BF 1623 .R7 P5 Copy 1 ^ttttfift' CONSTITUTION OF THE A-.-M-.-O-.-R-.-C/ ?m wmj& \ CONSTITUTION OF AyMvOyRyCv DEC 24 1917 d/wecK/nX &am i^xKiiXiX^Jl *\mJ<. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE A vill v»v«v«v OF NORTH AMERICA Adopted and Ratified by all Lodges of this Order, Represented at the First National Convention, Held in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 31 -Aug. 4, 1917 TO WHICH IS ADDED SPECIMEN BY-LAWS FOR ALL LODGES W With Introductory pages, containg the First American Charter, the FirsT: American Pronunziamento, a Chart of the Official Symbols and Seals, Record Blanks of Initiation, Advancement and Membership, also a List of the Supreme Executive Officers for the year 3270 R. C. PRINTED IN THE PRINT SHOP OF THE SUPREME GRAND LODGE, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLICATION NEW YORK MCMXVII -JKJ& Copyright, 1917, by Department of Publication Supreme Grand Lodge AYMVOYRYC V of North America ©C!.A4807i't3 SUroro of Stttttatton T it UttOttUt by this personal Memorandum that I. with the Divine privilege of our God, and at the invitation of was duly Initiated into the 3Urst i*gn* nf % A \ m M \ '(§ \ *&V0I \ * Crossed the Threshold of the Lodge, in on the evening of ... in the year And, by virtue of a decree by the Master of the Lodge, I was duly Initiated into the 9*rand Itegr*? of Lodge in and into the SH|tri> Urgrrr of on Lodge Hemhtfrsfjip lUrorfc This is to recall the pleasant occurrence of my Initiation into the 3Fourtt| i?grer of our Order, at which time I received the Official Certificate of Membership sealed and signed by the Officers whose names are given below: Date of 4th Degree Initiation Name of Lodge Location Master's Name Secretary's Name Chaplain's Name Names of some Brothers and Sisters present : MtmbtTB^ip j&ttatb— (Bantitvaeit Initiated into the Fifth Degree Lodge Location Initiated into the Sixth Degree Lodge Location Initiated into the Seventh Degree Lodge Location Initiated into the Eighth Degree Lodge Location Initiated into the Ninth Degree Lodge Location Initiated into the Tenth Degree Lodge Location Initiated into the Eleventh Degree Lodge Location Initiated into the Twelfth Degree Lodge Location . Eninnnii 3n Utettttg Sulij Assemble We, the undersigned Men and Women, of New York City, were formally constituted members of the SUPREME AMERICAN COUNCIL of the ANCIENT AND MYSTICAL ORDER of the JR00? dr000 in accordance with the Ancient Rites and Cere- monies, under the direction and approval of the MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER GENERAL OF AMERICA TTrtytttfaV? ll£ tt tutDttm tljat: we hereby pro- ^^ claim the establishment of the Hostmtrian GDrfor in Ammra and recognize such Officers of its Grand Lodge as are hereunto subscribed as being duly appointed, in conformity with the FIRST AMERICAN MANI- FESTO. g unci Signed this 1st day of April, in the year 1915. H. SPENCER LEWIS, Grand Master General. NICHOLAS STORMS, Deputy Master General. THOR KIIMALEHTO Sceretary General THE FIRST AMERICAN CHARTER (Signed by nineteen men and women) RVCV SYMBOLISM THE SYMBOLS AND SEALS SHOWN BELOW ARE THE ONLY TRUE EMBLEMS OF THIS ORDER, AND DISTINGUISH THIS ORDER FROM ALL OTHERS GENERAL SYMBOL OF THE ORDER IN THE WORLD t MARK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLICATION ^ C23 THE GREAT SEAL OF THE ORDER IN AMERICA )±J. THE SEAL OF THE FOUNDER V THE SEAL OF THE SUPREME GRAND SECRETARY EMBLEM WORN BY THE MEMBERS THE ROSAE CRUCIS GREAT SEAL OF THE SUPREME GRAND MASTER SACRED INSIGNIA OF THE IMPERATOR 3Firat Antmratt PrnnuttziantPtttn Issued by the Charter Members of the Supreme Grand Lodge as Founders of the Order in America. The Ancient and Mystical Order Ilosae Crucis in the United States of America its Territories and Dependencies, shall be an independent organization operating under its own Constitution. Its purposes shall be the same as those of the "Order Ilosae Crucis" throughout the world, and its Constitution shall be identical in spirit with that w T hich guides and di- rects this Order in other lands. The Order in America, shall, however, retain its fraternal and spiritual relation with this Order in other countries, regardless of its inde- pendent jurisdiction and shall maintain its adherence to the traditional principles and laws of the ancient Rosae- crucians. Since both the ancient and modern form of government of the Order is autocratic in nature, the government of the Order in America shall adopt strictly autocratic principles of government, but because of the necessary division of America into many jurisdictions operating under one Ameri- can Constitution, the said Constitution shall embody such changes or modifications as will properly meet the require- ments of this jurisdiction. Therefore it is declared that the attached Constitution of which this Pronunziamento is a part was prepared after consultation of all possible authorities and with proper dis- cussion by all the Founders of the Order in America, and was finally approved and adopted by the Charter Members of the Supreme Grand Lodge in America and shall be adopted and ratified by all Lodges now organized or here- after to be organized and Chartered by the Supreme Grand Lodge or the Imperator of the Order in America. &*> Decreed and Issued June, 1915, at a meeting of the First American Supreme Council held in the City of New York, X. Y. £>upr?m? lExrruttup ($ffu?ra nf tit? GProrr for Nnrtli Amrrtra HARVE SPENCER LEWIS, F. R. C, Imperator CONRAD H. LINDSTEDT, K. R. C, Supreme Grand Master ALBERT B. BRASSARD, K. R. C, Supreme Grand Secretary 1 | I 1 I 1 LOUIS LAWRENCE, K. R. C, Supreme Grand Treasurer t i30" 1 ! 