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 FROM THE 
 
 BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY 
 
 COLLECTED BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWY 
 
 1854-1919 
 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 

 
 
The original of tliis book is in 
 tlie Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030300416 
 
Cornell University Library 
 HS445.I39 S66 
 
 Indiana Masonic law and forms of jaroced 
 
 "algaT'oao 300 41 6 
 
 olln.anx 
 
Indiana Masonic Law 
 
 FORMS OF PROCEDURE 
 
 Use of Freemasons and Masonic Lodges. 
 
 Compiled by 
 WILLIAM H. SMYTHE, 
 
 Grand Secretary 
 
 OF THE 
 
 M. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana. 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS : 
 
 SENTINEL PRINTING CO., PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 
 
 A. D. 1898. 
 
 ■'■ r 
 

 A5^f v7 7^. 
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1898, by 
 
 WILLIAM H. SMYTHE, 
 
 In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
 
Jr> 
 
THIS 
 
 LITTLE VOLUME 
 
 IS 
 
 AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 
 
 TO 
 MY FAMILY. 
 
Preface. 
 
 There has never been a time since I have had the honor 
 of being Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Grand 
 Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana, 
 that I have not felt the need of a clear and concise state- 
 ment of the meaning of the Laws enacted by the Grand 
 Lodge, together with a digest of the decisions of the same. 
 Such a work has been wanted by Grand Masters and by 
 Worshipful Masters. Committees on Jurisprudence, Griev- 
 ances and Appeals, and Charters and Dispensations have 
 realized keenly the need of such a work. Attorneys and 
 Brethren serving as counsel for Masons against whom charges 
 were pending, as well as attorneys for Lodges, have been 
 handicapped and impeded in their work by reason of the 
 fact that page after page of printed Proceedings must neces- 
 sarily be read to ascertain precedents now readily found in 
 the statement of facts set forth in the pages of this book. 
 
 Its mission is to save time and labor, and to enable Wor- 
 shipful Masters as well as Master Masons to know the law 
 of the Grand Lodge upon every material question presented 
 to and decided by it, from January 12, 1818, to May 26, 1898, 
 — in other words, from the organization of the Grand Lodge 
 to date. 
 
 I have spared neither time, pains nor labor to make the 
 work comprehensive, — full, complete and reliable. It con- 
 tains the garnerings of years of painstaking toil and study, 
 and it is confidently believed that it will lighten the burden 
 of those whose duty it may be to " disseminate light and 
 knowledge to the uninformed." 
 
 In the compilation and preparation of "Paet Second" of 
 this work, I have been assisted by that learned scholar, and 
 able Masonic Jurist, Past Grand Master Thomas B. Long, 
 
and it is due to him that I should say in this connection, 
 that "Paet Fikst" has been read by him, and has passed 
 the test of his critical and analytical square. 
 
 It is my ardent desire that every Freemason in Indiana, 
 from the humblest to the most exalted may be benefited, 
 and their burdens lightened by this book. 
 
 With these remarks in a general way, I now launch the 
 
 little craft, freighted with the gleanings of years, with the 
 
 hope that the faults and errors, if any be found therein, 
 
 may be covered with the "broad mantle of brotherly love 
 
 and charity." 
 
 Fraternally, 
 
 *i^it>^^^^^;e.i^i^ ^^X^^^j^l^^ 33° 
 
 IsDiAXAPOLis, November 17, A. L. 5898. 
 
Proemial. 
 
 Part First of this work is the opinion of the writer 
 based upon the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand 
 Lodge, and the General Eegulations for the government of 
 Subordinate Lodges in force at the date of the issue of the 
 same. A careful reading of Part First of this book will 
 show that it is divided into subjects corresponding with the 
 various topics shown in the Constitution, By-Laws and 
 General Eegulations of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, pub- 
 lished in 1894. While the General Eegulations referred to 
 seem to be clear and explicit in their provisions, yet experi- 
 ence has taught me that many do not understand or fully 
 comprehend their meaning, and my aim has been to throw 
 light upon and make them clear to those whose time for 
 investigation is limited. In the determination of questions 
 arising in the Lodge, the opinions herein'expressed may be 
 a help to right conclusions. The forms of procedure and 
 ceremonials are based upon the laws, usage and custom of 
 the Fraternity in Indiana, and are submitted as a guide to 
 those who are inexperienced in such matters. The experi- 
 enced Worshipful Master and Secretary will find them help- 
 ful. Grand Masters will also find herein forms to aid them 
 in their work. 
 
 The dominant purpose of the Digest of the decisions of 
 Grand Masters, approvals thereof by the Grand Lodge, reso- 
 lutions passed by the Grand Body from time to time creating 
 law additional to that of the existing General Eegulations, 
 and distinct actions of the Grand Lodge on specific subjects 
 having the operation and effect of legal enactments, com- 
 posing Part Secokd of the present publication, has been to 
 make the book an absolute and final authority for all the law 
 of the Grand Lodge (outside of the General Eegulations) and 
 
it has been prepared so that it may be tested on any occasion 
 and at all times by a comparison with any or all of the 
 original Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, so that after any 
 number of such tests — if they are ever made, as it is hoped 
 and desired they may be — its correctness and efficacy as an 
 authority may be ever after conceded, even to the extent that 
 "were every copy of the Proceedings lost or destroyed, it 
 ■could be confidently relied on as preserving the law of the 
 Grand Lodge of Indiana. 
 
 In order that this collation, then, shall, for the Masonic 
 jurist, student, and every future Grand Master, take the place 
 of the Proceedings themselves (since so many of these are 
 out of print or inaccessible) it has been deemed highly nec- 
 essary, even in its condensation of facts and law, to use, as far 
 as possible, " the very words " of the decisions and cases 
 digested in preference to such as would simply be synony- 
 mous, even though the compiler might think his the better — 
 because it is particularly designed not to present an oppor- 
 tunity to quibble over the use of other than the exact and 
 original words. 
 
 It is believed that this part of the book if not unique is at 
 least diflferent from any other publication of its kind, in that 
 it unites the characteristics of a digest with those of a col- 
 lection of leading cases, in the latter respect giving the 
 material facts of special cases, the dominant arguments 
 thereon, and the conclusions of law necessarily resulting 
 therefrom — omitting only the names of the parties as calcu- 
 lated to encumber the text without adding anything to the 
 force of the decisions. 
 
 During a part of the period embraced, to which it is not 
 necessary to give specific reference, under a procedure to 
 that effect the reports of the Committee on Grievances and 
 Appeals were received by the Grand Lodge without action 
 on its part, unless appeal was at the time taken from such 
 report ; but this failure of direct consideration made these 
 reports none the less the law of the Grand Lodge, since they 
 were so received without adverse action, which could have 
 been taken in any erroneous conclusion under the unques- 
 tionable power of the Supreme Body. And a similar rule — 
 
with similar alternatives and powers — also for a time applied 
 to the decisions of Grand Masters. On one or two occasions 
 — by probable oversight — decisions of Grand Masters were 
 not referred, and were, consequently, not reported on, but 
 upon this point one of the most eminent Masonic jurists in 
 the world has said that a decision of the Grand Presiding 
 Officer is final and conclusive in the case in which it is ren- 
 dered, and that he reports it to the Grand Body, not in order 
 to have his final action confirmed, but in order to have a 
 rule sanctioned by the Grand Body for the settlement of 
 future cases.* 
 
 The same purpose that has led to the exclusion of the 
 names of parties to cases has also induced the omission of 
 cross-references, and for this the additional opinion is enter- 
 tained that a copious index — notwithstanding the alpha- 
 betical arrangement of the text — will give a speedier and 
 better opportunity to the student or investigator to find the 
 authority he may need than to search for it throughout the 
 entire digest as he would virtually be constrained to do if 
 compelled to rely on a system of cross-references. A full 
 index is therefore added containing every title-word appli- 
 cable to every possible investigation, and also every cognate 
 word suggestive of such subject of research. 
 
 With these explanations it is believed that the scope, pur- 
 pose and use of the digest will be fully understood ; adding only 
 that there are but three abbreviations in the references to 
 the authority at the end of each paragraph, or statement of 
 law, namely : Proc. which is an abbreviation of the word 
 "Proceedings;" Jd., which is a similar shortening of the latin 
 word "Idem," meaning the same, implying here that the 
 statement it follows is sustained by the same authority 
 cited in that which immediately precedes it; and Hacker's 
 Rep., the latter word being an abbreviation of the word 
 "Eeprint." 
 
 =:'Josiah H. Drummond in Proceedings of tlie Grand Cliapter of Maine, 
 1897, p. 516. 
 
PART FIRST. 
 
INDIANA MASONIC LAW 
 
 KORNIS OK PROCEDURE; 
 
 USE OF FREEMASONS AND MASONIC LODGES. 
 
 THE GRAND LODGE OF INDIANA. 
 
 The title of the Grand Lodge is the "Most Worship- 
 ful Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Llonorable Fra- 
 ternity of Lree and Accepted Masons of the State of 
 Indiana." It consists of "a Grand Master, Deputy 
 Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Jumior Grand 
 Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand 
 Chaplain, Grand Lecturer, Grand Marshal, Senior 
 Grand Deacon, Junior Grand Deacon, Grand Stew- 
 ard and Tyler, together with the Master or his proxy 
 of the chartered Lodges under its jurisdiction and all 
 the Past Grand iMasters and Past Deputy Grand Mas- 
 ters" who are members of an Indiana subordinate 
 Lodge. 
 
 Quorum. 
 
 Before any business can be transacted by the Grand 
 Lodge there must be present the representatives of at 
 least ten chartered Lodges. 
 
GRAND OFFICEES — WHO AEE ELIGIBLE. 
 
 To be eligible to office in the Grand Lodge a brother 
 must be a member of an Indiana Lodge in good stand- 
 ing. Xo brother is eligible to the office of Grand 
 Master, Deputy Grand Master or Grand Warden un- 
 less he has been duly elected, installed and presided 
 over a subordinate Lodge. 
 
 Grand Officers must be installed before officiating 
 as such. 
 
 POWERS OF GRAND MASTER. 
 
 The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge has no pow- 
 ers except such as are delegated to him by the Grand 
 Lodge. lie cannot make laws, neither can he revoke 
 nor set them aside. It is his sworn duty to obey and 
 execute the laws that have been enacted by the Grand 
 Lodge. 
 
 Defining his duties, the Constitution of the Grand 
 Lodge of Indiana says that "he has the right to con- 
 vene the Grand Lodge in special communication, on 
 any emergency which in his judgment may require it. 
 He has the power, at his discretion, to assemble any 
 subordinate Lodge, and preside therein, inspect its 
 work, and require a strict conformity to the Constitu- 
 tional Rules and Eegulations of the Order. Lor good 
 reasons he may suspend the functions of any Lodge, 
 lie has the command of every Grand Officer, touching 
 the duties and ministrations of their several offices, 
 and may call on any of them for advice and assistance 
 on business relative to the Craft. He shall decide all 
 questions of law or usage submitted to him, subject, 
 
however, to an appeal to the Grand Lodge. During 
 the recess of the Grand Lodge he may grant dispensa- 
 tions for the formation of Lodges." 
 
 Tlie foregoing contains the powers delegated to tlie 
 Grand Master by the Grand Lodge in its Constitution.. 
 Xowhere is there any provision granting him the right 
 to set law aside, or to grant permission to Lodges to do 
 or perform any act prohibited by the Grand Lodge. 
 He cannot grant special dispensations to Lodges to 
 violate law — he must execute the laws made by the 
 Grand Lodge. 
 
 DUTIES OF THE GRAND MASTER. 
 
 The duties of the Grand Master are defined in Sec- 
 tion IV of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, as fol- 
 \ows: 
 
 "1. After opening the Grand Lodge, it shall be 
 the duty of the Grand Master to appoint the following- 
 Standing Committees, which shall consist of not less 
 than three members each, to be selected from the 
 members of the Grand Lodge, viz. : On Credentials, 
 On Examining Visiting Brethren, On Ways and 
 Means, On Unfinished Business, On Pay-Roll. 
 
 "2. To communicate in writing a statement of his. 
 official acts during the recess of the Grand Lodge. Lie 
 shall report the general condition of Masonry within 
 the jurisdiction, and recommend such legislation as he 
 may deem necessary or expedient for the welfare of 
 the Fraternity. 
 
 "3. To install his successor. 
 
 "4. To fill the vacancies of any Grand Office or 
 
10 
 
 committee that may occur during the recess of the 
 Grand Lodge. 
 
 "5. To sign the journal of the Grand Lodge at 
 every annual meeting, and to see that no transcript or 
 minutes therefrom shall at any time be printed or pub- 
 lished until subscribed as aforesaid. 
 
 "6. On or before the first day of May of each year, 
 to appoint the following Standing Committees, each 
 to consist of three members of the Grand Lodge, to 
 serve at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, to be 
 held on the fourth Tuesday of May following their 
 said appointment, to-wit: On Grievances and Ap- 
 peals, On Charters and Dispensations, On Accounts, 
 On Jurisprudence. 
 
 "7. LTpon cause shown, to suspend the functions 
 of a Lodge, and, for official misconduct, suspend the 
 Master of a Lodge from his ofiice." 
 
 "8. Before the close of each annual meeting of 
 the Grand Lodge, to appoint a Chairman for the Com- 
 mittee on Correspondence. 
 
 Section 44 of the General Regulations gives the 
 Grand Master the power to arrest the charter of a 
 Lodge for infringement of the jurisdiction of another 
 Lodge. 
 
 In addition to the foregoing, it is the duty of the 
 Grand Master to dedicate Masonic Halls, constitute 
 Lodges under charter, lay corner-stones, preside at the 
 trial of "Worshipful Masters for ofiicial misconduct or 
 unmasonic conduct, grant special dispensations to 
 Lodges to elect officers when they fail to elect at the 
 time provided by law, and when vacancies occur in the 
 
11 
 
 offices of Worshipful Master and Wardens, and, he 
 may grant new trials in cases where appeal is made 
 direct to liim. 
 
 POWERS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 
 
 "The Grand Lodge is the highest source of author- 
 ity in Ancient Craft ilasonry within the State of In- 
 diana. 
 
 "It may therefore — 
 
 "First. Grant dispensations and charters for hold- 
 ing regular Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons, 
 with the right to confer therein the several degrees of 
 Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, 
 and, when deemed expedient and for good cause, may 
 annul, revoke or amend such dispensation or charter, 
 or any pre-existing dispensation or charter. 
 
 "Second. It has original and exclusive jurisdic- 
 tion over all subjects of Masonic legislation, and ap- 
 pellate jurisdiction from the decisions of subordinate 
 Lodges; and its enactments and decisions upon all 
 questions shall be the supreme Masonic law of the 
 State. 
 
 "Third. It may assign the limits of each Lodge 
 under its jurisdiction, and settle all controversies that 
 may arise between them, and has the final decision 
 and determination of all matters of controversies or 
 grievances which may be brought up by appeal or 
 otherwise. 
 
 "Fourth. It may make and adopt general laws and 
 regulations for the government of the several Lodges 
 under its jurisdiction, and at pleasure alter, amend, or 
 repeal the same. 
 
12 
 
 ''Fifth. It may assess and collect from the several 
 Lodges under its jurisdiction such sums of money an- 
 nually as may be provided for in the By-Laws of the 
 Grand Lodge, and found necessary for the support 
 and maintenance thereof. 
 
 "Sixth. It may supervise the state and condition 
 of its own finances, and adopt such measures in rela- 
 tion thereto as may be for the good of the Order. 
 
 "Seventh. It may reprimand, suspend, or expel 
 any member from its own body for a violation of the 
 Oonstitution, By-Laws and Regulations of the Grand 
 Lodge, or for any other improper and unmasonic con- 
 duct. 
 
 "Eighth. It shall, at each annual communication, 
 consider and review the reports and doings of the 
 Grand Officers for the past year, as well as those of 
 the several Lodges under its jurisdiction. 
 
 "Ifinth. And, finally, may do whatsoever may be 
 regarded as necessary or appertaining to the well-being 
 and perpetuity of Ancient Craft Masonry within the 
 State of Indiana." 
 
 It is hardly necessary to comment upon the above 
 quoted powers of the Grand Lodge, unless it be to call 
 attention to the ninth paragraph, which, in the opin- 
 ion of the writer, is broad enough to cover almost 
 everything. Bear in mind, however, that the Wor- 
 shipful blaster of each Lodge is an integral part of the 
 Grand Lodge, and is responsible to the Craft in gen- 
 eral for the conduct of the biisiness of the Grand 
 Lodge; hence the importance of clerady understand- 
 ing what has been done by the Grand Lodge, and 
 
13 
 
 what may be done in accordance with its Constitution 
 to strengthen and benefit Freemasonry. 
 
 HOW TO ORGANIZE A NEW LODGE. 
 
 During the recess of the Grand Lodge the Grand 
 Master has authority to issue dispensations for the 
 formation of new Lodges. (See Article XI of the 
 Constitution of the Grand Lodge.) 
 
 The names of at least seven Master ]\Iasons must be 
 signed to a petition for a dispensation for a new Lodge, 
 and the petition must be recommended by all the 
 Lodges whose jurisdiction will be affected by the new 
 Lodge. (See Article XII, Constitution of the Grand 
 Lodge.) 
 
 The fee for a dispensation for a new Lodge is sixty 
 dollars, and the dispensation cannot issue until the 
 money is paid to the Grand Secretary. (See Section 
 XVI, By-Laws of the Grand Lodge.) 
 
 The petition for a dispensation should be in the fol- 
 lowing form, to-wit: 
 
 PETITION FOR DISPENSATION. 
 
 To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 
 Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana: 
 
 The undersigned petitioners, being Master Masons In 
 good standing and residents of the State of Indiana, having 
 the prosperity of Freemasonry at heart, are desirous of or- 
 
 ganiziBg a new Lodge in the (town, or city) of 
 
 county of and State of Indiana, to be called 
 
 Lodge. We therefore pray for a dispensation, 
 
 empowering us to open and hold a regular Lodge of Master 
 Masons at the place aforesaid, and therein to discharge the 
 duties and enjoy the privileges of Freemasonry in a regular 
 and constitutional manner. 
 
 AVe nominate and recommend Brother to be 
 
14 
 
 appointed Worshiipful Master; Brother Senior 
 
 Warden; and Brother Junior "Warden of said 
 
 Lodge. 
 
 Should the prayer of this petition be granted, we promise 
 a strict conformity to the Constitution, General Regulations 
 and Edicts of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 The jurisdiction of the following Lodges will be afCected 
 by the organization of the proposed new Lodge, and their 
 location and distance from said proposed Lodge is as fol- 
 lows, to-wit: 
 
 Lodge. 
 No. . 
 
 Location. 
 
 Distance. 
 Miles. 
 
 No . . 
 
 
 Miles, 
 
 No . . 
 
 
 Miles. 
 
 Namrs of Petitionees. 
 
 
 Name of Foemee Lodge. 
 Lodge No. . 
 
 
 
 Lodge No . . 
 
 
 
 Lodsre No . . 
 
 Each Master [Mason Avho signs the petition must 
 write his name in full, and must give the name of the 
 Lodge to which he belongs, or to which he formerly- 
 belonged. Xames must not be signed by initials — 
 that is to say, if your name is John Smith, it must not 
 be signed J. Smith, but must be written John Smith. 
 When the petition has been signed by all the Master 
 Masons desired, a convention should be called for the 
 purpose of selecting a name for the Lodge, and also to 
 select the first "Worshipful ]\Iaster, Senior Warden and 
 Junior Warden. The convention having assembled, 
 a President, Secretary and Treasurer should be se- 
 lected. 
 
 When the convention is thus organized, the busi- 
 ness preliminary to the organization of the Lodge 
 should be transacted in the order above set forth. 
 
15 
 
 Care should be taken to have the Secretary of the con- 
 vention keep and write up the minutes of the same. 
 The convention should direct the President tO' appoint 
 a committee to present the petition to the Lodges 
 whose jurisdictions may be affected. It must be pre- 
 sented to each Lodge at a stated meeting thereof. The 
 Lodges recommending the new Lodge must do so in 
 the following form, to-wit: 
 
 FORM OF RECOMMENDATION. 
 
 To the Most Worshipful Orand Master: 
 
 At a stated meeting of Lodge No. ., P. & A. 
 
 Masons, held at the hall of said Lodge, on the day 
 
 of 18. ., the petition of the several brethren, pray- 
 ing for a dispensation to organize a new Lodge at , 
 
 in the county of and State of Indiana, was laid 
 
 before said Lodge, when it was 
 
 Resolved, That this Lodge, being satisfied that the peti- 
 tioners are Master Masons in good standing, and being pre- 
 pared to vouch for their moral character and Masonic quali- 
 fications, does therefore recommend that the dispensation 
 prayed for be granted. 
 
 A true copy from the records. 
 [Seal.] Witness, my signature and the seal of 
 
 Lodge No .... , this 
 
 day of , 18 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 When this is done, attach the receipts for dues or 
 the dimits of the petitioners to the petition and enclose 
 them, with a bank draft or money order for sixty dol- 
 lars, in a strong envelope and forward them to the 
 Grand Master or the Grand Secretary. 
 
 When the Grand Master receives the petition he 
 will appoint a Special Deputy to visit the location of 
 the proposed new Lodge. The Special Deputy will 
 
16 
 
 inspect the hall in which the Lodge is to meet, to as- 
 certain "whether it is safe and suitable for a Masonic 
 Lodge. He will also require the petitioners to exem- 
 plify the work of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow 
 Craft and Master Mason's degrees, and if, in his opin- 
 ion, the hall is safe and suitable, and the petitioners 
 competent to confer the degrees in a manner neces- 
 sary to impart !Masonic knowledge, he will recommend 
 that the dispensation issue. ^Yhen the Grand Master 
 receives the report of the Special Deputy, he -will then 
 issue orders to the Grand Secretary to prepare the dis- 
 pensation for signature. The dispensation is signed 
 by the Grand Master and attested by the Grand Sec- 
 retary, and is then forwarded to the AVorshipful Mas- 
 ter of the new Lodge. 
 
 AVhen the TVorshipful Master receives it he will 
 call a meeting of the Lodge, and when the brethren 
 have assembled, the officers below the rank of Junior 
 Warden should be selected by the brethren, or ap- 
 pointed by the Worshipful Master, to serve during the 
 life of the dispensation, which in no case can be -longer 
 than May 15th following the date of the issue of the 
 dispensation. 
 
 After the subordinate officers have been selected, 
 the Worshipful blaster should order the Secretary to 
 read the dispensation, and should ask the Lodge to 
 formally accept the same. When this is done the 
 officers of the Lodge will take their respective stations, 
 and the Worshipful blaster will then open the Lodge 
 on the third degree of Masonry. The officers of a 
 Lodge under dispensation must not be installed. 
 
17 
 
 "When the Lodge is opened it may transact any busi- 
 ness necessary to be done. The Worshipful Master 
 must see that the Secretary enters the minutes of the 
 convention, a copy of the petition for the dispensation, 
 the dispensation and By-Laws of the Lodge in the rec- 
 ord of tlie Lodge, and he must also see that the name 
 of every member and visitor at all the meetings arc- 
 made a part of the record of the Lodge. 
 
 When the minutes of the Lodge are read at each 
 stated meeting, and approved by the Lodge, they must 
 be signed by the "Worshipful Master on the right hand 
 side, and attested by the Secretary on the left hand 
 side of the page of the record. The AYorshipful Mas- 
 ter should leave his station and sign the record as soon 
 as the minutes are approved by the Lodge. 
 
 On the fifteenth day of Maj the W^orshipful Master 
 must forward the dispensation, record and By-Laws of 
 the Lodge, together with a petition for a charter, and 
 the fee, forty-three dollars, to the Grand Secretary. 
 The petition for the charter may be in the form of a 
 resolution adopted by the Lodge at the last stated 
 meeting held by it. The resolution should be in the 
 following words, substituting the names of the officers 
 selected by the Lodge for the names herein, to-wit: 
 
 PETITION FOR CHARTER. 
 
 At a stated meeting of Alexander Buckner Lodge, U. 
 D., held at tlie ball of said Lodge, in Cliarlestown, Clark 
 county, Indiana, on Tuesday evening, May 10, 1898, the fol- 
 lowing resolntlon was adopted by .said Ivodge, to-wit: 
 
 Resolved, That .Vlexander Buckner Lodge U. D. hereby 
 petitions the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Ac- 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 cepted Masons of the State of Indiana to grant said Lodge a 
 charter, and that this Lodge nominates Brother Jonathan 
 Jennings for the first 'Worshipful ilaster. Brother Marston 
 G. Clarli for the first Senior Warden, and Brother Isaac 
 Howli for the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. 
 
 Witness my signature this 10th day of May, 1898. 
 James F. D. Laxiee, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 TV'lien tlie records, By-Laws and petition of the 
 Lodge are received by the Grand Secretary, they are 
 placed in the hands of the Committee on Charters 
 and Dispensations previously appointed by the Most 
 Worshipful Grand Master, and carefully examined, 
 and all errors, irregularities and violations of law 
 critically considered, and if, in the opinion of said 
 committee, the work done is free from errors, upon 
 their recommendation a charter may be granted in ac- 
 cordance with the wish of the petitioners. 
 
 XEW LODGE — HOW AND BY WHOM CONSTITUTED. 
 
 A new Lodge must be constituted by the Grand 
 ]\ [aster, or by a Special Deputy appointed by him for 
 that purpose. At the time agreed upon for the cere- 
 monies of constitution, the Grand Master or his Special 
 Deputy will meet the members in the hall of the new 
 Lodge. The constituting officer will first examine the 
 dimits of the petitioners to ascertain that all have com- 
 plied -^^ith Sections 12 and 13 of the General Regu- 
 lations, which provide that all who desire to remain 
 members of the new Lodge must file their dimits with 
 the officer constituting the Lodge. AATien that officer 
 is satisfied, he will make a complete list of the officers 
 and members of the Lodge and forward the same to 
 
19 
 
 the Grand Secretary. The officer constituting the 
 Lodge must confer the Past Master's degree upon the 
 Master of the new Lodge if that duty has not pre- 
 viously been performed. The ceremonies of consti- 
 tuting the Lodge may then proceed in accordance 
 with the ceremonies laid down in Thomas Smith 
 "Webb's Monitor, or they may be performed in the fol- 
 lowing manner:* 
 
 First. Have the charter read by the Secretary and 
 accepted by the Lodge. 
 
 Second. Open the new Lodge and install the offi- 
 cers. 
 
 Third. Formally declare the Lodge lawfully con- 
 stituted. 
 
 In concluding this chapter it is necessary to say 
 that all expenses attending the formation of a new 
 Lodge must be borne by the petitioners, and that the 
 proceedings attending the organization of a Lodge 
 must be substantially performed in the way and man- 
 ner herein outlined. Everything done and all the 
 ceremonies attending the same should be with dignity 
 and promptness. The Secretary should have the 
 pride necessary to prompt him to keep the records in a 
 neat and clean manner. The names of the members 
 attending the meetings should be written in full, plain 
 and distinct — they should never be given by initials, 
 because initials for Christian names mean nothing. 
 The Worshipful Master should examine the record of 
 the Lodge frequently to see that it is properly kept — 
 bear in mind always, that the record of a Lodge is its 
 
 ' Note.— See Lodges— How Constituted, page 73. 
 
20 
 
 history, and that hy it all claims to membership are 
 established; hence the great importance of correctly 
 keeping it. 
 
 LODGES — HOW DISSOLVED. 
 
 The General Regulations provide for the dissolution 
 of Lodges, but experience has taught me that the sub- 
 ject is not clearly understood. 
 
 There are three ways to dissolve a Lodge : 
 First. By the surrender of the charter. 
 Second. By the arrest of the charter ; and 
 Third. By consolidation •nith another Lodge. 
 
 When the members of a Lodge become convinced 
 that it has reached the end of its usefulness, a propo- 
 sition should be made in fl-riting at a stated meeting 
 thereof to surrender the charter of the same. Said 
 proposition must be seconded by a majority vote of 
 the members present when the proposition is made, 
 and, that every member of the Lodge may be fully ad- 
 vised that this preliminary step looking to the dissolu- 
 tion of the Lodge is pending, notice should be sent to 
 them, warning them of the fact, that at the next 
 stated meeting the vote will be taken upon said propo- 
 sition. Under the law (see Section 17, General Reg- 
 ulations) the vote cannot be taken at any other meet- 
 ing of the Lodge, neither can the charter be surren- 
 dered if seven members should vote against the propo- 
 sition. Seven Master ^lasons may procure, a charter, 
 and seven blaster Masons may prevent its sun-ender. 
 Tf the Lodge votes to surrender the charter, the "Wor- 
 shipful Master must take immediate possession of the 
 
21 
 
 charter and all the books and property of the Lodge, 
 and make an inventory of the effects of the same, and 
 send a copy of the inventory, together with a certifi- 
 cate of the surrender of the charter, to the Grand 
 Master. The Worshipful Master must also forward 
 to the Grand Secretary a list of the members of the 
 Lodge, together with a statement showing the amount 
 of dues owing by each for dues up to the date of the 
 surrender of the charter. 
 
 When the surrender of the charter has been ac- 
 cepted by the Grand Lodge, and the charter revoked, 
 the members of the Lodge may pay the dues owing by 
 them (at the time of the surrender of the charter) to 
 the Grand Secretary, and receive from him a certifi- 
 cate equivalent to a dimit, which will place them in a 
 position to petition another Lodge for membership. 
 
 When the charter of a Lodge is arrested by the 
 Orand Lodge, the same proceedings are to govern the 
 Special Deputy appointed by the Grand Master to 
 close up the Lodge as are imposed upon the Worship- 
 ful Master in case of the surrender of the charter, and 
 the same steps are necessary to procure enabling cer- 
 tificates from the Grand Secretary. 
 
 When Lodges have voted to consolidate, the charter 
 of one is revoked and the property and membership 
 rights are merged into one Lodge, without any other 
 action than that specifically set out in the General 
 Hegulations providing for the consolidation of Lodges. 
 The charter made void by the consolidation must be 
 letumed to the Grand Secretarv. 
 
22 
 
 ELECTION OF OFFICEES. 
 
 The officers of Lodges must be elected annually. In 
 no case can the officers of a Lodge continue for a 
 longer period than one year. Should a Lodge fail 
 from any cause to elect officers at the "stated meeting 
 next preceding the anniversary of St. John the Evan- 
 gelist," application should be immediately made to the 
 Grand Master for a special dispensation to hold an 
 election at the next stated meeting of the Lodge. 
 
 VACAXCIES I^' OFFICE. 
 
 Vacancies in the office of ^Varden, Treasurer or Sec- 
 retary may be filled by special election by the Lodge 
 at any stated meeting thereof, A^-ithout a special dis- 
 pensation from the Grand ]\Iaster. 
 
 When a vacancy occurs in the office of Worshipful 
 Master, the Warden next in rank becomes the acting 
 Worshipful Master, possessed of all the rights, powers 
 and duties of the Worshipful !Master, including the 
 biu'ial of the dead, excepting, however, the right to a 
 seat in the East when visiting a sister Lodge, and ex- 
 cepting the right to install officers, and the right to 
 the Past Master's degree, or to perform the pubhc 
 ceremonies of the Fraternity not mentioned above; 
 and all orders signed by him and all records approved 
 by him should be signed "Acting Worshipful Mas- 
 ter." The same instruction applies with equal force 
 to the Junior Warden when assuming the office of 
 Worshipful Master in the absence of the AYorshipful 
 ]^Iaster and Senior Warden. The fact should not be 
 lost sight of that the vacancy is in the office of Wor- 
 
23 
 
 sMpful Master, and that when the Senior Warden as- 
 sumes the duties of Worshipful Master, that the office 
 of Senior Warden does not thereby become vacant. 
 The acting Worshipful Master may call any brother 
 to the office of Senior AYarden pro tempore, and, that 
 because of the elevation of the Senior Warden it does 
 not follow that the officers below that rank are thereby 
 promoted one step. 
 
 WHO AEE ELIGIBLE TO OFFICE. 
 
 Any ^Master Mason who has been elected, installed 
 and served as Senior or Junior Warden of a chartered 
 Lodge, or has been appointed and served as AVorship- 
 ful Master of a Lodge under dispensation, is eligible 
 for election to the office of Worshipful Master of a 
 chartered Lodge. A brother who has not served in 
 accordance with the above cannot be installed Master 
 of a Lodge, even though the members thereof should 
 elect him. It would be unlawful for any Past Master 
 to install into office a brother net qualified as above 
 indicated. 
 
 INSTALLATION OF OFFICEES. 
 
 The officers of a Lodge must be installed as often as 
 elected, and the installation ceremonies must be per- 
 formed by a present or actual Past Master; in other 
 words, the ceremonies must be performed by one who 
 has himself been installed as AYorshipful blaster of a 
 chartered Lodge. The installing Past Master must 
 also be affiliated with some regular Lodge of Master 
 ^lasons. A brother who has received the Past Mas- 
 ter's degree in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, but 
 
24 
 
 who has not been elected and installed "Worshipful 
 ^Master of a Lodge, cannot install the officers of a 
 Lodge. 
 
 WORSHIPFUL MASTER. 
 
 To be thoroughly competent to discharge the duties 
 of the office of Worshipful Master requires long years 
 of hard study, close application, much sacrifice of time, 
 and unlimited patience. A brother may be thor- 
 oughly competent to confer the degrees of Freema- 
 sonry, and yet totally incompetent to discharge the 
 •duties pertaining to the office of "Worshipful Master. 
 To be thoroughly fitted for that high office a brother 
 must be conversant with the Ancient Landmarks of 
 Freemasonry, the Constitution and General Kegula- 
 tions of the Grand Lodge, the By-Laws of his Lodge, 
 and he must also be well informed upon Masonic juris- 
 prudence and Masonic parliamentary law; he must 
 also be versed in the etiquette of the Fraternity. In 
 other words, he must he equipped to discharge any 
 duty that may fall to his lot while standing before 
 his brethren as the head of his Lodge. AYhen a ques- 
 tion of law is raised in the Lodge, the Worshipful 
 Master should be able to promptly make a ruling 
 thereon, and when he has made his decision he should 
 have the firmness to prohibit further discussion. 
 "When the Grand ^Master visits the Lodge, the Master 
 should know how to receive him as such, and thus 
 shield the Lodge from mortification, himself from con- 
 fusion, and the Grand Master from embarrassment. 
 The Worshipful blaster must know the proper form of 
 keeping the records of the Lodge, and he must see that 
 
26 
 
 they are correctly kept; he must know that all finan- 
 cial matters are "properly rendered," and that every- 
 thing pertaining to the business and well-being of his 
 Lodge receives prompt attention. The Grand Lodge 
 holds him responsible .for the conduct of his Lodge. 
 There is no room or place in a Masonic Lodge for lev- 
 ity or trifling, and it devolves upon the Master to pre- 
 vent and forbid anything of the kind. He must re- 
 quire the brethren to perform the solemn and impres- 
 sive ceremonies with dignity and decorum, and he 
 may waive his right to preside in favor of any com- 
 petent brother at any time, and he should tender the 
 gavel to the Grand Master whenever that officer visits 
 his Lodge. In a subsequent chapter, and under an- 
 other head, many of the duties and civilities pertain- 
 ing to the office of Worshipful Master will be more 
 fully set out and explained. 
 
 LODGE MEETINGS. 
 
 The stated meetings of the Lodge must be held at 
 the time designated in the By-Laws. By providing 
 stated periods for the transaction of business, undue 
 advantage cannot be taken of the members, because 
 the By-law is a perpetual notice to the brethren, and 
 they can have no excuse for criticism, neither can they 
 complain of the lawful action of the Lodge, for the 
 very just reason that they knew when the Lodge 
 would meet, and it was their duty to be present in 
 their respective places in the Lodge. 
 
 The Worshipful Master has the authority to call 
 meetings of his Lodge for the following purposes only, 
 viz.: To confer degrees; for the trial of a brother; to 
 
26 
 
 attend the funeral of a deceased Master ]Mason ; to in- 
 stall the officers of a Lodge; to attend the ceremonies 
 of laying the corner-stone of ^Masonic Halls or Tem- 
 ples, or to attend the laying of the corner-stones of 
 public edifices when the same are laid by the Grand 
 Master; to attend the dedication of halls for Masonic 
 purposes; and to attend the celebration of St. John's 
 day. 
 
 The Worshipful blaster cannot call a meeting of his 
 Lodge to ti-ansact any business except that above speci- 
 fied. In other words, the Worshipful Master cannot 
 call a meeting to receive or act upon petitions, nor to 
 transact any business involving the finances of the 
 Lodge. A Lodge cannot be opened on Sunday, ex- 
 cept to attend the funeral of a Master Mason. 
 
 PLACE OF MEETING. 
 
 A Lodge must hold its meetings in the to-mi or city 
 named in the charter thereof, except "for funerals or 
 other public ceremonials'' it may be opened or closed 
 in a safe and suitable place within its jurisdiction. It 
 cannot be opened for any purpose mthin the jurisdic- 
 tion of another Lodge. > A Lodge cannot hold meet- 
 ings in a hall occupied by any organization not Ma- 
 sonic. In other words, a Masonic Lodge may hold its 
 meetings in a hall occupied by a Chapter of Royal 
 Arch Masons, a Council of Koyal and Select Masters, 
 a Commandery of Ivnights Templar, a Council of the 
 Order of High Priesthood, the Ancient and Accepted 
 Scottish Eite of Freemasons, and a Chapter of the 
 Order of the Eastern Star. Xo other organization 
 
27 
 
 whatsoever can meet in the hall of a Masonic Loclge, 
 and it is not in the power of the Cirand Master to grant 
 n special dispensation to alter, change or modify 'the 
 law upon this subject, and it is a waste of time, pa- 
 tience and postage to ask him to do so, because it is his 
 sworn duty to execute and obey the law. 
 
 MEETINGS — WHO AND WHAT NECESSARY. 
 
 Before a Lodge can be opened on any degree, there 
 must be present a dispensation or charter from lawful 
 authority, together with the Holy Bible, Square and 
 Compasses. 
 
 To open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices or a Lodge 
 of Fellow Crafts, there must be present seven Master 
 ]\Iasons, one of whom must be the Master or Warden 
 of the Lodge. To open a Lodge of Master Masons 
 there must be present seven Master Masons, one of 
 whom must be the blaster or Warden of the Lodge, 
 and to open a Lodge of Master Masons at the stated 
 meeting of the Lodge, the same requirements are nec- 
 essary, with the addition that the seven Master Masons 
 present must be members of the Lodge. 
 
 LODGE MUST MEET. 
 
 If a Lodge fails to hold stated meetings for six con- 
 secutive months, it thereby places itself within the 
 power of the Grand Piaster, and he may suspend the 
 functions thereof, and render the charter of no legal 
 force or effect whatsoever. 
 
 RECORDS OF LODGE. 
 
 When the records or minutes have been approved 
 by the Lodge they cannot be expunged, neither can 
 
28 
 
 they be altered ; hence the great importance of having 
 the minutes correctly written, and it is also equally 
 important that they state the facts, otherwise the rec- 
 ord may be encumbered with an error that remains of 
 record perpetually ; and while the Lodge may by nun- 
 cupative action at a subsequent meeting correct the 
 error, yet the fact still remains lapon the record of the 
 Lodge that a grievous or annoying blunder was made, 
 and approved by the Lodge. Let me admonish you 
 to watch the reading of the minutes. 
 
 GEOGEAPHICAL JURISDICTION. 
 
 The petition for a dispensation for a new Lodge 
 specifies the names of all the Lodges whose jurisdic- 
 tions may be aifected by the organization of the 
 Lodge. The Grand Lodge verifies the statements 
 contained in the petition, and makes it the basis for its 
 action in defining the boundary line of the jurisdic- 
 tion of the proposed Lodge. Figuratively speaking, 
 it sets the corner-stones — runs the lines and establishes 
 by solemn enactment the boundaries thereof. AVhen 
 the charter is delivered to the j)etitioners by the Grand 
 ]\Iaster or his lawfully deputized agent, the petitioners 
 are required to formally accept the same, which is al- 
 \vays done by a unanimous vote of the Lodge. The 
 Grand Lodge has granted the Lodge the power to 
 make Masons of all "good men and true" within the 
 boundary outlined in the petition. Every member of 
 the Lodge is bound by the contract, and when a Lodge 
 violates its agreement with the Grand Lodge it com- 
 mits a grievous -wrong that cannot be atoned by the 
 payment of money to the Lodge wronged by its un- 
 
29 
 
 masonic action. The Lodge owes it tO' itself, to the 
 Grand Lodge, and to Freemasonry as well, to care- 
 fully consider and be absolutely certain that it has 
 jui'isdiction over a candidate before it receives his pe- 
 tition. If a doubt arises, give the sister Lodge the 
 benefit of the doubt until a direct or air-line (as a bird 
 would fly) can be run from the residence of the can- 
 didate to the sister Lodge. If he resides nearer to 
 your Lodge than he does to the sister Lodge, receive 
 his petition; if, however, he resides nearest the sister 
 Lodge, stop further proceedings, and by resolution 
 adopted by your Lodge ask your sister Lodge to waive 
 jurisdiction over the candidate in favor of your Lodge. 
 In towns and cities where there is more than one 
 Lodge, each Lodge has equal jurisdiction, and equal 
 right to receive and act upon a petition, and equal 
 right also to waive jurisdiction in favor of a Lodge of 
 another jurisdiction, and, it is not necessary to ask but 
 one Lodge to waive jurisdiction. To make this point 
 clear and explicit, let me illustrate: A candidate re- 
 siding in Indianapolis (which has nine Lodges) de- 
 sires to be made a Mason in Bridgeport Lodge ISTo. 
 1G2, nine miles west of Indianapolis. Bridgeport 
 Lodge applies to Marion Lodge ^o. 35 of Indianapolis 
 for a waiver of jurisdiction over the candidate. Ma- 
 rion Lodge, by a vote thereof, complies with the re- 
 quest. Bridgeport Lodge may then receive and act 
 upon the petition. 
 
 PENAL JURISDICTION. 
 
 A ]\Iaster Mason, whether afiiliated with a Lodge or 
 not, is answerable to the Lodge within whose jurisdic- 
 
30 
 
 tion he may reside. If he commit a Masonic offense, 
 he may be charged, tried and punished by the Lodge 
 within whose jurisdiction he resides, or he may be 
 charged, tried and punished by the Lodge of which he 
 is a member. The only qualification is, — that in towns 
 and cities where there is more than one Lodge, 'the 
 offending brother must be tried in his own Lodge, pro- 
 vided he is a member of one of the Lodges in the town 
 or city where he resides. The law clearly enjoins 
 upon Lodges the imperative duty to take cognizance 
 of the conduct of all Master [Masons within their re- 
 spective jurisdictions. 
 
 Lodges do not have penal jurisdiction over the 
 Grand Master or Worshipful [Masters for official mis- 
 conduct — the Grand Lodge alone has jurisdiction in 
 such cases. 
 
 PETITION FOB DEGKEES OE MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 A petition to be made a Mason, or a petition for 
 membership, cannot be presented to a Lodge at a 
 called meeting; neither can a vote be taken upon a 
 petition at a called meeting. All business relating to 
 petitions must be transacted at a stated meeting. The 
 selection of material for the ilasonic Lraternity is one 
 of the most important duties delegated to Lodges by 
 the Grand Lodge; hence the necessity of surrounding 
 it with stringent safeguards. The law requires that a 
 petition shall be presented at a stated meeting, with 
 the further requirement that it lie over for considera- 
 tion at least four weeks. These provisions are -s-s'ise, 
 because they prevent an unscrupulous Worshipful 
 
31 
 
 Master from taking advantage of an absent member — 
 a member, perhaps, Avho may possess evidence of the 
 total unfitness of a candidate, and it also gives the resi- 
 dent members an opportunity to ascertain for them- 
 selves the pendency of all petitions, thus rendering it 
 possible for them to be present and cast their votes for 
 or against the applicant. 
 
 There is no provision whatever in the laws of the' 
 Grand Lodge of Indiana providing for cases of emer- 
 gency. A Lodge has no right to declare an emer- 
 gency, neither can the Grand Master grant it permis- 
 sion to do so. By its laws the Grand Lodge has said 
 that there is no emergency — that a petition must be 
 held up four weeks before the Lodge can act upon it. 
 
 Petitions cannot be received from sojourners. The 
 petitioner must reside within the jurisdiction of the 
 Lodge six months before he can petition the Lodge to 
 be made a jMason. A legal voting residence is not 
 always a Masonic residence. A voter may remove 
 from one precinct to another, or from one to\vnship to 
 another in the same count}, and gain a legal residence 
 in thirty days, and he may remove from one county to 
 another and gain a legal residence in sixty days. 
 There may be two or more Lodges in one township or 
 county, and yet, under Masonic law, if a man removes 
 from the jurisdiction of one Lodge to the jurisdiction 
 of another Lodge in the same township or county, he 
 must reside there six months before he acquires Masonic 
 residence. 
 
 If a petitioner is rejected by an Indiana Lodge, he 
 cannot petition another Lodge for one year. How- 
 
32 
 
 ever, the Lodge which rejected him may, by a unam- 
 mous vote taken at a stated meeting thereof, waive 
 jurisdiction in favor of another Lodge. 
 
 If a petitioner wishes to ^vithdraw his petition, he 
 must make application in writing therefor, and obtain 
 the consent of the Lodge by a majority vote. 
 
 QUALIFICATIONS OF PETITIONEES. 
 
 A candidate for the degrees of Freemasonry must 
 be twenty-one years of age, must possess a good moral 
 character, be able to support himself and family, a 
 resident of the jurisdiction of the Lodge six months, 
 and physically, must be able to comply in every par- 
 ticular \vith the requirements of Freemasonry. He 
 must be able to hear, see and feel, and he must be- 
 lieve in a Supreme Being. He must possess hands, 
 arms, legs and feet, and he must possess the thumb 
 and fingers of the right hand. The loss of one eye or 
 the thumb and fingers of the left hand would not de- 
 bar a candidate. 
 
 The Grand Master has no authority whatever to 
 issue dispensations to Lodges to make ilasons of men 
 who are not physically able to comply with the re- 
 quirements of Freemasonry. An intelligent Wor- 
 shipful ^Master can always determine, after seeing a 
 candidate, whether he may or may not be made a Ala- 
 son. When offering prayer, Masons often kneel for 
 that purpose: therefore, a candidate must be able to 
 kneel on one or both knees. 
 
 The Committee on Character, when investigating 
 the character of a petitioner, should see the candidate 
 
38 
 
 personally, and ascertain hj judicious questioning, or 
 by an examination, if necessary, as to the physical abil- 
 ity of the petitioner, and should orally report all the 
 facts gleaned, clearly stating all information relating 
 to the candidate, either good, bad or indifferent, that 
 the Lodge may be in possession of all the facts in con- 
 nection with the candidate before voting upon his ad- 
 mission. 
 
 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PETITIONS. 
 
 The -report of a committee on the petition of a can- 
 didate for the degrees or membership must not be re- 
 corded in the minutes of the Lodge, neither should it 
 be written. The report should be orally made, and 
 the record of the Lodge should be made to show the 
 facts in substantially the following form: The com- 
 mittee upon the petition of Mr. John Smith to be 
 made a Mason reported and was discharged; there- 
 upon the ballot was spread for the candidate aforesaid 
 to be made a Mason, which resulted in his election (or 
 rejection, as the case may be). 
 
 Immediately after the committee reports, the ballot 
 must be spread; it cannot be postponed. It is not 
 necessary for the "Worshipful Master to wait for a 
 motion to pass the ballot-box; he should order the 
 same as soon as the committee reports. 
 
 LODGE MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 A ilason becomes a member of a Lodge by affilia- 
 tion or by being elected to and receiving the degrees 
 in the same. A dimitted or non-affiliated Mason must 
 present his petition for affiliation, accompanied by a 
 dimit or certificate of his former affiliation. 
 3 
 
84 
 
 A Master Mason may petition any Lodge for mem- 
 bership, wlietlier lie resides witMn the jurisdiction of 
 the same or not, and a Mason cannot be a member of 
 but one Lodge. Membership in a Lodge cannot be 
 forfeited by operation of law. Membership may be 
 terminated as follows: By death, dimitting, or being 
 suspended or expelled. If suspended or expelled, it 
 must be done by a vote of the Lodge, except in cases 
 where the charge is for non-payment of dues. When 
 the charge is non-payment of dues, the Lodge finds 
 guilty by a vote and the Worshipful Master declares 
 the accused indefinitely suspended. 
 
 When a ]\Iason finds it necessary- to dimit from his 
 Lodge, he must pay all dues o^^'ing by him to the date 
 of the meeting when application is made for a dimit. 
 He must then make his application for dimit in writ- 
 ing and attach his receipt for dues to it, and present it 
 at a stated meeting of the Lodge. A dimit must be 
 issued by a vote of the Lodge at a stated meeting 
 thereof. It cannot be issued at a called meeting. 
 
 HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 The law provides that Lodges may elect honorary 
 members. The authority to do so is limited to mem- 
 bers of other Lodges. A Lodge cannot elect one of 
 its own members to honorary membership. Lf a 
 Lodge has within its jurisdiction a Mason who has 
 achieved distinction either in ]\Iasonry, the State, ISTa- 
 tion, or in the arts and sciences, and who holds mem- 
 bership in another Lodge, it may elect him an honor- 
 
35 
 
 ary member thereof, thereby identifying him with 
 your Lodge, thus caiising him to feel and take an in- 
 terest in the same, without the necessity of severing 
 his former Masonic ties. A Lodge may also take up 
 the name of any Mason in the State outside of its 
 jurisdiction and elect him to honorary membership. 
 Honorary membership does "not confer any of the 
 rights of regular membership." To elect one of your 
 own members to honorary membership would be to 
 take from him rights and privileges with which the 
 law endows him. Lodges, through a misconception 
 of the law, attempt to relieve members from the pay- 
 ment of dues by electing them honorary members. 
 Such proceedings are void, illegal, and of no effect, 
 and when a motion of that sort is made the Worship- 
 ful Master should promptly rule it out of order. You 
 must limit the honorary roll of your Lodge to mem- 
 bers of other Lodges. 
 
 BALLOT FOR DEGREES OR MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 When voting for members or for candidates to re- 
 -ceive the degrees, the ballot must be taken at a stated 
 meeting, and every member of the Lodge present must 
 vote. The Worshipful Master cannot excuse a mem- 
 ber from this duty, neither can the Lodge, because the 
 law upon the subject is mandatory. One black ball 
 or one black cube will reject a candidate for member- 
 ship or the degrees. The law provides that where one 
 negative vote appears upon first passing the ballot, 
 that it shall be passed the second time, and that if the 
 negative vote appears again, the rejection of the ap- 
 plicant shall be declared. It is not proper to permit 
 
36 
 
 any statements to be made by any member after the 
 Committee on Cbaracter lias reported and the bal- 
 lot has been ordered, neither is it proper to enter- 
 tain a motion to reconsider a ballot vote, either before 
 or after the declaration of the result by the AVorship- 
 f ul ]\Iaster ; in other words, the language of the Grand 
 Lodge law upon the subject is that "a vote by ballot 
 can in no case be reconsidered." One ballot will elect 
 a candidate to receive all the degrees conferred by 
 the Lodge. 
 
 In all matters affecting membership in the Lodge 
 (except granting dimits) the vote must be taken by 
 ballot. In gTanting dimits the vote may be taken by 
 aye and nay vote or by a show of hands. There is no 
 law for taking a vote by rising to the feet. There are 
 only three ways of expressing the will of the Lodge: 
 First, by ballot; second, by ayes and nays; and third, 
 by a show of hands. 
 
 A ballot vote is both secret and sacred. A mem- 
 ber has no right whatever to state whether he cast an 
 aihrmative or negative vote, neither has he any right 
 to make any statement, either in or out of the Lodge, 
 as to how others may have voted. The secrecy of the 
 ballot would be destroyed if members were permitted 
 to reveal their votes. If a ilason reveals the char- 
 acter of his vote, or if he makes a statement that a 
 member cast a negative vote, or even an affirmative 
 vote, he renders himself liable to charges of unma- 
 sonic conduct, and, if charged and found guilty, may 
 be expelled for the violation of the law. It is just as 
 ereat an offense to state that vou ca^t an affirmative 
 
37 
 
 vote as it is to say tliat joii cast a negative vote ; botli 
 are proliibited by tlie law, and the liarmony and well- 
 being of tlie Lodge demands that the Worshipful Mas- 
 ter require a strict compliance with the law, and that 
 he promptly rebuke any and all violations of the law 
 relating to the secrecy of the ballot. Failure to en- 
 force the law of the secrecy of the ballot will destroy 
 the harmony and iTsefidness of the Lodge. Enforce 
 the law strictly. 
 
 BALLOT — HOW ANNULLED. 
 
 After a candidate is elected to receive the degrees 
 ■of Masonry, a member of the Lodge may tile objec- 
 tions with the AA'orshipful Master against the candi- 
 date. AYhen objections have been filed with the Wor- 
 shipful Master, the degree of Entered Apprentice can- 
 not be conferred. The ballot electing him is thereby 
 annulled, and it is the duty of the Worshipful Master 
 to report to the Lodge at the first stated meeting after 
 the objections were filed with him, the fact that objec- 
 tions were filed against the candidate (naming the can- 
 didate). In making his report the Worshipful Mas- 
 ter must be very careful not to divulge the name of 
 the objecting member. When the Worshipful Mas- 
 ter reports the facts in the manner outlined abo^e, the 
 Secretary should make the record relating to the same 
 read substantially as follows, using the name of the 
 candidate for the blank in this form: The Worship- 
 ful Master announced to the Lodge that a member of 
 this Lodge has filed objections with him against 
 
 Mr. , who was on tlie day- of , 
 
 18 — , elected to receive the degrees in this Lodge. 
 
38 
 
 Said objections having the legal force and effect of a. 
 
 negative ballot, the election of ^iv. aforesaid 
 
 is thereby annulled, and his petition declared rejected. 
 
 ADVANCEMENT — HOW PKEVENTED. 
 
 AYhen a candidate has received the Entered Ap- 
 prentice or Fellow Craft degrees he is endowed -\vitl» 
 rights not possessed by the profane. An objection 
 filed with the Worshipful IMaster will not permanently 
 stop him. When a candidate has received either of 
 said degrees, a member may file objections with the- 
 Worshipful ]\Iaster against his further advancement. 
 At the first stated meeting afterwards the Worshipful 
 Master must report that objections have been filed 
 
 against Brother , an Entered Apprentice, or 
 
 Fellow Craft, as the case may be, and he should also 
 announce that if the objector desires to permanently 
 stop the candidate, that he must prefer charges against 
 him, and he should also announce that if the charges 
 are not preferred on or before the next stated meet- 
 ing of the Lodge, that he will (if satisfied that the 
 candidate is worthy) confer the degree upon him. In 
 other words, an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft 
 cannot be stopped longer than one month by a mere 
 objection. The objector must prefer charges, and he- 
 must prove them to the satisfaction of the Lodge. If 
 the candidate, after a fair and impartial trial, is ac- 
 quitted of the charge, the Worshipful ]\Iaster must 
 proceed to confer the remaining degrees upon him. 
 
 REJECTED APPLICANT. 
 
 When a petition for the degrees or for membership 
 is rejected by the Lodge, that petition is dead, and can- 
 
39 
 
 not be used again to present the name o£ the party to 
 the Lodge, and it is the dvity of the Secretary to notify 
 the applicant of his rejection. If it is a petitioner for 
 the degrees, the fee must be returned with the notice, 
 and if for membership, the dimit, and fee, if any, 
 must also be returned to the applicant. If a peti- 
 tioner desires to petition the Lodge again, it cannot be 
 done imtil the next stated meeting of the Lodge. A 
 petitioner must sign his own petition; in no case can 
 this be done by anyone else. Friends of an applicant 
 cannot sign his name to a new petition the evening -of 
 his rejection, and renew the same. The candidate 
 must be consulted and fully informed of his rejection, 
 and thus given an opportunity to determine for him- 
 self as to the advisability of renewing the same; and 
 besides, a petition signed by a friend is not the bona 
 fide act or petition of the applicant. An applicant for 
 affiliation must submit to the ordeal of the secret bal- 
 lot the same as a petitioner for the degrees, and he 
 must yield with becoming grace to the will of the 
 members of the Lodge. One of the greatest rights 
 vested in a Lodge is the right to determine for itself 
 who shall become members thereof — nay, more: it is 
 an unalterable and fixed law of Freemasonry that 
 each and every member of a Lodge has an absolute 
 right to vote for or against any candidate, and, as set 
 out in a former chapter, the right to complain at the 
 action of a member in thus asserting his rights does 
 not exist, but, on the other hand, is jDrohibited. If a 
 member even suspects any particular member of cast- 
 ing a negative ballot, that fact must be kept within 
 himself, and he has no right whatever to mention it to 
 
40 
 
 others. Many complaints hare come to the writer on 
 account of the rejection of Master Masons for affilia- 
 tion, and in some instances I have been asked to in- 
 voke the aid of the Grand ^Master in behalf of snch ap- 
 plicants. In answer to all such letters I have invari- 
 ably answered that there is no power on earth to pre- 
 vent or prohibit a blaster "ilason from casting a nega- 
 tive vote. A Master ilason who seeks the aid of the 
 Grand ]\Iaster to enable him to affiliate with a Lodge 
 needs a lesson in humility — needs to learn that when 
 he dimits from his Lodge of his own free vnll and ac- 
 cord, that it is the right of those who stay within the 
 fold to say whether he shall ever come back again. 
 Submission to the will of the Lodge is the paramount 
 duty of all good Masons. He who will not submit 
 gracefully is hardly worthy of membership. 
 
 REQUIREMENTS FOE ADVANCEMENT. 
 
 Freemasonry requires a certain degree of intelli- 
 gence in its members. These requirements are just 
 and reasonable. A iilason must be able to acquire 
 and retain a certain amount of knowledge; therefore, 
 after receiving the first degree, he must acquire the 
 knowledge required by Freemasonry before the sec- 
 ond degree can be conferred upon him, and the same 
 requirement follows when he has received the second 
 degree. His advancement, consequently, depends on 
 his ability and energy in making the necessary pro- 
 ficiency in the degrees. The Worshipful Master 
 should never advance a candidate until he can pass a 
 creditable examination in open Lodge, or in the pres- 
 ence of competent witnesses. Furthermore, after a 
 
41 
 
 candidate has received the third degree, the AVorship- 
 ful Master owes it to the brother, his Lodge in particu- 
 lar, and to Freemasonry in general, that the candidate 
 receive tlie instruction in that degree to enable him to 
 "travel" and make himself known as a Mason. The 
 AVorshipful [Master should assure himself that every 
 candidate initiated, passed and raised in his Lodge is 
 competent to travel and work as a graduate; in other 
 words, he should be certain that the workmen sent 
 out by him are skilled Craftsmen. 
 
 EITES AND DEGREES. 
 
 The Ancient York Rite of Freemasonry is the only 
 rite recognized by the Grand Lodge of Indiana. It has 
 absolute authority over and delegates authority to its 
 subordinate Lodges to confer the degrees of Entered 
 Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, and it 
 also recognizes the degTee of Past Master, which it re- 
 quires AYorshipful Alasters-elect to be in possession of 
 before they are qualified for installation. 
 
 PAST master's degree. 
 
 T\"hen a member of a Lodge is elected to the office 
 of AA^orshipful Master, if not in possession of the de- 
 gree of Past Master, it nrast be conferred upon him 
 in what is known as a convocation of Past Masters be- 
 fore he can be installed as Master of his Lodge. 
 
 AVhen elected to that office, the Secretary must give 
 him a certificate of his election, which should be in 
 the form following, to-wit: 
 
42 
 
 Hall of Lodge No , F. & A. Maso-ns. 
 
 Ind 18. .. 
 
 To any Actual Past Master: 
 
 This is to certify, That at a stated meeting of the above 
 
 named Lodge, held at the hall thereof on the day of 
 
 IS. ., Brother a Master Mason and a 
 
 member of the aforesaid Lodge, was duly and lawfully 
 elected Worshipful Master of said Lodge for the ensuing 
 year. 
 
 Witness, my signature and the seal 
 [Seal.] of said Lodge the date first above 
 
 written. 
 
