r mrnmat^gm. mi^mt '^,-j[<^'jmA. ^ Bebold this rnln ! 'itsi Once of etheral spirit rolT. '^%,'^^'' *^ This narrow cell was iifeV retreat, Thie space the mind's mysterious seat ; What beaatione vlsloni' filled this spot, What dreams of pleasures lofcg forgot, Nor love, nor joy, nor hope, nor fear Have left one trace of record here Beneath this mouldering Canopy Once shone the britfht and »>n!-y eye ; Yet start not at the dismal void. If social love that eye employed. If with no lawless Are it gleamed But through the dews of kindness beamed. That eye shall be forever bright When stars and suns are sunk in night. Within this hollow cavern hung The active, swift and tnnefnl tongue. If falsehood's honey it distained. And when it could not praise was chained, If bold in virtue's cause it spoke. Yet gentle concord never broke, That silent tongue shall plead for them When time unveils eternity. Did these fingers delve the mine Or with its envied rubies shine f To hew the rock or wear the gem, Can little now avail for them ; Bat if the page of Truth they sought, Or comfort to the mourner brought. These hands a richer mead shall claim Than all that waits on wealth or fame. Avails it whether bare or shod The^e feet the path of duty trod ? If from thn bower* of ease they fled To seek afli'ction's lonely shed. If grandeur's guilty bribe they ■ purned And home to virtue's cot returned, These feet with angels' wings shall vie And tread the palace of the sky. mg, ana a wuaei wppuiiiiuu uuiai vjjva luc scene, tic was dressed from he.cl to toot in buckskin dved a fiery red; strings of silver bells tuiklcd about him; his face was painted in broad allemato bands of green, yellow and crimson; along scalp-lock, stiffened with ea- gle's feathers reached ball' way to the ceiling. [Shanks ordered this report to be strong. I hope this will suit.— Ueporter.J In & voice loud enough to drown the whistle ot ten loco- motives, he read in a strange runio ehant the following poem, from a manuscript signed Joaquin, written m letters of bloofl on the tanned hide of a Comanqhe princess : Far on the hot Apache plain I sinched the girth and I buckled the rein :• The glorious girl behind lue sang, But I sprang to tho saddle wi'hout a pang. And ^avo ine spur to iny wild mustang, And a coil of the loose riata'a fold Over his flanks lilso a.Eurpeat roiled, As his lioofa went forward, and forward, and on, fill the plain, and the hills, and the girl, were gone. The forests of cactus stabbed and stung. The sun beat down on my skinless tongue, The dust was thick in my simmering ni,>uth, And a whirlwind of flame carac out of the south, From the dry banatias, whose fiery hair Singed the ruoiikeys and paroquets there. l\ir«shed through the flame, I dashed o'er the sand. Bearing my songs in my red right hand. Bearing the songs of the Western land. Tender and glo^\ins aod fierce and grand. Take them aud read them and yjeld me the crown ■\71iioh the old Sierras on me cast diwn From peaks untroden, of gorgeous glare. Cast down upon uie and baje me wear. And whoso denies it he shall be Struck, and despised, and spit on, by me. As a loathsome snake, as a venomous thing. Fit but to swelter and crawl and sting, And build hia cell in the rotten', rank I^tcesn of a noisome toadstool bank. While I, like a hawk in the splendid sky, Screim revenge as 1 wheel on high, Ars^ »i,o c^„T,H »f ...» ,»,.oo.n;T,^ c>>oii T^oyer dlc ! P'pOLJL--v >-o , V^OJt^- THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST Masonic Law, CONTAINING THE OLD CHARGES AND REGULATIONS OF 1720, THE CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE ^\,\ m.\ (^xmnX ^CKlijc of OlaUfovnur, AS AMENDED TO 1866, WITH THE Resolutions and Decisions NOW IN FORCE IN THAT M.-.W.-. GRAND BODY, ETC. C O LLATED BT LORENZO GORDIN YATES, Deputy Grand Lecturer and Master of Alameda Lodge, No. 167. San Francisco : EDWAKD BOSQUI & CO., BOOK & JOB PRINTERS. 1867. p'$^ gUJ/ 4. ^ c^^j^^^^^^^^ ^ ^ TABLE OF COJ^TENTS. PAGE. List of Graxd Officers of Graxd Lodge of California 4 Charges of a FreExMASon 5 Old Regulations 13 Constitution of the Grand Lodge 27 Gentiral Regulations of the Grand Lodge 78 Uniform Code of By-laws 84 By-laws of the Grand Lodge 89 Code of Resolutions, Decisions, etc., of Grand Lodge 93 List of Subordinate Lodges 143 List op Past Grand Officers of Grant) Lodge 150 Constitution op Grand Chapter 155 General Regulations of Grand Chapter 180 Rules of Order of Grand Chapter 182 List op Subordinate Chapters 184 List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Chapter 186 Constitution of Grand Council 189 List of Subordinate Councils 199 Statutes of the Grand Commandery 201 Rules of Order of Grand Commandery 217 List of Subordinate Commanderies 219 List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Commandery 220 Index 223 Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1867, By LOHENZO GORDIN YATES, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Disti-ict of California. gdi 4 ^^ p'$- TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE. List of Graxd Officers of Graxd Lodge of California 4 Charges of a Freemason 5 Old Regulations 1^ Constitution of the Grand Lodge 27 General Regulations of the Grand Lodge 78 Uniform Code of By-laws 84 By-laws op the Grand Lodge 89 Code of Resolutions, Decisions, etc., of Grand Lodge 93 List of Subordinate Lodges l^*^ List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Lodge 150 Constitution of Grand Chapter 155 General Regulations of Grand Chapter 180 Rules of Order of Grand Chapter 182 List op Subordinate Chapters 184 List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Chapter 186 Constitution of Grand Council 189 List of Subordinate Councils 199 Statutes of the Grand Commandery 201 Rules of Order of Grand Commandery 217 List of Subordinate Commanderies ■ 219 List of Past Grand Officers of Grand Commandery 220 Index 223 OLD CHARGES AND REGULATIONS OF THE Free and Accepted Masons, Collected from the Old Records of the Lodges, and Presented to the Grand Lodge of England ON THE 27TH Day of Dec, 1721. Ordered to be Printed with the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of California, May Eighth, 1855. THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON EXTKACTED FEOM THE Ancietii Records of Lodges beyond the Sea, and of those in England, Scotland, and Ireland, for the icse of Lodges in England ; TO BE READ AT THE MAKING OF NEW BRETHREN, OR WHEN THE MASTER SHALL ORDER IT. CHARGE 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 bo a stupid 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, yet 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 centre of union, and the means of conciliating true friend- ship among persons that must have remained at a per- petual distance. 6 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. CHARGE II. OF THE CIYIL MAGISTRATE SUPREME AND SUBORDINATE. A Mason is to be a peaceable subject to the civil powers, Avherever he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in plots or conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself unduti- fully to inferior magistrates ; for as Masonry hath been always injured by war, bloodshed, and confusion, so an- cient kings and princes have been much disposed to en- courage the craftsmen, because of their peaceableness and loyalty, whereby they practically answered the cav- ils of their adversaries, and promoted 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. CHARGE 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 be subject to its by-laws and the general regu- lations. It is either particular or general, and will best be understood by attending it, and by the regulations of the general or Grand Lodge hereunto annexed. In an- cient times, no Master or fellow could be absent from it, especially when named to appear at it, without incurring a severe censure, until it appeared to tlie Master and Wardens that pure necessity hindered him. The persons admitted members of a Lodge must be THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. • 7 good and true men, free born, and of mature and discreet age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good report. CHARGE lY. OF MASTERS, 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 de- scribe these things in writing, and every brother must attend in his place, and learn them in a way peculiar to this Fraternity. Only candidates may know, that no Mas- ter 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 his serving his Master's lord, and of being made a brother, and then a Fellow- Craft in due time, even after he has served such a term of years as the custom of the country directs ; and that he should be descended of honest parents ; that so, when otherwise qualified, he may arrive to the honor of being the Warden, and then the Master of the Lodge, the Grand Warden, and at length the Grand Master of all the Lodges, according to his merit. No brother can be a Warden until he has passed the part of a Fellow-Craft ; nor a Master, until he has acted as a Warden, nor Grand Warden until he has been Master of a Lodge, nor Grand Master unless he has been a Fellow-Craft before his election, who is also to be nobly born, or a gentleman of the best fashion, or some eminent scholar, or some curious architect or other artist, descend- ed of honest parents, and who is of singular great merit in the opinion of the Lodges. And for the better, and easier and more honorable discharge of his office, the Grand Master has a power to choose his own Deputy 8 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Grand Master, who must be then, or must have been formerly, the Master of a particular Lodge, and has the privilege of acting whatever the Grand Master, his prin- cipal, should act, unless the said principal be present, or interpose his authority by a letter. These rulers and governors, supreme and subordinate of the ancient Lodge, 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. CHARGE V. OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CRAFT IN WORKING. All Masons shall work honestly on working days, that they may live creditably on holy days, and the time appointed by the law of the land, or confirmed by custom, shall be observed. The most expert of the Fellow- Craftsmen shall be chosen or appointed the Master or Overseer of the lord's work ; and who is to be called Master by those that work under him. The craftsmen are to avoid all ill language, and to call each other by no disobliging name, but brother or fellow ; and to behave themselves courte- ously within and without the Lodge. The Master, knowing himself to be able of canning, shall undertake the lord's work as reasonably as possible, and truly dispend his goods as if they were his own ; nor to give more wages to any brother or Apprentice than he really may deserve. Both tlie Master and the Masons receiving their wages justly, shall be faithful to the lord, and lionestly finish their work, whether task or journey , nor put the work to task that liath been accustomed to journey. None shall discover envy at the prosperity of a brother, nor supplant him, or put him out of his work, if he be ca|)al)leto finish the same ; for no man can finish another's work so much to the lord's profit, unless he be thorough- THE CHARCxES OF A FEEEMASON. 9 ly acquainted with the designs and draughts of him that began it. When a fellow-craftsman is chosen Warden of the work under the Master, he shall be true both to Master and fellows ; shall carefully oversee the work in the Master's absence to the Lord's profit ; and his brethren shall obey him. All Masons employed shall meekly receive their wages, without murmuring or mutiny, and not desert the Mas- ter till the work is finished. A younger brother shall be instructed in working, to prevent spoiling the materials for want of judgment, and for increasing and continuing of brotherly love. All the tools used in working shall be approved by the Grand Lodge. No laborer shall be employed in the proper work of Masonry ; nor shall Freemasons work with those that are not free, without an urgent necessity ; nor shall they teach laborers and unaccepted Masons, as they should teach a brother or fellow. CHARGE VI. OF BEHAVIOR, VIZ. : IN THE LODGE WHILE CONSTITUTED. 1. You are not to hold private committees, or sep- arate conversation without leave from the Master, nor to talk of anything impertinent or unseemly, nor inter- rupt the Master or Wardens, or any brother speaking to the Master ; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence whatsoever ; but to pay due reverence to your Master, Wardens, and fellows, and put them to worship. If any complaint be brought, the brother found guilty shall stand to the award and determination of the Lodge, who are the proper and competent judges of all such controversies (unless you carry it by appeal to the Grand Lodge), and to whom they ought to be referred, unless a 2 10 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. lord's work be hindered the meanwhile, in which case a particular reference may be made ; but you must never go to law about w^hat concerneth Masonr3^ without an absolute necessity apparent to the Lodge. BEHAVIOR AFTER THE LODGE IS OVER AND THE BRETHREN NOT GONE. 2. You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treat- ing one another according to ability, but avoiding all excess, or forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his inclination, or hindering him from going when his occa sions call him, or doing or saying anything offensive, or that may forbid an easy and free conversation, for that would blast our harmony, and defeat our laudable pur- poses. Therefore, no private piques or quarrels must be brought within the door of the Lodge, far less any quarrels about religion, or nations, or State policy, we being only, as Masons, of the catholic religion above mentioned ; we are also of all nations, tongues, kindreds, and languages, and are resolved against all politics, as what never yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will. TJiis .charge has been always strictly enjoined and observed ; but especially ever since the reformation in Britain, or the dissent and secession of these nations from the communion of Rome. BEHAVIOR WHEN BRETHREN MEET WITHOUT STRANGERS, BUT NOT IN A LODGE FORMED. 3. You are to salute one another in a courteous man- ner, as you will be instructed, calling each other brother, freely giving each other mutual instruction as shall be thought expedient, without being overseen or overheard, and without encroaching upon each other, or derogating from tliat respect which is due to a brother, were he not a Mason : lor, though all Masons are as brethren upon tlic same level, yet Masonry takes no honor from a man that he liad bcrore ; nay, ratlier it adds to his honor. THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 11 especially if he has deserved well of the brotherhood, who must give honor to whom it is due, and avoid ill manners. BEHAVIOR IN PRESENCE OF STRANGERS NOT MASONS. 4. You shall be cautious in your words and carriage, that the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover or find out what is not proper to be intimated ; and sometimes you shall divert a discourse, and manage it prudently for the honor of the worshipful Fraternity. BEHAVIOR AT HOME AND IN TOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. 0. You are to act as becomes a moral and wise man ; particularly not to let your family, friends and neighbors know the concerns of the Lodge, etc., but wisely to con- sult your own honor, and that of the ancient brother- hood, for reasons not to be mentioned here. You must also consult your health, by not continuing together too late, or too long from home, after Lodge hours are past ; and by avoiding of gluttony or drunkenness, that your families be not neglected, or injured, nor you disabled from working. BEHAVIOR TOWARDS A STRANGE BROTHER. 6. You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be im- posed upon by an ignorant false pretender, Avhom you are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware of giving him any hints of knowledge. But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother, you are to respect him accordingly ; and if he is in want, you must relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be relieved. You must employ him some days, or else recommend him to be employed. But you are not charged to do beyond your ability, only to prefer a poor brother, that is a good man and true, before any other poor people in the same circumstances. 12 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Finally, all these charges you are to observe, and also those that shall be communicated to you in another way ; cultiyating brotherly love, the foundation and copestone, the cement and glory of this ancient Fraternity, avoiding all wrangling and quarreling, all slander and backbiting, nor permitting others to slander any honest brother, but defending his character, and doing him all good offices, as far as is consistent with your honor and safety, and no farther. And if any of them do you injury, you must apply to your own or his Lodge ; and from thence you may ap- peal to the Grand Lodge at the quarterly communication, and from thence to the annual Grand Lodge, as has been the ancient laudable conduct of our forefathers in every nation ; never taking a legal course but when the case cannot be otherwise decided, and patiently listening to the honest and friendly advice of Master and fellows, when they would prevent your going to law with stran- gers, or would excite you to put a speedy period to all lawsuits, so that you may mind the affair of. Masonry with the more alacrity and success. But with respect to brothers or fellows at law, the Master and brethren should kindly offer their mediation, which ought to be thankfully submitted to by the contending brethren ; and if that submission is impracticable, they must, however, carry on their process, or lawsuit, without wrath and rancor (not in the common way) saying or doing nothing which may hinder brotherly love, and good offices to be renewed and continued ; that all may see the benign influence of Masonry, as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the world, and will do to the end of time. Amen — So mote it be. THE CHARGES OF A FEEEMASON. 13 GENERAL REGULATIONS. L The Grand Master, or his Deputy, hath authorit}^ and right not only to be present in any true Lodge, but also to preside wherever he is, with the Master of the Lodge on his left hand, and to order his Grand Wardens to at- tend him, who are not to act in particular Lodges as Wardens, but in his presence and at his command ; be- cause there the Grand Master may command the Wardens of that Lodge, or any other brethren he pleaseth, to at- tend and act as his Wardens pro tempore. II. The Master of a particular Lodge has the right and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge into a Chapter at pleasure, upon any emergency or oc- currence, as well as to appoint the time and place of their usual forming ; and in case of sickness, death, or necessary absence of the Master, the Senior Warden shall act as Master pro temjjore, if no brother is present who has been Master of that Lodge before ; for in that' case the absent Master's authority reverts to the last Master then present ; though he cannot act until the said Senior Warden has once congregated the Lodge, or, in his absence, the Junior Warden. III. The Master of each particular Lodge, or one of the Wardens, or some other brother by his order, shall keep a book containing their by-laws, the names of their members, with a list of all the Lodges in town, and the usual times and places of their forming, and all their transactions that are proper to be written. IV. No Lodge shall make more than five new breth- ren at one time, nor any man under the age of twenty- five, who must be also his own master ; unless by a dis- pensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy. V. No man can be made or admitted a member of a 14 THE CAI.IFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. [):irticnlar Lodge without previous notice one month before given to the said Lodge, in order to make due in- quiry into the reputation and capacity of the candidate, unless by the dispensation aforesaid. VL But no man can be entered a brother in one par- ticuhir Lodge, or admitted to be a member thereof, with- out the unanimous consent of all the members of that Lodge then present when the candidate is proposed, and their consent is formally asked by the Master ; and they are to signify their consent or dissent in their own pru- dent way, either virtually or in form, but with unanimity : nor is this inherent privilege subject to a dispensation ; because the members of a particular Lodge are the best juc'.ges of it ; and if a fractious member should be im- posed on them, it might spoil their harmony or hinder their freedom, or even break or disperse the Lodge ; which ought to be avoided by all good and true brethren. VIL Every new brother at his making is decently to clothe the Lodge, that is, all the brethren present, and to deposit something for the relief of indigent and de- cayed brethren, as the candidate shall think fit to bestow, over and above the small allowance stated by the by- laws of that particular Lodge ; which charity shall be lodged with the Master or Wardens, or the Cashier, if the members think fit to choose one. And the candidate shall also solemnly promise to sub- mit to the Constitutions, the Charges, and Regulations, and to such other good usages as shall be intimated to hiui in time and place convenient. VIIL No set or number of brethren shall withdi-aw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made brethren, or were afterward admitted mem- bers, unless tjic Lodge becomes too numerous ; nor even then, witiiout a dispensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy; and when they are thus separated, they THE CHAEGES OF A FREEMASON. 15 must either immediately join themselves to such other Lodge as they shall like best, with the unanimous con- sent of that other Lodge to which they go (as above regulated), or else they must obtain the Grand Master's Warrant to join in forming a new Lodge. If any set or number of Masons shall take upon them- selves to form a Lodge without the Grand Master's War- rant, the regular Lodges are not to countenance them, nor own them as fair brethren and duly formed, nor ap- prove of their acts and deeds ; but must treat them as rebels, until they humble themselves, as the Grand Master shall in his prudence direct, and until he approve of them by his Warrant, which must be signified to the other Lodges, as the custom is when a new Lodge is to be registered in the list of Lodges. IX. But if any brother so far misbehaves himself as to render his Lodge uneasy, he shall be twice duly ad- monished by the Master or Wardens in a formed Lodge ; and if he will not refrain his imprudence, and obediently submit to the advice of his brethren, and reform what gives them offence, he shall be dealt with according to the by-laws of that particular Lodge, or else in such a manner as the quarterly communication shall in their great prudence think fit ; for which a new regulation may be afterward made. X. The majority of every particular Lodge, when con- gregated, shall have the privilege of giving instructions to their Master and Wardens before the assembling of the Grand Chapter, or Lodge, at the three quarterly communications hereafter mentioned, and of the annual Grand Lodge too ; because their Masters and Wardens are their representatives, and are supposed to speak their mind. XL All particular Lodges are to observe the same usages as much as possible ; in order to which, and for 10 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. cultivating a good understanding among Freemasons, some members out of every Lodge shall be deputed to visit the other Lodges as often as shall be thought con- venient. XII. The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed by, the Masters and Wardens of all the regular particular Lodges upon record, with the Grand Master at their head, and his Deputy on his left hand, and the Grand Wardens in their proper places, and must have a quar- terly communication about Michaelmas, Christmas, and Lady Day, in some convenient place as the Grand Master shall appoint, where no brother shall be present Avho is not at that time a member thereof, without a dispensation ; and while he stays, he shall not be allowed to vote, nor even give his opinion, without leave of the Grand Lodge asked and given, or unless it be duly asked by the said Lodge. All matters are to be determined in the Grand Lodge by a majority of votes, each member having one vote^ and the Grand Master having two votes, unless the said Lodge leave any particular thing to the determination of the Grand Master for the sake of expedition. XIIL At the said quarterly communication all mat- ters that concern the fraternity in general, or particular Lodges, or single brethren, are quietly, sedately, and ma- turely to be discoursed of and transacted. Apprentices must be admitted Masters and Fellow-Craft only here, unless by a dispensation. Here also all differences that can not be made up and accommodated privately, nor by a ])articular Lodge, are to be seriously considered and decided ; and if any brother thinks himself aggrieved by the decision of this Board, he may appeal to the annual Grand Lodge next ensuing, and leave his appeal in Avrit- ing with the Grand Master, or his Deputy, or the Grand Wardens. TIcrc also tlie Master or the Wardens of each particular THE CHAEGES OF A FREEMASON. 17 Lodge shall bring and produce a list of such members as have been made, or even admitted in their particular Lodges since the last communication of the Grand Lodge : and there shall be a book kept by the Grand Master, or his Deputy, or rather by some brother whom the Grand Lodge shall appoint for Secretary, wherein shall be re- corded all the Lodges, with their usual times and places of forming, and the names of all the members of each Lodge ; and all the affairs of the Grand Lodge that are proper to be written. They shall also consider of the most prudent and effectual methods of collecting and disposing of what money shall be given to, or lodged with them in charity; toward the relief only of any true brother fallen into poverty or decay, but of none else ; but every particu- lar Lodge shall dispose of their own charity for poor brethren according to their own by-laws, until it be agreed by all the Lodges (in a new regulation) to carry in the charity collected by them to the Grand Lodg^, at the quarterly or annual communication, in order to make a common stock of it, for the more handsome relief of poor brethren. They shall also appoint a Treasurer, a brother of good worldly substance, who shall be a member of the Grand Lodge by virtue of his office, and shall be always present and have power to move to the Grand Lodge anything, especially what concerns his office. To him shall be committed all money raised for charity, or for any other use of the Grand Lodge, which he shall write down in a book, with the respective ends and uses for which the several sums are intended ; and shall expend and dis- burse the same by such a certain order, signed as the Grand Lodge shall afterward agree to in a new regulation ; but he shall not vote in choosing a Grand Master or Wardens, though in every other transaction. As in like manner the Secretary shall be a member of the Grand 18 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Lodge by virtue of his office, and vote in everything- except in choosing a Grand Master or Wardens. The Treasurer and Secretary shall have each a clerk, who must be a brother and Fellow-Craft, but never must be a member of the Grand Lodge, nor speak without being allowed or desired. The Grand Master, or his Deputy, shall always command the Treasurer and Secretary, with their clerks and books^ in order to see how matters go on, and to know what is expedient to be done upon any emergent occasion. Another brother (who must be a Fellow-Craft) should be appointed to look after the door of the Grand Lodge, but shall be no member of it. But these offices may be further explained by a new regulation, when the necessity and expediency of them may more appear than at present to the fraternity. XIV. If at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, quarterly or annual, the Grand Master and his deputy should be both absent, then the present Master of a Lodge that has been the longest a Freemason, shall take the chair and preside as Grand Master pro tempore, and shall be vested with all his power and honor for the time, provided there is no brother present that has been Grand Master formerly, or Deputy Grand Master ; for the last Grand Master present, or else the last Deputy present, should always of right take place hi the absence of the present Grand Master and his Deputy. XV. In the Grand Lodge none can act as Wardens but the Grand Wardens themselves, if present; and if ab- sent, the person who presides in his place, shall order private Wardens to act as Grand Wardens pro tempore^ whose places are to be supplied by two Fellow-Craft ot the same Lodge, called forth to act, or sent thither by the particular Master thereof; or if by him omitted, then they shall be called by the Grand Master, that so the Grand Liidgc may bo always complete. THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 19 XVI. The Grand Wardens, or any others, are first to advise with the Deputy about the aflairs of the Lodge or of the brethren, and not to apply to the Grand Master without the knowledge of the Deputy, unless he refuse his concurrence in any certain necessary affair ; in which case, or in case of any difference between the Deputy and the Grand Wardens, or other brethren, both parties are to go by concert to the Grand Master, who can easily decide the controversy and make up the difference, by virtue of his great authority. The Grand Master should receive no intimation of business concerning Masonry but from his Deputy first, except in such certain cases as his Worship can well judge of; for if the application to the Grand Master be irregular, he can easily order the Grand Wardens, or any other brethren thus applying, to wait upon his Deputy, who is to prepare the business speedily, and to lay it orderly before his Worship. XYII. No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, or whoever acts for them, or in their stead pro tempore, can at the same time be the Master or Warden of a particular Lodge ; but as soon as any of them has honoi'ably discharged his Grand Office, he returns to that post or station in his particular Lodge from which he was called to officiate above. XVIII. If the Deputy Grand Master be sick, or neces- sarily absent, the Grand Master may choose any Fellow- Craft he please to be his Deputy pro tempore : but he that is chosen Deputy at the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Wardens too, can not be discharged without the cause fairly appear to the majority of the Grand Lodge ; and the Grand Master, if he is uneasy, may call a Grand Lodge on purpose to lay the cause before them, and to have their advice and concurrence ; in which case, the majority of the Grand Lodge, if they can not reconcile 20 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC I>AW. the Master and his Deputy or his Wardens, are to concur in allowing the Master to discharge his said Deputy or his said Wardens, and to choose another Deputy im- mediately ; and the said Grand Lodge shall choose other Wardens in that case, that harmony and peace may be preserved. XIX. If the Grand Master should abuse his power, and render himself unworthy of the obedience and sub- jection of the Lodges, he shall be treated in a way and manner to be agreed upon in a new regulation ; because hitherto the ancient fraternity have had no occasion for it, their former Grand Masters having all behaved them- selves worthy of that honorable office. XX. The Grand Master, with his Deputy and Ward- ens, shall (at least once) go round and visit all the Lodges about town during his Mastership. XXL If the Grand Master die during his Mastership, or by sickness, or by being beyond sea, or any other way should be rendered incapable of discharging his office, the Deputy, or, in his absence, the Senior Grand Warden, or in his absence, the Junior, or, in his absence, any three present Masters of Lodges, shall join to con- gregate the Grand Lodge immediately, to advise together upon that emergency, and to send two of their number to invite the last Grand Master to resume his office, which now in course reverts to him ; or, if he refuse, then the next last, and so backward. But if no former Grand Master can be found, then the Deputy shall act as principal until another is chosen ; or if there be no Dep- uty, then the oldest Master. XXII. The brethren of all the Lodges in and about London and Westminster, shall meet at an annual com- munication and feast, in some ('onvenieiit ])lace, on St. Jolin l>aptist's Day, or else on St..)(tliii Evangelist's Dav. THE CHARGES OP A FREEMASON. 21 US the Grand Lodge shall think fit by a new regulation, having of late years met on St. John Baptist's Day ; Provided, The majority of the Masters and Wardens, with the Grand Master, his Deputy, and Wardens, agree at their quarterly communications, three months before, that there shall be a feast and a general communication of all the brethren ; for if either the Grand Master or the majority of the particular Masters are against it, it must be dropped for that time. But whether there shall be a feast for all the brethren or not, yet the Grand Lodge must meet in some conve- nient place annually on St. John's Day ; or if it be Sun- day, then on the next day, in order to choose every year a new Grand Master, Deputy, and Wardens. XXIII. If it be thought expedient, and the Grand Master, with the majority of the Masters and Wardens, agree to hold a grand feast, according to the ancient laudable custom of Masons, then the Grand Wardens shall have the care of preparing the tickets, sealed with the Grand Master's seal, of receiving the money for the tickets, of buying the materials of the feast, of finding out a proper and convenient place to feast in, and of every other thing that concerns the entertainment. But, that the work may not be too burdensome to the two Grand Wardens, and that all matters may be expe- ditiously and safely managed, the Grand Master, or his Deputy, shall have power to nominate and appoint a certain number of Stewards, as his Worship shall think fit, to act in concert with the two Grand Wardens ; all things relating to the feast being decided among them by a majority of voices, except the Grand Master or his Deputy interpose by a particular direction or appoint- ment. XXIV. The Wardens and Stewards shall, in due time, wait upon the Grand Master, or his Deputy, for directions and orders about the premises ; but if his Wor- 22 THE CALIFORNIA DIOEST OF MASONIC LAW. 8lii)) and bis Deputy are sick, or necessarily absent, tbey sball call togetber tbe Masters and Wardens of Lodges to meet on purpose for tbeir advice and orders ; or else tbey may take tbe matter wbolly upon tbemselves and do tbe best tbey can. Tbe Grand Wardens and tbe Stewards are to account for all tbe money tbey receive, or expend, to tbe Grand Lodge, after dinner, or wben tbe Grand Lodge sball tbink fit to receive tbeir accounts. If tbe Grand Master pleases, be may in due time sum- mon all tbe Masters and Wardens of Lodges, to consult witb tbem about ordering tbe grand feast, and about any emergency or accidental tbing relating tbereunto, tbat may require advice ; or else to take it upon bimself altogetber. XXV. Tbe Masters of Lodges sball eacb appoint one experienced and discreet Fellow-Craft of bis Lodge, to compose a committee, consisting of one from every Lodge, wbo sball meet to receive, in a convenient apart- ment, every person tbat brings a ticket, and sball bave power to discourse bim, if tbey tbink fit, in order to ad- mit or debar bim, as tbey sball see cause ; Provided, Tbey send no man away before tbey bave . acquainted all tbe bretbren witbin doors witb tbe reasons tbereof, to avoid mistakes ; tbat so no true brotbcr may be debarred, nor a false brotber or mere pretender ad- mitted. Tbis committee must meet very early on St. Jobn's Day, at tbe place, even before any persons come witb tickets. XXVI. Tbe Grand Master sball appoint two or more trusty bretbren to be ])orters or doorkeepers, wbo are also to be early at tbe place, for some good reasons ; and wbo are to be at tbe command of tbe committee. XXVII. Tbe Grand Wardens, or tbe Stewards, sball appoint beforoband sncb a number of bretbren to serve THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 23 at table as they think fit and proper for that work ; and they may advise with the Masters and Wardens of Lodges about the most proper persons, if they please, or may take in snch by their recommendation ; for none are to serve that day but Free and Accepted Masons, that the communications may be free and harmonious. XXYIII. All the members of the Grand Lodge must be at the place long before dinner, with the Grand Mas- ter, or his Deputy, at their head, who shall retire and form themselves. And this is done in order — 1. To receive any appeals duly lodged, as above reg- ulated, that the appellant may be heard, and the affair may be amicably decided before dinner, if possible ; but if it can not, it must be delayed till after the new Grand Master is elected ; and if it can not be decided after din- ner, it may be delayed, and referred to a particular committee, that shall quietly adjust it, and make report to the next quarterly communication, that brotherly love may be preserved. 2. To prevent any difference or disgust which may be feared to arise that day, that no interruption may be given to the harmony and pleasure of the Grand Feast. 3. To consult about whatever concerns the decency and decorum of the Grand Assembly, and to prevent all indecency and ill manners, the assembly being promis- cuous. 