1 W •/ G V M V THOR KIIMALEHTO, K. R. C, Illustrious Sovereign Inspector-General of the Ancient Sovereign Chapters of the Illuminati Amenhotpii _ Arttrir ©ur OFFICIAL NAMES AND SYMBOLS. Section 1 The name of the Order in America shall be : "The An- cient and Mystical Order Itosae Cruris." In abbreviat- ed form the name shall be "A.M.O.R.C. of North Amer- ica." Section 1a The members shall be known as "Brothers" and "Sisters" or by such honorary or ritual- istic titles as may be con- ferred upon them or herein- after described, or as "Rosae- crucians." And the doctrines, philosophies and teachings shall be known as "Rosaecru- cianism." Section 2 The Official Symbols shall be the same as those used by Lodges of this identical Order in other lands and in accord- ance with the dictates of the American Supreme Council. Each Lodge in the American Jurisdictions shall adopt a symbol or seal incorporating the essential features of the national symbols adopted by the Order in this Country. All such seals or symbols shall be distinctly different in some es- sential so as to make separate registration possible with the Supreme Grand Lodge. (The Official Symbol of the Order in its exoteric form in America, as adopted by the Supreme Grand Lodge, consists of an equi- lateral triangle with its point downward. In the centre of this triangle shall be a cross formed of one perpendicular line rising from the lower point and rising to the horizontal line of the top of the triangle, and meeting it to form right angles therewith. This up- right line shall be crossed, about two-thirds above the point of the triangle with a horizontal line touching the two sides of the triangle.) NOTE. — The names and symbols thus adopted and given in the above para- graphs were absolutely new in America at the time they were adopted by the Ameri- can Supreme Council and were not in use by any simi- lar or other organization group or Lodge in America, and were not a simulation of any other secret order symbols. (Eonatttutimt of tit? (§vb?t Arttrl* Stm* THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ORDER Section 1 The Government of the Or- der in North America shall rest with, and be exclusively in the hands of, the Imperator. He shall be the highest au- thority, the autocratic execu- tive and the- court of last ap- peal in all matters pertaining to the work of the Order, both spiritual and material. At his discretion he may desig- nate certain powers to his ad- visory Council known as the American Supreme Council, or to various officers as herein- after stated ; or he may leave to their consideration, vote or decision such questions, rul- ings or laws as he may deem proper, and which may be more efficiently expedited in this manner Section 2 The said American Supreme Council shall constitute a nominal executive board for the administration of the Order in America, and each Lodge shall have similar Coun- cils for the purpose of fulfill- ing the laws and decrees of the Imperator, the Supreme Grand Master or the American Su- preme Council subject always to the autocratic rulings of the Imperator. Section 3 This Constitution shall con- stitute the working laws of the Order in America by which the Imperator, the Su- preme Grand Officers, all Grand Masters, Masters and Councils shall be guided. All official Decrees, rulings, laws, proclamations and announce- ments conforming to the said Constitution shall be issued in the form of Pronunziamentos by the Imperator, the Supreme Grand Master, the American Supreme Council, Grand Mas- ters, or Masters in autocratic form and shall be obeyed by all members of this Order. Attitlt E^ttt FORM OF ORGANIZATION. Section 1 In order that the dictates of the American Supreme Councli and the purposes of the Order itself may be more efficiently executed in the North American Jurisdiction, the said North American Ju- risdiction, consisting of the North American Continent and all territories, dependencies and colonies or possessions be- longing to or under the direc- tion of every other country or nation on the North American Continent, including the West India Islands, shall be sub- divided into Grand Lodge Jurisdiction as follows : Itaeh State, Territory or Depen- dency of the United States of America shall be made a Grand Lodge Jurisdiction : each and every other country, dependency or possession in- cluded in the North American Jurisdiction as heretofore de- scribed, shall be made a sep- arate Jurisdiction in like man- ner by decision of the Ameri- can Supreme Council. Section 2 The North American Juris- 16 (Emtstitnium nf th? (Writer diction shall consist, therefore, of fifty (50) or more Grand Jurisdictions having definite geographical boundaries and united only in submission to this Constitution and the gov- ernment of the Order for the North American Jurisdiction. Section 3 Lodges shall be established in these Jurisdictions as here- inafter provided under the fol- lowing general classification and w;th the following- form of regulation: (a) A Supreme Grand Lodge shall be composed of tin 1 Supreme Grand Master, the Supreme