 Secretai-y. 
 
 If there is no Past Master in the Lodge competent 
 to confer the degree, the "Worshipful Master-elect 
 must take the certificate to some Past Master. of a 
 neighboring Lodge. Three actual Past Masters may 
 confer the degree, and when they confer the degree 
 upon a ]M aster-elect, they must furnish him with a 
 certificate of that fact, which should be in the follow- 
 ing form, to-wit: 
 
 Hall of Lodge No , F. & A. Masons. 
 
 Ind 18. .. 
 
 To any Past Master: 
 
 At a convocation of Past Masters, held in the hall of the 
 above named Lodge, the following Past Masters being pres- 
 ent, viz.: A. B., C. D., B. F., etc., a convocation of Past Mas- 
 ters was opened with the following officers, viz.: 
 
 W. M., S. W., J. W., 
 
 Secretary, S. D J. D., 
 
 Tyler. 
 
 The Worshipful Master announced that a convocation of 
 Past Masters was opened for the purpose of conferring the 
 Past Master's degree upon Brother , Worship- 
 ful Master-elect of Lodge No. ., P. & A. Masons, 
 
 said brother having furnished this convocation with a cer- 
 
43 
 
 tifieate of his election to said office. Thereupon Brother 
 
 was introduced and seated in the Oriental Chair 
 
 in due form. 
 
 Witness, my signature and the seal 
 [Seal.] of Lodge No. ., the date 
 
 first above written. 
 
 Secretary of the Convocation. 
 
 The Master-elect will present this certificate to the 
 Master of his Lodge, who will have it read and spread 
 in full upon the records thereof on the night of the in- 
 stallation of the officers of the Lodge. 
 
 It is neither right nor proper for the lEgh Priest of 
 a Chapter of Eoyal Arch Masons to confer the Past 
 Master's degree upon a ilaster-elect, unless the High 
 Priest himself has been duly elected and installed 
 Master of a subordinate Lodge. An actual Past Mas- 
 ter may install a ilaster-elect who' has received the de- 
 gree in a Chapter of Eoyal Arch Masons, provided 
 said brother can prove himself in possession of the de- 
 gree by an examination, written or oral testimony. A 
 Past blaster receiving the degree in a Chapter is called 
 a Virtual Past Master. Virtual Past Masters have 
 been known to be present in a convocation of Past 
 Masters, but this is neither right nor proper. Actual 
 Past Masters alone have the right to open or to be 
 present at a convocation of Past Masters. 
 
 PUBLIC CEREMONIES. 
 
 Without the presence of the Grand Master or his 
 Special Deputy, Lodges may celebrate Saint John the 
 Baptist's day. Saint John the Evangelist's day, and it 
 may install its officers in public, and it may attend the 
 funeral of a Master Mason. 
 
44 
 
 AYhen it celebrates either of the days, or perforins 
 the ceremonies named, its processions "must be sep- 
 arate and distinct" from any other organization. 
 
 When Lodges are constituted under charter. Ma- 
 sonic Halls dedicated, corner-stones of Masonic Halls 
 and public buildings are laid, the Grand ^Master or his 
 Special Deputy must be present and officiate. When 
 a corner-stone is laid, or Masonic Hall dedicated, the 
 Grand Master must preside, either in person or by 
 Deputy. When the Grand ]Master has given his con- 
 sent to the Lodge to accept the invitation to partici- 
 pate in the ceremonies, and has signified his intention 
 to be present, either in person or by Deputy, the 
 Lodge should then extend an invitation to all of the 
 associate Grand Officers to be present. The Lodge 
 should then wait until after they have answered as to 
 whether they can be present. Should any of them 
 decline to attend, the Grand ilaster should then be 
 advised of tliat fact, that he may fill all vacancies, that' 
 the appointees may qualify themselves to render their 
 parts in a way to reflect credit upon Freemasonry. 
 
 The greatest precaution should be observed in all 
 pviblic ceremonies of the Fraternity to see that each 
 officer participating therein is qualified to perform his 
 part, and also to see that the necessary working tools 
 and elements are present and prepared for use. The 
 working tools necessary for the dedication of halls and 
 the laying of corner-stones are the Square, Level and 
 Plumb, and the elements necessary are corn (wheat), 
 wine and oil — these latter should be in silver goblets. 
 
45 
 
 MASTER mason's FUNERAL. 
 
 A Lodge has the right to attend the funeral of any 
 Master j\Iason, whether he was affiliated or not affili- 
 ated with a Lodge, provided the deceased requested it 
 when in life, or provided his friends or his relatives 
 request the Lodge to do so. The law nowhere makes 
 it obligatory upon the Lodge to turn out as such to 
 attend the funeral of a Master Mason. When a mem- 
 ber of the Lodge dies, the "Worshipful Master may call 
 a meeting of his Lodge and submit the question of 
 granting Masonic burial to a vote of the Lodge. If a 
 Mason has utterly disregarded the laws of Freema- 
 sonry, or if his conduct in the community has been 
 such as to reflect discredit upon himself, or if his 
 burial by the Lodge would tend to humiliate the 
 Lodge in the public eye, the Lodge should refuse to 
 accord Masonic burial. But in no case should the 
 Lodge refuse to attend the funeral of a brother if his 
 misconduct has been winked at, or if it has not faith- 
 fully performed its duty to the Craft by bringing the 
 offender before its bar and meting out to him any pun- 
 ishment due on account of violated law. And, in no 
 case should a Lodge of Freemasons be called out to at- 
 tend the funeral of a Master Mason in order to give 
 him a post-mortem character. 
 
 When the Lodge has decided to attend the funeral 
 of a Master Mason, the Worshipful Master should see 
 that all things relating thereto are ready, that the pre- 
 liminaries are complete, and he should advise with the 
 relatives and friends of the deceased before appoint- 
 ing pall bearers. Their wishes in this matter should 
 
46 
 
 be respected. If they desire pall bearers who are not 
 Masons, gratify their wishes by permitting them to des- 
 ignate honorary pall bearers. If the deceased was a 
 member of other organizations, do them the courtesy, 
 also, to name honorary pall bearers, if they so desire. 
 The duty of lowering the remains into the grave must 
 be performed by the active Masonic pall bearers. 
 The pall bearers, Marshal and Chaplain having been 
 appointed and the ceremonies intended for the Lodge 
 room having been performed, the Lodge should 
 form a procession and go to the residence of the de- 
 ceased, and the Master, accompanied by the War- 
 dens and pall bearers, should enter the residence 
 and take formal possession of the body, and the lodge 
 should retain possession of it until it has lowered it 
 into the grave and completed its ceremonies, after 
 which it should step back and give other organizations 
 an opportimity to perform their ceremonies. If there 
 are no other organizations, the Lodge should return to 
 its hall, and the Lodge should be closed. Everything 
 should be done quietly, peaceably and with dignity. 
 
 EIGHTS OF VISITORS. 
 
 A blaster Mason has the right to present himself at 
 the door of a Masonic Lodge and request permission to 
 ^'isit it, so long as he remains a member of a Lodge in 
 good standing. A non-affiliated Master Mason is pos- 
 sessed of the same right for six months after he has re- 
 ceived his dimit. Bear in mind that the right herein 
 considered is the right to ask admission as a visitor. 
 The right to refuse admission to a visitor is an absolute 
 right of the Lodge, and any member of the Lodge may 
 object to a visitor, and the objecting member cannot be 
 
47 
 
 required to assign his reasons therefor, neither is it 
 proper to question him. If the admission of a visitor 
 would mar the pleasure or happiness of a single mem- 
 ber of the Lodge, the visitor cannot and should not be 
 admitted. The harmony of the Lodge is over and 
 above all things else. The rights of a Masonic visitor 
 bear the same relation to the Lodge as the individual 
 who may desire to visit your home. Many Masons 
 get the idea that they have an undeniable right to 
 visit ; let them be undeceived ; they have no such right, 
 and I repeat — the only right they have is the right to 
 ask permission to \'isit. After a Mason has remained 
 a non-affiliate for a period of six months, he should not 
 be permitted to visit a Lodge. All his rights have 
 ceased, and, until he affiliates with a Lodge, he should 
 be denied even Masonic intercourse. After six 
 months he should be treated as though he had never 
 been a Mason, if withholding his dimit and member- 
 ship is known to be willful and without reason or 
 cause. He who abandons Freemasonry and refuses to 
 contribute to its support should be ostracised by Ma- 
 sons. 
 
 DEGREES — MONETAEY VALUE. 
 
 The monetary value of the degrees of Freemasonry 
 are fixed by the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of 
 Indiana has fixed the minimum fee to be paid by can- 
 didates at twenty dollars. The degrees cannot be con- 
 ferred upon anyone until he has actually paid into the 
 hands of the Secretary the lawful fee charged by the 
 Lodge. A Lodge may by By-law fix the fee at a 
 greater sum than twenty dollars, but it cannot make 
 the sum less. A Lodge cannot charge a candidate the 
 
48 
 
 lawful fee and then vote to make liim a present of all 
 or a part of it. Tn other words, it cannot nullify the 
 law of the Grand Lodge by voting to remit the fee, nor 
 by voting to return the same. Even ministers of the 
 gospel must pay for the degrees of Freemasonry the 
 same as anyone else, and the minister who would per- 
 mit a Lodge to A'iolate its law or the laws of the Grand 
 Lodge by subterfuge or otherwise in order to give him 
 the degrees is totally unworthy to be made a Mason, 
 and disgraces his holy calling thereby. If your 
 Lodge should resort to subterfuge to make a Mason of 
 a minister without the payment of the monetary value 
 therefor, you will be justified in casting a negative bal- 
 lot against him, and may justify your act in your own 
 eyes upon the grounds of the unlawfulness of the pro- 
 ceedings and the unworthiness of the candidate, pro- 
 vided he is cognizant of the unlawful act 
 
 LODGE DUES. 
 
 Every Lodge has the right to require each member 
 to pay a certain fixed sum for dues to the Lodge. It 
 may also provide the time when the same is due and 
 payable. The law also expressly provides that when 
 the amount and time for payment are fixed, that the 
 Lodge must collect the same if the member is able to 
 pay. If the member is not able to pay the Lodge may 
 remit the dues. The law of the Grand Lodge clearly 
 implies that the Lodge ledger must be balanced each 
 year, either by payment by the member or by a remis- 
 sion of the dues by the Lodge. The obligation to re- 
 quire dues to be paid, and the obligation to pay dues, 
 is just as binding upon the Lodge as it is upon the in- 
 
49 
 
 dividual member. A Lodge noted for its promptness 
 in collecting its revenue will commend itself to prompt 
 and methodical men. It demonstrates to the world 
 that it has a very high appreciation of the dignity and 
 worth of Masonic law. The charter of a Lodge hav- 
 ing the backbone to enforce the law relati'ng to the 
 payment of annual dues will never be revoked by the 
 Grand Lodge, because the Lodge that discards senti- 
 mentalism when it comes to collecting its revenues and 
 requires all who are able to pay to do so at the time 
 fixed in the By-Laws, may reasonably be expected to 
 enforce all other laws of the Grand Lodge. The same 
 obligation that requires a Mason to keep the secrets of 
 Freemasonry also requires him to obey the By-Laws 
 of his Lodge, as well as the General Regulations of the 
 Grand Lodge. When a Lodge fails to enforce pay- 
 ment of dues at the time fixed in the By-Laws, it be- 
 comes a violator of the law, and may be punished for 
 the same. Therefore, enforce the law. 
 
 DUES OF INDIGENT MEMBEKS. 
 
 The dues of members who are "unable to pay" may 
 be remitted by a vote of the Lodge at a stated meeting 
 thereof. There is no authority given anywhere in the 
 law for remitting the dues of any member who is able 
 to pay the same. The dues of even a minister cannot 
 be remitted if he is able to pay the same. When I 
 see a brother rise in his place and move to remit the 
 dues of a minister, I am sometimes tormented with the 
 thought that perhaps he has not contributed of his 
 substance to the support of the church and minister, 
 and by making the motion to remit the dues of his 
 4 
 
50 
 
 preacher thereby pays his "quarterage" to the church 
 at the expense of the Lodge. It is, perhaps, unchar- 
 itable to harbor such thoughts, but how can it be 
 avoided when it may be well known to the Lodge that 
 the preacher receives three, four or even five thousand 
 ■dollars salary per year, while there may be members 
 of the Lodge who are glad to work for a much less 
 sum, and whose integrity, manliness and Christian 
 character rank equal Avith the minister, yet no one 
 ever thinks of making a proposition to remit their 
 dues until they get up in Lodge and state that they 
 cannot in justice to themselves and their family pay 
 their dues. I must confess that I cannot entertain an 
 exalted opinion of an overpaid minister who can sit 
 quietly and see his own dues remitted, and then wit- 
 ness the suspension of some poor brother, who perhaps 
 on account of a large family and small income, — but 
 whose pride will not permit him to arise and state his 
 condition to the Lodge. In the Lodge "we meet upon 
 the level;" this being true, treat all alike, and if Mr. 
 Preacher is able to pay, and neglects or won't pay, 
 give him the same kind of treatment exactly, as is 
 awarded to the dollar-a-day man. The essence of the 
 law is, that a ]Mason must be in indigent circumstances 
 before the Lodge can remit his dues, and the Mason 
 who assists in, or accepts the benefits derived by the 
 remission of dues unlawfully, is lacking in the ele- 
 ments that go to make up the good and true man and 
 Mason. There is no room in Freemasonry for the 
 wealthy and high-salaried Mason who' permits his 
 Lodge (by remitting his dues) to violate the letter and 
 the spirit of the law. 
 
51 
 
 ANNUAL EETURNS. 
 
 Reports to the Grand Lodge must be made annu- 
 ally. There is no way to avoid it, and the work must 
 be done within a stated period, viz., between the first 
 day of January and the first day of March. Experi- 
 ence has taught me that the best time to make these re- 
 ports is on the first day of January. The Masonic 
 year closes with December 31st, and it necessarily fol- 
 lows that if the report is made on the first day of Jan- 
 uary, that it cannot be made to lap over into the new 
 year. The fact that the officers of the Lodge may 
 not have been installed is no excuse for postponing 
 the work of making the body of the report. The 
 page prepared for the names of the officers may be 
 filled after the officers are installed, and the morning 
 after the installation of the officers the Secretary 
 should finish and mail one copy of the report to the 
 Grand Secretary, and file the other copy. The Grand 
 Secretary mails two blank reports to the Secretary of 
 each Lodge in the State about the 20th day of De- 
 cember in each year. As soon as the Secretary re- 
 ceives them he should commence immediately to 
 gather the facts required by the Grand Lodge. He 
 should take the record of the Lodge and go through it 
 carefully for the year to be reported, and take off on 
 separate slips of paper the names of all who have been 
 initiated, passed, raised, reinstated, affiliated, died, 
 dimitted, suspended for non-payment of dues, sus- 
 pended for other causes, and also the names of those 
 expelled, being very particular to note the date, viz., 
 day and month of the year. In doing this work read 
 
52 
 
 each page of the Lodge record for the entire year, and 
 when you come to the name of anj'one whose name 
 should he entered under either of the heads specified 
 above, enter it on tlie slip of paper designed for the 
 names of its particular class. In this way you cannot 
 make a mistake. When the record has thus been ex- 
 amined, enter the names in one copy of the report 
 under the proper head, writing the Christian name in 
 full. XeYer use initials in writing the names of mem- 
 bers — initials mean nothing, and it is often important 
 to know the full name of a member. AVhen you have 
 completed this part of the report, lay it aside until the 
 first day of January. On that day complete the re- 
 port by entering the names of the members of the 
 Lodge under the head provided for them, and in ac- 
 cordance with the instructions found at the head of 
 each page. "When this is done, check it with the re- 
 port of the previous year, to learn whether you have 
 omitted any names, and if, after you have checked it 
 you find it correct, then copy it upon the other blank, 
 which, when copied, send to the Grand Secretary. If 
 you will pursue this course, your -reports will always 
 be found correct. There is no excuse whatever for 
 an incorrect report, and there would be none if Secre- 
 taries would make and check their reports in the man- 
 ner indicated. At least three-fourths of the annual 
 reports received by the Grand Secretary require cor- 
 rection. Some Secretaries even go so far as to say 
 that they have not the time to verify their reports, are 
 not certain whether they are correct, and ask the Grand 
 Secretary to see that they are correct and report errors 
 to them. The Grand Secretary checks all reports with 
 
53 
 
 the reports of the previous year, but it is not fair or 
 just to ask him to do the work you are paid to do, and 
 the work you obligated yourself to do when you sol- 
 emnly repeated your vow of office. 
 
 I desire to impress upon the Secretary the great im- 
 portance of writing the names of the members plain 
 and distinct. If you have a member who insists on 
 writing his name by initials, pay no attention to his 
 idiosyncrasy, but obtain and record his full name, and 
 in all of your communications or reports to the Grand 
 Lodge, when you use his name be certain to write at 
 least one of his Christian names in full. Send your 
 report to the Grand Secretary the day you complete it, 
 and if you do not hear from him within five days after 
 you mail it, write to him about it. 
 
 There is one other point I desire to impress upon 
 the Secretary, and that is, when he makes up the list 
 of the dead, that he ascertain and report the date of 
 death. If your Lodge did not bury the brother, go to 
 see, or write to his family or friends and obtain the 
 date when he died. When the Secretary sends in his 
 report showing two or three dead men, without giving 
 the date when either died, it reflects discredit upon 
 the Lodge, and entitles the Secretary of such Lodge to 
 rank as both careless, and, without a just appreciation 
 of the importance of the duties of his position. 
 
 The annual reports made by Lodges are bound in 
 volumes of convenient size each year, and are kept in 
 fire-proof vaults for reference for all time to come. 
 The records of a Lodge are often left from month to 
 month in a wooden desk in a frame or non-flre-proof 
 
54 
 
 building; a fire breaks out, and books, records and 
 everything else belonging to the Lodge are swept off 
 the face of the earth. In such cases the Grand Secre- 
 tary's ofiice can produce a correct list and state the 
 fact of the suspension or expulsion of any of the mem- 
 bers, provided the Secretary has made correct reports. 
 Repeated calls are made upon the Grand Secretary by 
 Lodges unfortunate in the loss of their books. If the 
 Secretary of the Lodge cannot or will not take the 
 time to make a con-ect report of the members of the 
 Lodge one time in each year, he should resign and give 
 the Lodge a chance to elect some one who has pride in 
 liis Lodge — some one who is willing to sacrifice his 
 time in order to give his Lodge standing and character 
 among the Lodges of the State. He who fails to dis- 
 charge his duties fully and faithfully violates his oath 
 of ofiice — an oath just as binding as any other obliga- 
 tion voluntarily assumed by him. Brother Secretary, 
 recall your solemn vow, and keep -it prominently be- 
 fore you while making your annual report to the 
 Grand Lodge. 
 
 FAILURE TO MAKE ANNUAL EEPOET PENALTY. 
 
 If a Lodge fails to make an annual report, and fails 
 to pay Grand Lodge dues at the time required by law, 
 it is within the power of the Grand ]\raster to suspend 
 the charter of each offending Lodge until it complies 
 with the law. 
 
 AYhen a Lodge is suspended under such circum- 
 stances, the Lodge cannot meet for any purpose until 
 the order of the Grand Master is revoked by him, or 
 
65 
 
 by the Grand Lodge. Through the negligence of the 
 Secretary, and the thoughtlessness of the "Worshipful 
 llaster in not seeing that the law is obeyed, a stain is 
 often placed upon the record of the Lodge. When 
 the Worshipful Master receives a notice of the sus- 
 pension of his Lodge, he should read it to the mem- 
 bers of his Lodge, and the Secretary should enter it in 
 full upon the record of the Lodge. The Master 
 should inform the members that the Lodge cannot 
 be opened until the cause for the suspension is re- 
 moved. Then, when the report is made, Grand 
 Lodge dues paid, and the order of suspension revoked, 
 the order revoking the suspension must also be made a 
 matter of record. Thus is the Lodge humiliated and 
 two black pages made to deface its record because of 
 the unfaithfulness of its officers. 
 
 OFFENSES AGAINST MASONRY. 
 
 To attempt to enumerate the offenses against 
 Freemasonry is almost an endless task. The Grand 
 Lodge, in its General Regulations, says, that "What- 
 ever is a breach of good morals, contrary to the pre- 
 cepts of the Holy Scriptures, or a violation of the 
 laws of this State, or of the United States, is an offense 
 against the principles of Masonry." The section of 
 law here quoted covers every penal statute adopted by 
 the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, as well 
 as the penal statutes enacted by the Congress of the 
 United States of America; not only these, but it in- 
 cludes everything inhibited by the Holy Scriptiu-es. 
 The law goes still further and denies "the power of 
 any legislative body to legalize that which is morally 
 
56 
 
 wrong." Therefore, if the General Assembly should 
 enact a law legalizing anything condemned by the 
 moral law, a Lodge may, under the law of the Grand 
 Body, maintain an action against a member who may 
 do or perform the moral wrong legalized by the legis- 
 lative body. 
 
 Lodges are enjoined to promptly punish any mem- 
 ber found guilty of the violation of any of the offenses 
 prohibited by the section of law quoted. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 
 
 It is an offense against Freemasonry for a member 
 to use, manufacture or sell "intoxicating liquors to be 
 used as a beverage." The section of law relating to 
 this subject expressly provides that a brother must be 
 admonished by his Lodge before he can be tried for 
 this particular offense. Therefore, when it becomes 
 known to a Lodge that one of its members is manu- 
 facturing, selling or using intoxicating liquors as a 
 beverage, the Lodge should appoint a committee to 
 wait tipon him to admonish and counsel him to refrain 
 from the prohibited practice, and, if he does not heed 
 the brotherly admonition, but persists in the violation 
 of the law, it is then the duty of the Lodge to bring 
 him before its bar and try him, and if found guilty, it 
 must suspend or expel him. The law plainly fixes 
 only two grades of punishment for the offenses speci- 
 fied under the above head. 
 
 The Grand Lodge also jsrohibits Lodges from con- 
 ferring the degrees of ilasonry upon anyone who is in 
 
57 
 
 the habit of drinking to intoxication, or upon "one who 
 sells or manufactures intoxicants "to be used as a bev- 
 erage." The manufacture or sale of intoxicants for 
 medicinal or manufacturing purposes is not prohibited 
 by the Grand Lodge law. 
 
 DISOBEDIENCE AND DISTURBER. 
 
 When the Lodge is opened it is unlawful for a Ma- 
 son to disobey the Worshipful Master, and it is also 
 r.nlawful for a Mason to disturb the harmony of the 
 Lodge. iN'eighborhood and family quarrels, business 
 and church or religious matters, cannot be aired in 
 Lodges, neither can a Mason conduct himself in a dis- 
 agreeable or offensive manner towards his brother 
 when in open Lodge — each must be a gentleman, and 
 treat each other in a manner becoming a gentleman, 
 and should a Mason violate in any one of these par- 
 ticulars, he may be reprimanded, suspended or ex- 
 pelled; and, it must also be borne in mind that a 
 brother cannot be suspended or expelled for the first 
 offense. The Worshipful Master should call the at- 
 tention of an offender to the law embracing these of- 
 fenses, and remind him that a repetition of the same 
 •will subject him to punishment by the Lodge. Under 
 the Kegulations governing these offenses a Mason may 
 be prohibited from bringing anything "offensive or 
 defensive" into the Lodge, and he may also be pro- 
 hibited from using improper language to and of a 
 brother Mason — in fine, every subject which might 
 endanger the peace and harmony of the Lodge may be 
 excluded therefrom by enforcing the law upon the 
 subject. 
 
58 
 
 ADVERTISING. 
 
 It is unmasonic to use Masonic emblems to advertise 
 your business. At tlie annual meeting of the Grand 
 Lodge held May 25, 1897, the Grand Lodge adopted a 
 resolution prohibiting the use of the words "Mason" 
 and "Masonic" to advertise the business or calling of 
 anyone, and partictilarly of insurance and other sim- 
 ilar associations. It is a Masonic offense to use or 
 make use of ]Masonic terms and emblems for the pur- 
 pose of pecuniary gain, and anyone doing so may be 
 disciplined by the Lodge within whose jurisdiction he 
 may reside. 
 
 NON-PAYMENT OF DUES. 
 
 Xon-payment of dues has been a prolific source of 
 trouble, annoyance and loss to Lodges. The Grand 
 Lodge has pronounced it an offense against ^lasonry 
 punishable by "indefinite suspension." Mistaken 
 "disposition to treat with favor" offenders against the 
 law requiring members to pay their dues at the time 
 they are due and payable has cost Lodges vast sums of 
 money and large numbers of members. It is wrong 
 to the member as well as to the Lodge to permit him 
 to owe more than One year's dues. If a Lodge per- 
 mits one lapse, it is quite sure to become lax in the 
 collection of dues, and by so doing aid in making it 
 almost impossible for the delinquent to pay his dues. 
 The sum grows and piles up imtil it becomes a scare- 
 crow to keep the delinquent awaj' from Lodge, and 
 results in the suspension of the member, while if 
 the Lodge had obeyed the law and required the mem- 
 ber to pay when he only owed one year's dues, the de- 
 linquent would have been saved to the Lodge. 
 
59 
 
 The safe and Masonic way is to square each account 
 annually. If a member is unable to pay, remit his 
 dues. If able to pay, make him do so, or suspend him 
 when he owes one year. The ledgers of dead Lodges 
 testify stronger than words, that nine out of every ten 
 owe their downfall to a failure to collect dues when 
 due. Begin now; square your books, and then keep 
 them square. It is a singular fact that men will stay 
 away from Lodge when delinquent. A Lodge man- 
 aged upon good sound business principles will always 
 be in a healthy condition, both financially and numer- 
 ically, and besides, it will always be in condition to 
 render assistance to those deserving it. 
 
 PENALTIES. 
 
 The Grand Lodge of Indiana recognizes fouir pen- 
 alties that may be inflicted for violations of Masonic 
 law, viz.: "Reprimand, suspension for a definite 
 time, suspension indefinitely, and expulsion." jSTo 
 other punishment can be inflicted. A Lodge cannot 
 assess a fine against a member, neither can it prevent 
 him from voting in the Lodge so long as he remains in 
 good standing. Good standing means one who is not 
 under sentence of suspension or expulsion. Before a 
 member can be deprived of any of his rights, he must 
 be tried, adjudged guilty, and one of the penalties 
 above recited afiixed in the lawful way, and it matters 
 not how aggravating the offense may have been, the 
 Lodge cannot publish to the world the punishment of 
 one of its members. 
 
 The punishment of a member, like any other Ma- 
 sonic business transacted by the Lodge, must be kept 
 
60 
 
 in the breasts of the members of the Lodge. Publica- 
 tion would be additional punishment; this the Grand 
 Lodge prohibits by specifically prescribing the penal- 
 ties which a Lodge may award for the various offenses 
 against Freemasonry. 
 
 LODGE-EOOM. 
 
 A Lodge may rent its Lodge room to a Masonic or- 
 ganization, and it may use its hall for strictly Masonic 
 purjDOses. It is therefore unlawful to rent or use it 
 for any other purpose. 
 
 If a Lodge violates the law upon which this state- 
 ment is based, it lays itself liable to suspension or 
 arrest of its charter, and the Grand Lodge may revoke 
 the same. 
 
 The Grand Master cannot allow an organization not 
 Masonic to meet in the hall of a IMasonic Lodge. 
 
 ESOTERIC INSTEUCTIOX. 
 
 A Master ^Mason has the right to instruct his own 
 Lodge upon "the esoteric and ceremonial ritual,'' but 
 be has no right whatever to instruct any Lodge of 
 which he is not a member, without express authority 
 to do so from the Grand Master. "Worshipful Mas- 
 ters should promptly seat any visitor who attempts to 
 lecture him or his Lodge, unless he can produce a com- 
 mission from the Grand Master authorizing him to 
 give esoteric instruction. The "Worshipful Master is 
 responsible to the Grand Lodge for the kind and char- 
 acter of work performed by his Lodge. He is not an- 
 swerable to visitors. 
 
61 
 
 CHARGES. 
 
 Any affiliated blaster Mason may prefer charges 
 against a Mason. A non-affiliated Master Mason can- 
 not prefer charges. 
 
 Charges must be brought by a Master Mason, and 
 it is as much the duty of one member as another to be- 
 gin proceedings against an offender. There is no 
 greater obligation resting upon the Junior Warden 
 than upon any other member in the matter of insti- 
 tuting proceedings in a Lodge looking to the punish- 
 ment of offenders against the law. When the Lodge, 
 by resolution or otherwise, orders charges preferred 
 against a member or against a Mason, it should ap- 
 point a committee to formulate and present the same. 
 The charges must be made in writing, and must be 
 signed by the party making tlie-m. The names of the 
 witnesses must be attached to or endorsed upon the 
 charges, that the accused may know what he must 
 meet and the witness who may confront him. When 
 the charges are ready to present, they should be 
 handed to the Secretary at a stated meeting of the 
 Lodge. Under the proper order of business the Secre- 
 tary must read the charges to the Lodge. After they 
 have been read, the Worshipful blaster must fix the 
 time for the trial, which in no case can lawfully take 
 place until the expiration of at least ten days. The 
 accused must be given ten days' notice, that he may 
 prepare his defense. To put it stronger, the accused 
 must have ten days from the time he receives from the 
 hands of the Secretary a copy of the charges and the 
 notice of the time and place of the trial. The Secre- 
 
62 
 
 tary must copy or record the charges in the record of 
 the Lodge, and make an entry also showing the time 
 fixed by the Worshipful Master for the trial. For the 
 benefit of those inexperienced in matters of this sort, 
 the following is given as a form for the Lodge record 
 in the preliminary steps relating to charges : 
 
 The Secretary read the following charges and speci- 
 fications against Brother , a Master Mason and 
 
 a member of Lodge Xo. — , to-wit : 
 
 Tothe Worshipful Master, Wardens and Members nf. 
 
 Lodge No .- 
 
 The undersigned, being a Master Mason, and a member 
 
 of Lodg'e No. ., situated in tlie (city or town) of 
 
 county of and State of , liereby charges 
 
 Brother , a Master Mason and a member of 
 
 Lodge No. ., with gross unmasonic conduct, in 
 
 this, to-wit: 
 
 Specification 1st. That the said Brother , on 
 
 or about the day of , 18. ., at the county of 
 
 , and State of and within the juris- 
 diction of the Lodge aforesaid, did then and there use pro- 
 fane language by taking the name of God in vain, in viola- 
 ■tion of his obligations and to the scandal and disgrace of 
 Masonry. 
 
 Specification 2d. That the said Brother did on 
 
 or about the day if , IS. ., at the (town or city) of 
 
 , county of and State of , 
 
 with force and violence, in a rude and angry manner strike, 
 assault, an<l inflict serious bodily injury upon the person of 
 
 Brother a Master Mason and a member of 
 
 Lodge No. ., to the scandal and disgrace of 
 
 Freemasonry, and in violation of the General Regulations of 
 the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State 
 of Indiana. 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 Witnesses : 
 
63 
 
 Thereupon the Worshipful Master announced that 
 
 the trial of Brother would be held at the hall 
 
 of said Lodge at the next stated meeting thereof, and 
 ordered the Secretary to serve a true copy of the 
 charges and specifications upon the accused, and notify 
 him of the time and place of trial; the Worshipful 
 Master also ordered summonses issued and served 
 upon the witnesses. 
 
 It is essential that all charges, and that everything 
 in connection therewith, shall be entered in full upon 
 the Lodge record. 
 
 The Secretary must make a complete copy of the 
 charges and specifications, and serve a copy of the 
 same upon the accused, and notify him of the time 
 and place of the trial. This notice may be served in 
 person or by mail. The law says that if the accused 
 "reside at a distance," that the notice may be served 
 by mail. My interpretation of the law is that all 
 charges may be served by mail, because every brother 
 resides at a distance from the Lodge. Some reside at 
 a greater distance than others, but distance intervenes 
 between the residence of every Mason and the meet- 
 ing place of his Lodge. However, when the United 
 States mail is made use of in serving notice upon an 
 accused brother, it should be sent by registered letter; 
 by so doing the Secretary would be armed with a re- 
 ceipt for the notice, thereby establishing the fact of 
 the service. Never lose sight of the fact that a 
 brother is presumed to be innocent until proven 
 guilty, and that he is entitled to every facility within 
 the power of the Lodge to enable him to establish his 
 
64 
 
 innocence. Masons do themselves violence and the 
 accused a great wrong by discussing his case while pro- 
 ceedings are pending, and before the evidence has 
 been submitted to the Lodge. The Lodge is the jury 
 before whom the case is to be tried, and the members 
 of the jury should each for himself I'efrain from form- 
 ing any opinion as to the merits of the case imtil the 
 same has been submitted to him, after hearing all the 
 testimony, both for and against the accused, it matters 
 not how aggravating the case. 
 
 The Secretary should endorse upon the back of the 
 original charges the fact of service, how and when 
 made, and in his testimony before the Lodge should 
 give these facts, that they may be made a part of the 
 record. The accused may file an answer to the 
 charges in the form of a general denial, or he may 
 specify provocation, or other mitigating circumstances, 
 and should he do so, his answer must also be made a 
 fiart of the record. The Secretary owes it to himself, 
 the Lodge and the accused to make a record of every- 
 thing pertaining to the trial. 
 
 The accused may select any atliliated Master Mason 
 in Indiana to act as his counsel, and if he fails to select 
 counsel, it is then the duty of the "Worshipful Master 
 to appoint some competent brother to appear for him. 
 If the counsel is appointed by the Master, and the ac- 
 cused fails to attend the trial, the counsel must, on 
 behalf of the defendant, enter a "plea of not guilty." 
 If the defendant is present, he may plead either guilty 
 or not guilty; if guilty, the Lodge must inflict a pen- 
 alty. If he pleads not guilty, the trial must begin 
 
65 
 
 with an examination of the witnesses for the prosecu- 
 tion, to be followed by testimony of defense, and this 
 may be followed by rebuttal evidence, both on the 
 part of the prosecution and the defense. The attor- 
 neys may then be heard, and the Worshipful Master 
 may, if he believes it necessary, 'call the attention of 
 the Lodge to the law bearing upon the case. The de- 
 fendant then retires, and the (jury) Lodge finds a ver- 
 dict of guilty or not guilty, and inflicts the penalty or 
 acquits the accused. 
 
 If the accused is acquitted, he should be called into 
 the Lodge and informed of that fact. If found 
 guilty, the .Secretary should notify him under the seal 
 of the Lodge of the finding and the penalty inflicted. 
 
 MASONIC TRIAL. 
 
 The remarks under the head of "charges" are pre- 
 liminary to the trial which follows. 
 
 The trial of a brother ilason for an offense against 
 the laws of ]\lasonry is an important and very solemn 
 duty devolving upon a Masonic Lodge. It must be 
 conducted in accordance with the General Regula- 
 tions of the Grand Lodge, and great care must be ex- 
 ercised by the Worshipful ]\Iaster and Secretary to see 
 that the Lodge record contains, first, the charges; 
 second, the answer of the accused; third, the testi- 
 mony of the prosecution ; fourth, the testimony of the 
 defense; fifth, the rebutting testimony of the prosecu- 
 tion; sixth, the rebutting testimony of the defense; 
 seventh, the finding of the Lodge; and eighth, the 
 penalty inflicted. Every word of the testimony must 
 5 
 
66 
 
 be taken down by the Secretary, both, questions and 
 answers, and must then be copied into the record book. 
 It is absolutely necessary that this be done. If ex- 
 ceptions are taken to the rulings of the Worshipful 
 Master upon the law or the admissibility of any testi- 
 mony, the Secretary must note any and all exceptions. 
 The finding of a Lodge is not final, because either 
 party may appeal to the Grand Lodge, in which case 
 the Secretary can easily make a transcript or copy of 
 the record of the case to forward to the Grand Secre- 
 tary for the use of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 Charges against a i\Iason cannot be heard or con- 
 sidered by a committee. The Lodge must hear and 
 determine the same. AA'hen the evidence has been 
 heard by the Lodge, "and the prosecution and defend- 
 ant, by themselves or counsel," have been heard, the 
 defendant must then retire, and the Lodge must then 
 take a "separate ballot on each specific charge," and if 
 it finds him guilty of one or more of the specifications, 
 it must affix one of the penalties prescribed by the 
 Grand Lodge, which are, first, reprimand; second, 
 suspension for a definite time; third, suspension in- 
 definitely; and fourth, expulsion; and the vote must 
 be taken on the penalty of expulsion first in all cases, 
 except when the charge is for non-payment of dues. 
 In cases of this sort, under the ruling of the Grand 
 Lodge, the Lodge finds a brother guilty of non-pay- 
 ment of dues, and the Worshipful Master declares 
 such convicted brother suspended indefinitely. When 
 definite suspension is determined by the Lodge, the 
 time-length may be fixed by motion, by vote taken in 
 the same manner as upon any other question. 
 
67 
 
 "When guilt is established, punishment must follow. 
 Penalty must be fixed. If, after the Lodge has voted 
 upon each grade of punishment, the Lodge has failed 
 to inflict either penalty by a majority vote, it is then 
 the imperative duty of the Secretary to certify the 
 fact of the failure to inflict penalty to the Grand Mas- 
 ter. This certificate should contain a copy of the 
 charges against the accused, together with a copy of 
 the evidence, that any action taken upon the matter 
 by the Grand Master may be based upon substantial 
 grounds. It should be an unbiased statement of the 
 case, that the Grand Master may determine the sufii- 
 ciency or insufficiency of the evidence to convict, that 
 he may determine whether the moral element in the 
 Lodge possesses sufficient force to vindicate the law, 
 as well as to enable him to determine whether persecu- 
 tion had any part in the prosecution. 
 
 When such certificate is received by the Grand 
 Master, if the evidence was strong enough beyond a 
 reasonable doubt to convict, he may arrest the charter 
 of the Lodge. If, on the other hand, a doubt exists 
 in his mind as to the sufliciency of the evidence to con- 
 vict, he may dismiss the case or order a new trial, at 
 which trial he may preside either in person or by 
 Deputy. 
 
 TESTIMONY. 
 
 In a Masonic trial the witnesses are not required to 
 make oath or affirmation. The Lodge must hear and 
 weigh their testimony upon their word of honor. 
 
 If a brother has been convicted of an offense in any 
 court, it is competent to admit as testimony a certified 
 
68 
 
 copy of the records of the court wherein the defendant 
 was convicted. "While the law of the Grand Lodge 
 says that "the rules of evidence shall be, so far as ap- 
 plicable, the same as in courts of law," yet I do not be- 
 lieve that it was ever intended that there should be 
 any hair-splitting in arriving at the facts — "truth, the 
 whole truth, and nothing but the truth," is the desid- 
 eratum, and the Worshipful Master sitting as the 
 judge should be alert and see that the witnesses are 
 given every opportunitj' to give their evidence, and 
 should protect them from any species of badgering. 
 
 EFFECT OF PENALTY. 
 
 When a Mason is suspended or expelled, all Ma- 
 sonic intercourse with him must cease. He is not en- 
 titled to any of the rights, privileges or benefits of 
 Freemasonry. 
 
 PENALTY — WHEN IN FORCE. 
 
 A penalty is in force from and after the vote inflict- 
 ing it, and if a ilason refuses to submit to the penalty 
 of reprimand, he then stands suspended indefinitely. 
 
 PENALTY — -HOW EEMOVED. 
 
 The Lodge inflicting the penalty may remove the 
 same, and the penalty may be removed or modified by 
 the Grand Lodge. In cases of suspension for non- 
 payment of dues, a Mason may restore himself to 
 membership by paying his dues within one year from 
 the date of suspension. After the expiration of one 
 year, he must pay all dues that were charged against 
 him at the time of his supension, and must then pe- 
 tition the Lodge to restore him to membership, which 
 
69 
 
 petition must be presented at a stated meeting of the 
 Lodge, be referred to a committee, and then lie over 
 four weeks, when the committee will report and the 
 ballot be taken upon his petition for restoration, and 
 if a majority of the members present vote in his favor, 
 he shall be declared restored to membership and be so 
 notified by the Secretary, and if not restored, the Sec- 
 retary must so inform him. The dues of a member 
 may be remitted, and he may be restored to member- 
 ship in that way, but to do so there must be a petition 
 to that effect, setting forth inability to pay, and this 
 petition must take the same course as in the case last 
 mentioned. 
 
 To restore a Mason who has been suspended for 
 any other cause than non-payment of dues, a petition 
 must be presented to the Lodge, and it must be re- 
 ferred to a committee and lie over at least four weeks, 
 when, upon report of committee, ballot must be had, 
 and if he receives a unanimous vote he must be de- 
 clared restored to membership, while, on the other 
 hand, if he receives only a majority vote, he must be 
 declared restored to the condition of a non-affiliated 
 ilason, and if restored to the condition of a non-affili- 
 ate only, the Secretary must furnish him with a cer- 
 tificate of that fact, under the seal of the Lodge. 
 
 NEW TRIALS — HOW GRANTED. 
 
 Within ninety days after the trial of a brother, or 
 Avithin the same period after he has been informed of 
 the action of the Lodge, the Lodge that disciplined 
 -him may grant him a new trial. A brother desiring a 
 
70 
 
 new trial must make his application to the Lodge, and 
 must state in his application the reasons for the same. 
 The reasons recognized by the General Regulations of 
 the Grand Lodge are as follows : "First, newly discov- 
 ered evidence; second, finding contrary to evidence; 
 third, finding contrary to Masonic usage; fourth, pen- 
 alty excessive." Should a Lodge refuse to grant a 
 new trial, the Grand Master may review the proceed- 
 ings had at the trial, and may, at his discretion, order 
 the Lodge to grant a new trial. 
 
 APPEALS — HOW AND WHEN TAKEN. 
 
 Appeals may be taken as follows: 
 
 First. From a decision of the "Worshipful Master 
 to the Grand Lodge. 
 
 Second. From an action of the Lodge to the Grand 
 Lodge. 
 
 Third. An appeal must be taken within one year 
 from the date of a decision, or the action of a Lodge. 
 
 Fourth. Kotice of an appeal must be given to the 
 Lodge in writing. 
 
 Fifth. The appeal must be in writing, and must 
 contain a statement of the case, and must state the 
 grounds or reasons for the appeal. 
 
 APPEALS — DUTY OF SECRETARY. 
 
 AVhen notice of appeal, in writing, has been given 
 to a Lodge, it is then the duty of the Secretary, with- 
 out delay, and without waiting for any order of the 
 Lodge, to immediately copy ■ all the minutes of the 
 Lodge relating to the subject, also to copy all papers 
 
71 
 
 bearing upon the case, certify the same under the seal 
 of the Lodge, and forward the same to the Grand Sec- 
 retary. In other words, he must forward to the 
 Grand Secretary a complete transcript of all the pro- 
 ceedings and papers relating to the case. 
 
 The transcript in all appeals must be filed with. the 
 Grand Secretary ten days before an annual meeting 
 of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 GRAND MASTER HOW RECEIVED. 
 
 "When the Grand Master visits a Lodge, he should 
 be received in the following manner : 
 
 1. The Grand Master should be in a room without. 
 
 2. The Lodge should be opened in form by the 
 Worshipful blaster. 
 
 3. The Worshipful Master should inform the 
 Lodge that the Grand Master is in waiting. 
 
 4. The Worshipful Master should then appoint a 
 committee to wait upon the Grand Master and intro- 
 duce him to the Senior Deacon and committee. 
 
 5. The Senior Deacon and committee should then 
 retire and escort the Grand Master into the Lodge, in 
 front of the altar. 
 
 6. When the altar is reached and the customary 
 salutations given, the Senior Deacon should intx'oduce 
 the Grand Master to the Worshipful Master. 
 
 7. The Worshipful Master should then arise and 
 call up the Lodge, welcome the Grand Master, and 
 
72 
 
 call upon the Lodge to unite with him in giving the 
 ""Grand Honors to the Grand Master. 
 
 8. The Worshipful Master should then invite the 
 Grand Master to the East. 
 
 3. When the Grand Master has reached the East, 
 the Worshipful Master should then introduce him to 
 the Lodge, present him with the gavel, and request 
 him to preside. 
 
 RECEPTION OF OTHER GRAND OFFICERS AND PAST GRAND 
 MASTERS, 
 
 The same courtesies should be extended to Past 
 Grand Masters and to other Grand Officers as are ex- 
 tended to the Grand Master, except that it is not nec- 
 essary to present them with the gavel, neither is it 
 necessary to ask them to preside. 
 
 LETTER- WRITING. 
 
 When a question is raised in a Lodge about which 
 there are varying opinions, the Secretary of the Lodge 
 should be instructed by the Lodge or the Worshipful 
 ^Master to write to the Grand Master for his opinion. 
 This letter, when written, should be submitted to the 
 Worshipful ^Master before it goes out, and before it is 
 sent, the seal of the Lodge should be affixed to it. 
 
 It is a discourtesy to the Worshipful Master for 
 
 *NoTE. — Grand Honors are given as foUows: 
 First. Strike the palm o£ the left hand with the palm of the right hand, 
 
 three times. 
 Second. Strike the palm of the right hand with the palm of the left hand, 
 
 three times. 
 Third. Strike the palm of the left hand with the palm of the right hand, 
 
 three times. 
 
73 
 
 members of the Lodge in their individual capacity to 
 write to the Grand Master for a "club" to hold over 
 the Worshipful Master. Frankness and fraternal 
 courtesy should mark our conduct and actions with 
 reference to the decisions or opinions of the lawfully 
 chosen and duly installed Worshipful Master of the 
 Lodge. 
 
 OPINIONS OF GRAND AND PAST GRAND OFFICERS. 
 
 The opinions of Grand Officers other than the 
 Grand Master are not binding upon the Lodge, neither 
 are the opinions of Past Grand Masters binding. 
 Their opinions may be valuable as giving light and in- 
 formation upon questions arising, but the action of 
 the Worshipful Master cannot be controlled by them; 
 therefore, their opinions should not be sought for the 
 purpose of use as a menace to the Worshipful Master. 
 
 LODGES — HOW CONSTITUTED. 
 
 When a Lodge is constituted under charter, the 
 ceremony must be performed by the Grand Master or 
 by a Special Deputy appointed by him for that pur- 
 pose. When a Special Deputy is appointed to con- 
 stitute a Lodge, he nmst be either the Worshipful 
 Master of a chartered Lodge or an actual Past ^Master. 
 There is a long form set out in most of our Masonic 
 Monitors for constituting a Lodge, which may be 
 followed if the ceremony is public, and it may also be 
 performed if none but Masons are present. Having 
 long been impressed with the idea that the form above 
 referred to is tedious and tiresome, I have formulated 
 and adopted for my use, the following 
 
74 
 
 SHOET FOEM FOR CONSTITUTING NEW LODGES. 
 
 1. Examine tlie dimits of the petitioners for the 
 new Lodge. 
 
 2. Have the charter of the new Lodge read and 
 formally accepted b^y the members of the proposed 
 new Lodge. 
 
 3. Open the Lodge on the third degree. 
 
 4. Install the officers of the Lodge. 
 
 5. After the officers are installed and diily pro- 
 claimed as such, declare Lodge Xo. — a law- 
 fully constituted Lodge this ■ day of , 
 
 IS—. 
 
 Before installing the AVorshipful Master of the 
 new Lodge, the Grand Master or the Special Dep- 
 uty officiating must see that the Past Master's degree 
 has been conferred upon him. If not in possession of 
 the degree, it must be conferred upon him before he is 
 installed. 
 
 CEREMONIES OF CONSTITUTING AND CONSECRATING NEW 
 LODGES — LONG FORM. 
 
 The Grand Lodge will meet in a hall convenient to the 
 new Lodge and will be opened on the third degree. The 
 members of the proposed new Lodge will meet in their hall, 
 when a messenger will be sent to the Grand Master, or his 
 
 l^residing Deputy, informing him 'that Lodge 
 
 No. . is prepared and ready to be constituted into a regular 
 Lodge of Freemasons. The messenger then returns and re- 
 ports that the Grand Lodge will enter at once to perform 
 the ceremony of constituting the Lodge. 
 
 The Grand Lodge will then form a procession and march 
 to the hall of the new Lodge. After the Grand Master and 
 
75 
 
 his officers have entered and reached the center of the hall, 
 the Master of the new Lodge rises and calls up the proposed 
 new Lodge, and causes the Grand Honors to be given to the 
 Grand Master. The Grand JIaster and his officers take the 
 official stations in the Lodge. 
 
 The Grand Lodge is now purged, and all except the Wor- 
 shipful Master and Past Masters are required to retire. The 
 Past Master's degree is now conferred upon the proposed 
 ■\Vorshipful Master. When this ceremony is completed the 
 others are again admitted to the Grand Lodge. The officers 
 and members of the new Lodge are now formed in front of 
 the Grand Master; the first line will be composed of the offi- 
 cers of the Lodge, the second and third lines members of the 
 new Lodge. The Deput.v Grand Master then arises and ad- 
 dresses the Grand Master thus: 
 
 ' ^Most Worshipful Grand Master : The brethren 
 ■who stand before you do now desire, to be constituted 
 into a regular Lodge of Freemasons. 
 
 The Grand Master orders the Grand Seci-etary to read 
 the charter of the new Lodge, after which the Grand Master 
 will say: 
 
 Most Worshipful Grand Master. We will now pro- 
 ceed to constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge of 
 Freemasons, according to ancient custom and usage. 
 
 " In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, 
 I now constitute and form you, my good brethren, into 
 a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. From hence- 
 forth I empower you to act as a regular Lodge, consti- 
 tuted in conformity to the rites of our Order, and the 
 charges of our Ancient and Honorable Fraternity; and 
 may the Supreme Architect of the Universe prosper, 
 direct and counsel you in all your doings." 
 
 The jewels are then delivered to the Grand Marshal, who 
 will present them to the Grand Master. 
 
76 
 
 The Grand Marshal now presents the officers-elect to the 
 Grand Master, saying: 
 
 INSTALLATION CEREMONIES. 
 
 ^'■Most Worshipful Grand Master: I present to 
 you the several officers of this proposed new Lodge. 
 
 The Most Worshipful Grand Master will thereupon ai'ise, 
 call up the Lodge, and address the officers of the proposed 
 new Lodge as follows: 
 
 Brethren : Before proceeding to invest you with the 
 honors and responsibilities of the office to which you 
 have been respectively elected and appointed, it becomes 
 my duty to administer to you the obligation of your 
 office. You will therefore repeat after me that 
 
 OBLIGATION. 
 
 I, , do solemnly promise and swear 
 
 that I will support and maintain the Constitution, Laws 
 and General Regulations of the Grand Lodge of the 
 State of Indiana, and that I will, to the utmost of my 
 knowledge and ability, discharge the duties of the office 
 with which I am now about to be invested. So help 
 me God. 
 
 The Grand Master will then say, "Brethren, let us pray." 
 The members all standing, the Grand Master, or some suit- 
 able brother selected for that purpose, will offer the fol- 
 lowing 
 
 PEAYEE. 
 
 Great Architect of the Universe! Maker and Ruler of 
 all worlds! We most humbly invoke Thee to give us, 
 at this and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, 
 strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty 
 of harmony in all our communications. Grant, 
 Lord our God, that those who are now about to be 
 
77 
 
 invested with the government of this Lodge may be 
 endowed with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all 
 their duties. May irotherly love, relief and truth 
 always prevail among the members of this Lodge. 
 Bless all our brethren, wheresoever dispersed, and grant 
 speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or dis- 
 tressed. We affectionately commend to Thee all the 
 members of Thy whole family; and may they increase 
 in grace, in the knowledge of Thee, and in love of each 
 other. Finally, may we finish all our work here below 
 with Thy divine approbation, and then have our tran- 
 sition from this earthly abode to Thy heavenly Temple 
 above, there to enjoy glory and bliss ineffable and 
 eternal. Amen. 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 The Lodge will now be seated, when the Grand Marshal 
 will present the Master-elect for installation, as follows: 
 
 Most Worshipful Grand Master: I present our 
 
 worthy brother, , to be installed Master of 
 
 this Lodge. I find him to be of good morals, true and 
 trusty, and a lover of our whole Fraternity, wheresoever 
 dispersed over the face of the earth, and I doubt not 
 that he will discharge his duties with fidelity. 
 
 The Grand Master will thereupon address the Master- 
 elect as follows: 
 
 Brother: Previous to your investiture, it is neces- 
 sary that you should signify your assent to those 
 ancient charges and regulations which point out the 
 duty of a Master of a Lodge. 
 
 I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly 
 to obey the moral law. 
 
 II. You agree to be a peaceable citizen, and cheer- 
 
fully to conform to the laws of the country in which 
 you reside. 
 
 III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and 
 conspiracies against government; but patiently submit 
 to the decisions of the supreme legislature. 
 
 IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil 
 magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act 
 honorably by all men. 
 
 V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers 
 and patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular 
 successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their 
 stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions 
 of your brethren, when convened in every case consist- 
 ent with the Constitutions of the Order. 
 
 VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, 
 and to guard against intemperance and excess. 
 
 VII. You agree to be cautious in character and be- 
 havior, courteous to your brethren and faithful to your 
 Lodge. 
 
 VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and 
 to discountenance impostors, and all dissenters from 
 the original plan of Masonry. 
 
 IX. You agree to promote the general good of society, 
 to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the 
 knowledge of the art. 
 
 X. You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master 
 for the time being, and to his officers when duly in- 
 stalled; and strictly to conform to every edict of the 
 Grand Lodge, or general assembly of Masons, that is 
 not subversive of the principles and groundwork of 
 Masonry. 
 
 XI. You admit that it is not in the power of any 
 
79 
 
 man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body 
 of Masonry. 
 
 XII. You promise a regular attendance on the com- 
 mittees and communications of the Grand Lodge, on 
 receiving proper notice, and to pay attention to all the 
 duties of Masonry on convenient occasions. 
 
 XIII. You admit that no new Lodge shall be formed 
 without the permission of the Grand Lodge, and that 
 no countenance be given to an irregular Lodge, or to 
 any person clandestinely initiated therein, being con- 
 trary to the ancient charges of the Order. 
 
 XIV. You admit that no person can be regularly 
 made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regu- 
 lar Lodge without previous notice and due inquiry into 
 his character. 
 
 XV. You agree that no visitor shall be received into 
 your Lodge without due examination, and producing 
 proper vouchers of his having been initiated in a regu- 
 lar Lodge. 
 
 These are the Regulations of Free and Accepted Ma- 
 sons. Do you submit to these charges and promise to 
 support these Regulations, as Masters have done in all 
 ages before you? 
 
 The Master-elect will answer, "I do." The Grand Master 
 will then direct the Grand Marshal to invest him with the 
 insig'nia of his offlce, and the furniture and implements of 
 the Lodge, after which he will address hita as follows: 
 
 Brother: In consequence of your cheerful conform- 
 ity to the Charges and Regulations of the Order, you 
 are now to be installed Master of this Lodge, in full 
 confidence of your care, skill and capacity to govern the 
 same. 
 
 The various implements of the profession are em- 
 
80 
 
 blematical of our conduct in life, and, upon occasions 
 like this, are carefully enumerated. 
 
 The Holy 'Writings, that great light in Masonry, will 
 guide you to all truth; it will direct your paths to the 
 temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole 
 duty of man. 
 
 The SqvMre teaches us to regulate our actions by the 
 rule and line, and harmonize our conduct by the prin- 
 ciples of morality and virtue. 
 
 The Compass teaches us to limit our desires in every 
 station; that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live 
 respected and die regretted. 
 
 The Rule directs that we should punctually observe 
 our duty, press forward in the path of virtue, and, 
 neither inclining to the right nor the left, in all our 
 actions have eternitj^ in view. 
 
 The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, to 
 avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to 
 direct our steps to the path which leads to a glorious 
 immortality. 
 
 The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all 
 times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none 
 may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it 
 enjoins. 
 
 You will also receive in charge the By-Laws of your 
 Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually 
 executed. 
 
 The Grand Marshal will now invest each of the remain- 
 ing offleei-s-elect with the insignia ot his ofHce, and then 
 severally introduce them to the Grand Master, who will de- 
 liver to each the appropriate charge of his office, as follows: 
 
81 
 
 THE SENIOR WARDEN. 
 
 Brother: You are elected Senior Warden of this 
 Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your 
 office. 
 
 The Level demonstrates that we are descended from 
 the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share 
 the same hope; and though distinctions among men 
 are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence 
 of station should make us forget that we are brethren, 
 for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune's 
 wheel may be entitled to our regard; because a time 
 will come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when 
 all distinctions but that of goodness shall cease, and 
 death, the grand leveler of human greatness, reduce us 
 to the same state. 
 
 Your regular attendance on our stated meetings is 
 essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master 
 you are to govern the Lodge; in his presence you are 
 to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on 
 your knowledge of Masonry, and attachment to the 
 Lodge, for the faithful discharge of the duties of this 
 important trust. — Look well to the West. 
 
 THE JUNIOR WARDEN. 
 
 Brother: You are elected Junior Warden of this 
 Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your 
 office. 
 
 The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our 
 several stations, to hold the scale of justice in equal 
 poise, and to make our passions and prejudices coincide 
 with the line of our duty. 
 
 To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft 
 6 
 
82 
 
 during the hours of refreshment; it is, therefore, indis- 
 pensably necessary that you should not only be tem- 
 perate and discreet in the indulgence of your own incli- 
 nations, but carefully observe that none of the Craft be 
 suffered to convert the purposes of refreshment into 
 intemperance and excess. 
 
 Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly 
 requested, and I have no doubt that you will faithfully 
 execute the duty which you owe to your present ap- 
 pointment. — Look well to the South. 
 
 THE TREASUEEH. 
 
 Brother: You are elected Treasurer of this Lodge. 
 It is your duty to receive all moneys from the hands of 
 the Secretary, keep Just and regular accounts of the 
 same, and pay them out at the Worshipful Master's 
 will and pleasure, with the consent of the Lodge. I 
 trust your regard for the Fraternity will prompt you to 
 the faithful discharge of the duties of your office. 
 
 THE SECRETARY. 
 
 Brother: You are elected Secretary of this Lodge. 
 It is your duty to observe the Worshipful Master's will 
 and pleasure, to record the proceedings of the Lodge, to 
 receive all moneys due the Lodge and pay them into 
 the hands of the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the 
 same. 
 
 Your good inclination to Masonry and this Lodge, I 
 hope, will induce you to discharge the duties of your 
 office with fidelity, and, by so doing, you will merit 
 the esteem and applause of your brethren. 
 
83 
 
 SENIOR AND JUNIOE DEACONS. 
 
 Brethren: You are elected Deacons of this Lodge. 
 It is your province to attend on the Master and War- 
 dens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of 
 the Lodge, such as the reception of candidates into the 
 different degrees of Masonry, the introduction and ac- 
 commodation of visitors, and the immediate practice 
 of our rites. The Square and Compass, as badges of 
 your office, I entrust to your care, not doubting your 
 vigilance and attention. 
 
 THE STEWARDS. 
 
 Brethren: You are elected Stewards of this Lodge. 
 The duties of your office are to assist in the collection 
 of dues and subscriptions, to keep an account of the 
 Lodge expenses, and generally to assist the Deacons 
 and other officers in performing their duties. 
 
 THE TYLEK. 
 
 Brother: You are elected Tyler of this Lodge, and 
 I invest you with the implement of your office. As 
 the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler to enable 
 him effectually to guard against the approach of cowans 
 and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass 
 but such as are duly qualified, so it should morally 
 serve as a constant admonition to us to set a guard at 
 the entrance of our thoughts, to place a watch at the 
 door of our lips, and to post a sentinel over our actions, 
 thereby excluding every unqualified and unworthy 
 thought, word and deed, and preserving consciences 
 void of offense toward God and toward man. 
 
 Your early and punctual attendance will afford the 
 best proof of your zeal for the Institution. 
 
84 
 
 The Grand Master -n-ill then call nil the Lodge, and ad- 
 dress the oflBcers and members as follows: 
 
 CHARGE TO THE MASTER. 
 
 Worshipful Master: Being elected Master of this 
 Lodge, you cannot be insensible of the obligations 
 which devolve upon you as its head, nor of your re- 
 sponsibility for the faithful discharge of the important 
 duties annexed to your station. 
 