4. To receive and consider of any good motion, or any momentous and important affair that shall be brought from the particular Lodges by their representatives, the several Masters and Wardens. XXIX. After these things are discussed, the Grand Master and his Deputy, the Grand Wardens, or the Stewards, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Clerks, and every other person shall withdraw and leave the Masters 24 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. and Wardens of the particular Lodges alone, in order to consult amicably about electing a new Grand Master^ or continuing the present, if they had not done it the day before ; and if they are unanimous for continuing the present Grand Master, his Worship shall be called in, and humbly desired to do the fraternity the honor of ruling them for the year ensuing ; and after dinner it will be known whether he accepts of it or not ; for it should not be discovered but by the election itself. XXX. Then the Masters and Wardens, and all the brethren, may converse promiscuously, or as they please to sort together, until the dinner is coming in, when every brother takes his seat at table. XXXI. Some time after dinner, the Grand Lodge is formed, not in the retirement, but in the presence of all the brethren who yet are not members of it, and must not therefore speak until they are desired and allowed. XXXIL If the Grand Master of last year has con- sented with the Masters and Wardens in private, before dinner, to continue for the year ensuing, then one of the Grand Lodge, deputed for that purpose, shall represent to all the brethren, his Worship's good government, etc., and, turning to him, shall, in the name of the Grand Lodge, humbly request him to do the fraternity the great honor (if nobly born, if not), the great kindness, of continuing to be their Grand Master for the year ensuing. And his Worship declaring his consent by a bow or a speech, as he pleases, the said deputed member of the Grand Lodge shall proclaim him Grand Master, and all the members of the Lodge shall salute him in due form. And all the brethren shall for a few minutes have leave to declare their satisfaction, pleasure, and congratulation. XXXIII. But if either the Master and Wardens have not in private, this day before dinner nor the day before, THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. 25 desired the last Grand Master to continue in the Master- ship another year ; or if he, when desired, has not con- sented : Then The last Grand Master shall nominate his successor for the year ensuing, who, if unanimously approved by the Grand Lodge, and if there present, shall be proclaim- ed, saluted, and congratulated the new Grand Master as above hinted, and immediately installed by the last Grand Master, according to usage. XXXIV. But if that nomination is not unanimously approved, the new Grand Master shall be chosen imme- diately by ballot, every Master and Warden writing his man's name, and the last Grand Master writing his man's name too ; and the man whose name the last Grand Master shall first take out, casually or by chance, shall be Grand Master for the year ensuing ; and, if present, he shall be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated as above hinted, and forthwith installed by the last Grand Master, according to usage. XXXV. The last Grand Master thus continued, or the new Grand Master thus installed, shall next nominate and appoint his Deputy Grand Master, either the last or a now one, who shall also be declared, saluted, and con- gratulated as above hinted. The Grand Master shall also nominate the new Grand Wardens, and if unanimously approved by the Grand Lodge, shall be declared, saluted, and congratulated as above hinted ; but if not, they shall be chosen by ballot, in the same way as the Grand Master ; as the Wardens of private Lodges are also to be chosen by ballot in each Lodge, if the members thereof do not agree to their Mas- ter's nomination. XXXVI. But if the brother whom the present Grand Master shall nominate for his successor, or whom the majority of the Grand Lodge shall happen to choose by ballot, is, by sickness or other necessary occasion, absent 26 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. from the Grand Feast, he can not be proclaimed the new Grand Master, unless the old Grand Master, or some of the Masters and Wardens of the Grand Lodge can vouch, upon the honor of a brother, that the said person so nominated or chosen, will readily accept of the said office ; in which case the old Grand Master shall act as proxy, and shall nominate the Deputy and Wardens in his name, also receive the usual honors, homage, and congratulation. XXXYII. Then the Grand Master shall allow any brother, Fellow-Craft, or Apprentice to speak, directing his discourse to his Worship ; or to make any motion for the good of the fraternity, which shall be either imme- diately considered and finished, or else referred to the consideration of the Grand Lodge, at their next com- munication, stated or occasional. When that is over, XXXVIII. The Grand Master or his Deputy, or some brother appointed by him, shall harangue all the brethren, and give them good advice ; and lastly, after some other transactions, that cannot be written in any language, the brethren may go away or stay longer as they please. XXXIX. Every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power and authority to make new Regulations, or to alter these, *for the real benefit of this ancient fraternity : provided, always, that the old Landmarks be caretully preserved, and that such alterations and new Regulations be proposed and agreed to at the third quarterly com- munication preceeding the annual Grand Feast ; and that they be offered also to the perusal of all the brethren before dinner, in writing, even of the youngest Apprentice, the approbation and consent of the majority of all the brethren present being absolutely necessary to make the same binding and obligatory ; which must, after dinner, and after the new Grand Master is installed, be solemnly desired, as it was desired and obtained for these Regula- tions, when proposed by the Grand Lodge, to about 150 l)r('thr('ii, on St. .lohn Baptist's Day, 1721. GRAND LODGE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. CONSTITUTION OF THE OF |m mil '^M\)UA ^^mx^ STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS REVISED AND ADOPTED IN MAY, A. L. 5859, AND AMENDED TO OCTOBER, A. L. 5866. PART I . 0/ the Organization of the Grand Lodge. ARTICLE I. OP ITS TITLE AND SEAL. Section 1. This Grand Lodge shall be entitled " The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California." Sec. 2. It shall have a Seal, bearing such devices and inscriptions as have heretofore been, or may hereafter be determined, which shall be affixed to all instruments issued by or under its authority. 28 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. ARTICLE 11. OF ITS MEMBERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS. Section 1. The Grvand Lodge shall be composed of a Grand Master (whose address shall be Blast JVorsJdjf'd), a Deputy Grand Master, a Senior Grand Warden, and a Junior Grand Warden (whose addresses shall severally ha Bight fVorshijjful), a Grsiud Treasurer and a Grand Secretary (whose addresses shall severally be Very Wor- sMpftil), a Grand Chaplain (avIioso address shall be Very Reverend), a Grand Orator, a Grand Marshal, a Grand Standard Bearer, a Grand Sword Bearer, a Grand Bible Bearer, a Senior Grand Deacon, a Junior Grand Deacon, two Grand Stewards, a Grand Organist, a Grand Pursui- vant and a Grand Tyler (Avhose addresses shall severally be Worshijful), and such other officers as it may hereaf- ter designate : together with all the Past Grand Officers and Past Masters of this jurisdiction, and the Masters and Wardens of the several chartered and duly consti- tuted Lodges, or the representatives thereof, duly elected as provided in Art. II, Part VII. Sec. 2. Each officer and member of the Grand Lodge must be a member of some Lodge within its jurisdiction. With the cessation of such membership shall cease his office and membership in the Grand Lodge. Sec. 3. No member of the Grand Lodge shal' be rep- resented therein by proxy. ARTICLE III. OF ITS POWERS AND AUTHORITY. Section 1. The Grand Lodge is the Supreme Masonic Power and AutlKu-ity in this State, possessing all the at- tributes of sovereignty and government — legislative, ex- ecutive, and judicial — limited only by a strict adherence to the Ancient Landmarks of the Order, and to the pro- visions of its own Cojistitution and Regulations. Sec. 2. Its legislative powers extend to every case of CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W. '.GRAND LODGE. 29 legislation not expressly delegated by itself to the Lodges ; and the Constitution and Regulations, which it has an inalienable right to adopt and promulgate at its own convenience, and to alter, amend, or repeal at its own pleasure, under the limitations therein imposed, are final and binding upon all Lodges and Masons within its jurisdiction, until so altered, amended, or repealed. Sec. 3. Its executive powers include the granting of dispensations and charters to establish and perpetuate Lodges withiu this State, and in other territory where no Grand Lodge exists ; the revocation or suspension thereof ; the issuing of special dispensations for all pur- poses permitted by any of the provisions of this Consti- tution ; and the exercise, generally, of all such authority as may be necessary to carry its own legislation into complete effect. Sec. 4. Its judicial powers are of two kinds : 1st. Original — Including the decision of all contro- versies between any of the Lodges, or between one of them and a member or members of another, or between members of diiferent Lodges; and the enforcement of dis- cipline upon its own members and upon the Lodges under its jurisdiction : and 2d. Appellate — Embracing the revision of all matters of controversy or discipline, proper for Masonic investi- gation, which may have arisen in any of the Lodges, and over which it has not retained original jurisdiction. ARTICLE IV. OF ITS communications. Section 1. The Grand Lodge shall hold its Annual Communications for the transaction of its regular busi- ness, at the City of San Francisco, commencing on the second Tuesday of October, at 10 o'clock, a.m. Sec. 2. Special Communications may be ordered by the Grand Master whenever, in his opinion, the welfare of the Fraternity shall require it. 30 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW, Sec. 3. Special Commimications shall be ordered by the Grand Master, upon an application therefor in writing setting forth the causes which demand it, and signed by the Masters of at least five chartered Lodges. Sec. 4. Every order for a Special Communication shall designate the object thereof, so far as is proper to be written, and shall be issued to each Lodge and Grand Officer at least thirty days before the day named for meeting ; and no business shall be transacted thereat other than that for which the Grand Lodge was espe- cially convened. Sec. 5. The officers or representatives of at least fif- teen chartered Lodges shall be present in order to transact any business in the Grand Lodge, either at an Annual or Special Communication ; but, upon occasions of ceremony only, the Grand Master, or his duly author- ized representative, with a sufficient number of brethren to fill the stations and places, may at any time open the Grand Lodge, and perform the ceremonies for which it was convened. ARTICLE V. OF THE elections AND APPOINTMENTS. Section 1. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary shall be elected by ballot, at each Annual Communica- tion, upon the fourth day thereof; shall be installed be- fore its close ; and shall hold their respective offices until their successors shall have been elected and installed. A majority of all the votes cast shall be necessaiy for an election. Sec. 2. All other Grand Officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master, immediately after his installation, at each Annual Communication ; shall be properly invested before the close thereof; and shall hold their respective offices during his will and pleasure. Sec. 3. Whenever a vacancv shall occur in anv elective CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W/. GRAND LODGE. 31 office of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master shall have power to fill the same by appointment, which appoint- ment shall be valid until the succeeding annual election and installation ; and the officer so appointed shall be charged with all the duties and responsibilities of one regularly elected. ARTICLE VI. OF ITS VOTING AND REPRESENTATION. Section 1. All questions in the Grand Lodge (except elections of officers) shall be decided either viva voce, or by a show of hands — unless, before the announcement of the result thereof, three members shall demand that the vote be taken by yeas and nays, in which case it shall thus be taken. Sec. 2. Each Grand Officer present, whether elected or appointed (except the Grand Tyler), and each Past Grand Officer present, shall be entitled to one vote. Sec. 3. Each Lodge represented shall be entitled to three votes ; and the Past Masters of each Lodge shall, collectively, be entitled to one vote. Sec. 4. No Grand Officer, Past Grand Officer, or Past Master, voting, or participating in a vote, in either of those capacities, shall vote, or participate in a vote, in any other of them ; but either of such members may, as Master, Warden, or representative of a Lodge, cast also the vote or votes to which such position shall entitle him. Sec. 5. When a Lodge shall be represented by only two of its proper officers, the officer highest in rank may cast two of the tiiree votes. Sec. 6. When a Lodge shall be represented by only one of its proper officers, or by a representative, such officer or representative may cast all the votes to which it is entitled. Sec. 7. Li all cases of a tie vote, except votes by bal- lot, the Grand Master, in addition to his proper vote^ may have the casting vote. 32 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. ARTICLE VII. OF ITS COMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES. Section 1. The following regular committees, to con- sist of five members each, shall be appointed by the Grand Master at each Annual Communication, viz : On Credentials, on Grievances, on Finances, on Jurispru- dence, on Charters, on Returns, on By-Laws, and on Cor- respondence. Sec. 2. Special committees may also be appointed by the Grand Master, whenever it may be deemed necessary by the Grand Lodge. Sec. 3. No business of any kind shall be finally acted upon, until after reference to and report upon, by a com- mittee, unless by unanimous consent ; and no appropria- tion of money shall be made until after reference to, and report upon, by the Committee on Finances. ARTICLE VIII. OF ITS REVENUES. Section 1. The revenue of the Grand Lodge shall be derived from the following sources : 1st. From fees charged for dispensations, charters, di- plomas, and other documents issued under its authority: 2d. From.contributions levied upon the Lodges, which shall always be equal and uniform, in proportion to their membership, admissions, and degrees conferred : and 3d. From the funds, dues, and proceeds of all property of dissolved Lodges within its jurisdiction. Sec. 2, The following shall be the fees charged as above, exclusive of those provided in Sec. 3, Article IV, Part II, to be paid to the Grand Secretary : 1st. For a dispensation to form a new Lodge, the sum of seventy-five dollars : 2d. For a charter to perpetuate a Lodge, the sum of fifty dollars : CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 33 3cl. For a dispensation to hold an election of an officer or officers at a time other than that named in Sec. 1, Art. I, Part IV, the sum of ten dollars : 4th. For a dispen ation to ballot for a candidate for the degrees, without the reference to a committee pro- vided in Sec. 3, Art. Ill, Part III, the sum often dollars: 5th. For a dispensation to receive and act upon the petition of a rejected candidate, within a less period than the twelve months prescribed in Sec. 2, Art. Ill, Part III, the sum of ten dollars : and 6th. For a diploma of any kind, the sum of two dollars, except when issued for the widoAv or children of a de- ceased Mason, in which case there shall be no charge : but no diploma shall issue except upon the presentation to the Grand Secretary of a certificate from the Secre- tary of a Lodge, in one of the forms prescribed in Art. mi Part VII. Sec. 3. In no case shall either of the foregoing docu- ments be issued until the fees therefor shall have been paid to the Grand Secretary. Sec. 4. The following contributions shall be paid, as annual dues, by each of the Lodges, whether chartered or under dispensation, at the time and in the manner provided in Sec. 4, Art. II, Part III : 1st. For each -degree it shall have conferred during the year, the sum of one dollar : 2d. For each member it shall have received by affilia- tion during the year, the sum of one dollar : 3d. For each Master Mason borne upon its roll at the date of its annual return, the sum of one dollar : And the Grand Lodge may levy, in addition to the above, such other contributions as in its judgment may be required. Sec. 5. In case of the dissolution of a Lodge, the Grand Secretary, or some brother by him duly authorized, shall at once proceed to receive its funds on hand, collect its outstanding dues, and dispose of its jewels, furniture, and 5 34 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. property of every kind, in such manner as shall seem to him most judicious ; and he shall place the proceeds thereof, after tlie payment of necessary expenses, among the funds of the Grand Lodo-e. PART II. Of the Grand Officers, their Foivers and Duties. ARTICLE I. OF THE GRAND MASTER. Section 1. The Grand Master, during the interval between the Communications of the Grand Lodge, may exercise all its executive powers as defined in Sec. 3, Art. Ill, Part I, except the granting of charters. By virtue of these, authority is given him — 1st. To grant dispensations for the formation of new Lodges, under the regulations prescribed in Sec. 2, Art. I, Part III : 2d. To grant dispensations for the holding elections of an officer or officers at times other. *Hian the regular periods prescribed in Sec. 1, Art. I, Part VI, under the regulations provided in Sec. 2, Art. I, Part IV : 3d. To grant dispensations to ballot for and confer the degrees upon candidates, without the reference of their applications to committees, as provided in Sec. 3, Art. Ill, Part III, under the regulations prescribed in Sec. 4, Art. Ill, Part III : 4tli. To grant dispensations to receive and act upon the petitions of rejected applicants, within a less period than the twelve months prescribed in Sec. 2, Art. Ill, Part III, under the regulations provided in Sec. 4, Art. Ill, Part III : CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.". GRAND LODGE. 35 5th. To convene any Lodge, preside therein, inspect its proceedings, and compel its conformity to Masonic usage : 6th. To arrest the charter or dispensation of any Lodge, for good reasons shown, and suspend the opera- tions thereof until the next Annual Communication : 7th. To suspend the Master of any Lodge from the exercise of the powers and duties of his office, for good reasons shown, until the next Annual Communication : 8th. To require the attendance of, and information from any Grand Officer, respecting matters appertaining to the duties of his office : and 9th. To appoint Representatives in other recognized Lodges, and to receive and accredit such Representa- tives from them. Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Master — 1st. To preside in the Grand Lodge at all its Commu- nications : 2d. To present, at each Annual Communication, a written message, therein setting forth all his official acts during the year, exhibiting the general condition of Masonry within the jurisdiction, and recommending such legislation as he may deem necessary or expedient for the welfare of the Order : 3d. To constitrrte all chartered Lodges, either in per- son or by a duly authorized representative, in accord- ance with the ancient usages and regulations : 4th. To exercise a general and careful supervision over the Craft, and see that the Constitution and Regu- lations of the Grand Lodge are strictly maintained, sup- ported, and obeyed : and 5th. To discharge all the necessary executive functions of the Grand Lodge, when that body is not in session. ARTICLE II. OF THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER AND GRAND WARDENS. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Deputy Grand 36 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. Master to assist the Grand Master in the discharge of his duties at all the Communications of the Grand Lodge, and, in his absence, to preside therein ; and, in the event of the death of the Grand Master, or of his absence from the State, or of his inability, from any cause, to perform the functions of his office, the Deputy Grand Master shall succeed to and be charged Avith all his powers and duties. Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Wardens to assist the Grand Master at all the Communications of the Grand Lodge, and, in his absence, and that of the Deputy Grand Master, to preside therein in the order of their rank ; and, in case of the death, absence from the State, or inability as before, of both their superiors, the Grand Wardens shall, in the order of their rank, succeed to and be charged with all the powers and duties of the Grand Master. ARTICLE III. OP THE GRAND TREASURER. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Treas- urer — 1st. To receive all moneys belonging to the Grand Lodge, from the Grand Secretary ; to give him duplicate receipts therefor ; and to keep, in proper books, a just account thereof : * 2d. To take charge of all other property of the Grand Lodge, except as provided in Sec. 1, Art. IV, of this Part, and keep an accurate account thereof; 3d. To pay all orders drawn upon such funds and moneys, under such regulations as may be provided by the Grand Lodge : 4th. To attend the Grand Lodge at all its Communica- tions, and the Grand Master, when recpiired, with the books and all necessary papers appertaining to his odice ; and also, if required by the Grand, Lodge or Grand Master, to attend with such books and papers upon any committee which may be ajipointed to act in relation to the fiscal concerns of the Grand Lodge : and CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W. ".GRAND LODGE. 37 5th. To report at each Annual Communication a de- tailed account of his receipts and disbursements, with proper vouchers for the latter ; and to present a state- ment of the existing condition of its property and finances. Sec. 2. He shall execute and file in the office of the Grand Master, within fifteen days after his installation, an official bond, in such penal sum and with such sure- ties as shall be approved by the Grand Master, condi- tioned that he w-ill faithfully discharge the duties of his office, as prescribed in this Constitution, and, at the end of his term, pay over and transfer to his successor all funds or property of the Grand Lodge which shall have come into his keeping. Sec. 3. He shall receive such compensation for his services as the Grand Lodge may direct. ARTICLE IV. OP THE GRAND SECRETARY. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Sec- retary — 1st. To record all the transactions of the Grand Lodge which it is proper to have written ; and to superintend the publication thereof, immediately after the close of each Communication, under such instructions as may be given by the Grand Lodge : 2d. To receive, duly file, and safely keep all papers and documents addressed or belonging to the Grand Lodge ; and to present such as may require its action, at each Annual Communication thereof : 3d. To keep the Seal of the Grand Lodge, and affix the same, wnth his attestation, to all instruments emana- ting from that body, and to all the written official acts of the Grand Master : 4th. To collect all moneys due to the Grand Lodge, keep a correct account thereof in proper books, and pay the same quarterly to the Grand Treasurer : 38 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. 5th. To report, at each Annual Communication, a de- tailed account of all moneys received by him during the year, with a specific statement of the sources whence they were derived ; and to present therewith the receipts of the Grand Treasurer therefor : 6th. To report, at each Annual Communication, all Lodges which shall be in arrears to the Grand Lodge, or which shall have neglected or refused to comply with any provision of its Constitution and Regulations : 7th, To conduct the correspondence of the Grand Lodge, and to submit copies thereof, at each Annual Communication, for its inspection : 8th. To attend the Grand Lodge at all its Communica- tions, and the Grand Master, when required, with the books and all necessary papers appertaining to his ojQSce : 9th, To keep his office, with all the books, papers, and archives of the Grand Lodge, in a fire-proof build- ing ; and to have the same open at least six hours each day (except Sundays) for the transaction of Masonic business : 10th, To transmit to each Lodge Avithin the jurisdic- tion, once in every two months, a list of all rejections, expulsions, suspensions, and restorations of which he shall have been notified by the several Lodges : 11th, To present, at each Annual Communication, an estimate of the probable expenses of the ensuing year, giving each class of expenditures under its proper head ; and also to present an estimate of the probable income from the known sources of revenue, during the same period : 12th, To issue notices of any special Communication ordered by the Grand Master, to each Lodge and Grand Officer within the jurisdiction : 13tli. To issue notices to each Lodge, of the granting of a disj)ensation by the Grand Master, for the formation of a new Lodge : 14th.' To transmit to anv Lodge, which shall send him CONSTITUTION OP THE M/.W.', GRAND LODGE. 39 a certificate of membership and good standing of a de- ceased brother, in the form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part VII, stating that he leaves a wife, child, or children, a Grand Lodge diploma for her, his, or their benefit, free of charge, when so requested by such Lodge : 15th. To take charge of the jewels, furniture, clothing, and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge, during its vaca- tions : 16th. To furnish every Grand Officer, elected or ap- pointed, with a certificate of such election or appoint- ment : 17th. To act as Grand Librarian, and take charge of the library of the Grand Lodge, under such regulations as it may prescribe : 18th. To report, at each Annual Communication, all unfinished business of the Grand Lodge ; and to present ail such other matters to its notice as may properly come within his province : and 19th. To perform all such other duties, appertaining to his office, as the Grand Lodge may direct. Sec. 2. He shall execute and file in the office of the Grand Master, within fifteen days after his installation, an official bond, in such penal sum and with such sureties as shall be approved by the Grand Master, conditioned that he will faithfully discharge the duties of his office as prescribed in this Constitution. Sec. 3. He shall receive such compensation for his ser- vices as the Grand Lodge may direct ; and in addition thereto shall receive the following fees : 1st. For a dispensation to open a new Lodge, the sum of fifteen dollars : 2d. For a charter to perpetuate a Lodge, the sum of ten dollars : 3d. For a dispensation to hold an election of an officer or officers at another than the regular period, the sum of five dollars : 4th. For a dispensation to ballot for a candidate and 40 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. confer the degrees, without reference to a committee, the sum of five dollars : 5th. For a dispensation to receive and act upon the petition of a rejected applicant, within a less period than twelve months, the sum of five dollars : 6th. For a diploma of any kind (except when issued for the widow or children of a deceased brother), the sum of three dollars : and 7th. For every certificate (except those hereinbefore named) requiring the seal of the Grand Lodge, the sum of three dollars. Sec. 4. He may, with the approval of the Grand Mas- ter, appoint an Assistant Grand Secretary, for whose offi- cial acts he shall be responsible, and who shall be con- sidered an appointed officer of the Grand Lodge, and shall receive such compensation for his services as it may direct. ARTICLE V. OF THE APPOINTED GRAND OFFICERS. Section L It shall be the duty of the Grand Chaplain, during each Communication of the Grand Lodge, to per- form such services, appertaining to his office, as may be required of him by the Grand Master. Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Orator, at each Annual Communication, to deliver an address to the Grand Lodge upon matters appertaining to the Craft. Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Grand Marshal — 1st. To proclaim the Grand Officers at their installa- tion, and to make such other proclamations as by the Grand Master may be directed : 2d. To introduce the Representatives of other Grand Lodges, and all visiting brethren of distinction : and 3d. To conduct all i)rocessions of the Grand Lodge, under the direction of the Grand Master, and to perform sucli other duties, proper to his office, as maybe required. Sec. 4. It shall be the dutv of the Grand Standard CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.". GRAND LODGE. 41 Bearer to bear the Banner of the Grand Lodge in all processions and at all public ceremonies . Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Grand Sword Bearer to attend upon the Grand Master, and bear«the Sword of the Grand Lodge in all processions and at all public ceremonies. Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the Grand Bible Bearer to bear the Holy Writings in all processions and at all public ceremonies. Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Grand Deacons to assist the Grand Master and Grand Wardens in such manner as the ancient usages of the Craft prescribe. Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Stewards to superintend the preparations for all festive occasions directed by the Grand Lodge. Sec. 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand Organist to preside at the organ at the opening and closing of the Grand Lodge, and to conduct its music upon all occasions of ceremony, when required. Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand Pursui- vant — 1st. To guard the inner door of the Grand Lodge, and communicate with the Grand Tyler without : 2d. To announce all applicants for admission by their names and proper Masonic titles, and see that all who enter wear the jewel and clothing proper to their rank : and 3d. To allow none to withdraw who have not obtained permission to do so from the Grand Master. Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the Grand Tyler — 1st. To guard the outer door of the Grand Lodge, and communicate with the Grand Pursuivant wnthin : 2d. To report all applicants for admission to the Grand Pursuivant, and see that all who enter are duly author- ized and properly clothed : 3d. To make suitable preparations for the accommoda- tion of the Grand Lodge at all its Communications, and 42 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. see that its hall is kept in proper condition during their continuance : 4th. To take charge of and safely keep the jewels, fur- niture, clothing, and paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge during its Communications : and 5th. To carry all notices and summonses, and perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master. Sec. 12. The Grand Tyler shall receive for his serv- ices such compensation as the Grand Lodge may direct. ARTICLE VL OF THE COMPENSATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. Section L Each of the elective Grand Officers shall be entitled to receive payment for the amount of his necessary expenses in attending the Grand Lodge at any of its Communications : but, in all cases, the claims for such expenses shall be ascertained by the Committee on Finances, and be by it reported on, before allowance by the Grand Lodsre. PART III. Of Suhordinafe Lodges. ARTICLE I. ON THE ORGANIZATION OF A LODGE. Section 1. A Lodge can only be formed by authority of a dispensation from the Grand Master, or of a charter from the Grand Lodge : and no charter shall be granted to any Ijodge, until it shall have worked a time under disj)ensation, and shall have exhibited to the Grand Lodge satisfactory evidence of its Masonic capability. Sec. 2. Upon tin' petition of seven or more Master CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W. -.GRAND LODGE. 43 Masons being presented to the Grand Master, in the form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part VII, he may grant them a dispensation to open and hold a Lodge at the place therein to be named, with power to make Masons and receive members by affiliation ; and he shall therein ap- point the Master and Wardens of the new Lodge. But in no case shall such dispensation be issued, unless the petition be accompanied by a recommendation from the nearest or most convenient chartered Lodge (if from a town or city where more than one Lodge exists, then from a majority of such Lodges), setting forth, in the form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part VII, that the petition- ers are all Master Masons in good standing, that the es- tablishment of the new Lodge is of manifest propriety and will conduce to the good of the Order, and that a safe and suitable Lodge room has been provided therefor ; nor unless the petition shall also be accompanied by a certificate of withdrawal of each petitioner from the Lodge of which he was last a member, and by a certifi- cate from a Master, whom the Grand Master is satisfied is well skilled in the craft, declaring that the Master pro- posed in such petition is fully competent properly to confer the three degrees of Masonry, and to deliver en- tire the lectures thereunto appertaining. Such dispen- sation shall terminate upon the first day of the month in which the next succeeding Annual Communication shall be holden ; and shall then be returned to the Grand Sec- retary, together with the by-laws, book of records, and returns of the new Lodge to that date. Sec. 3. Upon the return of the dispensation of a new Lodge, as above, with a petition for a charter, in the form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part VII, if an examination of its work and proceedings shall prove satisfactory, the Grand Lodge may order the issue of a charter to such Lodge, and assign it such name and number on the reg- istry as shall be deemed proper ; and such Lodge shall be duly constituted within sixty days thereafter, or its 44 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. charter shall be forfeited. If the examination be not satisfactory, the petition may be totally refused, or a continuance of the dispensation, until the next Annual Communication, may be ordered ; but no such continu- ance shall be granted a second time. Sec. 4 A Lodge shall consist of a Master, a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a Senior Deacon, a Junior Deacon, a Tyler, and such other officers as its by-laws may provide ; together with as many members as it may find convenient. ARTICLE II. OF THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF A LODGE. Section 1. The powers and duties of a Lodge are such as are prescribed in its dispensation or charter, by the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and by the general regulations of Masonry: and they are defined as follows : 1st. Executive — In the direction and performance of its work, as prescribed by the Grand Lodge, under the control of the Master ; and in all other matters, in aid of the Master, who is the primary executive authority of the Lodge : 2d. Legislative — Including all matters of legislation relative to its internal concerns, whicli shall not be in violation of the general regulations of ]\Iasonry, the Con- stitution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, or its own particular by-laws : and 3d. Judicial — Embracing the exercise of discipline over its own members (except the Master) and all other Masons within its jurisdiction, and the settlement of con- troversies between them ; subject always to a revision by the Grand Lodge, upon appeal. Sec. 2. Each Lodge shall have not more than one stated meeting in each lunar month, but may hold such other meetings as it may determine, or the Master shall direct ; but no business of any kind, except collections CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W. •.GRAND LODGE. 45 or appropriations for charity, conferring of degrees, ceremonial observances, or balloting for Commissioners to try charges of unmasonic conduct, shall be done at any other than a stated meeting, unless by dispensation from the Grand ]\[aster, as provided in Sec. 1, Art. I, Part II. And all business, except the examination of candidates and conferring of the subordinate degrees, shall be done in a Lodge of Master Masons. Sec. 3. Each chartered and duly constituted Lodge shall be represented in the Grand Lodge at every Com- munication, by one or more of its proper officers, or by a representative duly elected as provided in Art. II, Part VII, which representative shall have credentials in the form provided in Art. Ill, Part VII. Sec. 4. Each chartered Lodge shall transmit to the Grand Secretary a full and correct return of its transac- tions for the twelve months next preceding the first day of August in each year, within fifteen days thereafter, in the form provided in Art. Ill, Part VII; and each Lodge under dispensation shall transmit a similar return from the date of its organization to the first day of October, in each year, without delay; and every Lodge shall ac- company such return with payment of its dues to the Grand Lodge for those periods, as prescribed in Sec. 4, Art. VIII, Part I. Sec. 5. Each Lodge shall transmit to the Grand Sec- retary a copy of its by-laws, as soon as adopted ; but no such by-laws, nor any subsequent amendments thereunto, shall be deemed valid until approved by the Grand Lodge, though they may be acted under until the next Annual Communication, if approved by the Grand Mas- ter. Sec. 6. Each chartered Lodge shall, within two months from the date of its charter, provide a suitable seal, bearing such devices as may be deemed proper, and having inscribed thereon the name and number of the Lodge, the date of its charter, and the place of its location ; 46 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. and all documents or papers of every kind whatsoever, emanating from such Lodge, or from its Master or Secre- tary, in his official capacity, shall bear the impress of such seal, or be considered null and of no effect. Sec. 7. Each Lodge shall have all official communi- cations from the Grand Master or Grand Secretary read in open Lodge, at the stated meeting next following their receipt. Sec. 8. Each Lodge shall provide the several books prescribed in Sec. 2, Art. V, Part TV, to be kept by its Secretary, which shall be prepared in accordance with forms to be provided. Sec. 9. Each Lodge shall provide, in such manner as it may deem proper, for the payment of its officers or representative in attending the Communications of the Grand Lodge. Sec. 10. For the neglect or violation of any duty im- posed upon a Lodge in this Constitution, its charter may be suspended or forfeited ; and for the neglect or viola- tion of any duty herein imposed upon a Secretary, his Lodge shall be held responsible. ARTICLE III. OF PROHIBITIONS. Section 1. No Lodge shall remove its place of meet- ing from that named in its dispensation or chai'ter, unless notice shall have been given at a stated meeting that a resolution for such removal will bo offered at the next succeeding one, nor unless such resolution shall have been adopted by the votes of at least two-thirds of the members present at such succeeding meeting ; nor shall such removal then take place until the action of the Lodge shall have been approved by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master. Sec. 2. No Lodge in this State shall receive an appli- cation for the degrees of Masonry unless the ap})licant shall have been a resident within the State durinLi: twelve CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'.GEAND LODGE. 