Grand Offi- cers, the American Su- preme Council and an un- limited number of Broth- ers and Sisters. It shall he the Supreme Spiritual Body for the North Amer- ican Jurisdiction. It may be located in any city of and Jurisdiction* of this Order. (l)» Grand Lodges shall be founded and maintained in every Grand Jurisdic- tion of this Order in North America to the number of one Grand Lodge for each Grand Jurisdiction. They shall be granted Charters under this Constitution by the Imperator in the name of the Grand Master of each Grand Lodge. Such Grand Lodges shall be subser- vient to the Imoerator. the American Supreme Council and this Constitu- tion. (c) Subordinate Lodges shall be founded and main- tained in every Grand Jurisdiction of this Order in North America to an indefinite number of Lodges for each Grand .Jurisdiction. They shall be granted Charters by the Grand Lodges of their respective Jurisdictions is- sued by the Grand Mas- ters of said Grand Lodges with the approval of the Grand Councils of said Grand Lodges. Such Su- bordinate Lodges shall be subservient , to this Con- stitution, their respective Grand Lodges and indi- rectly to the Imperator and the American Su- preme Council. Artirte 3fattr NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Section 1 THE IMPERATOR : He shall be the Supreme Auto- cratic Executive of the Order in North America. His duties and powers shall include those defined throughout this Constitution and in any amendments thereto. He shall be subservient to the Supreme R. C. Council of the World consisting of a duly elected bodv of Imperators or Grand Masters General of the various Jurisdictions of this Order as now established or which may be established in the various countries of the world. The present Imperator. Harvc Spencer Lewis, holds this exhalted office by virtue of his election by the Supreme Grand Lodge of North America and which election is ratified by the ratifi cation and adop- 17 — , — tiou of this Constitution by all Lodges now existing in North America. Furthermore, the present Imperator, Harve Spencer Lewis, was granted the distinc- tion and burdened with the re- sponsibility of being the First American 11. C. Imperator be- cause of his Initiation into the Order in foreign lands for the purpose of bringing the Order to America, and because of the honors bestowed upon him by the Grand Master of our Order in Fiance, which honors, in- cluding those of : Prelate of the Order in France, Fellow of the Rosaecrucian Illuminati of France, and Supreme Digni- tary of the Order for America, are granted and set forth in a French Pronunziamento num- bered "li. F., II. C, No. 987,- 432 and sighed by the Grand Master and the Officers who conducted his initiation into the sublime mysteries and teachings of our twelve de- grees, and which document and its declarations of spon- sorship have been amended and verified by communications to this Order in America ad- dressed to the various officers of American Supreme Council. The present Imperator of the Order in North America shall hold this position and office until his transition to the higher realms, or until his resignation is officially accept- ed by the American Supreme Council, or until he is excom- municated or retired by any recognized and active Supreme R. C. Council of the World. His successor, and all future Tmperators of the Order in North America, shall be elected by a two-thirds vote of all the Grand Lodge Masters in North America and the mem- bers of the American Supreme Council of North America, duly assembled in a National Con- vocation, called especially for such purpose within seven days after the vacancy of the Onice. Such successors must be elected within thirty days after the vacancy of the Im- perator's office and position, from among* those Brothers' of the Order who are in the highest degree of the Order in North America. The term of Office of each Imperator suc- ceeding the present Imperator shall be the same as applies to the present Imperator, and his duties and powers shall be the same. Section 2 The Supreme Grand Master : He shall be the Master of the Supreme Grand Lodge and as such shall be the Chief Execu- tive of the Material and Spir- itual work of the Supreme Grand Lodge, including the Ritualistic work of said Lodge, and shall preside over the American Supreme Council in all its meetings. He may also be the Imper- ator of the Order in North America holding both offices at the same time. But when not Imperator he shall be subser- vient to the Imperator in all matters pertaining to the Ex- ecutive work of the Supreme Grand Lodge. He shall be elected to his Office by a majority vote of the Supreme Grand Council, for a term of not less than two year-;, and not more than ten vears. Uoon retiring he shall be dignified by the title of "Past Supreme Grand Master.