officers handbook - masonic grand lodge of oregon · and the final executive authority on masonic...

OFFICERS HANDBOOK

Grand LodgeA.F. and A.M. of Oregon

Reprinted 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

l. Introduction and Basics

ThePurposeofFreemasonry

II. Lodge Officers

TheirDutiesandPreparationsfortheirOffices

III. Masonic Code, By-Laws, The Manual, Grand Lodge Proceedings, The Ritual

IV. General Information

Insurance,N.P.D.,TheMentorPlan,Investigations,Examining andBeingaVisitor,Finance,Budget,Fees,Dues,Remitting Dues,DonationsandBequests,Assessments,FundRaising, DispositionofOperatingIncome

V. Committees

Introduction,CommitteesRequiredbyCode,GrandLodge Programs,OptionalCommittees,MiscellaneousCommittees

VI. Masonic Parliamentary Procedures

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I. INTRODUCTION AND BASICS

INTRODUCTION

TheimportanceofofficertraininghaslongbeenrecognizedintheOregonMasonicJurisdiction.Throughouttheyears,manysuchprogramshavebeendeveloped.ThisOfficersHandbookisoneexample.

Itisourhopethatwehavecompiledaworkingmodelofthebasicessentialsnecessaryforofficerdevelopment.Theindividualinstructionsandsuggestionsarebasedupontheusualpracticeofadvancingthroughalineofprogression.IfthepracticeinyourLodgerequiressomevariancefromthesuggestedprogression,pleaserememberthatthebasicaimistodevelopqualifiedbreth­rentofilltheoffices.

YoushouldbeginstudyingtheentireOfficer’sHandbook,es­peciallythechapterentitledTheWorshipfulMaster,earlyinyourcareerasaLodgeOfficer.

ThepositionofWorshipfulMasterissoimportanttothewelfareandprogressofhisLodgethatifOregonFreema­sonryistoprogresswemustdependupontheMaster’slead­ershipinhisLodge.TimeisessentiallyshortandveryfewofushavetheinnatetalentstobecomesuccessfulWorshipfulMasterswithoutseriousandearnestpreparationforthetask.

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ItishopedthatthisHandbook,byemphasizingtheWorshipfulMaster’sobligations,willbeofbenefittotheMasterdischarginghisdutiesandpreparingfortheperpetuationofFreemasonryandhisLodge,andassisttheelectiveandappointiveOfficersinpreparingforadvancement.

BASICS

Before going into the specifics of the duties of LodgeOfficers,itisperhapswelltoconsiderthequestion:WhatisthepurposeofFreemasonry?

Stripped down to fundamentals, and if we believe in ourritualisticteachings,wefindintheEnteredApprenticeDegreethatessentiallytheFraternity’sbasicpurposeisto inspire a good man to become a better man.Tothebestofourknowledge,weadmitintotheFraternityonlythosemenwhoaregood—notperfect—butfundamentallygood.Throughteachingandexample,wetrytoinspirethemtobecomebettermen.ThisisabasicMasonicprecept.

Ifweagreewiththisprecept,howdoweinspiregoodmentobecomebettermen?Thatbasicpurposecanonlybeiniti­atedandtaughtwithintheprecinctsoftheLodgeinfluence,tyled or untyled. Each individual Lodge and its membersbecomethebasicinstrumentofFreemasonryinaccomplishingitspurpose.

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EverythingthataLodgedoes—thedignifiedandimpressiveconferralofadegree,thesocialeveningithaswithfamilyandfriends; the fellowship of the refreshment table, the attentionitgivesto itsmembers, itswidowsandorphansanddisabledbrethren;participation in the lastritesofadeceasedbrother;prompt opening and non­lagging communications; making anewmemberorvisitorfeelathomeandapartoftheLodge;andparticipationinpubliccharitableandcivicfunctions—areallapartofandhelpfulinaccomplishingthepurposeoftheFraternity.

TheindividualLodgeisthevehicleforachievingFreemasonry’sbasicpurpose.

WhoisresponsibleforaLodgeperformingitsfunctioninfurtheringFreemasonry’sbasicpurpose?IntheGrandJurisdic­tionofOregon,theGrandMasteristheleaderoftheFraternityandthefinalexecutiveauthorityonMasonicLawandCustom.MasonryinOregonisgovernedbytheMasonicCodeadoptedandamendedbytheConstituentLodgesthatformtheGrandLodge.UnderourpeculiardemocraticMasonicsystem,theWorshipfulMasterofanOregonLodgehasmoreabsoluteau­thorityandpowerinhisLodgethanthepresidingofficerofanyotherdemocraticorganizationknown.Almostliterally,andofcoursewithintheboundsofprudenceandreason,aslongastheMasterconductshisLodgewithinthelimitationsoftheMasonicCode,heisalawuntohimself.HispowersexceedthosegrantedapresidingofficerunderRobert’sRulesofOrder.TheGrandMastermayexerthisutmostpowersin

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leadingtheFraternityinstrivingforitsbasicpurpose,andinimplementingtheprogramsoftheGrandLodge,butiftheWorshipfulMasterinhisLodge,willfully,negligentlyorthroughprocrastinationorlackofpreparation,failstoleadhisLodgeinitsroleofaccomplishingMasonry’spurpose,thatLodgethenbecomesaweaklinkintheMasonicchain.

II. DUTIES OF LODGE OFFICERS

WORSHIPFUL MASTER

ManyofthoseportionsofthisbookletdevotedtoLodgeOfficersareintendedtoprepareofficersforalikelyprogres­siontohigheroffices.You,myBrother,havebeenelectedtothemostimportantofficeinalodgeofFreemasons.Noofficerinanyotherorganizationhastheprofoundinfluenceuponthewelfareofthatorganizationthatyou,theWorship­fulMaster,willhaveuponyourlodge.The future welfare of the lodge has become your responsibility.

Youaregivenmanypowersnotextendedtopresidingoffi­cersofotherorganizations.Forinstance,theMasonicCodeprohibitsyourrulingsbeingappealedtotheLodge.(AnyMasterwhoserulingsareinviolationoftheCodemaybesubjectedtoMasonicCharges.)Yourrulingsshouldneverbearbitraryorcapri­cious.Becauseyourpowerissomuchgreaterthanthatofotherpresidingofficers,tactanddiscretioninexercisingthatpowerareessentialtopeaceandharmony.

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AsWorshipfulMasterofyourLodge,youareamemberoftheGrandLodgeofOregon.WhenyouareinstalledasMaster,youwilltakeanobligationtoattendtheAnnualCommunicationoftheGrandLodgeofOregonanditisyourdutytofulfillthatobligation.

WORKWHICHSHOULDBECOMPLETEDBEFOREREACHINGTHISSTATION

Beforeyourelection,youshouldhave:

1. Familiarized yourself thoroughly with the entire MasonicCode.(WhenyouareinstalledyouwillbechargedtoseethattheCodeisreadinyourLodgeateveryStatedCommunication.)YoushouldalsostudytheBy­LawsofyourLodge.

2.LearnedthepartsofallofficersinopeningandclosingtheLodgeinallofthedegreesandingoingfromlabortorefreshmentandfromrefreshmenttolabor.Ataminimum,youshouldholda“BasicProficiency”cardissuedbytheGrandLecturer.

3.LearnedtheCandidate’sLecturesofallthreedegrees.YoualonewilldeterminewhetherornottheCandidatehasshownsuitableproficiencyinthelecture.

4.LearnedtheFlagCeremonyandtheOptionalFlagCeremony,bothofwhicharesetforthintheRitual.

5. Learned what persons may, and what persons must, beescortedandintroduced.(AsMaster,youwillhavetherightto

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haveanyBrotherescortedandintroduced.However,MasoniccourtesydoesrequirethatcertainBrothersbeescortedandin­troduced.)YoumustlearnhowBrothersareescorted,howtheyarepresentedandintroduced,whetherandwhentheyareac­cordedeitherthepublicortheprivateGrandHonorsandwhereintheEasttheyshouldbeseated.Youshould,forthisandotherreasons,thoroughlyfamiliarizeyourselfwiththebookletMasonicEtiquettepublishedbytheGrandLodgeofOregon.

6.MasteredtheorderofbusinessestablishedbytheMasonicCodeandtheBy­LawsofyourLodge.Inconjunctionwiththis,youshouldalwayshaveanofficers’meetingbyatleastthedaybeforeeachStatedCommunication.ThisisessentialsoalltheofficersunderstandthebusinessthatwillcomebeforetheLodge.Youshould again consultwith theSecretary just before eachcommunication.Youmust—andyourofficersshould—knowallthebusinesswhichislikelytobetransacted.

Whileconductingthemeeting,ifthereisnobusinessofapar­ticularordersimplyannouncethatfactandpassontothenextorder.Youneednot,butmayifyouwish,rapthegavelbetweenorderofbusiness.ThereisnoreasontoasktheSecretarywhetherornottherearepetitions,whetherornotthereisballoting,com­munications,andsoforth.Allofthesethingsyoushouldknow,andshouldbeabletoannounce,withoutaskingtheSecretary.Underunfinishedandotherbusiness,youshouldfirststateanddisposeofthebusinessknowntoyouandtheninquireastowhetherornotthereisanyotherbusiness.

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7. Learned how to preside over balloting, including readingandreferringpetitionsandtheminimumlengthoftimebetweenreadingpetitionsforthedegreesandpetitionsforaffiliationandballotingonthosepetitions.Youmustalsolearnwhatistobedoneifthereisanobjectionoranunfavorablecommitteereport,whomayandwhomustballotforthedegreesandpetitionsforaffiliation,andhowballotingisconductedandreported.AllofthesesubjectsarecoveredintheMasonicCodeofOregon,theStandardManualortheRitual.

8.PlannedhowyouwillinterestallnewlyaffiliatedandnewlyraisedMasonssotheywillbecomeactiveinyourLodge.Gener­ally,thiscanbedonebyputtingthemtowork.But,alwaysmakecertainthattheBrotherswhosignedthepetitionandthosewhowereontheinvestigatingcommitteeassistinmakingthenewBrother welcome. Make certain his wife becomes acquaintedwithFreemasonry.

9.Establishedwhatcommitteesmayandwhatcommitteesmustbeappointedand,whenrequiredbytheCode,whichofficersmustbethechairmanof,ormembersof,aparticularcommittee.Foryouryeartobesuccessful,allthecommitteesmustwork.Monthsbeforeyourelection,makecertainwhichcommitteesyouwantandneedandwhichBrothersyouwantoneachcommittee.Ifacommitteehasbeenworkingsatisfactorilyinthepast,itisreasonabletoreappointsomeoftheBrotherswhohavebeenonthecommitteeinordertoassurecontinuityandtoappointsomenewmemberstothecommitteetoensure

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theinfusionofnewideas.

ThinkcarefullybeforeappointinganofficertoacommitteewhentheappointmentisnotCodemandated.Youmaybeimposingsomuchworkonhimthathewillnotcarryoutthedutiesofhisoffice.BeforeappointinganyBrothertoacommittee,contacthim,explaintohimwhatyouwantthecommitteetodo,andgethisassurancethathewillworkonthecommitteeandthathewillattempttocarryouttheprogramyoudesire.

Donotappointcommitteemenwhowillnotwork.Afterthecommitteeshavebeenappointed,keepin touchwiththem.Attendthemeetingsofcommittees,especiallytheorganiza­tionalmeetings.Makecertaineverymemberofeverycom­mitteeunderstandswhatyouwanthimandhiscommitteetoaccomplishandwhenyouwantthistobeaccomplished.