47 montlis, and within the jurisdiction of the Lodge during six months, next preceding the date of his appUcation. Nor shall any Lodge receive such application from any person, who, within twelve months next preceding, shall have been rejected by any Lodge, unless by dispensation from the Grand Master, as provided in Sec. 1, Art. I, Part II. All such applications, as well as those for affili- ation, shall be in writing, signed by the applicant, and recommended by at least two members of the Lodge, in the forms prescribed in Art. 3, Part YII. Sec. 3. No Lodge shall ballot upon such application (except by dispensation from the Grand Master, as pro- vided in Sec. 1, Art. I, Part II), until it shall have been referred to a committee, whose duty it shall be to make strict examination into the moral, mental, and physical qualifications of the applicant, and to report thereon at the next stated meeting, unless further time be granted. No application shall be withdrawn after reference to a committee, and it shall require an unanimous ballot to elect. But if one black ball only appear in the ballot- box, the Master, without declaring the result, may at once order a second ballot for the purpose of correcting a possible mistake. Sec. 4. No dispensation shall be issued to a Lodge to ballot for and confer the degrees upon a candidate with- out reference to a committee as provided in the preced- ing section, nor to receive and act upon the petition of a rejected applicant within less than twelve months after the date of such rejection, unless the application there- for be made by the Lodge, by an unanimous vote by ballot ; and of the special meeting to be holden under such dispensation, and the purpose thereof, the members of the Lodge shall have due notice. Sec. 5. No Lodge, unless it be otherwise provided in its By-laws, shall have more than one ballot for the three degrees : but, though an applicant may be elected to re- ceive them, if, at any time before his initiation, objection 48 THE CALIPOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. be made by any member, he shall not receive the degree until such objection shall have been withdrawn ; and if, after his initiation, but before being passed, or after passing, before being raised, objection to his advance- ment be made by any member, such objection shall be referred to a committee, with power to inquire into the cause thereof, who shall, at the next stated meeting (unless further time be given) report thereon ; and upon the reception of such report, if no cause for the objection has been assigned, or if the cause assigned be, in the opinion of two-thirds of the members present, not a valid and Masonic one, the Lodge may confer the de- gree in the same manner as if no objection had been made. Sec. 6. No Lodge shall advance an Entered Appren- tice or a Fellow-Craft to a higher degree until, after a strict examination in open Lodge, he shall have given satisfactory evidence that he is entirely proficient and well qualified in that or those which he has already taken ; and no Entered Apprentice or Fellow-Craft shall be advanced to a higher degree in any Lodge other than that in which he shall have received those, or either of those degrees, unless by the official consent of such Lodge, if it then be in existence. Sec. T. No Lodge within this State shall confer the three degrees for a less fee than fifty dollars ; nor shall any Lodge without the State, and under this jurisdic- tion, confer them for a less fee than thirty dollars ; and in every case the fee for each, or all of the degrees, as may be regulated by the Lodge, shall accompany the application. Sec. 8. No Lodge shall confer degrees upon more than five candidates at any one meeting ; nor shall con- fer more than one degree upon any one candidate at any one meeting ; nor shall confer either of the degrees upon more than one candidate at a time. Sec. 9. No Lodge shall expel a member for the non- CONSTITUTION OP THE M/.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 49 payment of liis dues ; but in case any member shall have refused or neglected to pay his regular dues during a period of six months, he shall be notified by the Secre- tary that, unless at the next stated meeting, either his dues be paid, or sickness or inability to pay be shown as the cause of such refusal or neglect, he will be suspend- ed from all the rights and privileges of Masonry. If neither of these things be done, he shall be so suspended, unless, for special reasons shown, the Lodge may otherwise determine ; but any Mason thus suspended, who shall at any time pay the arrearages due at the time of his sus- pension, together with such further dues as would, had he retained his membership, have accrued against him to the date of such payment, shall by that act be restored. Sec. 10. No Lodge shall receive lectures from any person who is not duly authorized by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, Sec. 11. No Lodge shall receive an application for affiliation unless it be accompanied by a proper dimit from the Lodge of which the applicant was last a mem- ber, or a satisfactory explanation, in writing, of his in- ability to furnish such dimit. Sec. 12. No Lodge shall hold Masonic communica- tion with any Lodge which has been declared illegal by the Grand Lodge, or with any person who has received degrees in, or is a member of such a Lodge. Sec. 13. No Lodge shall admit a visitor without due inquiry or examination, nor if there be, in the opinion of the Master, a valid objection made to such admission by a member of the Lodge. Sec. 14. No Lodge which shall have failed to make its annual returns, as provided in Sec. 4, Art. II, Part III, and in Sec. 1, Art. V, Part IV, shall be entitled to representation at the next Communication. Sec. 15. No Lodge, until chartered and duly consti- tuted., shall be entitled to representation in the Grand Lodge ; but a Lodge under dispensation may send dele- 50 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. gates thereto, who may be admitted to seats and be per- mitted to speak, but shall have no vote. ARTICLE IV. OF THE DISSOLUTION OF LODGES. Section 1. A Lodge may be dissolved — 1st. By the voluntary surrender of its charter, when such surrender shall have been accepted by the Grand Lodge : and 2d. By the revocation of its charter by the Grand Lodge. Sec. 2. The charter of a Lodge may be surrendered if notice shall be given at a stated meeting that a reso- lution to that efiect will be presented at the next suc- ceeding one, and if, at such succeeding meeting, there shall not be seven members present who oppose such resolution ; but no such act of surrender shall be consid- ered final until it shall have been approved and accepted by the Grand Lodge. Sec. 3. The charter of a Lodge may be forfeited — 1st. By disobedience to any provision of the Consti- tution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge : 2d. By disregard to the lawful authority of the Grand Master : 3d. By violation or neglect of the ancient and recog- nized usages of the Craft : or 4th. By failure to meet during a period of six succes- sive months. But no charter shall be forfeited unless charges against the Lodge shall have been presented to and investigated in the Grand Lodge, of which charges the Lodge accused shall have had due notice ; though the same may bo arrested until the next Annual Comnui- nication, either by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master, upon satisfactory reasons therefor being shown. Sec. 4. The forfeiture or arrest of the charter of a Lodge involves the suspension of all its members fiom the rights and privileges of Masonry, excepting those who may bo specially exempted from such effect. CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W. -.GRAND LODGE. 51 Sec. 5. The surrender or forfeiture of the charter of a Lodge, when declared by the Grand Lodge, shall be conclusive upon the Lodge and its members ; and all its funds, jewels, furniture, dues, and property of every kind shall be disposed of as provided in Sec. 5, Art. VIII, Part I. PAKT IV. Of the Officers of Subordinate Lodges. ARTICLE I. OF ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. Section 1. The Master, Wardens, Treasurer, and Secretary of each Lodge shall be elected annually ,'*!by ballot, at the stated meeting next preceding the anni- versary of St. John the Evangelist : and a majority of the votes of the members present shall be necessary to elect. They shall be installed as soon as practicable thereafter, and shall hold their respective offices until their successors shall have been duly elected and installed. Sec, 2. In case any Lodge shall fail to hold such election at the time above named, upon good cause being shown therefor, the Grand Master may issue a dispensa- tion to hold such election at another time ; and in case a vacancy shall at any time occur in either of the offices of Master or Warden in any Lodge, upon proper represen- tation of the necessity therefor, the Grand Master may issue a dispensation for an election to fill such vacancy. But in either of these cases, such dispensation shall be issued only upon the application of the Lodge, setting forth the reasons therefor, to be approved by two-thirds of the members present at a stated meeting, and to be properly certified by the Secretary ; and of the special 52 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. election which may thus be ordered, the members shall have due notice. Sec. 3. Every member in good standing, and whose dues are paid, shall be entitled to a vote at all elections ; and every voter shall be eligible to any office in the Lodge. Sec. 4. The Deacons, Tyler, and such other subordi- nate officers as the by-laws of each Lodge may designate, shall be appointed in such manner as tliey may direct : and the officers so appointed shall be properly invested as soon as practicable after their appointment. ARTICLE II. OF THE MASTER. Section 1. The Master shall have power — 1st. To congregate his Lodge whenever he shall deem it proper: 2d. To issue, or cause to be issued, all summonses and notices which may be required : 3d. To discharge all the executive functions of his Lodge : and 4th. To perform all such other acts, by ancient usage proper to his office, as shall not be in contravention of any provision of the Constitution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge. Sec. 2. It shall be his duty — 1st. To preside at all meetings of his Lodge : 2d. To confer all degrees in strict accordance with the ritual whicli has been, or may hereafter be ordained by the Grand Lodge : 3d. To give, in full, the lectures appertaining to each degree, at the time it is conferred, in accordance with such ritual : 4tli. To superintend the official acts of all the officers of his Lodge, and see that their respective duties are properly discharged : and 5th. To carefully guard against any infraction, by the CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'.GEAND LODGE. 53 members of his Lodge, of its own by-laws, of the Consti- tution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, or of the gen- eral regulations of Masonry. Sec. 3. From the decisions of the Master there shall be no appeal to the Lodge ; but objections to such deci- sions may be laid before the Grand Master, and by him be dealt with in the manner provided in Art. II, Part VI. Sec. 4. In all cases of a tie vote, except votes by bal- lot, the Master, in addition to his proper vote, may have the casting vote. • Sec. 5. For the neglect or violation of any duty im- posed by this Constitution upon the Master of a Lodge, he shall be subject to deprivation of office, suspension, or expulsion, as provided in Art. II, Part VI. ARTICLE TIL OF THE WAEDENS. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Wardens to assist the Master in the performance of his duties, and to discharge all those duties which ancient usage has as- signed to their respective stations. Sec. 2. In the absence of the Master, the Senior War- den (and in his absence also the Junior Warden) shall succeed to and be charged with all the powers and duties of the Master. ARTICLE IV. OF the treasurer. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer— 1st. To receive and safely keep all moneys or property of every kind which shall be placed in his hands by order of the Lodge : 2d. To disburse or transfer the same, or any part thereof, upon the order of the Master, duly attested by the Secretary : 3d. To keep a book or books wherein a correct ac- count of his receipts and disbursements shall be ex- hibited : 54 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. 4th. To present a statement of the finances of the Lodge whenever reqiiired : and 5th. To perform such other duties, appertaining to his office, as the by-laws may require, or the Lodge may at any time direct. ARTICLE V. OF THE SECRETARY. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary — 1st. To record all the proceedings at each meeting, which it is proper should be written, under the direction of the Master : and to submit such record to the Lodge at its next stated meeting for approval or correction : 2d. To prepare and transmit a copy of such record, or of any part thereof, to the Grand Lodge, when required : 3d. To collect and receive all moneys due to the Lodge, and pay them over to the Treasurer : 4th. 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 and Regulations of the Grand Lodge : 5th. To transmit to the Grand Secretary, immediately after each election and installation in the Lodge, a cer- tificate thereof, in the form prescribed in Art. Ill, Part VII: 6th. To transmit to the Grand Secretary the annual return required in Sec. 4, Art. II, Part III, in the form provided in Art. Ill, Part VII : and 7th. To report to the Grand Secretary, immediately after their occurrence, all rejections, expulsions, suspen- sions, and restorations, in the forms provided in Art. Ill, Part VII. Sec. 2. He shall keep the following books of the Lodge, in such forms as may be provided : 1st. A Record Book, in which he shall record all the transactions of the Lodge, proper to be written, after the same shall have been approved : CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 55 2d. A Book of By-Laws, for the signatures of the mem- bers in the order of their admission : 3d. A Roll Book, in which he shall record, upon pages alphabetically arranged, the names of all belonging to 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 age and occupation of each when received; and the dates of their withdrawal, expulsion, suspension, death, or res- toration : 4th. A Black Book, in which he shall record, upon pages alphabetically arranged, the names of those re- jected, expelled, suspended, or restored by any of the Lodges, so far as he shall receive the proper notice thereof : and 5th. A Register, to be kept in the Tyler's room, in which all members shall record their names ; and all vis- itors shall record their names and the names, numbers, and locations of their respective Lodges, before entering the Lodge. Sec. 3. He shall also keep such Account Books as may be necessary to present clearly the account of each member with the Lodge, the receipts of the Secretary, and his payments to the Treasurer ; and shall preserve the Books of Constitutions and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, which may from time to time be published, to- gether with all the printed proceedings thereof, as pro- mulgated by its order. ARTICLE VI. OF THE APPOINTED OFFICERS. Section 1. The Deacons, Tyler, and other appointed officers, shall perform such duties, consonant with the usages of the Craft and appertaining to their respective offices, as may be required by the by-laws, or directed by the Master. 56 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. PART V. Of Individual 3Iason-H. ARTICLE I. OF MEMBERSHIP. Section 1. Membership in a Lodge may be acquired — 1st. By liaving regularly received the degree of Mas- ter Mason therein : 2d. By having been duly elected for affiliation there- Avith : and 3d. By having been named in a dispensation for a new Lodge, as one of the petitioners therefor. Sec. 2. No Mason shall be a member of more than one Lodge at the same time. Sec. 3. Membership in a Lodge can only be termin- ated — 1st. By the dissolution of the Lodge : 2d. By voluntary withdrawal therefrom : and 3d. By death, suspension, or expulsion. Sec. 4. A member of a Lodge, in good standing, and whose dues are paid, may withdraw therefrom at any time by giving notice of his intention so to do at a stated meeting ; but no recommendatory certificate shall be given him, except by a vote of the majority of the mem- bers of the Lodge then present. ARTICLE II. OF DUTIES, PROHIBITIONS, AND PENALTIES. Section 1. It is the duty of every Master Mason to be a member of some Lodge ; and every one who, having resided six months within the jurisdiction of a Lodge, shall refuse or neglect to make application so to be, or wlio shall not have regularly contributed to such Lodge CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W/. GRAND LODGE. 57 an anioimt equivalent to its regular dues, while able so to do, shall be deemed unworthy of Masonic considera- tion, and shall not be entitled to, nor bo the recipient of, any of the rights, privileges, or charities of the Order. Sec. 2. No member of a Lodge shall be required to divulge his vote upon a ballot for afSliation, or for the degrees of Masonry; nor to assign reasons for such vote, if it be known. Sec. 3. No Mason shall hold any Masonic intercourse with an expelled or suspended Mason, with an illegal Lodge, with any person who has received degrees therein, or is a member thereof, nor with any Mason not acknowledged as such by this Grand Lodge. Sec. 4. For non-payment of his dues, a member may be suspended from all the rights and privileges of Ma- sonry, in the manner provided in Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III. Sec. 5. For any violation of the Ancient Landmarks of the Order, of the Constitution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, of the by-laws of his Lodge, or of any por- tion of the Masonic or moral law, a member, or any other Mason within the jurisdiction of a Lodge, may be repri- manded, suspended, or expelled, in the manner provided in Art. lY, Part VI. PART VI. Of Trials, Appeals, and Permlties. ARTICLE L relative to the grand master. Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the Grand Master for abuse of his power, violation of the Constitution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, or other unmasonic conduct, by any five Masters of Lodges ; 8 58 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. which charges shall be in writing, over their signatures, and shall be presented to the last Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge who may be within the State, and who is a member of a Lodge within its jurisdiction. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it shall be the duty of such Past Grand Master to transmit a copy thereof to the accused, if within the State, at least thirty days, and if without the State, at least ninetj- days, before the time designated for the trial, together with a notification to attend at such time, and at the place he may therein name, which shall be one most con- venient for the parties ; and he shall also summon four or more other Past Grand Masters of this State, who shall be members of Lodges therein, to assemble with him at the time and place designated, and shall notify the accused thereof. Sec. 3. The tribunal thus assembled, or any of its members, shall have power to summon witnesses at the request of either party ; it shall receive such testimony as in its judgment shall be proper, and shall determine finally upon the guilt or innocence of the accused ; and the opinion of a majority shall be the judgment of the tribunal, and shall be final. Sec. 4. The only penalty inflicted shall be depriva- tion of office ; but, when thus deprived, the adjudged may be amenable to his Lodge upon a charge of unma- sonic conduct. Sec. 5. The Grand Secretary shall attend at the trial to keep a record of the proceedings and of the judgment, which shall be filed in his office, and shall be presented at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Sec. 6. All necessary traveling expenses of the mem- bers of such tribunal shall be paid by the Grand Lodge, in the same manner as those of Grand Officers attending its Commmiications. CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W. '.GRAND LODGE. 59 ARTICLE II. RELATIVE TO MASTERS OF LODGES. Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the Master of a Lodge for abuse of his power, violation of the Constitution or Regulations, or for unmasonic con- duct of any kind, by any five Master Masons in good standing ; which charges shall be in writing, over their signatures, and shall be presented to the Grand Lodge, if in session, or to the Grand Master during the vacation. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master, as the case may be, may at once appoint and summon not less than three nor more than seven disinterested Masters, to assemble as Commissioners to hear and determine thereupon ; and shall then summon the accused to appear and answer thereunto, at such time and place most convenient for the parties as shall be indicated in said summons, giving him, if within the jurisdiction of his Lodge, at least ten days — if without that jurisdiction and within the State, at least thirty days — and if without the State, at least ninety days — to answer thereunto ; and transmitting to him also a copy of the charges. Sec. 3. The Commissioners, thus assembled, shall choose one of their number to preside ; and they, or any of them, shall have power to summon witnesses at the request of either party. The Avitnesses, if Masons, shall testify upon their honor as such ; if not, their depositions shall be taken, in writing, before an officer legally author- ized to administer oaths : and, in such case, the party re- quiring such depositions shall notify the other of the time and place when and where they will be taken, that he may, if he choose, be present thereat. Sec. 4. The Commissioners may adjourn from time tc time, at their own convenience, or for good cause shown by either party ; jjrovided, that the period within which their duties shall be concluded, shall not exceed ten days, 60 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. unless, for sufficient reasons, the Grand Master shall grant them further time. Sec. 5. The opinion of a majority of the Commission- ers shall be deemed the judgment of the whole, and shall be conclusive, unless an appeal be taken at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Sec. 6. The penalties which may be inflicted by such Commissioners, may be either deprivation of office, sus- pension, or expulsion, as in their judgment shall be deemed proper. Sec. 7. The Commissioners shall keep a complete record of their proceedings and of their judgment, and shall transmit the same to the Grand Secretary, at the conclusion of the trial; and the judgment shall at once be carried into effect by order of the Grand Master. Sec. 8. An appeal to the Grand Lodge may be taken at its next Annual Communication, by either party, if notice thereof be given to the Grand Secretary within thirty days after the conclusion of the trial. ARTICLE III. RELATIVE TO LODGES AND MEMBERS OF DIFFERENT LODGES. Section 1. When a controversy shall arise between Lodges, or between a Lodge and a member or members of anothei> Lodge, charges may be preferred by either party, if in good standing ; which charges shall be in writing, and shall be presented to the Grand Lodge or Grand Master, as provided in Sec. 1, Art. II of this Part. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, not less than five nor more than seven Commissioners shall be appointed and summoned, as provided in Sec. 2, Art. II of this Part, which Commissioners shall be Mas- ters or Wardens, and shall be selected from at least three different Lodges not interested in the controversy, and most convenient to the parties ; and the accused party shall be summoned, with such time to answer as pro- vided in tlie section and article last (juoted. CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W. -.GRAND LODGE. ()1 Sec. 3. The Commissioners shall have power to pro- ceed, and shall keep a record of their proceedings and judgment in the same manner as provided in Art. II of this Part ; and the penalties which they may inflict may be any known to Masonic usage ; or, if the case be one not involving a violation of Masonic duty, the decision may be such special one as the circumstances shall, in their jadgment, warrant. Sec. 4. An appeal may be taken by either party to the Grand Lodge, as provided in Sec. 8, Art. II of this Part. ARTICLE IV. RELATIVE TO MASONS INDIVIDUALLY. Section 1. When any member of a Lodge (except its Master or the Grand Master), or any Mason residing within its jurisdiction, shall be accused of unmasonic conduct, charges to that effect may be preferred by any Master Mason in good standing ; which charges shall be in writing, over his signature, and shall be presented to the Master of the Lodge having jurisdiction thereof. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it shall be the duty of the Master, by due notification, to call a special meeting of his Lodge, as soon as practica- ble, and there cause to be elected, by ballot, and by a majority of those present, not less than seven nor more than nine of its members, who shall assemble as Com- missioners, to hear and determine thereupon, at such time and place, convenient to the parties, as he shall in- dicate ; and he shall also summon the accused to apj^ear and answer thereunto at such time and place ; and shall, at the same time, cause the Secretary to furnish him with a copy of the charges, and to notify the accuser of the said time and place of trial. Sec. 3. If the accused be within the jurisdiction of the Lodge, the summons and copy of the charges shall be issued at least ten days prior to the day appointed for 62 THE CALIFOKNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. the trial, and shall be served personally by the Tyler, or shall be left at his ordinary residence or place of busi- ness. If he be without the said jurisdiction, but within the State, and his residence be known, they shall be issued at least thirty days before the day of trial, and shall be forwarded to his address by the Secretary, by mail or other usual mode of conveyance, which shall be deemed suflQcient service. If he be without the State, and his residence be known, they shall be issued at least ninet}^ days before the trial, and shall be forwarded to his address by the Secretary, as before provided, which shall be sufficient service. If his address is unknown, the Master shall order the trial to proceed at once upon the testimony, ex parte. Sec. 4. The Commissioners shall assemble at the time and place appointed, and shall be presided over by the Master, who shall decide all questions of Masonic law which may arise during the trial, but shall have no vote in the final decision of the case by the Commission- ers ; and the Secretary, by order of the Master, shall attend them and keep a full and correct record of the proceedings and of the judgment, under their super- vision. Sec. 5. The Master shall summon such witnesses, within the jurisdiction of his Lodge, as may be desired by either party, and the accused may select any brother in good standing to assist him in his defenes. The wit- nesses, if Masons, shall testify on their honor as such ; il" not, their depositions shall be taken in writing, before an officer legally authorized to administer oaths, and, in such case, the })arty requiring such depositions siiall notify the other of the time and ])lace when and where they will be taken, that he may, if he choose, be present thereat. Sec. 6. The Commissioners may adjourn from time to time, at their own convenience, or for sufficient cause shown by cither ])arty; 'provided, that the |)erin(l within CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'.GEAND LODGE. ()3 which their duties shall be concluded shall not exceed ten days, unless, for good reasons shown, the Master shall grant them further time. Sec. 7. After all the testimony shall have been re- ceived, the Commissioners shall proceed to deliberate upon their verdict and sentence, with none present save themselves and the Secretary, which last shall have no voice in the proceedings. The judgment of a majority of the Commissioners shall be taken as the decision of the whole ; and when the trial is concluded, the Secretary shall make a fair copy of the record and finding, under their supervision, which shall be signed by the Chairman of such Commission, and attested by the Secretary, and shall be presented to the Master, who, at the next meet- ing of his Lodge, shall, in the presence of its members only, announce the result, and direct the Secretary to record the same as the judgment of the Lodge, and file the record for safe keeping among its archives. Sec. 8. The penalties which may be inflicted are reprimand in open Lodge, suspension, or expulsion. If the sentence be reprimand, the Master shall summon the adjudged to appear at the next stated meeting, when it shall be carried into effect, in the presence only of mem- bers of the Lodge. If it be suspension or expulsion, it shall at once go into efli"ect, and the Secretary shall imme- diately notify the Grand Secretary thereof ; and it shall be final and conclusive, unless an appeal be taken to the Grand Lodge. Sec. 9. An appeal may be taken to the Grand Lodge by either party, at its next succeeding Annual Commu- nication, but not unless a notice of such intended appeal shall be given to the Master within thirty days after his announcement of the result of the trial. And in all cases of expulsion or suspension, the Master shall cause the Secretary to prepare a transcript of the record of trial, and immediately transmit it to the Grand Secretary, together with information of the appeal intended, if any there be. 64 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. ARTICLE V. OF EEVISIONS AND EESTORATIONS. Section 1. All judgments from which an appeal shall be taken, as hereinbefore in this Part provided, shall be reviewed in the Grand Lodge, or before a committee thereof, during its sessions, upon the record sent up, and upon such other proper documents as may be submitted ; and its decision shall be final and conclusive. Sec. 2. All sentences of suspension shall be for an indefinite period ; and a Lodge may, at any stated meet- ing, by the votes of two-thirds of the members present, annul any such sentence of suspension pronounced by itself, and restore the Mason thus suspended to all his Masonic rights ; jjwvkled, that notice of a resolution for such restoration shall have been given at the stated meet- ing next preceding.' And in case of such restoration, the Secretary shall at once notify the Grand Secretary thereof. Sec. 3. The Grand Lodge may, at any Annual Com- munication, if good cause therefor be shown, restore a Mason who has been suspended or expelled within its jurisdiction : but such restoration shall not restore him to membership in the Lodge by which he was suspended or expelled. Sec. 4. No suspension, expulsion, or restoration shall be published otherwise than as hereinbefore provided, except by authority of the Grand Lodge, or by order of the Grand Master. CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.*. GRAND LODGE. 65 PART VII. Of Armndments, Definitions, and Forms. ARTICLE I. OF AMENDMENTS. Section 1. Any proposed amendment to this Consti- tution shall be presented at an Annual Communication, and shall in all cases be referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, who shall report before a vote thereon be taken. Sec. 2. After the report of said committee, if the vote in favor of such proposed amendment be unanimous, it shall be declared adopted ; and from and after the close of that Communication, shall become a part of the Constitution. Sec. 3. If the vote in favor of such proposed amend- ment be not unanimous, but there be a majority there- for, it shall lie over for one year, and shall be published with the proceedings, under the caption of " Proposed Amendments to the Constitution ; " and if, at the next succeeding Annual Communication, it shall receive two- thirds of the votes given thereon, it shall be declared adopted, and from and after the close of that Communi- cation, shall become a part of the Constitution. Sec. 4. No vote upon a proposed amendment shall be taken after the election of the Grand officers. Sec. 5. All former written Constitutions of this Grand Lodge are hereby repealed, as are also all Regulations, or parts thereof, which are repugnant to or inconsistent with this Constitution ; and no Regulation shall hereafter be adopted which shall be in violation of or inconsistent with any of its provisions. 9 66 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. ARTICLE II. OF DEFINITIONS. The words and terms used in this Constitution shall bear the construction which is given them in the follow- ing definitions : Grand Master. — This title applies, not only to him who has been elected and installed as Grand Master, but to either of the Grand Officers who, under the provis- ions of Art. II, Part II, of this Constitution, shall have succeeded to the powers and duties of Grand Master. Master. — This title applies, not only to him who has been elected and installed as Master, but to either of the Wardens, who, under the provisions of Art. Ill, Part IV, of this Constitution, shall have succeeded to the powers and duties of the Master. Past Grand Officer. — This title applies only to one of the six elective Grand Officers who has been regularly elected and installed, and has served his term as such in this Grand Lodge ; and who remains a member, in good standing, of some Lodge under its jurisdiction. Past Master. — This title applies only to one who has been regularlv elected, or named in a charter, and in- stalled, and has served a term as Master of a chartered Lodge, within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge ; and who still remains a member, in good standing, of one of its subordinates. Representative. — The Representative of a Lodge within this State, is one who, being a member thereof, in the event that neither the Master nor cither of tlie Wardens can be present at the Grand Lodge, has been elected by the Lodge, at a stated meeting, or at a special meeting called for that purpose, by ballot, and by a ma- jority of the votes present, to represent it at the next Communication. A Lodge without the State, may be represented by a member of any Lodge under this juris- diction, elected as before. CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 67 Vacancy. — Vacancies in office, either in a Lodge or in the Grand Lodge, may occur by death, deprivation, resignation, removal from the jurisdiction, suspension, or expulsion. Jurisdiction. — The jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge includes all Lodges and Masons within the territorial limits of this State, and all Lodges and their members without this State, acting under its authority. The jurisdiction of a Lodge includes all Masons residing nearer to its place of meeting than to that of any other Lodge within this State, except in towns or cities where more than one Lodge exists ; in which case, each of such Lodges has separate jurisdiction over its own members, and concurrent jurisdiction over all Masons not members of one of such Lodges, who reside in such town or city, or nearer thereto than to any other place where a Lodge exists. Regulation. — By a regulation of the Grand Lodge is meant any resolution, edict, law, or ordinance of any kind whatever, other than the Constitution, which it may adopt. Suspension. — The suspension of a Lodge is an arrest of its charter, and a temporary prohibition to assemble or work as a legal Lodge, until again authorized so to do by competent authority ; and the act suspends all its members, except those especially exempted from its effect. The suspension of the Master of a Lodge is a temporary deprivation of his office, and prohibits all recognition of him in that capacity, until he be restored by competent authority. The suspension of a Mason is a temporary deprivation of all his rights and privileges as such, and prohibits all Masons and Lodges from holding any Masonic inter- course whatever with him, until he shall be legally re- stored by the Lodge which suspended him, or by the Grand Lodge. 