*' Section 3 Supreme Grand Secretary- General; He shall be in 18 J m CEnnatttutiutt nf tljr GDrforr charge of all national records of the Order, shall conduct or supervise all correspondence between the Supreme Grand Lodge, American Supreme Council, the Grand and Local Lodges and their Officers, and those having official business with the national organization work or with the Supreme Grand Lodge. He shall likewise fill the du- ties of Secretary in the Rit- ualistic work of the Supreme Grand Lodge, and shall be cus- todian* f the National seal and of the seal of the Supreme Grand Lodge. He sliall be elected to Office by the Supreme Grand Council by a two-thirds vote for a term of one year, and may be successively re-elected for four additional years. When his duties so Avar rant he may have one or more assistants at the discretion of the American Supreme Council. Upon his honorable retirement he shall be known as "Past Supreme Grand Secretary -General." Section 4 Supreme Grand Treasurer- General: He shall have charge of the national finances and all moneys received by the Su- preme Grand Lodge, American Supreme Council or its Offi- cers, from all sources in con- nection with official work. He shall keep correct records, and if it is found necessary, shall have assistance in auditing the records or maintaining a fund in legal manner. He shall also fill the duties of Treasurer in the Supreme Grand Lodge. He shall be elected in like manner as the Supreme Grand Secretary-General, and for a similar term. Upon his hon- orable retirement he shall have the honorary title of ••Past Supreme Grand Treas- urer-General." Arttrlr W\x& Section 1 THE AMERICAN SUPREME COUNCIL. This body shall consist of the Officers of the Supreme Grand Lodge, and such additional Brothers and Sisters of the Or- der, in any Lodge, as may be selected by the Imperator or the Supreme Grand Master to make a total of twenty-five Supreme Grand Councilors. Section 2 These shall be appointed for a term of one year, and may be re-appointed for successive additional years. They shall be subject to all laws of this Constitution as are the Officers and the Brothers and Sisters of the Order. Section 3 This Council shall exist as an advisory board to the Im- perator and the Supreme Grand Master. It shall as- semble under the direction of the Supreme Grand Master. It shall decide or vote upon such questions as are submitted to it by the Supreme Grand Mas- ter or Imperator. It shall con- sider ways and means of pro- pagating the Order and its work and make recommenda- tions in the form of resolu- tions to the Supreme Grand Master or the Imperator. Section 4 It shall pass upon the appli- cations for new Grand Lodges, 19 C&pttstttuttmt of tit? Writer and make recommendations in regard thereto to the Imper- ator. It shall sign all Laws it mav pass with tae approval or desire of the Supreme Grand Master or imperator,. and shall adopt, approve and sign all such Manifestoes, Decrees or Pronunziamentcs as shall be issued by the American Su- preme Council and which re- quire the signatures of the Councilors and the Seal of the American Supreme Council. Section 5 It may have within its body an executive committee known as the Ministraro, the Minis- ters of which shall be selected by the Imperator. The Min- istraro shall work nnder such laws and rules of efficiency* as it may adopt. Section 6 The American Supreme Council shall adopt and estab- lish such "Rules of Procedure*' as may be necessary to con- duct properly its affairs and expedite the matters which may come before it. Artirk &xx MEMBERSHIP. Section 1 Membership to the Order shall be strictly limited to men and women, 21 years of age or over, who are of good moral habits, who meet the necessary requirements as to character and occupation, who openly profess and declare their be- lief in God, w T ho submit to in- vestigation after invitation to join the Order, and who are eventually duly elected to the Order and pass through its In- itiation in sincerity and hu- mility. Amendment 1. Special dis- pensation may be granted, however, by the Grand Mas- ters of each State or district, or by the Imperator, for the admission of an applicant of either sex over 18 years of age and under 21 years, whose application has been duly ex- amined and approved by the presiding membership commit- tee of any subordinate or (•rand Lodge in their Jurisdic- tion. Such members shall not hold, however; any office until of legal age. Section 2 Each Lodge shall adopt its own rules as to procedure for investigating applicants, and for their election into the Or- der for Initiation, Such rules shall be established and main- tained by the Council of each Lodge, which shall appoint a Membership Committee and in- struct it to pass upon and rec- ommend applicants. Section 3 The "Colombe" of each Lodge shall be the only ex- ception to the rules of age for admission. Section 4 A complete Lodge shall con^ sist of not more than 144 ac- tive members and 14 Officers, making a total of 158 active members. Section 5 Members may become non- active by non-attendance to the regular convocations and lectures or degree work, and by not paying dues regularly. 20 In such case they shall re- main non-active until re-ad- mitted to such degree, in any Lodge, as they last attended and until they pay regular dues and attend all work again, provided there is a va- cancy in the Lodge to which they apply for admission. Section 6 Members may be transferred to other Lodges upon the writ- ten recommendation of their Master* and provided there is a vacancy in the active mem- bership list of the Lodge to which they desire to be trans- ferred. Such transferred mem- bers shall take precedence over all applicants in being ad- mitted. Section 7 All members shall be classed as either active or non-active, and in either class must be of good report and record, other- wise they can not remain as members. Section 8 Each Grand Lodge shall have a Council consisting of 14 officers and 11 other mem- bers appointed bv the Master, to serve one year, and may be reappointed. Each Subordi- nate Lodge shall have a Coun- cil consisting only of the ac- tive officers. Such Councilors shall be selected by the Mas- ters of the Lodges. Arttrlr 1$?