Sec. 1. Jurisdiction: The territorial jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Japan is coextensive with the geographical boundaries of Japan.
Sec. 2. Powers: The powers and authority of the Grand Lodge of Japan are expressed and defined in Articles 10 and 11 of the Constitution.
Sec. 3. Laws: The laws of this Grand jurisdiction are:
1st: The Written Law
2nd: The Unwritten Law
Sec. 4. Written Law: The written law of the jurisdiction consists of the Constitution, Edicts, and enactments of the Grand Lodge, as expressed in the Constitution, and in this Code and its subsequent enactments as published by its authority.
Sec. 5. Unwritten Law: The unwritten law of the jurisdiction consists of time-honored customs and usages of Ancient Freemasonry of general and historic records of Freemasonry adapted to the conditions and time in which we live, together with such rules for application as will perpetuate its integrity and usefulness and are not repugnant to its written laws
Sec. 6. Written law all in Code: While the written law of the jurisdiction is to be found only in the Constitution, in this Code and in subsequent enactments of the Grand Lodge, it is not to be understood that rules of Law heretofore expressed by Grand Lodge enactment may not have force as unwritten law, if comprehended within the definition given. The purpose being to render the written law more accessible to the Craft for practical use, by limiting the scope of its record and specifying where it is to be found. In other words, the design of this Code, as to previous Grand Lodge enactments not embraced herein, is to destroy their force and effect as written law, and repeal them for all purposes wherein they are repugnant to its provisions.
Sec. 7. Code, and When It Takes Effect: These laws, when compiled and published, shall be designated the “The Law of the Builders”, and shall be divided into chapters and sections, each to be numbered consecutively from
one (1) to the highest number given. For purposes of reference and citation it may be known as the “Code”, adding as it may be necessary the section; and all amendments hereto, when offered in Grand Lodge, shall specify the section of the Code, according to the intent; and if to add new chapters or sections, it shall so state, and number the same. The intention being, not only that the enactments at the time of ad.opting the Code, but all subsequent enactments as written law, shall be embraced herein; and the provisions of this Code shall take effect and be of force from and after the nineteenth (19th) day of March, 1960.
Sec. 8. Amendments: (Amended Annual Communication March 2004) All proposed amendments to this Code must be in writing, presented to the Grand Lodge, and by it referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, which shall report thereon before any action is taken by the Grand Lodge. Amendments can be submitted at any time, but must be submitted no later than 15 December of each year for action to be taken by Grand Lodge at its subsequent annual communication. Any amendments received after 15 December of any year will be held over for action during the second Grand Lodge Annual Communication subsequent to receipt, unless acted upon in accordance with Art. 79 of the Constitution.
Sec. 9. Same—How Proposed and Adopted: Amendments to this Code may be made by a five-sixths (5/6) vote of all those entitled to ballot at the Communications. Propositions to amend any section of the Code shall not be to strike therefrom, nor add thereto, but the proposition shall contain the section rewritten to express the law as intended, and shall be a substitute for the section amended.
Sec. 10. Decisions of the Grand Master: The Grand Master may, in his discretion, in his annual address, report to the Grand Lodge those decisions upon Masonic law made by him during its recess. If approved by the Grand Lodge, they do not have the force and effect of written law, nor are they binding as correct expressions of the unwritten law. They are to have the effect of an approval of the act of the Grand Master in the particular instance and are of value only as an opinion formed upon an ex parte statement without an issue submitted in a proceeding requiring judicial determination.
Sec. 11. Recommendations Not Law: The recommendations of the Grand Master in his address as to changes in, alterations of, or additions to, the law, although concurred in by the Grand Lodge in its actions thereon, or on the report of a committee to which it has been referred, shall not be of force or effect as law merely by reason of such action, but to render it a legal enactment it must be presented to the Grand Lodge in writing, independent of such address or report, and then be referred and adopted as by law provided. It being the intention that in no case shall the adoption of a report have the effect of enacting or changing a provision of the Code (Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a committee from accompanying its report with a draft for a change in the law, in accordance with a recommendation or otherwise, or from making recommendations or statements as to such draft; but the action of the Grand Lodge in its enactment must be independent of its action on the report).
Sec. 12. Action on Appeal: Cases reported by the Committee on Grievances, coming to the Grand Lodge on appeal under the forms of law, are proper judicial proceedings, and the action of the Grand Lodge upon their report touching the legal questions involved are judicial in their nature and are to be considered as correct interpretations of existing laws, whether written or unwritten. But such action by the Grand Lodge must in no sense be considered as legislative, or as the making of law.
Sec. 13. Rules of Order of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
Sec. 14. Medals: In addition to the traditional honors of rank and title bestowed under the authority of this Grand Lodge, the following decorations are provided, and authorized to be awarded:
The Twenty-five-year Button shall be awarded through Lodges only to those Brethren who have had twenty-five years’ continuous or accumulated active service. Such buttons shall be presented only by or through the Lodge in which the recipient is in good standing as an active member.
The Fifty-year Button shall be presented similarly, to those who have been Masons for fifty years or more, and who are in good standing in their respective Lodges.
ANNOTATION
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL BROTHER TAKASHI KOMATSU AWARD
The purpose of the Award is to present a suitable recognition to a most outstanding and very distinguished Mason who has contributed far above the normal call of Masonic duty to the Craft. If, in the opinion of the Brethren of this jurisdiction that no Award be made during the Masonic calendar year, there will not be any awards for that year. It is the intention of the Grand Lodge that this award be presented only when the recommended recipient has contributed much above the accepted call of Masonic duty for the Masonic Orders in Japan, and particularly to symbolic Masonry.