 The honor, reputation and usefulness of your Lodge 
 will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with 
 which you manage its concerns, while the happiness of 
 its members will be generally promoted in proportion to 
 the zeal and ability with which you propagate the gen- 
 uine principles of our Institution. 
 
 For a pattern of imitation, consider the great lumin- 
 ary of nature, which, rising in the JEast, regularly 
 diffuses light and luster to all within its circle. In like 
 manner it is your province to spread and communicate 
 light and instruction to the brethren of your Lodge. 
 Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high im- 
 portance of Masonry, and seriously admonish them 
 never to disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of 
 the Lodge those duties which are taught in it; and by 
 amiable, discreet and virtuous conduct convince man- 
 kind of the goodness of the Institution; so that, when 
 any one is said to be a member of it, the world may 
 know he is one to whom the burthened heart may pour 
 out its sorrows; to whom distress may prefer its suit; 
 whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is 
 expanded by benevolence. In short, by a diligent ob- 
 servation of the By-Laws of your Lodge, the Constitu- 
 tion of Masonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, 
 which are given as a rule and guide to your faith and 
 
85 
 
 practice, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with 
 honor and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing 
 which shall continue when time shall be no more. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR WARDENS. 
 
 Brother Senior and Junior Wardens: You are too 
 w^ell acquainted with the principles of Masonry to war- 
 rant any distrust that you will be found wanting in the 
 discharge of your respective duties— suffice it to men- 
 tion that what you have seen praiseworthy in others 
 you should carefully imitate; and what in them may 
 have appeared defective, you should in yourselves 
 amend. You should be examples of good order and 
 regularity, for it is only by a due regard to the laws in 
 your own conduct that you can expect obedience to them 
 from others. You are assiduously to assist the Master 
 in the discharge of his trust; diffusing light and impart- 
 ing knowledge to all whom he shall place, under your 
 care. In the absence of the Master you will succeed to 
 higher duties; your acquirements must, therefore, be 
 such as that the Craft may never suffer for waiit of 
 proper instruction. From the spirit which you have 
 hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt that your future 
 conduct will be such as to merit the applause of your 
 brethren, and the testimony of a good conscience. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE LODGE. 
 
 Brethren of Lodge JVo. . . .• Such is the nature 
 
 of our Constitution, that as some must of necessity rule 
 and teach, so others must, of course, learn to submit 
 and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The 
 officers who are appointed to govern your Lodge are 
 sufficiently conversant with the rules of propriety and 
 the laws of the Institution, to avoid exceeding the 
 
86 
 
 powers with which they are entrusted, and you are of 
 too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. I 
 therefore trust that you will have but one aim, to please 
 each other, and unite in the grand design of being 
 happy, and communicating happiness. 
 
 Finally, my brethren, as this association has been 
 formed and perfected with so much unanimity and con- 
 cord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long con- 
 tinue, ^lay you long: enjoy everj" satisfaction and 
 delight which disinterested friendship can afford. May 
 kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your con- 
 duct as men and as JIasons. Within your peaceful 
 walls, may 3'our children's children celebrate, with joy 
 and gratitude, the transactions of this auspicious sol- 
 emnity. And may the tenets of our profession be 
 transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, 
 from generation to generation. 
 
 The officers being installed, the Grand Marshal will make 
 the following 
 
 PROCLAMATION. 
 
 In the name and by the authority of the Most Wor- 
 shipful Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, I proclaim 
 
 this new Lodge by the name of Lodge Xo. . . , 
 
 duly constituted, and the officers thereof duly installed, 
 this day of , 18..." 
 
 The Grand Lodge is now closed and the ceremonies thus 
 ended. 
 
RITUAL 
 
 FOR 
 
 CEREMONIES OP LAYING CORNER-STONES. 
 
 On arriving at tlie place of laying the corner-stone, while 
 the band is playing, the stone will be raised some sis feet 
 above the place it is designed to occupy. 
 
 The Superintendent will say: 
 
 ' ''Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of In- 
 diana: On behalf of , I now request that 
 
 you will proceed to lay the corner-stone of the , 
 
 in accordance with the formalities of your Ancient and 
 Honorable Institution. 
 
 The Grand Master will reply: 
 
 Sir, I accept your invitation to lay the corner-stone 
 of this ......... to be erected in this beautiful city, 
 
 and will proceed to do the work as requested. 
 
 The teachings of Freemasonry inculcate that in all 
 laudable undertakings, be they great or small, begun, 
 continued and finished, we should seek the aid and favor 
 of Almighty God. It therefore becomes us, as Free- 
 masons, before entering upon the duty assigned us, to 
 most humbly and sincerely invoke the blessing of the 
 Great Architect of the Universe upon the work in which 
 we are about to engage. I therefore command the 
 utmost silence, and call upon all to unite with our 
 Grand Chaplain in the performance of his sacred duty. 
 
 (87) 
 
88 
 
 Prayer by the Grand Chaplain, at tlie conclusion of which 
 all will respond: 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 (Music.) 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer, 
 it has ever been the custom on occasions like this to 
 deposit within a cavity in the stone placed in the corner 
 of an edifice, certain memorials of the period at which 
 it was erected, so that in the lapse of ages, the fury of 
 the elements or the slow but certain ravages of time, 
 should its foundation be laid bare, an enduring record 
 may be found by some succeeding generation to bear 
 testimony to the energy, industry and culture of our 
 own time. Has such a deposit been prepared? 
 
 Grand Treasurer. It has. Most "\^'orshipful Grand 
 Master, and the various articles of which it is composed 
 are safely enclosed within this casket which I now place 
 before you. 
 
 The casliet is placed before the Grand Master, who will 
 then address the Grand Secretary: 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, 
 has a list of the articles contained within this casket 
 been prepared? If so, you will proceed to read the 
 same for the information of the people here assembled. 
 
 The Grand Secretary reads the list as prepared. When 
 done, the Grand JIaster will say: 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer, 
 you will now deposit this casket in the cavity prepared 
 for its reception in this corner-stone, and may the Great 
 Architect of the Universe in His wisdom grant that 
 ages upon ages shall pass away ere the necessity shall 
 arise to again bring it to be seen of men. 
 
 The Grand Treasurer makes the deposit. 
 
89 
 
 (Music.) 
 The Grand Treasurer will then report: 
 
 Grand Treasurer. Most Worshipful Grand Master, 
 your orders have been duly executed, and the casket 
 carefully deposited in the cavity prepared for it. 
 
 The architect will now deliver the tools to the Grand Mas- 
 ter, who will then present the square to the Deputy Grand 
 Master, the level to the Senior Grand Warden, and the 
 plumb to the Junior Grand Warden, saying: 
 
 Grand Master. Right_ Worshipful Brethren, receive 
 from me these implements of your office. With your 
 assistance, and that of the workmen, I will now proceed 
 to lay the corner-stone of this edifice according to the 
 custom of our Ancient Fraternitj^ 
 
 The Grand Master takes his place at the east o£ the 
 stone, Deputy Grand Master on his right, the Senior Grand 
 Warden at the west, and the Junior Grand Warden at the 
 south. The Grand Master then says: 
 
 Grand Master. Brother Grand Marshal, you will 
 cause the workmen to lower the stone in proper form. 
 
 The Marshal will superintend the lowering of the stone. 
 The ceremonies will then proceed as follows: 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Deputy Grand 
 Master, what is the proper implement of your office? 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. The Square, Most ^Yorship- 
 ful Grand Master. 
 
 Grand Master. What are its moral and Masonic 
 uses? 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. Morally it teaches us to 
 harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality 
 and virtue, and by it we prove our work. 
 
90 
 
 Grand Master. Apply the implement of your ofEc& 
 to the appropriate part of this corner-stone, and make 
 report. 
 
 The square is applied to tlie four comers of the stone, and 
 report is made: 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. Most Worshipful Grand 
 Master, your order has been duly executed, and I am 
 happy to report that the stone is square; the workmen 
 have done their duty. , 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Senior Grand 
 Warden, what is the proper implement of your office ? 
 
 Senior Grand Warden. The Level, ]Most Worship- 
 ful Grand Master. 
 
 Grand Master. What are its moral and ]\Iasonic 
 uses? 
 
 Senior Grand Warden. Morally it teaches that we 
 are all descended from the same common parent, par- 
 take of the same nature, and share the same hope, and 
 by it we prove our work. 
 
 Grand Master. Apply the implement of your office 
 to the proper portion of the stone, and make report. 
 
 The Senior Grand Warden applies the level to the top 
 surface of the stone, and then reports: 
 
 Senior Grand Warden. Most Worshipful Grand 
 Master, your order has been duly executed, and I am 
 happy to report that the corner-stone is level; the work- 
 men have performed their duty. 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Junior Grand 
 Warden, what is the proper implement of your office? 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. The Plumb, ]\Iost Wor- 
 shipful Grand Master. 
 
91 
 
 Grand Master. What are its moral and Masonic 
 uses? 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. Morally it teaches us to 
 walk uprightly in our several stations, to hold the scale 
 of justice in equal poise, and by it we prove our work. 
 
 Grand Master. Apply the implement of your office 
 to the several sides of this corner-stone, and make 
 report. 
 
 Tbe plumb is applied to the several sides of the stone by 
 the Junior Grand Warden, after which he reports: 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. Most Worshipful Grand 
 Master, your order has been duly executed. I find the 
 stone is plumb and in its true position, and I am happy 
 to report that the workmen have completed their work 
 well and faithfully. 
 
 Grand Master. This corner-stone having been tested 
 by the proper implements of Masonry, and report made 
 that the workmen have skillfully and faithfully per- 
 formed their duty, I therefore declare the stone well 
 formed, true and trusty, correctly proved and well laid 
 according to the rules of our Ancient Craft. 
 
 The Grand Master now strilies the stone three times with 
 the gavel, and says: 
 
 Grand Master. May the building to be erected upon 
 this stone be conducted to its completion amid the 
 blessings of Almighty God, in Plenty, Health and 
 Peace. 
 
 The brethren respond: 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 The Grand Jlaster strikes the stone three times, and (hen 
 directs: 
 
 Grand Master. Brother Grand Marshal, present the 
 elements of consecration to the proper officers. 
 
92 
 
 The Grand Harshal presents a vessel of Corn (wheat) to 
 the Deputy Grand Master, vessel of Wine to the Senior 
 Grand Warden, and vessel of Oil to the Junior Grand War- 
 den. The Deputy Grand Master then steps forward, scat- 
 ters the corn on the stone, and says: 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. As I scatter this com, an 
 emblem of plenty, upon this comer-stone, so may the 
 blessings of bounteous heaven be showered upon us and 
 upon all like important undertakings, and inspire the 
 hearts of the people everywhere with Wisdom, Virtue 
 and Gratitude. 
 
 Besponse. So mote it be. 
 
 The Senior (irand Warden, .stepping forward with the 
 vessel of wine, pouring it on the stone, will say: 
 
 Senior Ch-and Warden. As I pour this wine, an 
 emblem of health, upon this corner-stone, so may the 
 Oreat Ruler of the Universe bless with health and pros- 
 perity our Nation, State and City Governments; pre- 
 serve the Union of these States in that harmony and 
 concord which shall endure through all time. 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 The Junior Grand Warden then stepping forward with 
 vessel of oil, pouring it on the stone, will say: 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. As I pour this oil, an em- 
 blem of peace^ upon this corner-stone, so may the bless- 
 ings of peace abide with us continually, and may the 
 Grand Master of heaven and earth shelter and protect 
 the widow and orphan, and vouchsafe to them and to 
 the bereaved, and afflicted and sorrowing everywhere, 
 the enjoyment of every good and perfect gift, with 
 Plenty, Health and Peace. 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 (Music.) 
 
93 
 
 Grand Master. May corn, wine and oil and all the 
 necessaries of life abound among men throughout the 
 world; may the blessings of Almighty God be upon 
 this undertaking; may the structure here to be erected 
 be planned with wisdom, supported by strength, and 
 adorned in beauty; and may it be preserved to the latest 
 ages a monument of the liberality of its founders, and 
 of the free and enlightened government in which it is 
 our privilege to partake. 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 The Grand Master, addressing the architect, will say: 
 
 Grand Master. Worthy sir, having thus, as Grand 
 Master of Masons, laid this corner-stone, I now deliver 
 these implements of operative Masonry into your hands, 
 with the fullest confidence that by your skill and taste, 
 aided by faithful craftsmen, a building will here arise 
 which will add new luster to your fame as a wise and 
 accomplished master builder, as well as an ornament to 
 the city in which it is located. May there be no envy, 
 discord or confusion among the workmen; may the im- 
 portant duties confided to you in this undertaking, be 
 performed to the entire satisfaction of those who have 
 entrusted you with their fulfillment, as well as to the 
 approbation of your own conscience, and to the honor 
 of our whole country. 
 
 The Grand Master, addressing the Grand Marshal, will 
 say: 
 
 Grand Master. Brother Grand Marshal, you will 
 cause proclamation to be made that the corner-stone of 
 this building to be here erected, has this day been found 
 Square, Level and Plumb, true and trusty, and laid 
 according to the ancient custom of the Fraternity, by 
 the Grand Master of Masons of Indiana. 
 
94 
 
 Grand Marshal. In the name of the Most Wor- 
 shipful Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable 
 Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State 
 of Indiana, I now proclaim that the corner-stone of the 
 
 new , to be here erected, has this day been 
 
 found Square, Level and Plumb, true and trusty, and 
 laid according to ancient custom, by the Most Wor- 
 shipful Grand Master of Masons of Indiana. 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. This is proclaimed from the 
 east to the west. 
 
 Senior Grand Warden. From the west to the south. 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. From the south to the 
 north. 
 
 Grand Master. And throughout the land. 
 
 The -entire audience will join the choir in singing the 
 closing ode. 
 
 Oration. 
 
 Benediction." 
 
DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. 
 
 "At the time appointecl for the dedication, the Lodge as- 
 sembles in the Lodge room, the otEcers in their respective 
 stations; the Grand Master and his officers, accompanied by 
 the members of the Grand Lodge, meet in a. convenient 
 room, near the place where the ceremony is to be performed, 
 and the Grand Lo.dge is opened in ample form. 
 
 The procession will then form under the direction of the 
 Grand Marshal, when the Grand Lodge moves to the hall to 
 be dedicated, in the following order: 
 
 ORDER OF PROCESSION. 
 
 The Grand Lodge. 
 
 Grand Tyler, with a drawn sword. 
 
 Senior and Junior Grand Deacons. 
 
 Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary. 
 
 Junior Grand Warden, with vessel of corn. 
 
 Senior Grand Warden, with vessel of wine. 
 
 Deputy Grand Master, with vessel of oil. 
 
 Master of oldest Lodge, caiTying the three great lights. 
 
 Grand Chaplain and Orator. 
 
 Grand Master. 
 
 When the Grand Officers arrive at the center of the Lodge 
 loom, the Grand Honors are given by the Lodge. The Grand 
 Officers then repair to their stations respectively. The 
 Ixidge officers will vacate the stations. The arrangements 
 being completed, the following, or some other appropriate 
 ode, may be sang: 
 
 "Master Supreme! accept our praise, 
 Still bless this consecrated band; 
 Parent of Light! illume our ways, 
 
 And guide us by Thy sovereign hand. 
 (95) 
 
96 
 
 May Faith, Hope, Charity, divine, 
 
 Here hold their undivided reign; 
 Friendship and Harmony combine 
 
 To soothe our cares, to banish pain. 
 
 May pity dwell within each breast. 
 
 Relief attend the suffering poor; 
 Thousands by this, our Lodge, be blest, 
 
 Till worth, distress'd, shall want no more." 
 
 The Master of the Lodge to which the hall to be dedi- 
 cated belongs, then rises and addresses the Grand Master as 
 follows: 
 
 '■^Most Worshipful: The brethren of Lodge, 
 
 being animated with a desire to promote the honor and 
 interest of the Craft, have erected a Masonic Hall for 
 their convenience and accommodation. They are desir- 
 ous that the same should be examined by the Most 
 "Worshipful Grand Lodge; and if it should meet its 
 approbation, that it be solemnly dedicated to Masonic 
 purposes, agreeable to ancient form and usage. 
 
 The Grand Architect then addresses the Grand Master as 
 follows: 
 
 "JHost Worshipful: Having been entrusted with the 
 superintendence and management of the workmen em- 
 ployed in the construction of this edifice, and having 
 accomplished the task assigned to me, I now return my 
 thanks for the honor of this appointment, and beg leave 
 to surrender the implements which were committed to 
 my care when the foundation of this building was laid, 
 humbly hoping that the exertions which have been 
 made on this occasion may be crowned with your appro- 
 bation, and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. 
 
 The Grand Ai'chitec-'t now delivers the square, level and 
 plumb to the Grand Master. 
 
97 
 
 Orand Master. Brother Grand Marshal, you will 
 distribute the working tools to the proper Grand 
 Officers. 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Deputy Grand 
 Master, what is the jewel of your office? 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. The Square, Most Wor- 
 shipful. 
 
 Grand Master. What are its moral and Masonic 
 uses? 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. To square our actions by 
 the square of virtue, and prove our work. 
 
 Grand Master. Apply the implement of your office 
 to that portion of the building to be proved, and make 
 report. 
 
 The Deputy Grand Master applies the square to the sev- 
 eral comers of the building, and says: 
 
 Deputy Grand Master. Most Worshipful, I find 
 the building square. The craftsmen have performed 
 their duty. 
 
 Grand Master. Right Worshipful Senior Grand 
 Warden, what is the jewel of your office? 
 
 Senior Grand Warden. The Level, Most Worship- 
 ful. 
 
 Grand Master. What is its Masonic use? 
 
 Senior Grand Warden. Morally it reminds us of 
 equality, and its use is to lay horizontals. 
 
 Grand Master. Apply the implement of your office 
 to the building, and make report. 
 
 7 
 
98 
 
 The Senior Grand Warden applies the level to the floor of 
 the building, and says: 
 
 Senior Grand Warden. Most Worshipful, I find 
 the building level. The craftsmen have performed their 
 duty. 
 
 Grand Master. Right AA'orshipful Junior Grand 
 "Warden, what is the jewel of your office? 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. The Plumb, Most Wor- 
 shipful. 
 
 Grand Master. What is its Masonic use ? 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. Morally it teaches rectitude 
 of conduct, and builders use it to prove perpendiculars. 
 
 Grand blaster. Apply the implement of your office 
 to the building, and make report. 
 
 The Junior Grand Warden applies the plumb to the walls 
 of the building, and says: 
 
 Junior Grand Warden. Most Worshipful, I find 
 the building plumb. The craftsmen have discharged 
 their duty. 
 
 To which the Grand Master replies: 
 
 Brother Grand Architect: The skill and fidelity dis- 
 played in the execution of the trust reposed in you, at the 
 commencement of this undertaking, have secured the 
 approbation of the Grand Lodge; and we pronounce this 
 edifice a monument to the liberality of its founders. 
 
 The Deputy Grand Master then rises and says: 
 
 Most Worshipful : The hall in which we are now 
 assembled, having met with your approbation, it is the 
 desire of the Fraternity that it should be dedicated, 
 according to ancient form and usage. 
 
99 
 
 The Grand Lodge then marches around the hall, during 
 which solemn music may be played. (Same order of proces- 
 sion as before.) 
 
 When the procession arrives at the East, it halts, music 
 ceases, and the Grand Chaplain malies the following 
 
 CONSECRATION PRAYER. 
 
 Almighty and ever glorious and gracious Lord God, 
 Creator of all things, and Governor of everything that 
 Thou hast made, mercifully look upon Thy servants now 
 assembled in Thy presence, and bless and prosper all 
 our works. Graciously bestow upon us Wisdom in all 
 things. Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the 
 Beauty of harmony in all our communications. Let 
 Faith be the foundation of our Hope, and Charity the 
 fruit of our obedience to Thy will. 
 
 May all the work of our Institution that may be done 
 in this house be such as Thy wisdom may approve and 
 Thy goodness prosper. And finally, be pleased, 0, 
 Thou Sovereign Architect of the Universe, to bless the 
 Craft wheresoever dispersed, and make them true and 
 faithful to Thee, to their neighbor, and to themselves. 
 And when the time of our labor is drawing to an end, 
 and the pillar of our strength is declining, graciously 
 enable us to pass through the valley of the shadow of 
 death,- supported by Thy rod and Thy staff, to those 
 mansions beyond the skies, where love, and peace, and 
 joy forever reign before Thy throne. Amen. 
 
 Response: So mote it be. 
 Second procession around the hall. 
 (Music.) 
 Genius of Masonry descend. 
 
 And with thee bring thy spotless train; 
 Constant our sacred rites attend, 
 While we adore thy peaceful reign. 
 
100 
 
 The second procession being made around the Lodge, the 
 Grand Master having reached the East, the Grand Junior 
 Warden presents the vessel of corn to the Grand Master, 
 saying: 
 
 2lost Worshipful: In the dedication of ^Masonic 
 halls it has been of immemorial custom to pour corn 
 upon the Lodge as an emblem of nourishment. I 
 therefore present jovl with this vessel of corn, to be 
 emploj'ed by you according to ancient usage. 
 
 The Grand Master then pours the corn upon the Lodge, 
 saying: 
 
 In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all 
 honor and glory, I solemnly dedicate this hall to 
 Freemasonry. 
 
 The Grand Honors are given. 
 
 (Music.) 
 
 Bring with thee Virtue! brightest maid; 
 
 Bring Love .ind Truth and Friendship hei-e; 
 While social mirth shall lend her aid, 
 
 To soothe the wrinkled brow of care. 
 
 The third procession is then made around the Lodge, and 
 the Grand Senior Warden presents the vessel of wine to the 
 Grand ilaster, saying: 
 
 Most Worshipful : AVine, the emblem of refresh- 
 ment, having been used by our ancient brethren in the 
 dedication and consecration of their Lodge, I present 
 you this vessel of wine, to be used on the present 
 occasion according to ancient Masonic form. 
 
 The Grand Master then sprinkles the wine upon the 
 Ijodge, saying: 
 
 In the name of the holy Saints' John I solemnly 
 dedicate this hall to Virtue. 
 
 The Grand Honors are twice repeated. 
 
101 
 
 (Music.) 
 
 Bring Cliarity! with goodness crowned, 
 
 Encircled in the heavenly robe; 
 Diffuse thy blessings all around, 
 
 To every corner of the Globe! 
 
 The fourth procession is then made around the Lodge, 
 and the Deputy Grand Master presents the vessel of oil to 
 the Grand Master, saying: 
 
 Most Worshipful: I present you this vessel of oil, 
 an emblem of that joy which should animate every 
 bosom on the completion of any important taking. 
 
 The Grand Master then sprinliles the oil upon the Lodge, 
 saying: 
 
 In the name of the whole Fraternity I solemnly 
 dedicate this hall to Universal Benevolence. 
 The Grand Honors are thrice repeated. 
 (Music.) 
 To heaven's high Architect all praise, 
 
 All praise, all gratitude be given. 
 Who d-eigned the human soul to raise, 
 By mystic secrets sprung from heaven. 
 
 The Grand Chaplain then makes the following 
 invocation: 
 
 And may the Lord, the giver of every good and 
 perfect gift, bless the brethren here assembled in all 
 their lawful undertakings, and grant to each one of 
 them the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, 
 and the oil of joy. Amen. 
 
 Response hy the Brethren: So mote it be." 
 
 The Grand Master then returns to his chair. 
 
 An oration may then be delivered, and the ceremonies 
 concluded with music. 
 
 The Grand Lodge is again formed in procession, as at 
 first, and returns to the room where it was opened, and is 
 closed in ample form. 
 
FUNERAL CEREMONIES 
 
 FOR MASTER MASONS. 
 
 OEDEE OF PEOCESSION. 
 
 Tyler, with drawn sword. 
 
 Stewards, with white rods. 
 
 Master Masons. 
 
 Senior and Junior Deacons, with rods. 
 
 Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 Senior and Junior Wardens, with their columns. 
 
 Past Masters. 
 
 The Three Great Lights. 
 
 The Worshipful Master. 
 
 Pall Bearers. 5 Pall Bearers. 
 
 FUNEEAL SEEVICE. 
 
 The brethren being assembled at the Lodge room, the 
 Worshipful Master will open the Lodge on the third degree. 
 After stating the object of the meeting, the services will 
 commence, the brethren all standing. (These services may 
 be had at the Lodge I'oom, at house of the deceased, at the 
 church, or at the grave.) Members of the Lodge should be 
 clothed in black. The brethren when 'in procession must 
 march elbow to elbow. Open order marching is not per- 
 missible in a Masonic procession. 
 
 "Master. ^lan that is born of woman hath but a 
 short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh 
 
 (102) 
 
103 
 
 up, and is cut down like a flower ; he fleeth as it were 
 a shadow, and never continueth in one stay. In the 
 midst of life we are in death. Of whom, then may we 
 seek for succor, but of Thee, Lord, who for our sins 
 art justly displeased? My brethren, where is the man 
 that liveth that shall not see death ? 
 
 Response hy the Brethren. Man walketh in a vain 
 shadow ; he heapeth up riches and cannot tell who 
 shall gather them. 
 
 Master. Where is now our departed brother? 
 
 Response. He dwelleth in night ; he sojourneth in 
 darkness. 
 
 Master. Can we offer any precious thing to redeem 
 our brother? 
 
 Response. We have not the ransom. The place 
 that once knew him shall know him no more forever. 
 
 Master. Shall his name be lost upon the earth ? 
 
 Response. We will treasure it in our memories, we 
 will record it in our hearts. 
 
 Master. How then, will it be known? 
 
 Response. It shall live in the exercise of his virtues. 
 
 Master. When our brother died, did he carry noth- 
 ing away with him? 
 
 Response. He fulfilled his destiny ; naked came he 
 into the world, and naked he has departed out of it. 
 
 Master. Hear, then, the conclusion of the whole 
 matter : It is the Lord only that can give, and it is 
 the Lord that hath taken away. 
 
 Response. Blessed forever be the name of the Lord. 
 
104 
 
 Master. Let us endeavor to live the life of the 
 righteous, that our last end may be like his. 
 
 Response. God is our God for ever and ever. He 
 will be our guide and our support, even through the 
 dark valley of the shadow of death. 
 
 Master. I heard a voice from heaven saying unto 
 me: "Write, from henceforth blessed are the dead who 
 die in the Lord; even so, saith the spirit, for they rest 
 from their labors. ' ' 
 
 The Worshipful Master will liere talie the roll on whicli 
 is inscribed the name, age and JIasonic record of the de- 
 ceased, and say: 
 
 Almighty Father! In Thy hands we leave, with 
 humble submission, the soul of our departed brother. 
 
 The brethren will all respond: 
 
 The will of God is accomplished. Amen. So mote 
 it be. 
 
 The Worshipful ilaster now hands the roll to the Secre- 
 tary to be preserved in the archives; after which the fol- 
 lowing, or some other suitable form of prayer, is used: 
 
 PRAYEE. 
 
 ]Most glorious God! author of all good and giver of 
 all mercy! pour down Thy blessings upon us, and 
 strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of 
 sincere afiection! ]May the present instance of mortality 
 remind us of our approaching fate, and draw our atten- 
 tion toward Thee, the only refuge in time of need ! that 
 when the awful moment shall arrive, that we are about 
 to quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of 
 Thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death; and, after 
 our departure hence in peace and in Thy favor, may we 
 
105 
 
 be received into Thine everlasting Kingdom, to enjoy in 
 union with the souls of our departed friends, the just 
 reward of a pious and virtuous life. Amen. 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 The procession will now form in the order presei-ibed, and 
 will march to the residence of the deceased. The Worship- 
 ful Master and pall bearers will enter and take formal pos- 
 session of the remains. The Worshipful Master will tie a 
 white apron on the casket. PaU bearers will then carry the 
 remains to the hearse and then take their places at either 
 side of the same. The Worshipful Master resumes his 
 place, and the procession moves, and when It has arrived at 
 the place of interment, the officers will take their respective 
 stations, while the brethren form a square about the grave, 
 inclosing within the square the immediate relatives of the 
 deceased. When all are in order, the services will be re- 
 sumed by the Worshipful Master, as follows: 
 
 Here we view a striking instance of the uncertainty 
 of life, and the vanity of all human pursuits. The last 
 offices paid to the dead are only useful as lectures to the 
 living. From them we are to derive instruction, and 
 to consider every solemnity of this kind as a warning 
 to prepare for our approaching dissolution. 
 
 Notwithstanding the various mementoes of mortality 
 with which we daily meet ; notwithstanding Death, has 
 established his empire over all the works of nature, yet, 
 through some unaccountable infatuation, we forget that 
 we are born to die. We go on, from one design to 
 another, add hope to hope, and lay out plans for the 
 enjoyment of many years, till we are suddenly alarmed 
 by the approach of Death, when we least expect him, 
 and, at an hour which we probably conclude to be the 
 meridian of our existence. 
 
 What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of 
 
106 
 
 wealth, or the charms of beauty, when nature has paid 
 her just debt? Fix your eyes on the last scene, and 
 view life stripped of her ornaments, and exposed in 
 her natural meanness ; you will then be convinced of 
 the futility of those empty delusions. In the grave, 
 all fallacies are detected, all ranks leveled, and all dis- 
 tinctions are done away. 
 
 While we drop the sympathetic tear over the grave of 
 our deceased friend, let charity incline us to throw a 
 veil over his foibles, whatever they may have been, and 
 not withhold from his memory the praise that his 
 virtues may have claimed. Suffer the apologies of 
 human nature to plead in his behalf. Perfection on 
 earth has never been attained. The wisest, as well as 
 the best, of men have erred. 
 
 Let the present example excite our most serious 
 thoughts, and strengthen our resolutions of amend- 
 ment. As life is uncertain, and all earthly pursuits 
 vain, let us no longer postpone the important concern 
 of preparing for eternity, but embrace the happy 
 moment, while time and opportunity offer, to provide 
 against that great change when all the pleasures of this 
 world shall cease to delight, and the reflections of a 
 virtuous life yield the only comfort and consolation. 
 Thus our expectations will not be frustrated, nor we 
 hurried, unprepared, into the presence of an all-wise 
 and powerful Judge, to whom the secrets of all hearts 
 are known. 
 
 Let us, while in this stage of existence, support with 
 propriety the character of our profession, advert to the 
 nature of our solemn ties and pursue with assiduity the 
 sacred tenets of our Order. Then, with becoming rev- 
 erence, let us supplicate the Divine grace, to insure the 
 
107 
 
 favor of that Eternal Being, whose goodness and power 
 know no bound; that when the awful moment arrives, 
 be it soon or late, M^e may be enabled to prosecute our 
 journey without dread or apprehension, to that far- 
 distant country whence no traveler returns. 
 
 Tile following invocations are then made by the Worship- 
 ful Master: 
 
 Master. May we be true and faithful, and may we 
 live and die in love! 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 Master. May we profess what is good, and always 
 act agreeably to our profession ! 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 Master. May the Lord bless us and prosper us; and 
 may all our good intentions be crowned with success. 
 
 Response. So mote it be. 
 
 Master. Glory be to God on high; on earth peace, 
 good will toward men! 
 
 Response. So mote it be, now, from henceforth, and 
 forevermore. 
 
 The Worshipful Master will then say: 
 
 I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he 
 that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he 
 live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall 
 never die. 
 
 Here the apron is taken from the coffin and handed to the 
 Master, and the body will be lowered into the grave. 
 The JIaster will then say: 
 
 Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God in His 
 
108 
 
 wise Providence to take out of the world the soul of 
 our deceased brother, we therefore commit his body to 
 the ground. 
 
 Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ; looking 
 for the general resurrection in the last day, when the 
 earth and the sea shall give up their dead. 
 
 One of the following Odes will now be sung, tbe brethren 
 standing; 
 
 HYMN. 
 
 I. 
 
 "Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee, 
 Though sorrow and darkness encompass the tomb; 
 
 The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee. 
 And the lamp of His love is thy guide through the gloom. 
 
 II. 
 
 Thou art gone to the grave, we no longer behold thee. 
 Nor tread the rough path of the world by thy side; 
 
 But the wide arms of mercy were spread to enfold thee. 
 For all men may hope since the Sinless has died. 
 
 III. 
 Thou art gone to the grave, but 'twere wrong to deplore thee, 
 
 When God was thy ransom, thy guardian and guide; 
 He gave thee, and took thee, and soon will restore thee, 
 
 Where death has no sting since the Saviour has died." 
 
 DIRGE. 
 
 "Solemn strikes the funeral chime. 
 Notes of our departing time, 
 As we journey here below. 
 Through the pilgrimage of woe. 
 
 "Mortals, now indulge a tear, 
 For mortality is here; 
 See how wide its trophies wave. 
 O'er the victims of the grave. 
 
109 
 
 "Lo! another guest we bring, 
 Serapli of celestial wing, 
 To our funeral altar come. 
 Waft a friend, a brother home. 
 
 "Lord of all, below, above. 
 Fill our hearts with truth and love, 
 As dissolves our earthly tie, 
 Take us to thy Lodge on high!" 
 
 The services will be resumed by the Worshipful Master 
 saying: 
 
 Master: Friend and brother we bid thee a last, a 
 long farewell! Thou art at rest from thy labors; may 
 it be in peace! 
 
 Hesponse. So mote it be. Amen. 
 Presenting the apron, he will say: 
 
 The Lamb-skin, or White Apron, is an emblem of 
 Innocence, and the badge of a Mason. It is more 
 ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more 
 honorable than the Star and Garter. 
 
 The Master now deposits the apron in the grave. 
 
 This emblem I now deposit in the grave of our 
 deceased brother. By this we are reminded of the 
 universal dominion of Death. The arm of friendship 
 cannot interpose to prevent his coming; the wealth of 
 the world cannot purchase our release; nor will the 
 innocence of youth, or the charms of beauty, propitiate 
 his purpose. The mattock, the coffin and the melan- 
 choly grave, admonish us of our mortality, and that, 
 sooner or later, these frail, weak bodies must moulder 
 in their parent dust. 
 
 Presenting the evergreen, he will say: 
 
 This Evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the 
 mortality of the soul. By this we are reminded of our 
 
110 
 
 high and glorious destiny beyond the world of shadows, 
 and that there dwells within the tabernacle of clay, an 
 imperishable, immortal spirit, over which the grave 
 lias no dominion, and death no power. 
 
 The brethren then move in solemn procession around the 
 grave and severally drop the sprig of evergreen into the 
 grave; after which the public Grand Honors are given. 
 
 The Master then continues the ceremony at the grave in 
 the following words: 
 
 From time immemorial it has been a custom among 
 the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, at the 
 request of a brother, to accompany his corpse to the 
 place of interment, and there to deposit his remains 
 with the usual formalities. 
 
 In conformity to this usage, and at the special 
 request of our deceased brother, whose memory we 
 revere and whose loss we now deplore, we have assem- 
 bled in the character of Masons to resign his body to 
 the earth whence it came, and to offer up to his 
 memory, before the world, the last tribute of our affec- 
 tion; thereby demonstrating the sincerity of our past 
 esteem, and our steady attachment to the principles of 
 the Order. 
 
 With all proper respect to the established customs of 
 the country in which we live, with due deference to 
 our superiors in church and state, and with unlimited 
 good-will to all mankind, we here appear clothed as 
 Masons, and publicly express our submission to order 
 and good government, and our wish to promote the 
 general interests of mankind. Invested with the badge 
 of innocence, we humbly bow to the Universal Parent, 
 implore His blessing on all our zealous endeavors to 
 ■«xtend peace and good-will, and earnestly pray for His 
 
Ill 
 
 grace to enable us to persevere in the principles of piety 
 and virtue. The Great Creator having been pleased, 
 out of His mercy, to remove our brother from the cares 
 and troubles of a transitory hfe, to a state of eternal 
 duration, and thereby to weaken the chain by which 
 we are united, man to man, may we, who survive him, 
 anticipate our approaching fate and be more strongly 
 cemented in the ties of union and friendship; that dur- 
 ing the short space allotted to our present existence we 
 may wisely and usefully employ our time; and in the 
 reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly acts, 
 mutually promote the welfare and happiness of each 
 other. 
 
 Unto the grave we resign the body of our deceased 
 friend, there to remain until the general resurrection, in 
 favorable expectation that his immortal soul may then 
 partake of joys which have been prepared for the right- 
 eous from the beginning of the world; and may Almighty 
 God, of His infinite goodness, at the grand tribunal of 
 unbiased justice, extend His mercy toward him and all 
 of us, and crown our hope with everlasting bliss in the 
 expanded realms of a boundless eternity. This we beg, 
 for the honor of His name, to whom be glory, now and 
 forever. Amen. 
 
 CONCLUDING PEAYEE. 
 
 Great Architect of the Universe! may this occasion 
 remind us that we are traveling to that undiscovered 
 country, and that soon, like our departed brother, we 
 shall be consigned to the silent abode of the dead. 
 May these separations remind us, so to live, that when 
 we shall be called to quit these earthly scenes, that we 
 shall once more be united with our departed brother, 
 and that an approving consciousness of this fact shall 
 
112 
 
 cast a halo of glory around our departing hours, and 
 cause us to look forward to a glorious immortality. 
 Bind us, Oh, Lord! still stronger together in the bonds 
 of brotherly love and affection; and as Thou hast seen 
 fit to remove our brother from us, may the same tie 
 which united us continue to bind us to his afflicted and 
 bereaved family. Help us to sympathize with them 
 and to tender them all the consolation and relief which 
 earthly friends can bestow. And may He who in His 
 wisdom has seen fit to send this affliction, watch over 
 them with a fatherly care — guide and protect them, and 
 finally unite them in that heavenly home, no more to 
 be separated. Amen. 
 
 Response. So mote it be. " 
 
 The benediction will now be pronounced, and the Lodge 
 will return to its hall. 
 
FORMS. 
 
 PETITION TO BE MADE A MASON. 
 
 Tu the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of. 
 
 Lodge No..., F. & A. Masons: 
 
 The petition of the subscriber respectfully represents 
 
 that he was born on the day of , A. D. 
 
 18.., at State of : and that he resides 
 
 at State of ; and that he has been a 
 
 resident of the jurisdiction of your said Lodge for the period 
 
 of years and months; and that he has 
 
 ....been rejected by any other Masonic Lodge; and that, 
 Jiaving long entertained a favorable opinion of yovir ancient 
 Institution, he is desirous of being jidmitted a member there- 
 of, if found worthy. His occupation is that of 
 
 Dated at , this day of IS. .„ 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 Recommended by Master Masons 
 
 Note. — The full name of the petitioner should be signed. 
 
 PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of. 
 
 Lodge No..., F. X- A. Masons: 
 
 The subscriber respectfully represents, that he is a blas- 
 ter JIason in good standing, and that he was formerly a 
 
 member of Lodge No. ., located at , 
 
 State of , from which he has dimitted, which fact 
 
 is evidenced by a certificate of dimit from said Lodge at- 
 8 (113) 
 
114 
 
 tached hereto. He now petitions to become a member ot 
 
 your Lodge, if found worthy. His residence is at 
 
 Occupation Born 18 . . . 
 
 Dated at this day of , 18... 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 Eecommended by Master Masons 
 
 CEETIFICATE OF DIMIT. 
 
 I, , Secretary of Lodge No. ., work- 
 ing under ;i charter regularly issued by the ilost Worshipful 
 Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of 
 Indiana, do hereby certify: 
 
 That Brother is a Master Mason in good 
 
 standing, that he has paid all dues owing by him to said 
 Lodge, and that no charges are pending against him at this 
 date, and having made application in writing for a dimlt 
 from the Lodge aforesaid, the dimit prayed for was granted 
 to him by a vote of said Lodge at a stated meeting thereof 
 ield on the day of , 18. . 
 
 Witness, my signature and the seal 
 
 [Seal.] of Lodge Xo. . aforesaid, at 
 
 Indiana, this day 
 
 of , 18. . 
 
 Secretary. 
 PAY YOUR DUES. 
 
 Hall of Lodge No. ., F. & A. Masons. 
 
 Brother 
 
 To Lodge Xo. ., F. & A. Masons, Dr. 
 
 For Lodge dues to , 18. ., $ 
 
 The By-Laws require dues to be paid on or before the 
 
 of each year. 
 
 Fraternally yours. 
 
 Secretary. 
 18.. 
 
115 
 
 NOTICE TO DELINQUENTS. 
 
 Hall of Lodge No. ., F. & A. Masons. 
 
 Brother 
 
 To Lodge No. ., F. & A. Masons, Dr. 
 
 For Lodge dues to 18. ., $ 
 
 You are hereby notified that the dues charged against you 
 must be paid on or before the stated meeting of the Lodge, 
 
 to be held , 38. . 
 
 By order of the Lodge. 
 
 IS. . Secretary. 
 
 CHARGES FOE NON-PAYMENT OF DUES — ACCOUNT CUKEENT. 
 
 Hall of Lodge No. ., F. & A. Masons. 
 
 Ind 18.. 
 
 Brother , a Master Mason and a member of 
 
 Lodge No. ., F. & A. Masons, is hereby charged 
 
 with unmasonic conduct, in this, to-wit: 
 
 Specification 1. That the said brother is indebted to the 
 
 Lodge aforesaid for dues from 18. . to 
 
 18. ., in the sum of $ which he has failed and neg- 
 lected to pay, in violation of Section of the By- 
 Laws of said Lodge. 
 
 Witnesses: Secretary. 
 
 John Doe, Seci'etary, also Ledger of said Lodge. 
 
 NOTIFICATION. 
 
 Hall of Lodge No. ., F. & A. Masons. 
 
 18.. 
 
 Brother 
 
 You are hereby notified to attend a meeting of this Lodge 
 
 at the hall thereof, on the day of 18. ., 
 
 at o'clocli p. m., to answer to a charge of unma- 
 sonic conduct, in the non-payment of dues, as shown by the 
 
 above account. 
 
 By order of the Lodge. 
 
 Witness, my signature and the seal 
 
 [Seal.] of said Lodge at Indiana, 
 
 this day of 18. .. 
 
 Secretary. 
 
SECKETAJtY'S RECEIPT. 
 
 No.... .? 
 
 Received of 
 
 I'or dues: 
 
 From 18. . 
 
 To IS. . 
 
 Secretary. 
 Lodge Xo . . 
 
 116 
 
 secketakt's keceipt. 
 
 No.. 
 
 .18. 
 
 Brother 
 
 To Lodge Xo . 
 
 F. & A. ilasons, Dr. 
 
 To dues from 18. . 
 
 To IS.. S... 
 
 Received payment. 
 
 becrtrtary. 
 
 LODGE OEDEK. 
 
 LODGE ORDER. 
 
 Xo S 
 
 To 
 
 Ordered 1* • ■ 
 
 Secretary. 
 Lodge Xo. . . . 
 
 TP.ZASrRER S RECEIPT. 
 
 Xo S 
 
 Received IS. . 
 
 From 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 Xo. 
 
 1;.. . 
 
 Treasurer of LuJge Xo. .. 
 
 F. & A. Masons: 
 
 Pay to tlie sum 
 
 of Dollars 
 
 a~ per order of said Lodge, 
 
 .W. il. 
 
 Attest: 
 
 Treasurer. 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 treasuker's receipt. 
 
 Xo. 
 
 .IS. 
 
 Received of Brother 
 
 Secretary of Lodge Xo. ., F. tt 
 
 A. Masons Dollars 
 
 and Cents. 
 
 Lod2-e X'o. 
 
 Treasurer. 
 
 SU-MMOXS. 
 
 Brother 
 
 You are hereby summoned to attend a meeting of 
 
 Lodge Xo. ., F. & A. Masons, to be held at the hall of said 
 Lodge at , county of and State of Indi- 
 ana, on the day of IS. ., at o'elocli. . ., 
 
 for the purpose of 
 
117 
 
 By order of Lodge No. . aforesaid. 
 
 Witness, my signature and the seal 
 
 [Seal.] of said Lodge at , State of 
 
 tliis day of 18. . 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL DEPUTY. 
 Tlie Grand Lodge F. & A. Masons, Indiana— Office of M. W. 
 Grand Master. 
 189.. 
 
 You are hereby appointed my Special Deputy to. 
 
 "When the duty herein assigned to you is performed, you will 
 
 return this Commission, with your doings thereunder, to me. 
 
 Witness, my signature and the seal of the 
 
 [Seal.] Grand Lodge, the date first above -written. 
 
 Grand Master. 
 Attest: 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
 SPECIAL DISPENSATION TO ELECT OFFICERS. 
 
 The Grand Lodge F. & A. Masons, Indiana — Office of M. W. 
 Grand Master. 
 
 ISO.. 
 
 To W. M. 
 
 Lodge No F. &. A. M. 
 
 Dear Brother — Permission is hereby granted your Lodge 
 to elect the following officers, viz.: 
 
118 
 
 The election to take place at the first stated meeting of said 
 Lodge after the receipt of this order, and the officers elected 
 thereunder to be installed at the same meeting, or as soon 
 thereafter as practicable. 
 
 You will cause the Secretary to record this order in the 
 record of the Lodge, and return the same to me with report 
 of your doings. Fraternally yours, 
 
 Grand Master. 
 COMMISSION TO CONSTITUTE LODGE. 
 
 I, , M. W. Grand Master of the 
 
 Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of 
 Indiana, by virtue of the power in me vested, do hereby ap- 
 point my Special Deputy to consti- 
 tute Lodge No , and install the officers 
 
 thereof, requiring that every brother who was a signer of 
 the petition for dispensation to organize the said Lodge, sub- 
 mit for approval a proper dimit from the Lodge of which he 
 was last a member, or a member at the date of the organiza- 
 tion under the dispensation, and that previous to constituting 
 the said Lodge No. . . . you satisfy your- 
 self that at least seven of the members thereof, including 
 'those appointed Worshipful Master and Wardens in the 
 charter, have submitted dimits as above required. 
 
 In the absence of such dimits at the organization under 
 charter, all others subsequently desiring membership in the 
 new Lodge must apply and obtain it by petition in the usual 
 way, as prescribed in the Rules of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 And also that you make return to me of this appointment, 
 with the blanks hereunto appended properly filled, at as 
 early a day as practicable. 
 
 Grand Master. 
 .189.. 
 
 REPORT OP SPECIAL DEPUTY. 
 
 To 
 
 M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, 
 F. & A. Masons of Indiana. 
 
 I Special Deputy, do hereby report 
 
 that on the day of , 18. ., I constituted 
 
119 
 
 in due form Dodge No . . . . , and installed 
 
 the officers thereof, of wliich the following in a correct list: 
 
 W. M. 
 
 S. W. 
 
 J. W. 
 
 Treasurer. 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 S. D. 
 
 J. D. 
 
 Stewards. 
 
 Tyler. 
 
 MEMBERS (including OFFICERS.) 
 
 1 3 
 
 2 4 
 
 ORDER OF SUSPENSION BY THE GRAND MASTER. 
 
 The Grand Lodge F. & A. JIasons, Indiana— Office of M. W. 
 Grand Master. 
 
 189.. 
 
 To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Members of 
 
 Lodge No P. &. A. Masons : 
 
 Brethren — Your Lodge having failed to pay Grand Lodge 
 dues on or before April 1, 18. ., as required by the provisions 
 of Section 13 of 'the By-laws of the Grand Lodge, it is or- 
 dered that your charter be suspended and that your Lodge 
 •cease to woTli or meet as such until the full and complete 
 payment of said dues, and if you shall fail and neglect to 
 pay the same, you are hereby cited to be and appear before 
 
 'the Grand Lodge at ten o'clocli a. m., on the day of 
 
 May, 18. ., and then and there show cause, if any, why your 
 Lodge should not be struclc from the roll of Lodges of this 
 State. 
 
 The receipt of the Grand Secretary for dues of 18. . will 
 authorize your Ijodge to resume labor. 
 By order of 
 
 [Seal.] 
 
 Attest: Grand Master. 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
PART SECOND. 
 
DIGEST OF DECISIONS 
 
 Grand Lodge F. & A. Masons 
 
 STATE OF INDIANA. 
 
 ABANDONMENT OF FAMILY — DECEPTION OF A MASON'S 
 SISTER. 
 
 It is a Masonic offense — worthy of expulsion — for 
 a Mason to abandon for a long time his wife and chil- 
 dren, and not provide for their support; and, while un- 
 dei- marriage vows to his wife, to court the sister of a 
 Master Mason and become engaged to marry her. 
 — Proc. 1856, p. 52; Proe. 1858, p. 44. As to aban- 
 donment, see also Proc. 1879, p. 51. 
 
 ADVANCEMENT — OBJECTION. 
 
 Under the law requiring a ballot for each degree, a 
 candidate for advancement against whom an objec- 
 tion has been made after a clear ballot, may renew his 
 application at the next stated meeting, and if the bal- 
 lot is clear he may be advanced, unless objection is 
 again made.— Proc. 1876, pp. 33, 127. 
 
 ADVANCEMENT, OBJECTION TO — CHARGES AND TRIAL — CON- 
 STRUCTION. 
 
 An existing regulation provides that: "Objection 
 to the advancement of a candidate, after initiation, 
 
 (123) 
 
124 
 
 will operate to suspend the conferring of the degree 
 until the next stated meeting of the Lodge, when, 
 should he have made suitable proficiency, and no fur- 
 ther objection be interposed, the degree may be con- 
 ferred. But to permanently stop a candidate from 
 further advancement at any time after his initiation, 
 charges must be regularly preferred, a trial had, and 
 judgment of the Lodge pronounced against him." 
 — Sec. 62. Of this law, Grand Master Bruce Carr 
 said: 
 
 "I can see but one construction that can be placed 
 upon the language used in the section. I construe it 
 to mean that if a member is always ready at stated 
 meetings with his objections, he can prevent the ad- 
 vancement from one meeting to another indefinitely. 
 But if he v.'ishes to place the candidate in a situation 
 that will make these stated objections unnecessary, he 
 must prefer charges. I can't read the section any 
 other way."— Broc. 1884, p. 17. 
 
 The Lodges throughout this Grand Jurisdiction 
 acted under this construction, and regarded it as the 
 law for eight years following, when Grand Master 
 Nicholas E. Buckle, quoting the section in question, 
 said : 
 
 "In explanation of the above [section] I have 
 ruled: That an objection made to the Worshipful 
 Master privately is a valid objection under the law; 
 that a second objection may be received at the next 
 stated meeting at the discretion of the blaster; but a 
 further objection should not be entertained unless for 
 the purpose of gi^ang necessary time to the objecting 
 
125 
 
 brother or brothel's to i^repare charges. The Wor- 
 shipful blaster has a two-fold duty: to protect an initi- 
 ate from an unfounded objection, and to guard the 
 Lodge against the advancement of an unworthy mem- 
 ber. The objector to the advancement of an initiate 
 should be warned that an objection, to be permanent, 
 must be sustained by the judgment of the Lodge." 
 — Proc. 1892, pp. 13, 59. See also Proc. 1897, pp. 
 20. SO; Proc. 1S98, pp. 116, 117, 118. 
 
 AFFILIATION — DIWIT, NOT SUFFICIENT — PROOF OF STAND- 
 ING — IDENTITY — VOUCHEE. 
 
 The fact that one holds a dimit purporting to be 
 issued by a ilasonic Lodge is not sufficient e^^dence 
 that the holder thereof is a ^Mason, nor is it sufficient 
 jiroof of identity. One holding such a dimit must 
 make proof of his character and standing as a Mason, 
 or be vouched lay a brother in good standing, before a 
 Masonic Lodge can admit him to membership. 
 —Proc. 1S96, pp. 27, 92. 
 
 AFFILIATION — REJECTION — JURISDICTION. 
 
 A Master Mason is not placed under any additional 
 disability by having been rejected on application for 
 membership in a Lodge, nor is his right to apply for 
 membership in another Lodge, at any time, restricted 
 in the least. — Proc. 1875, pp. 34, 91. 
 
 AFFILIATION — REJECTION — REASONS. 
 
 A non-affiliated IMason applying for membei-sliip is 
 not entitled to an investigation if rejected, nor can he 
 demand reasons therefor. — Proc. 1S82, pp. 34, 81. 
 
126 
 
 AFFILIATION- — UNANIMOUS BALLOT. 
 
 jSTo non-aiSliated brother can be admitted a member 
 of any Lodge mthout the unanimous consent of all 
 the members then present. — Proc. 1855, p. -±8; citing 
 Sec. VI of the General Regulations in the Constitu- 
 tions of 1723. 
 
 AFFILIATION — UNANIMOUS BALLOT — REASON. 
 
 A Lodge enacted a by-law providing that on a peti- 
 tion for affiliation "two-thirds of the votes of the mem- 
 bers shall be necessary to elect." Two considerations 
 are here to be taken into account. In the first place, 
 it is of the utmost importance that the portals of our 
 Institution should be safely guarded; and, if it is right 
 to scrutinize closely when the candidate first applies 
 for admission to our sacred mysteries, lest some who 
 are unworthy of this distinguished honor should gain 
 this fa"\-or, even so is it necessary to protect ourselves 
 from contact with those who have gained this high 
 privilege unworthily, or have failed to comply with 
 the requirements of the Order. In the second place, 
 the right of a brother to determine who shall be en- 
 titled to the benefits of his Lodge, and who shall be 
 associated with him in membership, is sacred, and 
 cannot be inquired into or questioned. A single 
 black ball determines the fate of the candidate for in- 
 itiation, and no man has a right to inquire by whom it 
 has been cast, or the reasons for such action. Do not 
 the same rights continue to be vested in the brother, 
 whenever an applicant for membership appeal's at the 
 door demanding admission ? If, to preserve harmony 
 in the one instance, the ballot must be unanimous, 
 
127 
 
 why should it not be equally requisite in the other? 
 A unanimous ballot in his favor is necessary to entitle 
 any brother to admission to membership to any Lodge. 
 — Proc. 1859, pp. 43, 44. 
 
 APPEAL — ABATEMENT — DEATH. 
 
 Xotice of death of the appellant (the accused) dur- 
 ing the pendency of an appeal to the Grand Lodge 
 must operate as a dismissal of said appeal. The rights 
 possessed by the appellant under and by virtue of the 
 appeal were purely personal, and do not revert to any 
 of his representatives. — Proc. 18'72, p. 86. But see 
 Proc. 1874, pp. 83, 84; Proc. 1875, p. 94; Proc. 1878, 
 pp. 18, 88. 
 
 APPEAL — ABATEMENT — DEATH. 
 
 The Committee on Grievances and Appeals find the 
 appellant to have died, but, on appearance of his legal 
 representative, they consider and affirm the case in 
 which the said appellant had been found guilty and 
 expelled by his Lodge upon evidence consisting alone 
 of the transcript of the judgment of a civil court con- 
 victing him of a criminal offense. — Proc. 1874, p. 83. 
 An appeal was at once taken by the counsel (so called) 
 for the deceased from the action of the committee to 
 the Grand Lodge, which was ordered to lie on the 
 table until the next annual meeting. — Id., pp. 83, 84. 
 ^Vt such next anniial meeting, said so-called covinsel, 
 suggesting the death of the appellant, claimed a fur- 
 ther investigation "in justice due to his memory," and 
 asked a reference of the matter back to the committee, 
 or to a select committee. Thereupon a motion was 
 made to refer the matter back to the Lodge, which was 
 
128 
 
 not agreed to ; and no further action was had. — Proc. 
 1875, p. 94. See also, on the subjects heading this 
 paragraph, Proc. 1872, p. 86; Proc. 1876, pp. 33, 127; 
 Proc. 1S7S, pp. 18, 88. 
 
 APPEAL, ACCUSED ALOXE ENTITLED TO. 
 
 Under the present Grand Lodge law, in the matter 
 of charges of unmasonic conduct, no one can appeal 
 but the accused brother. — Proc. 1871, p. 39; Id., p. 
 40. But see contra, Proc. 1893, pp. 81, 82. 
 
 APPEAL — ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR — NEW TRIAL. 
 
 All questions assigned as errors of the trial Lodge 
 should, on appeal, be shown to have been presented as 
 reasons for a new trial. — Proc. 1892, p. 64. 
 
 APPEAL — CONCURRENCE IX REPORT ON UNMASONIC CONDUCT. 
 
 Xo appeal can be taken from the action of a Lodge 
 in concurring in the report of a committee appointed 
 to iuA'estigate the supposed unmasonic conduct of a 
 brother. — Proc. 1853, p. 37. 
 
 APPEAL, DISMISSAL OF — NEW TRIAL. 
 
 After a party has filed his papers in an appeal, he 
 can withdraw them and ask and receive a new trial in 
 his Lodge. In a civil action in this State a party 
 thereto has the control of his side of the case, and may 
 withdraw or dismiss the same at any time before final 
 judgment; so, in appeals from the action of a Lodge 
 to the Grand Lodge, the party may withdraw or dis- 
 miss his appeal at any time before the iinal report of 
 the committee to the Grand Lodge. The right of a 
 Lodge to grant a new trial within a reasonable time is 
 
129 
 
 the peculiar property of the Lodge, and should not be 
 restricted. — Proc. 1875, pp. 34, 92. 
 
 APPEAL — IRREGULARITIES — CALLED MEETING. 
 
 At a called meeting to confer the degrees, the AVor- 
 shipful Master decided the proceedings of the meeting 
 held a week before — and at which he was not present 
 — illegal and irregular, and arrested further action 
 thereunder, — said proceedings having been the receiv- 
 ing of a petition, referring it to a committee, voting it 
 a case of emergency, and ordering the committee to 
 report instanter, receiving said report, adopting a reso- 
 lution that the degrees be conferred on the petitioner 
 free of charge, balloting on and declaring him elected, 
 and setting the time for conferring the degrees at the 
 present meeting. On appeal, the Grand Lodge held 
 the decision of the Worshipful Master to be correct. 
 —Proc. 1853, p. 42. 
 
 APPEAL, ON MERITS OF THE CASE. 
 
 The right of appeal to a higher tribunal, upon the 
 merits of the case, is a most sacred right indeed. It is 
 a principle of right that goes to the very foundation 
 of all governments, civil or Masonic, and should never 
 be restricted. — Proc. 1872, p. 82. 
 
 APPEAL — NOTICE OP INTENTION — MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL. 
 
 The Grand Lodge can summarily dismiss an appeal 
 where the transcript fails to show that notice was 
 given to the Lodge of intention to appeal; or that the 
 appellant at any time made application for a new trial. 
 —Proc. 1898, p. 65. 
 9 
 
130 
 
 APPEAL — REJECTED APPLICANTS. 
 
 The Grand Lodge does not possess the power to re- 
 vise the decisions of subordinate Lodges in the rejec- 
 tion of applicants for initiation into the mysteries of 
 the Craft, or to membership in the Lodges. — Proc. 
 1857, p. 56. — In proceedings in the nature of an ap- 
 peal, the Grand Lodge many years ago held that in 
 rejecting an applicant the Lodges exercised one of 
 their undoubted rights. — -Proc. 1822, pp. 34, 35. 
 
 APPEAL — REVERSAL ON MERITS RESTORATION. 
 
 When the judgment of a subordinate Lodge is re- 
 versed by the Grand Lodge on the merits of the case, 
 the case is not thereby remanded for a new trial, un- 
 less so ordered by the Grand Lodge, but the defend- 
 ant is restored to all the rights and privileges he pos- 
 sessed before the proceedings were originally insti- 
 tuted against him in the subordinate Lodge. — Proc. 
 1874, p. 90. Compare Proc. 1872, p. 82. 
 
 ASSESSMENT. 
 
 jSTo assessment can be made or collected from the 
 membership, except as dues, which must be provided 
 ior in the by-laws of the Lodge. — Proc. 1884, pp. 18, 
 93. See also Proc. 1895, pp. 27, 118. 
 
 ATTENDANCE AT A BROTHER'S OWN TRIAL NOT COMPULSORY. 
 
 ^V Lodge has no authority to charge, try, or expel a 
 brother for refusing to be present at his own trial, nor 
 is he guilty of unmasonic conduct for thus refusing to 
 attend. — Proc. 1854, pp. 51, 52. 
 
 AUDITING COMMITTEE — MASTER AND WARDENS INELIGIBLE. 
 
 .is the AVorshipful Master and Wardens are respon- 
 sible for the legal or illegal transactions of the Lodge, 
 
131 
 
 it would not be competent for either of them to serve 
 on the Auditing Committee. — Proc. 1895, p. 93. 
 
 BALLOT — ARREST, MOTION TO — LODGE ACTION. 
 