68 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Expulsion. — The expulsion of a Mason is the highest penalty known to the Masonic law. It is an absolute deprivation of all the rights and privileges of the Order, and prohibits all Masons and Lodges from holding any Masonic intercourse with him forever, unless he be restored by the Grand Lodge. Notification. — A notification is a call issued by the Secretary, by order of the Lodge or Master, or by other competent authority as hereinbefore provided, to attend for some specific purpose at the time and place therein indicated ; and it is the duty of every Mason to comply with its direction, if he can, without great inconvenience, do so. Summons. — A summons is an imperative order, issued by the Master, or by other competent authority, as hereinbefore provided, to appear at such time and place as may therein be designated. The obligation to obey it is absolute, and the penalty for disobedience shall be expulsion, unless it shall be shown that such disobe- dience was unavoidable, or was occasioned by some pressing necessity. Stated Meetings. — The stated meetings of a Lodge is the one only meeting in each lunar month, at ^\diich business may be done, with the exceptions specified in Sec. 2, Art. II, Part III. It shall be designated as such in the by-laws of each Lodge, and no adjourned or called meeting shall ever be considered as a part of such stated meeting. ARTICLE III. OF FORMS. Form of Certificate for a Diploma. Lodge, No . . . , F. and A. M., \ , A.L. 58.. j To the Very Worshipful , Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California : I hereby certify that Brother is a Master CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.W.'.GRAND LODGE. ()9 Mason and a member of this Lodge, in good standing ; and as such he is hereby recommended for a Grand Lodge Diploma, upon payment of tlie usual fees. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Lodge aforesaid, at the date above written. [Seal.] , Secretary. Form of Certificate for a Diploma for the benefit of the family of a deceased Brother. Lodge, No. . . . , F. and A. M., \ , A.L. 58.. f To the Very Worshipful , Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California : I hereby certify that Brother , who died at , on the .... day of , A. L. 58. . , was, at the date of his decease, a Master Mason and a member of this Lodge, in good standing ; and that he left [here insert ^'aiuidoiv," "a child,", or "children,'' or any of them, as the case may be], for whose benefit a Grand Lodge Diploma is desired. Given by order of the Lodge aforesaid, at the date first above written, as witness my hand and the Seal thereof. [Seal.] , Secretary. Form of Petition for a Dispensation to form a new Lodge. To the Most Worshipful , Grand Master of Masons in California : The petition of the undersigned respectfully repre- sents, that they are Master Masons in good standing ; that they Avere last members of the respective Lodges named opposite their several signatures hereunto, as will ap- 70 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. pear from the dimits of each of the petitioners, herewith transmitted ; that they reside in or near the of , in the county of , in the State of Cahfornia; that among them are a sufficient number of brethren well qualified to open and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and to discharge all its various duties in the three degrees of Ancient Masonry, in accordance with established usage ; and that, having the prosperity of the Craft at heart, and being desirous to use their best endeavors for the diffusion of its beneficent principles, they pray for a Dispensation empowering them to form, open, and hold a regular Lodge at the of , aforesaid, to be called Lodge. They have nominated, and respectfully recommend Brother as the first Master, Brother as the first Senior Warden, and Brother as the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge, they being in all respects competent to perform all the duties of the several stations for which they are proposed ; and, if the prayer of the petitioners be granted, they promise in all things strict obedience to the commands of the Grand Master, and undeviating conformity to the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. Dated at , on the ... day of , A. L. 58. . Signatures. Name and No. of Lodge. State or Country. CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'.GEAND LODGE. 71 Form of Recommendation of a Petition for the Institution of a neiu Lodge. Lodge, No. . . . , F. and A. M.^ , A.L.58..' To the Most Worshipful , Grand Master of Masons in California : At a stated meeting of this Lodge, held at the date above written, the following preamble and resolution were adopted : " Whereas, A petition for the issue of a Dispensation to form and open a new Lodge at , in the county of , has been presented to this Lodge for its recommendation ; aiid luhereas, it is known to this Lodge that the signers to said petition, in number, are all Master Masons in good standing, and that a safe and suitable Lodge-room has been provided by them for their meetings : it is " Resolved, That the establishment of said new Lodge is of manifest propriety, and will conduce to the good of the Order, and that this Lodge recommends to the Grand Master the granting of the Dispensation prayed for in said petition." A true copy from the minutes. Li testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Lodge aforesaid, at the date above written. [Seal.] , Secretary. Form of Certificate of the Qualifications of the Master proposed in a Petition for a new Lodge. To the Most Worshipful , Grand Master of Masons in California: The petition of .... brethren, residing at the 72 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. of , in the county of , praying the Grand Master for a Dispensation to open and hold a new Lodge at said , to be called Lodge, having been presented to me ; and Brother being recommended therein for nomination as the first Master of said proposed new Lodge : now, I Master of Lodge, No , do hereby certify that, to my positive knowledge, said Brother is fully com- petent properly to confer the three degrees of Masonry, and to deliver entire the several lectures thereunto ap- pertaining. Given at , in the count}^ of , this . . . day of , A. L. 58 . . Master. Form of Petition for a Charter. To the M.-.W.-. Grand Lodge of California : The undersigned respectfully represent that on the .... day of A. L. 58 ... a Dispensation was issued by the Grand Master, for the formation of a new Lodge at , in the county of , by the name of Lodge ; that on the . . . day of next ensuing, said Lodge was opened and organized, and has since continued successfully to work during the period named in said Dispensation, as Avill appear from its rec- ords, by-laws, and returns, herewith presented ; and that it is the anxious desire of the members of said Lodge that its existence be perpetuated. They therefore pray that a charter be granted to said Lodge, by the name of Lodge, with such num- ber as the usage of the Grand Lodge may assign it ; and recommend that Brother be named therein as Master, Brotlier as Senior Warden, and Brother as Jiniior Warden : promising, as here- tofore, strict obedience to the commands of the Grand CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W/.GRAND LODGE. 73 Master, and nndoviating conformity to the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. Given by instruction from, and on behalf of said Lodge, at , this . . . day of , A. L. 58. . . 1 Delegates Form of Credential for a Bepresentative elected hy a Lodge. Lodge, No. ..,F. & A. M. [ A. L. 58.. \ To the M.'.W.-. Grand Lodge of California : This is to certify that, at a meeting of this Lodge, held at the date above written, it having been made known that neither the Master nor either of the Wardens thereof would be enabled to attend the Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication, Bro , a member of the Lodge, was, by ballot, duly 9lected to serve as its Representative during said Com- munication. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and have caused the Secretary to affix the [Seal.] Seal of the Lodge, with his attestation, at the date above written. , Master. , Secretary. Form of Petition for the Degrees of Masonry. To the Worshipful Master, the Wardens, and Members of Lodge, No. . . . , F. & A. M. : The undersigned respectfully represents, that, unbi- ased by friends and unintluenced by mercenary motives, he freely and voluntarily offers himself as a candidate 10 74 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. for the mysteries of Masonry; tliat he is prompted to so- licit this privilege by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to be serviceable to his fellow-creatures ; that he has re- sided in the State of California more than one year, and at the place below named more tlian six months, next preceding the date hereof ; that he has not, within twelve months past, been rejected by any Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons ; and that he promises, if found worthy, to conform to all the ancient usages and regulations of the Fraternity. His place of residence is , his age, years, and his occupation iDate] ,18... \_Signature\ Recommended by Bros. \ [To he memhers of the Lodge.] Form of Application for Memhersliip. To the Worshipful Master, the Wardens, and Brethren of Lodge, No. . . . , F. & A. M. : The undersigned respectfully represents, that he is a Master Mason, in good standing ; that he was last a mem- ber of Lodge, No. . . , in the of ... . , from which he has honorably withdrawn, as by the accompanying certificate will appear ; and that he now desires, if found worthy, to become a member of your Lodge. His place of residence is , his age years, and his occupation {DateX , A. M., 58 . . {Signature] Recommended by Bros. •< \To he memhers of the Lodge.] CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.*. GRAND LODGE. 75 Form of Certificate of the Election and Installation of the Officers of a Subordinate Lodge. Lodge, No. . . , F. & A. M., ) A. L. 58.. j To the Yeiy Worshipful , Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California : I hereby certify that, at the stated meeting of this Lodge held on the day above written, it being that next preceding the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, the following officers were duly elected for the ensuing Ma- sonic year, viz. : Bro , Master ; Bro , Sen. Warden ; Bro , Jun. Warden ; Bro , Treasurer ; Bro , Secretary. And that on the "day of , A. L. 58 . . , said officers were duly installed by \]iere give the name and 3Ia- sonic title of the installing officer] . Given under my hand and the Seal of the Lodge, on the day last above written. [Seal.] , Secretary. Form of Notice of Rejections, Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations. Lodge, No. . . , F. & A. M., ) A. L. 58 . . f To the Very Worshipful , Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California: I hereby certify that, at a stated meeting of this Lodge held at the date above written, the petition of , an applicant for the degrees of Masonry, was rejected. 76 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASOXIC LAW. - {Or, Bro , after due notice, as prescribed in the Constitution, was suspended from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, for non-payment of his dues.) {Or, Bro , after due trial, in the manner prescribed in the Constitution, was declared to be sus- pended from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, for unmasonic conduct.) {Or, Bro . . , after due trial, in the manner prescribed in the Constitution, was declared to be ex- pelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, for unmasonic conduct.) {Or, Bro , heretofore suspended by this Lodge for non-payment of dues, having paid up all arrear- ages (or, having had his dues remitted by the Lodge), as provided in the Constitution, resumed his rights and privileges as a Mason and as a member of this Lodge.) {Or, Bro , heretofore suspended by this Lodge for unmasonic conduct, was, by a two-thirds vote, in the manner prescribed in the Constitution, restored to all his rights and privileges as a Mason and as a member of this Lodge. Given under ray hand and the seal of the Lodge aforesaid, at the date above written. - [Seal.] , Secretary. CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.W.'.GRAND LODGE. 77 Form of Annual Report of a Lodge. ^ 1 ugquinNr > J3 a Names. ■z. c > l- 3J m T) O 30 H o is located at the of If! is a lull and correct return of all things r attestation thereunto. ::::::::::.::::: as. £.;;; 1 ::: f- 1 ^ ''.'.:::::: \\ \ ; \ \ \ \ •■•••'■'■'■'• '■ 1 -^d n o o o ••••-• ■•■••: — — — :::::::::: | aSy JO 9^T!a r- o a. p •HntssBj JO 'ajua ■Snisrea JO aifBo: in the county of . ■qun-ed to be rc'ported to the Grand L 1 my name, and have caused our Seer JO a^BQ 3, CD P 3 > O jaqraajvE B ^ S B I q a T q .M JO aSx'oT: JO a ra B ij i.-ipnn.\i. JO aitua; CD CD ■Sana JO jUjUiXBd -non ,ioj n,s,dsns JO 9}Ba SU (n O 3 NNNMMNHNMnMHH n.joafay; JO ajtja ornia. lonth. h his •a S p 1 P UEJO 0^ Sana; 00 GENERAL REGULATIONS x^\x& W^^H^ ^^ ©alifovtua* 1. The practice of dueling being repugnant to the principles of Freemasonry, in all cases where two breth- ren resort to this mode of settling their disputes, it shall be the duty of the Lodge or Lodges of which they are members, or within whose jurisdiction they may reside forthwith to expel them from all the rights and privileges of Masonry ; and no brother who may fall in a duel shall be buried with Masonic honors. [1854.] 2. All bodies purporting to be Masonic Lodges — held in the United States or any of their Territories, within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of any State or Ter- ritory — without authority from such Grand Lodge, and all the members thereof, are declared illegal. [1854.] 3. All Lodges within this State, having concurrent jurisdiction with other Lodges, shall immediately notify such others of all applications for membership or initia- tion. [1854.] 4. This Grand Lodge, having recognized the principle that no one should be initiated into the mysteries of our Order, except in the Lodge nearest his place of residence (unless by its permission), and having, by an established regulation, taken care to avoid infringing the jurisdic- tional riirhts of others, will not tolerate that its own GENEEAL EEGULATIONS OF THE M.'.W/. GRAND LODGE. 79 be invaded ; and it is therefore ordered that no Lodge, subordinate to the Grand Lodge of California, shall admit to membership any person who, being at the time a resi- dent of this State, has received, or claims to have re- ceived, the degrees of Masonry from any source beyond its jurisdiction, without the proper permission, until he shall have paid the Lodge to which he applies for mem- ■ bership, the full amount charged by that Lodge for con- ferring the degrees, less the sum paid by him to the Lodge in which he received them. [1855, 1857.] '5. This Grand Lodge recognizes no degree of Past Master conferred by any authority not holden imder a legitimate Grand Lodge — acknowledging only the Order of that name as its exists in the ceremonies attending the installation of the Master elect of a chartered Lodge ; which Order shall be conferred only by a convocation of Present or Past Masters, not less than three in number, wdio have thus regularly received it. [1855.] 6. All Masonic communication between the Lodges and Masons of this jurisdiction and those acknowledging allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, is hereby forbidden, while that body shall continue its unlawful and reprehensible invasion of the jurisdictional rights of the Grand Lodge of New York. [1855.] 7. Such standard of revenue shall be continued here- after as will afford an excess over the current expendi- tures of at least one thousand dollars ; which excess shall each year be set aside as an accumulating fund, for the future erection of a Masonic Hall, and shall not be used for any other purpose. At each Annual Communication, a Board of Trustees, three in number, shall be elected, whose duty it shall be judiciously to invest all moneys set aside for such fund, and all moneys accruing from the interest on such investments ; and each member of said Board shall execute and file in the office of the Grand Secretary, a bond in the penal sum of $5,000, to be approved by the Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, and 80 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. Grand Secretary, conditioned that he will faithfully per- form the duties of his trust. [1856.] 8. All members of Lodges, the charters of which have been surrendered, who were in good standing at the date of such surrender, and whose dues shall have been paid, are entitled to and may receive from the Grand Secre- tary, a certificate to that effect. [1858.] 9. No Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be allowed to transact business, other than the conferring of degrees, with a less number than seven members present. [1859.] 10. The Grand Secretary is authorized to charge the sum of one dollar, for the use of the Grand Lodge, for each copy of its printed proceedings for the current year, other than the four copies to be sent to each subordinate Lodge, and those required for transmission abroad, for future binding, and for the use of the Grand Lodge at its next succeeding Annual Communication. [1859.] 11. All Masons, heretofore stricken from the rolls of Lodges within this jurisdiction, for non-payment of dues, who have not been reinstated, are hereby declared to be suspended, as provided in Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, of the Constitution. [1859.] 12. The names of Entered Apprentices and Fellow- Crafts shall be returned to the Grand Lodge for two years only, in either of those degrees, but this shall not aflcct their position in their respective Lodges. [1860, 1862.] 13. In addition to the dues prescribed in the Consti- tution, there shall be levied hereafter u[)on the subordi- nate Lodges the sum of seventy-five cents for each Mas- ter Mason whose name is borne upon their rolls at the date of the animal returns, which shall constitute a spe- cial fund to be denominated "The Representative Fund ;" and it shall be the duty of the several Lodges to pay the said sum at the time and in the manner directed in the Constitution for the payment of their annual dues. At each Aiuiual Conmmnication, an auditing committee, to GENERAL REGULATIONS OF THE M/.W.'. GRAND LODGE. 81 consist of three, shall be appointed by the Grand Master, who shall audit all accounts of Representatives of Lodges for their necessary traveling expenses to and from the place of the Communication, and shall certify the amount due each Representative to the Grand Secretary, who shall thereupon draw his warrant upon the Grand Treas- urer therefor ; but no warrant shall issue to more than one Representative from any Lodge, nor shall any Repre- sentative receive payment for such traveling expenses whose Lodge shall not have paid its dues for the current year, or who shall not have been in attendance during the entire Communication. [1861, 1865.] 14. The appointed Grand Officers and the Chairmen of standing committees shall receive payment for their nec- essary traveling expenses to and from each Annual Com- munication of the Grand Lodge, in the same manner as ordered for the Representatives of Lodges ; but no such Officer, Chairman, or Representative, shall receive such payment in more than one of those capacities, nor shall he receive it unless he shall have been in attendance at such Communication from the first to the last day thereof, inclusive (unless excused by the Grand Lodge)^ nor if he shall already have been paid for such traveling expenses by any other Masonic Grand Body. [1862, 1863, 1864.]' 15. The work and lectures presented by the committee appointed for their examination and revision, are ap- proved, adopted, and made obligatory upon all Lodges within this jurisdiction ; and any Lodge which shall have had opportunity to obtain instruction therein, and shall neglect or refuse to learn and use the same, shall, upon representation of that fact to the Grand Master, be liable to the arrest of its charter, if, in his discretion, he shall think it proper. [1863, 1864.] 16. Non-affiliated Masons, who are suspended by oper- ation of Sec. 1, Art. II, Part V, of the Constitution, if they desire to restore themselves by affiliation, shall pay 11 82 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. a sum equivalent to six months' dues, in addition to the affihation fee required by the by-laws of the Lodge to which they may apply; or, if they desire to restore them- selves by contribution, they shall pay a sum equivalent to the amount of the regular dues of the Lodge within Avhose jurisdiction they reside, during the whole period of such residence, unless sickness or inability to pay be shown as the reason for such non-aflfiliation or non- payment. [1866.] 17. When it is the intention of any Lodge to take measures to apply to the Grand Lodge for the restoration of a Mason who has been expelled, it shall be the duty of the Master thereof to notify the members of his Lodge^ as far as possible, of the time when such proposed action will be had ; and to cause to be recorded, in the minutes of the meeting at which such action shall be had, the fact that such notification was duly given. [1864.] 18. The person who desires to be made a Mason must be a man ; no woman nor eunuch ; freeborn, neither a slave nor the son of a bondwoman ; a believer in God and a future existence ; of moral conduct ; capable of reading and writing ; not deformed or dismembered, but hale and sound in his physical conformation, having his right limbs as a man ought to have ; and be able to conform literalbj to what the several degrees respectively require of him. [1864.] 19. Whenever any Mason, under sentence of suspen- sion, who has submitted to the judgment of the subordi- nate Lodge, or whose sentence of suspension has been affirmed by the Grand Lodge, desires to apply to the Grand Lodge for restoration to the rights and privileges of Masonry, it shall be his duty first to make such appli- cation to the Lodge by which he was suspended ; and, if it be there refused, that then it may be made to the Grand Lodge, provided that due notice be given to the subordi- nate Lodge of such intended application. [1865.] 20. Whenever it is the intention of a jierson, who has GENERAL REGULATIONS OP THE M.'.W/. GRAND LODGE. 83 been expelled from the rights and privileges of Masonry, to petition the Grand Lodge for restoration, it shall be his duty to notify the Lodge which expelled him of such intention, at least sixty days before the meeting of the Grand Lodge, accompanying said notice with a copy of his intended petition ; and before said petition shall be considered by the Grand Lodge, proof shall be made of the giving of said notice. [18(36.] TH UNIPOEM CODE OF BY-LAWS. As Revised and Recommended by the Grand Lodge IN INIay, i860. ARTICLE L OF NAME AND OFFICERS. Section 1. This Lodge shall be known by the name of Lodge, No , of Free and Accepted Masons, and its officers shall consist of a Mas- ter, a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a Senior Deacon, a Junior Deacon, a Marshal, two Stewards, a Tyler, and such other officers as the Lodge may deem proper to appoint. ARTICLE IL OF ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. Section 1. The Master, the Senior and Junior Ward- ens, the Treasurer, and the Secretary shall be elected by ballot, in conformity with Section 1, Article I, Part IV, of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. The other offi- cers shall be appointed by the Master, except the Junior Deacon, who may be appointed by the Senior Warden. ARTICLE III. OF MEETINGS OF THE LODGE. Section 1. The stated meetings of this Lodge shall be holden on the in each month. THE UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS. 85 Sec. 2. Special meetings may be called from time to time, as the Lodge, or the presiding officer thereof, may direct. ARTICLE IV. OP INITIATION AND MEMBERSHIP. Section 1. All petitions for initiation or affiliation must be signed by the petitioner, and be recommended by two members of the Lodge. Every such petition shall be referred to a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to report thereon at the next stated meeting (unless further time be granted), when the applicant may be balloted for and received or rejected, or the ballot may be postponed until the ensuing stated meeting, as the Lodge may determine. Sec. 2. If an applicant, elected to receive the degrees in this Lodge, does not come forward to be initiated within three months thereafter, the fee shall be forfeited, unless the Lodge shall otherwise direct. Sec. 3. Every person raised to the degree of Master Mason in or elected a member of this Lodge, shall sign the By-Laws thereof. ARTICLE V. OF THE TREASURER. Section 1. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys from the Secretary; shall keep an accurate and just ac- count thereof; and shall pay the same out only upon an order duly signed by the Master, and countersigned by the Secretary. He shall, at the stated meetings in June and December of each year, submit a report in full of the monetary transactions of the Lodge. The Lodge may also, at any time, when considered necessary, cause him to present an account of his receipts and disburse- ments, and of the amount of funds on hand. Sec. 2. He shall, if required by the Lodge, execute a good and sufficient bond to the Master, for the faithful performance of his duties. 86 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. ARTICLE VI. OF THE SECRETARY. Section 1. The Secretary shall keep a faithful rec- ord of all proceedmgs proper to be written ; shall trans- mit a copy of the same to the Grand Lodge, when re- quired ; shall keep a separate account for each member of the Lodge ; shall report at the stated meetings in June and December, the amounts due by each ; shall re- ceive all moneys due the Lodge, and pay the same to the Treasurer ; and shall perform all such other duties as may properly appertain to his office. Sec. 2. He shall receive such compensation for his services as the Lodge may direct. ARTICLE VII. OF THE TYLER. Section 1. The Tyler, in addition to the necessary duties of his office, shall serve all notices and summonses, and perform such other services as may be required of him by the Lodge. Sec. 2. He shall receive such compensation for his services as the Lodge may direct. ARTICLE VIIL OF FEES. Section 1. The table of fees for this Lodge shall be as follows: for the degree of Entered Apprentice, $....; for the degree of Fellow-Craft, $ ; for the degree of Master Mason, $....; for Affiliation, $ ARTICLE IX. OF DUES. Section 1. The dues of each member of this l^odge shall be , payable quarterly in advance. Sec. 2. No member who shall be in arrears for dues THE UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS. 87 at the time of the annual election, shall be permitted to vote, or shall be eligible to any office. Sec. 3. Any member who shall have been suspended for non-payment of his dues, shall be restored to mem- bership upon payment of all arrearages. Sec. 4. Any member in good standing may withdraw from membership, by paying his dues and notifying the Lodge to that effect at a stated meeting ; but no recom- mendatory certificate shall be issued, unless ordered by the Lodge. ARTICLE X. OF COMMITTEES. Section 1. The Master and Wardens shall be a Char- ity Committee, and shall have power to draw upon the Treasurer for any sum, not exceeding dollars, at any one time, for the relief of a distressed worthy brother, his wife, widow, or orphans. Sec. 2. The Master, at the stated meeting next suc- ceeding his installation, shall appoint an auditing com- mittee, whose duty it shall be to examine all accounts presented against the Lodge. Sec. 3. All reports of committees shall be made in writing. ARTICLE XI. OF REVEALING THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE LODGE. Section 1. When a candidate for initiation or affilia- tion is rejected, or a brother reprimanded, suspended, or expelled, no member or visitor shall reveal, either di- rectly or indirectly, to such person, or to any other, any transactions which may have taken place on the subject ; nor shall any proceeding of the Lodge, not proper to be made public, be disclosed outside thereof, under the penalty of reprimand, suspension, or expulsion, as the Lodge may determine. 88 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. ARTICLE XII. OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS. Section 1. The re2:ular order of business at every stated meeting of this Lodge, shall be as follows : 1. Reading of the Minutes. 2. Reports of Committees. 3. Ballotings. 4. Reception of Petitions. 5. Miscella- neous and Unfinished Business. 6. Conferring Degrees. ARTICLE XIII. OF AMENDMENTS. Section 1. These By-Laws, so far as relates to the times of meeting, and the amounts of fees, dues, and disbursements by the Charity Committee, may be amend- ed at any stated meeting, by the votes of two-thirds of of the members present, provided that notice of such amendment shall have been given at the stated meeting next preceding ; but such amendment shall have no effect until approved by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master, and until such approval shall have been transmitted to the Grand Secretary. B Y- L J^^V S OF THE As Adopted May, A. L. 5855. ARTICLE I. Section 1. After the Grrand Lodge is opened, the Grand Secretary shall call a roll of the members. Sec. 2. The Grand Master shall then appoint a Com- mittee on Credentials. Sec. 3. The Grand Master, after the report of the Committee on Credentials is returned, shall appoint the various committees, as provided in the Constitution. Sec. 4. The Grand Secretary and the Grand Treas- urer shall, on the afternoon of the first day of the session, make their reports, which shall be read and referred to the Finance Committee. ARTICLE II. Section 1. After the business is completed, as laid down in the foregoing article, petitions shall be read and referred to the appropriate committees. 12 90 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Sec. 2, All committees shall make their reports in writing, before the final close of the Communication, and be discharged, unless otherwise ordered. This is not to include the Committees on Foreign Correspond- ence and Unfinished Business. ARTICLE III. Section 1. The order of business at each session, after the first day, shall be as follows : 1. Reading and approving the minutes of the preced- ing session. 2. Reports of the Committee on Credentials. 3. Reports of Unfinished Business of previous Com- munication. 4. Motions and resolutions, and reference or other dis- position of the same. 5. Reports of Standing Committees, and action there- on ; the Committee on Foreign Correspondence to have precedence. 6. Reports of Special Committees of last and present Communication, and action thereon. 7. Special orders and motions (if any). 8. Consideration of Amendments to the Constitution, General Regulations and Rules (if any). 9. Unfinished Business of previous session (if any). 10. Miscellaneous business, not included in any of the foregoing. Sec. 2. Should the business, as laid down, not be concluded at the session at which it is first called up, it shall be commenced at the next succeeding session, where it was left off, and so on through the Communica- tion, taking up the order of business as set forth : ^J^'o- vided, that the reading of the minutes be first in order at each session. BY-LAWS OF THE M/.W. '.GRAND LODGE. 91 ARTICLE IV. Section 1. No member, representative, or proxy shall, under any pretense, be admitted into the Grand Lodge, without his proper clothing, or be allowed to vote with- out his jewel, unless he oifer a satisfactory excuse, and have permission from the Grand Lodge. ARTICLE V. Section 1. In filling blanks, the largest sum or num- ber and the longest time shall be first stated. Sec. 2. No member shall speak more than twice upon the same subject, unless he first obtain consent of the Grand Lodge, nor then more than five minutes at either time. Sec. 3. All reports, motions, and resolutions must be in writing before being introduced. Sec. 4. The rules of order shall not be suspended at any time, except by unanimous consent. Sec. 5. No new motion or other business shall be received, except in regular routine. Sec. 6. No motion to reconsider a vote or motion shall be entertained, unless made at the same session of the same day on which the question shall have been decided ; nor shall it be in order, unless moved by one of the majority, and duly seconded. Sec. 7. If the previous question should be called for by the representatives of one Lodge, and duly seconded by the representatives of another, and the majority of the members present sustain such call, it shall be put in this form : " Shall the main question be now put ? " and if carried, such main question shall be the original prop- osition as amended at the time of adoption of the call for the previous question. 92 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Sec. 8. Any of these By-Laws may be amended by notice in writing being given at one session, and to be acted upon at'the next ; and it shall require two-thirds of all present to carry such amendment. Sec. 9. All other By-Laws of this Grand Lodge are hereby repealed, from and after the close of the present Communication. CALIFOENIA Mason ic Code CALirOB-NIA MASONIC CODE. POWERS OF A GRAND MASTER. There is no appeal from the ruling of a Grand Master. The authorities and the reasoning may be found fully set forth by Mackey, in his Masonic Jurisprudence, where he gives not only his own views, but those of some of the ablest Masonic jurists in the country ; and the question has already been decided by this Grand Lodge, vide pages 108 and 109, Vol. I, of our Proceedings.— (7o?wm2Y- tee, on Jurisprudence, p. 100, 1865. See Sec. 2, Art. IV, Part I. Constitution. Sees. 2, 3, Art. V, Part I, Constitution. Sec. -, Art. I. Part II, Constitution. POWERS AND DUTIES OF MASTERS OF LODGES. Besolved, That when it is the intention of any Lodge to take measures to apply to the Grand Lodge for the res- toration of a Mason who has been expelled, it shall be the duty of the Master thereof to notify the members of his Lodge, as far as possible, of the time when such pro- posed action will be had ; and to cause to be spread upon the minutes of the meeting at which such action shall be had, the fact that such notification was duly given.— p. 354, 1864. 96 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. On the third decision, which relates to the duty of the Master of a Lodge upon the decision of an objection to advancement, your committee say that, ordinarily, the Master of the Craft is the proper one to judge of the fit- ness of the materials of which his building is to be com- posed. But, when the Lodge has decided that the appli- cant is worthy, and the required proficiency has been attained, the Master should, if not absolutely contrar}^ to his obligations, proceed to confer the next degree. — Com- mittee on Jurisprudence, p. 110, 1863. The Master of a Lodge has absolute control within his Lodge. Our ritual prescribes that none shall enter with- out his permission, and he may refuse admission to any at his discretion. He may even cause a member of his Lodge to be excluded or removed, but he must recollect that there should be strong cause for the exercise of such an act of authority, and that the Constitution provides a remedy for those who may be aggrieved by the abuse of the power which his station temporarily gives him. — De- cision of Grand Master N. Greene Curtis, p. 381, 1860. Your committee believe the law to be, that in all cases of a tie vote (except by ballot), the Master, in addition to his proper vote, has the right to give the casting vote. — Committee on Grievances, p. 118, 1859. See Votes in a Lodge, p. 99. Opening and Closing of Lodges, p. 97. Notifications and Summonses, p. 125. i Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. lOfi. Art. II, Tart IV, Constitntion. General Regulation, No. 17. MASTERS AND WARDENS. I have been asked so often to construe Sec. 4, Art. I, Part V, of tlic Constitution, that it seems proper to re- CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 97 peat here what I have many times decided, in answer to particular inquiries — 1st. That the Master, or any other officer of a Lodge, may withdraw therefrom in the same manner as any other member, and that whatever may be the rule elsewdiere, our laws make no distinction. — Decis- ion of Grand Master Belcher, p. 251, 1854 : Approved ?>// Grand Lodge, p. 366, 1864. ;S'ee Sec. -, Art. I, Part IV, Constitutioa. Sec. -, Art. III. Part IV, Constitution. OPENING AND CLOSING OP LODGES. A Master may, if he choose, omit a portion of the usual ceremony of opening or closing a Lodge, but your com- mittee are not acquainted with the regulation which authorizes an entire ivaiver of all these ceremonies. — p. 7L 1861. See Business of a Lodge, p. 98. W-ORK AND LECTURES. Your committee believe that a uniform system of work is not only earnestly desired by a large majority of the Lodges in our jurisdiction, but that the establishment of such uniformity is entirely practicable at this time ; and so believing, for the purpose of securing such a system and affording to the Lodges a tliorough instruction there- in, they offer the following resolutions and recommend their adoption : Resolved, That the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and three Past Masters, to be appointed by the Grand Master, be constituted a committee, who shall assemble at the call of the Grand Master, for the purpose of examining and revising the work and lectures as here- tofore adopted by this Grand Lodge. 13 98 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Resolved, That when such revision as they may deem requisite shall have been made by said committee, the Grand Master shall appoint a Grand Lecturer and as many Deputy Grand Lecturers as may be necessary, in order that the Lodges of the jurisdiction may be fully instructed in the system of work approved and adopted by this Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the Grand Lecturer shall receive a sal- ary of $1,000 per annum from this Grand Lodge, and be entitled to receive from such Lodges as he may visit and instruct, all necessary traveling expenses accruing by reason of such visitation ; and that each Deputy Grand Lecturer shall receive from each Lodge visited, the trav- eling expenses attending such visitation. Resolved, That after due and timely notice has been given the Lodges under this jurisdiction, of the work and appointment of the Grand Lecturer and Deputy Grand Lecturers, and said Lodges have had full oppor- tunity to obtain instruction in said system of work and lectures, any Lodge neglecting or refusing to learn and use such work, so approved and adopted by this Grand Lodge, shall, on proper representation of the facts to the Grand Master, be liable to the arrest of its charter (if in his discretion he shall think proper), until they shall conform in all things to the regulations of the Grand Lodge in the premises. — Committee on Jurisprudence, pp. 101-2, 1863. See Sec. 10, Art. Ill, Part X, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 15. BUSINESS OF A LODGE. Resolved, That no Lodge under this jurisdiction be allowed to transact business, other than the conferring of degrees, with ;V less number than seven members present. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 107, 1859. CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 99 — They discover, however, that in several instances this Lodge has opened its stated Communications on the first or second degree ; deferring the approval of the minutes of the preceding stated Communication until after the conferring of the first or second degree, as the case might be. This your committee deem an irregularity, believing that the stated Communication should always be opened on the third degree, and that the first busi- ness transacted should be the approval of the minutes of the preceding stated and called Communications. — Committee on Charters, p. 50, 1861. See Lodges under Dispensation, p. 103. Opening and Closing of Lodges, p. 97. Art. II, Part III, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 9. VOTES IX A LODGE. Your committee believe the law to be, that in all cases of a tie vote (except by ballot), the Master, in addition to his proper vote, has the right to give the casting vote. — Committee on Grievances, p. 118, 1859. (See Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114. Sec. 3, Art. I, Part IV, Constitution. Sec. 4, Art. II, Part IV Constitution. BALLOTING. Your committee, to whom was referred the following proposition from Bro. J. P. Miller, viz. : "An Entered Ap- prentice, made elsewhere, petitions a Lodge for the second and third degrees. Accompanying his petition is a per- mission from the Lodge in which the first degree was conferred, for any other Lodge to receive his application 100 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. for those other two. Can the Lodge to which he a])plies confer those degrees without subjecting tlie candidate to the ordeal of the ballot ?" — have given it due considera- tion, and report as follows : Sections 2 and 3, of Article III, Part III, of our Consti- tution, plainly state that every application " for the de- grees of Masonry" must be referred to a committee, reported upon, and balloted for ; and that this applies to any, as well as all of the degrees, is perfectly obvious from the fact that our Constitution allows the Lodges who wish so to do, to receive applications for the degrees separately. The law, and this plain construction of it, is foiinded upon simple common sense. Although a distant Lodge may have elected a candidate to receive the three degrees, and may have conferred one upon him, it does not at all follow that some other Lodge, within whose jurisdiction he has recently arrived, and to whose mem- bers he is perhaps an utter stranger, should confer the remaining degrees upon him without first endeavoring to ascertain his worthiness. The ^er??imio?i is not a re- quest to do the work for the Lodge granting it, but sim- ply authorizes some other Lodge, if it shall please, to confer the remaining degree or degrees ; and it is given only because both our own Constitution and the common law of Masonry forbid that any Lodge shall complete the unfinished work of another without its assent. It would be singular, indeed, if an Entered Apprentice or a Fellow-Craft were to be considered entitled to receive the remaining degrees or degree upon terms of less care- ful scrutiny than our laws provide for the application of a Master Mason for afliliation ; and your committee have no hesitation in saying that a petition for any degree or degrees must be referred, reported on, and balloted for, unless there be a dispensation from tlic Grand Master in regard to the reference, which our Constitution per- mits. — lieport of Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 415, 1866. CALIFOKNIA MASONIC CODE. 101 And every Mason should know and remember that it is neither liis privilege nor his right to inquire or to know how his neighbor may have voted upon any peti- tion, nor is it the right or the privilege of the neighbor to show or tell how he intends to vote or how he has voted.— G^rant? 3Iasfer W. C. Belcher, p. 15, 1865. I think there should be but one ballot for the three degrees ; and if, by a fair construction, the law, as it is, does not prohibit absolutely the use of more than one, I advise that it be so amended that it will. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 12, 1863. Where it appears evident that a black ball has been care- lessly dropped, when a white one was intended, or when it is shown that a negative vote has been cast under a misapprehension as to the name or identity of the candi- date, your committee think that justice requires a cor- rection of the error. But it is better that such cases, unless corrected immediately, should take the usual course, when a re-ballot is desired, and be referred to the Grand Master, with all the necessary evidence, for his dispensation, if he deem one proper. — Committee on Ju- risprudence, p. 107, 1859. The power to cast adverse ballots must be free and unquestioned, or the ballot box will cease to express the wishes of the members of a Lodge. — Special Committee, p. 113, 1859. See Rejected Candidates, p 112. Sec. 3, Art. Ill, Part III. Constitution. Sec. 2. Art. II, Part V, Constitution. WITHDRAWING PETITION BEFORE BALLOT. Your committee having carefully considered the ques- tion presented by Bro. Bishop, in regard to the course to 102 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. be pursued upon an application for affiliation, report as follows : Taking the language of Sections 2 and 3. of Art. Ill, Part III, of the Constitution together, and construing them so as to give every part eftect, there can be no question but that an application for affiliation must take the same course and be governed by the same rules as an application for the degrees. They therefore answer that an application for affilia- tion, having once been referred to a committee, cannot be withdrawn, but must go to a ballot. — Committee on Jurisprudeiwe, p. 98, 1865. See Sec. 3, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. REMOVALS OF LODGES. In several instances applications have been made for permission to remove only from one building to another, in the same town or village ; and, as the undersigned, when he prepared our present Constitution, certainly never intended that the prohibition to a Lodge to " re- move its place of meeting " should be construed so liter- ally, he has always answered that in such cases no action but that of the Lodge itself was necessary. The law says that " no Lodge shall remove its place of meeting from that named in its dispensation or charter, unless," etc., etc. ; and as the name of the city, town, or village is the only "place" mentioned in either of those instru- ments, it is only a removal from, and not within, such place which can require the proceedings prescribed in that portion of our Constitution providing for such cases. — Report of Grand Secretary, p. 22, 18G5. In the matter of the removal of a Lodge from the place of meeting named in its dispensation or charter, they are of the opinion that the language of Sec. 1, Art. CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 103 III, Part in, of the Constitution, will bear no other con. struction than that which is given to it by the Grand Secretary. They therefore recommend the adoption by the Grand Lodge of the view so expressed, that the Con- stitution prohibits removal from the town or city in which a Lodge is located, and not removal from one hall to another ivitUn such town or city. — Committee on Juris- prudence, p. 98, 1865. .S'ee Sec. 1, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. LODGE MEETINGS ON SUNDAYS. We have often regretted the disposition of some of the Lodges of this jurisdiction to meet for work on the Sab- bath, as we deem it entirely inconsistent with and con- trary to the teachings of the institution. We distinctly teach regard for the Sabbath, based upon the example of the ancient craftsmen and the words of our Great Light ; and the clear and only inference from the teach- ings of our ritual is, that, as speculative workmen, we revere and follow the example of the Great Architect and of our operative brethren, in doing " no work on the Sabbath." — Committee on Correspondence, p. 32, 1865. LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION. Resolved, That whenever the Grand Master shall issue a dispensation for the formation of a new Lodge, such Lodge shall be required to procure a suitable record book, and enter therein a short history of the preliminary proceedings for its organization, with a copy of the peti- tion to the Grand Master and of the dispensation, before commencing the minutes of its proceedings. — Committee on Charters, p. 121, 1865. 104 THE CALIFORNIA DICxEST OF MASONIC LAW. Your committee are of the opinion that a charter should not be granted to any Lodge until it affirmatively appears, in a clear and positive manner, that there is a population within its jurisdiction sufficient to afford the requisite number of contributing members and unworked material, whereby to enable it to have sufficient pecuniary resources to support the character and dignity of the Lodge. — Committee on Dispensations and Charters, p. 120, 1859. See Art. I, Part III, Constitution. Sec. 15. Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. PROPERTY OF DISSOLVED LODGES. Your committee are of the opinion that upon the sur- render or forfeiture of the charter of a Lodge, all its effects become the property of the Grand Lodge, by operation of the Constitution ; and they deem it inexpe- dient for this Grand Lodge to make voluntary donations from its funds to individual Lodges. — p. 360, 1800. See Sec. 5, Art. VIII, Part I, Constitution. Art. IV, Part III, Constitution. JURISDICTION OF A LODGE. Your committee believe that the right of exclusive jurisdiction of a Lodge over parties living nearer to its place of meeting than to that of any other Lodge in the State, except in towns or cities where more than one Lodge exists, is a provision of the Constitution which must in all cases be strictly observed, in order that the harmony of the Craft be not disturbed. A Lodge should know the exact extent of its jurisdiction, and not rely for such informatitm upon the statement of jK'titioners ; CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 105 and if any doubt existed, certainly inquiry should be made of, and consultation had with, the neighboring- Lodge or Lodges. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 374, 1862. There is no one subject which has so often called forth an expression of opinion by this Grand Lodge as that of jurisdiction, and your committee can see no difference between a temporary sojourn imder a Lodge in this, and under one of another jurisdiction. The principle is the same, and should be enforced. — Committee on Jurispru- dence, p. 117, 1859. The jurisdiction of each Lodge within the State, ex- cept those located in the cities, which have concurrent jurisdiction, extends in every direction to the geograph- ical center between it and the contiguous Lodges. The air line governs, and not the route of travel. — Decision of Grand 3Iaster Claiborne, p. 293, 1866. See Witnesses, Testimony, and Trials, p. 128. Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106. Sec. 1, Art. II. Part Y, Constitution. Art. n, Part VII, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 4. CANDIDATES FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS. A Lodge cannot lawfully pass or raise an Entered Apprentice or Fellow-Craft, upon whom the authority of another jurisdiction rests, without first obtaining permission from the Lodge or Grand Lodge in whose jurisdiction his original petition is filed. — Grand Master Claiborne, p. 293, 1866. See Jurisdiction of a Lodge, p. 104. Admission and xVdvancement of Candidates, p. 10(1. 14 106 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. QrALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES. He who, in our day and in our country, so far forgets himself as to grow up to the stature of a man without being able to read or write, or who, having arrived at man's estate, neglects to acquire that ability, is not deserving a place in our midst. He is not just and true to himself, nor can he be so to us. — Grand blaster Belcher, p. 15, 1865. "The person who desires to be made a Mason must be a man ; no woman nor eunuch ; freeborn, neither a slave nor the son of a bondwoman ; a believer in God and a future existence ; of moral conduct ; capable of reading and writing ; not deformed or dismembered, but hale and sound in his physical conformation, having his right limbs as a man ought to have ; and be able to conform literally to what the several degrees respectively re- quire of him." — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 364, 1864 ; adopted a.s a General Regulation. ADMISSION AND ADVANCEMENT OF CANDIDATES. " If an Entered Apprentice removes from the jurisdic- tion of the Lodge in which he received that degree, and is dropped from the report of the Lodge to the Grand Lodge, after two years, as provided by our laws, can he petition another Lodge within whose jurisdiction he may live, for the remaining degrees and receive them, if elected ? " — the Committee on Jurisprudence report that, under the provision of Sec. 6, Art. Ill, Part III, of our Constitution, he cannot. He may apply to the Lodge into whose jurisdiction he may have removed, but his application must be accompanied by a permission from the Lodge in which he received his first degree, if it be in existence, else his petition cannot be received. CALIFOENIA MASONIC CODE. 107 At first your committee were of opinion, that the act of dropping the Entered Apprentice from the return to the Grand Lodge was a relinquishment of all claim to him, but further examination shows that the law is plain, and to that the Lodges must adhere. It is not supposed that any Lodge to whom application is made would refuse or neglect to give such permission without good reason, which, as Masons, they would be willing to state. — Committee on Jurispritdence, p. 349, 1864. 1st. When an objection has been made, and a commit- tee appointed to investigate the causes of objection, what is the duty of the committee ; and may they advise the candidate of the objection, and hear his defense ? 2d. When a member of the Lodge has interposed an objection, stating the cause, and the Lodge, upon the report of its committee, has decided that it is not " a valid and Masonic one," has the same member, or another, the right to interpose the same objection a second time, or any objection for the same cause? 3d. When an objection has been decided by the Lodge not to be " a valid and Masonic one," is it the duty of the Master to proceed to confer the remaining degree or degrees whenever the candidate exhibits suitable pro- ficiency ? I report to you m}^ decisions upon these questions, that you may take such action upon them as shall seem just, and in accordance Avith the spirit of the law, so that the Craft may be advised of the rights of all par- ties interested in like cases which may arise hereafter. 1st. The committee is appointed to hear the testimony that may be adduced, and to inquire into, determine, and report the facts to the Lodge for its advisement, that it may wisely determine whether or not the objec- tion is well founded ; or, in the language of the clause, whether or not the cause is a valid and Masonic one. That the committee may arrive at the facts, it must hear 108 THE CALIFORXIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. all the testinion}^ as well for the defense as the prosecu- tion. The candidate is a Mason, and, before conviction, should be heard — should have his day in court. In many cases he should therefore be informed of the objection made against him, and should be heard in his defense. 2d. When a member of the Lodge has objected to the advancement of a candidate, stating the cause of objec- tion, and the cause of objection has been inquired into, and decided by the Lodge not to be " a valid and Masonic one,"' it is not competent for the same, or another mem- ber, to interpose a second objection for the same cause, except on the ground of newly-discov^ered and material evidence, or for acts subsequently committed. In the first instance, it is the right of every member to object, M itliout stating the cause, if he so choose ; but if he, or another, desires to interpose a second objection, he must state the grounds on Avhich it is based, and it is for the Lodge to determine whether it will or should consider the second objection. 3d. When the Lodge has decided that the objection is not sustained, or that the cause is not a valid and Masonic one, and the candidate has attained suitable proficiency, it is his right to ask to receive the remaining degrees, and it is the duty of the Master to confer them. He has ])romised " to submit to the aAvards of his brethren, when convened, in ever}^ case consistent with the constitutions of the Order." When the Lodge has decided that the (candidate is worth}', and he presents himself, read}^ to approve his proficiency, the Master may not refuse to confer the remaining degrees, and thus overrule the action of his Lodge. — Decisions of Grand Master Belclier, p. 13, 1863. In regard to the first decision of the Grand Master, your committee conceive that it is strictly in accordance with the common-sense doctrine that there is a remedy for every wrong. It must be borne in mind always that CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 109 under the original organization of the Fraternity, the Entered Apprentices formed the great body of Masons ; and that only in modern times have they been placed in their present position in regard to the body of the Fra- ternity. So few rights are left to them that not only charity, but justice, demands that those remaining rights receive a liberal construction. No man should be con- demned without a hearing. This would virtually be done if we decide that the brother whoso advancement is objected to, can have no knowledge of the objection and no opportunity of combating it ; and your commit- tee apprehend that " our law condemns no man before it hears what he says." They, therefore, recommend that the decision of the Grand Master, made in these words : " In many cases, therefore, he should be informed of the objection against him and be heard in his defense " — be and the same is hereby approved. Upon the second decision, your committee believe that the rule — that a man shall not be twice placed in jeop- ardy for the same offense — is entirely applicable to Ma- sonic jurisprudence. If a committee, appointed for the purpose, has properly attended to its duty, has inves- tigated the objection made against a brother's advance- ment, has reported the objection as " not a valid and Masonic one," and the Lodge has adopted the report, and thus, by a two-third vote, has ratified the finding of the committee, then the brother who has made the objection, and the minority, acting with him, should yield their opinion. It amounts, in the opinion of your committee, to factious opposition on the part of any brother thus to set up his own view against so large a majority of his brethren ; and, when he has been decided against, to renew the very same objection. Your committee there- fore recommend the approval of the second decision of the Grand Master, given in these words : " It is not com- petent for the same or another member to interpose a second objection for the same cause, except on the 110 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. ground of newly-discovered and material evidence, or for acts subsequently committed." On the third decision, which relates to the duty of the Master of a Lodge upon the decision of an objection to advancement, your committee say that, ordinarily, the Master of the Craft is the proper one to judge of the fit- ness of the materials of which his building is to be composed. But, Avhen the Lodge has decided that the applicant is worthy, and the required proficienc}'^ has been attained, the Master should, if not absolutely con- trary to his obligations, proceed to confer the next degree. Your committee would take away no right from the Master of a Lodge which is his by ancient usage, conferred for the best good of the Craft. They would give no countenance to the spirit of innovation so prevalent in our free country. They would not relieve the Master from any responsihility which he of right should assume. He should not rule his Lodge in a haughty or arbitrary manner, but should, when proper — that is, when no harm can accrue to the Craft there- from — yield to the decision of his brethren when consti- tutionally expressed. They therefore recommend the approval of the Grand Master's third decision. — Commit- tee on Jurisjjrudence, p. 110, 1863. "When a brother has been initiated, has remained upon the roll of a Lodge as an Entered Apprentice over two years, and has been dropped from the roll under General Regulation No. 12, what action is necessary on the part of the Lodge to authorize the conferring of the other degrees upon liim ? " respectfully report as follows : Where a Lodge has balloted for all three degrees at the same time, if no objection is made, as provided in the Constitution, nothing is necessary but to re(|uire pro- ficiency. Where a Lodge ballots separately for each degree, a clear ballot and proof of proficiency only are necessary. ■u- CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. Ill The object of the 12th Regulation was not to alter the statm in a Lodge of persons who had been initiated or passed, but simply to prevent cumbering the rolls annu- ally returned to the Grand Lodge with the names of those who, for two years or more, had remained Entered Apprentices or Fellow-Crafts. — Committee on Jurispi dence, pp. 385-6, 1862. See Powers and Duties of Masters of Lodges, p. 95. Candidates from other Jurisdictions, p. 105. Conferring Degrees and rroficiency, p. 111. Balloting, p. 99. Rejected Candidates, p. 112. Sec. 1, Art. I, Part II, Constitution. Art. 3, Part III, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 12. CONFEREING DEGREES AND PROFICIENCY. Some of the Lodges are inclined to manifest too great haste in conferring the several degrees, as, in one instance in particular, a candidate was passed one night and raised on the next. Though our regulations fix no period of time as necessary to elapse between the conferring of the several degrees — requiring only absolute proficiency in that last received before another shall be conferred — it is certain that more time than a single day ought to be devoted to that reflection and deliberation so essential to a proper understanding of the sublime principles of our Order ; and he who too hastily passes through our solemn ceremonies is ill prepared to attach to them that dignity and importance which their moral precepts demand. When Lodges are about to pass upon the proficiency of candidates, let them remember how important it is, both to the Fraternity and the applicants, that the examination be most thorough, and the evidences of a knowledge of that which has gone before, absolute and complete. — Committee on Charters, p. 363, 1862. See Balloting, p. 99. 112 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. REJECTED CANDIDATES. I therefore decided that an objection made to the initia- tion of one who had been elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in a Lodge was, unless withdrawn, equivalent to a rejection, and should be so reported by the Secre- tary to the Grand Secretary ; and that the party so rejected might, at any time after one year, again petition that or another Lodge, as in cases of rejections. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 13, 1865 ; a^jproved hy the Grand Lodge, see p. 98, 1865. When, after initiation, but before passing or raising, an objection has been made, and has been, by proper proceedings, declared by the Lodge to be a " valid and Masonic objection," what is the effect of the objection so declared to be "valid and Masonic?" Is it a rejection for the remaining degree or degrees, or a suspension ; and if a rejection, when and how can the rejected candi- date again apply for advancement? In my judgment it is not a suspension from the rights and privileges which he has acquired as an Entered Apprentice or a Fellow-Graft — for of these he can only be deprived by a trial, in the form prescribed by our law and by the judgment of his peers — but is a rejection ; and the same rule should apply as in cases where a sep- arate ballot is required for each degree and one is rejected for the second or third degree. Considering it a rejec- tion, I was yet in doubt what course should be pursued ; whether he must wait a full year before making applica- tion again, and whether liis application should be made by simply presenting himself to the Lodge as an Appren- tice or Fellow-Craft, well skilled and proficient in all the work and learning of his degree, and again asking simply to be advanced ; or, whether his petition must be pre- sented totlie Lodtz;e in form, and must take tiie course of CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 113 other petitions for degrees or membership. In the case presented, I decided that the objection sustained was in effect a rejection for the remaining degrees ; that the party so rejected must wait twelve months, and then, if he desired to proceed, he must petition his Lodge ancAv ; and that his petition must take the usual course. In any view of the case he was entitled to that, if no more. — Decision of Grand Master Belcher, p. 13, 1865. Your committee recommend the approval of the decis- ion — that the candidate may apply to that Lodge, or any other within whose jurisdiction he may be, at the expira- tion of twelve months, as though he had been rejected by ballot. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 99, 1865. See Balloting, p. 99. Powers and Duties of Masters of Lodges, p. 95. Withdrawing Petition before Ballot, p. 101. Sec. 1, Art. I, Pai"t II, Constitution. MEMBERSHIP. See Affiliation, p. 114, Residence, p. 116. Art. 1, Part V, Constitution. General Regulation, No. -1. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. A Subordinate Lodge may, for good reasons of its own, release a member from the requirements which impose upon him active duties and relieve him from contribu- tions — say for such reasons as the Virginia Committee give ; but it can not relieve itself from its own responsi- bility, assumed in bearing his name on the roll. The Lodge thus expressing toward a cherished brother — its member — the estimation in which he is held, may call 15 114 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. that act by any name it may select, whether honorary or not, but your committee certainly think there is nothing in this jurisdiction which justifies such a Masonic title ; and we do not know outside of it where the custom legitimately originated, nor do we approve of it. — Com- mittee on Jurisprudence, p. 376, 1862. AFFILIATION. A Mason may make application for affiliation as often as it may please him so to do. The rejection of his peti- tion for that purpose by a Lodge, simply impHes that that particular Masonic family, or some one or more of its members, has objection to the immediate association : but it does not prevent him from applying for membership to any other Lodge, or to the same one, at any time thereafter. — Grand blaster Curtis, p. 381, 1860. See Residence, p. 116. Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122. Withdrawing Petition before r^allot. p. 101. Sec. 2, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 4. General Regulation, No. 16. , NON-AFFILIATED MASONS. " Regulation 16. Non-affiliated Masons, wdio are sus- pended by operation of Sec. 1, Art. II, Part V, of the Constitution, if they desire to restore themselves by affilicdion, shall pay a sum equivalent to six months' dues, in addition to the affiliation fee required by the by-laws of the Lodge to which they may apply ; or, if they desire to restore themselves by contribution, they shall pay a sum equivalent to the amount of the regular dues of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction they reside, during the whole period of such residence : unless sickness or inabil- CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 115 ity to pay be shown as the reason for such non-affiliation or non-payment." — p. 410, 1866. Your committee, to whom was referred the question of Bro. Stanley as to the right of a so-called " contribut- ing member" to vote on any and all occasions, report that they suppose the question refers to those Masons who, though non-affiliated, are nevertheless willing to, and do, contribute a sum equal to the monthly dues required of the members of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction they reside, and thus avoid suspension under our law. If this supposition be correct, the committee are at a loss to know how it could be imagined that one so situated was entitled to a vote at all ; and they simply have to say — what there should be little need of saying — that an un- affiliated contributor is not entitled to a vote on any occa- sion whatever. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 110, 1865. The position occupied by non-affiliated Masons in this State is plainly defined in the Constitution. In Sec. 1, Art. II, Part V, of that instrument it is declared, that "it is the duty of every Master Mason to be a member of some Lodge ; and every one who, having resided six months within the jurisdiction of a Lodge, shall refuse Or neglect to make application so to be, or wdio shall not have regularly contributed to such Lodge an amount equivalent to its regular dues, while able so to do, shall be deemed unworthy of Masonic consideration, and shall not be entitled to, or be the recipient of, any of the rights, privileges, or charities of the Order." This is literally the language of suspension ; and, under this law, every non-affiliated Mason, coming within its purview, is absolutel}^ suspended, until by compliance with either of the alternatives which it provides, he shall choose to free himself from the disability. — Decision of Grand Master Curtis, p. 381, 1860. See Residence, p. 116. General Regulation, No. 16. 116 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. RESIDENCE. It is not necessary, though it would be very proper, that every Mason should apply for aihliation to the Lodge nearest his place of residence. It is the right of a Master Mason to affiliate w^here he may choose, whether at the place nearest his residence or not, for our Constitution evidently conveys this meaning in the words : " It is the duty of every Master Mason to be a member of some Lodge. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 368, 1862. . It is not necessary that a Mason should be a member of the Lodge nearest his place of residence. He may hold membership, or apply for it, wherever it shall please him. It is certainly better that he should be a member of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides, but I know of no law which requires it ; and to be a mem- ber, in good standing, in any regular Lodge, is to be in good standing everywhere. — Decision by Grand blaster N. Greene Curtis, p. 381, 1860. ,S'ee Sec. 2, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. DEMISSION. That when a member of a Lodge has paid his dues, and at a stated meeting announced his intention to with- draw his membership, his membership ceases ; and he can become a member of that Lodge only by petition and ballot, as in the case of any other non-affiliated Mason. It is not competent for the Lodge by vote to reinstate him. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 251, 1864. The Grand Master, in his Address, lays before the Grand Lodge the following decision on a point of Masonic law : "When a member of a Lodge has paid his dues, and. CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 117 at a stated meeting, announces his intention to withdraw from membership, his membership ceases, and he can become a member again only by petition and ballot as any other non-affiliated Mason. It is not competent for his Lodge by vote to reinstate him." The said decision was referred, among other things, to the Committee on Jurisprudence, who have considered the same and now report a recommendation that the decision of the Grand Master be approved. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 354, 1864. " The Master, or any other officer of a Lodge, may withdraw therefrom in the same manner as any other member. Whatever may be the rule elsewhere, our law makes no distinction." — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 365, 1864. ^'ee Sec. i, Art. I, Part V, Constitution. RIGHT OF VISIT. "A difference of opinion exists as to the proper con- struction of our fourth General Regulation, and, that its true intent may be defined, the following is submitted : A. B. has resided in this State several years. A httle less than a year ago he visited his former home in Maine, and while there received the degrees of Masonry. Upon his return to California he proposed to visit a Lodge, but the Master refused to admit him. He afterwards offered to visit another Lodge, and w^as admitted. On again applying to visit the first-named Lodge, should the Master admit him upon the avouchment of a brother who had sat with him in a regular Lodge ? Which Master was right — the one who refused, or the one who permitted his admission ? Would it affect the case if the applicant stated that when he left this State he had no intention to return, but afterward changed his mind ? Should he 118 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. apply for affiliation, the regulation is sufficiently clear; but does it deny him the right to visit ? " The regulation referred to has no application to the right of visit. That right, so called, is not, as is gener- ally supposed, absolute and indefeasible. The Master of a Lodge is under obligation to preserve harmony among his craftsmen. He represents the wise Master-builder who laid the foundations of our speculative science, and he must see that the guards and defenses of his Lodge are of such character that nothing be suffered to pass or repass them that might tend to disturb the peace of his Avorkmen. To this end he must be clothed with author- ity to say who, of those hailing from other Lodges, shall visit his. In regard to the brother whose case is men- tioned in the question under consideration, we think the fact of his intention to remain permanently out of the State does affect the action of the regulation. Prima facie an offense may have been committed, but often an apparent wrong ceases to be rightly so considered when the intention is taken into account. It may well occur that one, for several years a resident of this State, may return to the home of his youth, intending to reside per- manently among the associations of his earlier days ; but, finding that the attachments formed in the new home are stronger than those severed in the past, determines to return there, ere they too, like the old ones, shall have become strange by long absence. If then, having in good faith intended to change his place of residence, he become a member of the Fraternity abroad, the regula- tion of this State should not operate against him upon his return. While w^e tenaciously adhere to and insist u])on our jurisdictional rights, we should not enforce the regulation referred to, unless the violation of those rights is clear and pointed. Nothing is to be gained by a too strenuous and rigid interpretation of the law. We conclude, then, that if the brother's purpose in going to the Eastern States was to reside permanently CALIFOENIA MASONIC CODE. 119 and become a citizen, his simple change of purpose and return to this State within some short time, will not of itself bring him within the regulation of this Grand Lodge. We further conclude that, as the regulation does not apply to the matter of visit, and as the Master has control thereof, both Masters — the one who refused, and the one who permitted — were within the purview of their powers. — Committee on Juris'prudence, p. 433, 1866. It appears that Alphonse Dennery, a native of France, but a resident of this jurisdiction, returned to his native country, and while there, received the degrees of Ma- sonry. He took his dimit and returned to this State, where he now seeks to affiliate, and the questions are asked : " Can he be affiliated ? " and " Can he visit ? " Under the fourth of our General Regulations he may affiliate, by paying the full amount charged by the Lodge to which he applies for conferring the degrees, less the sum paid for them to the Lodge in which he received them. We do not think he can visit until he has complied with the foregoing regulation, or has endeavored to do so in good faith. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 349, 1864. Set Sec. 13, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution.. CHARITABLE RELIEF. Your committee are aware that Masonic authorities are somewhat contradictory upon this point ; but, upon a full consideration of the subject, they are of opinion that it would be an unfortunate proposition to establish, that a Masonic Lodge, devoted, as it should be, to charitable objects and the assistance of the distressed, could with impunity suffer its members to want for the necessaries of life, and thus bring discredit upon the whole Frater- nity. — Committee on Grievances, p. 374, 1864. 