BLUE BOOK

Michigan Masonic Law

Revisions:
Initial print dtd: November 18, 2008
 FOREWORD

On June 28, 1826, the founders of the Grand Lodge of Free

and Accepted Masons of Michigan decided upon the format and
contents of the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge. The
Grand Lodge was founded by eleven delegates, of whom
Andrew G. Whitney was the Chairman and John L. Whiting
the Secretary.
Adoption was actually consummated on the evening of June
28, when a printed copy was made by Secretary John L.
Whiting, including all of the corrections and amendments, and
containing nine Articles and sixty-six Sections. This
Constitution, which also included the Laws, Rules and General
Regulations, remained in effect until November of 1844, when,
because of the reorganization of the Grand Lodge, a new set of
Constitutions, Laws and Regulations was adopted under the
direction of Grand Master John Mullet and Grand Secretary
Elisha Smith Lee.
By a special act of incorporation of Michigan's Territorial
Legislature, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
Michigan became one of the first and later, the oldest of
Michigan corporations, and was approved as such on April 12,
1827. Following the adoption of the new Constitutions in 1844,
these were regularly incorporated by Act No. 235 of the Public
Acts of 1849, and as far as we can discover, it was not until
1871, that a new edition of the Constitutions, Laws and
Regulations was deemed necessary and came into effect. The
present revision will constitute the 17th Edition of the Blue
Book, which has governed Freemasons in Michigan since the
erection of the Grand Lodge in 1826.
Former editions were prepared by Right Worshipful Grand
Secretaries Foster Pratt (1874), William P. Innes (1890),
Jefferson S. Conover (1897), and Lou B. Winsor (1906, 1911,
1921, 1924, 1928).

1
 The 11th Edition was ordered by Grand Lodge in 1938, and
the work was performed under the direction of Grand Masters
Wirt L. Savery (1938), Francis B. Lambie (1939), and Charles
T. Sherman (1940). This revision was compiled under the
supervision of Past Grand Master Louis H. Fead. It should also
be noted that during this period, the Grand Master ordered
this volume to be officially named the "Blue Book."
The 12th Edition was completed in 1953 by Past Grand
Master Roscoe Bonisteel, Sr., at the instigation of Grand
Masters Guy C. Powell (1951), French C. Shell (1952), and
Horace B. Whyte (1953).
Recommendations for a 13th revision were made, and the
work of a new compilation was referred to the Landmarks
Committee by Grand Master Robert A. Hockstad (1966). In
1967, a Committee on Blue Book Revision was appointed by
Grand Master Ivan E. Addis, and in 1968, Grand Master Milo
E. Underhill continued the Committee and placed in its charge
not only the revision of the Blue Book, but also, the Cumulative
Supplement.
The combined committee was composed of Robert A.
Hockstad, P.G.M.; Charles Solmo, S.G.W.; J. Fairbairn Smith,
P.M.; Charles T. Sherman, P.G.M.; and Frederic Piggins, P.M.
At the 1968 Annual Communication, Past Grand Master
Joseph L. Hunter entered a Resolution asking the Delegate
Body to vest authority in Grand Master Underhill, with the
approval of the Board of Directors, to immediately compile and
print the 13th Edition of the Blue Book, and to determine in
what form. loose leaf or otherwise, it should be composed.
In 1975, the 14th Edition was started by first revising the
index system. The 1978 (14th) Edition of the Blue Book
followed the general format and design of previous printings.
However, the Bylaws of the Masonic Home Board and the
Grand Lodge Orphans Relief and Educational Assistance
Committee Bylaws were designated Keys 10 and 11 (now §10
and §14) respectively. We also find that Key 16, Blank Forms
Approved by Grand Lodge, was transferred to the Handbook
2
for Lodge Secretaries, with the printing of the 14th Edition.
The 14th Edition was compiled by the Standing Committee on
Publications consisting of Newton S. Bacon, P.G.M.; Joseph L.
Hunter, P.G.M.; William H. Harmon, P.G.M.; James P.
Schultz, P.M.; and Charles P. Sheffield, P.M.
The 15th (1988) Edition of the Blue Book was started in
1985, by appointment of a sub-committee to the Standing
Committee on Publications, known as the "Sub-Committee on
Blue Book Revision." The original Committee, appointed by
Grand Master Richard H. Sands (1985), was continued by
Grand Masters Ernest Hoffman, Jr. (1986), Donald P. Heming
(1987) and Kenneth Bolton (1988).
The Committee chose to keep the loose-leaf form of the Blue
Book, and to retain the general format and design.
Considerable time and effort have been spent by the
Committee, however, in making the language in Key 8, "Penal
Code of the Grand Lodge," understandable to the Michigan
Masons. A recently devised indexing system has been utilized
to assist the user in easy, competent use of the Blue Book.
The 15th Edition was compiled by the Special Committee
on Blue Book Revision consisting of Royce E. Curlis, Past
Grand Master, Grand Secretary Emeritus; Robert N. Osborne,
P.G.M., Grand Secretary; Roger N. Jackson, P.M.; and Jerrold
E. Potts, P.M.
The 16th Edition of the Blue Book was started in 1996, once
again, by appointing a sub-Committee to the Committee on
Publications. The original sub-Committee was appointed by
Grand Master Dale C. Edwards (1995). Grand Masters Donald
J. VanKirk (1996) and Robert W. Stevens (1997) made some
changes to the Committee membership.
The Committee retained the general format and design of
previous editions including the loose-leaf format, but
substituted a standard three ring binder for the cumbersome
seventeen ring binder. Computerized word processing software
was employed, and now the Blue book is available on electronic
media for the use of lodges and individuals.

3
 The 16th Edition was compiled by the Special Committee
on Blue Book Revision consisting of Charles P. Sheffield, Past
Master, Chairman; Robert N. Osborne, Past Grand Master,
Grand Secretary Emeritus; W. Don Baugher, Past Grand
Master, Grand Secretary; John Dull, Past Master; and Robert
M. McClellan, Junior Grand Warden.
The 17th Edition of the Blue Book was started in 2007 as a
task of the Committee on Publications consisting of Robert N.
Osborne, Past Grand Master, Grand Secretary Emeritus, and
Lary R. Smith, Past Grand Master, as appointed by Grand
Master Ira S. Slaven (2007). With Past Grand Master
Osborne’s illness and eventual death, Grand Master Slaven
added Wayne E. Turton, Past Grand Master, to the committee.
Grand Master Michael J. Jungel (2008) added Robert P.
Conley, Past Grand Master, and Robert W. Stevens, Past
Grand Master, Grand Secretary, to the committee.
The original committee retained the general format of the
Blue Book, but decided to make a number of changes including
consecutive page numbering, revised paragraph numbering
and a new index. They also decided to rearrange some
paragraphs. Two such examples of this are so that items
common to District Deputy Instructors, Regional Grand
Lecturers and members of the Board of General Purposes
reside in one place and, since “Removal from the rolls for non-
payment of dues” is administrative and not judicial, moving
restoration from such “Removal” from Key 8 to §4.
Once again, we recommend that each Master, lodge
Secretary and other frequent user of the Blue Book familiarize
himself with each of the general sections, and thus, a thorough
knowledge of Masonic jurisprudence in Michigan can easily be
obtained by continual and careful examination of the Blue
Book itself.

4
 Blue Book

of the

COMPILED LAWS OF 2008

of the

GRAND LODGE
of
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
of the
STATE OF MICHIGAN

2008

5
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword ....................................................................... .............. 1

Title Page ...................................................................... .............. 5
Table of Contents .................................................. .............. 6
Grand Lodge Seal (Current) .................................... .............. 7
Grand Master's Seal.................................................. .............. 8
Grand Lodge Seal (Original).................................... .............. 9
Declaration of Principles of Grand Lodge ...................... ............ 13
Principles of Recognition of Grand Lodge ..................... ............ 17
Ancient Landmarks........................................................ ............ 19
Act of Incorporation of Grand Lodge...........................§1........... 23
Corporate Bylaws of Grand Lodge...............................§2........... 29
Constitution of Grand Lodge .......................................§3........... 37
Regulations of Grand Lodge ........................................§4........... 49
Bylaws of Grand Lodge ....................................... §5 ........ 137
Rules of Order of Grand Lodge....................................§6......... 193
Bylaws of Lodges Under Dispensation ........................§7......... 199
Penal Code of Grand Lodge.........................................§8......... 205
Penal Code Summary............................................................ 235
Act of Incorporation for Masonic Associations ............§9......... 245
Model Temple Association Articles of Incorporation ............ 248
Bylaws of the Michigan Masonic Home .....................§10........ 257
Regulations of the Michigan Masonic Home...............§11........ 271
Act of Incorporation of MMCF...................................§12........ 279
Bylaws of the MMCF .................................................§13........ 285
Bylaws of Grand Lodge Orphans Committee..............§14........ 297
Grand Lodge Jewels ...................................................§15........ 303
Index ............................................................................. .......... 311

6
7
8
9
10
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
OF THE
GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 11
12 (Reprinted 2008)
 DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
OF
THE GRAND LODGE
OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

Freemasonry is a charitable, benevolent, educational and

religious society, adhering to its own customs and landmarks.
Its principles are proclaimed as widely as men will hear. Its
only secrets are in its methods of recognition and of symbolic
instruction.
It is charitable in that it is not organized for profit and none
of its income inures to the benefit of any individual, but all is
devoted to the promotion of the welfare and happiness of
mankind.
It is benevolent in that it teaches and exemplifies altruism
as a duty.
It is educational in that it teaches by prescribed
ceremonials a system of morality and brotherhood based upon
the Sacred Law.
It is religious in that it teaches monotheism, the Volume of
the Sacred Law is open upon its altars whenever a lodge is in
session, reverence for God is ever present in its ceremonial, and
to its Brethren are constantly addressed lessons of morality;
yet it is not sectarian or theological.
It is a social organization only so far as it furnishes
additional inducement that men may foregather in numbers,
thereby providing more material for its primary work of
education, or worship, and of charity.

(Reprinted 2008) 13
 Through the improvement and strengthening of the
character of the individual man, Freemasonry seeks to improve
the community. Thus it impresses upon its members the
principles of personal righteousness and personal
responsibility, enlightens them as to those things which make
for human welfare, and inspires them with that feeling of
charity, or good will, toward all mankind which will move them
to translate principle and conviction into action.
To that end, it teaches and stands for the worship of God;
for truth and justice; for fraternity and philanthropy; for
enlightenment and orderly civil, religious, and intellectual
liberty. It charges each of its members to be true and loyal to
the lawful government of the country to which he owes
allegiance and to be obedient to the law of any state in which
he may be.
It believes that the attainment of these objectives is best
accomplished by laying a broad basis of principle upon which
men of every race, country, sect and opinion may unite rather
than by setting up a restricted platform upon which only those
of certain races, creeds and opinions can assemble.
Believing these things, this Grand Lodge affirms its
continued adherence to that ancient and approved rule of
Freemasonry which forbids the discussion in Masonic meetings
of creeds, politics, or other topics likely to excite personal
animosities.
It further affirms its conviction that it is not only contrary
to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but exceedingly
dangerous to its unity, strength, usefulness and welfare for
Masonic Bodies to take formal action or attempt to exercise
pressure or influence for or against any particular legislative
project or proposal, or in any way to attempt to procure the
election or appointment of governmental officials, or to
influence them whether or not members of the Fraternity, in
the performance of their official duties. The true Freemason
will act in civil life according to his individual judgment and
the dictates of his conscience.
Adopted May 23, 1939.

14 (Reprinted 2008)
PRINCIPLES OF RECOGNITION
OF
THE GRAND LODGE

ANCIENT LANDMARKS
OF
MASONRY

(Reprinted 2008) 15
16 (Reprinted 2008)
 PRINCIPLES OF RECOGNITION
OF
THE GRAND LODGE

Fraternal recognition may be extended to another Grand

Lodge upon recommendation of the Committee on Fraternal
Relations, when it appears to the satisfaction of Grand Lodge:
1. That such Grand Lodge shall have been established
lawfully by a duly recognized Grand Lodge or by three or more
regularly constituted lodges.
2. That a belief in the G.A.O.T.U. and His revealed will
shall be an essential qualification for membership.
3. That all Initiates shall take their obligation on or in full
view of the open Volume of the Sacred Law, by which is meant
the revelation from above which is binding on the conscience of
the particular individual who is being initiated.
4. That the membership of the Grand Lodge and individual
lodges shall be composed exclusively of men; and that each
Grand Lodge shall have no intercourse of any kind with mixed
lodges or lodges which admit women to membership.
5. That the Grand Lodge shall have sovereign jurisdiction
over the lodges under its control, i.e., that it shall be a
responsible, independent, self-governing organization, with sole
and undisputed authority over the Craft or Symbolic Degrees
(Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason) within
its jurisdiction; and shall not in any way be subject to or divide
such authority with any other Power claiming any control or
supervision over those degrees.
6. That the three Great Lights of Freemasonry (namely the
Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses)
shall always be exhibited when the Grand Lodge or its

(Reprinted 2008) 17
subordinate lodges are at work, the chief of these being the
Volume of the Sacred Law.
7. That the discussion of religion and politics within the
lodge shall be strictly prohibited.
8. That the principles of the Ancient Landmarks, customs
and usages of the Craft shall be strictly observed.
Adopted May 25, 1948

18 (Reprinted 2008)
 ANCIENT LANDMARKS
OF
MASONRY

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State

of Michigan hereby recognizes the following as Ancient
Landmarks of Masonry:
A belief in a Supreme Being.
A belief in the immortality of the soul.
A Volume of the Sacred Law is an indispensable part of the
furniture of every lodge.
Approved May 27, 1970

(Reprinted 2008) 19
20 (Reprinted 2008)
 §1
ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF
THE GRAND LODGE

(What follows is the original State

Statute that created the Grand Lodge of
Michigan, as modified most recently in
1931. It cannot be modified by the
Grand Lodge of Michigan; only by the
legislature of the State of Michigan.)

(Reprinted 2008) 21
22 (Reprinted 2008)
 ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF THE
GRAND LODGE
OF
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN
___________________________

Act of Incorporation

Territory of Michigan
Special Act April 12, 1827
___________________________

State of Michigan
Act No. 235 Public Acts 1849
as amended by
Act No. 69 Public Acts 1869
Act No. 342 Public Acts 1871
Act No. 1 Public Acts 1905
Act No. 157 Public Acts 1911
Act No. 10 Public Acts 1931
___________________________

Compiled Laws 1948, Sec. 457.231 et sequi.

Act No. 10 Public Acts 1931
Mich. Ann. Stat. 21.1231 et sequi.

(Reprinted 2008) 23
An Act to amend sections one, two, four and five, of Act
Number two hundred and thirty-five of the Session Laws of
1849, relative to the incorporation of the Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of Michigan, and to repeal Act Number
sixty-nine of the Session Laws of 1869.
GRAND LODGE F. & A. M. OF MICHIGAN
§1.1: The People of the State of Michigan enact, that
sections one, two, four and five, of an act entitled "An Act to
incorporate the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
the State of Michigan," approved April 2, 1849, be amended so
as to read as follows:
§1.2: The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of Michigan by that name and style is hereby
incorporated, and declared a body politic and corporate in deed
and law, with succession, and shall be in law capable of suing
and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, answering and
being answered, defending and being defended, in all courts
and places whatsoever, in all manner of actions, suits,
complaints, matters and causes whatsoever, and that they and
their successors shall have a common seal, and may change
and alter the same at their pleasure.
§1.3: The officers of said corporation shall be the Grand
Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior
Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, for the
time being, and they shall constitute the Board of Directors of
said corporation, for the transaction of all business authorized
by this act.
§1.4: This act shall be subject to the provisions of chapter
fifty-five (55) of the Revised Statutes of 1846, so far as the
same may be applicable.
§1.5: Said corporation may, under the direction of the
Grand Lodge when assembled, make all bylaws for its
government, the government of all constituent lodges under its
jurisdiction, the government of all institutions owned,
established or maintained by it, and for the transaction of all
business of the corporation. Said corporation may acquire, hold,

24 (Reprinted 2008)
sell and convey any real or personal estate for its own use or for
the use of any institution owned, established or maintained by
it. It may own, establish and maintain a home or homes for
members of the order of Free and Accepted Masons and their
dependent relatives. It may take, hold and convey such other
property, real or personal, as may be conveyed, devised or
bequeathed to it in trust for any Masonic use, purpose,
organization or institution. When authorized by the Board of
Directors, all real and personal estate may be conveyed by deed
or bill of sale in the name of the corporation, executed and
acknowledged as the act and deed of the corporation by the
Grand Master for the time being, or by such other person as
the Board of Directors may appoint for that purpose, with the
seal of the Grand Lodge attached, and such conveyance so
executed shall be valid and binding for all intents and purposes
whatsoever; Provided, however, that all property, real or
personal, conveyed, devised or bequeathed to said corporation
in trust for any Masonic use, purpose, organization or
institution shall be held by said corporation and used by it in
accordance with the terms of the instrument by which the same
is conveyed, devised or bequeathed.
§1.6: Said corporation may hold real and personal estate of
subordinate lodges, in trust for the use of such subordinate
lodges, and do all acts and things in law relating thereto as
trustees, and may convey the same as above, under the
direction of such subordinate lodges, and the Rules,
Regulations and Bylaws of the Grand Lodge in relation thereto.
§1.7:
(a) The Corporate entity of the Grand Lodge may be
restructured to create the Grand Lodge of the State of
Michigan and the Michigan Masonic Home as separate
and distinct corporations with the Michigan Masonic
Home as a subsidiary corporation wholly owned and
controlled by the Grand Lodge.
(b) The Grand Lodge may create such other separate,
distinct and wholly owned subsidiary corporations as
are necessary to encompass charitable giving and fund-

(Reprinted 2008) 25
 raising currently being administered and operated by
the Grand Lodge.
(c) The Grand Lodge may form and create a separate, but
wholly owned corporation management company, to
provide management or administrative services to the
Grand Lodge and the Home or other corporate fund-
raising activities or other activities as needed.
Provided that the creation of each separate entity must be
approved by the Grand Lodge at the Annual Communication.
(1995)
§1.8: The legislature may at any time alter, amend or
repeal this act.

26 (Reprinted 2008)
 §2

CORPORATE BYLAWS
OF THE GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 27
28 (Reprinted 2008)
 CORPORATE BYLAWS
OF
THE GRAND LODGE
§2.1: The Constitution and Bylaws of the Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan, present
and future, are hereby established as the Constitution and
Bylaws of this corporate body, in addition to which, for the
better accomplishment and security of the objects and interests
of the said Grand Lodge in its corporate capacity, this and the
following bylaws are hereby enacted.
§2.2: This Grand Lodge hereby accepts all conveyances in
trust of real or personal estate that have been heretofore
executed by any constituent lodge or lodges to this Grand
Lodge; and pledges itself to accept any trust that shall
hereafter be so executed by any lodge under its jurisdiction,
solemnly binding itself to faithfully keep, perform and execute
any and all such trusts for the use and benefit of the respective
beneficiaries, according to the terms and intent of the several
conveyances so made.
§2.3: Whenever this Grand Lodge shall receive a
conveyance of any property, real or personal, in trust for any
constituent lodge, the Grand Master shall forthwith execute
and deliver to the lodge for whose use and benefit such
property shall be held, a declaration of trust pursuant to the
form annexed to these bylaws, under the seal of the Grand
Lodge and attested by the Grand Secretary.
§2.4: This Grand Lodge, by its Grand Master and under its
Seal,1 as provided by section four of its act of incorporation,
shall convey any real or personal property held by it as trustee,
at such time, to such person or persons, and for such
consideration, as shall be requested by the constituent lodge for
whose use and benefit such property shall be held, and shall
pay over to such constituent lodge on demand all moneys

1
NOTE: For history of the Grand Lodge Seal, see Proceedings 1940,
page 85.
(Reprinted 2008) 29
received in consideration for the property so conveyed, or
received upon any mortgage, bond, note, or other evidence of
debt held for the use and benefit of such constituent lodge, less
the actual costs of collection.
§2.5: This Grand Lodge hereby authorizes the actual or
acting Worshipful Master of any constituent lodge, for whose
benefit any property shall be held in trust by said Grand
Lodge, to effect, in its name as Trustee and as its agent, a good
and safe insurance upon such property, and in such amount
(not exceeding three-fourths the cash value) as shall be
requested by such constituent lodge; provided the premiums for
such insurance shall be paid by the constituent lodge for whose
benefit such insurance is effected. Whenever any loss shall be
recovered by the Grand Lodge upon any insurance so effected,
the amount so recovered shall be paid over forthwith to the
constituent lodge entitled to the same, less the actual cost of
collection.
§2.6: The forms in the Handbook for Lodge Secretaries are
made a part of the bylaws, and shall be used, when practicable,
in the transaction of all the business provided for in these
bylaws to which the same are applicable.
§2.7: The Grand Secretary shall make a full record of all
applications, conveyances, instruments and documents of every
kind executed by or to the Grand Lodge in the transaction of
the business provided for in these corporate bylaws, in a book
or books to be kept by him for that purpose, and he shall keep
an accurate index and counter-index thereto; and said books
shall always be open to the inspection of the Officers of the
Grand Lodge and the Masters and Wardens of constituent
lodges.
§2.8.1: All constituent lodges under the jurisdiction of this
Grand Lodge, and all members of the same, are hereby
expressly prohibited from forming incorporate Masonic bodies
under the laws of Michigan. Provided, that nothing herein
contained shall be construed as prohibiting Masons from
forming Masonic Associations for the purpose of owning
property to be used for Masonic purposes. Such incorporation

30 (Reprinted 2008)
shall be under the terms and conditions of Act No. 1 Public
Acts 1895, as provided in §9. (1971)
§2.8.2: "Provided that nothing herein contained shall be
construed as prohibiting Masons from forming Masonic
Associations for the purpose of owning property to be used for
Masonic purposes." is hereby construed to mean that, "Masonic
Associations" referred to are incorporated Masonic Associations
as provided for by the statutes of the State of Michigan, and
wherever the term "Masonic Temple Associations" is used, it
shall be construed to mean, incorporation of Masonic
Associations under the Statutes of the State of Michigan, and
not any other form of Association or trusteeship.
§2.8.3: Provided further, that a Temple Association cannot
rent a building under its control to the Michigan State Liquor
Control Commission for the retail and wholesale distribution of
the products normally handled by the Liquor Control
Commission. (1959)
§2.9.1: Whenever the Grand Lodge receives a conveyance,
devise or bequest of any property, real or personal, in trust
form or for the benefit of the Masonic Home, or receives any
property the use or disposition of which is not restricted, such
property or the proceeds from the sale thereof shall become a
part of the Masonic Home Endowment Fund. The principal of
this Fund shall not be withdrawn or diverted to uses other
than herein specified. (1955)
All moneys in the Masonic Home Endowment Fund and all
moneys received from the sale of investments of said Fund
shall be invested by the Grand Lodge Investment Committee in
accordance with the following options:
(a) In bonds or other evidences of indebtedness which are
guaranteed both as to principal and interest by the
United States of America. (1955)
(b) In the general obligation bonds of any state or of any
political subdivision thereof which, at the time of
purchase, carry a rating of "Baa" or better as reported
by Moody's Investors Service. (1955, 1981, 1989)

(Reprinted 2008) 31
 (c) In savings deposits or certificates of deposit in
regularly chartered banks, provided the deposit in any
bank shall not exceed the amount insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, unless voted by
the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. (1955, 1985)
(d) In shares of chartered savings and loan associations,
provided the total amount invested in any savings and
loan association shall not exceed the amount insured
by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation. (1955)
(e) In industrial, finance and utility bonds, notes and
debentures which, at the time of purchase, carry a
rating of "Baa" or better as reported by Moody's
Investors Service. (1975, 1981, 1989)
(f) In bonds, notes, mortgages or other evidences of
indebtedness of Federal Agencies and government
sponsored institutions. For example: Federal National
Mortgage Association or Federal Farm Credit or
Federal Home Loan Bank. (1955, 1981, 1989)
(g) In collateralized repurchase agreements; commercial
paper which, at the time of purchase, carry a rating of
MIG-1 as reported by Moody's Investors Services;
master notes as chosen by Depository Banks or short-
term money market type funds to temporarily invest
cash surpluses. (1975, 1981, 1989)
(h) In preferred stocks which, at the time of purchase,
carry a rating of "Baa" or better as reported by Moody's
Investors Services. (1975, 1981, 1989)
(i) In convertible bonds, notes and debentures and in
convertible preferred stocks, each of which, at the time
of purchase, carry a rating of "Baa" or better as
reported by Moody's Investors Services. (1981-1989)
(j) In common stocks that are listed on a national
securities exchange or on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System
(NASDAQ). (1981, 1989, 1995)

32 (Reprinted 2008)
 (k) For the purposes of §2.9.1 any reference to "Moody's
Investors Service" or "Standard and Poor's
Corporation" shall be construed to mean either the
named entities or their equivalent. (1981)
§2.9.2: Provided, that at no time shall the total market value
of stock investments as are authorized in paragraphs (h), (i),
and (j) above exceed seventy (70) percent of the Reserve and
PGM2 Funds. (1968, 1981, 1989, 1997, 2006)
The Grand Master, by and with the consent of a majority of
the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, may employ investment
counsel under such terms and conditions as may be deemed
reasonable and necessary. At the first meeting of the Grand
Lodge Board of Directors following the Annual Communication
of the Grand Lodge, the Board shall determine whether the
employment of investment counsel shall be necessary for the
current Grand Lodge year. (1955)
Whenever the Grand Lodge receives any property,
securities or investments which do not conform to the above
investment standards, the Grand Lodge Investment
Committee, by and with the consent of the Grand Lodge Board
of Directors, may retain said property, securities or
investments for such period of time as may be deemed to be in
the best interests of the Grand Lodge. (1955)
All income from the Reserve and PGM Funds investments
shall be credited to the appropriate Reserve and/or PGM Fund.
(1955, 1997)
§2.10: All bonds and securities belonging to this Grand
Lodge, or any agency thereof, shall be placed in the custody of
such Grand Lodge Officer or financial agent of the Grand
Lodge as shall be designated by resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Grand Lodge. (1960)
§2.11: Unless expressly authorized by the Grand Lodge, in
Annual Communication assembled, the Officers and Board of
Directors of the Corporate Grand Lodge shall have no power or

2
NOTE: “PGM” is an amalgamation of funds for Pre-Paid Membership,
general use by Grand Lodge and Masonic Village Estates.
(Reprinted 2008) 33
authority to purchase, sell, convey, mortgage or pledge any real
estate, borrow money, execute bonds, notes, or any evidence of
indebtedness, nor incur or pay any expense whatever, except to
incur and pay the necessary cost of reducing to the possession
of Grand Lodge and converting into money by sale or
conveyance, property given to Grand Lodge, and to fulfill the
conditions of any trust accepted by Grand Lodge; nor shall they
or any of them have authority to change any appropriation of
money made by the Grand Lodge nor to appropriate and pay
out any funds which the Grand Lodge shall have received from
the constituent lodges, for any purpose whatever, except as
specifically authorized by the Grand Lodge. The Officers and
the Board of Directors of the Corporate Grand Lodge shall
make full report of all its transactions and accounts to the
Grand Lodge at each Annual Communication thereof, for its
action thereon.
§2.12: The Grand Lodge may make contributions and gifts
of money or property to the Masonic Home Endowment Fund,
and such contributions and gifts shall thereby be impressed
with the same permanency and conditions which attach to gifts
to such Fund by others and may not be withdrawn or devoted
to other uses.
§2.13: These bylaws may be amended at any Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge and then only.

34 (Reprinted 2008)
 §3

THE CONSTITUTION
OF
THE GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 35
36 (Reprinted 2008)
 THE CONSTITUTION
OF
THE GRAND LODGE
OF
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN
__________________________

§3.1: Style and Title of Grand Lodge

§3.1.1: The name and style of this Grand Lodge shall be THE
GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.

§3.2: Membership and Quorum

§3.2.1: The Grand Lodge shall consist of its Grand Officers,
of its Past Grand Masters who maintain membership and good
standing in a constituent lodge, and of the Worshipful Masters
of its chartered lodges or their legal representatives, any ten of
whom, being present and having the proper authority, may
open and close the Grand Lodge; but, at any general
Communication of the Grand Lodge, the presence of the legal
representatives of not less than fifty chartered lodges shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
§3.2.2: Past Masters of lodges in this Jurisdiction who are in
good standing, and members of Standing Committees who are
not the legal representatives of lodges, are members of this
Grand Lodge, but without the right to vote.

(Reprinted 2008) 37
§3.3: Rank, Title and Qualifications of Grand
Officers
§3.3.1: The Officers of this Grand Lodge, their rank and
style, shall be as follows: (2000)

The Most Worshipful Grand Master

The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master
The Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden
The Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden
The Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer
The Right Worshipful Grand Secretary
The Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer
The Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain
The Worshipful Senior Grand Deacon
The Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon
The Worshipful Grand Marshal
The Worshipful Grand Tiler
§3.3.2: No Grand Officer shall perform any duty of the
station or place to which he may be elected or appointed until
he has been legally installed; and each Officer shall retain the
powers and perform the duties of his office for one year, or until
his successor has been legally elected or appointed and
installed.

§3.4: Annual and Special Communications

§3.4.1: The Grand Lodge shall hold at least one Regular or
Annual Communication in each year, and at such time and
place as may be fixed by its bylaws.
§3.4.2: Business affecting the general welfare of the
Jurisdiction shall not be transacted at a Special
Communication, unless one month's previous notice of the
proposed business shall have been given to each lodge in the
Jurisdiction.

38 (Reprinted 2008)
§3.5: Qualifications for Office
§3.5.1: No one is eligible, in this Grand Lodge, to the office of
Grand Master or his Deputy, who has not served, after a legal
election and installation, as the Worshipful Master of one of its
chartered lodges, with voting privilege at the Grand Lodge in
session; and no one can hold any elective office in the Grand
Lodge of a higher corresponding grade than that to which he
may have attained in one of its chartered lodges; and no one
shall be eligible to or hold any office in the Grand Lodge who is
not a member in good standing of one of its chartered lodges.
(See 1988 Proceedings, page 23-24).
A candidate for Grand Lecturer must be a Master or Past
Master of a Michigan chartered lodge and be a member in good
standing of a chartered lodge. (See 1976 Proceedings, top of
page 32.)

§3.6: Mode of Election and Voting

§3.6.1: On or before the second day of each regular Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge, after A.D. 1892, there
shall be elected, by ballot, a Grand Master, a Deputy Grand
Master, a Senior Grand Warden, a Junior Grand Warden, a
Grand Treasurer, a Grand Secretary, a Grand Lecturer, a
Grand Chaplain, a Senior Grand Deacon, a Junior Grand
Deacon, a Grand Marshal, and a Grand Tiler. (1893)
Provided, however, that any or all of the foregoing officers,
except the Grand Marshal, may upon the direction of the
Grand Master be elected by acclamation, unless twenty (20) of
the Representatives present shall object to such method of
election. A private objection, if desired, shall be deemed
sufficient.
§3.6.2: In all elections, and on all questions before the Grand
Lodge on which the call of lodges has been ordered, the
representative of each chartered lodge shall be entitled to three
votes; each Past Grand Master and each Grand Officer to one
vote. (2002)

(Reprinted 2008) 39
§3.6.3: In all elections and on all questions before the Grand
Lodge, the majority of votes shall govern, unless otherwise
provided by law.

§3.7: Vacancies.... How Filled

§3.7.1: In case of the death, disability, or absence of the
Grand Master, his duties shall devolve on the Deputy Grand
Master, the Senior Grand Warden, the Junior Grand Warden,
or on the Junior Past Grand Master, or on one of them present
and able to serve, who is the highest in rank, according to order
herein named.
§3.7.2: All vacancies in other offices of the Grand Lodge shall
be filled by appointment of the Grand Master or his legal
representative

§3.8: Supremacy of Grand Lodge

§3.8.1: This Grand Lodge, subject to this Constitution and
the Ancient Landmarks, is the only source of authority in all
matters pertaining to Ancient Craft Masonry within its
Chartered Lodges in the State of Michigan. (1996)
§3.8.2: Any and all organizations, associations, or persons
within the State of Michigan, professing to have any authority,
power or privileges in Ancient Craft Masonry, not fraternally
recognized by this Grand Lodge, are declared to be clandestine
and illegal, and all Masonic intercourse with any of them is
prohibited. (1996)
§3.8.3: The Constitution, Regulations and Laws of this
Grand Lodge are paramount law of Masonic lodges chartered
by this Grand Lodge; and in all cases to which its provisions
are applicable, it must be observed, all opinions and rulings of
other and eminent authorities to the contrary notwithstanding.
(1878, 1996)

§3.9: Powers of the Grand Lodge

§3.9.1: This Grand Lodge may grant Dispensations and
Charters for holding regular lodges of Free and Accepted

40 (Reprinted 2008)
Masons with the right to confer therein the several degrees of
Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason; and,
when deemed expedient, may annul, revoke, or suspend any
Dispensation or Charter.
§3.9.2: This Grand Lodge has jurisdiction over all subjects of
legislation and administration; it has appellate jurisdiction
from the decisions of Worshipful Masters, and from the
decisions and acts of lodges; it has jurisdiction over its
members; and its enactments and decisions upon all questions
shall conform to the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, and
shall be the Supreme Masonic Law in this Jurisdiction.
§3.9.3: This Grand Lodge may fix the location and define the
limits of every lodge under its jurisdiction, and settle all
controversies that may arise between lodges, and has the final
decision and determination of all matters of controversy or
grievance which may be brought up by appeal or otherwise.
§3.9.4: This Grand Lodge may make and adopt general laws
and regulations for the government of the several lodges under
its jurisdiction, and at pleasure, may alter, amend, or repeal
the same.
§3.9.5: This Grand Lodge may supervise the state and
condition of its own finances, and adopt such measures in
relation thereto as may be deemed necessary.
§3.9.6: This Grand Lodge may reprimand, suspend or expel
any member from its own body for a violation of the
Constitution, bylaws and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, or
for any other un-Masonic conduct; and may suspend or expel
any accused person after trial, upon appeal.
§3.9.7: This Grand Lodge shall, at each Annual
Communication, consider and review reports and doings of its
Grand Officers for the past year, as well as those of the several
lodges under its jurisdiction.

§3.10: Powers of the Grand Master

§3.10.1: The Grand Master has power:

(Reprinted 2008) 41
1. To convene the Grand Lodge in Special Communication,
in case of emergency; and
2. To preside at all Regular and Special Communications
thereof.
During the recess, or when the Grand Lodge is not in session,
he has power:
1st To issue Dispensations and to exercise the executive
functions of the Grand Lodge;
(a) A Grand Master cannot delegate the power to issue a
Dispensation. (1865)
(b) A Dispensation cannot be granted to permit another
ballot on a rejected petition. (1884)
(c) The Grand Master has no authority to grant a
Dispensation to a Military Lodge. Only Grand Lodge
can change the usual jurisdictional rules and authorize
a roving jurisdiction. (1918)
(d) It is not within the province of the Grand Master to set
aside, by Dispensation, positive enactments.
(e) He cannot grant a Dispensation to initiate a candidate
who is under nineteen years of age; or to receive and
act upon the petition for initiation of one who has not
resided within the Jurisdiction twelve months. (2000)
2nd To decide all questions of usage, order and Masonic Law;
3rd To convene any lodge within the Jurisdiction and in
person or by deputy, to preside therein, inspect its
proceedings, and require its conformity to Masonic rules;
4th To issue his Dispensation to any regular lodge to make a
Mason or confer any degree without delay;
(a) A petition for a Special Dispensation to confer degrees
should contain the name, age, residence and occupation
of the candidate, and the reasons why a Dispensation is
deemed necessary. (1865)
(b) When a candidate for initiation for whom a Special
Dispensation has been granted, is rejected, another

42 (Reprinted 2008)
 petition and ballot cannot be had by virtue of that
Dispensation. Both the petition and Dispensation are
dead by reason of the rejection. (1865)
(c) It is not necessary that a Special Dispensation to confer
degrees, granted by the Grand Master, be under seal of
Grand Lodge, or attested by the Grand Secretary. The
official signature and private seal of the Grand Master
are sufficient. (1865)
5th To suspend the Charter of any lodge when he may deem it
expedient;
6th To command3 every Grand Officer, and to call on any of
them for information, advice and assistance on business
relative to the Craft;
7th In person or by proxy, to constitute lodges, dedicate
Masonic Halls and lay cornerstones of Masonic Halls,
public buildings and structures;
8th To command a Warden, or any member of a lodge that he
may visit, to act as Warden for the time being;
9th To cause the Ancient Landmarks and Charges to be
observed and to do and perform the duties of Ancient
Grand Masters, agreeably to the requirements of Masonry
and this Grand Lodge;
(a) The privilege of opening and closing a lodge by
proclamation is reserved to the Grand Master or a
Brother having his written proxy. (1961, 2002)
(b) The Grand Master has no authority to permit the use
of the word "affirm" in the obligation where the ritual

3
NOTE: Twice during his 2007-2008 term as Grand Master, acting for just
causes, G.M. Ira S Slaven declared the office of an elected Grand Lodge Officer
vacant and that the officer was relieved from all duties of his office. As had
happened several times in years past, they had been ordered to resign. This year,
one refused and was removed; the other was just removed.
At the 2008 Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, the delegates voted to
sustain both removals and those removed were not elected to the 2008-2009
Grand Lodge Line. This reinforces the power of the Grand Master to “command
every Grand Lodge Officer”, even to the point of removal.
(Reprinted 2008) 43
 provides the word "swear." However, due explanation
to a candidate of the symbolism of the degrees should
be made, to demonstrate that the obligation does not
conflict with any religious scruples and that the
purpose is to establish an oath which will be considered
by the candidate binding upon him. (1941)
(c) See the Michigan Masonic Monitor for the proper use of
Grand Honors and Proclamation when used at
Installation, Dedications and other public ceremonies.
(1994)
§3.10.2: The Grand Master has no authority and is expressly
forbidden from entering into any contract without the express
authority of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. (2002)

§3.11: Powers and Duties of Other Grand

Officers
§3.11.1: The powers and duties of all other officers of the
Grand Lodge shall be declared and defined by its bylaws.

§3.12: District Deputies and their Duties

§3.12.1 This article relating to District Deputies and their
Duties, was stricken out in 1881.
Details of action taken are to be found as follows:
Transactions 1880, page 106.
Transactions 1881, page 114.

§3.13: Amendments … How Made

§3.13.1: This Constitution may be changed or amended in the
following manner:
The proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to
the Grand Lodge at an Annual Communication and, unless it is
seconded by a majority of the Grand Lodge, it shall receive no
further consideration. If it is so seconded the proposed
amendment shall be entered on the Minutes of Grand Lodge
and as soon as possible a copy of it shall be sent, properly

44 (Reprinted 2008)
certified by the Grand Secretary, to each lodge in this Grand
Jurisdiction, for approval or rejection by it. The action of each
lodge shall, in return, be certified to the Grand Secretary by its
Worshipful Master and Secretary, under the Seal of the Lodge.
If, at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, a
majority of the lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction have certified
their approval of the proposed amendment, the question of its
final adoption by the Grand Lodge shall be taken and if a
majority are in favor of the proposed amendment the Grand
Master shall declare it part of this Constitution. The Grand
Lodge shall then vote to determine and set the date on which it
shall become operative. (2002)
§3.13.2: Amendments to the Regulations, Bylaws and Penal
Code of this Grand Lodge shall be made in the following
manner:
(a) Each proposed amendment, together with a concise
statement of the reasons for its adoption, shall be filed
with the Grand Secretary at least one hundred and
twenty (120) days before the Annual Communication of
the Grand Lodge to which it is submitted. The
amendment will be referred to the Committee on
Jurisprudence, who will with the proposer(s) put the
amendment in proper form and order, if needed. A
notice and copy of the same shall be mailed by the
Grand Secretary to all Past Grand Masters, Officers of
the Grand Lodge, and to the Worshipful Master of each
constituent lodge, at least thirty (60) days before the
beginning of the Annual Communication. The provision
for this notice is mandatory, and if not given, the
proposed amendments lapse and have no effect, and in
order to be considered, must be resubmitted at least
one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the next
Annual Communication in the manner set forth in this
section. (1996)
(b) On the first day of each Annual Communication, the
proposed amendment shall be referred to the
Committee on Jurisprudence, and if affirmatively
reported by them and carried by a vote of two-thirds of
the Grand Lodge it shall be declared adopted.
(Reprinted 2008) 45
 (c) Proposed amendments must be submitted by the
proposer to the Grand Secretary in the form the
proposer desires them adopted. General Resolutions
upon a subject, recommending action by Grand Lodge,
but not setting up a proposed amendment in form, are
not sufficient. (1939)

§3.14: When to Take Effect

§3.14.1: This Constitution shall take effect on the first day of
July, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and seventy
three; provided, that so much thereof as relates to the election,
appointment and installation of the officers of this Grand
Lodge, together with §3.12 and §3.14, shall take effect from and
after the time of its adoption; and provided, further: that the
officers of this Grand Lodge may be elected, appointed and
installed at any time previous to the close of this Annual
Communication.
As adopted in 1873, with amendments to and including
Annual Communication of 2008.

46 (Reprinted 2008)
 §4

REGULATIONS
OF THE
GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 47
48 (Reprinted 2008)
 REGULATIONS
OF THE
GRAND LODGE
OF
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
For the Constitution and Governance
of
Chartered Lodges
____________

§4.1: Makeup of the Lodge

§4.1.1: A lodge shall consist of a Worshipful Master, a Senior
Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a Senior
Deacon, a Junior Deacon, a Tiler, and of as many members as
may be convenient. (1963)
§4.1.2: The members of a regularly constituted lodge and the
place in which they are authorized to meet are called the lodge.
A lodge cannot be legally opened or proceed to work or transact
business unless there be present the Worshipful Master or one
of the Wardens and at least five other regular members, and
the minutes must affirmatively show, by naming the six at
least, that a quorum was present. Honorary members and
visitors cannot be counted to make a quorum. (1963, 2004)

(Reprinted 2008) 49
§4.2: Charter and Lights
§4.2.1: The Great Lights of Masonry and the Charter of the
lodge must be present in the lodge room when the lodge is open
for work or business. (1963, 1988)
§4.2.2: The Lesser Lights should be kept burning during the
entire time the lodge is open. (1963)
§4.2.3: Whenever the Charter of a lodge shall in any manner
be destroyed, or shall become defaced and illegible as to be
unfit for use, or shall be stolen or surreptitiously taken and
detained without the fault of the lodge or the Worshipful
Master, the Grand Master may grant a Special Dispensation to
hold Communications of the lodge and may order a duplicate
Charter to be issued without fee. (1967)
§4.2.4: A lodge cannot surrender its Charter without the
consent of the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master as long as
there are eight Master Masons, members thereof, who desire to
work under its Charter according to the Regulations of this
Grand Lodge and the usages of Masonry. (1963)

§4.3: Inherent and Corporate Rights of Lodges

§4.3.1: The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of Michigan hereby declares that each lodge, duly
chartered and constituted by its authority, is an integral and
constituent part of its Supreme Masonic Power, and has
certain Inherent and Corporate Rights. (1964)
§4.3.2: A lodge, by its acceptance of a Charter, and its
Officers and members by their several Masonic obligations, are
bound, in all things, to obey this Grand Lodge, and to be
governed by its Constitution, Regulations, Laws and Edicts;
Provided, always, that the Ancient Landmarks be preserved.
(1964)
§4.3.3: A lodge, by virtue of its Inherent Rights, as
recognized by the Grand Lodge, has power:
(a) To retain its Charter until lawfully surrendered,
suspended or revoked.

50 (Reprinted 2008)
 (b) To meet, and to do all the work of Ancient Craft
Masonry, and transact its lawful Masonic business.
(c) To admit members, and to reject any application for
membership.
(d) To elect and install its officers.
(e) To exercise, subject to appeal, penal jurisdiction over
its members and unfinished work.
(f) To adopt bylaws fixing the annual dues of its members,
designating the time of its Communications, and for
the regulation of its internal affairs; provided that any
bylaws conflicting with the Grand Lodge Constitution,
Regulations or Bylaws is null and void. (1964)
§4.3.4: Lodge bylaws, and any amendment or amendments
thereto, must be submitted in duplicate, bearing the signatures
of the Worshipful Master and Secretary and the Seal of the
lodge, to the Grand Secretary for the Grand Master's approval
before becoming effective. Upon approval, one copy will be
returned to the submitting lodge, the second copy retained in
the files of the Grand Secretary. (1977)
§4.3.5: The Grand Lodge is not liable for the debts of a
constituent lodge, and a lodge has an inherent right to
supervise its own finances, and the Grand Lodge has no right
to interfere with a constituent lodge upon that subject except
as hereinafter provided. (1964)
§4.3.6: The money of a lodge may be appropriated for the
relief of any poor, distressed Brother, his widow or orphans;
but a lodge has no right to donate its funds for any other than
strictly Masonic purposes; provided, however, that a lodge by
vote of its membership at a Regular Communication may
interpret the words "Masonic purposes" to include benevolent,
charitable and humanitarian actions in the community in
which it is located. Provided further, a lodge may contribute
such sums from lodge funds as the lodge may approve by a two-
thirds affirmative vote at a Regular Communication, for the
assistance of DeMolay, Rainbow Girls, or Jobs Daughters.
(1977)

(Reprinted 2008) 51
§4.3.7: The Corporate Rights of a lodge are conferred by its
Charter, and by virtue thereof it is entitled:
(a) To representation in all Communications of the Grand
Lodge. (1964)
(b) To protection in the lawful exercise of its Inherent
Rights, and to the enjoyment of all privileges and
immunities and the exercise of all powers conferred by
the Grand Lodge upon any constituent lodge. (1964)
§4.3.8: All constituent lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction shall
be and remain un-incorporated, and the members of each lodge
are hereby prohibited from incorporating the same. (1964)
§4.3.9: A lodge shall not participate either directly or
indirectly in the erection or purchase of lodge quarters or in
making major renovations or additions to existing lodge
quarters until the building plans shall have been approved in
writing by the Grand Master and the financing plans shall
have been submitted in duplicate to, and approved in writing
by, the Grand Lodge Committee on Investments. All such plans
shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary's Office. One copy of
the approval shall be filed in the Grand Secretary's Office, and
one copy shall be mailed or delivered to the lodge requesting
the approval. (1964, 2004)
§4.3.10: Members of a lodge desiring to incorporate for the
purpose of providing a Masonic Temple are required to follow
the provisions of the Statutes of the State of Michigan relating
to the incorporation of Masonic Temple Associations. (1964)
Such incorporation shall be under the terms and conditions
of Act No. 1 Public Acts 1895, as provided in §9, provided no
Temple Association shall be formed by members of any
constituent lodge or lodges until the bylaws of said Temple
Association shall have been approved by the Grand Master and
a majority of the members of the Board of Directors. (1971)
§4.3.11: A lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall not be named
after a living person. (1964)
§4.3.12: A lodge has no power, either directly or indirectly, to
create an honorary Past Master. (1964)
52 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.4: Duties of a Lodge
§4.4.1: It shall be the duty of a lodge:
(a) To observe and preserve the ancient usages of
Masonry.
(b) To render the Grand Master or his Deputy all due
respect and obedience.
(c) To respectfully hear all official communications from
the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master, or any officer
acting by their authority.
(d) To be properly represented at the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge. Failure to fulfill
this duty, unless excused by the Grand Master not
later than the opening of the final day's session of the
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, shall
render a lodge subject to such discipline by the Grand
Master as he may deem expedient. (1979)
(e) To provide its officers with their proper jewels and
clothing, and itself with a suitable Seal.
(f) To provide, for its Communications, a safe and suitable
lodge room.
(g) To furnish the several books required by these
Regulations for its Treasurer and Secretary.
(h) To make to Grand Lodge, through its Secretary, its
annual and all required reports of its work and
condition.
(i) To punctually pay its annual dues to Grand Lodge.
§4.4.2: A lodge may drape the Altar for a period of thirty
days in respect to the memory of a deceased Brother. Upon the
order of the Grand Master, a lodge shall drape the Charter and
the Altar for a period of sixty days in respect to the memory of
a deceased Grand Lodge Officer, Past Grand Master; or a
Grand Lodge Officer or a Past Grand Lodge Officer with
emeritus status. The drape, to be of suitable black material,
may cover all, or a portion of the Altar, but it shall not be
placed on or over the Great Lights. (1969, 2002)
(Reprinted 2008) 53
§4.5: Restrictions on a Lodge
§4.5.1: Lodge Rooms
§4.5.1.1: A lodge shall meet in either a lodge room dedicated to
Masonic uses, or with the permission of the Grand Master, in
an undedicated room in a facility not owned or operated by a
Masonic Temple Association, provided that the undedicated
room can be properly tiled and has a privately adjoining
preparation and tiler's room. (1885, 1900, 2000)
§4.5.1.2: A lodge may move from one lodge room to another in
the same Masonic Temple when all the lodge rooms have been
dedicated collectively, without securing Special Dispensation
therefore. Similarly, a lodge given permission to meet in an
undedicated room may move to another suitable room within
the same facility without securing Special Dispensation
therefore. (1891, 2000)
§4.5.1.3: The Worshipful Master has no authority to rent the
lodge room to anyone for any purpose. That is the prerogative
of the governing Masonic Temple Association or owner of the
building, subject, however, to the restrictions now or hereafter
imposed by Masonic Law. (1943, 2000)
§4.5.1.4: Under no circumstances shall smoking be allowed in
a room dedicated to Masonic use or in a lodge room while it is
in use by a lodge. (1924, 2000)

§4.5.2: Alcoholic Beverages

§4.5.2.1: The temperate use and dispensing of alcoholic
beverages during exclusively social functions, fellowship and
banquet periods is permitted, always within the confines of the
social rooms, banquet rooms and dining halls, or at picnics and
lodge outings, and always under the control of responsible
affiliated persons. This applies to all Masonic affiliated bodies
within the Jurisdiction of Michigan.
§4.5.2.2: At no time shall alcoholic beverages be introduced
into a room dedicated to Masonic use or into a lodge room while
it is in use by a lodge, or into any of those rooms used directly
in connection therewith; such as the preparation room, tiler's

54 (Reprinted 2008)
room or corridors adjacent thereto. However, nothing herein is
to be construed as limiting the exclusion of areas to those above
named. (2000)
§4.5.2.3: At no time shall Officers of a lodge partake of nor
allow its members to be served alcoholic beverages before or
during a Regular or Special Communication (as defined in
§4.15), with one exception: a Table Lodge may serve wine by
Special Dispensation of the Grand Master.
§4.5.2.4: At no time shall any member be admitted to a lodge
meeting while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The
Worshipful Master, subject to the Grand Master, shall be
responsible for the decision.
§4.5.2.5: At no time shall there be any area allotted to, nor
construction be made of, a permanent alcoholic beverage
servicing facility within any Masonic Temple under this
Jurisdiction, unless such area is for business purposes of a non-
Masonic entity. (2005)
§4.5.2.6: Reference to alcoholic beverages, such as, but not
limited to, "cocktails," "bar," "B.Y.O.B.," etc. is not permitted in
any lodge notice, or as an enclosure in the mailing of a lodge
notice. The use of phrases "social hour" or "social period" is
permitted.
§4.5.2.7: All applicable laws and regulations, both of the State
of Michigan and of local authorities, shall be observed and
complied with at all times.
§4.5.2.8: No lodge or recognized appendant body shall apply
for nor hold any license required by the foregoing laws or
regulations.
§4.5.2.9: The foregoing is not to be construed as a mandate
that the use and dispensing of alcoholic beverages must be
allowed. Whether such use is allowed or prohibited is for the
local Masonic body, Trustees or Temple Association to
determine. (1921, 1935, 1982)

(Reprinted 2008) 55
§4.5.3: Games of Chance
§4.5.3.1: All Masonic lodges and all Masonic affiliated bodies
within the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons of Michigan are permitted to sponsor, undertake and
participate in State licensed raffles, charity games or other
games of chance authorized by the statutes and regulations of
the State of Michigan for charitable and/or fund-raising
purposes. (G.M. edict 2002) (2004)
The following rules apply:
1. Any and all applicable statutes, laws, regulations, orders,
directives of the Federal, State and local governments
shall be fully and strictly observed, adhered to and
complied with at all times.
2. No activities authorized hereunder shall be held or
introduced into any room dedicated to Masonic use or into
a lodge room while it is in use by a lodge, or into any of
the rooms used in connection therewith, including, but
not limited to, the preparation room, tiler's room or
corridors adjacent and adjoining thereto. (2000)
3. No raffles or games of chance shall be held, nor shall any
tickets be sold, in any Masonic Temple or any building
housing a lodge unless and until the governing Masonic
Temple Association or owner of the building involved
shall specifically authorize the same in writing; provided:
if such permission is not so granted, the function may be
held off said premises in a location permitted by law and
approved by the owner.
4. No function permitted under this law shall be advertised
publicly in any manner whatsoever whether in Masonic
publications or otherwise and no Masonic or Masonic-
related emblems shall be affixed to or included in any
materials or tickets used in conjunction with said
function, unless approved in advance by the Grand
Master. Notwithstanding the above provisions of this
rule, the lodge name or names may be affixed to any
materials or tickets used in connection with said function
to the extent required by State Law. (1989, 2005)

56 (Reprinted 2008)
5. Each function permitted hereunder shall be in full
compliance with the bylaws and Charter of the sponsoring
body and shall not contravene any rule or regulation
adopted by said body.
6. Each and every Masonic body participating in any activity
authorized hereunder shall, at least thirty days prior to
the proposed date of said activity, provide in writing to
the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand
Lodge, full and complete information concerning that
event, including, but not limited to, the proposed use of
the funds obtained, the State of Michigan license number,
a copy of the proposed ticket or tickets to be used, a copy
of any proposed advertising and charges for participation
and a complete list of proposed prizes. (2005)
7. Within thirty days after the date of the function, the
sponsoring body shall submit in writing to the Right
Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge a full
and complete financial report of said function including,
but not limited to, an account of all receipts, a detail of
the expenses and prizes paid and an account of the
distribution of the proceeds.
8. This law is permissive only and shall not be construed to
mandate the participation in and/or conduct of the
activities set forth herein. The local Masonic body,
Trustees or Temple Association shall each have the right
to determine individually whether said body or
association will or will not conduct or participate in the
same in accordance with the terms of this law. (1985)
9. Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction may participate in and
sponsor Bingo games under the following provisions:
(2004)
(a) No permanent fixture for the playing of Bingo is to be
installed in any Masonic Hall or building.
(b) Masonic Temple Associations may not participate in or
sponsor Bingo Games, but may rent their hall to an
organization, properly licensed by the State of
Michigan, to sponsor Bingo games.