The Award will be known as the Most Worshipful Brother Takashi Komatsu Award.
There will be no more than two awards per Masonic Year as follows:
The outline and composition of the Award will be:
(GL Proceedings, 1968, Approved portions of recommendation of the Awards Committee. A section of the recommendation dealing with the submission and review of award recommendations was remanded to a committee for action at the 1969 Annual Communication. The record does not indicate further approved action. However in the approval of the first granting of this award, it was reported that: “The Past Grand Masters in attendance, as a Committee, recommend that the following distinguished Masons be awarded the T. KOMATSU DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, for their outstanding contributions to Masonry in general, and in particular to Masonry in Japan.”
Sec. 15. Petition: The requisites for the granting of a Charter are:
Sec. 16. Constituted: When a new Lodge is organized and its Charter issued, it must be constituted under the forms and usages of the institution by the Grand Master, or some Master or Past Master duly authorized, with the officers named in the Dispensation and Charter.
Sec. 17. Charter: The control of the Charter is with the Master of the Lodge. It is the certificate of its organization, and should be kept in the Lodge room, ready to be produced whenever called for; but its temporary absence from the room does not vitiate work done. The Charter does not create the Lodge. That is done by the action of the Grand Lodge, of which the Charter is merely the evidence. While, therefore, its presence in the room is eminently proper and desirable, it is not absolutely necessary.
Sec. 18. Revocation of Charter: The Grand Lodge may revoke for disobedience to its order, rules, or laws; for insubordination; or whenever, in its judgment, the condition of the Lodge as to discipline, or otherwise, is such that its continued existence is deleterious to the honor and usefulness of the Craft; or whenever its depreciated condition as to number, finances, or interest in the work shall render it proper.
Sec. 19. Arrest and Revocation: The arrest of a Charter is a mere temporary suspension of the functions of the Lodge until final action shall be had by the Grand Lodge.
The Revocation of a Charter is the action of the Grand Lodge on final hearing declaring it forfeited, when the Lodge becomes extinct.
The Grand Lodge, upon final hearing, may approve or disapprove the action of the Grand Master; and although it may approve the action of the Grand Master in making the arrest, it may restore the Charter without revocation, if satisfied that the discipline is already sufficient, and the good of the Craft will thereby subserved. It being the intention that the Grand Lodge in such cases may exercise a full discretion, having in view the advantages of a wholesome discipline and the welfare of the Craft.
Sec. 20. Charter Lost: Whenever the Charter of a Lodge in good standing shall be lost or destroyed, on proper proof a duplicate thereof shall be issued by the Grand Secretary, who shall report the fact to the Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication.
Sec. 21. Surrender of Charter: When any Lodge shall contemplate the voluntary surrender of its Charter, the proposition therefore shall be submitted at a Stated Meeting. Action thereon shall be held at the next Stated Meeting of the Lodge. Nor shall any such action be had until each member of the Lodge has been notified of such contemplated action, by a notice addressed to him at his last known place of be mailed at least ten days before proof of service of such notice may follows, and when so made shall be to him in writing, residence, which notice shall the contemplated action. The proof of service of such notice may be made by the Secretary as follows, and when so made shall be conclusive of the fact:
I hereby certify that I summoned _______ Lodge No. ____ , F.&A.M. for the Stated Meeting thereof, to be held on the _______ day of _______ 19__, for the purpose of considering the question of surrendering the Charter, by serving on each member personally a written notice of the time, place and purpose of such meeting, or by forwarding such a notice to him by mail at his last known place of residence. (SEAL) Secretary
Sec. 22. Property of: The Grand Lodge takes possession of the Warrant of Constitution of an extinct Lodge as a matter of right. Whenever any Lodge shall surrender its Charter, or the same shall be arrested or revoked, it shall be the duty of the Master, Secretary and Treasurer of the Lodge, and each of them, at once to forward to the Office of the Grand Secretary, all the books, papers, jewels, working tools and other Masonic paraphernalia incident to and proper for Lodge work, and also the balance of its funds after payment of its just and lawful debts. In case the Charter of such Lodge shall be restored, all such property, except the Grand Lodge dues, shall be returned to the Lodge.
Sec. 23. Debts: In any case where a Lodge becomes extinct, either by the surrender or revocation of its Charter, the assets available therefor shall be used for the payment of its obligations under the direction of the Grand Master, or some Brother deputized by him and for that purpose they may, if necessary, be converted into money, or otherwise applied at his discretion.
Sec. 24. Restoration of Charter: If the Grand Lodge upon final hearing shall revoke a Charter, it may afterwards restore it, but in such case, the restoration must be made to the identical Lodge in name and number, and with the right to every member thereof at the date of revocation to membership therein: Provided, however, that such Lodge shall have the right to collect the dues owing to it when it became inactive: And provided, further, that it shall have the right to compromise the indebtedness of any of its old members who have been erased for non payment of dues on any terms it may see fit: Provided, the law with reference to petition, reference to committee and ballot is observed.
Sec. 25. Membership: The restoration of a revoked Charter to a Lodge restores to membership therein all who were members thereof on the date of revocation, except such as subsequently having received Grand Lodge certificates; and the latter may also be restored to membership therein by simply signing the petition for the restoration of the Charter, or by depositing their Grand Lodge certificates or demits, with the Secretary within one year from the date of the restoration of the Charter.
Sec. 26. Petition for Restoration: The application for the restoration of a revoked Charter may be made by seven who were members of the Lodge at the date of revocation, and shall be made by petition to the Grand Lodge at its next Communication.
