 
 
 petitioner for initiation and membership can present his petition 
 
 to any Lodge in this Jurisdiction; but if to one not nearest 
 
 his place of residence, that Lodge cannot act upon the petition 
 
 until it has addressed an official inquiry to the Lodge nearest 
 
 the place of residence, as prescribed by the Ahiman Rezon, 
 
 and received a favorable reply thereto. 
 
 Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 115. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 77 
 
 382. Upon an inquiry made to the nearest Lodge to the 
 residence of the petitioner as to whether any Masonic objection 
 exists, the only Masonic objections are physical disqualifica- 
 tion and mifitness of character and habits. 
 
 Arnold. June 30, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 520. 
 
 383. Lodges receiving inquiries from Lodges in other 
 
 Jurisdictions requesting consent to their receiving and acting 
 
 upon petitions for initiation and membership from residents of 
 
 this Jurisdiction, must send them immediately to the Grand 
 
 Secretary. Such correspondence can be carried on only through 
 
 the Grand Masters. Officers of Lodges offending against this 
 
 Law will be expelled. Eichbaum. Pro. 1887, p. 96-98. Com- 
 
 mittee on Appeals, Pro. 1888, pp. 27, 
 28. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 384. In determining the distance between the residence of 
 
 a petitioner and the nearest Lodge, the air-line cannot be 
 
 adopted as an unbending rule, but the convenience of access 
 
 and time required are to be considered. Each case must be 
 
 decided on its own facts. Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 84. Grand Lodge, 
 
 1895. 
 
 385. It has heretofore been authoritatively decided that 
 "in determining the distance between the residence of a peti- 
 tioner [for initiation and membership] and the nearest Lodge, 
 the air-hne cannot be adopted as an unbending rule, but the 
 convenience of access and time required are to be considered." 
 (See 384.) It is now declared that petitioners residing in 
 the adjoining Coimties, near the border of Philadelphia, may 
 petition Lodges meeting in their vicinity nearest in point of 
 distance, or Lodges meeting in Philadelphia nearest to them in 
 point of convenience of access and time required as such peti- 
 tioners may elect; petitioners residing in Philadelphia near the 
 border of the adjoining Counties, may petition Lodges in such 
 Counties that may be nearer in distance or more convenient 
 of access to their residences than Lodges meeting in Philadelphia, 
 subject in all cases to Art. X, Sec. 3, p. 17, of the Ahiman 
 Rezon. 
 
 This does not change the existing Law, except so far as it 
 permits petitioners to apply to either the nearest Lodge by 
 distance or the nearest by convenience of access, or time re- 
 quired, and that the inquiry required by the Ahiman Rezon, 
 
78 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 Art. XXI, Sec. 8, p. 64, need not be made as between such 
 Lodges. "Each case to be decided on its own facts." 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 102. 
 
 386. No Lodge in this Jurisdiction may receive a petition for 
 initiation and membership or for membership from one who has 
 a petition pending in another Jurisdiction. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1905, p. 103. 
 
 387. A petitioner for initiation and membership who has been 
 
 rejected in a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, cannot petition any 
 
 other Lodge, but must petition the Lodge in which he was 
 
 rejected. Day. Pro. 1883, p. 119. Grand Lodge, 
 
 1895. 
 
 388. We do not claim Masonic jurisdiction over a petitioner 
 who, although calling himself a Pennsylvanian, resides and 
 votes in another Jurisdiction. 
 
 We claim perpetual jurisdiction over all our rejected peti- 
 tioners, our practice being, when other Jurisdictions accept our 
 rejected petitioners and confer the degrees upon them, to issue 
 an Edict forbidding Masonic intercourse with such. 
 
 KeUy. Pro. 1897, p. 75. 
 
 389. The principle involved, that of perpetual jurisdiction, 
 
 is of the greatest importance in this age when railroads have 
 
 brought and almost bound the citizens of the country into one 
 
 family, with relations so intimate and business so extensive 
 
 that men are constantly changing their residence, but not so 
 
 permanently or far removed as to be unable to return to their 
 
 old homes in a short time, or to be entirely forgotten. We never 
 
 take rejected material without the consent of the Jurisdiction 
 
 which rejected it, and if we are deceived, as we have been, we 
 
 at once reject it. Arnold. April 8, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 700-702. 
 
 390. Pennsylvania cannot agree that any other Grand Lodge 
 shall have the exclusive right to decide questions of jurisdiction 
 for her, but claims to have and exercise the right of self-pro- 
 tection. She cannot consent that her declaration of the clan- 
 destine and illegitimate character of the "African" Grand 
 Lodge and the "Hiram" Grand Lodge, shall be subject to review 
 by any other Grand Lodge, or any of its Subordinates. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 141. 
 
GEAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 79 
 
 391. Pennsylvania adheres to the Ancient Regulation, 
 which prohibits one Lodge from interfering with the work of 
 another, and hence holds that a petitioner for initiation and 
 membership, once rejected by a Lodge, is forever debarred from 
 a,pplying elsewhere without the consent of the Lodge that 
 rejected him. If a petitioner rejected in a foreign Lodge after- 
 wards becomes a resident of this Jurisdiction and petitions 
 for initiation and membership here, he must disclose the fact 
 of the rejection, and inquiry is at once made of the rejecting 
 Lodge (through the respective Grand Masters), if it has any 
 Masonic objection to Lodge No. — receiving and acting upon 
 the petition of — . No action can be taken upon the petition 
 until the consent asked for has been officially transmitted. 
 If the fact of rejection is concealed, and the petitioner should 
 be initiated, as soon as the truth is ascertained he is at once 
 edicted from all the rights of Freemasonry. Such is regarded 
 as our duty under the Ancient Regulations. 
 
 Africa. July 27, 1892. L. B. 14, pp. 
 139-141. 
 
 392. A person rejected in a Lodge under the jurisdiction of 
 this Grand Lodge cannot be approved and initiated in a 
 Lodge anywhere, without violating the Landmarks of Free- 
 masonry and committing an act of signal discourtesy to another 
 Grand Lodge, which could hardly be disregarded. 
 
 Potter. Jan. 30, 1874. L. B. 5, p. 663. 
 
 393. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will not allow any- 
 one rejected in another Jurisdiction to be made a Mason in this 
 Jurisdiction until that rejection has been removed. The only 
 one who can remove that rejection (according to our Law) is 
 the authority under whose jurisdiction he was rejected. 
 
 Clark. March, 27, 1877. L.B.7,p.261. 
 
 394. The Lodge that rejects a petitioner for initiation and 
 membership retains jurisdiction over him; consequently he only 
 can apply to that Lodge; but it does not follow that, if approved 
 on second application, he must be initiated therein. If ap- 
 proved on subsequent petition, the objection against him 
 will then be removed; when, if he prefers joining another Lodge, 
 he can withdraw his petition, or permit six months to elapse, 
 as provided for in the Ahiman Rezon. 
 
 Nisbet. May 14, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 102. 
 
80 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 395. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania recognizes and 
 claims no exclusive jurisdiction over material within territorial 
 limits of a Lodge, nor is it at all with her a question of money as 
 respects fees and dues. It is a question of the proper precautions 
 being taken against the admission of those who may be un- 
 worthy, and of courtesy towards those who must naturally 
 be supposed to have the fullest knowledge as to the party 
 
 petitioning. Perkins. July 22, 1872. L. B. 5, pp. 
 
 256-258. 
 
 396. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania claims jurisdiction 
 
 over every resident of the Commonwealth, and, while it is my 
 
 duty to vigilantly guard our rights, it is equally incumbent upon 
 
 me to prevent any of our Lodges from invading the jurisdiction 
 
 of any other Grand Lodge. Africa. March 24, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 
 
 828. 
 
 397. The intention of a resident of another Jurisdiction to 
 remove into this, does not entitle him to the privilege of peti- 
 tioning for initiation and membership here. He must have 
 proven his intention by giving up his old residence, and taken 
 up a new one in this Jurisdiction. Voting is considered a positive 
 act of citizenship, which is controlling in the question of resi- 
 dence. Persons violating this law will be stricken from the 
 rolls, and Brethren wilfully recommending them will be sus- 
 pended or expelled. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1889, p. 
 
 30. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 398. When a petitioner residing in a foreign Jurisdiction has 
 been rejected there upon his petition for initiation, and has 
 subsequently removed from such Jurisdiction, and becomes a 
 permanent resident under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, 
 upon satisfactory evidence being furnished from the Grand 
 Lodge under whose jurisdiction such rejection occurred, that 
 the Regulations of said Grand Lodge do not prohibit the peti- 
 tioner from applying to any other Lodge for the same purpose, 
 he may petition a Lodge in this Jurisdiction for initiation and 
 membership. But he must state the fact of his prior rejection, 
 and notice must be given to the Grand Secretary, that proper 
 inquiry may be made whether the objection still exists. 
 
 Committee on Landmarks. June3, 1861. 
 Reprint, Vol. X, p. 200. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 81 
 
 399. Where an Entered Apprentice Mason has been sus- 
 pended from one of our Lodges for non-paj^ment of dues, and is 
 afterwards, upon payment of his dues, restored to good Masonic 
 standing, he is competent to apply for membership in the 
 same Lodge again, although he has since removed to another 
 Jurisdiction. The Lodge retains its jurisdiction over such an 
 Entered Apprentice Mason, and it can, in due form, proceed 
 to act on his petition for membership, without inquiring of the 
 Masonic Jurisdiction of which he is now resident. 
 
 MacCalla. Nov. 12, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 836. 
 Seie Grand Master, SJfl; Petitions for Initiation and Membership, 688-7S5; 
 Petitions for Membership, 726-732. 
 
 LANDMARKS. 
 
 See Ahiman Ream, Art. VII, p. 10; AH. XII, Sec. 1, p. 19: Art. XIII, 
 Sec. 15, p. 31; Art. XXII, Sec. 1, p. 69. 
 
 400. Landmarks are unalterable, unimpairable, and irre- 
 pealable. This is our faith. 
 
 A Landmark is superior to any Law that we can now enact, 
 
 or any regulation that can now be made. So that if a Law or 
 
 Regulation should tilt against a Landmark they would fall 
 
 invalid, inefficacious, and powerless. 
 
 Lamberton. Feb. 26, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 70. 
 
 401. The Landmark must be supported, but it is not so 
 exacting as to prevent reasonable interpretation. 
 
 Mitchell. Oct. 16, 1885. L.B.9,p.932. 
 See Grand Master, 346. See also 4, 80, 734, 740, 741. 
 
 LECTURES. 
 
 402. My prohibition of lectures was based on a Regulation 
 of the Grand Lodge, approved April 2, 1810, as follows: "That 
 the holding of Masonic meetings and giving lectures on the 
 
 degrees by Bro. — are illegal, and if persisted in will be 
 
 dealt with according to the Ancient Customs and Usages of 
 Masonry." The only proper source of Masonic information 
 and instruction in this Jurisdiction is the Grand Master, or 
 those he especially deputizes to perform those duties for him, 
 and no prerogative of his station has been more jealously 
 
82 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 guarded. Upon application of a Brother, who desires to lecture 
 or deliver an address before a Lodge, made to the Grand Master, 
 with the tenor of said proposed lecture and address, it will 
 then be decided whether it will be permitted. 
 
 Nisbet. Nov. 1, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 198. 
 
 403. I am not in favor of lectures being delivered before 
 Lodges except on such subjects as may be instructive to the 
 Craft as Masons, and not even then unless the subject matter 
 of the lecture is in strict conformity to the Rules and Regula- 
 tions of this Grand Lodge. To permit Brethren of other Juris- 
 dictions to engraft their teachings upon the Brethren of this 
 one will prove prejudicial to our Rules and Regulations, and 
 such permission is not to be entertained for a moment. 
 
 Nisbet. March 21, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 
 682. 
 
 404. No formal lecture or address may be dehvered to a 
 Lodge, without submission first to the Grand Master, and his 
 approval obtained. Kendrick. Pro. 1905, p. 100. 
 
 See Entertainments, 319-S25. 
 
 LIFE MEMBERS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. 4. P- 45. 
 
 405. A Lodge caimot make life members unless their By- 
 Laws provide for them. Dick. Nov. 18, 1882. L. B. 8, p. 721. 
 
 406. Life membership is a vested Masonic right. A Lodge 
 
 cannot change the relation. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1880, p. 
 
 40 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 377). Pro. 
 1881, p. 27. 
 
 407. When the By-Laws of a Lodge provide for life or honor- 
 ary membership, without future payment of dues, and a mem- 
 ber compUes with the conditions imposed and thereby becomes 
 such life or honorary member, the Lodge cannot thereafter by 
 a change in its By-Laws, compel him to pay dues or suspend him 
 in default thereof. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p 132. 
 
 408. The payment of life membership fee in instalments is 
 a matter of Lodge regulation, and in no way governed by the 
 Law regulating the payment of fees for initiation and member- 
 ship. Eichbaum. Oct. 29, 1887. L. B. 10, 
 
 p. 657. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 83 
 
 409. I have taken counsel with the Past Grand Masters 
 and Officers of the Grand Lodge, and say that it is the unani- 
 mous opinion of those whom I have consulted, that the Brethren 
 who have been made life members and exempted from further 
 payment of dues cannot be suspended for non-compliance with 
 a subsequent By-Law subjecting them to the payment of dues. 
 It is sometimes said that Masonry is a law unto itself, and so it 
 is; but it is a just and reasonable law. Injustice and Masonry 
 do not go together. The obligation of a contract is as binding 
 on a Lodge as on an individual. The contract of a Lodge with 
 its members is a Masonic obligation of the greatest import and 
 is inviolable. If the Lodge is in danger of becoming extinct for 
 want of means, it will then become a matter of pride, and per- 
 haps of interest, for its members to say whether they will refuse 
 to contribute to preserve its existence, or suffer it to surrender 
 its Warrant, whereupon they would immediately become un- 
 affiliated and liable to the payment of dues in any other Lodge 
 which they might join. If any of the Ufe members of your 
 Lodge have paid their dues under protest, they are entitled to 
 a return thereof. Arnold. Jan. 15, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 151. 
 
 410. When the privileges of life membership are changed by 
 
 the member's own positive consent and with his full knowledge, 
 
 payment of dues becomes one of the incidents of the change, 
 
 and he may be suspended for non-payment thereof. But he 
 
 cannot be charged with dues without his consent. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1880. 
 p. 40 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 378). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 411. Charter members of a Lodge, who were constituted 
 
 Ufe members upon the payment of fifty dollars each, and accepted 
 
 a donation of twenty-five dollars voted to each of them by the 
 
 Lodge, were required to refund the twenty-five dollars so voted 
 
 to and accepted by them, and the Secretary of the Lodge was 
 
 directed to debit upon his books the amount due by each of 
 
 such members; such debit to be in the nature of dues unpaid, 
 
 for non-payment of which the offending members should be 
 
 suspended from membership as for non-payment of dues. 
 
 Special Committee. Pro. 1879, p. 24 
 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 260). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
84 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 412. The followkig may be printed with the name, number, 
 and location of the Lodge, inserted in the blank spaces; but 
 receipts are not to be signed in blank, or have the seal of the 
 Lodge attached, until payment is made by the Brother to whom 
 it is to be given. The seal must not be printed on the receipt. 
 
 Form of Receipt for Life Membership Fee, with Seal Attached, to be 
 Issued by Lodges in Pennsylvania when Requested. 
 
 Lodge, No F. and A. M. 
 
 At a stated meeting of Lodge, No , 
 
 F. &. A. M., held at , Pennsylvania, on the day of 
 
 , A. D , A. L , Brother 
 
 having compUed with Article . . . . , Section . . . . , of the By-Laws, was con- 
 stituted a LIFE MEMBER and thereby exempted from dues. 
 Extract from the Minutes. 
 
 [seal] Attest: Secretary^ 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 145. 
 iSee Suspension of Members, 839-861. 
 
 LODGE BUSINESS. 
 
 413. The business of the Lodge room is entirely in the 
 hands of the Master; and if, for any reason, he desires to change 
 the order of business, he alone has the power so to do, and his 
 actions should not be questioned by the Brethren. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 126. 
 
 414. The Master of a Lodge controls the order of business 
 in his Lodge. When a Lodge agrees to act under a Dispensation 
 to Pass a Brother to the Chair, the Master can proceed at once 
 to that work, or defer it imtil the ordinary business of the 
 Lodge has been gone through with, as he may deem best. 
 
 Africa. July 6, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 87. 
 
 415. As to those members who came after the hour for closing 
 the door and opening the Lodge, there is no one to blame but 
 themselves. I would suggest, however, that it is always better, 
 because it is free from criticism, to give the Brethren who are 
 in waiting an opportunity to be admitted immediately when 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 85 
 
 the Pursuivant informs the Tyler that the Lodge is open. 
 
 Then read your Minutes and take a ballot. 
 
 Arnold. March 13, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 607. 
 
 416. The Master can permit a Brother to retire from the 
 Lodge room at any time when the Lodge is at labor. No one 
 can leave without such permission. When a Lodge is called 
 off from labor to refreshment, it is then under the charge of the 
 Junior Warden, who can permit any Brother to retire, but 
 none to enter. When closed in the short way, with the intention 
 of opening in another degree, any one can retire of his own mo- 
 tion. When a Lodge is so closed, the Master should announce 
 that Brethren who desire to retire can now have an opportunity 
 of passing out, or make some similar annoimcement. 
 
 Africa. May 8, 1891. L. B. 12, p. 151. 
 
 417. The Master may declare a motion unlawful and refuse 
 to put it. If it is put and carried and entered on the Minutes, 
 the best course is to put a motion to rescind it at a subsequent 
 meeting. Arnold. Jan. 9, 1894. L. B. 16, p. 135. 
 
 418. Every motion made and seconded must go on the Min- 
 utes, with the result of the Lodge's action on the motion. 
 
 Vaux. Oct. 22, 1868. L. B. 2, p. 19. 
 
 419. A motion to reconsider any action of the Lodge, when 
 such a motion is allowable, must be made at the same meeting 
 at which such action was taken, and cannot be made at a sub- 
 sequent meeting. MacCalla. March 30, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 436. Africa. Pro. 1891, p. 95. 
 
 420. It is proper to make a motion in the Lodge to attend 
 
 Divine Service in a body, and have it recorded on the Minutes. 
 
 No Masonic clothing may be worn without a Dispensation 
 
 from the Grand Master, and it is not usual to grant such a 
 
 Dispensation. MacCalla. Jan. 3, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 
 197. 
 
 421. No business can be transacted at a special meeting of 
 the Lodge except the advancement of candidates, and the 
 removal from one place of meeting to another, which is especially 
 provided for in the Ahiman Rezon. 
 
 Day. Jan. 21, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 238. 
 
86 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 422. There is no such proceeding known in this Juris- 
 diction as calling the yeaS and nays in a Masonic Lodge. If a 
 division is ordered by the Master, the vote is to be determined 
 by the members rising, but the names of those voting for 
 or against are not to be recorded on the Minutes. 
 
 Perkins. Oct. 7, 1872. L. B. 5, p 305. 
 
 423. The usual method of taking a vote in a Lodge is viva 
 
 voce; but when the Master is in doubt as to the result, he may 
 
 require a standing vote. A vote by yeas and nays is not per^ 
 
 mitted. Nisbet. March 18, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 
 
 675. 
 
 424. A Lodge does not adjourn, but closes. 
 
 Eichbaum. June 30, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 p. 39. 
 
 425. It is not lawful for any but members of a Lodge to 
 vote therein. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 135. 
 
 426. The Grand Lodge decided October 21, 1822, "The 
 
 Master had the right of voting as a member, and then giving 
 
 the casting vote in his official capacity, the votes being equal," 
 
 and I do not find that this decision has ever been repealed. 
 
 Nisbet. Feb. 16, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 45. 
 See Lodge Minutes, 466-466; Work, 88S-906. 
 
 LODGE CERTIFICATE. 
 
 See Certificates, 126-13S. 
 
 LODGE FUNDS. 
 
 427. In this Jurisdiction, each Lodge has control of its own 
 
 funds, subject to its dues to the Grand Lodge; and the latter 
 
 Body cannot interfere in its finances. 
 
 Nisbet. Nov. 17, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 
 206. 
 
 428. The Grand Lodge never interferes in the matter of 
 expenditures of a Lodge, except to restrain it from using its 
 funds for non-Masonic purposes. Tc provide a banquet is 
 within the power of a Lodge; but when such an entertainment 
 is had, it can be participated in by Masons only. The profane 
 must be excluded. An appropriation to pay for a Masonic 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 87 
 
 banquet can be made by a majority vote at a stated meeting 
 of a Lodge, Africa. Jan. 2, 1891. L. B. 12, p. 929. 
 
 429. Your Minutes show that the Lodge loans money to 
 its members on their judgment notes. The Grand Lodge refuses 
 to approve a By-Law of a Lodge conferring upon them that 
 power, and upon a reflection I am sure the members will see that 
 such action may prove disastrous to the harmony of the Lodge. 
 
 Nisbet. Dec.l7, 1879. L.- B. 7, p. 872. 
 
 430. Moneys belonging to the Lodge should be kept by the 
 Treasurer separate and apart from other funds; and, if the 
 Lodge designates a particular banking institution in which 
 the funds of the Lodge shall be deposited, the Lodge, and not 
 the Treasurer or his bondsman, is responsible for the safety of 
 the funds while in the banking institution designated by the 
 Lodge. Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 179. 
 
 431. The funds of a Lodge in the hands of the Treasurer, 
 and the uninvested cash held by Trustees, must be deposited 
 in a banking institution approved by the Lodge, in the name 
 of the Lodge. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 138. 
 
 432. Secretary is not proper custodian of Lodge funds. He 
 should receive moneys and forthwith pay them over to Treas- 
 urer. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1904, p. 
 
 88. 
 
 433. Trustees must invest the funds of the Lodge in such 
 securities as the By-Laws provide; in the absence of a By-Law 
 on the subject, then in such securities as are legal investments 
 for trust funds. Kendrick. Pro.1907, p. 130. 
 
 434. Calls for assistance from Masonic Bodies in other 
 Jurisdictions should not be responded to, unless recommended 
 by the Grand Master. 
 
 Lodge funds can be used for Lodge purposes only. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1907, p. 130-131. 
 
 435. A Lodge voted a donation from its funds to the Town 
 Improvement Association, for the purpose of booming the town 
 in which it is located. Such a perversion of Masonic funds 
 could not be permitted. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 157. 
 
88 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 436. A Lodge cannot contribute of its funds for the furnish- 
 ing of a room in a hospital not under the control of the Grand 
 Lodge. The Lodge name, Lodge rooms or Lodge funds cannot 
 be used for any but Masonic purposes. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 214. 
 
 437. I have to say, quoting from a decision of my prede- 
 cessor, R. W. Brother J. Simpson Africa, of January 2, 1891, 
 that "The. Grand Lodge never interferes in the matter of ex- 
 penditures of a Lodge, except to restrain it from using its funds 
 for non-Masonic purposes." Lodges sometimes contribute to 
 charitable purposes, but that seems to be within the scope of 
 Masonry. The institution you mention (Young Men's Christian 
 Association), however laudable it may be in its object, does not 
 appear to be a Masonic institution. 
 
 Arnold. March 17, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 297. 
 
 438. If any corporation should be formed to build an opera 
 
 house, your Lodge may hold some or all of its stock, although 
 
 I advise against it, as in case of failure you may be called on to 
 
 pay another assessment for the benefit of creditors, as well as 
 
 lose your original investment. My advice to you is to keep the 
 
 Lodge out of it. Arnold. March 23, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 662. 
 
 439. Moneys belonging to the Lodges cannot be spent for 
 
 souvenirs. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 133. 
 
 See Banquet, 86-94; Charity, 196-SOS; Entertainments, S19-S$5. See also B2B. 
 
 LODGE HISTORY. 
 
 440. Before publishing the history of a Lodge, the manuscript 
 must be submitted to the Grand Master for examination and 
 approval. Day. June 4, 1883. L. B. 8, p. 975. 
 
 LODGE MEETINGS. 
 
 SeeAhiman Rezon, Art. XV, Sec. 1, p. 40; Art. XVII, Sees. IS, IS, pp. 47-4S. 
 
 441. The Master should open his Lodge promptly at the 
 
 hour of meeting, and close it as soon as the work and business 
 
 of the Lodge is completed. Vaux. Pro. 1867, p. 78 (Reprint, Vol. 
 
 XI, p. 140). Lamberton. Pro. 1870, 
 p. 64 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 308) 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
GEAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 89 
 
 442. No Lodge in this Jurisdiction, nor a congregation of 
 Brethren claiming the protection of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, 
 shall be permitted to continue the ceremonies or proceedings 
 in any manner whatsoever after the midnight hour, without 
 a Dispensation from the Grand Master first had and obtained. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 124. 
 
 443. It has been the invariable view of this oflBce [i.e. of the 
 Grand Master] that the legislation, Rules and Regulations, 
 Customs and Usages of our Grand Lodge are based on Lodges 
 having but one stated meeting per month. See Proceedings 
 of 1884, p. 89. Interpret Sec. 6, Art. XXI, p. 63, of the 
 Ahiman Rezon in this light and you will see that when the 
 "next stated meeting" is spoken of, the lapse of one month 
 is contemplated. Mitchell. Oct. 27, 1885. L.B.9,p.936. 
 
 444. The By-Laws of a Lodge must fix a definite hour for 
 its stated meetings, and meetings must begin at that hour; the 
 hour so named cannot be anticipated by an earlier opening of 
 the Lodge. Any meeting held prior to such hour is a special 
 meeting, and the Lodge must be closed in time to be again 
 opened for its stated meeting at the hour named by the By-Laws. 
 One meeting cannot lap over into the other, nor can the business 
 required to be done at the stated meeting be anticipated by the 
 special meeting. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 135. 
 
 445. We do not pay any attention to the hour of the day 
 
 when the moon fulls; hence, if it is full early in the morning of the 
 
 day of meeting of a Lodge, whose meetings are held on Saturday 
 
 on or before full moon, as your Lodge meets, its meetings must 
 
 be held on the Saturday on or before full moon; and if the moon 
 
 fulls on Saturday, although, it is 2 o'clock and 17 minutes in 
 
 the morning, as it does on April 1st next, the meeting of the 
 
 Lodge must be held on April 1st. 
 
 Arnold. March 10, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 605. 
 
 446. Section 12, of Art. XVII, p. 47, of the Ahiman Rezon 
 does not authorize a Master to ornit the July and August 
 meetings of a Lodge; that can only be done by a vote of the 
 Lodge. The Master may call special meetings at his will and 
 pleasure, but he cannot omit stated meetings provided for by 
 the By-Laws. MacCalla. Aug.6,;i890. L.B.12,p.605. 
 
90 DIGEST OP DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 447. Your Lodge having agreed to omit its stated meetings 
 in July and August, any meeting of it held between now and the 
 time of regular stated meeting in September next, will be a 
 special meeting, and must be governed by the Rules and 
 Regulations of the Grand Lodge applicable to such meetings. 
 
 Nisbet. June 24, 1880. L:B.8,p. 130. 
 
 448. If the night of the stated meeting of a Lodge falls on 
 a holiday, the Lodge must hold its meeting at that time. The 
 By-Laws fix the time of meeting, and they cannot be set aside. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1909, p. 157. 
 
 449. The Master alone can call a special meeting of his 
 
 Lodge, and he has the right to close it at any time he may deem 
 
 proper, whether the business of the evening is completed or not. 
 
 He is not bound to call a meeting at the request of any number 
 
 of the members, and a By-Law to that effect is unlawful, and 
 
 will not be approved. Committee on Landmarks. Pro. 1879, 
 
 p. 14 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 253). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 450. A Lodge can have a special meeting in the afternoon, 
 and confer degrees upon candidates that are eligible, can call 
 off at six o'clock for refreshment, and call on again at seven 
 o'clock; this is one meeting; but should the Master close the 
 Lodge at six o'clock, the meeting at seven o'clock would be 
 another meeting, and would not be a lawful one, unless the 
 members received notice of the additional special meeting. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 180. 
 
 451. Meetings of Lodges on a Sunday should be dispensed 
 
 with altogether. Grand Lodge, June 3, 1805. Reprint, 
 
 Vol. II, p. 156. 
 
 452. A Lodge is prohibited from holding a special meet- 
 ing on Sunday. Wagner. Pro. 1900, p.l39. 
 
 See S60. 
 
 453. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting 
 
 except the business for which such meeting is specially called. 
 
 The Ahiman Rezon distinguishes between business and work. 
 
 The same principle should apply as to special meetings, called 
 
 for either. Lamberton. Jan. 5, 1871. L. B. 3, 
 
 pp. 418-427 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 91 
 
 454. A special meeting may be held on the same day, but 
 one hour earlier than the stated meeting, for the purpose of 
 considering a resolution to change the stated place of meet- 
 
 mg of a Lodge. MacCalla. Feb. 6, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 
 288. 
 See Lodge Business, 4IS-4B6; Lodge Rooms, 488-B09; Work, 88H-90B 
 
 LODGE MINUTES. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVIII, Sec. 7, p. 64. 
 
 455. The Master of a Lodge is responsible for the recording 
 of the Minutes in accordance with the prescribed Form, set 
 forth by the Grand Master. It is his duty to see that the Sec- 
 retary has a copy of this Form, and strictly follows it. 
 
 MacCalla. Pro. 1889, p. 143. Grand 
 , Lodge, 1895. 
 
 456. In recording the proceedings of a Lodge, the record 
 must conform strictly to the facts as they occur. Once made, 
 they must remain as made, neither the Master nor the Sec- 
 retary nor any one else having the right to change or alter 
 them. The right or power to do this remains with the Lodge 
 alone. When the Minutes, as recorded, come to be submitted 
 for its approval, even then, although a majority vote of the 
 Lodge might have the power to change the Minutes, the right 
 to alter them from the fact does not even then exist with the 
 majority; the Minutes must tell the truth, and are to be held 
 sacred for that object alone. To tamper with or alter them is a 
 fraud upon the Lodge, and such an offense should be promptly 
 
 condemned and punished. Committee on Appeals. June 1, 1863. 
 
 Reprint, Vol. X, p. 349. 
 
 457. Even where Minutes are improperly entered, it is not 
 
 proper to erase or expunge them, but they should be corrected 
 
 by an entry in the body of the succeeding Minutes, when action 
 
 respecting them is taken, and a reference to such action should 
 
 be made by an entry in the margin of the Minutes corrected 
 
 thus "See Page — ." MacCalla. Oct. 5, 1889. L. B. 11, pp. 
 
 958-960. 
 
 458. The Minutes should always be written out in and read 
 from the regular Minute Book, and if there be any corrections 
 they should be noted in the Minutes of the following meeting. 
 
92 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 when they are read for approval and correction. In no case 
 should the Minutes be altered. 
 
 MacCaUa. June 21, 1889. L.B.ll.pp, 
 715-716. 
 
 459. The general rule to be observed by the Secretary of 
 
 a Lodge is to insert on the Minutes the action of the Lodge in 
 
 every case before it, but not what is said in connection 
 
 therewith. MacCalla. May 13, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 
 544. 
 
 460. Communications which are not upon Masonic subjects 
 
 should not be officially read in a Lodge. Minutes cannot be 
 
 stricken out. MacCaUa. Aug. 10,1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 
 866. 
 
 461. All communications to Lodges from the Grand Master, 
 the Grand Secretary and the Grand Lodge, must be written in 
 full in the Minutes, unless otherwise directed, after having 
 been read in open Lodge, not pasted therein. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 216. 
 
 462. All reports of Committees other than those of Inquiry 
 on petitioners must be copied in the Minutes. 
 
 Nisbet. Feb. 23, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 51. 
 
 463. The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge show how 
 
 officers temporarily filling stations should be described in the 
 
 Minutes. Where the officer is taking the place of his superior 
 
 by virtue of his office and of Masonic Law, he is "Acting," 
 
 thus, "Ading W. M.," "Acting S. W." But where a Brother 
 
 holding no office by election, is temporarily appointed from 
 
 the floor, he is (pro tern.) recorded "As," thus, "As Pursuivant." 
 
 Mitchell. Jan. 21, 1886. L. B. 10, 
 p. 38. 
 
 464. The use of a typewriter for recording the Minutes of 
 a Masonic Lodge is prohibited. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 133. 
 
 465. Where, in order to establish the title to a Lodge prop- 
 erty, it becomes absolutely necessary to establish some fact 
 in connection therewith, by producing in a Civil Court certain 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 93 
 
 Lodge Minutes ; with the consent of the Grand Master, previously 
 
 obtained, it may be done. MacCalla. March 29, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 431. 
 
 See District Deputy Grand Master, 281 . See also Form for Recording the Minutes 
 of a Lodge ofF.&A. Masons Under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
 sylvania, Fifth Edition, 1906. 
 
 LODGE NAME. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. XVII, Sec. SS, p. 51. 
 See Entertainments, 319S25; Masonic Emblems, Name and Signs, 520-B27. 
 
 LODGE NOTICES. 
 
 466. Notices of Lodge meetings should be sent to each 
 
 member, and should contain the name of every petitioner, with 
 
 his age, occupation, and residence, but not the names of the 
 
 recommenders or Committee. Notices of Lodge meetings must 
 
 not be sent on postal cards nor advertised in a newspaper. 
 
 Commmittee on By-Laws. Pro. 
 1881, p. 30. MacCaUa. Pro. 1889, 
 p. 142. Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 133. 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 467. The character of notice for a meeting, to be issued by 
 the Secretary of a Lodge, to the members, is clearly defined in 
 Art. XVIII, Sec. 9, p. 55, of the Ahiman Rezon, and in the 
 Form for Recording the Minutes, issued by one of my prede- 
 cessors, which should be on the desk of every Secretary. 
 
 These forms have been arranged after full consideration of 
 the subject, and must be strictly followed. 
 
 There must not be an announcement of any kind of a social, 
 religious, or public ceremony, however meritorious or praise- 
 worthy, included in the notice. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 176. 
 
 468. A gross impropriety is committed in the use of postal 
 cards as a means of communication in reference to Masonic 
 matters. Postal cards are not proper for this purpose. 
 
 Perkins. July 2, 1873. L. B. 5, p. 547. 
 
 469. The decision that "It is improper to send out notices 
 
 for a Lodge meeting on postal cards," does not admit of two 
 
 constructions or any exception. 
 
 MacCalla. May 9, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 634. 
 
94 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 470. All Lodge notices, except for funerals, must be enclosed 
 in sealed envelopes. Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 103. 
 
 471. A Secretary is required to send notice of all stated and 
 special meetings of his Lodge to each of the members; he has no 
 discretionary power. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 131. 
 
 472. Lodge notices shall contain the names of all petitioners 
 as described in the Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVIII, Sec. 8, p. 55, 
 etc. ; the names should not be printed on a separate slip, but 
 must be a part of the notice itself. A separate slip may be lost, 
 mislaid, or omitted from the enclosure, and members may, be- 
 cause thereof, fail to receive notice of the proposed ballot. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 136. 
 
 473. There cannot be two forms of notices of a Lodge meet- 
 ing. Every notice for a particular meeting must contain the 
 same information. Kendrick. Pro. 1905, p. 100. 
 
 474. The Secretary of a Lodge must not enclose to the 
 members, a form of petition for initiation and membership, 
 with notices of the monthly meeting. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 149. 
 
 475. A copy of every Lodge notice must be sent to the 
 Grand Master's office. Masonic Temple, Philadelphia. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 150. 
 
 476. The names of petitioners for membership or initiation 
 and membership, in the notices of meetings, must not be written, 
 but printed or stamped; because in that way we can secure 
 greater assurance that the correct name goes to each member. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 152. 
 
 477. Sending Lodge notices to others than members of the 
 Lodge is not permitted; the Ahiman Rezon and the Circular 
 Letter of the Grand Master state to whom such notices must 
 be sent, and they may be sent to no others. 
 
 See S8S. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 183. 
 
 478. The display of Masonic emblems on Lodge notices, 
 as practiced by many Lodges, is unmasonic, and the use of 
 notices bearing emblems should be prohibited, unless and 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 95 
 
 until they have been submitted to, and approved by, the 
 
 Grand Master. Conunittee on Landmarks. Pro. 1910, 
 
 p. 70; Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 146. 
 
 479. In its notices, a Lodge must not make use of any repre- 
 sentation of the Altar, the Great or Lesser Lights, or any other 
 distinguishing symbols peculiar to Freemasonry and suggestive 
 of its ritual and ceremonies. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 146. 
 
 480. Nothing should be enclosed in the monthly notices to 
 members except what is provided for in the Ahiman Rezon, 
 or in the directions of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master, 
 and the Grand Secretary. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 183. 
 
 481. Notices of Lodge meetings may be printed in a print- 
 ing office which is not connected with, and by printers who are 
 
 not members of, the Fraternity. 
 
 Arnold. Feb. 3, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 198. 
 
 482. Under the regulations of the Grand Lodge, every mem- 
 ber is entitled to know who seek membership in his Lodge. 
 If a Secretary neglects to give the required notice, and a ballot 
 should be taken upon a petition, it would be irregular and 
 imlawful. Africa. Oct. 6, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 474. 
 
 483. There can be no objection whatever to a printed com- 
 mimication being sent by mail in an unsealed envelope. 
 
 Day. Jan. 16, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 222. 
 
 LODGE OF SORROW. 
 
 484. A Lodge cannot hold a Lodge of Sorrow in conjimction 
 
 with any other Body. The Grand Lodge holds authority over 
 
 but three degrees in Ancient Masonry, and cannot allow any other 
 
 Body to participate with it in any of its rites and ceremonies. 
 
 Nisbet. Pro. 1879, p. 75 (Reprint, 
 Vol. XII, p. 285). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 485. A Lodge of Master Masons cannot hold a Lodge of 
 Sorrow. If a Lodge wishes to honor the memory of its deceased 
 members, it can do so by appointing one or more Brethren to 
 prepare memorials of them, to be read at a meeting of the 
 Lodge, in the presence of the Brethren only. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1896, p. 99. 
 
96 DIGEST OP DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 486. The "Masonic Burial Service" as provided in the Ahi- 
 man Rezon, Section IX, page 129, is intended for the Lodge 
 room immediately preceding the funeral of a deceased Brother. 
 
 Day. Aug. 28, 1883. L. B. 9, p. 49. 
 
 487. There is no such service as a Lodge of Sorrow in Free- 
 masonry in this Jurisdiction. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 216. 
 
 LODGE ROOMS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. IS, p. ff; Section II, pp. 84, SB. 
 
 488. If the room has been dedicated to Masonic uses, it 
 cannot be rented for any- other purposes; if not, we have no 
 control over it, but the members should have notice of the 
 application to rent, before the vote is taken. 
 
 Clark. Jan. 8, 1876. L. B. 7 p. 23. 
 
 489. A Dispensation will not be issued to a Lodge to hold 
 a meeting and confer degrees in another place than its regula,r 
 place of meeting; and no change can be made except in the 
 manner prescribed by the Ahiman Rezon. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 133. 
 