Oneoftheveryimportantcommittees,onethatyoumustbe certain is working, is the telephone committee. Thatcommittee must contact all of the local members of theLodgeandallofthelocalsojournersbeforeeachstatedandspecialmeetingandbeforeeachsocialoccasion.Thecom­mitteemustcallalloftheBrothersbeforeaMasonicfuneral.They should frequently call all house­bound Brothers and allwidowsofMasterMasons.Youmayalsoconsidertheuseofanautomatedcallsystem.

Masoniccharityisneglectedifweforgetoroverlookanyhouse­

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bound or disabled Brother or widow. The committee shouldreport atonce illness,needs forassistance,possibleneedofeducationalassistanceandthepossibilitythataBrother,widow,orEasternStarmember,mightbeacandidatefortheOutReachServicesprogram.TheyshouldlikewisereportifaBrotherwouldbeabletoattendLodgeifsomeonewouldtransporthim.Whenwivesareinvited,directthephonecallstothem.

The membership committee is likewise important. TheseBrothers may be able to discover why someone has quitattendingorhaspermittedhisduestogounpaid.Analertmembership committee may prevent needy Brothers frombeingdroppedfornonpaymentofdues.TheBrotherswhoeithersignedhispetitionorinvestigatedshouldassistinre­turningthedelinquentmembertogoodstanding.

10.DecidedwhichBrothersaretobeappointedtoofficesinyourLodge.Monthsbeforeyourelectionyoumusthaveapproached those Brothers and secured their agreementthattheywillattendallofficers’meetingsandallcommuni­cationsandthattheywillworkandcarryouttheprogramsyouhaveplanned.Toensurecontinuityintheprogramsyouplan,consultwiththeWardensandtheSeniorDeacontoensurethat they will carry on those programs. Only after they haveagreedtheywilldososhouldyoufinallydecidewhatprogramsyouwillimplement.Adviseeachofficerthathisappointmentisforoneyearonly.

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11.Plannedandarranged,wellinadvanceofyourinstallation,fortheprogramsyouwanttohaveduringyouryear.TheprogramsmightbeeducationalonaMasonicorpublictheme,orsocial,such as a family or public education night or a special eventsuchasaWidows’orPastMasters’NightoraSaintJohnsDaycelebration.The“LodgeofExcellenceAchievementAward”canbeusedasaguideforsuccessfulLodgeprograms.Make certain that the special events are well planned, advertised and executed.

AsktheDistrictDeputy,GrandLodgeOfficers,andResearchLodgeMemberstoassistwithprograms.Rememberthatcalen­darsareoftenfilledmonthsorevenyearsinadvance.Contactthemearlytogetfromthem,andgivetothem,adefinitecom­mitment.

12.AttendedtheannualtraininggivenbytheGrandLodgeandcompletedboththeFellowsoftheCraftandTorchlightprograms.

NOTE: Do not set impossible goals for your committees, your officers or yourself. Set your goals high enough to be challenging, but not so high that everyone becomes discouraged. Remember that you cannot do everything yourself. Delegate duties to others.

Throughoutyouryear,strivetocarryouttheplansyoumadebeforebeinginstalled.Youshouldalso:

1.Holdpracticesregularlysotheofficersareproficientinopen­ing,closing,balloting,escorting,etc.,andsothedegreeteamsareproficientintheirwork.

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2.Makecertain thatallpersonsentitled toknowhavebeeninformedofallcommunicationsandallevents.

3.MakeknowntotheJuniorWardenwhattypesofrefreshmentsyouexpecthimtoprovide.

4.AfterhavingestablishedatthebeginningofyouryearthattheLodgehassufficientinsurancetoprotectitagainstliabilityclaimsandcasualtylosses,constantlycontinuetoascertainthatadequateinsurancecoverageremainsinplace.

5.BecompletelyfamiliarwiththefinancesofyourLodge.AssurethatproperIRSfilings(990N)havebeencompletedeachyear.

6.BecertaintheLodgeisneatandcleanbothinsideandout.Thereshouldbeanoutsidesign,bothlargeandeasilyreadable,advising thepublic thatyourbuilding isaMasonicTempleorBuilding.

7.Openmeetingsontime.A prompt and orderly dispatch of business; courtesy in

presiding,andclosingthemeetingassoonasthebusinessiscompleted;having timelyandentertainingprograms;and, ifrefreshmentsaretobeserved,makingcertaintheywillbewellreceived,areamongtheresponsibilitiesofpresidingofficersofmostorganizations,includingours,myBrother.

Courtesymayincludemanythings,amongwhichonatleast

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some occasions is saying “please” and “thank you,” alwaysspeakingloudlyandclearlyenoughthatallpresenthearandunderstand,andnever,ifitcanbeavoided,speakinginade­rogatorytonetoanyonepresent.Ifanyoneimproperlyraisesanyissue,itisbesttoaskhimtocometotheEast.There,quietlyexplaintohimwhyhisconductisnotproper.

Carefulplanningandpreparationforyouryearandthrough­outyouryear,andagreatdealofwork,willensurethatwhenyoubecomeaPastMaster,yourBrotherswill indeedhavereasontocongratulateyouuponyourtermofoffice.

UponbecomingaPastMaster, rememberyouareno longerMasteroftheLodge.However,youshouldrememberalsothattherearemanytimeswhenyourlaborscanbeofassistancetoyourLodge.Donotwaittobecalledupon;volunteertoassistwheneverpossible.PerhapsyoucouldassisttheStewards,orcoach,orbeamentor,orhelpinmanyotherways.TheworkyoudoasWorshipfulMaster,andtheworkyoucontinuetodowhenyouareaPastMaster,allcontributetothesuccessandfuturewelfareofFreemasonry.

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SENIOR WARDEN

DUTIES

AstheSeniorWardenyourdutiesareto:

1.AssisttheWorshipfulMasterinthedischargeofthedutiesofhisoffice,andinhisabsencetogoverntheLodge.

AssistingtheWorshipfulMasterincludes:

­— Attending all Stated and Special Communications of theLodgeandperformingworkasdescribedintheRitualandasorderedbytheWorshipfulMaster.

—AttendingallOfficers’Meetingsandofferingwiseandwhole­somecounseltotheWorshipfulMaster.

—ParticipatinginthegovernmentoftheLodgebyassistingtheWorshipfulMasterintheperformanceofhisduties,thussharingtheburdenofthisimportantofficewhilepreparingforthedutiesofthehigheroffice.

—ActivelysupportingtheprogramoftheWorshipfulMasterandworkingtopromoteandmaintainpeaceandharmonyamongthemembers.

— Participatinginthetraininganddevelopmentoftheofficers

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oftheLodgesotheywillbetterunderstandthedutiesoftheirofficeandbecomemoreproficientintheirwork.

—RepresentingtheWorshipfulMasteratsuchfunctionsasavisitation to another Lodge, a funeral, and other activitiesasordered.

—Youmaybecalledupontoorganizeadegreeteam.Youmustprepareteammemberstoensuretheyareproficientintheirwork.

2.ServeastheChairmanoftheCommitteeonFinance.Itisessentialthatyouandyourcommitteeregularlyreviewthe

financialrecordsoftheLodgeandmakeareporttotheWorship­fulMasterateachStatedCommunication.

3.ServeasamemberofGrandLodge.YoumustattendtheAnnualCommunicationoftheGrandLodge

ofOregon.Ifunabletoattendthisimportantmeeting,youmustadvisetheWorshipfulMastersothataproxyisappointed.AsamemberofGrandLodgeyoumustacquaintyourselfwiththelegislation,resolutions,andotherbusinessscheduledtobepre­sented.YoushouldbecomefamiliarwiththosesectionsoftheMasonicCodepertainingtotheopening,orderofbusiness,andrulesoforderinGrandLodgesothatyoumaybetterunderstanditsproceduresandrequirements.

4.Youshouldfinalizeplans,goalsandprogramsforyouryearasWorshipfulMaster.Youshouldidentifyandobtainacceptance

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fromeverypersontobeappointedasanofficerortoacommit­tee.YoushouldalsoconfirmspeakersandotherparticipantsforLodgeprogramsthroughouttheyear,anddrawupacalendarofactivitiesforyouryearasWorshipfulMaster.

WORKWHICHSHOULDBECOMPLETEDBEFOREREACHINGTHISSTATION

1.MemorizetheOpeningandClosingCeremonyoftheLodgeonalldegrees;attendaBasicProficiencyclass.

2.MemorizetheWorshipfulMaster’spart intheconferralofbothsectionsofalldegrees.

3.Becompetentinalloftheproceduresandresponsibili­tiesoftheWorshipfulMasterinopeningandgoverningtheLodge.Suchprocedures include,butarenot limited to,receivingtheGrandMasterorhisrepresentative;callingtheCraftfromlabortorefreshmentandtolaboragain;conduct­ingbusinessataStatedCommunication;andballotingoncandidatesfordegreesoraffiliation.

NECESSARYSTUDYWORK

l.ContinuestudyoftheMasonicCodeofOregon.

2. Read the Master’s Book by C.H. Claudy, available from theGrandLodgeoffice.

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3.ReadthepamphletHat and the Gavel fromtheMasonicServiceAssociationandavailablefromtheGrandLodgeoffice.

4.ContinuestudyofMasonicproceduresasfoundintheRitual,StandardManual,MasonicCodeofOregon,MasonicEtiquetteandInstructions,andotherbooksandpamphletsavailablefromtheGrandLodgeoffice.

5.AttendtheannualtraininggivenbytheGrandLodge,alongwiththeFellowsoftheCraftandTorchlightprograms.

JUNIOR WARDEN

DUTIES

AstheJuniorWardenyourdutiesareto:

l.AssisttheWorshipfulMasterinthedischargeofthedutiesofhisoffice,andinhisabsence,andthatoftheSeniorWarden,togoverntheLodge.

AssistingtheWorshipfulMasterincludes:

— Attending all Stated and Special Communications of theLodgeandperformingworkasdescribedintheRitualandasorderedbytheWorshipfulMaster.

—AttendingallOfficers’Meetingsandofferingwiseandwhole­

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somecounseltotheWorshipfulMaster.

—ActivelysupportingtheprogramsoftheWorshipfulMasterandworkingtopromoteandmaintainpeaceandharmonyamongthemembers.

—RepresentingtheWorshipfulMasteratsuchfunctionsasavisitationtoanotherLodge,afuneral,civicfunction,andotheractivitiesasordered.

­—Youmaybecalledupontoorganizeadegreeteam.Youmustprepareteammemberstoensuretheyareproficientintheirwork.

2.ServeasChairmanoftheCommitteeonGrievance.

The JuniorWarden receivesgrievancesor reportsofallegedmisconduct.YoumustperformyourdutiesinamannerdescribedintheMasonicCodeofOregon.

3.ServeasamemberofGrandLodge.

You must attend the Annual Communication of the GrandLodgeofOregon.Ifunabletoattendthisimportantmeeting,youmustadvisetheWorshipfulMastersothataproxyisappointed.AsamemberofGrandLodgeyoumustacquaintyourselfwiththelegislation,resolutions,andotherbusinessscheduledtobepresented.Youshouldbecomefamiliarwiththosesectionsof

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theMasonicCodepertainingtotheopening,orderofbusiness,andrulesoforderinGrandLodgesothatyoumayunderstanditsproceduresandrequirements.