(Reprinted 2008) 57
 (c) All materials and equipment must be stored out of
sight when not in actual use.
(d) Any and all applicable statutes, laws, regulations,
orders, and directives of the Federal, State and local
governments shall be fully and strictly observed,
adhered to and complied with at all times.
(e) The dispensing of alcoholic beverages or consumption
of the same on the premises is forbidden in conjunction
with this type of activity.
(f) Lodges wishing to participate in or sponsor a Bingo
game need not obtain the permission of the Masonic
Temple Association unless said Association is composed
of multiple lodges.

§4.6: Lodge Property

§4.6.1: A lodge has no legal corporate existence, and
therefore cannot own or be seized of real estate, however, a
lodge may enjoy the use and benefit of real estate in any one of
three ways: (1971)
(a) The Trustees of the lodge may hold the property, in
trust, for the use and benefit of the lodge, or
(b) The property can be held by the Grand Lodge, in trust,
for the use and benefit of the lodge in accordance with
the Grand Lodge Bylaws on the subject. This vests title
in the Grand Lodge for the above purposes, and no
other, except that of conveyance on request of the
lodge, and divests the grantor of all estate in the realty,
or
(c) A Masonic Association can be organized under
Michigan Law, Act No. 1 of Public Acts of 1895, as
provided in §9, and that association or corporation can
purchase the property and arrange with different
Masonic bodies to occupy it.
§4.6.2: All lodge property is Masonic property, and once
Masonic property it is always Masonic property. It has been
solemnly dedicated to Masonry; individual ownership in it has

58 (Reprinted 2008)
ceased. The lodge's right to management and control over it is
absolute so long as the lodge continues to exist. (1977)
§4.6.3: When a Masonic Temple Association, or lodge,
owning, renting, or leasing a building, or portion thereof,
dedicated to Masonry, finds that the building, or portion
thereof, is no longer being used for Masonic purposes, the
following shall be accomplished:
(a) The Masonic Temple Association, or lodge shall
immediately notify the Grand Master of the
circumstances. (1977)
(b) The Grand Master, if he deems the circumstances
warrant, shall issue a proclamation that the building,
or portion thereof, is no longer dedicated to Masonry.
Such proclamation will be subject to ratification at the
next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. (1977)
(c) When the proclamation is issued the Grand Master
shall order the Masonic Temple Association, or lodge,
to remove all removable items of Masonic identification
from the building, or portion thereof, no longer
dedicated to Masonry. (1977)
§4.6.4: Donors of equipment and furnishings to a lodge may
not retain any supervisory interest in such furnishings and
equipment since a lodge must be free to alter or dispose of such
of its assets as it deems necessary or advisable.

§4.7: Insurance and Furniture

§4.7.1: All lodges in this Jurisdiction shall, at all times, keep
their property properly insured, provide their lodge room with
suitable furniture and keep them secure and in good order,
and, failing in this duty, in case of loss, the Grand Master
should not grant a Special Dispensation to solicit aid from
sister lodges.

§4.8: Clothing
§4.8.1: The proper clothing of a Mason while in attendance
at a lodge meeting in any degree shall be civilian dress

(Reprinted 2008) 59
appropriate to the dignity of the occasion; except that when
military regulations require the wearing of a uniform, such
uniforms will be considered proper dress.
§4.8.2: The Worshipful Master shall wear a hat, which will
be in harmony with the dress adopted for the officers of the
lodge.
§4.8.3: A lodge, may, at its option, provide white gloves for
its officers and members, and a label badge or ribbon for its
visitors.
§4.8.4: The members' aprons shall be plain white lambskin
or linen, approximately fourteen to sixteen inches wide and
twelve to fourteen inches deep, square at the bottom, with a
flap or fall to be triangular in shape and with white strings. No
ornament or other color shall be allowed except to Officers and
Past Masters of lodges, who may have the emblem of their
office suitably located on their aprons and with such other
ornamentation as may appear reasonable. The emblems of
office shall be deep or royal blue. Officers' aprons with black
borders and emblems are permissible for Funerals or Memorial
Services. (1978)
§4.8.5: The jewels for officers of lodges shall be the same as
are now in use and similar in pattern to be found in the Office
of the Grand Secretary. (See pictures and specifications of
jewels elsewhere in this book).
§4.8.6: Robes and other regalia are permissible in the
conferring of any degree, except in the first section thereof.
§4.8.7: No officer or member shall wear any Masonic clothing
or jewels other than prescribed above while presiding in or
attending any lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction, except Past
Masters who may wear their jewels designating them as such;
except that:
(a) The national dress of Scotland may be worn by
members conferring any of the Symbolic Degrees of
Masonry as long as the Michigan Ritual and
Ceremonies adopted by the Grand Lodge are strictly
adhered to. (1958)

60 (Reprinted 2008)
 (b) Knights Templar, in full dress without sword or
chapeau, may confer the Symbolic Degrees in a
Michigan lodge, but they must wear white aprons.
(1959, 2004)
A Knights Templar while attending a lodge open for
any public ceremony such as an installation or Lodge of
Sorrow, or while offering an honor guard or flag escort,
may wear his full dress uniform with chapeau and
sword and without the white apron. (G.M. edict 2004)
(printed 2005)
(c) During the month of February of each year in
observance of George Washington's birthday and under
Special Dispensation of the Grand Master, colonial
costumes may be worn by members conferring the first
section of the Master Mason Degree, but they must
wear white aprons. (1977)
(d) The Grand Lodge Board of Directors is hereby
authorized to approve deviations to Masonic clothing
and jewels as otherwise allowed in §4.8. These
deviations may include, but not be limited to: member
aprons that honor their years of service to the Craft or
their emeritus status, lodge member and officer aprons
for lodges over 100 years old and jewels for past officers
other than Worshipful Master or for other Masonic
awards. (2000)
§4.8.8: It is not proper for members of the Grotto or Shrine
to wear their fezzes when visiting a constituent lodge. (1977)

§4.9: Foreign Language

§4.9.1: A lodge, authorized to conduct its business and confer
the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry in a foreign language,
shall make no change or modification in the work or lectures;
shall keep all records, and make all reports and returns to the
Grand Lodge in the English language; and the Worshipful
Master and Wardens of such lodge shall be familiar with and
well-skilled in the work and lectures in the English language.

(Reprinted 2008) 61
§4.10: Flags
§4.10.1: The lodge shall display the Flag of the United States
of America in the lodge room during all Regular and Special
Communications. The Flag shall be suspended on a staff placed
at the South side of the Altar. (1963)
§4.10.2: All members shall stand at attention with the right
hand over the heart during the time the Flag is carried to the
Altar and also when it is returned to the East. (1963)
§4.10.3: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United
States of America may be used during the opening of any
Masonic lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction. (1963)
§4.10.4: The Canadian Flag may be displayed at the Altar of a
Michigan Masonic lodge upon the occasion of an official
visitation by a lodge of a Canadian Grand Jurisdiction
recognized by the Grand Lodge of Michigan provided that both
the Canadian and Michigan lodges shall have a Special
Dispensation from their respective Grand Masters authorizing
the visitation. (1963)
§4.10.5: The Flag of the United States of America shall be
presented at the Altar first and displayed as Masonic Law
directs, followed by the Canadian Flag, which shall be returned
to the East during the closing of the lodge prior to the return of
the Flag of the United States of America. (1963)

§4.11: Solicitation of Aid

§4.11.1: A lodge, an officer or a member thereof, shall not give
any certificate or recommendation to enable a Mason to apply
to any lodge for relief. (1965)
§4.11.2: A lodge shall not make nor circulate any appeal for
financial aid for any purpose unless the Grand Master shall
have first authorized such appeal in writing, nor shall a lodge
act on any such appeal made to it unless the Grand Master has
approved the appeal in writing. However, such an appeal
issued within the community and for a community charity does
not require prior approval and permission of the Grand Master
is not required. (1965, G.M. edict 2002)
62 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.12: Suspension of Charter
§4.12.1: The Charter of a lodge may be suspended or revoked
by either the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge for:
(a) A persistent or inexcusable neglect by the lodge or its
Officers of any of the duties imposed by the
Constitution, Regulations, Bylaws, Edicts and
Decisions. (1965)
(b) A deliberate violation of its obligations to Masonry, or
to the authority of the Grand Lodge. (1965)

§4.13: Place of Meeting

§4.13.1: This Grand Lodge will not change the location of a
chartered lodge without the consent of said lodge.
§4.13.2: A lodge desiring to change its place of meeting may
accomplish it in the following manner: (2005)
(a) Notice of such proposed change shall be given to the
lodge's members at a Regular Communication, that
such notice be written or printed and mailed to or
delivered to each member one month prior to the
Regular Communication at which the vote is due to be
taken, and a favorable majority vote of its members
present at such Regular Communication, and,
(b) Two months notice is given to each lodge within the
affected District(s) and receipt of approval obtained.
(For purposes of §4.13.2, "District" shall mean BGP
District from whose location removal is sought, as well
as that into which the lodge seeks to move.) and,
(c) The consent of the Grand Master shall have been first
obtained.
§4.13.3: All actions by the Grand Master hereunder shall be
reported to the Grand Lodge in Annual Communication for
approval. In case a contiguous lodge or the Grand Master shall
fail to grant approval for a lodge to move its place of meeting,
the lodge desiring to move may petition the Grand Lodge by
resolution for reconsideration. (1890, 1979)

(Reprinted 2008) 63
§4.13.4: Whenever the Grand Master shall consent that a
lodge move its place of meeting, he shall determine whether or
not the lodge shall be assigned to another district and if it
appears that such reassignment should be made, he is hereby
authorized to transfer such lodge to another district for Board
of General Purposes and District Deputy Instructor purposes.

§4.14: Jurisdiction of a Lodge

§4.14.1: A lodge has both personal and territorial jurisdiction
over Masons and Masonic material. (1961, 2005)
(a) Masonic material shall include both "Unfinished
material" and "Rejected material".
(b) "Unfinished material" and "unfinished work" shall mean
a man or Brother who has been elected to receive the
Entered Apprentice Degree, but who has not been
raised a Master Mason.
(c) "Rejected material" shall mean a man or Brother whose
petition has been rejected or who has failed to pass a
ballot on "continued worthiness".
§4.14.2: A lodge by its personal jurisdiction has:
(a) Penal jurisdiction over its members (except its Master
and the Grand Master) and over its unfinished
material everywhere. This penal jurisdiction is
exclusive over its members and unfinished material
residing in the territorial jurisdiction of the lodge; it is
concurrent with the penal jurisdiction of a lodge in
whose territorial jurisdiction such Masons or material
may reside. (1961, 1965)
(b) The right to complete its unfinished work and accept
its rejected material wherever residing. This
jurisdiction shall originate when a petition for
initiation or advancement is received, unless the
petition be withdrawn with the consent of the lodge. It
shall continue and be exclusive for five years after the
date of the latest rejection or the latest degree
conferred by the lodge. Thereafter, any lodge having
lawful territorial jurisdiction over the material may
64 (Reprinted 2008)
 receive and act upon a petition for initiation or
advancement. (1961)
(c) Exclusive original jurisdiction in all cases of violation of
its bylaws or internal regulations. (1961)
§4.14.3: Personal jurisdiction over the unfinished work or
rejected material of a lodge whose Charter has been
surrendered or revoked, shall be under the supervision and
direction of the Grand Master; and, for five years after the date
of the latest degree conferred or the latest rejection, any other
lodge can have jurisdiction over the work or material only after
certification by the Grand Secretary as to the Masonic standing
of the material and the approval of the Grand Master. (1961)
§4.14.4: A lodge, by its territorial jurisdiction, has concurrent
penal jurisdiction over all Masons who reside within its
territorial limits, whether or not they are affiliated with the
lodge. This penal jurisdiction is concurrent with that of the
lodge having personal jurisdiction over such Masons. (1961.
1965, 2005)
§4.14.5: The territorial jurisdiction of a lodge, except as may
be otherwise approved by the Grand Lodge, includes all
territory in this Grand Jurisdiction. (1961, 1965, 2005)
§4.14.6: A resident of another State shall, with consent of the
Grand Jurisdiction of his residence, be considered to be part of
the territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Jurisdiction. (1961,
1965, 2005)
§4.14.7: A lodge may waive jurisdiction over its unfinished
work or rejected material. A written request for waiver shall be
presented at a Regular Communication and may be approved
immediately by secret ballot of at least two-thirds of the
members present. (1971)
§4.14.8: The Grand Lodge of Michigan limits and recognizes
personal jurisdiction for five years after the date of the latest
degree conferred or the latest rejection; certain other Grand
Jurisdictions claim perpetual jurisdiction. A Michigan lodge
shall, in lieu of a waiver of jurisdiction, conform to the five year
limitation as being applicable to the unfinished work or

(Reprinted 2008) 65
rejected material of a lodge in any other Grand Jurisdiction.
(1961, 1971)
§4.14.9: A lodge whose personal jurisdiction has been violated
shall be entitled to all fees received by the trespassing lodge as
a result of the violation. The demand for payment of the fees
received for the degrees by the trespassing lodge must be made
by action of the lodge whose jurisdiction has been invaded. The
offending lodge is further liable to punishment by the Grand
Lodge if the trespass is proven to have been knowingly and
willfully made. (1961, 1971)
§4.14.10: Although the material may be wrongfully acquired by
invading either personal or territorial jurisdiction of another
lodge, yet the membership of such material is, when completed,
with the trespassing lodge - the lodge conferring the Master
Mason Degree. (1961, 1971)

§4.15: Lodge Communications

§4.15.1: General Information
§4.15.1.1: A Communication of a lodge shall be either a
Regular or a Special. (1963)
§4.15.1.2: A lodge may open on any degree selected by the
Worshipful Master, provided that the work and lectures
pertaining to a degree shall be done while the lodge is opened
on that degree. (1963, 2005)
§4.15.1.3: A lodge must be closed on one degree before work
can be done on another degree. (1963, 2004)
Once a lodge changes degrees, it has accomplished the
requirements of both §4.15.1.2 and §4.15.1.3. It does not need
to change back to the degree upon which it initially opened
prior to finally closing. (G.M. edict 2004)
§4.15.1.4: A lodge must be open before proceeding to the work
of a Lodge of Sorrow or a public installation. (1963, 1994, 2005)
§4.15.1.5: Business or ritualistic work shall not be done while a
lodge is at refreshment. (1881)

66 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.15.1.6: A lodge should be tiled while at refreshment. (1963)
§4.15.1.7: All general or special business shall be transacted in
a lodge open on any of the Degrees of Masonry, at the
discretion of the Worshipful Master, and at a Regular
Communication, except as provided for hereinafter in §4.15.
(1963, 2005)

§4.15.2: Regular Communication

§4.15.2.1: The bylaws of the lodge shall provide for the specific
day of the week and the specific week of the calendar month on
which the Regular Communication shall be held and the hour
of opening the Communication.
§4.15.2.2: A lodge shall not open a Regular Communication at
a time earlier than the hour specified in the bylaws, nor can a
Regular Communication be recessed until a future date. When
unforeseen circumstances occur, such as natural disasters, fire,
power failures, explosions, civil authorities cordon off the area
or preclude travel, the Grand Master may grant a Special
Dispensation to change the meeting to a future date. Provided,
however, a lodge called upon to perform a Memorial Service for
a Deceased Member may open its Regular Communication at a
later hour on the same day of the Regular Communication
without Special Dispensation from the Grand Master. (1994)
§4.15.2.3: The bylaws may also provide a specific alternate day
for holding a Regular Communication in case the regular day
shall be a legal or religious holiday.
§4.15.2.4: A lodge shall not hold more than one Regular
Communication in any calendar month except as herein
provided, and a lodge shall hold not less than ten Regular
Communications in any calendar year.

§4.15.3: Special Communication

§4.15.3.1: A Special Communication of the lodge may be called
by the Worshipful Master for any time except the time of the
Regular Communication, or as otherwise prohibited by these
Regulations, by giving due and timely notice thereof to the

(Reprinted 2008) 67
members in open lodge, or in such other manner as he may
deem reasonable. (1963)
§4.15.3.2: Due notice is the notice of the time, place and object
of the Special Communication; timely notice requires that a
reasonable time shall elapse between the giving of the notice
and the time of the Communication to enable the members to
attend. (1963)
§4.15.3.3: A Special Communication shall be called only for
degrees, for installation of officers, for lectures and instruction,
for completion of unfinished trials or for funeral or a memorial
service and for no other purpose except when authorized by a
Special Dispensation from the Grand Master. (1963)
§4.15.3.4: When a Special Communication is authorized for
charitable purposes by Special Dispensation of the Grand
Master at which Communication business usually done at a
Regular Communication is to be transacted, the Worshipful
Master shall give all members due and timely notice of the
time, place and object of the Communication. (1963)
§4.15.3.5: A Special Communication shall not be held on
Sunday before 1:00 P.M., and then only for charitable purposes,
a memorial service, for conducting or attending the funeral
service for a deceased Brother, an installation practice, a lodge
sponsored children's party or a religious service, provided,
however, that where a Michigan lodge is granted a Special
Dispensation to confer Degrees in a foreign jurisdiction, the
word Sunday as used herein shall be construed to refer to the
day recognized as a prevailing Sabbath Day in the Grand
Lodge Jurisdiction or the lodge where the work is to be
conferred. (1963, 1978, 1984)
§4.15.3.6: The only work or business permitted at a Special
Communication is that for which it shall have been called.
(1963)
§4.15.3.7: Each lodge shall hold a service in memory of
deceased Brethren during the month of either November or
December in each year. (1965)

68 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.15.4: A Lodge of Sorrow
§4.15.4.1: A Worshipful Master shall open a Lodge of Sorrow
for the purpose of conducting or attending Masonic funerals
and/or memorial services. The Lodge of Sorrow shall be opened
at the time of the Worshipful Master's installation. This shall
be accomplished in the following manner: The Worshipful
Master shall say, "I now declare a Lodge of Sorrow open in
accordance with the Regulations of Grand Lodge for the
purpose of conducting and attending Masonic funerals and/or
memorial services. Brother Secretary, make the record." The
Lodge of Sorrow shall be considered as remaining open until
the expiration of the term of office of the Worshipful Master
who opened it. (1965, 1994)
Lodges should not open a Special Communication for the
purpose of conducting a particular funeral or memorial service.
The Secretary shall include information in the Annual
report to the Grand Secretary as to the date of opening a Lodge
of Sorrow and the number of services conducted thereunder.
§4.15.4.2: The closing of a Lodge of Sorrow will be automatic in
accordance with the Regulations of the Grand Lodge. (1965)
§4.15.4.3: Each funeral or memorial service held under the
Lodge of Sorrow shall be recorded in the minutes as a Special
Communication. The minutes shall show the date, time and
place of the service, the name of the deceased Brother and the
names of the Officers and Brethren in attendance.

§4.16: Lodge Officers

§4.16.1: Election of Lodge Officers
§4.16.1.1: Except as hereinafter provided, a lodge, at the
Regular Communication in November or December each year,
shall elect by secret ballot and by a majority of votes, a
Worshipful Master, a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a
Treasurer and a Secretary. (1977)
§4.16.1.2: At the same time, all other officers required or
permitted by Grand Lodge Regulations shall be elected in the

(Reprinted 2008) 69
same manner, or appointed by the Worshipful Master-elect, as
the bylaws of the lodge may provide. (1977)
§4.16.1.3: At an election of officers after the Master has
declared the result, a motion to reconsider is not in order. The
only remedy is an appeal from the decision of the Master to the
Grand Master or Grand Lodge.
§4.16.1.4: If for good cause, a lodge shall fail to elect any of its
officers on the date required above, the Grand Master may
grant a Special Dispensation authorizing another date for the
election. Notice thereof by first-class mail shall be given to all
members at least two weeks before the election is to take place.
(1977)
§4.16.1.5: Any officer elected or appointed to an office must
complete the normal term of that office before he can be
considered a past officer of that office. (1997)
§4.16.1.6: A Brother shall not be eligible to the office of
Worshipful Master unless he has been elected, installed and
served as a Warden of a chartered lodge in this Grand
Jurisdiction. (1965)
§4.16.1.7: A Brother who has been elected and installed as a
Worshipful Master in this Grand Jurisdiction and has either
resigned or been removed from office in the same year for
which he was elected Worshipful Master shall not be elevated
to the rank and dignity of a Past Master. (1997)
§4.16.1.8: A Brother who has been elected and installed as a
Worshipful Master in this Grand Jurisdiction, has not resigned
or been removed from office and has either died or changed his
domicile to outside this Grand Jurisdiction, may be elevated to
the rank and dignity of a Past Master. (1997)
§4.16.1.9: All members of a lodge in good standing, except
Honorary Members, shall be entitled to vote at any election.
The election shall be by secret ballot with or without
nomination as a majority of those present and entitled to vote
shall determine prior to proceeding with the election. (1983,
2000)

70 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.16.1.10: A Brother, qualified to vote at an election of
officers, shall be eligible to any office in the lodge, except that
of Worshipful Master. To be eligible to serve as Worshipful
Master, he must have been elected, installed and served as set
forth in §4.16.1.6. Further, a Brother serving as Worshipful
Master in one lodge may not serve as Worshipful Master or
Warden in another lodge. The Tiler or Musician need not be a
member of the lodge, but must be a member in good standing
in some regular lodge. (1965, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2006)
§4.16.1.11: A Brother shall not hold more than one office in a
lodge at the same time; but a lodge Trustee, meeting all other
qualifications, shall be eligible to any office required or
permitted by Grand Lodge Regulations. A lodge shall not
impose any restrictions determining the eligibility of a Brother
to office other than those contained in these Regulations. (1977,
1992, 1996)
§4.16.1.12: A majority may, at any time during the meeting,
purge the lodge room of all Brothers present not entitled to
vote at such election. (1965, 2000)
§4.16.1.13: Method of election:
(a) If there is only one candidate or if nominations have
been called and there is only one nominee, the
Worshipful Master shall declare the nominations closed
and that the entire vote of the lodge has been cast for
that Brother.
(b) If there is more than one candidate or if nominations
have been called and there is more than one nominee,
the Worshipful Master shall call for a written secret
ballot to be cast with the Brother receiving the majority
of votes cast being elected. (1965, 1983, 2000)

§4.16.2: Vacancy in Office

§4.16.2.1: In case a vacancy occurs in the office of Worshipful
Master, a Brother who has been elected and installed as a
Warden of that lodge shall not be elected Worshipful Master of
the lodge for the same year for which he was elected Warden.
The ranking Warden shall preside as the acting Worshipful

(Reprinted 2008) 71
Master for the remainder of the year, provided the vacancy has
not been filled by a special election under Special Dispensation
from the Grand Master, as provided below. (1965)
§4.16.2.2: In case a vacancy shall occur from any cause or at
any time in the office of Worshipful Master, the Grand Master,
upon satisfactory proof of the necessity therefore, may declare
the office vacant and grant a Special Dispensation for an
election to fill the vacancy. (1965)
§4.16.2.3: The Special Dispensation authorizing another date
for the election or to fill the vacancy shall be granted only upon
a written application by the lodge, setting forth the reasons
therefore, to be approved by two-thirds of the members present
at a Regular Communication, and to be so certified by the lodge
Secretary. Each member of the lodge shall be given not less
than two weeks notice of the date and time of such election.
(1965)
§4.16.2.4: A lodge may provide in its bylaws that a vacancy in
any office other than that of Worshipful Master may be filled
by appointment by the Worshipful Master. However, in the
absence of such a bylaw, the vacancy must be filled by either
election or appointment as the bylaws provide for filling the
office originally. Provided, further, the members shall be
notified of any vacancy requiring an election and shall be given
not less than two weeks notice of the date and time of such
election in the manner used to notify members of Special
Communications. (1965)
§4.16.2.5: An officer elected or appointed to fill a vacancy shall
be installed as provided for in these regulations. A Special
Dispensation shall not be required for such an installation.
§4.16.2.6: In case any officer of a lodge shall reside outside of
the jurisdiction of the lodge and be unable to perform the
duties of his office by reason thereof, the lodge may declare the
office vacant and proceed to the election or appointment of his
successor; provided that the office of Worshipful Master shall
not be deemed vacant until the provisions herein before
outlined in §4.16.2.2 and §4.16.2.3 have been satisfied.

72 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.16.3: Installation of Officers
§4.16.3.1: The Annual Installation of Officers shall be held in
December or January, unless the Grand Master has issued a
Special Dispensation to hold the installation at an earlier or a
later date. An installation may be open to invited non-members
of the Craft. It is the responsibility of the retiring Worshipful
Master to install his successor or to make proper arrangements
therefore. (1977, 2003)
§4.16.3.2: All officers shall be installed by a Worshipful
Master, a Past Master, the Grand Master or the Deputy Grand
Master in an opened lodge. The Worshipful Master may
authorize a Worshipful Master or a Past Master of any
Michigan lodge or of another recognized Grand Jurisdiction to
conduct the Installation of Officers, but the ceremony must be
in strict accordance with the Michigan Masonic Monitor. (1965,
2005)
§4.16.3.3: An officer shall not perform any duty of the office to
which he has been elected or appointed, nor shall he exercise
any of the prerogatives of that office, until he has been
installed, nor in any event until after the Regular
Communication of the lodge in December. An Officer shall not
be installed by proxy. An officer who is absent from the regular
installation must be installed at a later date. (1965, 1978)
§4.16.3.4: Each installed officer shall hold his office until his
successor shall have been duly installed. A Brother re-elected
or re-appointed to office is his own successor and must be re-
installed. (1965)
§4.16.3.5: At the installation an objection may be made, but
the determination of the validity rests with the Master. He
may sustain the objection and order a new ballot, or overrule it
and install the officers. If installed, the officer or officers holds
the office until the decision of the appeal, if there be one. (1881,
1978)

(Reprinted 2008) 73
§4.16.4: Power and Duties of the Worshipful Master
§4.16.4.1: The Worshipful Master shall have the power:
(a) To congregate his lodge whenever he shall deem it
proper.
(b) To issue, or cause to be issued, all notices and
summonses4 which may be required. (Therefore any
member of a lodge who independently sends out a card
to notify the membership of a motion to be voted on at
the next Regular Communication is in violation of the
Law and guilty of usurping the Powers of the Master.)
(c) To discharge all the executive functions of his lodge.
(d) To perform all such other acts, by ancient usage proper
to his office, as shall not be in contravention of any
provisions of the Constitution, Regulations or other
laws of this Grand Lodge.
§4.16.4.2: The Worshipful Master is the custodian of the work,
and lawful head of the lodge, and must be obeyed by its
members. 5 (1888)

4
A SUMMONS is a call of authority; a citation to appear and answer to the
charges therein set forth. Or it is an imperative injunction to appear at a meeting
of the lodge with which the Brother receiving it is affiliated, or to attend on the
Grand Master, or any committee or other body authorized by the Grand Lodge
to issue it. The obligation to obey it is special and obligatory on every Brother
receiving it. Failure to obey lawful summons is a Masonic offense. (Approved
definition 1897)
The lodge seal is not necessary to a copy of summons. The copy is
supposed to be made by the officer who serves the process; one who, not having
custody of the seal, could not attach it. (1867)
In case the residence of a Brother is not known the summons should be
mailed to his last known place of residence and, whether returned or not, the
service is good. (1886)
The Secretary cannot issue a summons except by direction of the Master.
(1889)
A Mason who has been suspended is still bound to obey the lawful
summons of his lodge. (1882)
5
G.M. Ira S Slaven informed a “Worshipful Master that he does have the power
to remove any officer for not performing the duties of their office.” At the 2008
Annual Communication the delegates approved this action.
74 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.16.4.3: The Worshipful Master of every lodge is charged
with supervision of the degree work in his lodge. He should not
permit any degree work to be conferred in his lodge by
members of his own lodge, or by members of any lodge, without
satisfying himself as to the qualifications and Masonic
standings of the Brethren involved. (1957, 1977)
§4.16.4.4: The Worshipful Master may refuse to sign an order
voted by the lodge for the purpose of having the card of the
lodge published in a weekly paper. He does not surrender any
prerogative by first refusing to entertain the motion and
afterwards consenting to take an expression of the number
present upon the question. (1880)
§4.16.4.5: A Worshipful Master has the undoubted right to
close debate and take a vote, notwithstanding certain parties
are waiting for admission. (1898)
§4.16.4.6: It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master:
(a) To preside at all Communications of his lodge.
(b) To confer all degrees in strict accordance with the
Ritual ordained by the Grand Lodge; provided that, by
Special Dispensation of the Grand Master, he may
invite lodges of other recognized Grand Jurisdictions
(through the Grand Secretary's Office) to visit and
confer Degrees in his lodge according to the ritual of
the Grand Jurisdiction of the visiting lodges. (Only on
candidates of the visiting lodges.) (1977)
(c) To give in full the lectures appertaining to each degree,
at the time it is conferred, in accordance with the
ritual. Optionally, a lodge may present the lectures,
except for the secret work, on standard VHS videotape,
or standard audio-cassette tape, which presentation
has been reviewed and authorized by the Grand
Lecturer, and made available to the lodges through the
Grand Lodge Office. (1993)
(d) To superintend the official acts of all the Officers of his
lodge, and see that their respective duties are properly
performed.

(Reprinted 2008) 75
 (e) To carefully guard against any infractions, by members
of his lodge, of its own bylaws, of the Constitution,
Regulations and other Laws of this Grand Lodge, and
of the general regulations of Masonry.
(f) To appoint the following Committees:
1. A Committee on the Masonic Home, consisting of
the Junior Deacon and two other interested
members of the lodge shall be appointed annually.
It shall be the duty of said Committee to inform
itself diligently as to all matters pertaining to said
Home; to serve as a connecting link between the
Home, the Home Board, and the lodge in matters
relative to the welfare of the Home and its
residents; and to assist in such other lodge and
Home activities as the Grand Master may request.
(1955)
2. A Delinquent Dues Committee, consisting of three
or more members, to whom shall be referred all
cases of delinquent dues for investigation and
written report to the lodge. (1966, 1994)
§4.16.4.7: The presiding officer of a lodge, whether Worshipful
Master or Warden, shall not invite any visiting Brother to
preside over his lodge or to confer degrees unless he is a
present or Past Master of this or some other recognized Grand
Jurisdiction. The Worshipful Master or Warden, present and
presiding over his lodge, may invite the assistance of any
competent Brother in conferring the degrees or in giving the
lectures. In the absence of the Worshipful Master, the Warden,
exercising the duties of the Worshipful Master, may call on a
Past Master to assist in the work. The work, however, is that of
the Warden acting as Worshipful Master and shall so appear
on the records. (1896)
§4.16.4.8: The Worshipful Master may allow a Past Master to
open, conduct and close a Regular or Special Communication of
the lodge if the Worshipful Master remains present during the
meeting. (1960, 1961)

76 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.16.4.9: In all cases of a tie vote, except votes by ballot, the
Worshipful Master, in addition to his proper vote, may have
the casting vote.
§4.16.4.10: It is permissible for a person to present an award
or gift in the name of an individual or Masonic affiliated body
in a tiled lodge or public installation. In making such
presentation, no reference may be made soliciting membership
in any Masonic affiliated body. (1976)
§4.16.4.11: There shall be no appeal to the lodge from the
decisions of the Worshipful Master and an appeal from a bylaw
which provides for an appeal from the Worshipful Master to
the lodge is invalid. Appeals from the Worshipful Master's
decisions and complaints of his acts and conduct may be made
to the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge.
§4.16.4.12: A motion to appeal from the Worshipful Master to
the lodge is un-Masonic and out of order and should not be
entertained. The decision of the Worshipful Master is only to be
met by an appeal to the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge.
(1860)
§4.16.4.13: A Worshipful Master is responsible for the abuse of
his powers only to the Grand Lodge or, in the interim, to the
Grand Master. (1860)
§4.16.4.14: A Worshipful Master cannot be disciplined for an
error in judgment, but he may be disciplined if he over-rides
the will of the lodge expressed by ballot. (1881)
§4.16.4.15: The Worshipful Master of a lodge shall be subject
to removal from office, suspension or expulsion for any un-
Masonic conduct, or for the neglect or violation of any duty
imposed by the Constitution, Regulations or laws of the Grand
Lodge.
§4.16.4.16: The lecture is part of the degree, and should
always be given as such. If for good reason there is not time to
confer the whole degree, the work should be postponed until it
can be done. (1887)

(Reprinted 2008) 77
§4.16.4.17: A lodge is not at liberty to use monitorial work not
in the Michigan Masonic Monitor. (Latest Edition) (1899)
§4.16.4.18: When it shall come to the knowledge of the Grand
Master that any constituent lodge of this Grand Jurisdiction is
suffering from confusion, discord or any mismanagement, by
reason of ineffectual or improper conduct on the part of the
Worshipful Master or other Officers, the Grand Master shall
have the power and it shall be his duty, if, in his judgment, the
best interests of the lodge require it, to appoint some member
of the lodge, other than elected Officers thereof, to take charge
of the lodge and conduct the Communications and business
thereof until the Annual Communication.

§4.16.5: Duties of the Wardens

§4.16.5.1: It shall be the duty of the Wardens to assist the
Worshipful Master in the performance of his duties and to
discharge all others which ancient usage has assigned to their
respective stations.
§4.16.5.2: In the absence of the Worshipful Master, the Senior
Warden succeeds, for the time being, to all of the powers and
duties of the Worshipful Master and he may confer degrees or
do anything that the Worshipful Master could do if present.
(1885)
§4.16.5.3: In the absence of the Worshipful Master and Senior
Warden, the Junior Warden succeeds to the duties of the
Worshipful Master. (1877)
(a) The Junior Warden must preside.
(b) The Junior Warden appoints the Senior and Junior
Warden pro tem.
(c) The records must show the Junior Warden in the East.
He may call to his aid a Past Master or any other
Brother to assist him, but he must with such
assistance, open and close the lodge and conduct its
affairs.

78 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.16.5.4: In the absence of the Worshipful Master and both
Wardens, the lodge cannot be opened, unless by Special
Dispensation of the Grand Master.
§4.16.5.5: When the Worshipful Master has called a Special
Communication and afterwards gives notice to the Senior
Warden, Secretary, Tiler and others that no meeting would be
held at that date, the Junior Warden may open the lodge and,
with the assistance of a Past Master, confer the degrees
without the order and consent of the Worshipful Master, he
being within the jurisdiction of the lodge, unless the Junior
Warden has received notice of the abandonment of the meeting.
(1891)
§4.16.5.6: The Worshipful Master cannot deputize or authorize
anyone to open the lodge in his absence and to conduct his
labors to the exclusion of a regular Warden present.
§4.16.5.7: A Warden cannot call a Special Communication of
the lodge while his official superior is within the territorial
jurisdiction thereof and able to authorize a call.
§4.16.5.8: When the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden
have removed from the jurisdiction and are absent from the
lodge, the Junior Warden can call a Special Communication
and perform and discharge all the duties of the Worshipful
Master. He may call upon members to assist him in the work
and lectures. (1896)
§4.16.5.9: For a Fellowcraft Brother to be regularly made a
Master Mason, the Worshipful Master or one of his Wardens
must be present. (1979)

§4.16.6: Duties of the Treasurer

§4.16.6.1: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer:
(a) To receive and safely keep all money and property of
every kind which shall be placed in his hands by the
Secretary, or by the order of the lodge, and to give
proper receipts therefore;

(Reprinted 2008) 79
 (b) To disburse or transfer the same, or any part thereof,
upon the order of the Worshipful Master, duly attested
by the Secretary;
(c) To keep a book, or books, which shall contain a correct
statement of his receipts and disbursements on account
of the lodge;
(d) To make to the lodge, as its bylaws may require,
annual or quarterly reports of its receipts,
disbursements and financial condition; and
(e) To perform such other duties, appertaining to his office,
as the bylaws may require or the lodge, at any time
may direct.
§4.16.6.2: A Treasurer cannot apply money in his hands to the
payment of a debt to him, and a Treasurer's private account
against the lodge must take the same course as any other
account. (1860, 1876)
§4.16.6.3: The Secretary and Treasurer shall not attest or sign
a warrant for payment of a bill incurred by the Worshipful
Master until authorized by vote of the lodge. (1935)

§4.16.7: Duties of the Secretary

§4.16.7.1: It shall be the duty of the Secretary, under the
direction of the Worshipful Master:
(a) To record all proceedings of the lodge proper to be
written, including payment of dues and other current
receipts, disbursements and financial reports. To
submit these proceedings to the lodge at its Regular
Communication for their approval or correction. Once
approved or corrected to submit them to the Worshipful
Master for his signature.
(b) To prepare and transmit a copy of such record, or any
part thereof, to the Grand Lodge when required.
(c) To collect and receipt annual dues to the lodge, issuing
annually to each member thereof, including all Life
Members, such receipt certificate as may be authorized
by the Grand Lodge and which shall bear the Seal of

80 (Reprinted 2008)
 the constituent lodge. The receipt certificate for a Life
Member shall be clearly marked "LIFE MEMBER".
(1978)
(d) To collect and receipt for all moneys due the lodge and
to pay the same promptly to the Treasurer taking his
receipt therefore.
(e) To make to the lodge, annually or otherwise, as its
bylaws may direct, a report of its work, of the condition
of its accounts with its officers and members, and of all
other matters relating to its finances or business which
may be under his charge.
(f) To keep the Seal of the lodge and to affix the same,
with his attestation, to all papers issued under its
authority or in obedience to the requirements of the
Constitution, Regulations and Laws of the Grand
Lodge.
(g) To transmit to the Grand Secretary, within three days
after each election in the lodge, a certificate thereof, in
the manner and form prescribed by the Grand Lodge.
(h) To transmit to the Grand Secretary, the annual returns
of the work and condition of the lodge, required by
Grand Lodge Bylaws.
(i) To report promptly to all contiguous lodges and to all
lodges having concurrent jurisdictions, the name of
each person rejected, expelled, suspended, removed
from the rolls of membership for NPD or restored by
the lodge, in the manner and form prescribed by the
Grand Lodge. (1994)
(j) To report promptly notification of suspensions,
expulsions, removed from the rolls of membership for
NPD or restorations by his lodge of any member, to any
other lodge in which the Brother has a Dual or Plural
Membership. Such notice shall be in addition to all
other notices or reports.
Provided: That when the other lodge is in another
Grand Jurisdiction, the notification shall be through

(Reprinted 2008) 81
 the Office of the Grand Secretary as provided in
§4.37.1. (1964, 1994)
§4.16.7.2: Within five days after the rejection of a petitioner to
receive the Entered Apprentice Degree in Masonry, the
Secretary shall notify the Grand Secretary of the rejection. The
Notification of Rejection shall be on the form provided for that
purpose and shall be mailed by first class mail. (1965)
§4.16.7.3: The Secretary shall advise the Grand Secretary
within five days following approval of a bylaw revising the fees
for the degrees. (1965)
§4.16.7.4: The Secretary shall keep the following Books of the
lodge in such forms as may be provided:
(a) A roll of membership for the signatures of the members
in the order of their admission.
(b) A ledger, in which he shall record, on pages
alphabetically indexed, the names of all members of the
lodge; the dates of their initiation, passing, raising or
affiliation; the name, number and location of the lodges
of which those affiliated were last members; the ages
and occupations of all members when received; the
dates of withdrawal, expulsion, suspension, removal
from the rolls of membership, restoration or death; and
their individual accounts with the lodge. One of the
objects of the Ledger is to record the Masonic history of
each member. When Special Dispensation has been
granted to confer a degree, the fact should be recorded
by use of words, "Special Dispensation". (1890, 1994)
(c) A Black Book, in which he shall record, upon pages
alphabetically arranged, the names of all candidates
rejected by his own lodge and, in like manner, the
names of those rejected, expelled or suspended by other
lodges, so far as he shall receive proper notice.
(d) A Register, in which each visitor shall record his name
and the name, number and location of his lodge.
(e) A properly indexed Record Book in which shall be
preserved all memorials of deceased Grand Officers

82 (Reprinted 2008)
 and Past Grand Officers, as well as those members of
his own lodge to whose memory memorials may be
adopted by his lodge.
§4.16.7.5: The Secretary shall preserve the Bylaws of the lodge
and the Book of Constitutions, Regulations and Laws of the
Grand Lodge which may, from time to time, be published
together with all printed proceedings thereof as promulgated
by its order.
§4.16.7.6: The presiding officer at the time the minutes are
read, whether the Worshipful Master or the Warden acting as
Worshipful Master, should sign all the minutes that are read
and approved of the meetings preceding the one over which he
is then presiding, which is his attestation to them. (1888)
§4.16.7.7: The certificate of the Worshipful Master or
Secretary, in the absence of entry upon the approved records of
the lodge, is not sufficient evidence of the transactions of a
lodge. A lodge is bound by the records which it has duly
approved, and no further. (1875)
§4.16.7.8: Under Grand Lodge Bylaws, the names, positions
and alphabetical list of all members of constituent lodges
should appear in their annual returns. (1880, 1899)
§4.16.7.9: A Secretary has no right to write under the Seal of
the lodge, unless directed to do so by the Worshipful Master or
the lodge. (1889)
§4.16.7.10: It is un-Masonic for any lodge or a member of a
lodge, to publish or cause to be published, either in a lodge
bulletin, postal card, paper, newspaper or other regular
publication open to the public and not under cover and for
general circulation, the names of those who are petitioners for
initiation, those scheduled to receive a degree in Masonry, or
those who have received their Entered Apprentice or
Fellowcraft Degree, or those expelled or suspended from the
lodge; unless it is sent to its members enclosed in a sealed
envelope by postage prepaid First Class Mail or such other
class of mail as may comply with current Postal Regulations,
with the return address of the lodge clearly indicated on the
outside of the envelope. (1880, 1908, 1990, 1997)
(Reprinted 2008) 83
 Electronic mail does not qualify as a sealed envelope and it
cannot be used for communications in the above paragraph nor
anywhere else that Masonic Law requires a document to be
sent in an envelope by First Class Mail. (G.M. edict 2004)

§4.16.8: Duties of other Officers

§4.16.8.1: The Chaplain, Deacons, Stewards, Tiler and other
Officers provided or permitted by §4.1.1 of these Regulations,
shall perform such duties in accord with the usages of the Craft
and appertaining to their respective offices as may be required
by ancient custom, by the bylaws of the lodge, or as ordered by
the Worshipful Master.

§4.17: Candidates
§4.17.1: General Regulations
§4.17.1.1: The Grand Master has no power to grant a Special
Dispensation to confer the degrees without compliance with the
following regulations.
§4.17.1.2: A petitioner may petition any lodge within this
Grand Jurisdiction in accordance with his desire. (1967, 1991,
2005)

§4.17.2: Qualifications of Candidates

§4.17.2.1: A lodge shall not initiate, pass or raise a candidate
who lacks any qualifications required of him by ancient usage
or the Master Mason's obligation. (1963)
§4.17.2.2: A lodge shall not confer any degree upon a candidate
who will not profess a belief in God or the existence of a
Supreme Being, which are fundamental principles of Masonry.
(1963)
§4.17.2.3: A lodge has the exclusive right to determine whether
a candidate has the necessary qualifications to be made a
Mason in accordance with the customs and Landmarks of
Ancient Freemasonry. (1963)

84 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.17.2.4: A lodge shall not accept a Petition for the Degrees in
Masonry from a candidate who is less than nineteen years of
age at the time the petition is presented. (1961, 2000)
§4.17.2.5: A lodge shall not accept a Petition for the Degrees in
Masonry from a candidate who has not been domiciled within
the territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Jurisdiction for at least
the twelve months immediately preceding the date of
application, unless he is a member of the Armed Forces, in
which case he shall have been domiciled within this Grand
Jurisdiction for at least six months. (1991, 2005)
§4.17.2.6: A lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall not ballot on
the election of a petitioner to receive the Entered Apprentice
Degree in Masonry until the Grand Secretary shall advise in
writing that the lodge may proceed with the petition.
§4.17.2.7: A candidate who declines to submit to the usual
preparation and ceremonial observances, shall not be initiated.
(1888)

§4.17.3: Procedures related to Candidates

§4.17.3.1: A candidate for initiation or advancement who has
been rejected by a lodge may renew his application to the same
lodge at any succeeding Regular Communication thereof. If the
candidate has become a non-resident of the jurisdiction of the
lodge which rejected him, his subsequent application to such
lodge must be made within the period of five years after the
latest rejection.
§4.17.3.2: A petition for membership may be received, after
rejection, at any subsequent Regular Communication. But a
new petition must be presented and referred. The lodge cannot
revive an old petition whether for membership or initiation, or
again act upon it. (1888)
§4.17.3.3: A candidate for advancement who has been rejected
must file a written petition for advancement. It must be
presented at a Regular Communication. If the petition for
advancement is made within one year from the date of rejection
and no demand for reference to an investigating committee is
made, it may be acted upon at the same meeting. Otherwise
(Reprinted 2008) 85
the petition must be referred to a committee for investigation
and report at the next Regular Communication.
§4.17.3.4: If any person through his own fault or neglect fails
to receive the first (Entered Apprentice) degree within one year
from his election, the ballot shall be recorded on the minutes as
void and all fees paid shall be forfeited to the lodge. He shall,
however, continue to be material of the lodge for a period of five
years from the date his petition was received. If he shall
thereafter re-petition the lodge he shall not be required to pay
any fee, but in all other respects his petition shall be treated as
an original one.
§4.17.3.5: After the lapse of one year from the time of receiving
a previous degree, a Brother must apply for advancement by
written petition at a Regular Communication. The petition
shall in all respects be treated as an original one, except that,
in case of a serviceman who, through no fault of his own, has
permitted more than one year lapse in his advancement, no
petition is necessary. (1899)
§4.17.3.6: A lodge has the power to release, upon his request,
one who has been elected to receive the Entered Apprentice
Degree, and to refund the fees.
§4.17.3.7: No lodge, knowingly, shall initiate an applicant who
has been rejected by another lodge in this or any other Grand
Jurisdiction unless jurisdiction shall have been acquired and
until the rejecting lodge shall have approved the waiver by
secret ballot of at least two-thirds of the members present at a
Regular Communication. The provisions of this section shall
not apply after the expiration of five years following the
applicant's last rejection. (2005)
§4.17.3.8: A lodge has no right to re-initiate one who has been
initiated in another lodge. (1865)
§4.17.3.9: No lodge shall complete the work of another lodge
without its recommendation and consent given by two thirds
vote at a Regular Communication to be so certified by its
proper officers under the Seal of the lodge, unless five years
shall have elapsed since the conferring of the preceding degree
and jurisdiction shall have been acquired.
86 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.17.3.10: Where a lodge waives jurisdiction of an Entered
Apprentice in favor of a lodge asking for the jurisdiction of such
unfinished material, it loses full and complete jurisdiction of
such material and the lodge receiving such material then
becomes the exclusive owner of the unfinished material and
can never be divested of it except by its own act legally
expressed. (1891)
§4.17.3.11: A request to confer degrees for another lodge must
be under Seal and, if from a lodge in another Jurisdiction, it
must have attached the certificate of the Grand Secretary of
that Jurisdiction attesting the regularity of the lodge. (1890)

§4.18: Petitions
§4.18.1: Petitions to a lodge shall be to the following effect:
(a) Every petition for initiation, degrees or membership
shall be made in accordance with forms prescribed by
Grand Lodge.
(b) No lodge shall receive a petition for initiation unless
the applicant states in such petition whether he has
ever applied for initiation to any other lodge and, if
such application has been made, the date or dates, the
name or names and location of the lodge or lodges to
which such application was made and, if rejected, the
date of his rejection.
(c) In case the applicant is or ever has been a member of
any clandestine lodge or association, the petition must
be accompanied by a renunciation of such clandestine
lodge or association in form prescribed by Grand Lodge.
(d) If any statement in the petition is found to be false it
shall be cause for charges and discipline.
(e) The petition shall be signed by the petitioner with his
name in full and be recommended by at least two
members in good standing in the lodge to which the
petition is presented. (1961)
(f) The petition shall be presented at a Regular
Communication of the lodge. It may not be received at

(Reprinted 2008) 87
 a Special Communication and it shall be accompanied
by the fee required by its bylaws.
(g) The petition shall be referred, at the same
Communication, to a committee of three to be
appointed by the Master, except that a petition for
advancement need not be referred unless reference is
requested by a member of the lodge or unless a year
has elapsed since the previous degree, rejection or
objection.
(h) The petition shall then lie over for consideration until
the next Regular Communication and until reported
upon by the Committee, except that in those cases in
which a Committee has not been appointed no
Committee report shall be required.
(i) If a petitioner for the degrees of Masonry moves to
another Jurisdiction immediately after his petition has
been received by the lodge and referred to a Committee
by the Worshipful Master, then the petitioner is the
property of the lodge which received the petition. (1958)
§4.18.2: As our ritual and work require a candidate to
acknowledge and declare that he seeks admission of his own
free will and accord, it is un-Masonic conduct and an offense
against the teachings and ritual of our institution to urge or
solicit a person not a Mason to become such. (1896)
However, it is lawful to furnish to non-Masons information
about Freemasonry including the procedures to be followed to
become a Mason, to offer assistance in the event the non-Mason
should desire to become a member of the fraternity and to
remind the non-Mason of the offer of assistance once. (1997)
§4.18.3: The petition becomes, when received and referred,
the property of the lodge. A motion for leave to withdraw a
petition is proper at any time before the committee reports
thereon, but the motion must be sustained by the unanimous
vote of those present. (1893)
§4.18.4: If the petition is in the hands of the investigation
committee and its withdrawal is desired, a motion to instruct
the committee to return the petition without report should first
88 (Reprinted 2008)
be made, which motion prevails if a majority of those present
vote in favor thereof. This motion should be followed by a
motion for leave to withdraw the petition, which requires
unanimous consent. (1874)
§4.18.5: A Worshipful Master of a lodge may refuse to receive
a petition which has been repeatedly rejected in a case where
rejections have been recent and the re-petitions create
dissension in the lodge. (1895)
§4.18.6: A petition for initiation cannot be received by the
lodge until the expiration of twelve months residence preceding
the petition. The petition is received and becomes property of
the lodge at the first Regular Communication at which it comes
to the hands of the Secretary. The expiration of the limit is
when the petition is received, and not from the date of the
application. (1896)

§4.19: Investigating Committee

§4.19.1: The investigating committee shall consist of members
in good standing of the lodge to which the petition is presented.
(1971)
§4.19.2: The committee (if Petition in its charge be for
initiation or degrees) shall make strict inquiry and personal
examination into the mental, moral and physical qualifications
of the petitioner; but in case the petition be for membership,
the committee will investigate the moral and Masonic standing
of the candidate.
§4.19.3: The investigating committee shall, among other
things, ascertain whether the candidate believes in the
existence of a Supreme Being and report accordingly. (1881)
§4.19.4: The investigating committee must report upon an
application referred to it, unless the lodge by majority vote
directs otherwise. (1978)
§4.19.5: The report of the committee shall be in accordance
with the form prescribed by this Grand Lodge, and shall be
signed by not less than a majority thereof. It shall be made at a
Regular Communication of the lodge, but not until the next
(Reprinted 2008) 89
Regular Communication following the presentation and
reference of the petition. The lodge, by a majority vote of those
present, may allow the committee further time. (1960)
§4.19.6: The granting of further time to a committee upon a
petition implies that the time is extended until the next
Regular Communication and where a member of a committee
requests further time and it is granted and the member so
requesting further time leaves the lodge room, it is error to
take up and act upon the petition at that meeting.
§4.19.7: The report of the committee, when made, shall be
read to the lodge and placed on file.