 490. A Lodge must meet in a place free from all fear of 
 eavesdropping. A proper place must be obtained. 
 
 Vaux. Feb. 17, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 174. 
 
 491. In Sec. 13 of Art. XVII, p. 47, of the Ahunan Rezon, 
 
 you will find that it is within your power to convene your Lodge 
 
 at any place within the limits named in your Warrant. This is, 
 
 however, not authority to appoint another regular place of 
 
 meeting. The Lodge must do this in the manner prescribed in 
 
 same Section. MitcheU. July 23, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 
 846. 
 
 492. It is not mandatory that the "East" of a Lodge Room 
 should conform precisely to the corresponding point of the 
 compass. Where the situation admits of it, the length of the 
 room should be from East to West, and the Master's station be 
 placed at the Eastern end. Africa. Feb. 18, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 12. 
 
 493. I see no impropriety in placing on the ceiling of your 
 Lodge room a representation of the Bible with the Square and 
 Compasses. Africa. Aug. 10, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 180. 
 
GEAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 97 
 
 494. The Regulation forbidding the appearance on the 
 walls or elsewhere in a Lodge room, while the Lodge is meeting, 
 of charters, certificates, banners, and other like insignia, 
 relating to Royal Arch Masonry, Templar Masonry, the Ancient 
 Accepted Scottish Rite, or any other order or organization 
 whatsoever, is binding, whether the Lodge room has been dedi- 
 cated to Freemasonry or not. In either case, such insignia must 
 be removed from the Lodge room before the Lodge meets. 
 If they cannot be removed, the Lodge cannot meet there. No 
 exception has ever been taken to the existence, curtained back, 
 of the veils of the Royal Arch Chapters in Lodge rooms, where 
 they exist. This is the only exception which proves the rule, and 
 the exception cannot be extended. The Grand Lodge is supreme 
 in all that pertains to Ancient Freemasonry, and its Lodges 
 and members must all conform to its Usages and Customs. 
 
 MacCalla. July 8, 1890. L. B. 12, pp. 
 652-656. 
 
 495. A Lodge room not dedicated to Freemasonry may be 
 
 rented for use by another society, but it is otherwise if it has 
 
 been dedicated to Freemasonry. If a Lodge room be occupied, 
 
 at different times, by Freemasons, and other societies, all the 
 
 insignia, emblems, etc., pecuUar to the latter, must be removed 
 
 from the Lodge room before it is used by the Lodge for its 
 
 meeting. During a Lodge meeting, no emblems, except those 
 
 of Free and Accepted Masons, must be visible. 
 
 MacCaUa. Pro. 1890, p. 144 Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 496. Idle or attempted humorous practices in a Lodge room 
 are unmasonic, and are prohibited. 
 
 Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 117. Grand Lodge, 
 1896. 
 
 497. A Master should not permit the indulgence in any 
 practice in his Lodge rooms calculated to bring opprobium 
 upon the Fraternity. Africa. Jan. 23, 1891. L. B. 12, p. 952. 
 
 498. Inquire if it be true that the Master allows smoking 
 in open Lodge. Would a man think it decent to smoke in 
 Church? Then he should show the same respect to his Lodge. 
 If the charge be true, the Master is greatly lacking in the ful- 
 filment of his duty. Mitchell. Sept. 16, 1885. L. B. p. 886. 
 
98 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 499. After consultation with the Committee on Temple, 
 I have concluded that the fire risk, incident to the use of lighted 
 cigars, cigarettes, and pipes in the ante-room, and the Lodge 
 rooms, makes it my imperative duty to decree that the use of 
 hghted cigars, cigarettes, and pipes in any ante-room and 
 Lodge room in the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia is pro- 
 hibited. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 174. 
 
 500. The course prescribed by the Ahiman Rezon for 
 
 changing the place of meeting of a Lodge must be strictly 
 
 pursued. Committee on Appeal. Pro. 1878, p. 
 
 13 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 159) . Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 501. The Regulations regarding removal of place of meeting 
 apply to a change of place in a town, and even apply to a change 
 from one room to another in the Masonic Temple in Phila- 
 delphia. Eichbaum. Nov. 20, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 207. 
 
 502. Where the hall in which a Lodge meets is owned by 
 
 the Craft, but has not been dedicated to Masonic use, it is 
 
 permissible, after conununicating with the District Deputy 
 
 Grand Master or Grand Master and ascertaining that he has 
 
 no Masonic objection thereto, to rent it to another society 
 
 not Masonic, to be used for any laudable purpose; but it 
 
 would not be proper to statedly rent such hall for use on 
 
 Sunday for a purpose that is secular and not religious. 
 
 MacCaUa. May 21, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 p. 557. 
 
 503. Masonic Lodges are not permitted to meet in a building 
 in which intoxicating liquor is sold or dispensed, if the building 
 is called a Masonic Hall or Temple. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 155. 
 
 504. There is no objection to your Lodge renting its Lodge 
 room, as proposed, for the holding of Divine Service by the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church on the second Sunday of each month, 
 
 it not having been dedicated. MacCalla. Nov. 19, 1889. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 79. 
 
 505. Masonic Lodges are not permitted to hold their meet- 
 ings in buildings not designated as Masonic, in which intoxi- 
 cating liquor is sold or dispensed; unless no other suitable place 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 99 
 
 of meeting can be secured, and then, only when a separate and 
 exclusive entrance from the street to the Lodge rooms is pro- 
 vided. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 155. 
 
 506. Memphis Rites, Mystic Shrines, Red Cross of Con- 
 stantine, and similar societies, cannot be permitted to meet in 
 a room which has been consecrated and dedicated to Free- 
 masonry. Lodge rooms dedicated and consecrated to Free- 
 masonry must not be used for any other purpose. A Lodge 
 cannot meet in rooms owned, used or occupied by Mystic 
 Shrines, or other associations of a kindred nature. 
 
 Day. Pro. 1883, p. 118. MaoCalla. 
 Pro. 1889, p. 142. Arnold. Pro. 
 1893, p. 87. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 507. No Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons should meet in 
 
 any hall which is occupied at other times by a clandestine 
 
 Masonic body. MacCalla. Oct. 17, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 991. 
 
 508. Masonic Halls and Lodge rooms cannot be used for 
 meetings of a society named Eastern Star. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 99. 
 
 509. There is no objection to a Masonic Lodge occupying 
 a room used also as an Odd Fellows' Hall, but when the Lodge 
 meets all decorations, etc., pertaining to another organization 
 must be removed. The occupation of a lower floor for a dwelling 
 is not an objection, if you are assured that the Lodge can have 
 absolute privacy at its meetings. 
 
 Africa. Feb. 12, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 7. 
 
 See Banquet, 86-94; Entertainments, S19-32B; Intoxicating Liquors, 370-373; 
 Masonic Halls, BS8-6SB. 
 
 LODGE SOLICITING AID. 
 
 510. It is not usual to allow Lodges in this Jurisdiction to 
 solicit aid by means of circular letters, to other Lodges for the 
 purpose of erecting a Hall, except in cases where by some 
 Providential visitation the property has been destroyed, and 
 the Lodge is unable to rebuild. 
 
 Africa. March 21, 1891. L. B. 13, p 
 63. 
 See Circular Letters and Appeals, W3-^08. 
 
100 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 MAKING A MASON AT SIGHT. 
 
 See Ahiman Rez<m, Art. XII, Sec. S, p. 20; Art. XIX, Sec. 4, p. 68. 
 
 511. This prerogative of the Grand Master is of ancient 
 origin, and while used in but few instances at the present time, 
 nevertheless, the prerogative exists, and has not become obso- 
 lete by non-use. The Ahiman Rezon enumerates among 
 the powers of the Grand Master, "to cause Masons to be made 
 in his presence," and "to grant Dispensations for making 
 Masons." Many years ago, it was quite usual for the Grand 
 Master to make a Mason at sight. It was done at that time 
 upon merchants and shijj-owners visiting this city from foreign 
 parts, who, during the time occupied in disposing of their wares 
 and laying in return cargoes, became desirous of being initiated 
 into the mysteries of Freemasonry, in order that they might 
 have the rights and privileges of Brethren while they were 
 among us, as well as elsewhere. This act is now done usually 
 upon persons within our Jurisdiction. In the case of residents 
 of other States, we request a waiver of jurisdiction by the 
 Grand Master thereof, before conferring the degrees. 
 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 86. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 512. By our Ahiman Rezon there is enumerated among the 
 powers of the Grand Master, "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." In the earlier days, the 
 assertion of this prerogative right was exercised principally 
 upon merchants, sea-faring men and travelers, who did not 
 have a permanent residence, but were anxious to be identified 
 with the Fraternity, and who measured up to the standards 
 required by our Rules. Recently, this exceptional favor has 
 been conferred upon distinguished citizens of our Jurisdiction 
 who, by reason of some special prominence they have attained, 
 in civic life, have been rewarded with this personal favor at 
 the hands of a Grand Master. In so doing, it has always 
 been required, that there should be a duly constituted Lodge, 
 regularly convened, that the candidate should be under the 
 tongue of good Masonic report, and possess all the physical 
 and moral qualifications which are required by our well- 
 known standards. In such a case, the only things waived, 
 are the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry and a ballot. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 101 
 
 These only are dispensed with, and at the Grand Master's 
 will and pleasure. From the moment of presentation of the 
 candidate in the preparing room down to the conclusion of the 
 services, every, requirement of our Law, Usages, and Customs, 
 should be rigidly complied with; after which, the person who 
 has been made a Mason at sight stands as an unaffiliated 
 Mason in good standing, his future relation to the Fraternity, 
 and his membership in any Lodge, being controlled by the 
 same Rules as those affecting any other unaffiliated Mason. 
 
 Orlady, Pro. 1909, p. 141. 
 
 513. While some Jurisdictions deny this right to the Grand 
 Master, Pennsylvania has adhered tenaciously to the Ancient 
 Landmark, and there have been but few of our Grand Masters, 
 who have not observed it at least once. We do it for the pur- 
 pose of keeping the custom green in the minds of the Brethren, 
 and lest it become forgotten and fall into decay by reason of 
 disuse. The Grand Master always endeavors to select a can- 
 didate worthy of the honor conferred — one who conforms 
 physically, mentally, and morally to the requirements of the 
 Craft. Henderson. Pro. 1895, p. 125. 
 
 514. Making a Mason at sight can not be done by Dis- 
 pensation. It can be done only by the Grand Master or by 
 virtue of his presence. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 173. 
 
 MAKING A MASON OF A YOUTH UNDER AGE. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. XIX, Sec. 4, P- 58. 
 
 515. While it is within the power of the Grand Master in 
 this Jurisdiction to grant a Dispensation to make a Mason 
 of one under age, I am averse to doing it, for the reason prin- 
 cipally that the petitioner could not truthfully state that the 
 petition was made of his own free will and record, which I 
 
 consider essential. Eichbaum. April 11, 1888. L. B. 10, 
 
 p. 916. 
 
 MASONIC CEREMONY. 
 
 516. The presentation of a Bible is not a Masonic ceremony, 
 and a Lodge, as a Lodge, cannot participate in anything that 
 is not Masonic. Eichbaum. March 21, 1886. L. B. 
 
 See 791. 1°. PP' 421-425. 
 
102 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 MASONIC CLOTHING. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XV, Sees. 1-3, pp. 40, 41; Art. XVI Sees. 3, 4, 
 
 pp. 43, 44. 
 
 517. The Lodges are to be governed by the Ahiman 
 Rezon and the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge 
 as to Masonic clothing, and not by the whims and fancies of 
 the manufacturers; and if the latter do not furnish proper 
 Masonic clothing, in accordance with the Regulations, the arti- 
 cles should be returned to be altered or exchanged. 
 
 Perkins. July 14, 1873. L.B.5,p.561. 
 
 518. No officer, member, or Brother, shall, on any pretence, 
 
 be admitted into the Grand Lodge, or any Lodge, without an 
 
 appropriate jewel and apron. Special Committee. June 7, 1852. Re- 
 print, Vol. VIII, p. 239. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 See Jewels, 374-378. See 4gO, 79S. 
 
 MASONIC DRESS. 
 
 519. The dress of Lodge officers, elected and appointed, 
 should be strictly Masonic. Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 191. 
 
 MASONIC EMBLEMS, NAMES AND SIGNS. 
 
 520. Painting or placing emblems on sign-boards, business 
 
 cards, or circulars, or the use of Masonic devices to obtain 
 
 customers, by those who have more faith in Masonry than in 
 
 their wares, is prohibited. Lamberton. Pro. 1870, p. 63 (Reprint, 
 
 Vol. XI, p. 307) . Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 521. All schemes in business affairs to attract patronage or 
 
 support by the use of Masonic emblems, are contrary to the 
 
 teachings of Freemasonry. Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 134. GrandLodge, 
 
 1895. 
 
 522. The use of Masonic emblems and symbols, or represen- 
 tations of anything pertaining to Freemasonry by clubs and 
 fairs, and in business advertisements, is forbidden. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 217. 
 
 523. It is objectionable to us to have Masonic signs and 
 symbols used in any work which is not issued or authorized 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 103 
 
 by the Grand Lodge. The Keystone, Square and Compasses 
 
 are used on the paper you left here, in such a manner as to 
 
 lead the uninitiated to suppose that the book is a Masonic 
 
 book, when in fact it is not. The publisher of the book will 
 
 do justice to himself, as well as the Fraternity of Masons, by 
 
 omitting all Masonic emblems from it. 
 
 Arnold. Nov. 13, 1893. L. B. 15, p. 
 28. 
 
 524. The letter "G," signifying "God" or "Geometry," is 
 restored to its proper place as a Masonic symbol. In connection 
 with the Compasses and the Square, emblematical of the Great 
 Lights in Freemasonry, it has been the most common symbol of 
 Freemasonry known. It is recognized by all other Juris- 
 dictions in this country, and was always embroidered on the 
 apron of the Grand Master until after the decision affecting it 
 
 was made. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 209. 
 
 See 6S2. 
 
 525. Neither the name of Freemasonry, the name of a Lodge, 
 nor its funds can be used in connection with a banquet, a re- 
 ception, a dance, or a like function; nor can such names be used 
 at a banquet where those not Masons are present. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 167. 
 
 526. The use of the word "Masonic" is prohibited in con- 
 nection with the name of any social club or association. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 133. 
 
 527. The use of the Lodge name. Lodge room or Lodge 
 funds for any but Masonic purposes is prohibited. 
 
 See JfiS, JfiB, 632, 896. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 163. 
 
 MASONIC HALLS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Section VI, pp. 113-120. 
 
 528. A Masonic Hall, to be dedicated, must be owned by 
 the Craft. A Lodge room in a building not so owned will not 
 be dedicated. Day. Aug. 21, 1883. L. B. 9, p. 42. 
 
 529. A Masonic Hall must be dedicated by the Grand 
 Master, or by some Brother duly authorized by a Dispensation 
 granted by him to perform that ceremony. 
 
 Nisbet. Jan. 21, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 637. 
 
104 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 530. A Masonic Hall can only be dedicated at twelve 
 o'clock noon, or about that time, but never at night. 
 
 Vaux. Dec. 9, 1869. L. B. 2, p. 529. 
 
 531. In this Jurisdiction, a Freemasons' Hall cannot be 
 
 dedicated in public. On that occasion, the Grand Lodge is 
 
 opened. Lamberton. March 18, 1871. L. B. 
 
 4, p. 49. 
 
 532. It is unusual in this Jurisdiction to emblazon any 
 
 Masonic emblem on the outside- of a Masonic Hall, although it 
 
 has been done and in some cases the name and number of 
 
 the Lodge has been placed on the building. There is no Law 
 
 or Regulation prohibiting either. While I do not feel like 
 
 restraining or limiting the Lodge in these matters, I advise 
 
 that you should not make unnecessary display. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 13, 1892. L. B. 14, p, 
 249. 
 
 533. If a Lodge rents a room, even if it is occupied exclu- 
 sively by it, in a building owned by profanes, or meets in a room 
 which is used by profanes, it cannot, that is, the part used by 
 the Lodge, be dedicated by Masonic ceremonies. If the Lodge 
 owns the building in which it holds its meetings, that building 
 may be dedicated to Masonic purposes, although it may rent 
 out such portions of the building as are not occupied by the 
 Lodge. Nisbet. Feb. 13, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 653. 
 
 534. It is not permissible, in accordance with the Usages and 
 
 Customs of the Fraternity in this Jurisdiction, at the dedication 
 
 of a Masonic Hall or in connection therewith, to have a ball or 
 
 to have a reception and banquet or either of them, at which 
 
 the profane shall be present. 
 
 MacCalla. May 21, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 p. 558. 
 
 535. A Masonic Hall newly constructed, may be opened 
 to the public, if desired, but there must be no Masonic cere- 
 monies thereat, nor must any expense therefor be put upon the 
 
 Lodge. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 170. 
 
 See Lodge Booms, 488-609. See also 610. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 105 
 
 MASONIC LAW. 
 
 536. The study of the Masonic Law as found in the Ahiman 
 
 Rezon and decisions of the Grand Masters and Committees of 
 
 the Grand Lodge, is a duty. Arnold. Jan. 31, 1894. L. B. 15, pp. 
 
 178-179. 
 
 537. The Master of the i Lodge is the one to construe the 
 Law. Should he err, there is an appeal to the Grand Master. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1905, p. 100. 
 
 538. A member of a Lodge has no right to request the 
 Master to obtain the opinion of the Grand Master upon a 
 series of questions, framed in an abstract form, to meet the 
 views of the proposer in reference to a particular case. If 
 the Master desires an opinion on the case, the District Deputy 
 Grand Master is the one to refer to, and his opinion must be 
 based upon a knowledge of the facts of the actual case, which 
 he can make himself acquainted with in any proper manner 
 satisfactory to himself . Perkins. Feb. 21, 1873. L.B.5,p.437. 
 
 See Charges and Trial, 133-194; Grand Master, S4Z-349. 
 
 MASONIC MONTH. 
 
 539. A Masonic month is from one stated meeting to a 
 stated meeting on the corresponding day in the next ensuing 
 month, and may consist of from twenty-eight to thirty-five days. 
 A candidate receiving a degree at a special meeting on a day 
 after a stated meeting cannot be advanced before the corres- 
 ponding day after the next stated meeting. A candidate receiv- 
 ing a degree on the first Monday, or any other day of the month, 
 cannot be advanced (except by virture of a Dispensation) 
 imtil the corresponding day of the following month, and the 
 day of the stated meeting of the ensuing month has intervened. 
 
 See Advancement, 62, S3. Mitchell. Pro. 1885, p. 89. Arnold. 
 
 Pro. 1893, p. 83. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 MASONIC RECOGNITION. 
 
 540. No organization other than those recognized by the 
 
 Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has the right to style itself 
 
 Masonic, since such a designation is misleading and false. 
 
 MacCalla. March 7, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 pp. 396-397 
 
106 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 541. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has been very 
 
 emphatic in refusing recognition of any society or organization 
 
 not purely Masonic and acknowledging allegiance to some 
 
 Grand Lodge, with which it is in correspondence. 
 
 Africa. March 14, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 
 804. 
 
 542. I now reaffirm and officially pronounce the said so- 
 called "Royal Masonic Rite" to be clandestine for two reasons: 
 (l) because, in the language of the resolution unanimously 
 adopted by the Grand Lodge on June 4th ult., the said so-called 
 "Royal Masonic Rite" in its title unlawfully asserts that it is 
 a Masonic Body; and (2) because the said so-called "Royal 
 Masonic Rite" is, in the language of my Edict on June 30th ult., 
 a Body appertaining to, constituting or derived from the 
 so-called "Egyptian Masonic Rite of Memphis." And all 
 members of the said so-called "Royal Masonic Rite" are hereby 
 notified and required, if they are members of any Lodge of 
 Free and Accepted Masons in Pennsylvania, to sever their 
 connection with, and renounce their allegiance to, the said 
 
 Rite. MacCalla. Aug. 8, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 
 702-704. 
 
 543. The attitude of this Grand Lodge in regard to such 
 
 matters [side degrees] is so well imderstood that it does not 
 
 need reassertion. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania recognizes 
 
 nothing but Ancient Freemasonry. It does not countenance 
 
 side degrees, nor will it permit organizations not Masonic to 
 
 use titles having a Masonic reference. Ancient Craft Masonry 
 
 is our property, and we cannot allow attachments to be made 
 
 to it which destroy its symmetry and pervert it from its original 
 
 purpose. Henderson. Pro. 1895, p. 111. 
 
 See Clandestine Bodies, S09-S^7; Foreign and Other Jurisdictions, S29-S39; 
 Lodge Rooms, 488-i09. 
 
 MASONIC RELIEF ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 544. Masonic Relief Associations are regarded as purely 
 voluntary, and outside of Lodge control, and not subject to 
 Grand Lodge in supervision. No action has been taken by our 
 Grand Lodge in reference to them, nor have they been formally 
 approved by that Body. Whether an approval or recommen- 
 dation of them would be given by the Grand Lodge, I cannot 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 107 
 
 say. But without the precedent of such an approval, I do not 
 
 feel at liberty to give my recommendation. 
 
 Lamberton. Nov. 1, 1871. L. B. 4 
 p. 269. 
 
 MASONIC STANDING. 
 
 545. It is not part of the duty of a Lodge to hunt up the 
 Masonic record of those who desire to become members of it, 
 claiming to be Masons. They must attend to this duty them- 
 selves, and Mr. B. must furnish to the necessary limit without 
 the aid of Lodge. I have very little faith in the Masonry of any 
 one who would receive the three degrees on one night in a 
 Lodge, and then have no intercourse with said Lodge for a 
 period of thirteen years, and only seeks it then because it was 
 necessary to enable him to prove his Masonic standing that he 
 claims. Day. May 30, 1883. L. B. 8, p. 972. 
 
 MASONIC TEMPLE (PHILADELPHIA). 
 
 See Committee on Temple, Z4S-Z52. See also 90S. 
 
 MASONIC YEAR. 
 
 'See Ahinmn Rezon, Art. IV, Sec. 4, p. 7. 
 
 546. The Masonic year begins and ends at twelve o'clock 
 noon, on St. John the Ev.angelist's Day, December 27th. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 13, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 450. 
 
 MASONRY— BUSINESS AND POLITICS. 
 
 547. Diligence in business is commendable. It has the 
 approval of the Great Book you are engaged in selhng. Grape- 
 vines are useful, perhaps indispensable, notwithstanding the 
 animadversions of those who condemn others who would 
 take a little wine for the stomach's sake, as St. Paul recom- 
 mended. But Masons are not permitted to use their Masonic 
 relationship in furthering their business, even though it con- 
 sist of distributing Bibles or grape-vines at a discount. 
 
 Arnold. July 12, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 866. 
 
108 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 548. While we do not take cognizance of business disputes, 
 we do not permit our members to use their Masonic connec- 
 tion in their business. Arnold. Nov. 1, 1893. L. B. 15, p. 10. 
 
 549. Ail schemes in business affairs to attract patronage, or 
 support by the use of Masonic emblems or the parading of 
 Masonic names, are contrary to the teachiags of the Craft in 
 this Jurisdiction. Africa. Sept. 6, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 237. 
 
 550. It is not permissible for a Mason to use his Masonic 
 membership to promote his personal interests either in busi- 
 ness or in politics. 
 
 A Brother convicted on a charge of attempting to use 
 the Fraternity for any such purposes could, and should, be 
 expelled from Masonry; and every earnest, faithful Mason 
 should show his condemnation of such conduct by every 
 means in his power. 
 
 We cannot be too vigilant and severe in checking such 
 attempts to use the Fraternity improperly. 
 
 If we permit the Fraternity to be used for any selfish pur- 
 poses, particularly if we permit it to be dragged into the bit- 
 terness of partisan politics, we invite the condemnation of all 
 right-thinking men. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 163. 
 
 551. The question to be decided is: Was the crime, for which 
 W. B. was convicted, one which covers the individual with 
 such disgrace and infamy, as to make it proper in the interest 
 of Freemasonry, that he should be expelled? 
 
 It is a serious matter to expel a Brother Mason, but it would 
 
 be manifold worse, to let the world know that we had regarded 
 
 as fit to be a Mason a man who had been properly convicted of 
 
 a heinous crime, one affecting in the highest degree the safety 
 
 of the State. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1911, p. 
 
 29. 
 
 552. No Brother may advertise or use the Masonic Temple, 
 Philadelphia, as his office or trading-place for his personal 
 business. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 149. 
 
 553. The solicitation for life insurance in a Masonic Lodge 
 or its adjoining rooms, is forbidden. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 149. 
 
 See Charges and Trial, 133-194. See also 276. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 109 
 
 MEMBERS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. Ill, Sec. 4, V- 7; Art. XVII, Sec. 13, p 48; and 
 Sec. n, p. 51; Art. XVIII, Sec. 9, p. 65; Art. XIX, pp. 58-59; Art. 
 XX, Sec. S, p. 60. 
 
 554. One who has presented a petition for initiation and 
 membership to a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, and has been duly- 
 approved and initiated, is a member of that Lodge from the 
 time of his initiation, and remains such, and liable to the full 
 dues, without reference to the degree he may have taken, 
 untilsuch membership ceases by death, resignation, suspen- 
 sion or expulsion. Perkins. AprU 3, 1873. L. B. 5, p. 474. 
 
 555. When a member desires to have his name changed on 
 the records of the Lodge, he must petition the Lodge, setting 
 forth the reasons for the change. If the petition is approved 
 by a majority vote of the Lodge, permission will be granted 
 to make the change. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 157. 
 
 556. It is not permissible for a Brother to be a member of 
 two Lodges at the same time, either in this Jurisdiction, or 
 in this and another Jurisdiction. Dual membership was pro- 
 hibited as long ago as the year 1804. 
 
 MacCalla. Pro. 1889, p. 142. Special 
 Committee. Jan. 2, 1804. Reprint, 
 Vol. II, p. 110; Jan. 21, 1805. Re- 
 print, Vol. II, p. 114. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 557. It is not permitted to print lists of Lodge members, 
 except in connection with and as part of the bound copies of 
 the By-Laws, or to give to any person copies of the list of 
 members, unless authorized by the Grand Master or required 
 by the Grand Lodge. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 147. 
 
 558. A member of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction is not subject 
 to the Rules and Regulations of any Grand or Subordinate 
 Lodge except the ones to which he holds allegiance, and under 
 whose jurisdiction he lives. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 131. 
 
 559. The names of officers and members of Lodges must 
 
 not be furnished to canvassers, lecturers, solicitors, etc. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 166. 
 See Petitions for Membership, 7S6-7SS. 
 
110 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 MEMBERS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. Ill, Sees. 1, S, p. 6; Art. IX, Sec. 6, p. 13, Sees. 
 7, 8, 9, and 10, p. 14; Art. XVIII, Sec. 8, p. 66. 
 
 560. To become a member of the Grand Lodge, a Past 
 
 Master must have served a full Masonic year as Master of a 
 
 Lodge in this Jurisdiction. Day. Pro. 1883, p. 118. Grand Lodge, 
 
 1895. 
 
 561. A mere change of residence will not affect the stand- 
 ing of a member of the Grand Lodge, but a resignation of mem- 
 bership will; as a member of the Grand Lodge, except as pro- 
 vided for in Art. Ill, Sec. 2, p. 6, of the Ahiman Rezon, 
 must be a member of a Lodge. The moment a member of 
 the Grand Lodge, except as noted, resigns from his Lodge, he 
 ceases to be a member of the Grand Lodge. A member of 
 the Grand Lodge resigning from his Lodge, to join another 
 in this Jurisdiction, regains his membership in the Grand Lodge 
 as soon as he becomes a member of the other Lodge. 
 
 See Masonic Year, BJfi. Nisbet. Jan. 3, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 617. 
 
 MEMPHIS RITE. 
 
 See Egyptian Masonic Rite of Memphis. 
 
 MUSIC. 
 
 562. Permission will be granted for the introduction of 
 
 music into Lodges, provided, however, that the music be so 
 
 used as not to contravene the Customs, Usages and Landmarks 
 
 of Freemasonry. Lamberton. Dec. 3, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 
 373. 
 
 563. Grand Masters have imiformly refused to allow musi- 
 cal services in the Lodges, until they were informed of the pro- 
 gramme which was proposed. Without permission you can 
 
 have no music. Mitchell. Dec. 22, 1885. L. B. 9, 
 
 p. 988. 
 
 564. It is not permitted to have a choir chant the Lord's 
 Prayer in a Lodge during the conferring of a degree. All work 
 must be as authorized, without addition or amendment. 
 
 Wagner Pro. 1899 p. 166. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 111 
 
 565. The use of vocal and instrumental music shall cease 
 in the Lodges during the work of the degrees. 
 
 If the Brethren of the Ledge desire music, they can have 
 it when no work is being done, and provided it does not delay 
 the business, or the conferring of the degrees. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 225. 
 
 566. The use of instrumental music has been restored dur- 
 ing the conferring of degrees in so far that it should not delay 
 or interfere with the work. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 121. 
 
 MYSTIC SHRINE. 
 
 See Lodge Rooms, SOS. 
 
 NEW LODGES. 
 
 See Warrants, 858-871. 
 
 NOMINATIONS. 
 
 See Electioneering, 317; Officers, 602. 
 
 NON-AFFILIATED MASONS. 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. XXIV, Sec. 2, p. 71. 
 
 567. Has a Masonic Lodge any control over a member who 
 has resigned from the said Lodge and is not a member of any 
 Lodge? I answer, Yes. An unaflSliated Mason who commits a 
 Masonic offence may be tried and disciplined by the Lodge 
 nearest to which he may be residing, or by the Grand Lodge. 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. VII, Sec. 1, p. 10. 
 
 Day. May 31, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 376. 
 
 668. Wherever our Fraternity exists, there are to found 
 drones in the Masonic hive, who contribute nothing to the 
 revenues, nor do they perform any of the labors of the Craft, 
 but who are always willing to partake of its benefits. There 
 is no precept more exphcitly expressed in the Ancient Con- 
 stitutions, than that every Mason should belong to a Lodge. 
 The Charges adopted in 1722 have always been held in the 
 highest veneration as embodying the most important points 
 
112 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 of the ancient written as well as unwritten law. The third 
 Charge is as follows: 
 
 "A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work; 
 hence that assembly or duly organized society of Masons is 
 called a Lodge, and every Brother ought to belong to one, and 
 to be subject to its By-Laws and the General Regulations." 
 
 From that day until now, unaffihates have received the 
 condemnation of Grand Lodges, many of which have adopted 
 stringent regulations for their exclusion from Masonic privi- 
 leges. On March 31, 1783, this Grand Lodge signified its wish 
 to an imaffiliated Brother "that he would, as soon as con- 
 venient, partake of the benefits of some Lodge of Ancient 
 Masons by becoming a member thereof." 
 
 Masonry is for Masons, for Masons in fact and not for 
 Masons in name only, and those who wish to receive Masonic 
 burial should make such provision during life that a Dis- 
 pensation will not be needed. 
 
 The Ahiman Rezon of 1825 provided that no Mason could 
 be interred with the formalities of the Fraternity "unless he 
 had been advanced to the third degree of Masonry; foreigners, 
 sojourners and particular officers excepted, and those at the 
 discretion of the Grand Master." It further stated that from 
 the above restriction there could "be no other exceptions," 
 showing that at that time the intention was to confine the 
 privilege of Masonic burial to Master Masons, with exceptions 
 so rare that perhaps the Grand Master never had the oppor- 
 tunity to exercise his dispensing power. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1895, p. 131-133. 
 
 See Petitions for Membership, 726-732. See also 151, 612, 877, 878. 
 
 OBJECTIONS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XXI, Sec. 7, p. 64. 
 
 569. Objection to a petitioner for initiation and membership 
 must be made by a member of the Lodge in person in the open 
 Lodge, and the fact of objection having been made must be 
 entered upon the Minutes. Such objection cannot be with- 
 drawn, and the petitioner must be forthwith reported to the 
 Grand Secretary, as ha-ving been rejected by an oral objection. 
 Further proceedings in such cases must be by a second petition, 
 after the expiration of six months. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 113 
 
 Under no circumstances must the name of the objector 
 
 be mentioned outside the Fraternity, or entered upon the 
 
 Minutes. Grand Lodge. Pro. 1861 (Reprint Vol. 
 
 X, p. 206). Committee on Appeals. 
 Pro. 1873, p. 6 (Reprint, Vol. XI, 
 p. 444). Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 135. 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 87. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 570. Under no circumstances should an intoxicated man 
 be initiated, and the fact of a petitioner presenting himself 
 in that condition is a good cause for objection against him. 
 
 Day. April 16, 1883. L. B. 8, p. 913. 
 
 571. Objection made privately to a Master, or by letter 
 
 addressed to him, is not sufficient to prevent the initiation 
 
 of an approved petitioner, unless the Master is willing to make 
 
 the objection his own, makes it in open Lodge, and causes it 
 
 to be entered upon the Minutes. 
 
 Lamberton. Pro. 1870, p. 57 (Reprint, 
 Vol. XI, p. 304). Africa. Pro. 1892, 
 p. 135. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 572. It is and has been the Law of this Grand Lodge, that 
 
 an oral objection cannot be made until after the petitioner has 
 
 been balloted for and approved. 
 
 Henderson. Feb. 23, 1895. L. B. 15, 
 p. 847. 
 
 573. A member of a Lodge, after a petitioner has been 
 
 approved, outside of the Lodge requests the Master to hold the 
 
 petitioner over. It is entirely a matter of courtesy on the part 
 
 of the Master, if he sees proper, to heed the request. It is not 
 
 such an objection as he is bound to recognize to prevent him 
 
 from going on with the work. The place in which the objection 
 
 should be made is in the Lodge itself, the Secretary must 
 
 make a minute of the fact, and notify the Grand Secretary. 
 
 Lamberton. May 27, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 203. 
 
 574. A Brother, who makes an objection to the initiation 
 of a candidate after he has been balloted for and approved, 
 and who states the reason of his objection, and acknowledges 
 that such reason "is nothing against the candidate, but that 
 his brother-in-law has got to make some concessions in regard 
 to an old quarrel before he will withdraw his objection to the 
 
114 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 petitioner," renders himself subject to charges and discipline 
 
 for a Masonic offence. The Master need not pay any regard 
 
 to an objection founded on a reason acknowledged to be such 
 
 as above stated. Perkins. April 28, 1873. L. B. 5, p. 
 
 496. 
 
 575. Any member of a Lodge has an unquestionable right 
 
 to interpose an oral objection to a candidate, after his approval, 
 
 at any time before his initiation; as perfect a right to do so as 
 
 to cast a black ball; and no Brother has a right to asperse 
 
 his motives therefor, nor can he rightly ground a charge against 
 
 him thereon. MacCalla. March 7, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 355. 
 
 576. An oral objection may be made to a candidate up to 
 his entrance into the Lodge room. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1907, p. 130. 
 
 577. A Brother having objections to a petitioner should not 
 attempt to get another to act for him. If he believes a petitioner 
 to be unworthy, it is his duty to attend the meeting and exer- 
 cise his prerogative. Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 134. 
 
 578. Upon inquiry as to whether Masonic objection exists 
 to a petitioner for initiation and membership, a black ball 
 establishes the fact that it does exist; and no matter what the 
 reason may be, it does not change the fact. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 220. 
 
 579. H. F. P. petitioned Lodge No. — for initiation and 
 membership. His residence being nearer Lodge No. — , inquiry 
 was made of that Lodge. At the next stated meeting of the 
 Lodge inquired of, a ballot was had (the members having been 
 duly notified) to ascertain if there was any Masonic objection 
 to the petitioner. The ballot showed that there was no such 
 objection. After the result had been announced, a member 
 of the Lodge who had missed the train, which would have 
 enabled him to be present at the time the ballot was taken, 
 came into the Lodge, and asked to have the ballot reopened, 
 stating that he had a Masonic objection to the petitioner 
 being made a Mason; that he believed him to be unworthy, 
 and that he had come to the Lodge for the purpose of objecting 
 to him. The Master decided that the ballot could not be 
 reopened after having been announced; neither could a test 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 115 
 
 ballot be had, as the objector was not in the room when the 
 ballot was taken, and it would not be testing the action of 
 those who were present at the time. 
 
 At this stage it was referred to me, when I confirmed the 
 Master, and decided that, the oral objection having been made 
 in open Lodge it had tho same effect as a rejection by ballot, 
 and that the Lodge inquiring could not proceed until the 
 objection had been removed. 
 
 Henderson, Pro. 1896, p. 100. 
 
 580. A Master Mason in good standing may lodge in writing 
 in the office of the Grand Secretary, objections to one who he 
 thinks has already petitioned, or will do so. This does not pre- 
 vent favorable action by the Lodge; it is merely information 
 for investigation by the Committee of Inquiry. 
 
 Oriady. Pro. 1908, p. 173. 
 
 581. The Master has no right to question the Brother who 
 made the objection, but should have directed the Secretary 
 to note it on the Minutes, as is required by the Ahiman Rezon, 
 p. 64. If a Brother avows that he cast a black ball (or objec- 
 tion to the initiation of a candidate), and gives proof by his 
 voluntary admission that he has done so for petty maUce, 
 revenge, or the like, he violates his obligation, and may be 
 pimished by expulsion. But his reasons cannot be demanded 
 or extorted from him, bad though they may be. 
 
 Arnold. Oct. 15, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 650. 
 
 582. A member of one Lodge cannot absolutely stop a 
 petitioner for initiation and membership in another Lodge, 
 but he may and should communicate to the Master, or to a 
 member thereof, information of the unworthiness of any peti- 
 tioner of whom he has knowledge, and the grounds of such 
 objection. There is no means by which a Brother in one Lodge 
 can discover the names of petitioners for initiation and mem- 
 bership in other Lodges. Every petitioner has the right to 
 apply to the nearest Lodge, and it only informs its own mem- 
 bers of such petitioner. MacCalla. March 8, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 pp. 356-357. 
 
 583. All we can do is to give information when any person 
 obtains admission into a Lodge by false representations, and 
 await the action of the Lodge; and on its failure to act, as it 
 
116 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 should, we issue an Edict preventing the rejected petitioner 
 
 from visiting any Lodge in this State. This is always effective, 
 
 especially when the person affected resides here, or comes here 
 
 claiming to be a Mason. The question involved is the doctrine 
 
 of perpetual objection which we adhere to strictly so that if 
 
 a petitioner, who has been rejected elsewhere, deceives us by 
 
 suppressing that fact, when he signs his petition, we require 
 
 the Lodge to charge, try, and expel him ; and if it will not, we 
 
 take up the Warrant of the Lodge. 
 
 The whole matter resolves itself down to this: He had been 
 
 rejected by a regularly warranted and duly constituted Lodge, 
 
 which under our law debars him from being initiated in any 
 
 other Lodge, until the objection is removed by the Lodge 
 
 which made it. Arnold. Aug. 17, 1893. L. B. 14, pp. 
 
 900-902. 
 