4.TakechargeoftheLodgewhenatrefreshment.

YouaretoprovidedirectiontotheSeniorStewardtoensuretherefreshmenttableisproperlysetandvariedthroughouttheMasonicyear.YoushouldcontacttheBrethrenyouwishtospeakattherefreshmenttableinadvancesotheymaybeprepared.AlthoughitispermittedtocalluponanewlyinitiatedorpassedBrother,itisnotarequirementtodoso.IfthenewlyinitiatedorpassedBrotheristobecalledontospeak,itisimportantthathebetoldinadvanceandprovidedwhateverassistancehemayrequire.YoushouldobservetheabovesuggestedprocedureandpresideovertherefreshmenttableuntilyourelinquishthegaveltotheWorshipfulMaster,whowilleitherclosetherefreshmenttableorcallupontheGrandMaster(orhisrepresentativeonanofficialvisit)whowillofficiallyclosetherefreshmenttable.

5.Youshouldpreparetentativeplans,goalsandprogramsforyouryearasWorshipfulMaster.

Planning should include identifying significant dates andevents,andpreparingatentativecalendar.Eventstolookforincludethe50th,75thor100thanniversaryoftheLodge;the50thanniversaryofaBrotherservingasMasteroftheLodge;orthe50th,60thor75thanniversaryofaBrotherbeingraised.

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Planningshouldalsoincludeparticipatinginlocaleventssuchas“HometownDays”andhonoringamemberoftheLodgewhoisalsoacivicleader.YoumayalsowishtonotecertainmemberswhomyoubelievemaybegoodofficersorcommitteemembersduringyouryearasWorshipfulMaster.YoushouldcontinuetorefertothenotebookyoubeganpreparinginyourJuniorandSeniorDeaconyears.

WORKWHICHSHOULDBECOMPLETEDBEFOREREACHINGTHISSTATION

l.MemorizetheOpeningandClosingCeremonyoftheLodgeonalldegrees;attendaBasicProficiencyclass.

2.MemorizetheSeniorWarden’spartintheconferralofbothsectionsofalldegrees.

3.Becompetentinalloftheproceduresandresponsi­bilitiesoftheWorshipfulMasterinopeningandgoverningtheLodge.Suchproceduresinclude,butarenotlimitedto,receivingtheGrandMasterorhisrepresentative;callingtheCraftfromlabortorefreshmentandtolaboragain;conduct­ingbusinessataStatedCommunication;andballotingoncandidatesfordegreesoraffiliation.

4.MemorizetheMasterMasonLecture.

5.MemorizetheGrandLodgeInstructions.

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6.MemorizetheGeometryLectureoftheFellowCraftDegree.

NECESSARYSTUDYWORK.

1.ContinuereadingtheMasonicCodeofOregon.

2.ReadthepamphletThink Tank for Junior WardenspreparedbytheMasonicServiceAssociationandavailablefromtheGrandLodge.

3.ContinuestudyofMasonicproceduresasfoundintheRitual,theStandardManual,MasonicCodeofOregon,MasonicEti­quetteandInstructions,andotherbooksandpamphletsavailableattheGrandLodgeoffice.

4.AttendtheannualtraininggivenbytheGrandLodgealongwiththeFellowsoftheCraftandTorchlightprograms.

TREASURER

DUTIES

AstheTreasureryourdutiesareto:

1.ActascustodianofLodgefunds.YouaretoreceiveallmoniesandotherpropertiesplacedinyourhandsbytheSecretary.AllmoniesaretobedepositedintheLodgebankaccount,andpropertiesintheLodgesafedepositbox,and

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giveaproperreceipttotheSecretaryforthesame.UndernocircumstancesareyoutodepositLodgefundsinyourpersonalaccount.

2.Keepabookorbookscontainingacurrentrecordofdisburse­mentsfortheaccountoftheLodge.Copiesofreceipts,checkstubs,canceledchecksandbankstatementsarenecessaryforunderstandingandauditofaccounts.

3.DisburseortransferfundsoftheLodgeonlyonwarrantsorchecksauthorizedbytheLodgeanddulysignedbytwoofthefollowing:WorshipfulMaster,TreasurerorSecretary.

4.Makeareportofreceipts,disbursementsandfinancialcondi­tionoftheLodgeataStatedCommunicationasrequiredbytheMasonicCodeofOregonandatanyothertimetheWorshipfulMasterdirects.

5.FileabondasrequiredbytheMasonicCodeofOregon.

6.TransferallLodgepropertyinyourpossessiontoyoursuc­cessorinoffice,attheendofyourterm,takingduplicatereceiptsthereforeandfilingonewiththeSecretary.

7.KnowtheTreasurer’spartintheopeningandclosingoftheEnteredApprenticeDegree.

Youmaybecalledupontoact inanadvisorycapacityto

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theFinanceCommittee,whenrequestedtodosobytheWor­shipfulMaster.AthoroughstudyofSections220and272,Art.9,oftheMasonicCodeofOregon,isnecessaryfortheproperperformanceof thisoffice.TheassistanceofaBrother in theaccountingbusinessmaybehelpfulifyouarenotfamiliarwithmaintainingbookkeepingrecords.

SECRETARY

DUTIES

AstheSecretaryyourdutiesareto:

l.MakenoteofalltheproceedingsoftheLodge.

2.ReceiveallmoniesduetheLodge.

3.PayallmoniessoreceivedovertotheTreasurer,takinghisreceiptforthesame.

4.IssuenoticesandsummonsesatthedirectionoftheWor­shipfulMaster.

5.NotifymembersoftheirappointmenttoanInvestigatingCommitteeandfurnisheachmemberwithacopyofthepam­phlet“DutiesoftheInvestigatingCommittee,”availablefromtheGrandLodgeOffice.

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ThesedutiesarebrieflylistedintheChargegivenatthein­stallationandaremorethoroughlydefinedinSection221oftheMasonicCodeofOregon.ManyothersectionsoftheCodealsohaverequirementsfortheLodgeSecretary,soitisnecessarytostudyallsectionsoftheCodetoincreaseyourknowledgeandefficiency.ItisnecessaryforallreportsrequiredbytheCodetobe submittedpromptlyandaccurately. YoushouldcooperatewithrequestsforinformationfromeitherGrandLodgeOfficersorCommitteeChairmen.

NOTE

TheBrotherbestsuitedforthisofficeshouldbeselectedtofillthisimportantposition.Seriousconsiderationshouldbegiventohiscontinuanceinofficeforaslongasheiswillingandcapableofefficientlydischarginghisduties.

Theimportanceofhisdutiesbringhim,morethananyotherofficer,intoclosepersonalcontactwiththeBrethren.HeplaysavitalpartinthesuccessorfailureofhisLodge.ItisnecessaryforhimtohaveathoroughknowledgeofOregonMasonicLawandProcedure.

WhilehehasnoneoftheWorshipfulMaster’sauthority,hisex­perienceandknowledgecanbeofinvaluablehelptotheMaster,officersandmembersoftheLodge.HeshouldalwaysrememberthatheisunderthedirectionoftheMasterandisnotrunningtheLodge.Thisisofvitalimportance.

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SENIOR DEACON

DUTIES

AstheSeniorDeaconyourdutiesareto:

1.Activelytakechargeofthewelcomingandtheaccommodatingofvisitors. Inasense,youarechairmanofthecommitteeforthatpurpose.Youmayhavesuchassistanceasnecessary.ThefriendlinessofyourLodgedependsuponthewelcomeandat­tentionyoupaytovisitingandLodgeBrethren.SeethatvisitorsmeettheotherBrethren,thattheyhavesomeonetositwithandthattheirnamesarerememberedandproperlypronounced.

2.KnowhowtoreverentlydisplayandclosetheGreatLights.Knowhowtoproperlyilluminateandextinguishtherepresenta­tivesofthe lesser lights. Inapproachingandretiringfromthealtar,andindeedinallfloorwork,youmustwalkinanuprightmannerandturnsquarecorners.

3.ConductCandidatesandescortBrethrenasorderedbytheWorshipfulMaster.WhenconductingaCandidatealways takehisarm.BeforetheCandidateisobligated,takehisrightarm.Afterheisobligated,takehisleftarm.WhenescortingaBrotheralwaysextendtohimyourrightarm.

ContinueyourstudyofMasonicEtiquette.KnowwhichBreth­renaretobeescortedbywayoftheSouthandwhichbywayof

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theNorth.StudytheentireMasonic Etiquettetomakecertainthat,bythetimeyouareinstalled,youmayconfidentlyperformyourworkofescortingandintroducingBrethren.

4.Makecertainthattheballotboxisproperlypreparedforbal­loting,thatsufficientballsandcubesareavailableintheballotbox,andthevotingcompartmentisclear.Knowhowtoextendtheballotbox to theWorshipfulMasterandWardens,and toanyBrotherwhomaybevotingfromhisplaceintheLodge.Allballotingmustbedoneinsuchamannerthatthesecrecyoftheballotisheldinviolate.

5.Welcomeandreceivecandidatesforthedegrees.BecertainthatyouknowandpronouncetheCandidate’snamecorrectly.DoeverythingpossibletoensurethattheCandidateisateaseand that he receives a favorable impression of Freemasonry.ThismaybeafactorinhisbecominganactiveMasterMason.

6.CarrymessagesfromtheWorshipfulMastertotheSeniorWardenandelsewhereabouttheLodge,asordered,andoth­erwiseassisttheWorshipfulMasterandWardens.Muchoftheharmoniousfunctioningofacommunicationdependsuponthefriendlybutproficientexecutionofyourduties.AstheofficerwhoismostofteninvolvedinfloorworkintheLodge,youare,inlargemeasure,thedecisivefactorintheimpressiontheBrethrenofyourLodge,visitingBrethren,andcandidateshaveofyourLodgeandofFreemasonryingeneral.

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WORKWHICHSHOULDBECOMPLETEDBEFOREREACHINGTHISPLACE

l.MemorizethepartoftheSeniorDeaconinthedegrees,thepartoftheSeniorDeaconinopeningandclosingLodge,howtopurgeLodge,yourpartintheOptionalFlagCeremony,andyourpart inballoting.Allof thismustbedonesoyouwillbepreparedtoperformyourdutiesintheplacetowhichyouhavebeenappointed.

NECESSARYSTUDYWORK

l.TheMasonicCodeofOregon,especiallythePenalCode.

2.TheStandardManual.

3.TheBy­LawsofyourLodge.

4.TheGrandLodgeofOregon’sBookletonMasonic Etiquette.

5.LearnbothoftheFellowCraftLectures.

6.Continuenotingthingstodoandnottodoinyourpermanentnotebook.BeginplanningyouryearasMaster.

7. Learn how to conduct a meeting of Freemasons and theorderofbusiness.

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8.LearntheflagsaluteandtheOptionalFlagCeremony.

9.LearnwhichBrethrenareordinarilyescortedandintroducedandthepropermethodofintroductionfromtheEast.

10.LearnwhoisentitledtothePrivateorPublicGrandHonorsandwhenthosehonorsshouldbegiven.

11.Learnhowtopresideoverballoting.

12.Learnhowtocall theLodge fromLabor toRefreshmentandcallitonagain.

13.MemorizethepartsoftheWardensandoftheMasterinopeningandclosing,bothinlongandshortforminallthreede­grees,aswellaslearningallthedutiesofaMasteringoverninghisLodge.NextyearyouwillprobablybetheJuniorWardenofyourLodge.TheJuniorWardenisrequiredtoactastheMasterifboththeMasterandtheSeniorWardenareabsent.Nowisthetimetomakecertainyouarepreparedforthoseimportantduties.