120 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Believing that, aside from actual necessary expenses, all the funds of a Lodge should be devoted to charitable uses. — Committee on By-Laivs, p. 90, 1863. MASONIC FUNERALS AND EXPENSES. If a Mason forget his duty to God, his fellow, and him- self, and commit suicide, shall he or may he be buried by his Lodge wdth Masonic honors? Several cases have oc- curred, as I am informed, in which suicides have been so buried. It should not always be so. When a Mason has unfortunately been deprived of that reason which God has given him to enable him to distinguish between right and wrong, and, being actually demented, deprives him- self of life, I see no reason why he should not be interred with the usual Masonic honors and ceremonials. An in- sane man cannot commit a crime, and it would be an utter forgetfulness of that charity which is the brightest jewel of the Craft, to refuse the Masonic rite of burial, when de- sired by his relatives or friends, to one who had only been unfortunate. Not so, however, with one who wittingly, or in consequence of intemperate habits, destroys the life which Heaven has given him for useful and beneficent purposes. We would throw the mantle of charity over the faults of an erring brother, dead or living, but we should not lightly overlook his crimes. By all law, human and divine, he who takes his own life is as guilty as he Avho takes the life of another. Before God and man he is guilty, and it is not fitting that we, as a society, should hold ourselves out to the world as the excusers of sucli crime. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 252, 1864. In the matter of the burial, with Masonic honors, of Masons who commit suicide, referred to in the xVddress of the Grand Master, the Committee on Jurisprudence report as follows : CALIFOENIA MASONIC CODE. 121 It is difficult to conceive that any man in his right mind could be guilty of destro3nng his own life. It is probably true that one who commits suicide has previously become, by some means, demented. Self-preservation is the first law of nature. A very high authority declares that " no man ever yet hated his own flesh." This being true, a man must in some way have lost the right use of his men- tal powers before he can lift a hand against his own life. Reason may be dethroned, either by the visitations of God, or by indulgence in hcentious and vicious habits. If the hand of God has been laid upon a brother, recall- ing the reason which He had given, and, while thus de- mented, he shall take his life, we think he may properly receive the honors paid by our Order to the dead. But if, forgetting the first perfect point of his entrance and the virtue by which it is exemplified, and which it is designed to enforce ; if, neglecting his solemn obligations and that prudence which should characterize every brother in his conduct in the Lodge and when abroad in the world, he, by indulgence in drink or other habits which are calculated to enervate the mind, loses his rea- son, and, while tlius out of his mind, destroys his own life, we think he is not entitled to and should not receive the burial rites of the Order. We therefore recommend that the sentiments of the Grand Master's Address on this subject be approved. — p. 338, 1864. It is asked whether, when a Mason dies, he is entitled to Masonic burial ; and if so, whether a single individual must bear the expense ? A deceased sojourning brother, who was in good standing, is certainly entitled to Masonic burial ; and if an individual renders that last service, he may well ask that his brethren and neighbors help him to bear the burden, if so it appears to him to be. But he can scarcely demand this as a right. He has done his duty, and they ought to be willing to assist him ; but 16 122 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. let liim not detract from the merit of liis charity by his complainings. God loveth a cheerful giver. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 58, 1861. See Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131. General Regulation, No. 1. FEES, DUES, AND ASSESSMENTS. Your committee to whom was referred the following question : '' Has the M.'.W.-. Grand Master authority to prevent individual Masons or Lodges from corresponding with each other on subjects relating to the levy of assess- ments upon subordinate Lodges ? "—have had the same under consideration, and are of the opinion that the Grand Master has no authority to prevent any proper correspondence on such subjects. — Special Committee, p. 97, 1865. Your committee are of opinion that during the period of suspension for unmasonic conduct, the dues of a brother should cease. He is under a disabihty from which he cannot, of his own will, free himself. When suspended simply for non-payment of dues, he is in a position from which he may, by his own act, at any time relieve himself, and he should pay his dues accordingly. But while he is under suspension for unmasonic conduct, he is cut off entirely from all privileges, and can only be restored by an act of his Lodge, or of the Grand Lodge. They answer, then, that a Mason, suspended for non- payment of dues, and subsequently suspended for unma- sonic conduct, should be charged dues only during the period when he was under suspension for non-payment thereof. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 100, 1865. Your committee, to whom was referred the inquiry as to what is required in a notice to those in arrears for CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 123 dues, report that tlie question involves the construction of the language of Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, of the Con- stitution. The wording of the law is such as evidently to make it the duty of the Secretary to give the notice, without any order from the Master or the Lodge to that effect ; and by the fourth subdivision of Sec. 1, Art. Y, Part lY, of the Constitution, he is required to affix the seal of the Lodge to all papers issued by authority of the Lodge, or in obedience to the requirements of the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. The notice to members in arrears for dues, is made in obe- dience to the Constitution, and must have the seal of the Lodge Sitta.ch.ed.— Committee on Ju7'isprudence, p. 110, 1865. In reply to Bro. Blake, it is the opinion of the commit- tee that it is not necessary or right to require a member who withdraws, and afterward desires to affiliate again Avith the same Lodge, to pay dues during the time he was not a member, in order to affiUate. — Committee on Jurisprudence ^ p. 368, 1862. See, Affiliation, p. 114. Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114. Suspension for Non-payment of Dues. p. 123. Representative Fund. p. 137. Art. VIII, Part I. Constitution. General Regulation, No. 16. SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES. "Has a subordinate Lodge the right, under Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, of the Constitution, to restore a Mason laboring under suspension for non-payment of dues, in any other manner than that provided for in the funda- mental law — that is, by papng all arrearages due — in other words, can a Lodge remit dues until a brother is restored ? " — beg leave to report as follows : The proposition is susceptible of division into two 124: THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. branches — the question of obedience to laws, and the question of construction of law^s. In answer to the first, it is the opinion of the committee that a subordinate Lodge can do nothing rightfully, either in respect to the restoration of a Mason laboring under suspension for non- payment of dues, or any other matter, in any way other than that provided in the fundamental law. In answer to the second, it is the opinion of the committee that the fundamental laws of Masonry respecting its morality should be construed strictly, but always with charity ; in respect to its government, with liberality, and in the true spirit of the enactments and customs. To say that a Lodge cannot remit a portion or all of the arrearages, for good and satisfactory reasons, of a member suspended for non-payment of dues, in order that he may be restored, appears to us like the construction which Shylock would have put upon his bond. We do not believe that such a spirit did or could exist in the Masonic mind of the framers of our fundamental law ; and we are therefore of the opinion that a subordinate Lodge, for good cause, in the exercise of a discreet judgment, under the section referred to, may remit dues in favor of a member sus- pended for non-payment of dues, in order to restore him. —Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 356, 1862. Suspension for non-payment of dues is absolute fius- pension. The disabilities which it involves under our laws, are the same as if tlie penalty had been incurred by unmasonic conduct. In fact, such is really the mis- demeanor which has induced the punishment, as a viola- tion of the by-law^s of a Lodge (all which require the pay- ment of certain quarterly or monthly dues), is eminently unmasonic. The only difference which our Constitu- tion makes between suspension for (so-called) unmasonic conduct, and suspension for non-payment of dues, is, that in the first case, it requires the votes of two-thirds of the Lodge of which the delinquent was a member, to effect CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 125 his restoration, while in the second, he may restore him- self by payment of his arrearages. — Grand Master Curtis, p. 38i, 18G0. See Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114. Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122. Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131. Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. Sec. 4, Art. II, Part V, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 11. DROPPING NAMES FROM THE ROLL. The object of the 12th Regulation was not to alter the status in a Lodge of persons who had been initiated or passed, but simply to prevent cumbering the rolls annu- ally returned to the Grand Lo'dge with the names of those who, for two years or more, had remained Entered Apprentices or Fellow-Crafts. — Committee on Jurispru- dence, pp. 385-6, 1862. Resolved, That the names of Entered Apprentices and Fellow-Crafts shall be returned to the Grand Lodge for tw^o years only, and be thereafter dropped from the roll. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 369, 1860. .See Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106. General Regulation, No. 12. NOTIFICATIONS AND SUMMONSES. Your committee, to whom was referred the inquiry as to what is required in a notice to those in arrears for dues, report that the question involves the construction of the language of Sec. 9, Art. Ill, Part III, of the Con- stitution. The wording of the law is such as evidently to make it the duty of the Secretary to give the notice, without any order from the Master or the Lodge to that 126 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. effect ; and by tlie fourth subdivision of Sec. 1, Art. V, Part IV, of the Constitution, he is required to affix the seal of the Lodge to all papers issued by authority of the Lodge, or in obedience to the requirements of the Con- stitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge. The no- tice to members in arrears for dues, is made in obedience to the Constitution, and must have the seal of the Lodge attached. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 110, 1865. Your committee to whom was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Alex. G. Abell, defining what shall be deemed due notification in cities and towns where daily newspapers are printed, have given the same careful consideration, and respectfully report that, in their judg- ment, the trial of a brother upon charges for unmasonic conduct is a matter of such serious moment to the Craft that every thing connected with it should be done " decently and in order," and that every member of the Lodge should be in fact notified of the time when the Commissioners are to be elected. There is no necessity for haste in such a matter, and it is better that one who is unjustly accused should suffer somewhat from the law's delay than that we should seem to treat the matter of trials lightly, or neglect any precaution necessary to en- sure to every brother an opportunity to be present upon an occasion of so much importance. In cities and large towns, although the membership of the Lodges may be extensive, yet all reside within a convenient distance. One of the duties of the Tyler of a Lodge is to serve notices, as it is one of the duties of the Secretary to prepare them ; and your committee deem it much more important that every member of the Lodge should be personally notified, than that the Secre- tary and Tyler, who, alone of the officers, receive com- pensation for their services, should be saved a little labor. It is true, probably, that a notification published in one or more daily papers of San Francisco, or any CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 127 other city, would be a notification in foct to a consider- able number of the members of any Lodge there ; but it is also true that not every man who reads the papers reads the general advertisements, or even the special notices, and that, at least, some of the members would thus fail to be notified. It is the right of the accused, and the duty of the Lodge, to have every thing connected with the trial conducted in such manner as will best insure a fair and impartial result : and in order to secure this, the most important step is the election of Commis- sioners. Your committee think that every member of the Lodge should at least have an opportunity to partici- pate in such election ; and, being of the opinion that a notification by advertisement, in the manner proposed in the resolution referred to them, would not be the best method of insuring that desirable result, they return the resolution with the recommendation that it be not adopted. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 57, 1861. The Constitution of this Grand Lodge provides that, upon the presentation of charges, it shall be the duty of the Master, " hij due notification,''^ to call a special meet- ing of his Lodge for the election of Commissioners. A " notification " is defined by the Constitution to be " a call issued by the Secretary, by order of the Lodge or Mas- ter, or by other competent authority, as hereinbefore provided, to attend for some specific purpose at the time and place therein indicated." We find that a ^^ summoois'^ is defined by the Constitution to be " an imperative order issued by the Master or by other competent authority, as hereinbefore provided, to appear at such time and place as may therein be designated." Stripping these two definitions of all verbiage unnecessary to a determi- nation of the point now under consideration, we find that a notification is " a call issued by the Secretary to attend at the time and place therein indicated ; " while 128 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. a summons is " an imperative order issued by the Master to appear at said time and place, as may therein be des- ignated." Nothing whatever is said as to the mode of service of either, but as the definition of the two are so very similar, varying only sufficiently to indicate to the brethren served the difference between the two, we think there is no doubt but that a notification and a summons should be served in a similar manner ; for if this was not intended, or if any mode of notification could be adopted which a Lodge might see proper to select, why did this Grand Lodge define what a notifica- tion is ? We are therefore of the opinion that a notifica- tion should be served in the same manner as a summons. Now, would any one suppose for a moment, that the announcement of the Master at a stated meeting, that all the members of the Lodge were summoned to appear at a certain time, would be a service of the summons upon all the members of the Lodge, or would the publication of a summons in the newspapers be so regarded ? Un- questionably not. How then could such announcement or publication be considered due notification ? In the opinion of your committee it cannot be, as this Grand Lodge has decided that in a case of charges preferred, it is the duty of the Master to see that every member of his Lodge, who can possibly be notified of the meeting, is no- tified in due ^q-a^ow— Committer on Grievances, p. 364, 1860. See Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131. Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122. Part VI. Constitution. Art. II, Part VII. Constitution. General Regulation, No. 7. WITNESSES, TESTIMONY, AND TRIALS. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, the language of Sec. 3, Art. IV, Part IV, of the Consti- tution, should not be so construed as to prevent the CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 129 accuser, any more than the accused, from employing a brother m good standing to assist him at a trial. — p. 111. 1861. See p. 87, 1863, Relative to Trlvls, ex parte. Resolved, That the Committee on Grievances prepare a form of transcript of proceedings on trial in subordi- nate Lodges, and forward the same, when prepared, to the Grand Secretary, who shall cause the same to be printed and distributed to the various Lodges ; and that said Lodges be and they are hereby required, as far as possible, to adhere to said form in returning the record of proceedings on trials. — p. 108, 1863. In response to Bro. Wiggin, it is the opinion of the committee, that it certainly is the right of a brother upon trial for unmasonic conduct, to make a statement before the Commission assembled to try him ; and that such statement should have its weight before the Com- mission — though not as great as that of a disinterested brother — and should form part of the record. The con- stitutional words requiring the Master to " summon the accused to appear and aiisiver,'^ should be construed dif- ferently in Masonry from what it is in the civil courts, for Masonic law should receive a more liberal construction. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 367, 1862. A Fellow-Craft was admitted to testify upon his honor as a Mason ; this was wrong, as none but Master Masons should be permitted so to testify — all others should be sworn. — Committee on Grievances, p. 364, 1860. In cases of trial, a majority of the Commissioners, elected or appointed, may proceed with the business committed to them. The Constitution does not say thus much in terms, but it does by inference, as it declares that " the judgment of a majority of the Commissioners shall be taken as the decision of the whole." To rule 17 130 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. otherwise would be to defeat the justice sought for in the reguUitions upon this subject, as it would probably not often happen that all the Commissioners named would be in attendance during the whole period given for a trial under our Constitution. The vote upon the finding and the sentence should be by ballot, and a majority of all the Commissioners is requisite for judg- ment. — Decision of Grand blaster Curtis, p. 381, 1860. See Commissioners and their Reports, p. 130. Admission and Advancement of Candidates, p. 106. Appeals, p. 130. Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131. Notifications and Summonses, p. 125. Part VI, Constitution. APPEALS. In the matter as to who may take an appeal from the judgment of a Commission for trial, they are of opinion that the language of the law excludes every one save the accuser and the accused. By operation of law the judgment of a majority of the Commissioners becomes the judgment of the Lodge ; and it was never yet heard that a court rendering judgment in a case might turn about and appeal to a higher court, from its own judg- ment. They recommend the approval of the action of the Grand Master in ordering the judgment in the case to which he refers to be oarried into effect. — Committee on Jurisprtidence, p. 99, 1865. See Powers of a Grand Master, p. 95. Part VI, Constitution. COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR REPORTS. Your committee having considered the question pre- sented by Bro. Crane, respectfully report that the law CALIFOENIA MASONIC CODE. 131 to which reference is made in the question, requires the Secretary " to keep a full and correct record of the pro- ceedings and the judgment " of the Commissions for trial, and that this requirement can only be met by his keep- ing a record of all the testimony in the case ; not a mere abstract, but the testimony of each witness in full, so that if appeal be had to this Grand Body, its committees may have the whole case before them. Witnesses, not Masons, testify before the Commission in the form of deposition, taken before some officer entitled to adminis- ter oaths ; and in order that the witnesses who are Ma- sons may stand on the same footing, their testimony must be written out in full by the Secretary. — Committer on Jurispriidence, p. 109, 1865. " In cases of trial, when one or more of the Commis- sioners is absent, can a quorum proceed to the trial of the case and render judgment, or must the Master ap- point to fill vacancies ? " It has been more than once decided already, that a quorum of the Commissioners may proceed to trial and judgment, but that, in such case, the judgment must be that of a majority of all the Commissioners elected, to wit : if the number of the Commissioners be seven, four may try the case — but all four must concur in the judg- ment. No power is anywhere conferred upon the Master to appoint members to fill vacancies. — Committee on Juris- prudence, p. 110, 1865. See Witnesses, Testimony, and Trials, p. 128. Part VI, Constitution. SUSPENSIONS, EXPULSIONS, AND RESTORATIONS. Besolved, That whenever it is the intention of a person, who has been expelled from the rights and privileges of Masonry, to petition the Grand Lodge for restoration, it 132 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. shall be his duty to notify the Lodge Avhich expelled him of such intention, at least sixty da^^s before the meeting of the Grand Lodge, accompanying said notice with a copy of his intended petition ; and before said petition shall be considered by the Grand Lodge, proof shall be made of the giving of said notice. — General Regulation, No. 20, p. 419, 1866. Your committee are aware that, in reporting in favor of restoring the memorialist, they may appear to be somewhat running counter to the wishes of the subordi- nate Lodge to which the memorialist belongs, inasmuch as an application to restore him has there been refused, but they can well imagine how the Lodge could decline to reverse their former action and restore the applicant to membership therein, when they might not materially object to his restoration by the Grand Lodge, which would only give him the general privileges of a Mason. — Cotnmittee on Grievances, p. 93, 1865. In the matter of the effect of a reversal by the Grand Lodge of a judgment of suspension or expulsion, your committee agree with the Grand Master, that the accused is at once restored to the standing he had before charges were preferred. If this be not so, the appeal and the iudgment of reversal are simply solemn farces. The reversal, in terms, declares that the charges were untrue or unsupported by evidence, and the judgment founded thereon unwarranted, and of course, unjust. Its effect is to put the brother appealing in precisely the position he occupied before the charges were preferred. Bro. Mackoy, on this point, well says : " When a Lodge has wrongfully deprived a Mason of his membership by ex- pulsion from the Order, the Grand Lodge, on his appeal, if it shall find the party innocent, that wrong has been inflicted, that, by the sentence, the laws of the institu- tion as well as the rights of the individual have been CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 133 violated, may, on his appeal, interpose and redress the wrong, not only by restoring him to his rights and privi- leges as a Mason, but also to membership in the Lodge. This, it seems to me, is the true principle, not only of Masonic law, but also of equity. If a brother be inno- cent, he must be restored to everything of which an unjust sentence had deprived him — to membership in his Lodge, as well as to the general rights of Masonry." — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 99, 1865. When a brother, who has been suspended for non- payment of dues, pays up all his arrearages, he thereby becomes restored to all the former privileges enjoyed by him in his Lodge, and it is unnecessary that he should again go through the form of signing its by-laws. — Com- mittee on Grievances, p. 373, 1864. Resolved, That when it is the intention of any Lodge to take measures to apply to the Grand Lodge for the res- toration of a Mason who has been expelled, it shall be the duty of the Master thereof to notify the members of his Lodge, as far as possible, of the time when such pro- posed action will be had ; and to cause to be spread upon the minutes of the meeting at which such action shall be had, the fact that such notification was duly given. — p. 354, 1864. A suspended Mason, dying while still under sentence of suspension, cannot be restored by any action subse- quent to his death. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 93, 1863. Question 1st.— Can a Lodge proceed to try a Master Mason, under suspension for non-payment of dues, for unmasonic conduct, without first restoring him ? Ansioer. — It can ; no matter Avhat the cause of suspen- sion may have been, it is certainly within the power of a Lodge, having jurisdiction, to try a suspended Mason on 134 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. charges of further unmasonic conduct, and to inflict such farther punishment as it may deem proper. Question 2d. — Can a Lodge proceed to try, for further unmasonic conduct, a Mason suspended by itself, who, at the time charges are preferred against him, resides within the jurisdiction of another Lodge, although the offenses charged were committed while within the juris- diction of the Lodge first named ? Answer. — It can not ; the proper course would be to prefer the charges before the Lodge within whose juris- diction the delinquent actually resides, by which he can and should be tried. From the date of his suspension, whatever the cause thereof, his membership in that Lodge ceases, and residence elsewhere carries with it jurisdiction. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 76, 1861. There is no better established custom in the Mason- ry of the United States, than that the Lodge (or the Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction such Lodge ex- ists) which expels or suspends a Mason, should alone have the right to restore \nm..— Committee on Jurispru- dence, p. 373, 1860. See Powers and Duties of Masters of Lodges, p. 95. Suspension for Non-payment of Dues, p. 123. By-laws, p. 140. Non-affiliated Masons, p. 114. Fees, Dues, and Assessments, p. 122. Sec. 9. Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. Sec. 4, Art. IV, Part III, Constitution. Sec. 5, Art. II, Part V, Constitution. Art. II, Part VI, Constitution. Art. II, Part VII, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 1. General Regulations, Nos. 17, 19, and 20. UNMASONIC CONDUCT. Your committee, to whom was referred the appeal of Bro from the action of St. John's Lodge, No. 37, CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 135 in suspending him from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, have had the same under consideration, and report that the evidence does not sustain the specifica- tion on which the accused was found guilty and sus- pended. Though it does not show that the accused advised the candidate to withdraw his petition, as he was sure to be blackballed, it does show that he con- versed with the candidate as to the likelihood of his being blackballed. This certainly was very reprehensi- ble, and had the specification been in accordance with the facts, a little wholesome punishment in the case might have proved advantageous to the Craft generally, by the lesson it would teach of the necessity of abstain- ing from all conversation with • a candidate as to the action upon his petition. — Committee on Grievances, p. 102, 1865. The brother manifestly labored under a serious error when he considered that gambling was not a Masonic offense. A very slight examination of the ancient regu- lations of the Order, or a conversation wdth any intelli- gent Mason, would have apprised him that this offense is one strictly forbidden by Masonry, upon all moral and social grounds ; and is an evil in all its effects and conse- quences which cannot be too greatly deprecated. — p. 348, 1864. See Witnesses. Testimony, and Trials, p. 128. Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131. ORDINARY DEBTS. Should a Lodge entertain charges for unmasonic con- duct against a brother because, for any reason, he has neglected or refused to pay his debts, or has paid them in the depreciated currency of the country? My own opinion has always been that the Lodge was not the proper place for the settlement of the business 136 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. difficulties of its members, or the enforcement of the payment of debts ; and I have so decided in the cases presented. The civil government has instituted courts, and appointed judges, and authorized juries, for the ex- press purpose of determining and protecting the rights of citizens, and enforcing the prooer remedies in cases of wrong. If I owe a brother a debt and refuse to pay him, he may ver}^ properly invoke the aid of the law to compel me to do that which I ought to have done with- out compulsion. Exceptional cases may occur, involving such breach of faith and turpitude of conduct that we ought to notice them, even if they had been carried by the parties to the proper tribunals for adjudication ; but they are the exceptions, not the rule. Masons should deal honestly with one another, and with all men, and should pay all they owe ; but it does not always follow that any special moral turpitude attaches to them because they sometimes fail to do this last ; and, however much we may disapprove the act of one who avails himself of the benefits of the laws, and pays debts, perhaps hon- estly due in gold, in legal tenders, I think we may prop- erly leave the aggrieved party to charge the blame, if any, partly upon himself, that he has been so careless and negligent in the management of his own business. That which the laws of the land sanction, can hardly bo an offense against any law of Masonry. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 251, 1864. In reference to that portion of the Grand Master's address which treats of the question whether a Masonic Lodge is a proper place for brethren to settle their differences in business transactions, and whether, if a brother pays debts owing to another brother, in the depreciated currenc}^ of the country, he is liable to a charge for unmasonic conduct, the Committee on Juris- prudence report as follows : This is one of those questions which we think ought CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 137 to be determined b}' tbe circumstances. We agree witli the Grand IMaster, that tlie courts of the country are established for tlie purpose of setthng differences which may arise in business transactions between men. A man does not cease to be a citizen Avhen he becomes a Mason. All his duties and rights as a citizen are retained. Ma- sonic Lodges are established and exist for other and different purposes, and were we to open the door of the Lodo-e and invite Masons to make it the tribunal before which to tr}" their business disputes, the real purposes of the fraternity would be forever rendered impossible. It is true, however, that circumstances may arise, in the course of transactions between Masons, of such a char- acter that one or the other would be liable to a charge for violation of Masonic obligations ; and of such cir- cumstances and their bearing upon the particular case to Avhich they are sought to be made applicable, the Commissioners must judge, subject to the revision of this Grand Lodge on appeal. It is impossible to estab- lish any certain rule. We have seen already, in the reports of the Committee on Grievances, that cases arise and are duly tried, in which the proof was of such a nature that the able committee who considered them found no violation of the obligations of the brother charged ; and yet, we apprehend that another case might arise in which the same committee would feel themselves constrained to afiirm a judgment of convic- tion. We recommend that no action be had in the premises. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 349, 1864. REPRESENTATIVE FUND. Resolved, That, for the ensuing fiscal year, there shall be levied upon the Lodges under this jurisdiction, in addition to the dues prescribed by the Constitution, the 18 138 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. sum of seventy-five cents for each member borne upon their respective rolls at the date of their annual returns, for account of the Representative Fund ; which assess- ment shall be paid at the same time and in the same manner as is prescribed for the payment of the regular annual dues. — p. 382, 1864. Resolved, That for the year ending March 1, 1864, there shall be levied upon the subordinate Lodges, in addition to the dues prescribed by the Constitution, tlie sum of seventy-five cents for each member borne upon their respective rolls at the date of their annual returns— to be assessed for the purpose and in the man- ner provided in certain resolutions relative to a Repre- sentative Fund adopted on the sixteenth day of May, 1861, the same being in lieu of one dollar fur each mem- ber, as therein directed. — p. 124, 1863. Resolved, That, in addition to the amount at present levied upon the subordinate Lodges, there be levied the sum of one dollar for the name of each Master Mason borne upon the rolls at the date of the annual returns, which shall constitute a special fund to be denominated " The Representative Fund " ; and that it shall be the duty of the several Lodges to pay the said sum at the time and in the manner prescribed for the payment of their annual dues. — pp. 51-2, 1861. See General Regulation, No. 13. COMPENSATION TO GRAND OFFICERS AND MEM- BERS OF THE GRAND LODGE. Resolved, That hereafter no Grand Ofiicer, Chairman of a Standing Connnittee, or Representative of a Lodge, shall receive payment for his necessary traveling ex- penses in attending a Communication of a Grand Lodge, CALIFOENIA MASONIC CODE. 139 Avho shall not have been in attendance from the first to the last day, mclusive, of such Communication, unless excused by special action of the Grand Lodge. — p. 382, 1864. Besolved, That hereafter the appointed Grand Officers and the chairmen of the several Standing Committees, shall receive payment for their necessary traveling ex- penses to and from the place of meeting of the Grand Lodge, in the same manner as ordered for the Represent- atives of Lodges ; provided, hoivever, that no such Offi- cer, Chairman, or Representative, shall receive payment in more than one of those capacities ; and provided, fur- tlier, that no such Officer, Chairman, or Representative shall receive any pay who shall already have been paid for such necessary traveling expenses by another Masonic Grand Body. — Committee on Jurisprudence, p. 125, 1863 : ordered to he p)uhlislied as a General Regulation. See Representatives and Delegates of Lodges, p. 139. Sec. 1, Art. VI, Part II, Constitution. REPRESENTATIVES AND DELEGATES OF LODGES. Besolved, That, at each Annual Communication, an Au- diting Committee, to consist of three, shall be appointed by the Grand Master, which committee shall audit all accounts of delegates from subordinate Lodges, for their necessary traveling expenses to and from the place ot the Annual Communications ; and shall certify the amount due each delegate to the Grand Secretary, who shall thereupon draw his warrant upon the Grand Treasurer for the amount due such delegate. The warrant shall specify the fund from which the money is drawn, and no warrant shall be issued to more than one delegate from each Lodge ; provided, that no delegate shall receive such payment who shall not have remained during the 140 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. entire Communication, unless excused by the Grand Lodge, and whose Lodge shall not have paid its dues for the current year. — p. 52, 1861. See Sec. 14, Art. Ill, Part III, Constitution. Art. VI. Part I, Constitution. Art. II, Part VII, Constitution. General Regulation, No. 13. BY-LAWS. The charge that the brother has not signed the by- laws is one that ought not to be made in a well governed Lodge now. If he has not done so, he has certainly neg- lected his duty, but that neglect cannot forfeit his mem- bership, any more than would the neglect or violation of any other provision which they contain, until after due trial for such offense, that penalty should be incurred ; and this fact shows that the officers have been careless in the discharge of their duty, and that the brethren themselves cannot avoid a share of the blame which at- taches in this case. We advise the Masters of Lodges who have not attended to this plain duty, to look well to it. — Committee on Jicriqyrudence, p. 377, 1862. See Suspensions, Expulsions, and Restorations, p. 131. Sec. 5, Art. II, Part III, Constitution. UNIFORM CODE OF BY-LAWS. in relation to that portion of the Annual Report of the Grand Secretary concerning the by-laws of Lodges, which was referred to your committee, they can only echo the hope expressed by him, and strongly urge all Lodges in this jurisdiction to adopt the Uniform Code of By-laAvs, not only because they have been very carefully prepared by one of the best Masonic jurist^ in the State, CALIFORNIA MASONIC CODE. 141 and contain, in the opinion of your committee, all that is required for the proper regulation and government of the Lodges, but because it is most desirable that in this, as in all other respects, there should be uniformity throughout the jurisdiction. — Committee on Bij-laics, p. 56, 1861. Resolved, That the form of by-laws for the government of subordinate Lodges, as now revised and corrected by the special committee, be approved by the Grand Lodge ; and that it be recommended to all the Lodges within the jurisdiction for their adoption. — Committee on By-laws, p. 368, 186U. MASONIC CLOTHING AND PROCESSIONS. On no occasion, except for the burial of a brother, is it permitted for any Lodge or number of Masons to ap- pear in Masonic clothing in public procession, without special permission from the Grand Master ; and that permission ought very rarely to be asked or granted. — Grand Master Belcher, p. 16, 1865. The sentiments of the Grand Master in regard to par- ticipating in our character as Masons, in public celebra- tions not of a Masonic character, are heartih^ approved, —p. 85, 1865. On occasions of festivity, as at Masonic balls, it seems to me to be in exceeding bad taste for brethren to appear in Masonic clothing. The white apron, in its place, is the appropriate and emblematic badge of a Mason, but in a ball-room, nothing could look much more absurd and out of good taste. — Grand blaster Belcher, p. 16, 1865. 