\xm LODGE OFFICERS Section 1 Every Lodge of this Order shall have the customary 14 Officers as outlined in the "Secret Mandamuses." Section 2 The Officers of each Lodge shall consist of Master, Depu- ty Master, Secretary, Treas- urer, and ten other Ritualistic Officers. The Deputy and the ten Ritualistic Officers of each Lodge shall be appointed or- re- appointed by the Master at the Annual Election. (All the foregoing Officers, except "Ma tre" and "Colombe" may be filled by either Brothers or Sisters of the Order.) Section 3 The Master, Secretary and Treasurer of all Lodges shall be elected, in the case of a Lodge, at the expiration of their terms, or whenever art official vacancy occurs. In the case of a Master, he shall be re-elected or another elected at the expiration of such term as is decreed in his Charter. No Master may be elected and installed in any Lodge with- out the approval of that Lodge's superior Council. Section 4 Officers for new Lodges may be elected by the Foundation Committee. In such case the election must be approved by the new Lodge's superior Council. Section 5 Officers in the Supreme Grand Lodge shall be titled with the words "Supreme Grand" preceding their office title. In Grand Lodges by the word "Grand," and in Subor- dinate Lodges by the word "Worthy." Section 6 The duties of Masters, Depti- 21 (EimalUtrtum of tlj* (§timc ties, Secretaries and Treas- urers in each Lodge, shall be, aside from Ritualistic work, those which usually pertain to the Offices of Presidents, Vice- Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers in other organiza- tions. Section 7 Ritualistic Officers for each Lodge, including the Supreme Grand Lodge, shall be appoint- ed by the Master of the Lodge. Each officer shall be appointed for a term of one year from the date of such appointment except in the case of an ap- pointment to fill a vacancy, when the term shall be for the unexpired part of the term of the Office vacant. All Officers may be reappointed for suc- cessive terms. Section 8 The titles, conditions of ap- pointment, duties, etc., of all Ritualistic Officers shall be as defined in the ""Secret Man- damuses" of the Order as ob- tain in all Lodges of this Order. Section 9 All Ritualistic Officers, in- cluding the Deputy Master, Secretary and Treasurer, shall sign an Official "Officer's Oath" in the presence of the Master pledging their allegi- ance to the Order and the Imperator. Section 10 The Treasurer of each op- erating Lodge shall be bonded in an amount specified by the Council of each Lodge and the Bond is to , be made payable to the Supreme Grand Lodge. AttitU Etglft CONVOCATIONS Section 1 The regular Ritualistic Con- vocations of the Order shall be held by each Lodge at least twice a month, in some Tem- ple especially arranged or adapted to the Ritualistic work and having the Official equipment. Section 2 Such Convocations shall be conducted by the Master and Officers in accordance with the "Secret Mandamuses" and the dictates of the American Su- preme Council as issued by the Imperator of the Order in North America. Section 3 The "work" in the Lodges, consisting of lectures, teach- ings"; ceremonies, initiations, examinations, tests, experi- ments, etc., shall likewise be in accordance with the "Secret Mandamuses" or as modified or improved by the decrees of the American Supreme Council and issued by the Imperator of the Order in North America. Special Meetings, Assent bites, or Convocations of a Na- tional nature may be called by the Imperator and th e Master of each Lodge may call similar meetings of a local nature at any time with due notice to all members of his Lodge. Arttt 1*> Nittr ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. Section 1 The Annual Business Meet- 22 Cimatttiituui nf tlj* Wrbtt ing of tlie Supreme Grand Lodge shall be held on the first Thursday of March of each year, in the Temple of the Supreme Grand Lodge. It shall be presided over by the Supreme Grand Master and he may summon to this meeting such officers or members of the Order in North America or in- vite others from the Order in other Countries, as he may find advisable, necessary or fitting. * Section 2 The Annual Business Meet- ings of all grand and subordi- nate Lodges shall be held on or about the date of the An- nual Business Meeting of the Supreme Grand Lodge, prefer- ably prior thereto, in order that its report may be sent to the Annual Business Meeting of the Supreme Grand Lodge. Such meetings shall be pre- sided over by the Master of the Lodge, who shall have the privilege of inviting oth(-.