JUNIOR DEACON

DUTIES

AstheJuniorDeaconyourdutiesareto:

l. Assist in welcoming the Brethren. Visitors should be wel­

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comedwithafriendlysmile.ItshouldbeseenthattheymeetotherBrothersandtheyhavesomeonetositwithsotheyfeelathome.YoushouldassisttheTylerinmakingcertaintheSeniorWardenknowswhoallthevisitorsareandthattheyareentitledtositinLodge.

2.BetheguardianinsidethedooroftheLodge.YoumustknowhowandwhenBrethrenmaybeadmittedorexcusedwhiletheLodgeisatlabor.Knowhowtodothefloorwork.Inallofyourworkyoumustwalkinanuprightmannerandturnsquarecorners.

3.CarrymessagesfromtheSeniortotheJuniorWardenandelsewhereabouttheLodgeasdirected.

WORKWHICHSHOULDBECOMPLETEDBEFOREREACHINGTHISPLACE

l.KnowthepartoftheJuniorDeaconin(a)openingandclosingLodge,(b)thedegreeworkinallofthedegrees,(c)purgingLodge,and(d)answeringalarmsatthedooroftheLodge.

2.KnowyourpartintheOptionalFlagCeremony.

NECESSARYSTUDYWORK

l.Welcomingandaccommodatingvisitors.

2.ThedutiesrequiredoftheSeniorDeaconbytheMaster.

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3.TheSeniorDeacon’spart inopeningandclosingceremo­nies,includingtheOptionalflagCeremony,callingfromLabortoRefreshmentandtoLaboragain,andpurgingLodge.

4.ConductingBrethrentotheAltarandtotheEast.

5.Ballotingprocedures.(SeetheMasonicCode,RitualandtheStandardManual.)

6.Welcoming,receivingandconductingcandidates.

7.TheGrandLodgeofOregon’sbookletonMasonic Eti quette.

8.ContinuereadingandstudyoftheMasonicCodeofOregon.

9.MemorizetheEnteredApprenticeLecture.

NOTE

TheJuniorDeacon’schairisaplaceoflearning.Itistimetogetapermanentnotebook.Asyouprogress,recordinityourideasandimpressionsofthosethingsyoushoulddoandrefrainfromdoing.VisitotherLodgesasoftenaspossible.Recordinyournotebookobservationsofthingsseenandheard,boththosetobefollowedandthosetobeavoided.

AlwaysarriveearlyformeetingssoyouwillhavetimetoassistinsettinguptheLodgeifcalledupontodosoandtostillbeat

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yourplaceinsidethedoortoextendafriendlyhandtoalloftheBrethrenwhoattend.

CHAPLAIN

DUTIES

AstheChaplainyourdutiesareto:

l.Givealltheritualisticprayers.(TheseconstitutetheprimarydevotionalexercisesoftheLodge.)TheMastermayrequestotherprayers,suchastheblessingbeforeaLodgedinner,amemorialprayerinpayingtributetoadepartedbrother,etc.Heshouldgiveadvancewarning,butitiswelltobepreparedforsuchacallbylearningseveralappropriateprayersofyourownoriginorfromreferencesources.

2.GivetheprayersoftheFuneralServices.(TheseconstitutetheprimaryreligiousandspiritualfunctionsoftheCHAPLAINinpublicceremonies.)

3.Giveshorttalksemphasizingmoralandvirtuouspoints,at the Master’s request. (This refers to the CHAPLAIN’Sduty to impart such lessons tohisBrethren.)Remember thattheofficeoftheCHAPLAINisnotanecclesiasticalortheologi­cal one, but rather a Masonic one. The Master should giveyouamplenoticeofhisdesireforsuchatalk,butyoushouldstart gathering material now in preparation for that function.

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4.TakepropercareoftheHolyBible.(TheGreatLightisespe­ciallyentrustedtotheCHAPLAIN’Scareandishisresponsibility.)ThatmostsacredofourspiritualsymbolsshouldbehandledandstoredwithreverencebytheCHAPLAINattheendofeachmeeting.

WORKWHICHSHOULDBECOMPLETEDBEFOREREACHINGTHISPLACE

l.MemorizeOpeningandClosingPrayers.

NECESSARYSTUDYWORK

l.Memorizeallprayersinallthreedegrees.

2.MemorizeFuneralServicePrayersfromtheStandardManual.(Notethatthesemaybevariedtobeappropriatetotheindividualcase.)

3.Memorizespecialritualisticparts. (InthoseLodges inwhichtheCHAPLAIN’Sofficeisnotinthelineofprogres­sion,youmaylearnsuchotherportionsoftheRitualasappealtoyourinterest.Ofcourse,iftheofficeisinthelineofprogression,youshouldbepreparingfortheofficenextahead.)

4.Preparematerialforshortprayersonspecialoccasions.

5.Gathermaterialforshorttalksemphasizingmoralityandvirtue.

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6.Studyprocedureandpreparetoassistintheexaminationofvisitors.

7.Learnhowtogreetandwelcomevisitors,BrethrenandCan­didates.Thisdoesnotalwayscomeeasilytoeveryman,butafirmhandclasp,awarmsmileandafriendlywordisthestart.

NOTE

YoushouldalwaysrememberthatwhenyougiveaprayeryouarespeakingtotheGREATARCHITECTOFTHEUNIVERSE(whoispresent)onbehalfofalltheBrethrenoftheLodge.Everyprayershouldbespokenearnestlyandsincerely,withreverenceandadoration.Eachwordshouldbeutteredclearlyanddistinctly,andwithsufficientvolumethateveryBrotherpresentmayhearandunderstandthattowhichhewillaffirm“SoMoteItBe.”

MARSHAL

DUTIES

AstheMarshalyourdutiesareto:

l.Studyandbecome familiarwithall theceremoniesof theLodge especially those involving public processions in con­nectionwithFestivalsoftheOrderandFuneralServices.

2.Studyandbecomefamiliarwithallthearrangementsofthe

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Lodge.Knowtheproperwaytoarrangeanddisplayallthelights,ornamentsandjewelsusedinourceremonies.AssisttheTylerinsettingupandtakingdowntheLodge.

3.AftertheLodgeissetup,assisttheTylerintheactivitiesoftheante­room.Stationyourselfneartheante­roomdoorandassisttheSeniorDeaconinwelcomingeachBrotherashecomesin.

4.BepreparedtoassistintheexaminationofvisitingBrethrenwhenrequested.Learnthetestoathandthepropermannerinwhichitshouldbeadministered.

NECESSARYSTUDYWORK

Ifyouhavenotpreviouslydonesoyoushouldbecomefamiliarwiththefollowing:

l.Testoath.

2.OpeningandClosingtheLodge.

3.InstallationCeremony.

4.Processionarrangements.

5.Examinationofvisitors.

6.ArrangementandstorageofLodgefurnitureandequipment.

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7.MasonicEtiquette.

8.ThefourquestionsandstatementtotheE.A.candidategivenpriortoinitiation.

9.AllritualisticprayersgivenbytheChaplain.

NOTE

InacceptingthisofficeyoumustbecomefamiliarwithMasonicetiquetteandcustomsforbothpublicandtyledoccasions.AttheMaster’sdirectionyoumustbepreparedtocarryoutthesedutieswithdignityanddecorum.Skillandprecisionareneces­saryinthiswork.

SENIOR STEWARD

DUTIES

AstheSeniorStewardyourdutiesareto:

l.PreparecandidatestoreceivedegreesasprescribedintheRitual.YoumayreceivesuchassistanceasmaybedirectedbytheWorshipfulMaster.

2.Assist theSeniorDeacon,when requested, inconductingcandidates,andperformothertasksasdescribedintheRitual.

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3.Takeyourplaceonthenortheastandwhenforming linesforthereceptionoftheGrandMaster(orhisrepresentative)ortheDistrictDeputyoftheGrandMasteronhisofficialvisit.Yourstaffwillnotbeused.

4.UnderthesupervisionoftheJuniorWarden,youwillensurethatdiningroomtablesaresetbeforeeachmeetingandthatrefreshmentsaresuitablyprepared.Youareresponsibleforar­rangingthediningroomtablesinthemannerprescribedbytheWorshipfulMaster.YoushouldconsideranyspecialneedsofaBrotherandensurethatrefreshmentsarereadyassoonastheLodgeisclosed.

WORKWHICHSHOULDBECOMPLETEDBEFOREREACHINGTHISPLACE

1.MemorizetheSeniorSteward’spart intheconferralofalldegrees.

2.MemorizetheFellowCraftCharge.

3.MemorizetheMasterMasonCharge.

NECESSARYSTUDYWORK

1.LearntheJuniorDeacon’spartintheopeningandclosingofalldegrees.

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2.LearntheJuniorDeacon’spartintheconferralofalldegrees.

3.ReadtheFirstSectionoftheFellowCraftandMasterMasonDegrees.

4.ReadthepamphletMasonic EtiquetteandDuties of Investigating CommitteeavailableattheGrandLodgeoffice.

JUNIOR STEWARD

DUTIES

AstheJuniorStewardyourdutiesareto:

1.ParticipatewiththeSeniorStewardinpreparingCandi­datestoreceivedegrees.

2.ParticipatewiththeSeniorStewardinconductingCandidatesandtoperformothertasksasdescribedintheRitual.

3.TakeyourplaceonthesoutheastendwhenforminglinesforthereceptionoftheGrandMasteronhisofficialvisit.Yourstaffwillnotbeused.

4.ParticipatewiththeSeniorStewardinpreparingforrefresh­mentsasdescribedinthedutiesoftheSeniorSteward.

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NECESSARYSTUDYWORK

1.MemorizetheSeniorSteward’spart intheconferralofalldegrees.

2.LearntheEnteredApprenticeCharge.

3.ReadtheFirstSectionoftheEnteredApprenticeDegree.

TYLER

DUTIES

AstheTyleryourdutiesareto:

1.VouchforpersonsyouknowtobeMasterMasons.

2.FindaBrotherwhocanvouch foravisitor forwhomyoucannotvouch.

3.AsktheMastertoappointanexaminingcommitteeforthevisitorsthathavenotbeenvouchedfor.Youdonotappointsuchacommittee;thatistheMaster’sprerogative.

4.AssisttheSeniorWardenbyassuringhimthatallwhohaveenteredtheLodgeroomareentitledtodoso.Whenrequested,provide to the appropriate officers a list of visitors and theirMasonicstatus.

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5.IntroduceBrethrenandvisitorstooneanother.SeethatfirsttimevisitorstotheLodgearegivenovertothecareofaBrotherwhowillactasapersonalhostfortheevening.

6.WithsuitableassistanceseethattheLodgeisproperlysetupbeforeeachmeetingandthateverythingisproperlystoredafterthemeetingadjourns.Thisextendstotheequipmentinthepreparationroomandtheante­room.Thecandidate’sequipmentshouldbecleanandingoodorder.TheTyler’sregister,theBibleforexaminations,andcleanapronsshouldbeavailableintheante­room.

7.Attendtheante­roombeforeandafterthemeetingandman­agetheante­roomwhileLodgeisinsession.

8.MakeCandidatesfeelwelcome.SeethattheyareunderthecareofoneoftheBrethrenatalltimes.