 584. Each Lodge is the judge of the qualifications of its 
 
 petitioners for initiation and membership. If a member of 
 
 another Lodge, or another Lodge itself, objects to the approval 
 
 or initiation of a petitioner, a protest may be entered, and it 
 
 will be the duty of the Lodge receiving it to give the protesting 
 
 member or Lodge opportunity to be heard. 
 
 Africa. March 30, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 
 837. 
 
 See Black Ball, 96-104; Committee of Inquiry, SiS, 243; Protest, 794, 795. 
 See also S82, 857. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 SeeAhiman Rezon, Art. XVI, Sees. 3, 4, pp. 43, 44; Art. XVII, Sees. 6-11, 
 pp. 46, 47; AH. XVIII, pp. BS-56. 
 
 585. In the Ahiman Rezon, adopted by this Grand Lodge 
 November 22, 1781, and printed in 1783, known as the "Smith 
 Ahiman Rezon," appears a dissertation on the duties of Lodges 
 and individual Masons, which is said to have been compiled 
 in 1686, so that if there is any merit in antiquity, it certainly 
 has it. On page 54 is the following: 
 
 "The Senior Warden succeeds to all the duties of the Master 
 and fills the Chair when he is absent. Or if the Master goes 
 abroad on business, resigns, demits, or is deposed, the Senior 
 Warden shall forthwith fill his place till the next stated time 
 of election. And although it was formerly held, that in such 
 cases the Master's authority ought to revert to the last Past 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 117 
 
 Master who is present, yet it is now the settled rule that the 
 authority devolves upon the Senior Warden, and in his absence 
 upon the Junior Warden, even though a former Master be 
 present." 
 
 And on page 55: 
 
 "The business of the Wardens of the Lodge is, generally, 
 to assist the Master in conducting the business thereof, and 
 managing the Craft in due order and form, when the Master 
 is present; and in doing his duties (as above set forth) when he 
 is necessarily absent." 
 
 The "General Regulations," compiled by George Payne in 
 1720, when he was Grand Master of England, and adopted by 
 the Grand Lodge on St. John the Baptist's Day in 1721, are 
 entitled to great respect, and received the unqualified endorse- 
 ment of this Grand Lodge by being republished in our Ahiman 
 Rezon of 1825. 
 
 On page 110 of that volume, the Second Regulation, after 
 describing the duties and powers of the Master, concludes as 
 follows: 
 
 "And in case of sickness, death or necessary absence of the 
 Master, the Senior Warden shall act as Master pro tempore, if 
 no Brother is present who has been Master of that Lodge before; 
 for, in that case, the absent Master's authority reverts to the 
 last Master then present; though he cannot act until the said 
 Senior Warden has once congregated the Lodge, or, in his 
 absence, the Junior Warden." 
 
 No. 39 of the same Regulations reads: 
 
 "Every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power and 
 authority to make new regulations, or to alter these, for the 
 real benefit of this ancient Fraternity; provided, always, that 
 the old Landmarks be carefully preserved, etc." 
 
 In Sec. 10 of Art. XVII, p. 46 of the present Ahiman 
 Rezon, it is provided: 
 
 "In case of the death of a Master or a Warden, default of 
 election or refusal to be installed or for any special reason, 
 . . . . a Dispensation may be granted to permit a special 
 election to fill any vacancy in any station caused thereby, imtil 
 the next annual election." 
 
 This leaves it optional with the Grand Master, whether to 
 grant the Dispensation or not. At his installation, the Senior 
 Warden promises, in the most solemn manner, that, in the 
 
118 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 absence of the Master, he will take his station and perform 
 the duties thereof, to the best of his ability; and in the Charge 
 which follows, it is enjoined upon him, "In the absence of the 
 Master, you are to govern this Lodge." He then assumes a 
 responsibiUty which he has not the right to transfer to another, 
 which no one has the right to wrest from him. A minor reason 
 for not granting such Dispensation is found in the fact that, 
 under our Law, no one can become a member of the Grand 
 Lodge who has not served a full year as Master. Therefore, if 
 any one were elected other than a Past Master, he would not 
 acquire such membership unless re-elected, which might not 
 occur. Henderson. Pro. 1895, pp. 121-124. 
 
 586. The officers of a Lodge elected and installed at the 
 stated meeting in November (being the next preceding St. 
 John the Evangelist's Day), the meeting in December falling 
 on St. John the Evangelist's Day, are to occupy the stations 
 in the Lodge at the December meeting. 
 
 KeUy. Pro. 1898, p. 111. 
 
 587. Officers-elect of a Lodge may be installed at any time 
 after their election, but can assume their stations only on and 
 after St. John the Evangelist's Day. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 13, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 450. 
 
 588. An officer of a Lodge retains his station therein until 
 his successor has been duly qualified. 
 
 Nisbet. Feb. 23, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 50. 
 
 589. Once a member has passed the scrutiny of physical 
 perfection as a petitioner for initiation, and has received the 
 Entered Apprentice Mason's degree, if misfortune overtake 
 him thereafter, it is entirely in the judgment of the Brethren 
 whether he shall be advanced to a position of authority, the 
 Landmark having been fully compUed with at the time of his 
 initiation. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 129. 
 
 590. Our rule is that an accident received after initiation 
 does not prevent a Brother's advancement; and, upon the 
 same principle, should not prevent a promotion when in the 
 line of it. Nisbet. Nov. 23, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 212. 
 
 591. Any Master Mason, not in arrears for his dues, is 
 eligible to fill any office of a Lodge of which he is a member, 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 119 
 
 elective or appointive, provided he is competent, is in good 
 standing, and a resident of this Jurisdiction. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1909, p. 156. 
 
 592. A non-resident of this Jurisdiction, who is a member 
 
 of a Lodge within it, cannot be elected to office in the same. 
 
 Dick. Pro. 1881, p. 85. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 593. An officer of a Lodge is not required to reside in the 
 city or town in which the Lodge is located, but he must be a 
 resident of this Jurisdiction. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 156. 
 
 594. An officer of a Lodge temporarily absent from this 
 Jurisdiction, does not lose his official standing by reason of 
 such temporary absence. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 164. 
 
 595. The officers of a Lodge which the Master is authorized 
 to appoint, must be selected from the membership of the Lodge, 
 except in the case of Tyler, who may be a member of another 
 Lodge. Africa. Jan. 8, 1891. L. B. 12, p. 933. 
 
 596. A Master is not authorized to announce his appoint- 
 ment of officers and Committees before the year for which he is 
 chosen shall have begun. Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 115. 
 
 597. There is no such officer as a guide, and no such appoint- 
 ment is to be made. Nisbet. Feb. 23, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 51. 
 
 598. The officers elected at a special election under and by 
 virtue of a Dispensation granted by the Grand Master, must 
 be installed; otherwise the previous officers hold over. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 100. 
 
 599. The term of an elected officer, chosen to fill a vacancy, 
 
 begins when he is installed. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 103. 
 
 600. When any subordinate place is vacant at a meeting of 
 a Lodge, the Master may direct any competent Brother to fill 
 the vacancy. If the Brother so called upon (being a member of 
 the Lodge) asks to be excused, the Master should grant his 
 request if the reason given appears to be sufficient; but if he 
 
120 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 absolutely refuses to serve, the Brother subjects himself to 
 
 discipline. Africa. Sept. 28, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 
 443. 
 
 601. A Lodge cannot suspend an officer for derehction of 
 duty, but it is the duty of the Master to do so. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 101. 
 
 602. Nominations of candidates for office are unmasonic, 
 and under no circumstances is such action to be permitted. 
 
 Nisbet. Feb. 23, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 51. 
 
 603. No officer of a Lodge should permit the title of his office 
 to be joined with his name, and so printed on advertising 
 matter for any purpose. Orlady. Pro. 1909, p. 156. 
 
 604. An officer of a Lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge 
 has no right to correspond with the Grand Lodge of another 
 Jurisdiction on Masonic subjects, without the authority of the 
 Grand Master. Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 183. 
 
 See Certificates, 1S5-1SS; Elections, SO4.-SO6; Electioneering, 317; Grand 
 Master, S42-S4S; Installation, 369-368; Masonic Dress, 619; Resignation from 
 Office, 811-815; Vacancies, 852-856. See also 76, 383, 90S. 
 
 MASTER. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezcm, Art. Ill, Sees. 1 and S, p. 6; Art. IX, Sees. 18, SS, pp. 
 15, 16; AH. XVI, Sees. 3, 4, W- ^, W, Art. XVII, Sees. 6, 10, 19, pp. 
 46, 47, 60; Art. XVIII, Sees. 1-7, pp. 63-66; Art. XXIV, See. 1, p. 71; 
 Section II, p. 76; Section III, pp. 92, 93; Section XIV, p. 246. 
 
 605. A Master is much more than a presiding officer. His 
 
 power, except when limited by the Ahiman Rezon, or By-Laws 
 
 of his Lodge, is absolute. There can be no appeal from his 
 
 decision, save to the Grand Master. 
 
 Africa. Pro. 1892,p.ll7. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 606. Three Past Masters must be present at the installation 
 
 of a Master. Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 133. Grand 
 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 607. The Master is held responsible to the Grand Lodge for 
 the manner in which his Lodge is governed, and the various de- 
 grees are conferred, and he will be held accountable for the work 
 being done in accordance with the reqiiirements of the Grand 
 
 Master. Dick. Pro. 1882, p. 237. Grand Lodge, 
 
 1895. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 121 
 
 608. It is the duty of the Master to enforce the Laws of the 
 
 Grand Lodge, and to refuse to submit to his Lodge a proposition 
 
 in violation of them. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1874, p. 
 
 49 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 2). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 609. No Brother should be elevated to the station of Master 
 who cannot perform all the duties thereof, but the right to choose 
 elective officers rests with the members of the Lodge, and it 
 is very rare that a Grand Master exercises his prerogative to 
 stop the installation of an elective officer; and then only when 
 the necessity therefor is made very clear. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 5, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 439. 
 
 610. Upon the Master in the discharge of his duty, obedient 
 
 to Custom, Usage and Landmark, rests the responsibility of 
 
 seeing that no candidate is introduced into his Lodge who is 
 
 physically or otherwise disqualified. This responsibility is 
 
 direct and immediate. Lamberton. Feb. 21, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 
 p. 11. 
 
 611. The Brother filling the station of Master of a Lodge, 
 in the absence of the Master, is responsible for the proper con- 
 duct in the Lodge while occupying the Chair, and should rule 
 its deliberations in accordance with his best judgment, and in 
 conformity to the Constitution, Rules, Regulations and Edicts 
 of the Grand Lodge and the By-Laws of his Lodge. He need not 
 follow the instructions of an absent Master. His first duty is 
 to the Lodge over which he is temporarily presiding. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 130. 
 
 612. It is not necessary that the Master be a citizen of the 
 United States. Orlady. 1908. 
 
 613. The action of a Master of a Lodge is not a question for 
 discussion in open Lodge. The Brethren have an appeal from 
 his action to the Grand Master. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 127. 
 
 614. Where a Master has a doubt as to whether any pro- 
 posed action of his Lodge is in violation of any Law, Rule or 
 Regulation of the Grand Lodge, he has full power to suspend or 
 defer such action until he can consult or be advised in the 
 
 premises. Lamberton. March 4, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 
 p. 78. 
 
122 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 615. The Master has no power or authority to direct the 
 Secretary to enclose a circular of any kind — more particularly 
 one relating to a business enterprise — in the notices of the meet- 
 ings of a Lodge; neither has the Secretary a right to do so, 
 or to furnish the names of members of a Lodge by which another 
 may do so. Brown. Pro. 1905, p. 99. 
 
 See BB9. 
 
 616. The neglect to inquire of the Grand Secretary was the 
 
 neglect of the Secretary, but the Master should always insist 
 
 on knowing whether inquiry was made and answer received, 
 
 before he permits a ballot to be had. The Lodge is under the 
 
 government of the Master, who orders and controls everybody, 
 
 even the Secretary. Arnold. March 22, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 653. 
 
 617. The Master of a Lodge having removed from this 
 Jurisdiction and taken up a permanent residence in another, 
 his station becomes vacant, and the Senior Warden must act 
 as Master. Wagner. Pro. 1900. p. 134. 
 
 618. A Master, whose term expires the next St. John the 
 Evangelist's Day, is eligible at the time of the annual election 
 to any ofiBce in the Lodge. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 164. 
 
 619. A Brother having been elected and installed Master, 
 must be carried on the roll of Past Masters of a Lodge, although 
 not a member of the Grand Lodge for the reason of not having 
 served a full Masonic year. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 128. 
 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 1-^; BaUot, 69-86; Burial, 106— 
 116; Masonic Law, 637, 638. See also Index. 
 
 WARDENS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. Ill, Sec. 1, p. 6; Art. IX, Sec. 18, p. IB; Sec. SS, 
 p. 16; Art. XVI, Sees. 3, 4, pp. 43, 44; AH. XVII, Sec. 19, p. BO; Art. 
 XVIII, Sees. 4, B, p. S4; Seclum III, p. 86; Sectim XIV, pp. S46, 247. 
 
 620. It is not only the right, but the duty, of the Senior 
 Warden, to take the station of the Master in the absence of the 
 latter. KeUy. Pro. 1897, p. 76. 
 
 621. In the absence of the Master and Senior Warden, the 
 Junior Warden must preside at the meeting of a Lodge. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 128. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS * 123 
 
 622. There is no reason why a Brother who has served as 
 Warden of his Lodge should not be elected its Master. If the 
 Senior Warden declines advancement, it is optional with the 
 Lodge to elect the Junior Warden, or a Brother who has served 
 as Warden. (See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. 11, p. 47.) 
 
 Arnold. Nov. 14, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 695. 
 
 623. The Junior Warden of a Lodge is eligible for election 
 as Master; the stations of Senior and Junior Wardens can be 
 filled by election from the floor. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 134. 
 
 624. Charges made against a Senior Warden and not tried, 
 but pending at his election as Master, do not prevent or pro- 
 hibit his being installed as Master. 
 
 Vaux. Dec. 8, 1868. L. B. 2, p. 68. 
 
 625. A Brother who has been a Warden and Master in a 
 Lodge under the jmisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Peimsyl- 
 vania is eligible to the office of Master in any Lodge in this 
 Jurisdiction with which he may be aflSliated. 
 
 Africa. Sept. 28, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 443. 
 
 626. The Master may appoint an Acting Junior Warden 
 from meeting to meeting until an election is held, for which, in 
 such case, a Dispensation to hold a special election must be 
 requested of and granted by the proper Masonic authority. 
 
 Kelly. Pro. 1897, p. 76. 
 
 627. Where the Senior Warden and Junior Warden were 
 installed at one and the same time, such installation is un- 
 lawful ; they must be installed separately. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1896, p. 98. 
 
 628. A Brother who had been elected a Warden, but never 
 installed, is not ehgible to be elected Master. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 11, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 589. 
 
 629. The offices of Warden and Treasurer of a Lodge are 
 incompatible. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 149. 
 
 630. There is nothing in the Ahiman Rezon that prohibits 
 a Brother from serving as Junior Warden and Trustee of his 
 Lodge at the same time. Africa. Jan. 15, 1891. L. B. 12, p. 938. 
 
 See Charges and Trial, 144! Officers, 386-604; Secretary, 646; Treasurer, 
 629; Trustee, 653. See also IS, 18, 56, 190, SI4, 4IS, 892. 
 
124 ■ DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. HI, Sees. 3, 4; pp. 6, 7; Art. IX, Sees. 17-19, 
 Z2, pp. 15, 16; Art. X, Sec. 6, p. 18. 
 
 631. It is not necessary to issue a Dispensation to elect a 
 
 Representative in the Grand Lodge. 
 
 See SU. Arnold. May 24, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 764. 
 
 632. The Master, after his term of service has begun, or any- 
 Past Master in good standing may be the Representative of 
 the Lodge in the Grand Lodge. The fact that a Past Master 
 serves his Lodge, either in an elective or appointed office, does 
 not impair his membership in the Grand Lodge, or render him 
 ineligible to be the Representative of his Lodge therein. 
 
 Lamberton. Nov. 11, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 357. 
 
 633. The Ahiman Rezon, in Art. Ill, Sec. 3, p. 6, provides 
 that — "Each Lodge within this Jurisdiction shall, at the time at 
 which its officers are chosen, elect as its Representative in the 
 Grand Lodge, the Master or a Past Master thereof, who shall 
 serve until his successor shall have been elected." 
 
 This is a wise Regulation, which is intended to secure to every 
 Lodge a voice in the governing body, and when judiciously 
 exercised will make the Lodge an influential factor in the 
 Grand Lodge. The ideal Representative possesses keen obser- 
 vation, the ability to grasp quickly all the points of the business 
 in which the Grand Lodge engages, is able to express himself 
 clearly and concisely, and renders to his Lodge an intelligent 
 report of all transactions in which it is particularly or generally 
 interested. This degree of efficiency is only acquired after one 
 or more years of service, and cannot be attained in one visit 
 to the Grand Lodge. The practice of many Lodges of changing 
 their Representatives frequently does not commend itself to 
 those who have carefully observed its effects. 
 
 A Lodge should select a competent Brother and elect him 
 from year to year. In return, he should present a written report 
 to his Lodge which should embody an abstract of reports of 
 Committees, especially those on Landmarks, Appeals and 
 Finance; amendments to the Ahiman Rezon, either proposed 
 or adopted; and an account of any other transactions which 
 will interest or benefit his Lodge, and this report should be 
 entered on the Minutes. In this way, Brethren who do not 
 
GEAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 125 
 
 attend the Grand Lodge, or read its Proceedings, will be made 
 familiar with changes in the Law, and with other Masonic affairs 
 that they have a right to know, and the Representative will 
 have done something to earn his wages. When this becomes the 
 custom, and not until then, we will have the ideal Represen- 
 tative. Henderson. Pro. 1896, pp. 94-95. 
 
 634. No Lodge can pass a resolution instructing the Rep- 
 resentative of the Lodge in the Grand Lodge to cast his repre- 
 sentative vote for any particular candidate. The Representa- 
 tive of a Lodge in the matter of annual elections is what his 
 name implies, a representative of the absent Past Masters. 
 It is his duty to follow instructions given by the aforesaid 
 Past Masters. In the absence of instructions from them, he 
 is privileged to use his own judgment. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 127. 
 
 635. It is no longer possible to convene in one body all those 
 who are entitled to participate in oxir elections and Communi- 
 cations. It is, however, just as important as ever that every 
 member entitled to vote on any subject should be here [i. e.,in 
 the Grand Lodge] in person, or be duly represented. In order 
 to protect this right, a member unavoidably absent has the 
 vmdoubted privilege of advising the Representative of his Lodge, 
 who should know and desire to know the wish of the absent 
 member, in regard to the business to be transacted. The Rep- 
 resentative may be advised either by oral or written directions; 
 the means employed to carry the information are not material, 
 being only matters of form. The all-important questions is, 
 What is the actual request of the member? If a Representa- 
 tive is in doubt as to the genuineness of a signature, or the 
 clear meaning of a doubtful request from a member, his 
 Masonic duty requires him to make prompt inquiry so as to 
 ascertain the exact truth. To disregard arbitrarily a request of 
 such a character is a wrong to the member as well as to the 
 Grand Lodge, and, in the case of an election, to the candi- 
 dates for election, in fraudulently taking a vote from one and 
 giving it to the other. 
 
 "Printed circular instructions to a Representative from a 
 Past Master to vote for a member therein named, is not binding 
 upon the Representative." This has been announced in various 
 forms by several Grand Masters, in a number of decisions. 
 
126 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 The term "printed and circular instructions" should be 
 interpreted in strict accord with its dictionary sense. An un- 
 signed or printed circular letter of instructions, or one with a 
 printed signature, does not impose any duty on any one, but 
 whatever its form may be, if the genuine signature of a member 
 of the Grand Lodge be attached to it, it becomes a fraternal 
 obligation that is satisfied only by the absolute performance of 
 the requests therein contained. 
 
 See Officers, 68S-6O4. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 158. 
 
 TREASURER. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezan, Vol. XVI, Sees, S, 4, pp. 43, 44; Vol. XVII, Sec. 10, p. 
 47; Vol. XVIII, Sec. 6, p. B4; Section III, p. 97; Section XIV, p. 247. 
 
 636. When the By-Laws of a Lodge require its Treasurer 
 to give a bond for the faithful performance of the duties of his 
 office, it is just as essential that that bond should be given and 
 approved before his installation, as it is that he should first be 
 balloted for and elected to the office. If the Master of a Lodge 
 permits a Brother to be installed as Treasurer without fur- 
 nishing an official bond, when such is required by the By-Laws 
 of his Lodge, he is guilty of gross violation of the very By- 
 Laws he is bound to enforce. He betrays one of the trusts 
 confided to his care, and he is guUty of a Masonic offense for 
 which he should be tried and punished. I cannot conceive a 
 greater offense than the head of a Lodge violating the very law 
 by which it is governed. You can picture to yourself the evils 
 that might ensue from such an act, from the complications 
 that have already arisen. I will, as the welfare of the Lodge 
 seems to require summary action in this case, exercise the 
 power in me vested, and on principle of the case decided, 
 March 6, 1843 [Vol. VII, p. 147, Reprint of Minutes of the 
 Grand Lodge] declare the installation of the Treasurer for the 
 present Masonic year null and void and of no effect; he not 
 having been first properly quahfied in accordance with the 
 
 By-Laws of said Lodge. Nisbet. June 7, 1880. L. B. 8, pp. 
 
 116-117. 
 
 637. When the office of Treasurer becomes vacant, by the 
 death of the incumbent, it is the right and duty of the Master 
 to appoint an Acting Treasurer to demand and receive from the 
 Secretary the current receipts of the Lodge during such vacancy. 
 
 Africa. April 5, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 851. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 127 
 
 638. A Treasurer must honor an order of the Lodge drawn 
 upon him for charity, it being his duty to honor all orders when 
 lawfully drawn, and not to interpret the motive of the members. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 215. 
 
 639. If a Treasurer will not obey, and persistently refuses 
 to obey, the By-Laws of a Lodge, it is the duty of the Master 
 to declare the office vacant, and appoint a Brother to serve 
 from meeting to meeting, until an election is held to elect a 
 successor. KeUy. Pro. 1898, p. 109. 
 
 640. The former Treasurer of your Lodge having failed to 
 
 pay over to his successor the balance in his hands due the Lodge, 
 
 the proper course to pursue is to prefer charges against him, as 
 
 provided in the Ahiman Rezon (p. 142), the specification being 
 
 his neglect to pay the amount due. As to the money, the Lodge 
 
 will have to be content with a dividend, unless the money is 
 
 specially deposited, so that it can be traced as Lodge money. 
 
 Arnold. Aug. 28, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 592. 
 iSee Auditing Committee, 66-68; Dues and Fees, SOO; Officers, 58S-604; War- 
 den, 6S9. 
 
 SECRETARY. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XIII, Sec. S, p. SS; Art. XVI, Sees. S, 4, pp. 43, 
 44; Art. XVII, Sec. 10, p. 47; Sec. n, p. SI; Art. XVIII, Sees. 7-9, 
 pp. 54r-56; AH. XXI, Sec. 13, p. 67; Section III, p. 97; Section XIV, 
 p. 248. 
 
 641. It is the duty of a Master to enforce the observance of 
 the By-Laws of his Lodge and of the Rules and Regulations of 
 the Grand Lodge, and that the property and funds of the Lodge 
 be justly managed and dispensed. The Secretary's duty is 
 prescribed by Art. XVIII, Sec, 7, p. 54, etc. Also see Sec. 
 9, p. 55 which is, "He shall issue to all the members the 
 notices for all stated meetings, etc.," and "He shall perform 
 every act as Secretary which the Master or the Lodge may 
 direct, in aid of the business of the Lodge, or concerning the 
 same." Also he is charged and told, "It is your duty to observe 
 the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure." (See Ahiman Rezon, 
 Section III, p. 97, Charge to the Secretary.) One of the essential 
 parts of his duty is promptness, and getting put fimeral notices 
 requires the highest degree of promptness. But iQ all things 
 he must remember that you, as Master, have charge of the 
 Lodge, and are responsible for all that is done by it in its name. 
 
128 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 In order to secure you and enable you to rule and govern your 
 
 Lodge, he must perform his duties under your direction and 
 
 to your satisfaction, and observe your will and pleasure. 
 
 Arnold. Feb. 20, 1893. L. B. 14, p. 
 564. 
 
 642. When the Secretary of a Lodge moves out of the Juris- 
 diction, it is the duty of the Master to declare the office vacant. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 179. 
 
 643. There is no Rule or Regulation of the Grand Lodge 
 which requires the Secretary of a Lodge to be a Past Master. 
 
 Nisbet. April 5, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 82. 
 
 644. An oral motion to change the salary of a Secretary which 
 is fixed by the By-Laws is unlawful. 
 
 KeUy. Pro. 1897, p. 74. 
 
 645. A Master can appoint an Acting Secretary from month 
 to month. A special election need not be held unless the same 
 is desired. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 132. 
 
 646. The Junior Warden cannot act as Secretary at any 
 time, when another Brother can be appointed to take the place 
 of the Secretary in his absence. His 0-N as Junior Warden 
 prevents it. Nisbet. June 28, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 134. 
 
 647. It is the duty of the Secretary to receive and dis- 
 tribute the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge to the Brethren 
 entitled to them. Africa. July 16, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 284. 
 
 648. It is the duty of a Secretary of a Lodge to furnish his 
 Minute Book for examination by the District Deputy Grand 
 Master of the District in which it is located, when requested 
 
 by him. Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 99. 
 
 See S81. 
 
 649. A Master is responsible for the right performance 
 by the Secretary of the duties of his office, and if the Secretary 
 should refuse to perform them, or persist in neglecting to per- 
 form them, after repeated notice, a Master is justified in sus- 
 pending the Secretary from his office, and should report his 
 action to the Grand Master. 
 
 MacCalla. Dec. 10, 1890. L. B. 12, p.. 
 888. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 129 
 
 650. A communication discloses the fact that the Minutes 
 had been tampered with, the Minute Book scratched, and 
 certain alterations made. I will thank you to make a personal 
 examination of this Minute Book, and if you find the Secre- 
 tary guilty of this alteration, direct the Master to suspend the 
 Secretary from his ofiice, and prefer charges against him. There 
 is no set form in the Ahiman Rezon for the suspension of a 
 Secretary. The last one suspended was by the then Grand 
 Master, Conrad B. Day, who directed the Master of the 
 Lodge to suspend the Secretary, and appoint some Brother to 
 act, who will discharge the duties of the office in a proper man- 
 ner, and obey the Law as laid down in the Ahiman Rezon. 
 
 Day. July 29, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 420. 
 
 651. The fact has been brought to my knowledge that the 
 General Return of your Lodge was falsified by giving an incorrect 
 date to the certificate of the election of officers and the sus- 
 pension of four Brethren. This is an offence of grave character, 
 and deserves severe condemnation. Therefore, you are directed 
 to suspend the Secretary from performing the duties of his 
 office, debar him from being a candidate for re-election, and 
 appoint a Brother to perform the duties of the office, until such 
 time as it may be filled by an election, 
 
 Eichbaum. June 19, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 p. 16. 
 
 652. The Master of a Lodge must suspend the Secretary 
 from performing the duties of that office, pending the trial of 
 charges preferred against him for violation of his duties as 
 Secretary, and the trial must be commenced as soon as practi- 
 cable, and pushed to a final conclusion; and, if the accused 
 should be found not guilty of said charges, he is to be rein- 
 stated in his office as Secretary. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 219. 
 See Avdiiing Committee, 66-68; Lodge Minutes, 45B-46B; Lodge Notices, 466— 
 483. See also 816. 
 
 TRUSTEE. 
 
 653. There is no incompatibility between the office of 
 Trustee and the offices of Master, Senior Warden, Junior War- 
 den, Secretary and Treasurer. On the contrary, their compati- 
 bility is expressly recognized. "The Trustees may be either 
 elected or the officers of the Lodge or any of them may be 
 
130 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 trustees ex-offido." The eligibility of officers to act as Trustees 
 
 without a distinctive election as such, is here declared, and hence, 
 
 if they ex-offido may be Trustees, they can unquestionably 
 
 be so, if thereto specially called by the votes of their Brethren. 
 
 See 630. Lamberton. Nov. 11, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 
 357. 
 
 654. The Trustees of a Lodge, elected by the Lodge, under a 
 By-Law, must act as a body. No single Trustee has the right 
 to invest money or do any other business requiring discre- 
 tion; every such act must be authorized either by all the 
 Trustees, or by a majority, at a meeting called for the pur- 
 pose, of which each Trustee had sufficient notice. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 182. 
 
 655. The office of Trustee being one provided for in the By- 
 Laws of Lodges, the Grand Master does not issue a Dispen- 
 sation for an election to fill the vacancy. 
 
 Africa. June 23, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 236. 
 
 656. A Lodge may adopt and insert a section in its By-Laws 
 requiring the bonding of the Trustees. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 156. 
 
 657. Trustees of a Lodge can resign their positions at any 
 stated meeting, and a Lodge can hold an election for their 
 successors at any stated meeting, due notice of which must 
 be given to all members of the Lodge. No Dispensation is 
 required for an election for Trustees. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 131. 
 
 658. It is not necessary that a Lodge should have a Dis- 
 pensation in order to hold an election for Trustees. It can be 
 held at any time after due and timely notice to the members 
 at the stated meeting for which it is announced by the 
 
 Master on the notices. MacCalla. March 25, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 414. 
 See Auditing Committee, 66-68; Elections, 312; Lodge Funds, 431, 433. 
 
 CHAPLAIN. 
 
 659. Any competent Brother (Master Mason) may be 
 appointed Chaplain. Brown. Pro. 1905, p. 103. 
 
 660. The Chaplain of a Lodge must be a member of the 
 Lodge. Day. Jan. 31, 1884. L. B. 9, 252. ' 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 131 
 
 PURSUIVANT. 
 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 17, 18, SO. See also 461, 861. 
 
 TYLER. 
 
 661. The Tyler, being a member of the Lodge and desiring 
 
 to be admitted to the Lodge to cast his ballot on a petition, 
 
 has the same right in that respect as any other member of the 
 
 Lodge, and should be admitted by the Master. When the 
 
 other members of the Lodge have voted, and the Tyler desires 
 
 to vote, the Master should send out the Pursuivant, or some 
 
 other Brother, to occupy temporarily the place of the Tyler. 
 
 It is as a rule better to send out the Pursuivant, as the outer 
 
 door can never be left imguarded, or the Lodge not duly tyled. 
 
 Lamberton. Feb. 16, 1871. L. B. 3, 
 p. 492. 
 
 662. The Tyler, if a member of the Lodge has a right to 
 vote at all elections for officers or in balloting on petitions. 
 
 Africa. March 9, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 795. 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 17, 18, SO, SI. See also 415, 695. 
 
 OTHER JURISDICTIONS. 
 
 See Foreign and Other Jurisdictions, SS9-S39. 
 
 PASSING TO THE CHAIR. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. X, Sec. 1, p. 17; Section XI, p. 163. 
 
 663. An application for a Dispensation to Pass to the Chair 
 
 does not require the seal of the Lodge to be attached. Such 
 
 application is not the act of the Lodge, but of the Brother 
 
 making it, whose statements are verified by the Master, Senior 
 
 Warden, and Junior Warden. 
 
 MacCaUa. Feb. 27, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 377. 
 
 664. A Dispensation to Pass to the Chair will only be granted 
 upon the recommendation of the Master and Wardens of the 
 Lodge; and as they, in their recommendation for same, are 
 required to certify that the petitioner is "a worthy Brother 
 and deserving of the favor," they can refuse to sign a recom- 
 mendation, unless entirely satisfied, and the Lodge cannot by 
 
 a vote compel them to do so. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 167. 
 
132 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 665. By the Regulation in force since 1859, a Dispensation 
 
 has not been granted to Pass to the Chair except to a Master 
 
 Mason of six months' standing. 
 
 Lamberton. Sept. 1, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 pp. 21&-222. 
 
 666. A Dispensation to Pass to the Chair must be acted on 
 
 in the Lodge to which the Brother in whose favor it was granted 
 
 belongs. Lamberton. July 25, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 
 p. 192. 
 
 667. Proficiency in the three preceding degrees must be 
 made manifest before a Dispensation for advancement may be 
 issued by a District Deputy Grand Master. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 170. 
 
 668. One who is a member of a Lodge in another Juris- 
 diction cannot be Passed to the Chair in this Jurisdiction. 
 
 KeUy. Pro. 1897, p. 74. 
 
 669. No one can be Passed to the Chair in a Lodge without 
 the consent of the Lodge, on motion duly made and adopted 
 viva voce, before those not Past Masters are requested to retire. 
 
 MitcheU. Jan. 1, 1886. L. B. 10, p. 18. 
 
 670. A Dispensation to Pass to the Chair is not "mandatory," 
 but is an "authority" or "permission;" therefore the Lodge must 
 decide, by a vote, whether it will act. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 135. 
 
 671. The vote on a Dispensation to Pass to the Chair is 
 decided by a majority vote of those present. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 103, p. 178. 
 
 672. A Dispensation to Pass to the Chair is acted upon in 
 the presence of all the Brethren, notwithstanding it is addressed 
 to the Master and Past Masters; but during the ceremony all 
 but Past Masters retire. Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 126. 
 
 673. The receipt of a Dispensation to Pass to the Chair 
 must be presented, and the motion to act upon it must be 
 adopted or rejected, at a stated meeting of the Lodge, and not 
 at a special meeting. 
 
 The actual work of Passing to the Chair may be done at 
 that stated, or any subsequent, meeting, either stated or special. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 182. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 133 
 
 674. A Dispensation is granted to a Lodge and not to its 
 officers. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 217. 
 
 675. A Lodge has no right to ask for a Dispensation for a 
 Brother to Pass to the Chair. That is a personal matter, and 
 the apphcation must be made by the Brother in person, who 
 desires to advance. Day. Sept. 22, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 462. 
 
 676. Dispensations to Pass to the Chair are only good for 
 the Masonic year in which they are issued. When a Dispen- 
 sation is issued by a District Deputy Grand Master, it should 
 at once be acted on by the Lodge, and, though the Masonic 
 year may have ended, he can receive the benefit of the Dis- 
 pensation. But in case the Lodge does not take such action, 
 it must die with the Masonic year. 
 
 Dick. April 4, 1882. L. B. 8, p. 561. 
 
 677. We have no such degree as "Past Master's degree." 
 We term it "Passing to the Chair." 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 218. 
 
 678. The District Deputy Grand Masters should make it 
 plain, beyond a possible doubt, that the three Symbolic degrees 
 in Freemasonry represent an Independent, Sovereign Organ- 
 ization, and that its degrees are not to be indifferently con- 
 ferred, nor any requisite waived in order to make them a pre- 
 paratory service for divergent or secondary bodies or associa- 
 tions. Orlady. Pro. 1909, p. 150. 
 
 679. This [678] is a well-estabhshed rule of this Grand Lodge. 
 Having provided ample means for the adequate instruction 
 of candidates, no sincere Mason of sufficient intelligence has 
 any excuse for not being able to show the degree of proficiency 
 required on the apphcation for a Dispensation to "Pass to 
 the Chair." 
 
 Of course, it is not intended that the candidate for this 
 advancement should be able to show the proficiency justly 
 required from one asking to be installed as Master of a Lodge; 
 but he should be able to pass such, an examination as would 
 enable him to prove that he is a Master Mason, when seeking 
 admission to a Lodge, where he is unknown. 
 
 This is all that has ever been required, so far as I can learn; 
 and with all the opportunities provided, one who does not, or 
 
134 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 cannot, acquire such a degree of proficiency, is no addition to 
 the Lodge, and will be no addition to any other Body in which 
 he seeks membership. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 134. 
 
 680. A Past Master by Dispensation, acquires no rights or 
 privileges except to be present at the conferring of a like privi- 
 lege on either an elected Master, or when any other Master 
 Mason Passes to the Chair. Passing to the Chair is not a de- 
 gree. It is a privilege conferred, which Master Masons have 
 not, to be present when, in Master Mason's Lodge, the privilege 
 is granted either by Dispensation or by election, and the install- 
 ation is celebrated or performed. There is both a distinction 
 and a dlEFerence. So one who has Passed to the Chair by Dis- 
 pensation has no right to take the Chair which a Master 
 Mason does not possess. A Master of a Lodge may call either to 
 the Chair, he being present. This is in both cases absolutely 
 necessary. Vaux. Oct. 16, 1867. L. B. 1, p. 56 
 
 See also, 4H. 
 
 PAST MASTER. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. Ill, Sees. 1,2, p. 6; Art. IX, Sec. S£, p. 16; Art. 
 XVI, Sees. 3, 4, pp. 43, 44; AH. XVI, Sec. 19, p. 50; Section XIV, 
 p.24B. 
 
 681. A Brother who has been regularly installed and served 
 
 any length of time as Master of a Lodge becomes, at the end 
 
 of this term, a Past Master. But, to quaUfy him for membership 
 
 in the Grand Lodge, he must have served a full Masonic year, 
 
 i. e., from one St. John the EvangeUst's Day (December 27th) 
 
 until the next St. John the Evangelist's Day. 
 
 Africa. Nov. 23, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 
 416. 
 
 682. If a Past Master by service resigns from a Lodge in this 
 Jurisdiction and affliates himself with another Lodge in this 
 Jurisdiction, he becomes a Past Master of said Lodge, and con- 
 sequently is entitled to membership in the Grand Lodge, and 
 would most certainly vote for the Lodge of which he is a 
 
 member. Porter. March 15, 1878. L. B. 7, p. 
 
 484. 
 
 683. When a Brother, who was a Past Master by service in 
 another Masonic Jurisdiction, affiliates with one of our Lodges, 
 he is entitled to recognition as a Past Master in the Lodge of 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 135 
 
 which he has become a member. Of course, he is not a member 
 
 of the Grand Lodge, since he does not possess the requisite 
 
 qualifications prescribed by our Ahiman Rezon. 
 
 MacCalla. April 29, 1889. L. B. 11, p, 
 512. 
 
 684. A Past Master by election may wear his collar and 
 jewel where he pleases in any part of the Lodge Room. It is 
 the proper clothing of a Past Master by election at the meeting 
 of his Lodge. Vaux. Oct. 16, 1867. L. B. 1, p. 56. 
 
 685. Where a Brother (Past Master by service) withdraws 
 from a Lodge and affihates with any Lodge outside this Juris- 
 diction, and again withdraws therefrom and connects himself 
 with a Lodge in this Jurisdiction, he would be entitled to all 
 the privileges and position he enjoyed previous to his with- 
 drawal. Clark. Aug. 25, 1876. L. B. 7, p. 145. 
 
 There is no such thing as a Past Master's degree or a 
 Past Master's Lodge. Vaux. Jan. 6, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 121. 
 
 See Jewels, 374-378; Members of the Grand Lodge, 660, 581; Passing to the 
 Chair, 663-880. 
 