(See Constitution, Articles 161 and 162)
Sec. 27. Members: Members of, or Brethren who have been initiated, passed and raised, in a Lodge Under Dispensation become ipso facto members therein when a Charter has been granted to it. Should the Charter be refused, such Brethren, if in good standing, shall be entitled to a certificate from the Worshipful Master and Wardens of the Lodge Under Dispensation, which certificate shall have the force and effect of a demit.
Sec. 28. Requisites for a Dispensation: The granting of a dispensation to form a new Lodge is, as prescribed in Article 30 of the Constitution, a matter within the discretion and prerogative of the Grand Master. The petition to the Grand Master for such dispensation should have all the requisites prescribed in Section 15 of this Code for the granting of a Charter.
Sec. 29. Returns: Every Lodge Under Dispensation shall, at the following Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, return to the Grand Secretary its letter of dispensation, together with an abstract of its work; but the Grand Lodge may, at its discretion, extend the dispensation for another year, but for one year only.
Sec. 30. How Done: When two or more Lodges desire to consolidate as one, they shall proceed as follows; The question of consolidation shall be presented in each Lodge at a Stated Meeting thereof. The Master shall then announce that the question will be for action by the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting thereof. It shall then be the duty of the Secretary to notify each member of the Lodge of the question, and the time when action will be taken thereon; and the Service of such notice may be as prescribed in Section 21 of this Code, and when so made shall be conclusive of the fact.
Sec. 31. Vote on: At the Stated Meeting to which the members are notified to appear, the Master shall submit the question: “Shall the Lodge be consolidated as proposed?” If two-thirds of the members present vote “yes”, the vote of the Lodge shall be recorded in favor of the consolidation. If less than two-thirds vote “yes”, the vote shall be recorded against consolidation. The vote in such case shall be by ballot.
Sec. 32. One Lodge Property: If the vote in each Lodge interested is in favor of consolidation, then such Lodges are consolidated and shall constitute but one Lodge. In such case, the property and effects of the several Lodges become the property of the new Lodge thus consolidated. There shall be no consolidation unless all the Lodges concerned vote therefor.
Sec. 33. Name and Number: The name and number of the newly consolidated Lodge shall be that of the oldest Lodge in the consolidation, unless otherwise determined by them.
Sec. 34. Location: Every proposition for the consolidation shall state the proposed location of the Lodge if consolidated.
Sec. 35. Officers Of: The fact of the consolidation shall not constitute any particular officers as the officers of the Lodge newly consolidated, but all the offices thereof shall be declared vacant, except that of the Master of the Senior Lodge consolidated (considering the date of the charter), who shall be Master of the consolidated Lodge until a successor shall be elected and installed.
Sec. 36. Meetings Of: In case of the consolidation of Lodges, the Stated Meeting of the Lodge newly formed through said consolidation shall be at the time fixed for the Stated Meetings of the Lodge consolidated having the oldest Charter; but such time may be subsequently changed at the pleasure of the newly consolidated Lodge.
Sec. 37. Election and Installation: In case of the consolidation of Lodges, there shall be an election of officers thereof, including that. of Master, at its first Stated Meeting thereafter, and the officers so elected shall be installed at once, or not later than the next Stated Meeting. The term of such officers shall be until the next Annual Election of Officers, as provided by the Constitution.
Sec. 38. Membership Of: The members of the several consolidating Lodges become members of the newly consolidated Lodge, and their standing therein is as it was in their respective Lodge before consolidation.
Sec. 39. Vote on: The action of the Lodge on the proposition for removal shall be by ballot, in answer to the question by the Master, “Shall the Lodge be removed?” Those in favor of removal shall deposit a ballot with the word “Yes”; those opposed, a ballot with the word “No”. If less than a majority vote “Yes” there shall be no removal. If a majority vote “Yes”, then the proposition shall be submitted to the Grand Master, and both the majority and minority shall be allowed to state their reasons for and against removal. If the Grand Master shall concur with the majority he shall issue his dispensation for the removal, which shall be in force until the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, to which the proposition shall be referred for final action. Pending action by the Grand Lodge, the removal as authorized by the dispensation of the Grand Master shall be only temporary.
Sec. 40. Location: The location of a Lodge within the city or town where it is chartered or authorized is at the discretion of such Lodge, subject to review by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge for any abuse thereof.
(See Constitution, Chapter I)
Sec. 41. Appellate—When: The jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge in matters of dispute similar to that of contested elections is appellate and not original. Until the merits of a contested election are decided by the Lodge in which it originated, no appeal can be had to the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 42. Unoccupied Territory: When a country, well recognized geographically and politically, is unoccupied by exclusive Masonic jurisdiction, it is clearly within the power of any Grand Lodge to grant a Charter to a Subordinate Lodge.
(See Chapter XXVII of the Constitution)
Sec. 43. Perpetual Jurisdiction: After a petition for the degrees of Masonry has been properly received, the candidate becomes the absolute Masonic material of the Lodge receiving it, and jurisdiction over such material cannot be waived by the Lodge or by the Grand Master. The candidate must be balloted for in the Lodge so receiving his petition: Provided, However, that any Lodge in the jurisdiction may confer the degrees upon a candidate who has been elected by the Lodge whose material he is, when requested by said Lodge as a matter of courtesy; but the candidate must be elected to all the degrees by the Lodge to which he as material belongs, and the fees belong to the original Lodge unless waived thereby: Provided, further, that if after a candidate has been elected he shall remove from this Grand jurisdiction before receiving the degrees or any of them, the jurisdiction of the Lodge over such candidate may be waived in favor of a particular Lodge in the Grand jurisdiction to which he has removed.