9.BeregularandearlyinattendanceatallLodgemeetingstoensuretheabovedescribeddutiesaresatisfactorilyperformed.

NOTE

This is an office best filled by a more experienced memberoftheCraftwhopossessesafriendly,courteousandoutgoingpersonality.ThisBrothermustbefamiliarwithMasonicetiquetteandcustomsregardingthewelcomingandaccommodationofvisiting Brethren. His duties extend beyond the instructionscontainedintheinstallationchargewhichmerelyadmonishescourtesyandvigilance.

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III. MASONIC CODE, BY-LAWS, THE MANUAL, GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS AND THE RITUAL

MASONICCODE

WEBSTERDEFINES“code”as:“Aconcisearrangementofexist­inglaws,”“Approvedbylegislation,”“Acceptedsystemofrulesandregulationspertainingtoagivensubject.”

TheMasonicCodeofOregon,havingbeenapprovedbytheGrand Lodge while in Annual Communication, governs eachLodgeandeverymemberthereofwhereverhemaybeandanymemberoftheFraternitywhilewithintheOregonMasonicJu­risdiction.

ACode has been inexistence since the organization of theGrandLodgeofOregonin1851.WhileithasbeenchangedbythedelegatestotheGrandLodgetomakeitresponsivetotheneedsofthetime,basicallyandfundamentallyithasremainedunchanged.

AttheInstallationoftheWorshipfulMaster,theInstallingOf­ficerpresentstheWorshipfulMasterwiththeCodeandadmon­isheshim:“TosearchitatalltimesandcauseittobereadinyourLodge,thatnonemaypretendignoranceoftheexcellentpreceptsitenjoins.”

TheotherelectiveandappointiveofficersoftheLodgeat

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theirinstallationalsoacceptandassumeobligationsandrespon­sibilitiesasprovidedintheCode.

TheCodeisdividedintofourparts:containingandexplainingtheConstitutionoftheGrandLodge,theBy­LawsoftheGrandLodge,theBy­LawspertainingtoLodgesandthePenalCodeoftheGrandJurisdiction.

ByreviewingtheCode,youcanlearn:

PartI

TheLandmarksofFreemasonry

ThepowersoftheGrandLodge

Membership,voting,GrandLodgeOfficersandCommittees

ThePowersoftheGrandMaster

TheTimeandDateofOpeningandClosingGrandLodge

PartII

TheOrderofBusinessoftheAnnualCommunication

TheDutiesoftheGrandLodgeOfficersandtheTrustees

EducationalAssistance

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MasonicServiceBureaus

MasonicandEasternStarHome

MasonicLibrary

FundsoftheGrandLodge,Fees,Assessments,etc.

PartIII

OfficersofConstituentLodgesandtheirDuties

Powers,DutiesandLimitationsofaLodge

LawsgoverningMembers,PetitionersandAffiliations

DutiesofInvestigatingCommittees,presentationofPetitionsandtheAcceptanceorRejectionofthesame

UniformCodeofLodgeBy­Laws

PartIV

PenalCode—Definitionofa“MasonicOffense”

JurisdictionoftheLodge

Chargesforun­MasonicConduct—HowPreparedandFiled

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TrialCommissionorTrialBoard,HowSelected

GrandLodgeTrials,VerdictsandPenalties

AppealsfromVerdicts

TheCodealsocontainsanappendixlistingvariousresolutionsadoptedbytheGrandLodgeatAnnualCommunications.

PartIIIisabsolutelyessentialtothegovernmentoftheLodgeandathoroughknowledgeofthissectionshouldbeacquiredbyeachofficer.Certainly,bythetimeanofficeriselectedSeniorWardenofhisLodgehisknowledgeandfamiliaritywithPartIIIshouldbecomplete.

ThestudyoftheCodeshouldformapartofthemonthlyOf­ficers’ Meetings in every Lodge. Without a thorough workingknowledgeandunderstandingoftheCode,noLodgecanfunctionefficiently,norcantheofficersoperatesmoothlyandsuccessfully.

BY­LAWS

TheBy­LawsoftheGrandLodgeofOregonaretobefoundintheMasonicCode,Sections101to167inclusive,andnodelegateofaConstituentLodgeshouldpresumetoattendandparticipateintheproceedingsofacommunicationofGrandLodgewithoutbeingthoroughlyconversantwiththoseSectionsoftheCode.

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TheBy­LawsofeachConstituentLodgearegivenintothekeepingoftheWorshipfulMasterathisinstallationandheisinstructedbytheInstallingOfficer,“Whichyouaretoseecarefullyandpunctuallyobserved.”

Whyisthissoimportant?BecausetheBy­LawswereadoptedbytheLodgeforitsgovernment.

A uniform code of By­Laws for Constituent Lodges was ad­optedbyGrandLodgeandistobefoundintheMasonicCode.TheAdoptionoftheUniformBy­Lawsismandatory.Theycan,however,beamended.

TheBy­LawsshouldbediscussedandstudiedbytheofficersattheirmonthlyOfficers’Meeting.

THEMANUAL

TheStandardManualoftheGrandLodgeofOregoncontainsinformationpertainingtoFreemasonryandtotheoperationofourLodges.TheGrandLodgehasrecognizedthisinprovidingfor itspresentationtonewmembers.It isessentialthateveryofficerbefamiliarwithitanditsuses.

ThemanualcontainstheceremoniesfortheInstitutionandCon­stitutionofaLodge,theInstallationofitsOfficers,thelastritesforadepartedBrother,andotherceremoniesoftheFraternity.

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TheStandardManual,however,encompassesmuchmore—things thatmanyofusmayoverlook.Ofprime importance isaStatementofPolicyoftheGrandLodgeastotheextentthatpoliticalandreligioussubjectsmaybediscussedfortheenlight­enmentofthemembershipatLodgemeetings.ItcontainsmanywordsthataresubjecttoincorrectpronunciationandtheManualprovidesaGuidetoPronunciationthatwillbehelpful.

ManyproblemsthatconfrontLodgeOfficerscanberesolvedbyacarefulstudyoftheManual.Itisimportant,therefore,thattheLodgeOfficersuseitasoneofthetoolsoftheirprofession.

TheManual,withtheMasonicCodeandBy­LawsshouldbestudiedanddiscussedatthemonthlyOfficers’Meeting.

GRANDLODGEPROCEEDINGS

AnoftenoverlookedtoolthatshouldbeusedbytheWor­shipfulMasterandotherofficersofaLodgeistheinforma­tion contained in the current and past Grand Lodge Pro­ceedings.YourLodgeSecretaryshouldhaveacompletelibraryofthesevolumessince,byCode,eachLodgeisfurnishedwithtwocopieseachyear,onefortheWorshipfulMasterandonefortheLibraryorSecretary’sdesk.

InadditiontothecompletelistofGrandLodgeOfficers,DistrictDeputiesandGrandLodgeCommitteepersonnel,theProceed­ingscontaintheGrandMaster’sreportofhisstewardship,inspi­

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rationalmaterialsuchastheGrandOrationandtheNecrologyReport,and thevital statisticsofGrandLodgeoperationandfinancialaffairs,includingthoseoftheJenningsMcCallCenter.Throughthereportsofofficersandcommittees,youaremadeawareofactionstakenattheGrandLodgeleveltofurthertheinterestsoftheFraternity.OfprimeimportanceistheresultofactiontakenbyGrandLodgeonlegislation.

TheseareallmattersthatconcerneveryMasoninOregon.TheLodgeOfficersshouldbewell­informed.

Acarefulreading,analysisandstudyoftheGrandLodgePro­ceedingswill increase theirMasonicknowledgeandmake formoreeffectiveleadership.

THERITUAL

TheRitualisthefoundationoftheceremoniesofOregonFreemasonry.Itteachesitslessonsthroughsymbolismandallegorybywhicheachcandidatehastheopportunitytoprogresstowardthegoalheexpectstoattain.

TheRitualinitspresentformisauthorizedbytheMasonicCodeofOregonandanyintentionaldeviationisaMasonicOffense.

OurOregonMasonicHistoryrelatesthestruggleandefforttobringauniformworktoallLodgesinthisGrandJurisdiction.Priortotheearly1900sanofficialMasonicRitualwasnon­existentinOregon.Brethrenraisedinmanyjurisdictionsconstitutedalarge

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partofourmembershipandeachbroughttheworkofhisownjurisdiction.AttheGrandLodgeCommunicationof1908acom­mitteewasappointedtoprepareanOregonRitualandfinallysuchaRitualwasadopted.

TheRitualincypherform,whenintroducedtotheconstituentLodges,was slow tobeadoptedbecause fewcould read thecypheredwork.Competentinstructorswerefewinnumbersoitwasnotuntiltheearly1920sthattheworkwasactuallybeingperformedinauniformmanner.

In the Jurisdiction of Oregon, memorization of the threeCandidate’s Lectures is required of each new initiate withoneexception:ACandidatemayparticipateinthe“FellowsoftheCraftProgram”ifauthorizedbytheWorshipfulMaster.UndertheguidelinesofFellowsoftheCraft,onlytheobliga­tionoftheDegreemustbememorizedalongwiththesignsandmodesofrecognition.ItisimportanttotheCandidate,totheLodge,andtoFreemasonrythatacompetentcoachbeappointedpromptlybytheWorshipfulMastertoworkwitheachCandidate.CareshouldbeexercisedtodeveloptheinterestofthenewmemberandassurehisprogressinMasonry.

TheWorshipfulMastermustassumetheresponsibilityforthequalityoftheritualisticworkperformedinhisLodge.Whilehecandelegatecertainphasesofthistohisotherofficersormembers,theoverallresponsibilityremainswithhim.ThisisamatterofgreatimportancebecauseofthenecessityofproperlyimpressingtheCandidatesatalltimes.

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IV. GENERAL INFORMATION

INSURANCE

TheelectedOfficersand/orTrusteesareresponsiblefortheinsuringofthebuildings,tenantsimprovementsandthecontentsownedbytheLodge,whichareintheofficers’custodyorundertheirsupervisionandcontrol.

TheTrusteesoftheLodgemaybeeitherthethree(3)principalelectiveofficersormemberselectedbytheLodgeorappointedby the Worshipful Master, but in all instances the WorshipfulMasterandtheelectedofficersmustbeadvisedindetailoftheinsurancecoverage.

Shouldthebuildingorbuildingsbeunderthecontrolofasepa­rateassociationororganization,thenitistheresponsibilityofthepresidingofficerofsuchorganizationtoadvisetheWorshipfulMasterinwritingoftheamountandcompletedetailsofinsurancecoverageonpropertiesundertheirsupervision.

TheliabilityoftheLodgeandthepersonalliabilityoftheof­ficersandmembersbecauseoftheownership,leasing,rentingand/orofthepropertyincludingalltheactivities,ritualisticorotherwise,conductedthereinorelsewherebyreasonofthe usual duties or activities as explained and outlined intheMasonicCodeofOregonandtheBy­LawsoftheLodge,MUSTBEINSURED.

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TheGrandLodgeofOregonobtainsaBlanketLiabilityPolicyandHonestyBondontheofficersresponsibleforthehandlingandsafeguardingofthemoniesoftheindividualLodges.Lodgesmust participate in the Blanket Liability Insurance Policy andHonestyBond.However, it is theresponsibilityof theelectedofficers,particularlytheWorshipfulMaster,tofamiliarizethem­selveswiththe limitsandformofcoveragetodetermineifallpossiblelossesareinsuredandthelimitsofinsurancesufficienttotakecareofanyanticipatedclaim.Iftheofficersarenotsatis­fiedtheyshouldconsulttheGrandSecretarytodeterminehowtheproblemmaybesolved.