§4.20: The Ballot

§4.20.1: Who may Ballot
§4.20.1.1: The right to ballot belongs only to members in good
standing of the lodge. An Honorary Member shall not be
permitted to vote. (1964)
§4.20.1.2: A Brother when raised or admitted to membership,
upon signing the roll of membership, is immediately entitled to
vote on all matters arising before the lodge. (1964)
§4.20.1.3: The Tiler, if a member of the lodge, may be admitted
to the lodge to vote upon all ballots subject to the restrictions
stated in §8.5.1.1. (1964)
§4.20.1.4: A Master Mason in arrears for dues or under
charges for un-Masonic conduct, may vote on all matters not
involved in the charges against him. (1964)

§4.20.2: Balloting Process

§4.20.2.1: Every member of the lodge present at the time of the
ballot shall vote, unless excused by unanimous vote of the
lodge. (1964)
§4.20.2.2: The ballot shall not commence until there are
sufficient white balls and black cubes in the ballot box to
provide each member present with one of each. The white balls

90 (Reprinted 2008)
and black cubes shall be substantially the same material.
(1964)
§4.20.2.3: The manner of passing the ballot box shall be at the
discretion of the Worshipful Master: it may be presented in
turn to each member present by the Senior Deacon or it may be
placed upon the Altar. (1964)
§4.20.2.4: A secret ballot shall be had for initiation,
advancement, membership, charges or for restoration after
suspension or expulsion, and shall be cast only in an opened
lodge. (1964, 2005)
§4.20.2.5: A secret ballot shall be cast on the continued
worthiness of a candidate prior to his advancement to any
degree. Such balloting must be in a lodge open on the degree to
which the candidate would be advanced or a higher degree.6 In
the case of a candidate involved in an All Masonic Degree Day,
there shall be no balloting on his continued worthiness. (1965,
1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, G.M. decision 2006)
§4.20.2.6: A secret ballot shall be cast on every petition for
affiliation by transfer or demit, unless a previous objection
shall have been presented to the Worshipful Master. Such
objection prior to the ballot is valid, but has no effect after the
ballot has been cast. (1965)
§4.20.2.7: A lodge shall not ballot upon a petition unless it has
laid over until the next Regular Communication following its
presentation and until it shall have been referred to and
reported upon by a committee.

6 NOTE: Decision #2 by G.M. Richard P. Ruhland - See G.L. Proc. 2006

"Balloting must be in a lodge open on the degree to which the candidate would
be advanced or a higher degree." This means that after you hear the proficiency
you MUST change degrees to the degree to which the candidate is moving as
follows: excuse the candidate from the lodge, change to the higher degree, vote
and then change back down and let the candidate re-enter the lodge. If you have
an EA proficiency, you change to the FC° or MM°. If you have a FC
proficiency, you change to the MM° and vote. After the vote, you change back
down to the degree from which you came. (G.M. Decision 2006)

(Reprinted 2008) 91
§4.20.2.8: A lodge shall not ballot upon a petition at a Special
Communication.
§4.20.2.9: The ballot for initiation or membership may be
taken on each applicant or candidate separately or collectively.
A petition for charges or for restoration shall be taken on each
applicant or candidate separately. (1964, 2007)
§4.20.2.10: At the discretion of the Worshipful Master, a
collective ballot for initiation, membership or advancement to
the next degree may be taken upon all candidates for the same
category. In case a collective ballot be found not clear, the
Worshipful Master shall declare the ballot void and
immediately proceed to a separate ballot upon each candidate.
(1964, 2007)
§4.20.2.11: A secret ballot which has been ordered or is in
progress, shall not be interrupted, suspended, postponed or
reconsidered, nor can a member be permitted to change his
ballot after it has been deposited in the ballot box. (1964)

§4.20.3: Rejections
§4.20.3.1: The ballot is final and the petitioner is rejected if
two or more black cubes have been cast. If only one black cube
appears, the Worshipful Master (before declaring the result)
may order a second and final ballot to be taken immediately to
rectify a possible mistake. The petitioner is rejected unless the
second ballot is unanimously in his favor. The Worshipful
Master shall declare the result of a final ballot immediately.
(1964)
§4.20.3.2: A Mason shall not inquire as to who has cast a white
ball or a black cube, nor shall he reveal the color of his ballot to
any person, nor question or be questioned thereon. A Mason
who casts a black cube without just cause, for un-Masonic
motives or reveals the color of his ballot, violates his obligation
and he may be tried for it. If found guilty, he shall be punished
for such un-Masonic conduct. (1964)
§4.20.3.3: The Worshipful Master shall have §4.20.3.2 read
aloud in open lodge whenever a rejection occurs. (1964)

92 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.20.3.4: The Secretary shall officially notify any rejected
petitioner of the rejection and, upon order of the lodge or the
Worshipful Master, shall return any unearned fee or fees.
(1964)
§4.20.3.5: The notice to a rejected petitioner for the degrees
shall specify the date of rejection and shall further inform him
that he may renew his petition to the same lodge at any
succeeding Regular Communication thereof within five years,
but that he cannot be accepted by any other lodge without the
consent of the rejecting lodge until five years shall have
elapsed from the date of the last rejection. (1964)
§4.20.3.6: A rejected petitioner is not allowed to know the
reason for an objection or who made it, nor is he entitled to an
investigation or trial; he is entitled only to notice that he has
been rejected. (1964)

§4.20.4: Objections
§4.20.4.1: The right of a Master Mason to object to a person
becoming a member of a lodge belongs only to members in good
standing of the lodge to which the petition is presented. (1964)
§4.20.4.2: An objection made prior to the ballot for election to
receive the Entered Apprentice Degree is not valid. (1964)
§4.20.4.3: A member has the right to object to a Brother's
advancement. (1964)
§4.20.4.4: An objection to initiation or advancement after
election to receive a degree is valid at any time prior to the
candidate entering the preparation room. (1964)
§4.20.4.5: A Brother shall not be requested or required to state
his reason or motive which prompted an objection or be
questioned thereon. (1964)
§4.20.4.6: An objection, properly made to the Worshipful
Master, shall have the same force and effect as a black cube
cast in the ballot box. (1964)
§4.20.4.7: The Worshipful Master shall not disclose the name
of a Brother who presents an objection. (1964)

(Reprinted 2008) 93
§4.20.4.8: An objection is valid even when made in an improper
place or in an improper manner. The Worshipful Master shall
accept the objection, but shall cause charges for un-Masonic
conduct to be preferred against the objector for the manner in
which the objection was presented. (1964)
§4.20.4.9: A Worshipful Master who is convinced that an
elected candidate is unworthy shall refuse to confer the degree,
declare the applicant rejected and order the fee returned. The
refusal shall have the same effect as any other objection. (1964)

§4.20.5: Ballot on Advancement

§4.20.5.1: A lodge shall advance a candidate only after an
examination in open lodge as to his proficiency and a ballot on
his continued worthiness, except in the case of a candidate
receiving one or more of his degrees in an All Masonic Degree
Day. The examination shall be held while the lodge is open on
the degree in which the Brother is being examined. The
examination and ballot may be held at any Communication
called for work except as hereinafter provided in §4.20.5.3.
(1960, 1998, 1999, 2001)
§4.20.5.2: A Brother who has received the mandatory
Educational Lectures and Masonic History of the Michigan
Membership Program and who knows the signs, grips and
words of the degree he is being examined upon, shall be
declared proficient and eligible for advancement. (1905, 1952,
1964, 1992)
§4.20.5.3: A written petition for advancement is required in
case of a previous rejection for, or objection to, advancement to
the degree, or when a year has elapsed since the conferring of
the previous degree. The petition for advancement shall be
presented at a Regular Communication, but need not be
referred to an investigating committee unless reference is
requested by a member of the lodge or unless a year has
elapsed since the previous degree, rejection or objection; except
that a Serviceman who has failed to advance for a year or more
through no fault of his own need not submit a written petition
to the lodge. (1960, 1967)

94 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.21: Fees
§4.21.1: Payment of Fees
§4.21.1.1: Fees are the sums paid by the candidate to the lodge
for the conferral of the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and
Master Mason Degree. (1975)
§4.21.1.2: The fee necessary to accompany the petition of an
applicant becomes the property of the lodge at the time the
petition is officially received by the Secretary and it is the duty
of the Secretary to pay the fee over to the Treasurer the same
as other funds of the lodge. (1975)
§4.21.1.3: All fees and/or dues collected in connection with the
conferring of requested courtesy degrees, shall be collected by
the requesting (Home) lodge. (1944)
§4.21.1.4: A lodge shall not confer the Fellowcraft or Master
Mason Degree upon a candidate until the proper fee has been
received by the Secretary. (1975)
§4.21.1.5: A lodge cannot by vote or bylaw amendment, remit,
refund nor present the applicant, candidate or any Brother
with any part of the fees. (1975)
§4.21.1.6: When an applicant's petition is rejected, or when an
applicant has been elected to receive the Entered Apprentice
Degree and the lodge declines to initiate, or when an objection
is made to the applicant's reception, the Worshipful Master
shall order the Secretary to draw a warrant for the entire
amount of the fee accompanying the petition and to return the
fee to the applicant without delay. (1975)

§4.21.2: Amount of Fees

§4.21.2.1: The amount of the fee for each degree shall be
designated by the bylaws of the lodge. (1975)
§4.21.2.2: The combined total amount of the fees for the
Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree
shall be not less than twenty-one Dollars. (1873, 1975)

(Reprinted 2008) 95
§4.21.2.3: Any lodge conferring degrees without the usual
delay, by Special Dispensation from the Grand Master, shall
charge each of its candidates Ten Dollars ($10.00) in addition
to the regular fee. The additional Ten Dollars ($10.00) so
collected shall be remitted to the Grand Secretary and credited
to the Masonic Home Endowment Fund. (1967, 1975)
§4.21.2.4: A lodge cannot, without the express authority of the
Grand Lodge, waive the additional fee required of candidates
receiving their degrees without the usual delay. Nor can the
Grand Master grant a Special Dispensation authorizing a lodge
to waive such fees. (1975)
§4.21.2.5: When the work is done upon the material of another
lodge, the fees to be paid therefore are those prescribed by the
requesting lodge. (1975)
§4.21.2.6: No lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall charge a
fee for affiliation or transfer of membership. (1975)

§4.21.3: Right to Fees

§4.21.3.1: If a lodge should receive the total fees for the three
degrees at the same time it receives the petition for initiation,
the lodge may retain only such portion of said fees as it shall
have earned by virtue of degree conferral or forfeiture. Upon
the expiration of the lodge's exclusive personal jurisdiction or
waiver thereof by the lodge, if either the Fellowcraft or Master
Mason Degree has not been conferred then such unearned
portion of the fees shall be returned to the candidate, if
possible. Any excess fees required remain the property of the
Grand Lodge and are not returnable, except in the case of a
rejection of an original application. (1975)
§4.21.3.2: When degrees are conferred by request, the fees, as
a matter of legal right, belong to the requesting lodge, but the
lodge doing the work should participate in the fees and the
wisest course is to have an understanding before the work is
done. (1975)
§4.21.3.3: A lodge, working the rejected material of another
lodge, must pay to the lodge owning the material all fees
received for the work done. (1975)
96 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.21.3.3: A lodge whose jurisdiction has been invaded may, in
its discretion, waive the payment of the fees. (1889, 1975)
§4.21.3.4: If a lodge working and acting in good faith confers
any degrees upon rejected material without knowledge of such
rejection, the only demand that can be made upon such lodge is
for the fees it received. (1881, 1975)

§4.22: Dues
§4.22.1: Liability for Dues
§4.22.1.1: The bylaws of each lodge shall fix the sum to be paid
annually by each member thereof as dues to the lodge. (1975)
§4.22.1.2: The total dues shall consist of the dues to the lodge
plus the Grand Lodge assessments per §5.6. (1994)
§4.22.1.3: All members of an individual lodge who are liable for
dues, except those who have purchased a Prepaid Membership,
shall pay the same amount of dues for the following year
without exception or preferential consideration. (1975, 1985)
§4.22.1.4: All dues are due and payable on or before January
1st of each calendar year. After January 1st, the member is
delinquent if the dues are unpaid. (1994)
§4.22.1.5: Delinquent dues lists, the collection of dues and
information or procedures pertaining thereto shall be kept
within the lodge. (See §4.22.3 for procedures regarding Non
Payment of Dues.) (1975, 1996)
§4.22.1.6: An Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft is not liable
for the payment of dues. A Master Mason is liable for the
payment of dues from the date upon which he receives his
Master Mason Degree. (1884, 1975)
§4.22.1.7: The Secretary of a lodge is not liable for the payment
of dues. (1980)
§4.22.1.8: A Worshipful Master cannot levy an assessment on
the lodge, nor can a lodge levy an assessment upon its
members, except dues as provided for in the bylaws of the
lodge. (1887, 1975)
(Reprinted 2008) 97
§4.22.2: Remission of Dues
§4.22.2.1: A lodge, by vote at a Regular Communication, may
remit the dues owed by a Brother if the Brother is unable to
pay them without distressing himself or family. (1975)
§4.22.2.2: When a lodge by vote remits a Brother's dues, the
action is for the current year only, is final and cannot be
reconsidered for the current year. (1988, 1975) (G.M. edict
2004)
§4.22.2.3: No lodge has the authority to remit the dues of any
Brother, even though drafted and inducted into the military
service of the Country, except upon individual cases and then
only if the lodge finds that the Brother is unable to pay his
dues. A blanket resolution remitting dues generally to persons
inducted into military service is directly contrary to Masonic
Law. (1941, 1975)
§4.22.2.4: A lodge may remit the dues of a Brother removed
from the rolls for non payment of dues, then restore the
Brother and grant him a Demit if he is otherwise qualified.
(1887, 1975, 1996)

§4.22.3: Non-Payment of Dues (NPD)7

§4.22.3.1: A member who is delinquent in his dues to the lodge
shall be dropped from the rolls of membership during

7
NOTE: Decision #1 by G.M. Richard P. Ruhland - See G.L. Proc. 2006
My Brothers, I certainly understand it is the responsibility of our members to
keep the lodge informed of his whereabouts as well as his situation. However,
we cannot simply throw our members away without a diligent effort on our part
to find them. We, too, have a responsibility to them. Therefore, if you, the
leadership of the lodge, and/or your Delinquent Dues Committee have not
completed the items outlined in §4.22.3.1, you have NOT fulfilled the
requirements and intent of the law.
If you do not follow these steps, you may NOT remove a Brother from the rolls
for non-payment of dues. You must carry any of these Brothers and any you
previously removed from your rolls for an additional year.
Also, if the Brother comes in and pays his dues prior to September 30th, he is
not to be removed from the rolls. (G.M. Decision 2006)
98 (Reprinted 2008)
September provided the following has occurred: (1994, 2001,
2005)
(a) Prior to the June Regular Communication the
delinquent Brother shall have been sent the regular
notice of dues and at least one notice of his
delinquency.
(b) At the June Regular Communication the Lodge
Secretary shall move that "The following are currently
delinquent in their dues and shall be acted upon for
Non-Payment of Dues at the September Regular
Communication." He shall then read the list of
delinquent Brothers.
(c) After the June Regular Communication, but not later
than 45 days prior to the September Regular
Communication, a final notice shall be delivered by
First Class Mail addressed to each delinquent member
at his last known address with the notation under the
return address on the envelope “Address Service
Requested”. This notice shall inform the delinquent
member of the proposed action and that, in the event of
his being removed from the rolls of membership for
NPD, he can be reinstated only in the manner provided
by the Blue Book of Michigan Masonic Law. (see
§4.22.4) (2006, 2008)
(d) The Delinquent Dues Committee shall have received
the list of delinquent members no later than the June
Regular Communication and shall make every effort to
contact each delinquent member about payment of his
dues. 8

8
NOTE: Decision #1 by G.M. Richard P. Ruhland - See G.L. Proc. 2006
Every effort must be taken to find and/or notify your Brothers. Every effort
means:
a. Calling him
b. Writing him
c. Personal contact (actually knocking on his door)
d. Checking the names on his petition and have the two signers contact him
e. Verify with the Grand Lodge Office his address of record
(Reprinted 2008) 99
 (e) The Delinquent Dues Committee shall submit a
written report to the lodge with the Committee's
recommendation relative to each Brother's
delinquency. The report shall be read in open lodge at
the September Regular Communication.
(f) At the September Regular Communication each
delinquent Brother shall be considered individually.
After hearing from the Secretary on the status of the
letter sent and hearing the Delinquent Dues
Committee's report, a vote shall be taken to remove
him from the rolls of membership. If a two-thirds (2/3)
affirmative vote of the lodge exists the delinquent
member shall be removed from the rolls of membership
effective September 30th. A collective vote may be
taken for all those who are on the list for non-payment
of dues. In the event the vote is not supported by a two-
thirds affirmative vote, then the Worshipful Master
shall disregard the collective vote and proceed to
conduct the vote individually. (2007, Pub Com 2008)
If a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote to remove him
from the roll of membership is not reached, then the
lodge shall carry that Brother on the lodge's roll of
membership for the current year and the lodge shall be
responsible for all Grand Lodge per capita and
assessments apportioned in that Brother's name.
(2002)
§4.22.3.2: The lodge Secretary shall record in the minutes of
the meeting and notify the Grand Secretary of the members so
removed from the rolls of membership. (2001)
§4.22.3.3: It is not necessary that charges be preferred to
strike, drop or remove a member from the rolls of membership
for Non-Payment of Dues. The action is administrative and not
Judicial. (1994)
§4.22.3.4: When a lodge by vote removes a Brother from the
rolls, the action is final for the current dues year only and
cannot be reconsidered. At any time he may Petition for
Restoration and, if he is restored and NPD in another year, he

100 (Reprinted 2008)

again may be voted upon to be removed from the rolls for non-
payment of dues. (2001, 2004, 2005)

§4.22.4: Restoration after Removal for NPD

§4.22.4.1: A Brother improperly removed from the rolls of
membership for Non-Payment of Dues may be restored without
petition from him. It may be done on motion, which should be
made in writing at a Regular Communication and lie over one
month, at which time it may be passed by a two-thirds ballot.
(1882, 1975, 1994)
§4.22.4.2: A lodge has jurisdiction over all of its members
removed from the rolls for NPD, wherever residing, and the
petition for restoration must be made to that lodge (if existing).
(1899, 1996)
§4.22.4.3: A lodge has an undoubted right to refuse to reinstate
a member legally removed from the rolls of membership for
Non-Payment of Dues. It cannot be compelled to reinstate the
member upon payment of dues. (1881, 1892, 1975, 1994)
§4.22.4.4: It is the right of the lodge to require of a member
removed from the rolls of membership for Non-Payment of
Dues, as a condition of restoration, the payment of a sum equal
to the amount of dues owed at the time of his removal from the
rolls of membership; or it may waive payment of any or all
dues, in its discretion. (1973, 1994)
§4.22.4.5: A Brother removed from the rolls of membership for
Non-Payment of Dues and desiring restoration must petition
therefore, pay his dues, and the petition must lie over for one
month. A ballot must be had, and his petition must receive a
two-thirds favorable vote. The lodge is not compelled to ballot
on the petition without investigation. (1894, 1975, 1994)
§4.22.4.6: Upon refusal of a lodge to restore a Brother removed
from the rolls of membership for Non-Payment of Dues, it must
return any moneys paid in toward restoration. (1897, 1994)
§4.22.4.7: All lodge records are permanent, and must not be
expunged, altered or erased in any manner, except to rectify a
clearly established error. Consequently, an individual's record

(Reprinted 2008) 101

of suspension cannot be expunged after payment of all dues
and restoration. (1949, 1975)

§4.23: Conferring Degrees9

§4.23.1: The Degrees of Masonry shall be conferred in no
other place than in a lodge room as defined in §4.5. Under
Special Dispensation of the Grand Master, if the occasion is in
the best interest of Masonry, conforms to all the ancient
established usages and customs of the fraternity and, in his
judgment, the location can be properly tiled, the Masonic
Degrees may be conferred in the outdoors or in a suitable
location to host the All Masonic Degree Day. (1977, 2000, 2001)
§4.23.2: Except by special Dispensation from the Grand
Master, a lodge shall not confer more than one degree upon a
candidate on the same day, unless the degrees are being
conferred in accordance with an All Masonic Degree Day.
(2001, 2004)
§4.23.3: The first section of the Entered Apprentice Degree or
the second section of the Master Mason Degree, shall not be
conferred upon more than one candidate at the same time,
unless the degrees are being conferred in accordance with an
All Masonic Degree Day. (1963, 2001)
§4.23.4: The Worshipful Master of the lodge may permit the
use of a canvas or other safe means of conveyance as approved
by the Grand Lecturer, in the work of the second section of the

9
NOTE: Decision by G.M. Paul N. Cross - See G.L. Proc. 2002
Some confusion arose over whether a lodge could legally confer any of the
degrees at a Regular Communication. In conducting a thorough search of
Michigan Masonic Law, I could find no prohibition on the type of business that
can be conducted at a Regular Communication. Masonic Law does specify that
Special Communications may be called only for certain specified items such as a
degree, but there is no corresponding ban on the conferral of degrees at a
Regular Communication.
It is therefore my decision that it is permissible to confer the degrees of
Freemasonry at a Regular Communication, as long as Degree Conferral is the
last item of business, the lodge is closed by midnight and that the requirements
of §4.15 are adhered to. (G.M. Decision 2002)
102 (Reprinted 2008)
Master Mason Degree if he is satisfied that it will only be used
as a means of conveyance and will contribute to the safety and
protection of the Brothers conferring the degree as well as the
Brother upon whom it is being conferred. (1963, 1995)
§4.23.5: A Worshipful Master is not required to confer the
degree upon a candidate within any particular period of time.
(1963)
§4.23.6: A Grand Master has no power to make a Mason "at
sight." (1963)
§4.23.7: A Master Mason Degree Second Section "Optional
Short Form" is hereby adopted and shall be printed in the
Authorized Ritual. Each Brother shall, during the course of the
meeting in which he is raised, see or experience the Master
Mason Degree in its entirety. 10 (1949, 2000, G.M. decision
2006)
§4.23.8: The Grand Lodge may host an All Masonic Degree
Day for the purpose of conferring the degrees of Masonry in one
day on candidates who have properly petitioned a lodge within
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. The petitioned
lodge must follow all proper procedures as to investigating,
balloting and reporting of the candidate. The petitioned lodge
shall retain all fees pertaining to the degrees in Masonry;
however, the Grand Lodge may impose an additional fee to
cover expenses associated with hosting the All Masonic Degree
Day.
Following the All Masonic Degree Day, the lodge shall have
the newly raised Brother(s) sign the roll of membership within

10
NOTE: Decision #3 by G.M. Richard P. Ruhland - See G.L. Proc. 2006

The Master Mason Degree must be witnessed or experienced in its entirety at

the very same meeting in which the degree is performed. You cannot hold over,
relocate, put off or otherwise delay this part of the degree.
If the lodge cannot, for one reason or another, perform this degree in its entirety,
you cannot conduct the degree at all. Contact the Grand Lodge Office for
assistance. There are capable degree teams located around the State that are
willing and able to assist you. These include the Scottish Rite Degree Teams and
the Past Masters units from the Shrines. (G.M. Decision 2006)
(Reprinted 2008) 103
a 90 day period. The lodge will present the Michigan
Membership Program of historical lectures and see that the
newly raised Brother(s) demonstrate their proficiency. When
the newly raised Brother(s) have signed the roll of membership
and received the Michigan Membership Program historical
lectures, he/they will then be presented with a dues card.
(2001)

§4.24: Requested Work and Courtesy Degrees

§4.24.1: In case a lodge within this Jurisdiction shall request
another lodge to confer the degrees upon its material, the
candidate is to be instructed and examined in the preceding
degree lesson by the requested lodge prior to each
advancement. Proficiency in the lesson is left to the judgment
of the Worshipful Master of the requested lodge so that the
candidate may advance as soon as he qualifies and at the
convenience of the requested lodge. (2005)
§4.24.2: In case any lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall be
requested by a lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction to confer
the degrees upon a candidate who is the material of the
requesting lodge, the requested Michigan lodge shall proceed
as specified above, unless otherwise instructed by the
requesting lodge. (1973)
§4.24.3: A request to complete the work must be under the
Seal of the lodge making the request. If coming from another
Grand Jurisdiction, it must have attached a certificate from the
Grand Secretary of that Grand Jurisdiction, under Seal, setting
forth that the lodge making the request is a regularly chartered
lodge. (1890)
§4.24.4: A regularly constituted lodge cannot finish the
unfinished work of a lodge under Dispensation because the
lodge U.D. cannot comply with the regulation requiring a
request of that kind to be under the seal of the lodge. (1896)
§4.24.5: One who has received the degrees of Entered
Apprentice and/or Fellowcraft in a lodge in another Grand
Jurisdiction, which lodge has become defunct, desiring to apply
to a Michigan lodge and have the work completed, shall obtain

104 (Reprinted 2008)

from the Grand Secretary of such Grand Jurisdiction, a
certificate stating that he was an Entered Apprentice or a
Fellowcraft of such defunct lodge and his petition for
advancement shall be accompanied by such certificate. (1898)

§4.25: Membership in a Lodge

§4.25.1: Entered Apprentice
§4.25.1.1: A man by initiation becomes a Mason and is subject
to the laws of Masonry, but he does not thereby become a
member of a lodge.

§4.25.2: Master Mason

§4.25.2.1: When a Brother is raised a Master Mason, he
thereby becomes a member of the lodge electing him to the
degree. Provided, that when a lodge confers the Master Mason
Degree upon a candidate at the request of another lodge, his
membership shall be in the lodge requesting the work.
§4.25.2.2: Signing the roll of membership is necessary to
perfect membership except for an Honorary Membership.
(1977)
§4.25.2.3: A member of a lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall
promptly advise the Secretary of his lodge of any change in his
mailing address. (1964)
§4.25.2.4: A Brother who has been raised or admitted to
membership and has signed the roll of membership may be a
member of any committee. (1977)
§4.25.2.5: When a Charter is issued to certain members of a
lodge which has previously surrendered its Charter, the
members of the old lodge not included in the new Charter are
not members of the new lodge, but are entitled to certificates
from the Grand Secretary showing their membership in the old
lodge, which certificates should accompany their petitions to
the new, or any other lodge for affiliation. (1881)

(Reprinted 2008) 105

§4.25.3: Withdrawal and Restoration
§4.25.3.1: Any member of the lodge against whom charges are
not pending and whose indebtedness to the lodge is paid, may
withdraw from membership by presenting a written
application thereof at a Regular Communication stating his
reasons for withdrawal. The lodge shall at the next Regular
Communication, unless the request has been withdrawn, grant
the request of the Brother by ordering his name stricken from
the rolls. His membership shall thereby be terminated and he
shall not thereafter be a member of the fraternity, unless
restored. A Brother thus dropped from the rolls of a lodge shall
be entitled to a certificate setting forth the fact and the reason
for his being dropped. The certificate shall be issued by the
Secretary of the lodge, under its Seal. Such person may, at his
request, be restored to membership in the same lodge which
granted him the withdrawal certificate, at any Regular
Communication, by a two-thirds vote on a secret ballot.

§4.25.4: Transfer of Membership

§4.25.4.1: A member of a lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction may
present his petition for membership to another lodge in this
Grand Jurisdiction and such lodge may receive the petition if,
at the time the petition for membership is presented, proof is
furnished that his dues are paid in the lodge in which he holds
membership for at least the current and succeeding quarters.
(1966, 2002)
§4.25.4.2: Such petition shall lie over until the next Regular
Communication at which time a ballot shall be taken in the
usual manner. (1960, 2005)
(a) If, upon ballot, such petition is rejected it lapses and
may not be voted on again at any subsequent Regular
Communication. The petitioning Brother's membership
remains in his former lodge. He may, however, file a
new petition which shall, in all respects, be treated as
such. (1977)
(b) If, upon unanimous vote in its favor, such petition shall
be accepted, the Brother shall present to the lodge of
which he is a member a written request that a Transfer
106 (Reprinted 2008)
 Certificate be granted him for the purpose of
consummating a change in membership, accompanied
by a Certificate of Election to Membership in the lodge
to which he has petitioned for membership. (See
Handbook for Lodge Secretaries.) (2001)
§4.25.4.3: Such request shall be presented to the transferring
lodge at the next Regular Communication and, if the Brother is
not an elected Officer or indebted to the lodge or under charges,
the Worshipful Master and Secretary shall immediately issue a
Transfer Certificate; except that such Transfer Certificate shall
not be issued during the month of December. The Certificate
shall not be delivered to the Brother, but shall be transmitted
by the Secretary to the lodge from which the Certificate of
Election to Membership was received. (1973)
§4.25.4.4: Upon receipt of the Transfer Certificate, the
Secretary of the receiving lodge shall request the transferring
Brother to appear at a meeting of the lodge to sign the roll of
membership. The Brother shall sign the roll of membership
within three months of the date of issuance of the Transfer
Certificate. The transfer of membership shall be deemed
completed as of the date the Brother signs the roll of
membership. Failure to sign the roll of membership within the
three months means that the request to transfer is void and
the Brother is still a member of the original lodge. Dues in the
receiving lodge shall begin with the quarter following the
quarter in which the roll of membership is signed. Dues paid in
advance to the transferring lodge beyond the quarter in which
the roll of membership is signed shall be refunded to the
Brother upon his surrender of the dues receipt. All sums per
capita collected from a Brother as specified in §5.6.4, §5.6.6 and
any Special Assessment ordered by Grand Lodge pursuant to
§5.6.4 for the year in which he transfers his membership to
another Michigan lodge shall be remitted to the Secretary of
the receiving lodge once the roll of membership has been
signed. (1977, 2006)
§4.25.4.5: No member of a lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction
shall be permitted to transfer from a lodge of which he is a
member except in the manner prescribed in §4.25.4.1 through
§4.25.4.4, but a Plural Member may discontinue his
(Reprinted 2008) 107
membership in any lodge in which he holds membership and
retain his membership(s) in the remaining lodge(s) as per
§4.25.5.1. (1976, 1985)
§4.25.4.6: Any number of Brothers desiring to form a new
lodge may apply in writing to the lodge or lodges of which they
are members for Certificates of Permission in order that they
may form such new lodge and the lodge or lodges to which they
belong may grant such certificates. When such certificates are
granted, they shall be sent by the Secretaries of the lodges
granting them to the Grand Secretary and shall be by him
attached to the petition for the Dispensation to form the new
lodge. Such certificates shall not become operative, nor the
membership of the Brother or Brethren in the lodge or lodges
issuing the same be terminated, until such Brother or Brethren
shall have become members of such new lodge. If the Brother
desires to retain his original membership he shall so notify the
Secretary of his lodge in writing when applying for the
certificate and, in such case, he shall retain his membership in
his original lodge and become a Plural Member of the new
lodge. (1969, 1977)

§4.25.5: Plural Membership

§4.25.5.1: A Master Mason in good standing in a lodge either
within or without this Grand Jurisdiction may retain and
continue his membership in such lodge and also become a
member of one or more chartered lodge in this Grand
Jurisdiction if, at the time the petition for Plural Membership
is presented, the Brother shall have been domiciled within the
territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Jurisdiction for at least the
preceding six months. He shall be entitled to all the rights and
be subject to all the obligations of a member of each lodge to
which he belongs, except that he shall not hold office except as
otherwise allowed in §4.16.1.10. (1966, 1985, 1992, 1996, 2006)
§4.25.5.2: The petition for Plural Membership in a constituted
lodge shall lie over until the next Regular Communication at
which time a ballot shall be taken in the usual way. Election to
Plural Membership shall be only by unanimous vote. Notice of
such election shall be given to all other lodges of which the
Brother is a member. (1977, 1985, 2005)
108 (Reprinted 2008)
§4.25.5.3: Plural Membership shall commence upon signing
the roll of membership of the accepting lodge. (1965, 1985)
(a) The Brother shall not be permitted to complete the
Plural Membership by signing the roll until a month
shall have elapsed after the notice of election is mailed
to all of the other lodges. (1965, 1985)
(b) The Brother shall not sign the roll if, within a month,
one of the other lodges to which he belongs notifies the
accepting lodge that:
1. The Brother is indebted to the lodge, and/or
2. The Brother is under charges, and/or
3. Another Brother has expressed his intention to
bring charges within one month. (1965, 1985)
(c) Failure to sign the roll of membership within three
months after his election or, if another lodge shall have
given notice of debts or charges against him, within
three months after he shall have paid such debts, been
cleared of such charges, if preferred, or the time for
preferring them shall have expired and no new notice
given that charges have been preferred, shall render
the election void. (1965, 1985)
§4.25.5.4: Every lodge in which a Brother shall be a member
shall have concurrent penal jurisdiction over him. In case of
any conflict or controversy caused by Plural Membership, the
Grand Master shall have the power to make such other order
as, in his judgment, shall seem proper. (1965, 1985)
§4.25.5.5: The Grand Secretary shall prepare and, upon
request, furnish all lodges within this Grand Jurisdiction
application forms for Plural Membership. These forms shall
require the petitioning member to correctly state all of the
other lodges of which he is a member. The Secretary of the
accepting lodge, in addition to the notice above provided, shall
at once notify the other lodges of which the Brother is a
member and the Office of the Grand Secretary of the
completion of Plural Membership by signing the roll of
membership or of its nullification by neglect to sign within the
required time. Notice of removal from the rolls for non-payment
(Reprinted 2008) 109
of dues, suspension or expulsion from any lodge of which he is a
member shall promptly be sent by the Secretary of such lodge
to the Office of the Grand Secretary and to the other lodges of
which the Brother shall be a member, shall be entered in their
minutes and shall have like effect in their lodges as in the
lodge issuing the Notice. (1965, 1976, 1985,1996)
NOTE: When a Brother who is a Plural Member of two or
more lodges is suspended from any one of those lodges and
consequently, by Masonic Law, been automatically suspended
from all other lodges, he must, in order to reinstate, first
reinstate in the lodge of original suspension. It is not necessary
that he reinstate in the other lodges that had to automatically
suspend him. However, if he wishes to reinstate in the other
lodges he must petition for restoration in each of the other
lodges. (1991)
§4.25.5.6: Membership in lodges which do not confer degrees
and Honorary Memberships shall not be considered in the
foregoing and any person, in addition to Plural Membership in
any lodge, may hold membership in as many lodges not
conferring degrees as he desires, or as many Honorary
Memberships as may be conferred upon him. (1985)
§4.25.5.7: No Brother whose "Original Membership" is without
the Jurisdiction of Michigan shall be permitted Plural
Membership in this Jurisdiction, unless the Jurisdiction in
which his "Original Membership" is located shall permit Dual
or Plural Memberships. (1985)
§4.25.5.8: A Master Mason who has been granted a Life
Membership by a Michigan lodge shall be exempt from the
payment of annual dues to any Michigan lodge in which he has
a Plural Membership. (1961, 1985)
§4.25.5.9: A member in good standing of a lodge under this
Grand Jurisdiction may take out a Plural Membership in
another lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction, provided such
lodge be a constituted lodge or recognized body of a Grand
Jurisdiction having fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of
Michigan. (1954, 1985)

110 (Reprinted 2008)

§4.25.5.10: Any Plural Member against whom charges are not
pending and whose indebtedness to all lodges of which he may
be a member is paid, may petition for discontinuance of Plural
Membership in any of those lodges by presenting a written
petition at a Regular Communication, stating his reasons
therefore. At the next Regular Communication, unless the
petition has been withdrawn, the lodge shall grant his petition
and terminate his membership. His membership in the
remaining lodges shall retain all the rights and privileges of his
original membership. A copy of "Certificate of Discontinuance
of Plural Membership" shall be sent immediately to the
Brother requesting it, to the lodges in which the Brother
retains his membership and to the Office of the Grand
Secretary. (see Handbook for Lodge Secretaries) (2001)
A Brother holding Plural Membership in another Grand
Jurisdiction, desiring to discontinue his membership in any
lodge of which he is a member, may do so in the above manner,
provided that the procedure is compatible with the laws of that
Grand Jurisdiction. (1976, 1985)

§4.25.6: Honorary Membership

§4.25.6.1: An affiliated Master Mason in good standing may be
elected to Honorary Membership in a lodge other than his own,
by unanimous vote taken in the usual way, after his name has
been proposed at a Regular Communication and has laid over
not less than to the first subsequent Regular Communication,
provided that the vote shall be taken not later than the second
Regular Communication after the Honorary Membership was
proposed.
§4.25.6.2: When an affiliated Master Mason is proposed for
Honorary Membership, the Master of the lodge shall at the
same Regular Communication shall cause an inquiry to be
made by the Secretary to verify the standing of the proposed
Honorary Member in his home lodge. After verification is
received, at the next Regular Communication a secret ballot
shall be taken and upon receipt of a unanimous ballot, an
Honorary Membership given. (2002).

(Reprinted 2008) 111

§4.25.6.3: An Honorary Member of a lodge acquires no
privileges in the lodge except the right to sit therein, and shall
be exempt from the payment of assessments and dues. The
honorary relation ceases if he fails to maintain membership in
a chartered lodge. An Honorary Member may be allowed to
participate in debate. His presence would not assist in making
a quorum, nor can he vote upon any question coming before the
lodge; neither can he hold any office, either elective or
appointive, save that of Tiler or Musician, nor would he have
claim upon the charities of the lodge by virtue of his election to
Honorary Membership. (1879, 1992)
§4.25.6.4: A lodge cannot make Honorary Members of its own
members. (1897)
§4.25.6.5: No Brother can be made an Honorary Member of
any lodge while he is a demited Mason. To entitle him to
Honorary Membership in a lodge he must be an affiliated
member in some other chartered lodge and when he fails to
maintain such active Membership his Honorary Membership
ceases. (1897)
§4.25.6.6: An Honorary Membership may be terminated by the
lodge granting it at any time. (1898)

§4.25.7: Life Membership

§4.25.7.1: A lodge may grant a Life Membership to any of its
members in good standing and not indebted to the lodge who,
for not less than a total of forty years, shall have been a Master
Mason in good standing of some lodge or lodges within this
Grand Jurisdiction or another Grand Jurisdiction with which
the Grand Lodge of Michigan is in fraternal relations. (1959,
1962, 1965)
§4.25.7.2: No proposal to grant a Life Membership shall be
submitted to a lodge at a date earlier than four months prior to
the date on which the proposed recipient shall have actually
completed forty years of membership in good standing and,
provided further, that such proposed recipient shall have been
a dues paying member of a Michigan lodge or lodges for at least
five years. (1959, 1962, 1965)

112 (Reprinted 2008)

§4.25.7.3: The proposal to grant a Life Membership shall be
presented at a Regular Communication and shall lie over
without action until the next Regular Communication at which
time it shall be acted upon. A majority of those present and
voting shall be sufficient to decide the matter. Thereafter such
Life Member shall not be liable for annual dues. (1959, 1962,
1965)
§4.25.7.4: A lodge may present a Life Membership Certificate
and/or a Life Membership Lapel Button to any of its members
elected to Life Membership in accordance with the foregoing
regulations, provided, however, that the presentation shall not
be made prior to the date on which the recipient shall have
actually completed the required forty years of membership in
good standing. (1959, 1962, 1965)
§4.25.7.5: A Brother granted a Life Membership in a lodge in
this Grand Jurisdiction may transfer to another lodge in this
Grand Jurisdiction in the regular manner and still retain all
rights and privileges that pertain to the granting of said Life
Membership. (1957)
§4.25.7.6: If any Life Member shall disappear and his
whereabouts remain unknown for a period of seven years and
no knowledge of such member can be procured, the lodge may,
by vote, remove his name from the membership roll. (1942)
§4.25.7.7: One holding Plural Membership in a lodge cannot be
elected a Life Member of that lodge. This is the sole privilege of
the lodge of Original Membership. (1947, 1985)

§4.25.8: Prepaid Membership

§4.25.8.1: Any Master Mason whose current dues are paid and
is in good standing in any lodge chartered by this Grand Lodge
may purchase a Prepaid Membership, hereinafter called
"MEMBERSHIP". (1981, 1982, 1985, 1997)
§4.25.8.2: A Master Mason who desires to purchase a
MEMBERSHIP, shall submit an application, on a form
furnished by the Grand Secretary, along with the required
payment to the Secretary of his lodge. The Secretary shall issue
a receipt therefore. (1985)
(Reprinted 2008) 113
§4.25.8.3: The cost of a MEMBERSHIP, for a non Life Member,
shall be the current amount of the annual dues of the member's
lodge, hereinafter called "Initial Lodge Dues," plus the Grand
Lodge Per Capita plus the Michigan Masonic Charitable
Foundation Assessment plus any other Grand Lodge charges
that are of an ongoing nature, but not a one time charge at the
time of the MEMBERSHIP application, plus any other charges
peculiar to the member's lodge multiplied by the factor in the
following schedule corresponding to the age of the member as
of the date of the member's application. (1985, 1997, 2006)
Age of Member Factor Age of Member Factor
Up to 29 20.0 30-39 19.0
40-44 18.5 45-49 18.0
50 17.5 51 17.0
52 16.7 53 16.4
54 16.0 55 15.6
56 15.3 57 14.9
58 14.6 59 14.3
60 14.0 61 13.7
62 13.4 63 13.1
64 12.8 65 12.5
66 12.2 67 11.9
68 11.6 69 11.3
70 and up 7.0
§4.25.8.4: After first deducting the current lodge dues, Grand
Lodge Per Capita and Michigan Masonic Charitable
Foundation Assessment and any other charges as found in
§4.25.8.3 for a period of one year, the lodge Secretary shall then
immediately transmit the application and remainder of the
payment to the Grand Secretary. The retained funds are to be
used to pay for the respective items for the year beginning with
the effective date of the MEMBERSHIP. (1985, 1997, 2006)
§4.25.8.5: A Life Member may purchase a MEMBERSHIP
using the factor of seven (7) regardless of his age as of the date
of the member's application. (1985, 1997, 2006)
The entire amount of the Life Member's moneys for the
MEMBERSHIP application, which is the factor seven (7)
multiplied by the current applicant’s lodge’s dues, shall be
114 (Reprinted 2008)
forwarded to the Grand Secretary. There will be NO one year
deduction for the lodge. (1997, 2004)
§4.25.8.6: Upon receipt of the application and payment by the
Grand Secretary, he shall issue a certificate of MEMBERSHIP
to the member.
§4.25.8.7: The effective date of the MEMBERSHIP shall be
January 1st following the date that payment is received by the
Grand Secretary. Thereafter a Prepaid Member shall not be
liable for dues. (1981, 1982)
§4.25.8.8: On or before January 1st of each year after the
effective date of the MEMBERSHIP, the Secretary of the
member's lodge shall issue the regular official dues receipt to
the member with his status as to MEMBERSHIP indicated
thereon. (1981, 1982)
§4.25.8.9: All moneys received by the Grand Secretary for the
sale of MEMBERSHIPS shall be placed in a special fund of the
Grand Lodge to be known as the PREPAID MEMBERSHIP
FUND, hereinafter called "FUND." Separate accounting of the
FUND shall be maintained and regular reporting shall be
separately reflected under the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted
Masons of Michigan Summary of Financial Operations. (2002)
§4.25.8.10: The FUND shall be under the control of the Grand
Lodge Board of Directors and shall be invested by the Grand
Lodge Investment Committee pursuant to Grand Lodge
regulations governing the investment of funds.
§4.25.8.11: All Initial Lodge Dues contributed to the FUND by
a participating lodge prior to December 31st and being in the
hands of the Grand Secretary as of that date of each year shall
be credited to that lodge as of January 1st of the year
immediately following for the purpose of determining the
participating lodge's share of the total FUND. (1985, 1997)
§4.25.8.12: On December 31st of each year the total shares of
all participating lodges shall be determined based upon the
total of all Initial Lodge Dues paid into the FUND by the
respective lodges since its inception. (1985)

(Reprinted 2008) 115

§4.25.8.13: As of December 31st of each year, the total income
from invested funds less expenses shall be determined.
Deductions shall then be made for the current Grand Lodge
Per Capita to be credited to the Grand Lodge General Fund
and the current Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation
Assessment to be credited to the Michigan Masonic Charitable
Foundation, both based upon the number of Prepaid Members
of record as of the preceding January 1st. After the foregoing
deductions, the remainder of the income from invested funds
shall be distributed to the participating lodges by February
15th, based upon their respective shares as determined in
§4.25.8.12, with the following exceptions: (2004, 2006)
(a) At no time shall the foregoing deductions for any
Prepaid Member exceed the amount being distributed
to the participating lodge for that Prepaid Member.
(b) The foregoing deductions for deceased members shall
not exceed Twenty-five Percent (25%) of their share of
the income. (1985, 1993)
(c) A minimum distribution from the FUND each year will
consist of all dividends and interest from the earnings
of the FUND. The Grand Lodge Board of Directors
shall decide the total distribution to the lodges in its
January meeting. (2002)
§4.25.8.14: Deductions for Per Capita and the Michigan
Masonic Charitable Foundation Assessment shall be made
during periods of non-affiliation, suspension or expulsion and
for deceased members having a MEMBERSHIP. Also,
distribution to a participating lodge shall be made during
periods of non-affiliation, suspension or expulsion and for
deceased members having a MEMBERSHIP. (1985, 1986,
2006)
§4.25.8.15: No refund shall be made from the FUND to any
person for any reason.
§4.25.8.16: Any person or any lodge may gratuitously pay into
the FUND for, or on behalf of, any person or purchase a
MEMBERSHIP to honor a Brother who is a member of a
constituent lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction and who, for not

116 (Reprinted 2008)

less than a total of forty years, shall have been a Master Mason
in good standing of some lodge or lodges in this Grand
Jurisdiction or any other Grand Jurisdiction with which the
Grand Lodge of Michigan has fraternal relations. Any person
or lodge may purchase a MEMBERSHIP in a participating
lodge as a memorial to any of its deceased members and for the
purposes of the MEMBERSHIP all provisions of §4.25.8 shall
be followed with the exception that the age of such deceased
member shall be his age at death. (1985, 2006)
§4.25.8.17: If a member having a MEMBERSHIP from a lodge
in this Grand Jurisdiction transfers his membership to another
lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction, his MEMBERSHIP shall be
deemed to be transferred to the receiving lodge as of the date
he signs the roll of membership. The Initial Lodge Dues
credited to the FUND from the transferring lodge on behalf of
the transferring member shall then be transferred to the credit
of the receiving lodge in determining the distribution of shares
in the FUND. The Secretary of the transferring lodge shall
remit to the Secretary of the receiving lodge the unearned
portion of the revenue received from the FUND for the current
year. (1981, 1985, Pub Com 2006)
§4.25.8.18: If a lodge ceases to exist through consolidation
with another lodge, all of the Initial Lodge Dues of any
deceased members that have been paid into the FUND by the
consolidating lodge shall be credited to the new consolidated
lodge. If a lodge should cease to exist for any other reason than
consolidation, all of the Initial Lodge Dues of any deceased
members that have been paid into the FUND by the defunct
lodge shall be credited to the Michigan Masonic Home and
distribution made to the Home as if it were a participating
lodge. (1986)
§4.25.8.19: The purpose of the FUND can only be changed by
the same procedure required for amending THE
CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND
ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN as
found in §3.13 thereof. (1985, 1986)

(Reprinted 2008) 117

§4.26: Membership Awards
§4.26.1: A lodge may, at its discretion, present a Twenty-five
Year Membership Award to any Master Mason who, for not
less than a total of twenty-five years, shall have been a
member in good standing of some lodge or lodges within this
Grand Jurisdiction or in other Grand Jurisdictions with which
the Grand Lodge of Michigan is in fraternal relations. (1973)
§4.26.2: A Fifty, Sixty or Seventy Year Membership Award of
the style and design approved by the Grand Lodge of Michigan
shall be presented by the Grand Lodge to a Master Mason who
is a member of a constituent lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction
and who, for not less than a total of fifty, sixty or seventy years,
shall have been a Master Mason in good standing of some lodge
or lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction or in other Grand
Jurisdictions with which the Grand Lodge of Michigan is in
fraternal relations. The Grand Master or his official
representative shall make the presentation under
circumstances and conditions deemed most desirable for each
individual award. (1973)

§4.27: Master Mason Proficiency

§4.27.1: A Master Mason may request an examination as to
his proficiency of that Degree. After the examination in open
lodge and his proficiency therein having been approved by a
two thirds majority vote of the members present, he may be
presented with a Proficiency Card provided by the Grand
Lodge and signed by the Worshipful Master and Secretary of
the constituent lodge and bearing the lodge Seal. (1956)
§4.27.2: A Brother's proficiency examination must be
conducted in his own lodge except that, in the case of requested
work the examination would be conducted by the requested
lodge. (1963)
§4.27.3: All candidates will be examined as prescribed in the
Michigan Membership Program, as printed by the Grand
Lodge, and there will be NO memorization of the obligations in
the Entered Apprentice and/or Fellowcraft Degrees for a
candidate to qualify for his proficiency and continued
118 (Reprinted 2008)
worthiness. In case of a Brother taking his Master Mason
proficiency, the same rule applies, but if the Master Mason is
taking his examination for the Master Mason Proficiency Card,
he will then have to give the Master Mason Obligation from
memory.