 PAYMENTS TO THE GRAND LODGE. 
 
 687. All checks for payments to the Grand Lodge should 
 be drawn in favor of the Grand Secretary, and not of the Grand 
 Master or the Grand Treasurer. 
 
 See Dues and Fees, S84. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 173. 
 
 PETITIONS FOR INITIATION AND MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezm, AH. XXI, Sec. 1-16, pp. 60-69; Section XI, p. I54. 
 
 688. Freemasonry does not proselyte. Those who desire its 
 privileges must seek them of their own free will and accord, 
 and must accept and obey, without condition or reservation, 
 all of its Ancient Usages, Customs and Landmarks. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 218. 
 
 689. (a) The name of the petitioner should be subscribed 
 in full in the petition. 
 
 (6) The date and place of the birth of the petitioner should 
 be given in the petition. 
 
136 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 (c) The occupation of the petitioner should be designated in 
 the petition specifically and in detail, both with relation to him- 
 self and his employer, if any. 
 
 (d) Where the petitioner resides in a city having streets that 
 are named and houses that are numbered, he should state in 
 his petition the name of the street and the niunber of his 
 house. 
 
 (e) The members of the Committee of Inquiry, where 
 such a Committee is appointed, should subscribe to a report in 
 writing, when required, as to a thorough investigation of the 
 character of the petitioner, this recommendation applying 
 only to those Jurisdictions where reports in writing are 
 required. 
 
 (J) A petition to be made a Mason should state that the peti- 
 tioner has never before petitioned a Lodge of Masons to be 
 made a Mason; or, in cases where the petitioner has before peti- 
 tioned to be made a Mason, he should state the name, number, 
 location, and Jurisdiction of the Lodge, previously petitioned, 
 and the date, as near as may be, of such petition. 
 
 (gf) A petitioner should have resided within the Jurisdiction 
 of the Grand Lodge for one year, that is, have had a legal resi- 
 dence there for one year, 
 
 (h) When application is made by a petitioner whose legal 
 
 residence is in another Jurisdiction, which by its laws claims 
 
 the petitioner as its material, a waiver of Jurisdiction should 
 
 be requested from the last named Jurisdiction. 
 
 Unanimous Recommendations of Con- 
 ference of Grand Masters, Philadel- 
 phia, 1909. Pro. 1909, p. 108. 
 
 690. A petitioner must state his residence in his petition. 
 
 Giving his business address in lieu thereof is not a compliance 
 
 with the Law. Africa. Pro. 1891, p. 95. Grand 
 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 691. The correct residence of a petitioner is the place where 
 he resides at the time his petition is read in the Lodge. If 
 he petitions for initiation and membership, and removes after 
 it is signed and before it is presented to the Lodge, inquiry 
 must be made of the Lodge nearest his place of new residence, 
 if within this Jurisdiction. Temporary or imstable domicile 
 in this Jurisdiction cannot be accepted as residence. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 154. 
 
GKAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 137 
 
 692. The petition for initiation and membership of one who 
 states therein that he has "no particular place of residence," 
 must not be received by a Lodge. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 178. 
 
 693. When a petitioner for initiation and membership has 
 not been a bona-fide resident of this Jurisdiction for one year, 
 immediately preceding the presentation of his petition, he 
 has to be treated as a resident of the Jurisdiction in which 
 he resided for the year preceding his removal into this, and 
 before any action can be taken upon his petition, a waiver 
 of Jurisdiction must be obtained, by the Grand Master of 
 this Jurisdiction, from the Grand Master of the other. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 154. 
 
 694. Voting is considered such a positive assertion of resi- 
 dence, that no consideration of another place as a place of 
 residence or intention to return or remove thereto, will over- 
 come the fact of residence proved by voting. 
 
 Arnold. May 23, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 446. 
 
 695. A petitioner to Freemasonry who has an assmned 
 name can only be known by his proper name. He has no other 
 under the law. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 216. 
 
 696. The acceptance of a petition for initiation and member- 
 ship without the customary fee is unlawful. 
 
 The Secretary of a Lodge cannot accept a petition miless 
 the name is legibly written. Kelly. Pro. 1897, pp. 74:-75. 
 
 697. Nothing is of more importance than a correct spelUng 
 
 of names of petitioners, and this especially so in the Grand 
 
 Secretary's office, where the index is subdivided by the vowels 
 
 in each name. Carelessness in matters of this kind cannot go 
 
 unnoticed. A Lodge which suffers such things to be done in 
 
 its name by its Secretary, will, if it does not put a stop to them, 
 
 imperil its own existence. Arnold. May 12, 1890. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 740. 
 
 698. A man who cannot write cannot be made a Mason. 
 An apphcant must, with his own hand, sign his name in full to 
 the petition. A mark (X) cannot be accepted. A man who in 
 this age of free schools has arrived at years of maturity without 
 
138 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 one of the rudiments of the most ordinary education, does not 
 manifest intelHgence and ambition enough to be a useful 
 member of our Fraternity. We cannot condone or tolerate that 
 degree of ignorance. Henderson. Pro. 1895, p. 109. 
 
 699. It is not essential that a petitioner should be a citizen 
 of the State under the statute law of the land. His eligibiUty 
 is to be determined by his Masonic residence or domicile, of at 
 least one year within the jurisdiction of the Lodge to which he 
 applies, and the well known mental, moral and physical re- 
 quirements, as well as being under the tongue of good Masonic 
 report. Orlady. Aug. 4, 1909; L. B. 26, p. 709. 
 
 700. None but "a son of honest parents" can be made a 
 Mason; this excludes all born out of wedlock. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 135. 
 
 701. A petition can be received from one "born out of lawful 
 wedlock" whose parents subsequently marry, and thereby give 
 their child a legitimate birth under the common or civil law. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1902, p. 132. 
 
 702. If it was a well-known fact that the petitioner was not 
 the son of honest parents, i. e., born in lawful wedlock, it would 
 be impolitic to admit him to the Fraternity. There is no occa- 
 sion to make inquiry into the legitimacy of a petitioner, unless 
 the charge was specifically made that he was illegitimate. 
 
 Eichbaum. Oct. 24, 1887. L. B. 10, 
 p. 641. 
 
 703. A petitioner must be twenty-one years of age at the 
 
 time his petition is presented to a Lodge. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 217. Orlady. 
 Pro. 1908, p. 171. 
 
 704. Old age does not disqualify a petitioner for initiation 
 and membership, but great care must be exercised by the 
 Committee of Inquiry as to the mental and physical qualifi- 
 cations of a petitioner of great age. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 136. 
 
 705. It is not proper that a man against whom an indictment 
 is pending in the Criminal Coiu:t should be made a Mason, 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 139 
 
 He is not to be treated as guilty until convicted, but it is enough. 
 
 to make us wait until the case is finally disposed of. 
 
 Mitchell. Sept. 13, 1886. L. B. 10. p. 
 256. 
 
 706. A petition for membership or for initiation and member- 
 ship is incomplete when one of the recommenders has no 
 personal knowledge of the petitioner, and signs because he 
 has confidence in the other recommender. A member has 
 no right to sign as a recommender, unless he himself knows 
 that the petitioner is worthy. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 154. 
 
 707. When a petitioner resides equi-distant from two Lodges, 
 
 he may apply to either Lodge, and the Lodge applied to need 
 
 not inquire of the other. Arnold. July 26, 1894. L. B. 15, 
 
 p. 569. 
 
 708. In the matter of inquiring of the nearest Lodge, the air 
 
 line and the usual way of traveling and the quickest time in 
 
 getting to the Lodge, and the most convenient way to go to 
 
 the Lodge and back without delay — these are all important 
 
 elements to look into. No rule can be laid down which will 
 
 govern in all cases, hence every case must be decided on its 
 
 own peculiar facts as they arise. 
 
 Arnold. Dec. 13, 1893. L. B. 15, p. 
 101. 
 
 709. No Lodge in this Jmdsdiction has the authority to 
 grant to a Lodge in another Jurisdiction the permission to act 
 upon the petition of any one. All matters pertaining to the 
 Craft in another Jurisdiction must be conducted through and 
 arranged by the respective Grand Masters of the Jurisdictions 
 only. 
 
 Nor can a Lodge ^ve to another Lodge in our own Juris- 
 diction permission to receive and act upon a petition from one 
 of its rejected petitioners. It must first be shown that the 
 objection has been removed in the Lodge in which it occurred, 
 before the petitioner can go elsewhere, and the only method 
 by which it can be ascertained that the objection has been 
 removed, is by the presentation of another petition in accord- 
 ance with the Ahiman Rezon, and the unanimous approval of 
 
 the petitioner. Nisbet. Dec. 14, 1880. L. B. 98, pp. 
 
 226-227. 
 
140 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 710. Inquiry as to non-resident petitioners is only to be 
 
 made when the petition is for initiation and membership. The 
 
 Law in this Jurisdiction is, that Masonry is universal and that a 
 
 man has a right to petition wherever he pleases; but to guard 
 
 the Fraternity against the admission of unworthy material, when 
 
 the Lodge to which petition is made is not the nearest to the 
 
 residence of the petitioner, the Lodge receiving the petition is 
 
 required to inquire of the Lodge nearest his residence (where he 
 
 is supposed to be best known), if there is any Masonic objection 
 
 to him. When the petitioner is a resident of the Jurisdiction of 
 
 another Grand Lodge, the Lodge receiving the petition must 
 
 obtain the approval of our Grand Master to act upon the 
 
 petition. Henderson. March 23, 1895. L. B. 
 
 15, p. 881. 
 
 711. After careful investigation, being satisfied from the 
 positive evidence submitted to me that the petitioner at the 
 time he was received was not under the tongue of good Masonic 
 report, and that the approval of his petition was obtained 
 by a gross imposition practised on the Lodge, I thereupon 
 made a decree that his approval and initiation, being procured 
 by fraud, were null and void, and ordered that his name should 
 be erased from the roll of membership of the Lodge. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 169. 
 
 712. It is not within the province of the Grand Master to 
 set aside the provisions of the Ahiman Rezon as to the time 
 limit of action by a Lodge on a petition for initiation and mem- 
 bership, or for membership only. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 165. 
 
 713. After a petitioner for initiation and membership has 
 
 been unanimously approved, he may be initiated at any time 
 
 thereafter within six months, at a special meeting called by the 
 
 Master for work. MacCaUa. Sept. 11, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 911. 
 
 714. A petition for initiation and membership presented and 
 referred to a Committee of Inquiry was lost, and therefore 
 the Committee could not report thereon. You are therefore 
 authorized to receive a new petition, to be treated in all respects 
 as if the same was an original first petition. 
 
 Africa. June 16, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 223. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 141 
 
 715. If a petitioner for initiation and membership is bal- 
 loted for and approved, his petition may be withdrawn by a 
 viva voce majority vote of the members present. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 173. 
 
 716. If a petition for initiation and membership is with- 
 drawn in accordance with the requirements of the Ahiman 
 Rezon, the petition is handed to the petitioner, and notice of 
 the fact must be entered upon the Minutes of the Lodge. 
 
 Perkins. Aug. 20, 1872. L. B. 5, p. 
 268. 
 
 717. Leave to withdraw a petition is properly granted, 
 
 though a Brother, before a vote is taken, objects to the petitioner 
 
 receiving the degrees. At the time the application for leave 
 
 to withdraw was made, Mr. was under the tongue of good 
 
 Masonic report, his Committee had reported favorably, he 
 
 had been balloted for and approved, he was entitled to ask for 
 
 the degrees, and with unanimous consent to receive them; but 
 
 he had an equal right to ask leave to withdraw his petition, 
 
 and, with the consent of a majority of the members present, to 
 
 do so. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1895, 
 
 p. 67. 
 
 718. The only person who can withdraw a petition is the 
 petitioner himself, or the recommenders, or some Brother 
 having especial authority from the petitioner. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 101. 
 
 719. A second petition shall be subject to the same proceed- 
 ings by the Lodge as in the case of a first petition, except that 
 it cannot be withdrawn until a ballot has been taken and the 
 petitioner approved. Brown. Pro. 1905, p. 104. 
 
 720. The petitioner had no more right to know that he 
 
 was rejected by action of another Lodge, than he had to know 
 
 the name of any Brother who might be supposed to have voted 
 
 a black ball against him. The outside world has nothing to 
 
 do with what takes place within the Lodge. Its transactions 
 
 are for the Brethren only, and not to be discussed or even 
 
 mentioned in the presence of profanes. 
 
 Nisbet. Aug. 18, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 
 789. 
 
142 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 721. When a petition for initiation and membership has 
 been withdrawn, the petitioner stands in the same position 
 as if he had never made the petition to the Lodge. He can 
 make petition to the same, or any other Lodge that he chooses. 
 
 Day. May 12, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 360. 
 
 722. A second ballot is not permitted on a first petition for 
 initiation and membership, where Masonic objection is found 
 to exist upon inquiry of a Lodge nearest the petitioner's resi- 
 dence. 
 
 The permission for a second ballot on a first petition is 
 extended only to the Lodge to which. the petitioner has applied. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1911, p. 183. 
 
 723. A petition for permission to present a third petition 
 for initiation and membership can be presented at any stated 
 meeting, subject to the Ahiman Rezon, Art. XXI, Sec. 16, 
 p. 68. Henderson. Pro. 1895, p. 109. 
 
 724. No Dispensation will be granted to a rejected petitioner 
 
 to make a third petition a second petition, nor to shorten the 
 
 time wherein he can present a third petition. The provisions of 
 
 the Ahiman Rezon must be strictly complied with. 
 
 MacCalla. May 22, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 560. 
 
 725. Ordinary business courtesy should prompt a Secre- 
 tary of a Lodge to notify a person who had been approved for 
 initiation and membership of that fact, and send him a regu- 
 lar notice of the next stated meeting, that he might present 
 himself, in case his recommenders, for any reason, failed to have 
 him present, at the meeting at which he was approved. 
 
 Day. Jan. 9, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 211. 
 
 See Ballot, 69-86; Committee of Inquiry, 2SS-S48; Jurisdiction over Petitioner, 
 
 S79-S99; Objections, S69S84; Physical Disqualification, 7S4-77S; Protest, 794, 795. 
 
 PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 /See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XX, pp. 69, 60; Section XI, p. 157. 
 
 726. An unaffiliated Mason has the right to petition any 
 Lodge in this Jurisdiction for membership, and the Lodge 
 may act on his petition after communicating with the Grand 
 Secretary, as is always required, without inquiring of the Lodge 
 nearest the place of residence of the petitioner. This latter 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 143 
 
 inquiry is only necessary in the case of a petitioner for initia- 
 tion and membership. If a petitioner for membership only 
 is rejected, he has the right to petition again the same Lodge, 
 the same evening, if he pleases, or at any subsequent meeting; 
 and the petition takes the same course as his former petition. 
 There is no limit to the number of petitions a petitioner for 
 membership only can present to a Lodge, and he can petition 
 any Lodge, and one after another Lodge in succession, if he 
 is rejected. Of course, if a Lodge should grow weary of receiv- 
 ing repeated petitions of this nature, it may decline to receive 
 
 and act on one. MacCalla. Jan. 15, 1890. L. B. 12, pp. 
 
 219-220. I 
 
 727. When a Brother Mason who comes from another 
 Jurisdiction has a physical defect, yet not such as would pre- 
 vent him making himself known as a Mason, or doing the work 
 of a Mason, in every other particular, and is of good Masonic 
 repute, he may be elected a member of any Lodge in Penn- 
 sylvania. Africa. Nov. 20, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 554. 
 
 728. Our Regulations absolutely forbid the reception as a 
 
 visitor, or the petition for aflRliation as a member, of one who 
 
 has been previously rejected in one of our Lodges. At present 
 
 he cannot be recognized by us as a Freemason. 
 
 MacCalla. July 23, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 674. 
 
 729. A petitioner for membership must establish his stand- 
 ing as a Mason, before the Lodge can take action on the peti- 
 tion. Any Mason eligible to membership can make application 
 wherever he chooses to do so. Day. Aug. 7, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 425. 
 
 730. No Brother has a right to recommend one for member- 
 ship in Lodge, unless he knows him to be what he claims, either 
 by an examination or proper voucher. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1906, p. 135. 
 
 731. A Brother who holds a Certificate of withdrawal from 
 a Lodge (or "dimit," as such a document is designated in other 
 Jurisdictions), can make application to and be received as a 
 member in any Lodge in Pennsylvania: Provided, that, if he 
 hails from another Jurisdiction, the Grand Lodge thereof is 
 one recognized by our Grand Lodge. 
 
 Africa. June 2, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 8. 
 
144 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 732. A Brother Mason, elected to membership in a Lodge, 
 
 cannot be admitted to the Lodge, unless he is duly vouched 
 
 for, or has passed a satisfactory examination. 
 
 Africa. Nov. 30, 1891. L. B. 13, p» 
 575. 
 
 PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP AND 
 ADVANCEMENT. 
 
 733. An Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason, made 
 in another Jurisdiction, who desires to join a Lodge in this 
 Jurisdiction, must first resign from the Lodge to which he is 
 attached. He can then present a petition. He must send a 
 Certificate from the Lodge of which he was last a member, 
 that he has withdrawn therefrom in good Masonic standing. 
 He must also prove himself by an examination to be of the 
 degree he claims. His petition must take the same course 
 as all others. The fee for conferring the two degrees upon an 
 Entered Apprentice should be specified in the By-Laws of the 
 
 Lodge. Nisbet. Apr. 30, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 94, 
 
 See Advancement, Z9-BS. 
 
 PHYSICAL DISQUALIFICATION. 
 
 734. The perfect youth is the standard; perfect in his phy- 
 sical form, and so perfect in his mental and moral structure, 
 that no deformity in either will ever prevent him from properly 
 understanding those virtues and precepts Freemasonry teaches 
 and enjoins. There are no degrees in disability. If it exists, so 
 that the slightest violation of the perfectness is cognizable, 
 it is as fatal to the man as though it took away his arm, hand, 
 finger, leg or foot. There is not in Freemasonry a positive, com- 
 parative, nor superlative disqualification. It is the disquahfi- 
 cation, -per se, the simple naked fact, that the standard of a 
 perfect youth is not attained, that ends the question. It is 
 neither debatable nor avoidable. Anatomical disquisitions, wordy 
 casuistry, persistent importunities, or the citation of instances, 
 wherein the ignorance was the discredit of the example, will 
 not sufiice to subordinate obedience to the Landmarks. The 
 Rough Ashler must be fitted to its proper place without dis- 
 figuring the perfect symmetry of the complete work. 
 
 By the 5th Article of the Gothic Constitutions, adopted at 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 145 
 
 York in the year 926, it is declared that "a candidate must be 
 without blemish and have the full and proper use of his limbs, 
 for a maimed man can do the Craft no good." This is the first 
 written declaration of the Landmark, which continued from 
 that period until 1722, when the further condition was expressed 
 that the candidate must "be a perfect youth, having no maim 
 or defect in his body," etc. In 1783, the Grand Lodge of 
 Pennsylvania, declared that the candidates must "be hale and 
 sound, not deformed or dismembered at the time of their 
 making." This is the Landmark, and the most ordinary under- 
 standing can comprehend what the disabilities are which 
 "forbid the making." 
 
 The qualifications of candidates are thus defined in the 
 Ancient Charges: "The persons admitted members of a Lodge 
 must be good and true men, free-born, and of mature and dis- 
 creet age, no woman, no immoral or scandalous men, but of 
 good report." "No Master should take an apprentice unless he 
 be a perfect youth, having no maim or defect in his body that 
 may render him incapable of learning the Art, of serving his 
 Master's lord, and of being made a Brother, and unless he be 
 
 descended of honest parents." 
 
 Vaux. Pro. 1869, p. 41 (Reprint, Vol. 
 XI, p. 229). Lamberton. Pro. 1869, 
 p. 64 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 242).Com- 
 mittee on Landmarks. Pro. 1870, p. 
 6 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 273). Africa. 
 Pro. 1892, p. 132. Ahiman Rezon, 
 edition of 1825, p. 101. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 735. When a candidate appears for initiation, and the Master 
 
 discovers that he is not physically perfect, and declines to 
 
 initiate him for this reason, his petition cannot be withdrawn, 
 
 but all of the facts of the case must be entered upon the 
 
 Minutes of the Lodge, and at once reported to the Grand 
 
 Secretary. Dick. Pro. 1882, p. 237. Grand Lodge, 
 
 1895. 
 
 736. The physical qualifications of a Mason were no doubt 
 taken from the ancient priesthood, viz.; "Whosoever he be 
 
 . . , . that hath any blemish, let him not approach to 
 offer the bread of his God. For whatsoever man he be that hath 
 a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he 
 that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, or a man that 
 is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, or crookbackt, or a dwarf, 
 
146 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or 
 
 hath his stones broken; .... he shall not go in iinto the 
 
 vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish." 
 
 Leviticus. Chap. XXI, v. 17-23. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 737. In the affairs of the world, there is no absolute standard 
 of physical perfection, but with Freemasons in Pennsylvania 
 it is unqualifiedly required that there shall be a full equipment 
 of all natural organs, without diminution of any structural 
 part, and that each part shall be capable of performing its 
 natural and defined functions. Any deviation, even by a Grand 
 Master, from this thoroughly understood rule, is not only un- 
 warranted, but unlawful. There is no positive, comparative or 
 superlative disqualification; it is the disqualification per se. 
 A Grand Master cannot set aside an established Landmark, 
 and he does not make the Law, his only power is to interpret it, 
 and enforce what has been adjudged to be the Law. A wise 
 jurist has said, "It is not so important to know the law as to 
 know where to find it," and our recorded Law is so easily within 
 the reach of all who desire to know the truth, that there is no 
 excuse to be offered for disregarding it. No member is greater 
 than this Law. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 157. 
 
 738. Our Fraternity disregards artificial appliances for 
 
 remedying physical defects, and if a petitioner would be lame 
 
 without the appliance, to us he remains lame with it. Were 
 
 it otherwise, many cases of physical disqualification would be 
 
 artificially and temporarily but not radically cured. We must 
 
 adhere to the Landmarks. MacCaUa. Jan. 30, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 347. 
 
 733. The Regulations of the Fraternity prohibit the intro- 
 duction of one who is not soimd in all his members. It is not 
 in the power of any man or body of men to change those Regu- 
 lations, and in that respect the Grand Master has no extra- 
 ordinary powers. Eichbaum. Nov. 21, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 217. 
 
 740. The Landmark says without maim or defect in his body, 
 and is generally supposed to refer to visible physical defects, 
 such as a portion of a toe or finger off. A very perceptible hmp 
 or a defect that necessitated the use of a crutch or cane would 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 147 
 
 be an objection to the petitioner. If the petitioner is sound in 
 
 all his members, and can walk without a limp, if he so desires, 
 
 I would say he is proper material. Our Jurisdiction defines the 
 
 Landmarks more closely than any other and for itself. The 
 
 word "sound" is found in the obligation, as is also the word 
 
 "lame." Eichbaum. Aug. 2, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 78. 
 
 741. "Physical qualification" is a Landmark which cannot 
 be set aside by a Grand Master. 
 
 Africa. Nov. 9, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 387 
 
 742. If there is any doubt of one measuring up to the 
 requirements of the Law in reference to physical qualification 
 as found in the Digest of Decisions, he must be presented in 
 person to the Grand Master, who alone can pass upon the 
 question. Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 169. 
 
 743. One who becomes physically disqualified after approval 
 and before initiation, must not be made a Mason. 
 
 See 753. Oriady. Pro. 1908, p. 166. 
 
 744. No hunch-back can lawfully be made a Mason, or ad- 
 vanced in Masonry. MacCaUa. April 20, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 515. 
 
 745. The same rule applies to a petitioner who is diminutive 
 
 in stature, as to every other petitioner, viz. : Is he hale and sound 
 
 in all his members, and can he perform all the work of the Craft? 
 
 If so, he is so far eligible. The matter of physical qualification 
 
 is always a mixed one of law and fact, and before passing upon 
 
 it you should carefully examine the petitioner and determine, 
 
 by ocular demonstration, whether he possesses the necessary 
 
 physical qualification for initiation. 
 
 MacCalla. Jan. 14, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 300. 
 
 746. There is nothing in the Law to prevent an undersized, 
 
 well-formed man, without physical defect becoming a Mason; 
 
 but I think if I had the privilege of the ballot in such a case as 
 
 you describe, the application would not be favorably received. 
 
 And such appears to be the opinion of those I have consulted. 
 
 In my opinion, the party is abnormous, and hence my opinion. 
 
 Eichbaum. Sept. 14, 1887. L. B. 10, 
 p. 612. 
 
148 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 747. The fact that a petitioner for initiation and member- 
 ship is a full-blooded Indian does not disqualify him, if he is 
 otherwise qualified. Guthrie. Pro. 1910, p. 154. 
 
 748. I do not see how a man with one eye is sound. "If 
 thine eye offend thee pluck it out, for it is better," etc., etc. 
 Does not this show a physical defect? I would not enter a 
 man thus deficient, nor aid and assist, etc., etc. 
 
 Vaux. April 7, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 278. 
 
 749. "One practically blind in his right eye," does not come 
 
 up to the requirement, and so his "making is forbidden." 
 
 Lamberton. Aug. 31, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 300. 
 
 750. One who has a cataract growing over one eye, if he 
 
 can see out of it at all, and it is not manifestly imperfect, will 
 
 be eligible. MacCalla. Dec. 10, 1889. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 118. 
 
 751. If satisfied that the man is not totally blind in the 
 eye supposed to be defective, I see no reason why he should be 
 debarred from becoming a Mason. 
 
 Africa. Jan. 20, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 694. 
 
 752. In order to decide with reference to doubtful cases of 
 
 physical disqualification, a view of the petitioner is necessary. 
 
 As a matter of principle, I would say the sight of one eye must 
 
 not be lost. If one eye is perfect and the sight of the other is 
 
 only partially impaired, he still being able to see with it, he is 
 
 not disqualified. MacCalla. March 29, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 431. 
 
 753. A petitioner, after being approved and before he has 
 received his first degree, losing the sight in one eye, is physically 
 disqualified, and cannot be initiated. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 181. 
 
 754. In reply to your favor concerning the eligibhty of a 
 
 petitioner for initiation and membership who has lost a portion 
 
 of one of his ears, the Landmark in this Jurisdiction decides 
 
 that such an one is physically disquaUfied for Freemasonry. 
 
 MacCalla. Jan. 8, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 292. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 149 
 
 755. A deaf man cannot be made a Mason, nor one whose 
 hearing is seriously impaired. 
 
 Mitchell. Feb. 20, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 675. 
 
 756. I regard a petitioner who is "two-thirds defective in 
 his hearing," as not a "perfect youth without maim or defect 
 in his body." His lack of hearing is a marked defect, and I 
 should judge moreover from your description of his case that it 
 would not be feasible to initiate him. 
 
 MacCalla. Feb. 6, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 
 285. 
 
 757. A man who is not able to speak above a whisper, and 
 one who is cross-eyed, are not physically disqualified for initi- 
 ation. The one is not dumb, nor is the other blind. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1896, p. 98. 
 
 758. To determine whether a petitioner who has an impedi- 
 ment in his speech, or a stammerer, is qualified, a personal exam- 
 ination would be necessary to enable one to give a just opinion. 
 If the impediment exists to any marked degree, it disqualifies. 
 
 MacCalla. Jan. 25, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 264. 
 
 759. If the candidate can go without his truss while receiving 
 the degrees, and can stand the Master Mason's degree without 
 injury, I think I would not object. While maim or defect is 
 enough to render a candidate disquahfied, yet we must remem- 
 ber that physical perfection is practically unattainable, and 
 everything is relative and approximate perfection is all we can 
 
 require. Mitchell. Dec. 11, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 
 972. 
 
 760. The wearing of a truss by a candidate, when receiving 
 any of the degrees of Freemasonry, is not allowable. 
 
 Africa. Jan. 20, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 684. 
 
 761. Yours of 18th asking "whether a man who has lost the 
 first joint of the index finger of the right hand can be made a 
 Mason," is received. I reply, "No." 
 
 Day. May 22, 1883. L. B. 8, p. 965. 
 
 762. A petitioner for Freemasonry who has had the small 
 finger of his right hand amputated at the second joint, cannot 
 
150 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 be truthfully said to be sound in all his members; and therefore, 
 
 he is physically disqualified, and cannot receive initiation. 
 
 MacCalla. March 17, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 375. 
 
 763. No one who has lost any finger or any part of any finger 
 on either hand is eligible to be made a Mason. 
 
 Nisbet. July 12, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 143 
 
 764. Would it be possible to obtain a Dispensation to make 
 
 a Mason of a man "sound in every respect except the loss of the 
 
 thumb from the right hand?" I would say: It is not possible to 
 
 obtain a Dispensation, authorizing a Lodge to make a Mason 
 
 of a petitioner who has any physical disqualifications. 
 
 MacCalla. May 8, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 526. 
 
 765. Saying that part of the nail remains signifies to me 
 that part of the bone is gone, and in the absence of more defi- 
 nite information, I say he is ineligible. 
 
 Eichbaum. Nov. 21, 1888. L. B. 11, 
 p. 210. 
 
 766. The petitioner is said to be a "young man of good 
 
 moral habits, who has about one-fourth of an inch taken off 
 
 his forefinger of his left hand, still retaining part of the nail." 
 
 If you find the maim to be so serious as to be noticeable, direct 
 
 the Committee of Inquiry to report him physically disqualified. 
 
 A loss of the whole joint of the finger would entirely unfit him. 
 
 But the standard of physical perfection should not be raised 
 
 to a fanciful height, or no one could come up to it. 
 
 Mitchell. June 12, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 818. 
 
 767. A man with a clubfoot is physically disqualified. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1905, p. 102. 
 
 768. In the case of one who limps or halts in his walk, it 
 
 would seem that he is lame, and therefore disqualified. A 
 
 personal inspection will inform you. 
 
 MacCalla. Dec. 10, 1889. L. B. 12, p. 
 118. 
 
 769. Mr. — had lost one of his toes. He was not therefore a 
 perfect youth without maim or defect in his body, as the Land- 
 mark requires, and you very properly refused to confer the 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 151 
 
 third degree upon him. I have, therefore, been compelled to 
 issue the accompanying Edict. If the Committee of Inquiry, 
 the guide or the officers of the Lodge, at the time of his entering 
 had performed their duty, I would have been spared the un- 
 pleasant necessity of issuing this Edict, 
 
 Africa. Aug. 28, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 356. 
 
 770. A man with more than five toes on one foot, and a man 
 with two thumbs on one hand, are physically disquahfied. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 213. 
 
 771. A petitioner who has six fingers on one hand, or six 
 toes on one of his feet, is not eligible. 
 
 Africa. June 6, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 12. 
 
 772. If the crookedness of the limb was not discovered by 
 
 parties in the habit of seeing the petitioner until the limb was 
 
 bared, and the injury does not prevent him from performing 
 
 usual work, I think it would not debar him from becoming a 
 
 Mason. Eichbaum. May 13, 1887. L. B. 10, 
 
 pp. 455-466. 
 
 773. I called a meeting of the Committee on Landmarks, 
 Past Grand Masters, and present Grand Officers in June last, 
 for the purpose, among others, of considering the subject of the 
 loss or partial loss of members as affecting petitioners for initia- 
 tion and membership, and found all present unanimous in adher- 
 ing to and continuing the rule in force for many years past. 
 
 Arnold. Sept. 21, 1893. L.B.14,p.951. 
 See Advancement, 29-BS; Dispensations, 274. Seealso 47, 4S, 166, 610, 7S7, 87B- 
 
 PRAYERS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Section 1, pp. 73, 74. 
 
 774. You will instruct the Master to use the prayers as 
 printed in the Ahiman Rezon, as the use of the Trinity might 
 be objectionable to a Jew or a Unitarian. 
 
 Dick. Nov. 18, 1882. L. B. 8, p. 724. 
 
 PRINTED RITUALS, MONITORS, AND CIPHERS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. ZB, p. 6Z. 
 
 115. No part of the work of Freemasonry is permitted to 
 be written, printed, or otherwise indicated, and no Masonic 
 
152 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 officer or Brother can use any book or writing which contains 
 
 the work of Freemasonry, without subjecting himself to a 
 
 formal charge of unmasonic conduct. 
 
 MacCalla. Pro. 1889, p. 143; Pro. 
 1890, p. 142. Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 776. Masonic monitors are not to be tolerated in a Lodge. 
 
 If they give false information they are useless, and if they give 
 
 true, they contain that which should not be printed. 
 
 Lamberton. Pro. 1871, p. 93 (Reprint, 
 Vol. XI, p. 364) . Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 777. The purchase of such books (Monitors or Rituals) is as 
 much a Masonic offense as the writing of them, and any Brother 
 purchasing or assisting in circulating them violates his obliga- 
 tion, and should be tried and punished for it, and it is your 
 duty (as Master) to see that charges are preferred against 
 any member of your Lodge who has such a book in his posses- 
 sion, or who has purchased one of them. 
 
 Nisbet. April 19, 1880. L. B. p. 87. 
 
 778. The book referred to, "Ecce Oriente," does not contain 
 
 the work of Masonry in this Jurisdiction, and besides this it is 
 
 not lawful or permissible to use any book or writing which 
 
 contains, or is said to contain, the work of Masonry. 
 
 MasGalla. June 3, 1889. L. B. 11, p. 
 590. 
 
 779. Lodges are prohibited from holding fraternal intercourse 
 
 with traveling book-Masons. Potter. Pro. 1874, p. 58 (Reprint, Vol. 
 
 XII, p. 6). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 780. As to "ciphers," I would say that the Grand Lodge 
 
 of Pennsylvania neither sanctions nor permits their use. 
 
 SeeS41. Africa. Sept. 10, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 
 744. 
 
 PRINTING AND PUBLISHING. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sec. 25, p. 52. 
 
 781. Printing or pubUshing the details of the votes at an 
 election in a Lodge is prohibited. 
 
 Printing or publishing in newspapers any part of the proceed- 
 ings of a Lodge is prohibited. 
 
 Nisbet. Pro. 1878, p. 75 (Reprint, Vol. 
 XII, p. 197). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 153 
 
 782. It is permissible to print a copy of the Warrant of 
 
 your Lodge with your By-Laws. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 20. 1892. L, B. 14, p. 
 462. 
 
 783. The regular course is to submit a proposed publica- 
 tion for the inspection of the Grand Master. 
 
 Africa. April 11, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 
 866. 
 
 784. Advertisements in newspapers for persons desiring 
 to join a Masonic Lodge are grossly unmasonic, and the offen- 
 der will be suspended or expelled. 
 
 Special Committee. Pro. 1880, p. 50. 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 785. Advertisements in newspapers and periodicals of the 
 names, numbers, and places of meeting, as well" as a list of 
 officers of Lodges, are positively prohibited. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro, 1911, p. 183. 
 
 786. The essence, vitality, and mystery of Freemasonry 
 
 consists in its secrecy. Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 100. Grand 
 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 787. I cannot consent to pubHsh the reply of anyone to a 
 toast given at a Masonic banquet. It is just such things as 
 this that should be kept out of the newspapers, and I am doing 
 all in my power to suppress it throughout the Jurisdiction. 
 
 Day. Feb. 29, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 273. 
 
 788. Our Fraternity is imlike any other organization or 
 society. It has Traditions, Laws, Customs, and Methods. It is 
 so old, so firmly established, that it is not obliged to resort to 
 means to perpetuate itself, which other more modern societies 
 find it necessary to adopt. Freemasonry does not advertise 
 itself. It seeks no one. It must be sought. Any attempt to 
 force it under the public eye is so repugnant to its Traditions 
 as to be prohibited by constitutional enactment. It is not for 
 the public; it is for its own votaries, and the pubhc has no right 
 to know anything about that in which they have no concern. 
 Masonic matters should not be mingled with the gossip of 
 communities, and he who talks about the affairs of his Lodge 
 to chance acquaintances in public places has no proper con- 
 ception of his Masonic obligations. 
 
154 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 Persistently making Masonic affairs material for news- 
 mongers and street gossips is reprehensible enough for punish- 
 ment. Let us have no more of it. 
 
 Henderson. Pro. 1896, pp. 91-93. 
 
 PROCESSIONS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezm, Art. XXIII, pp. 70, 71; Section VIII, p. 128; Section 
 
 XI, p. 168. 
 
 789. It is unusual and contrary to the principles of our 
 
 Fraternity, which seeks no popularity by pubhc display, to 
 
 appear in procession on any occasion whatever, imless called 
 
 upon to perform the Ancient Ceremonies devolving upon us 
 
 as Free and Accepted Masons. 
 
 Lamberton. June 22, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 pp. 231-248. 
 
 790. I cannot grant a Dispensation permitting a Lodge to 
 participate in a parade. It is not a Masonic event, or such an 
 occasion as the Ahiman Rezon provides, as would entitle you 
 to a Dispensation to form a procession. 
 
 Day. Aug. 26, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 443. 
 
 791. A Lodge, as such, will not be permitted to take part in 
 a parade during a "Home Week," or on such other festival 
 occasions. Oriady. Pro. 1908, p. 172. 
 
 792. Lodges cannot attend a Church as a Masonic body 
 (i. e. in Masonic clothing), without a special Dispensation 
 granted by the Grand Master; they may attend as individuals. 
 
 See 113. Oriady. Pro. 1908, p. 167. 
 
 PROTECTION. 
 
 793. The wife, daughter, mother, or sister of a deceased 
 Master Mason is as much entitled to the protection and respect 
 of Master Masons as she would be if her relative were living. 
 Death does not change her relation to the person deceased. 
 Any violation of her chastity by a Master Mason is a Masonic 
 crime, for which the offender can be tried and punished. In 
 such case a Lodge can proceed to try without awaiting any 
 action by the Civil Courts. Henderson. Pro. 1896, p. 99. 
 
 See Adultery, B8. See also 199. 
 
GBAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 155 
 
 PROTEST. 
 
 794. A protest made against a resolution adopted by a 
 
 Lodge for the removal of the sentence of expulsion pronounced 
 
 by the Lodge, must be presented to the Grand Lodge with 
 
 the resolution asking for the removal of expulsion. It is the 
 
 province of the Grand Lodge, not the Grand Master, to act 
 
 in such cases. Lamberton. Sept. 5, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 
 301. 
 
 795. It is impossible for a Lodge to protest against the 
 inherent right of the Grand Master to make Masons. 
 
 See Objections, 669-684- Vaux. Jan. 10, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 124. 
 
 PUNISHMENT. 
 
 796. There is no such punishment known in Free Masonry 
 as a "reprimand." The Ahiman Rezon speaks only of expul- 
 sion or suspension, therefore the Lodge committed an error 
 in passing the resolution. It is therefore null and void, and they 
 must conform to the Ahiman Rezon. And in any action the 
 Lodge may take, if the minority are dissatisfied, let them 
 appeal to the Grand Lodge; then the Committee of Appeals 
 becomes the judge and tries the case, and from the facts you 
 state, if you come before that Committee with the evidence, 
 the Lodge would be righted. 
 