Sec. 44. Same of Defunct Lodge: In case an applicant for the degrees or for advancement has been rejected by a defunct Lodge, such applicant can apply to the nearest Lodge, stating the facts in his petition: Provided, however, that in all cases of “Arrest of Charter” by the Grand Master (which is definite suspension) no other Lodge, until action has been taken by the Grand Lodge, shall be allowed to assume the material except by dispensation from the Grand Master.
Sec. 45. Meetings: The meetings of a Lodge are Stated and Special.
Sec. 46. Stated Meetings: The Stated Meeting shall be held once a month, as the Lodge may prescribe in its By-Laws.
Sec. 47. Special Meetings: Special Meetings may be held at any time at the discretion of the Worshipful Master as provided by law (Article 118 of the Constitution), and the usages of the Craft, that is to say, for any work or business for which the Special Meeting has been specifically called and of which the Lodge has been duly notified.
Set. 48. Duties of Members: The duties of the members of a Lodge are to obey the laws and edicts of the Grand Lodge and the By-Laws of their Subordinate Lodge, and are also those enjoined in the several obligations, lectures and charges of the three Symbolic Degrees of Freemasonry.
Sec. 49. Eligibility of Officers: Except as provided in Article 101 of the Constitution, or in the dispensation for the formation of a new Lodge, no one can be elected as Worshipful Master unless he has first served as Master or Warden in some regular Lodge. The only requirement in relation to the other officers shall be that they are Master Masons in good standing in the Lodge and are not in arrears, provided that any Master Mason in good standing in any Lodge may be appointed and installed as Tiler.
Sec. 50. Eligibility of Electors: Every Master Mason, member of the Lodge in good standing, shall be eligible to vote on all questions and it shall be his duty to do so.
Sec. 51. Election of Officers: (See Article 115 of the Constitution.)
Sec. 52. Appointment of Officers: (Refer to Constitution, Article 116)
Sec. 53. Installation:
Sec. 54. Duties of Officers: In addition to those duties which appertain to every individual Mason, and those which are purely traditional and therefore unwritten, the duties of the officers of a Lodge are as set forth in the Constitution and ByLaws.
Sec. 55. Wardens Acting as Master: A Warden, when acting as Worshipful Master, in the absence of the Worshipful Master, has the same power and authority as Master, but is still a Warden, and is so acting simply in the discharge of one of the duties of his office as Warden; and his signature should give his office as Warden, adding “Acting Master”. Upon resuming his office as Warden, he is thereupon answerable to his Lodge, and not to the Grand Lodge, and must be tried in the Lodge of which he is a member and Warden for any Masonic offense committed while presiding by virtue of his office as Warden in the absence of the Worshipful Master of his Lodge.
If a Warden, in the absence of the Master, through courtesy, place a Past Master in the chair, such Past Master becomes pro hac vice, Worshipful Master, and his rulings are the law of the Lodge.
Sec. 56. Officers General: Each Officer of the Lodge shall be held personally responsible to the Worshipful Master, and through him to the Lodge and Grand Lodge; that his office be filled with dignity, honor and correctness, and that its various duties be performed without haughtiness or tyranny, but according to love and in a diligent desire to exemplify the virtues of Freemasonry to the World.
Sec. 57. Same: Due respect and obedience shall be paid by the members of the Lodge to its various officers, according to their respective rank and station.
Sec. 58. Rules of Order: (See Chapter 28 of the Constitution)
Sec. 59. Order of Business: The order of business in a Lodge may be changed or temporarily dispensed with by the Presiding Officer, when, in his discretion, the occasion requires it.
Sec. 60. Business—When Conducted: All business of a Constituent Lodge must be conducted when open on the Third Degree, except examinations for advancement.
Sec. 61. Books: Every Lodge, when Chartered, is required to procure, open and keep a set of substantially bound books of record, finance and such other books as may be provided by law.
Sec. 62. Officers Holding: The ceremony of installation is a requirement and must not be neglected. The officers of a Lodge are to be annually elected, or appointed, and installed and although they are to hold their respective offices until their successors shall have been installed, such holding over is not to be construed to mean until the next annual election and installation.
Sec. 63. Communication from Lodges: The Grand Secretary shall not receive or recognize communications from any Constituent Chartered Lodge in the jurisdiction unless the same shall be made under the seal of the Lodge, and upon receipt of any such communication not so sealed he shall return the same to the Lodge and require the seal to be annexed.
Sec. 64. Seal: Each Chartered Lodge must have a seal, an impression of which must be attached to all its official papers.
Sec. 65. By-Laws: Nothing in this Code shall be construed to prohibit any Chartered Lodge in this jurisdiction from adopting its local Rules or By-Laws for its government, not inconsistent with the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, or this Code, or the usages and customs of the Craft, or from time to time from altering or amending the same: Provided, that no such Rules or By-Laws, or alterations or amendments thereto, shall be operative or in force until they shall have been submitted to and approved by the Grand Lodge, or by the Grand Master, and attested to by the Grand Secretary.
Sec. 66. Advancement: If charges are preferred against an Entered Apprentice or a Fellow Craft, his advancement is thereby stayed pending proceedings thereon. If on trial of the charges he is found not guilty, he shall be advanced as though no charge had been preferred. If he is found guilty and suspended or expelled, he can be advanced only after reinstatement; and the law governing the reinstatement of Master Masons shall be applicable to Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts under like punishment. A punishment by reprimand only shall not operate to stay advancement.