§4.28: Demits
§4.28.1: Definitions
§4.28.1.1: "Demit" is a letter of demission and a
recommendation to another lodge. It is not a permanent
certification of good standing in the fraternity, but only
evidence that the Brother named therein was in good standing
in the issuing lodge at the time of its issue and was discharged
from membership in the issuing lodge at his own request.
(1960, 1978)
§4.28.1.2: "Affiliated Mason" is a Master Mason who belongs to
a chartered lodge in this or another Grand Jurisdiction
recognized by our Grand Lodge. He is not carrying a Demit.
(1978)
§4.28.1.3: "Unaffiliated (or Non affiliated) Mason" is a Master
Mason who does not currently belong to a chartered lodge in
this or another Grand Jurisdiction recognized by this Grand
Lodge, but carries a valid Demit from his lodge. (1978)

§4.28.2: How Demits are Obtained

§4.28.2.1: A Demit, permitting affiliation with a lodge in
another Grand Jurisdiction, may be obtained by a Master
Mason who is:
(a) a member, but not an elected officer, of a chartered
lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction,
(b) not indebted to the lodge,
(c) not under charges,
(d) no longer domiciled in the State of Michigan.
§4.28.2.2: A Petition for Demit bearing the signature of the
Brother shall be presented at a Regular Communication of the
(Reprinted 2008) 119
lodge. If the Brother has complied with the foregoing
requirements, the Worshipful Master and the Secretary shall
immediately issue the Demit and, after certification of same by
the Grand Secretary, deliver it to the demitting Brother. (1978,
2001)
§4.28.2.3: Membership in the issuing lodge shall terminate as
of the date of issuance of the Demit. Dues paid to the issuing
lodge beyond the quarter-year in which the Demit is issued
shall be refunded upon surrender of the dues receipt. (1960)
§4.28.2.4: Action granting a Demit cannot be reconsidered nor
rescinded, nor can a Demit be canceled so as to restore a
demitted Brother to membership. (1960, 2002)
§4.28.2.5: The issuing lodge may issue a duplicate Demit upon
receipt of satisfactory evidence that the original Demit has
been lost or destroyed. (1960, 1978)
§4.28.2.6: Regardless of his present residence, a Brother
holding a Demit from a Michigan lodge may, within twelve
months from the date on which the Demit was issued, petition
for re-affiliation in the issuing lodge. The Demit, together with
current dues, must accompany the Petition for Affiliation. The
petition must take the same course as any other Petition for
Affiliation. (See Handbook for Lodge Secretaries) (1960, 2001)

§4.28.3: Affiliation by an Affiliated Mason from Another

Grand Jurisdiction
§4.28.3.1: An Affiliated Mason from a Grand Jurisdiction
recognized by the Grand Lodge of Michigan may present an
Application for Transfer of Membership to a lodge in this
Grand Jurisdiction and the receiving lodge may receive such
application if, at the time it is presented, the Brother shall
have been domiciled within this Grand Jurisdiction for at least
the preceding six months and proof is furnished that his dues
are paid for at least the current and the succeeding quarters in
a chartered lodge which is recognized by the Grand Lodge of
Michigan. The proof shall be certified by the Secretary of the
lodge and the Grand Secretary of the Grand Jurisdiction in
which the Brother holds membership. Such proof may take the

120 (Reprinted 2008)

form of a current dues card. (See Handbook for Lodge
Secretaries) (1978, 2001)
§4.28.3.2: The application shall be presented at a Regular
Communication of the receiving lodge, be referred to an
investigating committee and lie over until the next Regular
Communication following presentation and reference. After
report of the committee, a ballot shall be taken in the usual
manner. Election to membership shall be by unanimous vote.
(1978)
§4.28.3.3: The elected Brother shall cause to be presented to
the lodge of his Original Membership, through the Secretary of
the receiving lodge and the Grand Secretary of Michigan, a
written request for a Demit. The Demit shall be sent to the
Secretary of the receiving lodge through the Offices of the
Grand Secretaries of the respective Grand Jurisdictions. (See
Handbook for Lodge Secretaries) (2001)

§4.28.4: Affiliation by an Unaffiliated Mason from

Another Grand Jurisdiction
§4.28.4.1: An Unaffiliated Mason may present a Petition for
Affiliation to a lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction and the
receiving lodge may receive such petition if, at the time it is
presented, the Brother shall have been domiciled within this
Grand Jurisdiction for at least the preceding six months and
the petition is accompanied by a Demit properly certified by the
Grand Secretary and under the Seal of the Grand Jurisdiction
in which the issuing lodge is located indicating that the issuing
lodge is legally constituted and exists under the authority of
the Grand Lodge of that Grand Jurisdiction. (See Handbook for
Lodge Secretaries) (1960, 1978, 2001)
§4.28.4.2: A lodge should be reasonably certain of the identity
of an applicant holding a Demit. If the lodge is uncertain of the
identity of the applicant, the applicant must prove himself a
Master Mason.
§4.28.4.3: The Petition for Affiliation shall be presented at a
Regular Communication of the receiving lodge, be referred to
an investigating committee and lie over until the next Regular
Communication following presentation and reference. After
(Reprinted 2008) 121
report of the committee, a ballot shall be taken in the usual
manner. Election to membership shall be by unanimous vote.
(1977, 1978)

§4.28.5: Perfecting Membership in Receiving Lodge

§4.28.5.1: Membership shall be deemed completed as of the
date of signing the roll of membership of the receiving lodge by
the elected Brother. In the case of an Affiliated Mason, the date
of signature shall be subsequent to the receipt of the Demit by
the Secretary of the receiving lodge. (1978)
§4.28.5.2: Dues in the receiving lodge shall begin with the
quarter-year in which the Brother signs the roll of
membership. (1978)
§4.28.5.3: Failure to sign the roll of membership within three
months following receipt of the Demit, in the case of an
Affiliated Mason, or within three months following the date of
election to membership in the case of an Unaffiliated Mason,
shall render the entire transaction null and void and the
Brother will assume the status of an Unaffiliated Mason.
(1960, 1978)
§4.28.5.4: A Brother's Demit, or other documentary evidence of
his standing in Masonry, is his property until he again becomes
a member of a lodge. Upon his signing the roll of membership,
the Demit becomes the property of the receiving lodge and
must be canceled and carefully preserved among its files.
(1960, 1978)
§4.28.5.5: If a Brother's application is rejected, or if he fails to
sign the roll of membership within the time specified after
election, his valid Demit shall be returned to him. (1960, 1978)

§4.28.6: Rejected or Unpetitioned Unaffiliated Mason

§4.28.6.1: Every Unaffiliated Mason domiciled within this
Grand Jurisdiction shall, within one year after he becomes
domiciled, petition a constituent lodge for membership therein.
If such Unaffiliated Mason fails or neglects to do so, he shall be
subject to all the disabilities of a suspended Mason. If any
Brother petitions for membership as herein required and shall

122 (Reprinted 2008)

be rejected by the lodge to which the petition is presented, such
Brother shall remain in good standing, provided he shall at
least once in each year petition a lodge for membership therein.
There is no time limitation on the validity of a Demit as long as
the foregoing requirements are met. (1960, 1978)
§4.28.6.2: An Unaffiliated Mason, whose Petition for Affiliation
has been rejected by a Michigan lodge, may present his petition
to that same lodge, or any constituent lodge where he complies
with the residence requirements, at any succeeding Regular
Communication. (1960, 1978)
§4.28.6.3: When a member of a lodge shall become a resident of
another Grand Jurisdiction, a Demit may be granted to him,
without compliance with the provisions of §4.25.4.5, upon his
written petition therefore, accompanied by all dues owing the
lodge. (1977)

§4.29: Unaffiliated Masons

§4.29.1: No voluntarily Unaffiliated Mason, residing within
the territorial jurisdiction of a lodge, shall have the privilege of
visiting the same more than three times; and no voluntarily
Unaffiliated Mason shall be permitted to visit more than once
any lodge beyond the territorial jurisdiction of which he may be
a resident.
§4.29.2: A Brother who has recently petitioned for affiliation
and has been rejected, is not a voluntary Unaffiliated Mason.
To maintain his right to visit a lodge, he must petition some
lodge for membership at least once during each year. (1905)

§4.30: Joint Occupancy of Halls

§4.30.1: The following organizations are authorized as
Affiliated Masonic Organizations and, as such, may be
permitted to meet in a Masonic lodge room: (2000, 2002, 2008
Publications Committee)
(a) Order of the Amaranth
(b) Order of DeMolay
(c) Order of the Eastern Star
(Reprinted 2008) 123
 (d) Order of Job's Daughters
(e) Order of the Rainbow for Girls
(f) White Shrine of Jerusalem.
§4.30.2: If the lodge room of a Masonic lodge is destroyed by
fire, the Grand Master may, at his discretion, grant to such
lodge permission to occupy a hall or room, occupied by another
society for a period not exceeding six months.
§4.30.3: The use of rooms that have been dedicated to Masonic
use by organizations other than constituent lodges must be
according to the same rules and regulations as pertain to the
constituent lodge. (1977, 2000, 2002)

§4.31: Masonic Emblems and Societies

§4.31.1: Masonic Emblems
§4.31.1.1: The use of Masonic Emblems by Masons as business
signs or cards, unless such business be exclusively or largely in
Masonic goods, and the use of the words "Masons" or "Masonic"
or "Free and Accepted Masons" or "For Masons Only" or words
and phrases of similar import or the letters "F. & A. M." or the
use of the name of a lodge in connection with any private
business, insurance, health, benefit or like enterprise, whether
corporate, mutual or dividend, with or without charitable
features, without the consent of this Grand Lodge in Annual
Communication having first been obtained, is strictly
prohibited; and any Mason who shall transact or solicit
business for or be a member of such enterprise, club,
organization or association, in violation of the provisions
hereof, shall be guilty of un-Masonic conduct. (1994)
The foregoing shall not apply to contracts or agreements
made by the Grand Master and the Board of Directors of this
Grand Lodge when such contracts or agreements are, in the
opinion of the makers thereof, for the benefit of this Grand
Lodge or the Masonic Fraternity. (1977)
§4.31.1.2: The use of the Compasses and Square and letter "G"
emblems, as used by the Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of Michigan, by any other than a Masonic organization,
124 (Reprinted 2008)
acting under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge and
recognized by the Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge itself, is un-
Masonic conduct and any Master Mason using them in other
than Masonic organizations will be guilty of un-Masonic
conduct and will be subject to all the penalties for that offense.
If the offender is a Mason, he can be proceeded against under
this article. If the offense is committed by a person who is not a
Mason, he or she can be proceeded against under the State
Law. (Protection of Names and Emblems - Michigan Annotated
Statutes: 18.641-18.647, 18.661-18.665, 18.671-18.675 and
18.691-18.692.) (1927, 1928)
§4.31.1.3: The Regulations of the Grand Lodge strictly forbid
the use of the word "Masons", "Masonic", "Freemasonry" or
Masonic Emblems in connection with any private enterprise or
business purpose. (1931, 1954, 1994)
§4.31.1.4: Publication of a Masonic business directory, for
profit, is forbidden. (1900)
§4.31.1.5: A Michigan Mason would not be committing a
Masonic offense if he were the Michigan representative for a
National Masonic Insurance Company as long as he followed
the Code of Ethics of Insurance Agencies and did not solicit
business by requesting or using lists of members of Michigan
Masonic lodges. (1963)

§4.31.2: Masonic and Non-Masonic Societies

§4.31.2.1: No Mason within the jurisdiction of this Grand
Lodge shall promote or organize any order or society, nor
become a member of any order or society hereafter promoted,
organized or established in this Grand Jurisdiction, whose
qualifications for membership shall be Masonic affiliation,
unless such order or society shall have received the formal
approval of the Grand Lodge.
§4.31.2.2: The following bodies are entitled to recognition as
organizations into which Masons may be received under the
provisions of the Laws and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan:

(Reprinted 2008) 125

 (a) The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State
of Michigan, and Bodies under its jurisdiction. (1958)
(b) The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of the
State of Michigan, and Bodies under its jurisdiction.
(1958, 1997)
(c) The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the
State of Michigan, and Bodies under its jurisdiction.
(1958)
(d) The Supreme Council of The Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite of the Northern or Southern Jurisdiction, and
Bodies under their jurisdictions. (1958)
(e) Master Masons who are members of the York Rite
Sovereign College of North America, and/or of Councils
of Allied Masonic Degrees, and/or of Councils of Knight
Masons, and/or of the Knights of the York Cross of
Honour. (1972, 1975, 1986)
(f) Master Masons who are members of either the Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and/or Mystic
Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm,
each of which were chartered in the State of Michigan
prior to May 26, 1926. (1958)
(g) Master Masons who are members of High Twelve.
(1970)
(h) Master Masons who are members of the Tall Cedars of
Lebanon. (1990)
(i) Master Masons who are members of the National
Association of Masonic Scouters. (2008)

§4.31.3: Degree Teams

§4.31.3.1: Only degree teams, established and organized by the
Worshipful Masters of our chartered lodges from the
membership of their own lodge, shall confer Masonic degrees
within or, on proper invitation and Dispensation, without this
Grand Jurisdiction. (1947)
§4.31.3.2: Any Square or other Masonic group or club, or any
group of lodges desiring to form a degree team for the purpose
126 (Reprinted 2008)
of conferring degrees in a Masonic lodge, shall first obtain
permission from the Grand Master. (1957, 1972, 1977)
(See also §4.23.1 and §4.16.4.3)

§4.32: Visitors
§4.32.1: Right to Visit
§4.32.1.1: A Master Mason in good standing possesses the
right of visiting any Masonic lodge wherever he may go,
provided the lodge to which he applies will receive him. (1973)
When visiting and attending lodges or other appendant
bodies in another Grand Jurisdiction that recognizes Prince
Hall Masons, it has been ruled that it is permissible to abide by
the recognition that is in effect in that Grand Jurisdiction
while visiting and attending or sitting in lodge with a Prince
Hall Mason. (1997)
§4.32.1.2: In this Grand Jurisdiction it is incumbent upon a
visitor to furnish adequate proof of his good standing in a lodge
recognized by this Grand Jurisdiction. (1973)
§4.32.1.3: The Worshipful Master of a lodge shall not admit
any visitor in opposition to a vote of his lodge or to the objection
of a member thereof. (1973)
§4.32.1.4: A Master Mason, while actually present in his own
lodge, possesses the unqualified right to object to the presence
of any visiting Brother, except when such visitor is chosen
counsel for a Brother as provided in the Penal Code or has been
summoned for the purpose of education. (1973, 1996)
§4.32.1.5: The mode of expressing an objection, whether it be
in open lodge or to the Worshipful Master privately, shall be at
the discretion of the objecting Brother only. The objecting
Brother is accountable only to his own judgment and
conscience and is under no obligation to give any reason for his
objection or to prefer charges against the visitor. In any case,
the name of the objector should not be revealed to the visitor.
(1973)

(Reprinted 2008) 127

§4.32.1.6: Providing they are in good standing, even though
they have been refused advancement in their own lodge,
Entered Apprentices may visit lodges of Entered Apprentices
and Fellowcrafts may visit lodges of Entered Apprentices or
Fellowcrafts other than the one in which they received the
respective degrees, subject to the usual examination required of
all visitors. (1973)
§4.32.1.7: By permission of the Worshipful Master, visiting
Brethren may take part in the ritualistic work, but they cannot
be allowed to vote. (1973)
§4.32.1.8: The Tiler should announce to the lodge the name of
every visitor, before his admission, so that each member
present will have the opportunity to object. (1973)

§4.32.2: Qualifications of Visitors

§4.32.2.1: No visitor shall be admitted to a lodge until his
Masonic qualifications have been duly ascertained by due trial
and strict examination in the first three degrees of Masonry, or
by lawful Masonic information. The trial and examination may
be made by the Worshipful Master, by a competent Brother or
by a committee designated by the Worshipful Master, the
result of which, together with the name, lodge and residence of
the visitor, shall be reported in open lodge, before the visitor is
admitted.
§4.32.2.2: A Demit is not sufficient evidence upon which to
admit a visiting Brother. He must be examined or vouched for.
(1985)

§4.32.3: Legal Information

§4.32.3.1: "Lawful Masonic Information," under §4.32.2.1,
relating to visitors is such as is received through a Brother
whose Masonic standing is already established and who has
met the visitor in a regularly chartered lodge. (1895)
§4.32.3.2: The examination of a visitor should not be conducted
in open lodge and a committee has the right to demand of a
visitor, evidence of his present good standing, such as a receipt.
(1900)

128 (Reprinted 2008)

§4.32.3.3: The test oath should be administered as a part of the
examination. (1900)
§4.32.3.4: A visiting Brother has the right to see the Charter of
the lodge he is about to visit.

§4.33: Funerals, Memorials, Processions and

Public Appearances
§4.33.1: Funerals
§4.33.1.1: A Michigan lodge may conduct the Masonic funeral
or memorial service for one of its deceased Brethren or for a
deceased Brother of any Michigan lodge or any constituent
lodge of a Grand Jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge of
Michigan upon the request, or with the permission, of the lodge
of which the deceased was a Mason in good standing at the
time of his death. (1955, 1994)
§4.33.1.2: The term Mason, for the purpose of funerals and/or
memorial services, shall mean an Entered Apprentice or
Fellowcraft eligible for advancement or a Master Mason not
under the penalty of suspension or expulsion from a lodge.
(1994)
§4.33.1.3: It shall be the right and privilege of every Mason
belonging to the Michigan Masonic Jurisdiction to have, at his
death and with the consent of his next of kin, his personal
lambskin (or substitute if necessary) placed upon his casket.
The apron shall be laid flat, when possible, or folded in
accordance with the provisions of the highest degree attained.
Apron strings should be hidden as nearly as possible. The
apron may be over the foot of the casket in lieu of flowers or
may be draped from the side rail or pinned into the head panel
of an open casket. If the deceased is also a Veteran and entitled
to the flag of the United States of America, the family may
choose:
(a) To have the flag folded in a triangle and placed near
the left shoulder in an open casket with the Masonic
apron displayed on the foot or with casket flowers on
the side rail.

(Reprinted 2008) 129

 (b) To have the flag draped over the foot of an open casket
and the apron displayed on the side rail or pinned
inside the head panel.
(c) To have the flag draped over a closed casket and the
apron displayed on a pedestal or other suitable
furniture.
(d) On a closed casket, to have the flag folded in a triangle
shape which would permit both the flag and the apron
to be displayed on top of the casket.
When the apron is to be buried with the casketed remains,
the apron is to be placed on top of the closed casket and
lowered into the grave. The vault will cover everything. (1992)
§4.33.1.4: When a member is still on the rolls of membership
and is not, at the time of his death, removed from the rolls of
membership for NPD, he is entitled to Masonic burial. (1894,
1994)
§4.33.1.5: A lodge cannot give a Masonic burial to a suspended
Mason, notwithstanding the fact that he had paid up all dues
in arrears, if he was not reinstated by affirmative action of the
lodge prior to his death. In such case, all moneys received for
said dues in arrears shall be returned to the Brother's family or
to his estate if possible. (Refer to §4.22.4.6) (1899, 1978)
§4.33.1.6: A lodge may give Masonic burial to a Brother who
has committed suicide. (1875)
§4.33.1.7: In the event a Michigan lodge has occasion to enter
the jurisdiction of another Michigan lodge to conduct a funeral
or the committal service, it shall not be considered an invasion
of jurisdiction. (1955, 1978)
§4.33.1.8: When a deceased Brother is entitled to a Masonic
burial by his lodge, the Worshipful Master, or his lawful
Masonic representative, must always be the judge as to
whether it is advisable to convene his lodge for the purpose of
attending a Masonic burial in a body. (1889, 1978)

130 (Reprinted 2008)

§4.33.1.9: The regular Masonic funeral service can be used
when interring the ashes of the deceased Brother by changing
the word "body" to "ashes" wherever it occurs. (1963)
§4.33.1.10: It is not proper for the Masonic fraternity to
commingle in its exercises, funeral or other, with any other
society. A Masonic lodge should have entire charge of funeral
services or decline to take any part. However, the lodge may
take charge at any time before the body is lowered into the
grave. (1880, 1940, 1978)
§4.33.1.11: When a lodge once takes charge of a funeral
ceremony, the lodge, and the lodge only, must conduct the
service and no person not a Brother of the fraternity should be
permitted to participate. (1900)
§4.33.1.12: None but Masons shall be permitted to join a
Masonic funeral procession, except that if the Commandery or
other Masonic bodies, veterans' military organizations, civic
societies or police attend, they shall march or ride ahead of the
lodge as its escort. (1955, 1994)
§4.33.1.13: Pallbearers cannot be mixed. They must be all
Masons and clothed as such, or none of them can appear as
Masons. In such case, the lodge may take charge and conduct
the Masonic service immediately after the casket is deposited
at the grave. (1949, 1978, 1994)
§4.33.1.14: Masons, in white aprons, gloves and regalia, may
attend a funeral of a departed Brother as mourners when the
services are in charge of some other recognized Masonic Body.
(1958, 1994)
§4.33.1.15: A lodge may attend a funeral as mourners, no
matter by whom the funeral ceremony is conducted; provided,
however, that it shall not unite with any other organization in
conducting the ceremony. (1876, 1955)
§4.33.1.16: These Regulations shall not be construed as
prohibiting the firing of a salute and the sounding of taps, after
the conclusion of the Masonic committal service, at or near the
grave of a Mason who had served in the Armed Forces and was

(Reprinted 2008) 131

entitled to such recognition by virtue of that service. (1955,
1994)

§4.33.2: Public Appearances

§4.33.2.1: No lodge shall form a public procession for the
Funeral of a Mason without the permission of its Worshipful
Master or his lawful Masonic representative. (1978, 1994)
§4.33.2.2: A lodge may go out as a lodge on a strictly Masonic
occasion. However, if a lodge wishes to commingle in public
exercises with other societies it must present satisfactory
information to the Grand Master, who may issue a Special
Dispensation permitting the lodge to participate in a
community celebration or observance and to wear their
Masonic clothing on such occasion. Participation in a parade in
conjunction with any national holiday will not require a Special
Dispensation. (1877, 1897, 1975, 1978, 1996, 2000)
§4.33.2.3: In order for public relations to take a better foothold
in our communities, any Noble or Prophet of the Ancient Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Mystic Order Veiled
Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, who is marching in a parade
and who is not in a costume, may wear the apron and fez as a
badge of a Shrine or Grotto Mason. It is expected that the
Noble or Prophet would be appropriately dressed in slacks or
suit, not in blue jeans, Levi's, or costume dress of the unit or
group.
The apron and fez are not to be worn at a Masonic funeral
service, nor while visiting a lodge or attending a lodge
installation. Those situations call for the badge of a Mason as
the distinguishing mark of a Mason, not the Brother as a Noble
or Prophet. The intent is to identify the appendant bodies and
to let the apron serve as the official badge and public relations
tool for Masons in our communities. (1996)
§4.33.2.4: It is improper for Masons to attend a house of
worship wearing aprons, gloves, or regalia, except when
attending a Masonic funeral or memorial service, and having
obtained the approval of the clergy or ruling body of that house
of worship. (1897, 1958, 1978, 1998)

132 (Reprinted 2008)

§4.34: Board of Relief
§4.34.1: Under direction of the Grand Master, where two or
more lodges in the Grand Jurisdiction have concurrent
territorial jurisdiction, there may be established in each such
jurisdiction, a Board of Relief to provide for the aid and
assistance of sojourning Masons and their burial.
§4.34.2: Such Boards of Relief shall consist of representatives
to be appointed by the Worshipful Masters or elected, as the
lodge shall determine, one from each of the lodges in such
jurisdiction, to serve until successors have been appointed or
elected.
§4.34.3: These representatives shall form their own
organization, elect a President, Vice President, Secretary-
Treasurer and executive committee and conduct the business of
the Board, subject to the approval of the Grand Master.
§4.34.4: All lodges in such territorial jurisdiction shall, on
order of the Grand Master, contribute their proportionate share
of the expenses of maintaining such Boards of Relief, in the
amount determined by the Board of Relief.

§4.35: Master Key and Rituals

§4.35.1: The Grand Secretary shall be responsible for the
Master Key. (1959, 1987, 2001)
§4.35.2: Each lodge shall be furnished five authorized rituals
as adopted by this Grand Lodge. Additional copies may be
purchased. (1860, 2001)
§4.35.3: It is a Masonic offense for any member to make use of
any unauthorized ritual. (1917, 2001)
§4.35.4: The only ritual authorized by the Grand Lodge is the
one furnished by the Grand Secretary. (1899, 2001)
§4.35.5: Any time a lodge has a candidate of a different
religious belief, the lodge has the option to insert the words
“Volume of the Sacred Law” in place of “Holy Bible” in the
ritual. (GM edict 2007)

(Reprinted 2008) 133

§4.36: Sojourner
§4.36.1: By the term Sojourner is intended a Brother who is
duly affiliated under some other jurisdiction, but is temporarily
within our town. (1860)

§4.37: Correspondence and Communications

§4.37.1: All communications between a constituent lodge,
Committee, Officer or agency of any other Grand Jurisdiction
shall be made only through the Offices of the respective Grand
Secretaries. Subsequent communications relative to a specific
subject may be made directly through the affected agencies
only if authorized by the Grand Secretaries involved. Provided,
however, that the above regulations shall not apply to either
the Grand Master or the Committee on Fraternal Relations.
(1959)

134 (Reprinted 2008)

 §5

BYLAWS
OF THE
GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 135

136 (Reprinted 2008)
 BYLAWS
OF THE
GRAND LODGE
OF
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN
______________________

§5.1: Communications of Grand Lodge

§5.1.1: Opening of Grand Lodge
§5.1.1.1: The Annual Communication of Grand Lodge shall
commence on a day in May or June and at a location in
Michigan determined by the Grand Lodge Board of Directors.
(1904, 2000, 2008)
§5.1.1.2: Grand Lodge is declared to be opened or closed in
Ample Form when the Grand Master presides, in Due Form
when the Deputy Grand Master presides and in Form when it
is opened or closed in the absence of both the Grand Master
and his Deputy. (Approved Definition)

§5.1.2: Order of Business

§5.1.2.1: After the opening of Grand Lodge, the order of
business shall be as follows:
1. Approval of the Records, which is the Proceedings of
the Preceding year. (2001)
2. Report of the Grand Master.
3. Reports of other Grand Officers.
4. Reports of Standing Committees in their order.
5. Miscellaneous business.

(Reprinted 2008) 137

 6. Installation of Officers and appointment of Standing
Committees.
§5.1.2.2: This order of business may, at any time, be
suspended or changed by a two-thirds vote.
§5.1.2.3: At Special Communications, the order of business
shall be such as the Grand Master may direct.

§5.1.3: Clothing and Jewels

§5.1.3.1: The officers and members of Grand Lodge, when
convened, shall wear the ordinary clothing of the Master
Mason and the officers shall also wear the jewels appropriate
to their several offices, which shall be made of gilt or yellow
metal. The jewels shall be suspended from a collar made of gilt
or yellow metal. Upon the upper bar of the jewel shall be
inscribed the words "Grand Lodge Michigan."

§5.1.4: Proxies
§5.1.4.1: Whenever the Master of a lodge cannot attend the
Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, the Senior or Junior
Warden shall, according to rank, be his proxy and the legal
representative of the lodge. In anticipation of the possible
failure or inability of any of these officers to attend, the lodge
shall, at any Regular Communication prior to the Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge, elect of its members any
Master Mason in good standing, as the representative of the
lodge, and he shall receive a certificate of his election, signed
by the Worshipful Master and under the Seal of the lodge
electing him. (1958)

§5.2: Duties of Grand Lodge Officers

§5.2.1: Grand Master
§5.2.1.1: The duties and powers of the Grand Master are
outlined in §3.10.

§5.2.2: Deputy Grand Master

§5.2.2.1: The Deputy Grand Master shall assist the Grand
Master as he may direct and, in case of the death or absence of
138 (Reprinted 2008)
the Grand Master, shall preside at all Communications of the
Grand Lodge, and shall exercise all the prerogatives and
perform all the duties of Grand Master until a successor be
chosen.

§5.2.3: Grand Wardens

§5.2.3.1: The Grand Wardens shall assist the Grand Master in
the Grand Lodge as he may direct, ordinarily performing the
duties pertaining to their respective offices and, in case of the
death or absence of the Grand Master and Deputy Grand
Master, shall, according to rank, preside at the
Communications of Grand Lodge and exercise all the powers
and perform all the duties of Grand Master until a successor be
chosen.

§5.2.4: Grand Treasurer

§5.2.4.1: The Grand Treasurer shall have charge of all the
funds and vouchers of the Grand Lodge. He shall give bonds for
the faithful discharge of his trust in such sum and with such
sureties as shall be approved by the Grand Master and Finance
Committee.
§5.2.4.2: The Grand Treasurer shall, in the name of the Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan,
collect, by legal proceedings or otherwise, any debt due to the
Grand Lodge whenever, in his opinion, the interests of the
Grand Lodge shall require such action.
§5.2.4.3: The Grand Treasurer shall be ex-officio the treasurer
of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home.
§5.2.4.4: The Grand Treasurer shall receive all moneys from
the Grand Secretary and shall pay the orders of the Grand
Master, authorized by the Grand Lodge, out of the general or
other proper fund of the Grand Lodge and the orders of the
Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home out of the respective
funds for the maintenance of the Masonic Home and for
Outside Relief.
§5.2.4.5: At each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge,
the Grand Treasurer shall make a full and complete report of

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all moneys belonging to the General Fund of the Grand Lodge,
to the fund for the maintenance of the Masonic Home and for
Outside Relief, and to all other funds and of all moneys
received and disbursed by him during the preceding fiscal year.
§5.2.4.6: In case a Grand Treasurer shall fail, for the space of
thirty days, to file his bond as herein provided or to perform
any of the duties herein enjoined upon him, the Grand Master
may declare the Office vacant and appoint a Grand Treasurer
to fill such vacancy, who shall be subject to all the provisions of
law relating to the Grand Treasurer.
§5.2.4.7: The Grand Treasurer shall deposit all funds in such
depositories as shall be designated by the Grand Lodge Board
of Directors, said depositories to be named annually at the first
scheduled meeting of the said Board after the Grand Lodge
Annual Communication. The deposits shall be made in such a
manner as will render the accounts payable to the Grand
Treasurer and his successors in Office. (1954)

§5.2.5: Grand Secretary

§5.2.5.1: The Grand Secretary shall mail to all Grand Lodge
Officers, Past Grand Masters, members of Standing and
Special Committees, members of the Board of General
Purposes, District Deputy Instructors and to the Worshipful
Master and Secretary of each constituent lodge, notice of the
date of and place for each Annual and Special Communication
of this Grand Lodge. Notices of Annual Communications shall
be sent at least sixty days prior to the commencement thereof.
Notices of Special Communications shall be sent such length of
time prior thereto as the Grand Master shall direct. In all
notices of Annual Communications, he shall include the names
and residences of all candidates nominated by lodges for Grand
Lodge offices which shall have been received by him, together
with the names of the lodges to which such candidates
respectively belong and no others. (1969)
§5.2.5.2: The Grand Secretary shall procure badges for
members of and visitors to Grand Lodge. The visitors’ and
members’ badges are to be appropriately inscribed and

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distributed upon their registering at the Grand Secretary's
Headquarters.
§5.2.5.3: The Grand Secretary shall procure a PAST GRAND
MASTER'S JEWEL and APRON, of similar design, adopted by
the Grand Lodge. This Jewel shall remain the property of the
Grand Lodge of Michigan and shall be returned to the Grand
Lodge upon the death of the recipient. (1980)
§5.2.5.4: The Grand Secretary shall attend all Annual and
Special Communications of the Grand Lodge and duly record
its proceedings. He shall receive and accurately account for,
and promptly pay or deliver over to the Grand Treasurer, all
the funds and property of the Grand Lodge received by him,
from whatever source, taking his receipt for the same.
Provided, that he shall not pay over any money to the Grand
Treasurer until notified by the Grand Master that the Grand
Treasurer-elect has given an approved bond required by §5.2.4.
§5.2.5.5: Pending delivery of funds to the Grand Treasurer, the
Grand Secretary shall keep them on deposit in a bank,
approved by the Grand Master and Finance Committee, in the
official name of the Grand Lodge and in such a manner as will
render the account payable to order of the Grand Secretary and
his successors in office.
§5.2.5.6: The Grand Secretary shall make a record of the
returns made by constituent lodges; receive and preserve all
petitions, applications, appeals and other documents; sign,
certify to and duly seal all instruments of writing emanating
from the Grand Lodge; conduct the correspondence of the
Grand Lodge under the direction of the Grand Master; and
report annually to the several Grand Lodges in correspondence
with this Grand Lodge the names of the Grand Officers elected.
§5.2.5.7: The Grand Secretary shall, at each Annual
Communication, make a report to the Grand Lodge of moneys
received and paid over to the Grand Treasurer; of failure or
want of punctuality on the part of constituent lodges in paying
dues and making proper returns; and of such other matters as,
in his judgment, may require the action of the Grand Lodge.

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§5.2.5.8: The Grand Secretary shall be responsible for issuing
an official receipt for dues, as authorized by the Grand Lodge,
to be distributed to each Master Mason in good standing
entitled to receive the same. (1982)
§5.2.5.9: The Grand Secretary shall, in due time, furnish each
lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction with blank returns and with
such instructions in regard to them as the regulations and laws
of the Grand Lodge may require.
§5.2.5.10: The Grand Secretary shall give bonds for the faithful
discharge of his trusts and for the prompt delivery to his
successor in office of all the books, papers and other property of
the Grand Lodge, in such sums and with such sureties as shall
be approved by the Grand Master and the Finance Committee.
§5.2.5.11: The Grand Secretary shall cause the proceedings of
the Grand Lodge to be published annually within ninety days
of the close of each Annual Communication and shall publish
therewith the names of all Master Masons of this Jurisdiction
who have died during the preceding year, a half-tone picture of
each Grand Lodge Officer for the ensuing year, grouped on one
page and, when ordered by the Grand Lodge, its Constitution,
Regulations and Bylaws.
§5.2.5.12: Within ninety days after each Annual
Communication, the Grand Secretary shall mail to the
Secretaries of the lodges all changes in the law adopted at such
Communication, in convenient form for insertion in the Blue
Book.
§5.2.5.13: The Grand Secretary shall compute the mileage and
per diem of the officers and members of Grand Lodge.
§5.2.5.14: The Grand Secretary shall, within one week of
receiving notice of the death of any Past Grand Master or
Grand Lodge Officer of this Grand Lodge, mail to every
constituent lodge, to every Grand Lodge Officer, every living
Past Grand Master and all Grand Lodge Committeemen,
including the District Deputy Instructors and the members of
the Board of General Purposes, notice of such death and the
order of the Grand Master to drape the Charter and the Altar

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for a period of sixty days in memory of the deceased Brother.
(1963)
§5.2.5.15: The Grand Secretary shall procure a sufficient
number of copies of the Annual Notices and Advance Reports to
be given to the visitors at the Grand Lodge Annual
Communication. Said copies are to be available at the visitors’
registration desk. The number of copies needed, shall be
determined by the number of visitors in attendance at the
previous Grand Lodge Annual Communication. (1968)
§5.2.5.16: The Grand Secretary shall be authorized to employ
such office help at such salaries as may be approved and
determined by the Board of Directors of this Grand Lodge, at
an expense not greater than the amount designated for that
purpose in the budget for the year. (1969, Jan. 1972)
§5.2.5.17: The Grand Secretary may, at his discretion, appoint
competent Brothers to assist him during Annual and Special
Communications of the Grand Lodge and the Brothers so
appointed shall receive the mileage and per diem provided in
§5.5.1.1. (1969, Jan. 1972)
§5.2.5.18: The Grand Secretary shall establish and maintain a
Central Record of Rejections in which shall be recorded the
name and other pertinent data relative to each applicant whose
Petition for the Degrees in Masonry has been rejected by a
constituent lodge. The Grand Secretary, upon written request,
shall advise as to the status of any applicant whose Petition for
the Degrees in Masonry is presented to a constituent lodge.
(See Handbook for Lodge Secretaries) (1966, 2001)

§5.2.6: Grand Lecturer

§5.2.6.1: The Grand Lecturer shall thoroughly acquaint
himself with the work and lectures of the three degrees of
Ancient Craft Masonry according to the standard of Grand
Lodge; shall visit the several lodges in this Jurisdiction as
extensively as possible and shall examine the work and
proceedings of the lodges. For this purpose, he is authorized to
summon the officers of the different lodges with the records, to
convene at such time and place as he may select for the
purpose of receiving instruction in the work, lectures and
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ceremonies of Masonry. He shall report to the Grand Master, in
writing, any deviation in the work or lectures from the system
of Grand Lodge. He shall have charge of teaching the work
during his term of office, subject always to the Grand Master.
He shall perform such other duties in instructing the Craft in
the principles of Masonry as the Grand Master shall order.
(See also District Deputy Instructors, §5.11.2.)
Schools of Instruction
§5.2.6.2: The Grand Master shall at any time, when, in his
judgment it is necessary, direct the Grand Lecturer to summon
any lodge for instruction or for examination of its books and
records. (1901)
§5.2.6.3: The Grand Lecturer, in conjunction with the Regional
Grand Lecturer of each Masonic Region, shall have general
supervision of the District Deputy Instructors assigned to each
Masonic Region and shall instruct them in the standard
Michigan Masonic work. Also, the Grand Lecturer, in
conjunction with the Regional Grand Lecturer of each Masonic
Region, shall generally supervise the work of the Officers and
degree teams of all the lodges within each Masonic Region.
(1974, 1989)
§5.2.6.4: The Grand Lecturer shall have general supervision of
any Region of any Regional Grand Lecturer who neglects or
refuses to become proficient in the standard Michigan Masonic
work and who neglects the duties assigned to him by the Grand
Lecturer. He shall report any inaccuracies to the Grand Master
in writing. (1989)
§5.2.6.5: The Grand Lecturer shall have general supervision of
the Regional Grand Lecturers and shall instruct them in the
standard Michigan Masonic work at meetings called by him for
the Regional Grand Lecturers. For this purpose, he is
empowered to summon each of the Regional Grand Lecturers to
meetings at such time and place as he deems appropriate in
conformity to regulations adopted by Grand Lodge. (1989)
§5.2.6.6: An annual meeting of all Regional Grand Lecturers
and all District Deputy Instructors shall be held on the day
prior to the opening of the Annual Communication of Grand
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Lodge at the place for holding the same. The Grand Secretary
shall notify each Regional Grand Lecturer and District Deputy
Instructor of the time and place designated by the Grand
Lecturer for holding such annual meeting. Those to be
appointed Regional Grand Lecturer and newly elected District
Deputy Instructors shall be entitled to attend such annual
meeting, as well as the Annual Communication of the Grand
Lodge, and they shall receive the prevailing mileage and per
diem for such attendance as outlined in §5.5.1.1. (1989)

§5.2.7: Grand Chaplain

§5.2.7.1: The Grand Chaplain shall attend the
Communications of Grand Lodge and conduct such religious
services as are established by the usages of Ancient Craft
Masonry or by this Grand Lodge.

§5.2.8: Grand Deacons

§5.2.8.1: The Senior and Junior Grand Deacons shall perform
the duties which, by ancient usage, pertain to their respective
offices.

§5.2.9: Grand Marshal

§5.2.9.1: The Grand Marshal shall proclaim the Grand Lodge
Officers at their installation, conduct processions of Grand
Lodge, and communicate and execute all commands of the
Grand Master not otherwise provided for.

§5.2.10: Grand Tiler

§5.2.10.1: The Grand Tiler shall guard the door of Grand
Lodge on the outside and perform the duties incident to his
office.

§5.3: Standing Committees

§5.3.1: Appointment and Meeting of Committees
§5.3.1.1: At each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge,
immediately after the installation of officers, the Grand Master
shall appoint the following Standing Committees. The
members of these committees shall hold their offices for one
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year or until their successors are appointed, unless otherwise
specified in these bylaws. The committee members shall be
entitled to the same mileage and per diem as other Officers of
the Grand Lodge.
§5.3.1.2: All of the Standing Committees, together with the
Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand
Lecturer, shall convene at the place of holding the Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge, at least twenty-four hours
prior to its opening. The committee members shall be entitled
to the same mileage and per diem as are allowed to members of
Grand Lodge. Any of these committees may be convened at
such time and place as the Grand Master may deem necessary
and, when so convened, shall be entitled to the mileage and per
diem allowed members of Grand Lodge.

§5.3.2: Jurisprudence
§5.3.2.1: The Committee on Jurisprudence shall consist of
three members whose duty it shall be to examine and report
upon all questions of Masonic Law and legislation submitted to
it for investigation.

§5.3.3: Appeals
§5.3.3.1: The Committee on Appeals shall consist of three
members whose duty it shall be to examine and report upon all
appeals, memorials and petitions in relation to any matter of
complaint or grievance within this Jurisdiction, which shall
come before Grand Lodge.
§5.3.3.2: At least one week before the time appointed for a
hearing of the Committee on Appeals, the Chairman shall give
written notice to such of the parties interested as may have
caused their residence or address to be communicated to him,
of the time when and the place where the Committee will hear
such appeals.

§5.3.4: Finance
§5.3.4.1: The Committee on Finance shall comprise of three or
more, but not to exceed seven members. It which shall examine
and audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, Grand

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Secretary, Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home and all other
officers, Boards and Committees of Grand Lodge having the
disbursement of any Grand Lodge funds and shall satisfy itself
that all money and securities belonging to Grand Lodge, or to
which Grand Lodge is entitled, are actually in the hands of the
authorized custodian thereof. It shall examine all accounts and
financial matters referred to it and shall, at each Annual
Communication, make full report of the financial condition of
Grand Lodge. (1985)
§5.3.4.2: With consent of the Grand Master, the Committee on
Finance may employ certified public accountants to make any
audit herein, provided the expense thereof to be payable, on
order of the Grand Master, out of the fund audited or the
General Fund, unless the expense be specifically provided for
by Grand Lodge in adopting a budget or otherwise.

§5.3.5: Lodges
§5.3.5.1: The Committee on Lodges shall consist of not less
than three members. Its duty shall be to examine the records of
work and the returns of lodges under Dispensation; to make
reports to Grand Lodge whether or not, in its opinion, charters
should be granted to such lodges; and also to examine and
report upon any returns of proceedings of chartered lodges
which may be referred to it. (1995)

§5.3.6: Fraternal Relations

§5.3.6.1: The Committee on Fraternal Relations shall consist
of three members, whose duty it shall be, under the direction of
the Grand Master, to examine all petitions, applications and
requests of other Grand Lodges for fraternal recognition and
intercourse and report thereon in writing to Grand Lodge with
such recommendations as are deemed advisable.
§5.3.6.2: The Committee on Fraternal Relations shall examine
the correspondence and reports from other Grand Lodges in
fraternal relations with this Grand Lodge as the Committee
may deem advisable. It shall review, from time to time and
report thereon in writing to Grand Lodge, the existing fraternal
relations between this Grand Lodge and other Grand Lodges to
the end that the Craft may be strengthened throughout the
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world and the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry be
preserved.

§5.3.7: Credentials
§5.3.7.1: In addition to the foregoing Standing Committees,
the Grand Secretary shall be ex-officio a Committee on
Credentials and it shall be his duty to examine the credentials
of all persons claiming the right of membership in Grand Lodge
and report their names, Masonic standing, rank and connection
to Grand Lodge at the beginning of each Communication.

§5.3.8: Orphans, Relief and Educational Assistance

§5.3.8.1: The Committee on Orphans’ Relief and Educational
Assistance shall expend, on behalf of orphans, such funds as
may be from time to time appropriated for such expenditure by
Grand Lodge, or otherwise donated for such purpose. All the
expenditures by said Committee shall be under the direction
and control of the Grand Master.
§5.3.8.2: The Committee on Orphans’ Relief and Educational
Assistance shall consist of five members, each member shall
hold office for five years except that, when first appointed, the
appointment shall be so made and arranged that the term of
one member shall expire each year. (See also Orphans
Committee, §14.) (1984)

§5.3.9: Masonic Service and Education

§5.3.9.1: The Committee on Masonic Service and Education
shall be composed of ten members appointed by the Grand
Master, in such a manner that each member will be in charge
of one or more Masonic Districts, as defined in §5.11.1.2. Each
member shall hold office for five years, with appointments so
staggered that the term of two members shall expire each year.
The Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer shall be ex-officio
member of this Committee.
§5.3.9.2: The duties of the Committee on Masonic Service and
Education shall be to formulate and place in operation a
program of Masonic Education which will have, as the final
objective, the proper enlightenment of the members of the

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lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction on any matters pertaining to
Freemasonry. This enlightenment shall include annual local
officer training workshops consisting of instruction pertaining
to the powers, duties and responsibilities of their office as well
as instruction pertaining to the proper management of a lodge,
which is not contrary to our Landmarks, laws and customs.
§5.3.9.3: This committee shall report at each Grand Lodge
session its activities for the past year, its proposed program for
the ensuing year, and the appropriation necessary to continue
its work, the same to be approved by Grand Lodge in session.
(1981, 1999)

§5.3.10: Publications
§5.3.10.1: The Committee on Publications shall have the duty
to prepare for publications those revisions to the "Blue Book" of
Michigan Masonic Law which are approved by the Grand
Lodge at an Annual Communication. The Committee is further
empowered to present to the Grand Lodge such proposed
amendments to Michigan Masonic Law which are desirable in
the interests of grammatical correction, clarity and consistency;
and may be delegated such other duties with respect to official
publications as are authorized and assigned to the Committee
by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master. (1970)
§5.3.10.2: The Committee on Publications shall consist of three
members, each member to hold office for three years except
that, when first appointed, the appointment shall be so made
and arranged that the term of one member shall expire each
year. (1970)
§5.3.10.3: The Publications Committee is hereby given
authority, subject to approval of the Grand Master and the
Board of Directors to:
(a) Prepare the Blue Book for re-issue at ten-year
intervals, beginning with the 1978 re-issue.
(b) To fix punctuation and to change the language of any
part of Grand Lodge Regulations, Bylaws, Penal Code,
Bylaws of Lodges under Dispensation in the interests

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 of grammatical correction, clarity and consistency, but
without changing the meaning or effect thereof.
(c) To re-arrange the Masonic statute law by converting
bylaws into Regulations and vice versa, readjust
Articles, Sections and sentences and, by employing
appropriate headings, by using explanatory notes.
(1977)
(d) To eliminate, combine or restate decisions of the Grand
Masters and set them up in such form as seems most
usable. (1977)
(e) To incorporate into the Handbook for Lodge Secretaries
such forms as may be approved by the Grand
Secretary. (1977)
(f) And, generally to do all other acts necessary to prepare
a convenient and accessible Book of the Law. (1977)

§5.3.11: Strategic Planning

§5.3.11.1: The Committee on Strategic Planning, having at
least ten (10) members, shall have the duty to monitor the
implementation of the Grand Lodge Strategic Plan and its
subsequent revisions. It shall introduce legislation, as required,
for the implementation of the Plan and shall present proposals
to the Grand Master and the Board of Directors for
implementing provisions of the Strategic Plan not requiring
legislation. It shall make recommendations for revisions to the
Plan that may become necessary or appropriate to the Grand
Master, Board of Directors and the Delegates to the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge.
§5.3.11.2: Each member of the committee shall hold office for
five (5) years, with appointments so staggered that the term of
two (2) members shall expire each year. Provided, however, no
person may serve more than seven (7) consecutive years. (1999)

§5.3.12: Landmarks
§5.3.12.1: The Committee on Landmarks, consisting of all the
living Past Grand Masters of this Grand Lodge, shall have the
duty to advise the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge, upon

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his or its request, concerning the Landmarks of the Craft and
the welfare and good government thereof. The Grand Master
shall appoint the Chairman of the committee. (1960)

§5.3.13: Investments
§5.3.13.1: The Committee on Investments, consisting of the
Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand
Warden, the Grand Treasurer and the Chairman of the Grand
Lodge Finance Committee, shall have the duty to invest the
funds of the Grand Lodge, including all trust funds thereof, in
such manner as shall be in accordance with the provisions of
the Grand Lodge Law. The committee’s duties shall also
include those specified elsewhere in these Regulations and
Bylaws. The Grand Master shall be Chairman of the
Committee. (1960)

§5.4: Special Committees

§5.4.1: Such special committees as may be deemed necessary
may be appointed to act at the pleasure of Grand Lodge.

§5.5: Compensation of Officers, Committees

and Members
§5.5.1: Grand Lodge Communications
§5.5.1.1: The Grand Officers and members of Grand Lodge
entitled to vote, shall receive thirty-five dollars ($35.00) a day
for each day's attendance at Annual and Special
Communications. Except for the Grand Master, they shall also
receive thirty-five cents ($.35) per mile for each mile
necessarily traveled, the route and distance to be determined
by the Grand Secretary, in going to and returning from all
Annual and Special Communications; the Grand Master shall
receive the standard mileage rate allowable by the Internal
Revenue Service for business. (1980, 1998, 2008)
§5.5.1.2: PROVIDED, that no representative shall receive
either mileage or per diem when his Lodge is in arrears in
payment of Per Capita dues, without the sanction of the
Finance Committee or Grand Lodge. (1972)
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§5.5.1.3: Provided further, that the properly accredited
representatives of lodges in the Upper Peninsula, in actual
attendance upon Grand Lodge Communications, shall be
entitled to per diem allowance for two extra days.
§5.5.1.4: When a Past Grand Master or any member of a
Standing Committee is Master of his lodge, the Senior Warden
or Junior Warden may represent the lodge and draw mileage
and per diem. (1884)

§5.5.2: Salaries
§5.5.2.1: The Grand Master shall receive ten thousand
($10,000.00) dollars per annum to cover expenses not otherwise
provided for and a supply of suitable stationary necessary for
the transaction of business of his office. (1969, 2008)
§5.5.2.2: The annual salary of the Grand Treasurer shall be
established by the Board of Directors, provided that such
salary shall be provided for in the annual budget as proposed
in Annual Communication and provided further that any
change in the amount of said salary shall be reported to the
Representatives at said Annual Communication prior to voting
on the budget. (1980)
§5.5.2.3: The Board of Directors shall establish the annual
salary of the Grand Secretary with the same provisions and
restrictions as are provided for that of the Grand Treasurer.
(1980)
§5.5.2.4: The Grand Lecturer shall receive an annual salary as
established by the Board of Directors, subject to the same
provisions and restrictions as those provided for the Grand
Treasurer. Further, the Grand Lecturer shall receive an
additional allowance for expenses, which amount shall be
within the amount established for that purpose in the annual
budget of the Grand Lodge as proposed. He shall submit a
monthly account of expenditures necessitated by his official
duties; provided, however, that the rate of mileage shall not be
in excess of that established in §5.5.1.1. (1980)
§5.5.2.5: The Grand Chaplain shall receive an annual salary
as established by the Board of Directors subject to the same
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provisions and restrictions as those of the Grand Treasurer.
(1980)
§5.5.2.6: The Grand Tiler shall receive an annual salary as
established by the Board of Directors, subject to the same
provisions and restrictions as those of the Grand Treasurer.
(1980)
§5.5.2.7: All annual salaries herein provided for shall be due
and payable proportionately on the last day of each calendar
month. (1960)
§5.5.2.8: In the event there shall be a vacancy created in the
Office of the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Secretary or Grand
Lecturer, the salary of the successor to such office for the
unexpired term thereof, shall be fixed by the Board of Directors
of Grand Lodge and shall continue until the next Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge; provided, that the salary shall
not be greater than the balance of the budget approved by
Grand Lodge. (1960)

§5.5.3: Allowances
§5.5.3.1: Each Officer of the Grand Lodge shall receive the per
diem and mileage named in §5.5.1.1 for each mile necessarily
traveled by him in the performance of his official duties within
the State of Michigan.
§5.5.3.2: In addition thereto, the Grand Master shall receive
the per diem named in §5.5.1.1 for each day's attendance upon
the laying of cornerstones, dedications of Temples and
constitution of new lodges and the mileage named in §5.5.1.1
for each mile necessarily traveled by him in the performance of
his official duties.
§5.5.3.3: When the Grand Master shall issue his proxy to any
Brother to perform any official work or duties incumbent on the
Grand Master, such Brother shall be entitled to receive the
mileage and per diem established for Grand Lodge
Communications.
§5.5.3.4: When requested to lay the cornerstones of public
buildings, to dedicate Masonic Temples or to institute new

(Reprinted 2008) 153

lodges, the Grand Master may, in his discretion, call out such
of the Grand Lodge Officers as he may desire to assist him and
those who attend in response to such call shall receive, upon
order of the Grand Master, the legal mileage and per diem.
§5.5.3.5: Upon the death of a Grand Officer or a Past Grand
Master, if the funeral services are to be Masonic, the Grand
Master shall cause all Grand Officers and Past Grand Masters
to be notified and each of those who attend the services shall be
entitled to the legal mileage and per diem for one day
established for Grand Lodge Communications. No Grand
Officer, for whom a stated sum is provided by law for salary or
expenses, shall receive a per diem for such attendance.
§5.5.3.6: When any Grand Officer or Past Grand Master, living
in the Lower Peninsula, shall attend any of such ceremonies or
services or Communication of Grand Lodge in the Upper
Peninsula, upon lawful authorization or, residing in the Upper
Peninsula, shall so attend any such ceremony or services or
Communication of Grand Lodge in the Lower Peninsula, he
shall, if entitled to per diem, receive such allowance for two
extra days.
§5.5.3.7: No mileage or per diem shall be paid to any person
for attendance at any of the ceremonies or services named in
the §5.5.3.1 through §5.5.3.6 above which are held in the place
where he resides. No mileage or per diem shall be paid to any
person except as provided by these bylaws or by special vote of
Grand Lodge.
§5.5.3.8: Standing and Special Committees, when convened
pursuant to these Bylaws or upon order of the Grand Master,
shall be entitled to the legal mileage and per diem.