 Potter. March 26, 1875. L. B. 6, p. 
 144. 
 
 797. There can be no such punishment inflicted as temporary, 
 
 conditional, or qualified suspension of a Brother. Either he is 
 
 suspended or he is not. The Grand Lodge so declared by a 
 
 vote Sept. 7, 1863 [Minute Book L, p. 567; Reprint, Vol. X, p. 
 
 35] and on other occasions before and since. 
 
 MitcheU. Nov. 20, 1886. L. B. 10, p. 
 317. 
 See Suspension of Members, 839-861. 
 
 PURSUIVANT. 
 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 17, 18, SO. See also 415, 661. 
 
 REAL ESTATE. 
 
 See Incorporation, 367; Warrant 876. 
 
156 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE. 
 
 See Lodge Booms, 506. 
 
 REJECTION. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. XVIII, Sec. 7, p. 55; Art. XXI, Sees. 6, 7, 8, pp. 
 63, 64, and Sees. 15, 16, pp. 68, 69. 
 
 798. It is not within the power of the Grand Master to set 
 aside a rejection by ballot, unless it has been done contrary to 
 Law. Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 216. 
 
 799. When a petitioner is rejected, the Master has no right 
 
 to ask or demand the cause of the rejection. 
 
 MacCaUa. March 12, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 p. 406. 
 
 RELIGIOUS FAITH AND SERVICES. 
 
 800. Freemasonry neither prescribes nor permits "denom- 
 inational" tests. Africa. Nov. 28, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 422. 
 
 801. Freemasonry recognizes no religious or political organ- 
 izations, but requires that every initiate shall yield imdivided 
 and unequivocal allegiance and support to all its Laws, Rules, 
 
 Regulations and Edicts. Africa. Dec. 16, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 
 
 454. 
 
 802. The Brethren are admonished to attend religious 
 services at their several places of worship, on all convenient 
 occasions, but a Lodge, as such, has no power or authority to 
 assume the charge of any such service, and notify its members 
 to attend. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 158. 
 
 RENUNCIATION. 
 
 803. This Grand Lodge approves the form of Renunciation 
 now required in this Jurisdiction from petitioners who have 
 been identified with clandestine bodies, the same being in form 
 as follows : 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 157 
 
 Renunciation. 
 
 No 
 
 Know all Men by these Presents; That I, 
 
 , a citizen of Pennsylvania, age years, 
 
 occupation , residence , Penn- 
 sylvania, aver and declare on my personal honor, that on the 
 
 day of , 190. . . ., I became identified with an asso- 
 ciation of alleged Freemasons, known as : 
 
 under a misunderstanding as to its constitution and authority in this 
 Commonwealth; and a subsequent investigation has convinced me that 
 it is a clandestine body without lawful authority to confer any of the 
 degrees of Free and Accepted or Ancient York Masonry in Pennsyl- 
 vania. Therefore, I hereby of my own free will and accord, and with 
 full knowledge of the consequences of my act, freely, solemnly and sin- 
 cerely renounce all obligation and allegiance to said unlawful and clan- 
 destine association, and I further avow and declare that I will not in any 
 manner, directly or indirectly, have or hold any intercourse or affiliation 
 of any character with said clandestine association. 
 
 On the day of 190. . . ., I gave notice, 
 
 in writing, to the officers of said association that I have permanently 
 severed all relation and affiUation therewith and allegiance thereunto. 
 
 {Name in full) 
 
 Signed in the presence of 
 
 P. S. — The original should be forwarded to the office of the Right 
 "Worshipful Grand Secretary, and a duplicate thereof accompany the 
 petition presented to the Lodge. 
 
 Unanimous Recommendation of Con- 
 ference of Grand Masters, Philadel- 
 phia, 1909. Pro. 1909, p. 110. 
 See Clandestine Bodies, H09-227. 
 
 REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 See Officers, 631-635 
 
 RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezcm, Art. XVII, Sec. «, p. 4^; Art. XVIII, Sees. 7 and 8, 
 p. 65; Art. XX, Sec. 6, p. 68. 
 
 804. Any member wishing to resign from his Lodge shall 
 present his resignation in writing at a stated meeting. At the 
 
158 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 next succeeding meeting the resignation, subject to the pro- 
 visions of Section 6 of Article XIX, page 58, of the Ahiman 
 Rezon, shall be accepted: Provided, however, in case of an 
 emergency, of which the Lodge shall be the judge, the resig- 
 nation, subject as aforesaid, may be accepted at the meeting at 
 which it is offered. Committee on By-Laws. Pro. 1884,p.l6. 
 
 805. A Lodge errs in not accepting the resignation of a 
 
 member when it is presented, if his dues are paid and no charges 
 
 exist against him at that time. Modified by 804. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1880, p. 
 14 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 358). 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 806. Separate votes must be taken on every question of 
 resignation, suspension, or restoration to membership. 
 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 95. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 807. The only lawful course is for the member to present 
 
 to the Lodge in writing his resignation as a member. After this 
 
 resignation is accepted, the Brother is entitled to receive a 
 
 "Lodge Certificate" without cost (see Ahiman Rezon, page 150, 
 
 No 4, for its form), and it is issued by the officers as a matter 
 
 of course, and no motion should be made respecting it in the 
 
 Lodge. MacCalla. Aug. 8, 1890. L. B. 12, p 
 
 507. 
 
 808. The action of a Lodge in accepting a resignation, at the 
 same meeting at which it was presented, when no allegation 
 of emergency was made, was irregular, and it was perfectly 
 proper for the Lodge to reconsider its action and lay the matter 
 over until its next stated meeting. 
 
 Guthrie. Pro. 1910, 153. 
 
 809. The resignation of a member of a Lodge is not complete 
 
 until the same has been acted upon by the Lodge. (See Form of 
 
 By-Laws.) Africa. March 25, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 
 See 815. 79. 
 
 810. Our Regulations differ from those of most other Grand 
 Lodges; here, with us, initiation confers membership, and an 
 Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason, if not indebted 
 to his Lodge, may resign as a Master Mason can, and receive a 
 Certificate of his standing in his Lodge. 
 
 See ISO, ISl. Clark. Jan. 13, 1876. L. B. 7, p. 28. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 159 
 
 RESIGNATION FROM OFFICE. 
 
 811. Neither a Master, Senior Warden, nor Junior Warden, 
 if installed, can resign from his office. 
 
 Claxk. March 13, 1876. L. B. 7, p. 72. 
 
 812. An installed officer cannot resign his office, but must 
 serve the term for which he was installed; he may, however, 
 resign from the Lodge, which course would necessarily vacate 
 his office. Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 100. 
 
 813. A Junior Warden who has been installed cannot resign 
 his office. Should he remove out of the state to reside, his 
 removal renders the office vacant. He may resign his member- 
 ship, and, when properly accepted by the Lodge, that resignation 
 vacates the office. (See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XIX, Sec. 6, p. 58, 
 and By-Laws, Art. VIII, adopted by Grand Lodge June, 1884, 
 of which a copy was sent to your Lodge.) [Pro. 1884, p. 17.] 
 
 Mitchell. Aug. 4, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 853. 
 
 814. I cannot issue a Dispensation for an election in this 
 case, because no vacancy exists in the office of Secretary. It is 
 a well-settled point in Masonry that, after an officer has been 
 duly installed, he cannot resign his office during the year for 
 which he was installed. He may resign his membership in the 
 Lodge, but he cannot resign his office and remain a member; 
 
 and if Bro. 's duties prevent his attendance at the Lodge, 
 
 the Master may appoint some Brother Acting Secretary during 
 his absence. Nisbet. June 7. 1878. L. B. 7, p. 523. 
 
 815. If the Secretary refuses or neglects to fulfil the obli- 
 gation which he has assumed, the Master must appoint an Act- 
 ing Secretary at every meeting of the Lodge. He cannot 
 appoint one to serve continuously for the balance of the year. 
 The Secretary who refuses to fulfil his obligation and perform 
 the duties which he voluntarily assumed is liable to charges and 
 trial by the Grand Lodge. Day. Oct. 10, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 488. 
 
 See 653. 
 
 RESTORATION. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XIX, Sec. 2, p. 67. 
 
 816. The Grand Lodge may restore a suspended Brother 
 to good Masonic standing, but cannot restore him to member- 
 
160 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 ship in his Lodge. To obtain that, he must pass the ordeal of a 
 
 ballot. Special CJommittee, Pro. 1874, p. 46 
 
 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 503). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 817. The revoking or reversing of a decision, of course, places 
 a Brother in same position as he was in before, but the removing 
 of a suspension on the prayer of a Lodge, does not set aside its 
 former action, but simply concurs in its action by removing 
 the same and restoring the applicant to good Masonic stand- 
 ing; but he must apply regularly by petition for membership. 
 
 Dick. Sept. 6, 1882. L. B. 8, p. 664. 
 
 818. A Lodge cannot restore an expelled Brother. The 
 
 Grand Lodge alone can do that. 
 
 Africa. Pro. 1891, p. 93. Grand Lodge, 
 1895. 
 
 819. A Lodge cannot remit the dues of a Brother who has 
 been suspended for non-payment thereof, and then restore him 
 to membership; neither can the Lodge remit his dues, and re- 
 store him to good Masonic standing, when he can petition 
 
 for membership. Day. Pro. 1882, p. 118. Wagner. Pro. 
 
 1901, p. 104. 
 
 820. A Brother suspended for non-payment of dues cannot 
 
 be permitted to make a conditional payment, and be restored 
 
 to membership. Africa. Pro. 1892, p. 134. Grand Lodge, 
 
 1895. 
 
 821. All arrearages of dues must be paid in order to warrant 
 
 a restoration either to good Masonic standing or to membership. 
 
 MacCalla. April 28, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 495. Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 104. 
 
 822. No change in a member's accoimt on the books of the 
 Lodge can be made after his death, unless an error has been 
 made. 
 
 After the death of a regularly suspended member, he can- 
 not be restored to good Masonic standing or membership. All 
 proceedings attempting such a result are void. 
 
 Oriady. Pro. 1908, p. 172; 1909. 
 
 823. You can restore a suspended Brother to good Masonic 
 standing on cause of suspension being removed, but cannot 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 161 
 
 set aside proceedings, which can only be done by the Grand 
 Master or by his direction. Dick. Feb. 6, 1882. L. B. 8, p. 521. 
 
 824. A Lodge cannot restore to good Masonic standing, after 
 his death, a Brother who was suspended for non-payment of 
 dues. No one but the suspended member can make application 
 to be restored. Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 182. 
 
 See Suspension of Members, 839-851. See also 806. 
 
 ROYAL MASONIC RITE. 
 
 See Masonic Recognition, 543. 
 
 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST AND ST. JOHN THE 
 EVANGELIST. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. IV, Sec. 4, p. 8; Art. V, Sec. 1, p. 8; Art. XVII, 
 Sec. 8, p. 46; Sec. 17, p. 43. 
 
 825. The Fraternity of Freemasons dedicate their Lodges 
 to St. John the Baptist, because he was the "preparer of the 
 way," "prepare the way of the Lord," etc., etc. As all petitioners 
 must imdergo a preparation for the mysteries of Masonry, so 
 St. John was the typifier of that ceremonial, and because he was 
 a Patron of Masons. 
 
 St. John the Baptist was the Saint to which the Frater- 
 nity holds forth its Lodges, because he is the type of preparation, 
 all our work is typical, symbolic, hence we take that which is a 
 sign, or significant as the .... of the esoteric teachings 
 of the Craft. Some Grand Lodges require their Subordinate 
 Lodges to be "held forth" to the Saints John. All our Lodges are 
 "dedicated to God and held forth in memory of holy St. John." 
 This "memory" is to remind of the preparation, as I before 
 remarked. St. John the Evangelist, as the light of the hidden 
 mysteries of the Apocalypse, was taken as the coming of Chris- 
 tianity into Masonry. Both are types, they are signs or symbols 
 of great truths, as under, or behind, or through them, these 
 great truths are recognized or known. So with Masonry, all 
 our symbology are types or signs of great truths and principles 
 and virtues which we only dare utter and so teach. 
 
 Vaux. Dec. 15, 1869. L. B. 2, p. 539.. 
 Dec. 24, 1869. L. B. 2, p. 552. 
 
162 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 826. When St. John the Evangelist's Day comes on Sun- 
 day, it is to be observed or celebrated, by the Grand Lodge 
 only, the Monday following. Vaux. Dec. 30, 1867. L. B. 1, p. 90. 
 
 827. The Masonic year begins and ends at twelve o'clock 
 noon, on St. John the EvangeHst's Day. The elective officers 
 are chosen for the Masonic year, and should be installed when- 
 ever practicable, before St. John the Evangelist's Day. 
 
 See 8S9. Africa, Jan. 28, 1892. L. B., 13, p. 710. 
 
 828. My term of office as Grand Master will expire at 
 noon on St. John the Evangelist's Day. 
 
 Nisbet. Dec. 22, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 340. 
 
 829. It is not obhgatory to install on or before St. John 
 the Evangelist's Day, but it has been decided that, unless the 
 installation take place on or before such day, the Master will 
 not be a member of the Grand Lodge. The mean or solar day 
 is the period of twenty-four hours commencing and terminating 
 at midnight. This is a day in civil law, and is the ordinary 
 acceptation of the term. St. John the Evangelist's Day, there- 
 fore, commences at midnight, December 26, and terminates 
 at midnight, December 27. It is decided that officers installed 
 at any time within that period are installed on St. John the 
 
 Evangelist's Day. Henderson. Pro. 1896, p. 98. 
 
 See Installation, 359-368. 
 
 SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION. 
 
 830. There can be no lawful "School of Instruction" in 
 
 Masonry, unless it be expressly authorized by the Grand 
 
 Master. MitcheU. March 10, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 
 706. MitcheU. Feb. 2, 1886. L. B. 
 See Work, 882, 899-906. 10, p. 53. 
 
 SCOTTISH RITE. 
 
 See Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, 58, 59. 
 
 SEAL. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. XII, Sec. 9, pp. SS, S3; Art. XVII, Sees. SS, H, 
 pp. 61, 52; Art. XXVI, p. 72; Section XIII, p. 233. 
 
 831. All communications sent by the Grand Lodge to a 
 Lodge have its seal attached, but the ordinary correspond- 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 163 
 
 ence of the Grand Secretary does not. The Grand Secretary 
 has not more right to attach the seal of the Grand Lodge to 
 communications not sent by its direct order than the Secretary 
 of a Lodge has to attach the seal of his Lodge to any notice 
 he may send to any of its members. The seal of a Lodge can- 
 not be used even to summon a member, unless the summons is 
 ordered by the Lodge, and then the seal is attached to show 
 that it is the action of the Lodge. So it is the custom in the 
 Grand Lodge that its seal is only used to authenticate its ac- 
 tion, and it was never intended to be attached in the perform- 
 ance of the clerical duties devolving upon its Grand Secretary. 
 
 Nisbet. Oct. 28, 1879. L. B. 7, p. 841. 
 
 832. The seal of the Lodge is not to be us.ed on unofficial 
 documents. Kelly. Pro. 1897, p. 74. 
 
 833. I notice an error in your Lodge seal: an abbreviation 
 
 of the word "Instituted." It should be "Constituted." A 
 
 Lodge is duly constituted (see p. 99 of the Ahiman Rezon), 
 
 but it is never instituted. Nisbet. Dec. 14, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 227. 
 
 Sec Auditing Committee, 66-68; Summons, 835-838. See also ISS, 301, 4IS, 
 663, 839, 8BZ. 
 
 SECRETARY. 
 
 See Officers, 585-604; 641-652. 
 
 SEQUESTRATION OF WARRANT. 
 
 See Warrant, 872-877. 
 
 SOCIETIES NOT MASONIC. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XIV, Sec. 1, p. S9. 
 
 834. It is not within the province of the Grand Master to 
 
 say what societies Masons may or may not join, unless and 
 
 imtil his attention is called to flagrant cases of conflict, in 
 
 which cases he will promptly act. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, pp. 168. 
 See Burial, 106-116; Lodge Rooms, 488-509. 
 
 SUMMONS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XII, Sec. 9, p. 23, Sec. 19, p. 27; Art. XVII, Sec. 
 13, p. 48; AH. XIX, Sec. 1, p. 67; Section X, p. 143. 
 
 835. Summons to attend and show cause why a member 
 should not be suspended for non-payment of dues must be 
 
164 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 printed on separate sheets of paper from the notices of stated 
 meetings; should be signed by the Master, and have the seal 
 of the Lodge attached, attested by the Secretary. Summonses 
 should not be printed on the notices of meetings. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 221. 
 
 836. A Masonic summons must have the seal of the officer 
 or Lodge issuing it attached thereto. District Deputy Grand 
 Masters have no seal, hence cannot issue a summons. 
 
 Africa. March 9, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 796. 
 
 837. A resolution of the Lodge to summon is not a smnmons, 
 
 nor is a notice with the seal of the Lodge attached a summons. 
 
 There must be a regular form of summons, with the seal of 
 
 the Lodge attached. MacCalla. April 23, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 
 p. 491. 
 
 838. If a summons to a delinquent is not actually signed by 
 the Master, the suspension of such member for non-payment of 
 
 dues is unlawful and void. Wagner. Pro. 1899, p. 166. 
 See Charges and Trial, p. 184- See also 846. 
 
 SUNDAY. 
 
 See Cornerstone, $60; Lodge Meetings, JiSl; Work, 884, SOS. 
 
 SURRENDER OF WARRANT. 
 
 See Warrant, 877-879. 
 
 SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art- XVIII, Sec. 7, p. 55; Art. XIX, Sees. l,Z,pp. 57, 
 58; Art. XX, Sec. S, p. 60. 
 
 839. The form of proceeding to suspend a member for non- 
 payment of dues is as follows: 
 
 The notice for the stated meeting one month preceding the 
 annual election should state the amount of the member's 
 indebtedness to St. John the Evangehst's Day (December 
 27th) next. 
 
 At the said meeting preceding the annual election, the Lodge 
 must adopt a resolution, summoning those who are in arrears 
 for one (or two) or more years' dues, to appear at the next 
 stated meeting and pay their indebtedness to the Lodge, or 
 show cause why they shall not be suspended for non-payment 
 thereof. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 165 
 
 In addition to the notices for the meeting at which the 
 annual election will be held, the following summons should be 
 sent to each member who is within the scope of the above 
 resolution: 
 
 You are hereby summoned to appear at the stated meeting of Lodge 
 
 No , to be held on the day of , A. D , 
 
 A. L , and pay your indebtedness to the Lodge; or show cause 
 
 why you should not be suspended for non-payment thereof. 
 
 Witness my hand, and the seal of the Lodge, this day of 
 
 , A. D , A. L 
 
 [Seal] W. M. 
 
 Attest: Secretary. 
 
 The names of the Master and the Secretary should be signed, 
 and not printed on the summons, and the seal of the Lodge 
 attached. 
 
 If the Lodge votes to postpone action in any case, notice 
 thereof must be sent to the member under the seal of the Lodge, 
 of the time of the meeting to which the matter was postponed, 
 but there can be only one postponement. If action is postponed 
 to a meeting in the ensuing Masonic year, the Lodge will be 
 chargeable with Grand Lodge dues for the member for that year. 
 
 Non-compliance with this Regulation will be sufficient 
 
 cause to reverse the action of the Lodge and restore the Brother, 
 
 unlawfully suspended, to all his former rights and privileges 
 
 therein. Nisbet. Grcular Letter. Oct. 15, 1879. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1879, 
 p. 19 (Reprint, Vol. XII, p. 257)/ 
 Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 95. Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 840. A member who has been suspended can only be 
 required to pay the amoimt charged against him at the time 
 he was suspended. A Lodge cannot charge dues against any 
 one not a member, consequently no additional indebtedness 
 can accrue between the date of suspension and the time of 
 payment. Nisbet. Sept. 30, 1878. L. B. 7, p. 567. 
 
 84L A Lodge cannot suspend an officer for dereliction of 
 duty, but it is the duty of the Master to do so. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 101. 
 
166 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 842. The Master cannot declare members suspended for 
 
 non-payment of dues. This must be done by a vote of the 
 
 Lodge. Nisbet. Pro. 1879, p. 75. Grand 
 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 843. A suspension for non-payment of dues does not become 
 operative until the Lodge has closed. 
 
 Nisbet. Jan. 2, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 3. 
 
 844. A Lodge cannot rescind a vote of suspension at a meet- 
 ing subsequent to that at which it was adopted. 
 
 Nisbet. Pro. 1878, p. 74 (Reprint, Vol. 
 XII, p. 197). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 845. A decision of the Grand Lodge, under date of June 
 1st, 1863, reads, "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." The 
 vote rescinding its action at a future meeting was irregular, 
 as expressed in the decision above quoted. 
 
 Porter. Feb. 21, 1878. L. B. 7, p. 465. 
 
 846. As Bro. — has been missing only two years, the legal 
 presumption of his death has not yet arisen and he must be 
 considered ahve. 
 
 Seven years' absence without being heard from, is the rule 
 of law in such cases. Bro. — must be considered a member, and 
 may be suspended for non-payment of dues, the summons 
 being sent to his last general place of residence. If any reason- 
 able rumor of his death occurs, then the Lodge can act on the 
 
 rumor, and report him dead. 
 
 Arnold. Dec. 24, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 ^ 766. 
 
 847. In the case of a life member of a Lodge who has no 
 known place of residence, and has not been heard of for twenty 
 years, there is a presumption that he is dead, on which pre- 
 sumption the Lodge can mark him among deceased members; 
 but before doing so, the Lodge should make diligent inquiry for 
 the member. Arnold. Pro. 1893, p. 88. 
 
 848. A member of a Lodge suspended for non-payment of 
 dues is, during the continuance of that suspension, deprived of 
 all his rights as a Master Mason. He is not permitted to visit 
 any Lodge, or hold Masonic communication with his Brethren. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 167 
 
 He is not entitled to Masonic relief, or, in case of death, to a 
 
 Masonic burial. Africa. Jan. 15, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 671. 
 
 Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 849. If the Lodge inflicts suspension as a penalty, it must be 
 indefinite, without limit, condition or qualification. Whenever 
 the Lodge thinks that a Brother suspended for any other cause 
 than non-payment of dues has been sufficiently punished, 
 application can be made by vote of the Lodge to the Grand 
 Lodge, to remove the suspension. 
 
 Perkins. Oct. 7, 1872. L. B. 6, p. 305. 
 
 850. A suspended member is "suspended not merely from 
 
 the Lodge but from all the privileges of Freemasonry, and is 
 
 excluded from all Masonic communication. " It is a Masonic 
 
 offence to give him information as to the doings of the Lodge. 
 
 Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1896, 
 p. 71. 
 
 851. A printed notice of suspension of certain members for 
 non-payment of dues, is not only improper but unmasonic. 
 While such a notice is permissible in case of an expulsion for 
 unmasonic conduct, the suspension for non-payment of dues is, 
 entirely different. In the former case, it is for a violation of 
 an obligation, and membership can only be regained by action 
 of the Grand Lodge; while in the latter case, it may arise from 
 an inability beyond a Brother's control, who may at any time 
 within one year from the date of suspension, on payment of 
 the arrearages for which he was suspended, by a two- 
 thirds vote of the Lodge, be restored to membership therein. 
 (See Art. XIX, Sec. 2, p. 57, Ahiman Rezon.) It is a harsh 
 proceeding to publish to the Craft that the poverty of a Brother 
 prevented his paying his dues to his Lodge, and the Grand 
 Master hereby directs you to withhold further publication of 
 their suspension, and in case of the restoration of any of them 
 to good Masonic standing or to membership, to give due notice 
 thereof to all Lodges to which the notice of suspension has 
 
 been sent. Nisbet. Jan. 13, 1879. L. B. 7, pp. 
 
 628-629. 
 See Summons, 835-838; Warrant, 880, 881. See also 806. 
 
 SUSPENSION OF WARRANT. 
 
 See Warrant, 880, 881. 
 
168 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 TEMPLE. 
 
 See Committee on Temple, S49-ZS2. 
 
 TREASURER. 
 
 See Auditing Committee, 66-6S: Officers, 58B-604; 6S6-64O. 
 
 TRIAL AND TRIAL COMMITTEE. 
 
 See Charges and Trial, lSS-194. 
 
 TRUSTEE. 
 
 See Officers, 686-604; 353-658. 
 
 TYLER. 
 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 1-S7; Officers, 416, 696, 661, 66S. 
 
 VACANCIES. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. IX, Sec. S, p. 11; Art. XII, Sec. 6, p. SI; Art. 
 XVII, Sec. 10, p. 46. 
 
 852. A Dispensation to hold an election cannot be granted 
 
 until the office is vacant, and the Lodge by resolution has 
 
 requested it. (See form of Dispensation in Ahiman Rezon, 
 
 Section XI, page 172.) The resolution must be certified to the 
 
 Grand Master by the signature of the Secretary and the seal 
 
 of the Lodge. Mitchell. Aug. 4, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 
 853. 
 
 853. If the office of the Master has become vacant, the 
 Senior Warden becomes the Acting Master of the Lodge. 
 
 Day. June 20, 1883. L. B. 8, p. 989. 
 
 854. Where the Senior Warden is deceased, the Junior War- 
 den becomes Acting Senior Warden, and the Master appoints 
 from night to night an Acting Junior Warden. 
 
 MacCalla. May 6, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 518. 
 
 855. The Master of a Lodge has power to fill the vacancy 
 in the office of Treasurer of a Lodge, by appointing an Acting 
 Treasurer until one be elected. In this case, the annual elec- 
 tion is so near that I think he should pursue this course. 
 
 MitcheU. Nov. 13, 1885. L. B. 9, p. 
 950. 
 
GEAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 169 
 
 856. On a vacancy occurring in the office of Secretary, the 
 Master fills the vacancy by a temporary appointment, until a 
 Dispensation can be procured to enable the Lodge to hold a 
 special election. Lamberton. Feb. 15, 1871. L. B. 3, 
 
 See Officers, B85-6S0. V- 487. 
 
 VISITORS. 
 
 857. When a visitor is actually present in a Lodge, he has 
 no right to interfere with the work of the Lodge he is visiting. 
 This is the right of a member only, who can by his objection 
 obstruct the initiation of a candidate. A visitor is permitted 
 by courtesy to state his information, if in his judgment the peti- 
 tioner is unqualified. If, in the judgment then of the Master, 
 the objection shows a disqualification he ought, in the exercise 
 of a wise discretion, suspend his work for further inquiry. 
 If, however, there is no disqualification, he is at entire liberty 
 to proceed with his work. A visitor can no more make a valid 
 objection to be obligatory on the Master, than he can deposit 
 a black ball in the Lodge in which he is a visitor. 
 
 Lamberton. March 6, 1871. June 27, 
 1871. L. B. 4, pp. 22-180. 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 1-27. 
 
 VOTES AND VOTING. 
 
 See Ballot, 69-85; Elections, SO4-SI6. See also Index. 
 
 VOUCHING. 
 
 See Admission of Members and Visitors, 19—22. 
 
 WARDENS. 
 
 See Officers, 58B-604; 620-830. 
 
 WARRANTS. 
 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. X, Sec. 1, p. 17; Art. XVII, Sees. 1, S, pp. 
 44, 45; Sec. 7, p. 46; Sees. 18, 19, W, 21, p. BO; Sec. 23, p. 61; AH. 
 XVIII, Sees. 2, 3, p. 63; Section XI, p. 163. 
 
 858. A Lodge has no powers except those set forth in its 
 Warrant and the Ahiman Rezon or the Usages, Customs and 
 Landmarks of the Fraternity; all else is prohibited. 
 
 Wagner. Pro. 1900, p. 134. 
 
 859. It is the established custom of the Grand Lodge to 
 refer all petitions for Warrants for new Lodges to the Grand 
 
170 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 OflBcers, with power to act. The Ahiman Rezon prescribes the 
 absolute prerequisites in all cases. The expediency of granting 
 the Warrant remains for determination. In every case in which 
 the prayer of the petitioners is granted, it is required: 
 
 1st. That the officers named in the Warrant shall be men of 
 good moral character, of intelligence, and qualified to do the 
 work of the Lodge, as prescribed by the Grand Master. 
 
 2d. That the building in which the Lodge is to be held 
 shall be a suitable one, and the Lodge room with the rooms 
 adjacent adapted for Masonic uses and purposes. 
 
 3d. That the place in which the Lodge is to be located shall 
 be one which in all probability will support a flourishing and 
 vigorous Lodge. 
 
 4th. That the prosperity of no existing Lodge shall be 
 impaired by the granting of the Warrant. 
 
 Of these facts it is necessary that assurance be given either 
 
 by certificate in writing, or other satisfactory evidence. 
 
 Lamberton. Pro. 1870, p. 60 (Reprint, 
 Vol. XI, p. 306). Grand Lodge, 1895. 
 
 860. The Grand Officers will not consider a petition for a 
 new Lodge until it affirmatively appears, 
 
 (1) That the proposed new Lodge will own its own Masonic 
 clothing. 
 
 (2) That it will enter into no financial agreement or partner- 
 ship with any other Lodge, whereby the two Lodges shall have 
 one treasury, or whereby one shall in any way share in the finan- 
 cial results of the other's work. The autonomy of a Lodge must 
 be complete and perfect. Its Treasurer must be so in fact as 
 well as in name. All of the Lodge's funds must go into his 
 hands and remain there, subject to the regular Lodge uses, 
 without their diminution for the purpose of giving a portion 
 thereof directly or indirectly to another Lodge. 
 
 MacCaUa. Nov. 30, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 pp. 861-862. 
 
 861. Any Master Mason who has a withdrawal Certificate 
 from his Lodge, or who the records in the office of the Grand 
 Secretary show has resigned his membership in his Lodge, and 
 that the resignation has been accepted, can sign the appUcation 
 for a Warrant for a new Lodge up to the time of its consti- 
 tution. Tennis. Pro. 1903, p, 178. 
 
 See 130. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 171 
 
 862. Every new Lodge shall enter upon its work entirely- 
 free from debt. MacCaUa. L. B. 12, p. 815. 
 
 863. A petition for a Warrant of a Lodge in which the 
 English language would not be spoken \vill not be approved. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1905, p. 103. 
 
 864. By resolution of the Grand Lodge [Dec. 27, 1871. Pro. 
 1871, p. 107, Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 372], no Lodge can be named 
 after a living person, and this Regulation cannot be evaded. 
 
 MacCalla. July 10, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 171. 
 
 865. On printed or other matter of the Lodge, F. and A. M., 
 
 and not A. Y. M., should be used. 
 
 MacCalla. Dec. 30, 1889. L. B. 12, 
 p. 171. 
 
 866. A Lodge can only be opened in regular course by the 
 
 Master or the Senior Warden or the Junior Warden, whichever 
 
 of them is present with the Warrant. No one of them can 
 
 authorize a Past Master to open the Lodge. The Warrant 
 
 does not of itself authorize the opening of the Lodge, but only 
 
 in connection with the Master or the Senior Warden or the 
 
 Junior Warden, who must open the Lodge himself. He cannot 
 
 authorize anyone else to do it, even in his presence. All work 
 
 and business transacted under such circumstances would be 
 
 irregular and unlawful. See Proceedings for 1867, pp. 79 to 83. 
 
 MacCalla. May 8, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 531. 
 
 867. The authority to open and hold a Lodge is contained 
 in its Warrant. If not openly displayed from the pedestal of 
 the Master, it is the right and duty of any member present to 
 object to the transacting of any business. 
 
 Africa. July 24, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 297. 
 
 868. The Warrant of the Lodge is in the custody of the 
 Master. In his absence, it is in charge of the Senior Warden, 
 and in the absence of both Master and Senior Warden, it is 
 in charge of the Junior Warden. Its possession by another is 
 forbidden. They have no power to put the custody of it in 
 another. The charge or custody of the Warrant is imposed 
 upon them and limited to them. The Grand Lodge has given 
 it to them and their successors, and no power exists in them to 
 
172 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 usurp the Sovereign Authority of the Grand Lodge, which 
 creates Lodges by granting Warrants, and duly constitutes them. 
 
 Vaux. Sept. 24, 1867. L. B. 1, p. 43. 
 
 869. I am asked whether the Master should call off from 
 
 labor, that the Warrant might be sent out to be inspected by a 
 
 visitor, who demanded it on his examination by a Committee. 
 
 The Master ought not to do so, or permit the Warrant to go 
 
 out. Lamberton. Nov. 28, 1871. L. B. 4, 
 
 p. 281. 
 
 870. The Lodge should pass a resolution setting forth the 
 loss of the Warrant by fire, and the facts of the case, and petition 
 the Grand Lodge for a duplicate Warrant. 
 
 Day. Nov. 21, 1883. L. B. 9, p. 144. 
 
 871. If they have no Warrant, they cannot hold a Lodge, 
 and all work done by them without their Warrant must be 
 declared null and void and of no effect whatever. 
 
 SeeWoTk,901. SeealsoSZ8,78S. Day. Aug. 21, 1883. L. B. 9, p. 43. 
 
 SEQUESTRATION OF WARRANT. 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII; Sec. SI, p. SO. 
 
 872. Warrant of Lodge sequestrated, they having initiated 
 a candidate in contravention of a Landmark of the Fraternity, 
 which prohibits the making of a Mason of one who is deformed. 
 
 Eichbaum. Pro. 1887, p. 28. 
 
 873. Warrant of Lodge sequestrated, they having initiated 
 a candidate after having been prohibited by the Grand Master 
 from so doing. Eichbaum. Pro. 1887, p. 30. 
 
 874. Warrant of Lodge sequestrated for failure to comply 
 with the requirements of the Ahiman Rezon and obey the Edict 
 of the Grand Master to expel two members, guilty of joining 
 the Cerneau Rite. Committee on Appeals. Pro. 1895,p.96. 
 
 See 209-2Z7. 
 
 875. When a Warrant of a Lodge has been sequestrated, 
 the Lodge and its members during such sequestration are de- 
 prived of the privilege of representation in the Grand Lodge. 
 
 See, also 90, Sll, SOS, 342, 583. Africa. Feb. 9, 1891. L. B. 12, p. 990. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 173 
 
 SURRENDER OF WARRANT. 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII, Sees. Zl, 22, pp. 60, SI. 
 
 876. The Ahiman Rezon provides for the surrender to the 
 
 Grand Lodge of the Warrant, books, furniture, funds, etc., of 
 
 a Lodge in case of its dissolution. As long as a Lodge is active, 
 
 it retains possession and control of all of its property. A vote 
 
 of a majority of the members present would be suflBcient to 
 
 authorize a sale and conveyance of real estate held by the 
 
 Lodge, but such action must be taken at a meeting of which 
 
 the members shall be notified of such proposed action. 
 
 Africa. June 23, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 
 p. 241. 
 
 877. Your Lodge cannot surrender its Warrant, as long as 
 five members are willing to retain it and sustain the Lodge. 
 Nor would it be just if you have non-resident members, whose 
 signatures could not be obtained for an application for a new 
 Warrant, as they, without any choice in the case, would be 
 left as imafiiliated Masons. Nisbet. Feb. 25, 1880. L. B. 8, p. 54. 
 
 878. A Lodge surrendering its Warrant, its members are 
 
 non-aflBMated Masons. Lamberton. Feb. 2, 1870. L. B. 3, p. 
 
 40. 
 
 879. The Warrant for Lodge having been regularly sur- 
 rendered, it may, on petition to the Grand Lodge, be restored 
 to those who were members thereof, in good standing at the 
 time of the surrender, Africa. Jan. 20, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 694. 
 
 SUSPENSION OF 'WARRANT. 
 See Ahiman Rezon, Art. XVII; Sees. 17-20, pp. 50, SI. 
 
 880. During the suspension of its Warrant, a Lodge has no 
 
 power or right to receive and act upon petitions. Any such 
 
 action by the Lodge is imlawful and invalid. 
 
 Lamberton. Aug. 16, 1870. L. B. 3, 
 p. 281. 
 
 881. A Lodge cannot work while imder the penalty of sus- 
 pension, nor can any of their members Arisit, for they, like their 
 Lodge, are under suspension. 
 
 See 290. Vaux. Jan. 22, 1868. L. B. 1, p. 137. 
 
174 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OP THE 
 
 WORK. 
 
 See Ahiman Bezon, Art. XVII, Sec. H, p. ^8. 
 
 882. None but the authorized work as taught in the Temple 
 School of Instruction, is permitted in this Jurisdiction. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 220. 
 
 883. Five Master Masons are competent to open and do 
 
 the work of a Lodge. They need not all be members of the 
 
 Lodge. Nisbet. Sept. 3D, 1878. L. B. 7, p. 
 
 567. 
 
 884. It was altogether wrong for the Masons to do any 
 work on the Lord's Day, for the Ancient Charges say, "All 
 Masons shall work sensible on working days that they may 
 live creditably on holy days, and the time appointed by the 
 laws of the Land, or confirmed by Custom, shall be observed." 
 
 Potter. Dec. 29, 1874. L. B. 6, p. 88. 
 
 885. The Grand Lodge will not permit Lodges to work 
 
 all night, on account of the prejudice such a course would work 
 
 on the Fraternity. Eichbaum. July 6, 1888. L. B. 11, p. 
 
 52. 
 
 886. When a Lodge, which has been opened in the Master 
 Mason's degree, is closed and immediately thereafter opened 
 in a lower degree, it is not necessary to inquire if all the Breth- 
 ren are satisfied, etc. MacCalla. March 15, 1889. L. B. 11, 
 
 p. 420. 
 
 887. It is not necessary that a motion should be made to 
 
 proceed to initiate a petitioner who has been approved. The 
 
 work is done at the will and pleasure of the Master. 
 
 MacCalla. April 22, 1890. L. B. 12, 
 p. 490. 
 
 888. The use of manuscript in conferring a degree is un- 
 lawful, and the person guilty of such use will be expelled. 
 
 Special Committee. Pro. 1871, p. 8 
 (Reprint, Vol. XI, p. 323). Grand 
 Lodge, 1895. 
 
 889. Degrees can be conferred either at stated or special 
 meetings of a Lodge. A Masonic month must, however, elapse 
 between the conferring of degrees on a candidate. 
 
 Africa. Feb. 16, 1891. L. B. 13, p. 11. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 175 
 
 890. The Entered Apprentice degree can be conferred at a 
 special meeting called for that purpose, provided the petitioner 
 was approved at a stated meeting, and that notice of the special 
 meeting is sent to all the members. 
 
 Tennis. Pro. 1903, p. 178. 
 
 891. The work of initiation must not be shortened; every 
 candidate having paid his fee is entitled to the degrees in 
 full. Wagner. Pro. 1901, p. 99. 
 
 892. The Master has the right to regulate the work of the 
 Lodge; if he allows anyone to confer the degrees, he is respon- 
 sible. It is only an act of courtesy to his Wardens to first 
 request them to do it. Clark. Aug. 3, 1877. L. B. 7, p. 309. 
 