ItistheresponsibilityoftheWorshipfulMasterandtheelectedofficerstomakecertainsufficientpropertyinsuranceisobtainedtoadequatelyprotecttherealandpersonalpropertyoftheLodge.

IfaLodgeowningitsbuildingleasesorrentsallorpartofthebuildingtoanotherorganization,thatorganizationmustobtaintheirownliabilityinsurance.Verifyannuallythatanytenanthasliabilityinsuranceandacurrentliabilityinsurancepolicy.Ifal­coholistobeserved,orgamblingistooccur,theguidelinesoftheMasonicCodeplusallStateandFederalregulationsmustbefollowed.

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N.P.D.

Non­PaymentofDuesDroppedforNon­PaymentofDues

The Grand Master’s message of 1964 stated: “The loss bydeath,demits,withdrawals,etc.,could,toalargeextent,beoffsetthroughtheeffortsofaPastDuesCommittee.”ThemajorityofLodgescontinuetohandlethesituationasinthepastoraccord­ingtothewishesoftheWorshipfulMaster,withoutanyplannedororganizedapproachtotheproblem.

Howoftenhaveyou,asamemberandalsoasanofficer,heardalistofmembers’namesreadattheAnnualorStatedCommunica­tiontobe“DroppedNPD,”withnoexplanationbytheSecretaryortheWorshipfulMaster?

ItisthedutyoftheWorshipfulMastertoentertainamotionto“Dropthemembersasread.”Whatplans,ifany,hadbeenmadetocontactthosewhoaredelinquent?Nonameshouldbereadwithoutanexhaustiveeffortonhispart.ThereportofaspecialNPD Committee should be discussed with the Trustees andLodgeofficersattheMONTHLYOfficers’MeetingbeforeafinaldecisionismadebyvoteoftheLodge.

Can we justify, without a complete investigation, striking amember’snamefromtherollbyreadinghisnameinOpenLodge,thenreportingtotheGrandSecretary,whointurnreportstothe

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AppendantandAffiliatedbodies,givingNon­PaymentofDuesasthereason?

Itispossibleforanyqualifiedpersontoascertainthereasonforthemember’snamebeingremovedfromtherolloftheLodge.Notonlydoesdroppingfromtherollswithoutcompleteinvestiga­tionembarrassthemember,butheandhisdependentswillhavebeendeniedthebenefitsofhismembership.Evenifreinstatedatalaterdate,suchactionwilldelaythehonorofreceivingandwearinga25­year,50­year,60­yearor75­yearemblem.

Acommitteeappointedtoascertainthereasonforthedelin­quencymaydiscoverthatthememberisinneedofassistancebecauseoffinancialreverses,disability,sicknessorotherrever­sal,tohimoramemberofhisfamily,whichhe—forpersonalreasons—hasnotreportedtotheLodge.

Think of the damage to the image of Freemasonry when amemberisdroppedwithoutthoroughinvestigation.Thiswouldbeparticularly true in thesmaller localitiesshouldtherebeaneedforassistanceinanyform.

Letusliveandpracticeourobligations.ItissuggestedthattheSecretary,byJune1,prepareacompletelistofmemberswhosedues are not paid. The Worshipful Master should write thesemembersapersonalletter,remindingthemoftherequirementsof theLodgeBy­Laws, suggestingpaymentoranexplanationfordelay.ThelettershouldbesenteitherCertifiedorRegisteredmail,withReturnReceiptattached.

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IncasetheWorshipfulMasterdoesnotreceiveanacknowledg­mentwithin30days,amemberofaspecialcommitteeshouldbedirectedtovisitthememberandreport.Shouldthereportindicatetheneedformorepersonalcontactorneedofassistanceinanyform,theWorshipfulMastershouldvisit inpersonanddecidewhatactionshouldbetaken.

DuringtheinterviewtheWorshipfulMastercanexplainthemandatoryreportingtotheLodge,theGrandLodgeandtotheAppendantandAffiliatedbodieswhichhavetoremovehisnamefromtheirrolls.Suchactiondenieshimtheprivi­legesandbenefitsofmembershipandhisfamilyfrommakingapplicationtoanyaffiliatedorganizationrequiringevidenceofhiscurrentmembershipintheLodge.

Ifthememberhasdefinitelydecidedto“drop,”explainthe“Cer­tificateofWithdrawal”andhowitremovesthestigmaofhavinghisnamepublishedasN.P.D.EachLodgereceivesalistofN.P.D.’stoenableittodenyadmissionshouldheendeavortovisit.

If thememberresidesoutof townoroutof the jurisdictionandthereplyindicatesassistanceisneeded,theDistrictDeputyof theGrandMasterorMasonicServiceBureauof theotherjurisdictioncanberequestedtoinvestigate,throughtheGrandSecretary’soffice.

AlthoughtheSecretaryisrequiredtonotifythememberofhisarrears,apersonallettersignedbytheWorshipfulMasterreceives

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moreattentionfromthememberthannumerousremindersfromtheSecretary.

TheLodgehasanobligationtoeverymemberanditistheobli­gationanddutyoftheWorshipfulMastertomaintaincontactwithmembersanddeterminewhytheyarenotavailingthemselvesofthefriendshipandadvantagesofmembership.Havewefailed?It’suptotheWorshipfulMastertofindtheanswer,rekindlethedesiretobecomeactiveandparticipateintheworkoftheLodge.

MENTOR PLAN

Whenapetitionerreceivesafavorableballotandhisfeesareaccepted,theLodgeimmediatelyassumesaseriousobligationto that petitioner. As its part of the bargain, it owes him thefinest,mostsincereconferraloftheDegreesthatiswithinthecapabilitiesoftheLodge;itoweshimthebestincoachingforhisCandidate’sLecture;andfinally,andofequalimportance,asheprogressesthroughtheDegrees,andatleastuntilhehaspassedhisMasterMasonLecture,itoweshimtheopportunitytoacquireabasicknowledgeofMasonicFundamentalsandinformation.

The impartingofsuchknowledge toaCandidatemay incitehim to further Masonic activity and study. This should be anobjectiveofanyWorshipfulMaster,fortrulytheinterestedandactiveMasonisthelifebloodofourFraternity.The“FellowsoftheCraft”programisanadditionaltoolthatwillquicklyeducateournewMasonsandhelptoholdtheirinterest.

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TheOregonMentorPlan,ifproperlyusedandapplied,isasug­gestedmeansofhelpingaWorshipfulMasterandaLodgetofulfillthecompleteobligationtotheCandidateandnewmember.TheMentorPlanisavailableinkitformatactualcostfromtheGrandSecretary’sOffice.ThekitcontainstheMentorManual,thefourCandidate’sbooklets,anEncyclopediaofMasonicSymbolsandaconciseDictionaryofMasonicTerms.

ItisnotthepurposeoftheOfficer’sManualtooutlinemethodsinwhichtheMentorPlanmaybesuccessfullyemployed.Asug­gestedplanisofferedintheMentorManualand,sincethatplanhasproventohavegoodresults,itisrecommended.

ButwhateverapplicationoftheMentorPlanismadewiththenewBrother,ithastremendouspossibilitiesforMasonicbenefittotheLodgeandtheFraternityasawhole,whichafterallshouldbeaprimeobjectiveoftheWorshipfulMaster.

Every petitioner should have a Mentor to explain the Mentor Plan. The Coach is not the Mentor, nor the Mentor the Coach. Ordinarily, they should not be the same Brother.

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INVESTIGATIONS

Beingappointedamemberofthiscommitteeplacesagreatresponsibility upon the one assigned to that duty. Upon thecommittee’sfavorablereport,afterathoroughinvestigationintothemoral,physicalandfinancialqualifications,thepetitionerisacceptedorrejectedbyavoteoftheLodge.

Havingacceptedtheassignment,thecommitteemembermustbeconscientiousinthedischargeofhisduties;otherwisehehasprovenhimselfunworthyofthetrustshownbytheWorshipfulMaster.

TheMasonicCodeofOregonmustbestrictlyadheredtoandallquestionsontheCommitteeReportFormmustbeansweredinfull.Iftheyarenot,theWorshipfulMastershouldnotacceptthereport.

ThepetitionerisaskingforacceptanceintoourFraternityandMasonryhaseveryrighttoknowallabouthimbeforegivinghimthebenefitoftheballot.

Wouldyoubewillingtoinvitehimintoyourhomeandintroducehimtoyourfamily?Wouldyouintroducehimtochurchmembers,personalandbusinessfriendsandassociates?Couldyouenjoyaneveningofrelaxationwithhim?IsthereanypossibilityofhimorhiswifeorchildrenbecomingachargeontheLodge?Hashemadesufficientarrangementsthroughlifeinsuranceortrust

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fundstoavoidthishappening?Whatistheneighbors’opinionofhimandhisfamily?Haveyoutalkedtothemandobtainedthisinformationpersonally?Whatabouthisbusinessethics,hisbusi­nessassociatesandfellowworkers?Isheamemberofachurch?DohischildrenattendSundaySchoolregularly?

Donotmakeaninvestigationbytelephone.Visitthereferencesgivenandexplainthereasonforyourvisit.

YouwillfindthatthereferencesgivenareusuallymembersoftheCraftorotherswhoarewellacquaintedwiththeapplicant.Donothesitatetoobtaintheinformationthatisnecessary.

Makeaconscientiousandcompleteinvestigation.OtherwiseyouarewastingyourtimeanddeprivingyourLodgeofathor­oughinvestigationanddoingthepetitioneraninjusticebynotimpressinguponhimthetruesignificanceandimportanceofthestephehasdecidedtotake.

Youareallowednotlessthaneightweekstocompletethisas­signmentbutadditionaltimemaybegrantedbytheWorshipfulMaster,ifnecessary,toproperlycompletetheinvestigation.

Shouldtheapplicant’sreferenceshaveoutoftownaddresses,write,bycertifiedorregisteredmail,withreturnaddresseden­velopeenclosed,requestingtheinformationneeded.

Aboveall,areYOUsatisfiedyouhavefulfilledyourdutyand

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canyouhonestly say: “Ihavenohesitation in recommendingthispetitioner?”

DONOTPROCRASTINATE.Remember,somememberoftheCrafttookhisassignmentseriouslyandgavefreelyofhistimetocompletethequestionnaireassuringyouofinitiationwithoutunduedelay.

EXAMINING AND BEING A VISITOR

ThereisnosuchthingasanunimportantMasoniccommittee.TheyallperformimportantfunctionsandareavitalpartofMa­sonicwork.EachisdesignedtomeetaseparateneedandeachsuppliesanecessarysegmentinthepromotionofMasonry.TheExaminingCommitteeiscertainlyvitaltothatprocess.

LetusbeginbyrememberingthatthedutyofanExaminingCommitteeissimplytosatisfythemselvesthatthevisitor isaMaster Mason in good standing in a Lodge of this Grand Ju­risdictionoraLodgeofanotherGrandJurisdictionrecognizedbythisGrandJurisdiction.Itisnottheirfunctiontoconductaninquisition,embarrassthevisitor,ordisplaytheirownknowledgeofMasonry.

Withreferencetovisitors,ourCodeprovides—“Itistheprivi­legeofeveryMasterMason,uponprovinghimselfassuchandpresentingdocumentaryevidencethathisduesareeitherpaidorremittedtowithinoneyearofdate,tovisitandsitinevery

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regular Lodge, subject to the right of the Master to admit orexcludeavisitor.”