 A Worshipful Master having entertained a motion 
 to stop the ballot after it had been ordered and partly 
 taken, the Grand Master ruled that the motion to stop 
 the ballot should not have been entertained, but hav- 
 ing been entertained, and carried unanimously, the 
 irregularity became the action, of the Lodge. In ap- 
 proving this decision the Grand Lodge further held 
 that when a ballot has been ordered by a vote of the 
 Lodge, it is not within the province of the Master to 
 arrest proceedings, under that order, without a vote to 
 reconsider the ordering of such ballot; and that it is 
 not proper for him to entertain a motion to arrest the 
 taking of a ballot, after the question on such ballot has 
 been put to the Lodge and is being taken. — Proc. 
 1876, pp. 22, 128. See also Proc. 1876, p. 90. 
 
 BALLOT FOR INITIATION — REGULAR MEETING. 
 
 No subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction of this 
 <jrrand Lodge shall ballot for the initiation of a candi- 
 date, except at a regular meeting of the lodge. — Proc. 
 1826, p. 34; Hacker's Rep., p. 184. 
 
 BALLOT, IMPERATIVE AFTER REPORT OP COMMITTEE. 
 
 It is imperative that a ballot be taken on each peti- 
 tion following the report of the Committee on Charac- 
 ter, whether favorable or unfavorable. It is the vote 
 of the Lodge that decides the question of the admis- 
 sion of a candidate.- — Proc. 1896, pp. 28, 92. 
 
132 
 
 BALLOT, POSTPONEMENT OF. 
 
 Upon an unfavorable report on a petition for restor- 
 ation by one expelled for receiving tbe degrees under 
 an assumed name, a ballot was ordered but the action 
 postponed until the next stated meeting, when the ap- 
 plicant was restored by a majority vote. On appeal, 
 the Grand Lodge held that there was nothing infor- 
 mal in the proceedings, unless it were in the postpone- 
 ment of the ballot, and that was to a stated meeting, 
 when it was the privilege and duty of every member 
 to be present; and the action of the Lodge was sus- 
 tained. — Proc. 1876, p. 90. See Xame Assumed. 
 
 BALLOT, EECONSIDEKATION. 
 
 A ballot having been circulated to pass a brother to 
 the second degree and found clear, a brother came into 
 the Lodge during the [order of] balloting and desired 
 to vote, a motion was made and carried to reconsider 
 the vote, the ballot was again passed and the candidate 
 thereon declared rejected. On appeal, the Grand 
 Lodge sustained the action of the Lodge, on the 
 ground that it is right to permit a brother to vote at 
 any time before the Lodge confers the degree. — Proc. 
 1S53, p. 37. 
 
 BALLOT — REJECTION DECLARED, CANNOT BE RETAKEN AT 
 SUBSEQUENT JIEETING. 
 
 Where by oversight the ballot was not spread a sec- 
 ond time, but the candidate was declared rejected, al- 
 though only one black ball appeared, the ballot can- 
 not be retaken at a subsequent meeting. — Proc. 1895, 
 pp. 24, 118. The reconsideration of a secret ballot is 
 not permitted under any circumstances. — Id. p. 92. 
 
133 
 
 BALLOT, SECOND — ONE ELECTED TO RECEIVE ONE DEGREE 
 COULD BE SUBJECTED TO. 
 
 Under the law requiring a ballot for each degree, a 
 brother was elected to receive the second degree, but 
 before it was conferred rumors derogatory to his char- 
 acter were circulating, a committee was appointed to 
 investigate the same, and, after said committee re- 
 ported, the Lodge ordered another ballot, upon which 
 the brother was rejected. On appeal from this pro- 
 ceeding, the Grand Lodge affirmed the action of the 
 Lodge.— Proc. 1853, pp. 36, 38. 
 
 BALLOT, SECRECY OP UNQUESTIONABLE. 
 
 The brethren of a Lodge have no right to question 
 the vote of a brother, or inquire the reason for said 
 vote. Each brother votes for himself, and no one is 
 at liberty to question that vote, nor the motive which 
 induced it. — Proc. 1854, p. 66. Nor can any ques- 
 tion of such vote be raised in the Grand Lodge by a 
 memorial of a rejected petitioner for membership 
 claiming that such vote was cast by improper motives. 
 — Proc. 1856, p. 47. 
 
 BALLOT, NOT TO BE QUESTIONED— SECRECY — FINALITY. 
 
 A rejected applicant for membership cannot be per- 
 mitted afterward to complain that the single black ball 
 against him was cast by a non-affiliated Mason; and 
 although such non-affiliated Mason may have voted 
 without right, no one but himself could know, or had 
 a right to know, what kind of a vote he cast. The 
 ballot being unfavorable, the applicant was rejected, 
 and that was the end of it. — Proc. 1876, pp. 31, 127. 
 
134 
 
 BALLOT — SECRECY — CAXXOT BE QUESTIONED. 
 
 If a person applying for the degrees of Masonry 
 should be black-balled, and there are reasons to believe 
 it ^vas done to injure the Lodge, or on account of a 
 personal grudge, yet there is no remedy. It is a Ma- 
 sonic offense for a brother to disclose his ballot, 
 whether it be black or white. He is presumed to b& 
 actuated by pure motives in casting his ballot, and 
 acting for the best interests of Masonry. His motive 
 cannot lie questioned. — Proc. 1893, pp. 23, 24, 65. 
 
 BALLOT, :MUST BE SEPARATE ON EACH APPLICATION. 
 
 Where several applications for membership [or the 
 degrees] are pending before the Lodge, each must be 
 voted upon separately. Xo joint ballot upon all can 
 be taken. The policy of Masonry is to require every 
 candidate to stand upon his own merits. He must 
 run the gauntlet of a ballot alone and unaided by asso- 
 ciation with others. — Proc. 1S95, pp. 27, 118. 
 
 BALLOT, WRITTEN IMPROPER IN MASON'IC TRIAL. 
 
 A vote on finding guilty, or inflicting a penalty, can 
 only be by ball ballots. It is a very grave error to- 
 take the vote in such cases by ayes and nays or written 
 ballots collected by tellers appointed for that purpose. 
 — Proc. 1873, pp. CO, 61. But upon appeal such er- 
 ror is not fatal. — Proc. 1876, pp. 28, 130. See Trial 
 — Question of Guilt. 
 
 BEGGING PAPERS CONDEMNED — DUTY TO TRAVELERS. 
 
 It is very inexpedient for any Lodge or brother to 
 endorse begging papers for any person in order that 
 said person may beg from Lodge to Lodge; but if a. 
 
135 
 
 person shall be found traveling for said purpose, it 
 shall be the duty of the Lodge or brother to whom he 
 may come to endeavor to set such traveling person on 
 work, if the same can be had; if not, then to help 
 such person, if found worthy, on his way, that he may 
 be able to find employ, and work for his wages, that 
 the Craft may be honored thereby and not brought 
 into disrepute. — Proc. 1S49, p. 54. 
 
 BEGGING LETTERS AND CIKCDLARS. 
 
 The too common system of sending mendicant ap- 
 peals over the country is degrading to our Fraternity 
 and derogatory to our individual character, and too 
 strong terms cannot be iised in denouncing such acts 
 on the part of subordinate Lodges; and any Lodge 
 hereafter found indulging in such improprieties will 
 become proper subjects of ]\Iasonic discipline by the 
 Grand Master. — Proc. 1877, pp. 41, 140. 
 
 BEGGIXG CIRCULAES. 
 
 The practice of issuing begging circulars under the 
 guise of charity, for any imaginable purpose, by Ma- 
 sonic Lodges, or individual Masons, is wrong and con- 
 trary to the views of the Grand Lodge ; and Lodges are 
 forbidden to issue any such circulars, and in doing so 
 hereafter will subject themselves to discipline from 
 the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge. — Proc. 1888, 
 pp. 128, 129; Proc. 1889, pp. 16, 32; Proc. 1890, pp. 
 35, 36, 96; Proc. 1891, pp. 21, 22, 111; Proc. 1894, 
 p. 68; Id. p. 68; Proc. 1897, pp. 15, 16; Proc. 1898, 
 pp. 15, 121. 
 
 BLACK-BALLING — CHARGES AND TRIAL FOR. 
 
 A brother cannot be charged and tried for rejecting 
 
136 
 
 a candidate, unless it is evident that he [has] done so 
 for the purpose of arresting the work of the Lodge. 
 — Proc. 1859, p. 38. 
 
 BCEIAL OF A SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED MASOX. 
 
 It is the unquestionable right of the Grand Master 
 to suspend the functions of a Lodge for having buried 
 •with Masonic honors a suspended or expelled Mason; 
 and such misconduct can only be condoned, if at 
 all, upon the strongest circumstances of mitigation. 
 —Proc. 1ST3, pp. 14, 59. 
 
 BUSINESS, DISPOSED OF AT OXE MEETING CANNOT AGAIN BE 
 ACTED OX AT ANOTHEE. 
 
 At a meeting of a Lodge a resolution was intro- 
 duced requesting the Grand Lodge to restore an ex- 
 pelled brother, and upon a vote being taken it was de- 
 clared lost by the Master — though there was a small 
 majority of votes in favor of its adoption — because the 
 by-laws required a vote of two-thirds in such cases, 
 and an appeal was taken from this ruling. At a sub- 
 sequent meeting a petition was presented asking the 
 Lodge to consent to the same brother's restoration and 
 to recommend it to the Grand Lodge. The Worship- 
 ful Master ruled, as out of order, a motion to grant 
 said petition, because it was the same subject-matter 
 that had been acted upon at the previous meeting, and 
 from the decision of which an appeal had been taken. 
 On appeal from this last ruling, the Grand Lodge 
 sustained the decision of the Master, with the argu- 
 ment that neither harmony nor fair-dealing is con- 
 duced by. entertaining a matter in the Lodge, after it 
 has been once disposed of; that when a question has 
 
137 
 
 Leen fairly presented and disposed of, tlie members 
 have a right to presume that it will not again be called 
 Tip, otherwise the action at one meeting may be ren- 
 dered nugatory at the next; and that it would be fool- 
 ish for a Master to entertain a proposition which had 
 been previously decided upon, and from which de- 
 cision an appeal had been taken, as such a course 
 would tend to produce confusion in the Lodge, and 
 the accumulation of appeals. — Proc. 1858, p. 75; 
 Proo. 1892, pp. 14, 59. See also Proc. 1863, p. 39. 
 Put contra, as to called meetings on the subject of 
 Masonic burial — Proc. 1869, p. 51. See also Proc. 
 1822, p. 34. 
 
 BY-LAWS — ABSENCE OP — GENERAL EULES AND EEGULATIOXS. 
 
 While the Grand Lodge has provided a code of 
 General Kegulations, and the by-laws which a Lodge 
 has a right to adopt must be in harmony therewith, 
 yet should a Lodge have been working without adopt- 
 ing such by-laws, such Lodge would nevertheless for 
 the time be working under the Constitution, Rules 
 and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and the work so 
 done be legal and good. — Proc. 1897, pp. 27, 82. 
 
 BY-LAWS — BUSINESS^EULES OF OEDEE. 
 
 Rules of order should not have the binding force of 
 a by-law, and should be inserted after the by-laws, as 
 a matter of convenience. — Proc. 1896, pp. 59, 61. 
 The order of business should not have the binding- 
 force of a by-law, but should be left to the proper dis- 
 cretion of the Worshipful Master and the Lodge, 
 which might be varied at times to suit the convenience 
 of all, and be inserted after the by-laws, as a matter of 
 
138 
 
 form. — Id. p. 64. The order of business should not 
 be in the body of the by-laws, but be inserted as an 
 addendum. — Id. p. 75. 
 
 BY-LAW — FEE TO ACCOirPAXY PETITIOK CANNOT FORFEIT 
 
 RETURN OF. 
 
 While a Lodge may go further than the General 
 Eegulations, and require the fee to accompany the 
 petition, yet in case the petitioner, after election, does 
 not present himself for initiation, the fee should not 
 by any such improper by-law be held forfeited. The 
 candidate must enter Masonry of his own free will and 
 accord, and has a right to withdraw and proceed no 
 further up to the time of his initiation, and this right 
 cannot properly be fettered by a condition of for- 
 feiture of the fee. When a candidate for Masonic de- 
 grees, having paid the fee in advance, and for any 
 cause he fails to receive any of the degrees, the fee so 
 paid shoidd be returned to him. — Proc. 1895, pp. 16, 
 83. As to last clause of the above digest, see contra^ 
 Proc. 1897, pp. 19, 20, 80. 
 
 BY-LAWS — IJIPROPER PROVISIONS. 
 
 The requirement — in a by-law — that dues must be 
 paid as a qualification to vote or hold office is unlaw- 
 ful; or to allow a member to be excused from voting 
 when the ballot is for membership or for the degrees; 
 or, at present, to require a ballot for each degree 
 —Proc. 1891, p. 59; Proc. 1892, p. 53— or for the 
 investigation of complaints against brethren by a 
 standing committee. — Proc. 1892, pp. 23, 52; Proc. 
 1896, p. 58. 
 
139 
 
 BY-LAWS — TRUSTEES, NOT NEEDED. 
 
 The Grand Lodge held the action of the Grand 
 Master in not approving by-laws providing for the con- 
 duct of the business of the Lodge by trustees, as being 
 at variance with the general Masonic polity, to be cor- 
 rect. The statutes of the State of Indiana make full 
 and ample provision for the conduct of the business of 
 the Lodge under the name and title of the Master and 
 Wardens of Lodge ISTo. — , with all necessary powers 
 for the purchase and sale of real and personal prop- 
 erty.— Proc. 1892, pp. 23, 52; Proc. 1893, pp. 18, 65. 
 
 CHARACTER, COMMITTEE ON — NEW MAY BE APPOINTED 
 
 INVESTIGATION, TIME FOE — DUTY OF. 
 
 Where a Committee on Character fails to report at 
 the proper time, the Lodge may order a new commit- 
 tee; the Master exceeds his authority when he orders 
 said new committee to report without giving time for 
 investigation ; and a committee reporting without satis- 
 factory knowledge is derelict in Masonic duty. — Proc. 
 1892, pp. 13, 59. As to last clause of the above, see 
 also Proc. 1898, pp. 54, 55. 
 
 CHARGES — ANY AFFILIATED MASON MAY PREFER — 
 JURISDICTION. 
 
 Under existing rules any affiliated Mason may pre- 
 fer charges, not only in the Lodge of the accused, but 
 in any Lodge within whose jurisdiction he may live, 
 or go into and there commit an offense against Ma- 
 sonry. This right exists not only by virtue of the 
 laws of the Grand Lodge, but lies at the very founda- 
 tion of the character, usefulness and harmony of the 
 universal Masonic Brotherhood. — Proc. 1871, p. 47. 
 
140 
 
 CHARGES — ANY MEMBER MAY PREFER. 
 
 Any member of a Lodge, wlio has been misused or 
 aggrieved, may prefer charges. Charges for unma- 
 sonic conduct should be accompanied with specifica- 
 tions before the charge is entertained by the Lodge. 
 — Proc. 1859, p. 38. 
 
 CHARGES — DISMISSED — A3IEXDJIEXT AT SCBSEQUEXT JIEETIXG. 
 
 "Where cliarges were on motion striclien out for in- 
 sufficiency, at the time set for trial, and at the follow- 
 ing stated meeting the accuser stated that he was un- 
 able to attend the meeting fised for the trial, and now 
 asked that he be granted the privilege of amending 
 liis charges, which request the ]\Iaster refused to grant, 
 the Grand Lodge, on appeal from this decision, held 
 that tlie ruling made by the AYorshipful Master was 
 correct; that the action of the Lodge was equivalent 
 to a dismissal of the charges, and therefore, when the 
 accuser asked leave to amend, there were no charges 
 pending. — Proc. 1892, pp. 72, 73. 
 
 CHARGES — PRESUMPTION THAT THEY ARE SIGNED BY AX 
 AFFILIATED MASTER MASOX. 
 
 It is not an indispensable requirement that charges 
 must affirmatively show that they are signed by an 
 affiliated ]\Iason. The burden of proof that such 
 signer is not a ilason, or not an affiliated Mason, rests 
 upon the defendant. — Proc. 1S98, pp. 69, 70. 
 
 CHARGES — TIME AXD PLACE — REASONABLE CERTAINTY. 
 
 "Where an accused is not charged with the doing of 
 an isolated act, capable of being precisely and specific- 
 ally charged as having occurred on any given day, or 
 at any one place, but the wrongful acts of alienating 
 
141 
 
 the affections, and seducing from her loyalty to her 
 husband, the wife of a brother, began on or about a 
 specified day and year, and were continuous from that 
 date until the time of the filing of the charges, and 
 that such acts terminated in the permanent separation 
 of the husband and wife, and in the destruction of her 
 good name, the averments of time and place were 
 held sufficient by the Grand Lodge. Such an offense 
 merits the highest penalty known to Masonic law. 
 — Proc. 1891, pp. 10, 71. 
 
 CHARGES, WITHDRAWAL — DISJIISSAL. 
 
 Charges, when once read and spread upon the min- 
 utes, cannot be withdrawn by the brother who pre- 
 ferred them, without the consent of the Lodge given 
 upon a majority vote. — Proc. 18Y3, pp. 17, 64, 65, 88. 
 Also Proc. 1874, p. 81; Proc. 1878, p. 22; Proc. 1886, 
 p. 34; Proc. 1890, p. 81. ISTor with such consent. 
 — Proc. 1S80, p. 114. 
 
 CHARGES — SPECIFICATIONS — WITHDRAWAL — DISMISSAL — LODGE 
 
 Subordinate Lodges can, by a majority vote, dis- 
 miss or withdraw charges or specifications against a, 
 brother.— Proc. 1874, p. 81. Also Proc. 1873, pp. 
 17, 64, 65, 88; Proc. 1878, pp. 20, 22, 88; Proc. 1886, 
 p. 34. But see contra, Proc. 1880, p. 114; Proc. 
 1890, p. 81. 
 
 CHARGES — WITHDRAWAL — DISMISSAL OF CASE. 
 
 At the time set for the trial of an accused, a motion 
 was made to withdraw the charges and dismiss the 
 case, which motion prevailed. On appeal, the Grand 
 Lodge held that the Lodge erred in allowing the 
 charges to be withdrawn, and that they should have 
 
142 
 
 proceeded with the trial and determined the guilt or 
 innocence of the accused by the evidence. — Proc. 
 1880, p. 114; Proc. 1890, p. 81. 
 
 CHARITY — DESTITUTION, SICKNESS AND DEATH. 
 
 All expenses connected with the sickness and fu- 
 neral of a Master Mason in good standing, wherever 
 he may travel or go, regardless of the country or clime 
 from whence he came, should he be destitute when 
 taken sick or stricken down, should be borne by the 
 Master Masons individually or the Lodge having the 
 jurisdiction in the premises; and it is not in accord- 
 ance with Masonic law or precedent to ask the Lodge 
 of his affiliation to pay the same. — Proc. 1869, p. 65. 
 Also Proc. 1873, p. Vo; Proc. 1880, p. 119; Proc. 
 1890, pp. 14, 15, 95; Proc. 1891, pp. 12, 109. 
 
 CHAEITY — FUNERAL EXPENSES — NO REIMBURSEMENT. 
 
 It is not in accordance with Masonic law or prece- 
 dent to ask the Lodge with which he was affiliated to 
 pay the expenses of burying a brother who had died 
 under the jurisdiction of another Lodge. A Master 
 Mason in good standing is justly entitled to all the 
 rights and benefits of Masonry, not only while under 
 the jurisdiction of the Lodge which made him a Ma- 
 son, or with which he may have subsequently affili- 
 ated, but he may claim them of any Lodge in the 
 world under whose jurisdiction he may happen to be. 
 His Lodge extends from East to West and from Xortli 
 to South, and may he always find Masonic charity 
 equally extensive. — Proc. 1873, p. 70. See also Proc. 
 1869, p. 65; Proc. 1880, pp. 23, 119; Proc. 1890, 
 pp. 14, 15, 95; Proc. 1891, pp. 12, 109. 
 
143 
 
 CHARITY, GRAND LODGE CANNOT DISPENSE. 
 
 The Grand Lodge has no authority, either in her 
 written laws or in precedent, for the bestowal of per- 
 sonal charity. If a worthy Master Mason, or his 
 widow or orphans, are in need of assistance, they have 
 a right to call on the subordinate Lodges, or on any 
 Master Mason individually, for relief. But the 
 Grand Lodge has no power to afford it; it is wholly 
 with the subordinate Lodges. — Proc. 1865, p. 65. 
 
 CHARITY — GRAXD LODGE — SUBORDINATE LODGES — MEMBERS. 
 
 The great objects of Masonry are benevolence and 
 charity; but the prerogatives of the Grand Lodge are 
 purely legislative and judicial, and not designed for 
 the immediate distribution of individual beneficence. 
 To relieve the suffering and distressed is the duty of 
 subordinate Lodges, and the members of the Frater- 
 nity.— Proc. 18Y3, pp. 75, Y6. See also Proc. 1896, 
 pp. 95, 96. 
 
 CHARITY — LODGE FUNDS. 
 
 The Grand Lodge has not the power of controlling 
 the charity of any subordinate Lodge, and the charity 
 fund of each and every Lodge is under its own con- 
 trol.— Proc. 1862, p. 45. See also Proc. 1869, p. 65 ; 
 Proc. 1873, p. 70; Proc. 1880, p. 119; Proc. 1890, 
 pp. 15, 95. 
 
 CHARITY — REIMBURSEMENT NOT OBLIGATORY. 
 
 Where the widow of a member of one Lodge re- 
 sides in the jurisdiction of another Lodge which gives 
 her assistance, the latter has no claim against the for- 
 mer therefor. — Proc. 1864, p. 76. 
 
144 
 
 CHARITY — REIMBURSEMENT KOT OBLIGATORY. 
 
 There is no law or rule in Masonry that places the 
 treasury of one Lodge at the mercy or disposal of an- 
 other; consequently, when a Lodge contributes to the 
 relief of anyone, it is her own voluntary act, and for 
 which she can have no legal claim upon any other 
 Lodge whatever. — Proc. 1868, p. 47; Proc. ISSO, p. 
 119; Proc. 1890, pp. 15, 93; Proc. 1891, pp. 13, 109; 
 Proc. 1892, pp. 53, 54; Proc. 1895, pp. 23, 24, US; 
 Id. p. 95; Proc. 1896, p. 84. 
 
 CHARTER — CONDITIONAL SURRENDER. 
 
 While any subordinate Lodge, whether in arrears 
 or otherwise, is aiithorized and empowered voluntarily 
 to surrender its charter, no Lodge can make a condi- 
 tional surrender of its charter, and if it wishes to dis- 
 pose of its personal property over and above what its 
 dues to the Grand Lodge may amount to, it must be 
 done before its charter is surrendered, as upon the 
 surrender its tools, jewels, fiu'niture, books and papers 
 are forfeited to the Grand Lodge. — Proc. 1829, p. 29; 
 Hacker's Ptep., p. 237. See also Proc. 1880, pp. 9, 
 68, 79, 80. 
 
 CHARTER, CONSTITUTIONAL NUMBER CAN RETAIN. 
 
 A constitutional number of members [sevenj be- 
 longing to any subordinate Lodge within the jurisdic- 
 tion of this Grand Lodge is authorized to continue 
 their work and retain their charter, although a ma- 
 jority of the members of said Lodge have voted to sur- 
 render the same. — Proc. 1860, p. 126. [Referred to 
 
145 
 
 Committee on Charters, which failed to report 
 on it. J 
 
 CHARTER, SUEEEXDEE OF — SALE OF PROPERTY — FRAUD 
 AGAINST GRAND LODGE. 
 
 Where, at a stated meeting, a Lodge appointed two 
 committees to sell all its property, except columns, 
 jewels, etc., and later at the same meeting submitted a 
 proposition to surrender its charter, which proposition 
 under the law was laid over till the next stated meet- 
 ing, at which time the sale of said pi'operty for a large 
 sum in cash was reported, out of which some debts and 
 the Grand Lodge dues were ordered paid, and nearh- 
 all the balance^a large sum — was donated, in various 
 amounts, to four of the members, without giving any 
 reason for such donations, leaving only a very small 
 sum remaining; and after these proceedings, and at 
 the same meeting, by a unanimous vote of seven, the 
 (diarter was surrendered, resulting in the delivery of 
 the charter, jewels, records, and said small sum in cash 
 to the Grand Secretary; the Grand Lodge held that 
 the Lodge, having thus converted its property into 
 money for the sole purpose and with the view of sur- 
 rendering its charter, it had no power or right to use 
 or dispose of the moneys thus raised for any other pur- 
 pose than to pay its just debts. Grand Lodge dues, and 
 for purposes of charity; and that the making of said 
 donations was wrong and unmasonie, and that the 
 money so disposed of was, on the surrender of the 
 charter, the property of the Grand Lodge, and should 
 have been so reported and turned over. — Proc. 1880, 
 pp. 9, 68, 79, 80. See also Proc. 1829, p. 29; Hack- 
 er's PLep., p. 237. 
 10 
 
146 
 
 CHARTER AND JEWELS — TAKING, CONCEALING AND KEEPING. 
 
 The taking, concealing and keeping, by a brother, 
 ■of the charter and jewels of a Lodge, notwithstanding 
 numerous committees and brethren had called upon 
 and requested him to deliver the same to the Lodge, is 
 'One of the most aggravated, unlawful and unjust of- 
 fenses that is found in the calendar of ^Masonic crimes, 
 and justly merits the punishment of expulsion. — Proc. 
 1858, pp. 5Y, 58. Compare also Proc. 1856, p. 52; 
 and Proc. 1870, p. 39, as to Secretary's book. 
 
 CHARTER, UXCONDITIONAL SURRENDER OF. 
 
 Any subordinate Lodge, whether in arrears or 
 otherwise, is authorized and empowered to voluntarily 
 surrender its charter to this Grand Lodge, or to the 
 Grand Secretary thereof, in vacation, with or without 
 payment of its arrears, and the Grand Secretary is re- 
 quired to receive the same, and take possession of the 
 jewels and other personal property belonging to such 
 subordinate Lodge at the time of such surrender. ISTo 
 such Lodge, however, can make a conditional surren- 
 der of its charter, but if it wishes to dispose of its per- 
 sonal property, over and above what its dues to the 
 Grand Lodge may amount to, it must be done before 
 its charter is surrendered, as such surrender works a 
 forfeiture of all such property to the Grand Lodge. 
 —Proc. 1829, p. 29; Hacker's Kep., p. 237. [No 
 record of adoption, but followed in practice.] 
 
 CIPHER RITUALS. 
 
 The employment of cipher texts of the work, and 
 the open use of books while the degrees are being con- 
 ferred, is an unlawful and disreputable proceeding. 
 
147 
 
 and the righteous condemnation by the Grand Master 
 of such unworthy practices should be heeded through- 
 out this Grand Jurisdiction, so that it may not become 
 necessary to make them the subject of future penal 
 legislation.— Proc. 189Y, p. 88. See also Proc. 1873, 
 p. 59. 
 
 CIVIL COURTS, LODGE MAY ARBITRATE AFTER RESORT TO. 
 
 Though members may liave gone into a civil court 
 to settle difficulties between them, this will not pro- 
 hibit them from afterwards bringing such difficulties 
 before the Lodge. It is a most sacred right — as old 
 as ]\Iasonry itself — that a member of the Order may 
 submit any and all matters of grievance to the decision 
 and award of his brethren. — Proc. 1872, pp. 82, 83. 
 
 CONSOLIDATED LODGES — WORK — FEE— DISCIPLINE. 
 
 Where two Lodges are consolidated, the Lodge so 
 created takes up and finishes the work begun in either 
 or both of said Lodges before the act of consolidation. 
 — Proc. 1880, p. 22. 'No further petition is necessary 
 to the completion of such work, and no further fee is 
 Tequired beyond that already paid. — Proc. 1890, pp. 
 103, 132. Can discipline former members of original 
 Lodges.— Proc. 1802, pp. 12, 59. 
 
 CONSTITUTION, GRAND, MUST BE READ. 
 
 The ^Master of each subordinate Lodge [shall] be 
 required to read the Grand Constitution and the pro- 
 ceedings of the Grand Lodge within his Lodge, to the 
 members thereof, at least twice in each year. — Proc. 
 1828, p. 49; Hacker's Kep., p. 221. 
 
148 
 
 COXTIXUANCE — COSFESSIOX OF GUILT — APPEAL. 
 
 At the time fixed for trial, the accused asked for a 
 continuance on account of the absence of his attorney, 
 and, upon being refused, he then confessed guilty to 
 all the specifications except one, which was accord- 
 ingly withdrawn. Upon his statement of the case he 
 was found guilty and expelled. In his appeal he as- 
 signed as error the refusal to grant the continuance as 
 asked for, and upon the grounds presented. The 
 Grand Lodge held that, while it would not have been 
 improper under the circumstances to have granted his 
 request, it would not reverse the decision below; nor 
 grant a new trial in a case, although some request in 
 the preliminary proceedings had not been complied 
 with, which might have been properly granted, unless 
 the appellant had suffered some wrong from the action 
 of the Lodge, which he had not in this case. — Proc. 
 1873, p. 56. 
 
 CONTIXUAXCE — EEFUSAL — WITNESS. 
 
 It is not error for the Worshipful Master, presiding 
 over a ^Masonic trial, to refuse to continue the case on 
 account of the absence of a witness, unless it is 
 brought to the knowledge of the ^Master that such wit- 
 ness is in possession of facts material to the interests of 
 the party asking such continuance. — Proc. 1879, 
 p. 52. 
 
 cross's chart. 
 
 Resolved, That the Grand Lodge recommend to 
 subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction, the adop- 
 tion of a imiform mode of working agreeably to the 
 principles of illustrative llasonry, as laid down by 
 
149 
 
 Brother Cross, in his Lectures and Monitor [Chart]. 
 — Proc. 1823, pp. C3, G4-; Hacker's Rep., p. 134. 
 
 DAUGHTER, OF A MASTER MASON, LETTERS TO FROM MARRIED 
 MASTER MASOX. 
 
 It is an offense worthy of expulsion for a Master 
 Mason \\'ho is a husband and father, liaving a true and 
 virtuous wife, to write letters tilled with fervent pro- 
 testations of love to a voting and innocent girl, the 
 daughter of a Master ilason, and containing also seri- 
 ous accusations against his own wife, and by means of 
 such letters inducing the recipient to visit an inter- 
 national fair with him, and also to meet him alone 
 after dark some distance from her home, even though 
 there occurred no criminal intimacy between them 
 and no violation of civil law. A man who is not con- 
 scious of moral wrong in so doing is so void of moral 
 sense that he is utterly unable to comprehend the 
 teachings of the phimb and the square and to under- 
 stand what is meant by the admonition to walk up- 
 rightly before God and man and to square his actions 
 by the square of virtue. — Proc. 1894, pp. 71, 72, 73. 
 
 DEATH — CHARGES — MASONIC RIGHTS. 
 
 A member under charges for non-payment of dues, 
 loses none of his Masonic rights. — Proc. 1876, pp. 33, 
 127. On xibatenient on accoimt of, see Proc. 1872, 
 p. 86; Proc. 1874, pp. 83, 84; Proc. 1875, p. 94; 
 Proc. 1878, pp. IS, 88. 
 
 DEBT — FALSEHOOD — FRAUD. 
 
 A man may very well make a promise to pay in 
 good faith, even though he may be in debt ever so 
 much, but when a deliberate falsehood is told in order 
 
150 
 
 to deceive the man from whom the money is borrowed, 
 it is a proper conclusion from such falsehood that de- 
 ception and fraud were intended. — Proc. 1888, p. 39. 
 But such matter of fraud must be set out in the 
 charges, and be proven. — Id. p. 34. 
 
 DEBT, INABILITY TO PAY — .ArASOXEY' XOT A COLLECTING 
 AGENCY'. 
 
 An accused, if unfortunate in his personal affairs, 
 ought not to be turned out of ilasonry on that ac- 
 count, ilasonry is not a collecting agency. The 
 courts are open, and the place to advance or assert 
 civil remedies can be found elsewhere than in a Ma- 
 sonic Lodge. Masonry does not require one Mason to 
 lend his name as surety on a note for another. He 
 may do so if he chooses, but it is not a crime in Ma- 
 sonry to become so poor in the world's goods that he 
 cannot, at any given time, pay all his debts. It is the 
 duty of a Mason to pay his debts, but it is not just ta 
 expel a Mason because misfortiine overtakes him at 
 some period of his life. — Proc. 1884, p. 49; Proc. 
 1886, p. 39; Proc. ISSS, p. 34; Proc. 1889, pp. 46, 
 47; Proc. 1893, pp. 24, 65; Proc. 1898, p. 66. 
 
 DEBT — INABILITY TO PAY' — MASONRY XOT A COLLECTION 
 BUREAU. 
 
 The finding and penalty of expulsion by a Lodge 
 was reversed for reasons among which are: that the 
 evidence did not show that the accused was able to pay 
 and refused to do so, but did pay a part of the debt in 
 work and merchandise, and evinced a disposition to 
 pay the balance as soon as he was able to do so; that 
 the penalty inflicted would be excessive even if the 
 
151 
 
 accused were guilty. "While Masons should be honest 
 with all men, yet Masonry should not be converted 
 into a collection bureau or an engine of oppression to 
 force money out of the unfortunate. — Proc. 1882, p. 
 70; Proc. 1893, pp. 24, 65. See also Proc. 1856, 
 p. 48. 
 
 DEBT — LAW-SUIT. 
 
 A IMason can sue a brother Mason, without first 
 bringing the subject before the Lodge. He has a per- 
 fect right to collect his debts, the same as any other 
 man.— Proc. 1876, pp. 32, 127. 
 
 DEBT TO LODGE, DISCIPLINE, NOT CAUSE FOR UNLESS FKAUD 
 IS CHARGED. 
 
 An indebtedness to a Lodge (other than the non- 
 payment of dues) which cannot be collected by a legal 
 procedure, cannot be made the ground of Masonic dis- 
 cipline, unless fraud upon the Lodge is charged. 
 —Proc. 1892, pp. 14, 59. Compare Proc. 1872, 
 p. 44. 
 
 DEBT TO LODGE — NON-PAYMENT A MASONIC OFFENSE. 
 
 Without considering the extent of the principle that 
 "Masonic tribunals do not assume to adjust mere legal 
 rights, pecuniary or otherwise," the Lodge is an inter- 
 ested party where an accused is charged with refusing 
 to pay money justly due to it; and if he is found guiltj' 
 thereof, by the evidence, he is guilty of violating one 
 of the principal points of his Masonic obligation. It 
 is clearly a proper subject of investigation by the 
 Lodge, with the hope that it may be effectually if not 
 satisfactorily adjusted within itself, and, in case of a 
 failure, to make the civil courts the last resort. — Proc. 
 1872, p. 44. But see Proc. 1892, pp. 14, 59. 
 
152 
 
 DEBT — SUSFOETUSE — OLD AGE. 
 
 "Where an accused was tried and expelled on charges 
 of having borrowed money which he failed to repay, 
 and purchasing goods and not paying for them, and 
 Avhere it appeared from the evidence that his leading 
 creditors well knew that he was in debt when they let 
 him have the money ; that he iised no deception to get 
 the money, and but for a bank failure would have paid 
 it all back; but finally claimed the benefit of exemp- 
 tion, when driven to the wall; the Grand Lodge held 
 that a ^[ason has a right to make any promise that he 
 believes, and has reason to believe, he can fulfill, and 
 that it is not a fraud, in such a case, if misfortune over- 
 takes him and he cannot carry out his promises made 
 in good faith; and that in such a case, where his cred- 
 itors crowded him, and, being an old man, he was com- 
 pelled to succumb, it was a \vrong thing to do, under 
 the circumstances, to harness him up before the Lodge 
 and drive him out, never to return. He committed 
 no Masonic crime. — Proc. 1884, pp. 52, 53; Proc. 
 1886, p. 39. Lf a failure to pay is in some way taint- 
 ed with fraud, this must be set out in the charges, and 
 be proven.— Proc. 1SS8, p. 34-; Proc. 1889, pp. 46, 
 47; Proc. 1898, p. 66. 
 
 DEBT, XOX-PAYMEXT — FKAl'D. 
 
 A brother was suspended by his Lodge upon 
 charges, — 1st, That he had not paid a debt due from 
 him to a blaster Mason when the brother was in need 
 of the money to support himself and family; and 2d, 
 That he had run in debt beyond his ability to pay at 
 the time agTeed upon. The Grand Lodge, on appeal, 
 
153 
 
 held that, in the absence of proof under the first 
 charge of his ability to pay, and upon evidence show- 
 ing his inability to pay his debts, though ever so Avill- 
 ing; and in the absence of evidence, under the second 
 charge, showing any fraudulent conduct or purpose on 
 his part to obtain credit, the judgment must be re- 
 versed. — Proc. 1856, p. 48. 
 
 DEGREES, WHEN TO BE CONFERRED — SUITABLE PROFICIEKCY. 
 
 Xo dispensation is necessary to confer degrees upon 
 candidates at intervals of less than a month between 
 the different degrees. No further time need inter- 
 vene than is requisite to enable the candidate to make 
 suitable proficiency. Care should, however, be exer- 
 cised that he does this thoroughly. — Proc. 1895, pp. 
 23, 118; Proc. 1819, p. 11; Hacker's Kep., p. 37. 
 
 DIMIT — APPLICATION — ACTION OF LODGE CONSTITUTES — WITH- 
 OUT KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT OP THE MEMBER, VOID. 
 
 After the removal of a brother to another State, a 
 member of the Lodge obtained a dimit for such 
 brother, without his consent; and about eight months 
 later the brother informed the Lodge that he had not 
 desired the dimit, but -wished to retain his member- 
 ship, "whereupon the Lodge rescinded the resolution 
 granting the dimit. On appeal from this proceeding, 
 the Committee on Grievances reported that it is the 
 action of a Lodge, and not the certificate of the Secre- 
 tary, that constitutes a dimit, the latter only furnish- 
 ing evidence of such action; that it is not competent 
 for a Lodge to dimit one of its members except upon 
 his appplication, either in person or by some brother 
 dulv authorized to make the same; and that the ac- 
 
154 
 
 tion of a Lodge granting a dimit without the knowl- 
 edge or consent of the brother named is irregular and 
 void.— Proc. 1856, pp. 21, 22. [The Proceedings 
 are silent as to the adoption of this and other reports of 
 the Committee on Grievances that year.] 
 
 DIMIT, ACTIOX OF LODGE COXSTITUTES. 
 
 A Lodge which has granted a brother a dimit, all 
 dues being paid, cannot afterwards withhold the cer- 
 tificate, declare him a member, and then prefer 
 charges against and suspend him from all the rights 
 and privileges of llasonry. — Proc. 1866, p. 65. But 
 when charges are pending against a member, his ap- 
 plication for a dimit should be refused. — Proc. 1868, 
 p. 56. 
 
 DIMIT, CONDITIONAL — UXMASOXIC CONDUCT AFTERWARDS. 
 
 Where a dimit was granted on condition upon pay- 
 ment of dues, and the brother did not comply with the 
 condition until the expiration of eight months, when 
 he offered to pay the dues and demanded a certificate 
 of his dimission, and the "Worshipful Master then re- 
 fused to permit the issuance of the certificate, and de- 
 clared the former order of the Lodge void on the 
 ground that the brother had been guilty of unmasonie 
 conduct between the date of the action granting the 
 dimit and the application for the certificate, the Grand 
 Lodge, on appeal, held that it would have been proper 
 for the Lodge to have directed the Secretary to with- 
 hold the certificate, but that it was not competent for 
 the Master to declare the action of the Lodge void; 
 and reversed the decision of the Master, and instructed 
 the Lodge to prefer charges against said brother and 
 
155 
 
 try him for any unmasonic conduct of which, he may 
 have been guilty, and in default thereof ordered that 
 the dimit in question be issued. — Proc. 1857, pp. 63, 
 64. Compare also Proc. 1866, p. 65. 
 
 DIJIIT — DUES — CHARGES. 
 
 Where a brother has paid his dues and there are no 
 charges against him, a Lodge cannot refuse him a 
 dimit simply because he refuses to pay the costs of 
 taking depositions — even though used in his own be- 
 half — in a case which he appealed, the Grand Lodge 
 remanded, and his own Lodge dropped and discon- 
 tinued. — Proc. 1898, pp. 118, 119. 
 
 DI3IIT — DUEATIOX — NO LIMIT. 
 
 There is no limit as to how long a certificate of 
 dimit shall run before it expires. It remains good 
 until cancelled by due process of law, or until depos- 
 ited with a Lodge on admission to membership. 
 —Proc. 1880, p. 23. 
 
 DIJIIT — FEE FOE. 
 
 A subordinate Lodge cannot by its By-laws require 
 a dimitting brother to pay a fee to the Secretary for his 
 dimit. — Proc. 1894, p. 9. A Lodge may charge a 
 reasonable fee for a certificate of dimit, to be fixed by 
 the By-laws.— Proc. 1895, pp. 24, 118. 
 
 DIMIT — IMPERATIVE TO GRANT, DDES PAID AXD NO CHARGES. 
 
 Where a brother accompanied his application for a 
 dimit with the receipt of the Secretary of the Lodge 
 showing that his dues were paid to date, and upon a 
 vote of the Lodge the dimit was refused, the Grand 
 Lodge held, on appeal from this action of the Lodge, 
 
156 
 
 that membership in a ]\Iasonic Lodge is voluntary, and 
 a member free from charges, and whose dues are fully 
 paid, is entitled to a dimit, and that the Lodge erred in 
 not granting it; and ordered the Lodge to issue a dimit 
 to the brother at its earliest convenience. — Proe. 1892, 
 pp. 98, 99. A Lodge cannot, under Masonic usage 
 and tradition, force a brother to remain in a Lodge 
 when he desires to dimit. xV vote of the Lodge is 
 proper, so that the records of the Lodge may show 
 such dimission. — Id. p. 105. 
 
 DIMIT — RECEIPT OF GKAXD SECKETAEY — DEFUNCT LODGE. 
 
 All persons members of Lodges whose charters have 
 been surrendered or arrested, and who were indebted 
 to said Lodge for dues, upon application to become a 
 member in any other Lodge in the jurisdiction of this 
 Grand Lodge, shall first pay over to the Grand Secre- 
 tary the amount of his indebtedness to the former 
 Lodge, and the Grand Secretary's receipt therefor 
 shall serve as a dimit. — Proc. 1860, p. 99. 
 
 DIMIT — REMOVAL FROJI JURISDICTION — CHARGES AFTER. 
 
 A Lodge which has granted a brother a dimit has 
 no power to prefer charges against him after he has 
 moved from its jurisdiction. — Proc. 1893, pp. 25, 65. 
 
 DIMIT — RESIGNING OFFICE NOT A PREREQUISITE. 
 
 A AVorshipful blaster has a right to dimit from his 
 Lodge without first resigning his office. ]Member- 
 ship is at all times voluntary. — Proc. 1893, pp. 23, 65. 
 
 DIMIT, VOTE OF THE LODGE CONSTITUTES — CONDITIONAL. 
 
 The vote of the Lodge granting a dimit, dimits the 
 brother, and can at no subsequent communication be 
 
157 
 
 reconsidered. ISTor can the brother applying for a 
 dimit set at naught the action of the Lodge by refus- 
 ing to pay his dues, where the granting of the dimit 
 was on that condition. But he will not be entitled to 
 a certificate of his dimit until his dues are paid. 
 — Proc. 1874, pp. 17, 90. 
 
 DIMIT — VOTE GRANTING CONSTITUTES. 
 
 A vote granting a dimit, severs connection with the 
 Lodge. The dimit is only a certificate of the fact. 
 The vote granting a dimit cannot be reconsidered at a 
 subsequent meeting of the Lodge. — Proc. 1892, pp. 
 14, 59. 
 
 DIMITTED MASON, NOT A CRIME TO BE. 
 
 To be a dimitted ilason is no ]\L^sonic crime, al- 
 though it may be a fault. — Proc. IBTii, p. 86. 
 
 DISCIPLINE — VOLUNTARY NGN- AFFILIATE. 
 
 A brother who has deprived himself of certain speci- 
 fied rights by voluntarily failing to affiliate for a 
 period of six months, is not the less subject to disci- 
 pline by the Lodge in whose jurisdiction he resides, 
 for any breach of the General Masonic Code. — Proc. 
 1892, pp. 13, 59. 
 
 DROPPING FROJI THE ROLLS. 
 
 The inestimable rights and privileges of Masonry 
 are far too sacred to be forfeited by mere operation of 
 law; and the present law by which a Mason can only 
 be deprived of these by trial upon regularly preferred 
 charges is founded upon the highest principles of jus- 
 tice and wisdom. — Proc. 1897, p. 85; Id. p. 107. 
 
158 
 
 DUES, CANNOT BE CHARGED DURING SUSPENSION. 
 
 A subordinate Lodge cannot charge a brother with 
 dues during his suspension. — Proc. 1863, p. 48. See 
 also Proc. 1859, p. 37; Proc. 1845, p. 21; Hacker's 
 Pep., p. 447. 
 
 DUES — CLASS LEGISLATION AND DISTINCTIONS UNLAWFUL. 
 
 A resolution providing that each member of the 
 Lodge who has been a member for five or more years 
 shall be credited with five dollars on his dues is null 
 and void, and must be disregarded. — Proc. 1898, pp. 
 13, 14, 77. 
 
 DUES — NON-PAYMENT — CHARGES — TRIAL. 
 
 Although, in a case of non-payment of dues, the law 
 provides that the account current against the delin- 
 quent member shall be deemed sufficient charge and 
 specification upon which to place him upon trial, it 
 was not the intention of the Grand Lodge, in the 
 adoption of that section, to do away with any of the 
 usual formalities prescribed as a means to insure a 
 just and fair administration of the law. JSTo Mason 
 can be reprimanded, suspended or expelled for any 
 cause whatever, except uf)on written charges and spec- 
 ifications, and ten days' notice of the time and place of 
 trial. All the other formalities and requirements 
 necessary to a trial must, in such case, as well as in 
 other cases, be observed. — Proc. 1892, pp. 67, 68. 
 
 DUES — NON-PAYMENT — DISCIPLINE. 
 
 Each and every subordinate Lodge in this Grand 
 Jurisdiction possesses the right to reprimand, suspend, 
 or expel a member for the non-payment of dues. 
 —Proc. 1863, p. 56. 
 
159 
 
 DUES — NON-PAYMENT — DISCIPLINE — NOTICE. 
 
 It is highly improper for any subordinate Lodge 
 working nnder the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge to 
 suspend or expel any member for the non-payment of 
 dues without notice to the member charged, where 
 notice can be given, as in other cases of unmasonic 
 conduct— Proc. 1S23, p. TS; Hacker's Eep., p. 126; 
 Proc. 1848, p. 52; Proc. 1849, p. 37. 
 
 DUES — NON-PAYMENT — EXPULSION, SUSPENSION — RESTORATION. 
 
 A brother expelled for non-payment of dues, when 
 the law authorized such penalty for that offense, may 
 be restored in the manner now prescribed and in force 
 for restoration from suspension for non-payment of 
 dues.— Proc. 1892, pp. 14, 59. 
 
 DUES — NON-PAYMENT — FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP — RIGHT 
 OF DEFENSE — NOTICE — ACTION OF LODGE. 
 
 A fair construction of a by-law providing "that 
 twelve months' delinquency, or six months' absence 
 from the Lodge without, shall operate as a forfeiture 
 ■of membership unless the absence be unavoidable," 
 would prevent the suspension of any member until 
 after notice had been given him, and an opportunity 
 of defense afforded. Until some action is taken by 
 the Lodge and forfeiture enforced, the right of mem- 
 bership remains unimpaired. — Proc. 1839, p. 7; Hack- 
 er's Rep., pp. 326, 32Y. 
 
 X)UES — NON-PAYMENT — PENALTY, BALLOT ON NOT REQUIRED. 
 
 When a brother has been tried for non-payment of 
 dues, and has by a ballot been found guilty, a second 
 ballot is not necessary for the affixing of the penalty. 
 
160 
 
 The law expressly provides that no penalty can be in- 
 flicted in such case but that of indefinite suspension, 
 and a ballot on this question would be a meaningless 
 formality. In such case, after the Lodge has taken a 
 ballot on the question of g'uilt, and the accused has 
 been found guilty, the "Worshipful Master may, after 
 the result of that ballot is announced, at once declare 
 the accused indefinitely suspended. — Proc. 1S1)5, pp. 
 96, 97. See also Id. pp. 26, 27, 118, 119, 120. 
 
 EASTERN STAE, ORDER OF — LODGE HALL. 
 
 In a case where charges were preferred against a 
 number of members of a Lodge of Master Masons for 
 unmasonic conduct, the specification being that they 
 permitted a Chapter of the Eastern Star to meet in the 
 hall of said Lodge, the AVorshipful ^Master ruled the 
 charges out of order. On an appeal from this de- 
 cision, the Grand Lodge sustained the riding of the 
 Worshipful :\laster.— Proc. ISSO, p. 55. 
 
 EASTERN STAR, ORDER OF — LODGE ROOilS — SIDE DEGREES. 
 
 It is not a violation of the Rules of the Cirand Lodge 
 for Lodges to permit their Lodge rooms to be used for 
 the meetings of what is known as "Chapters of the 
 Eastern Star."— Proc. 1ST6, pp. 132, 133; Proc. 
 1880, p. 35. See also Proc. 1-868, pp. 25, 48, 49, as 
 to Side Degrees. 
 
 EDrCATIOXAL QDALIFICATIOXS FOE DEGREES. 
 
 A man who can neither read nor write is not eligible 
 for the degrees of ^Mascairy. In these days of free 
 schools, one who cannot read his own petition and legi- 
 bly sign his own name thereto is an unfit subject out of 
 
161 
 
 which to attempt to make a Mason. — Proe. 1875, pp. 
 34, 91. 
 
 ELECTION OF OFFICERS — WRITTEN BALLOTS — BLANKS NOT 
 COUNTED. 
 
 The election of ofUcers of a Lodge must be by ballot 
 on which must appear in a legible manner the name of 
 some member of the Lodge ; and all ballots cast at any 
 such election that do not contain the name of some 
 member of the Lodge are blanks, and not votes, and 
 are not to be taken into consideration in determining 
 the result of such election. — Proc. 1876, pp. 129, 130. 
 As to written ballots on inflicting a penalty, see Proc. 
 1876, pp. 28, 130. 
 
 EVIDENCE — CIVIL COURT RECORD — DIVORCE, COJIPLAINT, 
 JUDGMENT. 
 
 While there is a General Regulation providing that 
 any one charged with an ofl:ense, having been con- 
 victed of the same in a court of law, a certified copy of 
 the records of the court in said cause may be admitted 
 as evidence, yet the complaint and judgment in a pro- 
 ceeding for divorce, or the record of proceedings in 
 any civil cause, are not made evidence, by Masonic 
 law, of the truth of the facts in controversy before a 
 Lodge. The Regulation referred to applies only to 
 criminal cases. — Proc. 1889, p. 43. See also Proc. 
 1884, p. 47. 
 
 EVIDENCE — COMMITTEE TO TAKE — PROVINCE OF — POWER 
 LIMITED. 
 
 During the pendency of charges, a committee is 
 appointed, if necessary, to take evidence; not to hear 
 and report their conclusions on such evidence. Where 
 11 
 
162 
 
 such, committee so reported its conclusions in two re- 
 ports — a majority report and a minority report — ^the 
 latter being tte conclusion of one member of tbe com- 
 mittee that the evidence fully sustains the charges, 
 and said minority report was approved, probably too 
 by a viva voce vote, the Grand Lodge held the pro- 
 ceedings erroneous. Although the committee first 
 submitted its report of the evidence heard by them, it 
 was on their "report upon the evidence," made as 
 above stated, by the direction of the Master, and at a 
 subsequent meeting, that the foregoing action was 
 had. The Lodge can hardly be presumed to have 
 listened attentively to the evidence, when so first re- 
 ported, and weighed it as discreetly as if the trial had 
 been before it instead of before the committee. — Proc. 
 1872, pp. 51, 52. Compare Proc. 1886, p. 1:6; Proc. 
 1892, p. 23. 
 
 EVIDENCE — COPIED ISTO THE EECOKD APPEAL LODGE 
 
 JUSTIFICATION. 
 
 The only justification a Lodge can have^on an ap- 
 peal for the infliction of a penalty is the evidence 
 copied and preserved, because in the absence of evi- 
 dence copied into the record of the Lodge and tran- 
 scribed into the appeal, the Grand Lodge must neces- 
 sarily conclude that no such evidence was given. 
 —Proc. 1890, p. So; Proc. 1892, p. 68. 
 
 EVIDENCE, EX PARTE — TRIAL. 
 
 The Worshipful Master in the progress of a trial 
 correctly sustained an objection of the accused to the 
 proposed reading of certain ex parte evidence against 
 him. The experience of ages has demonstrated the 
 
163 
 
 propriety of that rule, that every accused shall have 
 an opportunity of meeting his accuser face to face; 
 -and the right to subject the witnesses to a cross-exam- 
 ination. — Proc. 1858, p. 74. 
 
 EVIDENCE — HEARSAY — TRIAL. 
 
 What a deceased brother in his lifetime told several 
 brothers relating to a contract with a brother after- 
 wards on trial before his Lodge cannot be introduced 
 in evidence, unless the accused was present at the time 
 such things were told. The ex parte statement of one 
 to the detriment of another, out of the presence and 
 hearing of the latter, is not competent evidence. 
 — Proc. 1888, p. 37. Hearsay evidence, being state- 
 ments of third parties, made out of the presence of the 
 defendant, ought not to be received by a Lodge. 
 — Proc. 1889, pp. 43, 44. " Where stricken out on 
 motion, it was all the accused could ask. — Proc. 1891, 
 p. 72. 
 
 EVIDENCE — JUDGMENT OF CIVIL COURT — PLEA OF GUILTY — 
 TRIAL. 
 
 A certified copy of the proceedings of a civil court 
 showing the conviction of the defendant on a plea of 
 guilty is admissible in a Masonic trial against the same 
 person for the same offense, and is prima facie evi- 
 dence of his guilt. — Proc. 1874, pp. 83, 84; Proc. 
 1875, p. 94; Proc. 1898, p. 67. 
 
 EVIDENCE — MERE CONFLICT — REVERSAL — APPEAL. 
 
 On appeal, the Grand Lodge adopts the familiar 
 rule that the decision of a subordinate Lodge cannot be 
 disturbed where there is a mere conflict in the evi- 
 
164 
 
 dence. The Lodge has had before it all the features 
 of the case, as well as the respective standing and re- 
 liability of the witnesses and parties; and when a ma- 
 jority of the Lodge has decided such case, the Grand 
 Lodge will not reverse the decision. — Proc. 18 84, p. 
 .18; Proc. ISSS, p. 43; Proc. 1891, pp. 52, 55; Proc. 
 1898, pp. 71, 72. 
 
 EVIDENCE — XEWLY DISCOVERED NAMES OF WITNESSES — NEW 
 
 TRIAL — APPEAL. 
 
 On ajjpeal, the Grand Lodge held that the decision 
 of a Lodge rendered after a full hearing of the evi- 
 dence should not be set aside because the accused had 
 asked for a new trial for newly discovered evidence, 
 but in his motion therefor had failed to give the names 
 of any witnesses of whom he had learned, and had 
 made no showing in support of the motion beyond 
 the assertion that there was newly discovered evi- 
 dence, either by verified statement or otherwise. 
 —Proc. ISOl, p. 72. 
 
 EVIDENCE — NEWLY DI.'^COVERED — PUKCHASEE — ATTORNEY — 
 NEW TRIAL — APPEAL. 
 
 Where the newly discovered evidence upon which 
 a new trial was asked for was set out to consist of the 
 testimonv of a purchaser of an article of personal 
 property of the Lodge from the accused to the fact 
 that such purchaser paid the accused therefor a sum 
 less than the amount the accused was charged in that 
 instance with appropriating to his own use, the Grand 
 Lodge held that as the accused knew the amount col- 
 lected by him in this transaction and failed to appear 
 at the trial and give his own testimony on the subject, 
 
165 
 
 he is not in the position to claim a new trial in order to 
 introduce the testimony of the purchaser. — Proe. 
 1896, pp. TS, 70. Xo good reason being assigned for 
 the failure of the accused to appear in his own defense 
 either in person or hy attorney at the time of the trial 
 of the charges against him in the Lodge — the action of 
 the Lodge in refusing to admit an attorney who was 
 not a Mason being right, and the accused thereupon 
 refusing to enter the Lodge in person — the Grand 
 Lodge could see no reason for remanding the case to 
 the Lodge to give him another oiDportunity to be 
 heard. — Id. pp. 77, 79, 80. 
 
 EVIDENCE — NEWLY DISCOVERED — STATEMENT OF 
 
 In an application for a new trial on the ground of 
 newly discovered evidence, the statement of what such 
 evidence will be must indicate with reasonable cer- 
 tainty that it would change the finding of the Lodge. 
 If, when given, it would be merely accumulative, and 
 does not negative the material facts as proven and ad- 
 mitted at the former trial, such new trial should not be 
 so granted. — Proc. 1886, pp. 41, 42. See also Proc. 
 1891, p. 72; Proc. 1894, p. 80. 
 
 EVIDENCE — NEW TRIAL — DEPOSITION — DEAD WITNESSES. 
 
 Where, upon appeal, a case is remanded for new 
 trial, the accused stands (with reference to the Lodge) 
 as he did after the charges were preferred, before trial. 
 The depositions taken to be used at the last trial can 
 be used in the second trial. Witnesses dead who testi- 
 fied at the former trial cannot, of course, be examined 
 again. You may prove what they testified to on the 
 former trial.— Proc. 1873, pp. 18, 10, 65. 
 
166 
 
 EVIDENCE RECORDED AT FOEiMEE TRIAL NOT ADMISSIBLE. 
 
 It was improper, over the objection of the accused^ 
 to introduce and read the evidence taken orally in the 
 Lodge at the former trial, and reduced to writing by 
 the Secretary, when all the witnesses (except one dead) 
 might have been again introduced in person and ex- 
 amined before the Lodge, or their testimony taken by 
 a committee, after due notice to the accused and ac- 
 cuser. In this case a new trial should have been a re- 
 examination of such facts as the parties desired to in- 
 troduce pertinent to the issues. The witnesses should 
 have been examined again either in open Lodge or 
 before a committee appointed for that purpose. Wo 
 new charge and specifications were necessary. The 
 case should have begun just after the plea of not 
 guilty, and proceeded as if no former trial had taken 
 place.— Proc. 1873, pp. 57, 58; Proc. 1876, pp. 32, 
 127. 
 
 EVIDENCE — RECORDS OP A COURT OP LAW. 
 
 Actual records of suits in court, and original papers- 
 in such suits, are admissible in evidence in a Masonie- 
 trial, if pertinent to the subject, where a certified tran- 
 script has not been procured. — Proc. 18 Si, p. 47. 
 But this applies only to criminal and not to civil pro- 
 ceedings. — Proc. 1889, p. 45. 
 
 EVIDENCE TAKEN BY COMINIITTEE— ABSENCE OP ACCUSEI> 
 CURED. 
 
 The committee in a given case having "thought 
 best that neither the defendant nor the complaining 
 brother should be present at the time of taking the 
 statement of witnesses to be used in the trial as testi- 
 
167 
 
 mony," the Grand Lodge held that the accused clearly 
 had the right to be present and meet the witnesses 
 face to face, and hear all their statements; but as the 
 committee furnished the accused a statement of the 
 evidence before the trial, and he was permitted to pro- 
 pound questions to the witnesses, that it was not such 
 an irregularity as would justify a reversal of the case. 
 — Proc. 1898, p. 73. 
 
 EVIDENCE, TAKEN BY COMJIITTEE — NOTICE. 
 
 Where a man is upon trial, involving his Masonic 
 rights and his Masonic honor, he should have ample 
 notice, so as to enable him to meet the witnesses 
 against him face to face, and procure counsel to attend 
 the taking of the depositions, if necessary. — Proc. 
 1889, p. 45. 
 
 EVIDENCE — TRANSCRIPT — JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. 
 