§5.6: Grand Lodge Revenues

§5.6.1: The revenues of Grand Lodge shall be derived as may
be otherwise provided in these bylaws, and from the following
sources, viz.:
(a) For every Warrant or Charter to form a new lodge -
$100.

154 (Reprinted 2008)

 (b) For every Dispensation to form a new lodge, to be
deducted from fee for Charter in case the lodge shall
subsequently be chartered by this Grand Lodge -
$50.00.
(c) For every Grand Lodge certification - $1.00, except on
official lodge Dues Cards, Demits, Life Membership
Certificate and Honorary Membership Certificates.
Provided, that where a lodge shall request of the Grand
Secretary, Grand Lodge certifications as to the
regularity of a constituent lodge on any other
document, in quantities of not less than ten at a time,
the certification fee therefore shall be $10.00.
§5.6.2: Under this bylaw, Grand Lodge has the power to levy
special assessments against constituent lodges for specific
purposes. When such an assessment is ordered, it is the duty of
the lodges to pay it and if they do not, the Grand Master can
proceed against them for refusal to obey the orders of the
Grand Lodge. (1928)
§5.6.3: Whenever Grand Lodge adopts any measure
providing for a general or special assessment of the members of
constituent lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction, said measure
shall provide an effective date not less than three (3) months
after the close of Grand Lodge Annual Communication. It shall
be the duty of the Grand Secretary to give separate notice to
the Secretaries of the constituent lodges of the effective date of
such assessment and the manner in which the same shall be
collected and paid to Grand Lodge.
§5.6.4: Each chartered lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall
pay annually to Grand Lodge, before the twentieth day of
March, one dollar ($1.00) for each person initiated by it during
the preceding year and, for General Fund purposes, twelve
dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) for each Master Mason who is a
member of the lodge at the close of the Masonic year and such
additional sums for special purposes as Grand Lodge at any
Annual Communication shall order. Honorary members,
members whose dues have been remitted for charitable
considerations, life members (except those awarded life
membership during the Masonic year just closed), Prepaid

(Reprinted 2008) 155

Members and Secretaries are exempted from paying these
dues. Any sum Per Capita which the lodge is ordered to pay to
Grand Lodge for special purposes shall be added to the dues of
the lodge and be collected by the lodge as dues. The payment
shall be shown on the Annual Dues Receipts as "Per Capita
Assessment." A Grand Lodge Special Assessment collected
from a Brother by a lodge for a year in which the Brother
demits, withdraws, dies, is suspended or expelled, shall be
remitted to the Grand Secretary with the Annual Return for
the year for which the assessment was levied. (1958, 1967,
1982, 1984, 1985, 1993, 1996, 2001, 2002)
§5.6.5: Each chartered lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall
collect from each dues paying Master Mason the sum of one
dollar ($1.00) in addition to the regularly scheduled fees fixed
by the bylaws of such lodge pursuant to Grand Lodge law. This
sum shall be accounted for and remitted to Grand Lodge as
other funds are paid to Grand Lodge pursuant to §5.6.4. Said
funds, so collected, shall be used as a contribution to the
George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.
(1981, 1998, 2004)
§5.6.6: Each dues paying Master Mason of this Grand
Jurisdiction shall pay annually to the Grand Lodge for the
benefit of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation the
sum of six dollars ($6.00).
(a) The said sum shall be paid annually, in advance, on or
before January 1st in each year. The Secretary of each
lodge shall bill each dues paying member thereof and
shall issue a receipt upon payment. The payment shall
be shown on the Annual Dues Receipt as "MICHIGAN
MASONIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION." (1970,
2001, 2006)
(b) The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation
assessment shall be remitted to the Grand Secretary at
the same time and in the same manner as the Per
Capita Dues, and in accordance with the Regulations
governing Transfer of Membership when applicable.
(1971, 1983, 2006) (G.M. edict 2004)

156 (Reprinted 2008)

 (c) All moneys received in accordance herewith shall be
credited to the Michigan Masonic Charitable
Foundation and used only for the benefit of the
Foundation, and expended only in accordance with the
directions of the Grand Lodge in Annual or Special
Communication assembled. (1958, 2006) (G.M. edict
2004)

§5.7: Budgets
§5.7.1: Fiscal Year
§5.7.1.1: The fiscal year of the Grand Lodge shall commence
on April first and end on the thirty-first day of March
following. (1976).
§5.7.1.2: Immediately after the termination of each fiscal year,
the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Secretary and the Masonic
Board of Trustees shall prepare their financial reports to the
Grand Lodge for the fiscal year just closed and deliver the same
to the Grand Master, who shall at once refer them to the
Finance Committee for examination and recommendation to
Grand Lodge.

§5.7.2: Presentation of Budgets

§5.7.2.1: The Committee on Finance shall prepare and submit
to Grand Lodge, at each Annual Communication, an itemized
and detailed budget of expenditures for General Fund purposes
for the then fiscal year and a like budget of expenditures for
the Masonic Home, the Michigan Masonic Charitable
Foundation and all other purposes ordered by Grand Lodge.
The budgets shall state separately: (2006)
(a) all items and amounts expressly provided by Grand
Lodge law (with citation of the law); and
(b) all items provided by Grand Lodge law but without
express provision as to amount (with citation); and
(c) all items for which there is no express provision of
Grand Lodge law as to purpose or amount.

(Reprinted 2008) 157

§5.7.2.2: The Grand Secretary shall cause such budgets to be
printed and a copy thereof shall be mailed to all Past Grand
Masters, Officers of the Grand Lodge and the Worshipful
Master and Secretary of each constituent lodge at least sixty
(60) days before the beginning of the Annual Communication.
(1999)
§5.7.2.3: The Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home shall
submit to the Committee on Finance, at least thirty days prior
to such Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, a statement of
its needs for the ensuing year in such form and detail as the
Committee on Finance may deem necessary to enable it to
prepare and submit such budget.

§5.7.3: Approval and Adoption of Budgets

§5.7.3.1: The approval and adoption by Grand Lodge of a
budget of expenditures shall authorize the expenditure of such
amounts for such items and purposes by the proper authorized
disbursing Officer or Board.
§5.7.3.2: All moneys of Grand Lodge, as received, except the
Masonic Home Endowment Fund, shall be divided and
allocated by the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer to the
General Fund, the Masonic Home Maintenance Fund, the
Outside Relief Fund and such other funds as may be contained
in such approved budget or budgets, in the proportion which
the budget total of such fund bears to the total budget
appropriations of Grand Lodge, except as otherwise provided
by Grand Lodge. All receipts, not expressly appropriated by an
approved budget for specific purposes, shall be allocated and
credited to a surplus fund to be disposed of by Grand Lodge at
a succeeding Communication.

§5.7.4: Budget Limitations

§5.7.4.1: No Officer or Board shall have the right or authority
to transfer any moneys from its proper fund as approved in the
budget, nor to expand any funds of Grand Lodge for any
purpose or in any sum otherwise than is contained in and
authorized by approval of a budget or other express formal
action by Grand Lodge.

158 (Reprinted 2008)

§5.7.4.2: Provided, however, that by an affirmative vote of not
less than a majority of its members, the Grand Lodge Board of
Directors may authorize transfer of excess funds between
various accounts appropriated in the annual budget for the
operation and maintenance of the Michigan Masonic Home;
from the Grand Lodge General Fund budget to the Masonic
Home budget and between the funds appropriated in the
General Fund of the Grand Lodge; provided, however, that no
appropriation for Grand Master's Expense or Visitation to
other Grand Jurisdictions shall be increased.
§5.7.4.3: Provided further, that the Grand Lodge Board of
Directors shall submit a written report of each such transfer,
together with the reasons therefore, for approval at the next
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

§5.7.5: Employee Retirement Benefits

§5.7.5.1: The Grand Master, by and with the consent of a
majority of the Board of Directors, is hereby authorized to
contract for a retirement plan to include all eligible full-time
employees of the Masonic Home and Hospital and all eligible
full-time employees of the Grand Lodge with such commercial
underwriter or underwriters as the Grand Master and Board of
Directors shall determine. The premium cost shall be included
as an item of expense in the annual budget. (1963, 1965}
§5.7.5.2: All retirement benefits shall be in addition to old age
benefits under the Federal Old Age and Survivors Insurance
Administration. (Social Security) (1963)

§5.7.6: Contingent Fund

§5.7.6.1: The Contingent Fund, as set up in the budget, shall,
unless otherwise expressly provided, be deemed to include all
unanticipated expenses for which express provision is not
made, including necessary excess over other budget items,
when so found and approved by the Grand Master.

§5.7.7: Grand Lodge Reserve Fund

§5.7.7.1: A fund is hereby established to be known as the
Reserve Fund, which shall be subject to the regulations

(Reprinted 2008) 159

provided in this section. It shall consist of moneys transferred
into it by the Grand Lodge, together with the income from
moneys in the fund except as hereinafter provided. (1955)
§5.7.7.2: The Reserve Fund is declared to be a Trust Fund for
the operation of the Grand Lodge. In the event that the income
to the General Fund is insufficient to provide payment of the
budgeted operating expenses of the Grand Lodge which have
been approved at the Annual Communication, transfers from
the Reserve Fund may be made by a majority vote of the Grand
Lodge Board of Directors not to exceed the interest and
dividends generated by the Reserve Fund during that fiscal
year.
§5.7.7.3: Appropriations from the Reserve Fund, except under
the circumstances cited above, shall be made only by an
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Grand
Lodge present at an Annual or Special Communication thereof.
(1955, 1991)

§5.7.8: Charity and Emergency Relief

§5.7.8.1: The Grand Lodge, during any Annual or Special
Communication, may appropriate such amount of its funds as
it deems proper for any charitable purpose or object, or for any
relief, but no application for charity or relief made to Grand
Lodge, when annually or specially convened, shall be acted
upon until it has been referred to and reported on by the
Finance Committee. The warrants drawn on the Grand
Treasurer for such amounts shall be signed by the Grand
Secretary and countersigned by the Grand Master.
§5.7.8.2: In the event of a grave emergency of human distress,
and in the absence of available funds appropriated for
charitable purposes, the Grand Master and the Finance
Committee, or a majority of them, may spend or contribute, out
of the General Fund, for such emergency relief, a sum not
exceeding one thousand dollars. ($1,000.00)

§5.7.9: Disposal of Certain Funds

§5.7.9.1: All moneys received for the maintenance of the
Masonic Home, except those belonging to the Masonic Home
160 (Reprinted 2008)
Endowment Fund, shall be added to the Masonic Home
Maintenance Fund and become a part thereof.
§5.7.9.2: All moneys received by the Grand Secretary for use of
Grand Lodge Seal, for certificates, blanks and other papers
authorized by the Grand Lodge or issued by its direction, shall
be accounted for to the Grand Lodge and paid to the Grand
Treasurer for the General Fund.

§5.7.10: Investment of Funds

§5.7.10.1: All moneys belonging to the Grand Lodge (except the
Masonic Home Endowment Fund, Masonic Home Maintenance
Fund and Reserve Fund), which are not needed for current
expenses, charitable purposes or relief, shall be invested by the
Grand Lodge Investment Committee in accordance with the
following options: (1991, 2004)
(a) In bonds or other evidence of indebtedness which are
guaranteed both as to principal and interest by the
United States of America. (1955)
(b) In the general obligation bonds of any state or of any
political subdivision thereof, which, at the time of
purchase, carry a rating of "Baa" or better as reported
by Moody's Investors Services or their equivalent.
(1955, 1981, 1989)
(c) In savings deposits or certificates of deposit in
regularly chartered banks, provided the deposit in any
bank shall not exceed the amount insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, unless voted by
the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. (1955, 1985)
(d) In shares of chartered savings and loan associations,
provided the total amount invested in any savings and
loan association shall not exceed the amount insured
by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation. (1975, 1981)
(e) In bonds, notes, mortgages or other evidences of
indebtedness of Federal Agencies and government
sponsored institutions. For example: Federal National

(Reprinted 2008) 161

 Mortgage Association, Federal Farm Credit or Federal
Home Loan Bank. (1975, 1981, 1989)
(f) In collateralized repurchase agreements, commercial
paper which, at the time of purchase, carries a rating of
MIG-1 as reported by Moody's Investors Services or the
equivalent thereof; master notes as chosen by
Depository Banks or short term money market funds to
temporarily invest cash surpluses. (1981, 1989)
(g) In industrial, finance and utility bonds, notes and
debentures which, at the time of purchase, carry a
rating of "Baa" or better, as reported by Moody's
Investors Services. (1995)
(h) In preferred stocks which, at the time of purchase,
carry a rating of "Baa" or better as reported by Moody's
Investors Services. (1995)
(i) In convertible bonds, notes and debentures, and in
convertible preferred stocks, each of which, at the time
of purchase, carry a rating of "Baa" or better as
reported by Moody's Investors Services. (1995)
(j) In common stocks that are listed on a national
securities exchange or on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System
(NASDAQ) (1995)
§5.7.10.2: All moneys in the Masonic Home Endowment Fund,
Masonic Home Maintenance Fund and Reserve Fund, and all
moneys received from the sale of investments of said funds
shall be invested by the Grand Lodge Investment Committee in
accordance with the following options: (2004, 2006)
(a) In bonds or other evidences of indebtedness which are
guaranteed both as to principal and interest by the
United States of America. (1991)
(b) In the general obligation bonds of any state or of any
political subdivision thereof which, at the time of
purchase, carry a rating of "Baa" or better as reported
by Moody's Investors Services. (1991)

162 (Reprinted 2008)

(c) In savings deposits or certificates of deposit in
regularly chartered banks, provided the deposit in any
bank shall not exceed the amount insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, unless voted by
the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. (1991)
(d) In shares of chartered savings and loan associations,
provided the total amount invested in any savings and
loan association shall not exceed the amount insured
by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation. (1991)
(e) In industrial, finance and utility bonds, notes and
debentures which, at the time of purchase, carry a
rating of "Baa" or better as reported by Moody's
Investors Services. (1991)
(f) In bonds, notes, mortgages or other evidences of
indebtedness of Federal agencies and government
sponsored institutions. For example: Federal National
Mortgage Association, Federal Farm Credit or Federal
Home Loan Bank (1991)
(g) In collateralized repurchase agreements, commercial
paper which, at the time of purchase, carries a rating of
MIG-1 as reported by Moody's Investors Services;
master notes as chosen by Depository Banks; or short
term money market type funds to temporarily invest
cash surpluses. (1991)
(h) In preferred stocks which, at the time of purchase,
carry a rating of "Baa" or better as reported by Moody's
Investors Services. (1991)
(i) In convertible bonds, notes and debentures, and in
convertible preferred stocks, each of which, at the time
of purchase, carry a rating of "Baa" or better as
reported by Moody's Investors Services. (1991)
(j) In common stocks that are listed on a national
securities exchange or on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System
(NASDAQ). (1991, 1995)

(Reprinted 2008) 163

 (k) For the purposes of §5.7.10.2, any reference to Moody's
Investors Services or Standard and Poor's Corporation
shall be construed to mean either the named entities or
their equivalent. (1991)
§5.7.10.3: The Grand Master, by and with the consent of a
majority of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, may employ
investment counsel, upon such terms and conditions as may be
deemed reasonable and necessary. At the first meeting of the
Grand Lodge Board of Directors following the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge, the Board shall determine
whether the employment of investment council shall be
necessary for the current Grand Lodge year. (1955, 1991)
§5.7.10.4: Whenever the Grand Lodge receives any securities
or investments which do not conform to the above investment
standards, the Grand Lodge Investment Committee, by and
with the consent of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, may
retain said property, securities or investments for such period
of time as may be deemed to be in the best interests of the
Grand Lodge. (1965, 1991)

§5.8: Reports
§5.8.1: Grand Officers' Reports
§5.8.1.1: The Grand Master shall, on or before the tenth day of
the month following the end of the Grand Lodge Fiscal year,
file with the Grand Secretary a report of all statistical matters
pertaining to his administration, so far as completed to that
time. (1976)
§5.8.1.2: The Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand
Lecturer and Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home shall,
within the same time, file with the Grand Secretary the annual
reports required of them by law.
§5.8.1.3: All Special Committees appointed at any prior
Communication of Grand Lodge or by the Grand Master during
the vacation of Grand Lodge shall, within the same time, file
with the Grand Secretary their final reports and
recommendations.

164 (Reprinted 2008)

§5.8.1.4: The Grand Secretary shall cause all such reports to
be printed and a copy thereof given to each Representative of
Grand Lodge as he registers at the next Annual
Communication thereafter.

§5.8.2: Reports of Lodges

§5.8.2.1: Each lodge shall report to the Grand Secretary the
names of all Officers elected within three days after the annual
election, the report to be signed by the Secretary under the
Seal of the lodge.
§5.8.2.2: The books, accounts and reports of the lodges shall
cover and include the calendar year, from the first day of
January to and including the thirty-first day of December. It
shall be the duty of the Secretary of each lodge to make an
annual report to the Grand Secretary before March 1 in each
year, which report shall contain a list of those initiated, passed,
raised, admitted, restored and demited and of deaths,
suspensions, expulsions, rejections and withdrawals, with the
respective dates opposite each name; the names of the Master,
Wardens and other Officers of the lodge for the ensuing year;
when required by the Grand Secretary, an alphabetical list of
all members in good standing on the thirty-first day of
December, with the dates of their membership; and a financial
statement for the preceding lodge fiscal year showing a
summary of dues remitted, receipts, disbursements, assets, and
liabilities; the returns to be signed by the Master and
Secretary, and the lodge Seal attached. (1990)
§5.8.2.3: The names and positions of all members of
constituent lodges should appear in the annual returns. (1880)
Lodges should furnish alphabetical lists of members in their
returns. (1899)
§5.8.2.4: The Secretary and Treasurer of each constituent
lodge shall give bonds, with sufficient sureties, to Grand Lodge
for the faithful performance of their respective duties and
trusts in accordance with the act of incorporation and corporate
bylaws of Grand Lodge, and for the accounting for and paying
over to the person or persons entitled thereto of all moneys
which shall come into their hands as such Secretary or
(Reprinted 2008) 165
Treasurer, such bonds to be given in accordance with such plan
as shall be adopted by Grand Lodge.

§5.9: Lodges
§5.9.1: Consolidation of Lodges
§5.9.1.1: When any two or more lodges in this Grand
Jurisdiction desire to consolidate, such consolidation shall be
accomplished by adoption of a proper resolution by each lodge.
(1974)
§5.9.1.2: When any two or more lodges in this Grand
Jurisdiction, having concurrent or adjoining jurisdiction, desire
to consolidate, such consolidation shall be accomplished by
adoption of a proper resolution by each of the lodges. No
consolidations are allowed during the months of November or
December. (1974, 2002)
§5.9.1.3: By mutual consent of each of the lodges, one of the
consolidating lodges shall retain its number and Charter to be
continued as that of the consolidated lodge. Further, said lodge
shall retain its original name or, if mutually agreed, a new
name indicative of the originating lodges may be used in lieu
thereof. (1974)
Because the space in the lodge directory and on dues cards
has restricted print capacity, new lodges or lodge consolidations
shall result in selecting a name for the lodge not to exceed
twenty-eight characters, including blank spaces, for publication
in the lodge directory. (1996)
§5.9.1.4: A resolution, in substance as follows, shall be
presented at a Regular Communication of the lodge whose
number is to be retained. (1974)
"Resolved, That ________________________ Lodge No. ________
does agree to concur in, and hereby requests
________________________ Lodge No. ________ (List all lodges
if more than one is involved) to consolidate with this lodge
under the name and style of ________________________ Lodge
No. ________ ."

166 (Reprinted 2008)

§5.9.1.5: A resolution shall be presented at a Regular
Communication of each of the other consolidating lodges, in
substance as follows: (1974)
"Resolved, That upon the concurrence of
________________________ Lodge No. ________ F. & A. M.,
(List all lodges if more than one is involved) this lodge does
surrender its Charter for the purpose of consolidating with
________________________ Lodge No. ________ under the
name and style of ________________________ Lodge No.
________ ."

§5.9.1.6: When such a resolution has been presented, it shall

be entered in full upon the records and lie upon the table,
without further action, until the next Regular Communication
of the respective lodge. Within ten days after the presentation
of such resolution, the Secretary of each lodge shall mail,
postpaid, to the last known post office address of each of the
members of his lodge, a notice, in substance as follows: (1974)
"The following resolution was, on the ______ day of _________
A.L. ______ presented to this Lodge, and will be brought up
for action at the next Regular Communication of this lodge, to
be held on the ______ day of _________ A.L. ______

(INSERT RESOLUTION)

(Lodge Seal)

__________
Secretary

§5.9.1.7: At the next Regular Communication of each of said

lodges, after that at which such resolution shall have been
presented, each lodge shall proceed to ballot upon such
resolution. If three quarters (3/4) or more of the votes are cast
in its favor, the same shall be declared adopted. If more than
one quarter (1/4) of the votes are cast against the adoption of
such resolution, the same shall be declared lost. The ballot
shall be had in the prescribed manner as for membership, and
each member present shall vote. No reconsideration of the
ballot shall be had. (1974)
§5.9.1.8: The Secretaries of such lodges so desiring to
consolidate shall enter upon the record the number of votes
(Reprinted 2008) 167
cast for and against the said resolution; and each shall,
immediately thereafter, notify the other lodges with which it is
proposed to consolidate, in writing and under Seal, of the
action of his respective lodge. (1974)
§5.9.1.9: When all lodges proposing such consolidation shall
have adopted their respective resolutions as aforesaid, the
Secretary of each lodge shall, within five days after such
adoption, forward to the Grand Master a notice in writing of
the action of his respective lodge, with a copy of the records of
his lodge relating to such consolidation, including a copy of the
resolution and a copy of the notice to the members of his
respective lodge, accompanied by a certification showing that
the same was mailed to each member of his lodge, and the date
when so mailed. (1974)
§5.9.1.10: Upon receipt of such notices and papers, if it shall
appear to the Grand Master that the action of each of said
lodges was taken in conformity to the provisions hereof, he
shall, within ten days, notify the Grand Secretary of his
approval thereof, and he shall by and through the Grand
Secretary, authorize the said lodges in writing to so
consolidate, under the name, number and Charter indicated in
the resolutions adopted by the lodges. The then present
Officers of the lodge whose Charter and number is to be
continued shall continue as Officers of the consolidated lodge.
The consolidation shall become effective as of the date of the
Grand Master's approval. (1974)
§5.9.1.11: If any change is to be made in the name of the
consolidated lodge, the Grand Secretary shall prepare a
certificate thereof, signed by the Grand Master and attested by
the Grand Secretary, which shall be forwarded to the
consolidated lodge and by said lodge attached to its original
Charter. (1974)
§5.9.1.12: All of the property and effects of each of the
consolidating lodges shall merge and shall be and become the
property of the newly consolidated lodge, consistent with Grand
Lodge Regulations. (1974)

168 (Reprinted 2008)

§5.9.1.13: Each of the consolidating lodges, except the one
whose Charter is continued, shall forthwith send to the Grand
Secretary its Seal and Charter, together with a full and
complete list of all its members at the date of such
consolidation, at the same time sending a copy of its list of
members to the Secretary of the newly consolidated lodge. The
Secretary of the consolidated lodge shall properly enter upon
the records of such lodge the names of all the members of the
other lodges so consolidating with his lodge. (1974)
§5.9.1.14: The consolidated lodge shall have jurisdiction of all
Masonic material, and of all matters over which any of the
consolidating lodges had jurisdiction at the time of such
consolidation. It shall be liable to this Grand Lodge, as well as
to any other body or party, for all dues and other obligations of
each of the consolidating lodges. (1974)
§5.9.1.15: The territorial jurisdiction of the newly consolidated
lodge shall be as provided by Grand Lodge Regulations for
other lodges. Except as provided by such Regulations, it shall
not, by consolidation alone, acquire additional territory. (1974)
§5.9.1.16: At any time within three months after the date of
such consolidation, any member of any of said consolidated
lodges who shall certify that he was absent from the
jurisdiction and did not receive any such notice, and was not
aware of the proposed consolidation, and who shall not desire
to become a member of such consolidated lodge, may procure a
certificate from the Secretary showing him to be in good
standing and that he has paid all dues to his lodge up to the
time of such consolidation, and forward same to the Grand
Secretary, who shall issue a certificate of his Masonic standing
to such member, of same date as the consolidation. Such
member, thereupon, shall have the status of a demited Mason.
(1974)
§5.9.1.17: After any such consolidation, the Grand Master
shall file with the Grand Secretary all papers in his possession
relating thereto, and report his action to Grand Lodge at its
next Communication. (1974)

(Reprinted 2008) 169

§5.9.1.18: Any lodge failing to consolidate as aforesaid may
again, after three months, have action thereon, by pursuing the
same course as herein before laid down. (1974)

§5.9.2: Lodges Under Dispensation

§5.9.2.1: A new lodge may be proposed and constituted Under
Dispensation by the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge upon
the petition of not less than fifteen Master Masons. The
petitioners shall present satisfactory documentary evidence
with the petition that they are each in regular standing in
lodges affiliated with, or recognized by, this Grand Jurisdiction,
and reside within the territorial jurisdiction of the proposed
lodge. (1960)
§5.9.2.2: The petition shall be in the form prescribed by this
Grand Lodge and shall set forth the name of the place, village,
town or city and county in which the lodge is to be established,
the proposed name of the lodge and its exact meeting place, the
names of the Brothers who have been nominated and are
recommended to serve as Worshipful Master and Senior and
Junior Wardens, that the petitioners have arranged to secure a
suitable room with convenient anterooms for the practice of
Masonic rites and that the material in their proposed
jurisdiction is sufficient to sustain an active and reputable
lodge. (1960)
§5.9.2.3: The Grand Master shall order the Grand Lecturer
and the Committee on Lodges to verify the information in the
petition. The Grand Master shall authorize the Grand Lecturer
to procure satisfactory evidence that the Brothers named for
Worshipful Master and Wardens are qualified to open and close
a lodge and to confer the three degrees of Ancient Craft
Masonry. The Grand Master shall order the Grand Secretary to
immediately notify all lodges whose territory would be affected
by that of the proposed lodge. The Grand Master shall arrange
a meeting between the Committee on Lodges, the petitioners
for the proposed lodge and authorized representatives of the
affected lodges for the purpose of discussing merits for, and
possible objections to, the formation of the new lodge. Notices
for this meeting shall be mailed at least forty-five days prior to
the date thereof. The Grand Master, or his designated proxy,
170 (Reprinted 2008)
shall preside at the meeting which shall be held at the site of
the proposed lodge or at such other place as may be designated
by the Grand Master. (1964)
§5.9.2.4: The Committee on Lodges shall consider the
discussion at the above meeting when making subsequent
report and recommendations to the Grand Lodge. (1960)
§5.9.2.5: Upon receipt of proof of proper compliance with the
above requirements, the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge
may constitute a Lodge Under Dispensation. A Lodge Under
Dispensation is under the personal direction and jurisdiction of
the Grand Master during the life of the Dispensation. The
Dispensation shall terminate at the close of the Grand Lodge
Annual Communication following the date of issuance, unless
renewed through the incoming Grand Master or continued by a
two-thirds vote of the representatives of the Grand Lodge in
Annual Communication assembled. (1964)
§5.9.2.6: When a Brother obtains a Certificate of Permission to
join with others in forming a new lodge and a lodge under
Dispensation is constituted by authority of the Dispensation
granted, the Brother becomes a member of the lodge under
Dispensation and his membership in the former lodge is
terminated upon due notice being transmitted to the former
lodge by the Grand Secretary. If the Brother desires to retain
his original membership he shall so notify the Secretary of his
original lodge in writing when applying for the certificate and,
in such case, he shall retain his membership in his original
lodge and become a Plural Member of the new lodge. This
provision shall not apply to membership in Memorial Lodges
under Dispensation or any Honorary Membership. (1964, 2005)
§5.9.2.7: There shall be paid for every Dispensation for a new
lodge the sum of fifty dollars; for every Charter the sum of one
hundred dollars, from which shall be deducted the sum
previously paid for Dispensation. (see §5.6.4 and §5.6.1 (b))
§5.9.2.8: The Grand Lodge shall not issue a Charter to a Lodge
Under Dispensation until at least four months after the date of
the Dispensation and until the lodge shall have conferred the

(Reprinted 2008) 171

Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason
in the manner and form prescribed by this Grand Lodge. (1964)
§5.9.2.9: Lodges Under Dispensation shall not elect any
officers, transact any business or perform any work except that
clearly expressed in the warrant of Dispensation creating them
and shall always act in strict accordance with the rules and
regulations of Grand Lodge.
§5.9.2.10: At least ten days before the Annual Communication
of Grand Lodge, all Lodges Under Dispensation shall forward
to the Grand Secretary their lodge records, which shall contain
a full and exact report of everything done by authority of their
warrant of Dispensation, together with the Dispensation under
which they have worked.
§5.9.2.11: Lodges Under Dispensation shall be governed by
such bylaws as are enacted by this Grand Lodge.
(See Lodges U.D. §7)

§5.9.3: Memorial Lodges Under Dispensation

§5.9.3.1: Where two or more lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction
have concurrent jurisdiction, there may be formed, in each of
such jurisdictions, a Memorial Lodge to conduct Masonic
funerals of deceased sojourners only. Upon proper application,
approved by two-thirds of the Worshipful Masters of the
jurisdiction, made to the Grand Master, he may issue a
Dispensation to a constitutional number of Master Masons of
such jurisdiction to form a Memorial Lodge. Such Memorial
Lodges shall remain Under Dispensation until revocation by
the Grand Master.
§5.9.3.2: Memorial Lodges under Dispensation shall have the
same officers as have other lodges; provided, that the
Worshipful Master and Wardens thereof shall have attained
the same rank in a chartered lodge. They shall pay no fees or
dues to Grand Lodge and shall not collect fees or dues. Their
expenses shall be met by voluntary contributions of the lodges
in their jurisdiction or by their local Board of Relief.

172 (Reprinted 2008)

§5.9.3.3: Membership in such Memorial Lodges shall be by
Plural Membership only. Any member of a Memorial Lodge
may terminate his membership, at will, upon written notice to
the Secretary thereof.
§5.9.3.4: Regular Communications of Memorial Lodges shall
be held quarterly with an annual meeting for the election and
installation of officers.

§5.9.4: Newly Chartered Lodges

§5.9.4.1: Before a newly chartered lodge is constituted, it may
open only to hold the first election of officers and for no other
purpose. All other work and business must await the
constitution of the lodge, the installation of its officers and,
unless the Grand Master by Dispensation has authorized the
lodge to meet in undedicated quarters, the dedication of its
quarters to Masonry. (1964)
§5.9.4.2: A newly-chartered lodge shall hold its first election of
officers at a Regular Communication not more than two
months subsequent to the date of the Charter, except as
provided in §7.3.7.
§5.9.4.3: At the first election of officers subsequent to the date
of the Charter, any member of the lodge, who has served as
Worshipful Master or Warden of the lodge while under the
Dispensation or of a Chartered lodge in this Grand
Jurisdiction, shall be eligible for election to the Office of
Worshipful Master. (1964)
§5.9.4.4: All newly chartered and legally constituted lodges
whose officers have been duly elected and installed, shall
thereafter hold their annual election of officers and make their
reports to the Grand Secretary at the same time and in the
same manner as other chartered lodges. (1964)

§5.9.5: Defunct Lodges

§5.9.5.1: If any lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall cease to
exist, except for the purpose of consolidation, the last
Worshipful Master or Wardens thereof shall, within thirty days
thereafter, transmit to the Grand Secretary the lodge Seal and

(Reprinted 2008) 173

all its books, papers, officers' jewels, funds or evidence thereof,
and all other lodge property except the lodge furnishings,
together with the Charter. (1964)
§5.9.5.2: The Worshipful Master or the Wardens shall see that
the furnishings are sold, stored or disposed of. If sold, the
proceeds shall be accounted for, as are other funds received by
the Grand Lodge. (1964)
§5.9.5.3: The Grand Lodge has jurisdiction of all unfinished or
rejected material, and all members of whatever Masonic
standing of a lodge whose existence has terminated for reason
other than consolidation. Unfinished or rejected material of
such a defunct lodge may apply to the Grand Secretary for a
certificate of Masonic standing. Suspended or expelled
members, desiring restoration, must apply to the Grand Lodge.
(1964)
§5.9.5.4: Members in good standing of such a lodge are
entitled, upon payment to the Grand Secretary of any accrued
dues, to a certificate which, for all purposes, is equivalent to a
Demit or Transfer Certificate. (1964)

§5.9.6: Masonic Lodge of Research and Information

§5.9.6.1: A Lodge of Research and Information may be
proposed and constituted Under Dispensation by the Grand
Master or the Grand Lodge upon the petition of not less than
fifteen Master Masons. The petitioners shall present
satisfactory documentary evidence with the petition that they
are each in regular standing in lodges affiliated with, or
recognized by, this Grand Jurisdiction. (1983)
§5.9.6.2: The petition shall be in the form prescribed by this
Grand Lodge and shall set forth the names of the Brothers who
have been nominated and recommended to serve as Worshipful
Master, Senior and Junior Wardens. Lodges of Research and
Information shall be designated and numbered separately and
consecutively commencing with Research and Information
Lodge No. 1. The territorial jurisdiction of such a Lodge of
Research and Information shall be co-extensive with the
territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. A Lodge of
Research and Information need not designate a specific place of
174 (Reprinted 2008)
meeting. It shall, however, meet in a dedicated Masonic
Temple within the territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.
(1983)
§5.9.6.3: The Grand Master or the Grand Lodge may
constitute a Lodge of Research and Information Under
Dispensation. Such lodge shall not confer any of the Degrees of
Ancient Craft Masonry, but shall be formed exclusively for the
purpose of researching and publishing Masonic information
and educational material. Such Dispensation shall be issued
without fees and without compliance with the usual provisions
as designated in §5.9.2. (1983)
§5.9.6.4: The Grand Lodge may issue a Charter to a Lodge of
Research and Information without fees upon its approval at an
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Also, without
compliance with the usual requirements as designated in
§5.9.2. (1983)
§5.9.6.5: The membership of a Lodge of Research and
Information shall be exclusively by Plural Membership. Master
Masons in regular standing in lodges affiliated with or
recognized by this Grand Jurisdiction may affiliate with a
Lodge of Research and Information by petitioning for Plural
Membership. Petitioners for Plural Membership need not
comply with the usual residence requirements. (1983)
§5.9.6.6: No member of a Lodge of Research and Information
shall continue to be a member of such lodge unless he is a
member in regular standing in a lodge affiliated with, or
recognized by this Grand Jurisdiction. (1983)
§5.9.6.7: A Lodge of Research and Information shall, at all
times, maintain at least ten members who are members of
other Michigan Masonic lodges and are domiciled within the
territorial jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. (1983)
§5.9.6.8: A Lodge of Research and Information shall be exempt
from the usual requirements of monthly Regular
Communications, as designated in the Regulations of the
Grand Lodge §4.15. It shall, however, meet at least once in
each quarter. The time for election and installation of officers
shall comply with the Regulations of Grand Lodge §4.16. (1983)
(Reprinted 2008) 175
§5.9.6.9: All Lodges of Research and Information shall be
exempt from the payment of all per capita, general
assessments and any special assessments levied by the Grand
Lodge and as prescribed in §5.6. (1983)
§5.9.6.10: Lodges of Research and Information shall not be
entitled to representation at the Annual Communication of the
Grand Lodge as specified in §4.3.7 (a) and §4.4.1 (d). (1985)
§5.9.6.11: Not withstanding the provisions of §4.16.1.11 or
§4.25.5.2, members of a Lodge of Research and Information,
operating under a Charter granted by the Grand Lodge of
Michigan, may hold office in one Lodge of Research and
Information and one degree conferring lodge chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Michigan at the same time. (1985)
§5.9.6.12: Not withstanding the provisions of §4.25.5.9, all
members of a Lodge of Research and Information are subject to
dues as specified in its bylaws, unless remitted by a vote of the
lodge. (1985)
§5.9.6.13: The Worshipful Master, Officers and Past Masters of
Lodges of Research and Information shall not be entitled to the
same rights and privileges as the Worshipful Master, Officers
and Past Masters of a degree conferring lodge. (1990)

§5.10: Masonic Home Board of Trustees (2000)

§5.10.1: There shall be a Board of Trustees of the Masonic
Home, consisting of twelve members, to be appointed for
initially staggered terms of from one to three years. The Grand
Master, Deputy Grand Master and the Grand Treasurer shall
be ex-officio members of the Board in addition to the twelve
appointed members. The Grand Master may preside at any
meeting of the Board. (1994, 2000)
Failure, on the part of any appointed member, to attend
three consecutive regular meetings of the Board of Trustees
shall be cause for immediate removal of the said member of the
Board. (1971)
§5.10.2: The appointed members of the Board of Trustees of
the Masonic Home shall be selected by the Grand Lodge Board
176 (Reprinted 2008)
of Directors from nominees fitting a general profile for people
talents and expertise desired for Board appointment. Each
appointment shall be for a period of three years. Initially, the
appointments shall be staggered in terms of one, two and three
years to provide a maximum of twelve members at any one
time. No appointed member of the Board of Trustees can serve
more than two full consecutive terms except by unanimous
consent of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. (1994, 2000)
§5.10.3: All vacancies on the Board, whether by expiration of
term of office, death, resignation or any other cause, shall be
filled in accordance with §5.10.2 for the full unexpired term.
(1994)
§5.10.4: Such Board of Trustees shall have the control,
management and supervision of the Masonic Home and may
make and adopt rules and regulations for its own organization
and government; and for the government, control and
admission of residents into the Home, subject, however, to the
orders and directions of, and rules for the management of the
Home, which may be adopted by the Grand Lodge. (1994)
§5.10.5: At each Annual Communication, the Board shall
make a full and complete report of its actions and activities
during the preceding year, including an itemized statement of
all moneys received and disbursed by it. (1994)
§5.10.6: Each member of the Board shall be entitled to the
mileage and per diem established for Grand Lodge
Communications, the same to be paid as part of the expense of
maintaining the Home. (1973, 1994)

§5.11: DDIs, RGLs and BGP Members

§5.11.1: Regulations Common to All
§5.11.1.1: This section, §5.11.1, deals with items common to all
District Deputy Instructors (DDIs), Regional Grand Lecturers
(RGLs) and Board of General Purposes (BGP) Members. Refer
to the rest of §5.11 for additional regulations.
§5.11.1.2: This Grand Jurisdiction shall be divided into such
number of DDI Districts and BPG Districts as shall be deemed
(Reprinted 2008) 177
expedient. 11 A District Deputy Instructor shall be selected for
each DDI District; a BGP member shall be selected for each
BGP District. (1999, 2001)
§5.11.1.3: The Grand Master shall cause this Grand
Jurisdiction to be divided into such number of Masonic Regions
as shall be deemed expedient. He shall assign each DDI
District to a Masonic Region as shall appear proper and
equitable. There shall be one Regional Grand Lecturer
assigned to each Region. (1999, 2006)
§5.11.1.4: The Grand Master shall assign each chartered lodge
to a DDI District and to a BGP District as shall appear proper
and equitable. He shall notify the Masters and Secretaries of
all lodges and each DDI, RGL, BGP member and the Grand
Lecturer as to the lodges which comprise each District.
§5.11.1.5: The Grand Lodge, in Annual Communication
assembled, may subsequently make such division of existing
Districts and Regions as may appear advisable.
Representatives from new Districts and Regions so established
shall be elected or appointed in the manner hereinafter
provided. (2003)
§5.11.1.6: Each newly chartered lodge shall be assigned to a
DDI District and a BGP District by order of the Grand Master.
§5.11.1.7: A lodge may petition Grand Lodge for reassignment
to a different DDI District or BGP District.
§5.11.1.8: The Grand Master shall appoint the Regional Grand
Lecturer of each Masonic Region from nominees recommended
by the Grand Lecturer. Each appointment shall be for a period
of two years. Initially, the appointments shall be staggered so

11
NOTE: DDI and BGP Districts may, or may not, be concurrent and contain
the same lodges. During the early 2000s they were different with the DDI
Districts containing more lodges and being numbered from the southeast corner
of the State while the BGP Districts were numbered from the western end of the
Upper Peninsula. Neighboring lodges may have been in the same DDI District,
but a different BGP District. This lead to not only confusion, but made it hard to
abide by the law that the BGP and DDI elections be held concurrently and on
the same rotation schedule as each other.
178 (Reprinted 2008)
that the term of half of the Regional Grand Lecturers shall
expire at the end of the first year and the term of the
remaining Regional Grand Lecturers shall expire at the end of
the second year.
§5.11.1.9: Only a Master or Past Master in good standing in
this Grand Jurisdiction shall be eligible for election as a DDI or
BGP member. They shall retain such membership only as long
as they qualify under the provisions hereof. (1970, 1997, 2003,
2007)
§5.11.1.10: An election shall be held triennially in each DDI
District and each BGP District in conjunction with and on the
same rotation schedule as the other. It shall be held at a lodge
within the DDI or BGP District as chosen by the Grand
Master. If any District should fail to regularly elect a member
as herein provided on or before the fifteenth day of April in the
year such election is required to be held, or fail to certify such
to the Grand Secretary on or before the first day of May
following such election, then the Grand Master shall have the
power to appoint a DDI or BGP member for the full term of
three (3) years or, in the case of a DDI, until a DDI is elected by
a special election called for by the Grand Master. No Brother,
whether appointed or elected, may serve as representative from
more than one DDI or BGP District.
§5.11.1.11: For the purposes of implementing the Grand
Master's redistricting order of 2007 and to ensure continuity of
representation, the following methodology will be employed to
create staggered initial terms for representatives: the
representative for the new District 1 will be elected for a one
year term; the representative for the new District 2 will be
elected for a two year term; the representative for the new
District 3 will be elected for a three year term; the
representative for the new District 4 will be elected for a one
year term; and so on throughout the total number of Districts
addressed in the order. Thereafter, term lengths shall be three
(3) years. (1977, 2003, 2007)12

12
An easy way to determine if an election is required within a given District in
the Spring of a given year is to subtract the number of the District from the year
(Reprinted 2008) 179
§5.11.1.12: Whenever an election is necessary, the Worshipful
Master of the lodge chosen to hold the election by the Grand
Master shall cause a meeting to be held and have notice of the
meeting to be mailed to the Worshipful Master and Secretary
of the other lodges in his DDI and BGP Districts as well as the
present office holders. The notice shall advise of the place, date
and time of the election and shall be sent at least thirty (30)
days prior to said meeting. The meeting shall be held solely for
the purpose of elections and no other business shall take place
at that time. The meeting should be held at a time that does
not conflict with any regularly scheduled meetings in the
District and in no case shall it be scheduled on a day that is the
Regular Communication of any lodge in the District. The
meeting shall be held in a tiled lodge and held with the lodge
open on the Master Mason degree. The Worshipful Master of
the lodge hosting the meeting shall preside at the meeting and
be responsible for the opening, closing and conduct of the
meeting. The Worshipful Master of each lodge in the District
shall be responsible for conveying a written notice of the place,
date and time of the election to each Warden and to all Past
Masters of chartered lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction who are
regular members in good standing of that lodge. Such notices
must be mailed at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the
election. (1965, 2003, 2004, 2007)
§5.11.1.13: The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior
Wardens and all Past Masters of chartered lodges within these
DDI and BGP Districts, shall be eligible to one vote each,

being considered. Divide that answer by 3. If the result is a whole number, an

election is required; if the fractional part of the result is 1/3 or .333, an election
is required in 2 years; if the fractional part of the result is 2/3 or .666, an election
is required next year. Refer to the examples below:
Consider an election in the
Year 2009 2009 2010 2011
District - 15 - 26 - 41 - 55
Answer 1994 1983 1969 1956
÷ 3 3 3 3
Result 664.67 661 656.33 652
Election is
required next year now in 2 years now

180 (Reprinted 2008)

provided they are in good standing in their respective lodges. If
any member of the District requests a secret ballot, then the
vote will be held by ballot box or by paper ballot, at the
discretion of the presiding Master; otherwise a show of hands is
sufficient. The Master shall cause the totals of the ballot to be
recorded in the record of the meeting. The presiding Master, at
his discretion, may purge the lodge of Brothers not eligible to
vote. The Brother receiving the majority of the ballots cast
shall be determined to be the winner of said election and the
Master shall so declare. The presiding Master shall cause
certification of said election to be recorded with the Grand
Secretary on such forms as provided. (1965, 2003)
§5.11.1.14: A vacancy in the office of an elected DDI or BGP
member shall occur by:
(a) Resignation in writing filed with the Grand Secretary.
(b) Death.
(c) Loss of the qualifications required by §5.11.1.9. (2003)
(d) Election to a constitutional Grand Lodge Office. (2003)
§5.11.1.15: A vacancy in the office of an elected DDI or BGP
member shall be filled by special election called by the Grand
Master in the District wherein such vacancy exists and shall be
held on the notice and in the manner prescribed by §5.11.1.12
and §5.11.1.13 above. (1970, 1974, 2003)
§5.11.1.16: The Grand Lodge of Michigan shall provide to each
DDI, RGL and BGP member a certificate attesting to his
election or appointment and appropriate regalia designating
his office. (1998)
§5.11.1.17: This regalia shall be worn by the DDI, RGL or
BGP member on all official visitations to the lodges within this
Grand Jurisdiction. At the expiration of his term of office or
upon his resignation, the regalia shall be presented to his
successor or returned to the Grand Secretary of the Grand
Lodge F. & A.M. of Michigan within ten (10) days. Failure to
comply with this provision shall be cause for Masonic discipline
from the Grand Master. Upon the death of a DDI, RGL or BGP
member, the Grand Secretary shall request that the regalia be

(Reprinted 2008) 181

returned to the Grand Lodge. The regalia shall always remain
the property of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Michigan. (1998)
§5.11.1.18: Each DDI, RGL and BGP member shall be paid
the prevailing mileage rate for necessary travel in conjunction
with his official visitations as well as the prevailing mileage
and per diem for attendance at the Annual Communication of
Grand Lodge, the annual meeting of the DDIs, RGLs or BGP
members the day prior thereto and any area meetings.
§5.11.1.19: In addition to the allowance outlined above, the
incoming DDI, RGL and BGP members shall be entitled to
receive mileage and per diem for attendance at their meeting, if
held, the day prior to the Grand Lodge Annual Communication
following which their term of office begins. Both the retiring
and incoming DDI, RGL and BGP members shall be entitled to
per diem for attendance at the Grand Lodge Annual
Communication.

§5.11.2: District Deputy Instructor System

§5.11.2.1: A District Deputy Instructor System is hereby
established with such duties and powers as shall be hereinafter
enumerated. (1951)
§5.11.2.2: It shall be the duty of each District Deputy
Instructor to thoroughly commit to memory the standard
Michigan Masonic work as imparted by the Grand Lecturer.
When the District Deputy Instructor makes his official
visitation to each lodge in his district, he shall require the
exemplification of the secret work by the regular Officers of the
lodge and correct all inaccuracies, and for this purpose, he may
be authorized by the Grand Master or Grand Lecturer to
summons the Officers of the lodges in his District to meetings
at such time and place for such work as may be deemed
necessary. (1989)
§5.11.2.3: Besides being paid the mileage and per diem as
covered in §5.11.1.18 and §5.11.1.19, each District Deputy
Instructor, in connection with his official visitations to the
lodges in his District, shall, on order of the Grand Master, be
paid his actual expenses out of the General Fund of the Grand
Lodge, but in no case, except with the approval of the Grand
182 (Reprinted 2008)
Master, shall he be paid more than one hundred twenty-five
($125.00) in any one year for these additional expenses. (1974)

§5.11.3: Regional Grand Lecturer System

§5.11.3.1: A Regional Grand Lecturer System is hereby
established with such duties and powers as shall be hereinafter
enumerated. The District Deputy Instructor System as defined
in §5.11.2 shall be maintained. (1989)
§5.11.3.2: Prior to his appointment, each Regional Grand
Lecturer shall have served one complete term as Worshipful
Master in a constituent lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction and
must be domiciled in the Masonic Region to which he is
appointed. He shall give satisfactory evidence to the Grand
Lecturer of his knowledge and proficiency in the standard
Michigan Masonic work.
§5.11.3.3: A vacancy in the office of Regional Grand Lecturer
shall occur by:
(a) Resignation in writing filed with the Grand Master.
(b) Death.
(c) Loss of the qualifications required by §5.11.3.2.
(d) Election or appointment to any Board or Committee of
the Grand Lodge.
(e) Election to any constitutional Grand Lodge office.
§5.11.3.4: It shall be the duty of each Regional Grand Lecturer
to assist the Grand Lecturer to impart the standard Michigan
Masonic work. He shall hold at least one school of instruction
in each District Deputy Instructor District in his Masonic
Region annually. For such purpose, he is authorized to
summon the Officers of each Masonic lodge in the District
Deputy Instructor District to attend such annual school of
instruction. When the Regional Grand Lecturer makes his
official visitation to each District Deputy Instructor District, he
shall require the exemplification of the standard Michigan
Masonic work and correct all inaccuracies. He shall report to
the Grand Lecturer on the condition of the work in his Region
and report any inaccuracies in writing. He shall perform such
(Reprinted 2008) 183
other duties in the instruction of lodge Officers in the principles
of Freemasonry as required by the Grand Lecturer with the
Grand Master's concurrence and in accordance with Masonic
regulations as adopted by the Grand Lodge.
§5.11.3.5: The Regional Grand Lecturer shall have general
supervision of the District Deputy Instructors assigned to his
Masonic Region and shall instruct them in the standard
Michigan Masonic work at regional meetings called by him for
the District Deputy Instructors. For this purpose, he is
empowered to summon each of the District Deputy Instructors
assigned to the Masonic Region to meetings at such time and
place as he deems appropriate in conformity to regulations
adopted by Grand Lodge.
§5.11.3.6: The Regional Grand Lecturer shall have general
supervision of the District Deputy Instructor District of any
District Deputy Instructor who neglects or refuses to become
proficient in the standard Michigan Masonic work and who
neglects the duties assigned to him by the Regional Grand
Lecturer with the concurrence of the Grand Lecturer.
§5.11.3.7: Each Regional Grand Lecturer, in conjunction with
his official visitations and conducting schools of instruction in
his Masonic Region, shall be paid his actual expenses out of the
General Fund of the Grand Lodge. He shall be paid the
prevailing mileage rate for necessary travel in conjunction with
his official visitations and conducting schools of instruction. He
shall submit monthly expense reports to the Grand Lecturer.
Such expenses shall be paid from the General Fund upon
approval of the Grand Lecturer and the Grand Master.