 893. The Master may at any time place any Brother who 
 is a Master Mason in the East to do the work, but is responsi^ 
 ble for any errors that may occur, or any violation of the 
 Landmarks of the Craft or Rules and Regulations of the Grand 
 Lodge. Nisbet. June 28, 1878. L. B. 7, p. 539. 
 
 894. Where there are several candidates for either the 
 
 Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft degree, it is permissible 
 
 for the Master, at his pleasure, to omit the main portion of the 
 
 lecture, when initiating or passing the first candidate, stating 
 
 to him at the time that he will receive the lecture later in the 
 
 evening with the remaining candidates; and then he should 
 
 give the entire lecture to all the candidates together. 
 
 MacCalla. Feb. 5, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 281. 
 
 895. While only five Freemasons can be made on any one 
 day, any number of Brethren who may be entitled to the 
 privilege can be passed or raised. 
 
 Africa. Dec. 23, 1892. L. B. 14, p. 475. 
 
 896. It is not permissible to use any new-fangled combi- 
 nation of Compasses, Square, etc., in conferring the Fellow 
 Craft degree. In Pennsylvania, we render the old work in the 
 old way, and in that way only. 
 
 MacCaUa. April 17, 1890. L. B. 12, p. 
 475. 
 
176 DIGEST OF DECISIONS OF THE 
 
 897. A Warrant issued by the Grand Lodge authorizes the 
 Brethren to whom it is granted, and their successors, to open 
 and hold a Lodge. Two Lodges cannot work imder the same 
 Warrant, nor can a Lodge so divide itself as to perform work 
 in two or more rooms at the same time. 
 
 Africa. Jan. 25, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 707. 
 
 898. During the conferring of degrees, the outer door must 
 not be opened, except to admit candidates. 
 
 Brown. Pro. 1904, p. 226. 
 
 899. See that your Lodge is at all times kept tyled while 
 rehearsing the work, and allow no one to enter or retire during 
 the progress of the work. Day. Feb. 25, 1884. L. B. 9, p. 263. 
 
 900. A Lodge room and the tools can only be used for the 
 work of a lawfully warranted and duly constituted Lodge, and 
 for no other purpose. Side degrees are not Masonry. 
 
 Vaux. Jan. 12, 1869. L. B. 2, p. 146. 
 
 901. It will not be necessary for you to have the work 
 before the Grand Lodge acts on your petition for a new Lodge, 
 but it will be necessary for the officers selected to have the 
 work learned before the Lodge is constituted. 
 
 Arnold. Feb. 24, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 253. 
 
 902. It would be highly improper to converse on the work 
 
 of Masonry in a Lodge, used for a club purpose, not being tyled, 
 
 because strangers might, unintentionally perhaps, get in and 
 
 overhear your talk. Arnold. March 5, 1894. L. B. 15, p. 
 
 263. 
 
 903. Officers of a Lodge may meet for rehearsal in one of 
 the Committee rooms of the Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, 
 provided the room is properly tyled. 
 
 Kendrick. Pro. 1905, p. 100. 
 
 904. There can be no objection to members of the Fra- 
 ternity meeting together periodically or at their convenience, 
 at the meeting place of the Lodge, and discussing Masonic sub- 
 jects or rehearsing the work, but such an assemblage or organi- 
 zation cannot receive official recognition. 
 
 Africa. Jan. 20, 1892. L. B. 13, p. 689. 
 
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND MASTERS 177 
 
 905. The formation and maintenance of a "Club," for the 
 purpose of teaching the work and social enjoyment, is unlawful, 
 and is not only not permitted, but is prohibited. 
 
 Meetings for instruction may be held in the Lodge room, 
 or a room adjacent, where entire secrecy can be maintained, 
 but such meetings should not be held on Sunday. 
 
 Orlady. Pro. 1908, p. 172. 
 
 See Instruction, S69; Lodge Meetings, 44^-4^4: School of Instruction, 830. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Absence, temporary, does not affect official standing of an officer 594 
 
 Absent Brother, unheard from, when may be suspended 846 
 
 — Master, duty of Brother filling station of 611 
 
 — member cannot have another vote for him 315 
 
 Acclamation, election of oflScers cannot be by 308 
 
 Account of member on Lodge books when, only may be changed after 
 
 death 822 
 
 Accused is in good standing until action is taken by the Lodge and 
 
 may vote 138, 139, 140 
 
 — may not vote or be present when vote on his case is taken 178 
 
 Accuser and counsel on either side must not vote at trial 178 
 
 Acting Junior Warden, when. Master may appoint 626 
 
 — Master, Senior Warden becomes, when office of Master becomes 
 
 vacant 853 
 
 — Secretary must be appointed from meeting to meeting 814, 815 
 
 when Master may appoint 645 
 
 — Senior Warden, on death of Senior, Junior Warden becomes 854 
 
 — Treasurer, appointment of 637, 639, 855 
 
 Adjourn, Lodge does not, but closes 424 
 
 Admission of Members and Visitors 1-27 
 
 Admission of members, time for 415 
 
 Admit, Master may, member duriag election of officers but not during 
 
 balloting upon petitioner 306 
 
 Adultery 28 
 
 Advance a Brother desiring it, duty of Lodge to, unless charges are 
 
 preferred 29, 33 
 
 Advanced, Brother entitled to be, if charges are not sustained 33 
 
 — Brother must be under tongue of good Masonic report, to be 31 
 
 under charges, cannot be 30 
 
 — candidate cannot be, twice between two successive stated meet- 
 
 ings 52 
 
 until after a Masonic month has elapsed 53 
 
 Advancement 29-53 
 
 Advancement, candidate must be proficient in Pennsylvania work, to 
 
 entitle him to 40-46 
 
 — effect of physical disqualification after initiation upon 47-51 
 
 — Entered Apprentice, although such for over a year, not debarred for 
 
 that reason from 34 
 
 — how stopped, and proceedings 36-39 
 
 — to position of authority, lies in the judgment of the Brethren 589 
 
 Advertise, Freemasonry does not, itself 788 
 
 Advertisements for persons desiring to join Lodge, grossly unmasonio; 
 
 punishment for 784 
 
 (179) 
 
180 INDEX 
 
 Advertisements, in newspapers, etc., of names, numbers, places of 
 
 meetings and members of Lodges prohibited 785 
 
 — use of Masonic emblems, etc., in, prohibited 522 
 
 Advertising purposes, title of oflBcer must not appear with name for. . 603 
 
 Affidavit ex parte cannot be used at trial 181 
 
 AffiUate, non-affiliated Brother should 568 
 
 Affiliated, Brother must be, to prefer charges 141 
 
 African Grand Lodge, clandestine 390 
 
 Age of petitioner for initiation, etc 703, 704 
 
 Ahiuan Rezon 54—57 
 
 Ahiman Kezon controls By-Laws 120 
 
 copies of, sent to Lodges, not the property of the officers 55 
 
 to be on officers' pedestals 55 
 
 Forms in, will not be altered by the Grand Master 56 
 
 Lodge cannot change, etc., provisions of 57 
 
 provisions of, cannot be set aside by the Grand Master 54 
 
 Air line not unbending rule as to Lodge nearest place of residence of 
 
 petitioner 384 
 
 Altar, no substitute for, permitted when balloting 75 
 
 — representation of, on notices not permitted 479 
 
 Alterations, etc., in Minute Book, as to 650 
 
 American Doctrine as to genuine Masonic Bodies 212 
 
 Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 58, 59 
 
 Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies in America disclaim right to 
 
 control, etc.. Symbolic degrees 59 
 
 — — Grand Lodge does not claim jurisdiction over 
 
 Bodies of '. 58 
 
 visitors holding certificates issued by, cannot be ad- 
 mitted 25 
 
 — Charges, Summary of, to be read at installation of Master 368 
 
 — Masonry, three degrees of. Grand Lodge recognizes and holds 
 
 authority over 25, 59, 210, 211, 213, 303, 484, 494, 543 
 
 Announcement of members and visitors 17, 18 
 
 Annuai. Retukn of Lodge 60 
 
 Annual Return, binding 60 
 
 falsification of 651 
 
 Appeals, CmcnLAB Letters and 203-208 
 
 Appeal, Brethren have, to the Grand Master from action of Master. . 613 
 
 — Brother may, after being punished for publicly stating another 
 
 Brother was acquitted because he was a Mason 163 
 
 — circular letters of, cannot be issued by or sent through official 
 
 machinery of the Lodges 196, 203, 204 
 
 — reading of circular letters of, other than Masonic, in the Lodge, 
 
 forbidden unless permission be given by the Grand Master 208 
 
 — from decision of the Master not allowed in the Lodge 64 
 
 — from the Master's decision to the Grand Master, any Brother may. 64 
 
 — Lodge may, from action of District Deputy Grand Master to the 
 
 Grand Master 280 
 
 — no, from decision of Committee of Examination as to visitor 10 
 
INDEX 181 
 
 Appeal, no, from decision of the Grand Master 342, 343 
 
 ' — record of, how made up 182 
 
 Appeal to the Grand Lodge 61-64 
 
 Appeal to the Grand Lodge must be signed by accused 62 
 
 must be taken within six months 62 
 
 who may make 61-64 
 
 Appearance, voluntary, does not waive summons 184 
 
 Application for Dispensation to Pass to the Chair. .663-665, 667, 675, 676 
 
 — for dupUcate Warrant 870 
 
 Approved petitioner for initiation, etc., to be notified by Secretary. . . 725 
 
 who may withdraw, petition of 718 
 
 Arm, man without, disqualified for Freemasonry 734 
 
 Arrangement of Lodge room 492 
 
 Arrearages for dues, effect of 316 
 
 Assemblages, mixed, no entertainment can be given in Lodge room 
 
 before 321 
 
 — of Masons not sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, Brother has no 
 
 right to visit 209, 211, 224 
 
 Assessment 65 
 
 Assessment for funeral benefit, not permissible 65' 
 
 Assumed name, petitioner cannot use 695 
 
 Attorney, who is member of the Lodge, might be named on Trial Com- 
 mittee 177 
 
 — to represent Lodge at trial of a Brother, not to be employed 177 
 
 Auditing Committee 66-68 
 
 Auditing Committee, duties of, 66, 67 
 
 must not meet as a Committee in saloon, restaurant, etc 68 
 
 report of , as to 66 
 
 Authorized work only permitted 882 
 
 A. Y. M., not proper title, must be F. & A. M 865 
 
 BALiiOT 69-85 
 
 Ballot, all elections of officers must be by 308 
 
 — exposing of, a Masonic offence, and might be punishable either by 
 
 suspension or expulsion 80 
 
 — for contested offices should not be printed by the Lodge 314 
 
 — how prepared and distributed 313, 317 
 
 — on petition, when irregular 482 
 
 — secrecy of, a Landmark 80 
 
 — unlawful if vote of absent member was cast by a Brother 315 
 
 Ballot box, why, handed to elected officers 76 
 
 Balloting upon petitioner, duty of members, as to 75 
 
 not usual to volunteer information before 69 
 
 Master may not admit member during 306 
 
 may excuse members from 75, 80, 81 
 
 no Brother has right to demand result of 78 
 
 order of 70 
 
 reprehensible, etc., for Brother to divulge how he voted 
 
 upon 82 
 
182 INDEX 
 
 Balloting upon petitioner, what to be done as to, when Committee 
 
 of Examination is out 83 
 
 when information may be given before 69 
 
 Master should refuse to excuse member from 81 
 
 Balls, Lodges have nothing to do with 319 
 
 Band of music, Lodge funds cannot be used to pay for playing of, in a 
 
 public square 324 
 
 Bank statement, a Brother cannot be tried by a Lodge for perjury in 
 
 making a 172 
 
 Banquet 86-94 
 
 Banquet, Lodge, appropriation for payment for, how made 428 
 
 — Lodge can pay for, out of its funds, but only Masons can be 
 
 present 90 
 
 cannot be attended by ladies 92 
 
 the profane 88, 90 
 
 held in place which cannot be tyled, speakers at, should be 
 
 cautioned as to remarks, etc 91 
 
 ■ lecture, illustrated with stereopticon views, at, prohibited 93 
 
 • where held 86, 87, 91 
 
 — printing of reply to toast at Masonic, not permitted 787 
 
 Banqueting room in a Masonic Temple, how may be used 322 
 
 Bible 95 
 
 Bible, presenting, not a Masonic ceremony 516 
 
 — three copies of, must be in the Lodge room 95 
 
 Black Ball 96-104 
 
 Black ball. Brother cannot say he cast, and withdraw his objection. . . 79 
 Brother disclosing his reasons for casting, must take the con- 
 sequences 96, 98, 101 
 
 Brother may cast, at request of absent member 102 
 
 or make oral objection after approval 99 
 
 exposing reasons for casting, possible result of 162 
 
 how to be used 96, 97 
 
 must be used in balloting 73 
 
 no Brother has right to demand that another Brother shall cast, 
 
 for him or make oral objection 103, 104 
 
 number of, necessary in ballot box, not specified 74, 75 
 
 presumption that a Brother cast, not a Masonic offence 170 
 
 right to use of, secured to every Master Mason 96, 101 
 
 what number and kind of, to be used 74, 75 
 
 Black cubes must not be used in balloting 73 
 
 Bond, Trustees may be required to give 656 
 
 — when required by By-Laws, must be given by the Treasurer before 
 
 installation 636 
 
 Books 105 
 
 Books, what, are recognized by Masons 105 
 
 Book-Masons, Lodges prohibited from fraternal intercourse with 
 
 traveling 779 
 
 Booming town. Lodge funds cannot be used for 435 
 
 Bribery, charges against one sentenced for, should not be dismissed . . 160 
 
INDEX 183 
 
 Buildings, comer-stones of what, may be laid with Masonic cere- 
 monies 260-262 
 
 BUMAL 106-116 
 
 Burial, Masonic, an Ancient Custom 106 
 
 Brethren precede coffin at, 112 
 
 criminal Brother not to receive 109 
 
 duty as to 106, 108, 110 
 
 exclusive of and not in conjunction with other associations. 108, 112 
 
 Lodge Service at, cannot be held on Sunday Ill 
 
 must be held in Lodge room preceding the funeral 
 
 110, 486 
 notices as to, not to be posted 116 
 
 — — not usual to grant Dispensation for, for unaffiliated Mason.. . . 114 
 
 pall bearers at 113 
 
 Service not for use at a cremation 107 
 
 at, must come after that of the Church 113 
 
 use of evergreen, etc., at 115 
 
 who may have 568 
 
 Business, See Lodge Business 413-426 
 
 Business, See Masonet — Business and Politics 547-553 
 
 Business affairs, Masonic pledge in, cannot be invoked 171 
 
 not to be determined by the Lodge but by Civil Courts . . . 134, 135 
 
 — at special meeting 421, 453 
 
 stated meeting cannot be anticipated at special meeting 444 
 
 — Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, may not be advertised by a Brother 
 
 as place for his personal 562 
 
 — Masonry may not be used to promote 547-551 
 
 — transactions, charges may be preferred against a Brother for mis- 
 
 conduct in, if bringing reproach on the Craft 136 
 
 By-Laws 117-124 
 
 By-Laws, Amendments to, when in force 121, 122 
 
 when to be acted on 123 
 
 — cannot be dispensed with by Master 119 
 
 — controlled by Ahiman Rezon and Regulations 120 
 
 — not to be set aside by a resolution 124 
 
 — Regulations as to 117 
 
 — right to amend, so as to increase dues, etc 121 
 
 a 
 
 Calls for assistance from other Jurisdictions, when, may be responded 
 
 to 434 
 
 Candidate initiated though physically imperfect wiU be stricken from 
 
 the roll 48, 166 
 
 — Master wiU be expelled for initiating, contrary to instructions of the 
 
 Grand Master or District Deputy Grand Master 167 
 
 — physically disqualified, if entered, how treated 48 
 
 Candidates for office, nomination of, not permitted 602 
 
 Casting vote. Master has 426 
 
 Cataract, when man with, may be quaUfied for Freemasonry 750 
 
 Cehemony, See Masonic Ceremony 516 
 
184 INDEX 
 
 Cemeau Rite declared to be clandestine 27, 213, 215-220 
 
 Certificates 125-132 
 
 Certificates, Grand Lodge, issued in English only 125 
 
 — Lodge, age of, no bar 130 
 
 Brother must have, to join a Lodge in this Jurisdiction 127, 130 
 
 how obtained 126 
 
 lost, how replaced 128 
 
 when to be issued 807 
 
 not to be recognized 25 
 
 — not to be issued to Chapter of Eastern Star 132 
 
 — what, permitted 125 
 
 Chain-letters, use of, prohibited to Lodges and members of the Frater- 
 nity 207 
 
 Changing place of meeting, as to 500, 501 
 
 Chaplain 659, 660 
 
 Chaplain, who may be 659, 660 
 
 Charges and Tkial 133-194 
 
 Charges against a Brother unless he is the Master must be preferred 
 
 in the Lodge 145, 146 
 
 when, may be withdrawn 156 
 
 a Master can only be preferred in the Grand Lodge 145, 147 
 
 how tried 148 
 
 — Brother must be aflfiliated to prefer 141 
 
 — may be preferred against a Brother for misconduct in business 
 
 transactions, if bringing reproach on the Craft 136 
 
 against a Brother publicly stating another Brother was 
 
 acquitted because he was a Mason 163 
 
 — member holding Masonic intercourse with clandestine Masons, 
 
 gives cause for 173 
 
 refusing to fill subordinate place subjects himself to 600 
 
 — preferred against a Brother in prison, how to proceed 189, 190 
 
 — when preferred by the Junior Warden 144 
 
 — who may prefer 178 
 
 Charges at Conferring of Degrees 195 
 
 Charitt 196-202 
 
 Charitable gift in this Jurisdiction an imconditional one 200 
 
 Charity, applications for, how to be made 196, 198, 201 
 
 — Lodge may grant any amount for 197, 201 
 
 may grant, to widow of an expelled Mason 199 
 
 — fund, desirability of, and how conducted 201 
 
 Charter members cannot be made life members and receive back 
 
 donation of one-half the amount paid 411 
 
 Chinese Grand Lodge, Pennsylvania not in correspondence with any . 334 
 Church, Lodges cannot as a body (i.e. in Masonic clothing) attend, 
 
 without a special Dispensation 792 
 
 — service. Lodge may not assume charge of, and notify members to 
 
 attend 802 
 
 Ciphers, Printed Rituals, Monitors and 775-780 
 
 Ciphers neither sanctioned nor permitted 780 
 
INDEX 185 
 
 ClBCULAR LeTTEBS AND APPEALS 203-208 
 
 Circular letters of appeal cannot be issued by the Lodges. 196, 203, 205, 206 
 
 — Master has no power to direct Secretary to enclose, nor has Sec- 
 
 retary right to enclose 615 
 
 — printed instructions to a Representative, not binding 317 
 
 Circulars recommending Brethren for preferment not proper 317 
 
 Citizen, Master need not be 612 
 
 — petitioner for initiation, etc., need not be 699 
 
 Citizenship, voting considered a positive act of, controlhng in the 
 
 question of residence 397 
 
 Clandestine Bodies 209-227 
 
 Clandestine Body, room used by, a Lodge cannot meet in 507 
 
 — Lodge, Brethren cannot belong to or visit 215-218 
 
 in Pennsylvania not deriving its warrant from the Grand 
 
 Lodge is 225 
 
 — Masonic Body, one belonging to, may petition a Lodge by renounc- 
 
 ing his allegiance to 221 
 
 — Masons, members holding Masonic intercourse with, give cause 
 
 for charges 173 
 
 Close Lodge, Master has right to, at any time 441, 449 
 
 Clothing, See Masonic Clothing 517, 518 
 
 Clothing Masonic, special Dispensation necessary for Lodge to 
 
 attend Church in 792 
 
 Club for teaching the work prohibited 905 
 
 — use of "Masonic" in connection with, not permitted 526 
 
 — where liquor is served in a building in which the Lodge meets, 
 
 members of the Lodge cannot constitute any part of 373 
 
 Clubfooted man disqualified for Freemasonry 767 
 
 Cognizance of ecclesiastical or political offences, Lodge prohibited 
 
 from taking 276 
 
 Collars, what, not to have stars 377, 684 
 
 — of Past Master, when to be worn 684 
 
 Collection for Church at the laying of its corner-stone not permitted. 266 
 Colored Masons clandestine 226 
 
 — people, Warrant will not be granted to 225 
 
 — visitor, dangerous to investigate claim of, etc 227 
 
 Commission 228 
 
 Commission of the Grand Master necessary before a Brother not a 
 
 Grand Officer can act as such 351 
 
 — to visit foreign Grand Lodge issued only to members of the Grand 
 
 Lodge 228 
 
 Committee op Examination, See Admission op Members and 
 
 Visitors 1-27 
 
 Committee of Examination, when, to present report 15 
 
 Committee op Inquiry 229-248 
 
 Committee of Inquiry, after favorable report of, on objection referred 
 
 to it, member may cast black ball 243 
 
 as to report of 238, 240, 246 
 
 cannot return petition to petitioner 236 
 
186 INDEX 
 
 Committee of Inquiry, duties of 229-235, 239, 244 
 
 — duty of member of the Lodge informing, as to objection . . . 234 
 
 when unable to make investigation 246 
 
 failure of, to report in four months a rejection 241 
 
 to report in four months does not release control of 
 
 the Lodge 242 
 
 has no right to say what the character of its report is 
 
 before it is laid on the Secretary's table 238 
 
 how to report result of their investigation 236 
 
 if illegitimacy of petitioner is known to, it must report 
 
 him disqualified 232 
 
 Master can discharge 231 
 
 should hand report in as early in the evening as possible. . . 233 
 
 satisfy itseK as to proficiency of petitioner for mem- 
 bership 248 
 
 substitution on, should be announced in the Lodge, etc. . . . 239 
 
 to be instructed by the Master 247 
 
 unfavorable report of, has same effect as a black ball. . .237, 238 
 
 when charges may be preferred against member of 163 
 
 Committee on Correspondence, proposition to recognize foreign Grand 
 
 Lodges referred to 335 
 
 Committee on Temple 249-252 
 
 Committee on Temple, action of, imless it exceeds its powers, not 
 
 under control of the Grand Master 250 
 
 -; in charge of Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, and con- 
 tents ". 250-252 
 
 Committees 253 
 
 Committees appointed by the Master annually, when to be an- 
 nounced 596 
 
 — Master may fill vacancies on 253 
 
 member of, ex officio 253 
 
 — regular or special. Lodge may refer question to 253 
 
 Committee, Tkial, See Charges and Trial 133-194 
 
 Communications 254 
 
 Communications are held by the Grand Lodge 254 
 
 — how Past Masters and Brethren of the Grand Lodge are to be 
 
 clothed, etc., attending 374, 375 
 
 Communications not upon Masonic subjects should not be read in 
 
 Lodge 460 
 
 — printed, may be sent in unsealed envelopes 483 
 
 — what, to be written in Minute Book 461 
 
 Conduct 255-257 
 
 Conduct, Lodge may take cognizance of, of aU Masons residing 
 
 within its limits 255 
 
 — unbecoming a Mason, Lodge to inflict punishment upon members 
 
 guilty of 257 
 
 Conferring op Degrees, See Charges at Conferring of De- 
 grees 195 
 
 "Constituted," not "Instituted", a Lodge is 833 
 
INDEX 187 
 
 Control of the Lodge, failure of Committee of Inquiry to report 
 
 within four months does not release 242 
 
 a member who has resigned and is unaffiliated, Lodge has .... 667 
 
 Convention of Lodges 258, 259 
 
 Convention, District, shall be for instruction only 259 
 
 — of Lodges unlawful, unless called by the Grand Master or a Dis- 
 
 trict Deputy Grand Master 258, 259 
 
 COKNER-STONE 260-265 
 
 Comer-stone, a Lodge never assists other organizations to lay 265 
 
 — collection for Church at laying of its, not permitted 266 
 
 — Dispensation to lay, may be read to Lodge and should be shown 
 
 to Master 264 
 
 on Sunday will not be granted 260 
 
 — Lodge not to ask to lay 263 
 
 — of what buildings may be laid with Masonic ceremonies. .260, 262, 263. 
 
 — other societies may join in parade at laying of 264 
 
 — request for laying of, to be addressed to the Grand Master 260 
 
 to lay, should come from properly constituted authorities 263 
 
 — where to be laid 261 
 
 Correspondence, Committee on, proposition to recognize foreign Grand 
 
 Lodges are referred to 335 
 
 Correspondence with other Jurisdictions, how carried on. 329, 336, 391, 709 
 Correspond with another Grand Lodge, when officer of a Lodge may, 
 
 on Masonic subjects 604 
 
 Correspondents, names of, of the Grand Master when only given .... 349 
 
 Counsel on either side must not vote at trial 178 
 
 Counsel, Masonic, Brother charged has right to have 178 
 
 Counties adjoining Philadelphia, how petitioners in, may petition 385 
 
 Court, when and how Minute Book may be produced in 465 
 
 Cremation, Masonic Burial Service not for use at 107 
 
 Criminal Brother not to receive recognition by Masonic burial 109 
 
 — Courts, judgments of, when affirmed, must be upheld by Masons 160 
 
 Crookedness of Umb may not disqualify for Freemasonry 772 
 
 Cross-eyed man, not disqualified for Freemasonry 767 
 
 Cube, black, cannot be used in balloting 73 
 
 Custodian, Treasurer alone, of aU funds paid into the Lodge 300 
 
 Customs, Usages and Law 267 
 
 Deaf man disqualified for Freemasonry 756, 766 
 
 Death, as to presumption of 846, 847 
 
 — of Grand or Past Grand Officers, not custom to issue notice of, to 
 
 other Jurisdictions 352 
 
 member, after, when only change can be made on Lodge books: 
 
 cannot be restored to good Masonic standing 822, 824 
 
 Debt, new Lodge must start free from 862 
 
 — to another Brother, a Brother cannot be tried by the Lodge for 
 
 non-payment of 172 
 
 Deceased Master Mason, female members of family of, entitled to 
 
 protection • 793 
 
188 INDEX 
 
 Decisions, Digest of 270, 271 
 
 Decisions, Digest of, to be issued oflScially 270 
 
 — Lodge violating. Warrant of, will be sequestrated 90 
 
 — not in this Digest in real or apparent conflict with those herein, 
 
 and other previous decisions suspended 271 
 
 — of the Grand Master have force of established law until reversed 
 
 by a successor 343 
 
 no appeal from 342, 343 
 
 Decorations not Masonic not permitted in Lodge room 494, 495 
 
 Dedication of Masonic Hatj^s, See Masonic Halls 528-535 
 
 Dedication of Masonic Hall, no banquet, etc., to which profane can 
 
 be invited, permitted at 534 
 
 Dedication of Montjment 268, 269 
 
 Degree, conferring of, at other than regular place, Dispensation will 
 
 not be issued for 489 
 
 — no such, as Past Master's 365, 677 
 
 Degrees of Ancient Masonry, See SymboUc Degrees 
 
 — Lodges at the Havanna exercising, under pretended 
 
 authority, illegal 211 
 
 Warrant of Lodge No. — to be vacated unless it con- 
 formed to the Regulations as to 211 
 
 Masonry other than those of Ancient Masonry, the Grand 
 
 does not interfere with 210 
 
 — only three, in a Masonic Lodge 303 
 
 — resident in this Jurisdiction having received, in another without 
 
 our permission, how to proceed to be recognized 339 
 
 — when may be conferred 889, 890 
 
 Denominational tests neither prescribed nor permitted in Free- 
 masonry 800 
 
 Derehct officer, whose duty to suspend 601 
 
 Digest or Decisions 270, 271 
 
 Digest of Decisions to be officially issued 270 
 
 Dimit, See Certificates 125-132 
 
 Discipline, See Chakges and Trial 133-194 
 
 Dispensations 272-275 
 
 Dispensation cannot be sent by telegraph 273 
 
 — for another election not necessary if at annual election a Brother 
 
 elected refuses office 309 
 
 — granting of, to elect a Master, optional with the Grand Master. . . 585 
 
 — necessary to permit Lodge meetings, etc., to continue after mid- 
 
 night 442 
 
 — never issued in cases of physical disqualification 274, 764 
 
 — not necessary to elect Representative in the Grand Lodge 631 
 
 — special, necessary for Lodges to attend Church as a body 792 
 
 — to Enter, Pass and Raise, how granted 275 
 
 fill vacancy, how obtained 852 
 
 hold election, how granted 272 
 
 of Representative in the Grand Lodge or Trustee, 
 
 not necessary 312 
 
INDEX 189 
 
 Dispensation to lay comer-stone may be read to Lodge and should 
 
 be shown to Master 264 
 
 on Sunday will not be granted 260 
 
 Pass to the Chair, See Passing to the Chaik 663-680 
 
 — will not be issued for Lodge to meet in other than regular place or 
 
 to confer degrees 489 
 
 — to wear jewels of gold will not be issued 377 
 
 Disputes and Offences 276 
 
 Disqualification, See Physical Disqualification 734-773 
 
 dissolutton of a lodge 872-881 
 
 District Conventions for instruction only 259 
 
 how called 258, 259 
 
 District Deputy Grand Masters 277-283 
 
 District Deputy Grand Master, clothing of 279 
 
 direction of, to be obeyed 280 
 
 duties of 279, 282, 283 
 
 as to Lodge rooms 282, 283, (2) 
 
 duty of, as to the three Symbolic degrees 678 
 
 Secretary to furnish Minute Book to 648 
 
 has no seal and cannot issue a summons 836 
 
 is personal appointee of the Grand Master 278 
 
 the representative of the Grand Master 277 
 
 Lodge may appeal from, to the Grand Master 280 
 
 may caU District Convention 258, 259 
 
 — for Minute Book 281 
 
 members of Lodges rise at entrance of 350 
 
 not duty of, to install oflScere 365 
 
 Regulations for official duties of 283 
 
 supreme in his District although amenable to the Grand 
 
 Lodge and the Grand Master 280 
 
 Divide, Lodge cannot, itself and work in two or more rooms 897 
 
 Divine Service, motion to attend in a body, proper 420 
 
 on Sunday, Lodge room not dedicated may be rented for 604 
 
 when Lodge attends in a body, not usual to grant Dispensation 
 
 to wear Masonic clothing 420 
 
 Division, vote on, how determined 422, 423 
 
 Documentry evidence alone not sufficient to admit visitor 8 
 
 Dress, See Masonic Dress 519 
 
 Dues, See Dues and Fees 284-301 
 
 Dues, See Non-payment of Dues 
 
 — cannot be charged after a Brother's resignation has been accepted 297 
 
 be made payable in advance , 296 
 
 be remitted after Brother is suspended for non-pa3Tnent of . . . . 291 
 
 — form of receipt for 301 
 
 — how to proceed when Brother in arreara for, is also charged with 
 
 criminal offence 190 
 
 — life member, exempted from payment of, cannot be charged for, 
 
 charged under amended By-Laws, unless he has consented to 
 change 409, 410 
 
190 INDEX 
 
 Dues may be made payable monthly or annually 288 
 
 — must be paid in order to warrant restoration to good Masonic 
 
 standing and to membership 821 
 
 — of a Brother suspended for non-payment of, as to 819, 821, 820 
 
 — payment of, incident to honorary membership 354 
 
 — receipts for, not to be signed in blank or have seal of the Lodge 
 
 attached before payment 301 
 
 — to Grand Lodge, when to be paid 284 
 
 when to draw interest 285 
 
 — when a member becomes liable for 554 
 
 chargeable and payable 291, 294, 295 
 
 — life member may be suspended for non-payment of 354 
 
 Dues and Fees 284-301 
 
 Dues and fees for conferring degrees payable before initiation 28& 
 
 right of Lodge to increase 121 
 
 During work, what may not be done 898, 899 
 
 Dwelling, in building where Lodge meets occupying a lower floor for, 
 
 when not objectionable 509 
 
 Ear, loss of portion of, disqualifies for Freemasonry 754 
 
 East, position of, in Lodge room 492 
 
 Eastern Star 302, 303 
 
 Eastern Star, certificate of standing of a Brother not to be issued to. 132 
 
 not recognized 301-303 
 
 Ecclesiastical Disputes 276, 800-802 
 
 Ecclesiastical offences. Lodges not permitted to take cognizance of . . . 27& 
 Edict, failure to obey, cause of sequestration of Warrant 874 
 
 — forbidding Masonic intercourse, when issued 388, 583 
 
 — striking from roll, when issued 769 
 
 Edicts not in this Digest in real or apparent conflict with those herein, 
 
 and other previous Edicts suspended 271 
 
 — of the Grand Master emanates from inherent powers of his oflBce 
 
 and has authority of Masonic Law 344 
 
 Egyptian Masonic Rite of Memphis 222, 506, 542 
 
 Egyptian Masonic Rite of Memphis clandestine 222 
 
 Elected officers only to be installed 363 
 
 Elections 304^316 
 
 Election, at annual, if Brother refuses to accept an ofiice, another 
 
 may be elected without a Dispensation 309 
 
 — to Dispensation to hold, how granted 272 
 
 — of oflBcers, Master can admit member during 306 
 
 being completed, visitors may be admitted 24 
 
 cannot be by acclamation, but must be by ballot 308 
 
 visitors may not be present during 23 
 
 who have right to vote at 305 
 
 — only member can act as Teller at i 307 
 
 — special, notice of must be sent to every member 311 
 
 to fill vacancy, when Dispensation will be granted for 310 
 
 — when illegal 304 
 
INDEX 191 
 
 Electioneering 317 
 
 Electioneering for Masonic station not Masonic. , 317 
 
 Electric Light 318 
 
 Electricity may be used for the Lesser Lights 318 
 
 Eligible for election as Master, Brother elected but not installed 
 
 Warden is not 628 
 
 Junior or Senior Warden is 622, 623 
 
 one who has been Warden or Master in another 
 
 Lodge in this Jurisdiction is 625 
 
 Freemasonry, See under Physical DisQXjALmcATioNS . . . .734^773 
 
 — to office what Master Masons are 591 
 
 Emblems, See Masonic Emblems, Names and Signs 520-527 
 
 Emblems, etc., use of, in books 523 
 
 Emergency in resignations 804, 808 
 
 Enter, Pass, and Raise, Dispensation to, how granted 275 
 
 Entered Apprentice, See Advancement 29-53 
 
 Entered Apprentice although such for over a year, not debarred for 
 
 that reason from advancement 34 
 
 guilty of misconduct, advancement of, should be delayed. . . .38, 39 
 
 how to proceed to join another Lodge 35, 131 
 
 may be tried upon the charge of not being under the tongue 
 
 of good Masonic report 194 
 
 resign 35, 131, 810 
 
 of another Jurisdiction, wishing to join Lodge in this Juris- 
 diction, how to proceed 733 
 
 on same level as Master Mason regarding suspension for non- 
 payment of dues 295 
 
 suspended for non-payment of dues, on being restored to good 
 
 Masonic standing, may apply to the Lodge although he has re- 
 moved from the Jurisdiction 399 
 
 when, may have to pay extra fee 286 
 
 Entertainments 319-325 
 
 Entrance of Grand and Past Grand OflRcers, members of Lodges 
 
 rise at 350 
 
 — - — District Deputy Grand Masters and Masters, members of 
 
 Lodges rise at 350 
 
 Past Grand Masters and Past Deputy Grand Masters, mem- 
 bers of the Grand Lodge rise at 300 
 
 Evergreen, etc., use of, at Masonic burial 115 
 
 Examination of Visitors , 5-16 
 
 Excursions, Masonic, Lodges have nothing to do, with. , 319 
 
 Expelled Brother, Grand Lodge alone can restore 818 
 
 — Mason cannot prefer cha,rges 142 
 
 — officers will be, for offending against the Law as to requests from 
 
 Lodges in other Jurisdictions for permission to act on petitions 
 from residents in this Jurisdiction 383 
 
 — one convicted, etc., for violation of State Law, may be 161 
 
 on charge of attempting to use the Fraternity for political 
 
 purposes may be 550 
 
192 INDEX 
 
 Expelled, one withholding information of previous rejection of peti- 
 tioner may be 164 
 
 Exposing Lodge transactions, member, wiD be punished for 169 
 
 ExpTJLSioN 326, 327 
 
 Expulsion of a Brother Master Mason serious matter 551 
 
 — protest as to removal of, to be presented to the Grand Lodge 794 
 
 — vote of, cannot be reconsidered at a later meeting 327 
 
 how adopted 326 
 
 Expunging of Minutes not permitted 457, 460 
 
 Eye, man with only one, disqualified for Freemasonry 748, 749 
 
 — with imperfect vision, may not render man disqualified for Free- 
 
 masonry 751, 752 
 
 Fairs, use of Masonic emblems at, prohibited 522 
 
 — Masonic, not permitted 325 
 
 False representations, one secvuing admission by, how to be treated. . 583 
 
 Falsification of Annual Return 651 
 
 F. & A. M. proper title 865 
 
 Fees, See DtJES and Fees 284-301 
 
 Fee for initiation and life membership must be paid in money 287 
 
 whole amount of, must be paid before initiation. 286 
 
 membership paid once, not for each degree 289 
 
 membership, what a resigned member must pay 293 
 
 — life membership, payment of, a matter of Lodge regulation 408 
 
 — no part of, to be retained from candidate physically disqualified, 
 
 if entered 48 
 
 — when Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason may have to 
 
 pay extra 286 
 
 Fellow Craft, See Advancement 29-53 
 
 Fellow Craft degree, as to conferring 896 
 
 : Mason may be tried upon the charge of not being under the 
 
 tongue of good Masonic report 194 
 
 may resign 31, 131, 810 
 
 of another Jurisdiction wishing to join a Lodge in this 
 
 Jurisdiction, how to proceed 733 
 
 on same level as Master Mason regarding suspension for 
 
 non-pajrment of dues 295 
 
 under charges may visit an Entered Apprentice or Fellow 
 
 Craft Lodge 188 
 
 when, may have to pay extra fee 286 
 
 Female members of family of deceased Master Mason entitled to pro- 
 tection 793 
 
 Finger, man having lost any part of, disqualified for Freemasonry 
 
 761-763, 765, 766 
 Fingers, man having six on one hand disqualified for Freemasonry. . 771 
 
 Foreign and Other Jurisdictionb 329-339 
 
 Foreign Country 328 
 
 Foreign country, inexpedient to grant Warrants for Lodges in 328 
 
 — Grand Lodges, commission to visit, to whom issued 228 
 
INDEX 193 
 
 Form of receipt for life membership fee 412 
 
 recording Minutes of a Lodge, etc., should be on desk of 
 
 Secretary 467 
 
 France, Grand Orient of, not recognized 22S 
 
 Funds, See Lodge Funds 427-439 
 
 Funeral, See Burial 106-110 
 
 Funeral benefit, assessment for, not permissible 65 
 
 — notices 470, 641 
 
 "G" a Masonic symbol 524 
 
 Gold, or part gold, jewels of. Dispensations will not be issued to wear 377 
 
 Good Masonic Standing, See Restoration 816-824 
 
 Good Masonic standing, Grand Lodge can restore suspended 
 
 Brother to, but not to membership 816 
 
 Lodge cannot remit dues of Brother suspended for non-pay- 
 ment thereof and restore to; arrearages must be paid 819, 821 
 
 removal of suspension restores to 816- 
 
 what is not lawful information as to 22 
 
 when suspended Brother may be restored to 823, 824 
 
 Grand Council, visitors holding certificates issued by, cannot be 
 
 admitted 25 
 
 Grand Honors 340, 341 
 
 Grand honors, no public 341 
 
 when given 340' 
 