Sec. 67. Foreign Jurisdiction: Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts of a Lodge in a foreign jurisdiction remain the material of their original Lodge and can be advanced in this jurisdiction only at the request of such Lodge, or after permission granted under the laws of such foreign jurisdiction.
Sec. 68. Application for: Any Master Mason regularly demitted from a Lodge may apply for membership in any Lodge in this jurisdiction, and must furnish to said Lodge satisfactory evidence of his having been regularly demitted from the Lodge of which he was last a member, which evidence shall be: 1st, a demit regular on its face; if not this, then 2nd, properly certified evidence of such a demit from the Lodge granting it (if such Lodge is in existence); 3rd, if such Lodge is not
in existence, then a properly certified record from any Grand Lodge having custody of the records of the Lodge granting the demit; 4th, if no such evidence is obtainable, other evidence, such as a certificate from the last Worshipful Master, the last Secretary or other officer or member of the Lodge, so certified to be by the Grand Secretary may be used to establish the fact that said party is entitled to demit; but such evidence is to be passed on by the Lodge to which it is addressed. It being the intention that upon the sufficiency of other than the record evidence, the Lodge shall use its judgment and discretion. Applications under this section shall be received and treated as is enacted in Articles 132a and 133 of the Constitution.
Sec. 69. Demit: In all cases where the petitioner is in possession of a demit, and is accepted to membership, his demit shall be canceled and the Lodge granting it notified of the affiliation.
Sec. 70. Fee: The affiliation fee shall be as provided in the By-Laws of the Lodge to which the application is made.
Sec. 71. Membership: The privilege of membership is within the exclusive control of the Constituent Lodge; every Lodge, therefore, has the right and power to reinstate any of its members who have been suspended by its own order, reporting such action to the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 72. Sentence reversed: Where one has been expelled by his Lodge and the sentence of expulsion has been reversed or set aside by the Grand Lodge, such reversal restores him to membership in the Lodge.
Sec. 73. Sentence Modified: Likewise, where a Brother is indefinitely suspended, and upon appeal to the Grand Lodge, the sentence is modified to definite suspension, upon the termination of such definite period the Brother is restored to all the privileges of Masonry, but remains an unaffiliated Mason, and can only be restored to membership in his Lodge by its own action.
Sec. 74. Master Mason’s Membership: Upon receiving the Master Mason Degree, the newly raised Brother becomes a member of the Lodge which elected him.
Sec. 75. Fiscal Year: The Masonic fiscal year for Constituent Lodges in this jurisdiction begins on the first day of January.
Sec. 76. Returns—When Sent, and What to Contain: Each Chartered Lodge in the jurisdiction shall, immediately after the first of January of each year, file in the office of the Grand Secretary, in tabular form, on such forms as shall be furnished by him, its return or the preceding year, of the officers and members of the Lodge, of initiations, passings and raisings; of suspensions, expulsions, demissions, erasures from the roll, deaths and reinstatements, with the respective dates of each, and it is hereby made the special duty of the Master of each Lodge to forward the Returns of his Lodge to the Grand Secretary with the dues as shown by the Returns, or cause the same to be accomplished within the time limit prescribed.
Sec. 77. Lodge Fees: It is unlawful to accept notes, due bills or other promises in payment of fees for degrees; and any rebate, donation or other device which in effect reduces the fees below 9,000 Yen is unlawful, and upon prima facie evidence that such has been done, the Grand Master may arrest the Charter of such Lodge until the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 78. Arrears: Arrears to a Lodge are debts due to it, and (subject to the limitations of the Constitution) are entirely within its control. A Lodge may therefore, exact compromise, or remit, in its discretion, the dues of its members or any part of them.
Sec. 79. Secretary to Collect: All moneys due the Lodge shall be collected by the Secretary, a just and regular account thereof shall be kept by him, and promptly paid to the hands of the Treasurer.
Sec. 80. Treasurer: All monies received by the Treasurer on behalf of the Lodge shall be kept by him as a separate fund, and be at the command of the Lodge at any time when drawn upon or called for in a legal manner.
Sec. 81. Demit—Definition Of: A demit is the action of a Constituent Lodge terminating, with a recommendation to all Masons, wheresoever dispersed, the membership of a Brother in said Lodge. It is the free and voluntary action of the Lodge, and is good at any time, but is evidence of character only at the time when it is granted. It can be granted only on the written application of the Brother.
Sec. 82. Who May Apply For: Any member of a Lodge who in good standing, that is, not under charges, and who has paid full his arrears may apply for and is entitled to receive demit.
Sec. 83. Grand Lodge Review: In any case where a Mason is aggrieved by the action of a Lodge, whether such action is by a decision or ruling of the Master on behalf of the Lodge or by a vote of the Lodge, or by reason of a failure of the Lodge to act, he may petition the Grand Lodge for a review thereof, stating the facts constituting his grievance, and may present the same to the Grand Master during the recess of the Grand Lodge, who may, if he regards it of sufficient importance to merit consideration, and at his discretion, institute an inquiry as to the facts to be presented to the Grand Lodge, or the matter may be referred to the Grand Lodge for its discretionary action. In such case, the complainant shall file a copy of his complaint with the Lodge complained of. (The provisions of this section are also applicable to decisions made by the Grand Master during the recess of the Grand Lodge; but in such case, the petition should be filed with the Grand Secretary, and the Grand Master should take no preliminary steps for the hearing.)