§5.11.4: Board of General Purposes

§5.11.4.1: A Board of General Purposes is hereby established,
with such duties and powers as shall be hereinafter
enumerated.
§5.11.4.2: The Board shall consist of the Grand Master, the
Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Wardens, the Grand
Treasurer, the Grand Secretary, the Grand Lecturer, the
Grand Chaplain, the Grand Deacons, the Grand Marshal, the
Grand Tiler, the President of the Masonic Home Board, and
184 (Reprinted 2008)
one representative for each of the Districts into which this
Grand Jurisdiction shall be divided. (1974)
§5.11.4.3: Besides the requirements in §5.11.1.9, a candidate
for a BGP position shall be a member in good standing of a
chartered lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction for not less than a
total of two (2) years immediately preceding the election.
§5.11.4.4: All members of the Board shall be elected to three
year terms with a limit of three successive three year terms,
after which there shall be at least a one year break from the
Board before said Brother is eligible to run for election.
However, a Brother appointed by the Grand Master shall be
considered to have fulfilled such a break, and will be eligible for
reelection to three more successive terms after his appointment
has expired. A term is considered to have commenced at the
closing of the Grand Lodge Annual Communication and shall
terminate at the closing of the Grand Lodge Annual
Communication at the end of the third year. In the event of a
vacancy prior to the regularly scheduled election, a special
election shall be held to fill the office until the next regularly
scheduled election. (2003, 2007)
§5.11.4.5: Regular meetings of the Board shall be held four
times per year at such time and place within this Grand
Jurisdiction as may be determined by the Board President.
Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Grand
Master or the President of the Board at any time and place
within this Jurisdiction, provided that calls for the special
meeting shall be filed with the Grand Secretary at least twenty
(20) days prior to the date of the meeting. The Grand Secretary
shall mail notice of all meetings to all members of the Board at
least fifteen (15) days prior thereto. (1974, 1991, 2003)
§5.11.4.6: A minimum of one-third of the District
representatives shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. All questions shall be decided by a majority vote of
the members present. Any member voting in the minority on
any question may, within ten (10) days thereafter, file with the
Secretary a written statement of his reasons for such vote,
which will become a part of the official records of the Board.
(2003)
(Reprinted 2008) 185
§5.11.4.7: At the regular meeting of the Board held
immediately preceding the Grand Lodge Annual
Communication, the Board shall elect from its members a
President and Vice President for the term of one (1) year; or
until a successor is elected and installed. The officers so elected
shall assume office at the close of the Grand Lodge Annual
Communication in the year of their election. (2003)
§5.11.4.8: The President shall preside at all meetings of the
Board. In his absence, the Vice President will preside. In the
absence of both the President and Vice President, a senior
member present shall preside. The records of the meeting shall
indicate the absences and the name of the member presiding.
(1972, 1999, 2003)
§5.11.4.9: The President shall appoint a Recording Secretary to
accurately keep a written summary record of all Board
meetings and shall furnish him with such equipment as is
necessary for his duties. The Recording Secretary shall record
all transactions of Board meetings in an acceptable format and
submit them to the Grand Secretary's Office for printing and
distribution. If the Recording Secretary is not a member of the
Board he shall be entitled to mileage and per diem the same as
any representative. (2003)
§5.11.4.10: The Grand Master shall be entitled to a seat at the
right of the presiding officer at all times the Board is in session,
shall be permitted to speak as often as he desires and may
enter and retire from any such meeting at his pleasure.
§5.11.4.11: The Board shall have the following powers:
(a) To recommend or report to the Grand Lodge whatever
it may deem conducive to the welfare and good
government of the Craft.
(b) To initiate and recommend to the Grand Lodge such
legislation as it shall deem advisable for the welfare
and good government of the Craft.
(c) To review and make recommendations to the Grand
Lodge on all proposed legislation.

186 (Reprinted 2008)

 (d) To summon any Committee of the Grand Lodge to
attend such meetings as it desires for report or advice.
(e) To review and make recommendations to the Grand
Lodge upon the financial affairs of the Grand Lodge or
any of its agencies. For this purpose, the Board shall
have the power to inspect all books, records and papers
relating to the accounts of the Grand Lodge or any one
of its agencies and to require the attendance of any
Brethren having possession of any books, papers,
documents or accounts belonging to the Grand Lodge.
(f) To consider and report upon any matter specifically
referred to it by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge.
(g) To require the assistance of such Grand Lodge
Committees as it desires.
(h) To remove from the Board of General Purposes any
member for cause, including failure to perform the
duties and responsibilities of the office. (2003)
§5.11.4.12: The Board of General Purposes will develop, with
the review of the Grand Master, policies and rules of conduct as
it may deem necessary to conduct its business and for the
governance of its members. (1986, 2003)
§5.11.4.13: Board members shall have the right to visit any
lodge in their District at will and, on such visitations, shall
have the right to be heard on any matter pending before the
Board. It shall be the duty and responsibility of each Board
member, elected by or appointed to a District, to:
(a) visit each and every lodge in his District and to hold
District meetings in each Grand Lodge year. The Board
shall define, in its procedures manual, the number of
lodge visits and District meetings to be held.
(b) submit the required visitation and meeting reports to
the Vice President of the Board of General Purposes
within thirty (30) days of such visits. The Vice President
will forward a copy of said reports to the Grand Master.

(Reprinted 2008) 187

 (c) attend such training sessions as required by the Board
and to attend a school of instruction each year,
preferably the one held in his District.
(d) attend the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.
(e) present the programs of the Grand Master and Grand
Lodge.
(f) provide information to lodge leaders, assist in
implementing plans and strategies for the growth and
betterment of the lodges, offer suggestions on solving
problems in the lodges and assist lodges in ways to
develop and retain membership. (1986, 2003)
§5.11.4.14: Besides the requirements in §5.11.1.14, a vacancy
in the office of an elected Board member shall occur by:
(a) Absence from three (3) consecutive Board meetings,
whether regular or special, not completing official visits
to each lodge in his District between June 1st and May
31st, not holding District meetings, including a
Legislative meeting in his District between June 1st
and May 31st, as defined by the Board in its policies
and rules. (1970, 1999, 2003)
(b) Loss of the qualifications required by both §5.11.1.9
and §5.11.4.3 (2003)
§5.11.4.15: Board members attending regular or special
meetings of the Board, and Grand Lodge Committee members
and Brethren attending Board meetings at its request, shall be
entitled to receive the mileage and per diem established for
Grand Lodge Communications, provided that no such member
or Brother shall receive multiple mileage or per diem. Board
members shall receive mileage and per diem, if an over night
stay is required, for their official visits and District meetings
held each year, as approved by the Board President. (2003)

§5.12: Honorary Rank

§5.12.1: In recognition of eminence, ability or service
rendered, the Grand Lodge of Michigan is hereby empowered to

188 (Reprinted 2008)

confer on a member of a Sister Jurisdiction such honorary rank
as it may deem appropriate.
§5.12.2: Such honorary rank shall be limited to the highest
actual rank held by the recipient in his own Grand
Jurisdiction, and shall be conferred by a two-thirds majority
vote of those present and voting at an Annual Communication
of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. (1987)

(Reprinted 2008) 189

190 (Reprinted 2008)
 §6

RULES OF ORDER
FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
OF THE
GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 191

192 (Reprinted 2008)
 RULES OF ORDER
FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
OF THE
GRAND LODGE

§6.1: Rule 1 The roll of officers and members shall be taken

at the opening of each day's session and no member, who shall
fail to be present, shall be entitled to per diem allowance,
unless his absence shall be excused by the Grand Master.
(1873)
§6.2: Rule 2 None but members of the Grand Lodge and
past or present officers of other Grand Lodges, shall be present
at the opening of the same, except by permission of the Grand
Master. (1873)
§6.3: Rule 3 All members and visitors shall keep the seats
assigned them, except those officers whose duties may call
them about the Grand Lodge. (1873)
§6.4: Rule 4 While the Grand Master is addressing the
Grand Lodge or putting a question or a Brother is speaking, no
member shall entertain any private discourse, nor pass
between the speaker and the chair. (1873)
§6.5: Rule 5 No Brother shall leave Grand Lodge during the
session without the permission of the Grand Master. (1873)
§6.6: Rule 6 All resolutions shall be submitted in writing
and distributed to the delegates before there shall be any
debate or action taken upon them. (1873, 1995)
§6.7: Rule 7 No resolution shall be considered which has not
been presented in writing to the Grand Secretary on the first
day of the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. All
resolutions submitted in writing to the Grand Secretary shall
(Reprinted 2008) 193
be read by him on such first day, when the appropriate order of
business therefore shall be reached, and copies distributed to
the delegates. (1941, 1995)
§6.8: Rule 8 All motions shall be submitted in writing
before debate, but only if the Grand Master or any Brother
desires it. (1873)
§6.9: Rule 9 All communications, petitions, appeals,
resolutions, propositions and motions shall be worded in decent
and respectful language and shall not be frivolous or dilatory in
nature, or they shall not be entertained in Grand Lodge. (1873)
§6.10: Rule 10 After a motion or resolution is stated by the
Grand Master, it is deemed to be in possession of Grand Lodge,
but may be withdrawn by the mover or proposer at any time
before decision or amendment. (1873)
§6.11: Rule 11 All motions and reports may be committed at
the pleasure of the Grand Lodge. (1873)
§6.12: Rule 12 When a question is under debate, no motion
shall be received, except to amend, commit, lay upon the table
or adjourn. (1873)
§6.13: Rule 13 A motion to amend, until decided, shall
preclude all other amendments of the main question. (1873)
§6.14: Rule 14 No new motion which totally changes the
subject matter on which the original motion or resolution was
intended to operate, shall be admitted under cover of
amendment, as a substitute for the motion or resolution under
debate. (1873)
§6.15: Rule 15 No Brother shall speak more than twice on the
same question, unless in explanation, without permission of
the Grand Master. (1873)
§6.16: Rule 16 Every Member who speaks shall rise and
remain standing, addressing himself to the Grand Master; nor
shall any Brother presume to interrupt him, except on a point
of order. (1873)

194 (Reprinted 2008)

§6.17: Rule 17 There shall be no debate upon any question
after it is put by the Grand Master. (1873)
§6.18: Rule 18 Each member shall vote on all questions,
except when he is personally interested, unless specifically
excused by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master. (1873)
§6.19: Rule 19 All matters in Grand Lodge are to be decided
by vote, each member having one vote only, unless the question
be taken by ballot or by calling of lodges. In that event, if he be
entitled to three votes, he shall be given them. The Grand
Master shall be entitled to one vote on all questions, and may
also, in addition, cast the deciding vote whenever there shall be
any equal division. (1873)
§6.20: Rule 20 The Grand Master shall order a call of lodges
when such a vote is demanded by the Representatives of fifty
lodges. (1873, 2002)
§6.21: Rule 21 Any member may call for a division of the
question when the language of the same will permit it. (1873)
§6.22: Rule 22 No member, except one of the prevailing
position which decided the question, shall be allowed to move
for reconsideration. (1873)

(Reprinted 2008) 195

196 (Reprinted 2008)
 §7

BYLAWS
FOR
LODGES UNDER
DISPENSATION

(Reprinted 2008) 197

198 (Reprinted 2008)
 BYLAWS
FOR THE
ORGANIZATION, REGULATION
AND GOVERNMENT
OF
LODGES UNDER
DISPENSATION

§7.1: Procedure for First Meeting

§7.1.1: When the Dispensation for a Lodge Under
Dispensation has been received by the Brother named therein
as its Worshipful Master, he shall notify all the Brethren
named in the Dispensation as members of the new lodge, of the
time and place of a meeting to organize it, at which meeting
any Brother, properly vouched for as a Master Mason in good
standing, may be present by invitation or permission of the
Worshipful Master.
§7.1.2: At such meeting, each Brother, other than those
named by the Dispensation as members of the new lodge, must
satisfy the Worshipful Master thereof that he is a Master
Mason, by being properly vouched for, or by an examination
under the test oath; and any Brother, unable to furnish such
evidence of his Masonic character, must retire and wait further
investigation.
§7.1.3: The Worshipful Master, having satisfied himself of
the proper Masonic standing of all present, will then read the
Dispensation, or cause it to be read, to the Brethren; and, by
virtue of the powers therein conferred upon him, will
temporarily appoint from among those named in the
Dispensation, and who are properly vouched for, a Treasurer, a

(Reprinted 2008) 199

Secretary, a Senior Deacon, a Junior Deacon, and a Tiler, pro
tempore.
§7.1.4: The Worshipful Master, taking his station and the
gavel, will then request the Brethren to be clothed, order the
officers to take their stations and places and open the lodge in
due Masonic form, on the Master Mason Degree of Masonry.
§7.1.5: The first duty of the Master, after opening the lodge,
will be to order the Secretary pro tempore to copy the
Dispensation (unless it has been previously done) on the first
pages of its Record Book, which record the Worshipful Master
shall certify to be correct. No lodge shall proceed to do any
work or transact any business by virtue of such Dispensation
until the same be so recorded.
§7.1.6: The Worshipful Master will then appoint
permanently the required officers, and cause a proper record
thereof to be made.
§7.1.7: The duties of the officers of a Lodge Under
Dispensation are such as are required of the officers of a
chartered lodge by Masonic usage and Grand Lodge
Regulations, so far as the same do not conflict with these
bylaws.
§7.1.8: The charter members of a lodge are those named in
the Dispensation creating it. (1964)

§7.2: Limitations on Lodges Under Dispensation

§7.2.1: A Lodge Under Dispensation cannot elect or install
officers. In the event a vacancy occurs for any reason in the
Office of Worshipful Master or of either Warden. the Grand
Master shall name the successor. (1964)
§7.2.2: A Lodge Under Dispensation cannot make bylaws. A
majority of its members, by a vote, may fix the day and hour of
its Regular Communication, the amount of dues to be paid by
each member and the fees for the degrees.
§7.2.3: A Lodge Under Dispensation shall not confer the
three degrees for less than the minimum fees required in
chartered lodges under Grand Lodge Regulations.
200 (Reprinted 2008)
§7.2.4: A Lodge Under Dispensation can not demit, transfer
or discipline a member, but if discipline becomes necessary, the
charges must be preferred in, and tried by, such lodge as the
Grand Master shall direct.
§7.2.5: A Lodge Under Dispensation cannot release
jurisdiction. (1946)

§7.3: Operations of Lodges Under Dispensation

§7.3.1: A Lodge Under Dispensation shall agree upon a code
of bylaws in sufficient time to permit duplicate copies being
mailed to the Grand Master at least thirty days prior to the
date of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge at
which the request for a Charter will be considered. (1964) (See
§5.9.2.10)
§7.3.2: A Lodge Under Dispensation is authorized, by its
Dispensation, to admit members and make Entered
Apprentices, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons.
§7.3.3: The personal and territorial jurisdiction of a Lodge
Under Dispensation shall be, in all respects except for
discipline, like that of a chartered lodge.
§7.3.4: A Lodge Under Dispensation has personal
jurisdiction over material rejected by it while working Under
Dispensation. (1886)
§7.3.5: In receiving, referring and balloting on petitions for
degrees or for membership, and in the examination and
advancement of candidates for degrees, a Lodge Under
Dispensation shall observe the regulations enacted by the
Grand Lodge for the government of chartered lodges. (1964)
§7.3.6: A Lodge Under Dispensation is not required to pay
dues to Grand Lodge. Its Worshipful Master, or legal
representative, will be admitted to a seat in Grand Lodge
Communications and will be paid the same per diem and
mileage as are members, but he will not be admitted to
membership nor allowed to vote in Grand Lodge.
§7.3.7: The Worshipful Master of a Lodge Under
Dispensation which has received a Charter granted by the
(Reprinted 2008) 201
Grand Lodge, shall immediately notify all members of the date
and time for the election of officers. The election shall be held
at a Regular Communication of the lodge not more than two
months subsequent to the date of the Charter. Provided that, if
for good cause, the election cannot be held within the time
herein specified, the Grand Master may, by Dispensation,
authorize the election of officers at some other time, notice of
which shall be given to all members of the lodge by its
Worshipful Master. (1964)
§7.3.8: At such Communication, after opening the lodge, it
shall be the first duty of the Worshipful Master to read the
Charter, or cause it to be read to the lodge, and to record it, or
cause it to be recorded, in the Record Book, on the page next
following the last record of proceedings as a Lodge Under
Dispensation. The only other business that can be done at this
Communication is the election of officers and, until the lodge
has been properly constituted and its officers properly installed
by the Grand Master, his Deputy or Proxy, no other business or
work can be legally done by the lodge.
§7.3.9: In the event the existence of a Lodge Under
Dispensation is terminated by any action other than the
granting of a Charter by the Grand Lodge, its members and
unfinished material are entitled to certificates from the Grand
Secretary showing their Masonic status. Such certificates may
be employed in seeking membership in other lodges. (1964)

202 (Reprinted 2008)

 §8

PENAL CODE
OF THE
GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 203

204 (Reprinted 2008)
 PENAL CODE
OF THE
GRAND LODGE
OF
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN

§8.1: Offenses
§8.1.1: Types of Offenses
§8.1.1.1: In general, there are two types of offenses for which
the offender may be subject to such lawful punishment as the
tribunal having the jurisdiction in the case shall adjudge. They
are:
(a) Violations by a Mason of his Masonic obligations or of
the established laws, usages and customs of Masonry,
and/or
(b) Violation of the law of the land, punishable by
imprisonment for more than ninety (90) days in any
prison, reformatory or other place designated for
incarceration. (1878, 1964)
§8.1.1.2: Masonic offenses may consist of either or both of the
above types, however, conviction and punishment or acquittal
by a civil court of law shall not prevent Masonic prosecution for
the same offense.

§8.1.2: Examples of Offenses

§8.1.2.1: The following, while not exclusive and for illustration
only, have been held to be Masonic offenses:

(Reprinted 2008) 205

 (a) adultery (1875), attempted seduction (1873), unlawful
carnal intercourse (1867) or relations with a Mason's
wife resulting in destruction of her home life. (1900)
(b) alienating a Mason's wife by false statement of her
husband's conduct (1900) or slandering a Mason's wife.
(1894)
(c) atheism. (1900)
(d) contriving to cheat, wrong or defraud a Brother Mason
(1899), embezzlement (1873), obtaining money under
false pretenses (1897) or dishonesty or fraud. (1883)
(e) desertion and leaving family destitute (1898), wife
beating. (1872)
(f) habitual drunkenness and rowdyism. (1873)
(g) perjury. (1897)
§8.1.2.2: The following, while not exclusive and for illustration
only, have been held to be offenses against Masonry:
(a) Disclosing to a profane the proceedings or secret
business of a lodge, such as rejection of a candidate.
(1888)
(b) Exposing and ridiculing the financial proceedings of a
lodge. (1868)
(c) Insulting, contemptuous, scandalous, libelous or
profane language of and to a Brother or the use of
insulting and contemptuous language in public and
before the profane, in regard to the official conduct of
the officers of a lodge. (1897)
(d) Misappropriation of funds of a lodge. (1889)
(e) Refusal of the Treasurer to pay an order of the lodge
when he has funds in his hands. (1879)
(f) Revealing the color of one's ballot or asking another
Brother to do so. (1893, 1900, 1975)
(g) Threatening to stop the work of a lodge. (1891)

206 (Reprinted 2008)

 (h) The persistent and willful neglect of a Secretary to
perform the duties of his office constitutes a Masonic
offense, including his neglect to pay over lodge funds to
the Treasurer. (1891, 1899)
(i) Persistent use of profane language in a room dedicated
to Masonic use or in a lodge room while it is in use by a
lodge. (1892, 2000)
(j) Threatening to "expose Masonry." (1900)
(k) Failure to obey a lawful summons. (1897)
§8.1.2.3: A Worshipful Master who knowingly and willfully
confers a degree after objection has been made by a member
and before it is withdrawn or who conspires to elect and confer
a degree upon rejected material without following established
procedure, is guilty of un-Masonic conduct. (See Grand Lodge
Trials in §8.9) 1879, 1896)
§8.1.2.4: Although he was not present at the balloting for
initiation, a Brother who was present at the receipt of a
candidate's petition and its reference and who was also present
when the Entered Apprentice Degree was conferred and did not
object, but who later prefers charges to prevent the candidate's
advancement, is himself liable to charges for not objecting to
the initiation of the candidate if he had knowledge at that time
of the offenses with which he later charges the candidate.
(1860)
§8.1.2.5: A Brother who becomes dissatisfied with some action
of his lodge and declares that he will prevent any more
initiations and that no more members shall be admitted until
he thinks proper, is liable to charges for un-Masonic conduct if
he carries his threat into execution. (1889)
§8.1.2.6: A Brother who will not endorse and continue to
endorse the moral theories of Masonry and its sublime,
humane lessons and who declares that he will not be bound by
its solemn obligations, ought to be expelled from all the rights
and benefits of Masonry. (1889)
§8.1.2.7: Political advertisements in lodge bulletins and
Masonic papers are forbidden. (1927)
(Reprinted 2008) 207
§8.1.2.8: It is un-Masonic conduct, subjecting a Brother to
discipline, to solicit the support of Masons for a candidate for
any political office by means of any communication addressed
to Masons and signed by the sender, or anyone authorized by
him, in his capacity as an officer or member of a Masonic lodge
or as a Mason. (1941)
§8.1.2.9: All Master Masons under the jurisdiction of the
Grand Lodge of Michigan who hold membership in Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine are forbidden to
attend tiled Shrine meetings when there is in attendance a
suspended or expelled Mason. (1988)
§8.1.2.10: No Master Mason under the jurisdiction of the
Grand Lodge of Michigan shall participate in a "Shrine Trial"
as promulgated by Article 23, Section 323.8 of the Shrine
Bylaws. (1988)
§8.1.2.11: Recent changes in Michigan Law make it easier to
obtain a general permit for a concealed pistol and there is some
confusion regarding firearms in the lodge, when carried
pursuant to civil law. The general custom and usages of
Masonry prohibit the carrying of any weapon, offensive or
defensive, into the lodge. Therefore, it is a Masonic offense to
carry a firearm into a lodge for any reason. (G.M. edict 2001)
(2003)

§8.1.3: Suggested Preliminary Procedure

§8.1.3.1: Where a Brother is arrested and charged with having
committed a crime, it is advisable for the lodge to await the
determination of the court before proceeding against the
Brother. (1900)
§8.1.3.2: When a Brother is convicted of an offense in the civil
courts, the Master should order charges of un-Masonic conduct
to be preferred against him. (1975)
§8.1.3.3: When a Brother is charged with an offense
punishable by an incarceration of one or more years and is
convicted of it in any Court of Record, the Grand Master shall
be notified thereof by the Brother's lodge, whereupon the

208 (Reprinted 2008)

Grand Master shall, if he deems it necessary, sentence the
Brother to suspension or expulsion from Masonry. (2001)
§8.1.3.4: The decision of the Grand Master supersedes all
other provisions of the Masonic Penal Code except the right of
appeal to the Grand Lodge. The Brother shall not be permitted
to apply for re-affiliation with his lodge until all of the
requirements of his sentence shall be complied with and he
shall be permitted to reapply only to the lodge from which he
was suspended or expelled. (1984)
§8.1.3.5: In case an Entered Apprentice or a Fellowcraft proves
unworthy, the Master should issue an order prohibiting his
advancement and order charges to be preferred against him.
(1860)
§8.1.3.6: For words spoken under provocation and in the heat
of passion, after sufficient time for reflection has elapsed, the
Master may and should use his influence to secure an
expression of regret and an ample apology from the offending
Brother and, if they are sincerely tendered with a word of
kindly admonition, the matter should be hidden under the
mantle of charity and forgiveness. (1880)
§8.1.3.7: If a member is intemperate, profane or immoral, it is
the Master's duty to admonish him privately, counsel with him
and remind him of the error of his ways, attempt to reform him
and exhaust all other means, but if he then persists in his
error, order the Junior Warden to prefer charges against him.
(1881)
§8.1.3.8: A Masonic offense does not outlaw, but if an offense
was committed years ago and the fact of the commission of
such offense has been notorious and the conduct of the Brother
committing it has been free from censure, the charges for the
old offense should not be considered. (1890)
§8.1.3.9: The lodge room is not the proper place for the
discussion of transgression of individual Brethren until charges
are preferred and the evidence is before the lodge.

(Reprinted 2008) 209

§8.1.4: Judicial Cognizance
§8.1.4.1: Masonry will not take judicial cognizance of an
offense merely ecclesiastical or political in its nature, nor of a
breach of contract or claim at law between Masons or between
a Mason and a non-Mason, unless it involves a crime or fraud.
An error in judgment is not a Masonic offense.
§8.1.4.2: An attorney-at-law who is a Mason is not chargeable
with un-Masonic conduct because he begins civil legal
proceedings against a Brother without forewarning the Brother
of the same, nor is it a Masonic offense for an attorney to give
advice to a Brother Mason when he knows such Brother to be
guilty of a crime.

§8.2: Jurisdiction
§8.2.1: Who has Jurisdiction
§8.2.1.1: Charges for offenses against Grand Lodge shall be
preferred and tried by Grand Lodge. All other charges shall be
preferred and tried in a lodge having jurisdiction.
§8.2.1.2: The penal jurisdiction of a lodge is that power which
it constitutionally possesses to take judicial cognizance of
Masonic offenses, and to prosecute and punish Masons
therefore. A lodge has penal territorial jurisdiction over all
Masons, affiliated and non-affiliated, residing or sojourning
within its territory. It also has penal personal jurisdiction over
all of its members and over its Entered Apprentices and
Fellowcrafts, wheresoever dispersed. However, the Grand
Master and the Master shall be exempt from the penal
jurisdiction of any constituent lodge during their terms of
office, but for any Masonic offense committed by either while in
office, he shall be subject to the penal jurisdiction of the lodge
when his term expires.
(a) Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts are subject to
discipline, but charges cannot be preferred against a
candidate who has been elected but not initiated. (1881,
1918, 1975)

210 (Reprinted 2008)

 (b) It is not necessary to elect a demited Mason to
membership in order to obtain penal jurisdiction over
him. Any lodge obtaining service upon him in its
jurisdiction may put him up on trial for any violation of
Masonic Law. (1899)
(c) A lodge has no jurisdiction over cases growing out of
business difficulties or originating in other Masonic
Bodies. (1886, 1975)

§8.2.2: Exclusive Jurisdiction

§8.2.2.1: A lodge has exclusive original jurisdiction in all cases
of violation of its own bylaws or internal regulations.
§8.2.2.2: No lodge shall receive charges and hold a Masonic
trial until it shall have been regularly chartered and its officers
duly elected and installed, and when any offense shall be
committed within the territory of a Lodge Under Dispensation,
the matter shall be referred by the Master to the Grand
Master, who shall have the power to designate the lodge in
which the offender shall be tried.
§8.2.2.3: In case charges for the same offense are preferred in
more than one lodge, the lodge in which charges are first filed
shall have exclusive jurisdiction to try the accused, unless it
shall waive jurisdiction or fail to proceed to judgment within a
reasonable time, so found by the Grand Master. Provided,
however, that if one of the lodges preferring charges has penal
personal jurisdiction over the accused, then such lodge shall
have exclusive jurisdiction over the matter in question
notwithstanding the time of filing. (1975)

§8.3: Charges
§8.3.1: Who May Prefer Charges
§8.3.1.1: Charges may be preferred only by a Master Mason in
good standing and a member of a lodge of this or another
Grand Jurisdiction in correspondence with this Grand Lodge.
The Master, whenever he shall deem proper, may direct the
Junior Warden to prefer charges.

(Reprinted 2008) 211

§8.3.1.2: Charges against a member of a lodge, or against a
lodge, cannot be received from a non-affiliate, (i.e., one not a
member of any regular lodge anywhere) except, in case of
charges against a member of a lodge, by leave granted by a
majority vote of such lodge and, in case of charges against a
lodge, by leave of Grand Lodge.
§8.3.1.3: It is the duty of the Junior Warden to prefer charges
when so ordered by the Master, and the Master has no power
to order a Brother not the Junior Warden to prefer charges.
(1890, 1892)
§8.3.1.4: A motion that the Junior Warden prefer charges is
improper. (1888)
§8.3.1.5: The order of the Master to the Junior Warden to
prefer charges shall be recorded, hence it must be made in open
lodge. However, there is no objection to the Master's suggesting
the preparation of charges in advance of the order to prefer
them, nor to the presentation of the charges at the same
meeting at which they were ordered. (1890)
§8.3.1.6: A Brother under charges may prefer charges against
another Brother. (1887)

§8.3.2: Charges, How Made

§8.3.2.1: None of the Masonic penalties may be inflicted upon
a Brother without charges, specifications, notice and trial in
due Masonic form.
§8.3.2.2: A motion that charges preferred by a Brother be
received is highly improper. The Worshipful Master has no
right to refuse to receive charges presented, if they properly
allege a Masonic offense, over which the lodge has jurisdiction.
(1881)
§8.3.2.3: It is not only the right but it is the duty of the Master
to dismiss charges when, in his judgment, the charges are
frivolous or as such cannot be sustained, and if the Master is in
doubt as to the sufficiency or competency of the charges, he has
the right to take the opinion of his lodge by vote, but such

212 (Reprinted 2008)

opinion is merely advisory and does not bind the Master. (1868,
1883)
§8.3.2.4: Charges shall be made in writing so far as proper to
be written, signed by the accuser, and filed with the Secretary
of the lodge. A Masonic offense must be charged with certainty
and the time, place and particulars, distinctly specified. A
general charge of un-Masonic conduct without specifications,
frivolous charges or such as do not clearly show a Masonic
offense if proven, shall not be received. (1860, 1872, 1875)
§8.3.2.5: An objection to the form or substance of a charge
should be made at the time of the trial. It is too late to make it
upon appeal. (1884, 1975)
§8.3.2.6: Charges for violation of any enactment of the Grand
Lodge shall specify with particularity the provision violated, as
well as the facts of the violation. (See Grand Lodge Trials).

§8.3.3: Unwritten Charges

§8.3.3.1: If charges are made which are not proper to be
written, they shall be communicated to the accused by the
Master in the presence of two or more Brethren. (1890)
§8.3.3.2: Where a Brother is alleged to be guilty of revealing
the Esoteric Work, a general charge to that effect is sufficient,
as it would be improper to set forth in writing the specific
language used. The specifications may be orally communicated
in the proper place, if desired, and before an answer is
required. (1890)

§8.3.4: Charges Against Suspended Masons

§8.3.4.1: Charges may be preferred against a suspended
Mason and the lodge may, without reinstating the accused,
proceed to try and punish him for any Masonic offense other
than that for which he was suspended.

§8.3.5: Filing of Charges

§8.3.5.1: Action on charges must be commenced at a Regular
Communication. By vote at such Regular, further proceedings
may be continued from time to time and had at Special
(Reprinted 2008) 213
Communications convened for that purpose, subject to due
notice of same being given. (1900, 1975)
§8.3.5.2: A quorum, as defined in §4.1.2, must be present
during the progress of a Masonic trial, otherwise the
proceedings are void. If upon the return night of a summons a
quorum is not present, the Master should announce to those
present that, in the absence of a quorum, the matter of the
charges will be postponed until the next Regular and the
Secretary should notify the accused. If this action is not taken,
to avoid question, a new summons should be issued. (1881,
1900, 1975)
§8.3.5.3: A Regular Communication cannot be adjourned or
continued to another night so as to make it proper to receive
charges on the night to which such meeting is continued, but if
the accused appears and goes to trial under such circumstances
without objection, the irregularity is waived and he cannot
avail himself of the objection upon appeal. (1867, 1900, 1975)
§8.3.5.4: Charges against an Entered Apprentice or a
Fellowcraft shall be preferred in a Master Mason's lodge. The
testimony shall be taken in the regular manner. The accused
shall be notified of the time and place of the taking of
testimony and be permitted to be present with counsel and
cross-examine as usual. The testimony shall be read in lodge
open on the Master Mason Degree at which the accused,
however, cannot be present. His counsel may be present and
argue the matter.
§8.3.5.5: If a trial is commenced at a Regular Communication,
it is not an error to finish the trial and pass judgment and
sentence at a Special Communication. (1895)

§8.3.6: Reading and Amending of Charges

§8.3.6.1: If the charges be filed at a Regular Communication,
they shall thereupon be read by the Secretary in open lodge. If
they be filed at any other time, they shall be so read at the next
Regular Communication after such filing. Any action upon
charges presented shall be entered upon the records of the
lodge. (1889)

214 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.3.6.2: The charges shall not be amended after such reading
except by permission of the Master in open lodge.

§8.3.7: Service of Charges and Summons

§8.3.7.1: If the Master shall deem the charges legal and
sufficient, a true copy thereof shall be served upon the accused
as hereinafter set forth, together with a summons which shall
be made returnable at such Regular Communication as the
Master shall direct. However, in no case shall such return be
less than forty-five (45) days from the date of service if made
personally or less than forty-five (45) days from the date of
mailing if made by substituted service.
(a) The lodge Seal is not necessary to a copy of the
summons. (1867)
(b) The Secretary cannot issue a summons except by
direction of the Master. (1889)
(c) A lodge cannot charge a Brother a fee for serving a
summons upon him. (1943)
§8.3.7.2: The Worshipful Master shall direct the Secretary or
some other Brother to make service of a copy of the charges and
summons upon the accused in either or both of the following
ways:
(a) Personal service, by handing or delivering the
documents to the accused in person, or
(b) Substituted service, by placing the documents in an
envelope addressed to the accused at his last address
shown on the records of the Secretary of the lodge. The
envelope shall have a return address on it and also an
order to the postmaster to return the same if not
delivered within ten (10) days. The envelope shall be
mailed by Certified Mail, with sufficient postage, and a
Return Receipt Requested and such manner of service
shall be taken and deemed to be sufficient, whether or
not such receipt or such papers be returned by the
postmaster. (1964, 1965, 1975)
§8.3.7.3: On or before the return date, the Brother charged
with service of the summons and copy of the charges shall
(Reprinted 2008) 215
make a certificate of the time, place and manner of making
service. (See Handbook for Lodge Secretaries) (1964, 1975,
2001)
§8.3.7.4: The manner of service shall, in all cases, be reported
to the Worshipful Master and the lodge and, if either is not
satisfied therewith, he or the lodge may order further attempt
to give the accused actual notice of the summons and charges
and may extend the return day for such purpose. (1964, 1975)

§8.3.8: Answer to Charges

§8.3.8.1: The answer of the accused shall be in writing, unless
he elects to answer generally guilty or not guilty, in which case
he may answer orally and such answer shall be recorded by the
Secretary. The attorney or counsel for an accused person
cannot plead guilty for him. If the accused answers in writing,
his answers shall be filed with the Secretary and attached to
the charges.
§8.3.8.2: If the accused shall fail to appear in lodge on the
return day of the summons or shall refuse to answer or shall
stand mute, an answer of not guilty must be recorded and the
trial shall proceed in all things as though he had so answered.
(1889)

§8.3.9: Status of Accused

§8.3.9.1: When charges are preferred against an officer of the
lodge, the Grand Master, upon notice from the lodge, may in
his discretion suspend the accused from office during the
settlement of the trial.
§8.3.9.2: The Masonic standing of an accused is not affected
until after sentence. He is presumed to be innocent until
proved to be guilty and he may, at all times before sentence,
vote upon all matters not involved in the charges and
specifications pending against him, provided that he shall be
prohibited from visiting any but his own lodge until after the
determination of the case and he shall be so informed. (1975)

216 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.3.9.3: When a Brother dies while charges are pending
against him, the lodge records should recite that the
proceedings are dismissed because of death. (1893)

§8.4: Trials
§8.4.1: Speedy Trials
§8.4.1.1: The accused shall be entitled to a speedy and
impartial trial and, for unreasonable neglect of prosecution, the
Master may, in his discretion, dismiss the charges.

§8.4.2: Tribunal
§8.4.2.1: For purposes of a Masonic trial, the tribunal shall
consist of Master Masons in good standing, who are members
of the lodge in which the trial is held.
§8.4.2.2: The Master, or his lawful representative in his
absence, shall preside at the trial. He shall decide all points of
order and all questions relating to the legality, sufficiency or
regularity of any charges, or of any service, paper or
proceedings in the case. He shall allow or forbid amendments
and continuances and control debate. No appeal from his
decision shall be taken to the lodge, but he shall be responsible
to the Grand Lodge for any abuse of his powers, or error in the
exercise thereof, and appeal to the Grand Lodge shall be
admissible therefore.
(a) The Worshipful Master should preside at all trials in
his lodge even though he may be cognizant of the facts
and a witness in the case. (1891)
(b) The Senior or Junior Warden, lawfully presiding over
the lodge in the absence of the Master, shall have all
the duties and powers in Masonic Trials herein vested
in the Master.
(c) Upon request of the lodge, by a majority vote, the
Grand Master, if he deems that justice so requires, may
designate the Senior Warden or Junior Warden or a
Past Master of the lodge to preside at the trial.

(Reprinted 2008) 217

§8.4.3: Counsel
§8.4.3.1: Both the accuser and the accused may choose counsel
for their assistance. None but an affiliated Master Mason in
good standing shall appear as counsel.
§8.4.3.2: If the lodge neglects or refuses to employ counsel in
the case where the lodge is accused, it is competent for the
Worshipful Master to employ counsel at the lodge expense.
(1896)
§8.4.3.3: If no counsel be chosen, the Master may appoint
counsel in such case as he shall deem proper. If the accused
does not appear or is prevented from appearing and no counsel
appointed for him, the Master shall appoint counsel for the
defense, whose duty it shall be to see that the trial is fairly
conducted and the accused is not unjustly imperiled. (1896)

§8.4.4: Determining Method of Trial

§8.4.4.1: Upon receipt of charges against a Brother for un-
Masonic conduct, other than Non-Payment of Dues, the lodge,
after hearing objections, if any, from the accused, may, by a
majority vote at a Regular Communication, by resolution adopt
one of the following methods of trial:
(a) order testimony to be taken in open lodge, or
(b) direct three Commissioners, who shall be appointed in
the manner set forth below, to either:
1. determine the guilt or innocence of the accused and
report their findings to the lodge, such findings to
be accepted as final by the lodge, and, if guilty, the
lodge to determine only the penalty to be imposed,
or
2. fairly summarize the testimony of each witness
and report it to the lodge in statement form, with
or without opinion, as to guilt or innocence, or
3. prepare and submit their report, with or without
finding or opinion upon the merits, and with such
review of the facts to be made as the lodge shall
determine and provide.

218 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.4.4.2: If the lodge shall make no resolution as set forth in
§8.4.4.1 above, upon receipt of the answer, or failure of the
accused to appear on the return date, either in person or by
counsel, the Master shall appoint three Commissioners,
members of the lodge in good standing, before whom, or
majority of them, all proofs in the case shall be taken and
reported to the lodge as set forth in §8.4.4.1 (b) (2) above, but
without opinion.
§8.4.4.3: The lodge may, by a majority vote, authorize the
Master to appoint as Commissioners, Master Masons in good
standing who are not members of the lodge.
§8.4.4.4: The accused may object to any or all of the
Commissioners. The Master shall decide upon the sufficiency of
such objection and shall make such further appointments as
shall be necessary. (1975)

§8.4.5: Hearing Before Commissioners

§8.4.5.1: A Mason under suspension, an Entered Apprentice,
or a Fellowcraft, may appear in the lodge only by counsel, but
he may appear personally at all meetings of the Commissioners
in his case.
§8.4.5.2: The Master has the right, by virtue of his office, to be
present and preside at all meetings of the Commissioners.
When present, he shall decide all questions of order and
procedure. In his absence a majority of the Commissioners
shall decide.
§8.4.5.3: The Commissioners shall give the accuser and
accused, or their counsel, at least five days' notice of the time
and place of their meeting for the taking of proofs. If the
accused shall not have appeared, nor answered, he need not be
notified.
§8.4.5.4: If there be material testimony which cannot be
produced before the Commissioners, the same may be taken at
such other reasonable time and place, and before such other
competent person or persons, as the Master shall order, five
days' notice of which shall be seven, as next provided.

(Reprinted 2008) 219

§8.4.5.5: Both parties shall have the right of cross examination
and objection.
§8.4.5.6: All of the testimony proper to be written shall be
reduced to writing, with any objections thereto.

§8.4.6: Report of Commissioners

§8.4.6.1: The Commissioners shall keep full minutes of all
their proceedings (including all motions, objections and rulings)
and report them, with all the testimony, to be read to the lodge
at the next Regular Communication. (1975)
§8.4.6.2: The Secretary of the lodge (or some Brother deputed
in his stead by the Master) shall act as Secretary to the
Commissioners. He shall fully and carefully record all
proceedings pertaining to the trial. He shall attach together all
papers filed in the case, together with a report of the
Commissioners, in their order, with the date of filing endorsed
upon each, and carefully preserve the same in the archives of
the lodge, but the same shall not be entered on the record.
§8.4.6.3: If claim is made by the accused or any Brother that
the Commissioners erred in the proceedings before them, the
lodge shall decide the claim and, if it is well founded, may
remand the case to the Commissioners for such further
processing as the lodge shall direct or may take such other
action as, in its judgment, may be necessary to a fair and
proper trial.

§8.4.7: Argument
§8.4.7.1: Following the report of the Commissioners or, if by
trial in open lodge, the accuser and accused have the right,
either in person or by counsel, to argue the case before the
lodge.
§8.4.7.2: The Master has the power to limit the parties in their
argument to such time as he may deem proper, but he shall
announce such limitation before the opening of such argument.

220 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.4.8: Order of Proof
§8.4.8.1: The testimony of the prosecution shall first be taken
after which the accused may introduce proofs in his defense. If
any new questions be raised by the testimony for the defense,
the prosecution may rebut the same, but cannot enter into any
new matters unless the accused be allowed to reply to the same
by counter proofs.
§8.4.8.2: In taking testimony to be used in a Masonic Trial, the
Commission should proceed with a careful regard to all
equitable rights, both of the accuser and accused. It is the duty
of the Worshipful Master to advise them and, if he wants
advice, he may apply to the Grand Master. (1877)
§8.4.8.3: An ex-parte affidavit, taken without legal notice to
the other party, cannot be introduced as evidence in a Masonic
Trial, nor can testimony be taken without notice to the accused.
(1878)
§8.4.8.4: Testimony taken before charges were preferred and
without the knowledge of the accused, shall not be received in a
trial. (1869.1975)
§8.4.8.5: It is not competent, in a Masonic Trial, to receive
evidence to impeach the general reputation of a Brother in good
standing. Every Brother must be deemed and considered in
good standing until convicted of a Masonic offense. (1874)

§8.4.9: Witness and Testimony

§8.4.9.1: The attendance of witnesses who are Masons may be
enforced by summons to be issued by the Master (or his lawful
representative) upon application of either party. Willful
disobedience of such summons is a Masonic offense and shall
subject the offender to discipline.
§8.4.9.2: Any discreet person is a competent witness. The
accused shall be competent to testify, but no witness shall be
compelled to incriminate himself.
§8.4.9.3: The testimony of a Mason in good standing shall be
taken upon his Masonic honor and obligation. The testimony of
a profane, non-affiliate or of one under sentence of suspension
(Reprinted 2008) 221
or expulsion, shall be taken under oath to be administered by
any officer competent under the law to administer oaths. (1975)
§8.4.9.4: The accuser need not be put under oath. Masonry
regards no obligation to speak the truth more binding than its
own. (1860)
§8.4.9.5: The best evidence which circumstances admit shall
be produced. All testimony that is relevant to the issue should
be admitted; that which is irrelevant should be excluded; but,
in this regard, an equitable discretion may be exercised.
§8.4.9.6: If the offense charged be a crime by the civil law and
the accused shall have been convicted of such crime in any
court of record, the record of such conviction, or a certified copy
thereof, may be read as prima facie evidence only of guilt of the
accused; provided, that no such record shall be held sufficient
without some corroborative evidence; and provided further,
that such conviction and judgment thereon shall stand in force
and not be reversed at the time of the trial in the lodge; and
provided further, that if, at the time of such trial, any
proceeding in behalf of the accused, by writ of error appeal or
otherwise, be pending for the reversal of such judgment, the
lodge trial may proceed or be postponed until the
determination of such proceeding as the lodge, by a majority
vote at a Regular Communication, shall determine.
§8.4.9.7: The official books and records of Grand Lodge and of
a lodge, and official certificates of Grand Lodge and lodge
officers as to matters within the scope of their duties, are prima
facie evidence of relevant facts, but their accuracy may be
impeached by other competent testimony.

§8.4.10: Deliberation by Lodge

§8.4.10.1: Upon the conclusion of the argument, the accuser
(except he be the Junior Warden prosecuting officially) and the
accused with their counsel and every other person not
authorized to vote upon the final disposition of the case, shall
retire from the lodge and the doors shall be closed for
deliberation.

222 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.4.10.2: If a lodge desires to admit Master Masons who are
members of other lodges to attend a trial, it may do so. It is a
matter entirely within the discretion of the lodge. Such
members must, of course, retire before the vote is taken. (1897)
§8.4.10.3: It is proper, upon conclusion of the argument and
before the ballot is passed, for any Brother to express his views
of the case, and of the law and facts involved.

§8.5: Determination of Guilt or Innocence

§8.5.1: Judgment
§8.5.1.1: Final judgment upon the guilt or innocence of the
accused can be passed only in a Master Mason's lodge. None
shall be present but those legally qualified to vote upon the
case. An Honorary Member of the lodge cannot vote nor be
present. NO BROTHER SHALL BE PRESENT OR VOTE
UNLESS HE HAS BEEN IN THE LODGE ROOM DURING
ALL THE PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT OF THE
COMMISSIONERS AND THE ARGUMENTS, except upon the
consent of the Master and the accused.
§8.5.1.2: Where the accused has plead guilty, no ballot upon
the question of guilt is necessary.
§8.5.1.3: Before the ballot is taken, the Master shall see that
ballots of each color, greater in number than the number of
members present, are provided and placed in the ballot box.
§8.5.1.4: EVERY BROTHER PRESENT SHALL VOTE, unless
excused by unanimous consent of the lodge.
(a) A member may vote although raised or admitted since
the charges were preferred. (1868)
(b) The fact that a member of the lodge conducting the
trial was a witness does not disqualify him from
participating in the determination of the case. (1879,
1975)
(c) A lodge must not allow itself to be prejudiced by
matters not in evidence.

(Reprinted 2008) 223

§8.5.1.5: The vote shall be by ballot upon the question "Is the
accused guilty or not guilty" and shall first be taken upon each
specification separately, if there be more than one, and then
upon the general charge. Black shall be cast for guilty and
white for not guilty. (1875. 1878)
§8.5.1.6: Two-thirds of all the votes cast shall be required to
convict.
§8.5.1.7: The Master and Wardens shall inspect the ballot at
the Master's station and the result shall be declared forthwith
by the Master.
§8.5.1.8: There shall be no reconsideration of any ballot taken
in the course of a Masonic Trial.
§8.5.1.9: The result of the ballot upon each specification shall
be recorded by the Secretary in regular order with the number
severally cast for guilty and not guilty. The lodge may convict
or acquit of a part or all the specifications, as it may deem just.

§8.5.2: Acquittal
§8.5.2.1: If after balloting upon each specification and charge
the accused is acquitted, the judgment of the lodge shall be so
recorded and declared forthwith.
§8.5.2.2: Upon a judgment of acquittal, the proceedings are
terminated and the case is closed. There can be no
reconsideration of the ballot. The only remedy is by appeal to
the Grand Lodge.

§8.5.3: Procedure on Conviction

§8.5.3.1: After conviction, vote shall immediately be taken
upon the penalty in the following order, beginning with the
highest and descending until the requisite vote is given to
declare the sentence, viz.:
(a) Expulsion.
(b) Indefinite suspension.
(c) Definite suspension.

224 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.5.3.2: The vote shall be by ballot, and shall be regulated by
similar rules as in §8.5.1. A two-thirds vote shall be required
for sentence of expulsion or suspension.

§8.5.4: Penalties
§8.5.4.1: When charges are preferred and a trial and
conviction had, the lodge must inflict one of the penalties
known to Masonic law. (1898, 1975)
§8.5.4.2: Only one of the Masonic penalties shall be inflicted in
any case and no other punishment shall be inflicted than is
herein provided.
§8.5.4.3: If a specific penalty be provided by law for any
offense, no other penalty than the one provided shall be
inflicted or voted upon in such case. A Mason shall not be
expelled for Non-Payment of Dues. (1994)
§8.5.4.4: After conviction upon trial and the refusal of the
lodge to inflict the penalty of expulsion, the Master should at
once direct a ballot upon the next highest penalty; and in case
this is not done, there should be a retrial. (1890)
§8.5.4.5: In fixing the term of definite suspension when more
than one term is proposed, the vote should be taken on the
longest term first. (1872)
§8.5.4.6: If the lodge should decline to inflict any of the first
three penalties by law, to wit: expulsion, indefinite suspension,
or definite suspension, it shall be the duty of the Master to
impose the only remaining penalty, viz.: reprimand, without
ballot. A reprimand cannot be communicated by letter. It is a
public reproof administered by the Master in open lodge. The
accused should be notified of the sentence and that he is not in
good standing until he appears before the lodge and submits to
the infliction of the penalty. (1881)
§8.5.4.7: The result of the ballot upon each penalty shall be
entered at large upon the record, with the number of votes for
and against in each instance, and in the order in which the
proceedings occur. (1889)

(Reprinted 2008) 225

§8.5.4.8: Where a Brother properly charged with a Masonic
offense pleads guilty, the penalty must be determined by ballot.
(1890)
§8.5.4.9: Expulsion is the highest penalty that can be incurred
and the severest penalty that can be inflicted. It excludes a
Mason from all his Masonic rights and privileges forever,
unless he is restored by the lodge or Grand Lodge. (Approved
Definition)
§8.5.4.10: Suspension excludes a Brother from all Masonic
privileges and prohibits all Masonic intercourse with him
during the time of his suspension. (1888)
§8.5.4.11: When a Brother has been tried, convicted and
suspended for un-Masonic conduct, a motion to change the
penalty is out of order. (1876)
§8.5.4.12: While the Penal Code requires that sentence must
be passed at once upon conviction, if a delay is granted at the
request of the accused, the irregularity will not avoid the
sentence at the expiration of the delay, if the conditions still
warrant the same and in the absence of an appeal. (1975)
§8.5.4.13: If any Brother is aggrieved because a greater
penalty is not imposed, he has the right of appeal to Grand
Lodge. (1890)
§8.5.4.14: At the conclusion of the ballot upon the penalty, the
accuser and counsel shall be re-admitted to the lodge and the
Master shall announce the result.
§8.5.4.15: The parties shall at once be notified of the action of
the lodge. All cases of expulsion and suspension shall be
reported by the Secretary to the Grand Secretary of the Grand
Lodge and to contiguous lodges. If the person expelled or
suspended was a member of a lodge other than the one in
which he was tried, the Secretary shall immediately notify that
lodge of the sentence and the cause of the same.