 Grand Lodge, each, is supreme and sovereign within its own territory 
 
 and no farther 218 
 
 how membership in, may be affected by resignation 561 
 
 not to be opened to install officers of a Lodge 363 
 
 what necessary to become a member of 660 
 
 Grand Lodge Certificates, See Certificates 125-132 
 
 Grand Master 342-349 
 
 Grand Master alone grants Dispensations to Enter, Pass, and Raise. . 275 
 
 can order admission of members of the Grand Lodge 
 
 without announcement 1& 
 
 appeal lies to, from decision of a Master 605, 613 
 
 apron of, letter "G" formerly embroidered on 524 
 
 authorizes work at School of Instruction 830 
 
 cannot control action of Committee unless it exceeds its power 250 
 
 issue Dispensation to hold election when no vacancy exists . 814 
 
 set aside an established Landmark 346, 737, 741 
 
 the provisions of the Ahiman Rezon 54, 712 
 
 carries on correspondence with other Jurisdictions 
 
 329, 336, 391, 709 
 
 certain report to be made to 649 
 
 compelled to issue Edict 769 
 
 dedicates Masonic haU or grants Dispensation 529 
 
 directed to withhold pubUcation of suspension 851 
 
 does not issue Dispensation to hold election of Trustee 655 
 
 examines Lodge History before publication 440 
 
194 INDEX 
 
 ' Grand Master grants Disponsation to continue work, etc., after mid- 
 night 442 
 
 has authority to direct a Lodge not to advance a Brother 
 
 not under the tongue of good Masonic report 32 
 
 is only source of Masonic information, etc 402 
 
 Lodge cannot protest against right of, to make Masons 795 
 
 may direct what may be enclosed in Lodge notices 480 
 
 grant Dispensations for Masonic Burial 568 
 
 to wear Masonic clothing when Lodge as a body 
 
 attends Divine Service 420 
 
 permit Brethren without appropriate Masonic clothing to 
 
 enter the Grand Lodge 375 
 
 must approve emblems on Lodge notices 478 
 
 ■ obtain waiver of jurisdiction, when 693 
 
 pass upon questions of doubt as to physical qualifications of 
 
 petitioner 742 
 
 not province of, to act in matter of removal of expulsion 794 
 
 within power of, to set aside rejection unless done contrary 
 
 to Law 798 
 
 province of, to set aside time limit of action by Lodge 
 
 on petitions 712 
 
 permission of, how long holds good 348 
 
 ■ required for formal lecture or address 404 
 
 prerogative of, to stop installation of an elected officer 609 
 
 recommends such calls for assistance from other Jurisdictions 
 
 as may be responded to 434 
 
 resolution as to special election must be certified to 852 
 
 to be consulted as to music in the Lodge 563 
 
 • — renting of Lodge rooms not dedicated 502 
 
 inspect publications 783 
 
 Warrant sequestrated for failure to comply with Edict of and 
 
 disobedience to 873, 874 
 
 when, can set aside proceedings in case of a suspension 823 
 
 term of, expires 828 
 
 • within province of, to say what societies Masons may or 
 
 may not join 834 
 
 will not alter Forms in the Ahiman Rezon 56 
 
 work must be done in accordance with the requirements of .607, 859 
 
 permission necessary for an officer of a Lodge to correspon(l with 
 
 another Grand Lodge on Masonic subjects 604 
 
 Grand Master's office, copy of every Lodge notice must be sent to. . . 475 
 
 Grand Officers 350-352 
 
 Grand Officer, Brother not, can only act as such by virtue of a Com- 
 mission of the Grand Master 351 
 
 — or Past Grand Officer, members of Lodges rise at entrance of 350 
 
 not custom to issue to other Jurisdictions, notice 
 
 of death of 352 
 
 Grand Orient, visitors holding certificates issued by, may not be 
 
 admitted 25 
 
INDEX 195 
 
 Grand Representative, appointment and recognition of a 331-333 
 
 Grand Treasurer 687 
 
 Grand Secretary bound by report in Annual Returns 60 
 
 checks for payments to the Grand Lodge must be drawn to 
 
 order of 687 
 
 in oflSce of, who may lodge objections 580 
 
 notice to be given to 398 
 
 to be inquired of as to petitions 726 
 
 what Certificates, may attest 125 
 
 communication from, to be written in full in the Minutes . 461 
 
 reports to be made to 246, 358, 383, 569, 573 
 
 when to use seal 831 
 
 Guide, no such oflBcer as 597 
 
 Half -dues, how Brother may obtain benefit of By-Law as to 298 
 
 Halls, See Masonic Halls 528-535 
 
 Headquarters outside of the Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, may not 
 
 be opened in interest of a candidate for Masonic oflBce 317 
 
 Healing, how to be done 267 
 
 Hindoo, a native and resident of India, must obtain surrender of 
 
 jurisdiction from proper authorites before a Lodge can act on his 
 
 petition 379 
 
 Hiram Grand Lodge clandestine 390 
 
 History, See Lodge History 440 
 
 History, Lodge, how to be approved 440 
 
 Holiday, stated meeting falling upon, must be held 448 
 
 Holland Grand Lodge of, Pennsylvania not in correspondence with . . 335 
 
 Home-week celebration, not a Masonic occasion 791 
 
 Honorary Members 353-355 
 
 Honorary member, when, cannot be affected by change of By-Laws 
 
 as to dues 407 
 
 — membership cannot be conferred by a Lodge upon any not 
 
 members thereof 353 
 
 payment of dues incident to 354, 355 
 
 Hospital not under control of the Grand Lodge, Lodge funds cannot 
 
 be used for 436 
 
 Hunchback cannot lawfully be made a Mason 744 
 
 Idle or humorous practices prohibited in Lodge room 496, 497 
 
 Illegitimacy of birth of a petitioner, if known to Committee, its duty 
 
 as to 232 
 
 Illegitimate birth renders person ineligible 700-702 
 
 — by birth, one, made eligible by marriage of parents 701 
 
 Impediment in speech, if marked, disqualifies for Freemasonry 758 
 
 Incorporation 356, 357 
 
 Incorporated, Grand Lodge and Lodge not 356, 357 
 
 Indian, full-blooded, qualified for Freemasonry 747 
 
 Indictment, when, is pending, man should not be received as petitioner 
 
 for initiation, etc 705 
 
196 INDEX 
 
 Initiation 358 
 
 Initiate, motion to, not necessary 887 
 
 Initiated, intoxicated person should not be 570 
 
 — objection must be removed before rejected petitioner can be 583 
 
 Initiation and membership, fee for, paid once and not for each degree 289 
 
 — confers membership 810 
 
 — dues and fees for conferring degrees, payable before 286 
 
 — fee for, must be paid in money 287 
 
 refunding of any portion of, unlawful 290 
 
 — inquiry as to non-resident petitioner to be made only for those 
 
 seeking 710 
 
 — may take place at a special meeting 71 
 
 same meeting at which petitioner was approved .... 72 
 
 — when, may be stopped 358 
 
 — work of, must be done in fiill 891 
 
 Inquiry, Committee of, See Committee op Inquiry 229-248 
 
 Inquiry as to non-resident petitioners to be made only regarding 
 
 those seeking initiation, etc 710 
 
 Inquiries from Lodges in other Jurisdictions for permission to act on 
 petitions of residents ia this Jurisdiction for initiation and mem- 
 bership, must be sent to the Grand Secretary 383 
 
 Inquiry, when Lodge is opened in a lower degree 886 
 
 Insolvency not a Masonic offence 135 
 
 Installation 359-368 
 
 Install officers, not duty of District Deputy Grand Master, but of 
 
 Master to 365 
 
 Installation, before, Treasurer must give, when bond in required 636 
 
 — of an elective officer, rarely stopped by prerogative of the Grand 
 
 Master 609 
 
 a Master, only potential objections can prevent 359 
 
 Summary of Ancient Charges to be read at 368 
 
 three Past Masters must be at 606 
 
 officers, where and when to take place 360-362, 366 
 
 — public not admitted to 341 
 
 Installed, Master can be, in presence of three Past Masters. 364, 367 
 
 — Senior Warden under charges, if elected Master may be 624 
 
 — only elected officers to be 363 
 
 — officer cannot resign from office and remain a member 811, 814 
 
 removal of, from Jurisdiction and resignation from member- 
 ship vacates his office 812-814 
 
 — Wardens must be, separately 627 
 
 — when and where Master-elect and officers should be 360-363, 366 
 
 Installing a Master, contrary to Usages of Freemasonry, one guilty of, 
 
 will be suspended 165 
 
 "Instituted," Lodge is not; but "Constituted" 833 
 
 Instruction 369 
 
 Instruction, in the matter of giving, what two matters are of primary 
 
 importance 369 
 
 — meetings for 903, 905 
 
INDEX 197 
 
 Instruction, of Past Master binding upon the Representative 635 
 
 Instructions, printed circular, to a Representative, not binding 317 
 
 Intemperate habits of a Brother may cause expulsion 38 
 
 Intention to remove to this Jurisdiction not sufficient for one to 
 
 petition for initiation, etc 397 
 
 Intercom^e, Masonic members cannot hold, with Lodges or members 
 
 thereof in other Jurisdictions not in fraternal intercourse with 
 
 this Grand Lodge 330, 337 
 
 members holding, with clandestine Masons, gives cause for 
 
 charges 173 
 
 with assemblages not sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, a 
 
 violation of the duties, etc., of the Craft 209, 224 
 
 Lodges at the Havanna exercising the degrees of Ancient Mar 
 
 sonry, violation of Masonic duty to hold, with certain Lodges. . 211 
 Intoxicated condition. Brother appearing in a Lodge in, may be tried 
 
 and suspended 168 
 
 — men should not be initiated under any circumstances 570 
 
 Intoxicating Liquors 370-373 
 
 Intoxicating Uquors not to be used [in the Lodge room or Masonic 
 
 Temple or any room controlled by the Lodge, or at any banquet 
 to which any part of a Lodge's funds is contributed — 370, 371, 372 
 IntrarJurisdictional communications, how carried on . . . 329, 336, 391, 709 
 
 Jewels 374^378 
 
 Jewel and Masonic clothing, appropriate, to be worn in the Grand 
 
 Lodge 518 
 
 — of gold or part gold. Dispensations will not be issued to Past Mas- 
 
 ters to wear 377 
 
 — of silver only may be purchased with Lodge funds 376 
 
 JtTNioB Warden, See Officers 585-604; 620-630 
 
 Junior Warden cannot act as Secretary 646 
 
 eUgible for election as Master 622, 623 
 
 must preside in absence of the Master and Senior Warden 621 
 
 not to be member of Committee of Examination 13 
 
 under charges may be elected Master 148 
 
 usually prefers charges in cases affecting Fraternity generally 
 
 144, 190 
 when, becomes Acting Senior Warden 854 
 
 — — and Trustee's offices not incompatible 630 
 
 Jurisdiction over Petitioner 379-399 
 
 Jurisdiction, a Lodge has no, over territorial limits 395 
 
 — claimed over every resident of the Commonwealth 396 
 
 — not claimed over one who though calling himself a Pennsylvanian, 
 
 resides and votes in another Jurisdiction 388 
 
 — perpetual, claimed over all our rejected petitioners 388, 389 
 
 — of other Grand Lodges must not be invaded 396 
 
 Keystone S23 
 
198 INDEX 
 
 Ladies cannot attend a Lodge banquet 92 
 
 meetings of the Lodge in Lodge room or elsewhere 320 
 
 Lame man disqualified for Freemasonry 740, 768 
 
 LAin>MABKS 400, 401 
 
 Landmark, Grand Master cannot set aside 346 
 
 — described 400 
 
 — must be supported, etc 401 
 
 — phjrsical qualification 734, 740 
 
 — right of visitation not 4 
 
 — secrecy of ballot 80 
 
 Law, See Cdstoms, Usages, and Law 267 
 
 Law, See Masonic Law 536-538 
 
 Lawful Masonic information as to good standing of a Brother, what 
 
 is not 22 
 
 Lawsuit, a Brother cannot be tried by a Lodge for perjury in a 172 
 
 Laying of comer-stone. See Corner-stone 260-266 
 
 Lectures 402-404 
 
 Lectures, formal, must be submitted to the Grand Master before 
 
 delivery ; 403, 404 
 
 — illustrated with stereopticon views, prohibited at a Lodge banquet. 93 
 
 — why prohibited, etc 402, 403 
 
 Legitimacy of birth, not necessary for Committee on Liquiry to 
 
 investigate 232 
 
 Life insurance, soliciting in a Lodge room, etc., forbidden 553 
 
 Life Members 405-412 
 
 Life member, an honorary member voluntarily becoming, may be 
 suspended for non-payment of dues; exempted from payment of 
 dues, cannot be suspended for non-payment of dues charged imder 
 amended By-Laws, unless he has consented to change. .354, 409, 410 
 how members may be made 355 
 
 — — Lodge cannot make, unless By-Laws provide for them 405 
 
 when, cannot be affected by change of By-Laws as to dues . .407, 409 
 
 may be Uable to dues and to be suspended 354 
 
 Life membership a vested Masonic right; cannot be changed by the 
 
 Lodge 406, 409 
 
 fee for, must be paid in money 287 
 
 payment of, matter of Lodge regulation 408 
 
 form of receipt for 412 
 
 Light, See Electric Light 318 
 
 Lights, representation of, on notices not permitted 479 
 
 Living person, Lodge cannot be named for 864 
 
 Loaning money to members by Lodge, not approved 429 
 
 Lodge and Grand Lodge not incorporated 356, 357 
 
 — at refreshment, stiU a Lodge 87, 94 
 
 — Banquet, Masons only can be present 86-90, 92 
 
 — cannot change, etc., provisions of the Ahiman Rezon 57 
 
 divide itself and work in two or more rooms 897 
 
 instruct Representative as to candidates 634 
 
 open a Grand Lodge 363 
 
INDEX 199 
 
 Lodge defined 568 
 
 — having voted to omit stated meetings in July and August, can 
 
 hold only special meetings until September 447 
 
 — has control of a member who has resigned and is unaffiliated 567 
 
 — holds meetings, not Communications 254 
 
 — in this Jurisdiction cannot grant permission to Lodge in another 
 
 Jurisdiction to act upon petition of temporary resident, nor can 
 
 it act on a permission by such a Lodge 336 
 
 — may refer question to a regular or special Committee 253 
 
 — may take cognizance of conduct of all Masons residing within its 
 
 limits 253 
 
 — nearest place of residence of petitioner, how determined 384 
 
 — not to be used to coerce in business transactions 135 
 
 determine business disputes, etc 134, 135 
 
 — open, smoking in, not permitted 498 
 
 — should not suspend its proceedings during examination of a 
 
 visitor 14 
 
 Lodges, convention of, unlawful, except, etc 258, 259' 
 
 Lodges, two, cannot work under same Warrant 897 
 
 — where, may be convened and opened 362, 491 
 
 Lodge Business 413-426 
 
 Lodge Business in control of the Master 413, 414 
 
 Lodge Cehtipicate, See Certificates 125-132 
 
 Lodge Ftoids 427-439 
 
 Lodge funds, all, paid into the Lodge must be paid over to Treasurer. 300 
 
 how, cannot be used 435-437, 439 
 
 kept 430, 431 
 
 to be invested 433 
 
 used 434 
 
 Lodge has control of 427, 428 
 
 may purchase jewels of silver only 376 
 
 must be used strictly for Masonic purposes 324, 434 
 
 Secretary not proper custodian of 432 
 
 when Treasurer is not responsible for deposited 430 
 
 Lodge History 440 
 
 Lodge Meetings 441-454 
 
 Lodge meeting in buildings where intoxicating liquors are sold, as to. 
 
 373, 503, 505 
 
 Master not bound to call, at request of members 449 
 
 no, on Sunday 260, 451, 452, 884 
 
 not Communication, held by Lodges 254 
 
 only one stated, monthly 443 
 
 place of, course prescribed in Ahiman Rezon, as to changing, 
 
 must be strictly pursued 600, 501 
 
 Lodge meetings, notices of all, must be sent to every member 471 
 
 on same day 450, 454 
 
 special and stated,may be held on same day 454 
 
 Dispensation will not be issued for, in any but regular place. 489 
 
 stated, Master cannot omit 446 
 
200 INDEX 
 
 Lodge meetings in July and August, Lodge having voted to omit 
 
 stated, only special meetings can be held 447 
 
 falling on a holiday must be held 448 
 
 when to be opened and closed 441, 442, 444 
 
 Lodge Minute Book, alterations in, as to 650 
 
 District Deputy Grand Master may call for 281 
 
 duty of Secretary to furnish, to District Deputy Grand 
 
 Master 648 
 
 what communications and reports of Committees to be 
 
 written in 461, 462 
 
 when and how, may be produced in Court 465 
 
 Lodge Minutes 455-465 
 
 Lodge Minutes cannot be erased or expunged 457, 460 
 
 duty of Master regarding 455 
 
 every motion made and seconded, and result, must go on 418 
 
 how to be kept 456, 459 
 
 must be read from Minute Book 458 
 
 tj^ewriter not to be used in recording 464 
 
 Lodge Name, See Masonic Emblems, Names and Signs 
 
 319-325, 520-527 
 Lodge name, room, or funds, use of, for any but Masonic purposes, 
 
 prohibited 527 
 
 Lodge Notices 466-483 
 
 Lodge notices, display of Masonic emblems on, not permitted. 478, 479 
 
 except for funerals, must be sent in sealed envelopes 470 
 
 form of, as to 466, 472, 473, 476, 478, 478-480 
 
 how printed 472, 481 
 
 must not be sent on postal cards or advertised in newspapers. . 
 
 466, 468, 469 
 
 names of petitioners, how to be given in 476 
 
 petition for initiation etc., must not be enclosed in monthly . . . 474 
 
 to whom, may not be sent 477 
 
 to be sent 311, 312, 466, 471, 475, 477, 482 
 
 two forms of, not permitted 473 
 
 what to be enclosed in 480 
 
 Lodge op Sohkow 484-487 
 
 Lodge of Sorrow cannot be held by a Lodge either by itself or in 
 
 connection with any other body; no such service 484, 485, 487 
 
 Lodge Rooms 488-509 
 
 Lodge rooms and Masonic Halls cannot be used by Eastern Star 
 
 society 508 
 
 arrangement and decoration of 492-495 
 
 decorations not Masonic not permitted in 494, 495 
 
 dedicated, may not be used by Memphis Rites, Mystic Shrines, 
 
 Red Cross of Constantine, etc., nor may Lodge meet in their 
 
 rooms 506 
 
 duties of District Deputy Grand Master as to 282, 283 (2) 
 
 idle or humorous practices prohibited in 496, 492 
 
 lease of, in a building not controlled by the Lodge 373 
 
INDEX 201 
 
 Lodge rooms must be safe 283 (2), 490 
 
 not dedicated, may be rented 488, 495, 502, 504 
 
 to be used for actual refreshment 370 
 
 set apart for Lodge work 94 
 
 use of, may not be granted to Bodies of the Cerneau Rite .... 220 
 
 when dedicated, cannot be rented for other purposes not 
 
 Masonic 488, 495 
 
 Lodge Service at Masonic Burial cannot be held on Sunday Ill 
 
 Lodge Soliciting Aid 510 
 
 Lodge transactions, member exposing, will be punished 169 
 
 Lord's Day, See Sunday. 
 
 Lord's Prayer, chanting of, not permitted during conferring of 
 
 degree 564 
 
 Loss or partial loss of members, rule that disqualifies for Freemasonry 
 
 unanimously adhered to 773 
 
 Lost, petition for initiation, etc., being, new petition may be received . 714 
 
 Making a Mason at Sight 511-514 
 
 Making a Mason at sight cannot be done by Dispensation 614 
 
 prerogative of the Grand Master 511-614 
 
 Making a Mason of a Youth Under Age 516 
 
 Making a Mason of a youth under age, Dispensation for, not usually 
 
 granted 515 
 
 Malice, mistake as to facts upon which use of black ball is based, 
 
 no evidence of 100 
 
 Manuscript, use of, in conferring degree unlawful 888 
 
 Mason cannot be deprived of rights, etc., except after trial 137, 140 
 
 "Masonic," the word, may not be used in connection with club, etc. . . 626 
 
 Masonic Burial, See Burial 106-116 
 
 Masonic Ceremony 516 
 
 Masonic ceremony, dedication of a soldiers' monument not 268 
 
 presenting a Bible not 616 
 
 Masonic Clothing 517, 618 
 
 Masonic clothing and jewel appropriate, to be worn in the Grand 
 
 Lodge 518 
 
 Lodges to procure proper 517 
 
 not usual to grant Dispensation to Lodge to wear, when attend- 
 ing Divine Service in a body 420 
 
 proper, Brethren to wear at Communications of the Grand 
 
 Lodge 376 
 
 Masonic Dress 519 
 
 officers to wear 519 
 
 Masonic Emblems, Names, and Signs 520-527 
 
 Masonic Emblems, etc., on sign boards, cards, or at fairs, etc., pro- 
 hibited 520-522 
 
 on outside of Masonic Hall unusual 632 
 
 Masonic Halls 628-535 
 
 Masonic Halls and Lodge rooms cannot be used by Eastern Star 
 
 society 508 
 
202 INDEX 
 
 Masonic Hall, at dedication of, banquet, etc., at which profane can 
 
 be invited, prohibited 534 
 
 emblem on outside of, unusual 532 
 
 for erecting, when circular letters for, may be permitted 510 
 
 may be opened for inspection of public, informally, but no 
 
 Masonic ceremonies, etc 323, 535 
 
 what part of, may be rented 533 
 
 when and how dedicated 528-531, 533 
 
 Masonic Intercourse, See Intercourse, Masonic. 
 
 Masonic Law 536-238 
 
 Masonic Law, abstract questions of, as to submitting 538 
 
 duty as to study of 536 
 
 Master to construe; if in error, an appeal may be made to the 
 
 Grand Master 537 
 
 Masonic Month 539 
 
 Masonic month, what is 539 
 
 — obligations. Lodge not permitted to repudiate 202 
 
 — offence, insolvency not 135 
 
 making threats not 170 
 
 only triable by Lodge.* 134 
 
 presumption that a Brother cast a black ball not 170 
 
 to withold information of previous rejection of petitioner 164 
 
 when Brother making oral objection, subjects himself to charge 
 
 of 574, 581 
 
 — Organization, not recognized by the Grand Lodge, to call itself, no 
 
 right to 540 
 
 — purposes, use of Lodge name, room or funds for any but, prohibited 527 
 
 Masonic Recognition 540-543 
 
 Masonic Relief Associations 544 
 
 Masonic ReUef Associations not recommended 544 
 
 — societies, when Grand Master is to say what are 834 
 
 Masonic Standing 545 
 
 Masonic standing, not duty of Lodge to hunt up a Brother's 545 
 
 See Good Masonic Standing. 
 
 — Temple, banqueting room in a, how, may be used 322 
 
 Masonic Temple (Philadelphia) See Committeb on Temple 249-252 
 
 Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, portraits, etc., in, not to be loaned. 251, 252 
 
 contents of, in charge of Committee on Temple 249-252 
 
 changing place of meeting in 501 
 
 may not be advertised as a Brother's place of business for. 652 
 
 not permissible to have entertainments for other than 
 
 Masons in 249 
 
 — • smoking prohibited in Lodge and ante-rooms in 499 
 
 use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage prohibited in any 
 
 part of 372 
 
 Masonic Trial, See Charges and Trials 133-194 
 
 Masonic Year 546 
 
 Masonry — Business and Politics 547-553 
 
 Masonry a law unto itself 133 
 
INDEX 203 
 
 Master, See Officers 385-604; 605-619 
 
 Master, action of, in Lodge, not for discussion there 613 
 
 — Ahiman Rezon to be on pedestal of 55 
 
 — alone may order test ballot 85 
 
 — and Senior Warden being absent, Junior Warden must preside 621 
 
 Wardens, how, to disclose result of ballot upon petitioner 78 
 
 to be satisfied as to loss of Certificate 128 
 
 — at installation of. Summary of the Ancient Charges should be read 368 
 
 — Brother fiUing station of absent, duty of , 611 
 
 — cannot admit member during balloting on petitioner 306 
 
 declare member suspended for non-payment of dues 842 
 
 dispense with By-Laws 119 
 
 omit stated meeting 446 
 
 resign office without resigning membership 811, 812 
 
 — charges against, can only be preferred in the Grand Lodge . . . 145, 147 
 how tried 148 
 
 — controls order of business 413 
 
 — culpable if he permits installation of Treasurer before bond, if 
 
 required by By-Laws, is given 636 
 
 — decision of, cannot be appealed from in the Lodge 64 
 
 may be appealed from to the Grand Master 63, 64 
 
 — directs how vote is to be taken at trial 185 
 
 — discovering that candidate is physically disqualified, how to proceed 735 
 
 — District Deputy Grand Master can counsel and instruct but 
 
 not direct 279, 280 
 
 — duty and right of, as to opening and closing 441, 449, 866 
 
 — duty of, as to advancement and charges 36, 37 
 
 burial 106, 110 
 
 regarding Minutes 455 
 
 to install officers 365 
 
 to prefer charges against Brother having book or writing 
 
 containing Masonic Work 777 
 
 protect every Brother in his rights, etc., in the Lodge . . 64 
 
 — eUgible for election as. Senior or Junior Warden or one who has 
 
 been Warden or Master in another Lodge in this Jurisdiction. . . 
 
 622, 623, 625 
 
 — granting of Dispensation to elect, optional with the Grand Master. 585 
 
 — has casting vote 426 
 
 custody of Warrant 868 
 
 r- no right to demand cause of rejection 799 
 
 right to admit visitors 2, 3, 4 
 
 to close Lodge at any time 449 
 
 vote on penalty after trial 178 
 
 — having removed from Jurisdiction, his station becomes vacant and 
 
 Senior Warden must act 617 
 
 — how to announce result of ballot 77, 78 
 
 — in absence of. Senior Warden's right and duty to take station of 620 ' 
 
 — initiating candidate in violation of instructions of Grand Master or 
 
 District Deputy Grand Master will be expelled 167 
 
204 INDEX 
 
 Master, installation of, can only be prevented by potential objections. 359 
 
 — Lodge cannot prefer charges against, and try 146 
 
 — may admit member during election of officers but not during ballot 
 
 on a petitioner 306 
 
 be installed only in the presence of Past Masters (at least 
 
 three) 364, 367 
 
 member of Trial Committee, if not the accuser 178 
 
 Trustee 653 
 
 call special meetings, but cannot omit stated meetings 446 
 
 to the Chair a Past Master by Dispensation or a Master 
 
 Mason 680 
 
 declare motion unlawful and refuse to put it 417 
 
 discharge a Committee of Inquiry, and appoint a new one. ... 231 
 
 direct order of balloting upon petitioners 70 
 
 grant recommendation for Dispensation to Pass to the Chair 664 
 
 hold over petitioner at request of a member 573 
 
 omit part of lecture, when 894 
 
 order division 422 
 
 order test ballot, if he considers it necessary 77 
 
 permit a Brother to retire while Lodge is at labor 416 
 
 information to be given before ballot 69 
 
 place any Master Mason in the East 893 
 
 serve as a Trustee 653 
 
 — member ex officio of all Committees 253 
 
 of another Lodge knowing of unworthiness of petitioner, should 
 
 notify 582 
 
 — members of Lodges rise at entrance of 350 
 
 — must judge as to proficiency of candidate 41, 43 
 
 not permit Past Master to wear any but regulation jewel at 
 
 meetings of the Lodge 378 
 
 select his officers, except Tyler, from members 595 
 
 sign summons 835, 838, 839 
 
 suspend officer for dereliction of duty 601 
 
 — need not be a citizen 612 
 
 regard objection made upon unmasonic reason 574 
 
 — not a member of the Grand Lodge unless installed on or before St. 
 
 John the Evangelist's Day 829 
 
 to allow Brother to state he cast black ball and withdraw objec- 
 tion 79 
 
 to allow idle practices, etc., in Lodge room 496, 497 
 
 smoking in open Lodge 498 
 
 to excuse from voting except for good reason 75, 80, 81 
 
 to receive Tyler's avouchment through Pursuivant 20 
 
 — office of, becoming vacant, Senior Warden becomes Acting Master 853 
 
 — permitting initiation of candidate physically imperfect wiU be sus- 
 
 pended or expelled 166 
 
 — power of, absolute except where limited, etc 605 
 
 — qualifications of 609 
 
 — regulates the work 892 
 
INDEX 205 
 
 Master responsible for Secretary's performance of his duties, and may 
 
 suspend 649 
 
 for seeing that no one disqualified is introduced into the 
 
 Lodge 148, 607, 611 
 
 — right of and duty, as to visitors 2, 3, 18, 83 
 
 — should appoint Committee for instruction 44 
 
 be shown Dispensation to lay a comer-stone 264 
 
 give name of Brother who objects privately to Committee of 
 
 Inquiry 245 
 
 — though not having served a fuU Masonic year must be carried on roll 
 
 of Past Masters 619 
 
 — three Past Masters must be at installation of 606 
 
 — to admit Tyler to cast his baUot on petition 661 
 
 — to appoint, and fiU vacancies in Committees and places.. .239, 253, 600 
 
 Committee of Examination 9, 12 
 
 be guided by the Landmarks 4 
 
 caution speakers at banquets, when 91 
 
 declare office vacant when Secretary removes from the Juris- 
 diction 642 
 
 enforce By-Laws 641 
 
 enforce Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. .608, 641 
 
 insist upon inquiry being made of the Grand Secretary as to 
 
 petitioners 616 
 
 instruct Committee of Inquiry 247 
 
 use the prayers in the Ahiman Rezon 774 
 
 — when, becomes a Past Master 681 
 
 eligible to office 618, 632 
 
 in doubt, may suspend action 614 
 
 justified in suspending Secretary from office 815 
 
 may announce his appointments 696 
 
 appoint Acting Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary 
 
 626, 637, 639, 645, 814, 854r-856 
 
 refuse advancement 46 
 
 to excuse member from balloting upon petitioner . . . 
 
 75, 80, 81 
 
 Master-elect and officers should be installed, when : . 360-363, 366 
 
 Meetings, See Lodge Meetings 441-454 
 
 Members 554-559 
 
 Member, admission of 415 
 
 — as soon as initiated a Brother becomes a 554, 810 
 
 — name of, how changed on Lodge records 555 
 
 — objecting, Master should not admit visitor 2, 4 
 
 to admission of visitor, not bound to give reasons or prefer 
 
 charges - ■ • • ^ 
 
 — only votes • • 425 
 
 — prohibited from visiting, etc.. Bodies or individuals called Masonic, 
 
 which have not been sanctioned by the Grand Lodge 58 
 
 — refusing to fiU subordinate place, as to 600 
 
 — should not be admitted without announcement 18 
 
206 INDEX 
 
 Member subject to Rules and Regulations of what Grand and Subor- 
 dinate Lodges 558 
 
 — retiring of 416 
 
 — who has resigned and is unafGUated, Lodge has control of 567 
 
 — whose dues are not paid at meeting preceding St. John the Evange- 
 
 list's Day, is in arrears and cannot vote or hold office 294 
 
 Members of Lodges holding Masonic intercourse with clandestine 
 
 Masons gives cause for charges 26 
 
 — of Lodge outside this Jurisdiction, when triable 152, 153 
 
 — list of names of, when may be printed 557 
 
 Membership, Brother elected to, how admitted to the Lodge 732 
 
 — conferred by initiation 554, 810 
 
 — dual, not permitted 556 
 
 — Grand Lodge cannot restore suspended Brother to 816 
 
 — when a resigned member must pay fee for 293 
 
 Members of the Graio) Lodge 560, 561 
 
 Member of the Grand Lodge, what necessary to become 560 
 
 Membership ia the Grand Lodge, how, may be affected' by resignation . 561 
 Memphis Rites cannot meet in dedicated Lodge room nor can a Lodge 
 
 meet in their room 506 
 
 Mexico, inexpedient to grant Warrant for Lodge in 328 
 
 Midnight, Lodge meetings, etc., not permitted to continue after, with- 
 out Dispensation 442 
 
 MiNTJTES, See Lodge Minutes 455-465 
 
 Moneys, aU, must be paid over to Treasurer, who is sole custodian of all 
 
 funds paid into the Lodge 300 
 
 Monitors, Masonic, not used or tolerated 341, 776 
 
 — purchase of, giving Masonic work prohibited 777 
 
 Month, See Masonic Month 539 
 
 Monthly, only one stated meeting 443 
 
 Monument, dedication of a soldiers', not a Masonic ceremony 268 
 
 Moon, full, meetings of Lodges depending upon, as to 445 
 
 Motion, every, made and seconded, and result must go on Minutes . . 418 
 
 — to initiate not necessary 887 
 
 reconsider, action on 419 
 
 — unlawful, how to treat 417 
 
 Music 562-566 
 
 Music, use of, in Lodge 562-566 
 
 Mystic Shrines cannot meet in dedicated Lodge room, nor can a Lodge 
 
 meet in their room 506 
 
 Name, See Masonic Emblems, Names, and Signs 520-527 
 
 Name, assumed, petitioner cannot use 695 
 
 — Masonic, etc., when not to be used 525, 526 
 
 — of correspondents of the Grand Master, when only given 349 
 
 living person cannot be given to Lodge 864 
 
 member, how changed on Lodge records 555 
 
 Names of member and visitor must be written by themselves and 
 
 handed to Tyler 17 
 
INDEX 207 
 
 Names of members voting on a motion not to be recorded 422 
 
 when list of, may be printed 557 
 
 : officers and members not to be furnished to canvassers, etc. . . 559 
 
 Nearest Lodge to residence of petitioner for initiation, how to be 
 
 determined 708 
 
 New Lodges, See Warrants 858-871 
 
 New Lodge, when officers of, must have learned work 901 
 
 New petition may be received when first is lost 714 
 
 Newspapers, Lodge notices must not be advertised in 466 
 
 Night, Lodge cannot work aU 885 
 
 Nomination of candidates for office not permitted 602 
 
 NoN-ATFiLiATED Masons 567, 568 
 
 Non-affihated Mason may be tried and discipUned 567 
 
 member of Lodge surrendering Warrant becomes 878 
 
 not usual to grant Dispensation for Masonic burial of 114 
 
 Non-payment of dues. Master cannot suspend for 842 
 
 proceedings to suspend for 839 
 
 suspension for, consequences of 848, 850 
 
 when Brother unheard from may be suspended for 846 
 
 suspension for, when may be rescinded 844, 845 
 
 when operative 843 
 
 Non-resident member cannot be elected to office 592 
 
 Note not a payment 292 
 
 Notices, See Lodge Notices 466-483 
 
 Objections (See Protest, 794, 795) 569-584 
 
 Objection being privately made to Master, he should give name of 
 
 objector to Committee of Inquiry, that it may satisfy itself 245 
 
 — black ball establishes fact of existence of 578 
 
 — cannot be withdrawn by Brother who says he cast black 
 
 ball 79 
 
 — how only a Lodge or member of a Lodge can offer, to petitioner in 
 
 another Lodge 582, 584 
 
 — Master has no right to question Brother making 581 
 
 — may be lodged in office of Grand Secretary, how; and effect of . . . . 580 
 
 — member informing Committee of Inquiry as to, duty of 234 
 
 — must be removed before rejected petitioner can be initiated 583 
 
 — one intoxicated presenting himself for initiation gives cause for, 
 
 against him 570 
 
 — to Master privately, effect of; when not bound to recognize 571, 573 
 
 — when Brother making, subjects himself to charges 574, 581 
 
 — oral, after approval cannot be withdrawn 79 
 
 right and duty of a Brother to make 575, 577 
 
 no Brother has right to demand that another Brother make, 
 
 for him 103 
 
 to a petitioner for initiation, etc., how and when made 
 
 569, 572, 573, 576, 579 
 Objections, Masonic what are, when inquiry is made of the Lodge 
 
 nearest place of residence 382 
 
208 INDEX 
 
 Odd Fellows' Hall, Lodge may meet in, under restrictions 509 
 
 Offence committed when a profane. Brother cannot be tried for 143 
 
 — of Brother, if also against Llaw of the land, how to proceed as to . . 189 
 
 — Masonic, duty of Lodge towards Brother accused of, 181 
 
 for a Mason to be convicted for violation of State Law 159 
 
 Office, holding, in Lodge does not affect a Past Master's membership in 
 
 the Grand Lodge or render him ineUgible for election as Repre- 
 sentative 632 
 
 — member cannot hold, if in arrears at meeting before St. John the 
 
 Evangelist's Day 294 
 
 — nomination of candidates for, not permitted 602 
 
 — non-resident member cannot be elected to 592 
 
 — what. Master Masons are eligible to 591 
 
 — when Master is eUgible to 618 
 
 — of Master becoming vacant, as to 853 
 
 Master, Warden, etc., See under their titles. 
 
 Secretary becoming vacant, as to 642, 856 
 
 vacation of, and suspension from 649-652 
 
 Treasurer becoming vacant, as to 855 
 
 Treasurer, vacant by death, may be filled by appointment by 
 
 the Master of Acting Treasurer 637 
 
 Treasurer, when office of, may be declared vacant 639 
 
 Trustee if vacant, when may be fiUed 657, 658 
 
 Offices of Junior Warden and Trustee not incompatible 630 
 
 Treasurer and Warden incompatible 629 
 
 Officers 585-662 
 
 Chaplain 565, 660 
 
 Master 605-619 
 
 Representative 631-635 
 
 Secretary 641-652 
 
 Treasurer 636-640 
 
 Trustees 653-658 
 
 Tyler 661, 662 
 
 Wardens 620-630 
 
 Officer must not permit title to appear with name for advertising 
 
 purposes 603 
 
 — dereUct, duty of Master, not Lodge, to suspend 601 
 
 — of a Lodge, when, may correspond with another Grand Lodge on 
 
 Masonic subjects 604 
 
 — temporarily absent does not lose official standing 594 
 
 — when term of, elected to fiU vacancy, begins 599 
 
 Officers and committees, appointed, when to be annoimced 596 
 
 — cannot be convened for installation at a central point 362 
 
 — duties of (See, also, under their titles) 585-604 
 
 — duty of Master to install 365 
 
 — elected at special election must be installed 598 
 
 only, to be installed 363 
 
 — except Tyler, must be members of the Lodge 595 
 
 — of new Lodge, when, must have learned work 901 
 
INDEX 209 
 
 Officers, residence of, as to 593 
 
 — seven, not necessary at Passing to the Chair 367 
 
 — temporarily filling stations, how described 463 
 
 — to wear Masonic dress 519 
 
 — when to be installed and take stations 686-588 
 
 and where installation of, to take place 361, 362, 366 
 
 — wiU be expelled for offending against the Law as to requests from 
 
 Lodges in other Jurisdictions for permission to act upon petitions 
 
 from residents in this Jurisdiction 383 
 
 Omitted, when part of the work may be 894 
 
 One day, how many may be Passed and Raised on 895 
 
 Open a Lodge, how many Master Masons competent to 883 
 
 — Lodge, objection in, to visitor, as to 2 
 
 Opened, where only Lodge can be 362 
 
 Opening of Lodge, as to 441, 866, 867 
 
 -in lower degree, inquiry at 886 
 
 Opera house company. Lodge may hold stock in, but not advised to . 438 
 Organization not recognized by the Grand Lodge, no right to style 
 
 itself Masonic 640 
 
 Orders of Lodge must be honored by Treasurer 638 
 
 Other Jtjrisdictions, See Fobbign and Other Jukisdictions . . .329-339 
 Other Jurisdiction, Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason of, 
 
 wishing to join Lodge in this Jurisdiction, how to proceed. ■. . . . 733 
 
 member of Lodge of, when triable here 152, 153 
 
 when calls for assistance from, may be responded to 434 
 
 Outer door, when may not be opened 898 
 
 Pall-beareiB, who may be, at Masonic Burial 113 
 
 Parade, See Pro(3ession8. 
 