Sec. 84. Complaint—By Whom: It is competent for any Master Mason, whether acting upon his personal knowledge or upon information, to complain in writing to the Grand Lodge, or to the Grand Master, that a Lodge of the jurisdiction is deserving of discipline, for any reasons known to law (the reasons to be stated in the complaint in a general way). If the complaint is to the Grand Lodge, it may assume jurisdiction or not, at its discretion; and if it does, it may act thereon at its discretion and upon such notice as it may deem just. If filed with the Grand Master during a recess of the Grand Lode, and he deems the complaint deserving of consideration, he may notify the Lodge thereof, and at his discretion, by committee or otherwise, make inquiry into the facts for information and action of the Grand Lodge. In such proceedings, the Grand Lodge need not be confined to facts stated in the complaint, but may add others coming to its knowledge.
Sec. 85. Technicalities: In any case where a right of action or inquiry is given in the Grand Lodge, the same shall not be dismissed for the reason that no form or method of procedure is presented by the Code; but in such cases, the form of the inquiry or proceedings shall be discretionary, having in view the attainment of just results; it being the intention that the provisions of the law, in their essence and spirit, shall be observed, but that technical deviations therefrom, not prejudicial nor in violation of an absolute right, shall not defeat its application, nor avoid its judgment.
Sec. 86. Grand Master: Nothing in this Code shall be construed to prevent any Lodge or Mason, during the recess of the Grand Lodge, from invoking the action and order of the Grand Master for the protection or maintenance of any Masonic right until such time as the Grand Lodge may act in the premises, and the action and orders of the Grand Master shall be of force therein until set aside or modified by the Grand Lodge; and in such cases the Grand Master may act in such manner and upon such notice to the parties in interest as he may deem just.(The design of this section is to afford temporary relief or aid when necessary until, such time as other and final action may be had.)
Sec. 87. Who May: The Grand Master may, during the communication of the Grand Lodge or during the recess thereof, arrest the jewel of any officer of the Grand Lodge for such misconduct as would bring reproach upon the office or the Craft. He may also arrest the warrant of any Lodge or the jewel of its Master for like reasons, when in his judgment the good of Freemasonry shall require it. (See Constitution Articles 23, 32 & 33.)
Sec. 88. Same: The Master of a Constituent Lodge may arrest the jewel of any officer of his Lodge for such misconduct as in his judgment would bring reproach upon the Lodge or the Craft; and he must make such arrest at any time by order of the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, and In all cases shall forthwith report such action to the Grand Master.
Sec. 89. Review: in every case where the jewel of an officer is arrested, either in the Grand or in a Constituent Lodge, the officer thus deposed shall have the right to have his case heard upon its merits in the Grand Lodge; and to that end he may petition the Grand Lodge therefor, setting forth in his petition the particulars of his grievance. The Grand Lodge shall thereupon have jurisdiction, and may proceed to the investigation in a summary way and at its discretion, keeping in view the attainment of Masonic justice.
Sec. 90. Restoration: it is competent for the officer on whose authority a jewel is arrested to restore the same whenever in his judgment justice and, the good of the Craft require it.
Sec. 91. Effect Of Arrest: The effect of arresting a jewel shall be to suspend the officer from all the functions of his office; and its restoration shall fully restore him thereto; but such arrest shall not otherwise affect his standing as a Mason.
Sec. 92. Who Entitled: One of the rewards of faithful Masonic Life is the honor of Masonic burial, at the request of a member of his family or by his Lodge. Except when requested of a Lodge by a member thereof in good standing, or by his family, a Masonic burial shall only be at the discretion of the Master of the Lodge at whose hands the honor is sought, having in view the customs of the Fraternity and the welfare of the Craft. None but Master Masons in good standing can receive a Masonic burial.
Sec. 93. What Lodge: All Masonic burials must be by a Lodge of Master Masons, and no Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft can be admitted to the procession.
Sec. 94. Sojourner: A sojourning Mason is one who is within the territorial jurisdiction of a Lodge, but whose residence and Lodge, if any, are elsewhere, and may, if a Master Mason in good standing, receive Masonic burial at the discretion of the Master of the Lodge applied to.
Sec. 95: Funeralizing the Deceased: Funeralizing the deceased—that is, performing funeral services at the grave of a Brother who has already been buried—is un-Masonic and is prohibited; but Lodges of Sorrow are not only lawful, but proper.
Sec. 96. Adjournment: The Adjournment of Lodges is forbidden. They must be closed at the order of the Worshipful Master. A Lodge having held its meeting should be closed in due form the same day or night and not left open or “called off” until a meeting two or three days later. Such an adjourned meeting would be an extra communication.
Sec. 97. Ancient Charges: The Ancient Charges requiring the Master to have served as a Warden shall be strictly enforced in this jurisdiction, except as otherwise provided in Article 29 of the Constitution.
Sec. 98. Applications for Assistance: it shall not be lawful for Lodges or individual Masons to send out circulars soliciting funds without the approval of the Grand Master or Grand Lodge; nor shall Constituent Lodges entertain such circulars from foreign Masons or Lodges which have not the approval of the Grand Master or Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction from which they come.
Sec. 99. Arrears—Definition Of: The term “arrears” has a technical meaning. It is confined to the annual dues fixed by the By-Laws, pursuant to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, and cannot be held to include money borrowed from the Lodge, or assessments levied by the Lodge, outside of the annual dues.
Sec. 100. Avouchment: No visitor shall be admitted without a previous examination, unless he is vouched for by a Brother who has sat with him in open Lodge.
Sec. 101. Clandestine Lodge—What Is: A clandestine Lodge is one not working under a Warrant or Charter from a recognized Grand Lodge.
Sec. 102. Clandestine Mason—Who Is. None are Masons except made so in a Lodge authorized to work by a recognized Grand Lodge.