Itfurtherprovides—“AvisitorshallnotbeadmittedtoaLodgeinthisGrandJurisdictionexceptuponstricttrialanddueexaminationbyaCommitteeofnotlessthanthreeMas­terMasonsastohisknowledgeofMasonry;orunlesslawfullyvouchedforby,andas,aMasterMason,and,inaddition,shallfurnishdocumentaryevidence thathisduesarepaidorhavebeenremittedtowithinoneyearofthedateofsuchvisit,certifiedundertheSealofthisGrandLodgeoraGrandLodgerecognizedbythisGrandLodge.”

The law with reference to visitors varies somewhat in otherGrandJurisdictions,andifyouwishtovisitthereyoushouldex­pectsomechanges,butyoushouldnotpermitthistodiscourageyoufromvisiting.AnyvariancewillbeminorandyoumayexpecttheBrotherstheretobeconsiderateandtactful.Ingeneral,youwillfindtheproceduresaboutthesameinmostJurisdictions.

IfyouarecalledupontoserveonanExaminingCommittee,howshouldyouproceed?First,theTylershouldhavemetthevisitorandshouldintroducehimtoyou.Gethisnamerightandbesureofitspronunciation.Nextyoushouldexaminehiscredentialstodeterminehisgoodstanding.Seethathisduescardisproperlysigned.ChecktheRegisterofLodges(attheTyler’sdesk)toverifythathisLodgeisrecognized(iffromanotherGrandJurisdiction),ifnecessary.YoumaynextaskthevisitortoexaminetheTyler’s

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RegistertoseeifanyonehaspreviouslyenteredtheLodgewhomightbeabletovouchforhim(ifappropriate).Inallofthispre­liminarycheckingyoushouldmakeeveryefforttoputthevisitorateaseandcausehimtofeelthatyouaretheretohelphim.

The next step is for the committee to take the visitor to asecludedplacefortheformalexamination.ThereshouldbeaVolumeoftheSacredLawavailableattheTyler’sDeskforusewiththeTestOath.Asacommitteeman,youshouldknowtheTestOath.ItissimplecourtesytoaskthevisitorifhewishestorecitetheOath.Youshouldneveraskhimifhecangiveit.Ifhecannotreciteitfrommemory,youmayreciteitslowlywithhim,allofyouhavingfirsttakenholdoftheBook.ItisprobablethattheOathmaycomebacktohimafteryougethimstarted,buttheessentialpartisthatheaffirmstheoathuponcompletion.InsomejurisdictionsitisthepracticeforeachtokisstheBookuponcompletionoftheoath.

ThenextstepistoinquireabouthisknowledgeofMasonry.Indoingso,youmayaskifhehaseverheldoffice,takenpartsindegrees,etc.IfhehasnotbeenactiveinMasonry,itis,ofcourse,unreasonabletoexpecthimtobeabletorecitepartsoftheRitualforyou,butyoumayaskhimtotellyouwhatherecallsaboutthedegreesandwhentheywereconferreduponhim.UsuallythiswillenableyoutodeterminewhetherheisaMasterMason.

Remember,again,thatyourdutyissimplytosatisfyyourselfastohisstanding,andnofurtherquestioningshouldbeconducted

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beyondthatpoint.OnceyouaresatisfiedthatheisaMasterMa­son,andhehaspresentedthenecessarydocumentaryevidenceof his present standing, it is his privilege to visit your Lodge,subjectonlytotherequirementsandregulationsofhisownandthevisitedJurisdiction.

InthisJurisdiction,aswereadearlier,onlytheMasterhasthepowertoexcludeavisitor.ThisisnotthecaseinsomeJurisdic­tions.There,anymembersittingintheLodgemayobjecttotheMasterandthatwilldenythevisitor’sprivilege.TheMastertheremaynotdemandthemember’sreason.ThereitisthetheorythattheLodgeisthemember’shome,andconsequentlyhemaydenyadmissiontoanyone.Fortunately,however,suchexclusionsareextremelyrare.

Oncethecommitteehasdeterminedthatthevisitorisentitledtovisit, theyso informtheTyler,assist thevisitingBrothertosign theTyler’sRegister (insomeJurisdictions thecommitteeoramemberthereofmustalsosign,vouchingforthevisitor),provideappropriateclothingforthevisitorandconducthimintotheLodge.IftheLodgeisatlabor,thecommitteeshouldpresentthevisitoratthealtar,introducehimtotheMaster,andwhenhehasbeenproperlywelcomed,conducthimtoaseat.Atleastonemembershouldsitwiththevisitorthroughouttheevening.

IfyouarepreparingtovisitaLodgeyoushouldhaveyourcur­rentduescardandphotoidentification.Besureyourduescardissignedbyyou.Ifpossible,youshouldrefreshyourmemory

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regardingpasswords,gripsandsigns.YoushouldfirstbesurethattheLodgeyouwishtovisitisaregularMasonicLodgerec­ognizedbyyourGrandLodge.

YouwillapproachtheTyler,introduceyourself,andtellhimyouwishtovisit.HemayaskyousomepreliminaryquestionsandthenadvisetheMasteroftheneedforanExaminingCommittee.ItiswellforyoutobefrankwiththeTylerandtellhim,aswellastheExaminingCommitteelater,ofanyunfamiliarityyoumayhavewiththeprocedures.

NoMasonneedfeelanyconcernaboutvisitinganotherMasonicLodge,andhewhodoesnotavailhimselfofthisprivilegemissesanimportantpartofMasonry.CertainlyeveryMasonhassomerecollection,regardlessofhowremoteintime,ofhisprogressthroughthedegrees.Givenareasonableopportunity,heshouldhavenotroubleinrecallingenoughdetailtojustifytheconclusionthatheis,infact,aMasterMason.

Visitationisindeedatrueprivilege.ItenablesaMasontowidenhisscopeofexperience,addtohislistofacquaintancesandtohisfundofknowledge,andincreaseshisunderstandingofthecomplexitiesofhumannature.Aboveall,itstrengthensthemystictieofMasonicfraternity.

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FINANCE

AsuccessfulandfinanciallystableLodgemustoperateonthesamebasicgoodpracticesthatarereflectedbyanysuccessfulbusinessenterprise.ThefinancialstructureshouldensurethattheLodgeoperateswellwithinitscurrentincome,thatreservesareestablishedtomeetcontingencies,andthatprovisionsaremadeforthemaintenanceand improvementofexistingfacili­ties,andfortheultimatepurchaseorconstructionofadequateLodgeproperties.

BUDGET

A budget should be carefully prepared to cover the regularoperatingexpensesoftheLodge,foreachMasonicyear.IfthebudgetindicatesthatexpenseswillexceedincomefromduesandinterestfromLifeMemberships,itmaybenecessarytopresentachoicetothemembers—eitheracutinbudgetedexpenses,oranincreaseinannualdues.

The following is a suggested form of budget, which can beadaptedtotheneedsoftheindividualLodge:

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___________________________LodgeNo._______

Receipts: Disbursements:Dues$______ Salaries$InterestfromLife RentMemberships$______ Light&WaterTotalincomefor NaturalGasOperatingExpenses$______ Refreshments Entertainment Telephone PostageNote:OperatingIncome MonthlyBulletinmaybeincluded,suchas Funerals&Flowersrevenuefromadvertising GrandLodgeDuesinBulletin,orinterest Insuranceonoperatingfundsonshort­ Miscellaneousterminvestments. Totalexpenses $_______________

In preparing the budget, the committee should review theoperatingexpensesforthethreeyearspreceding.Thesecanbeobtained from theFinancialStatementof theLodgewhich isfurnishedtotheGrandLodge.

FEES

TheCodeprovidesthattheBy­LawsoftheLodgeshallprescribethefeeforeachofthedegrees.

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Fees, less theamountdue theGrandLodge, shouldnotbeincludedas current income,but shouldbe dedicated to con­tingency funds. Contingency funds may include maintenance,repairorconstructionofLodgeproperties,paraphernaliarepairorreplacement,orspecialcharityandrelieffunds.

Toencouragepetitions,feesshouldnotbesubstantiallyhigherthanthatofotherLodgesinthegeneralarea.

DUES

TheCoderequiresthattheAnnualDuesofaLodgebespeci­fiedinitsBy­Laws,andshallbedueonJanuary1stofeachyear.Theannualduesshouldbeataleveladequatetomeetbudgetedoperatingexpenses.EstimatedincomefromduesshouldincludeinterestderivedfromLifeMemberships.

AchangeintheDuesstructurerequiresanamendmenttotheLodgeBy­Laws.

REMITTING DUES

Duesshouldberemittedonlyincasesofbonafidehardship,asprovidedintheCode.TheN.P.D.Committeeshouldbeinthebestpositiontorecommendremission.

ThenamesofmembersrelievedofduesshouldbereportedtotheGrandSecretarywiththeDecemberMonthlyReport.Failure

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tofollowthisprocedurewillimposeontheLodgethepaymentofGrandLodgeDuesforeachmemberwhohasbeenrelievedof dues.This is costly to the Lodgeand may seriouslyaffectestimatedoperatingincome.

DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

Anyfundsderivedfromdonationsorbequestsshouldbere­servedforpropertyimprovementoracquisition,subjecttoanyusespecifiedbythedonor.Aspecialqualifiedcommitteeshouldsolicitdonationsandbequests,andbepreparedtoanswermem­ber’sproceduralquestions.

ASSESSMENTS

An assessment can be proposed to meet unusual financialproblems,suchastoretireanindebtedness,tosupplementexist­ingfundsforthepurchaseofproperties,ortomeetimmediatefinancialproblems.

AnyproposedassessmentonthemembersofaLodgeissubjecttotherequirementsoftheMasonicCodeofOregon.

FUND RAISING

Investment in stocks, bonds, savings accounts, etc., shouldyieldareasonable income,butshouldbemadewithprudentconsiderationforthesecurityoffundssoinvested.TheMasonic

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Codesetsout certain requirements for thehandlingof fundsandsecurities.

DISPOSITION OF OPERATING INCOME

Operatingfundsinacheckingaccountshouldnotexceedcashrequirementstomeetcurrentexpenses.

Excessoperatingfundsshouldbeplacedinasavingsaccountorothershort­termsecurities,wheretheywillbeasreadilyavail­ableasoperatingexpensesmayrequire.

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V. COMMITTEES

INTRODUCTION

The following is a brief outline of the duties and suggestedpersonnelofcommittees.Carefulconsiderationshouldbeusedinmakingappointments.ItissuggestedthattheSeniorWardencompleteplansandselectionsforhisappointivecommitteesbyatleastSeptember.Allmembersofthecommitteesshouldthenbecontacted,thedutiesexplainedandtheiracceptancereceived.

ManycommitteesareofsuchimportanceinaLodgethattoensurethecontinuityofaprogramseriousconsiderationshouldbegiventoappointingmembersonacontinuingbasis.

COMMITTEESREQUIREDBYTHECODE

A.AUDITING

Threequalifiedmembers.

Tothefunctionsofthiscommitteeasoutlinedinthemanual,thefollowingsuggestionsareadded:

(1)WorkwiththeSecretaryinpreparationoflistsofpastduemembers.

(2)ProvidetheFinanceandBudgetcommitteeswithnecessary

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reportstoenablethosecommitteestofunctionasrequestedbytheWorshipfulMaster.