142 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. STANDING RESOLUTIONS RESCINDED. Your committee, appointed at the last Annual Com- munication to revise the Standing Resolutions and Regu- lations for Trials heretofore in force in this jurisdiction, report as follows : They find upon the statute book seventy-eight so-called Standing Resolutions, with the exception of three — Nos. 12, 44 and 46 — which have at different times been rescinded. Of these, forty-seven, viz. : 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 40, 41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 49, 53, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 70, 75, 76, and 78— have, together witli the Regulations for Trials, been substantially incorporated in the new Constitution pre- sented by this committee, and just adopted by the Grand Lodge— twenty, viz. : Nos. 4, 6, 17, 23, 26, 34, 35, 36, 38, 45, 54, 55, 56, 57, 62, 68, 71, 72, 73, and 74— should be dropped ; some, as being entirely useless, some, as con- taining only enunciations of common truths in regard to which no legislation is required, others, as having been intended but for a temporary purpose, others still, as an- nouncing erroneous doctrine, and one or two perhaps, as being simply absurd ; and eight, viz. : Nos. 31, 37, 39, 50, 51, 52, 69, and 77 — sliould, with some alterations of phraseology, be retained as general regulations. The committee therefore recommend the adoption of the fol- lowing resolution : Resolved, That all the Standing Resolutions of this Grand Lodge, with the exception of those now numbered as 31, 37, 39, 50, 51, 52, 69, and 77, be and are hereby re- scinded ; and that those excepted, after proper correction, shall be published hereafter, with the annual proceed- ings, under the name of General Regulations. — p. 116, 1859. LIST OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 143 s 1 s H ;: S ^ *H £ ^ w '? S s i 2 «o ^1 5 .9 p 2^- H ttl 1 2 < II |3 c4 H « ^ ~ H -d ^ ■^ § H 5 ^ 12 < 1^ " ^ si 6»H £ o H 'H S 5 q 5e -d fi a a S 3 .a to -1^ a) o 1- ^ 1- r- ■- 1^ '- "'^ 'O in X X X X X CC X CC CC X X X X X X GO C^CicsCiOt^t^l-^t^t^t^^^^^t^ (M C-J 1 S<1 ^ ^ t-< t> ^ - o -H cs H s fa o c ,«- b rt 5 CO 03 cw 'VJ w CO CO H k^ IX! O i^ZcoOaj o o c "S a s =s 2-S a a OJ fa H S o =* ^ o t^*^ :3 g ^ 5 ►-w.^w~5cicbcj?;r"r;a S-qc3csajrtoJO*rfO«aJo X X X CO a X X CO <-. X c^ ^ ^ X Number . 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S I o I ^' g H i I S P S -^ M £ o o ^^r - OQCL,OroK!:ga 3gO o K w5 5? ^ op H ?-. ^ ^ f^ 3 H 5 o £ :jt>!::)fa>3<^cBH( -! • 2 '^ W " -. „ . o - « ^^'^ tBHP-ii-Jffit> •-s -^ B 3^ O H E & >2 148 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. o w H o CO O CO 1-H Ci oc • c>a iMCDOCOCOOCOOiO ,— 1 Ci -^ ,— 1 C5 00 No. Memnrs CO ^ CO -* •C— It— (IMIOCO lO 1— 1 'V !M r-( • Aug 1, ISUG 1—1 • a a a • a a a • fl ■ a c d J c 00c • o • o coo • a a 4 >5 ^ fl o fcl bo bc.2 ■ o a "a ding Full M ding Full M ding Full M th ing Full Mo ng Full Moo ling Full Mo ■ding Full M ding Full M :ding Full M ■ ■ • • ^ !^ c ^ c each mon ; precedin xt preced nh month .'rS ■ -Hrti-('-^'-< r-l (>) O^J C 3 > '^ CO 00 00 oc I— ( I— f I— ) T- 00 00 I— t I-H OOOOOC'COOSOOOC'COOD (X> X -Jj 00 00 OD 00 r-l 1— t 1— 1 Gc cci 00 ^ ^ u g CO~CO~r-rcrcrcro"o"c2~Cr«0~«0~«o'«o't-^«0 lOOtOlOmiO-*-^-^ CJ c r^ 1— t r- 1 1— i T~ < I-H i-H 1— 1 r-( I-H I— 1 1— 1 r-1 I— 1 T-H ?— 1 f— 1 1 ft 1 o > -■s = :: - ^ ^ - - ^ 3 ;: :: ^ - - - — ^ - -: ^ :i :: : : ^> >>. Ph '. .' 5 c ■"S -■ 1 3 ; ; ■ 3 >> .S .2 .S .2 ^ • • s S a cS & c 3 : o |S a5 rJ2 % '. '. H c- % O re r 3 O rt S cS =^ c5 cS o'n '•Z « :; CS CS i o u o 6 o .^ ^ O cj c- s-^o 1 g 0-3 i g ^ 2 3QQWcOCOt>^OCOCOCBSffi San Li Lassen Tehani El Dor Butte . Sierra Nevad Nevad Yolo . Nevad o H -< c 5 ; ; o c c a c: CJ '5 2 ^•:= 13 : ^ £5c b oaS H 3 a^ ci r3 a ■ ci «'-' ^ Lij!U-5ccjaCija'5? a ^>; -a 5- •S a % 2 c; f- oi -? ^ 5orr .X' 5 5 6 CO S S CC rj. m E-i !^ ^^^ CO *^ »o ^ = l~ X c:;o-HC^cO'+'i.O!^i-- 00 C5 ^ ■M r^ -^ 10 •-= t- Numl )er.. CO CO CO c 1 CO CO CO-*-*'*'-^-*'*'^': ■^ -tt- 10 T rH 1— 1 1— 1 1- 1.'^ \n \c »— 1 1— ( f— »C 4^ l^ e c 2S 5 ^ c : 1 J . \l ■ h2 !; 3 2 2 1 , 'a • a c T ll. ^ ■^ p^ S > H s W -i i-r : ::&< w Ui a 5- v: 5 ?; a " ^ 1-3 w >:; :: 1 i^ V b 1 1 ^ ? ,§ X ^ ^- c ■^ t-"l> D i§2 JJIi 2S 2 - :^l'^ 1 CO -* 1 » «o 1^ 00 C5 1— 1 - r H ,-H ■- < ^ "- * ■" ■" 1— LIST OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 149 o • o c o • o o -- — ' "^ o • a be 2 « 3 • '^ "^ C-: ?■; c- ^^ ^2 00 00 X X' Oj 3l^^ ~'rc! ft 5 .S o V c * &<= ^ o X o tc ri a o _^ ^1 H X' H E:^ ^ <5 ^=; i«^ £^_fef^ .S r3 .5 "rS 5 "rS a s<^ 2 S O 0) O ^ - (J a; -J g u a o 5 S a o a 5 OJ _, o at-aaaea""a 0=i-OOt^Oo^O c„ ° tt, C^H ri =g C4_ g=^- ^/: s? x "t: 1-^ 5- cc H M CC X X XXX CC X X X .-Hl-Hi-li-li-li— li-l,-(,-ii-l^rtrHrti-,^i-Ht-ll-lr-li-l— (r-lr-H ir-S 5HH :h o .2 S C4 !h " L^o t^ • C3 « ^ Jl > > >- > ^ B O Sg ^g re ^ rx >»>> CC ;-. C " >^ : 2 : c : '^§ H a o ^1 2 7^2- O ■5 5'c; c- ci 13 "* <1 W ^fg ^ ^ '-^ S S t-W =/: " a H fe«2 O o2E-V:"3Ei;3 /5 5 ►J - O^ Z 5 ^ s; o J: ^ h- E- Ei p ^ Z 2 S"^ ?^ J> Fs ri •^ -o> I— ' '^ g, h- U <| cd Sot» •O tC t^ X Ci o GKAND OFFICEES ELECTED SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA, APRIL 18th, A.L. 5850. Note. — Those deceased are indicated thus (*). 1850. Jonathan D. Stevenson Grand Master, John A. Tutt Deputy Grand Master, Caleb Fenner Senior Grand Warden, Saschel Woods * Junior Grand Warden, Levi Stowell * Grand Treasurer, John H. Gihon Grand Secretary. 1851. John A. Tutt Grand Master, Benjamin D. Hyam Deputy Grand Master, E. F. W. Ellis* Senior Grand Warden, B. S. Olds Junior Grand Warden, TowNSEND A. Thomas Grand Treasurer, Levi Stowell * Grand Secretary. 1852. Benjamin D. Hyam Grand Master, Charles M. Radcliff Deputy Grand Master, Adolphus Hollub Senior Grand Warden, LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS. 151 John R. McConnell Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin . . . . • Grand Treasurer, Levi Stowell ^' Grand Secretary. 1853. Charles M. Radcliff Grand Master. Townsend a. Thomas Deputy Grand Master, John R. Crandall Senior Grand Warden, Richard F. Knott Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Levi Stowell - Grand Secretary. 1854. William H. Howard * Grand Master, N. Greene Curtis Deputy Grand Master, Rector E. Cole Senior Grand Warden, Robert N. Wood* Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Levi Stowell * Grand Secretary. 1855- William H. Howard * Grand Master, Townsend A. Thomas Deputy Grand Master, John A. Raymond Senior Grand Warden, Samuel A. Merritt. Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Levi Stowell * Grand Secretary. 1856. William H. Howard * Grand Master, John A. Raymond Deputy Grand Master, Lemuel Lyon Senior Grand Warden, Philip W. Randle Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 152 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. 1857. N. Greene Curtis Grand Master, Charles Marsh Deputy Grand Master, Aaron D. Park Senior Grand Warden, John B. Bope Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 1858. N. Greene Curtis Grand Master, Philip W. Shepheard - Deputy Grand Master, Wm. McCormick Senior Grand Warden, James W. Bicknell Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 1859. N. Greene Curtis Grand Master, Philip W. Shepheard * Deputy Grand Master, Ebenezer Lane Senior Grand Warden, Thomas P. Hawley Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. i860. N. Greene Curtis Grand :Master, Philip W. Shepheard " Deputy Grand Master, William C. Belcher Senior Grand Warden, Alvinza Hay ward Junior Grand Warden, Addison Martin Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 1861. James Lawrence English Grand Master, William C. Belcher Deputy Grand :^[aster, John W. Harville Senior (Jrand Warden, LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS. 153 Caleb E. Wilcoxon Junior Grand Warden, James Laidley Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 1862. William Caldwell Belcher Grand Master, Gilbert B. Claiborne Deputy Grand Master, John W. Harville Senior Grand Warden, John B. Hewson Junior Grand Warden, James Laidley Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 1863. William Caldwell Belcher Grand Master, Gilbert B. Claiborne Deputy Grand Master, Louis Cohn Senior Grand Warden, William A. Davies Jimior Grand Warden, James Laidley Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 1864. William Caldwell Belcher Grand Master, Gilbert B. Claiborne Deputy Grand Master, William A. Davies Senior Grand Warden, Isaac S. Titus Junior Grand Warden, James Laidley Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 1865. Gilbert B. Claiborne Grand Master, William A. Davies Deputy Grand Master, Isaac S. Titus Senior Grand Warden, Henry H. Hartley Junior Grand Warden, James Laidley Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. 20 154 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. 1866. Gilbert B. Claiborne Grand Master, Henry H. Hartley Deputy Grand Master, William H. Peterson Senior Grand Warden, Thos. Beck Junior Grand Warden, James Laidley Grand Treasurer, Alexander G. Abell Grand Secretary. GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL AECH MASONS. co:n^stitutio^ OF THE M.-.E.-. GRAND CHAPTER |lflgjjl ^tt\t '^asionsi OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Of the Organization of the Grand Chapter. ARTICLE I. OF ITS TITLE AND SEAL. Section 1. This Grand Chapter shall be entitled "The Most Excellent Geand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California," and shall have a Seal, bearing suitable devices and inscriptions, which shall be affixed to all instruments issued by or under its authority. ARTICLE II. OF its members and their qualifications. Section 1. This Grand Chapter shall be comprised of a Grand High Priest, a Deputy Grand High Priest, a Grand King, a Grand Scribe, a Grand Treasurer, a Grand Secretary, a Grand Chaplain, a Grand Captain of the 158 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Host, a Grand Royal Arch Captain, a Grand Guard, and such other officers as it may hereafter designate ; to- gether with all Past Grand High Priests, Past Deputy Grand High Priests, Past Grand Kings, Past Grand Scribes, and Past High Priests, by service in this juris- diction, and the High Priests, Kings, and Scribes of the several chartered and duly constituted Chapters, or their regularly appointed proxies. Sec. 2. Each officer and member of the Grand Chap- ter must be a member of some Chapter within its juris- diction ; and with the cessation of such membership shall cease his office and membership in the Grand Chapter. ARTICLE III. OF ITS POWERS AND AUTHORITY. Section 1, This Grand Chapter has the sole govern- ment and superintendence of all Chapters of Poyal Arch Masons, and Lodges of the Intermediate Degrees, in the State of California ; with authority to settle controver- sies that may arise between them ; to assign their limits ; to prescribe laws and regulations for their government ; and to review, confirm, or annul their decisions. Sec. 2. It may grant dispensations and charters for holding regular Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, and may revoke, suspend, or annul the same for good cause. Sec. 3. It may assess and collect, from the several Chapters under its jurisdiction, such sums of money, annually, as may be found necessary for its maintenance and support. ARTICLE IV. OF ITS CONVOCATIONS. Section L The Grand Chapter shall hold its annual convocations for the transaction of its regular business, at such place as the :M.-.W.-. Grand Ltjdgo of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Calilbrnia shall meet, commencing at 10 o'clock, a.m., on tlie Monday next sue- CONSTITUTIOX OF THE M.'.E.". GRAND CHAPTER. 159 ceecling the day upon which that Grand Body commences its annual communications. Sec. 2. The Grand High Priest may call special con- vocations of the Grand Chapter whenever in his opinion the welfare of the Order shall require it. Sec. 3. Special convocations shall be ordered by the Grancl High Priest upon an application therefor in writ- ing, setting forth the causes which demand it, and signed by the High Priests of at least five chartered Chapters. Sec. 4. Every order for a special convocation shall designate the object thereof, so far as is proper to be written, and shall be issued to each Chapter and Grand Officer at least thirty days before the day named for meeting ; and no business shall be transacted thereat, other than that for which the Grand Chapter was con- vened. Sec. 5. There must be at least nine chartered Chap- ters represented in order to transact any business in the Grand Chapter, either at an annual or a special convoca- tion. ARTICLE V. OF ITS elections. Section 1. The officers of the Grand Chapter (except the Grand Chaplain and the Grand Guard) shall be chosen by ballot at each annual convocation ; shall be installed before the close thereof- and shall hold their respective offices until their successors are elected and installed. A majorit}^ of all the votes cast shall be necessary for a choice. The Grand Chaplain shall be appointed by the Grand High Priest. Sec. 2. The Grand Guard shall be appointed by the Grand High Priest, immediately after his installation, at each annual convocation ; shall be properl}" invested before the close thereof ; and shall hold his office during the will and pleasure of the Grand High Priest. Sec. 3. Any vacancy in office occurring when the Grand Chapter is not in session, may be filled by the 160 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Grand High Priest, and the officer so appointed shall possess all the powers, and be charged with all the duties of one regularly elected. ARTICLE VI. OF ITS VOTING AND REPEESENTATION. Section 1. All questions in the Grand Chapter (ex- cept elections of officers) shall be decided viva voce, or by a show of hands, unless, before the announcement of the result thereof, three members shall demand that the vote be taken by yeas and nays, in which case it shall thus be taken. In all cases of a tie vote, except votes by ballot, the Grand High Priest, in addition to his proper vote, may have the casting vote. Sec. 2. Each Grand Officer present (except the Grand Guard), and each Past Grand High Priest, Past Deputy Grand High Priest, Past Grand King, and Past Grand Scribe present, shall be entitled to one vote. Sec. 3. Each Chapter represented shall be entitled to three votes ; and the Past High Priests of each Chap- ter shall, collectively, be entitled to one vote. Sec. 4. No Grand Officer, Past Grand Officer, or Past High Priest, voting, or participating in a vote, in either of those capacities, shall vote, or participate in a vote, in any other of them ; but either of such members may, as High Priest, King, Scribe, or as the proxy of either or all of them, cast also the vote or votes to which such position shall entitle him. ARTICLE VII. OF ITS committees. Section 1. The following regular committees, to con- sist of not less than three nor more than five members each, shall be appointed by the Grand High Priest at each annual convocation, viz. : On Credentials, on Griev- ances, on Finances, on New Chai)ters, on Returns, on By-laws, on Jurisprudence, and on Correspondence. The CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E/. GRAND CHAPTER. IGl two last named shall be Standing Committees, and shall serve during the year. Sec. 2. Special Committees may also be appointed by the Grand High Priest whenever deemed necessary by the Grand Chapter. ARTICLE VIII. OF ITS REVENUES. Section 1. The revenue of the Grand Chapter shall be derived from fees charged for dispensations, charters; diplomas, and other instruments issued under its author- ity, and from contributions levied upon the Chapters, which shall always be equal and uniform, in proportion to their membership and degrees, as follows : 1st. For a dispensation to Open a new Chapter, ninety dollars, of which fifteen dollars shall be the fee of the Grand Secretary : 2d. For a charter to perpetuate a Chapter, sixty dol- lars, of which ten dollars shall be the fee of the Grand Secretary : 3d. For a dispensation to hold an election for an officer or officers at a time other than that named in this Con- stitution, five dollars : 4th. For a dispensation to ballot for a candidate for the degrees, without reference to a committee, five dol- lars : 5th. For a diploma, five dollars, of Avhich three dollars shall be the fee of the Grand Secretary : And in no case shall any of the foregoing documents be issued until the fees therefor shall have been paid to the Grand Secretary. Sec. 2. The following contributions shall be paid as annual dues, by each of the Chapters, whether chartered or under dispensation : 1st. For each Mark Master's, Past Master's, Most Ex- cellent Master's, and Royal Arch Degree, conferred dur- ing the year, the sum of one dollar : 21 162 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. 2d. For each Royal Arch Mason borne upon its roll, at the date of its annual return, the sum of one dollar ; and the Grand Chapter may levy, in addition to the above, such other contributions as, in its judgment, may be required. Of the Grand Officers. ARTICLE IX. OF THE CxRAND HIGH PRIEST. Section 1. The G-rand High Priest shall, at each an- nual convocation, present a written report of all his offi- cial acts during the year, and of the condition of Royal Arch Masonry within his jurisdiction, together Avith such recommendations as he shall deem conducive to the pros- perity and advancement of the Order. From his decis- ions there shall be no appeal. Sec. 2. He shall carefully supervise the subordinate Chapters, and see that the Constitutions and Regulations of the General Grand Chapter, as well as those of this Grand Chapter, are faithfully observed. Sec. 3. He shall have power, when the Grand Chap- ter is not in session — 1st. To issue dispensations for the formation of new Chapters : 2d. To issue dispensations for the election of an officer or officers of a Chapter at a time other than that named in this Constitution : 3d. To issue dispensations to ballot for a candidate for the degrees without reference to a committee : 4th. To convene any Chapter within his jurisdiction, preside therein, inspect its proceedings, and give such orders and instructions as he may deem necessary : 5th. To arrest the charter or dispensation of any Chap- ter, for good reasons shown, and. ior proper cause, to CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E. '.GRAND CHAPTER, 163 suspend any High Priest from the functions of his office until the ensuing annual convocation. Sec. 4. He shall constitute, either in person or by proxy, all newly-chartered j^Chapters, and install their officers. ARTICLE X. OF THE DEPUTY GRAND HIGH PRIEST. Section 1. The Deputy Grand High Priest shall have power, during the recess of the Grand Chapter, to grant dispensations for the formation of new Chapters. Sec. 2. In the event of the death of the Grand High Priest, or of his absence from the State, or his inability, from any cause, to perform the functions of his office, the Deputy Grand High Priest shall succeed to and be charged with all his powers and duties. ARTICLE XL OF THE GRAND KING AND GRAND SCRIBE. Section 1. The Grand King and Grand Scribe, in the event of the death, absence from the State, or inability, as before, of both their superiors, shall in the order of their rank, succeed to and be charged with all the pow- ers and duties of the Grand High Priest. Sec. 2. In case all the four principal Grand Officers shall be absent from any convocation, the Past Grand Officers of like rank, shall, in the order of their rank and seniority, be empowered to preside ; and in the event of the absence of all the Grand and Past Grand Officers, the High Priest of the oldest Chapters represented, shall take charge. ARTICLE XII. OF THE GRAND TREASURER. Section 1. The Grand Treasurer shall receive all moneys belonging to the Grand Chapter from the Grand Secretary, and shall pay the same out under such regu- 164 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. lations as may by it be provided. He shall keep a just account thereof in proper books, and at each annual convocation shall present a detailed statement of his receipts and disbursements, together with proper vouch- ers for the latter, and a full statement of the existing condition of the finances. Sec. 2. He shall execute and file with the Grand High Priest, within fifteen days after his installation, a bond, in such penal sum, and with such sureties, as shall be approved by that officer, conditioned that he will faithfully discharge his duties, and at the end of his term of office, pay over and transfer to his successor all funds or property of the Grand Chapter which shall have come into his keeping. ARTICLE XIII. OF THE GRAND SECRETARY. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Secre- tary to record all the transactions of the Grand Chapter which it is proper to have written, and to superintend the publication thereof immediately after the close of each annual convocation. He shall receive, duly file, and safely keep, all papers and documents addressed or belonging to the Grand Chapter, and present such as may require its action, at each convocation. He shall keep the Seal of the Grand Chapter, and fix the same with his attestation to all documents emanating from that body. Ho shall collect the revenue of the Grand Chapter, pay it over to the Grand Treasurer, and pre- sent a detailed report of his receipts and of all business appertaining to his office, at each annual convocation. He shall report at each annual convocation all Chapters wliicli are in arrears to the Grand Chapter, or which shall have neglected or refused to comply with any provision of its Constitution or Regulations. He shall conduct the correspondence of the Grand Chapter, and submit copies thereof at each annual i-onvocation. He CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E.". GRAND CHAPTER. 165 shall take charge of the jewels, furniture, clothing, and paraphernalia of the Grand Chapter during its vaca- tions. He shall report at each annual convocation all unfinished business, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned him by the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest. Sec. 2. He shall receive such compensation i'or his services as the Grand Chapter may direct, and shall execute and file with the Grand High Priest, Avithin fifteen days after his installation, a bond, in such penal sum, and with such sureties, as shall be approved by that officer, conditioned that he will faithfully discharge the duties of his office, as prescribed by this Constitution. Relative to Subordinate Chapters. ARTICLE XIV. OF THEIR FORMATION. Section 1. Upon the petition of nine or more Royal Arcli Masons in good standing, the Grand Chapter, Grand High Priest, or Deputy Grand High Priest, may issue a Letter of Dispensation authorizing them to form and open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and Lodges of the Intermediate Degrees, with power to confer the several degrees thereof and receive members by affilia- tion. But no such dispensation shall issue, unless the petition be accompanied by a recommendation from the chartered Chapter nearest the location of the proposed new one, which shall certify to the good standing of each of the petitioners, and that a suitable place of meeting- has been provided ; and by a certificate from the Grand Lecturer (if there be one), or from a High Priest whom the Grand High Priest is satisfied is well skilled in the Royal Art, declaring that the High Priest proposed in said petition is qualified to properly confer all the Chap- 16G THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. ter degrees and deliver the lectures thereunto apper- taming ; nor unless the petition shall also be accompan- ied by a certificate of withdrawal of each petitioner from the Chapter of which he was last a member. Such dis- pensation shall terminate on the first day of the month in which the next succeeding annual convocation shall be holden, and then shall be returned to the Grand Sec- retary, together Avith the book of records, by-laws, and returns to that date, when, if the transactions of the new Chapter shall appear satisfactory to the Grand Chapter, it may, upon petition therefor, receive a charter. Sec. 2. A Chapter shall consist of a High Priest, a King, a Scribe, a Captain of the Host, a Principal So- journer, a Royal Arch Captain, three Masters of the Vails, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a Guard, and such other officers as its By-laws may provide, together with as many members as it may find convenient. ARTICLE XV. OF THEIR DUTIES. Section 1. Each Chapter shall have a stated meeting at least once in every month for the transaction of its regular business. Special meetings may be ordered by the Chapter, or by the High Priest, but no business shall be done thereat, except collections or appropriations for charity, or conferring of degrees. All business, except the conferring of degrees, shall be done in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. Sec. 2. Each chartered and duly constituted Chapter shall be represented in the Grand Chapter at every con- vocation, by one or more of its proper officers, or by his or their proxies ; but such proxy or proxies shall be members of such Chapter. Sec. 3. Each chartered Chapter shall transmit to the Grand Secretary a full and correct returns of its trans- actions for the twelve months next preceding the first day of xVugust in each year, within litteen days there- CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E.*. GRAND CHArTER. 167 after, in the form hereinafter provided, and shall accom- pany such return with payment of its dues to the Grand Chapter. Sec. 4. Each Chapter shall transmit to the Grand Secretary a copy of its By-laws, as soon as adopted, but no such By-laws, nor any subsequent amendment there- unto, shall be deemed valid, until approved by the Grand Chapter, though they may be acted under until the next annual convocation, if approved by the Grand High Priest. Sec. 5. Each chartered Chapter shall, within three months from the date of its charter, provide a suitable seal, bearing such devices as shall be deemed proper, and having inscribed thereon the name and number of the Chapter, the date of its charter, and the place of its location ; and all documents and papers emanating from such Chapter, or from its High Priest, or Secre- . tary, in his ofi&cial capacity, shall bear the impress of such seal, or be considered null and of no effect. ARTICLE XVI. OF THEIR ELECTIONS. Section 1. The officers of each Chapter (except the Guard, who shall be appointed by the High Priest) shall be chosen by ballot, at the stated meeting next preced- ing the Anniversary of St, John the Evangelist ; shall be installed as soon thereafter as practicable, and shall hold their respective offices until their successors shall have been duly elected and installed. A majority of all the votes cast shall be necessary for a choice. Sec. 2. In case any Chapter shall fail to hold such election at the time above specified, upon good cause being shown therefor, the Grand High Priest may issue a dispensation to hold such election at another time ; and in case a vacancy shall at any time occur in either of the offices of High Priest, King, or Scribe, in any Chapter, upon proper representation of the necessity 168 THE CALIFORNIA DICxEST OF MASONIC LAW. therefor, the Grand High Priest may issue a dispensa- tion to fill such vacancy. But, in either of these cases, such dispensation shall be issued only upon the applica- tion of the Chapter, setting forth the reasons therefor, to be approved by two-thirds of the members present at a stated meeting, and to be properly certified by the Secretary ; and of the special election which may thus be ordered the members shall have due notice. Sec. 2. Every member in good standing, and whose dues are paid, shall be entitled to vote at all elections ; and every voter shall be eligible to any office in the Chapter. ARTICLE XVII. OF PROHIBITIONS. Section 1. No Chapter in this State shall receive an application for the degrees unless the applicant shall have resided within its jurisdiction during six months, next preceding the date of his application, except by permission of the Chapter nearest his place of residence ; nor shall the application of a rejected candidate for the degrees be presented to any Chapter within six months after such rejection, without the unanimous consent of the Chapter in which he was rejected. All such appli- cations, as well as those for affiliation, shall be in writing, signed by the applicant, and recommended by at least two members of the Chapter. Sec. 2. No Chapter shall ballot u[)on such applica- tion (except by dispensation of the Grand High Priest), until it shall have been referred to a committee, whose duty it shall be to make strict examination into the qual- ifications of the applicant, and to report thereon at the next stated meeting, unless further time be granted. No application shall be withdrawn after reference to a com- mittee, and it shall ro(]uire a unanimous ballot to elect. But if one black ball only appear in the ballot-box, the High Priest, without declaring the result, may order a second ballot, ibr the purpose of correcting a possible CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E. ".GRAND CHAPTER. 16') mistake, when, if a black ball again be cast, the appli- cant shall be declared rejected. Sec. 3. No dispensation shall be issued to a Chapter to ballot for a candidate for the degrees without the ref- erence of his petition to a committee, as before, unless application therefor be made by a majority of the Coun- cil thereof, and of the issue of such dispensation and its purpose the members of the Chapter shall have due no- tice. Sec. 4. No Chapter shall receive a petition for the degrees, or for membership, unless the applicant there- for is a Master Mason, in good standing ; nor shall an application for affiliation be received unless it be accom- panied by a certificate of dismissal from the Chapter of which the applicant was last a member, or a satisfactory explanation, in writing, of the inability to furnish such certificate. Sec. 5. No Chapter shall confer the degrees for a less sum than fifty dollars ; and in every case the fee for each, or all of the degrees, as may be regulated by the Chapter, shall accompany the application. Sec. 6. No Chapter shall expel a member for the non-payment of his dues, but any member who shall be six months in arrears therefor shall be immediately noti- fied thereof by the Secretary, and if the said dues shall not be paid at or before the next stated meeting, or some sufficient reason be presented for such non-payment, he shall be suspended from all the rights and privileges of Royal Arch Masonry. Any member thus suspended, who shall at any time thereafter pay the arrearages due at the time of his suspension, together with such further dues as would, had he retained his membership, have accrued against him, to the date of such payment, shall by that act be restored. Sec. 7. No Chapter shall receive lectures from any person who is not duly authorized by the Grand Chap- ter, or Grand High Priest. 22 no THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. Sec. 8. No Chapter which shall have failed to make its annual returns shall be entitled to representation at the next annual convocation of the Grand Chapter. Sec. 9. No person shall be admitted either as a mem- ber or a visitor in any Chapter, unless he shall have regularly received the degree of Entered Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and the Royal Arch, in just and legally constituted bodies of such. Sec. 10. No Chapter, until chartered and duly con- stituted, shall be entitled to representation in this Grand Chapter ; but a Chapter under dispensation may send delegates thereto, who may be admitted to seats and be permitted to speak, but shall have no vote. Sec. 11. No Chapter of Royal Arch Masons within this jurisdiction shall be considered legal without a dis- pensation or charter from this Grand Chapter ; and no Masonic communication shall be held with any such Chapter, or with any person who is a member thereof, or has received the degrees therein. ARTICLE ■XVIII. OF THE DISSOLUTION OF CHAPTERS. Section 1. The charter of a Chapter may be surren- dered, if notice shall be given at a stated meeting that a resolution to that effect will be presented at the next succeeding one ; and if, at such succeeding meeting, there shall not be nine members present who oppose such resolution, it may be surrendered, if it shall be so ordered by a majority of those assembled ; but no such act of surrender shall be considered final until it shall have been approved and accepted by the Grand Chapter. Sec. 2. The charter of a Chapter may be forfeited — 1st. By disobedience to any provision of the Consti- tution or Regulations of this Grand Chapter, or of the General Grand Chapter : 2d. By disregard to the lawful autliority of the Grand Fligh Priest : CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E.". GRAND CHAPTER. 171 3d. By violation or neglect of the ancient and recog- nized usages of the Craft : 4th. By a failure to meet during a period of six suc- cessive months ; or 5tli. By a reduction of its members to a less number than nine. Sec. 3. In case of the dissolution of a Chapter, the Grand Secretary, or some companion by him duly author- ized, shall at once proceed to receive its funds on hand, collect its outstanding dues, and dispose of its jewels, furniture, and property of every kind, in such manner as shall seem to him most judicious ; and he shall place the proceeds thereof, after the payment of the necessary expenses, among the funds of the Grand Chapter. ARTICLE XIX. OP THE OFFICERS OF CHAPTERS. Section 1. Each High Priest has it in special charge to see that the By-laws of his Chapter, and the Consti- tution and Regulations of the Grand Chapter, as well as those of the General Grand Chapter are duly observed ; that accurate records are kept, and just accounts and proper reports rendered by his officers ; and that regular returns are annually made to the Grand Chapter at the time prescribed therefor, with prompt payment of the annual dues. From hio decisions there shall be no appeal to the Chapter, but any five members thereof may com- plain of his decisions or conduct to the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest. Sec. 2. The King and Scribe shall perform the duties severally assigned them by the traditional usages of the Order, and, in the absence of the High Priest, shall, in the order of their rank, succeed to and be charged ^vith all his powers and duties. Sec. 3. The Treasurer shall receive from the Secre- tary all mone^'^s belonging to the Chapter, and shall pay the same out under such regulations, and account there- 172 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. for at such times and in such manner as by it may be prescribed. Sec. 4. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all the transactions of the Chapter which should be written, including a Ust of the officers and members present at each meeting ; shall collect the revenue, and pay it over to the Treasurer ; shall keep correct accounts of the dues of members ; shall prepare and transmit the annual returns to the Grand Secretary ; shall keep the Seal of the Chapter, and affix it to all documents ema- nating therefrom ; and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Chapter or High Priest. Sec. 5. The other officers shall perform such duties as traditionally appertain to their respective stations, or may be assigned them by the Chapter or the High Priest. ARTICLE XX. OP MEMBERSHIP. Section 1. Membership in a Chapter may be acquired by having regularly received the degree of Royal Arch Mason therein ; by having been duly elected for affilia- tion therewith ; or, by having been named, in a dispen- sation for a new Chapter, as one of the petitioners there- for. Sec. 2. No Royal Arch Mason shall be a member of more than one Chapter at a time. Sec. 3. Membership in a Chapter can only be termi- nated by voluntary withdrawal therefrom ; by the disso- lution of the Chapter ; or, by death, suspension, or ex- pulsion. Sec. 4. A member of a Chapter may withdraw there- from, unless charges are pending against him, by pay- ing his dues and notifying the Chapter of such intention at any stated meeting ; but no recommendatory certifi- cate shall be issued, unless ordered by a majority of the members present. CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E.'.PxRAND CHAPTER. 17^ Sec. 5. No member of a Chapter shall be required to divulge his vote upon a ballot for the degrees or for affili- ation, nor to assign reasons for such vote, if it be known. Of Trials^ Appeals^ and Penalties. ARTICLE XXI. relative to THE GRAND HIGH PRIEST. Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the Grand High Priest for abuse of his power, violation of the Constitution or Regulations of the Grand Chapter, or other unmasonic conduct, by any five High Priests of Chapters ; which charges shall be in writing, over their signatures, and shall be presented to the last Past Grand High Priest of this Grand Chapter who may be within the State, and who is a member of a Chapter within its jurisdiction. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it shall be the duty of such Past Grand High Priest to transmit a copy thereof to the accused, if within the State, at least thirty days, and if without the State, at least ninety days, before the time designated for the trial, together with a notification to attend at such time and at the place he may therein name, which shall be one most convenient for the parties ; and he shall also summon four or more other Past Grand High Priests of this State, who shall be members of Chapters therein, to assemble with him at the time and place designated, and shall notify the accused thereof. Sec. 3. The tribunal thus assembled, or any of its members, shall have power to summon witnesses at the request of either party ; it shall receive such testimony as in its judgment shall be proper, and shall determine finally upon the guilt qr innocence of the accused ; and the opinion of a majorit}^ shall be the judgment of the tribunal, and shall be final. 