\s from other Lodges to attend. Artirl* S*u ANNUAL ELECTIONS. Section 1 An annual election day shall be established by each Lodge in accordance with the date of the election and appoint- ment of its first Officers. Such annual election shall be held by the Council of each Lodge. Nominations shall be offered on the same evening as elec- tion, and the installation of now Officers may be held the same evening as the election, or at a special meeting of the entire Lodge on another night, or just preceding the Convoca- tion at the next regular Con- vocation of the Lodge or any degree thereof. Section 2 The Deputy Master and Rit- ualistic Officers shall be ap- pointed by the Master at such election. Section 3 The Council of each Lodge shall embody in its B -Laws, rules and regulations regard- ing the nomination, election and installation of new Offi- cers, consistent with this Con- stitution. Arttrlr Ebn^n ANNUAL CELEBRATION DAYS. Section 1 There shall be held two Spe- cial Assemblies each year in North America. One shall be the New Year Feast and the other shall be the Outdoor Fete. These shall be held by all Lodges. Section 2 The New Year Feast will oc- cur about the 21st of each March the exact date being proclaimed by a Pronunzia- mento issued by the Imperator every February. It is to cele- brate the New Rosaecrucian Year which begins on the min- ute when the sign "Aries" rises on the horizon on that day in March when the "Sun" just enters the sign of "Aries." (The year 1016 A. D. corre- sponds to the Rosaecrucian 23 OIottHtttutton of tJ$* Wtbtr year of 3269, which begins on March 21, 1916, at 1 :06 A. M. Eastern Time.) Such New Year Celebrations shall be held in the Temples of the Lodges and attended by the Council, Officers and members of the Lodge and by such es- pecially invited guests as are visiting members of the Order and whose presence the Mas- ter desires for reasons good and sufficient unto himself. There shall be a symbolical feast consisting principally of corn, or its products, salt, or that which tastes most strongly of it, and wine, in the form of unfermented grape juice, and any other delicacies or refreshments suitable to the occasion. All Officers shall wear their full regalia and all others their aprons or other in- signia. There shall be only sacred music, symbolical ad- dresses and sincere rejoicing for the New Year. Section 3 At this New Year Feast it has been customary for the Master to bestow such honor- ary titles on his members as he mav contemplate, to make new appointments to fill vacan- cies, etc. Section 4 All other regular or special Convocations or meetings of each Lodge are to be post- poned in order that the New Yea^ Feast may be held on the day decreed by the Imper- ator. Section 5 The Annual Outdoor Fete may be held by the discretion of the Master of each Lodge, on or about the 23rd day of September of each year, the oxact day being decreed by the Tmperator. It shall be that day when the Sun enters the sign of Libra. Section 6 This Annual Outdoor Fete should be held by each Lodge independently, to celebrate the laying of the foundation stones of the Great Pyramid in America. Each Lodge shall arrange to go on this day (or the following one, should it rain or be stormy) to an open space in the suburbs of such Lodge, and with prayer and addresses, have each member of the Lodge deposit in one small pile a simple little stone or pebble, symbolical of "plac- ing a stone for the foundation of the Great Pyramid in America." Full regalia and insignia must be worn by all officers and members. Se- crecy of the. Fete need not be maintained, but the public or the unitiated must not be given, in the prayers or ad- dresses, any of the secret "work," signs or symbols of the Order. Such a Fete may be held at sundown if desired. THE ESTABLISHMENT LODGES. OF Section 1 Lodges may be established in any city, town, or locality of North America under the following conditions : GRAND LODGES. Section 2 These may be formed by 48 (forty-eight) sincere seekers for light and truth submitting to the Supreme Grand Lodge through the Supreme Secre- tary General, signed official application blanks with the re- 24 l_ (Hanatituttou uf tl|* Wrfttr quest that the 48 applicants, desiring to organize or found a Grand Lodge, be granted a Charter. Section 3 Such Grand Lodges may be founded in any jurisdiction of North America, having no Grand Lodge at the time the applications are submitted, or where an existing Grand Lodge is about to disband, dis- solve or be withdrawn : pro vided such proposed Grand Lodge 4« to be located in one of the principal cities of an es- tablished jurisdiction. Section 4 SUBORDINATE LODGES. It shall require 36 (thirty- six) signed Official Applica- tion Blanks accompanied by a request to form a Subordinate Lodge. Such request is to be directed to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Juris- diction in which such proposed Subordinate Lodge is to be sit- uated. Section 5 Those desiring to organize or found Lodges in their cities or towns may secure permission and instruction from the Su- preme Grand Secretary-Gen- eral at the Supreme Grand Lodge in New York City, by mail or in person, after sub- mitting to such investigation as the Supreme Grand Secre- tary-General and the Imper- ator desire. When permission is granted, the person to whom it is granted is to form in his or her city or town a Foundation Committee of 5 (five) men and women, with a Foundation President, Founda- tion Secretary and Foundation Treasurer included in the Committee. Section 6 The said Foundation Com- mittee shall then submit their names and references to the Supreme Grand Secretary- General who may, at the dis- cretion of the Imperator, issue to such Committee com- plete "Instructions for Organ- izing a Lodge." Such Com- mittee shall have authority to organize under