226 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.6: Appeals
§8.6.1: Any Brother deeming himself aggrieved by the
decision of the lodge, of the Master thereof or of the
Commissioners, may appeal to the Grand Lodge. All appeals
shall be in writing and shall set forth clearly the ground upon
which the appellant seeks redress.
The decision of a lodge in the exercise of its penal
jurisdiction, however irregular, cannot be avoided except by
appeal. (1882)
§8.6.2: The appeal may be taken whether the accused be
convicted or acquitted and by either party. It applies as well in
questions of law as in questions of fact and may be taken from
any erroneous action, ruling or decision of the lodge, the
Master or the Commissioners.
§8.6.3: The appeal shall be taken by filing notice and
statement of grounds of appeal with the Secretary within forty
days after the appellant shall have notice of the decision from
which the appeal is taken or within forty days after notice of
the final judgment of the lodge.
(a) The notice of an "intention" to appeal, which is required
to be given to the Secretary of the lodge, is not the
appeal and need not state the grounds of the appeal.
The appeal itself must be in writing and should set
forth clearly the ground on which the appellant seeks
redress. (1881, 1888)
(b) When a Brother, desiring to appeal to the Grand Lodge
from the action of his lodge, fails to give notice of
appeal to the lodge until after the forty day time limit,
the Master should direct the Secretary to record the
fact and date of the receipt of the notice of appeal and
write to the Grand Secretary, enclosing the notice of
appeal and giving the date of the receipt of the same,
and setting forth that the lodge declines to recognize
the appeal because the notice was not given within the
time required by law. The would-be-appellant should
be notified accordingly. (1890, 1975)

(Reprinted 2008) 227

 (c) The Grand Lodge, upon a proper showing made, may
grant leave to appeal after the lapse of the forty days
specified by the Code. (1888)
(d) It is not within the power of the Grand Master to allow
an appeal after the time therefore has expired. The
Grand Lodge only has the power. (1890)
§8.6.4: Upon receipt of the appeal, the Secretary shall
immediately make and transmit to the Grand Secretary full
and accurate copies, duly certified, of all the proceedings in the
case, as they are recorded upon the books of the lodge, and of
the charges and specifications, answer or answers, notices,
summonses, proofs, reports and all papers of every kind in the
archives of the lodge pertaining to the subject matter. He shall
enter upon the record the receipt of the appeal and the date of
his return to the Grand Secretary.
(a) In case of an appeal, the Grand Lodge should have an
opportunity to hear all testimony taken and offered.
Hence, the return must contain not only all testimony
taken, but all that was offered. (1887)
(b) If the accused did not appear, the return made to the
Grand Lodge must contain evidence of the service of
summons. (1888)
(c) All papers constituting the return must be fastened
together so that there can be no doubt that it contains
the entire case. The return should he certified to and be
under seal. (1885)
(d) An expelled member has no right to a copy of the
proceedings of the trial which resulted in his expulsion.
(1900)
§8.6.5: It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to
transmit to the Chairman of the Committee on Appeals, at
least thirty days before the Annual Communication of the
Grand Lodge, all appeals that are in his hands for disposition
by the Grand Lodge. All appeals received by the Grand
Secretary less than thirty days prior to the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge shall be, by him,

228 (Reprinted 2008)

transmitted to the Chairman of the Committee on Appeals
forthwith.
§8.6.6: The appeal shall be prosecuted at the first Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge, after the time limit for
taking the same shall have expired. Any appeal not prosecuted
as aforesaid, shall, on motion, be dismissed by the Grand
Lodge, unless good cause for the delay appear. After such
dismissal, the Masonic standing of the accused shall be the
same as though no appeal had been taken.
§8.6.7: If, after appeal is taken, either party desires to
introduce new evidence, he shall apply to the Grand Master
stating the nature of the same. The Grand Master may
thereupon, in his discretion, order such new evidence to be
taken before the standing Committee on Appeals. Ten days
notice of the time and place of taking such new evidence shall
be given by said Committee to both parties and their counsel,
and at such time and place either party may introduce any new
and competent evidence. (2002)
§8.6.8: No case shall be reversed upon appeal for mere
matter of form, or inconsequential error of proceeding, provided
substantial justice shall have been done and no wrong wrought
by the informality or irregularity shall appear.
§8.6.9: After due investigation of the case, the Grand Lodge
may, by a majority vote:
(a) Affirm the decision appealed from.
(b) Reverse the decision.
(c) Modify or change the decision.
(d) Award a new trial.
1. When the evidence fully sustains the charge made,
but the lodge fails to convict, the Grand Lodge will,
upon appeal, declare the guilt and inflict a penalty
commensurate with the offense. (1880)
2. On appeal to the Grand Lodge, the whole case is
reopened. The Grand Lodge acts as an appellate
court and as such has full power to reverse, affirm

(Reprinted 2008) 229

 or modify the decision of the constituent lodge, or
inflict such other or different penalty as the Grand
Lodge may deem just and proper. (1901)
3. Upon appeal from a judgment of expulsion, Grand
Lodge may restore to the rights and benefits of
Masonry without affiliation. (1890)
§8.6.10: If the decision from which the appeal is taken be
affirmed, the Masonic standing of the accused shall remain as
fixed by the decision of the lodge.
§8.6.11: If a new trial be awarded, the standing of the accused
shall, in the meantime, be that of a Mason under charges and
as though no trial had been had.
§8.6.12: From the taking of an appeal until its determination
by the Grand Lodge, the standing of the accused (if he were
suspended or expelled) shall be that of a Mason under charges,
except that he shall also be prohibited, during said time, from
sitting in any lodge, or appendant body, as defined in §4.31.2,
where he represents himself as a Master Mason in good
standing. (1975, 1990)

§8.7: New Trial

§8.7.1: In case of conviction and upon application of either
party or voluntarily, the lodge, by unanimous secret ballot, but
not otherwise, may grant a new trial at any time, whether or
not appeal has been taken, and upon such conditions as the
lodge shall impose. After conviction by the lodge has been
affirmed by Grand Lodge on appeal, however, the lodge may
grant such new trial only upon showing of just causes therefore
to the Grand Master or Grand Lodge and upon receipt of their
approval.
§8.7.2: A convicted Brother under sentence of a lodge may
apply to the Grand Master (in the interim) for a new trial, who,
upon satisfactory reasons appearing, may order the same.
(a) A Brother who has been expelled may obtain a new
trial by exhibiting satisfactory reasons therefore to
Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, who may thereupon

230 (Reprinted 2008)

 order a new trial, but the lodge can only grant a new
trial by a unanimous vote. (1860)
(b) The power of the Grand Master to order a new trial is
limited to applications by the accused under sentence.
In such cases it should only be exercised where the
error is clear and the accused has been prejudiced
thereby. (1890)
§8.7.3: A new trial in the lodge shall proceed (unless special
order be made to the contrary by the Grand Lodge or the Grand
Master or the lodge) upon the charges and answers already on
file and shall begin at the introduction of the proofs. The
powers of the Master and the lodge as to amendments,
appointments of Commissioners and counsel and all other
matters, shall be the same as upon the original trial.
§8.7.4: When upon appeal the Grand Lodge refers the matter
back to the lodge for further action, the accused is entitled to
notice of action by the lodge. (1875, 1975)
§8.7.5: If, upon a new trial, the accused be again convicted,
he may again appeal to the Grand Lodge. No number of
convictions or acquittals can exhaust the right of either party
to appeal. (1975)

§8.8: Restoration
§8.8.1: A Mason under sentence of definite suspension is, by
operation of law, restored, at the termination of the period for
which he stood suspended, to all the rights and privileges from
which he stood suspended without any action of the lodge or of
the accused. The termination of the sentence is the termination
of the suspension.
§8.8.2: The lodge, on its own motion or on petition, may
restore a Mason under sentence of definite or indefinite
suspension by a two-thirds vote, but one under sentence of
expulsion shall only be restored by the unanimous vote of the
lodge wherein the sentence was passed. Restoration from
expulsion shall be on petition and shall be treated in all
respects the same as the admission of a profane, except as to
the conferring of degrees. (1975)
(Reprinted 2008) 231
 (a) A lodge has jurisdiction over all of its suspended or
expelled material, wherever residing, and the petition
for restoration must be made to that lodge (if existing).
(1899,1996)
(b) A lodge does not have the right to refuse a suspended
Brother a petition for restoration. (1945)
(c) The petition of a suspended Brother for restoration
may be received without recommendation, but it is
better to be recommended. (1868)
(d) When, upon appeal from the decision of a lodge
acquitting a Brother, the Grand Lodge reverses the
decision of the lodge and expels the Brother, the Grand
Lodge only has the right upon application to restore the
Brother, and such action of the Grand Lodge restores
the Brother to membership in his lodge. (1877)
(e) A member who has been suspended or expelled by a
lodge, cannot be restored by the Grand Lodge without
the consent of that lodge. (1878, 1975)
(f) A suspended or expelled member cannot be restored to
good standing after death. (1881, 1975)
§8.8.3: All lodge records are permanent and must not be
expunged, altered or erased in any manner, except to rectify a
clearly established error. Consequently, an individual's record
of suspension cannot be expunged after payment of all dues
and restoration. (1949, 1975)
§8.8.4: Restoration shall not be granted by the Grand Lodge
in any case, except from its own sentence, or on appeal from
judgment of a lodge. However, where a lodge, which has
imposed the penalty of expulsion or suspension, shall have
ceased to exist, otherwise than by consolidation with another
lodge, the Grand Lodge has jurisdiction to grant restoration.

§8.9: Grand Lodge Trials

§8.9.1: Charges against a lodge, or a Master during his term
of office, or for offenses against Grand Lodge, shall be preferred
in Grand Lodge only.

232 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.9.2: The charges shall be in writing and shall be filed with
the Grand Secretary. The Grand Master shall thereupon issue
a summons to the accused commanding appearance at a time
and place therein to be prescribed.
§8.9.3: Upon filing of the charges, the Grand Master may
make such order as the case shall demand. If the charges are
against a lodge, he may arrest its Charter until the conclusion
of the trial; if against a Master, he may suspend the accused
from office for a like period.
§8.9.4: The Grand Secretary shall forthwith serve the
summons accompanied by the interlocutory order of the Grand
Master, if any, and a certified copy of the charges upon the
accused, or cause the same to be done; which service shall be
under the like rules as service of summons and charges in
trials in the lodge.
§8.9.5: Trial in the Grand Lodge shall be conducted
substantially under the same rules as a trial in the lodge,
except that all judicial action in the Grand Lodge shall be
taken by a majority vote, which vote shall be taken as the
Grand Master may direct, and may be reconsidered at any time
within twenty-four hours.
§8.9.6: The Grand Lodge may punish individual offenders by
the infliction of any of the Masonic penalties. A lodge shall be
punished by the arresting or revoking of its Charter.
§8.9.7: The Grand Lodge may, for sufficient cause, grant a
new trial within its own body. If the Grand Lodge be not in
session, the application for new trial shall be made to the
Grand Master who has, in the interim, power to grant the
same.
§8.9.8: The granting of a new trial in the Grand Lodge is
accompanied by similar effects, with regard to the former
decision or sentence and the Masonic standing of the accused,
as in the similar case in the lodge, and the new trial shall
proceed upon the same general principles as in the first case in
the lodge. (1975)

(Reprinted 2008) 233

§8.10: Summary Trial by Grand Master
§8.10.1: Whenever the Grand Master shall issue an edict or
general order to all lodges and Masons in this Grand
Jurisdiction to refrain from un-Masonic conduct to be specified
therein, he shall have the authority to provide for summary
trial and discipline for violation of such edict or general order.
§8.10.2: The Grand Master may conduct such trial personally,
or may appoint a representative or representatives to preside
therein and make recommendations to him. The accused shall
be informed in writing of the charge and be given a reasonable
opportunity to be heard and to have counsel and present
testimony. The proceedings shall be had as the Grand Master
shall direct. In case the accused is found guilty, the penalty
shall be suspension from Masonry until the next Annual
Communication of Grand Lodge.
§8.10.3: At the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge,
the Grand Master shall make full report of his proceedings in
the matter and shall return to Grand Lodge all testimony
taken and all instruments, reports, etc., upon which the
discipline was founded. Grand Lodge shall review the action of
the Grand Master and approve or disapprove it. The
suspension shall terminate at the adjournment of Grand Lodge
unless Grand Lodge, by a majority vote, shall extend the
suspension for a specified or indefinite time.
§8.10.4: Summary trial by the Grand Master shall not affect
the penal power of the lodges over the accused Brother.

234 (Reprinted 2008)

 PENAL CODE SUMMARY

(A Summary of Sections and Sub-Sections)

(1988)

§8.1: Offenses
§8.1.1: Types of Offenses
§8.1.1.1: Definition
§8.1.1.2: Acquittal does not prevent Masonic
prosecution
§8.1.2: Examples of Offenses
§8.1.2.1: General offenses, examples
§8.1.2.2: Offenses against Masonry, examples
§8.1.2.3: Conferring a Degree after objection
§8.1.2.4: Failure to object
§8.1.2.5: Failure to allow the work of the lodge
§8.1.2.6: Failure to endorse moral theories of
Masonry
§8.1.2.7: Political advertisements
§8.1.2.8: Solicit support for a candidate
§8.1.2.9: Attending Shrine meeting with
suspended or expelled Mason
§8.1.2.10: Participating in a “Shrine Trial”
§8.1.2.11: Carrying a weapon into the lodge
§8.1.3: Suggested Preliminary Procedure
§8.1.3.1: Wait for court proceedings
§8.1.3.2: When a Brother is convicted
§8.1.3.3: Charged with offense punishable by
incarceration of one or more years
§8.1.3.4: Decision of Grand Master
§8.1.3.5: Procedures against an EA or FC
§8.1.3.6: Words spoken in provocation
§8.1.3.7: Brother being persistent in his ways
§8.1.3.8: Charges for old offenses
§8.1.3.9: Lodge room not proper place for
discussion prior to charges

(Reprinted 2008) 235

 §8.1.4: Judicial Cognizance
§8.1.4.1: Matters not subject to Masonic
prosecution
§8.1.4.2: An attorney not chargeable

§8.2: Jurisdiction
§8.2.1: Who has jurisdiction
§8.2.1.1: Venue, general rule
§8.2.1.2: Definition
§8.2.2: Exclusive Jurisdiction
§8.2.2.1: Violation of lodge Bylaws
§8.2.2.2: Status of lodge
§8.2.2.3: Charges by more than one lodge

§8.3: Charges
§8.3.1: Who May Prefer Charges
§8.3.1.1: Only by a Master Mason in good standing
§8.3.1.2: Cannot be received from a non-affiliate
§8.3.1.3: Junior Warden prefers when so ordered
§8.3.1.4: Motion out of order
§8.3.1.5: Must be in open lodge
§8.3.1.6: Brother under charges may prefer
charges against another
§8.3.2: Charges, How Made
§8.3.2.1: Must be preferred before penalty
§8.3.2.2: Master has no right to refuse to receive
charges
§8.3.2.3: Master's duty to dismiss insufficient or
frivolous charges
§8.3.2.4: Must be in writing
§8.3.2.5: Objection made at time of the trial
§8.3.2.6: Grand Lodge violations
§8.3.3: Unwritten Charges
§8.3.3.1: Charges not proper to be written
§8.3.3.2: Charge of revealing the Esoteric Work

236 (Reprinted 2008)

 §8.3.4: Charges Against Suspended Masons
§8.3.4.1: May be preferred without re-instatement
§8.3.5: Filing of Charges
§8.3.5.1: Commenced at Regular Communication
§8.3.5.2: Quorum necessary
§8.3.5.3: Communication cannot be adjourned
§8.3.5.4: Charges against an EA or FC preferred
in a Master Mason lodge
§8.3.5.5: Trial may be finished at Special
Communication
§8.3.6: Reading and Amending of Charges
§8.3.6.1: When to read charges
§8.3.6.2: Not to be amended after reading
§8.3.7: Service of Charges and Summons
§8.3.7.1: By whose order; return date
§8.3.7.2: Methods of service
§8.3.7.3: Certificate of service
§8.3.7.4: Report; Extension of return date
§8.3.8: Answer to Charges
§8.3.8.1: Written or oral
§8.3.8.2: Refusal to answer or appear; Not guilty
plea entered
§8.3.9: Status of Accused
§8.3.9.1: When charged is an officer of the lodge
§8.3.9.2: Masonic standing not affected until
sentence
§8.3.9.3: When the charged dies

§8.4: Trials
§8.4.1: Speedy Trials
§8.4.1.1: Accused entitled to a speedy trial
§8.4.2: Tribunal
§8.4.2.1: Members of the lodge
§8.4.2.2: Master to preside; Powers of others when
appointed to preside

(Reprinted 2008) 237

 §8.4.3: Counsel
§8.4.3.1: Who may choose
§8.4.3.2: Employment by Worshipful Master
§8.4.3.3: Appointment by Worshipful Master
§8.4.4: Determining Method of Trial
§8.4.4.1: Lodge options: In lodge or before
commissioners
§8.4.4.2: Appointment of commissioners
§8.4.4.3: Commissioners may not be members of
the lodge
§8.4.4.4: Right to object choice of commissioners
§8.4.5: Hearing Before Commissioners
§8.4.5.1: Who may appear
§8.4.5.2: Who presides
§8.4.5.3: Notice required
§8.4.5.4: Testimony which cannot be produced
§8.4.5.5: Right of cross-examination
§8.4.5.6: Testimony must be in writing
§8.4.6: Report of Commissioners
§8.4.6.1: Must keep minutes and report
§8.4.6.2: Secretary to commissioners
§8.4.6.3: Claim of error by commissioners
§8.4.7: Argument
§8.4.7.1: Before lodge
§8.4.7.2: Master's power to limit time of argument
§8.4.8: Order of Proof
§8.4.8.1: Testimony of prosecution taken first
§8.4.8.2: With regard to all equitable rights
§8.4.8.3: Ex-parte affidavit cannot be introduced
§8.4.8.4: Testimony taken before charges preferred
§8.4.8.5: Cannot receive evidence to impeach
reputation
§8.4.9: Witnesses and Testimony
§8.4.9.1: Summons of Masons
§8.4.9.2: Who can be a witness
§8.4.9.3: Testimony under oath

238 (Reprinted 2008)

 §8.4.9.4: Accuser need not be under oath
§8.4.9.5: All relevant testimony admitted
§8.4.9.6: When offense charged is a crime by civil
law
§8.4.9.7: Official books and records as prima facie
evidence
§8.4.10: Deliberation by Lodge
§8.4.10.1: Upon conclusion of argument
§8.4.10.2: Members of other lodges
§8.4.10.3: Right to express view

§8.5: Determination of Guilt or Innocence

§8.5.1: Judgment
§8.5.1.1: Must be passed in Master Mason's lodge
§8.5.1.2: No ballot Necessary when plea of guilty
§8.5.1.3: Preparation for ballot
§8.5.1.4: Who shall vote
§8.5.1.5: First ballot
§8.5.1.6: Number required to convict
§8.5.1.7: Inspection and declaration of ballot
§8.5.1.8: Reconsideration of ballot
§8.5.1.9: Recording results of ballot
§8.5.2: Acquittal
§8.5.2.1: Judgment of lodge shall be recorded
§8.5.2.2: Termination of case
§8.5.3: Procedure on Conviction
§8.5.3.1: Vote taken on penalty
§8.5.3.2: Same rules as passing judgment; When
two-thirds vote required
§8.5.4: Penalties
§8.5.4.1: Must be inflicted
§8.5.4.2: One penalty only
§8.5.4.3: When specific penalty provided
§8.5.4.4: Sequence of vote
§8.5.4.5: Term of definite suspension
§8.5.4.6: Reprimand
§8.5.4.7: Recording results
(Reprinted 2008) 239
 §8.5.4.8: If plea is guilty
§8.5.4.9: Expulsion
§8.5.4.10: Suspension
§8.5.4.11: Motion to change penalty
§8.5.4.12: Delay of penalty
§8.5.4.13: Right of appeal due to insufficient
penalty
§8.5.4.14: Announcement of penalty
§8.5.4.15: Notifications required

§8.6: Appeals
§8.6.1: Who may appeal
§8.6.2: When appeal applies
§8.6.3: How taken
§8.6.4: Transmission to Grand Secretary
§8.6.5: Transmission to Committee on Appeals
§8.6.6: When prosecuted
§8.6.7: Introduction of new evidence
§8.6.8: Reversal for trivial reasons
§8.6.9: Grand Lodge options
§8.6.10: Status of accused; Original decision
affirmed
§8.6.11: Status of accused; Upon award of new
trial
§8.6.12: Status of accused; During appeal

§8.7: New Trial

§8.7.1: Granted by lodge
§8.7.2: Application to Grand Master
§8.7.3: Procedure in the lodge
§8.7.4: Notice of action
§8.7.5: Right to appeal again

§8.8: Restoration
§8.8.1: Under definite suspension
§8.8.2: By petition
§8.8.3: Change of lodge records
§8.8.4: By Grand Lodge

240 (Reprinted 2008)

§8.9: Grand Lodge Trials
§8.9.1: Charges preferred in Grand Lodge
§8.9.2: Filing of charges
§8.9.3: Orders of Grand Master
§8.9.4: Service of summons
§8.9.5: Conduct of trial
§8.9.6: Penalties to be inflicted
§8.9.7: New trial in Grand Lodge
§8.9.8: Procedure for new trial

§8.10: Summary Trial by Grand Master

§8.10.1: Grand Master's authority
§8.10.2: How conducted
§8.10.3: Report to Grand Lodge
§8.10.4: Effect on penal power of lodges

(Reprinted 2008) 241

242 (Reprinted 2008)
 §9

ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF
MASONIC ASSOCIATIONS

(What follows is the original State Statute

and cannot be modified by the
Grand Lodge of Michigan.

Following that are

Model Temple Association Articles of Association
[Articles of Incorporation].

Contact the Grand Lodge Office for

an updated copy of these Articles of Association,
Model Temple Association Bylaws and
Model Lodge Bylaws.)

(Reprinted 2008) 243

244 (Reprinted 2008)
 ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF
MASONIC ASSOCIATIONS
________________________
Act No. 1 Public Acts 1895
________________________
Compiled Laws 1948, Sec. 457, 221, et sequi.
Mich. Stat. Ann., Sec. 21.1221, et sequi.

AN ACT to provide for the incorporation of Masonic

associations.
§9.1: That Masonic associations may be incorporated under
the provisions of this act.
§9.2: Any ten or more residents of this State, who are
members of any chartered body or of different chartered bodies
of the order of Free and Accepted Masons13, may make and
execute articles of association under their hands and seals,
which said articles of association shall be acknowledged before
some officer of this State having authority to take
acknowledgment of deeds, and shall set forth: (2001)
First - The names of the persons associating in the first
instance, their places of residence and the name and
location of the Masonic body or bodies to which they
severally belong.

13
Ruling by Grand Master W.W. Kent - See G.L. Proc. 1961 (P.35). (1991)
I have ruled that as a matter of law, membership in Masonic Temple
Associations is restricted to members of a Masonic Fraternity. They may also be
members of the Order of Eastern Star, and I would think that it would be
appropriate that some of them were members of the Order of Eastern Star if that
organization has joint occupancy with the Masonic lodge. However, the
members of the Temple Association and the Board of Directors must all be
members of the Masonic Fraternity.
(Reprinted 2008) 245
 Second - The corporate name by which such association
shall be known in the law.
Third - The purpose of the association, which shall be
to provide a building or buildings to be used for
Masonic purposes, and the period for which such
association is incorporated not exceeding thirty years.
§9.3: A copy of said articles of association shall be filed with
the corporation and securities bureau of the department of
commerce, and thereupon the persons who shall have signed
said articles of association, their associates and successors,
shall be a body corporate by the name expressed in such
articles of association. A copy of such articles of association,
under the seal of the corporation and securities bureau of the
department of commerce, shall be received as prima facie
evidence in all Courts of this State of the existence and due
incorporation of such association. (1996)
§9.4: Every corporation organized under the provisions of this
act may take, receive, purchase and hold in its corporate
capacity, and for its corporate purposes, real and personal
property and the .same or any part thereof devise, sell, convey,
use and dispose of at pleasure; and may erect and own suitable
building or buildings to be used in whole or in part, for
meetings of Masonic bodies, and may borrow money and for
that purpose may issue its bonds and mortgage its property to
secure the payment of said bonds.
§9.5: Every such corporation shall have full power and
authority to provide by its laws for the issuing of certificates of
shares of stock and for the manner in which the same shall be
held and represented.
§9.6: Every such corporation shall have power to provide by
its bylaws for succession to its original membership and for
new membership; and shall also have power to provide by its
bylaws for election from its members of a board of trustees and
to fix the number and term of office of such trustees, but such
board shall not be less than five in number and such term of
office shall not exceed three years.

246 (Reprinted 2008)

§9.7: The management and control of the business, affairs
and property of such corporation shall be vested in said board
of trustees, and said board shall have power to borrow any
money and cause to be made and issued any bonds and
mortgages authorized by §9.4 of this act. Said trustees shall
appoint from their own number, a president, Secretary and
Treasurer, who shall perform the duties of their respective
offices in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed
by the board of trustees.

(Reprinted 2008) 247

 Model Temple Association
Articles of Association
[Articles of Incorporation]

(Contact the Grand Lodge Office for

an updated copy of these and Model
Temple Association Bylaws)

These Articles of Association are to be submitted to the State of Michigan's,

Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Bureau of Commercial Services
without change except for filling in the blanks and possibly substituting
"Masonic Temple Association" or "Masonic Center Association" for "Masonic
Building Association".

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
________ MASONIC BUILDING ASSOCIATION
The undersigned being ten (10) residents of the State of
Michigan and members of a chartered body of the order of Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan, do make and
execute these Article of Association under our respective hands
and seals this _______ day of __________, 20___, pursuant to the
provisions of Public Act 1 of 1895, and Public Act 162 of 1982,
of the State of Michigan.

ARTICLE I
The names of the incorporators, places of residence, name
and location of the Masonic body to which they severally belong
are as follows:

Name Residence Masonic Body Location

(1) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

248 (Reprinted 2008)

(2) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(3) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(4) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(5) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(6) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(7) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(8) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(9) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

(10) ____________ ________________ _____________ __________

ARTICLE II
The name of the association is "_________ Masonic Building
Association."

ARTICLE III
The purpose for which the _________ Masonic Building
Association is organized is to provide a building or buildings to
be used for Masonic purposes and the period for which this
association is incorporated shall be perpetual.

ARTICLE IV
The association is organized on a Non-Stock, Non-Profit,
membership basis. All members of the association shall be
members, in good standing, of a chartered and subordinate
Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of Michigan.
The association shall be financed under the following
general plan:
Contributions of real and personal property, donations
and rental income on real and personal property.

(Reprinted 2008) 249

 ARTICLE V
The address of the registered office is: ____________________
The name of the registered agent is: _____________________

ARTICLE VI
In fulfilling the purpose of the association, as stated in
Article III, the ______________ Masonic Building Association
shall have authority and restriction as follows:
a. To take, receive, purchase and hold in its corporate
capacity, and for its corporate purposes, real and personal
property and the same or any part thereof devise, sell,
convey, use, and dispose of at pleasure; and may erect and
own a suitable building or buildings to be used in whole or
in part, for meetings of Masonic bodies, and may borrow
money and for that purpose may issue its bonds and
mortgage its property to secure the payment of said
bonds.
b. To operate exclusively for the purposes set forth in
Section 501 (c) 2, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, specifically to hold title to property, collect
income therefrom, and turn over the entire amount
thereof, less expenses, to the ______________ Masonic
Lodge, a chartered and subordinate Lodge of the Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
Michigan, an organization exempt for taxation under
section 501 (c) 8, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
c. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles,
the association shall not carry on any other activities not
permitted to be carried on by an entity exempt from
federal income tax under Section 501 (c) 2 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
d. No part of the net earnings of the association shall inure
to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its trustees,
officers, or other private persons, except that the
250 (Reprinted 2008)
 association shall be authorized and empowered to pay
reasonable compensation for services rendered, and to
make payments and distributions in furtherance of the
corporate purposes.

ARTICLE VII
The association has the power to provide, by its By-Laws,
for the succession to its original membership and for new
membership, provided all members are also members, in good
standing, of a chartered and subordinate Lodge of the Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan;
for election from its members of a Board of Trustees; and to fix
the number and term of office of such volunteer trustees, but
such board shall not be less than 5 in number and such term of
office shall not exceed 3 years. The management and control of
the business affairs and property of the association shall be
vested in the Board of Trustees, and said board shall have the
power to borrow any money and cause to be made and issued
any bonds and mortgages authorized by Article II, a., Section 4
of Public Act 1 of 1895. Said volunteer trustees shall appoint
from their number a president, secretary and treasurer, who
shall perform the duties of their respective offices in accordance
with the By-Laws of the association, and the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Board of Trustees.
To the extent permitted by Section 209 of the Michigan
Non-Profit Corporation Act, Public Act 162 of 1982, a volunteer
trustee of the association or an officer sitting as a member of
the Board of Trustees shall not have personal liability to the
association or its membership for monetary damages for breach
of such volunteer trustee's or officer's fiduciary duty, except for
liability for breach of the duty of loyalty, intentional
misconduct, gross negligence, gaining improper personal
benefit from corporate transactions, or a violation of Section
551(1) of the Michigan Non-Profit Corporation Act, Public Act
162 of 1982. The association assumes, to the full extent
permitted by law, all liability to any person other than the
association and its members for all acts or omissions of a
volunteer trustee.

(Reprinted 2008) 251

 ARTICLE VIII
In the event of dissolution of the association, the Board of
Trustees shall cause the assets of the association to be
distributed as follows:
a. All liabilities of the association shall be paid or adequate
provisions shall be made for payment.
b. All of the association's remaining assets, real and
personal, shall be distributed to the ______________
Masonic Lodge, or its successor, if such organization is
qualified as tax exempt as a chartered and subordinate
lodge to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
the State of Michigan, a fraternal beneficiary association
exempt from federal income taxes under Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501 (c) 8, as amended. If
the ______________ Masonic Lodge, or its successor, do not
exist the association's remaining assets, real and
personal, shall be distributed to the Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons or the State of Michigan, if such
entity qualifies as exempt from federal income taxes
under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended. If the ______________ Masonic Lodge, or its
successor, and the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of the State of Michigan are not so qualified for
exemption from federal income taxes under Section 501 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then all
of the association's remaining assets shall be distributable
to an entity qualified as tax exempt under Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501 (c) 3, as amended, as
the Board of Trustees shall determine. Any such assets
not so disposed of, for whatever reason, shall be disposed
of by order of the Circuit Court for the County of
______________, Michigan to such organization or
organizations as said court shall determine, which are
organized and operated exclusively for charitable
purposes and are qualified as tax exempt under Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, Section 501 (c) 3, as amended.

252 (Reprinted 2008)

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned incorporators
as listed in Article I have by their signatures executed these
Articles of Association for the purposes as herein stated.
(1) _______________________________________
(2) _______________________________________
(3) _______________________________________
(4) _______________________________________
(5) _______________________________________
(6) _______________________________________
(7) _______________________________________
(8) _______________________________________
(9) _______________________________________
(10) _______________________________________

Subscribed and sworn to before me on this _____ day of

__________, 20___.

_____________________
Notary Public, ______________ County, Michigan
My commission expires ______________ _______, 20___

(Reprinted 2008) 253

254 (Reprinted 2008)
 § 10

BYLAWS
OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC HOME

(Reprinted 2008) 255

256 (Reprinted 2008)
 BYLAWS OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC HOME

ARTICLE I

§10.1: Membership and Powers

§10.1.1: Membership
§10.1.1.1: Membership in the Michigan Masonic Home (the
Corporation) shall be limited to the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of
the State of Michigan (the "Grand Lodge"), hereafter referred
to as the "Member." (1998)

10.1.2: Voting
§10.1.2.1: The voting representative of the Member shall be
the Grand Master. (1998)

§10.1.3: Reserved Powers

§10.1.3.1: The following actions are specifically reserved to the
"Member" and not delegated to the Board of Trustees. (1998)
(a) Approval of the annual capital and operating budgets
for the Corporation.
(b) Approval of any borrowing, as recommended by the
Board of Trustees.
(c) Any amendments of these Bylaws.
(d) The adoption, approval and amendment of an
investment policy for the funds of the Corporation.

(Reprinted 2008) 257

 ARTICLE II

§10.2: Board of Trustees

§10.2.1: Functions
§10.2.1.1: Except as otherwise provided in the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, all rights, powers,
duties and responsibilities related to the management and
control of the Corporation's property, activities and affairs are
vested in the Board of Trustees. In addition to the power and
authority conferred upon it by the Bylaws and the Articles of
Incorporation, the Board of Trustees may take any lawful
action on behalf of the Corporation which is not by law or by
the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws required to be
taken by some other party. (1998)
§10.2.1.2: At each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge,
the Board of Trustees shall make full and complete report of its
actions and activities during the preceding year. (1994, 1995,
1998)

§10.2.2: Meetings
§10.2.2.1: All annual, regular and special meetings of the
Board of Trustees shall be held at the Masonic Home, Alma,
unless otherwise ordered by the Board, the President or the
Member. The annual meeting of the Board shall be its July
meeting. The Board shall hold a minimum of four regular
meetings per year as scheduled by the Board, the President or
the Grand Master. Special meetings of the Board may be called
by the President or the Grand Master at such times and places
as they may deem necessary and shall be called by the
President upon the request of a majority of the members of the
Board. Written or telephone notice of such meetings will be
given to all Board Members at least five days in advance of the
meeting. (1984, 1995, 1998)
§10.2.2.2: The Board shall, at such regular meetings, examine
the report of the Secretary covering the business transacted
since the last meeting and enter their approval or disapproval
of such report in the records of the meeting. It shall pass upon

258 (Reprinted 2008)

all reports of the Secretary, the Chief Executive Officer and the
Treasurer and enter its findings thereon upon the records.
(1963, 1995, 1998)

§10.2.3: Number and Term

§10.2.3.1: The Board of Trustees shall consist of a minimum of
twelve (12) members selected as follows: (2000, 2007)
(a) The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand
Treasurer of the Grand Lodge shall be ex-officio
members of the Board of Trustees. (1987, 1994, 1995)
(b) A minimum of nine additional Trustees shall be
appointed by a two-thirds vote of the Member's Board
of Directors. The appointed Trustees shall be selected
from nominees possessing the talents and areas of
expertise needed on the Board of Trustees. Initially,
the appointments shall be staggered in terms of one,
two and three years. No trustee shall serve more than
two consecutive three-year terms except by unanimous
consent of the Member's Board of Directors. (1998,
2000, 2007)

§10.2.4: Removal, Resignation

§10.2.4.1: A Trustee may be removed at any time, with or
without cause, only by a majority vote of the Member's Board of
Directors or by a vote of the majority of the remaining Trustees
AND the approval of the majority of the Member's Board of
Directors. Failure on the part of any Trustee to attend Board
and committee meetings with reasonable regularity may be
cause for removal. (1971, 1995, 1998)
§10.2.4.2: A Trustee may resign by giving written notice to the
President. Unless otherwise specified in the resignation, the
resignation shall take effect upon receipt and the acceptance of
the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

§10.2.5: Vacancies
§10.2.5.1: All vacancies on the Board, whether by expiration of
term of office, death, resignation or any other cause, shall be
filled by the Member's Board of Directors, in accordance with
(Reprinted 2008) 259
§10.2.3. The appointment shall be for the remainder of the
unexpired term. (1994, 1995, 1998)

§10.2.6: Quorum, Voting, Miscellaneous

§10.2.6.1: A majority of the members of the Board shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (1991,
1995)
§10.2.6.2: A majority of the Trustees present, whether or not a
quorum, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place.
Notice of such adjourned meeting shall be given even though
the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at
which the adjournment is taken.
§10.2.6.3: Any action required or permitted to be taken
pursuant to an authorized vote at any meeting of the Board of
Trustees or a committee thereof, may be taken without a
meeting if, before or after the action, all Trustee or committee
members consent thereto in writing. Written consent shall be
filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of
Trustees or committee. Such consent shall have the same effect
as the vote of the Board of Trustees or committee for all
purposes.
§10.2.6.4: A Trustee or committee member may participate in
a meeting by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by which all persons participating
in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting
pursuant to this section constitutes presence in person at the
meeting.
§10.2.6.5: The vote of the majority of the Trustees present at a
meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the
Board of Trustees unless a greater vote is required by law, by
the Article of Incorporation or by these Bylaws. Each Trustee
present shall have one vote. No Trustee shall be entitled to vote
by proxy.
§10.2.6.6: Each Trustee shall be entitled to the mileage and
per diem established for Grand Lodge Communications, the
same to be paid as part of the expense of maintaining the
facilities of the Corporation. (1973, 1994, 1995)
260 (Reprinted 2008)
§10.2.6.7: In case of a tie vote, the presiding officer may cast
the deciding vote in addition to his own.

ARTICLE III

§10.3: Officers of the Board

§10.3.1: Officers
§10.3.1.1: The Officers of the Corporation shall be the
President, Vice-President and Secretary, each of whom shall be
elected by the Trustees at each annual meeting, and the
Treasurer, which office will be filled by the Grand Treasurer.
(1995, 1998)
§10.3.1.2: The Grand Master shall be the Chairman of the
Board of Trustees. (1995, 1998)
§10.3.1.3: The Board of Trustees may appoint such other
officers as it deems advisable. They shall have such authority
and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the
Board. (1995, 1998)
§10.3.1.4: The same person may hold any two or more offices,
but an officer shall not execute, acknowledge or verify an
instrument in more than one capacity. (1995, 1998)
§10.3.1.5: In addition to the powers set forth in these Bylaws,
the officers shall have such authority and shall perform such
duties as may be determined by the Board of Trustees. (1995,
1998)

§10.3.2: Term of Office and Vacancy

§10.3.2.1: Each officer shall serve for a term of one year or
until such officer's successor is selected. Any officer may serve
consecutive terms. (1995, 1998)
§10.3.2.2: A vacancy in any office shall be filled by vote of the
Board of Trustees. A person elected to fill a vacancy shall serve
for the balance of the unexpired term. (1995, 1998)

(Reprinted 2008) 261

§10.3.3: Removal
§10.3.3.1: Any officer may be removed at any time, with or
without cause, by the vote of a majority of the Board of
Trustees. (1995, 1998)

§10.3.4: Duties of Officers

§10.3.4.1: The duties of all officers shall be as set forth in these
Bylaws and as specifically established by the Board of Trustees
from time to time.
§10.3.4.2: Chairman. The Grand Master shall be the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees and shall preside, if he chooses, at all
meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall be an
ex-officio member of all committees.
§10.3.4.3: President. At its annual meeting, the Board shall
elect a President, who, in the absence of the Grand Master or
when the Grand Master does not choose to preside, shall
preside at meetings of the Board. (1987, 1994, 1995)
§10.3.4.4: Vice President. At its annual meeting, the Board
shall elect a Vice President, who, in the absence of both the
Grand Master and the President or in the absence of the
President if the Grand Master does not preside, the Vice
President shall preside. (1987, 1995)
§10.3.4.5: Secretary. The Board may elect one of its members
as Board Secretary, or it may, in its discretion, elect some
person as Secretary who is not a member of the Board. The
Secretary shall be elected or appointed at the annual meeting
each year. (1987, 1995)
It shall be the duty of the Secretary:
(a) To keep the correct record of all meetings of the Board.
(b) To assure that all papers, documents and instruments
belonging to the Board and the Home are properly filed
and preserved. (1987, 1995)
(c) To keep a full account of a receipts and disbursements
of the funds under the control of the Board. (1987,
1995)
262 (Reprinted 2008)
 (d) To do and perform all other duties as the Board may,
from time to time, impose. (1987, 1995)
§10.3.4.6: Treasurer. The Grand Treasurer shall be the
Treasurer of the Corporation and shall be the custodian of all
moneys contained in the several funds under the control of the
Board. He shall pay out the said funds only on proper vouchers
drawn by authority of the Board and signed by its Secretary or
Chief Executive Officer. The original orders upon which such
funds are paid out shall be returned to the Board and filed in
the office of the Secretary at the time of the annual audit of the
Board's accounts. (1963, 1987, 1995)

§10.3.5: Employees
§10.3.5.1: The Board of Trustees shall employ an
Administrator, subject to the approval of the Member's Board
of Directors, who shall have charge and management of the
Home under such rules, regulations and directives as may be
prescribed by the Board. (1963, 1987, 1995, 1998)
§10.3.5.2: The Board may require any employee to give bonds
for the faithful performance of duties and for proper accounting
for all funds and property in their charge. (1987, 1995)

§10.3.6: Compensation
§10.3.6.1: The compensation of all agents, employees, officers
and representatives of the Corporation shall be fixed by the
Board of Trustees or in accordance with the method for such
determination which is established by it. (1998)

ARTICLE IV

§10.4: Committees and Their Reports

§10.4.1: The Board of Trustees may designate one or more
committees, each of which will consist of a least one-committee
chairperson and one or more committee members. Committee
members may be members of the Board of Trustees or other
interested individuals. The President will appoint the
chairperson and members of the committee. (1998)
(Reprinted 2008) 263
§10.4.2: The studies, findings and recommendations of all
committees will be reported to the Board of Trustees for
consideration and action, except as otherwise ordered by the
Board of Trustees. Committees may adopt such rules for the
conduct of business as are appropriate and as are not
inconsistent with these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation or
state law. (1998)

ARTICLE V

§10.5: Indemnification and Insurance

§10.5.1: Indemnification of Trustees, Officers and
Employees
§10.5.1.1: The Corporation shall indemnify and pay in advance
the defense expense of any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, by reason of the fact that
he or she is or was a Trustee, officer, partner, employee or
agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of
the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another foundation, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not for profit, to
the fullest extent permitted by the Michigan Nonprofit
Corporation Act, as it exists or is hereafter amended, against
all expenses (including attorney's fees), liability (including
without limitation liability for money damages for breach of
fiduciary duty) and loss reasonably incurred in connection
therewith.
§10.5.1.2: No repeal or modification of this Article shall
adversely affect any right of any person existing at the time of
or with respect to any acts or omissions occurring before such
repeal or modification.

§10.5.2: Insurance
§10.5.2.1: The Corporation shall have power to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of any person in accordance with
the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act.
264 (Reprinted 2008)
 ARTICLE VI

§10.6: Conflict of Interest

§10.6.1: Statement of Policy
§10.6.1.1: It is the policy of the Corporation that all officers,
trustees, committee members and employees of the Corporation
avoid conflict between their individual interests and the
interests of the Corporation in actions taken by them on behalf
of the Corporation.
§10.6.1.2: A contract or other transaction between the
Corporation and one or more of its Trustees or Officers, or
between the Corporation and an entity of any type in which one
or more of the Corporation's Trustees or Officers are Directors
or Officers, or are otherwise interested, is not avoid or voidable
solely because of such common directorship, officership or
interest, or solely because such Trustees are present at the
meeting of the Board of Trustees or committee thereof at which
such contract or transaction is acted upon, or solely because
their votes are counted for such purpose, if any of the following
conditions are satisfied:
(a) The contract or other transaction is fair and reasonable
to the Corporation when it is authorized, approved or
ratified; or
(b) The material facts as to such Trustee's relationship or
interest and as to the contract or transaction are
disclosed or known to the Board of Trustees or
committee thereof and the Board of Trustees or
committee thereof authorizes, approves or ratifies the
contract or transaction by a vote sufficient for the
purpose without counting the vote of any common or
interested Trustee; or
(c) The material facts as to such Trustee's relationship or
interest and as to the contract or transaction are
disclosed or known to the Board of Trustees and the
Board authorizes, approves or ratifies the contract or
transaction.

(Reprinted 2008) 265

§10.6.1.3: A contract or transaction involving a possible conflict
of interest awarded by the Trustees may nevertheless be
disapproved by the Member's Board of Directors. (1998)
§10.6.1.4: In weighing any contract or transaction, the
Trustees and/or Directors must consider the appearance of the
transaction to the Craft, recognizing that contracts which may
be legal may nevertheless have the appearance of impropriety
and may cause confusion to those not fully conversant with all
of the details. (1998)

§10.6.2: Procedure in Event of Potential Conflict of

Interest
§10.6.2.1: In the event that any officer, trustee, committee
member or employee of the Corporation has any direct or
indirect interest in, or relationship with, any individual or
entity which proposes to enter into any transaction with the
Corporation, such officer, trustee, committee member or
employee shall give the Board of Trustees notice of such
interest or relationship and shall refrain from voting or
otherwise attempting to exert any influence on the
Corporation, its Board of Trustees or its committees, to affect
its decision whether to participate in such transaction.

ARTICLE VII

§10.7: Annual Audits and Fiscal Year

§10.7.1: Annual Audits
§10.7.1.1: There shall be an annual audit of the financial
statements of the Corporation by an independent certified
public accountant selected by the "Member." (1998)

§10.7.2: Fiscal Year

§10.7.2.1: The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the same
as the fiscal year of the Grand Lodge.

266 (Reprinted 2008)

 ARTICLE VIII

§10.8: Miscellaneous Provisions

§10.8.1: Expenditure Approval
§10.8.1.1: The Board of Trustees shall designate officers or
agents to approve expenses and sign checks, drafts or other
obligations for the payment of money. (1998)

§10.8.2: Method of Giving Notices

§10.8.2.1: Any notice required by statute or by these Bylaws to
be given to the Trustees, or to any officers of the Corporation,
unless otherwise provided herein or in any statute, shall be
given by mailing to such Trustee or officer at such Trustee's or
officer's last address as appears on the records of the
Corporation and such notice shall be deemed to have been
given at the time of such mailing. (1998)

§10.8.3: Amendments
§10.8.3.1: These Bylaws may be altered or amended only by
the "Member" in session. (1998)

§10.8.4: Additional Rules

§10.8.4.1: The Board of Trustees shall have the control,
management and supervision of the Corporation and may
make and adapt rules and regulations for its own organization
and government and for the government, control and admission
of residents into the facilities operated by the Corporation,
subject, however, to the orders and directions of and rules for
the management of the Corporation's facilities which may be
adopted by the Grand Lodge. (1994, 1996, 1998)

(Reprinted 2008) 267

268 (Reprinted 2008)
 § 11

ADOPTED REGULATIONS
OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC HOME

(Reprinted 2008) 269

270 (Reprinted 2008)
 REGULATIONS
ADOPTED BY THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC HOME

§11.1: Regulations for Admission to the Home

§11.1.1: Individuals meeting one of the following criteria
shall be deemed an affiliated member: (2004)
(a) A Master Mason who has been in continuous good
standing in a Michigan lodge for at least ten (10) years
prior to the filing of the application. (1987)
A Master Mason who became such by affiliation from
another Grand Jurisdiction will be credited with
continuous good standing in such other Grand
Jurisdiction, provided that such continuous good
standing was immediately prior to his affiliation with
the Grand Lodge of Michigan and, further, that he
must have been a member in good standing in the
other Grand Jurisdiction for at least five (5) successive
years prior to his affiliation with the Grand Lodge of
Michigan. Furthermore, such Master Mason must also
have been a member of a Michigan lodge in continuous
good standing therein for at least five (5) years prior to
the filing of the application for admission.
(b) The wife or mother of such a Master Mason. (1991)
(c) The widow or mother of a deceased Master Mason who,
at the time of his death, was qualified for admission
under the provisions of subsection (a) above.
(d) A female member of the Order of the Eastern Star,
provided her membership in a Michigan Chapter of the
Order of the Eastern Star has continued in good

(Reprinted 2008) 271

 standing for the times specified for Master Masons in
subsection (a). (1987)
(e) An employee of the Michigan Masonic Home or the
Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Michigan who retires with
twenty (20) or more continuous years of service and
their spouse. (1991)
(f) In exceptional cases or under extraordinary
circumstances, the Board, in its discretion, may grant
admission when the applicant is not qualified under
these rules. (1976, 1991)
(g) The Board may adopt policies and procedures
consistent with applicable provisions of the Blue Book,
establishing additional criteria that an individual must
satisfy in order to be deemed an affiliated member.
(1991, 2004)
§11.1.2: Application for admission must be recommended by
a lodge or a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star or other
recommendations as allowed by the Board and shall be made
on applications provided by the Board. No application will be
considered until the same has been completely filled out in
accordance with accompanying instructions and until the
Board's investigation is completed.
§11.1.3: It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Trustees
to adopt policies and procedures governing the admission of
residents to, and care provided by, the Michigan Masonic
Home. Such policies shall comply with all current applicable
laws and regulations to which the Home is subject and shall be
amended or changed as necessary to comply with laws and
regulations then in effect. Further: (1987, 1991, 2004)
(a) Masonic Home residents have priority over non-
residents.
(b) Affiliated applicants {as defined in §11.1.1 subsections
(a) through (e)} shall be given preference and priority
admission status for general admissions over any non-
affiliated applicants.

272 (Reprinted 2008)

 (c) Affiliated applicants meeting clinical-program criteria
for medical specialties offered at the Home shall be
given preference over any non-affiliated applicants to
the medical specialty.
(d) Non-affiliated applicants meeting clinical-program
criteria for medical specialties offered at the Home
shall be given preference over any affiliated applicants
who do not meet clinical program criteria to the
medical specialty.
(e) Provided, however, that all applicants be eligible for
admission according to policies and procedures then in
effect as duly adopted by the Board of Trustees.
§11.1.4: Except as provided in §11.1.6, applicants for
admission shall not have expended, depleted or divested
themselves of any part of their assets, except for their own
living costs and other documented personal expenses, within
the time frame specified by the Michigan Medicaid regulations
then in effect. The Board shall require applicants violating this
Section to make payment in full for all services provided to
them as a condition of continued residency at the Home. (1987,
1991, 1995, 1998, 2004)
§11.1.5: Except as provided in §11.1.6, any resident of the
Home shall not expend, deplete or divest any part of their
assets from the date of admission to the Home and for as long
as the applicant is a resident of the Home, except for ordinary
living costs and expenses. The Board shall require residents
violating this section to make payment in full for all services
provided to them as a condition of continued residency at the
Home. (1979, 1987, 1,991, 1995, 1998, 2004)
§11.1.6: The Board of Trustees may override the transfer
provisions of §11.1.4 and §11.1.5 in those instances where it
has determined that extraordinary circumstances exist. (1998,
2004)

§11.2: Outside Relief

§11.2.1: Applications for Outside Relief shall be made to the
Board by the lodge or a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern

(Reprinted 2008) 273

Star of which the proposed recipient is a member and shall be
made on forms provided by the Board. (1991)
§11.2.2: In all Outside Relief cases, the lodge or the Chapter
of the Order Of the Eastern Star making the application shall
pay a percentage of the amount requested or granted by the
Board in accordance with the provisions of §11.2.3. Upon
notification of the action of the Board, the lodge or the Chapter
of the Order of the Eastern Star shall send its share before the
first of each month. The Board may delay payment of Outside
Relief to the beneficiary until the remittance from the lodge or
the Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star shall have been
received at the Masonic Home. (1991)
§11.2.3: The percentage to be paid by a lodge or a Chapter of
the Order of the Eastern Star as their share of Outside Relief
requested by them and granted by the Masonic Home Board,
shall be 10%, with a yearly limit of $500 per individual. (2005)
§11.2.4: The Board may, in cases where it deems it wise to do
so, aid persons who are not residents of the Masonic Home.
Such aid is to be paid out of the Outside Relief Fund. (1991)
§11.2.5: The following may be granted Outside Relief, at the
discretion of the Board:
(a) All those eligible for admission to the Home when, in
the opinion of the Board, they can be better or more
economically cared for at their places of residence than
at the Home. (1973, 1991)
(b) The Board may, in its discretion, grant Outside Relief
in exceptional cases when the applicant has not been a
member for the required time. (1973, 1991)
(c) Those otherwise qualified for admission to the Home,
but who by reason of disease, mental or physical
infirmity or other causes are not admissible. (1973)
(d) Payment of Outside Relief will be stopped in the case of
any recipient who shall be found to have concealed or
misrepresented any fact upon which the grant was
allowed. (1973, 1991)

274 (Reprinted 2008)

 (e) Payment of Outside Relief may be granted by the
Board, on its own motion, in all cases where the
proposed beneficiary is an Officer or a Past Officer of
the Grand Lodge, or has rendered the Grand Lodge
distinguished service, or to the destitute widow or
orphan of such person or persons, in a sum sufficient to
provide for their proper support and maintenance, to be
paid out of the Outside Relief Fund without request
from a constituent lodge or a Chapter of the Order of
the Eastern Star as required in §11.2.2 and without
contribution thereto by the lodge or the Chapter of the
Order of the Eastern Star as required by §11.2.3. (1973,
1991)
§11.2.6: The Board will not assist in reimbursing Relief
Boards of other Masonic Grand Jurisdictions for moneys
expended in assisting members of this Grand Jurisdiction,
unless its agreement to do so is first obtained. Such permission
will be granted only on application of the lodge or the Chapter
of the Order of the Eastern Star of which the person to be
relieved is a member and then only when such lodge or
Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star contributes at least
one-half of the total relief extended. (1973, 1991)
§11.2.7: No Outside Relief will be granted in any case, unless
the budget for that purpose is sufficient to meet all demands
thereon existing when a grant is made. (1973, 1991)
§11.2.8: The Board will not in any year make or continue
grants for Outside Relief, unless there shall be funds on hand
sufficient to provide for the same. Should the fund for this
purpose be insufficient, grants previously approved will be
reduced as the Board may determine. The lodge or the Chapter
of the Order of the Eastern Star whose member is in receipt of
relief, will be advised when any grant is reduced or
discontinued and the reason therefore. (1973, 1991)
§11.2.9: All grants of Outside Relief shall be subject to
discontinuance at the discretion of the Board. (1973, 1991)
§11.2.10: All grants for Outside Relief shall be made in such
amounts as shall be deemed appropriate by the Board for each

(Reprinted 2008) 275

individual found entitled thereto under these rules. (1973,
1991, 2005)

§11.3: Amendments to these Regulations

§11.3.1: Amendments to these Regulations of the Masonic
Home Board shall be made only as prescribed in §3.13.2.
§11.3.2: Provided, however, that by a majority vote of the
Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge and the approval of the
Grand Master, such changes in the Regulations may be made
as necessary to best protect the interests of the Residents of the
Home and of the Fraternity at all times. Any such changes
shall be presented for review at the next Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge and shall be either ratified
or rejected at that time. (1976, 1991)

276 (Reprinted 2008)

 § 12

ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

(Reprinted 2008) 277

278 (Reprinted 2008)
 ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
___________________________

ACT OF INCORPORATION
___________________________

ARTICLE I

REGISTERED IN
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
STATE OF MICHIGAN, (JUNE 1, 1995)
IN CONFORMITY WITH
ACT NO. 162 PUBLIC ACTS 1982, AS AMENDED
___________________________

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE

MICHIGAN MASONIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

ARTICLE II
Purposes
§12.2.1: The purposes for which the Michigan Masonic
Charitable Foundation (the "Corporation") is organized are:
(2006)
(a) To operate exclusively for the purpose set forth in
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), including, for such purposes,
the making of distributions to organizations that
qualify as exempt organizations under code Section
501(c)(3).
(Reprinted 2008) 279
 (b) To receive and administer funds for charitable
purposes; to acquire, invest, dispose of and deal with
real and personal property and interests therein; and
to apply gifts, grants, contributions, bequests and
devises, and the income and proceeds thereof, in
furtherance of the purposes of the Corporation, with all
the powers conferred upon it by the provisions of the
Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act (the "Act") and by
the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the
Corporation. (2004, 2006)
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles,
the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities
not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt
from federal income tax under Code Section 501(c)(3) or
by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible
under Code Section 170(c)(2).
(d) No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall
inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its
Trustees, Officers or other private persons, except that
the Corporation shall be authorized to pay reasonable
compensation for services rendered and to make
payments in furtherance of the purposes set forth in
Article II.
(e) No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation
shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise
attempting to influence legislation, except as provided
in Code Section 501(h), and the Corporation shall not
participate in or intervene in (including the publishing
or distribution of statements) any political campaign on
behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public
office.