174 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. Sec. 4. The only penalty inflicted shall be depriva- tion of office ; but, when thus deprived, the adjudged shall be amenable to his Chapter upon a charge of un- masonic conduct. Sec. 5. The Grand Secretary shall attend at the trial to keep a record of the proceedings and of the judgment, which shall be filed in his office, and shall be presented at the next annual convocation of the Grand Chapter. Sec. 6. All necessary traveling expenses of the mem- bers of such tribunal shall be paid by the Grand Chap- ter. ARTICLE XXII. RELATIVE TO HIGH PRIESTS OF CHAPTERS. Section 1. Charges may be preferred against the High Priest of a Chapter for abuse of his power, viola- tion of the Constitution or Regulations, or for unmasonic conduct of any kind, by any five Royal Arch Masons in good standing ; which charges shall be in writing, over their signatures, and shall be presented to the Grand Chapter, if in session, or to the Grand High Priest dur- ing the vacation. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, the Grand Chapter, or the Grand High Priest, as the case may be, may at once appoint and summon not less than three nor more than seven disinterested High Priests, to assemble as Commissioners to hear and determine there- upon ; and shall then summon the accused to appear and answer thereunto, at such time and place most conveni- ent for the parties as shall be indicated in said sum- mons ; giving him, if within the jurisdiction of his Chap- ter, at least ten days — if without that jurisdiction and within the State, at least thirty days — and if without the •State, at least ninety days — to answer thereunto; and transmitting to him also a copy of the charges. Sec. 3. The Commissioners thus assembled shall choose one of their number to preside ; and they, or any of them, shall have power to summon witnesses, at the request of CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E/. GRAND CHAPTER. 175 either party. The witnesses, if Masons, shall testify upon their honor, as such ; if not, their depositions shall be taken, in writing, before an officer legally authorized to administer oaths ; and, in such case, the party requiring such depositions shall notify the other of the time and place when and where they will be talvcn, that he may, if he choose, be present thereat. Sec. 4. The Commissioners may adjourn from time to time, at their own convenience, or for good cause shown by either party ; provided, that the period witliin which their duties shall be concluded shall not exceed ten days, unless, for sufficient reasons, the Grand High Priest shall grant them further time. Sec. 5. The opinion of a majority of the Commis- sioners shall be deemed the judgment of the whole, and shall be conclusive, unless an appeal be taken at the next annual convocation of the Grand Chapter. Sec. 6. The penalties which may be inflicted by such Commissioners may be either deprivation of office, sus- pension, or expulsion, as in their judgment shall be deemed proper. Sec. 7. The Commissioners shall keep a complete record of their proceedings and of their judgment, and shall transmit the same to the Grand Secretary, at the conclusion of the trial ; and the judgment shall at once be carried into effect, bv order of the Grand Hio-h Priest. Sec. 8. An appeal to the Grand Chapter may be taken at its next annual convocation, by either party, if notice thereof be given to the Grand Secretary within thirty days after the conclusion of the trial. ARTICLE XXIII. relative to chapters and members of different chapters. Section 1. When a controversy shall arise between Chapters, or between a Chapter and a member or mem- bers of another Chapter, charges ma}^ be preferred by 176 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. either party, if in good standing- ; which charges shall be in writing, and shall be presented to the Grand Chap- ter, or Grand High Priest, as provided in Sec. 1, Art. XXII. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, not less than five nor more than seven Commissioners shall be appointed and summoned, as provided in Sec. 2, Art. XXII; which Commissioners shall be High Priests, Kings, or Scribes, and shall be selected from at least three diiferent Chapters not interested in the contro- versy, and most convenient to the parties ; and the ac- cused party shall be summoned, with such time to an- swer as provided in the section and article last quoted. Sec. 3. The Commissioners shall have power to pro- ceed, and shall keep a record of the proceedings and judgment in the same manner as provided in Sec. 7, Art. XXII, and the penalties which they may inflict may be any known to Masonic usage ; or, if the case be not one involving a violation of Masonic duty, the decision may be such special one as the circumstances shall, in their judgment, warrant. Sec. 4. An appeal may be taken by either party to the Grand Chapter, as provided in Sec. 8, Art. XXII. ARTICLE XXIV. RELATIVE TO ROYAL ARCH MASONS INDIVIDUALLY. Section 1. When any member of a Chapter (except its High Priest, or tlie Grand High Priest), or any Royal Arch Mason, residing within its jurisdiction, sliall be ac- cused erf unmasonic conduct, charges to that effect may be preferred by any Royal Arch Mason in good standing ; which charges shall be in writing, over his signature, and shall be presented to the High Priest of the Chap- ter having jurisdiction thereof. Sec. 2. Upon the presentation of such charges, it shall be the duty of the High Priest, by due notifica- tion, to call a special meeting of the Chapter as soon as CONSTITUTION OF THE M/.E/.GRAND CHAPTER. 177 practicable, and there cause to be elected, by ballot, and by a majority of those present, not less than seven nor more than nine of its members, who shall assemble as Commissioners, to hear and determine thereupon, at such time and place convenient to the parties as he shall indi- cate ; and he shall also summon the accused to appear and answer thereunto at such time and place ; and shall, at the same time, cause the Secretary to furnish him with a copy of the charges, and to notify the accuser of the said time and place of trial. Sec. 8. If the accused be within the jurisdiction ol the Chapter, the summons and copy of the charges shall be issued at least ten days prior to the day appointed for the trial, and shall be served personally by the Guard, or shall be left at his ordinary residence or place of busi- ness. If he be without the said jurisdiction, but within the State, and his residence be known, they shall be is- sued at least thirty days before the day of trial, and shall be forwarded to his address by the Secretary, by mail or other usual mode of conveyance, which shall be deemed sufficient service. If he be without the State, and his residence be known, they shall be issued at least ninety days before the trial, and shall be forwarded to his ad- dress by the Secretary, as before provided, which shall be sufficient service. If his address is unknown, the High Priest shall order the trial to proceed at once upon the •testimony, ex 'parte. Sec. 4. The Commissioners shall assemble at the time and place appointed, and shall choose one of their num- ber to preside ; and the Secretary, by order of the High Priest, shall attend them, to keep a full and correct record of the proceedings and of the judgment, under their su- pervision. Sec. 5. The High Priest shall summon such witnesses, within the jurisdiction of his Chapter, as may be desired by either party, and the accused may select any brother in good standing to assist him in his defense. The wit- 23 178 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. nesses, if Masons, shall testify on their honor as such ; if not, their depositions shall be taken in writing, before an officer legally authorized to administer oaths ; and, in such case, the party requiring such depositions shall notify the other of the time and place when and where they will be taken, that he may, if he choose, be present thereat. Sec. 6. The Commissioners may adjourn from time to time, at their own convenience, or for sufficient cause shown by either party ; provided, that the period within which their duties shall be concluded shall not exceed ten days, unless for good reason shown the High Priest shall grant them further time. Sec. 7. After all the testimony shall have been re- ceived, the Commissioners shall proceed to deliberate upon their verdict and sentence, with none present save themselves and the Secretary, which last shall have no voice in the proceedings. The judgment of a majority of the Commissioners shall be taken as the decision of the whole ; and when the trial is concluded, the Secre- tary shall make a fair copy of the record and finding, un- der their supervision, which shall be signed by the chair- man of such Commission, and attested by the Secretary, and shall be presented to the High Priest, wl^o, at the next meeting of his Chapter, shall, in the presence of its members only, announce the result, and direct the Secre- tary to record the same as the judgment of the Chapter, and file the record for safe keeping among its archives. Sec. 8. The penalties which may be inflicted are rep- rimand in open Chapter, suspension, or expulsion. If the sentence be reprimand, the High Priest shall sum- mon the adjudged to appear at the next stated meeting, when it shall be carried into effect, in the presence only of members of the Chapter. If it be suspension or ex- pulsion, it sliall at once go into effect, and the Secretary shall innncdiately notify the Grand Secretary thereof; and it shall be final and conclusive, unless an appeal be taken to the Grand Cliaptcr. CONSTITUTION OF THE M.'.E. '.GRAND CHAPTER. 179 • Sec. 9. An appeal may be taken to the Grand Chap- ter by either party at its next succeeding annual convo- cation, but not unless a notice of such intended appeal shall be given to the High Priest within thirty days after his announcement of the result of the trial ; and in all cases of expulsion or suspension the High Priest shall cause the Secretary to prepare a transcript of the record of trial, and immediately transmit it to the Grand Secre- tary, together with information of the appeal intended, if any there be. AETICLE XXV. OF REVISIONS AND RESTORATIONS. Section 1. All judgment from which an appeal may be taken, as hereinbefore provided, shall be reviewed in the Grand Chapter, or before a committee thereof, dur- ing its session, upon the record sent up, and upon such other proper documents as may be submitted ; and its decision shall be final and conclusive. Sec. 2. All sentences of suspension shall be for an indefinite period ; and a Chapter may, at any stated meet- ing, by the votes of two-thirds of the members present, annul any such sentence of suspension pronounced by itself, and restore the Mason thus suspended to -all his Masonic rights ; ^jrovided, that a notice of a resolution for such restoration shall have been given at the stated meeting next preceding. And in case of such restora- tion, the Secretary shall at once notify the Grand Secre- tary thereof. Sec. 3. The Grand Chapter may, at any annual convoca- tion, if good cause therefor be shown, restore a Mason who has been suspended or expelled within its jurisdiction ; but such restoration shall not restore him to membership in the Chapter by which he- was suspended or expelled. Sec. 4. No suspension, expulsion, or restoration shall be published otherwise than as hereinbefore provided, except by authority of the Grand Chapter, or by order of the Grand High Priest. 180 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OP MASONIC LAW. Of Amendments and Obligations of Office. ARTICLE XXVI. OF AMENDMENTS. Section 1. This Constitution may be altered or amended at any annual convocation of the Grand Chap- ter by a vote of two-thirds of the members present ; but no alteration or amendment shall be acted upon until after its reference to the Committee on Jurisprudence, who shall report thereon as soon as practicable. ARTICLE XXVII. OF obligations of office. Section 1. All officers of the Grand Chapter and of its subordinates, before entering upon the duties of their respective stations, shall take a solemn obligation that they will maintain and support the Constitution and Regulations of the General Grand Chapter of the United States of America, and of the Grand Chapter of the State of California. GENERAL REGULATIONS 1. The Degree of Past Master must be conferred upon all candidates who have previously had the degree con- ferred upon them in a convocation of Past Masters, by virtue of an election to preside over a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. 2. All the Chapters under this jurisdiction arc re- quired, in the conferring of degrees, to conform to the ritual adopted by the Grand Chapter, at its special con- vocation in September, 1855. 3. Every Mark Master attached to a Chapter under GENEEAL EEGULATIONS. 181 this jurisdiction, must, within six months after his admis- sion, select his Mark, and record the same in a Book of Marks, kept by the Chapter for tliat purpose ; and it is made the special duty of the Secretary of each Chapter to see that this regulation is complied with. 4. The term "nearest Chapter," used in the Consti- tution, means the nearest by geographical measurement. 5. No Masonic communication shall he held with a Royal Arch Mason who stands suspended as a Master Mason, for any cause. 6. Each Chapter under this jurisdiction shall pay, in addition to its annual dues, the sum of one dollar for each Royal Arch Mason borne upon its roll at the date of its annual report, which additional assessment shall be used as a fund to defray the actual expenses of one dele- gate from each Chapter represented at the annual con- vocations of the. Grand Chapter, the same to be appor- tioned by a special committee appointed for that purpose. 7. Whenever two or more Chapters exist in any city or town within this jurisdiction, it shall be the duty of such Chapters to notify the other or others existing in the same place of all applications presented to it for the degrees. EULES OF OEDEE #tattd (K\xu\)ttv 0f ®alif0tttia» Rule 1. When the Grand Chapter shall have assem- bled, the Grand Secretary shall call the roll of its mem- bers, and if a sufficient number of Chapters are repre- sented, the Grand Chapter shall be opened. The Grand High Priest shall then appoint a Committee on Creden- tials, and no further business shall be transacted until after its report shall have been received. Rule 2. After the reception of the report on Cre- dentials, the proceedings of the preceding convocation shall be read by the Grand Secretary, unless their read- ing be dispensed with ; the address of the Grand High Priest, and the reports of the Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand Secretary, and Grand Treasurer, shall be presented, and appropriately referred, in the order here named ; and the Grand High Priest shall appoint the regular committees, to whom all papers then in the hands of the Grand Secretary requiring such reference, shall be at once referred. The Committee on Correspondence shall then present its annual report. Rule 3. After the business of the convocation is thus begun, the regular order for each session, during its con- tinuance, shall be as follows : 1. Reading of the minutes of the last session. 2. Report of the Committee on Credentials. RULES OF ORDER OF THE M.'.E.'.GRAND CHAPTER. 183 3. Reception and action upon, or, reference of peti- tions, memorials, and appeals. 4. Reports of regular and special committees, and ac- tion thereupon. 5. Motions, resolutions, and other business. Rule 4. All reports submitted, all petitions, memo- rials, or appeals presented, and all orders, motions, or resolutions, shall be in writing, and shall be read by the Grand Secretary, before any action is taken thereuj)on. Rule 5. No motion to reconsider shall be entertained, unless made during the same session when the question proposed to be reconsidered was decided, nor unless such motion be made by one who voted with the majority upon that question. Rule 6. When a day and hour shall have been named for the election of Grand Officers, such election shall, at that time, take precedence of all other business, unless the Grand Chapter, by a two-thirds vote, shall otherwise direct. Rule 7. These rules shall only be suspended by unan- imous consent, but may at any time be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present. 184 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. 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(D P 1 i. f 1 r-- G/2 O ►-fa o g i « O' CD i-5-' 3 a* § ' ^ o - ^ & ^ 25 (6 :s PS H 15a ft o P p 3 pj !2 CO vfi p p p p brl 1 1 8 o Q 5 • B 3 o re 1 s ^ : <= "< 1, fD h *i i "^^ Hi 1^ '■ 1 o Zfl •^ ai 'TT] H •^ pd 2 3 <^ S 2 1 ^ t:=-l o ?3 ^ 3 ZT t^ "^ ^ *^ '4 P' l-J ^2. 'i '^ 1 t 1 ? 1 — 1 ourtli Ml ...349. o ^ 1 I 1 ^ 1 3 S • 2 p' : ■« 1, • C/2 o P O "-- rv V5 5' g- 3 g 3 : g 1 •• i QD IB ffi pj rt~ P & 3 ft P' hrl ■ p a O 3 5' £- > 3 o D p o P o ? (3- o p 3 3 •5 r^ o QD >— 9981 't -StlV 4^ ^ hO iJ I—" wT tC 8J qai3M 'ot GKAND OFFICEES ELECTED SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND COM- MANDERY OF CALIFORNIA, AUGUST 10th, A.D. 1S58. 1858. Isaac Davis Grand Commander, Leander Ransom Deputy Grand Commander, John S. Graham Grand Generalissimo, Stillman H. Fickett Grand Captain General. 1859. Leander Ransom Grand Commander. James Lawrence English . . Deputy Grand Commander, John S. Graham Grand Generalissimo, Charles Marsh Grand Captain General. i860. James Lawrence English Grand Commander, Charles Marsh Deputy Grand Commander, Aaron D. Park Grand Generalissimo, Henry Hare Hartley Grand Captain General. 1861. Alexander Gurdon Abell Grand Connnander, Charles Marsh Deputy Grand Commander, Henry Hare Hartley Grand Generalissimo, Isaac S. Titus Grand Captain General. LIST OF GRAND OFFICERS. 221 1862. Charles Marsh Grand Commander, Henry Hare Hartley .... Deputy Grand Commander, Isaac S. Titus Grand Generalissimo, James Horace Culver Grand Captain General. 1863. Henry Hare Hartley Grand Commander, Isaac S. Titus Deputy Grand Commander, William Caldwell Belcher .... Grand Generalissimo, Reuel C. Gridley Grand Captain General. 1864. William Caldwell Belcher Grand Commander, William Mason Rundell. .Deputy Grand Commander, Thomas Callow Grand Generalissimo, Theodore F. Tracy Grand Captain General. 1865. Henry Holcombe Rhees Grand Commander, William Mason Rundell. .Deputy Grand Commander, Theodore F. Tracy Grand Generalissimo, William Wilson Traylor .... Grand Captain General. 1866. William Mason Rundell Grand Commander, Isaac S. Titus Deputy Grand Commander, William Wilson Traylor Grand Generalissimo, Thomas Hubbard Caswell Grand Captain General. I ]sr D E X PAGE. By-laws ok the Graxd Lodge of Califounia 89 Uniform code of ^^ Chapters, list of subordinate 184 CHARGES OF A FREEMASON 5 Of behavior after the Lodge is over and the brethren not gone If* at home, and in your neighborhood 11 in presence of strangers not Masons H in the Lodge while constituted 9 toward a strange brother H when brethren meet without strangers, but not in a Lodge formed 10 Of Lodges 6 Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows, and Apprentices 7 Of the civil magistrate, supreme and subordinate 6 Of the management of the craft in working 8 Code of Resolutions. Decisions, etc., of the Grand Lodge of Cali- fornia 93 CoMMANDERiES, list of Subordinate 219 CoMMANDERY, Statutes of Grand 201 CONSTITUTION OF GR.\ND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS 155 General Regulations of the Gpand Chapter 180 Of amendments and obligations of office 180 Of the Grand Officers — Of the Deputy Grand High Priest 163 Grand High Priest 162 King and Grand Scribe 163 Secretary 164 Treasurer 163 Trials, appeals, and penalties — Revisions and restorations 179 Relative to Chapters and members of different Chapters 175 224 THE CALIPOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. • PAGE. Constitution of Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons (Continued). Relative to Grand High Priest 173 High Priest of Chaj^ters 174 Royal Arch Masons individually 17fi Organization of the Grand Chajyter — Of its committees ICO convocations 158 elections 159 members and their qualification 157 powers and authority 158 revenues 161 title and seal 157 voting and representation IfiO Melative to Subordinate Chapters — Dissolution of Chapters 170 Of their duties 166 elections 167 formation 165 membership 172 officers 171 Prohibitions 168 Rules op Order of the Grand Chapter 182 CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS 189 Of the Grand officers — Deputy Grand Master 195 Grand Master 194 Recorder 195 Treasurer 195 Of Suhordinate Councils — Amendments 198 Duties 197 Fees and dues 197 Formation 196 Prohibitions 198 Trials and appeals 198 Belaiive to Grand Council — Assemblies 192 Committees 194 Elections 193 Officers and members 191 Powers and authority 192 Proxies 193 Revenue 194 Title and seal 191 INDEX. 2^^ PAGE. CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE 27 Address of officers of the Grand Lodge ^ Advancement of candidates, objections to *' Affiliation, application for, must be accompanied by demit .... 49 Amendments to Constitution, relative to "^ Annual report of a Lodge, form of " Appeal relative to trials of individual Masons ^^ Lodges and members of different 00 Lodges '^0 Masters of Lodges (Sec. 8) CO 64 Appeals . ^ Appointed officers of subordinate Lodges »- Appointments, elections and ^ • Grand Master has power to make, to fill vacan- . 30 cies 47 Application, fees must accompany _ for affiliation must be accompanied by demit. ... 49 for membership, form of ' Applications must be in writing • • • • to Grand Lodge for restoration, relative to (Gen- eral Regulations, Nos. 17, 19, and 20) 82 Ballot, dispensation to, without reference to committee 47 elective officers shall be elected by '^^ Master may order a second, when ' must be unanimous to elect one, for the three degrees * secresy of the Balloting '." ,V • tq Burial, no brother who may fall in a duel shall receive Masonic 78 Business in the Grand Lodge ^ of a Lodge • • must be done in a Lodge of Master Masons 4o number of members necessary to transact 80 By-laws, amendments to, must be approved by Grand Lodge . 45 Lodge shall transmit copies of, to Grand Lodge 45 Candidates must pass examination in open Lodge 47 objection to advancement of qualification of (General Regulation, No. 18) 83 Ceremony, on occasions of. Grand Master may appoint to fill stations Charter, fee to Grand Lodge for " Secretary for ^^ for a new Lodge may be issued, when 43 forfeiture of or arrest of, involves suspension of members 50 29 226 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. PAGE. CoxsTiTtJTiON OP THE Graxd Lodge (Continued). Charter, forfeiture or arrest of, when declared by Grand Lodge, shall be conclusive 51 form of petition for 72 surrender of 50 Charges may be preferred against Grand Master 57 individual Masons 61 Lodges 60 Master of Lodges 59 Commissioners on trial of Masters of Lodges 59 Committees of the Grand Lodge 32 on applications 47 regular 32 relative to payment of chairmen of standing 81 special 32 Communications of the Grand Lodge 29 special, may be ordered by the Grand Master 29 shall be ordered upon application of the Masters of five chartered Lodges 30 Communications shall be read in open Lodge 46 Compensation of Grand Officers 42 Conferring degrees 47 Constitution, amendments to Go of the Grand Lodge of California 27 Definitions 66 Degrees, conferring 47 fees for 47 must accompany application 47 form of petition for "3 Delegates have no vote in Grand Lodge 50 Lodges under dispensation may send, to Grand Lodge 49 Demission 56 Deputy Grand Master, powers and duties of 35 Diploma, form of certificate for 68 for benefit of family of decead- brother 69 Dispensation, fee to Grand Lodge for 32 Secretary for 39 to ballot without reference to committee 47 receive petition of rejected applicant 47 Lodges under, may send delegates to Grand Lodge 49 to elect officers of subordinate Lodges 51 form a new Lodge, form of petition for 69 open a new Lodge 43 INDEX. 227 PAGE. Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued). Dissolution of Lodges .• Dissolved Lodges, disposition of property of - ■ • • -^^ property of, Grand Secretary shall receive . 66 to be placed with funds of Grand Lodge '^'^ Dueling, relative to Dues, non-payment of to the Grand Lodge ■ Duties of individual Masons Election of officers, dispensation for . ' time of to fill vacancies ■ • • • ■ ^^ Elections, every member whose dues are paid shall be entitled to vote at • • • • in Grand Lodge ^ Elective officers of Grand Lodge subordinate Lodge "^^ Entered Apprentices, names of, shall be returned to the Grand Lodge for two years only ^0 striking names of, from the roll does not affect their position ^0 Expelled Masons, relative to application to Grand Lodge for restoration of Expulsion, definition of form of notice of Fees charged by Grand Lodge for dispensations, charters, etc. 32 Secretary for dispensations, charters, etc 39 .. 47 for degrees ; must accompany application Fellow-Crafts, names of, shall be returned to Grand Lodge for ^ two years only _ stricken from the roll, does not affect their po- 80 sition 77 Form of annual report of a Lodge ^ application for membership ' certificate for a diploma : for the benefit of the family of a deceased brother 69 Form of certificate of election of officers of subordinate Lodges 75 the qualification of the Master proposed for a new Lodge ^^ credential for a representative elected by a Lodge . . 73 notice of expulsion ^ rejection 228 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. PAGE. CoxsTiTCTiON OF THE Gk.vxd Lodge (Continued). Form of notice of restoration 75 suspension 75 petition for a charter 72 dispensation to form a new Lodge .... 69 tlie degrees 73 recommendation of a petition to form a new Lodge. . 71 Forms 68 General regulations of the Grand Lodge 78 Grand Lodge of California, communications of 29 committees and their duties 32 constitution of 27 dues ; 33 fees for charters, dispensations, etc. 33 general regulations of 78 judicial powers of 29 jurisdiction of 67 may levy contributions 33 members of and their qualifications 28 powers and authority of 28 representatives in 31 revenues of 32 seal affixed to all instruments is- sued by Grand Secretary 27 title and seal 27 voting and representation in 31 Grand Lodge of Hamburg, communication with, forbidden . . 79 Grand Master, definition of 66 charges may be preferred against 57 powers and duties of 31 Grand Officers, appointed, duties of 40 payment of 81 compensation of 42 powers and duties of 34 Grand Secretary, powers and duties of 37 fees of 39 may appoint an assistant 40 Treasurer, powers and duties of 36 Wardens, powers and duties of 36 Hamburg, Grand Lodge of, i-elati ve to 79 Illegal Lodges 49 (General Regulation, No. 2) 78 Individual Masons, of ^6 duties, prohibitions, penalties 56 Installing Officers of subordinate Lodges 51 Judicial powers of Grand Lodge 29 INDEX. 229 PAGE. CoNSTiTiTTiox OF THE Grand Lodge (Continued). Jurisdiction, definition of 6"^ concurrent '^^ Jurisdictions, candidates for merabersliip who have received degrees in other, while residents of this State . 78 Lectures ^^ Lodge, jurisdiction of a ^ ' lectures in a '^^ liable to arrest of charter for neglecting or refusing to use the revised work 81 may have its charter suspended or forfeited for neglect of duty 46 must be duly chartered and constituted to entitle it to representation in Grand Lodge 49 must have made its returns to entitle it to represen- tation 4^ of whom it shall consist 44 organization of a 42 petition to open a new 43 powers and duties of a 44 removal of a 46 each, represented entitled to three votes in Grand Lodge 31 responsible for its Secretary 46 shall accompany its returns with payment of its dues . 45 be represented in Grand Lodge at every commu- nication 45 have ofiaeial communications read in open Lodge . 46 provide a seal 45 for payment of its officers or representa- tive in attending communications of Grand Lodge 46 the several books prescribed 46 transmit a copy of its By-laws to Grand Secretary 45 to Grand Secretary returns of transac- tions 45 Lodges, charges against 60 dissolution of 50 illegal '^8 payment of representatives of 81 subordinate, officers of 51 under dispensation, may send delegates to Grand Lodge 49 without the State may be represented by a member of any Lodge under this jurisdiction 66 Masonic Hall Fund ^*-^ 230 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. PAGE. Constitution of the Grand Lodge (CoDtinued). Masonic honors, no brother who may fall in a duel shall be buried with 78 Masons shall testify on their honor as such 59 Master, definition of 66 powers and duties of 52 is the primary executive authority of a Lodge 44 Masters of Lodges, relative to trials of 59 Member may withdraw from a Lodge at any time 56 Membership, form of application for 74 in a Lodge, how acquired 56 terminated 56 of 56 Members of dissolved Lodges, relative to 80 no Lodge allowed to transact business other than con- ferring degrees, with less than seven, present. ... 80 of the Grand Lodge, and their qualifications 28 not to be represented by proxy 28 Non-affiliated Masons, relative to 81 Non-payment of dues, members may be suspended for 49 relative to members stricken from the roll for 80 restoration of members suspended for. . 49 Notification, definition of 68 Objections to advancement of candidates 47 Oflice in a Lodge, every voter eligible to any 52 Officers appointed 52 duties of 55 Lodge to provide for payment of, in attending Grand Lodge 46 of subordinate Lodges 51 elections and appointments of. 51 of the Grand Lodge 28 elective, shall be elected by ballot 30 must be members of some Lodge within its jurisdiction 28 Of the officers of subordinate Lodges 51 Organization of a Lodge 42 Past Grand Officer, definition of 66 Master, definition of 66 relative to degree of 79 Payment of officers and re])rosentativcs to Grand Lodge 46 Penalties 56 wliicli may be inflicted upon individual Masons 63 Lodges 61 Masters of Lodges 60 231 Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued). INDEX. PAGE. Petition for a charter, form of ' ^ dispensation to form a new Lodge, form of 69 the degrees ' ^ 42 to form a new Lodge Powers and authority of the Grand Lodge 28 duties of a Lodge Grand Officers ^4 Masters ^^ judicial, of a Lodge ^^ legislative, of a Lodge '^'^ Proceedings, relative to price to be charged for copies of SO Prohibitions relative to individual Masons -^6 Proxy, members of Grand Lodge not to be represented by . . . 28 Qualifications of candidates ^^ Questions in Grand Lodge, how decided 31 Quorum Recommendation of a petition to form a new Lodge, form of. 71 Regulation, definition of ^^ Regulations, general, of the Grand Lodge of California 78 repealed "^ Rejected applicants '^'^ dispensation to receive application of 47 Rejection, form of notice of ' ^ Removal of Lodges ^*^ Representation, Lodge must be duly instituted to entitle it to . 49 have made its returns to entitle it to 49 Representative, definition of ^^ form of credential for a 73 fund, levy of. 1^ Lodge to provide for payment of 46 Representatives of Lodges, payment of 81 voting in Grand Lodge 31 Represented, a Lodge without the State may be, by a member of any Lodge under this jurisdiction 66 46 Residence candidate must apply to the Lodge nearest his place of 78 64 Restorations ; ■ by Grand Lodge shall not restore to membership in Lodge ^"^ form of notice of. ' ^ of expelled Masons ^^ members suspended for non-payment of dues . . 49 suspended Masons, relative to 82 232 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. PAGE. CoNSTiTTUiox OF TUE Graxd Lodge (Continued). Restoration, suspension, or expulsion, shall not be published except by Grand Lodge or Grand Master 64 Restore, Grand Lodge may 64 Revenue of Grand Lodge, excess of, how disposed of 78 Revenues of the Grand Lodge 32 Revised worlv made obligatory upon all the Lodges 81 Revision and restorations 64 Seal, Lodge shall provide a, within two months 45 of the Grand Lodge 27 Secretary, duties of 54 Special meetings, what btisiness may be done at 44 Stated meetings, definition of 68 each Lodge shall have not more than one, in each month 44 Subordinate Lodges, of 42 officers of 51 Summons, definition of 68 Suspended for non-payment of dues, member may be 57 Suspensions, definition of. 67 shall not be published except by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master 64 form of notice of 75 Suspension of a Lodge, definition of 67 Mason, definitiou of 67 Master, definition of 67 shall be for an indefinite period 64 Title of Grand Lodge of California 27 Treasurer, Grand, duties of 36 of subordinate Lodge, duties of 53 Trials, appeals, and penalties 57 of Grand Master 57 individual Masons 61 Lodges and members of different Lodges 60 Trustees of Masonic Hall Fund 79 Vacancy, definition of. 67 Violations, of 56 Visitors, no Lodge shall admit, without due inquiry or exami- nation 49 Vote, Grand Master to have casting, when 31 no member of a Lodge required to divulge his 57 Past Masters of each Lodge collectively entitled to one 31 Voter eligible to any office in a Lodge 52 Votes, each Lodge represented entitled to three 31 Voting in Grand Lodge 31 Wardens of Subordinate Lodges 53 INDEX. 233 PAGE. Constitution of the Grand Lodge (Continued). Wardens, duties of Grand .... 36 Witnesses, relative to testimony of 59 Work and lectures, revised 81 Councils, li.st of subordinate 199 General Regulations op the Grand Chapter 180 Lodge 78 Grand Chapter, Constitution of. 155 general regulations of 180 Grand otficers of, elected since 1854 18fi i-ules of order of. 182 Grand Commandert, list of Grand ofiBcers of 220 rules of order of 217 statutes of 201 Grand Council Royal and Select Masters, Constitution of 189 Grand Lodge oi California, By-laws of 89 Constitution of 27 general regulations of 78 list of officers elected since 1850 150 Grand Officers of Grand Chapter, elected since 1854 18fi Commandery, elected since organization. . 220 Lodge, elected since 1850 150 for 1866-7 4 Knights Templar, statutes of Grand Commandery of. 201 List of Past Grand Officers op Grand Chapter 186 Commandery 220 Lodge 150 Subordinate Chapters 184 commanderies 219 Councils 199 Lodges 1'13 Lodges, list of 143 MASONIC CODE (resolutions and decisions of Grand Lodge) 93 Admission and advancement of candidates 106 Affiliation 114 Appeal, no, from the ruling of a Grand Master 95 Appeals 130 Assessments 122 Balloting 99 Ballot, withdrawing petition before 101 Business of a Lodge 98 By-laws 140 uniform code of, relative to 140 Candidates, admission and advancement of 106 from other jurisdictions 105 30 234 THE CALIFOENIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. PAGE. Masonic Code (Continued). Candidates, qualifications of 106 rejected 112 Charitable relief 119 Code of By-laws, Uniform 140 Commissioners and their reports 130 Compensation to Grand Officers and members of the Grand Lodge 138 Conduct, unmasonic 134 Conferring degrees and proficiency Ill Debts, ordinary 135 Degrees, conferring Ill Delegates of Lodges 139 Demission 116 Dispensation, Lodges under 103 Dissolved Lodges, property of 104 Dropping names from the roll 125 Dues 122 suspension for non-payment of 123 Expulsions 131 Fees, dues, and assessments 122 Funerals and expenses 120 Grand Master, powers of 95 Officers, compensation to 138 Honorary membership 113 Jurisdiction of a Lodge 105 Jurisdictions, candidates from other 105 Lectures, work and 97 Lodge, jurisdiction of a 104 meetings on Sunday 103 opening and closing of 97 property of dissolved 104 liOdges, removals of 102 representatives and delegates of 139 under dispensation 103 Masonic clothing and processions 141 funerals and expenses 120 Masons, non-affiliated 114 Masters and Wardens, relative to withdrawal of 9G of Lodges, powers and duties of 95 Membership 113 honorary 113 Members of the Grand Lodge, compensation to 138 Non-affiliated Masons 114 Non-payment of duos 125 Notifications 1 25 INDEX. 2B5 PAGE. Masoxic Code (Continued). Opening and closing of Lodges 9'^ Ordinary debts 135 Petition, withdrawing, before ballot 101 Powers and duties of Masters 9o of a Grand Master 95 Processions 141 Proficiency ^^'^ Property of dissolved Lodges 104 Qualifications of candidates 106 Rejected candidates H'^ Relief l^^ Removals of Lodges 102 Reports of Commissioners 130 Representative fund 13' Representatives of Lodges -. 139 Residence ll** Resolutions rescinded 1'^"- Right of visit H''' Roll, dropping names from 125 Standing resolutions rescinded 142 Summonses l2o Sundays, Lodge meeting on 103 Suspension for non-payment of dues 123 Suspensions, expulsions, and restorations 131 Testimony 128 Trials 128 Unmasonic conduct 134 Visit, right of 117 Votes in a Lodge 99 Wardens, Masters and 96 "Witnesses, testimony, and trials 128 Work and lectures 97 OLD CHARGES OF A FREEMASON 5 Regulations 13 Regdlations, General, of the Grand Chapter 180 Lodge 78 Old 13 Royal and Select Masters, Constitution of Grand Council of . . 189 Royal Arch Masons, Constitution of Grand Chapter of 155 Rules of Order of the Grand Chapter 182 commandery 217 236 THE CALIFORNIA DIGEST OF MASONIC LAW. PAGE. STATUTES OF GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEM- PLAR 201 Miscellaneous — Amendments 216 Penalties 215 Trials and appeals 215 Vows of ofiQce 215 Belatlve to Gi-and Commandery — Committees , . 20(; Conclaves 205 Elections 205 OfiQcers and members 203 Powers and authority 204 Proxies 205 Qualifications for ofiQce or membei'ship 204 Revenue 206 Title and seal 203 Voting 206 Relative to Gmnd Officers — Deputy Grand Commander 208 Grand Captain General 208 Commander 207 Generalissimo 208 Recorder 209 Treasurer 209 Past Grand Officers 210 Relative, to Sicbordbmte Commanderies — Assemblies 211 Commander 213 Elections 212 Eees and dues 213 Formation 211 Generalissimo and Captain General 213 Of whom composed 211 Qualifications for the Order 212 Returns 214 Treasurer and Recorder 214 Voting 212 SdBORDINATE ClIAl'TliKS, list of 184 Commanderies, list of 219 Councils, list of 199 Lodges, list of 143 Uniform Code ok By-laws 84 RETURN CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT TO— ► 202 Main Library LOAN PERIOD 1 - HOME USE 2 3 4 5 6 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 1 -month loons may be renewed by calling 642-3405 6-month loans may be recharged by bringing books to Circulation Desk Renewols ond recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date DUE AS STAMPED BELOW m 5,a 14 M mccwL HA^z? •n IKTERLiBRARY 10 \ti JAN 7-198^ UNIV. OF CAUF.. Bf RK. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY FORM NO. DD6, 60m, 12/80 BERKELEY, CA 94720 288I1(> ' V / UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY /, ■I