the direction of the Lodge in charge of the Jurisdiction in which the pro- posed Lodge is situated. Section 7 Charter will be granted to such member of the Founda- tion Committee (after either 36 or 38 applications are se- cured as indicated in Section 2 or 4 of this Article) as may seem proper and fitted for the Office of Master of said pro- posed Lodge. Section 8 Charters for Subordinate Lodges will be granted to the selected Master for a "period of one year, renewable each year thereafter for three suc- cessive years, and transferable or revokable upon sixty days notice" by the superior Coun- cil under whose Jurisdiction the proposed Lodge shall exist. Special Dispensation may be granted for Subordinate Lodges for a limited period of organization work prior to the granting of a Charter. Section 9 Grand Lodges shall receive a Charter granted to the se- lected Master of each Lodge for a "Period of one year, re- newable each year for four ad- ditional successive years, transferable or revokable upon 60 (sixty) days notice." from the American Supreme Council or by the Imperator. 25 (Hmtatttution of tij? (§vbtr ■I Section 10 All necessary "work" and in- structions will be given to each Lodge after the Charter or Special Dispensation is granted by the Superior body granting the Charter or Spe- cial Dispenastions. Arttrlr Stytrfrrn FEES AND DUES. Section 1 All Lodges of the Order shall establish a standard of Initiation Fees and Dues. The minimum Initiation Fee shall be $5.00. All members shall pay the regular dues in order to maintain the Lodge, and when such dues are not paid the members in arrears shall be deemed "non-active." (See Section 5 of Article 6.) Such members may not attend lec- tures or Convocations of any- kind. Associate members dues shall be fixed by the Master of the Lodge with which the member is associated. Section 2 Each Lodge shall establish in its By-Laws certain laws re- garding the period during which members may have their dues in arrears without losing privileges of active membership ; but in no case shall a longer period than 6 (Six ) months be permitted for a r rears of dues. When the arrears exceed this period the member shall he suspended from all membership standing. Section 3 Monthly dues shall not be less than 50 (fifty) cents and not Over $5.00 (five dollars.) Section 4 Officers may be exempt from paying regular monthly dues during their term of Office ; or if the Council of any Lodge so decrees by unanimous vote, Of- ficers of that Lodge may pay the same dues as the members for such period as decreed by the Council. Section 5 Initiation Fees shall be charged by all Lodges. The fee for the First Degree shall be not less than $5.00 (five dollars) payable at the time of Initiation or prior thereto. It may be raised to any higher amount as membership in the Lodge increases. Such in- crease in Initiation Fee (for First Degree) must be by unanimous vote of the Lodge's Council. Section 6 Each Lodge may, by decree of the Council, charge Initia- tion Fees at the time members pass from First Degree to the Second, and from the Second Degree to the Third, etc. Not less than .$1.00 (one dollar) shall be so charged, and not over $50.00 (fifty dollars) for the last or Twelfth Degree. Arttrlr Jfamrirrtt ROYAL SUPPORT. Section 1 Each Lodge of the Order holding a true and legitimate patent or Charter in the name of its Master under this Con- stitution, shall contribute to the Royal Support of this Or- der, as follows : 26 —j GImtBtttitttmt of tijr QDrfcrr Section 2 Section 4 Subordinate Lodges shall re- No member shall use for mit monthly to the Grand trade purposes any title, Lodge of its jurisdiction. honor, degrees, or emblems of through the Treasurer, of the the Order. Grand Lodge, a Royal Support of 25% of all Initiation Fees W and Dues received during the month. Section 3 Grand Lodges shall remit to Ariirlr §>txt**u the Supreme Grand Lodge of North America through the PUBLICITY AND PUBLICA- Supreme Grand Treasurer, the Royal* Support of 25% of all TION. Initiation Fees and Dues re- Section 1 ceived during the month from The general propaganda Grand Lodge members and work of the Order shall be Of- also shall remit the Supremo ficially conducted by the Su- Grand Treasurer 25% of the preme Grand Lodge, its Coun- Grand Lodge Royal Support cil and its Officers ; assisted from its Subordinate Lodges by a National Progaganda received during the month. Committee. Section 2 WW Local propaganda work may be conducted by any Lodge, Foundation Committee or Of- Krtxclt Jffiftmi ficer only by following the general methods of the Su- REGALIA AND EQUIPMENT. preme Grand Lodge. All lit- erature 1 or other matter used Section 1 in this war must be submitted Every Lodge shall have the proper and Official Regalia and to the Publication Committee of the Supreme Grand Lodge and be approved by the said Equipment for its Officers and Temple as decreed by the Su- ( 'ommittee. preme Grand Lodge in its ''Se- Section 3 cret Mandamuses." All books, pamphlets, trea- Section 2 tises, lectures, expositions, and No change shall be made in Regalia or Temple Equipment by any Lodge except by per- mission of the Imperator. interpretations issued by any Lodge. Lodge Committee, Of- ficer or individual, purporting to be truly "Rosaecrucian" or to contain the ideals, prin- Section 3 ciples or laws of this Order, Regalia and Insignia, as shall be first submitted to the well as all Emblems, for any said National Publication Com- use whatever, shall be of an mittee for approval, ami if ap- Official design and make, and proved or deleted, will receive • shall be purchased only from the Official Imprint of said official Rosaecrucian Supply Committee, vouching for its Bureaus, Official Correctness. 