 Passing to the Chair 663-680 
 
 Pass to the Chair, as to apphcation and granting of Dispensation to. 
 
 663-665, 667, 676 
 
 Dispensation to, where to be acted on and how 
 
 666, 668, 669, 671-673, 676 
 
 proficiency requisite for Dispensation to 667, 679 
 
 Passing to the Chair, all but Past Masters retire during the 364, 672 
 
 rights acquired by 680 
 
 seven officers not necessary at 367 
 
 — when may be done 673 
 
 — to be done 414 
 
 Passed and Raised, how many may be, on one day 895 
 
 Past Deputy Grand Masters, members of the Grand Lodge and of 
 
 Lodges rise at entrance of 350 
 
 Past Grand Master, members of the Grand Lodge and of Lodges 
 
 rise at entrance of a 350 
 
 Past Master 681-686 
 
 Past Masters and Brethren to wear jewels and proper Masonic clothing 
 
 at Communications of the Grand Lodge 374, 375 
 
 by Dispensation, rights of 680 
 
210 INDEX 
 
 Past Masters holding oflSce in the Lodge, still member of the Grand 
 
 Lodge and eligible for election as Representative 632 
 
 instructions of, binding on the Representative 635 
 
 miist wear only regulation jewel at meetings 378 
 
 of a Lodge in another Jurisdiction affiliating in this, status of. . . 683 
 
 only must be present when Brethren are Passed to the 
 
 Chair 364, 367 
 
 proper clothing of, in Lodge 684 
 
 -: resigning and returning, effect of 682, 685 
 
 roll of. Master not having served a full Masonic year must be 
 
 carried on 619 
 
 when members of the Grand Lodge 681 
 
 who are 681 
 
 — ■ — three, must be at installation of the Master 606 
 
 Past Master's degree, no such degree as 677, 686 
 
 Lodge, no such Lodge as 686 
 
 Payment, a note not 292 
 
 Payments to the Grand Lodge 687 
 
 Payments to the Grand Lodge, how to be made 687 
 
 Penalty, Master has the right to vote on, after trial 178 
 
 Pennsylvanian, one who calls himself, but resides and votes in another 
 
 Jurisdiction, we do not claim Masonic jurisdiction over 388 
 
 Permission given by the Grand Master, how long, holds good 348 
 
 — to present third petition for initiation, etc., when petition to be pre- 
 
 sented for 723 
 
 Perjury, Brother cannot be tried by Lodge for, committed in legal 
 
 proceedings 158 
 
 — Brother convicted for, may have charges preferred against him . . 158 
 
 — in making a bank statement, etc., a Brother cannot be tried by 
 
 Lodge for 172 
 
 Perpetual jurisdiction claimed over all rejected petitioners 388, 389 
 
 Petition for initiation, etc., ballot on, when irregular 482 
 
 cannot be received from one who has petition pending 
 
 in another Jurisdiction 386 
 
 ■ returned to petitioner by Committee of Inquiry. 236 
 
 name must be legibly written in, and correctly spelled 
 
 and accompanied with customary fee 696, 697 
 
 — • second, how to be treated 719 
 
 when incomplete 706 
 
 Petitions for Iottiation and Membership 688-725 
 
 Petitions for Membership 726-732 
 
 Petition for membership, who may, where and when 726-729, 731 
 
 permission to present third petition for initiation, when pre- 
 sented 723 
 
 — of approved petitioner, who may withdraw 718 
 
 who withdraws for initiation, etc., how treated 716 
 
 candidate found physically disqualified when about to be initia- 
 ted, cannot be withdrawn 735 
 
 — second, for initiation, etc., how to be treated 719 
 
INDEX 211 
 
 Petition of petitioner resident in another Jurisdiction, how acted upon 336 
 
 temporary resident, Lodge cannot grant permission to a Lodge 
 
 in another Jurisdidtion to act on 336 
 
 Petitions for Membership and Advancement 733 
 
 Petitioner for membership. Committee of Inquiry should satisfy 
 
 itself as to proficiency 248 
 
 "■ must establish his standing as a Mason before Lodge can act 729 
 
 Petitioner, Jurisdiction Over 379-399 
 
 Petitioner for initiation, etc., approved for initiation should be noti- 
 fied by Secretary 725 
 
 can present petition to any Lodge in the Jurisdiction; 
 
 how Lodge if not the nearest to place of residence must 
 
 proceed 381 
 
 dying before investigation, etc., what to be done 246 
 
 from other Jurisdictions, power of Lodge as to 709 
 
 having been rejected by a Lodge in this Jurisdiction 
 
 must petition the same Lodge 387, 391, 394 
 
 has no right to know how he waa rejected 720 
 
 if approved, how petition of, may withdraw 715, 717 
 
 ^ in Counties adjoining Philadelphia, how, may petition . 385 
 
 ' may be initiated at same meeting at which he was 
 
 approved 72 
 
 must be balloted upon at a stated meeting, but may be 
 
 initiated at a special meeting 71 
 
 names of, how to be given in Lodge notices 476 
 
 qualifications of 734, 736-740 
 
 requirements for 688-705 
 
 rejected by one of our Lodges cannot be initiated in a 
 
 Lodge anywhere without discourtesy, etc j 392 
 
 resident in this Jurisdiction, having petitioned Lodge in 
 
 neighboring Jurisdiction, in which he was rejected by reason of a 
 Masonic objection shown in Lodge nearest place of residence, 
 must present second petition to the Lodge in neighboring 
 
 Jurisdiction 380 
 
 residing equi-distant from two Lodges, may apply to 
 
 either 707 
 
 standing of, when petition is withdrawn 721 
 
 when to be entered 713 
 
 Philadelphia, Counties adjoining, how petitioners may petition in. . . . 385 
 
 Physical Disqualification 734r-773 
 
 Physical disqualification after approval and before initiation bars . . 743, 753 
 and unfitness of character and habits are only Masonic objec- 
 tions, when inquiry is made of Lodge nearest place of residence as 
 
 to Masonic objections 382 
 
 arising after initiation, as to 47-51 
 
 should not prevent promotion 589, 590 
 
 Dispensations never issued in cases of 274 
 
 -^ — overlooked, result of 769 
 
 Physically disqualified candidate, if entered, how to be treated 48 
 
212 INDEX 
 
 Physically disqualified, petition of candidate found to be, when about 
 
 to be initiated, cannot be withdrawn 735 
 
 Physical quaUfication, in case of doubt as to. Grand Master to be con- 
 sulted 742 
 
 matter of, a mixed one of law and fact 745 
 
 cannot be set aside by the Grand Master 741 
 
 Landmark 734, 740 
 
 Physically imperfect candidate, Master permitting initiation of, will be 
 
 suspended or expelled 166- 
 
 Place, subordinate, member, refusing to fill, as to 600 
 
 Pledges, Masonic, cannot be invoked in business afiFairs 171 
 
 in business affairs. Brother cannot be tried for violating 171 
 
 Political offences, Lodges not permitted to take cognizance of 276 
 
 — organizations, not recognized by Freemasonry 801 
 
 Politics, See Masonky — Business and Politics 547-553 
 
 Politics, Masonry not permitted to be dragged into; offender may be 
 
 expelled 550 
 
 Portraits, etc., in Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, not to be loaned. 251, 252 
 Postal cards. Lodge notices, communications, etc., must not be 
 
 sent on 466, 468, 469 
 
 Powers of a Lodge 858 
 
 Practices, what, not to be permitted in Lodge rooms ^ 496, 497 
 
 Praters 774 
 
 Prayers, what, to be used in the Lodge 774 
 
 Presumption of death, as to 846, 847 
 
 Printed communications may be sent in unsealed envelopes 483 
 
 Printed Rituals, Monitors, and Ciphers 775-780 
 
 Printed signature, circular instructions with, not binding 635 
 
 Printing and Publishing 781-788 
 
 Printing details of votes or any part of proceedings of a Lodge pro- 
 hibited 781 
 
 — of Masonic work, not permitted 775 
 
 Prison, Brother in, if accused, how to be treated 189, 190 
 
 how to proceed as to charges against 189, 190 
 
 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, duty of Secretary to receive and dis- 
 tribute 647 
 
 Processions 789-792 
 
 Procession, at laying of comer-stone, other societies may join in 264 
 
 — only for Masonic occasions 789, 790 
 
 Profane may be admitted informally to inspect a Masonic Hall, but 
 
 not to a Masonic banquet 323 
 
 — not admitted to installation 341 
 
 — offences committed by a Brother when a, he cannot be tried for 143 
 
 — Trial Committee may subpoena, to testify 176 
 
 Proficiency in the work, left to judgment of the Master 41, 43 
 
 — required before advancement 40-46 
 
 — requisite for Dispensation to Pass to the Chair 667, 679 
 
 Proselyte, Freemasonry does not 688 
 
 Photex;tion 793 
 
INDEX 213 
 
 Protest 794, 795 
 
 Protest against right of Grand Master to make Masons, not possible 
 
 for Lodge to make 795 
 
 — as to removal of expulsion be presented to the Grand Lodge 794 
 
 — if sent to Lodge, sho|uld be referred to Committee of Inquiry 244 
 
 Publication, proposed, should be submitted to the Grand Master 783 
 
 PUNISEMENT 796, 797 
 
 Pimishment, no such, as reprimand or temporary or conditional sus- 
 pension 796, 797 
 
 Pursuivant 17, 18, 20, 415, 661 
 
 Qualifications of petitioners for initiation, etc 734, 736-740 
 
 Raised, how many may be, on one day 895 
 
 Reading out of those disfranchised, when done 316 
 
 Real estate may be held by Trustees 357 
 
 when may be sold 876 
 
 Receipt for dues, form of 301 
 
 not to be signed in blank, etc 301 
 
 life membership fee, form of 412 
 
 not to be signed in blank, etc 412 
 
 Recognition, See Masonic Recognition 540-543 
 
 Recogmtion, ofijcial, not given to meetings for rehearsing work, etc. . . 904 
 
 — refused to resident of this Jurisdiction who applied elsewhere and 
 
 received degrees without our permission 337, 339 
 
 to what societies 541 
 
 Recognized, Grand Lodge not having sole control of its territory, not. 338 
 
 — how resident in this Jurisdiction, having received degrees in another, 
 
 without our permission, to proceed to be 339 
 
 — no organization not, by the Grand Lodge, has right to style itself 
 
 Masonic 540 
 
 Recommend, right of a Brother to 730 
 
 Reconsider, motion to, action on 419 
 
 Record of a Court, when evidence 159, 160 
 
 Red Cross of Constantino cannot meet in dedicated Lodge room nor 
 
 can a Lodge meet in their room 506 
 
 Refreshment, Lodge at, still a Lodge 87, 94 
 
 — Lodge room not to be used for actual 370 
 
 Refunding of any portion of initiation fee unlawful; Warrant will be 
 
 suspended for 290 
 
 Refusal to obey Landmarks will stop initiation 358 
 
 withdraw from Cerneau Bodies subjects a Brother to Masonic 
 
 trial and punishment 215 
 
 Refusing to fill subordinate place, as to member 600 
 
 Rehears^ of work, as to 902-905 
 
 Rejected, no petitioner has right to .know how he was 720 
 
 — petitioner being approved, need not be initiated in the Lodge 394 
 
 having received degrees in this Jurisdiction may not petition 
 
 for membership or visit 728 
 
214 INDEX 
 
 Rejected, petitioner, in this Jurisdiction, as to 709 
 
 must petition the same Lodge by which he was rejected . 237, 387, 391 
 
 of another Jurisdiction, removing to this Jurisdiction, how, may 
 
 proceed 398 
 
 of other Jurisdictions not received unless with consent of Juris- 
 diction concerned 389, 391, 393 
 
 perpetual jurisdiction claimed over all 388, 389 
 
 Rejection 798, 799 
 
 Rejection, in case of, order must be drawn on Treasurer to return fee . . . 300 
 
 — Master has no right to demand cause of 799 
 
 — previous, Masonic offence to withhold information of, of petitioner. 164 
 
 — when only can be set aside 798 
 
 — worked by imfavorable report 237, 238 
 
 Reubp Associations, See Masonic Reliep Associations 544 
 
 Reliqioits Faith and Services 800-802 
 
 Religious organizations not recognized by Freemasonry 801 
 
 Removal of expulsion, province of the Grand Lodge to act as to 794 
 
 — of installed oflBcer from Jurisdiction vacates his office 642, 813 
 
 Removing of suspension restores to good Masonic standing 816 
 
 Renotmcing allegiance to clandestine Masonic body, a member thereof 
 
 may petition a Lodge 221 
 
 Renimciation of connection with clandestine bodies, form of, in Penn- 
 sylvania 803 
 
 Rented, Lodge rooms not dedicated, may be 488, 495, 502, 504 
 
 — what part of a Masonic Hall may be 533 
 
 Rents owing to the Grand Lodge, when to bear interest 285 
 
 Report of Committee of Inquiry, as to 238, 240-246 
 
 should be handed in as early in the evening as 
 
 possible 233 
 
 Reports of Committees, what, to be written in Minute Book 462 
 
 Representative 631-635 
 
 Representative in the Grand Lodge, as to choice of 633 
 
 cannot be instructed by Lodge as to annual elections 634 
 
 in absence of instructions from the Past Masters may 
 
 use own judgment 635 
 
 Dispensation not necessary to elect 312, 631 
 
 who may be elected 632 
 
 — must follow instructions of the Past Masters of his Lodge as to 
 
 candidates 635 
 
 — printed circular instructions to, not binding on 317 
 
 Representation in the Grand Lodge, when Lodge is deprived of 875 
 
 Reprimand, no such punishment as 796 
 
 Reproach upon the Fraternity, no Mason or body of Masons permitted 
 
 to bring, without punishment 256, 257 
 
 Repudiate its Masonic obUgations, Lodge not permitted to 202 
 
 Requirements for petitioners for initiation, etc 688-705 
 
 Warrant 859, 860, 862-864 
 
 Residence of petitioner for initiation, etc., must be correctly given .690-692 
 
 — place of, is place of voting 694 
 
INDEX 215 
 
 Residence, voting is a positive act of citizenship and controlling in 
 
 the question of 397 
 
 Besideqt in this Jurisdiction receiving degrees in another, without our 
 
 consent, how, to proceed to be recognized 339 
 
 receiving degrees in another without our permission, not 
 
 recognized 337, 339 
 
 when Grand Master has authority to surrender juris- 
 diction over 347 
 
 Resident petitioner. See Petitioner. 
 
 for less than a year, how to be regarded 693 
 
 Residing equidistant from two Lodges, what petitioner for initiation, 
 
 etc., may do 707 
 
 Resign from office, installed officer cannot, without resigning mem- 
 bership 811-814 
 
 Resignation, dues cannot be charged after acceptance of, of a Brother 297 
 
 — how, affects membership in the Grand Lodge 561 
 
 — from membership, separate vote must be taken, as to 806 
 
 Resignation from Membership 804r-810 
 
 Resignation from membership, manner of making 804, 807-809 
 
 Resignations prom Office 811-815 
 
 Resignation of installed officer from membership vacates office. . . 812-814 
 Resigned, Brother who has, can be tried only for offences subsequent 
 
 thereto 150, 151 
 
 — member, when, must pay membership fee 293 
 
 Restoration 816-824 
 
 Restoration to good Masonic standing or membership 816-821 
 
 membership, separate vote must be taken as to 806 
 
 Restore, Grand Lodge can, suspended Brother to good Masonic stand- 
 ing, but not to membership 816 
 
 Retire, when Brethren may 416 
 
 RETtTRN, See Annual Return of Lodge 60 
 
 Ribbon, etc., use of, at Masonic burial 115 
 
 Rise at entrance of Past Grand Masters and Past Deputy Grand 
 
 Masters, members of the Grand Lodge and of Lodges 350 
 
 — members of Lodges, at entrance of what Officers 350 
 
 Rooms, See Lodge Rooms 488-509 
 
 Room occupied by a clandestine body, a Lodge cannot meet in 507 
 
 Royal Masonic Rite clandestine 542 
 
 St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist 825-829 
 
 St. John the Baptist "the preparer of the way" 825 
 
 ■ — Lodges held forth in memory of 825 
 
 St. John the Evangelist the "light of the hidden mysteries of the 
 
 Apocalypse" 825 
 
 St. John the Evangelist's Day, coming on Sunday to be celebrated by 
 
 the Grand Lodge on Monday 826 
 
 Masonic year begins and ends on 827 
 
 Grand Master's term ends at noon on 828 
 
 not obligatory to install officers on or before 829 
 
216 INDEX 
 
 St. John the Evangelist's Day, the Grand Lodge, when, beginB and ends 829 
 
 Salary of Secretary, when motion to change, unlawful 644 
 
 School of iNSTRtrcnoN 830 
 
 School of Instruction must be authorized by the Grand Master 830 
 
 Scottish Rite, see Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 58, 59 
 
 Seal 831-833 
 
 Seal, District Deputy Grand Master has no 836 
 
 — of Grand and Subordinate Lodges, how to be used 831, 832 
 
 the Lodge not to be attached to or printed on receipt for 
 
 dues, or for life membership fee before payment 301, 412 
 
 required upon summons 836 
 
 Sealed envelopes, Lodge notices, except for fimerals, must be sent in.. 470 
 
 Second ballot, when, not permitted on first petition 722 
 
 Second petition, for initiation, etc., how to be treated 719 
 
 Secrecy, essence, etc., of Freemasonry 786 
 
 Secretary, See Oppicers 585-604, 641-652 
 
 Secretary, Acting, when Master can appoint 645 
 
 — cannot resign office without resigning membership 812-814 
 
 — duty of 641 
 
 to receive and distribute Proceedings of the Grand Lodge; and 
 
 to furnish Minute Book to the District Deputy Grand Master 647, 648 
 
 — is competent to serve on Trial Committee and act as Secretary. . . 176 
 
 — Junior Warden cannot act as 646 
 
 — may be Trustee 653 
 
 — neglecting or refusing duty, liable to charges 815 
 
 — not proper custodian of Lodge funds 432 
 
 required to be a Past Master 643 
 
 — salary of, as to change of 644 
 
 — special election for, may not be necessary 645 
 
 — to notify approved petitioner for initiation, etc 725 
 
 — under control of the Master 616 
 
 — when, may be suspended from office 649-652, 815 
 
 Secretary's office, when becomes vacant 642 
 
 Senior Warden, See OrriCERS 585-604; 620-630 
 
 Senior Warden and Master being absent, Junior Warden must preside 621 
 Senior and Junior Wardens may be elected from the floor 623 
 
 — Warden must act as Master when he removes from the Jurisdiction 617 
 
 right and duty of, to take Master's station in his absence 620 
 
 under charges, if elected Master, may be installed 624 
 
 may be elected Master 148 
 
 Sequestration op Warrant 872-877 
 
 Sequestration of Warrant causes for 872-874 
 
 — effect of 875 
 
 Sequestrated, Warrant of Lodge attempting to controvert law as to 
 
 force of the decision of the Grand Master will be 342 
 
 Side degrees not countenanced 302, 543, 900 
 
 Masonry 900 
 
 Sight, See Making a Mason at Sight 511-514 
 
 Signs, See Masonic Emblems, Names, and Signs 620-527 
 
INDEX 217 
 
 Silver, jewels of, only can be purchased with Lodge funds 376 
 
 Same day, Lodge meetings on 450, 454 
 
 Smoking in Lodge and ante-rooms in Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, 
 
 prohibited 499 
 
 open Lodge not permitted 498 
 
 Societies not Masonic 834 
 
 Soldiers' monument, dedication of, not a Masonic ceremony 268 
 
 Sole control of territory. Grand Lodge must have, to be in correspond- 
 ence with us 338 
 
 Soliciting of life insurance in a Lodge room, etc., forbidden 553 
 
 Souvenirs, Lodge funds cannot be spent for 439 
 
 Special election for a Secretary may not be necessary 64S 
 
 what Brethren eligible,to vote at 299 
 
 Special meeting, business at 421, 453 
 
 business of stated meeting cannot be anticipated at 444 
 
 Square and Compasses 493, 623, 524, 896 
 
 Stated meetings, See Lodge Meetings. 
 
 Station, how long officer retains 588 
 
 Stations, officers filling, temporarily, how described 463 
 
 Standing, See good Masonic Standing; Masonic Standing 545 
 
 Stars not to be on collars of officers and Past Master of Lodge 684 
 
 Statue, imveUing of, not a Masonic ceremony 269 
 
 Stenographer (Master Mason) may be employed at trial 183 
 
 Stock in opera house company, Lodge may hold, but not 
 
 advised to 1 438 
 
 Sub-committee cannot be appointed by Trial Committee to act 
 
 for it 181 
 
 Subject to Rules and Regulations of what Grand and Subordinate 
 
 Lodges, our members are 558 
 
 Subpoena, Trial Committee may, persons not Masons 176 
 
 Substitution on Committee of Inquiry should be announced in the 
 
 Lodge, etc 239 
 
 Suicide not for that reason to be deprived of Masonic Burial 109 
 
 Summary of the Ancient Charges should be read at installation of 
 
 Master 368 
 
 Summons 835-838 
 
 Simimons, not signed by Master, effect of 838 
 
 waived by voluntary appearance 184 
 
 — of the Grand Master must be obeyed 345 
 
 result of failure to comply with 345 
 
 — requirements of 835—838 
 
 — what is not 837 
 
 Sunday, Dispensation to lay comer-stone on, will not be granted 260 
 
 — Lodge room not dedicated cannot be rented for use on, for secular 
 
 purposes, but may be for Divine service 502, 504 
 
 — Lodge Service at Masonic Burial cannot be held on Ill 
 
 — meetings for instruction in work not to be held on 905 
 
 — no meetings or work on > 461, 452, 884 
 
 — when only a Lodge can be opened on 260 
 
218 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Surrender jurisdiction over residents of this Jurisdiction, when Grand 
 
 Master has authority to 347 
 
 SUBRENDEB OP WARRANT 876-879 
 
 Surrender of Warrant, effect of 878 
 
 proceedings as to 876, 877 
 
 Suspend for non-payment of dues, course to pursue to 839 
 
 Master cannot 842 
 
 — oflBcer for dereliction of duty. Lodge cannot. Master to 841 
 
 — when Lodge is without jurisdiction to, a member 157 
 
 Suspended for non-payment of dues, when Brother unheard from 
 
 may be 846 
 
 Brother, cannot make conditional pajmient and be 
 
 restored to membership , 820 
 
 Lodge cannot remit dues of and restore to mem- 
 bership or restore to good Masonic standing; arrearages must be 
 
 paid 819 
 
 proceedings in case of, can only be set aside by the 
 
 Grand Master 823 
 
 what amount, must pay 840 
 
 — — when, can be restored to good Masonic standing. 823 
 
 — Entered Apprentice, for non-payment of dues, on being restored to 
 
 good Masonic standing, may apply to the Lodge although he has 
 removed from the Jurisdiction 399 
 
 — one guilty of installing a Master contrary to Usages of Freemasonry, 
 
 will be 165 
 
 — Warrant will be, for refunding any portion of initiation fee 290 
 
 — when life member may be Uable to dues and to be 354 
 
 Suspension, consequences of application for removal of 849 
 
 — consequences of 848, 850 
 
 — for non-payment of dues, consequences of printing notice of 851 
 
 — void if summons lacked signature of the Master .... 838 
 
 proceedings as to 839 
 
 ■ when operative 843 
 
 may be rescinded 327, 844, 845 
 
 SUSPENSION OP Members 839-851 
 
 Suspension op Warrant 880, 881 
 
 Suspension of Warrant, effect of 880, 881 
 
 — no conditional, etc 849 
 
 — of Brother, after, dues cannot be remitted, for non-payment of dues 291 
 
 — removing of, restores to good Masonic standing 817 
 
 — separate vote must be taken as to." , 806 
 
 — temporary, conditional or qualified, no such punishment as 796 
 
 — vote of, cannot be reconsidered at a later meeting 327 
 
 Symbolic degrees, control of, disclaimed by Scottish Rite Bodies in 
 
 America 59 
 
 — ■ — of Ancient Masonry, alone recognized by the Grand Lodge 
 
 25, 210, 211, 213, 303, 484 
 
 the duty of District Deputy Grand Masters, as to 678 
 
 three, represent Sovereign, etc., Organization 678 
 
INDEX 219 
 
 Table Lodge can bfe opened only in a Masonic Hall, etc. 86 
 
 Teller, only member can act as 307 
 
 Temple, See Committee on Temple 249-252 
 
 Territory, same, cannot be occupied by two Masonic Bodies and both 
 
 be genuine 212 
 
 Test ballot, at what time Master may order 77 
 
 must be held 84 
 
 Master may order, if he considers it necessary 77, 85 
 
 motion to take, not necessary 85 
 
 not to be noted in the Minutes 84 
 
 when, may not be held 679 
 
 Testimony of absent witnesses, how may be obtained 180 
 
 — person aggrieved competent to give, before Trial Committee 176 
 
 — to convict at trial should be "positive, etc." 191 
 
 Third petition, as to Dispensation, etc., for 724 
 
 for initiation, etc., when petition for permission to present, 
 
 may be presented 723 
 
 Threats, making, not a Masonic offence 170 
 
 Thumb, man having lost, disqualified for Freemasonry 764 
 
 Thumbs, man with two, on hand, disqualified for Freemasonry 770 
 
 Time limit of action on a petition. Grand Master cannot set aside 
 
 provisions of Ahiman Rezon as to 712 
 
 Title, proper F. & A. M., not A. Y. M 865 
 
 Toast, reply to, at Masonic banquet, not permitted to be published. . 787 
 
 Toe, loss of, disqualifies for Freemasonry 769 
 
 Toes, man with more than five, on foot, disqualified for Free- 
 masonry 770, 771 
 
 Tongue of good Masonic report. Brother must beimder, to be ad- 
 vanced 31, 32 
 
 charge of not being under, will not he against a 
 
 Master Mason 31 
 
 Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft may be tried 
 
 upon the charge of not being under; and how trial is to be 
 
 conducted 194 
 
 one found not to have been under, how treated 711 
 
 Tools, how only may be used 900 
 
 Tbeasuree, See Officers .585-604, 636-640 
 
 Treasurer's and Warden's oflSces incompatible 629 
 
 Treasurer cannot resign from ofiice without resigning membeiship — 812 
 
 — failing to pay over money to successor, course to pursue 640 
 
 — may be Trustee 653 
 
 — must honor orders of Lodge 638 
 
 — ofiice of, when may be declared vacant 639 
 
 — sole custodian of all funds paid into the Lodge 300 
 
 — when, not responsible for deposit of funds 430 
 
 — where bond is required by the By-Laws,. must give same before 
 
 installation; if not filed the installation is null and void 636 
 
 Tbial and Trial Committee, See Chakqes and Trial 133-194 
 
 Trial, accuser and counsel on either side must not vote at 178 
 
220 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Trial Committee, action on report of, effect of 166 
 
 an attorney, if member of the Lodge, might be named on 177 
 
 cannot appoint sub-committee to act for it 181 
 
 finding of, when, may be reveraed 187 
 
 Master can select any member of the Lodge to sit on 174 
 
 may be member of, if not accuser 178 
 
 may subpoena persons not Masons 176 
 
 no law limiting number of 175 
 
 requirements as to minutes of 182 
 
 Secretary is competent to serve on 176 
 
 the judges as to evidence 181 
 
 ex parte affidavit not to be used at 180 
 
 — finding upon charge necessary at 186 
 
 specification may not prove guilt as to charge at 186 
 
 for slander, what evidence is not admissible at 193 
 
 — Lodge must proceed to, imless charges are withdrawn 154 
 
 — naked technical objections, etc., not tolerated at 192 
 
 — refusal to withdraw from Cemeau Bodies subjects a Brother to . . 215 
 
 — majority vote necessary at 185 
 
 — stenographer (Master Mason) may be employed at trial 183 
 
 — testimony to convict at, should be "positive, etc." 191 
 
 — vote at, Master directs how to be taken 185 
 
 may be by secret ballot 178 
 
 Trinity, use of, in prayers in the Lodge may be objectionable 774 
 
 Truss, man wearing, when not disqualified for Preemasoniy 759 
 
 — '■ wearing of, during receiving of degrees, not allowable 760 
 
 Trustee 585-604, 653-658 
 
 Trustee's and Junior Warden's offices not incompatible 630 
 
 — Dispensation to hold election for, not necessary 312 
 
 — Master, Warden, Secretary, or Treasurer may be 653 
 
 — vacancy in office. Dispensation not necessary to fill 655, 657 
 
 Trustees may be required to give bond 856 
 
 hold real estate for Lodge 357 
 
 — must act as a body 654 
 
 — when, may resign 657 
 
 office of, if vacant, may be filled 657, 668 
 
 Two Lodges cannot work under same Warraut 897 
 
 Tyled not, room, improper to converse on Masonic work in 902 
 
 TriiEB, See Admission of Members and Visitors ... 17, 19, 20, 661, 662 
 
 — need not be a member of the Lodge 595 
 
 — right of, and time when to vote 661, 662 
 
 Typewriter not to be used in recording Minutes 464 
 
 Unaffihated Mason, See Non-affiliated Mason 367, 568 
 
 Undersized man etc., may be made a Mason 746 
 
 Unfavorable report of Committee of Inquiry has same effect as a 
 
 black ball 237, 238 
 
 works rejection 237, 238 
 
 Unlawful motion, how to treat 417 
 
INDEX 221 
 
 Unveiling of a statue, not a Masonic ceremony 269 
 
 Usages, See Ctjstqms, Usages, and Law 267 
 
 Use by oflScer or any Brother of any book or writing containing Ma- 
 sonic work renders him liable to charges 775 
 
 Vacancies 852-856 
 
 Vacancy, how Dispensation to fill, obtained 852 
 
 — when Dispensation wO be granted to hold special election 
 
 to fill 310 
 
 term of officer elected to fill, begins 699 
 
 Vacant, office of Master becoming, who fills 853 
 
 Secretary becoming, as to 856 
 
 Treasurer becoming, as to 855 
 
 Village stores, etc., comer-stones of, may not be laid with Masonic 
 
 ceremonies 262 
 
 Violate, proposition to, Laws of the Grand Lodge, Master must not 
 
 submit 608 
 
 Violating Masonic pledges in business affairs. Brother cannot be tried 
 
 for 171 
 
 Violation of State Law, conviction for, Masonic offence 159 
 
 Mason convicted, etc., for, may be expelled 161 
 
 decisions. Warrant wiU be sequestrated for 90 
 
 Visit any regular Grand Lodge or Subordinate Lodge under it, every 
 
 Master Mason has right to 218 
 
 — Brother has no right to, assemblages of Masons not sanctioned by 
 
 the Grand Lodge 209, 224 
 
 — Fellow Craft under charges may, an Entered Apprentice or Fellow 
 
 Craft Lodge 188 
 
 — foreign Grand Lodges, commission to, to whom granted 228 
 
 Visitation 1-4 
 
 — courtesy, not a right 1 
 
 — right of, not a Landmark 4 
 
 Visiting Bodies or individuals called Masonic but not sanctioned by 
 
 the Grand Lodge, prohibited 58 
 
 Visitors 857 
 
 Visitors cannot be admitted or examined having certificates from 
 
 certain bodies 25 
 
 — cannot be admitted or present during the election of officers 23 
 
 — dangerous to investigate claim of colored 227 
 
 — documentary evidence alone not sufficient to admit 8 
 
 — examination of, should be made with greatest caution 5, 6, 8 
 
 — Lodge should not suspend the proceedings during 14 
 
 where made, and by whom 10-12 
 
 — have no appeal from decision of Committee on Examination 10 
 
 — Master has right to admit 2 
 
 — may be admitted after election is completed 24 
 
 — must hail from a Grand Lodge working the three Symbolic 
 
 degrees only 25 
 
 write names themselves and hand to Tyler 17 
 
222 INDEX 
 
 Visitors not vouched for, must have Lodge or Grand Lodge Certificate 
 
 or receipt for dues 6, 7 
 
 — objected to, Master should not admit 2 
 
 — on election night 23, 24 
 
 — rights of, in a Lodge 857 
 
 — should retire to ante-room after examination 16 
 
 — to clandestine Lodges or affiliating with clandestine Masons cannot 
 
 be admitted 26, 214, 219 
 
 — who may not be admitted as 25-27 
 
 Vote, an absent member cannot have another, for him 315 
 
 — at election, printing details of, prohibited 781 
 
 special election, what Brethren are eligible to 299 
 
 trial may be by secret ballot 178 
 
 — casting, Master has 426 
 
 — Lodge cannot by, compel Master and Wardens to sign recom- 
 
 mendation for Dispensation to Pass to the Chair 664 
 
 must, to act or not under Dispensation to Pass to the Chair. . . 670 
 
 — majority, may make appropriation for banquet 428 
 
 must approve petition to change name of member on the Lodge 
 
 records 555 
 
 necessary at trial 185 
 
 to act under Dispensation to Pass to the Chair 671 
 
 — Master can, on penalty 178 
 
 has casting 426 
 
 — member cannot, in arrears at meeting before St. John the Evan- 
 
 geUst's Day 294 
 
 — of a Past Master joining another Lodge, as to 682 
 
 — of expulsion, how adopted 326 
 
 or suspension cannot be reconsidered at later meeting 327 
 
 — of the Lodge can authorize omission of meetings in July and August 446 
 
 — on division how determined 422, 423 
 
 — only members 425 
 
 — printed circular instructions as to, not binding on Representative . 635 
 
 — Representative cannot be instructed by the Lodge as to casting his 
 
 representative, for candidates 634 
 
 — separate, must be taken on resignations, suspensions and resto- 
 
 rations to membership 806 
 
 — Tyler, if a member of the Lodge, has the right to 662 
 
 — when member is not entitled to 294, 299, 306 
 
 — who has right to, at election of officers 304, 305, 316 
 
 Votes and Voting, See Ballot, 69-85; Elections 304-316 
 
 Voting, place of, considered place of residence 694 
 
 — is a positive act of citizenship, which is controlling in the question 
 
 of residence 397 
 
 — of members disqualified renders election illegal 304 
 
 Vouching for visitors, how to be done 19-22 
 
 Wardens, See Opficers 585-604; 620-630 
 
 Warden cannot resign from office without resigning membership 812 
 
INDEX 223 
 
 Warden may be Trustee 653 
 
 — must be installed separately 627 
 
 — one elected but not installed, not eligible for election as Master. . . 628 
 
 — and Treasurer, offices of, incompatible 629 
 
 Warrant 858-881 
 
 Sequestration of Warrant 872-877 
 
 Surrender of Warrant 877-879 
 
 Suspension of Warrant 880, 881 
 
 Warrant absent, work nuU and void 871 
 
 — application for duplicate 870 
 
 — cannot be sent out when Lodge is open 869 
 
 — copy of, may be printed with By-Laws 782 
 
 — custody of 868 
 
 -^ for Lodge in foreign coimtries, inexpedient to grant 328 
 
 — how granted 859, 860 
 
 — may be vacated for conferring Eastern Star degrees in a Lodge . . . 303 
 taken up for defying order of the Grand Master as to ■ 
 
 Cemeau Bodies 217 
 
 — members cannot be made life members and receive back donation 
 
 of one-half the amount paid 411 
 
 — must be in open Lodge 866, 867 
 
 — proceedings as to surrender of 876, 877 
 
 — requirements for 859, 860, 862-864 
 
 — same, two Lodges cannot work under 897 
 
 — sequestrated for attempt to controvert law as to force of decision 
 
 of the Grand Master 342 
 
 — sequestration of, causes for 872-874 
 
 or suspension effect of, 875, 880, 881, 878 
 
 — to be vacated, if Lodge No. — did not conform to Regulations as 
 
 to Lodges at the Havanna exercising the degrees of Ancient 
 Masonry 211 
 
 — who may apply for 861 
 
 — wilfully violating decisions, would be sequestrated 90 
 
 — will be suspended for refunding any portion of initiation fee 290 
 
 Whisper, man not able to speak above, not disquaUfied for Free- 
 masonry 757 
 
 Widow of expelled Mason may receive charity from a Lodge 199 
 
 Withdrawal Card, See CERTincATES 125-132 
 
 Withdrawal of members 416 
 
 Withdrawn petition of approved petitioner for initiation, etc., how 
 
 treated 716 
 
 — standing of petitioner for initiation, etc., when his petition is 721 
 
 Witnesses, accused and accuser cannot be compelled to be 181 
 
 — if Masons, testify upon their obhgations as such 181 
 
 — not Masons, must be sworn by one empowered to administer a 
 
 judicial oath 181 
 
 Work 88^-905 
 
 Work done at Master's will 887, 892 
 
 — during, no one can enter or retire 899 
 
224 INDEX 
 
 Work, how many Master Masons competent to do 883 
 
 — no, on Sunday 451, 452, 884 
 
 — null and void, if Warrant is absent 871 
 
 — of initiation must be done in full 891 
 
 — printing, writing, etc., of Masonic, not permitted 775, 778 
 
 — rehearsal of 902-905 
 
 — what, permitted 882 
 
 — when officers of new Lodge must have learned 901 
 
 part of may be omitted 894 
 
 — who may do 892, 893 
 
 Write, one who cannot, ineligible for Masonry 698 
 
 Writing of Masonic work, not permitted 775 
 
 Ybab, See Masokic Yeab 546 
 
 Yeas and nays, calling of, not known in Lodge 422, 423 
 
 Y. M. C. A., Lodge funds cannot be used for 437 
 
 Youth under Age, Making a Mason of 515 
 
c 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 }