Sec. 103. Not Clandestine: A Lodge with a proper Charter or Warrant, though not legally convened for a particular meeting, is not a clandestine Lodge, and Masons made therein are not clandestine Masons. In such case the irregularity or error should be cured by “healing” (re-obligating) the candidate in a Regular Lodge, that no excuse may be left to him as to the binding force or effect of his obligations.
Sec. 104. Constitution and Code: Each Constituent Lodge in the Jurisdiction shall keep a copy of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, together with its proceedings under the same and also a copy of this Code, for the inspection of its members and it shall be the duty of the Masters thereof to observe the same and see that they are strictly enforced in the Lodges over which they preside; and the published proceedings of the Grand Lodge shall be conclusive evidence of all matters contained therein.
Sec. 105. Debate—How Closed: In Grand Lodge, at the will and pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master. In Constituent Lodges at the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master.
Sec. 106. Decisions of the Grand Master: Decisions of the Grand Master govern in the particular case in which they are rendered until set aside by the Grand Lodge; but do not become law by force of being rendered. They are of value beyond the particular case only to the extent of their conformity to existing laws.
Sec. 107. Same—Who to Ask For: The Master of a Lodge may inquire of the Grand Master as to the law for government of His Lodge in a particular case, and his opinion in regard thereto is official and should govern the Lodge; but such an opinion is not a “Decision”, as a decision in legal contemplation must arise on a controverted point or question, to which there should be parties having particular interests, with a right to seek a review of them in the Grand Lodge. Answers by the Grand Master to letters from other members of a Lodge, giving his opinion as to law or fact are not official in the sense that they must control or govern either the Lodge or others.
Sec. 108. Same—Of Grand Lodge How Obtained: It shall be competent for any member of the Grand Lodge to invoke its judicial determination upon a question of law as applicable to a given state of facts, as follows: The member shall present to the Grand Lodge a statement of facts, in writing, and the legal question which he claims to be involved. The Grand Lodge, if it entertains the question, shall refer it to the Committee on jurisprudence, who shall report thereon. The action of the Grand Lodge on such report shall be deemed a judicial expression of the law of such a case.
Sec. 109. Delegate: A delegate to represent the Lodge in Grand Lodge can be elected only in the absence of the Master and both Wardens, and only one delegate can be so elected.
Sec. 110. Examination for Advancement: No one can be admitted into a Lodge of Master Masons who has not attained that degree. It would, therefore, be improper to bring into a Lodge of Master Masons an Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft for the purpose of examining him as to his proficiency in the preceding degree or degrees. The examination should be conducted in a Lodge corresponding to the degree upon which he is being examined.
Sec. 111. Exclusion: The Master of a Lodge has the right to exclude a member who is in a state of intoxication and may exclude any Brother whose behavior produces or might produce want of harmony.
Sec. 112. Honorary Membership: Maybe conferred by any Lodge for eminent Masonic service on any Master Mason who is an active member of some Lodge, but he can neither vote nor hold office in the Lodge conferring such membership, nor is the Lodge required to pay any dues for him to the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 113. Limitations: There is no statute of limitations in Masonry.
Sec. 114. Lodge Room—Dedication Of: The dedication of a Masonic hall is a Masonic requirement: Provided however, that this rule does not apply where the occupation is merely temporary.
Sec.115. Joint Use Of: A Lodge can permit its Lodge room to be used for other than Masonic purposes: Provided, the same shall not be used for immoral purposes, or such as would bring discredit upon the craft.
Sec. 116. Motion—When Necessary: The action of the Lodge shall be invoked by motion only in cases where there is something for the Lodge to decide; that is, where it can legally say “yes” or “no” to a proposition or question. If the Lodge must vote “yes”, then no vote is necessary. The Master may do or order the thing done, without a vote. For example, no motion is necessary to appoint a committee on a petition for degrees or membership, as, when such a motion would be made, a committee must be appointed. No motion is necessary to spread the ballot; at the proper time, it must be spread.
Sec. 117. Opening and Closing Lodge: Where a Lodge, having been opened on the day of the Stated Meeting and transacted business, is closed in due form, that meeting is ended. If it be opened again, it is a Special Meeting, at which no business can be transacted.
Sec. 118. Records of Lodge—How Changed: The records of a Lodge should not be changed by obliterations or defacements. if the record is to be changed, it should be by an additional record, stating the change or correction, and what it is. No Lodge can, at an extra meeting alter or expunge the proceedings of a regular meeting.
Sec. 119. Same—On What Authority Made: Corrections, when unquestioned, shall be made by order of the Master. If questioned, by motion and vote of the Lodge.
Sec. 120. Same—Of Intervening Meetings: The records of intervening meetings for work, funerals or festivals shall be made under the direction of the Master, and shall stand as approved without action, subject, however to correction by the Lodge for good cause shown.
Sec. 121. Promulgation: Neither a Brother nor a Lodge has a right to promulgate a communication made in the form of charges made by one Brother against another, containing criminal accusations, nor any fact which transpires within the Lodge or in Masonic confidence.
Sec. 122. Regalia: All members or delegates to the Grand Lodge are required to wear their appropriate regalia at the Annual Communication.
ANNOTATION
OFFICIAL JEWELS OF THE ELECTED GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
It is necessary that a descriptive outline be established for the jewels to be worn by the elected Grand Lodge Officers and Past Grand Masters.
Grand Master. The Square and Compasses, mounted on a full wreath with the sun in the center and a quadrant beneath the Square.
Deputy Grand Master. The Square and Compasses, mounted on a full wreath, with the sun in the center.
Senior Grand Warden. The Level mounted on a full wreath.
Junior Grand Warden. The Plumb mounted on a full wreath.