 In the ■ trial of an accused, on a charge of bastardy, 
 the Master erred in permitting — over the objection of 
 the accused — the introduction of a transcript from the 
 docket of a justice of the peace as part of the proof,— 
 such transcript showing only that a prosecution for 
 bastardy was begun against the defendant, and that 
 before a judicial decision was had the prosecuting 
 witness dismissed the cause and made the usual entry 
 of satisfaction in such cases. — Proc. 1882, p. 69. 
 
 EVIDENCE — WITNESSES, NOT NAMED IN CHARGES — APPEAL. 
 
 On appeal from the ruling of the Master permitting 
 the prosecution to call and examine some witnesses 
 whose names were not attached to the charges, the 
 Grand Lodge held that the law does not require that 
 
168 
 
 the names of all the witnesses shaU be thus given, and 
 that there is no good reason why it should be required ; 
 that the witnesses who thus testified were all Master 
 iAIasons who were present at the trial; that the accused 
 made no claim to have been surprised by their testi- 
 mony, nor did he show wherein any injustice was 
 done him thereby; that he did not ask for any post- 
 ponement to enable him to meet their testimony, nor 
 make any showing of any kind that he would be 
 prejudiced by allowing them to testify; and that in 
 his appeal he does not claim that they testified to any- 
 thing untrue, but seems to rely on the technical objec- 
 tion that their names did not accompany the charges. 
 The judgment of expulsion by the Lodge was affirmed. 
 — Proc. 1891, pp. 71, 72; Proe. 1895, pp. 24, 118. 
 
 EVIDEN'CE, WRITTEN CANNOT BE USED IN TRIAL OF A DIF- 
 FERENT PERSON. 
 
 Affidavits used in a trial against another brother 
 cannot be used again in a ^Masonic trial against a dif- 
 ferent person. An accused has the right, for the pur- 
 poses of his own defense, to take the depositions of any 
 witnesses wliose statements he may deem necessary for 
 such defense, and if he fails to do this he ought not to 
 complain of hi? own neglect. — Proc. 1S94, p. 80. 
 
 EXPrLSION — FROM CHAPTER EXPELS FROM LODGE. 
 
 An expulsion of a Poyal Arch Mason from a Chap- 
 ter [shall] be considered an expulsion from all the 
 privileges of Masonry. — Proe. 1S26, p. 22; Hacker's 
 Rep., p. 179. [Repealed, Proc. 1848, p. 32.] 
 
169 
 
 EXPULSION, OR SUSPENPIOK — LODGE OF ENTERED APPRENTICES 
 
 — iMASTER MASON. 
 
 A Lodge of Entered Apprentices cannot Masonic- 
 ally either expel or suspend a Master Mason. — Proc. 
 1S39, p. 6; Hacker's Rep., p. 326. 
 
 EXPULSION BY RESOLUTION. 
 
 The action of a Lodge in expelling a member by a 
 simple resolution is grossly unmasonic. — Proc. 1864, 
 p.7Y. 
 
 EXPULSION, WITHOUT SANCTION OP GRAND LODGE. 
 
 The right of expelling members is in the subor- 
 dinate Lodges. — Proc. 1846, p. 58. See also pp. 8, 
 57. The subordinate Lodges in this State shall have 
 full power to expel and advertise all members, and 
 others, who come within their jurisdiction. — Id. p. 58. 
 
 FEE FOR THE DEGREES — ACCOMPANY PETITION. 
 
 The whole amount of fees for entering, passing and 
 raising [shall] be paid down or into the hands of the 
 Secretary, at the time of filing the petition. — Proc. 
 1828, p. 46; Hacker's Ptep., p. 219. 
 
 FEE FOR THE DEGREES— CANDIDATE STOPPED — PART TO BE 
 REFUNDED. 
 
 Under the law requiring a ballot for each degree, a 
 reasonable part of the fees paid to the Lodge must be 
 refunded to an Entered Apprentice who had been re- 
 jected five times in four months upon application for 
 the Fellow Craft's degree. — Proc. 1870, p. 41. 
 
 FEE FOR THE DEGREES — DATE OF PETITION. 
 
 The law in force when a petition for initiation went 
 in must determine the amount of the fee, notwith- 
 
170 
 
 standing the fact that between that date and the time 
 when the ballot was had the law regulating the fee is 
 changed. — Proc. 1878, pp. 18, 88. 
 
 FEE FOR THE DEGREES — RETURN OF PART AS A DONATION 
 UNLAWFUL — NOTE FOR, UNLAWFUL. 
 
 Xo Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction has the right 
 to confer the degrees for the minimum fee fixed by 
 the General Regulations, or for the fee fixed in its by- 
 laws, with the understanding that any part of such fee 
 shall be subsequently donated back to the petitioner. 
 Xot only would such a course be a violation of law, 
 but any understanding between the Lodge and a peti- 
 tioner that a portion of the fee would be returned to 
 him, and, in this way his initiation fee be reduced be- 
 low the price so fixed by law, would be unmasonic, 
 and beneath the dignity that should characterize the 
 proceedings of every Masonic Lodge. — Proc. 1886, p. 
 73; Proc. 1892, pp. 12, 59; Proc. 1897, pp. 22, 23, 
 108; Proc. 1898, pp. 12, 78. A promissory note can- 
 not be taken for the fee, or any part thereof. — Id. 
 See also Proc. 1893, p. 25. 
 
 FEE FOR THE DEGREES — RETURN OP PART OPTIONAL — 
 CONTRACT. 
 
 AVhere a candidate, during the ceremony of confer- 
 ring upon him the second degree, made objection to 
 the proceedings, and said that he did not care to pro- 
 ceed under the circumstances and demanded a return 
 of two-thirds of the fee, which the Lodge refused, the 
 Grand Lodge held that while the Lodge would be wise 
 to let such material go, yet as they were ready and 
 willing to comply with their part of the contract, and 
 
171 
 
 the candidate refused to proceed, the latter only was in 
 •fault, and the Lodge was not bound to refund any por- 
 tion of the fee. — Proc. 1897, pp. 19, 20, 80. But see 
 contra, Proc. 1895, pp. 16, 8.3. 
 
 FEE FOR DEGREES, SURETY FOR — DISCIPLINE, WHO LIABLE TO. 
 
 Where the fee for the degrees has not been paid, 
 the Lodge cannot discipline a brother who is surety 
 for it, unless there is proof of fraud. The remedy of 
 the Lodge is against the Master and Secretary for vio- 
 lation of the law. — Proc. 1892, pp. 12, 59. 
 
 FIRE-ARMS — REVOLVERS, POINTIKG IX A THREATENING 
 MANNER. 
 
 The Grand Lodge held it to be a remarkable propo- 
 sition that the pointing of a loaded revolver by one 
 Mason at the body of another Mason in a threatening 
 manner is not an offense against jMasonic law. While 
 it is true that such an act may be excusable or justifi- 
 able, yet that is a matter of defense. — Proc. 1893, pp. 
 108, 109, 110. 
 
 FRAUD — FACTS — PROOF. 
 
 The facts that at one time an accused was fully re- 
 sponsible for his contracts, and while thus responsible 
 certain parties became his securities, and after his 
 failure had his debts to pay, do not prove or indicate 
 fraud on his part. — Proc. 1874, p. 71. But see Proc. 
 1890, pp. 82, 83. 
 
 FUNERAL — CALLED MEETING — RECONSIDERATION. 
 
 On the death of a brother who had requested Ma- 
 sonic burial, the Master called the Lodge together to 
 make suitable arrangements therefor. On the fol- 
 
172 
 
 lowing day, at the request of several brethren, the 
 Master again called the Lodge together for the pur- 
 pose of reconsidering the action of the preceding day ; 
 and upon a resolution offered at such second meeting 
 such action was reconsidered and the Lodge thereby 
 refused to bury the deceased brother with Masonic 
 honors. On appeal, the Grand Lodge could see no 
 good reason for disturbing the action of the Lodge, 
 and accordingly confirnied the same. — Proc. 1869, p. 
 51. But contra, as to business transacted at stated 
 meetings. — Proc. 1858, p. 75; Proc. 1863, p. 39. 
 
 FUNERAL — ENTERED APPRENTICES — FELLOW CEAFT. 
 
 It is highly immasonie for any subordinate Lodge 
 in this jurisdiction to admit an Entered Apprentice or 
 Pellow Craft to join a funeral procession. — Proc. 
 1849, p. 55. 
 
 FUNERAL ESCORT, LODGE CANNOT ACT AS. 
 
 A Masonic Lodge cannot turn out and act as escort 
 to some other order burying a Mason. — Proc. 1895, 
 pp. 24, lis. 
 
 FUNERAL — LODGE, WHEN OPENED — THIRD DEGREE. 
 
 A Lodge can be congregated and opened for the pub- 
 lic ceremony of the burial of a deceased Master Mason, 
 in a strictly emergent case, upon call of the Worship- 
 ful Master or presiding Warden, but everything nec- 
 essary to constitute a Lodge must be present. The 
 burial of the dead is Masonic work, and cannot be per- 
 formed while the Lodge is at refreshment, and as none 
 but Master Masons can be permitted to assist at the 
 burial service, consequently the Lodge should be 
 
173 
 
 opened on the third degree during such work. — Proc. 
 1869, p. 74. 
 
 FUNERAL — NON-AFFILIATE, BUT EOYAi, ARCH JIASOX TO 
 ATTEND. 
 
 In answer to certain questions concerning the right 
 of a dimitted Mason who has refused to alEliate after 
 six months' residence in the jvirisdiction of a Lodge, 
 but who is an affiliated lloyal Arch Mason or Knight 
 Templar, to attend the funeral of a Master Mason, it 
 \vas held that neither the Grand nor subordinate 
 Lodge have any knowledge of, or power over, the de- 
 grees of Eoyal Arch ]\Iasonry or Christian Knight- 
 hood, yet should a Mason be expelled from all the 
 rights and privileges of Ancient Craft Masonry, such 
 expulsion would operate upon his privileges as to at- 
 tending the funeral [by a Lodge] of persons belong- 
 ing to the higher degrees of Masonry; and as the 
 Grand Lodge has prohibited members of subordinate 
 Lodges from attending, as Masons, the funerals o£ 
 non-affiliated Masons, such prohibition must apply to 
 such non-affiliated Masons though they may be in 
 affiliation with a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons or a 
 Commandery of Knights Templar. — Proc. 1856, pp. 
 ;3», 40. 
 
 FUNERAL — OTHER SOCIETIES MAY JOIN IN PROCESSION — HON- 
 ORARY PALL BEARERS. 
 
 Societies other than those that are ^Masonic may be 
 permitted, or invited by the family of the deceased, to 
 join in the procession at the burial of a Master Mason 
 by his Lodge, such societies being assigned a place in 
 advance of the Lodge; they may appoint pall bearers, 
 
174 
 
 to be known as honorary pall bearers; they may per- 
 form their services over the body, but they cannot be 
 permitted to lower it; the active pall bearers must be 
 Masons, and after the Lodge takes charge of the 
 burial, it must be completed without interference or 
 interposition on the part of any other organized so- 
 ciety.— Proc. 1897, pp. 27, 28, 82. . 
 
 GAMBLING BETTING — PLAYING CARDS FOR KONEY. 
 
 Any kind of gambling or betting is considered un- 
 masonic, [and] such as are guilty of it [shall] be sub- 
 ject to admonition, suspension, and, if no marks of 
 reformation [appear], expulsion. — Proc. 1818, p. 13; 
 Hacker's Pep., p. 31; Proc. 1892, p. 70; Id. p. 106. 
 
 GAMBLING — LOTTERY GIFT ENTERPRISES. 
 
 All lottery schemes and gift enterprises are disrep- 
 utable, immoral, unlawful, and unmasonic, and par- 
 ticipation in all such schemes for the purpose of rais- 
 ing funds for Masonic purposes should be discounte- 
 nanced and prohibited. — Proc. 1879, p. 83. 
 
 GOD, AND THE IMMORTALITY OP THE SOUI. GRAND ORIENT 
 
 OF FRANCE. 
 
 In September, 1877, the Grand Orient of France 
 struck from its Constitution the principles of belief in 
 God and the immortality of the soul, and substituted 
 therefor absolute liberty of conscience and the exclu- 
 sion of no person on account of his belief. ]\Iinor acts 
 on the part of this Grand Orient, acts which conflicted 
 with American ideas of jurisdiction and Grand Lodge 
 supremacy, have heretofore severed friendly relations 
 between American Grand Lodges and ?aid Grand Ori- 
 ent. [Proc. 1870, pp. 44-48.] And while we have 
 
175 
 
 been so energetic in resenting the interference of this 
 Grand Orient with a sisler jurisdiction, we ran do no 
 less in vindication of those great funda:uental princi- 
 i:)les so ruthlessly torn from the foundation of Free- 
 masonry than to express our indignation in plain, forc- 
 ible and nnmistakable terms. — Proc. 1S78, pp. 26, 27, 
 119, 120. Compare Proc. 1SS2, pp. 101-110. 
 
 GOD, DENIAL OF BELIEF IN — MASONRY, EXPRESSED CONTEMPT 
 
 FOR. 
 
 ^\.n accused was tried upon a charge of unmasonic 
 conduct, in a number of specifications, among which 
 was one, that he denies the existence of Ood, and one, 
 that he declared openly that he did not care for Ma- 
 sons or ilasonry, or for his own standing in that re- 
 gard. The trial resulted in his expulsion. In con- 
 sidering the several (juestions involved, the Grand 
 Lodge held, that if the accused was required to avow 
 a trust in God at the time he was made a Mason, and if 
 he did so in order to become a Mason, he must have 
 done so voluntarily and sincerely; that one who has 
 been made a ilason, upon the express acceptance of 
 all Masonic requirements, cannot become recalcitrant 
 and dispute with the Order of Masonry, and at the 
 same time have the Order retain him as a good and 
 true j\lason; that if a man, after being made a Mason, 
 so demeans himself as to become a recognized and 
 pronounced atheist, or manifests himself as an irri'- 
 ligious libertine, in the full sense of the term, he 
 should be dismissed from Masonry for the good of the 
 Order and for the purpose of jircserving harmduy 
 among well-disposed Masons; and that a Mason wlio 
 
176 
 
 proclaims an utter disregard for his own respectable 
 standing as such, is guilty of unmasonic conduct. 
 — Proc. 1882, pp. 101-110. 
 
 GRAND LODGE — ATTEMPTS TO ANTICIPATE ITS ACTION — CON- 
 SPIRACIES. 
 
 It is unmasonic, and therefore condemned and dis- 
 af)proved by the Grand Lodge, for brethren in our 
 jurisdiction, with the aid of persons without the juris- 
 diction, to form secret organizations for the purpose 
 of comi>elling this Grand Lodge to adopt any particu- 
 lar form of work, controlling its elections or appropria- 
 tions of its charities or other funds. — Proc. 1861, pp. 
 74, 75. See also Proc. 1889, pp. .32, 33. 
 
 GRAND LODGE — CIRCULARS FORESTALLING JUDGMENT OF. 
 
 It is clearly against the principles and teachings of 
 Masonry, where it is desired to carry through the 
 Grand Lodge some special matter in which a Lodge or 
 some member of the Fraternity has some personal in- 
 terest, financial or otherwise, and in order, if possible, 
 to forestall the judgment of the Grand Lodge, to pre- 
 pare circulars, and at some convenient season, prior to 
 the meeting of the Grand Lodge, to send such circu- 
 lars to the several Lodges and prominent members of 
 the Grand Lodge, soliciting their aid and co-operation 
 in carrying through the Grand Lodge such measures 
 as may so be desired. This is emphatically con- 
 demned and a stop must be jmt to it speedily, by trial 
 of such offenders and adequate punishment for the of- 
 fense.— Proc. 1889, pp. 32, 33. See also Proc. 1861, 
 pp. 74, 75; Proc. 1892, pp. 16, 17, 18, 59, 60; Proc. 
 1894, p. 67. 
 
177 
 
 GRAND LODGE — COMMITTEE, REPORT OF, WHEN CONCURRED 
 IN, THE ACT OF. 
 
 A recommendation of a committee of the Grand 
 Lodge upon a subject regularly referred to it, when 
 concurred in by a vote of the Grand Lodge, is an order 
 of the Grand Lodge, and must be obeyed. — Proc. 
 1892, pp. 15, 59. 
 
 GRAND LODGE — LOSS, WILL NOT REFUND, SUSTAINED BY MASON 
 AS CIVIL SURETY FOR ANOTHER. 
 
 The Grand Lodge regarded as "extraordinary" the 
 claim of sureties for refunding amount of loss sus- 
 tained by reason of signing bonds of a member of their 
 Lodge who was appointed a guardian and became a 
 defaulter for several hundred dollars; and held that 
 this Grand Lodge cannot become responsible for the 
 misfortunes of members who fall by the wayside, and 
 fail to discharge their pecuniary obligations. — Proc. 
 1897, p. 97. 
 
 GRAND LODGE — REVIEW, BILL OF — RESTORATION. 
 
 A brother charged with abandoning his wife, ad- 
 dressed a letter to the Lodge declaring that it" would 
 be unjust to her and to himself to make public at that 
 time the reasons which had actuated him in separat- 
 ing from her, and that he was unable, from the pe- 
 culiar circumstances surrounding the case, to make an 
 active defense, and asking the Lodge to delay action 
 until the courts had decided the questions between 
 himself and his wife. lie was tried in his absence, 
 found guilty, and indefinitely suspended. Lie re- 
 turned and asked for a new trial, after the period al- 
 lowed for such an application, which was denied him 
 12 
 
178 
 
 for that reason. He then presented a petition to the 
 Grand Lodge, in the nature of a bill of review, pray- 
 ing the Grand Lodge to direct the subordinate Lodge 
 to grant him a new trial. The Grand Lodge, finding 
 all the proceedings of the trial Lodge regular, exam- 
 ined a large amount of documentary evidence sub- 
 mitted with the petition, and finding the wife to have 
 been guilty of the most villainous and depraved con- 
 duct towards the petitioner, contemplating, in associa- 
 tion with her paramour, his murder by poison or by 
 shooting, facts he could not safely have disclosed at 
 the time of the Lodge trial, set aside the penalty fijied 
 by the Lodge, and restored him to the condition of a 
 non-afiiliated Mason.— Proc. 1895, pp. 99-102. 
 
 GKAKD LODGE SOVEREIGNTY. 
 
 Each Grand Lodge is, and should be and remain, 
 supreme within its own State; and no other Grand 
 Lodge should interfere with such exclusive privilege, 
 or grant dispensations or charters within another State 
 in which a Grand Lodge is regularly organized. 
 — Proc. 1828, pp. 38, 40; Hacker's Rep., p. 217. 
 
 GRAND LODGE — SUBORDINATE LODGES — JURISDICTION. 
 
 The jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Indiana ex- 
 tends in every direction to the very limits of the State, 
 and over every member of the Order, and every Lodge 
 within these bounds. And as the Grand Lodge, its 
 officers or its brotherhood, would be guilty of usurpa- 
 tion, and unjustifiable intermeddling with the con- 
 cerns of others, in attempting to extend that jurisdic- 
 tion, so is it their duty to resist and repudiate such 
 action on the part of any other Grand Lodge, or of any 
 
179 
 
 •of its members. No Master Mason residing without 
 the limits of the State of Indiana has the right to pe- 
 tition this Grand Body for a dispensation. Lodges 
 without the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge have no 
 right to confer the degrees upon any citizen within 
 our territorial limits. — Proc. 1859, pp. 22, 38. 
 
 GRAND MASTER, CHARGES AGAINST A WORSHIPFUL MASTER 
 MUST BE MADE TO AND APPROVED BY. 
 
 Charges against a Worshipful Master must be made 
 to the Grand Master and be approved by him, — conse- 
 quently, judgment as to the formality of the charges 
 is demanded of the Grand Master. He is in the situ- 
 ation of a judge who must determine the sufficiency 
 as in case of a complaint on demurrer, or of an indict- 
 ment on motion to quash. Therefore for palpable de- 
 fects he should return such charges with directions to 
 correct them. It would be an imbecile proceeding 
 of a Grand Master to order a trial to be had upon de- 
 fective charges. — Proc. 1890, pp. 21, 22, 96. 
 
 GRAND MASTER — WORSHIPFUL MASTER^CONDUCT, UNMASONIC, 
 NOT GROWING OUT OP OFFICIAL DUTIES — TRIAL OF, IN 
 SUBORDINATE LODGES. 
 
 1st. It shall be competent for the subordinate 
 Lodge of which the Grand blaster is a member, to try 
 and expel or suspend him for any unmasonic conduct 
 not growing out of his official duties; and when ex- 
 pelled or suspended, his office of Grand Master shall 
 be vacated, and the officer next in rank shall fill the 
 office. 2d. Subordinate Lodges shall have power to 
 try and expel or suspend their Master for any unma- 
 sonic conduct not growing out of the discharge of his 
 
180 
 
 official duties. When the ]\Iaster of a Lodge is under 
 trial, the officer next in rank, or some Past Master, to- 
 be designated by him, shall preside. When the Mas- 
 ter of a Lodge is expelled or suspended, the officer 
 next in rank shall succeed to the station. 3d. The 
 Grand blaster and [Masters of subordinate Lodges are 
 answerable only to the Grand Lodge for acts growing- 
 out of his (their) official duties. — Proc. 1858, pp. 54, 55. 
 
 GRAND MASTER — DECISION — CONTEIIPT OF, A JIASONIC OFFEKSE. 
 
 Where the Grand Master, in the discharge of his 
 official duties, has decided, upon a given question, that 
 a petitioner is eligible to the degrees of Masonry, and 
 a member of the Lodge for which such decision has 
 been made, endeavors to bring said decision into con- 
 tempt, such member was properly charged, tried and 
 punished therefor. It was the duty of the accused to 
 yield to the constituted authority of Masonry in the 
 State. Obedience to constituted authority is a Ma- 
 sonic admonition and duty. — Proc. 1884, pp. 60, 61. 
 
 GRAND REPRESENTATIVE — COMMISSION, REVOCATION OR 
 RECALL OF. 
 
 It is perfectly competent for any Grand Jurisdic- 
 tion to revoke or withdraw its commission to its Grand 
 Pepresentative near any other Grand Lodge for non- 
 attendance at the Grand Lodge to which he is accred- 
 ited, for any certain period, and for any cause it may 
 deem sufficient in obedience to its laws and regula- 
 tions; but such Grand Lodge has no power to revolre 
 or withdraw a commission which it has not issued. It 
 may make complaint to the Grand Lodge that issued 
 the commission to the Pepresentative, and ask to have 
 
181 
 
 such commission revoked because of the failure of its 
 Kepresentative to actually be present at the meetings 
 ■of the Grand Lodge to which he is accredited and dis- 
 charge the duties of his trust, and in that way, in a 
 proper case, the commission might be revoked. — Proc. 
 1897, pp. 104, 105. And this Grand Lodge declines 
 to recall its commission to a member of a sister Grand 
 Lodge as our Kepresentative to such Grand Lodge who 
 has as such rendered us faithful service for many 
 _years, and against whom no complaint can be urged, 
 in order that the Grand ^Master of such other Grand 
 I«dge may secure the commission for another brother 
 <lesignated by him. — Proc. ISOT, pp. 15, 108, 109. 
 
 ■"green goods" — CODSTEEFEIT MONEY — DEFECTIVE CHARGES. 
 
 It is not, per se, immoral and unmasonic conduct to 
 •correspond with parties who propose to furnish coun- 
 terfeit money for circulation, unless the correspond- 
 ence is shown to be for the express purpose of nego- 
 tiating for said counterfeit money, with intent to 
 fraudulently put such money into circulation. ISTo 
 such fraudulent intent having been set out, the charge, 
 as such, is not good, and should have been dismissed. 
 A specification averring the deposit of a letter or pack- 
 age with the agent of an express company, addressed 
 to a dealer in such money, and the payment of charges 
 thereon, contains nothing criminal in itself, and should 
 have been dismissed. A specification averring that 
 such dealer — naming him — proposed by circular let- 
 ters, to sell and deliver by express to those who might 
 desire it counterfeit and spurious money for circula- 
 tion constitutes no charge against one accused of the 
 
182 
 
 purpose of procuring such money. JSTeitlier does a 
 specification that there was received at the office of an 
 express company at the home of the accused a pack- 
 age addressed to him, marlced "valuable papers," on 
 which there were considerable charges, to be collected 
 on deli^'ery. Xor does this furnish sufficient ground 
 for a second charge, "that it is unlawful to deal in or 
 handle counterfeit money," particularly as the remain- 
 ing portion of said charge averred that the agent of 
 said express company returned said package to th& 
 sender. The motion to dismiss should have been sus- 
 tained upon the second charge in full. — Proc. 1872, 
 pp. 52-5-1. 
 
 HOLY BIBLE — EXCLUSION FROM MASONIC ALTAKS GKAND 
 
 LODGE OF PERU. 
 
 A certain communication or edict, dated June 13^ 
 1897, and signed by the Grand Master of Masons in 
 the Kepublic of Peru, which orders that on all Ma- 
 sonic altars the Bible shall be removed and replaced 
 by the Constitution of the Order of Freemasonry, and 
 that in their rituals the word "Bible" shall be struck 
 out and the words "the Constitution of the Grand 
 Lodge of Peru" be put in its place, having come to the 
 knowledge of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, it was re- 
 solved that the Grand Lodge of Peru has ceased to be- 
 a Masonic body; and that all communication witk 
 said Grand Lodge, its subordinate Lodges and mem- 
 bers of its obedience is prohibited until the further or- 
 der of this Grand Lodge. — Proc. 1898, pp. 7, 8, 114. 
 
 HOLY BIBLE — FIKST GREAT LIGHT. 
 
 The moral law of ]\lasonry, founded upon the first 
 great light in Masonry (the Holy Bible), is the high- 
 
183 
 
 est moral law known to man, and it is not in the power 
 of any legislative body to so legalize that which is 
 morally wrong as to make it proper or morally right 
 for any Mason to practice the legalized wrong. — Proc. 
 1859, p. 51. Compare Proc. 1898, pp. 7, 8, 114. 
 
 HOLY BIBLE — THREE GREAT LIGHTS. 
 
 Upon the question asked the Grand Master by a 
 Christian Church, the corner-stone of which had been 
 laid by him, whether there was any objection to put- 
 ting in the edifice a stained glass window in which the 
 design used should be the "Three Great Lights of 
 Masonry," the Grand Lodge held, as the Grand Mas- 
 ter had answered, that there was no objection, and 
 that, on the contrary, it would be considered as a beau- 
 tiful expression of respect for the Fraternity, and a 
 recognition of the intimate relationship or nearness of 
 the Church and Masonry. — Proc. 1897, pp. 24, 82. 
 
 INJURED PARTY, JUNIOR WARDEN MAY SIGN CHARGES FOR — 
 INJURED PARTY — JUNIOR WARDEN. 
 
 Though the name of the injured brother appears in 
 the body of the charges as the person making them, 
 while the charges are signed by the Junior Warden, 
 they may be regarded as having been made by the 
 Junior AVarden, who, by signing them, adopts the 
 same and assumes the burden. The name of the 
 brother may be treated as surplusage. — Proc. 1889, 
 pp. 78, 79. 
 
 INNOCENCE — PRESUMPTION OF. 
 
 A brother under charges is presumed to be inno- 
 cent until he is proven guilty. Tie has all the rights 
 
184 
 
 of any other member imtil his case is heard and de- 
 termined by the Lodge. — Proe. 1876, pp. 32, 127. 
 
 INNOCEN'CE, PRESUMPTION OF. 
 
 Proof enough to raise a suspicion only should not 
 cause a Mason to be expelled. A Mason no doubt 
 should avoid the appearance of evil, but he should 
 never be held guilty of evil by the mere ground of 
 suspicion. The presumption in favor of a Mason's 
 innocence is not to be overcome except by actual 
 proof, either direct or circumstantial, sufficient to con- 
 vince the judgment of an unbiased mind. — Proc. 
 1890, p. 85; Proc. 1896, pp. 27, 92; Id. p. 76. 
 
 IXSTALLATIOX — LODGES U. D., IJIPKOPEE. 
 
 It is improper to install the officers of Lodges work- 
 ing under dispensation. — Proc. 1823, p. 61; Hacker's 
 Rep., p. 123. 
 
 INSTALLATION — LODGES U. D. — IMPROPER. 
 
 The officers of Lodges working under dispensations 
 should not be installed, either publicly or privately. 
 —Proc. 1844, p. 23; Id. p. 38; Hacker's Rep., p. 405; 
 Id. p. 410. 
 
 INSTALLATION — LODGES U. D. — OFFICERS ARE PROXIES OP 
 GRAND WASTER. 
 
 Officers of a Lodge under dispensation are merely 
 acting as proxies for the Grand ]\Iaster until the next 
 sitting of the Grand Body, and are not to be installed. 
 In such a Lodge, officers are not to be installed until 
 they are regularly elected by ballot at a meeting of the 
 Lodge after the dispensation has been returned to the 
 Grand Lodge and a charter received by said subor- 
 
185 
 
 diuate. — Proc. 1859, p. 39. Any Past Master may 
 install the officers of a cliartered Lodge, if invited by 
 the Lodge, or Worshipful Master, whether he be a 
 member of that Lodge or not. — Proc. 1859, p. 38. 
 
 INSTALLATION — PEOXY. 
 
 It is improper for subordinate Lodges to install 
 their officers by proxy. — Proc. 1843, p. 38; Hacker's 
 Rep., p. 389. Also IProc. 1878, pp. 22, 88. 
 
 INSTALLATION, WHEN, BY WHOM — VIRTUAL [CHAPTER] PAST 
 WASTER HAS KO AUTHORITY. 
 
 An installation by a virtual [Chapter] Past Master 
 is not legal; all officers must be installed as often as 
 elected.— Proc. 1892; pp. 13, 59. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — BEVERAGE — ADMONITION. 
 
 The Lodge may appoint some brother to wait upon 
 the offender, admonish him or notify him of the fact 
 that the sale or use of intoxicating liquor as a beverage 
 is a Masonic offense, and a violation of the rules and 
 regulations of our Grand Lodge; or the Master and 
 Wardens may counsel with him against the wrong 
 practice, and admonish him to desist ; and if, after this, 
 he still continiies, or does not reform, charges may be 
 preferred and the penalty be inflicted upon a finding 
 of guilty. — Proc. 1873, pp. 17, 18, 64. A previous 
 trial upon such a charge is deemed to be sufficient ad- 
 monition. — Proc. 1874, pp. 74, 78. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — BOND, SIGNING FOR RETAILER NOT 
 A MASONIC OFFENSE. 
 
 LTnder the existing regulation against the use, man- 
 ufacture, or sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, 
 
186 
 
 it is not immasonic conduct to sign the bond of one 
 licensed to retail such intoxicating liquors. — Proc. 
 1886, pp. 45, 46, 47; Id. p. 55. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUOES — BREWEKY — SUPEEINTENDENT. 
 
 Upon a decision of the Grand Master that a super- 
 intendent of a brewery where ale is manufactured, 
 but who has no interest in the concern, is ineligible for 
 the degrees, because his admission would be an in- 
 fringement upon the spirit and meaning of the law, 
 and he who superintends such an establishment is as 
 guilty of the ^Masonic offense as the owner; the Com- 
 mittee on Jurisprudence, in a report concurred in by 
 the Grand Lodge, said that they would prefer not ta 
 be called upon to defend, nor do they wish to attack, 
 the decision. "How far the laborer who is engaged at 
 his daily toils, or the husbandman who plants and 
 raises hops, barley, corn, rye, etc., is a party to the 
 crime of manufacturing intoxicating drinks, is rather 
 too metaphysical and fine-spun to be distinctly visible 
 to the naked eye." — Proc. 1873, pp. 19, 65. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUOES — DEUGGIST SELLING AS SUCH — AD- 
 VANCEMENT. 
 
 One who received the first and second degrees in a 
 Lodge, trades for a drug store, and, as a part of his 
 business, sells intoxicating liquor, under government 
 license, by the quart, not as a beverage, may legally 
 have the third degree conferred upon him. — Proc. 
 1896, pp. 28, 92. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — INTE:MPEEATE USE OF, UNJIASONIC. 
 
 The intemperate use of spirits is forbidden by divine 
 law and the rules of morality, and is, therefore, grossly 
 
187 
 
 iinmasonic, and Lodges throughout the State should 
 discountenance both by precept and example the use 
 of spirituous liquors as a beverage by ilasons. — Proc. 
 1844, p. 46. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — WANUPACTUEE OR SALE AS A BEVER- 
 AG E — ADMON IT lOX. 
 
 In 1844 the Grand Lodge declared the intemperate 
 use of spirits to be grossly unmasonic — Proc. 1844, p. 
 46, — and in 1853, on appeal of one charged therewith 
 from the judgment of indefinite suspension for manu- 
 facturing and selling ardent spirits as a beverage, upon 
 a plea of confession and avoidance, that the charges 
 were true but that the Lodge had no right to interfere 
 with the domestic affairs of the accused, the Grand 
 Lodge held the proceedings — ■which were under a 1j}'- 
 law of the Lodge — to be regular and the action of the 
 Lodge correct— Proc. 1853, pp. 22, 23;— and in 1859 
 the penalty for habitual intoxication, or for the manu- 
 facture or sale of spirituous liquors to be used as a 
 beverage, was declared by the Grand Lodge to be, for 
 the first offense, reprimand, and for the second offense, 
 suspension or expulsion. — Proc. 1859, p. 50. This 
 was the substantial complexion of the law on the sub- 
 ject until 1870, when to the provision declaring that 
 "The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or the 
 manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors to be used 
 as a beverage, is a Masonic oifense," was added the 
 elavise: "and if a brother presists therein after being- 
 admonished by his Lodge, it is the duty of the Lodge 
 to suspend or expel him." — Proc. 1870, pp. 60, 61, 
 112. On appeal from judgment of expulsion against 
 
188 
 
 an accused by a subordinate Lodge upon this law, witli 
 said added clause, there was an agreed state of facts: 
 that at the time the charges were preferred and prior 
 thereto the accused was engaged in keeping, maintain- 
 ing and operating a saloon, and engaged in selling in- 
 toxicating liquors as a beverage; that he was not ad- 
 monished officially by the Lodge, nor by any commit- 
 tee aj)pointed for that jDurpose j^rior to preferring 
 charges; that two or three members of the Lodge, who 
 were not officers, had ad-^ised with, and admonished 
 him, that keeping a saloon was a ^lasonic offense. On 
 this state of facts, it was contended by his counsel that 
 before the accused could be charged, tried, found 
 guilty and punished for this as a Masonic offense, he 
 must be officially admonished by his Lodge. On this 
 contention the Grand Lodge held that the said added 
 clause is merely directory; it declares a duty devolv- 
 ing, in a certain contingency; it is directed at and ap- 
 plies to the Lodge rather than the offender. The use, 
 manufacture, or sale of intoxicating liquors as a bev- 
 erage, is by the first part of this section made a ila- 
 sonic offense, for which a brother may be tried and 
 punished by his Lodge, or the Lodge in whose juris- 
 diction he may reside, without being first admonished 
 by such Lodge, just as for any other Masonic offense. 
 The offense is in the use, manufacture or sale, and not 
 in the [disobedience of the] admonition. — Proe. 1S89, 
 pp. 40, 41. 
 
 INTOXrCATIXG LIQUORS — MAXUFACTURE AXD SALE — AGENT. 
 
 The agent of a brewery, entrusted with the distribu- 
 tion of its product and the collection of its bills, is not 
 
189 
 
 eligible to receive the degrees of Masonry. — Proc. 
 1892, pp. 15, 59. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUOES — JMANUFAOTUEE AND SALE OF — HABIT- 
 UAL INTOXICATIOX — DEGREES OP JIASONEY. 
 
 The subordinate Lodges within this jurisdiction are 
 unconditionally prohibited from conferring the sev- 
 eral degrees in Symbolic Masonry upon any applicant 
 who is habitually intoxicated, or who makes it his 
 business to manufacture or sell ardent spirits, to be 
 used as a beverage. And any member of a Lodge, or 
 affiliate within its jurisdiction, who is in the practice 
 of habitual intoxication, or engaged in the manufac- 
 ture or sale of spirituous liquors to be used as a bever- 
 age, as a business, shall upon charges being preferred 
 and sustained, for the first offense be reprimanded in 
 open Lodge by the Worshipful Master, and for the 
 second offense be suspended or expelled, as a majority 
 of the members j^resent in their judgment may deter- 
 mine. — Proc. 1859, p. 50. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUOES — MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF AS A 
 BEVERAGE — JUSTIFICATION SOUGHT. 
 
 Where charges were preferred against a brother of 
 manufacturing and selling ardent spirits as a beverage, 
 contrary to the provisions of the by-laws of his Lodge, 
 he was, under the forms of procedure then prevailing, 
 and at a certain stage thereof, called upon for his an- 
 swer, upon which he fully acknowledged the charges 
 set forth to be true, asserting in his defense, that the 
 Lodge had no right to interfere with his domestic af- 
 fairs; whereupon, in further pursuance of said pre- 
 vailing forms of procedure, he was indefinitely sus- 
 
190 
 
 pended from all the benefits and privileges of Ma- 
 sonry. On appeal, the Grand Lodge held that there 
 was no error in the proceedings of the Lodge, and that 
 the action of the Lodge was correct. — Proc. 1853, pp. 
 22, 23. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — MANUFACTURE AND SALE AS A BEV 
 ERAGE — PROFANITY. 
 
 The use of profane language is grossly unmasonic; 
 and highly injurious to the character of Freemasonry; 
 and it is highly unmasonic for any member of the 
 Masonic Fraternity to engage in tlie manufacture or 
 traffic of ardent spirits for a beverage. — Proc. 1853, p. 
 57; Proc. 1854, pp. 7, 27, 64, 65. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — REPRIMAND BY WORSHIPFUL MASTER 
 WITHOUT CHARGE OR TRIAL. 
 
 There having been neither presentation of charges 
 or any trial on the subject, the Master has no power to 
 -decide a brother- guilty of selling intoxicating liquors, 
 and have a summons issued to such brother to appear 
 and submit to reprimand. — Proc. 1893, p. 81. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — RETAILING — STATE LICENSE — JUSTI- 
 FICATION. 
 
 The sale of intoxicating liquors is an offense against 
 the moral law and the principles of Masonry; and can- 
 not be justified under the plea that the law of the 
 State confers the right to sell upon one who pays for 
 and procures a license to so selL — Proc. 1876, pp. 93, 
 94. 
 
 INTOXICATING LIQUORS — WHOLESALE DEALER — INELIGIBLE TO 
 THE DEGREES. 
 
 Permission to confer the degrees upon an ''Importer 
 and Wholesale Dealer in Wines and Liquors" was re- 
 fused.— Proc. 1894, p. 9. 
 
191 
 
 JUKISDICTION — ADVASCEJIENT — PREVIOUS EEJECTION. 
 
 A Lodge, by a tinanimoiis ballot, has a right to 
 Avaive its jurisdiction in favor of another Lodge on an 
 application for advancement to another degree, when 
 asked for by the applicant, though previously rejected 
 on application for such advancement in the Lodge so 
 asked for such waiver. — Proc. 1875, pp. 34, 91. 
 
 JURISDICTION — ENTERED APPRENTICE — WAIVER. 
 
 "When a Lodge has conferred tlie Entered Appren- 
 tice degree, it has acquired jurisdiction over the can- 
 didate for all the degrees. jSTo other Lodge can after- 
 wards rightfully receive his petition for any of the de- 
 grees without the consent and waiver of the first 
 Lodge.— Proc. 1895, pp. 27, 118. See also Proc. 
 1894, p. 65. 
 
 JURISDICTION, FOREIGN, REINSTATEMENT FROM JUDGMENT^ 
 GRAND LODGE. 
 
 A IMason expelled or suspended by a subordinate 
 Lodge in a sister jurisdiction, and [who] during the 
 continuance of the sentence moves into our jurisdic- 
 tion, must apply to the Lodge that has passed the sen- 
 tence to reinstate him, if within the power of the 
 Lodge, and if not, then to recommend our Grand 
 Lodge to restore. It is not proper for Lodges in one 
 jurisdiction to restore to IMasonic standing and fellow- 
 ship, a Mason who has been expelled or suspended in a 
 sister jurisdiction. — Proc. 1859, p. 39. 
 
 JURISDICTION — FOREIGN LODGE — REQUEST OF. 
 
 A request of a Lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction 
 to a Lodge in this jurisdiction to confer the third de- 
 gree upon a Fellow Craft of such foreign jurisdiction 
 
192 
 
 can be complied with without the petition — and its 
 reference — of such Fellow Craft. — Proc. 1873, pp. 
 17, 64. 
 
 JURISDICTION IXVASIOX — AEEEST OF CHAETER. 
 
 Whenever the Grand Master has satisfactory infor- 
 mation that any subordinate Lodge has initiated, 
 passed or raised, or admitted to membership, any indi- 
 vidual who resides in the jurisdiction of another 
 Lodge, without having the consent of the Lodge with- 
 in whose jurisdiction the individual lives, it shall be 
 his imperative duty to arrest the charter or dispensa- 
 tion of the Lodge so offending. — Proc. 1832, p. 68. 
 
 JURISDICTIOX, PENAL — TRIAL, PLACE OP^COMCURREXT. 
 
 A Lodge within whose territorial jurisdiction a ]\Ia- 
 sonic offense has been committed has power to enter- 
 tain, charges thereon against the offender, try him 
 upon such charges, and, on conviction, adjudge the 
 proper punishment therefor, notwithstanding the fact 
 that he may be affiliated with a Lodge in some other 
 territorial jurisdiction. If the offense is so commit- 
 ted in a town or city where two or more Lodges have 
 concurrent territorial jurisdiction, by a Mason so affil- 
 iated elsewhere, any one of these has inherent juris- 
 diction of the offense and over the person committing 
 it; but the Lodge which, under such conditions, first 
 takes cognizance of the case acquires jurisdiction 
 which cannot be ousted by subsequent action of any 
 other subordinate Lodge. — Proc. 18S4, pp. 61 et seq., 
 65. One of such Lodges can waive jurisdiction over 
 a petitioner for degrees, as against all the others. 
 —Proc. 1880, J). ■2-2. 
 
193 
 
 JUEISDICTIOK, PERPETUAL — GRAND LODGE — SOVEREIGNTY. 
 
 The broad doctrine of perpetual jurisdiction over 
 rejected petitioners is erroneous, because it assumes tO' 
 deprive a Grand Body of the power to legislate for it- 
 self and prescribe the qualifications of applicants for' 
 its benefits and privileges who may have been rejected 
 at some time, possibly years before, in another sov- 
 ereignty, by the ballot of probably but one person, — 
 thus holding this one man power over them for life, 
 and also taking away from them in effect the oppor- 
 tunity and means that pure religion concedes to all 
 mankind of repentance and amendment, if, perchance^ 
 the rejection they suffered was founded upon justice at 
 the time instead of being the result of individual mal- 
 ice, as unfortunately is not infrequently the case. A 
 Grand Lodge should never surrender the sovereign 
 power to legislate for itself upon its own affairs, in its 
 own exclusive territorial jurisdiction; nor should it 
 permit alien legislation to deprive us of the power to 
 recognize the repentance of our fellow-man. — Proc. 
 1894-, pp. 63, 64; Proc. 1895, pp.^ 12, 13, 139, 140; 
 Proc. 1896, pp. 90, 97. 
 
 JURISDICTION, PERSONAL, GEOGRAPHICAL, LODGE ABSOLUTE. 
 
 Where one residing in the jurisdiction of one Lodge 
 petitions another Lodge for the degrees and is there re- 
 jected, the Lodge within whose jurisdiction his actual 
 residence is can receive his petition at once. Petition- 
 ing a Lodge out of jurisdiction is illegal; therefore 
 null and void.— Proc. 1893, pp. 23, 65. 
 13 
 
194 
 
 JUEISDICTIOX, PERSONAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL MAJORITY 
 
 VOTE WAIVER — DEGREES. 
 
 Ou a motion to grant a sister Lodge the right to 
 ■confer the degrees upon one within the geographical 
 jurisdiction of the Lodge entertaining such proposi- 
 tion, a majority vote in the affirmative is sufficient to 
 carry such motion. There being no special provision 
 for the mode of taking the vote on the question of 
 waiving jurisdiction, or that a unanimous vote shall be 
 required, the question is governed by the same rule 
 applicable to all ordinary questions wherein a majority 
 vote decides. — Proc. 18S9, pp. 37, 38. 
 
 JURISDICTION — PERSONAL — NEAREST LODGE. 
 
 To sanction the practice of Lodges initiating appli- 
 cants who live nearer some other Lodge would be pro- 
 ductive of much evil to the Masonic family. Each 
 subordinate Lodge shall have full power over all those 
 who may wish to become members of this Institution, 
 who shall reside nearest such subordinate Lodge, and 
 no Lodge shall initiate any candidate who may reside 
 nearer some other Lodge, without first notifying said 
 Lodge nearest which the candidate resides, of his peti- 
 tion, and ascertaining of such Lodge whether the}' 
 have any objection to the petitioner, and if said Lodge 
 objects to the petitioner, it shall be the duty of the 
 Lodge to which he petitions to reject the same. — Proc. 
 1821, p. 30; Hacker's Eep., p. 82; Proc. 1851, p. 64. 
 
 JURISDICTION, PERSONAL — PETITION — ELECTION FOR DEGREES 
 FIXES. 
 
 The Lodge that receives the petition of one seeking 
 to be made a Mason and elects him to receive the de- 
 
195 
 
 grees, holds jurisdiction over him, and no other Lodge 
 can receive his petition without the consent of the 
 Lodge that has acquired such jurisdiction. — Proc. 
 1896, pp. 28, 92. 
 
 JURISDICTION — PERSONAL — TRIAL — MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 The judgment of expulsion by a Lodge of which the 
 accused was not a member was reversed by the Grand 
 Lodge, and the case referred to the Lodge of which he 
 was a member, upon the principle, well settled by the 
 Grand Lodge, that a Mason shall be held to answer 
 only to the Lodge of which he is a member. — Proc. 
 1853, p. 37. 
 
 JURISDICTION — PERSONAL — WAIVER OF ONE OP SEVERAL CON- 
 CURRENT LODGES SUFFICIENT. 
 
 Where there are several Lodges possessing concur- 
 rent jurisdiction over material for the degrees of Ma- 
 sonry, the consent of one only of these is sufficient to 
 give jurisdiction to a Lodge located at another place, 
 —Proc. 1880, p. 22. 
 
 JURISDICTION — REFUNDING FEE, WAIVER BY. 
 
 A Lodge failing to confer all the degrees, and re- 
 funding the proportion of the fee for such as it has not 
 conferred, thereby waives jurisdiction over the candi- 
 date, who may — on a certificate of the facts — petition 
 a Lodge in whose jurisdiction he resides, without any 
 further consent. — Proc. 1876, pp. 32, 127. 
 
 JURISDICTION — REJECTED APPLICANT. 
 
 In all cases where an application for initiation into 
 the mysteries of Masonry has been rejected by a subor- 
 dinate Lodge in the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, 
 
196 
 
 it shall not be competent for any other subordinate 
 Lodge to receive a petition from such rejected person 
 until after the expiration of twelve months after such 
 rejection, without the consent of the Lodge rejecting 
 the applicant. — Proc. 1857, pp. 63, 64. 
 
 JURISDICTION — REJECTED PETITIONER — LIMIT. 
 
 It is unmasonic for any Lodge working under the 
 jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge to initiate any person 
 applying for the same, when it shall be made known 
 to such subordinate Lodge, that the applicant has been 
 rejected by another Lodge, without the consent and 
 approbation of the Lodge by which he was rejected. 
 —Proc. 1824, p. 36; Hacker's Pep., p. 150. In 1857 
 a limit of twelve months was fixed. — Proc. 1857, p. 
 63. 
 
 JURISDICTION — REJECTION — WAIVER — RETURN OF. 
 
 "Where a Lodge has waived its jurisdiction, over a 
 petitioner, to another Lodge, which rejects said peti- 
 tioner, and within a year said petitioner applies to the 
 former Lodge — under whose jurisdiction he has con- 
 tinued to live — said Lodge can elect and confer the de- 
 grees upon the applicant. In its waiver in the first 
 instance it released and delivered over to the Lodge in 
 whose favor it made such waiver all control of the re- 
 ception of the first petition and action thereon; but 
 said Lodge, in the rejection of the petitioner, dis- 
 claimed such grant, and restored the applicant to his 
 former position. Jurisdiction cannot be conferred by 
 one subordinate Lodge to another, but may be Avaived 
 for a specific purpose. — Proc. 1875, p. 82 ; Proc. 1S78, 
 p. 21. 
 
197 
 
 JURISDICTION, RELEASE OF — DEGREES UNCONFEREED, PETITION 
 
 FOR. 
 
 .Vn Entered Apprentice, having removed from an- 
 otlier Grand Jurisdiction into tliat of Indiana, carry- 
 ing a formal release of jurisdiction over him by the 
 Lodge in wliich he was initiated, can, on a petition ac- 
 companied by such release, be elected to receive the 
 remaining degrees by a Lodge in this Grand Jurisdic- 
 tion, and receive the said degrees for two-thirds of the 
 amount prescribed by the by-laws of the Lodge so 
 conferring them. — Proc. 1892, pp. 15, 59. 
 
 JURISDICTION — REMOVAL — ENTERED APPRENTICES — FELLOW 
 CRAFTS — GRAND LODGE — SUBORDINATE LODGES. 
 
 AVhile the Grand Lodge of Indiana, declines to 
 claim for itself and its subordinates any ownership in 
 m.aterial absolutely rejected here, after such may have 
 become available to the Lodges of another Grand Jur- 
 isdiction, it must with still greater force refuse to rec- 
 ognize the right of any Lodge under the jurisdiction 
 of another Grand Lodge to acquire ownership, for ad- 
 vancement and final membership, of Entered Appren- 
 tices and Fellow Crafts, made such in Lodges of our 
 Register, by the simple expression of a willingness on 
 the part of a foreign Lodge to "take them in;" and 
 consequently we can never consent to the enactment 
 of a law for such an unexampled appropriation of 
 what is, in the case of ]\Iasons of these grades, legiti- 
 mate property of the Lodges whicli made them. In 
 the first case, the Lodge rejecting a petitioner says: 
 'AVe do not want you and will not receive you." In 
 the latter case, it has accepted and received him, given 
 him the degree he petitioned for, and placed him, in 
 
198 
 
 that capacity, upon its records. If at any subsequent 
 period it may become desirable to secure the services 
 of another Lodge as a proxy to confer upon liim the 
 remaining degree or degrees, in case of his change of 
 residence, the mode of procedure to that end is well 
 established and understood. — Proc. 1894, p. 65. See 
 also Proc. 1895, pp. 27, 118. 
 
 JURISDICTION — RESIDENCE. 
 
 In determining the question of jurisdiction of 
 Lodges there is no difference bet^veen Masonic and 
 legal residence. The one is the other. — Proc. 1895, 
 pp. 25, 118. But see Id. pp. 97, 98, adhering to doc- 
 trine laid down in Proc. 1894, pp. 99-104. 
 
 JURISDICTION, TERRITORIAL — CONXURRENT — LINE OP MEASURE- 
 MENT. 
 
 As between Lodges located in cities, all have con- 
 current jurisdiction, but as between city Lodges and 
 Lodges outside of cities the jurisdiction extends to a 
 line drawn at equal distances between them, without 
 regard to the boundary line of a city. — Proc. 1876, 
 pp. 22, 83, 84. As to waiver, see Proc. 18S0, p. 22. 
 
 JURISDICTION — TERRITORIAL — PERSONAL — EXTENT OF — 
 DOUBLE — LODGE. 
 
 The personal jurisdiction of a Lodge extends over 
 every one of its members wherever he may be situated. 
 The allegiance of a ilason to his own Lodge is inde- 
 feasible, and so long as his membership continues, he 
 is amenable to its laws and subject to its power. 
 Thus, if a Mason resides beyond the jurisdiction of his 
 own Lodge, he is subject to two jurisdictions, namelv, 
 
199 
 
 the territorial jurisdiction of the Lodge where he re- 
 sides, and the personal jurisdiction of his own Lodge. 
 — Proc. 1894, p. Y7. 
 
 KNOCKS BEGIN IN THE SOUTH— -OPEXING AND CLOSING LODGE. 
 
 In the ceremonies of opening and closing a Lodge, 
 the knocks should begin in the South. It will scarcely 
 he denied that there should be system, uniformity and 
 harmony in every work that can justly be considered 
 as a whole ; and these should unquestionably dominate 
 an institution whose earliest lesson has reference to 
 the creation of order out of chaos, and whose teach- 
 ings, at every subsequent stage, enjoin its promulga- 
 tion in the beautiful and useful in architecture, in sci- 
 ence, in morals, and in religion. What are some of 
 the parellels of order, then, that will support this 
 view? One is, that the course indicated is that em- 
 ployed in the [consecutive] designation of the stations 
 and duties of the principal officers of the Lodge in 
 each of these ceremonies. Another is the succession 
 of these same signals in the old mysteries of the cere- 
 mony of circumambiilation. Another is, that there 
 is somewhere found, in one of the many beautiful lec- 
 tures of Masonry, the statement that, for precaution- 
 ary and useful purposes. King Solomon, during the 
 building of his superb and magnificent Temple, sta- 
 tioned guards "at the South, West, and East gates." 
 And yet another is, that in one of the initial cere- 
 monies of Essenism the postulant was reminded that 
 no great purpose can be accomplished without encoun- 
 tering impediments somewhere, and the lesson was 
 most forcibly impressed \vpoT\ him when he was caused 
 
200 
 
 to meet [in this successionj "tliree several obstruc- 
 tions" at these very points of tlie compass. But, 
 greater than all of these, and yet completely con- 
 sistent with them, is the sequence maintained in the 
 tradition that recounts the cruel dangers that beset 
 the Master Builder of the Temple, and were resisted 
 by a courage and fortitude that held integrity as of 
 greater moment than life, and made it a victor over 
 death itself. While there is no specific legislation on 
 this subject, and no known decision or ruling of any 
 ■Grand Master upon it, there is a great deal of law in 
 Freemasonry, that is unwritten; or, at least, should 
 have remained unwritten. This unwritten law is 
 called "usage," or "immemorial usage." On the sub- 
 ject at issue, the rituals of the Craft in part comprise 
 this law. There are many of these that, in cipher form, 
 have been to that extent written. The examination of 
 a number of these has found them all to designate the 
 South as the place where the knocks must begin. Of 
 these rituals, that known as the Webb-Preston work, con- 
 tained in the Rob Morris Mnemonics, is a law for us 
 superior to any other on the subject under discussion, 
 and that ritual provides that the beginning of these 
 ceremonial signals shall be in the South. In relation 
 to the opening in a degree which will be readily iden- 
 tified, there occurs on page 26, initial columns 5 and 6, 
 a combination which must read: "Then the Junior 
 Warden gives one knock, in which he is followed by 
 the Senior Warden, and then by the Worshipful Mas- 
 ter;" and this is followed by prayer and the declaration 
 that the Lodge is opened. All openings and closings 
 are similarly done. — Proc. 1897, pp. 87-90. 
 
201 
 
 LABOK — BUSINESS — WHAT IN LODGES BELOW THE DEGEEE OP 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 All labor or business not specially pertaining to con- 
 ferring the degrees, and the necessary instructions of 
 Entered Apprentices and Fellow Craft Masons, in Lodges 
 below the degrees of Master Mason, is unmasonic, and 
 highly injurious to the advancement and true interest of 
 Masonry.— Proc. 1842, p. 7; Hacker's Rep., p. 354; 
 also Hacker's Rep. 1840, p. 337; Id. pp. 342, 343. 
 
 LANGUAGE — ABUSIVE — UNKIND. 
 
 It is a Masonic offense to use unkind and abusive 
 language to a brother Mason. It is a breach of good 
 morals and contrary to the precepts of the Holy Scrip- 
 tiires for one Mason to quarrel at, abuse and maltreat 
 a brother Mason, and in such case the penalty of repri- 
 mand is just and appropriate. — Proc. 1889, pp. 78, 79. 
 
 LANGUAGE — BIPKOPEK AND UNMASONIC. 
 
 The use of improper and unmasonic language in 
 open Lodge is an offense properly punished by suspen- 
 sion. — Proc. 1892, pp. 68, 69; Proc. 1894, p. 80. 
 
 LANGUAGE — UNMASONIC — EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES. 
 
 Where unmasonic language was shown to have been 
 used by the accused while laboring under great ex- 
 citement, and when he believed the character of his 
 wife for chastity and virtue was being wrongfully as- 
 sailed. The man and Mason who would not defend 
 the character of his wife against unjust charges when- 
 ever aspersed, would not deserve the name of man or 
 Mason; and at such a time, and under such circum- 
 
202 
 
 stances, would not be expected to carefully weigh his 
 words, or exhibit a placid manner. — Proc. 1894:, pp. 
 80, 81. 
 
 LAWFUL AGE. 
 
 Xo Lodge, subordinate to this Grand Lodge, shall 
 initiate any candidate under the age of twenty-one 
 years; and, upon satisfactory evidence that any subor- 
 dinate Lodge has violated this rule, it shall be the duty 
 of the Grand Master to arrest the charter of said Lodge 
 till the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. — Proc. 
 1864, p. 68. See also Proc. 1881, pp. 59, 60, 61; 
 Proc. 1895, pp. 23, 118; Proc. 1897, pp. 26, 82. 
 
 LAWFUL AGE — FALSEHOOD AS TO MEMBER MISREPRESENTING 
 
 THAT OF PETITIOSER. 
 
 A member of a Lodge who falsely represents a pe- 
 titioner to be of lawful age, knowing him not to be so, 
 thereby inducing the committee of investigation to 
 take favorable action, and who appears in the Lodge 
 and remains present while degrees of Masonry are in 
 consequence conferred on such petitioner and candi- 
 date, cannot be excused for such conduct ; and the pen- 
 alty of expulsion against one so accused is proper and 
 not too severe. Xo Mason can lawfully be present at 
 and give his consent to the making of any person a 
 ]\Iason who is of non-age — even though it be his own 
 son. This principle is so well established that it need 
 not be further considered or commented on. — Proc. 
 1884, pp. 59, 60, 61. See generally, Proc. 1864. p. 
 68; Proc. 1884, pp. 59, 60, 61; Proc. 1895, pp. 2:3, 
 118; Proc. 1897, pp. 26, 82. 
 
203 
 
 LIFE MEMBERSHIP — BY-LAW. 
 
 There is no authority in the General Regulations of 
 this Grand Lodge for a system of life membership, 
 and where any member, who has paid a gross sum to 
 that end, under a by-law containing such a provision, 
 is entitled to have such sum credited to his account as 
 payment on yearly dues. — Proc. 1895, pp. 116, 117; 
 Proc. 1896, p. 17; Id. pp. 69, 70, — where such credit 
 is not considered. 
 
 LODGE — CHAETEE, MUST OBTAIN. 
 
 No subordinate Lodge can proceed as a chartered 
 Lodge, until they have obtained a charter from the 
 Grand Lodge, and have been regularly installed [con- 
 stituted] under said charter, or have special permis- 
 sion from the Grand Master or Grand Lodge. — Proc. 
 1844, pp. 15, 16; Hacker's Rep., p. 400, — where the 
 last word is changed to "Secretary." 
 
 LODGE OF ENTERED APPRENTICES CANNOT DISCIPLINE A 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 A Lodge of Entered Apprentices cannot Masonic- 
 ally either expel or suspend a Master Mason. — Proc. 
 1839, p. 6; Hacker's Eep., p. 326. 
 
 LODGE MINUTES OF TRIAL — CHARGES — NOTICE — TIME — SUM- 
 MONS — APPEAL. 
 
 The minutes of a Lodge where a brother is to be 
 charged and tried must show that the charge and spec- 
 ifications were duly presented at a regular [stated] 
 meeting and a time fixed for trial, and the minutes 
 must go further when the trial occurs, and show that 
 the accused received a summons to appear at the trial, 
 
204 
 
 and he must also receive a copy of the charges as 
 stated, with the names of the witnesses to be used 
 against him. It is the duty of the Lodge to see that 
 its minutes contain all that was done, and if it fails to 
 do so the presumption is against it. — Proc. 1890, 
 p. 78. 
 