7 (Eonatitutton of ttyt Wtbtt Arltrl* &rtttittmt AMENDMENTS. Amendments to this Consti- tution shall be made only by a two-thirds vote of the" Of- ficial Delegates of all Lodges represented at a National Con- vention of the Order for North America. (Such Amendments as are hereafter adopted will be print- ed in such form that they can be attached to this book in this section. Such printed slips will be furnished by the Supreme Grand Secretary. KmmbmtntB Kmtnbmmt 2fa* 2 It has been so decreed by American Supreme Council that all Grand Lodges in North America shall within one year from the time their Charter is granted make ap- plication to the proper legal authorities within their juris- diction for the incorporating of said Lodges as religious or- ganizations founded and oper- ating according to this Con- stitution of this Order. 28 I§>p?rimett Sg-lEatas This form of By-Laws, with necessary modifications and ad- ditions, shall be adopted by all Lodges in the North American Jurisdiction. The Imperator. NAME AND SEAL. The name of this Lodge shall be Lodge of the A. M. O. R. C. of Nortli America. Its Official Seal shall be as impressed herewith and filed with the Supreme Archivist of the Supreme Grand Lodge. PURPOSES. The purposes shall be to conduct regular and official convocations, rituals, lectures and meetings of the A. M. O. R. C. in our own Jurisdiction and within the terms and lim- itations of the Charter under which this Lodge exists. ALLEGIANCE. Because we are duly Char- tered by our superior Lodge of the A. M. O. R. C, and be- cause we exist, as a Lodge by virtue of such Charter, we are pledged by its conditions to obey and adhere to the Con- stitution of the A. M. O. R. C. of North America, and also bound by Oaths and sacred promises to heed, obey, respect and promulgate the decrees, rules, pronunziamentos and de- cisions of our Superior Lodge, the Supreme Grand Master, the American Supreme Council and the Imperator of the Or- der, of which Order we are a part, and to the autocratic government of which we, as a Lodge, subscribe and declare our allegiance. JURISDICTION. The Jurisdiction in which the powers of this Lodge and its Officers are to be exercised is that which is stated in our Charter ; and such powers shall be those defined by said Charter and by the Constitu- tion of the Order and its Amendments. MEETINGS. The regular meetings or lec- tures of this Lodge shall be those decreed by the Council of this Lodge. Special meet- ings or convocations shall be called by the Master of this Lodge at his reasonable discre- tion or by our Superior Lodge. MEMBERSHIP. Membership in this Lodge shall be limited to 144 active members in addition to the fourteen Officers. Conditions of Membership shall be accord- ing to the Constitution of the Order. (Methods of passing upon applications and voting upon Candidates shall be fully set forth in this Section.) ELECTION OF OFFICERS. New Officers for this Lodge for any regular term, or to fill any vacancy, shall be elected or appointed in accordance with the Constitution of the Order. The regular election of Of- ficers for this Lodge shall be held each year on : (anniver- sary of the date of the Lodge's Charter). (Laws for the nomination of officers, calling of meeting for election, and method of voting shall be fully set forth in this section.) 29 &pttw&n iBg-ICawB OFFICERS AND TERMS. The Officers of this Lodge shall be a Master, Deputy Mas- ter, Secretary and Treasurer as executive officers, and the necessary ritualistic officers as stated in the Constitution of the Order. Their terms of of- fice shall be as follows : (state fully here, after consulting the Constitution). THE LODGE COUNCIL. The advisory Council of this Lodge shall consist of: (24 members for a Grand Lodge and 14 members for a sub- ordinate Lodge), including all executive and ritualistic of- ficers. The Council shall ad- vise the Master in the per- formance of his duties or the solving of any problem when he seeks or requires its as- sistance. Its unanimous vote on any rule, law, order of decree of the Master shall be duly considered by him, and if he shall veto such unani- mous decision of the Council, said Council may appeal to the Master of its Superior Lodge. In the matter of issuing ex- communications, pronunzia- mentos and decrees, the Mas- ter of the Lodge shall have autocratic power consistent with the Constitution of the Order. (Additional articles may be added to the By-Laws adopted by the Lodge, and these should be as specific and complete as possible. It is recommended that each Lodge adhere, in its work of the Council, to the parliamentary laws set forth in Robert's Rules or some sim- ilar guide. The adoption of the By Laws should be a mat- ter for an evening's session of the Lodge Council, and each Article should be fully dis- cussed and voted upon. Ad- ditions to the By Laws, or Amendments, should be voted upon by the Lodge Council in like manner.) 30 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 022 172 315 6