Grand Treasurer. Two Keys, crossed and mounted on a full wreath.
Grand Secretary. Two Pens, crossed and mounted on a full wreath.
The collars and jewels will be glided with a yellow gold finish. (GL Proceedings, 1963)
Sec. 123 Remission of Dues: The failure of a Lodge to erase the name of a member from the roll for nonpayment of dues does not operate as a remission of dues. The remission must be by express action of the Lodge.
Sec. 124. Representatives to Other Grand Lodges: The system of representatives to other Grand Lodges is approved of and commended by this Grand Body.
Sec. 125. Robes: The use of robes in the esoteric Masonic work is left to the discretion of individual Lodges.
Sec. 126. Summons—Definition Of: A simple notice is not the “summons” referred to in Masonic obligations, and the practice of using the word “summoned” in simple notices, and of publishing in newspapers so-called summons for ordinary meetings is in error and is hereby interdicted. A Masonic summons, e.g. for Lodge trials, so far as Lodge duties are concerned, must be issued by the Master, and must be for grave and important reasons. It may be either oral or written. If in writing, it should be over the signature of the Master, or by his order, and be attested by the Secretary under the seal of the Lodge. A “summons” or “token” from one individual Mason to another is a demand for the performance of some duty inculcated or commanded in the obligations, or for the nonperformance or ceasing to perform some act forbidden in the same. A refusal or neglect to answer and obey a “summons”, as defined herein, is a violation of the O.B., and is, therefore, disciplinable.
Sec. 127. Unaffiliated Mason—Definition Of: (See Articles 168 & 169 of the Constitution.) An unaffiliated Mason is one who has no membership in any recognized Lodge. If his Lodge is defunct and he is unaffiliated only: for that reason, he may be one of the petitioners for the revival of his old Lodge. An unaffiliated Mason is not in good standing and cannot be one of the seven applicants for a dispensation to form a new Lodge, but he, nevertheless, remains subject to the government of the Order, and may be tried and punished for any offense by the Lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides.
Sec. 128. Same: As a Brother applying for affiliation must present a demit from his Lodge, a Brother who has taken a demit for the purpose of such application for affiliation is not to be held as an unaffiliated Mason. Should he have applied for affiliation and die before action could be taken by the Lodge upon such application, he shall be considered to have died an affiliated Mason, and entitled to all the rights and benefits of such.
Sec. 129. Same—Rights Of: 1. He can apply for affiliation; 2, he can visit a Lodge once: provided, such visit is for the purpose of affiliation; 3, he can lawfully prefer charges against a member in good standing.
Sec. 130. Visit—Right Of: The right to visit is one of the essential rights conferred in the very act of making a Master Mason, and he can only be deprived of it for just cause. Every member of a Lodge has the right of objecting to the admission of any visitor to his Lodge, but the validity of his objection is to be determined by the Master of the Lodge, who alone has the right to exclude.
Sec. 131. Majority Defined: Majority means a majority of the Brethren present at the communication and participating in the ballot.
APPENDIX
I. Concerning God and Religion
A Mason is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the moral law, and if he rightly understands the art, he will never be an atheist nor an irreligious libertine. But though in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation, whatever it was, it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves; that is, to be good men and true, or men of honor and honesty by whatever denominations or persuasions they may be distinguished whereby Masonry becomes the center of union and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that might have remained at a perpetual distance.
II. Of The Civil Magistrate, Supreme and Subordinate
A Mason is a peaceable subject to the civil powers wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior magistrates; for as Masonry hath always been injured by war, bloodshed, and confusion, so ancient kings and princes have been much disposed to encourage the craftsmen, because of their peaceableness and loyalty, whereby they practically answered the cavils of their adversaries, and prompted the honor of the fraternity, who ever flourished in times of peace. So that if a Brother should be a rebel against the State, he is not to be countenanced in his rebellion, however he may be pitied as an unhappy man; and if convicted of no other crime, though the loyal brotherhood must and ought to disown his rebellion, and give no umbrage or ground of political jealousy to the government for the time being, they cannot expel him from the Lodge, and his relation to it remains indefeasible.
III Of Lodges
A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work; hence that assembly, or duly organized society of Masons, is called a Lodge, and every Brother ought to belong to one, and to be subject to its By-Laws and the general regulations. It is either particular or general, and will be best understood by attending it, and by the regulations of the Grand Lodge hereunto annexed. In ancient times, no Master or Fellow could be absent from it, especially when warned to appear at it without incurring a severe censure, until it appeared to the Master and Wardens that pure necessity hindered him.
The persons admitted members of a Lodge must be good and true men, freeborn, and of mature and discreet age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good report.
IV. Of Master, Wardens, Fellows and Apprentices
All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only; that so the lords may be well served, the Brethren not put to shame, nor the Royal Craft despised. Therefore no Master or Warden is chosen by seniority, but for his merit. It is impossible to describe these things in writing and every Brother must attend in his place and learn them in the way peculiar to this fraternity; only candidates may know that no Master should take an Apprentice unless he has sufficient employment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth, having no maim or defect in his body, that may render him incapable of learning the art of serving his Master’s Lord, and being made a Brother and then Fellow Craft in due time, even after he has served such a term of years as custom directs; that so, when otherwise qualified, he may arrive at the honor of being the Warden, and then the Master of the Lodge, the Grand Warden, and at length the Grand Master of all Lodges, according to his merit.
These rulers and governors, supreme and subordinate, of the ancient Lodges, are to be obeyed in their respective stations by all the Brethren, according to the Old Charges and Regulations, with all humility, reverence, love and alacrity.