 LODGE, NEW — DISPENSATION — JURISDICTION AFFECTED. 
 
 jSTo dispensations shall hereafter be granted within 
 this Grand Jurisdiction, without the recommendation 
 of all the subordinate Lodges whose jurisdiction will 
 be affected by the proposed new Lodge; and also a cer- 
 tificate, over the signature of each of the Worshipful 
 Masters recommending the petition, that they have 
 examined the petitioners, and certify that the persons 
 recommended for AYorshipful Master and Wardens 
 are competent to govern a Lodge, and administer the 
 ceremonies creditably and intelligibly. — Proc. 1864, 
 p. 96. 
 
 LODGE, NEW — RECOMMENDATION OP NEAREST OR NEXT NEAR- 
 EST LODGE. 
 
 While it is the duty of Masonic brethren desiring to 
 form themselves into a Lodge to apply to the nearest 
 place of residence for a recommendation to the Grand 
 Lodge, yet wherever such application is made without 
 obtaining the desired recommendation, the brethren 
 then have a right to make application to the next near- 
 est Lodge, and it is the duty of such Lodge to recom- 
 mend them to the Grand Lodge, notwithstanding the 
 refusal of the Lodge to which the first application was 
 made, provided they have no other reason for with- 
 
205 
 
 holding such recommendation. — Proc. 1821, p. 18; 
 Hacker's Rep., p. 82. 
 
 LODGE, NEW — RECOMMENDATION — REQUEST FOR — PETITIOXEKS 
 CANNOT VOTE ON. 
 
 Members of a Lodge, according to the Constitution 
 and principles of Freemasonry, can petition the same 
 to recommend them to the Grand Lodge or Grand 
 Officers for a dispensation (but cannot vote on their 
 own petition), and the propriety of granting the same 
 [shall] be left to be judged by the authority grant- 
 ing the same. — Proc. 1821, p. 29; Hacker's Pep., 
 p. ^81. 
 
 LODGE — REMOVAL — ACTION NECESSARY. 
 
 The proposition for the removal of a Lodge from 
 one point to another within its established jurisdiction 
 must be presented at a stated meeting of the Lodge; 
 must then lie over to the next stated meeting; in the 
 meantime all the members, so far as practicable, must 
 be notified of the pendency of the proposition, and the 
 time when it is to be considered. If the proposition, 
 on being put to vote, is carried, then the consent of 
 all the Lodges whose jurisdiction will be affected by 
 such removal must be obtained, before any action will 
 be taken by the Grand Master, or final action by the 
 Grand Lodge. — Proc. 1890, pp. 25, 26, 92, 93; Proc. 
 1891, p. 58; Proc. 1894, p. 82; Proc. 1895, p. 80; 
 Id. p. 90; Proc. 1897, p. 63. Compare Proc. 1895, 
 pp. 136, 137. 
 
 LODGE — REMOVAL — MAJORITY OP ALL MEMBERS. 
 
 The question of the change of location of a Lodge 
 is a matter so vital that a literal construction should be 
 
206 
 
 given to the language of the law, and that it should 
 require the assent of a majority of all the members of 
 the Lodge who are in good standing on the books of 
 the Lodge, to change the location. — Proe. 1891, p. 
 110; Id. p. 112; Proc. 1892, p. 48; Proe. 1894, p. 8; 
 Proc. 1896, p. 63; Proe. 1897, p. 63. 
 
 LODGE REMOVAL — MAJORITY PRESENT — WAIVER BY AB- 
 SENTEES. 
 
 Where a Lodge membership was thirty-one, and 
 there was testimony before the Grand Lodge commit- 
 tee that each member was duly notified of the pend- 
 ency of the proposition for removal thirty days prior to 
 the meeting at which the vote was to be taken, at which 
 there were only eleven members present, seven of 
 whom voted for and three against the removal, the 
 Grand Lodge held that the absentees waived their 
 rights and should not be considered in this connection. 
 Tn taking this action, however, consideration was 
 given to the fact that — while asking for a change of 
 location from one town to another, and even from one 
 county to another — no change of jurisdiction was 
 asked, and the distance was only four miles, and that 
 the Grand Lodge — Proc. 1890, pp. 26, 93— had taken 
 such action in a similar case. — Proe. 1895, pp. 136, 
 137. 
 
 LODGE SUSPENDED — STATUS OF MEMBERS — PRIVILEGE TO 
 VISIT. 
 
 Where a Lodge has been suspended its members 
 are, during the period of such suspension, Masons in 
 good standing, and are entitled to the privilege of vis- 
 iting other Lodges. — Proc. 1897, p. 113. 
 
207 
 
 LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION:— POWERS AND PRIVILEGES. 
 
 A Lodge working under dispensation possesses all 
 the legal rights and privileges granted and conferred 
 by the Grand Lodge upon a Lodge vyorking under 
 charter, except the right to elect officers, or to cele- 
 brate, by public processions, the festival of the Saints 
 John.^-Proc. 1866, p. 53. 
 
 LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION — RECORDS, REQUISITES OF. 
 
 The record of Lodges under dispensation — when 
 applying for charters — should disclose the fact that 
 there are seven members of the Lodge present in order 
 to transact any business; and every brother present, 
 whether a member or visitor, should have his name in 
 the record; the record should also disclose the fact that 
 erevj petition, whether for membership or the de- 
 grees, was recommended by two members of the 
 Lodge, by naming the recoramenders in the record, as 
 well as the names of the members of the committee to 
 which the same was referred, and that the committee 
 reported and were discharged, — without stating the 
 character of such report. — Proc. 1893, p. 66; Proc. 
 1896, p. 59; Proc. 1897, pp. 13, 67; Proc. 1898, pp. 
 52, 53, 55, 56, 62. As to quorum, see Proc. 1872, 
 pp. 46, 47. 
 
 MAIM — AFTER INITIATION — PHYSICAL QUALIFICATION. 
 
 In our law the term initiation seems to apply only 
 to the investiture of the Entered Apprentice degree; 
 therefore, taking this view of the matter, there seems 
 to be no law now prevailing that would prevent a 
 Lodge from completing its work upon one who had 
 
208 
 
 lost liis left arm after, initiation, or after he had been 
 passed to the degree of Fellow Craft. — Proc. 1882, pp. 
 33, 81; Proc. 1896, pp. 27, 92. But for the positive 
 and repeated stand taken by the Grand Lodge against 
 making Masons of persons similarly maimed, see Proc. 
 1861, pp. 65, 66, 67; Proe. 1868, pp. 17, 23, 31; Proc. 
 1869, pp. 11, 60; Proc. 1880, p. 23; Proc. 1886, p. 8; 
 Proe. 1888, p. 13; Proc. 1895, pp. 29, 118; Proc. 
 1898, p. 120. 
 
 JIAIJI — LOSS OP LEFT THUMB — TWO FIRST FINGERS OP RIGHT 
 HAND. 
 
 A petition to have degrees conferred on one who 
 has lost the thumb of left hand, may be received by a 
 Lodge. — Proc. 1896, pp. 28, 92. The degrees of 
 Preemasonry cannot be conferred on a man who has 
 lost the two first fingers of his right hand at the third 
 joint.— Proc. 1898, p. 120. 
 
 MAIM — RXTPTURE — TRUSS. 
 
 AVhere petitioner was in all respects physically a 
 perfect man, but had, from early childhood, continu- 
 ally worn a truss, and it was so necessary to his well- 
 being that, without it, he never stood erect, the Grand 
 Lodge held that it was such an essential part of the 
 individual that it could not interfere with his proper 
 initiation. — Proc. ISSl, pp. 17, 93. See also Proc. 
 1884, pp. ^, 60, 61. 
 
 "MASONIC," OR "masons'," USED AS NAMES POR BUSINESS 
 PURPOSES. 
 
 The name "Masonic," or "Masons" should not be 
 applied to any company or corporation organized for 
 any business purpose, whether it be ordinary invest- 
 
209 
 
 ment, life or accident insurance, or what you will. 
 We do not, or at least should not, assume our Masonic 
 character for any business purpose, and the name 
 should be by us kept sacredly devoted to the high and 
 noble cause to which we as Free and Accepted Ma- 
 sons apply it. — Proc. 1895, pp. 28, 118. Hereafter 
 it shall be deemed a Masonic offense for any Mason or 
 ^lasonic organization to use such words or methods to 
 further their business. — Proc. 1897, pp. 86, 87. 
 
 MEJIBERSHIP — OPEEATION OF LAW — NOT LOST BY — CHARGES — 
 NOTICE. 
 
 A member of a Lodge cannot lose his membership, 
 or right to vote, by operation of law merely, but by the 
 decision of the Lodge, upon proper charges and speci- 
 fications of which thfe accused member must have no- 
 tice, and a sufficient time for defense. — Proc. 1861, 
 p. 69. 
 
 MEMBERSHIP — PETITIONER FOR NEW LODGE DIMITTED BY 
 SIGNING. 
 
 When members of a subordinate Lodge become i>e- 
 titioners for a new Lodge, and a new Lodge is estab- 
 lished by such petitioners, they are considered as hav- 
 ing dimitted from their old Lodge, by the act of the 
 formation of such new Lodge, and from the time of 
 the gTanting of a dispensation for such new Lodge, 
 shall cease to pay dues to such old Lodge [s] : Pro- 
 vided, That in all cases the dues shall be paid by such 
 petitioners, without which they continue to remain 
 members of the old Lodge. — Proc. 1848, p. 30. 
 14 
 
210 
 
 MEMBERSHIP — PETITIONING FOR NEW LODGE SEVERS FROM OLD. 
 
 A member of a Lodge who signs a petition for a 
 dispensation for a new Lodge, wliicli is granted and 
 the Lodge instituted, by that act severs his relation 
 witli the old Lodge. If he pays dues to the new 
 Lodge for a time, and is subsequently suspended for 
 non-payment of such further dues, he is not a mem- 
 ber of the old Lodge notwithstanding the fact that he 
 has, during all this time, also paid dues to the old 
 Lodge. A brother cannot be a member of two subor- 
 dinate Lodges at the same time ; and the money so paid 
 by him as dues to the old Lodge should in justice and 
 fair dealing be returned to him. — Proc. 1859, p. 44. 
 
 MEMBERSHIP — PETITIONER FOR NEW LODGE — SIGNING DOES 
 NOT DIMIT. 
 
 A member of a Lodge who signs a petition for a 
 new Lodge, without having paid his dues up to the 
 date of such signing, but who, after a charter is granted 
 such new Lodge, resumes his membership in and pays 
 dues to his old Lodge from which he still later dimits 
 and then claims membership in the new Lodge, "and 
 was rejected" — meaning, doubtless, that such claim 
 was repudiated — has no remedy. The signing of a 
 petition for a dispensation does not dimit a brother 
 from the Lodge of which he is a member unless he 
 paid up his dues to said Lodge. — Proc. 1862, pp. 23, 
 24. Compare Proc. 1864, p. 76. See also Proc. 
 1869, p. 49; Proc. 1878, pp. 18, 21, 88. 
 
 MEJIBERSHIP — PETITIONEE FOR NEW LODGE — SIGNING WHILE 
 TEMPORARY RESIDENT DOES NOT DIMIT — MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 AVhere a brother temporarily residing in the State 
 signed a petition for a Lodge under dispensation, and 
 
211 
 
 even acted as an ofRcer of such Lodge, but returned to 
 his former residence and Lodge more than a year be- 
 fore a charter was granted, but was afterwards sus- 
 pended by such new Lodge for non-payment of dues, 
 it was held that such brother never became a member 
 of the Lodge, and his suspension was ordered rescind- 
 ed. — Proc. 1894, p. 9. 
 
 WEMBEESHIP, SUSPENSION PROM — EFFECT OF. 
 
 Any member suspended for any cause from the 
 privileges of the subordinate Lodge of which he is a 
 member, shall be deprived of all the privileges per- 
 taining to a Mason, in all the Lodges subordinate to 
 this Grand Lodge, until he shall be reinstated to full 
 communion with the Lodge from which he was orig- 
 inally suspended. — Proc. 1842, p. 8; Hacker's Rep., 
 p. 357. 
 
 MEMBERSHIP — SUSPENDED LODGE — STATUS OF. 
 
 Where a Lodge has been suspended its members are, 
 -during the period of such suspension. Masons in good 
 standing, and are entitled to the privilege of visiting 
 -other Lodges. — Proc. 1897, p. 113. 
 
 MEETING, STATED — EACH A DISTINCT SESSION. 
 
 Each and every stated meeting of a subordinate 
 lodge is a separate and distinct session. jSTo motion 
 to reconsider can be made at a subsequent meeting. 
 — ^Proc. 1863, p. 39. See also Proc. 1858, p. 75; 
 Proc. 1895, pp. 24, 118. 
 
 MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL — CLERGYMEN — PREACHERS — 
 FEES — GRAND LODGE DUES. 
 
 While subordinate Lodges may, in their discretion, 
 adopt rules or by-laws authorizing admission to mem- 
 
212 
 
 bersliip, or the conferring of the degrees of Masonry 
 upon ministers of the gospel, without charge, they must 
 still be holden to the Grand Lodge for the regular 
 dues for all such initiations or memberships, as in all 
 other cases. — Proe. 1859, p. 37. A clergyman must 
 pay the full amount of the fee as prescribed for all 
 otliers.— Proe. 1892, pp. 12, 59. 
 
 MISEEPEESENTATIOS — SURETY, PEOCUEING TO BECOME. 
 
 Where a Master IMason wrongfully induces another,. 
 by misrepresentation or circumvention, to become a 
 surety, to his ultimate injury and damage, he should 
 be severely dealt with by his Lodge. Even expulsion 
 in such a case is not too severe. The rule would be 
 different, if the surety was free with his favors and 
 was not misled, or in any way imposed upon. But 
 where a ]\[aster Mason leads his fellow and brother 
 into a contract that cripples or injures him financially, 
 and thereby takes advantage of him by actual misrep- 
 resentation of facts, he should suffer the penalty — the 
 Masonic penalty — commensurate with the nature of 
 the wrong. — Proe. 1890, pp. 82, 83. See Proe. 1874. 
 p. 71. 
 
 NAME — ASSUMED, EXPELLED UNDEE — EEAL, EESTOEED IX. 
 
 A member who had received the degrees under an 
 assumed name, and was tried and expelled for the im- 
 position practiced, long afterwards under his real 
 name applied for restoration. The committee in the 
 case reported unfavorable, and a ballot was ordered, 
 but the action postponed until the next stated meeting, 
 when he was restored by a majority vote. On appeal, 
 the Grand Lodge held that there was nothing informal 
 
213 
 
 in the proceedings, unless in the postponement of the 
 hallot, and that was to a stated meeting, when it was 
 the privilege and duty of every member to be present. 
 The brother had confessed his fault, and for ten years 
 had suffered the punishment inflicted upon him. It 
 certainly was competent for the Lodge to restore him. 
 — Proc. 1876, p. 90. 
 
 NEW TRIAL — APPEAL — PEOSECUTIKG WITNESS. 
 
 The prosecuting witness in a ^Masonic trial is en- 
 titled to ask for a new trial, and to appeal to the Grand 
 Lodge from a decision by the Lodge refusing to grant 
 such new trial. — Proc. 1893, pp. 81, 82. 
 
 NEW TRIAL — EVIDENCE — DEPOSITIONS — PROOF OF FORMER 
 TESTIMONY OP DECEASED WITEESSES — APPEAL. 
 
 Where, upon appeal, a case is remanded for a new 
 trial, the accused stands (with reference to the Lodge) 
 as he did after the charges were preferred, before 
 trial. The dejiositions taken to be used at the last 
 trial can be used in the second trial. AYitnesses dead 
 who testified at the former trial cannot, of course, be 
 examined again, but proof may be introduced as to 
 what they testified to on the former trial. — Proc. 
 1873, pp. 18, 19, 65. 
 
 NEW TRIAL — EVIDENCE REDUCED TO WRITING BY SECRETARY 
 AT FORMER TRIAL NOT ADMISSIBLE — ERROR — APPEAL. 
 
 It was improper, over the objection of the accused, 
 to introduce and read the evidence taken orally in the 
 Lodge at the former trial, and reduced to writing by 
 the Secretary, when all the witnesses (except one dead) 
 might have been again introduced in person and ex- 
 
214 
 
 amined before the Lodge, or their testimony taken by 
 a committee, after due notice to the accused and ac- 
 cuser. A new trial should be a re-examination of 
 such facts as the parties desire to introduce pertinent 
 to the issues. J^o new charges and specifications are 
 necessary; but a new trial, if granted, should begin 
 after the entry of the plea of not guilty, and proceed 
 as if no former trial had taken place. — Proc. 1S73, pp. 
 57, 58; Proc. 1876, pp. 3i2, 127. 
 
 NEW TKIAL — LODGE MAY GRANT. 
 
 Until an appeal is taken to the Grand Lodge, a 
 subordinate Lodge has exclusive control of the case^. 
 and for good cause shown may grant a new trial 
 against whom sentence of suspension or expulsion has- 
 been pronounced. — Proc. 1874, p. 90. 
 
 NEW TRIAL — NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE — APPEAL. 
 
 Where the newly discovered evidence upon which ai 
 new trial was asked for was set out to consist of the- 
 testimony of the purchaser as to what he had paid the 
 accused for an article of personal property purchased 
 by him of said accused charged to have been appro- 
 priated by him, the Grand Lodge held the application 
 for such new trial insufficient, as the accused knew the 
 amount so collected by him, and failed to appear at 
 the trial and give his own testimony on that points 
 —Proc. 1896, pp. 78, 79. 
 
 NEW TRIAL — NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE — SHOULD BE 
 SUCH AS WOULD CHANGE THE FINDING. 
 
 In an application for a new trial on the ground of 
 newly discovered evidence, the statement of what such 
 evidence will be must indicate, with reasonable cer- 
 
215 
 
 tainty, that it would change the finding o4ithe Lodge. 
 If when given it would be merely cumulative, and 
 does not negative the material facts proven and admit- 
 ted at the former trial, such new trial should not be so 
 granted. — Proc. 189G, pp. 41, 42. See also Proc. 
 1891, p. 72; Proc. 1894, p. 80. 
 
 NEW TRIAL — SENTENCE REMOVED BY. 
 
 The granting of a new trial by the Lodge removes 
 the sentence of suspension, and places the brother in 
 precisely the same condition he was in after charges 
 were preferred against him and before the trial was 
 had.— Proc. 1876, pp. 32, 127. 
 
 NON-AFFILIATION — DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS. 
 
 Xo Master Mason who, for a period of six months, 
 shall reside in the vicinity of a subordinate Lodge, 
 and shall neglect to affiliate himself therewith, shall 
 be permitted to visit any Lodge under the jurisdiction 
 of this Grand Lodge, be entitled to ilasonic burial, or 
 receive relief from the charity fund of the Order, or 
 allowed to assist at any public ceremonies or proces- 
 sions of the Fraternity. — Proc. 1853, pp. 40, 41; 
 Proc. 1854, pp. 25, 20. But this shall not affect any 
 Master Mason, not affiliating, who shall regularly pay 
 to the Secretary of the Lodge under the jurisdiction of 
 which he may reside, the annual dues paid by mem- 
 bers of said Lodge.— Proc. 1854, p. 67. [All that 
 follows the words "Grand Lodge," in the sentence 
 first above produced, was repealed and the following 
 Avords substituted: "and that the subordinate Lodges 
 within this Grand Jurisdiction be left free to take 
 . such action in regard to Masonic burial, and confer- 
 
216 
 
 ring acts of charity upon non-affiliating Masons as 
 they in their judgment may determine; also, to admit 
 the same into processions, or not, at their pleasure."] 
 — Proc. 1860, p. 106. 
 
 XON-AGE — PETITION — BALLOT — FULL AGE. 
 
 A Lodge may receive the petition of one not yet 
 twenty-one, who will arrive at such age before the pe- 
 tition can be voted on. — Proc. 189.5, pp. 23, 118. 
 Compare Proc. 1807, pp. 26, 82. 
 
 XOK-AGE, PETITION, BALLOT — LAWFUL AGE, CONFEREIXG 
 DEGREE.-. 
 
 A Lodge can receive the petition of a candidate one 
 month and four days before he is twenty-one years of 
 age; one month later ballot on his case, and, if elected, 
 call a special meeting four days later and initiate him 
 on his twenty-first birthday; but under no circum- 
 stances can the first degree be conferred before the 
 candidate is of full age. — Proc. 181)7, pp. 26, 82. 
 [T'liairman of Committee on Jurisprudence dissent- 
 ing.] Compare Proc. 1895, pp. 23, 118. 
 
 NOTICE CHAIJGES — NAMES OF WITNESSES — WAIVER — TRIAL — 
 
 APPEAL. 
 
 On appeal, the transcript must show the service of a 
 true and complete copy of the charges and specifica- 
 tions, with the names of the witnesses attached. ^V 
 subseqiient and separate certificate of the Secretary, 
 that the charges and specifications served did contain 
 the names of witnesses comes too late, and appears be- 
 fore the Grand Lodge as additional testimony which 
 should have been presented at the trial, and cannot be 
 
217 
 
 considered on appeal. Had the accused appeared in 
 person, or by counsel of his own choosing, and failed 
 to make his objection upon this point, his rights would 
 have hc'on waived, but in his absence the Lodge must 
 take cognizance of its own action, either as a body or 
 by its officers, and is responsible for errors and omis- 
 sions.— Proc. 1872, iip. 4:3, 44; Proc. 1890, p. 78. 
 As to requirement of names of witnesses, see Proc. 
 1S74, p. 80; Proc. 1877, p. 80; Proc. 1880, p. 57; 
 Proc. 1880, p. r/Pr, Proc. 1890, p. 78; Proc. 1894, 
 p. 77. 
 
 NOTICE — CHARGES — TRIAL. 
 
 The proceedings in the trial and expulsion of a 
 Master Mason who has not been previously furnished 
 with a copy of the charges preferred against him, or 
 notified of the time and place of trial, are irregular 
 and should be set aside. — Proc. 1848, p. 52. Where 
 nothing to the contrary appears on record, the infer- 
 ence is that the accused could have been found, and 
 the necessary service could have been had. — Id., Proc. 
 p. 52. 
 
 NOTICE — SERVICE — ACKNOWLEDGMENT — CHARGES — WAIVER — 
 APPEAL. 
 
 Charges are read in open Lodge, and the accused, 
 being present, acknowledged service. At the time of 
 trial the accused by his attorney asked that the case be 
 dismissed because the accused had not been served 
 with a written copy of the charge, which motion the 
 Worshipful Master overruled on the ground that the 
 accused had acknowledged service, as shown by the 
 minutes. This ruling of the Master was, on appeal, 
 
218 
 
 held not good by the Grand Lodge, which then de- 
 cided that it is incumbent on a Lodge in all matters of 
 charges to furnish the accused with a true copy of the 
 charges. — Proc. 1886, pp. 34, 35, 36. Compare Proc. 
 1891, p. 53. 
 
 NOTICE — TRIAL — CHARGES — WAIVER — APPEAL. 
 
 Where the transcript shows that the accused did not 
 appear, it was incumbent upon the Lodge to show by 
 plain and undovibted testimony not only that a true 
 copy of the charges was served upon the accused, buit 
 that he was also notified of the time set for trial, and 
 that such notice was given at least ten days before the 
 time fixed. Had the party appeared and entered upon 
 the trial without making this objection, the same as in 
 the case of the accuracy of the charges, he would 
 have waived his rights therein and could not now 
 avail himself of them, but failing to appear the Lodge 
 must, in this case, also be bound by its own omissions, 
 and all such apparent omissions must inure to the 
 benefit of the accused. — Proc. 1872, p. 44; Proc. 
 1894, pp. 77, 78. 
 
 NOTICE — TRIAL — WAIVER — PLEAS — BALLOTS. 
 
 Where charges were preferred at a stated meeting, 
 and, at the same meeting, the accused — being present 
 and called — pleaded guilty to one charge for non-pay- 
 ment of dues, and not guilty to another, for a different 
 offense, whereupon a trial was had, in which the rec- 
 ord does not show that he took any part, or that any- 
 one appeared for him, or that he retired from the 
 Lodge while the ballots as to his guilt or innocence or 
 for fixing his punishment were being taken, and upon 
 
219 
 
 which when the ballot was spread, it was so spread 
 upon his guilt or innocence of the charges ; the Grand 
 Lodge declared the proceedings irregular: (1) For 
 want of ten days' notice under an existing Kule, — the 
 appearance of the brother and his pleas of guilty and 
 not guilty not curing this defective notice. The rec- 
 ord shows that it was at a regular communication 
 when the charges were read, and his presence at such 
 a time was in no wise remarkable. Not was it re- 
 markable that being called upon to answer to said 
 charges he should reply as the facts known to him 
 woiild warrant. But this ten days' previous notice is 
 such a plain provision of the law, prepared expressly 
 for the benefit of an accused brother, that if by any 
 means any other course is pursued by the Lodge, the 
 reasons therefor must fully appear upon the record. 
 Any consent of the accused to waive this right must 
 so appear, and the absence of the evidence of such 
 consent is not proof that it was, but rather that it was 
 not, given. (2) The ballot, being spread at one time 
 upon both the charges, might do the accused much 
 harm, in governing the amount of penalty thereafter 
 to be affixed, since, having plead guilty to one, the 
 ballot must be in the afiirmative, and if so found 
 guilty of both charges the penalty should in justice be 
 greater than if only guilty on one. — Proc. 1872, pp. 
 47, 48; Id. pp. 48, 49. As to such ballot, see also 
 Proc. 1898, pp. 67, 08, 70, 71, 75, 76. The ballot 
 must first be taken on the question of guilt, and then 
 upon the penalty to be afiixed. It is a universally ap- 
 proved rule in ]Masonic jurisprudence that a brother 
 
220 
 
 must first be declared guilty before his penalty is fixed. 
 Id. p. VJ. As to notice, Id. p. 51; Proc. 1874, pp. 7.j, 
 76; Proc. 1877, p. 80; Proc. 1888, p. 38; Proc. 1890, 
 p. 78; Proc. 1891, p. 53; Proc. 1894, pp. 77, 78; 
 Proc. 1S07, pp. 73, 74, 75. 
 
 NOTICE — CHAEGES — WITNESSES NOT NAMED MAY TESTIFY — 
 APPEAL. 
 
 On appeal from the ruling of the Master permitting 
 the proseciition to call and examine some witnesses 
 whose names were not attached to the charges, the 
 Grand Lodge held that the law does not require that 
 the names of all the witnesses shall be thus given, and 
 that there is no good reason why it should be required ; 
 that the witnesses who thus testified were all Master 
 Masons who were present at the trial; that the accused 
 made no claim to have been surprised by their testi- 
 mony, nor did he show wherein any injustice was 
 done him thereby; that he did not ask for any post- 
 ponement to enable him to meet their testimony, nor 
 make any showing of any kind that he would be preju- 
 diced by allowing them to testify ; and that in his ap- 
 peal he does not claim that they testified to anything 
 untrue, but seems to rely on the technical objection 
 that their names did not accompany the charges. The 
 judgment of expulsion by the Lodge was aflirmed. 
 — Proc. 1891, pp. 71, 72; Proc. 1895, pp. 24, 118. 
 
 OBJECTION TO ADVANCESIENT — REASON GR'EN, SUFFICIENCY 
 OF — LODGE MAY DETERMINE. 
 
 A brother making an objection to the advancemeni 
 of a candidate, is not obliged to give his reasons for the 
 objection, but when he does give his reasons they be- 
 
221 
 
 come the property of tlie Lodge, and the Lodge may 
 adjudge them as being captious and insufficient. 
 — Proc. 1884, p. 55. 
 
 OBJECTION AFTER ELECTION — RECORD OF, HAS FORCE OF NEGA- 
 TIVE BALLOT — REASONS BEFORE ARE PROPERTY OF THE 
 LODGE. 
 
 An objection made by a member to the Master be- 
 fore the initiation of a candidate and so reported and 
 recorded must stand as a negative ballot, unless rea- 
 sons are given by the member making it before the 
 objection is so recorded. If reasons are, however, 
 given, before such objection is recorded, they be- 
 come the property of the Lodge, and it may in its wis- 
 dom judge as to the validity of the objection. The 
 right to make such objection is vested only in a mem- 
 ber of the Lodge, though should any other Mason 
 make known an objection founded upon good reasons, 
 the Master is bound to give it consideration. — Prop. 
 189Y, pp. 28, 82. See also Proc. 1895, p. 113; Proc. 
 1890, pp. 27, 92. 
 
 OBJECTION TO INITIATION IS A REJECTION. 
 
 An objection made by a member of a Lodge to the 
 initiation of an elected candidate is a rejection of the 
 applicant, the same as a black ball would have rejected 
 hinj in the first place. — Proc. 1876, pp. 33, 127. 
 
 OBJECTION TO INITIATION — WITHDRAWAL AFTER RECORD. 
 
 Where, after the election of a petitioner, a member 
 of the Lodge made a private objection to the "Worship- 
 ful Master against the conferring of the degrees, 
 which objection the blaster announced at a subsequent 
 
222 
 
 stated meeting, and the Secretary made a record of 
 the same, and shortly afterwards the brother who had 
 objected notified the Worshipful ]\Iaster that he with- 
 drew his objection, when it was contended that the 
 withdrawal of the objection leaves the candidate elect- 
 ed and entitled to receive the degrees as if no objection 
 had been made; the Grand Lodge held that the with- 
 drawal of an objection by a brother making it does not 
 change the statns of the applicant, and he is rejected 
 the same as if a black ball had been cast against him 
 in the first instance. If further desirous of receiving 
 the degrees, such person can proceed, in the same 
 Lodge, as if he had never before petitioned for them. 
 — Proc. 1S05, p. 113; Proc. 1896, pp. 27, 92; Proc. 
 1897, pp. 28, 82. 
 
 OBJECTION, BY MEMBER. 
 
 A Mason not a member of the Lodge cannot pre- 
 vent an elected candidate from receiving the degrees 
 therein; but his objection should be considered and in- 
 vestigated by the Lodge, and if deemed sufiicient any 
 member of the Lodge may object, and the Master 
 should arrest the conferring of the degree. — Proc. 
 1875, pp. 92, 93. 
 
 OFFICE — MASTER — ELIGIBILITY, WARDEN. 
 
 The Ancient Charges and long-established Masonic 
 usage require a brother to have been elected and in- 
 stalled and serve as Warden of a legally constituted 
 Lodge before being eligible to election as Worshipful 
 blaster.— Proc. ISGG, p. 53. See Proc. 18(37, pp. 17, 
 
223 
 
 18, 41, 42. "Or been appointed and served as such 
 in a Lodge under dispensation." — Proc. 1869, pp. 
 63, 74. 
 
 OFFICE — EIGHT TO HOLD PENDING CHARGES. 
 
 The fact that charges of uninasonic conduct are 
 filed against a brother does not prevent liis holding 
 office, or [affect] his standing in his Lodge, before 
 conviction. — Proc. 1894, p. 8. 
 
 ORDERS OF WORSHIPFUL MASTER — DISOBEDIENCE. 
 
 A brother may be charged, tried and expelled for 
 wilful disobedience of the orders of the Worshipful 
 Master while presiding over the Lodge. — Proc. 1892, 
 pp. 65, 66. 
 
 PARLIAMENTARY LAW — CALLING THE ROLL. 
 
 Calling for the ayes and nays, and recording names 
 of members, and how they vote, is improper in Lodge 
 proceedings. — Proc. 1876, pp. 31, 127. 
 
 PAST MASTER, CANNOT PRESIDE BY AUTHORITY OF THIS TITLE 
 — BY-LAW. 
 
 A Past ^Master cannot preside in the absence of the 
 Worshipful Master and Wardens, and a by-law at- 
 tempting to confer such authority is in conflict with 
 the laws and usages of Masonry. There is no author- 
 ity for anyone to assemble the Craft but the Worship- 
 ful blaster, or Senior or Junior Warden [excepting 
 always the Grand Master or his Special Deputy]. 
 —Proc. 1895, p. 91. 
 
224 
 
 PAST MASTER, DEGREE OF — INSTALLATION OF WORSHIPFUL 
 MASTER — RECEIVED IN A CHAPTER. 
 
 The conferrence of the degree of Past Master in a 
 regularly constituted Chapter of Eoyal Aroh Masons 
 is sufficient to allow a newly elected Master to be in- 
 stalled.— Proc. 1893, pp. 24, 65. 
 
 PAST MASTER, DEGREE OF — WORSHIPFUL MASTER OP LODGE 
 U. D. 
 
 The AVorshipful ]\ [aster of a Lodge under dispensa- 
 tion does not need the degree of Past Master. — Proc. 
 ]S!).5, pp. 23, 118. 
 
 PAST MASTER, WHO IS — MAY INSTALL. 
 
 A Master of a Lodge by appointment — as under 
 dispensation — is not entitled to the Past Master's de- 
 gree by virtue of' said appointment, but is only en- 
 titled to receive it by virtue of his election to the sta- 
 tion of Worshipful Master by the votes of the mem- 
 bers of a chartered Lodge. — Proc. 1859, p. 39. Any 
 Past Master may install the officers of a chartered 
 Lodge, if invited by the Lodge or Worshipful Master, 
 whether he be a member of that Lodge or not. — Proc. 
 18.59, p. 38. 
 
 PAST jyASTEK, WHO SO RECOGNIZED. 
 
 Officers and members of a Lodge of Master Masons 
 do not and cannot recognize a Mason as a Past Master 
 who has not been regularh' elected, installed and 
 served as Tvfaster of a legally constituted Lodge of 
 Master Masons; and the powers and privileges granted 
 by ancient usage to those who are Past Masters by vir- 
 tue of election and service should never be extended to 
 
225 
 
 Masons called Past Masters in other branches of the 
 Masonic Order. — Proc. 1866, p. 53. 
 
 PENALTY — DEFINITE AND CERTAIN, MUST BE. 
 
 A Lodge cannot make a finding and. affix a penalty 
 of suspension for twenty-five years against an accused, 
 with a proviso that if at any time during that period 
 the accused shall make restitution to the person he is 
 charged with having wronged, he shall stand rein- 
 stated. — Proc. 1893, p. 83. 
 
 PENALTY, EXCESSIVE — MISDEMEANOR. 
 
 The severest penalty known to Masonry should not 
 be inflicted on a brother for a mere misdemeanor. 
 —Proc. 1898, p. 73. 
 
 PENALTY GRAND LODGE IS SOVEREIGN OVER. 
 
 Over the penalty adjudged by a subordinate Lodge 
 the Grand Lodge has sovereign jurisdiction, and can 
 set aside and change or modify such penalty. — Proc. 
 1892, pp. 72, 93, 106. The Grand Lodge has su- 
 preme authority over all causes appealed to it, and can 
 either increase or diminish the penalty as it sees fit. 
 —Proc. 1893, p. 78. 
 
 PENALTY — LODGE TO DETERMINE. 
 
 It is the chartered right of every Lodge in this juris- 
 diction, after hearing the evidence, to inflict such pen- 
 alty as in its judgment the nature of the offense may 
 demand. — Proc. 1872, p. 81. 
 
 PENALTY — PUNISHMENT, GRADE OF — TIE VOTE. 
 
 In balloting on the penalty, after an accused has 
 been found guilty, should a tie vote occur on any 
 15 
 
22B 
 
 grade of punishment, tlie Master has no right to order 
 a second ballot on the same question, but must order 
 the ballot on the next lowest grade of punishment. 
 The former course would prejudice the rights and in- 
 terests of the accused, should siich second ballot on the 
 same question result in the affirmative. — Proo. 1872, 
 pp. 64, 65; Id. p. 85; Proc. 1874, p. 68; Proc. 1879, 
 p. 50; Proc. 1891, p. 53; Proc. 1898, p. 72. 
 
 PENALTY — QUESTION" OF GUILT — TIE VOTE. 
 
 Upon the question of guilt or innocence of an ac- 
 cused party, a tie vote is an acquittal, and all subse- 
 quent ballots on the same question are illegal and void. 
 — Proc. 1874, pp. 68, 78, 82; Proc. 1876, p. 90. See 
 also Proc. 1S72, pp. 64, 65, 85; Proc. 1879, p. 50; 
 Proc. 1898, p. 72. 
 
 PENALTY — WHAT REMOVES. 
 
 After the infliction of a punishment prescribed by 
 the Lodge, in its natiire temporary and limited, when 
 that limit expired the offending brother was immedi- 
 ately remitted to all his rights and privileges as a 
 Mason and member of his Lodge. To shut the door 
 of the Lodge against a brother who has paid the for- 
 feit of his offense, by patiently submitting to the pun- 
 ishment prescribed, is to punish him twice for the 
 same, with aggravated marks of mortification and dis- 
 grace. — Proc. 1822, pp. 39, 40; Hacker's Rep., p. 99. 
 
 PETITION, LIE OVEB FOUR WEEKS — STATED MEETING. 
 
 The regulation which requires that a petition must 
 be received and balloted upon at a stated meeting, and 
 
227 
 
 that it must lie over four weeks, cannot be legally 
 evaded. — Proc. 1892, pp. 12, 59. No Lodge has the 
 right to deviate from, or power to change, this rule 
 under any circumstances whatever. — Proc. 1895, pp. 
 91, 92; Proc. 1897, pp. 28, 82. 
 
 PETITION — ON FILE, EEJECTED MUST EEMAIN. 
 
 A petition which has been acted upon by the Lodge 
 by rejection is the property of the Lodge, and cannot 
 again be presented. A rejected applicant can proceed 
 only by a new petition. — Proc. 1892, pp. 11, 59. 
 
 PETITION — RENEWAL — BY-LAW — REFUSAL TO RECEIVE. 
 
 Each Lodge has the right to adopt a by-law, for its 
 own private regulation, requiring anyone who may 
 have been rejected to wait six months, one year, or 
 any other length of time before presenting his petition 
 again. So also may a majority of the members pres- 
 ent refuse to entertain a petition at any time. — Proc. 
 1872, p. 81; Proc. 1892, pp. 11, 59; Proc. 1893, pp. 
 23, 65; Proc. 1895, pp. 25, 118. 
 
 PETITION — WITHDRAWAL OF. 
 
 After a petition for initiation or membership is re- 
 ceived by a siibordinate Lodge, it shall not be with- 
 drawn without a ballot, unless application to with- 
 draw be made before the committee to which it has 
 been referred report upon it, and at a stated meeting; 
 and then only for good cause shown and by a vote of 
 three-fourths of the members present. — Proc. 1849, 
 p. 50. 
 
228 
 
 PETITIONER — JURISDICTION CONCURRENT WHEN RESIDENCE I£ 
 ON LINE. 
 
 Territorial jurisdiction being determined bystraight 
 lines, if the candidate should happen to reside exactly 
 equi-distant from two or more Lodges, their jurisdic- 
 tion would be concurrent. — Proc. 1894, p. 8. 
 
 PETITIONER — JURISDICTION — LODGES — WAIVER. 
 
 The power to grant permits to confer degrees on 
 persons residing within our jurisdiction by Lodges 
 within the jurisdiction of other Grand Lodges, is not 
 among the numerated powers or duties of the Grand 
 Master. The usage which has obtained and been 
 sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of Indiana is, that the 
 jurisdiction of each Lodge extends equi-distant with 
 the neighboring Lodges. The right of one Lodge to 
 confer degrees upon persons residing within the juris- 
 diction of another, should first be had. This rule 
 may be safely extended to Lodges beyond our jurisdic- 
 tion by Lodges within our jurisdiction. The powers 
 of all our Grand Lodges are delegated powers, and 
 those which are not delegated are inherent in the sub- 
 ordinate Lodges. — Proc. 1856, p. 5-±. 
 
 PETITIONER, HAY BE LIMITED AS TO RENEWAL — BY-LAW. 
 
 The Lodge may, in its by-laws, fix a limit, before 
 the expiration of which a rejected petitioner shall not 
 present a new petition. In absence of such a by-law, 
 a rejected applicant may present a new petition at any 
 time.— Proc. 1892, pp. 11, 59; Proc. 1872, p. 81; 
 Proc. 1893, pp. 23, 65. 
 
229 
 
 PETITIONERS — RESIDENCE, SIX MONTHS — VIGILANT INVESTIGA- 
 TION. 
 
 Lodges should not confer the degrees upon sojourn- 
 ers, or persons having a temporary residence in the 
 jurisdiction of the Lodge to which application is made, 
 but should require a residence of at least six months; 
 and in such cases the committee to whom the petition 
 is referred should be ^'igilant in investigating the 
 moral character and standing of the applicant, and, if 
 deemed necessary, should correspond with the Lodge 
 in whose jurisdiction the applicant last resided. — Proc. 
 1859, p. 39. 
 
 PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS. 
 
 "When the physical disability of the candidate is not 
 of such a character as to prevent him from being 
 taught in the mysteries of the art, his admission will 
 not be a violation of the ancient landmarks. — Proc. 
 1849, p. 51. 
 
 PROFANITY. 
 
 The use of profane language is grossly unmasonic, 
 and highly injurious to the character of Freemasonry. 
 —Proc. 1853, p. 57; Proc. 1854, p. Y. 
 
 PROFICIENCY — EXAMINATION IN OPEN LODGE. 
 
 Every applicant for a higher degree shall, before 
 being balloted for, for such advancement, be exam- 
 ined in open Lodge, and be thus found qualified by a 
 knowledge of, at least, the work lecture of the degree 
 or degrees by him then possessed. — Proc. 1854, p. 56. 
 The words: "Or by a standing or select committee 
 appointed for that purpose," were afterwards inserted 
 fifter the words "in open Lodge." — Proc. 1858, p. 69. 
 
230 
 
 PROFICIENCY, SUITABLE. 
 
 Masonry is a progressive science, and it is necessary 
 to a perfect and coraplete understanding of its princi- 
 ples that no degree shall be conferred until the candi- 
 date understands what he has already received. — Proc. 
 1819, p. 11; Hacker's Eep., p. 37; Proc. 1S05, pp. 
 23, lis. 
 
 PROMISSORY XOTE — DUES, FEES — LOAN OF LODGE FUNDS. 
 
 It is highly improper and unniasonic for any subal- 
 tern Lodge to take notes from members for Lodge 
 dues, or notes for initiation fees; and it is improper for 
 Lodges to loan their funds to indi^dduals. — Proc. 
 1813, p. 21; Hacker's Rep., p. 37(5, — where the word 
 "subaltern" is changed to "subordinate." 
 
 PROPERTY OF LODGES GRAND LODGE CANNOT INTERFERE 
 
 WITH. 
 
 This Grand Lodge has no power to intefere with or 
 encumber the property of any subordinate Lodge in 
 good standing. — Proc. 18G2, p. 46. 
 
 QUORUM — BUSINESS — TRIAL, VOID WITH LESS THAN SEVEN 
 JIEJIBEKS. 
 
 On charges preferred, the time of trial was fixed for 
 a given date; the accused not appearing, and evidence 
 not being at hand, the Junior Warden asked for fur- 
 ther time, and the cause -was continued to a date five 
 weeks later: there were but six officers and no addi- 
 tional members present at the first meeting; and at 
 the second meeting, excepting the accused, there were 
 but four, including officers, present, making only five 
 in all. The Lodge met and opened, and upon a plea 
 
231 
 
 of guilty to one of the specifications a vote was taken 
 and the accused was declared guilty, and afterwards 
 expelled by a unanimous vote. Upon these facts the 
 Grand Lodge held that no Lodge is competent to 
 transact business without at least seven members. It 
 requires seven members to constitute a Lodge. A 
 charter cannot be granted to less than that number, 
 nor surrendered as long as seven members vote against 
 it, and it follows that no business, such as passing the 
 ballot for any piirpose, can be transacted without the 
 presence of at least seven members. Hence any ac- 
 tion taken in this cause, when less than a constitu- 
 tional number were present, was unconstitutional and 
 void.— Proc. 1872, pp. 46, 47; Proc. 1893, p. 66. No 
 Lodge can legally work, at any time, with less than 
 seven members present. — Id. p. 81. 
 
 REINSTATEMENT, EXPELLED MASON. 
 
 The subject of reinstating an expelled Mason be- 
 longs exclusively to the Lodge which inilicted the pen- 
 alty. — Proc. 1S40 [no original extant]; Hacker's 
 Pep., pp. 336, 337; Proc. 1854, p. 64. 
 
 RELIEF CHARITY — AID AND ASSISTANCE — REIJIBURSEMENT — 
 
 LODGE — GRAND LODGE — FOREIGN JURISDICTION. 
 
 Upon the proposition of another Grand Jurisdiction 
 that "it is the duty of the Lodge to take care of its 
 own members in distress wherever they may be; and 
 that in case of its inability to do so, this duty devolves 
 upon the Grand Lodge from which it holds its char- 
 ter," the Grand Lodge of Indiana totally but frater- 
 nally dissented from any such proposition, and de- 
 clined to take any steps toward an interjurisdictional 
 
232 
 
 enactment tending to effect snch an understanding or 
 arrangement, and earnestly adhered to the doctrine it 
 has at all times contended for and held, that a Mason 
 in distress is entitled to aid and assistance from the 
 Fraternity, ■syherever he maj' be at the time of his 
 need, and that, as a matter of law, his Lodge is not 
 honnd to make any restitution, though it may always 
 do so at its own option. — Proc. 1896, pp. 95, 96; Proc. 
 
 1807, p. 109; Proc. 1S73, pp. 75, 76. See also Proc. 
 
 1808, p. 47; Proc. 1869, p. 65; Proc. 1880, p. 119; 
 Proc. 1800, pp. 15, 95; Proc. 1891, pp. 12, 109; Proc. 
 1892, pp. 53, 54; Proc. 1895, pp. 23, 21, 118; Id. p. 
 95; Proc. 1896, p. 84. 
 
 BELIEF — CHARITY — IXDIVIDUAL DUTY — WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 
 
 Where relief has been extended by the Lodge where 
 they reside to members of another Lodge, their wid- 
 ows and orphans, the latter Lodge is under no obliga- 
 tion cognizable by the Grand Lodge to refund the 
 amount imless the expenditure was authorized by it. 
 The duty to extend ilasonic relief pertains primarily 
 to the ilason individually and personally, rather than 
 to the members of a Lodge collectively. When the 
 Lodges undertake the dispensation of Masonic charity 
 they do so, doubtless, as a matter of convenience to 
 the members. There is no limitation upon the obliga- 
 tion to render assistance which limits the duty to give 
 it or the right to ask it to members of one's own Lodge. 
 —Proc. 1805, pp. 24, 118: Proc. 1895, p. 138. See 
 also Proc. 1868, p. 47; Proc. 1880, p. 119; Proc. 
 1800, pp. 15, 95; Proc. 1891, pp. 12, 109; Proc. 
 1802, pp. 53, 54. 
 
233 
 
 RELIEF — UNWORTHY CONDUCT. 
 
 ilasons are bound to aid and assist distressed -worthy- 
 brothers, their widows and orphans; but an unworthy- 
 act of a brother severs the tie that bound us, and in 
 such cases he has no legal claim upon us. — Proc. 1859, 
 
 p. 38. 
 
 REPRIMAND, PENALTY AFTER — APPEAL — STAY OF PROCEED- 
 INGS. 
 
 Under existing legislation, a sentence of reprimand 
 docs not destroy the rights of membership, but a re- 
 fusal to submit may be followed by charges and trial 
 for disobedience. Where an appeal is taken from the 
 sentence, before the reprimand is delivered, further 
 proceedings are thereby stayed until the Grand Lodge 
 passes upon such appeal. — Proc. 1876, pp. 31, 32, 
 127. 
 
 RESIDENCE — CITIZENSHIP — DEGREES — ELIGIBILITY — PETITION. 
 
 The theory of the universality of Freemasonry 
 seems to have originally excbided from the ancient 
 landmarks and old Constitutions all restrictions or lim- 
 itations as to nationality or residence, so that for many 
 years these elements of qualification were never in 
 any manner considered. Expediency subsequently 
 recommended the requisite of residence, and Grand 
 Lodges incorporated regulations in their Constitutions 
 requiring a residence certain as to time, and within 
 the limits of jurisdiction prescribed for their several 
 subordinate Lodges. These regulations were enacted 
 solely for the pui-pose of enabling the brethren of a 
 Lodge to determine the moral qualifications of a peti- 
 
234 
 
 tioner by the opportunity thereby furnished of observ- 
 ing his daily life and conduct. There never has been, 
 and probably never can be, any uniform rule as to the 
 term of such residence, as each Grand Lodge has fixed, 
 or will hereafter establish, its length for itself. 
 Xeither is there now, nor will there probably ever be, 
 any established uniformity of legislation between a 
 State with reference to citizenship and a Grand Lodge 
 on the subject of membership, since a union between 
 Masonry and State government is quite as unlikely 
 to occur as the union of Church and State, so care;- 
 fully prohibited by the Federal and State Constitu- 
 tions. Since the term of residence required as a pre- 
 requisite to petition for the degrees or membership in' 
 la Lodge of ^Masons may, therefore, by possibility be 
 less than the residence required by law as a prerequi- 
 site to citizenship, it is plain that citizenship could not 
 always be necessary as a qualification for Masonic 
 pri-^'ileges or membership. The meaning of the word 
 residence is therefore not necessarily the same in both 
 cases. On the contrary, it is different when having 
 reference to ]\lasonry, and means rather an abode, or 
 home, without regard to certain rights and franchises 
 that grow out of its prescribed existence under the 
 laws of the States. Masonry, being universal, knows 
 no nationality. In its organization in various coun- 
 tries its jurisdiction, however, becomes territorial; so 
 that to enable a native of one country to obtain the de- 
 grees in another, a residence, the length of which can 
 only be prescribed by a Grand Lodge regulation, be- 
 comes necessarv. Tliis term of residence mav be like 
 
235 
 
 or unlike the residence required to gain citizenship 
 and civil rights in such country. Masonic residence 
 having been so acquired, an alien can apply for and 
 receive the degrees, and become a member of the 
 Lodge witliout ever having been naturalized as a citi- 
 zen of the country in which the Lodge is located. 
 There is nothing in the Constitution or General Regu- 
 lations of the Grand Lodge of Indiana that requires 
 that a petitioner for the degrees shall be a citizen of 
 the United States, or that, if an alien, he shall have de- 
 clared his intention to become so. — Proc. 1894, pp. 
 99-104. Followed in Proc. 1895, p. 98. 
 
 EESIGN — EIGHT OF OFFICER OF A LODGE. 
 
 It was error for a Lodge to reject the application of 
 an officer elected and installed for a definite period to 
 secede [resign his office], holding that he could not, 
 consistent with Masonic principles, secede until that 
 period had expired. — Proc. 1828, p. 45; Hacker's 
 Rep., p. 219. See, as to interpretation of words in 
 brackets, Proc. 1828, p. 29; Hacker's Eep., p. 213. 
 
 RESIGN OE DIMIT — WOESHIPFUL MASTER. 
 
 The blaster of a subordinate Lodge has the right to 
 resign or dimit. Such right may be classed amongst 
 what would be called in other associations inherent 
 and unalienable rights ; it is as well established by Ma- 
 sonic law as the right to die or be deposed, rights 
 which it is apprehended no one will deny. — Proc. 
 1856, p. 50. 
 
236 
 
 RESIGNATION OP MASTER — PENDING CHARGES FALL — PERSONAL 
 LIABILITY. 
 
 In the absence of all legislation on the subject, a 
 AYorshipful Master can resign his ofEce, and this is 
 true as to any officer of the Lodge; and charges at 
 such time pending against such Master fall with the 
 acceptance of his resignation. But such resignation 
 cannot firevent the Lodge from preferring charges, 
 and trying him for unmasonic conduct, without the in- 
 tervention of the Grand Master, because, while Avithin 
 tlie jurisdiction of the Lodge, he cannot escape pun- 
 ishment as an individual ilason by such resignation; 
 nor can he escape it by dimitting while within the 
 jurisdictional limits of the Lodge. — Proc. 1876, pp. 
 25, -26, 128. 
 
 EESTOKATION — BALLOT ON REPORT OF COMMITTEE — APPEAL 
 BY COMMITTEEMAN. 
 
 Where a petition for restoration was properly pre- 
 sented and reported on, the Master decided that the 
 report was all the action necessary, and that no ballot 
 need be taken. One of the committee making such 
 report appealed from this decision. The Grand 
 Lodge held that a proposition to restore should be gov- 
 erned by the same rules as original petitions for initia- 
 tion or membership, and that a ballot should have 
 been taken. It being urged that such member of the 
 committee was not himself personally aggrieved, and 
 could not, therefore, appeal from said decision, the 
 Grand Lodge further held that by his appointment 
 and service, and his signature to said report, he be- 
 came a party to the record, and consequently inter- 
 
237 
 
 ested m the action upon and disposition of said report. 
 Having an imdoubted right to see tliat coi-rect action 
 was liad thereon, that it might not be disturbed in the 
 future, lie was a proper party to the appeal. — Proc. 
 1872, pp. 49, 50. 
 
 RESTORATION — ENTERED APPRENTICE — FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 In the absence of existing legislation upon the sub- 
 ject, an Entered Apprentice or a Fellow Craft who 
 has been suspended or expelled can only obtain relief 
 from the sentence by the unanimous vote of the Lodge 
 on petition duly filed, referred and laid over. — Proc. 
 1S95, pp. 29, 118. 
 
 RESTORATION — EXPELLED MASONS — GRAND LODGE. 
 
 The Grand Lodge shall retain the exclusive power 
 to restore expelled Masons, upon such representation 
 of the subordinate Lodge as may be satisfactory. 
 —Proc. 1838, p. 12. See also Proc. 1848, pp. 29, 
 46; Proc. 1849, p. 55; Proc. 1851, pp. 61, 65; Proc. 
 1852, p. 65; Proc. 1854, p. 64; Proc. 1856, p. 22. 
 
 RESTORATION OF EXPELLED MASONS — LODGE RECOJIMENDATION. 
 
 The Grand Lodge is the only tribunal that can re- 
 store expelled Masons, and that only on the recom- 
 mendation of the Lodge that passed the sentence ; the 
 Secretary should certify the recommendation under 
 the seal of the Lodge. — Proc. 1S59, p. 38. 
 
 RESTORATION — MEMBERSHIP — UNAFFILIATION — VOTE. 
 
 In construction of Sections 125 (since formally 
 amended, Proc. 1897, pp. 110, 111) and 127 of the 
 General Pegulations, the Grand Lodge held that, 
 upon petition for restoration under said section,^, a 
 
238 
 
 unanimous vote restores to membersliip, a majority 
 vote to the condition of an unaffiliated Mason. The 
 brother thus restored to the condition of an unaffili- 
 ate may petition the Lodge for membership at any- 
 time, under the same restrictions as any other un- 
 affiliated Mason. — Proc. 1S92, pp. 12, 59; Proc. 1895, 
 pp. 27, 118; Proc. 1896, pp. 27, 92. 
 
 KESTOKATIOX — NON-AFFILIATED MASON — MEMBEESHIP. 
 
 The payment of all dues for which a brother may 
 stand expelled, or a majority vote of all the members 
 present of the Lodge inHicting the penalty of suspen- 
 sion or expulsion, for any other cause, shall restore the 
 brother to all the rights and privileges of a non-affili- 
 ated Mason, but it shall require a unanimous ballot to 
 restore to membership in the Lodge any brother so 
 suspended or expelled for any cause whatever. — Proc. 
 1869, p. 62. 
 
 KESTORATION — SUSPENDED JIASON. 
 
 In the absence of a regulation of the Grand or sub- 
 ordinate Lodge on the subject, a majority vote of the 
 Lodge may restore a suspended member; but by an 
 existing section of the by-laws of the Grand Lodge, 
 such action does not restore him to membership in 
 the Lodge. — Proc. 1851, p. 75. 
 
 KESTORATION — UNAFFILIATED MASON, TO CONDITION OF — 
 PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 A brother who has been restored by his Lodge to 
 the condition of an unaffiliated Mason may petition 
 the Lodge for membership, under the same restric- 
 
239 
 
 tions as any otlier unafRliated Mason. — Proc. 1892, 
 pp. 12, 59; Proc. 1896, pp. 27, 92. 
 
 EITUAL — ESOTERIC 'WOEK — WRITING. 
 
 Writing legibly and intelligibly the esoteric work 
 and lectures of Masonry is an unmasonic offense which 
 justifies the punishment of indefinite suspension. 
 —Proo. 18T3, p. 59. See also Proc. 1897, p. 88. 
 
 RITUAL — USE OP CIPHER TEXTS — OPEN EMPLOYMENT OP 
 BOOKS. 
 
 The employment of cipher texts of the work, and 
 the open lose of books while the degrees are being con- 
 ferred, is an unlawful and disreputable proceeding, 
 and the righteous condemnation by the Grand Master 
 of such unworthy practices should be heeded through- 
 out this Grand Jurisdiction, so that it may not become 
 necessary to make them the subject of future penal 
 legislation.— Proc. 1897, p. 88. See also Proc. 1873, 
 p. 59. 
 
 RITUALISTIC COMPETENCY — ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE. 
 
 'No Master Mason, member of a subordinate Lodge 
 in this Grand Jurisdiction, shall be eligible to the 
 ofiice of Junior Warden, or Senior Warden, or Wor- 
 shipful Master, unless he is competent to confer the 
 three first degrees in Masonry, together with the lec- 
 tures appertaining to the same. — Proc. 1860, p. 100. 
 
 ROYAL ARCH MASON — EXPULSION FROM CHAPTER, HOW CAR- 
 RIED INTO LODGE. 
 
 After expulsion of a Royal Arch Mason by his 
 Chapter, for a breach of the moral code or of the rules 
 and spirit of Ancient Craft ]\[asonry, the Chapter or 
 
240 
 
 any member thereof may prefer a complaint for the 
 same offense against the accused before a subordinate 
 Lodge having jurisdiction of the matter, which Lodge 
 shall receive and commit to writing, if not already 
 committed to writing, all testimony which may be 
 offered, de novo, on either side, and in case such de- 
 linquent is, therefore, found guilty and suspended or 
 expelled, he shall have the right of appeal; or if he be 
 acquitted or discharged, any Chapter or any Koyal 
 Arch Mason shall also ha"\'e the right of appeal. Such 
 appeal shall be tried by the Grand Lodge of Indiana 
 on the merits; and for that purpose all the papers and 
 evidence connected with the case shall be duly for- 
 warded by the Secretary of the subordinate Lodge to 
 the Grand Secretary. — Proc. 1848, pp. 55, 56. 
 
 SAIKT JOHN'S DAY — SUNDAY. 
 
 Where the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist 
 [or St. John the Baptist] falls on Sunday, such anni- 
 versary cannot be celebrated on that day; nor can a 
 public installation be held on the anniversary of the 
 former so falling on Sunday. — Proc. 1897, pp. 2Y, 82. 
 
 SEAL, LODGE. 
 
 All communications between the subordinate 
 Lodges of this State should be attested by the seals of 
 the Lodges respectiveh- sending such communications, 
 and if a Lodge sending any communication to any 
 other Lodge have no regular seal, then that fact should 
 be certified, and an ink scrawl attached. — Proc. 1S50, 
 p. 64. 
 
241 
 
 SICK BENEFITS — BY-LAW. 
 
 It is not consistent witli the general plan of Ma- 
 sonry for a Lodge to adopt a by-law providing for the 
 payment of stated sums as sick benefits. — Proc. 1895, 
 pp. 27, 118. See also Proc. 1884, pp. 18, 93. 
 
 SICK, REFUSING TO SIT UP WITH — BY-LAW. 
 
 A Lodge is very lenient in fixing the punishment of 
 a member charged and found guilty of refusing to sit 
 up with a sick brother at a reprimand only. It is one 
 of the first great principles of Masonry to take care of 
 our sick and distressed brethren. — Proc. 1880, p. 115. 
 But a by-law providing for the assessment of a specific 
 fine against a brother for failing so to attend in person 
 or by an acceptable substitute is wholly unmasonic 
 and void. — Proc. 1898, p. 59. 
 
 SIDE DEGREES — LODGE ROOM. 
 