ARTICLE III
Dissolution
§12.3.1: In the event of dissolution of the Corporation, the
Board of Trustees shall cause the assets of the Corporation to
be distributed as follows:

280 (Reprinted 2008)

 (a) All liabilities of the Corporation shall be paid or
adequate provisions shall be made for payment.
(b) All of the corporation's remaining assets, real and
personal, shall be distributed to such organization as is
so qualified as the Board of Trustees shall determine.
Any such assets not so disposed of, for whatever
reason, shall be disposed of by order of the Circuit
Court for the County of Gratiot, Michigan, to such
organization or organizations as said court shall
determine, which are organized and operated
exclusively for charitable purposes. (2006)

ARTICLE IV
Liability Limitations
§12.4.1: To the full extent permitted by law, no volunteer
Trustee of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the
Corporation or its members for damages for breach of the
Trustee's fiduciary duty.
(a) To the full extent permitted by law, the Corporation
assumes all liability to any person other than the
Corporation or its members for all acts or omissions of
a volunteer Trustee.
(b) To the full extent permitted by law, the Corporation
assumes the liability for all acts or omissions of a non
director volunteer.

(Reprinted 2008) 281

282 (Reprinted 2008)
 § 13

BYLAWS
OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

(Reprinted 2008) 283

284 (Reprinted 2008)
 BYLAWS OF
MICHIGAN MASONIC
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

(A MICHIGAN NONPROFIT CORPORATION)

ARTICLE I

§13.1: Membership and Powers

§13.1.1: Membership
§13.1.1.1: Membership in the Michigan Masonic Charitable
Foundation Corporation shall be limited to the Grand Lodge F.
& A.M. of the State of Michigan. (1998, 2006)

§13.1.2: Meetings
§13.1.2.1: An annual meeting of the Grand Lodge shall be
held at such date, hour and month, and at such place, as shall
be determined by the Grand Lodge, for the purpose of electing
Trustees and for transacting such other business as may
properly be brought before the meeting.
(a) Special meetings of the Grand Lodge may be called at
any time at the request of the Grand Lodge.
(b) The Grand Lodge may adjourn any meeting to another
time and place.
(c) Any meeting of the Grand Lodge may be held at the
principal office of the Corporation, or at any other place
(either within or outside of the State of Michigan) and
at such time as is designated in the Notice of the
meeting.

§13.1.3: Voting
§13.1.3.1: The voting representative of the Grand Lodge shall
be the Grand Master unless the Grand Lodge has authorized
otherwise.
(Reprinted 2008) 285
§13.1.3.2: The Grand Lodge may authorize other persons to
act for it. Such authorization shall be signed by the Grand
Master and is not valid after the expiration of one year from its
date unless otherwise provided in the authorization. An
authorization is revocable at the pleasure of the Grand Lodge,
except as otherwise provided by law.
§13.1.3.3: The following actions are specifically reserved to
the Grand Lodge and not delegated to the Board of Trustees:
(a) Approval of the annual capital and operating budgets
for the Corporation.
(b) Approval of any borrowing, as recommended by the
Board of Trustees.
(c) Any amendments of these Bylaws.
(d) The adoption, approval and amendment of an
investment policy for the funds of the Corporation.
§13.1.3.4: Any action required or permitted to be taken at an
annual or special meeting of the Grand Lodge may be taken
without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a
consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed
by the Grand Lodge. Said written consents shall be filed with
the minutes of the proceedings of the Corporation and shall, for
all purposes, have the same effect as a vote of the Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE II

§13.2: Trustees and Quorum

§13.2.1: Board of Trustees
§13.2.1.1: Except as specifically provided in the Articles of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, all rights and responsibilities
related to the management and control of the Corporation are
vested in the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees may
take any lawful action on behalf of the Corporation which is not
by law or by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws
required to be taken by some other party.

286 (Reprinted 2008)

§13.2.1.2: There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of a
minimum of twelve (12) members. The Directors of the Grand
Lodge shall all be members of the Board in addition to a
minimum of six elected members. The Michigan Masonic
Charitable Foundation Board shall nominate a slate of the
appropriate number of candidates for consideration of the
delegates at each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Master may preside at any meeting of the Board.
(1998, 2006)
§13.2.1.3: The elected members of the Board of Trustees of
the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation shall be elected
at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Each term
shall be for a period of three years. Initially, the election shall
be staggered in terms of one, two and three years. Failure on
the part of any elected member to attend three consecutive
regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be cause for
immediate removal of said member of the Board. In the event
of the death, resignation or removal of a member of the Board,
the unexpired term may be filled by an appointment with a
two-thirds (2/3) positive vote of the remaining Board Members.
(1998, 2006)
§13.2.1.4: All vacancies on the Board, whether by expiration
of term of office, death, resignation or any other cause, shall be
filled in accordance with the preceding §13.2.1.3 for the full,
unexpired term. (1998)
§13.2.1.5: Annual meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be
held within three (3) months of the close of the fiscal year of the
Corporation, at a place and time as the Board of Trustees shall
determine, for the election of officers and for the transaction of
any other business which may come before such meeting.
§13.2.1.6: In addition to the annual meeting, the Board of
Trustees shall hold four (4) regular meetings a year, at a time
and place determined by the Board of Trustees.
§13.2.1.7: Special meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be
called on the request of the Chairman or any two other
members of the Board of Trustees.

(Reprinted 2008) 287

§13.2.1.8: Written notice shall be given to the Trustees at
least ten (10), but not more than sixty (60), days prior to all
regular meetings of the Board of Trustees. Special meetings of
the Board of Trustees shall be held upon five (5) day written
notice mailed to the members of the Board of Trustees. Only
the subjects specified in the call of the special meeting shall be
discussed at the meeting.
§13.2.1.9: Notwithstanding the foregoing, no notice need be
given to any Trustee who submits a signed waiver of notice
before or after a meeting, or who attends a meeting without
protesting any lack of notice.
§13.2.1.10: The Board of Trustees may adopt additional
rules for the conduct of meetings and for the conduct of the
affairs of the Corporation, not inconsistent with the Articles of
Incorporation or these Bylaws.

§13.2.2: Quorum
§13.2.2.1: A majority of the Board of Trustees shall
constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business at
any meeting of the Board of Trustees.
§13.2.2.2: A majority of the Trustees present, whether or not
a quorum, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place.
Notice of such adjourned meeting shall be given even though
the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at
which the adjournment is taken.
§13.2.2.3: Any action required or permitted to be taken
pursuant to an authorized vote at any meeting of the Board of
Trustees or a committee thereof, may be taken without a
meeting if, before or after the action, all members of the Board
of Trustees or the committee consent thereto in writing.
§13.2.2.4: A member of the board of Trustees or of a
committee may participate in a meeting by means of conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by which all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.
Participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section constitutes
presence in person at the meeting.

288 (Reprinted 2008)

§13.2.2.5: The vote of a majority of the Trustees present at a
meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the
Board of Trustees, unless a greater vote is required by Law, by
the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws. Trustees may
not vote by proxy.
§13.2.2.6: Each Trustee shall be entitled to the mileage and
per-diem established for Grand Lodge Communications, the
same to be paid as part of the expense of maintaining the
facilities of the Corporation.
§13.2.2.7: In case of a tie vote, the member presiding may
cast the deciding vote in addition to his own.

ARTICLE III

§13.3: Officers and their Duties

§13.3.1: Officers
§13.3.1.1: The officers of the Corporation shall be Chairman,
President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The
President, Vice President and Secretary shall be chosen from
among the Trustees and who shall be elected by the Board of
Trustees at each annual meeting. The Board of Trustees may
appoint other officers as it deems advisable, who need not be
Trustees and who shall have such authority and shall perform
such duties as may be prescribed by the Board. In addition to
the powers set forth in these Bylaws, the officers shall have
such authority and shall perform such duties as may be
determined by the Board of Trustees.
§13.3.1.2: Each officer shall serve for a term of one year or
until a successor is elected. Any officer may serve consecutive
terms. A vacancy in any office shall be filled by vote of the
Board of Trustees. A person elected to fill a vacancy shall serve
for the balance of the unexpired term.
§13.3.1.3: Any officer may be removed at any time, with or
without cause, by the vote of a majority of the Board of
Trustees.

(Reprinted 2008) 289

§13.3.2: Duties
§13.3.2.1: The duties of all officers shall be as set forth in
these Bylaws and as specifically established by the Board of
Trustees.
§13.3.2.2: Chairman. The Grand Master shall be the
Chairman of the Board and shall preside, if he chooses, at all
meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall
appoint, with the approval of the Board of Trustees, the
chairman and members of all committees and shall be an ex-
officio member of all committees.
§13.3.2.3: President. The President shall preside at all
meetings of the Board of Trustees, shall act as the Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation and, subject to the
direction of the Board of Trustees, shall have general powers of
management of the affairs of the Corporation. The President
shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
§13.3.2.4: Vice President. In the absence or disability of the
President, or in the event of (and during the period of) vacancy
in that office, the Vice President shall have the powers and
perform the duties of the President. The Vice President shall
perform other duties as requested by the President.
§13.3.2.5: Secretary. The Secretary shall keep in permanent
form a record of all meetings of the Board of Trustees and shall
send out notices of all Board of Trustees meetings.
§13.3.2.6: Treasurer. The Grand Treasurer shall be the
Treasurer of the Corporation, shall have general charge of the
finances of the Corporation and shall deposit all funds of the
corporation in bank(s) selected by the Board of Trustees. The
Treasurer shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and
disbursements of the Corporation in books open at all times to
the inspection of the Board of Trustees and shall make such
reports to the Board of Trustees as it may require.
§13.3.2.7: The Board of Trustees shall designate officers or
agents to approve expenses and sign checks or other obligations
for the payment of money.

290 (Reprinted 2008)

§13.3.2.8: No loans and no renewals of any loans shall be
contracted on behalf of the Corporation except when
specifically authorized by the Grand Lodge upon
recommendation of the Board of Trustees. The authority
contained in the Section shall be express and confined to
specific instances.

§13.3.3: Compensation
§13.3.3.1: The compensation of all agents, employees and
representatives of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board
of Trustees or in accordance with the method for such
determination which is established by it.

ARTICLE IV

§13.4: Committees
§13.4.1: The Board of Trustees may designate one or more
committees, each of which will consist of at least one committee
chairperson and one or more committee members. Committee
members may be members of the Board of Trustees or other
interested individuals. The members of the committee and its
chairman will be appointed by the Chairman.
§13.4.2: The studies and recommendations of all
committees will be reported to the Board of Trustees for
consideration and action. Committees may adopt rules for the
conduct of business not inconsistent with these Bylaws, the
Articles of Incorporation or state law.

ARTICLE V

§13.5: Indemnification of Trustees, Officers and

Employees
§13.5.1: The Corporation shall indemnify and pay in
advance the defense expenses of any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, by reason of
(Reprinted 2008) 291
the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, partner,
trustee, employee or agent of another foundation, corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether
for profit or not for profit to the fullest extent permitted by the
Act, as it exists or is hereafter amended, against all expenses
(including attorneys' fees), liability (including without
limitation liability for money damages for breach of fiduciary
duty) and loss reasonably incurred in connection therewith. No
repeal or modification of the Article shall adversely affect any
right of any person existing at the time of or with respect to
any acts or omissions occurring before, such repeal or
modification.
§13.5.2: The Corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person in accordance with the Act.

ARTICLE VI

§13.6: Real and Potential Conflict of Interest

§13.6.1: Conflict of Interest
§13.6.1.1: It is the policy of the Corporation that all officers,
Trustees, committee members and employees of the
Corporation avoid conflict between their individual interests
and the interests of the Corporation in actions taken by them
on behalf of the Corporation.
§13.6.1.2: A contract or other transaction between the
Corporation and one or more of its Trustees or officers, or
between the Corporation and an entity of any type in which one
or more of the Corporation's Trustees or officers are Trustees or
officers, or are otherwise interested, is not void or voidable
solely because of such common Trusteeship, officership or
interest, or solely because such Trustees are present at the
meeting of the Board of Trustees or committee thereof at which
such contract or transaction is acted upon or solely because
their votes are counted for such purpose, if any of the following
conditions is satisfied:

292 (Reprinted 2008)

 (a) The contract or other transaction is fair and reasonable
to the Corporation when it is authorized, approved or
ratified; or
(b) The material facts as to such Trustee's relationship or
interest and as to the contract or transaction are
disclosed or known to the Board of Trustees or
committee thereof and the Board of Trustees or
committee thereof authorizes, approves or ratifies the
contract or transaction of a vote sufficient for the
purpose without counting the vote of any common or
interested Trustee; or
(c) The material facts as to such Trustee's relationship or
interest and as to the contract or transaction are
disclosed or known to the Grand Lodge, and the Grand
Lodge authorizes, approves or ratifies the contract or
transaction.

§13.6.2: Procedure in the Event of Potential Conflict of

Interest
§13.6.2.1: In the event that any officer, trustee, committee
member or employee of the Corporation has any direct or
indirect interest in or relationship with, any individual or
entity which proposes to enter into any transaction with the
Corporation, such officer, trustee, committee member or
employee shall give the Board of Trustees notice of such
interest or relationship and shall refrain from voting or
otherwise attempting to exert an influence on the Corporation,
its Board of Trustees, or its committees, to affect its decision
whether to participate in such transaction.

ARTICLE VII

§13.7: Audits and Fiscal Year

§13.7.1: Annual Audit
§13.7.1.1: There shall be an annual audit of the financial
statements of the Corporation by an independent certified
public accountant selected by the Grand Lodge.
(Reprinted 2008) 293
§13.7.2: Fiscal Year
§13.7.2.1: The Fiscal Year of the Corporation shall be the
same as the fiscal year of the Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE VIII

§13.8: Method of Giving Notice and Bonds

§13.8.1: Method of Giving Notice
§13.8.1.1: Any notice required by statute or by these Bylaws
to be given, unless otherwise provided herein or in any statute,
shall be mailed to the last address on the records of the
Corporation, and such notice shall be deemed to have been
given at the time of such mailing.

§13.8.2: Bonds
§13.8.2.1: Fidelity bonds shall be required of the Officers or
the Board of Trustees as the Board of Trustees deems proper.
The cost of said bonds shall be an expense of the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX

§13.9: Amendments
§13.9.1: These Bylaws may be altered or amended only by
the Grand Lodge in session.

294 (Reprinted 2008)

 § 14

GRAND LODGE
ORPHANS COMMITTEE
BYLAWS

(Reprinted 2008) 295

296 (Reprinted 2008)
 GRAND LODGE
ORPHANS RELIEF AND
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
COMMITTEE BYLAWS
______________________

§14.1: The committee shall meet prior to Grand Lodge as

prescribed in Grand Lodge Bylaws. An organizational meeting
shall be held at the close of the Annual Communication.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairman or by a
majority of the members of the committee. (1971)
§14.2: At the organizational meeting, held at the close of the
Annual Communication, the committee shall elect a Chairman
and a Secretary. The Chairman shall preside at meetings in
the absence of the Grand Master, or when the Grand Master
does not choose to preside. In the absence of both the Grand
Master and the Chairman, the member whose term of office is
first to expire, shall preside. In case of a tie vote, the member
presiding may cast the deciding vote in addition to his own. At
all meetings, there shall be present at least three members of
the committee before any action shall be legal.
§14.3: The committee may elect one of its members as
Secretary, or may, at its discretion, elect some person who is
not a member of the committee as its Secretary, who shall have
no vote on any matters, unless he shall be legally appointed as
one of the five members of the committee.
(a) It shall be the duty of the Secretary to supply to the
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, once each month,
a list of recommended expenditures for its
beneficiaries, which list, shall be considered
authorization for the issuance of checks by the Grand
Secretary. A copy of such list shall be sent to all
members of the committee.
(b) The Secretary, if a non-member of the committee, shall
receive the same per diem and mileage as the

(Reprinted 2008) 297

 members, plus such other stipend as a majority of the
committee, approved by the Grand Master, shall see fit
to grant, provided that such financial expenditures
shall not exceed the budget allowance.
§14.4: The committee may authorize an investigation as to the
qualifications and requirements of orphans, whose need may
have been called to its attention, subject to the following
regulations.
The following are eligible for receipt of benefits from this
committee:
(a) Children under the age of eighteen years, whose father
was a Master Mason in good standing at the time of his
death.
(b) Children under the age of eighteen years, whose father
is a Master Mason, provided, such Master Mason is
incapacitated and was in good standing for at least five
years prior to his incapacity.
(c) Children under the age of eighteen years, whose
grandfather is or was, at the time of his death, a
Master Mason in good standing and whose father is
dead or not contributing to their support, provided,
however, that for such relief a majority vote of the
committee and the special approval of the Grand
Master is required.
§14.5: The financial assistance given by the committee shall be
considered as supplemental to the efforts of the guardian or
custodian in earning a living for their support, or to State aid
or Social Security which the family may be receiving, and
assistance shall not be given until efforts to procure the above
have been made or initiated. All requests for assistance shall
be made by the lodge in which the father or grandfather had
held a membership and the lodge should contribute at least ten
percent of the amount which shall be given. Checks for such
participation should be paid by the lodge at least twice per year
when billed by the Grand Secretary's Office.
§14.6: The application for assistance shall be executed by the
Worshipful Master and the Secretary of the lodge under its
298 (Reprinted 2008)
Seal, and a copy of the resolution authorizing the application
by the lodge shall be included in the original application.
§14.7: The committee shall require that each case shall be re-
investigated at least twice per year and the renewal
applications shall be signed by the Worshipful Master and the
Secretary.
§14.8: In the event that the case of a child of a Master Mason
or grandchild of a Master Mason shall be called to the attention
of the committee and the circumstances surrounding the case
do not conform to those prescribed above, consideration and
assistance may be given by the majority vote of the committee
and the special approval of the Grand Master, provided,
however, that such cases shall be subject to review once each
year, thereby requiring the specific approval of each Grand
Master.
§14.9: Children and grandchildren of Masons as listed in §14.4
regardless of age and whose high school records indicate they
are worthy, may receive assistance for higher education in the
form of loans or grants to be made upon such terms and
conditions as may be prescribed by the committee. In order to
make funds available for this purpose, the committee shall
prepare and submit to the Grand Lodge, at each Annual
Communication, an itemized and detailed budget of the sums
required for such loans or grants to be made from said funds
for the then fiscal year. (1954)

(Reprinted 2008) 299

300 (Reprinted 2008)
 § 15

MASONIC JEWELS
AUTHORIZED BY THE
GRAND LODGE

(Reprinted 2008) 301

302 (Reprinted 2008)
 MASONIC JEWELS
AUTHORIZED BY THE
GRAND LODGE

§15.1: Grand Masterʼs

Jewel
§15.1.1: The specifications of
the Grand Master’s Jewel shall
be as follows:
Metal – 14 karat fine gold,
except the wreath which is
16 karat green gold.
Weight – 37 dwt.
Diamond – 40 cwt., perfect blue-
white stone.
Bars – Top, with attaching pin
and locking device on
reverse side, wording on
the face “GRAND”.
Middle, has the official
emblem of The State of
Michigan, wording on the
face “TUEBOR” and “SI
QUAERIS PENINSULAM
AMOENAM
CIRCUMSPICE”.
Lower, wording on the face
“MASTER”, with the hour
glass and pair of
outstretched wings as
illustrated.
Pendant – Solid circular band,
surmounted with wreath

(Reprinted 2008) 303

 of leaves in green gold. Inserted in the wreath are three
medallions, each having a blue background. Within he
medallion to the left is a “Level”, to the right a “Trowel”
and in the lower part is the “All Seeing Eye”.
Surmounting the entire face of the pendant is a pair of
compasses extended to 60 degrees upon a fourth part of a
circle. In the center is a moonstone surrounded by
radiating light rays. The adjustment screw of the
compasses is surmounted with a 40 cwt. Perfect blue-
white diamond.
A solid ball ornament rigidly connects the pendant to the
hour glass located in the lower portion of the lower bar.
Ornaments – The full size illustration shows all the ornaments
on the Grand Master’s jewel.
Backing – The entire jewel is backed with a double strip of
purple silk velvet ribbon.
Jewel Case – The Grand Master’s jewel is enclosed in a leather
case marked in gold lettering “Grand Master”.

§15.2: Past Grand Masterʼs Jewel

§15.2.1: The Past Grand Master’s jewel was officially adopted
by the Grand Lodge of Michigan in the year 1910 (Grand Lodge
Bylaws §5.2.5.3). It is of the same design and material as the
Grand Master’s jewel, with the following exceptions:
Upper bar – attaching pin exposed to view. Bolder lettering in
the word “GRAND”.
Lower bar – In bold lettering is the word “LODGE”.
Pendant – The background on the face of the pendant is
composed of a wreath of leaves tied at the base with a
ribbon. Overlaying the wreath is the square, compasses
(extended to 60 degrees) and a quadrant. Inserted within
the square and compasses in the center of the pendant are

304 (Reprinted 2008)

 radiating light rays in the
center of which is a 50
cwt., perfect blue-white
diamond.
Attached to the rear of the
pendant is a circular gold
plate for engraving the
following wording:
Upper portion:
(1) Name of Past Grand
Master
(2) the words PAST
GRAND MASTER
Lower portion:
(3) PRESENTED
followed by the Date
of presentation
(4) BY GRAND LODGE
F. & A. M. OF
MICHIGAN
Backing – The entire jewel is
backed with a double strip
of purple silk velvet
ribbon.
Jewel Case – The Past Grand
Master’s jewel is enclosed
in a leather case marked
with the recipient’s name
stamped thereon in gold.

§15.3: Officersʼ Jewels

§15.3.1: The illustrations on the next two pages indicate the
proper emblems for Constituent and also Grand Lodge Officers’
jewels. The emblem, with or without the wreathed circle, may
be suspended from a suitable cord, to be placed around he
(Reprinted 2008) 305
officer’s neck, or it may be attached to the coat lapel by an
ornamental barred pin.

306 (Reprinted 2008)

§15.4: Past Masterʼs Jewel
§15.4.1: The accompanying illustration is a
suggestion for the Past Master’s jewel. The
designating emblem is composed of the square,
compasses and quadrant, in the center of which
are indicated light rays, embellished with a
moonstone or diamond. Gold metal is proper.

§15.5: Membership Award Lapel Buttons

§15.5.1: The following illustrations show approved designs of
lapel buttons for Membership Awards as adopted by the Grand
Lodge at the 1974 Annual Communication.
(Reprinted 2008) 307
§15.5.2: These lapel buttons may be obtained from the Grand
Lodge Office. The name of the recipient is required. (1974)

308 (Reprinted 2008)

INDEX

(Reprinted 2008) 309

310 (Reprinted 2008)
 INDEX

The Publications Committee had concerns about including page

numbers in the Index because, as paragraphs are modified,
added to and deleted, the pages upon which a particular item is
located will most likely change. Even with the initial printing
some of these pages may be incorrect as the paragraph may
flow from one page to another and therefore the actual item
may be on the preceding or following page. For this reason, you
should use the “2008 Page No.” as a start and then look for the
“Section Number” on pages near the one given.

2008
Section Page
Item Number No.

A
Acquittal .......................................................................................§8.5.2 ..............224
Act of Incorporation
Grand Lodge ............................................................................§1 ...................23
Masonic Associations..............................................................§9 .................245
Affiliated Mason
Affiliation of.........................................................................§4.28.3 .............120
Definition ........................................................................... §4.28.1.2............119
Affiliation by an
Affiliated Mason from Another Jurisdiction ...................§4.28.3 .............120
Unaffiliated Mason from Another Jurisdiction...............§4.28.4 .............121
Aid, Solicitation of ....................................................................... §4.11.................62
Alcoholic Beverages, Restriction in Lodge Room.....................§4.5.2 ................54
Allowances, Grand Lodge ...........................................................§5.5.2 ..............153
Amendments, Grand Lodge
Constitution.......................................................................... §3.13.................44
When to Take Effect ............................................................ §3.14.................46
Ample Form, Definition............................................................ §5.1.1.2.............137
Ancient Landmarks of Masonry ..................................................... .....................19
Annual Communication of Grand Lodge..................................§3.4.1 ................38
Appeals Committee of Grand Lodge .........................................§5.3.3 ..............146
Appeals to Grand Lodge ............................................................. §8.6................227
Aprons, Lodge ..............................................................................§4.8.4 ................60
Awards for Membership ............................................................. §4.26...............118

(Reprinted 2008) 311

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.

B
B.Y.O.B., Restriction................................................................. §4.5.2.6...............55
Ballot
Advancement.......................................................................§4.20.5 ...............94
Balloting Process ................................................................§4.20.2 ...............90
Membership.......................................................................... §4.20.................90
Objections ............................................................................§4.20.4 ...............93
Rejections.............................................................................§4.20.3 ...............92
Who may Ballot...................................................................§4.20.1 ...............90
Bar, Restriction ......................................................................... §4.5.2.6...............55
Bingo, Restriction................................................................... §4.5.3.1 (9)............57
Board of Directors
Grand Lodge .......................................................................... §1.3..................24
Limitation of Powers ........................................................... §2.11.................33
Reports to Grand Lodge ...................................................... §2.11.................34
Board of General Purposes
Makeup of the Board ........................................................ §5.11.4.2............185
Meetings of the Board ...................................................... §5.11.4.5............185
Officers of the Board......................................................... §5.11.4.7............186
Powers of the Board......................................................... §5.11.4.11 ..........186
Vacancy in Office, Additional ......................................... §5.11.4.14 ..........188
Board of General Purposes Members
Common Regulations .........................................................§5.11.1 .............177
Election ............................................................................. §5.11.1.10 ..........179
Requirements, Additional................................................ §5.11.4.3............185
Requirements .................................................................... §5.11.1.9............179
Responsibilities ................................................................ §5.11.4.13 ..........187
Vacancy in Office ............................................................. §5.11.1.14 ..........181
Board of Relief ............................................................................. §4.34...............133
Board of Trustees, Masonic Home............................................. §5.10...............176
Budget
Grand Lodge .......................................................................... §5.7................157
Presentation of Grand Lodge .............................................§5.7.2 ..............157
Button, Membership Award....................................................... §15.5...............307
Bylaws
Grand Lodge, Corporate.........................................................§2 ...................29
Grand Lodge ............................................................................§5 .................137

C
Candidates
General Regulations...........................................................§4.17.1 ...............84
Procedures ...........................................................................§4.17.3 ...............85
Qualifications of ..................................................................§4.17.2 ...............84

312 (Reprinted 2008)

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.
Changing Place of Lodge Meeting ............................................. §4.13.................63
Charges
Against Suspended Masons................................................§8.3.4 ..............213
Amending..............................................................................§8.3.6 ..............214
Answer to ..............................................................................§8.3.8 ..............216
Filing of .................................................................................§8.3.5 ..............213
How Made .............................................................................§8.3.2 ..............212
Masonic .................................................................................. §8.3................211
Reading of .............................................................................§8.3.6 ..............214
Service of...............................................................................§8.3.7 ..............215
Status of Accused.................................................................§8.3.9 ..............216
Summons ..............................................................................§8.3.7 ..............215
Unwritten .............................................................................§8.3.3 ..............213
Who May Prefer ...................................................................§8.3.1 ..............211
Charitable Foundation
Act of Incorporation ...............................................................§12 ................279
Amendment of Bylaws ........................................................ §13.9...............294
Annual Audit.......................................................................§13.7.1 .............293
Board of Trustees................................................................§13.2.1 .............286
Bonds....................................................................................§13.8.2 .............294
Bylaws .....................................................................................§13 ................285
Committees........................................................................... §13.4...............291
Compensation......................................................................§13.3.3 .............291
Conflict of Interest............................................................... §13.6...............292
Dissolution............................................................................ §12.3...............280
Duties of Officers ................................................................§13.3.2 .............290
Fiscal Year...........................................................................§13.7.2 .............294
Giving Notice.......................................................................§13.8.1 .............294
Indemnification .................................................................... §13.5...............291
Liability Limitations ........................................................... §12.4...............281
Meetings...............................................................................§13.1.2 .............285
Membership.........................................................................§13.1.1 .............285
Officers .................................................................................§13.3.1 .............289
Powers ..................................................................................§13.1.3 .............285
Purposes................................................................................ §12.2...............279
Quorum ................................................................................§13.2.2 .............288
Charter and Lights....................................................................... §4.2..................50
Clandestine, Definition...............................................................§3.8.2 ................40
Clothing and Jewels of Grand Lodge ........................................§5.1.3 ..............138
Clothing Worn in Lodge............................................................... §4.8..................59
Cocktail, Restriction.................................................................. §4.5.2.6...............55
Committees
Charitable Foundation ........................................................ §13.4...............291
Grand Lodge Appointment of .............................................§5.3.1 ..............145
Investigation......................................................................... §4.19.................89
Meetings of Grand Lodge....................................................§5.3.1 ..............145

(Reprinted 2008) 313

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.
Committees cont.
Orphans, Bylaws....................................................................§14 ................297
Standing Committees of Grand Lodge ............................... §5.3................145
Compensation
Board of General Purposes Member, Additional ......... §5.11.4.15 ..........188
DDI, RGL and BGP Member.......................................... §5.11.1.18 ..........182
Grand Lodge Allowances ....................................................§5.5.3 ..............153
Grand Lodge Communications...........................................§5.5.1 ..............151
Grand Lodge Salaries..........................................................§5.5.2 ..............152
Officers, Committees and Members ................................... §5.5................151
Regional Grand Lecturer ................................................. §5.11.3.7............184
Conferring Degrees ..................................................................... §4.23...............102
Constitution of Grand Lodge ........................................................§3 ...................37
Contingent Fund of Grand Lodge..............................................§5.7.6 ..............159
Corporate Rights of Lodges ........................................................§4.3.7 ................52
Correspondence and Communications .................................... §4.37...............134
Courtesy Degrees ........................................................................ §4.24...............104
Credentials Committee of Grand Lodge ...................................§5.3.7 ..............148

D
Declaration of Principles ................................................................. .....................13
Defunct Lodges ............................................................................§5.9.5 ..............173
Degree Teams .............................................................................§4.31.3 .............126
Degrees
Conferring............................................................................. §4.23...............102
Courtesy ................................................................................ §4.24...............104
Requested Work ................................................................... §4.24...............104
Demits
Definition .............................................................................§4.28.1 .............119
How Obtained......................................................................§4.28.2 .............119
Determination of Guilt or Innocence ........................................§8.5.1 ..............223
District Deputy Instructors
Common Regulations .........................................................§5.11.1 .............177
Duties ................................................................................. §5.11.2.2............182
Election ............................................................................. §5.11.1.10 ..........179
Requirements .................................................................... §5.11.1.9............179
Vacancy in Office ............................................................. §5.11.1.14 ..........181
Due Form, Definition ................................................................ §5.1.1.2.............137
Dues
Liability for..........................................................................§4.22.1 ...............97
Lodge ..................................................................................... §4.22.................97
Non-Payment of ..................................................................§4.22.3 ...............98
Remission of ........................................................................§4.22.2 ...............98
Restoration after Non-Payment ........................................§4.22.4 .............101

314 (Reprinted 2008)

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.
Duties
Deputy Grand Master .........................................................§5.2.2 ..............138
Grand Chaplain ...................................................................§5.2.7 ..............145
Grand Deacons .....................................................................§5.2.8 ..............145
Grand Lecturer ....................................................................§5.2.6 ..............143
Grand Lodge Officers ........................................................... §5.2................138
Grand Marshal.....................................................................§5.2.9 ..............145
Grand Master ....................................................................... §3.10.................41
Grand Secretary...................................................................§5.2.5 ..............140
Grand Tiler ..........................................................................§5.2.10 .............145
Grand Treasurer ..................................................................§5.2.4 ..............139
Grand Wardens ....................................................................§5.2.3 ..............139
of a Lodge ............................................................................... §4.4..................53
Other Lodge Officers ..........................................................§4.16.8 ...............84
Secretary ..............................................................................§4.16.7 ...............80
Treasurer .............................................................................§4.16.6 ...............79
Wardens ...............................................................................§4.16.5 ...............78
Worshipful Master..............................................................§4.16.4 ...............74

E
Election, Grand Lodge Officers................................................... §3.6..................39
Emblems, Masonic .....................................................................§4.31.1 .............124
Emergency Relief, Grand Lodge ................................................§5.7.8 ..............160
Employee Retirement Benefits..................................................§5.7.5 ..............159
Expulsion from Lodge ............................................................... §8.5.4.9.............226

F
Fees
Amount of ............................................................................§4.21.2 ...............95
Lodge ..................................................................................... §4.21.................95
Payment of...........................................................................§4.21.1 ...............95
Right to.................................................................................§4.21.3 ...............96
Fez, Restriction............................................................................§4.8.8 ................61
Finance Committee of Grand Lodge .........................................§5.3.4 ..............146
Fiscal Year of Grand Lodge........................................................§5.7.1 ..............157
Flag
Canadian..............................................................................§4.10.4 ...............62
United States of America...................................................§4.10.1 ...............62
Foreign Language, Use of in Lodge............................................ §4.9..................61
Fraternal Relations Committee of Grand Lodge .....................§5.3.6 ..............147
Funeral, Masonic........................................................................§4.33.1 .............129
Furniture of the Lodge................................................................. §4.7..................59

(Reprinted 2008) 315

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.

G
Games Of Chance, Restriction...................................................§4.5.3 ................56
Grand Lodge
Allowances ............................................................................§5.5.3 ..............153
Annual Communication ......................................................§3.4.1 ................38
Appeals Committee..............................................................§5.3.3 ..............146
Appeals................................................................................... §8.6................227
Budget .................................................................................... §5.7................157
Bylaws, Corporate ..................................................................§2 ...................29
Bylaws ......................................................................................§5 .................137
Clothing and Jewels ............................................................§5.1.3 ..............138
Compensation........................................................................ §5.5................151
Constitution, Amendments................................................. §3.13.................44
Constitution.............................................................................§3 ...................37
Credentials Committee .......................................................§5.3.7 ..............148
Duties of Officers .................................................................. §5.2................138
Finance Committee..............................................................§5.3.4 ..............146
Fiscal Year............................................................................§5.7.1 ..............157
Fraternal Relations Committee .........................................§5.3.6 ..............147
Grand Officers’ Reports.......................................................§5.8.1 ..............164
Honorary Rank..................................................................... §5.12...............188
Investments Committee.....................................................§5.3.13 .............151
Jurisprudence Committee ..................................................§5.3.2 ..............146
Landmarks Committee ......................................................§5.3.12 .............150
Lodges Committee ...............................................................§5.3.5 ..............147
Masonic Service and Education Committee .....................§5.3.9 ..............148
Membership..........................................................................§3.2.1 ................37
Officers ..................................................................................§3.3.1 ................38
Opening.................................................................................§5.1.1 ..............137
Order of Business.................................................................§5.1.2 ..............137
Orphans Committee ............................................................§5.3.8 ..............148
Penal Code ...............................................................................§8 .................205
Powers .................................................................................... §3.9..................40
Proxy .....................................................................................§5.1.4 ..............138
Publications Committee .....................................................§5.3.10 .............149
Qualification for Office ......................................................... §3.5..................39
Quorum .................................................................................§3.2.1 ................37
Regalia of DDI, RGL and BGP Member ....................... §5.11.1.16 ..........181
Regulations..............................................................................§4 ...................49
Reports of Lodges.................................................................§5.8.2 ..............165
Reports ................................................................................... §5.8................164
Revenues................................................................................ §5.6................154
Rules of Order .........................................................................§6 .................193
Salaries .................................................................................§5.5.2 ..............152

316 (Reprinted 2008)

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.
Grand Lodge cont.
Special Committees .............................................................. §5.4................151
Special Communication ......................................................§3.4.2 ................38
Standing Committees........................................................... §5.3................145
Strategic Planning Committee..........................................§5.3.11 .............150
Supremacy ............................................................................. §3.8..................40
Trials ...................................................................................... §8.9................232
Grand Lodge Budget
Approval and Adoption .......................................................§5.7.3 ..............158
Charity and Emergency Relief ...........................................§5.7.8 ..............160
Contingent Fund..................................................................§5.7.6 ..............159
Disposal of Certain Funds ..................................................§5.7.9 ..............160
Employee Retirement Benefits ..........................................§5.7.5 ..............159
Investment of Funds...........................................................§5.7.10 .............161
Limitations ...........................................................................§5.7.4 ..............158
Presentation .........................................................................§5.7.2 ..............157
Reserve Fund........................................................................§5.7.7 ..............159
Grand Master
Jewel...................................................................................... §15.1...............303
Powers, Limitation .............................................................§3.10.2 ...............44
Powers ................................................................................... §3.10.................41
Summary Trial..................................................................... §8.10...............234
Grand Officers
Duties ..................................................................................... §5.2................138
Powers and Duties ............................................................... §3.11.................44
Guilt or Innocence, Determination of .......................................§8.5.1 ..............223

H
Handbook for Lodge Secretaries................................................. §2.6..................30
Hat, Master’s ...............................................................................§4.8.2 ................60
Honorary Membership...............................................................§4.25.6 .............111
Honorary Rank ............................................................................ §5.12...............188

I
Immortality of the Soul ................................................................... .....................19
Incorporation of Grand Lodge.......................................................§1 ...................23
Inherent Rights of Lodges ..........................................................§4.3.3 ................50
Installation of Lodge Officers....................................................§4.16.3 ...............73
Insurance on the Lodge ............................................................... §4.7..................59
Investigating Committee............................................................ §4.19.................89
Investment of Grand Lodge Funds ..........................................§5.7.10 .............161
Investments Committee of Grand Lodge.................................§5.3.13 .............151

(Reprinted 2008) 317

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.

J
Jewel
Grand Master ....................................................................... §15.1...............303
Officers .................................................................................. §15.3...............305
Past Grand Master .............................................................. §15.2...............304
Past Master .......................................................................... §15.4...............307
Joint Occupancy of Halls ............................................................ §4.30...............123
Jurisdiction
Exclusive ...............................................................................§8.2.2 ..............211
Five Year Limitation ..........................................................§4.14.8 ...............66
of a Lodge .............................................................................. §4.14.................64
Offenses.................................................................................. §8.2................210
Penal.................................................................................. §4.14.2(a).............64
Territorial of a Lodge .........................................................§4.14.5 ...............65
Violation of...........................................................................§4.14.9 ...............66
Who Has................................................................................§8.2.1 ..............210
Jurisprudence Committee of Grand Lodge ..............................§5.3.2 ..............146

L
Landmarks Committee of Grand Lodge ..................................§5.3.12 .............150
Landmarks, Ancient ........................................................................ .....................19
Legal Information, Definition ...................................................§4.32.3 .............128
Liability for Dues .......................................................................§4.22.1 ...............97
Life Membership ........................................................................§4.25.7 .............112
Liquor Control Commission .......................................................§2.8.3 ................31
Lodge
Aprons ...................................................................................§4.8.4 ................60
Charter and Lights ............................................................... §4.2..................50
Clothing.................................................................................. §4.8..................59
Definition ..............................................................................§4.1.2 ................49
Degree opened upon ......................................................... §4.15.1.2..............66
Fez, restriction .....................................................................§4.8.8 ................61
Flags ...................................................................................... §4.10.................62
Foreign Language ................................................................. §4.9..................61
Forming a New Lodge ...................................................... §4.25.4.6............108
Inherent and Corporate Rights........................................... §4.3..................50
Installation of Officers .......................................................§4.16.3 ...............73
Insurance and Furniture ..................................................... §4.7..................59
Jurisdiction, Territorial .....................................................§4.14.5 ...............65
Jurisdiction........................................................................... §4.14.................64
Makeup .................................................................................. §4.1..................49
Membership.......................................................................... §4.25...............105
Officers .................................................................................. §4.16.................69

318 (Reprinted 2008)

 2008
Section Page
Item Number No.
Lodge cont.
Officers’ Jewels.....................................................................§4.8.5 ................60
Owning Property................................................................... §4.6..................58
Place of Meeting, Changing ................................................ §4.13.................63
Property ................................................................................. §4.6..................58
Public Appearances ............................................................§4.33.2 .............132
Regular Communication ....................................................§4.15.2 ...............67
Restriction on a Lodge, Alcoholic Beverages ....................§4.5.2 ................54
Restriction on a Lodge, Rooms ...........................................§4.5.1 ................54
Restriction on Lodge, Games of Chance............................§4.5.3 ................56
Right to Visit .......................................................................§4.32.1 .............127
Special Communication .....................................................§4.15.3 ...............67
Suspension of Charter......................................................... §4.12.................63
Vacancy in Office ................................................................§4.16.2 ...............71
Lodge of Sorrow ..........................................................................§4.15.4 ...............69
Lodges
Consolidation of ...................................................................§5.9.1 ..............166
Corporate Rights..................................................................§4.3.7 ................52
Defunct Lodges.....................................................................§5.9.5 ..............173
Duties ..................................................................................... §4.4..................53
Incorporation Prohibited...................................................... §2.8..................30
Inherent Rights....................................................................§4.3.3 ................50
Masonic Lodge of Research and Information ...................§5.9.6 ..............174
Memorial Lodges Under Dispensation..............................§5.9.3 ..............172
Newly Chartered..................................................................§5.9.4 ..............173
Under Dispensation.............................................................§5.9.2 ..............170
Lodges Committee of Grand Lodge ...........................................§5.3.5 ..............147
Lodges Under Dispensation
Bylaws ......................................................................................§7 .................199
Limitations ............................................................................ §7.2................200
Operations of ......................................................................... §7.3................201
Procedure for First Meeting ................................................ §7.1................199

M
Masonic and Non-Masonic Societies ........................................§4.31.2 .............125
Masonic Associations, Act of Incorporation ................................§9 .................245
Masonic Associations ................................................................... §2.8..................31
Masonic Board of Relief.............................................................. §4.34...............133
Masonic Districts...................................................................... §5.11.1.2............177
Masonic Emblems ......................................................................§4.31.1 .............124
Masonic Halls, Joint Occupancy................................................ §4.30...............123
Masonic Home
Admissions............................................................................ §11.1...............271
Amendments of the Bylaws ...............................................§10.8.3 .............267
Audits .................................................................................... §10.7...............266

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Masonic Home cont.
Board of Trustees, Bylaws .................................................. §10.2...............258
Board of Trustees................................................................. §5.10...............176
Bylaws .....................................................................................§10 ................257
Committees........................................................................... §10.4...............263
Conflict of Interest............................................................... §10.6...............265
Endowment Fund ................................................................§2.9.1 ................31
Expenditure Approval ........................................................§10.8.1 .............267
Fiscal Year............................................................................ §10.7...............266
Giving Notices .....................................................................§10.8.2 .............267
Indemnification ...................................................................§10.5.1 .............264
Insurance .............................................................................§10.5.2 .............264
Membership.......................................................................... §10.1...............257
Officers of the Board............................................................ §10.3...............261
Outside Relief....................................................................... §11.2...............273
Powers ................................................................................... §10.1...............257
Regulations for Admission.................................................. §11.1...............271
Regulations, Amendments.................................................. §11.3...............276
Subsidiary Corporation ........................................................ §1.7..................25
Masonic Lodge of Research and Information...........................§5.9.6 ..............174
Masonic Regions ....................................................................... §5.11.1.3............178
Masonic Service and Education Committee of Grand Lodge.§5.3.9 ..............148
Masonic Temple Association ......................................................§2.8.2 ................31
Master Key and Rituals.............................................................. §4.35...............133
Master Mason Proficiency .......................................................... §4.27...............118
Membership
Award Buttons ..................................................................... §15.5...............307
Awards .................................................................................. §4.26...............118
Entered Apprentice ............................................................§4.25.1 .............105
Honorary ..............................................................................§4.25.6 .............111
Life........................................................................................§4.25.7 .............112
Lodge ..................................................................................... §4.25...............105
Master Mason......................................................................§4.25.2 .............105
of Grand Lodge.....................................................................§3.2.1 ................37
Perfecting.............................................................................§4.28.5 .............122
Plural....................................................................................§4.25.5 .............108
Prepaid .................................................................................§4.25.8 .............113
Restoration ..........................................................................§4.25.3 .............106
Transfers..............................................................................§4.25.4 .............106
Withdrawal ..........................................................................§4.25.3 .............106
Memorial Lodges Under Dispensation .....................................§5.9.3 ..............172
Memorial, Masonic.....................................................................§4.33.1 .............129

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N
Newly Chartered Lodges ............................................................§5.9.4 ..............173
Non Affiliated Mason, Definition ........................................... §4.28.1.3............119
Non-Payment of Dues Restoration...........................................§4.22.4 .............101
Non-Payment of Dues ................................................................§4.22.3 ...............98

O
Objection to Candidate ..............................................................§4.20.4 ...............93
Offenses
Against Masonry, Examples of ........................................ §8.1.2.2.............206
Examples ..............................................................................§8.1.2 ..............205
Judicial Cognizance .............................................................§8.1.4 ..............210
Masonic, Examples of........................................................ §8.1.2.1.............205
Suggested Preliminary Procedure .....................................§8.1.3 ..............208
Types of .................................................................................. §8.1................205
Officers
Election of ............................................................................§4.16.1 ...............69
Grand Lodge .......................................................................... §1.3..................24
Lodge ..................................................................................... §4.16.................69
Officers, Grand Lodge
Election .................................................................................. §3.6..................39
Qualifications ........................................................................ §3.5..................39
Vacancies … How Filled ...................................................... §3.7..................40
Officers’ Jewels ............................................................................ §15.3...............305
Orphans Committee of Grand Lodge ........................................§5.3.8 ..............148
Outside Relief .............................................................................. §11.2...............273
Owning Property .......................................................................... §2.8..................30

P
Past Master’s Jewel .................................................................... §15.4...............307
Penal Jurisdiction ................................................................... §4.14.2(a).............64
Perfecting Membership..............................................................§4.28.5 .............122
Personal Service ..................................................................... §8.3.7.2 (a)..........215
Petitions ....................................................................................... §4.18.................87
PGM Fund....................................................................................§2.9.2 ................33
Plural Membership ....................................................................§4.25.5 .............108
Powers
of Grand Lodge...................................................................... §3.9..................40
of Grand Officers.................................................................. §3.11.................44
of the Grand Master ............................................................ §3.10.................41
of the Worshipful Master ...................................................§4.16.4 ...............74
Prepaid Membership..................................................................§4.25.8 .............113

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Presentation of Grand Lodge Budgets......................................§5.7.2 ..............157
Principles of Grand Lodge ............................................................... .....................13
Proficiency, Master Mason ......................................................... §4.27...............118
Proper Clothing Worn in Lodge.................................................. §4.8..................59
Public Appearances....................................................................§4.33.2 .............132
Publications Committee of Grand Lodge.................................§5.3.10 .............149

R
Regalia of DDI, RGL and BGP Member ............................... §5.11.1.16 ..........181
Regional Grand Lecturers
Appointment...................................................................... §5.11.1.8............178
Common Regulations .........................................................§5.11.1 .............177
Duties ................................................................................. §5.11.3.4............183
Requirements .................................................................... §5.11.3.2............183
Vacancy in Office .............................................................. §5.11.3.3............183
Regular Communication of a Lodge .........................................§4.15.2 ...............67
Rejected Material, Definition..................................................§4.14.1(c) .............64
Rejected Unaffiliated Mason.....................................................§4.28.6 .............122
Rejection of Candidate...............................................................§4.20.3 ...............92
Relief, Outside ............................................................................. §11.2...............273
Remission of Dues ......................................................................§4.22.2 ...............98
Reports
Grand Officers’ .....................................................................§5.8.1 ..............164
Lodge Reports to Grand Lodge...........................................§5.8.2 ..............165
Reports of Grand Lodge............................................................... §5.8................164
Reserve Fund of Grand Lodge ...................................................§5.7.7 ..............159
Reserve Fund ...............................................................................§2.9.2 ................33
Restoration after Non-Payment of Dues .................................§4.22.4 .............101
Restoration after Suspension...................................................... §8.8................231
Restoration of Membership .......................................................§4.25.3 .............106
Revenues of Grand Lodge............................................................ §5.6................154

S
Salaries, Grand Lodge ................................................................§5.5.2 ..............152
Seal
Grand Lodge (current).............................................................. .......................7
Grand Lodge (original) ............................................................. .......................9
Grand Master's.......................................................................... .......................8
Secretary, Duties........................................................................§4.16.7 ...............80
Societies, Masonic and Non-Masonic .......................................§4.31.2 .............125
Sojourner ...................................................................................... §4.36...............134
Solicitation of Aid ........................................................................ §4.11.................62
Special Committees of Grand Lodge .......................................... §5.4................151
Special Communication of a Lodge ..........................................§4.15.3 ...............67

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Standing Committees of Grand Lodge....................................... §5.3................145
Strategic Planning Committee of Grand Lodge .....................§5.3.11 .............150
Substituted Service ................................................................ §8.3.7.2 (b)..........215
Summons .........................................................................§4.16.4.1 (b) footnote ...74
Supremacy of Grand Lodge ......................................................... §3.8..................40
Supreme Being ................................................................................. .....................19
Suspension
from Lodge ......................................................................... §8.5.4.10............226
of Lodge Charter .................................................................. §4.12.................63

T
Temple Association, Articles of Incorporation, Model ................. ...................248
Territorial Jurisdiction ..............................................................§4.14.5 ...............65
Transfer of Membership ............................................................§4.25.4 .............106
Treasurer, Duties .......................................................................§4.16.6 ...............79
Trials
Acquittal ...............................................................................§8.5.2 ..............224
Appeals to Grand Lodge....................................................... §8.6................227
Argue the Case Before the Lodge ......................................§8.4.7 ..............220
Counsel..................................................................................§8.4.3 ..............218
Deliberation by Lodge ........................................................§8.4.10 .............222
Determination of Guilt or Innocence .................................§8.5.1 ..............223
Determining Method of .......................................................§8.4.4 ..............218
Duty of Commissioners .................................................. §8.4.4.1 (b)..........218
Grand Lodge .......................................................................... §8.9................232
Hearing Before Commissioners .........................................§8.4.5 ..............219
Masonic .................................................................................. §8.4................217
New Trial ............................................................................... §8.7................230
Order of Proof .......................................................................§8.4.8 ..............221
Penalties ...............................................................................§8.5.4 ..............225
Procedure on Conviction .....................................................§8.5.3 ..............224
Report of ommissioners.......................................................§8.4.6 ..............220
Restoration ............................................................................ §8.8................231
Speedy ...................................................................................§8.4.1 ..............217
Summary Trial by Grand Master ...................................... §8.10...............234
Testimony in Open Lodge .............................................. §8.4.4.1 (a)..........218
Testimony .............................................................................§8.4.9 ..............221
Tribunal ................................................................................§8.4.2 ..............217
Witnesses ..............................................................................§8.4.9 ..............221

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U
Unaffiliated Mason
Affiliation .............................................................................§4.28.4 .............121
Definition ........................................................................... §4.28.1.3............119
Rejected................................................................................§4.28.6 .............122
Unpetitioned........................................................................§4.28.6 .............122
Visitation Rights .................................................................. §4.29...............123
Unfinished Material, Definition ............................................ §4.14.1(b).............64
Unfinished Work, Definition.................................................. §4.14.1(b).............64
Unpetitioned Unaffiliated Mason.............................................§4.28.6 .............122

V
Visitors
Qualifications ......................................................................§4.32.2 .............128
Right to Visit .......................................................................§4.32.1 .............127
Volume of the Sacred Law............................................................... .....................19

W
Wardens, Duties .........................................................................§4.16.5 ...............78
Withdrawal of Membership ......................................................§4.25.3 .............106
Worshipful Master, Power and Duties ....................................§4.16.4 ...............74

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