 While it is true that the so-called "side degrees" are 
 no part of Masonry, and in no way connected there- 
 with, still, as they are only made use of by Masons in 
 their individual capacity for the purposes of a little 
 harmless amusement, to which none but Masons are 
 admitted, there appears nothing especially reprehensi- 
 ble in conferring the same in the Lodge room, pro- 
 vided, that they be not carried to such extremes as to 
 bring !Masonry into disrepute, and provided further, 
 that said degrees be not recognized by any Lodge in 
 its Lodge capacity as any part of or in any way con- 
 nected with Masonry. — Proc. 1868, pp. 25, 48, 49. 
 See also, as to Order of Eastern Star, Proo. 1876, pp. 
 132, 133. 
 16 
 
242 
 
 SLANDER, A MASONIC OFFENSE. 
 
 A Mason may be charged and tried for slandering 
 a brother Mason, and, on conviction, should be sus- 
 pended from all the rights and privileges of Masonry. 
 — Proc. 1852, p. 54. A Mason speaking evil of and 
 making false assertions concerning Master Masons, 
 may properly be found guilty and be indefinitely sus- 
 pended. — Proc. 1874, p. 82. To make a slanderous 
 statement is unmasonic conduct, and may justly be 
 punished by expulsion. — Proc. 1876, p. 79. Expul- 
 sion for uttering slanderous and scandalous words, in 
 a given case, was considered too severe for the offense, 
 and was, on appeal, commuted by remanding the ap- 
 pellant to the position of a non-afHliated Mason. 
 — Proc. 1876, p. 81. The circulation of slanderous 
 stories involving the character of the daughter of a 
 deceased Master Mason is clearly unmasonic. — Proc. 
 1S7S, pp. 19, 88. So, also, is slandering and traduc- 
 ing the character of a Master Mason's wife. — Proc. 
 1893, pp. 81, 82; Proc. 1894, pp. 78, 79. 
 
 SPECIFICATIONS, ADDITIONAL — AGREEMENT. 
 
 At a certain day set for the trial of charges — in 
 effect one charge of adultery — which was continued at 
 the request of the accused to a later date — said accused 
 being present both in person and by counsel — it was 
 agreed by both parties that five specifications be added 
 to the original charges. At the trial the accused ap- 
 peared with a different person for counsel, and 
 through him he moved to dismiss the specifications so 
 agreed upon by the former attorney in the case, for 
 the reason that they did not contain sufficient facts to 
 
243 
 
 constitute a cause of action, which motion the Master 
 overrule<l. The Grand Lodge held that the Master's 
 ruling was right, not only because these additional 
 specifications cured certain defects in the original 
 charge, made it more explicit and certain, fully ap- 
 prised him of what he was to be put on trial for, and 
 made the issue better for him ; but also because his ob- 
 jection should have been made to their filing; and 
 that, having been filed with his consent, they became a 
 part of the original, and made the complaint, so called, 
 good.— Proc. 1872, pp. 55, 56. 
 
 SPECIFICATIONS — EXPLICIT — SUFFICIENCY. 
 
 Specifications must be sufficiently explicit for the 
 accused to know what particular offense is intended, 
 that he may prepare his defense. One for "violating 
 his obligation," without even hinting at when, where, 
 or wherein he had violated it, and another for "de- 
 frauding a brother Mason," without alluding to who 
 the brother Mason was, or when, where, or how he 
 defrauded him, are so vague and indefinite that trial 
 upon them would make it possible for a Lodge to com- 
 mit the greatest injustice by springing upon an ac- 
 cused matter that he is not and cannot be prepared to 
 meet— Proc. 1872, pp. 59, 60; Id. p. 60. 
 
 SPECIFICATIONS — MOTION TO STRIKE OUT — TO MAKE MOEE 
 DEFINITE — WAIVER — DISMISSAL — APPEAL. 
 
 Instead of moving to strike out a specification, a 
 motion should be made to make it more definite. If 
 no charge and specification is on file, an accused would 
 be entitled to a dismissal, but when even a defective 
 
244 
 
 charge and specifications is on file, he can lawfully ask 
 for and is entitled to an amended and perfect charge 
 and specification; but if he refuses to make a motion 
 that he ought to make before his Lodge, and goes to 
 trial and is expelled, even on a defective specification, 
 it is too late to ask in the Grand Lodge the favors he 
 did not ask in his Lodge. — Proc. 1890, pp. 80, 81; 
 Proc. 1891, p. 68; Id. p. 70; Proc. 1892, p. 66; Proc. 
 1893, p. 85. As to amendment. Id. p. 79. 
 
 SPECIFICATIONS — SUFFICIENCY JIASTEE MAY DETERMINE. 
 
 Under a charge of unmasonic conduct, supported 
 by three different specifications, the Master having 
 overruled the third specification and the accused hav- 
 ing plead guilty to the first, a ballot was ordered upon 
 the question of punishment under such plea, which re- 
 sulted in a sentence of definite suspension. On ap- 
 peal, the Grand Lodge held the proceedings regular, 
 and the ruling of the Master correct. — Proc. 1S69, p. 
 52. See also Proc. 1S78, pp. 20, 21. 
 
 SPECIFICATION, WITHDRAWN — NEW TRIAL. 
 
 Where a specification has been withdrawn at a first 
 trial, in a new trial no evidence can be introduced on 
 it, and no vote taken as to the guilt or innocence of 
 the accused on that specification. — Proc. 1873, p. 58. 
 
 STANDING, GOOD — DISCIPLINE ALONE DESTROYS. 
 
 Though a brother may have failed to pay his dues, 
 or may have committed any !Masonic offense, he is 
 nevertheless entitled to all the rights and privileges 
 
245 
 
 belonging to any member of his Lodge in good stand- 
 ing, until suspended or expelled. — Proc. 1896, pp. 27, 
 t)2;Id. p. 76. 
 
 STANDING, (JOOD^MASON RAISED REGARDLESS OF OBJECTION. 
 
 Though a Worshipful blaster disregarded the ob- 
 jections of members of his Lodge, and, in violation of 
 law and authority, conferred the third degree on a 
 Fellow Craft, the party so raised is in good standing 
 and a member of that Lodge. He was made in a just 
 and lawfully constituted Lodge of Master Masons, 
 and his standing is not affected by any violation of 
 law on the part of the "Worshipful Master. — Proc. 
 1882, pp. 34, 81. 
 
 STANDING, GOOD — MEMBERS OF SUSPENDED LODGE — PRIVILEGE 
 TO VISIT. 
 
 Where a Lodge has been suspended, its members 
 are, during the period of such suspension, Masons in 
 good standing, and are entitled to the privilege of vis- 
 iting other Lodges. — Proc. 1897, p. 113. 
 
 STANDING, GOOD — PENDING CHARGES — PRESUMPTION OF 
 INNOCENCE. 
 
 The mere fact that charges have been preferred 
 against a brother does not deprive him of his standing 
 or rights and privileges as a Mason. He is presumed 
 to be innocent until he shall be found guilty on trial of 
 such charges. — Proc. 1896, p. 76; Id. pp. 27, 92; 
 Proc. 1890, p. 85. See also, as to last sentence, Proc. 
 1876, pp. 33, 127. 
 
246 
 
 STATUTE OP LIMITATIONS — LODGES, NOT APPLICABLE TO. 
 
 Masonic Lodges are in honor bound to deal fairlj 
 with one another, and if they do not, Masonic law will 
 compel them to right the wrong; nor will the lapse of 
 time relieve them from this obligation to make repara- 
 tion and deal fairly.— Proc. 1891, p. 102; Proe. 1892, 
 p. 69. 
 
 STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS — OBLIVION, BAKING UP ASHES OF. 
 
 In a case where one was suspended for using im- 
 proper and unmasonic language in open Lodge, while 
 the Grand Lodge ^artually sustained the judgment, 
 yet, in view of the fact that such language was so used 
 more than two years before the charges were pre- 
 ferred, held that while there was no statute of lim- 
 itations that would bar the preferring or prosecution 
 of charges of this character, the practice of raking up 
 from the ashes of oblivion charges as ancient as these 
 ought not to be commended. — Proc. 1892, pp. 68, 69. 
 There is no Masonic law adopting the civil statute of 
 limitations. — Proc. 1897, pp. 27, 82. 
 
 SUMMONS — LAPSE OF. 
 
 When a summons has been issued, requiring the 
 party to appear at the next stated meeting, and no 
 quorum is present at the time designated, and conse- 
 quently no meeting is held, the trial must be set for 
 another time, and a new summons must be issued. 
 —Proc. 1889, p. 86. 
 
 SUNDAY — LAYING OF COENEE-STONE. 
 
 The Grand Master properly refused the request of 
 a Lodge for permission to perform the ceremonies of 
 
247 
 
 laying the corner-stone of a synagogue on the Sabbath 
 day, commonly called Sunday. — Proc. 1875, pp. 34, 
 91; Proc. 1894, p. 8. As to holding a Masonic trial 
 on Sunday, see Proc. 1879, p. 22. 
 
 SUSPENDED MASON — CHAEGES — TRIAL. 
 
 The Grand Lodge concurred in a report of the 
 Committee on Jurisprudence, comprising the follow- 
 ing questions and answers: 
 
 1. Can charges be legally preferred against a Mas- 
 ter Mason who is under sentence of indefinite suspen- 
 sion without first restoring him? 
 
 Answer. — ISTo charges can be lawfully preferred 
 against a Master Mason while under sentence of sus- 
 pension. 
 
 2. If so, can the suspended Mason be present at 
 the trial, or could he be tried only in open Lodge on 
 the third degree? 
 
 Answer. — A trial cannot lawfully take place except 
 in open Lodge. 
 
 3. Is a suspended Mason beyond the control of the 
 Lodge in all particulars until he is fully restored to all 
 the rights and privileges of Masonry? 
 
 Answer. — A suspended Mason can claim no protec- 
 tion from, nor is he subject to the control of, a Lodge. 
 —Proc. 1869, p. 74. 
 
 A brother who has been suspended for non-payment 
 of dues may be tried and expelled for grave unma- 
 sonic conduct. — Proc. 1879, p. 21. But see Id. p. 72. 
 Compare Proc. 1893, pp. 85, 86. 
 
248 
 
 SUSPENSION — DUES, NONE DUEING. 
 
 Upon the restoration of a suspended brother to 
 membership, it is not competent for the Lodge to ex- 
 act dues from the brother during the term of such sus- 
 pension. Upon such restoration payment of all ar- 
 rearages may be demanded, or all such dues may be 
 remitted, at the discretion of the Lodge. — Proc. 1859, 
 p. 37. See also Proc. 1863, p. 48. 
 
 SUSPENSION — EXPULSION — VOTE OF LODGE EFFECTS — ACCUSED 
 CANNOT RE-ENTEE LODGE. 
 
 The vote of the Lodge suspends [or expels] a 
 brother, and he should not be permitted to return to 
 the Lodge room after the vote has been announced. 
 —Proc. 1892, pp. 14, 59. 
 
 SUSPENSION — PRIVILEGES. 
 
 A member suspended for any cause from the privi- 
 lege of a subordinate Lodge shall be deprived of all 
 the privileges pertaining to a Mason in all the Lodges 
 subordinate to this Grand Lodge, until he shall be re- 
 instated to a full communion with the Lodge from 
 which he was originally suspended. — Proc. 1841, p. 8; 
 Hacker's Rep., p. 357. 
 
 TECHNICALITIES MAY CONTROL — RULES OF COURTS OF LAW. 
 
 While it is proper to overlook technical objections 
 and ii-regularities, and endeavor to arrive at the jus- 
 tice and merits of the case, and reach a correct conclu- 
 sion, free from complications and technical difficul- 
 ties, yet this conclusion must be reached under the 
 forms of Masonic law, and we should not consent to 
 see this law, and especially our General Regulations, 
 
249 
 
 squarely violated and disregarded, in order to avoid 
 tlie reversal of a case. The rules governing Masonic 
 trials require that, generally speaking, they should be 
 ■ governed by the same rules that apply to a trial in a 
 court of justice, except that technicalities and strict, 
 rigid rules that might work a hardship in a particular 
 case, are to be disregarded; but where there is a rea- 
 son for these rules to apply, they should, generally 
 speaking, be exercised. — Proc. 1897, pp. 76, 77. 
 
 TIME — PRESEKTATION FOR DEGREES — ADVANCEMENT AFTER 
 BEING STOPPED. 
 
 An Entered Apprentice who was initiated fifteen 
 years ago, and stopped by a black ball on ballot for 
 advancement, under the old law which required a bal- 
 lot for each degree, is eligible to receive the [remain- 
 ing] degrees, if he has not been permanently stopped 
 by a trial and judgment, as now prescribed; but that 
 he has made suitable proiiciency, as a qualification for 
 advancement, must be shown by an examination or 
 voucher, as reqiiired by law. Having been elected to 
 receive one degree only, the ballot must be passed for 
 the remaining degrees. — Proc. 1892, pp. 11, 59. 
 
 TIME — PRESENTATION FOR DEGREES — BY-LAW — LIMIT. 
 
 Since the General Regulations do not fix a period 
 in which an elected petitioner must present himself to 
 receive the degrees, the Grand Lodge has ruled that 
 the subordinate Lodge may, by a by-law, limit the 
 time in which he must present himself or forfeit his 
 election. If the Lodge has not availed itself of this 
 right, the petitioner may lawfully demand at any time 
 
250 
 
 that the degrees be conferred on him, no objection 
 having been made. The Lodge should undoubtedly 
 have notice of the desire of the elected petitioner to 
 receive the degrees. — Proc. 1892, pp. 11, 59; Proc. 
 1893, pp. 23, 65; Proc. 1895, pp. 25, 118. But as to 
 removal from the State for a year or more, see rilling, 
 Proc. 1894, p. 9. 
 
 TRANSCRIPT — APPEAL — IRREGULABITIES — REQUIREMENTS — 
 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES — EVIDENCE — WAIVER. 
 
 Where charges were preferred at a called meeting, 
 and, on appeal, the transcript failed to show that they 
 were even read in open Lodge and spread of record, 
 but such transcript did show that all the evidence in 
 the cause was taken before the charges were presented 
 and filed — which irregularities were not assigned as 
 errors, on appeal — the Grand Lodge held that it was 
 of little moment, on such a question, that the accused 
 failed to make these illegal proceedings a groimd of 
 complaint in his appeal; because these requirements 
 are so fundamental as to render their waiver doubtful 
 even if made in express terms, and which certainly 
 could not be effective otherwise. — Proc. 1897, p. 78. 
 
 TREASURER — LODGE FUNDS. 
 
 The Treasurer of a Masonic Lodge has no right to 
 use the Lodge funds or mix them with his own funds; 
 and if he refuses to pay the same over to his successor 
 on the expiration of his term of office, he is guilty of a 
 grave offense. This is the general rule in regard to 
 all persons acting in a fiduciary capacity, and the 
 safety of trust funds demands its strict enforcement. 
 — Proc. 1893, p. 85. 
 
251 
 
 TRIAL — ABSENCE OP ACCUSED — PLEA OF GUILTY 1!Y COUNSEL 
 APPOINTED. 
 
 Counsel appointed by tlae Worshipful Master to de- 
 fend an accused who is not present at the trial has no 
 power to enter a plea of guilty for such accused and 
 absent brother. The Lodge has no right to punish 
 such brother because some other brother has entered 
 such a plea for him without authority so to do. 
 There would be more justice in pimishing the brother 
 Avho so pleaded guilty. — Proc. 1893, pp. 80, 81. 
 
 TRIAL — APPEAL — NOTICE — EECOED — FRAUD. 
 
 On appeal to the Grand Lodge, where the record of 
 the trial Lodge clearly shows that notice was served on 
 the accused ten days prior to the date of the trial, the 
 Grand Lodge declined to investigate as to when the 
 notice was in fact served upon said accused. The rec- 
 ord, in the absence of fraud, should be considered on 
 appeal as conclusive on this question. If the accused 
 desired to question the time of the service of the no- 
 tice, he should have appeared in his Lodge at the time 
 fixed for the trial and presented his objections thereto, 
 or show good reason for his failure to do so. — Proc. 
 1896, p. 78. 
 
 TRIAL — APPEARANCE — MOTION TO DISMISS CHARGES — WAIVER 
 OF INFORMALITIES. 
 
 Where an accused appears in his own Lodge, at a 
 trial upon charges preferred by a committee of an- 
 other Lodge, for a Masonic ofFense committed while 
 within the jurisdiction of his own Lodge, and moves 
 to dismiss the said charges for the several reasons,— 
 
252 
 
 "that said charges do not conform to the laws and reg- 
 ulations of Masonry;" "that they fail to state that the 
 persons signing them are Master Masons, or aiHliated 
 Masons;" "that such other Lodge has no authority to 
 prefer any charges against a member of his said 
 Lodge;" and "that such other Lodge has no Masonic 
 authority to appoint a committee to prefer charges," 
 the Grand Lodge — while ruling against him on all these 
 points — held that the appellant, having filed such 
 motion, entered a full appearance, and from that time 
 the trial Lodge had jurisdiction of the defendant, and 
 he thereby waived any irregularity in the proceedings 
 by which the trial Lodge obtained said charges. — Proc. 
 1898, pp. 69. 70. 
 
 TEIAL — APPEAEASCE — WAIVER. 
 
 "Where an accused appears and enters upon trial 
 without objecting to the filing of the charges and spec- 
 ifications at other than a stated meeting; or that notice 
 of time of trial was not served, nor the names of wit- 
 nesses set forth; or that no notice was given of time, 
 place, and person before whom written evidence would 
 be taken; he is held, on appeal, to have waived such 
 objections. — Proc. 1871, pp. 37, 38; Id. p. 40; Proc. 
 1872, pp. 43, 44. 
 
 TRIAL — ARGUMENT AFTER ACCUSED HAS RETIRED PROM THE 
 LODGE. 
 
 "When a case has been closed, and the accused and 
 the accuser, with tlieir counsel, have retired, the Lodge 
 occupies the position of a jury or a bench of judges, to 
 whom the case has been finally submitted. Thev are 
 
253 
 
 deliberating upon their final judgment in the case, 
 and each member has the right to whatever light and 
 knowledge his brethren may possess. They, however, 
 would not be justified in considering any facts hot 
 properly and legitimately presented during the trial. 
 — Proc. 1892, pp. 71, 72, 93, 106. 
 
 [The report of which the above is in part a digest 
 was not concurred in by the Grand Lodge, doubtless 
 on point of punishment, and not on question of law.] 
 
 TEIAL — CHARGES — EVIDENCE. 
 
 It is not within the province of a Lodge to try a 
 brother upon one specific charge, and then find him 
 guilty and inflict a penalty for another and different 
 offense.— Proc. 18S6, p. 43. 
 
 TRIAL — CHARGES, JOINT — SEPARATE HEARING — WAIVER, 
 IMPKOPEE ON DEFAULT. 
 
 Where two members were jointly charged with un- 
 masonic conduct in getting intoxicated, and, on their 
 failure to appear at the time of trial, the Master ap- 
 pointed a brother of the Lodge to act as their attorney, 
 who, when some brethren expressed the opinion that 
 the proceedings ought to be single and separate as to 
 each, stated that he would waive all such illegalities 
 and irregularities and would put them upon trial, 
 which then proceeded and resulted in their expulsion, 
 the Grand Lodge held, on appeal, that each man or Ma- 
 son, under Masonic usage and law, must, when guilty 
 thereof, be charged with intoxication separately and 
 tried separately; and that the attorney so appointed 
 for the defense should have acted like he would have 
 
254 
 
 been required to act if the brethren had been there 
 giving him instructions, and should not have made 
 their expulsion easy and certain. — Proc. 1882, pp. 96, 
 
 97, 98. 
 
 TRIAL — CHARGES, JOINT — SEPARATE VERDICTS. 
 
 In a given case where nineteen Masons were in- 
 cluded in the same complaint for non-payment of 
 dues, and the whole party were included in one ballot 
 and thereby indefinitely suspended, the Grand Lodge 
 held that Masonic membership is of too sacred a na- 
 ture to be so lightly dealt with, and that each and 
 every case should be disposed of separately and upon 
 its own merits. — Proc. 1878, p. 70. 
 
 TRIAL — CHARGES — UNWRITTEN — INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT 
 
 NOTICE OP SUBSEQUENT HEARING. 
 
 Where the charges against an accused are of such a 
 character as that they can be reduced to writing with 
 propriety, they must be preferred in writing and the 
 accused be furnished with a copy of them. After the 
 postponement of a case from the trial day to the 
 next meeting, and a further and indefinite postpone- 
 ment at that time, it cannot at a subsequent time — 
 and without reconsideration of the former action — be 
 taken up, in the absence of the accused and without 
 his knowledge and consent, and he be then and thus 
 tried and expelled from the rights and privileges of 
 Masonry. After such indefinite postponement the 
 accused is entitled to another notice of the time and 
 place of trial— Proc. 1856, pp. 22, 23. [The rec- 
 
255 
 
 ords are silent as to the adoption of the foregoing, as 
 they are in other reports of the Committee on Griev- 
 ances that year.] 
 
 TRIAL — CIVIL COURT, DEFENSE SET UP IN KOT TO PREJUDICE 
 
 MASONIC TRIBUNAL KOT TO REVIEW. 
 
 Where an accused had been previously sued in a 
 court of law, he had a perfect right, under our laws, to 
 set up in said court any defense that the courts of our 
 land would recognize as pertinent and legal, whether 
 the proof came or not. The court in which the ac- 
 cused set up the defense adjudged the matter one way 
 or the other, and that ought to settle it. A Masonic 
 tribunal is not for the purpose of reviewing what pro- 
 ceedings are had in the courts of Indiana. — Proc. 
 1888, p. 40. A Masonic Lodge is not the place for 
 one brother to pursiie another with charges founded 
 on remote or far-fetched matters, with the real pur- 
 pose of compelling payment of money. — Id. p. 42. 
 
 TRIAL, CLOSE OF — EVIDENCE. 
 
 Where the prosecution has rested its case, and the 
 defense has introduced his testimony, and the exam- 
 ination is closed, the prosecution cannot, on discover- 
 ing that it has omitted a part of its testimony in chief, 
 now ask to j)ut it in. It is clearly too late. To allow 
 this without giving the defense an opportunity to re- 
 but would be unjust, and to allow both to introduce 
 new testimony would be to open the whole case after 
 it had once been closed. It is then no longer a ques- 
 tion of discretion with the blaster whether new testi- 
 mony shall or shall not be introduced. — Proc. 1SY2, 
 p. 55. 
 
256 
 
 TRIAL, CONTINUANCE DUEING, WITH LEAVE TO AMEND 
 CHARGES. 
 
 Where a new trial was ordered on amended charges, 
 and, after such trial had reached a certain stage, where 
 the prosecution rested its case, a continuance was 
 asked, which the Master granted with permission to 
 the prosecution to again amend the charges and speci- 
 fications, from which ruling the defense appealed, the 
 Grand Lodge held that the charges could not at that 
 stage of the trial be changed and that the trial mtist 
 proceed under the charges existing when it was begun. 
 — Proc. 1897, pp. 23, 80. 
 
 TRIAL — COUNSEL — WAIVER. 
 
 To be represented by counsel is a right guaranteed 
 to every Mason when put upon his trial. This right 
 should be preserved to him inviolate. But a brother 
 may waive this right, and he does waive it if he pro- 
 ceed to trial without counsel, and without raising any 
 objections to proceeding with the trial in the absence 
 of counsel. — Proc. 1886, pp. 42, 43. 
 
 TRIAL — CROSS-EXAMINATION OF WITNESS — IMPEACHMENT. 
 
 The Grand Lodge held, where the accused had tes- 
 tified in his own defense, that it was error for the 
 Master, over the objection of the accused, to require 
 him to answer the following questions: "Do you 
 want the brethren and Worshipful Master to under- 
 stand that the brothers (naming two who testified 
 against him) are liars and perjurers?" "Is it not a fact 
 that you were a member of a Lodge of Knights of 
 Pythias, and have been expelled for un-Pythian con- 
 
257 
 
 duct?" "Is it not a fact that you were a member of 
 the Methodist Church, and was turned out?" — Proc. 
 1898, p. 68. 
 
 TRIAL — JURISDICTION — NON-AFFILIATE. 
 
 The Lodge under whose jurisdiction an unafSliated 
 Mason resides is the only one to try him for unmasonic 
 conduct committed in that jurisdiction. — Proc. 1859, 
 p. 38. 
 
 TRIAL — LODGE SHOULD CONDUCT, NOT COMMITTEE. 
 
 A Lodge in whose jurisdiction an unmasonic act is 
 committed should proceed to charge and try the case, 
 and not compel the witnesses to attend the sittings of 
 committees appointed by the Lodge of which the ac- 
 cused is a member, as the witnesses and injured parties 
 should be accommodated, in preference to the party 
 charged.— Proc. 1859, p. .18. 
 
 TRIAL — MASTER 31AY PRESIDE, THOUGH A WITNESS- -SHOULD 
 NOT IP PERSONALLY INTERESTED. 
 
 A Worshipful Master is not disqualified from pre- 
 siding over his Lodge in a trial for the reason that he 
 may be called to give testimony, any more than any 
 other member who might be called to testify would be 
 disqualified from voting on the findings in the case. 
 But should a case so arise where the Master is a party 
 in interest, his good sense should hot only induce him 
 to retire from the chair during the trial, but also to 
 refrain from voting. — Proc. 18V4, pp. 95, 96; Proc. 
 1878, p. 17; Proc. 1888, p. 37. 
 17 
 
258 
 
 TKIAL — ONCE IN JEOPARDY — APPEAL. 
 
 Where an accused was tried by his Lodge on four 
 specifications, acquitted on the two first and found 
 guilty on the third and fourth, with the penalty of 
 two months' suspension, from which he appealed to 
 the Grand Lodge, which remanded the case for a 
 new trial — the two months expiring in the interim — 
 the Grand Lodge substantially held that he could be 
 tried again on all the four specifications. — Proc. 1873, 
 pp. 18, 65. But see Proc. 1895, pp. 25, 118. 
 
 TRIAL — ONCE IN JEOPARDY — NEW TRIAL. 
 
 A brother once acquitted cannot be again tried for 
 the same offense unless a neAV trial has been regularly 
 ordered according to law. — Proc. 1895, pp. 25, 118. 
 Compare Proc. 1873, pp. 18, 65. 
 
 TRIAL — PLEA OF GUILTY IN CRIMINAL COURT — EXPLANATION 
 OF — EVIDENCE. 
 
 A^Tiere an accused in a Masonic trial, in which con- 
 viction followed the proof that said accused had en- 
 tered a plea of guilty in a court of criminal jurisdic- 
 tion as to the identical offense, and then in said Ma- 
 sonic trial testified that in fact he was not guilty, and 
 had then and there so asserted, but that he had en- 
 tered such plea of guilty to avoid the publicity and 
 humiliation that a public trial would have caused, the 
 Committee on Grievances and Appeals of the Grand 
 Lodge, on appeal from the said Masonic trial, held 
 that, if in fact innocent, he owed it as a duty to 
 bimself, to his friends and to the Order to insist upon 
 liis innocence before said criminal court, and refuse to 
 
259 
 
 place upon record a solemn admission that he had been 
 guilty of a violation of the laws of his country, the 
 laws of morality and the laws of Masonry; and that 
 the Lodge, in weighing his testimony, had the right to 
 consider its probability or improbability, and the prob- 
 ability or improbability of a Master Mason, strong in 
 the consciousness of innocence, deliberately pleading 
 guilty of a crime. — Proc. 1892, pp. 70, 71. [The re- 
 port of which the above is in part a digest was not con- 
 curred in by the Grand Lodge, doubtless on the point 
 of punishment, and not on the questions of law. J 
 
 TRIAL — SEPARATE CHARGES — SEPARATE BALLOTS ON QUESTION 
 OP GUILT. 
 
 Where an accused was charged and tried upon two 
 separate and specific charges, and when the Lodge was 
 called upon to decide as to the guilt or innocence of 
 the defendant, they did not vote upon each charge 
 separately, but upon the charges collectively, result- 
 ing in finding the defendant guilty, the Grand Lodge 
 held this to be error, and that a separate ballot should 
 have been taken upon each specific charge. — Proc. 
 1898, pp. 67, 68 ; Id. p. 75 ; Id. p. 76. See also Proc. 
 1872, p. 48; Id. pp. 70, 71. This law must be strictly 
 complied mth, and the accused cannot waive his right 
 to have a vote as to his guilt or innocence on each 
 specific charge. — Proc. 1898, p. 76. 
 
 TRIAL — SPECIFICATIONS, SEVERAL — PENALTIES, DEGREES OF — 
 EXPULSION AFTER SUSPENSION. 
 
 Where an accused was charged in one specification 
 with non-payment of dues, and in two additional speci- 
 
260 
 
 fications with graver offenses, and, after trial, the first 
 "ballot was taken in the proper order on the one for 
 non-payment of dues — to which a plea of guilty had 
 been entered — resulting in the penalty of indefinite 
 suspension, and then the ballot was had on the two re- 
 maining specifications, respectively, resulting in the 
 penalty of expulsion, the accused, on appeal, contend- 
 ed that having first fixed said penalty of indefinite sus- 
 pension, the Lodge could not fix the penalty of ex- 
 piilsion under each of the other specifications, after he 
 had been suspended. The Grand Lodge held that the 
 fact that the Lodge fixed the penalty of indefinite 
 suspension for non-payment of dues before voting on 
 the other specifications, if an irregularity, did not 
 prejudice the rights of the accused, and that if before 
 the time the charges were preferred he had been in- 
 definitely suspended, the Lodge would have had the 
 right to try him, and, if found guilty, assess the pen- 
 alty of expulsion. A Mason who has been indefi- 
 nitely suspended is still a ilason, and liable to Masonic 
 punishment, although prohibited from the exercise of 
 his Masonic privileges during the pleasure of the 
 Lodge.— Proc. 1S93, pp. S-t, 85, 86. [Query: Does 
 the concluding clause of the last sentence above admit 
 of the construction that by so trying a suspended Ma- 
 son, "the pleasure of the Lodge" has restored to him 
 the privilege of sitting in open Lodge — as he must do 
 if properly on trial — while still under sentence of in- 
 definite suspension?] But contra to the above de- 
 cision, see Proc. 1869, p. 74. 
 
261 
 
 TRIAL — SUMMONS — WITNESS — OBJECTION TO SIT WITH. 
 
 A Mason — wherever he may be — who is summoned 
 to appear before a Lodge as a witness, and refuses to 
 •obey such summons, should be charged, tried and pun- 
 ished for such offense. He cannot justify such dis- 
 obedience by the fact that he may at one time have 
 been "objected out" by a member of the Lodge from 
 ■which sucli summons has been sent. Being sum- 
 moned by the Lodge to appear as a witness, it is not in 
 the power of any member any longer to object him 
 out of the Lodge. Being a witness, he has a right to 
 defy captious objections of his personal enemies and 
 enter the Lodge, and no one can say him nay. The 
 rights of a Lodge are not higher or greater before the 
 world than the ordinary rights of the humblest Mason, 
 but when a Mason agrees that he will answer and obey 
 all due summonses, etc., he must do it. — Proc. 1884, 
 pp. 67, 68. As to the right of a brother who is present 
 as a witness to remain in the Lodge during the trial, 
 see Proc. 1888, p. 42. 
 
 TRIAL — SUNDAY, CONTINUANCE OVER — LODGE THE JURY — 
 VOTE, WHO SHOULD. 
 
 Where a trial is begun on Saturday, the Lodge 
 should be closed at midnight. To proceed after that 
 hour would be to hold a court on Sunday, which, by 
 the common law of the land, is a day upon which no 
 judicial proceedings can be had. — Kiger v. Coats, 18 
 Ind. 154. There is also a direct Masonic law whose 
 spirit is opposed to the holding of Lodges on Sunday, 
 except for funeral purposes. — Kules and Regulations, 
 Art. VII, Sec. 2. The blaster can continue the fur- 
 
262 
 
 tlier hearing of the case to any subsequent day, of 
 which the accused and the Lodge should have proper 
 notice. It is possible that a ^lasonic trial might occur 
 of such magnitude and importance as would require 
 many days for its completion ; consequently, the power 
 to adjourn from time to time is proper and inherent. 
 — Mackey's Encyclopedia — Title Trials. The trial can 
 be proceeded with at the point from which any post- 
 ponement was ordered. The Lodge, as assembled in 
 the first instance, or from time to time during a trial, 
 or as it exists at the conclusion of the trial, is the jury. 
 AVhile it may be the right of every member present at 
 the conclusion of the trial to vote, no member should 
 vote who has not heard all the evidence. It is a mat- 
 ter of conscience which should be suggested to the 
 members by the Master, and any member requesting 
 it for this reason should be excused from voting. 
 — Proc. 1879, pp. 22, 23, V2. 
 
 tTN.MASOXIC CONDUCT — PREVIOUS TO FORMATIOif OF TRIAL 
 LODGE. 
 
 Any subordinate Lodge is empowered to receive 
 and decide upon charges against any sojourning breth- 
 ren (or otherwise within its jurisdiction) for unma- 
 sonic conduct committed previously to the existence of 
 such subordinate Lodge in like manner as though such 
 conduct had occurred afterwards. — Proc. 1847, p. 20. 
 
 UNWOETHIXESS BEFORE INITIATION EQUIVALENT TO REJECTION. 
 
 AVhere an applicant for initiation had been duly 
 balloted for by the Lodge, and elected to receive the 
 degrees, but against whom, and before he had received 
 the first degree, the Worshipful Master had private, 
 
263 
 
 and in his judgment reliable information of unworthi- 
 ness, and therefore ordered the Secretary to enter 
 upon the minutes of the Lodge that the candidate was 
 "rejected," though in this decision he "was informal 
 in his phraseology," yet his action in the matter was 
 lawful, and in accordance with the laws of Masonry. 
 — Proc. 1864, p. 75. 
 
 VISIT — PRIVILEGE — MEMBERS SUSPENDED LODGE. 
 
 Where a Lodge has been suspended, its members 
 are, during the period of such suspension. Masons in 
 good standing, and are entitled to the privilege of vis- 
 iting other Lodges. — Proc. 1897, p. 113. 
 
 VISITING — PRIVILEGE — RIGHT OF LODGE TO DETERMINE. 
 
 The right to determine tipon the propriety or impro- 
 i:)riety of admitting or not admitting a visiting brother 
 is a prerogative which every regularly organized 
 Lodge should possess; and if in the opinion of the 
 Lodge there exists sufficient cause to reject the visit of 
 a brother, the Lodge has a right to do so, but should 
 state in their records the cause of such rejection. — Proc. 
 1820, pp. 6, 9; Hacker's Kep., pp. 48, 49, 50. 
 
 VISITOR — -VOUCHING — LAWFUL INFORMATION — PHOTOGRAPH 
 AND CERTIFICATE — DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE. 
 
 A visitor failing to prove himself by the uisual tests, 
 presented his photograph to the Master, who for- 
 warded it to the Secretary of the Lodge in which the 
 visitor was made a Mason, who certified, under the seal 
 of the Lodge attached to the photograph, that the brother 
 was a member, regularly made and in good standing. 
 The Grand Master being asked if this was a sufficient 
 
264 
 
 vouclier, decided that it was not, and that no docu- 
 mentary evidence of any description whatever is law- 
 ful information, sufficient to admit a visitor as a Mas- 
 ter Mason in good standing; and this decision was ap- 
 proved' by the Grand Lodge. — Proc. 1876, pp. 33, 
 127. 
 
 VOTE, HOW TAKEN — TRIAL. 
 
 On the investigation of charges, or to inflict or re- 
 move a penalty, the intention of the law is that white 
 and black balls should be used; but, in such case, 
 where ballots written on paper have been used, it is 
 not such an irregularity as will invalidate the action of 
 the Lodge. — Proc. 1876, pp. 28, 130. But such ac- 
 tion is declared "a very grave error," in Proc. 1873, 
 pp. 60, 61. 
 
 VOTE — MASTER MASONS ONLY. 
 
 Xo subordinate Lodge shall permit anyone of a 
 lower degree than a Master ilason to vote on any sub- 
 ject coming before the Lodge. — Proc. 1840; Hacker's 
 Eep., p. 338. 
 
 VOTE — ON ALL QUESTIONS — DUTY OP EVERY MEMBER, UNLESS 
 EXCUSED — PRESUMPTION OF EXCUSE. 
 
 It is "the duty of every member of a Lodge to vote 
 upon all questions presented, unless excused by the 
 Lodge. Where a number voted on the adoption of 
 an amendment, and no one voted in the negative, but 
 the record shows that others were present who did not 
 vote, the conclusion of the Grand Lodge, on appeal, 
 was that these others were so excused, and that the 
 amendment in question was adopted by a unanimous 
 vote.— Proc. 1892, p. 100. 
 
265 
 
 VOTE— RESTORATION — MEMBERSHIP — UNAFFILIATION. 
 
 In construction of Sections 125 (since formally 
 amended, Proc. 1897, pp. 110, 111) and 127 of the 
 Oeneral Regulations, the Grand Lodge held that, 
 upon petition for restoration under said sections, a 
 unanimous vote restores to membership; a majority 
 Tote to the condition of an unaffiliated Mason. — Proc. 
 1892, pji. 12, 59; Proc. 1895, pp. 27, 118; Proc. 1896, 
 pp. 27, 92. 
 
 WARDEN", MAY SUCCEED MASTER — VACANCY NOT OCCASIONED 
 THEREBY. 
 
 In case of the death of the Worshipful Master, the 
 "Warden next in rank succeeds to his rights, duties and 
 powers; but there is thereby no vacancy in the office 
 of Warden.— Proc. 1892, pp. 15, 59; Id!, p. 56. 
 
 WARDEN — RANKING — RIGHT TO CONFER DEGREES. 
 
 The Senior or Junior Warden, when he succeeds to 
 the duties of the station of the Master, has the power, 
 and it is his duty, to confer degrees, as the blaster 
 might do if present. — Proc. 1858, p. 79. 
 
 WARDEN, REFUSING TO ASSIST HIS SUPERIOR OFFICER. 
 
 A Warden, or one acting as such, refusing to assist 
 the Worshipful Master in closing the Lodge, can be 
 <?harged, tried and expelled for such misconduct. 
 — Proc. 1856, p. 48. 
 
 WEBB'S MONITOR. 
 
 Resolved, That the Illustrations of Masonry, pub- 
 lished by Brother Thomas S. Webb, be adopted for 
 the government of this Grand Lodge, and that they 
 -be recommended to be adopted by all the subordinate 
 
266 
 
 Lodges in this State for the government of the same. 
 — Proc. IS IS. p. 21 (reprint); Hacker's Rep., p. 22. 
 
 WEBB work; — RITUAL. 
 
 This Grand Lodge has already adopted what is 
 known as the "TVehb Work," which is now declared 
 to be the authorized work of this State. — Proc. 1869, 
 pp. 12, 75. The propriety of adopting this work for 
 this Grand Jurisdiction was considered at the various 
 sessions of our Grand Lodge in 1S60, 1861 and 1862, 
 was commended at all times, ordered promulgated by 
 District Deputy Grand Masters, and was virtually 
 adopted to all intents and purposes. Xo other work 
 ever was adopted by our Grand Lodge, and conse- 
 quently this is our work, or we have none whatever. 
 Por us, then, its provisions are a law superior to any 
 other on the subject under discussion, and we have no 
 other law, and the substitution for it of any other 
 ritual can only tend to uncertainty and confusion. 
 — Proc. 1897, p. 89; Proc. 1898, pp. 13, 77, 78. See 
 also Proc. 1860, pp. 99, 109, 113; Proc. 1861, pp. 
 33, 34, 35. iO, 41, -42, 73; Proc. 1862, pp. 5, 6, 7, 48, 
 59, 60; Proc. 1868, pp. 8, 9. 
 
 WIDOW — RESIDE^■CE OF — CARE OF. 
 
 It is the duty of the Lodge in whose jurisdiction the 
 widow of a deceased brother resides to care for her. 
 — Proc. 1803, pp. 22, 65. 
 
 WIFE, IXFIDELITY TO. 
 
 The Grand Lodge, on appeal, confirmed the action 
 of a subordinate Lodge in expelling a member for in- 
 fidelity to his wife.— Proc. 1886, p. 33. Also for 
 
267 
 
 writing letters to another -woman tending to result in 
 such infidelity, and making unjust and serious charges 
 against his wife. — Proc. 1894, pp. 71, 72, 73. 
 
 WIFE OF MASTER MASON — LETTER TO FOR PURPOSE OF 
 ACCOJNIPLISHING AN EVIL RESULT — SLANDER. 
 
 Masonry regards the home as sacred. The writing 
 and sending a letter soliciting a private interview with 
 the wife of a Mason, whether its purpose was to de- 
 bauch her or not, was an offense which Masonry can- 
 not condone. It is no light matter for one man to 
 write a letter to the wife of another, the evident pur- 
 pose of which was to accomplish an evil result; and 
 where a Mason is found guilty of such an offense 
 against a brother Mason, the penalty of reprimand is 
 inadequate; and in such a case the Grand Lodge 
 changed the penalty to expulsion. — Proc. 1893, p. 78. 
 As to power to make such change, see Proc. 1892, pp. 
 72, 93, 106. Slandering and traducing the character 
 of a Master ]\Iason's wife is a Masonic offense. — Proc. 
 1893, pp. 81, 82; Proc. 1894, pp. 78, 79. 
 
 WITNESS — PRESENCE, OBJECTION TO. 
 
 Where an accused objected to a brother remaining 
 in the Lodge during the trial, such brother being 
 there as a witness, the Grand Lodge sustained the 
 "Worshipful ]\Iaster in ruling that the brother had a 
 right to remain. — Proc. 1888, p. 42. Such witness, 
 if a member of another Lodge, cannot be ''objected 
 out" of the Lodge he is present in under a summons. 
 —Proc. 1884, p. 67. 
 
268 
 
 WORK — LABOR — THIRD DEGREE — REFRESHMENT. 
 
 All work of a Lodge must be performed when at 
 labor. The second section of the third degree cannot 
 be conferred while at refreshment. — Proc. 1874, pp. 
 IT, 90. 
 
 WORK — LODGES MUST CONFORM TO THE RITUAL ADOPTED BY 
 THE GRAND LODGE. 
 
 Lodges organized prior to the seventies cannot be 
 permitted to work in the same manner in every respect 
 as they had done before the seventies, without regard 
 to the present regular method of work adopted by the 
 Cirand Lodge [Proc. 1869, pp. 12, 75] and generally 
 practiced in Indiana Lodges. All Lodges, no matter 
 at what time organized, must conform to the regular 
 work adopted by the Grand Lodge of Indiana. — Proc. 
 1 898, pp. 13, 77, 78. [See title: AVebb Work, of this 
 Digest.] 
 
 WORK — MASTER HAS RIGHT TO ARRANGE — THREATS TO 
 IMPEDE, IF ONE BE NOT STOPPED. 
 
 Where an accused endeavored to stop the order of 
 business, as arranged by the Worshipful Master, by 
 objecting to the conferring of the Master's degree 
 upon a candidate for the sole reason that such candi- 
 • date had to wear a truss, and threatened to prevent 
 several candidates already elected from going further 
 in Masonry unless the one in question was stopped, 
 said accused at that time knowing that the Grand 
 Msater had decided that the said degree should be 
 conferred on the candidate in question notwithstand- 
 ing his necessity to wear a truss, was justly found 
 
269 
 
 guilty of a ^lasonic offense. In the absence of direct 
 law to the contrary, the "Worshipful Master has a rea- 
 sonable discretion in the matter of arranging priori- 
 ties in the business to be transacted. His discretion 
 must be what is known in law to be a judicious or ju- 
 dicial discretion. If he were to so exercise his oihcial 
 discretion as to give it the temper of haughtiness, and 
 so overawe the brethren, and become imperious in his 
 dictation, then his ruling would become reprehensible. 
 — Proc. 1884, pp. 59, GO, 61. As to wearing truss, 
 see Proc. 1882, pp. 17, 93. 
 
 WORSHIPFUL MASTER CANNOT BIND LODGE. 
 
 The Master has no power to bind the Lodge by any 
 contract or agreement unless the Lodge authorizes or 
 directs him to do so, or approves his action after it is 
 reported. — Proc. 1891, p. 103. 
 
 WORSHIPFUL MASTER, CHARGES BY, "WITNESS TO, PRESIDING 
 AT SUCH TRIAL. 
 
 It is not a good precedent to allow the Worshipful 
 Master to sign or prefer cliarges, testify as a witness, 
 and also preside over the Lodge at the trial. His offi- 
 cial standing gives him great influence, and he is too 
 much interested in the final result, where he prefers 
 the charges himself, to preside with that discretion and 
 absolute fairness that ought to characterize the chair 
 on such occasions. — Proc. 18S8, p. 37; Proc. 1894, 
 p. 8. His right to preside at a trial cannot be objected 
 to, nor can he be deprived of it. — Proc. 1893, pp. 
 22, 65. 
 
270 
 
 TVOKSHIPFUL ilASTEK — RIGHT TO VOTE — CASTIKG VOTE, KOXE. 
 
 While the Worshipful Master has unusual powers 
 as a presiding officer, his voting capacity is no greater 
 than that of any other member. — Proc. 1880, p. 22. 
 He is not allowed the casting vote in case of a tie in 
 addition to his vote as a member. — Proc. 1891, p. 57; 
 Proc. 3 895, pp. 29, 118; Proc. 1897, p. 61. 
 
 WORSHIPFUL MASTER — STATIONS, CANNOT FILL, WHEN HIMSELF 
 TO BE ABSENT. 
 
 ^V by-law containing a section ending: "the Master 
 having the right to appoint the officers pro tem. in his 
 absence," is as to such a clause incorrect and unma- 
 sonic. — Proc. 1821, pp. 11, 14; Hacker's Eep., pp. 
 74, 76. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 A 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Abandonment of family— Deception of a Mason's sister. . 123 
 
 Abatement 127 
 
 Absence of accused cured 166 
 
 Absence of accused — Trial 251 
 
 Absence of By-Laws — General Rules and Regulations. . . 137 
 
 Absent Worshipful Master, cannoit fill stations 270 
 
 Abusive language 201 
 
 Account current — Non-payment of dues, charges for 115 
 
 Accused, absence of cured 166 
 
 Accused alone entitled to appeal 128 
 
 Accused cannot re-enter Lodge — Suspension — Expulsion 248 
 
 Acknowledgment — Notice 217 
 
 Action of Lodge constitutes 153 
 
 Action of Lodge 159 
 
 Action necessary— Renewal of Lodge 205 
 
 Actual Past Master 224 
 
 Additional specifications— Agreement 242 
 
 Admonition— Intoxicating liquors 185, 187 
 
 Adopted— Ritual— Grand Lodge 268 
 
 Advancement after being stopped— Time 249 
 
 Advancement — How prevented 38 
 
 Advancement— Intoxicating liquors 186 
 
 Advancement— .Turisdiction 191 
 
 Advancement— Objection 123 
 
 Advancement, requirements for 40 
 
 Advertising 58 
 
 Affiliated Mason may prefer charges 139 
 
 Affiliated Master Mason— Presumption that they are 
 
 signed by— Charges 140 
 
 Affiliation— Dimit not sufficient— Proof of standing- 
 Identity — Voucher 125 
 
 Affiliation- Rejection— .Turisdiction 125 
 
 Affiliation— Rejection— Reasons 125 
 
 Affiliation— Unanimous ballot 126 
 
 Affiliation- Unanimous ballot— Reason 126 
 
 After initiation— Maim 207 
 
 After report of committee, ballot imperative 131 
 
 Against Masonry— Offenses 55 
 
 (271) 
 
272 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Age, lawful 202, 216 
 
 Agency, JIasonry not a collecting 150 
 
 Agent— Manufacture and sale— Intoxicating liquors 188 
 
 Agreement— Specifications 242 
 
 Aid and assistance 231 
 
 Amend cliarges— Leave to 256 
 
 Amendment at subsequent meeting— Cliarges — Dismissed 140 
 
 Annual report, failure to malie — Penalty 54 
 
 Annual returns 51 
 
 Annulled— Ballot, how 37 
 
 Appeal ......127, 128, 129, 130, 148, 1G2, 103, 1()4, 107, 203, 
 
 213. 214, 21G, 217, 218, 220, 233, 230, 243, 250, 251, 258 
 
 Appeal— Abatement— Death 127 
 
 Appeal, Accused alone entitled to 128 
 
 Appeal— Assignmeiats of error — New trial 128 
 
 Appeal by committeeman 236 
 
 Appeal— Concurrence in report on unmasonic conduct. . . 128 
 
 Aijpeal- Confession of guilt — Continuance 14S 
 
 Appeal— Dismissal of — ISTew trial 128 
 
 Appeal — Irregularities- Called meeting 129 
 
 Appeal— Notice of intention— Motion for new trial 129 
 
 Appeal, on merits of case 129 
 
 Appeal— Rejected applicant 130 
 
 Appeal— Reversal on merits— Restoration 130 
 
 Appeals— Duty of Secretary 70 
 
 Appeals— How and when talsen 70 
 
 Appearance— Trial 251, 252 
 
 Applicant, rejected 38, 130' 
 
 Applicant rejected— Jurisdiction 195 
 
 Application 153 
 
 ApiDOinted, new committee may be ISO' 
 
 Appointment of Special Deputy 117 
 
 Arrest 131 
 
 Arrest, motion to — Lodge action — Ballot 131 
 
 Arrest of charter— Invasion of jurisdiction 192 
 
 Arbitrate — I^odges may, after resort to civil courts 147 
 
 Argument after accused has retired from the Lodge — 
 
 Trial 252 
 
 Assessment 130 
 
 Assignments of error — New trial 128 
 
 Assumed, name— Expelled under, real, restored in 212 
 
 Attempts to anticipate action— Grand Lodge 170 
 
 B 
 
 Ballot 131, 132, 133, 134, 210 
 
 Ballot— Arrest, motion to — Lodge action 131 
 
 Ballot for degrees or membership 35 
 
 Ballot for initiation — Regular meeting 131 
 
 Ballot— How annulled 37 
 
273 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Ballot, must be separate on each application 134: 
 
 Ballot— Non-age 210 
 
 Ballot, not to be questioned— Secrecy— Finality 13:d 
 
 Ballot on report of committee— Restoration 23t> 
 
 Ballot, postponement of 132 
 
 Ballot, rejection declared, cannot be retaken at subse- 
 quent meeting 132 
 
 Ballot, second— One elected to receive one degree could 
 
 be subjected to 133 
 
 Ballot, secrecy of unquestionable 133 
 
 Ballot— Secit'cy-Cannot be questioned 134 
 
 Ballot, reconsideration 132 
 
 Ballot, unanimous 12(5 
 
 Ballot, written improper in JIasonic trial 134 
 
 Ballots 218 
 
 Ballots, written 101 
 
 Betting 174 
 
 Begging circulars 135 
 
 Begging papers condemned — Duty to travelers 13") 
 
 Begin in the South— Knocks 199 
 
 Belief In God 175 
 
 Benefits— Sick 241 
 
 Beverage— Intoxicating liquors 185, 187, 189, 190 
 
 Bible— Exclusion from Masonic altars 182 
 
 Bind — Lodge Worshipful Master cannot 209 
 
 Black-balling— Charges and trial for 135 
 
 Blanks not counted 101 
 
 Bond, signing for retailer, not a Masonic offense 185 
 
 Brewery— Intoxicating liquors— Superintendent 186 
 
 Bureau, Masonry not a collection 150 
 
 Burial of a suspended or expelled JIason 130 
 
 Business disposed of at one meeting cannot again be 
 
 acted on at another 130 
 
 Business purposes— "Masonic or Masons' 208 
 
 Business— Quorum 230 
 
 Business— What in Lodges below the degree of Master 
 
 Mason 201 
 
 By-Law — Fee to accompany petition — Cannot forfeit — 
 
 Return of 138 
 
 By-Law— Life membership 203 
 
 By-Law— Past ilaster cannot preside by authority of. . . 223 
 
 By-Law— Petition, refusal to receive 227 
 
 By-Law— Presentation for degrees— Time 249 
 
 By-Law, refusing to sit up with sick 241 
 
 By-Law— Renewal— Petition 228 
 
 By-Law— Sick benefits 241 
 
 By-Laws— Absence of— General Rules and Regulations.. 137 
 
 By-Laws— Improper provisions 138 
 
 By-Laws— Trustees not needed 139 
 
 18 
 
274 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Called meeting— Irregularities— Appeal 129 
 
 Called meeting 129 
 
 Called meeting — Funeral — Reconsideration 171 
 
 Calling the roll 223 
 
 Candidate stopped 169 
 
 Cannot be retaken at subsequent meeting — Ballot 132 
 
 Cannot forfeit fee 138 
 
 Cannot be charged during suspension— Dues 158 
 
 Cannot preside by authority of title — Past Master 223 
 
 Cannot bind Lodge— Worshipful Master 269 
 
 Cannot fill stations, when himself to be absent — Wor- 
 shipful Master 270 
 
 Care of— Widow 266 
 
 Case — Merits of — Appeal 129 
 
 Casting vote, none — Worshipful Master 270 
 
 Ceremonies — Public 43 
 
 Ceremonies of constituting and consecrating new Lodge 
 
 —Long form 71 
 
 Ceremonies of installation 76 
 
 Ceremonies of laying corner-stones — Ritual for 87 
 
 Ceremonies — Funeral 102 
 
 Certificate of dimit 114 
 
 Chapter, expulsion from, how carried into Lodge 239 
 
 Chapter expulsion, expels from Lodge 168 
 
 Chapter— Past Master 224 
 
 Chapter Past Master, cannot install officers 183 
 
 Character, committee on — New may be appointed- In- 
 vestigation, time for — Duty of 139 
 
 Charges 01, 135, 139, 140, 141, 149, 155, 156, 158 
 
 Charges for non-payment of dues 115 
 
 Charges and trial— Construction 123, 203 
 
 Charges and trial for— Black-balling 135 
 
 Charges — Any affiliated Mason may prefer— Jurisdiction 139 
 
 Charges — Any member may prefer 140 
 
 Charges— Dismissed — Amendment at subsequent meet- 
 ing 140 
 
 Charges — Presumption that they are signed by an affili- 
 ated Master Mason 140 
 
 Charges— Time and place— Reasonable certainty 140 
 
 Charges — Withdrawal — Dismissed 141 
 
 Charges — Specifications — Withdrawal — Dismissal — 
 
 Lodge 141 
 
 Charges— Withdrawal — Dismissal of case 141 
 
 Charges — Witnesses not named in 167 
 
 Charges 203, 209, 216, 217, 218, 220, 223, 247, 2.53, 254 
 
 Charges, joint— Trial 253, 254 
 
275 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Charges— Leave to amend 256 
 
 Charges by Worshipful Master 269 
 
 Charges after 156 
 
 Charity— Destitution, sicliness and death 142 
 
 Charity— Funeral expenses— No reimbursement 142, 143 
 
 Charity — Grand Lodge cannot dispense 143 
 
 Charity— Grand Lodge— Subordinate Lodges— Members. 143 
 
 Charity 143, 231, 232 
 
 Charity— Lodge funds 143 
 
 Charity— Reimbursement not obligatory 143, 144 
 
 Chart, Cross's 148 
 
 Charter— Conditional surrender 144 
 
 Charter— Constitutional number can retain 144 
 
 Charter— Petition for 17 
 
 Charter and jewels— Taking, concealing and keeping. .. 146 
 Charter, surrender of— Sale of property — Fraud against 
 
 Grand Lodge 145 
 
 Charter, unconditional surrender of 146 
 
 Charter, arrest of — Invasion of jurisdiction 192 
 
 Charter — Lodge must obtain 203 
 
 Cipher rituals 146 
 
 Circulars, forestalling judgment of Grand Lodge 176 
 
 Circulars — Begging 135 
 
 Citizenship — Residence — Petition 283 
 
 Civil courts. Lodge may arbitrate after resort to 147 
 
 Civil court record 161 
 
 Civil court, judgment of 163 
 
 Civil court, defense set up in not to prejudice — Trial. . . . 255 
 
 Class legislation and distinctions nnlawful— Dues 158 
 
 Clergyman 211 
 
 Close of— Trial 255 
 
 Closing and opening — Knocks begin in the South 199 
 
 Commission to constitute Lodge 118 
 
 Commission of Grand Representative, revocation or re- 
 call of 180 
 
 Committee on petitions, report of 33 
 
 Committee, new may be appointed 139 
 
 Committee, evidence taken by 167 
 
 Committee to take evidence 161 
 
 Committee, report of — Ballot on — Restoration 236 
 
 Committee should not conduct trial 257 
 
 Committee, report of, when concurred in, the act of — 
 
 Grand Lodge 177 
 
 Committeeman, appeal by 236 
 
 Competency, ritualistic 239 
 
 Complaint 101 
 
 Concealing and keeping — Charter and jewels 146 
 
 Concurrence, in report on unmasonic conduct 128 
 
 Concurrent jurisdiction 192, 19.^) 
 
276 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 ConcuiTsnt Lodges, waiver of one sufficient— Jurisdic- 
 tion 195 
 
 Concurrent jurisdiction 198 
 
 Concurrent— When residence is on line— Jurisdiction. . . . 22S 
 
 Condemned — Begging papers— Dutj- to travelers 134 
 
 Conditional 15G 
 
 Conditional surrender— Charter 1-4-1 
 
 Conduct, unmasonic — Concurrence in report of — Appeal. 128 
 
 Conduct, unmasonic, not growing out of olflcial duties. . 179 
 
 Conduct, unworthy— Relief 23.5 
 
 Confession of guilt — Continuance— xVppeal 148 
 
 Consolidated Lodges— Worlj— Fee — Discipliue 147 
 
 Conspiracies- Grand Lodge 170 
 
 Constitute Lodge— Commission to 118 
 
 Constituted— Lodge, how and by whom 18, 73 
 
 Constituting new Lodges — Short form for 74 
 
 Constituting and consecrating new Lodge — Long form. . 74 
 
 Constitution, Grand, must be read 147 
 
 Constitutional number can retain- Charter 144 
 
 Contempt for Masonry, expressed 17-j 
 
 Contempt of, a JIasonic offense — Grand Master decision 180 
 
 Continuance— Trial 261 
 
 Continuance — Confession of guilt — Appeal 148 
 
 Continuance — Refusal— Witness 148 
 
 Contract— Pee for degrees 170 
 
 Copied into the record 1G2 
 
 Corner-stones — Ceremonies of laying— Ritual for 87 
 
 Counsel 250 
 
 Counterfeit money 181 
 
 Courts of law — Technicalities 24S 
 
 Court record 161 
 
 Court of law— Records of 160 
 
 Corner-stone — Laying of — Sunday 246 
 
 Criminal court- Plea of guilty— Trial 25S 
 
 Cross's chart 148 
 
 Cross-examination of witnesses— Trial 256 
 
 D 
 
 Date of petition 169 
 
 Daughter of a Master Mason, letters to from married 
 
 Master Mason 149 
 
 Dead witnesses 165, 213 
 
 Dealer, wholesale — Intoxicating liquors 190 
 
 Death 127 
 
 Death— Charges — Masonic rights 149 
 
 Debt— Falsehood— Fraud 149 
 
 Debt, inabilit.v to pa.v-Masonry not a collecting agency 1.50 
 Debt, Inability to pay— Masonry not a collection bureau 150 
 
277 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Debt— Lawsuit 151 
 
 Debt to Lodge— Discipline, not cause for unless fraud is 
 
 charged 151 
 
 Debt to Lodge— Non-payment a Jlasonic offense 151 
 
 Debt— Misfortune— Old age 152 
 
 Debt, non-payment— Fraud 152 
 
 Deceased witnesses— Proof of former testimony of 213 
 
 Deception of a Mason's sister 123 
 
 Decision— Grand Master 180 
 
 Decisions — Digest of 123 
 
 Declared rejection— Ballot cannot be retaken at subse- 
 quent meeting 132 
 
 Dedication of Masonic balls 95 
 
 Default— Waiver improper— Trial 253 
 
 Defective charges 181 
 
 Definite and certain, must be — Penalty 225 
 
 Defunct Lodge 15G 
 
 Degree of Past Master 224 
 
 Degree — Past Master's 41 
 
 Degrees and rites 41 
 
 Degrees, educational qualifications for 160 
 
 Degrees, fee for 169, 170, 171 
 
 Degrees of Masonry — Intoxicating liquors 189 
 
 Degrees or membershiji — Ballot for 35 
 
 Degrees or membership — Petition for 30 
 
 Degrees — Monetary value 47 
 
 Degrees — Residence 233 
 
 Degrees, side 160 
 
 Degrees, side — Lodge — Lodge room 241 
 
 Degrees, unconferred, petition for — ^Jurisdiction 197 
 
 Degrees — AVaiver — Jurisdiction — Majority vote 194 
 
 Degrees, when to be conferred — Suitable proficiency. . . . 153 
 
 Delinquents— Notice to 115 
 
 Denial of belief in God 175 
 
 Deposition 165 
 
 Depositions — New trial 213 
 
 Deprivation of rights — Non-affiliation 215 
 
 Deputy — Special report of US 
 
 Destitution, sickness and death— Charity 141 
 
 Determine penalty — Lodge to 225 
 
 Double— Jurisdiction 198 
 
 Digest of decisions 123 
 
 Dimit ■ 153, 154, 155, 15(5, 157 
 
 Dimit, action of Lodge constitutes 154 
 
 Dimit — Application— Action of Lodge constitutes — With- 
 out knowledge or consent of the member, void 153 
 
 Dimit— Certificate of 114 
 
 Dimit, conditional — Unmasonic conduct afterwards 154 
 
 Dimit— Dues— Charges 155 
 
 Dimit— Duration— No limit 155 
 
278 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Dimit— Fee for 155 
 
 Dimit — Imperative to grant, dues paid and no cliarges. . 155 
 
 Dimitted Mason, not a crime to be 157 
 
 Dimit not sufficient 125 
 
 Dimit or resign — Worshipful Master 235 
 
 Dimit— Receipt of Grand Secretary— Defunct Lodge. .. . ISft 
 
 Dimit— Removal from jurisdiction— Cliarges after 15(5 
 
 Dimi't— Resigning office not a prereqi.isite 156 
 
 Dimit, vote of the Lodge constitutes^Conditional loB 
 
 Dimit — Vote granting constitutes 157 
 
 Discipline 147, 15S, ISO- 
 Discipline alone destroys — Good standing 244 
 
 Discipline, not cause for unless fraud is charged — Debt 
 
 to Lodge I'l 
 
 Discipline — Voluntary non-affiliate 157 
 
 Discipline, who liable to— Surety for fee 171 
 
 Dismissal 141 
 
 Dismissal of case 141 
 
 Dismissal of— New trial— Appeal 128 
 
 Dismissal — Specifications 243 
 
 Dismissed 140 
 
 Disobedience and disturber 57 
 
 Disobedience — Orders of Worshipful Master 22S 
 
 Dispensation 204 
 
 Dispensation — Petition for 13, 204 
 
 Dispensation to elect officers— Special 117 
 
 Dissolved — Lodges, how 20 
 
 Disturber and disobedience 57 
 
 Divorce complaint — Judgment 161 
 
 Documentary evidence — Visitor 263 
 
 Donation unlawful— Fee for degrees 171 
 
 Dropping from the rolls 157 
 
 Druggist selling as such — Intoxicating liquors ISG 
 
 Dues 155. 15S. 15E> 
 
 Dues, cannot be charged during suspension l.jS 
 
 Dues — Class legislation and distinction unlawful l.'S 
 
 Dues— Fees — Note 230 
 
 Dues— Lodge 4S, 230 
 
 Dues, none during — Suspension 24S 
 
 Dues— Non-payment— Charges — Trial 15S 
 
 Dues — Non-payment — Discipline 158 
 
 Dues— Non-payment — Discipline-^Notice 139 
 
 Dues— Non-payment — Expulsion— Suspension-Restora- 
 tion 159 
 
 Dues— Non-payment — Forfeiture of membersUiii — Right 
 
 of defense— Notice — Action of Lodge 159 
 
 Dues— Non-pay ment of 58 
 
 Dues— Non-payment— Penalty, ballot on not required. . . 159 
 
 Dues of Indigent member^ 49 
 
 During suspension, dues cannot be charged 158 
 
279 
 
 PAGir. 
 
 Duty of Committee on Character 139 
 
 Duty of every member, unless excused — Vote 204 
 
 Duty of Secretary— Appeals 70 
 
 Duties of the Grand Master 9 
 
 Duty to travelers — Begging papers condemned 134: 
 
 Each a distinct session— Stated meeting 211 
 
 Eastern Star, Order of— Lodge rooms— Side degree 160 
 
 Eastern Star, Order of— Lodge hall 160 
 
 Educational qualitications for degrees 160 
 
 Effect of penalty 68 
 
 Effect of suspension — Membership 211 
 
 Elect officers — Special dispensation to 117 
 
 Elected to one degree— Could be subjected to second bal- 
 lot 133 
 
 Election for degrees fixes — Jurisdiction 194 
 
 Election of officers 22 
 
 Election of officers— Written ballots— Blanks not counted 161 
 
 Eligible — Grand Officers vi^ho are S 
 
 Eligible to office— Who are 23 
 
 Eligibility— Office 222, 239 
 
 Eligibility— Residence 233 
 
 Entered Apprentice 237 
 
 Entered Apprentices — Funeral 172 
 
 Entered Apprentice — Jurisdiction 197 
 
 Entered Apprentice — Waiver— Jurisdiction 191 
 
 Entered Apprentices cannot discipline Lodge of blaster 
 
 Masons 203 
 
 Entitled to appeal, accused alone 128 
 
 Error, assignments of 128 
 
 Error — New trial 213 
 
 Escort, Lodge cannot act— Funeral 172 
 
 Esoteric instruction 60, 239 
 
 Esoteric worlv 239 
 
 Evidence — Copied into the record— Appeal— Lodge justi- 
 fication 162 
 
 Evidence, ex parte— Trial 162 
 
 Evidence— Civil court record— Divorce, complaint, judg- 
 ment IGl 
 
 Evidence— Committee to take— Province of— rower lim- 
 ited 16t 
 
 Evidence 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 16S, 21:3, 
 
 214, 2.".0, 253, 255, 258 
 Evidence reduced to writing by Secretary at former trial 
 
 not admissible 213 
 
 Evidence, newly discovered 214 
 
 Evidence— Hearsay— Trial 163 
 
 Evidence— Judgment of civil court— Plea of guilty— Trial 163 
 
280 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Evidence — Mere conflict— Reversal— Appeal 163 
 
 Evidence — Newly discovered — Names of witnesses — New 
 
 trial— Appeal 164 
 
 Evidence — Newly discovered — Purcliaser — Attorney — 
 
 New trial— Appeal 164 
 
 Evidence— Newly discovered— Statement of 165 
 
 Evidence — New trial — Deposition — Dead witnesses 165 
 
 Evidence— Recorded at former trial not admissible 166 
 
 Evidence — Records of court of law 166 
 
 Evidence taken by committee — Absence of accused 
 
 cured 166 
 
 Evidence, taken by committee — Notice 167 
 
 Evidence — Transcript — Justice of the peace 167 
 
 Evidence — Witnesses, not named in charges — Appeal... 167 
 Evidence, written — Cannot be used in trial of a differ- 
 ent person 168 
 
 Examination in open Lodge — Proficiency 229 
 
 Excessive — Penalty 225 
 
 Exclusion from Masonic altars — Holy Bible 182 
 
 Ex parte evidence — Trial 162 
 
 Expelled, under assumed name — Restored in real 212 
 
 Expelled Mason— Burial of 136 
 
 Expelled Mason, reinstatement 231 
 
 Expelled Masons — Restoration 237 
 
 Explanation — Plea of guilty — Criminal court — Trial 258 
 
 Explicit— Specifications 243 
 
 Expulsion— P^om Chapter expels from Lodge 168 
 
 Expulsion, or suspension — Lodge of Entered Appren- 
 tices — Master Mason 169 
 
 Expulsion by resolution 169 
 
 Expulsion, without sanction of Grand Lodge 169 
 
 Expulsion 159 
 
 Expulsion from Chapter, how carried into Lodge 239 
 
 Expulsion — Suspension 248 
 
 Expulsion after suspension — Trial 259 
 
 Extent of — Jurisdiction 198 
 
 Extenuating circumstances— Unmasonic language 201 
 
 F 
 
 Failure to make annual report— Penalty 54 
 
 Falsehood— Fraud— Debt 149 
 
 Falsehood as to age 202 
 
 Family — Abandonment of 123 
 
 Fee 147, 171, 230 
 
 Fee for dimit 155 
 
 Fee for the degrees — Accompany petition 169 
 
 Fee for the degrees — Date of petition 169 
 
 Fee for the degrees — Return of part optional — Contract. 170 
 
281 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Fee for degrees, surety for— Discipline, wlio liable to. ■. . 171 
 
 Tee, refunding— Jurisdiction— Waiver by 195 
 
 Fee to accompany petition— Cannot forfeit— Return of— 
 
 By-Law 138 
 
 Fee for the degrees— Candidate stopped— Part to be re- 
 funded 169 
 
 Fee for the degrees— Return of part as a donation uu- 
 
 lawf ul— Nffte for, unlawful 170 
 
 Fees— Clergymen— Preachers 211 
 
 Fellow Craft 237 
 
 Fellow Craft— Funeral 172 
 
 Fellow Craft— Jurisdiction 197 
 
 Finality— Secrecy— Ballot, not to be questioned 133 
 
 Fingers of right hand— Two first 208 
 
 Firearms— Revolver, pointing in threatening manner. . .. 171 
 
 First great light— Holy Bible 182 
 
 Foreign Lodge— Request of —Jurisdiction 191 
 
 Foreign jurisdiction— Relief 231 
 
 Forfeiture of membership 159 
 
 Form for constituting bcw Lodges— Short 71 
 
 Form for constituting new Lodges— Long 71 
 
 Form of recommendation 15 
 
 Forms 113 
 
 France— Grand Orient of 174 
 
 Fraud I.j2, 171 
 
 Fraud— Falsehood— Debt 149 
 
 Fraud— Facts— Proof 171 
 
 Fraud— Trial 251 
 
 Fraud against Grand Lodge— Sale of property— Surren- 
 der of charter 145 
 
 From Chapter — Expulsion from Lod,ne 168 
 
 Full age — Non-age 210 
 
 Fundamental Principles — Transcript 250 
 
 Funds, Lodge — Treasurer 250 
 
 Funeral — Master Masons 45 
 
 Funeral ceremonies 102 
 
 Funeral expenses — No reimbursement 142 
 
 Funeral — Called meeting— Reconsideraticn 171 
 
 Funeral — Entered Apprentices — Fellow Craft 172 
 
 Funeral— Escort, Lodge cannot act 172 
 
 Funeral — Lodge, when opened— Third degree 172 
 
 Funeral — Non-afiHiate, but Royal Arch Mason to attend 173 
 Funeral— Other societies may join in procession— Hon- 
 orary pall-bearers 173 
 
 G 
 
 Gambling — Betting — Playing cards for money 174 
 
 Gambling — Lottery— Gift enterprises 174 
 
 •General Rules and Regulations— Absence of By-Laws. . 137 
 
282 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Geographical jurisdiction 28, 193, 19i 
 
 Gift enterprises 174 
 
 God, and the immortality of the soul — Grand Orient of 
 
 France 174 
 
 God, denial of belief in — Masonry, expressed contempt 
 
 for 17.') 
 
 Good standing 244, 245 
 
 Good standing — Discipline alone destroys 244 
 
 Gospel, ministers of 211 
 
 Grade of punishment— Penalty 225 
 
 Grand Constitution must be read 147 
 
 Grand Honors— Note 72 
 
 Grand Lodge — Powers of 11 
 
 Grand Lodge. . .143, 170, 177, 191, 193, 197, 225, 230, 231, 237 
 Grand Lodge — Fraud against— Sale of property— Surren- 
 der of charter 14.5 
 
 Grand Lodge cannot dispense charity 143 
 
 Grand Lodge of Peru 182 
 
 Grand Lodge— Jurisdiction 191, 193, 197 
 
 Grand Lodge dues 211 
 
 Grand Lodge — Sovereign over penalty 225 
 
 Grand Lodge cannot interfere with Lodge propertj- 230 
 
 Grand Lodge— Relief 231 
 
 Grand Lodge — Restoration 237 
 
 Grand Lodge — Ritual— Lodges must conform to 268 
 
 Grand Lodge, expulsion without sanction of 169 
 
 Grand Lodge — Attempts to anticipate its action— Con- 
 spiracies 176 
 
 Grand Lodge — Circulars forestalling judgment of 176 
 
 Grand Lodge — Committee, report of, when concurred in, 
 
 the act of 177 
 
 Gi-and Lodge — Loss, will not refund, sustained by Ma- 
 son as civil surety for another 177 
 
 Grand Lodge— Review — Bill of— Restoration 177 
 
 Grand Lodge sovereignty 178 
 
 Grand Lodge — Subordinate Lodges— Jurisdiction 178 
 
 Grand Master 8, 9, 71, 119, 179, 180, 184 
 
 Grand Master— Powers of 8 
 
 Grand Master— Duties of 9 
 
 Grand Master — How received 71 
 
 Grand Master— Order of suspension by 119 
 
 Grand ilaster, charges against a Worshipful Master, 
 
 must be made to and approved by 179 
 
 Grand Master — Decision — Contempt of, a Masonic of- 
 fense 180 
 
 Grand ilaster — Worshipful JIaster — Conduct, unma- 
 sonic, not growing out of official duties— Trial of, in 
 
 Subordinate Lodges 170 
 
 Grand Officers — Who are eligible 8 
 
 Grand Officers— Reception of 72 
 
283 
 
 PACE 
 
 Grand Representative— Coiumission, revocation or recall 
 
 of 180 
 
 Grand Secretary— Receipt of— Dimiit— Defunct Lodge. . . 15t> 
 
 Grand and Past Grand Officers— Opinions of 7S 
 
 Granted— New trials, bow 6{> 
 
 Green goods— Counterfeit money— Defective charges. . . . 181 
 
 Guilt, confession of— Coritinuance — Appeal 148 
 
 Guilt, question of— Tie vote— Penalty 22G 
 
 Guilty, plea of 16S 
 
 H 
 
 Habitual intoxication 18J> 
 
 Halls, Masonic — Dedication of 95 
 
 Hearsay- Evidence 16a 
 
 Holy Bible— First great light IS.: 
 
 Holy Bible— Three great lights 183 
 
 Holy Bible — Exclusion from Masonic altars — Grand 
 
 Lodge of Peru 182 
 
 Honorary membership 31 
 
 Honorary pall bearers 173 
 
 How and when taljen — Appeals 70 
 
 How annulled — Ballot 37 
 
 How constituted— Lodges IS, 73 
 
 How granted — New trials 6& 
 
 How prevented— Advancement 38 
 
 How received — Grand Master 71 
 
 How removed— Penalty 68 
 
 How 'talien— Vote— Trial 264 
 
 How to organize a new lodge 13 
 
 I 
 
 Identity 125 
 
 Impeachment— Witnesses— Trial 256- 
 
 Imperative— Ballot— After report of committee 131 
 
 Improper and unmasonic— Language 201 
 
 Improper provisions— By-Laws 138 
 
 Inability to pay 150 
 
 Indefinite postponement— Trial 251 
 
 Indigent members— Dues of 49 
 
 Individual duty— Relief— Charity 232 
 
 Ineligible to the degrees— Intoxicating liquors 190 
 
 Infidelity to wife t 26(5 
 
 Initiation 1^1- 
 
 Initia'tion, ballot for— Regular meeting 131 
 
 Initiation— ilain, after 20T 
 
 Injured party. .lunior Warden may sign charges for— 
 
 In,iured party— Junior Warden ■ 1S3 
 
 Innocence— Presumption of IS^i, 184 
 
284 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Innocence— Presumption of— Pending charges 245 
 
 Installation 184, lb5, 22-1 
 
 Installation ceremonies 76 
 
 Installation— Lodges U. D. improper 184 
 
 Installation— Lodges U. D. officers are proxies of Grand 
 
 Master 184 
 
 Installation of officers 23 
 
 Installation of Worshipful Master 224 
 
 Installation — Proxy 185 
 
 Installation, when, by whom — Virtual Past Master has 
 
 no authority 185 
 
 Instruction— Esoteric 60 
 
 Intemperate use of, unmasonic — Intoxicating liquors.. . . 186 
 
 Intoxicating liquors 56 
 
 Intoxicating liquors— Beverage — Admonition 185 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — Bond, signing for retailer not a 
 
 Masonic offense 185 
 
 Intoxicating liquors— Brewery — Superintendent 18G 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — Druggist selling as such— Ad- 
 vancement 18ti 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — Intemperate use of, unmasonic. . . . 186 
 Intoxicating liquors — Manufacture or sale as a beverage 
 
 — Admonition 187 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — ilanufacture and sale — Agent. 188, 189 
 Intoxicating liquors — Manufacture and sale of — Habit- 
 ual intoxication — Degrees of Masonry 189 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — Manufacture and sale of as a bev- 
 erage — Justification sought 189 
 
 Intoxicating liquors— Manufacture and sale as a bev- 
 erage— Profanity 190 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — Reprimand by Worshipful Master 
 
 without charge or trial 190 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — Retailing— State license — Justifica- 
 tion 193 
 
 Intoxicating liquors — Wholesale dealer— Ineligible to the 
 
 degree 190 
 
 Invasion of jurisdiction, arrest of charter 192 
 
 Investigation, time for 139 
 
 IiTegularities 129 
 
 Irregularities — Called meeting — Appeal 129 
 
 Irregularities— Transcript 250 
 
 J 
 
 Jeopardy, once in — Trial 258 
 
 Jewels and charter — Taking, concealing and keeping. . . . 146 
 
 Joint charges 254 
 
 Judgment of civil court 163 
 
 Junior Warden 183 
 
285 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Jurisdiction 125, 139, 156, 178. 228 
 
 Jurisdiction — Advancement— Previous rejection 191 
 
 JuTisddction affected — New Lodge 204 
 
 Jurisdiction — Concurrent, wlien residence is on line. .. . 228 
 
 Jurisdiction, concurrent 192 
 
 Jurisdiction— Entered apprentice— Waiver 191 
 
 Jurisdiction — Foreign Lodg-e — Request of 191 
 
 Jurisdiction, foreign, reinstatement from judgment- 
 Grand Lodge 191 
 
 Jurisdiction, invasion— Arrest of cliarter 192 
 
 Jurisdiction— Geograpliical 28, 193, 19 1 
 
 Jurisdiction— Non-aflBIliate— Trial 257 
 
 Jurisdiction— Penal 29, 198 
 
 Jurisdiction, penal— Trial, place of — Concealment 192 
 
 Jurisdiction, perpetual — Grand Lodge — Sovereignty 193 
 
 Jurisdiction, personal and geographical — Majority vote — 
 
 Waiver — Degrees 191 
 
 Jurisdiction, personal, geograpliical — Lodge absolute. . . . 193 
 
 Jurisdiction^Personal — Nearest Lodge 191 
 
 Jurisdiction — Personal — Petition — Election for degrees 
 
 fixes 194 
 
 Jurisdiction— Personal— Trial— JMembeTship 195 
 
 Jurisdiction — Personal — Waiver of one of several con- 
 current Lodges sufficient 195 
 
 Jurisdiction — Refunding fee, waiver by 19."> 
 
 Jurisdiction— Rejected applicant 195 
 
 Jurisdiction — Rejected petitioner — Limit _. 196 
 
 Jurisdiction— Rejection— Waiver— Return of. . . .' 190 
 
 Jurisdiction, release of — Degrees unconferred, petition 
 
 for 197 
 
 Jurisdiction —Removal — Entered Apprentice.-! — Fellow 
 
 Crafts— Grand Lodge — Subordinate Lodges 197 
 
 Jurisdiction— Residence 198 
 
 Jurisdiction, territorial — Concurrent — Line of measure- 
 ment 198 
 
 Jurisdiction— Territorial— Personal— Extent of— Double. 198 
 
 Jury— Lodge— Trial 261 
 
 Justice of the peace 167 
 
 Justification sought— Intoxicating liquors 189 
 
 K 
 
 Keeping, taking and concealing charter and jewels. . . . 146 
 Knoclis begin in the South— Opening and closing Lodge. 199 
 
 L 
 
 Labor— Business— What in Lodges below the degree of 
 
 Itf aster Mason 201 
 
 Labor— Worlc 268 
 
 Language— Abusive— Unlcind 201 
 
286 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Language— Improper and unmasonic 201 
 
 Language — Unmasonic — Extenuating circumstances.... 201 
 
 Lapse— Summons 246 
 
 Lawful age 202 
 
 Lawful age, conferring degrees 210 
 
 Lawful age — PalseLiood as to — Member misrepresenting 
 
 tliat of petitioner 202 
 
 Lawful information — Visitor 263 
 
 Lawsuit 151 
 
 Laying corner-stones, ceremonies of — Ritual for 87 
 
 Laying of corner-stone — Sunday 240 
 
 Letter to, for purpose of accomplishing an evil result — 
 
 Wife 267 
 
 Letter writing 72 
 
 Life Membership— By-Law 203 
 
 Limit — By-Law — Presentation for degrees — Time 249 
 
 Limit— Rejected petition— J arisdietion 196 
 
 Limitations — Statute of 240 
 
 Line of measurement — Jurisdiction 198 
 
 Liquors — Intoxicating 56 
 
 Loan of Lodge funds 230 
 
 Lodge 141, 228 
 
 Lodge action — Motion to arrest — BaUot 131 
 
 Lodge cannot act as escort — Funeral 172 
 
 Lodge — Charter must obtain 203 
 
 Lodge — Commission to constitute 118 
 
 Lodge — Debt to — Non-payment a Masonic offense 151 
 
 Lodge dues'. 48 
 
 Lodge funds — Charity 143 
 
 Lodge funds — Treasurer 250 
 
 Lodge hall— Order of Eastern Star 160 
 
 Lodge — How and by whom constituted IS 
 
 Lodge — How to organize 13 
 
 Lodge Jurisdiction, absolute 193 
 
 Lodge — Jurisdiction, concurrent, waiver of one sufficient 195 
 
 Lodge jurisdiction— Double 198 
 
 Lodge justification 162 
 
 Lodge may arbitrate after resort to civil courts 147 
 
 Lodge may determine — Reason given— Objection 220 
 
 Lodge may grant— New trial 214 
 
 Lodge meetings 23 
 
 Lodge membership 33 
 
 Lodge minutes of trial — Charges — Notice — Time — Sum- 
 mons — Appeal 203 
 
 Lodge Must meet 27 
 
 Lodge — Nearest — Jurisdiction 194 
 
 Lodge, new — Jurisdiction affected 204 
 
 Lodge, new — Recommendation of nearest or next near- 
 est Lodge 204 
 
287 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Lodge, new — Recommendation — Request for — Petitioners 
 
 cannot vote on 205 
 
 Lodge of Entered Apprentices 169 
 
 Lodge of Entered Apprentices cannot discipline a Mas- 
 ter Mason 203 
 
 Lodge officer— Right of— Resign 235 
 
 Lodge order 110 
 
 Lodge recommendation— Expelled Masons 237 
 
 Lodge— Records of 27 
 
 Lodge— Relief— Cliarity-Reimbursement 231 
 
 Lodge — Removal — Action necessary 205 
 
 Lodge— Removal— Majority of all members 205 
 
 Lodge removal — Majority present — Waiver by absentees. 200 
 
 Lodge room. GO 
 
 Lodge room— Side degrees 241 
 
 Lodge rooms— Order of Eastern Star 160 
 
 Lodge seal 240 
 
 Lodge sbould conduct trial, not committee 257 
 
 Lodge suspended— Status of members— Privilege to visit. 200 
 
 Lodge tbe jury— Trial 261 
 
 Lodge to determine — Penalty 225 
 
 Lodge, when opened third degree — Funeral 172 
 
 Lodge — Worshipful Master cannot bind 269 
 
 Lodges— Ceremonies of constituting and consecrating — 
 
 Long form 74 
 
 Lodges consolidated — Worli — Fee — Discipline 147 
 
 Lodges— How dissolved 2D 
 
 Lodges — How constituted 73 
 
 Lodges must conform to the ritual adopted by the 
 
 Grand Lodge 268 
 
 Lodges— New— Short form for constituting 74 
 
 Lodges, not applicable to— Statute of limitations 240 
 
 Lodges U. D. — Installation improper 181 
 
 Lodges under dispensation — Powers and privileges 207 
 
 Lodges under dispensation — Records, requisites of 207 
 
 Long form— Consitituting and consecrating new Lodges. . 74 
 
 Loss of left thumb ' 208 
 
 Loss, will not refund, sustained by Mason as civil surety 
 
 for another 177 
 
 Lottery 174 
 
 Majority present— Removal of Lodge 206 
 
 M 
 
 Maim— After initiation— Physical qualifications 207 
 
 Maim— Rupture— Truss 20S 
 
 Maim— Loss of left thumb— Two first fingers of right 
 
 hand 208 
 
 Majority of all members— Removal of Lodge 205 
 
288 
 
 TAGE. 
 
 Jlajority vote — Waiver— Jurisdiction 194 
 
 Make annual report — Failui'e — Penalty 54 
 
 Manufacture or sale as a beverage — Intoxicating liquors 187 
 Manufacture and sale — Intoxicating liquors. . . .188, 189, 190 
 Married Master Mason— Letters to a daughter of Mas- 
 ter Mason 140 
 
 Mason, Royal Areli 239 
 
 Mason raised regardless of objection — Standing good. . . 245 
 
 Mason suspended — ^Cliarges — Trial 247 
 
 Masonic riglits, charges, death 149 
 
 Masonic offense— Non-payment of debt to Lodge 151 
 
 Masonic offense — Slander 242 
 
 Masonic trial 05, 134 
 
 Masonic halls — Dedication of 95 
 
 Masonic tribunal not to review — Civil court — Trial .... 255 
 Masonic or Masons, used as names for business pur- 
 poses 208 
 
 Masonry — Offenses against 50 
 
 Masonry, expressed contempt for 175 
 
 Masonry, degrees of, intoxicating liquors 18.1 
 
 Masonry not a collecting agency 150 
 
 Masonry not a collection bureau 150 
 
 Mason's sister— Deception of 123 
 
 Master may preside, though a witness— Trial 257 
 
 Master Mason 169 
 
 Master Mason's funeral 4.j 
 
 Master Mason — Lodge of Entered Apprentices cannot 
 
 discipline 203 
 
 Master Masons only — Vote 2(i4 
 
 Master has right to arrange — Work 268 
 
 Master — Worshipful 24 
 
 Master— Office 222 
 
 Master. Worshipful, orders of — Disobedience 223 
 
 Master may determine — SpecJflcations- Sufficiency 244 
 
 May install, who 224 
 
 Measurement, line of — Jurisdiction 198 
 
 Meet — Lodge must 27 
 
 Meeting 131 
 
 Meeting — Place of 26 
 
 Meeting, stated — Each a distinct session 211 
 
 Meeting, regular — Ballot for initiation 131 
 
 Meetings— Lodge 25 
 
 Meetings— Who and what necess.iry 27 
 
 Member may prefer charges 140 
 
 Member misrepresenting— Lawful age 202 
 
 Member— Objection by 222 
 
 Members suspended Lodge 263 
 
 Jlembers 143 
 
 Members indigent— Dues of 49 
 
289 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Members— Majority of all— Removal of Lodge 205 
 
 Members of suspended Lodge— Status of 200 
 
 Members— Seven'— Quorum— Trial 230 
 
 Members of suspended Lodge— Standing good 245 
 
 Membersliip 237, 238, 265 
 
 Membership or degrees— Petition, for 30 
 
 Membersliip — Life — By-Lavs^ 203 
 
 Membership— Lodge 33, 195 
 
 Membership — Honorary 34 
 
 Membership — Operation of law — Not test by — Charges — 
 
 Notice 209 
 
 Members'hip— Petitioner for new Lodge dimitted by sign- 
 ing 209 
 
 Membership — Petitioner for new Lodge severs from old . 210 
 Membership — Petitioner for new Lodge— Signing does 
 
 not dimit 210 
 
 Membership — Petitioner for new Lodge — Signing while 
 
 temporary resident does not dimit 210 
 
 Membership, suspension from — Effect of 211 
 
 Membership — Suspended Lodge— Status of 211 
 
 Membership or degrees— Ballot for 35 
 
 Mere conflict— Evidence 163 
 
 Merits of case — Appeal 129, 130 
 
 Ministers of the Gospel — Clergymen— Preachers — Fees — 
 
 Grand Lodge dues 211 
 
 Minutes of trial 203 
 
 Misdemeanor— Excessive penalty 225 
 
 Misfortune 152 
 
 Misrepresenting age of petitioner 202 
 
 Misrepresentation— Surety, promising to become 212 
 
 Monetary value — Degrees 47 
 
 Monitor— Webb's 265 
 
 Motion for new trial 129 
 
 Blotion for new trial— Notice of intention, apjieal 129 
 
 Motion to dismiss charges — Trial 251 
 
 Motion to strike out— Specifications 243 
 
 Must be — Definite and certain — Penalty 225 
 
 Must obtain— Charter 203 
 
 N 
 
 Name— Assumed, expelled under— Real, restored in.... 212 
 
 Names of witnesses 164 
 
 Nearest Lodge — Jurisdiction 194, 204 
 
 Necessary— Who and what— Meetings 27 
 
 New Lodge 204 
 
 New Lodge — How to organize 13, 204 
 
 New Lodge — How and by whom constituted 18 
 
 New trials— How granted 69 
 
 19 
 
290 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Xew Lodges— Short form for constituting 74 
 
 Xew Lodges — Constituting and consecrating — Long 
 
 form 74 
 
 ^ew trial 128, 129, 164, 165, 244, 258 
 
 New trial— Appeal— Prosecuting witness 213 
 
 New trials Assignments of error — Appeal 128 
 
 New trial, dismissal of — Appeal 128 
 
 New trial— Evidence — Depositions — Proof of former tes- 
 timony of deceased witnesses — Appeal 213 
 
 New trial— Evidence reduced to writing by Secretary at 
 
 former trial, not admissible— Error— Appeal 213 
 
 New trial— Lodge may grant 214 
 
 Xew trial, motion for— Notice of intention— Appeal 129 
 
 New trial — Newly discovered evidence — Appeal 214 
 
 New trial— Newly discovered evidence — Shoiild be such 
 
 as would change the finding 214 
 
 New trial— Sentence removed by 215 
 
 Newly discovered 165 
 
 Newly discovered evidence 164, 214 
 
 No limit 155 
 
 Non-affiliate — Jurisdiction— Trial 257 
 
 Non-affiliated— Funeral 173 
 
 Non-affiliated Masons — Restoration 238 
 
 Non-affiliated, voluntary, discipline 157 
 
 Non-affiUiation — Deprivation of rights 215 
 
 Non-age— Petition— Ballot— Full age 216 
 
 Non-age — Petition — Ballot — Lawful age conferring de- 
 grees 216 
 
 Non-payment 152 
 
 Non-payment a Masonic offense — Debt to Lodge 151 
 
 Non-payment — Dues 157, 159 
 
 Non-payment of dues— Charges for 115 
 
 Non-payment of dues 58 
 
 Not admissible, evidence recorded at former trial 166 
 
 Not lost by— Membership 209 
 
 Not needed— Trustees— By-Laws 139 
 
 Note 230 
 
 Note for unlawful — Fee for degrees 170 
 
 Note — Grand Honors 72 
 
 Notice 159, 167, 203, 209, 216, 217, 251 
 
 Notice— Charges— Names of witnesses— Waiver— Trial- 
 Appeal 216 
 
 Notice — Charges — Trial 217 
 
 Notice — Charges — Witnesses not named may testify — 
 
 Appeal 220 
 
 Notice of subsequent hearing 254 
 
 Notice of intention — Motion for new trial— Appeal 129 
 
 Notice to delinquents 115 
 
 Notice — Service — Acknowledgment — Charges — ^Waiver — 
 Appeal 217 
 
291 
 
 PAGB. 
 
 Notice— Trial— Charges— Waiver— Appeal 218 
 
 Notice— Ttiial— Waiver— Pleas— Ballots 218 
 
 NotLfica'tion 115 
 
 Number— Constitutional, can retain— Charter 144 
 
 
 
 Objection— Advancement 123 
 
 Objection to advancement — Reasons given, sufficiency of 
 
 — Lodge may determine 220 
 
 Objection after election— Record of, has force of nega- 
 tive ballot— Reasons before are property of the Lodge 221 
 
 Objection, by member 222 
 
 Obj-ection to initiation is a rejection 221 
 
 ■Objection to initiation— Withdrawal after record 221 
 
 Objection to sit V7ith witness— Trial 261 
 
 Oblivion, falsing up ashes of— Statute of limitations. . . . 240! 
 
 Offense, Masonjc— Slander 242 
 
 Office, eligibility to 239 
 
 Office— JIaster— Eligibility— Warden 222 
 
 Office— Right to hold pending charges 223 
 
 Office — Vacancies in 22 
 
 Office— Who are eligible to 8, 23 
 
 Officer of a Lodge — Resign 235 
 
 Officers— LodgesTJ. D. installation of officers improper. . 184 
 
 Officers— Lodges U. D.— Proxies of Grand Master 184 
 
 Officers— Election of 22 
 
 Officers— Installation of 23 
 
 Officers— Special dispensation to elect 117 
 
 Offenses against Masonry 55, 151 
 
 Old age ' 152 
 
 On all questions — Vote 264 
 
 Once in jeopardy — Trial 258 
 
 One Lodge — Jurisdiction concurrent, waiver of one suffi- 
 cient 195 
 
 Opened — Third degree—Funeral 172 
 
 Open employment of books— Ritual 239 
 
 Opening and closing— Knocks begin in the South 199 
 
 Operation of law— Membership 209 
 
 Opinions of Grand and Past Grand Officers 73 
 
 Organize— New Lodge, how to 13 
 
 Order, Lodge 110 
 
 Order of suspension by the Grand Master 119 
 
 Order of the Eastern Star— Lodge hall 160 
 
 Order of the Eastern Star— Lodge rooms 160 
 
 Orders of Worshipful Master— Disobedience 224 
 
 Orphans and widows — Charity— Relief 232 
 
 Other Grand Officers, reception of 72 
 
 Other societies may join in procession— Funeral 173 
 
292 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Past Grand Masters, reception of 72 
 
 Past Grand officers— Opinions of 7S 
 
 Past Master, cannot preside by authority of this title — 
 
 By-Law 223 
 
 Past Master's degree 41 
 
 Past Master, degree of — Installation of Worshipful Mas- 
 ter— Received in Chaptei' 224 
 
 Past Master, degree of — Worshipful Master of Lodge 
 
 V. D 224 
 
 Past Master, who is — Maj- install 224 
 
 Past Master, who so recognized 224 
 
 Pall-bearers — Honorary 173 
 
 Parliamentary law — Calling the roll 223 
 
 Part to be refunded — Fee 169 
 
 Pay your dues 114 
 
 Penal jurisdiction 29, 192 
 
 Penalties 59 
 
 Penalties, degrees of— Trial 259 
 
 Penalty, after reprimand 233 
 
 Penalty, annual report, failure to make 54 
 
 Penalty — Ballot on not required — Non-payment of dues. 159 
 
 Penalty — Definite and certain, must be 225 
 
 Penalty, excessive, misdemeanor 225 
 
 Penalty— Effect of 68 
 
 Penalty — Grand Lodge is sovereign over 225 
 
 Penalty — How removed 68 
 
 Penalty — Lodge to determine 225 
 
 Penalty — Punishment, grade of— Tie vote 225 
 
 Penalty — Question of guilt — Tie vote 220 
 
 Penalty— What removes 22fj 
 
 Penalty— When in force 68 
 
 Pending charges fall- Resignation of Master 236 
 
 Pending charges, right to hold office 223 
 
 Pending charges— Standing good 245 
 
 Perpetual jurisdiction 193, 195 
 
 Personal jurisdiction 193, 194, 195, 198 
 
 Personal liability 236 
 
 Peru— Grand Lodge of 182 
 
 Petition '. 216, 233, 238 
 
 Petition — On file, rejected must remain 227 
 
 Petition— Renewal 228 
 
 Petition — Residence 233 
 
 Petition— Renewal— By-Law— Refusal to receive 227 
 
 Petition— Withdrawal of 227 
 
 Petition for charter 17 
 
 Petition for degrees or membership 30 
 
 Petition for degrees, fixes jurisdiction 194 
 
293 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Petition for dispensation 13 
 
 Petition for membership 113 
 
 Petition for membersliip— Restoration 238 
 
 Petition to be made a Mason 113 
 
 Petitions, report of committee on 33 
 
 Petitioner— Member misrepresenting age of 202 
 
 Petitioner rejected— I-imit— Jurisdiction 196 
 
 Petitioner for new Lodge dimitted by signing 209 
 
 Petitioner for new Lodge severs from old— Membership . 210 
 
 Petitioner for new Lodge, signing does not dimit 210 
 
 Petitioner for new Lodge 210 
 
 Petitioner — Jurisdiction concurrent when residence is on 
 
 line 227 
 
 Petitioner — Jurisdiction — Lodges — "Waiver 228 
 
 Petitioner, may be limited as to renewal — By-Law 228 
 
 Petitioner— Residence, six months— Vigilant investiga- 
 tion 229 
 
 Petitioners cannot vote on, recommendation — New 
 
 Lodge 205 
 
 Petitioners— Qualifications of 32 
 
 Photograph and certificate — Visitor 263 
 
 Physical qualifications 207, 229 
 
 Place of meeting 26 
 
 Playing cards for money 174 
 
 Plea of guilty 163 
 
 Plea of guilty by counsel appointed — Trial 251 
 
 Plea of guilty in criminal court — Trial 258 
 
 Pleas— Notice— Trial 218 
 
 Positponement of — Ballot 132 
 
 Power of committee to take evidence, limited 161 
 
 Powers and privileges — Lodges U. D 207 
 
 Powers of Grand Master 8 
 
 Powers of the Grand Lodge 11 
 
 Preachers — Fees 211 
 
 Prefer charges 139, 140 
 
 Presence, objection to — ^Witness 267 
 
 Presentation for degrees— Time 249 
 
 Presumption of excuse — ^Vote 264 
 
 Presumption of innocence 183, 184 
 
 Presumption of innocence- Pending charges 245 
 
 Presumption that they are signed by an affiliated Master 
 
 Mason— Charges 140 
 
 Prevented — Advancement, how 38 
 
 Previous rejection — Jurisdiction 191 
 
 Previous to formation of trial Lodge— Unmasonic con- 
 duct 262 
 
 Privilege to visit— Members of suspended Lodge 245 
 
 Privilege to visit— Members supended Lodge 206 
 
 Privilege — Visit 263 
 
 Privileges— Suspension 248 
 
294 
 
 PAGE- 
 
 Proceedings, stay of— Reprimand— Appeal 233- 
 
 Procuring to become— Surety— Misrepresentation 212 
 
 Profanity 229 
 
 Profanity— Unmasonic 190 
 
 Proficiency — Examination in open Lodge 229- 
 
 Proficiency— Suitable 153, 230 
 
 Promissory note — Dues, fees — Loan of Lodge funds 230- 
 
 Proof 171 
 
 Proof of standing 125- 
 
 Proof of former testimony of deceased witness 213 
 
 Property of Lodges — Grand Lodge cannot interfere with. 230 
 
 Prosecuting witness — New trial 215 
 
 Provisions, improper— By-Laws 13S 
 
 Province of, committee to tal£e evidence 161 
 
 Proxy — Installation 185- 
 
 Public ceremonies 43 
 
 Punishment, grade of 225 
 
 Purchaser 161 
 
 Q 
 
 Qualifications of petitioners ."2 
 
 Qualifications- Physical 207, 229 
 
 Question of guilt— Penalty 226 
 
 Questioned, cannot be — Ballot 134- 
 
 Quorum 7 
 
 Quorum — Business — Trial, void with less than seven 
 members 230 
 
 R 
 
 Ranking— Warden 265- 
 
 Read, Grand constitution must be 147 
 
 Real, name restored in 212 
 
 Reasons 125. 126- 
 
 Reasons before are the property of the Lodge — Objec- 
 tion 221 
 
 Reasons given, suflaeiency of — Objection to advancement 220 
 
 Reasonable certainty— Time and place — Charges 140- 
 
 Receipt of Grand Secretary 15t> 
 
 Receipt, Secretary's 118 
 
 Receipt, Treasurer's IIS 
 
 Received in Chapter — Past Master's degree 224 
 
 Received— Grand Master, how 71 
 
 Reception of other Grand Officers and Past Grand Mas- 
 ters 72 
 
 Recognized Past Master, who is 224 
 
 Recommendation— Form of 1» 
 
295 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Reconsideration— Ballot 132 
 
 Reconsideration— Called meeting— Funeral 171 
 
 Recommendation, nearest— New Lodge 204, 205 
 
 Record civil court 161 
 
 Record of, has force of negative ballot— Objection 221 
 
 Record— Trial 251 
 
 Records of court of law— Evidence 166 
 
 Records of Lodge 27 
 
 Records, requisites of— I^odges U. D 207 
 
 Refreshment— AVork 268 
 
 Refunding fee, waiver by — Jurisdiction 195 
 
 Refusal— Continuance — Witness '. 148 
 
 Refusal to receive—Petition 227 
 
 Refusing to sit up with sick — By-Laws 241 
 
 Regular meeting 131 
 
 Regular meeting— Initiation, ballot for 131 
 
 Reimbursement — Funeral expenses 142 
 
 Reimbursement not obligatory— Charity 143, 144 
 
 Reimbursement — Relief 231 
 
 Reinstatement, expelled Mason 230 
 
 Rejected applicant 38 
 
 Rejected applicant '130 
 
 Rejected applicant— Jurisdiction 195 
 
 Rejected petitioner — Limit — Jurisdiction 196 
 
 Rejected petition must remain on file 227 
 
 Rejection 125, 132 
 
 Rejection declared, cannot be retaken at subsequent 
 
 meeting 132 
 
 Rejection, objection to initiation is 221 
 
 Rejection, previous — Jurisdiction 191 
 
 R-ejeotion — Waiver — Return of — Jurisdiction 196 
 
 Release of — Jurisdiction 197 
 
 Relief— Charity— Aid and assistance— Reimbursement- 
 Lodge — Grand Lodge — Foreign jurisdiction 231 
 
 Relief— Charity— Individual duty— Widows and Orphans 232 
 
 Relief— Unworthy conduct 233 
 
 Removed — Penalty how 68 
 
 Removal from jurisdiction— Charges after— Dimit 156 
 
 Removal — Jurisdiction 197 
 
 Removal— Lodge— Action necessary 20ri, 206 
 
 Removal of Lodge— Majority of all members 205 
 
 Removes penalty — What 226 
 
 Renewal— Petition 227 
 
 Renewal— Petition 228 
 
 Report, annual— Failure to make— 'Penalty 54 
 
 Report of committee on petitions 33 
 
 Report of committee, ballot imperative after 131 
 
 Report of Special Deputy 118 
 
 Report on unmasonic conduct— Concurrence in— Appeal. 128 
 
296 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Reprimand by Worshipful Master, without charge or 
 
 trial 190 
 
 Reprimand, penalty after — Appeal — Stay of proceedings. 233 
 
 Requirements for advancement 40 
 
 Requirements — Transcript 250 
 
 Request for recommendation — New Lodge 205 
 
 Request of foreign Lodge — Jurisdiction 191 
 
 Residence — Citizenship — Degrees — Eligibility — Petition. . 233 
 
 Residence — Jurisdiction 198 
 
 Residence of — Widow 266 
 
 Residence on line — Jurisdiction — Concurrent 228 
 
 Residence, six months — Petitioner 229 
 
 Resign or dimit — Worshipful Master 235 
 
 Resign — Right of ofHcer of a Lodge 235 
 
 Resignation of Master — Pending charges fall — Personal 
 
 liability 236 
 
 Resigning office not a prerequisite — Dimit 156 
 
 Resolution, expulsion by 169 
 
 Restoration 1.59 
 
 Restoration 130 
 
 Restoration 177 
 
 Restoration — Ballot on report of committee — Appeal by 
 
 committeeman 236 
 
 Restoration — Entered Apprentice — Fellow Craft 237 
 
 Restoration — Expelled Mason — Grand Lodge 237 
 
 Restoration of expelled Masons — Lodge recommendation 237 
 
 Restoration — ilembership — Unaffiliation — Tote 237 
 
 Restoration 236, 237, 238 
 
 Restoraition— Xon-affiliat«d Mason^Membersbip 238 
 
 Restoration— Suspended Jlason 238 
 
 Restoration— Unaffiliated Jlason, to condition of— Peti- 
 tion for membership 238 
 
 Restoration— Vote 265 
 
 Retain, charter, constitutional number can 144 
 
 Return of fee 138 
 
 Return of part, unlawful— Fee for degrees 170 
 
 Return of part optional — Pee for degrees 170 
 
 Return of — Waiver — Rejection — Jurisdiction 196 
 
 Returns, annual 51 
 
 Reversal 130 
 
 Reversal— Evidence mere conflict of 163 
 
 Reversals on Merits — Restoration — Appeal 130 
 
 Revolvers, pointing in a threatening manner 171 
 
 Review, bill of— Restoration 177 
 
 Right to confer degrees — Warden 265 
 
 Right of defense 159 
 
 Right to hold, pending charges— Office 223 
 
 Right of Lodge to determine — Yisiting 263 
 
 Right of officer of a Lodge — Resign 235 
 
 Right to vote — Worshipful Master 270 
 
297 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Rights— Deprivation of— Non-afflliation 215 
 
 Rights, Masonic 149 
 
 Rights of visitors 40 
 
 Rites and degrees 41 
 
 Ritual 239 
 
 Ritual for ceremonies of laying corner-stones 87 
 
 Ritual— Esoteric worli— Writing 230 
 
 Ritual— Lodges must conform to, adopted by Grand 
 
 Lodge 268 
 
 R'itual— Use of cipher texts— Open employment of books 239 
 
 Ritual— Webb work 266 
 
 Rituals, ciphei- 146 
 
 Ritualistic competency— Eligibility to office 239 
 
 Roll, dropping from 157 
 
 Room— Lodge 60 
 
 Royal Arch Masons — Expulsion from Chapter, how car- 
 ried into Lodge 239 
 
 Royal Arch Mason— Funeral 173 
 
 Rules of courts of law— Technicalities 248 
 
 Rupture 208 
 
 s 
 
 Saint John's day — Sunday 240 
 
 Sale— Intoxicating liquors 187, 188, 189, 190 
 
 Sale of property — Surrender of charter — Fraud against 
 
 Grand Lodge 145 
 
 Seal, Lodge 240 
 
 Secretary— Appeals duty of 70 
 
 Secrecy 133, 134 
 
 Secrecy of ballot unquestionable 133, 134 
 
 Secretary's receipt 116- 
 
 Sentence removed by — New trial 215 
 
 Separate — Ballot must be on eacli application 134 
 
 Separate ballots on questions of guilt — Trial 259 
 
 Separate charges— Trial 259 
 
 Separate hearing— Trial 253 
 
 Separate trials 254 
 
 Separate verdicts— Trial 254 
 
 Service^Notice 217 
 
 Several Lodges — Concurrent jurisdiction, waiver of one 
 
 sufficient 195 
 
 ■Seven members — Quorum— Trial 230 
 
 Should be such as would change the finding — Evidence. . 214 
 Should not preside, if personally interested— Master- 
 Trial 257 
 
 Short form for constituting new Lodges 74 
 
 Sick benefits- By-Law 241 
 
 Sick, refusing to sit up with— By-Law 241 
 
298 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Side degrees— Lodge room 241 
 
 Side degrees 160 
 
 Signing petition for new Lodge does not dlmit 210 
 
 Signing petition wliile temporary resident 210 
 
 Sister— Mason's— Deception of 123 
 
 Slander a Masonic offense 242 
 
 Slander— Wife 267 
 
 South — Knocks begin in 199 
 
 Sovereignty— Grand Lodge 178, 193 
 
 Sovereign over penalty— Grand Lodge 225 
 
 Special Deputy— Appointment of 117 
 
 Special dispensation to elect officers 117 
 
 Special Deputy— Report of 118 
 
 Specifications 141 
 
 Specifications, additional — Agreement 242 
 
 Specifications— Explicit-Sufficiency 243, 244 
 
 Specifications, several— Trial 25^ 
 
 Specifications — Sufficiency— Master may determine 244 
 
 Specifications, -withdrawn — New trial 244 
 
 Specifications — Motion to strilie out — To make more 
 
 definite — Waiver — Dismissal — Appeal 243 
 
 Standing, good — Discipline alone destroys 244 
 
 Standing, good — Mason raised regardless of objection. . . 245 
 Standing, good — Members of suspended Lodge — Priv- 
 ilege to visit 245 
 
 Standing, good— .Pending charges — Presumption of in- 
 nocence 245 
 
 Standing, proof of 125 
 
 Stated meeting 211 
 
 Statement of newly discovered evidence 165 
 
 Status of members — Suspended Lodge 206, 211 
 
 Statute of limitations— Lodges, not applicable to 246 
 
 Statute of limitations — Oblivion, raliing up ashes of . . . . 240 
 Stations, cannot fill when himself to be absent — 
 
 Worshipful Master 270 
 
 Stay of proceedings — Reprimand — Appeal 233 
 
 Subordinate Lodges 143 
 
 Subordinate Lodges 178, 197 
 
 Subordinate Lodges — Jurisdiction 197 
 
 Subsequent meeting— Ballot cannot be retaken 132 
 
 Subsequent meeting, amendment at 140 
 
 Sufficiency — Specifications 243, 244 
 
 Sufficiency of — Reason given, objection to advancememt, 
 
 Lodge may determine 220 
 
 Sufficient— Jurisdiction— Waiver of one sufficient 195 
 
 Suitable proficiency 153 
 
 Suitable— Proficiency 230 
 
 Summons 116, 203 
 
 Summons— Lapse of 246 
 
 Summons— Trial 261 
 
299 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Sunday— Continuance over— Trial 261 
 
 Sunday— Laying of corner-stone 246 
 
 Sunday— Saint Jolin's day 240 
 
 Superintendent— Brewery— lotoxicating liquors 186 
 
 Surety, to become— IVIisrepresentaticm 212 
 
 Surrender— Conditional— Charter 144 
 
 Surrender of charter, unconditional 146 
 
 Surrender of— Charter— Sale of property— Pi-aud against 
 
 Grand Lodge 145 
 
 Suspended Lodge — Members of 263 
 
 Suspended Lodge— Members of— Standing good 245 
 
 Suspended Lodge 206, 211 
 
 Suspended Mason— Restoration 238 
 
 Suspended Mason — Charges— Trial 247 
 
 Suspended Mason— Burial of 136 
 
 Suspension by the Grand Master— Order of 119 
 
 Suspension or expulsnon 169 
 
 Suspension 159 
 
 Suspension from — Membership — Effect of 211 
 
 Suspension— Dues, none during 248 
 
 Suspension — Expulsion — Vote of Lodge effects — Accused 
 
 cannot re-enter Lodge 248 
 
 Suspension— Privileges 248 
 
 Taking, concealing and keeping charter and jewels 140 
 
 Technicalities may control— Rules of courts of law 248 
 
 Territorial jurisdiction 198 
 
 Testimony 67 
 
 Testimony of deceased witnesses, proof of 213 
 
 The Grand Lodge of Indiana 7 
 
 Third degree — Lodge when opened — Funeral 172 
 
 Third degree— Work 268 
 
 Three great lights 183 
 
 Threats to impede, if one be not stopped— Work 268 
 
 Tie vote— Penalty 225, 226 
 
 Time— Trial 203 
 
 Time- Presentation for degrees— Advancement after be- 
 ing stopped 249 
 
 Time — Presentation for degrees— By-Law— Limit 249 
 
 Time and place— Reasonable certainty— Charges. . . .140, 203 
 To make more definite— Specifleations 243 
 
 Transcript 167 
 
 Transcript— Appeal— Irregularities— Requirements— Fun- 
 damental principles— Evidence— Waiver 250 
 
 Travelers, duty to— Begging papers condemned 134 
 
300 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Treasurer— Lodge funds 250 
 
 Treasurer's receipt . -. IIG 
 
 Trial— 123, 128, 134, 135, 158, 1G2, 1G3, 190, 192, 195, 203 
 
 213. 216, 217, 218, 230, 247, 251, 256, 257, 258, 259, 264 
 Trial — Absence of accused — Plea of guilty by counsel 
 
 appointed 251 
 
 Trial — Appeal — Notice — Record — Fraud 251 
 
 Trial— Appearance — Motion to dismiss charges — "Waiver 
 
 of informalities 251 
 
 Trial — Appearance — Waiver 252 
 
 Trial — Argument after accused has retired from the 
 
 Lodge 252 
 
 Trial— Charges— Evidence 253 
 
 Trial — Charges, joint — Separate hearing — Waiver — Im- 
 proper on default 253 
 
 Trial — Charges, joint — Separate verdicts 254 
 
 Trial — Charges unwritten — Indefinite postponement — 
 
 Notice of subsequent hearing 234 
 
 Trial— Civil court, defense set up in not to prejudice — 
 
 Masonic tribunal not to review 255 
 
 Trial — Close of — Evidence 255 
 
 Trial, continuance during, with leave to amend charges . 256 
 
 Trial — Jurisdiction — Non-affiliate 257 
 
 Trial— Lodge should conduct, net committee 257 
 
 Trial— Masonic 65 
 
 Trial, :Master may preside, though a witness— Should not 
 
 if personally interested 257 
 
 Trial— Minutes of 203 
 
 Trial, new 213, 214 
 
 Trial, new — Lodge may grant 214 
 
 Trial- Once in jeopardy— Appeal 258 
 
 Trial— Once in jeopardy— New trial 258 
 
 Trial of, in subordinate Lodges 179 
 
 Trial, place of 192 
 
 Trial— Plea of guilty in criminal court — Explanation of 
 
 -Evidence 258 
 
 Trial— Separate 254 
 
 Trial- Separate charges — Separate ballots on questions 
 
 of guilt 259 
 
 Trial — Specifications, several — Penalties, degrees of — Ex- 
 pulsion after suspension 2.59 
 
 Trial — Summons — Witness — Objection to sit with 261 
 
 Trial— Sunday, continuance over— Lodge the jury— Vote, 
 
 who should 261 
 
 Trials, new— How granted 69 
 
 Truss 208 
 
 Trustees, not needed — By-Laws 139 
 
 Two first fingers of right hand 208 
 
301 
 U 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Unaffiliated Mason, to condition of— Restoration 238 
 
 Unaffiliation 237 
 
 TJaaffiliation— Vote 265 
 
 Unanimous ballot 128 
 
 Unconditional surrender of charter 146 
 
 Unlilnd— Language 201 
 
 Unlawful— Donation or return of fee for degrees 170 
 
 Unmasonic canduot— Concurrence in report on— Appeal. . 128 
 
 Unmasonic conduct 128 
 
 Unmasonic conduct afterwards— Dimit conditional 154 
 
 Unmasonic and improper— Language 201 
 
 Unmasonic conduct- Previous to formation of trial 
 
 Lodge 262 
 
 Unquestionable— Ballot, secrecy of 133 
 
 Un worthiness before initiation equivalent to rejection. . 262 
 
 Unworthy conduct— Relief 233 
 
 Unwritten charges — Trial 2.o I 
 
 Use of cipher texts 239 
 
 V 
 
 Vacancies in office 22 
 
 Vacancy not occasioned thereby, when Warden succeeds 
 
 Master 265 
 
 Value — Degrees, monetary 47 
 
 Verdicts separate — Trial 254 
 
 Vigilant investigation^Petitioners 22!) 
 
 Virtual Past Master : 224 
 
 Virtual Past Master, cannot install officers 185 
 
 "\'isit— Members of suspended Lodge 206 
 
 Visit — Privilege — Members suspended Lodge 263 
 
 Visiting— Privilege — Bight of Lodge to determine 263 
 
 Visitors — Rights of 46 
 
 Visitor — Vouching — Lawful information — Photograph 
 
 and certificate — Documentary evidence 263 
 
 Void, with less than seven members— Trial 230 
 
 Void, without linowledge or consent of the member. . . . 153 
 
 Voluntar.y non-affiiliate — Discipline 157 
 
 Vote, casting none— Worshipful Master 270 
 
 Vote granting, constitutes— Dimit 157 
 
 Vote, how taljen— Trial 264 
 
 Vote— Master Masons only 264 
 
 Vote, majority, waiver, jurisdiction 194 
 
 Vote of the Lodge constitutes dimit 156 
 
 Vote— On all questions— Duty of every member, unless 
 
 excused — Presumption of excuse 2G4 
 
 Vote— Petitioners for new Lodge cannot vote on 205 
 
302 
 
 FA6E. 
 
 Vote— Restoration 237 
 
 Vote of Lodge effects — Suspension — Expulsion 248 
 
 Vote, tie— Penalty 225 
 
 Vote— Restoration— Membership— Unafflia;tion 265 
 
 Vote, who should— Trial 261 
 
 Voucher 125 
 
 Vouching 263 
 
 W 
 
 Waiver. ...196, 216, 217, 218, 228, 243, 250, 251, 252, 253 256 
 
 Waiver by absentees— Removal of Lodge 206 
 
 Waiver by— Refunding fee — Jurisdiction 195 
 
 Waiver, improper on default 253 
 
 Waiver of informalities 251 
 
 Waiver— Jurisdiction 191, 194, 195 
 
 Waiver of one of several concurrent Lodges suflBcient — 
 
 Jurisdiction 195 
 
 Warden, may succeed Master— Vacancy not occasioned 
 
 thereby ■ 265 
 
 Warden— Eligibility— Office 222 
 
 Warden — Ranking — Right to confer degrees 265 
 
 Warden, refusing to assist his superior officer 265 
 
 Webb Work— Ritual 266 
 
 Webb's Monitor 265 
 
 What in Lodges below the degree of Master Mason — 
 
 Business — Labor 201 
 
 What removes — Penalty 226 
 
 Who and what necessary— Meetings 27 
 
 Who are eligible— Grand Officers 8 
 
 Who are eligible to office 23 
 
 When in force — Penalty 68 
 
 When opened — Funeral— Third degree 172 
 
 When taken — Appeals, how 70 
 
 Wholesale dealer — Intoxicating liquors 190 
 
 Widow— Residence of— Care of 266 
 
 Widows and orphans — Charity — Relief 232 
 
 Wife, infidelity to 266 
 
 Wife of Master Mason^ — Letter to for purpose of accom- 
 plishing an evU result— Slander 267 
 
 Withdrawal 141 
 
 Withdrawal after record — Objection 221 
 
 Withdrawal of petition 227 
 
 Withdrawn — Specification 244 
 
 Without knowledge or consent of the member void 153 
 
 Witness— Objection to sit with— Trial 261 
 
 Witness — Presence, objection to 267 
 
 Witness, prosecuting- New trial 213 
 
 Witness— Refusal— Continuance 148 
 
303 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Witnesses, names of 164, 210 
 
 Witnesses, not named in eliarges 167 
 
 Witnesses, proof of former testimony of deceased 213 
 
 Witnesses not named may testify 220 
 
 Work 147 
 
 Work— Esoteric 239 
 
 Work— Labor— Third degree— Refrestimenit 268 
 
 Work — liodges must conform to ttie ritual adopted by 
 
 tlie Grand Lodge 268 
 
 Work — Master tias right to arrange — Threats to impede, 
 
 if one be not stopped 268 
 
 Worshipful Master 24, 179, 190, 223, 235 
 
 Worshipful Master, Orders of 223 
 
 Worshipful Master of Lodge XJ. D 224 
 
 Worshipful Master — Resign or dimit 235 
 
 Worshipful Master cannot bind Lodge 269 
 
 Worshipful Master, charges by, witness to, presiding 
 
 at such trial 269 
 
 Worshipful Master— Right to vote— Casting vote none. . 270 
 Worshipful Master— Stations, cannot fill, when himself 
 
 ■ to be abse"nt 270 
 
 Writing— Letter 72 
 
 Writing— Ritual 239 
 
 Written ballot improper in Masonic trial 134 
 
 Written baUots 161 
 
 Written evidence cannot be used in trial of a difCerent 
 
 person 168 
 
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