(3)AssisttheSecretaryandTreasurerinpreparationofreportsnecessarytofilewiththeGrandSecretary.

(Note)Makethisaworkingcommitteethewholeyear.

B.CHARITY

TheMasterandWardensshallbeacommitteeoncharityandshallhavepowertoactindisbursingfundsasprovidedintheLodgeBy­Laws.Anymemberknowingofasituation involvinganycaseinwhichtheLodgemaybeabletorenderassistanceshould bring this information to the attention of the com­mittee. The information should be reported to the Lodge forconsideration.CHARITY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYMASON.

C.EXAMINATIONOFVISITORS

Thiscommitteehas todowith theexaminationofaMasterMasonwhoisvisitingtheLodgeforthefirsttimeandwhocannotbevouchedfor.Itissuggestedthatthecommitteebeappointedthefirstoftheyearandbecomposedofenoughmembersthataqualifiedcommitteewillbeavailabletoactateverymeeting.Theyshouldbesatisfied ineach instance that thevisitor isaMason.Theyshouldseethatheisseatedwithothermembers.

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(See“ExaminingandBeingaVisitor”inthegeneralsectionfordetails)

D.FINANCE

SeniorWardenandtwoothermembers

This committee in addition to authorizing payment of billsshouldworkwith theWorshipfulMaster,Secretary,Treasurer,BudgetandPastDuesCommitteesincontrollingorimprovingthefinancialconditionoftheLodge.TheSecretaryandTreasurershouldbeconsultedtoascertaincurrentmonthlyfinancialsta­tus,havingtheprojectedconditionoftheLodgeinmind.Thiscommittee shouldbeprepared to report to theLodgeat thedirectionoftheMaster.

E.GRIEVANCE

JuniorWardenandtwoothermembers

ThiscommitteeshouldstudyandfamiliarizeitselfwiththePenal Code. They must thoroughly understand Lodge andGrand Lodge authority and Trial Commission jurisdiction.WheneverpossibleemphasizeatLodgeOfficers’MeetingswhatconstitutesMasonicandmoraloffensesandthediffer­encesbetweenMasonicandCivilOffensesandtrials.

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F.INVESTIGATION

ThreequalifiedmembersappointedbytheMaster.

ThiscommitteeshouldnotincludeanymemberoftheLodgewhohasrecommendedthepetitioner,orwhosenamehasbeengivenasreference.ThemembersofthecommitteeshallbemadeknowntoeachotherandtotheLodge.Thiscommitteeshouldberecognizedasaveryimportantoneandcarefulconsiderationshouldbemadeas to thequalificationsof eachmemberap­pointed.ItissuggestedthattheMasterpersonallygettogetherwiththiscommitteeandexplaintothemwhatisexpectedofthemandstresstheimportanceofpersonalcontacts.(SeeInvestiga­tionsinthegeneralsectionfordetails.)

G.TRUSTEES

TheBy­LawsoftheLodgemakeprovisionfortheselectionoftrustees.TheirdutyistohavechargeoftheinvestedfundsandanyrealpropertyoftheLodge.

GRANDLODGEPROGRAMS

ItissuggestedcommitteesbeappointedtoassistincarryingoutGrandLodgePrograms.

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OPTIONALCOMMITTEES

Some or all of the following suggested committees may befoundusefulbyyourLodge.

A.MEMBERS(BIOGRAPHY,OCCUPATION,TALENTSANDHOBBIES)

Thedutiesofthiscommitteewouldconsistofmakingacardindexorotherappropriaterecord(suchasadatabase)ofeachmember,showingabriefhistoryofthememberasoutlinedintheheading.SuchanindexcouldprovemosthelpfultotheMas­ter,theOfficersandCommitteeChairmenforpickingqualifiedmembersforanyactivity.

B.PARLIAMENTARYPROCEDURE

ThiscommitteecanbeofassistancetotheMasterincarryingonanefficient,well­organizedmeeting.(SeethesectiononMa­sonicParliamentaryProcedurefordetails.)

C.AMENDMENTOFBY­LAWS

IncaseanamendmentistobeproposedtochangetheBy­LawsacommitteeshouldbeappointedtostudyandpreparetheformofamendmentforproposaltotheLodgeforitsconsideration.

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D.BUDGET

It shouldbe thedutyof this committee tostudy theLodgefinancialreportsandprepareabudget.ThiscommitteeshouldworkincloseharmonywiththeFinanceCommittee,theWorship­fulMasterandTrustees.(SeeOperatingBudget,FeesandDues,andLodgeFinancesinthegeneralsectionfordetails.)

E.COACHING(CANDIDATES)

ThisisaveryimportantassignmentandcarefulconsiderationshouldbegivenbytheMasterintheappointmentofthemembertocoachtheCandidate.Thecoachandthementordonothavethesamejobfunction.

F.MENTORCOMMITTEE

Thepurposeofthiscommitteeistoimplementthementorplan.(SeeTheMentorinthegeneralsection.)

G.RITUALCOMMITTEE

Itissuggestedthataqualifiedmemberbeappointedforeachdegree,toworkwiththecommitteeonMasonicInstruction.

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H.ILLNESSANDDISTRESSCOMMITTEES

I.FUNERALS

This committee can assist in funeral arrangements of thedeceasedmemberandrenderservicetotheirlovedones.TheefficientworkofthiscommitteewillreflecttrueMasonryintheeyesofthefamilyandfriends.

II.CHILDREN’SCOMMITTEE

Thiscommitteeshouldmakepersonalcontactwiththosecon­cernedandreporttheirfindingstotheLodgeforfurtheraction.Anymemberknowingofanysuchcasesshouldreport totheLodgesothatthecommitteecouldinvestigatethecause.EDU­CATIONALASSISTANCEMAYBEAVAILABLE.CHECKWITHTHEDISTRICTDEPUTY.

III.SHUT­INS

EverymemberoftheLodgeshouldserveonthiscommittee.Visitationsshouldnotberestrictedtothehospitalorhomeof sick members. The older (in age) should be visited andgivennewsoftheLodge.Inquiryshouldbemadeastotheirhealth,theirfinancialsituationanddesiresastoterminalar­rangements.Thesehave tobehandleddiscreetlyandwithtact.ReportsshouldbemadetotheWorshipfulMasterandSecretary.Asneeded,theSecretaryshouldrefercasestotheOutReach Program. On special occasions, the committee

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shouldarrangetransportationtoandfromtheLodgeforthosewhodesiretoattendmeetings.Widowsshouldalsobevisitedandiftherearechildrenofschoolage,inquiryshouldbemadeastotheneedforeducationalassistance.Thiscommitteecanexemplify Masonic Charity. On “Open” meeting evenings theoldermembers,widowsandorphanscanbeinvited.RememberthememberorwidowattheMasonicandEasternStarHomeatJenningsMcCallCenterinForestGrove.

IV.WIDOWSOFDECEASEDMASONS

ThiscommitteeshouldkeepincontactwiththewidowsandreporttotheLodgeincaseanyassistancemightbeneeded.ItisalsosuggestedthatthecommitteemakeanannualreporttotheLodge.ThiswouldrequirepersonalcontactandthepublicimageofMasonrywouldbebroughttolight.

Note:ThetelephonecommitteeandallBrothersshouldassist.

I.MEMBERSHIPCOMMITTEES

A.DELINQUENTDUES

EverymemberoftheLodgeshouldbeinterestedincontactingthosebrethrenwithwhomhehasbeenassociated.(SeeN.P.D.andRemittingDuesinthegeneralsectionfordetails.)

B.SOJOURNERS

Thiscommitteeshouldattempttoobtainthenamesandad­

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dressesofallsojournersintheareaneartheLodge.Eachso­journershouldbecontacted,invitedandaccompaniedtoaLodgemeeting.Theyshouldbeintroducedtotheofficersandmembersbefore themeeting; theExaminationCommitteeplannedandarrangedforinadvance.

TheWorshipfulMastershouldreceiveacompletelistofthosepresent,givingname,officeheldifany,Lodgeandlocality.EachsojournershouldbewelcomedfromtheEast.Thecommitteemustfollowupandgeteachsojournertobecomearegularvisi­torand,ifpossible,amemberbyaffiliation.SuggestaspecialSojournersnightannually.

J.LODGEATTENDANCECOMMITTEES

A.HOSPITALITY

Thiscommitteeshouldbechosenfrommembersqualifiedtocommunicateeasilywithvisitorsandshouldextendtothemacordialreception.

B.PUBLICITY

Thiscommitteeisresponsibleforpublicity.Itmustberespon­sible to the WorshipfulMaster.Nothing shouldbe printed orpublishedwithouttheWorshipfulMaster’sauthorization.

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C.TELEPHONE

ThenumberofmemberstoserveonthiscommitteedependsonthetotalnumberofLodgemembers.Itissuggestedthatanofficerbethechairman.Carefulpreparationofa“telephonelist”ofthosememberswhocanbecontactedisimportant.DeterminefromyourrosterthosememberswhocouldattendLodge.Thetelephonecommitteeshouldalsocontactwiveswhenladiesareinvited.

D.TRANSPORTATION

Theresponsibilityofthiscommitteeistooffertransportationtothosememberswhoareunabletoattendthemeetingswithoutthishelp.Thecommitteeshouldalsoarrangetransportationforanyvisitations.

E.TRESTLEBOARD

ThisLodgeactivityistheresponsibilityoftheMaster.How­ever,hemaydelegatethepreparationofthemonthlyLodgebulletintooneormoreofhisofficersorotherresponsiblemembers.

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MISCELLANEOUSCOMMITTEES

A.APPENDANTBODIES

Thiscommitteecanactasa liaisonbetweentheLodgeandappendantbodies,andkeeptheLodgeadvisedoftheactivitiesandareasofpossiblecooperation.AnyspecialeventsrequiringthecooperationoftheLodgemaybehandledbythecommittee.

B.CIVICANDCOMMUNITY

ThiscommitteeshouldkeepabreastofanycommunityorcivicactivitiesandreporttotheLodgefortheiractionandparticipa­tion.TheinformationshouldformthenucleusoftheWorshipfulMaster’sprogramforeducationalcommunications.

C.PROGRAM

ThiscommitteeshouldincludetheJuniorWarden

ThecommitteeshouldbeinstructedbytheWorshipfulMastertoworkoutdetailsandmakecontactsforallopenmeetings,andentertainmentsubjecttohisapproval.Oneobjectofthiscom­mitteeshouldbetoformulateandorganize“OPEN”meetingssotheteachings,principlesandobjectivesofFreemasonrycanbeimpressedupontheuninitiated.Meetingscouldbearrangedandplannedaroundthefollowing:FlagDay,ConstitutionDay,Oregon’sStatehood,VeteransDay,LodgeAnniversary,St.Johns

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Day,etc.Themembersoftheyouthgroupsshouldbeinvitedtoparticipateasmuchaspossible.

D.GRANDLODGELEGISLATION

IftheLodgewishestoproposeGrandLodgelegislation,thiscommitteecancorrelatetheinformationandpresentittotheLodgeforacceptanceandpresentationtotheGrandLodge.ThiscommitteecanalsostudyanyproposedlegislationandreporttotheLodge.

E.LODGEHISTORY

TheWorshipfulMastershouldappointahistorian.Thehisto­rian’sdutyistosearchtheLodgerecords,studythemember­ship(pastandpresent),ascertainandrecordMasonicandCivicactivitiesofthemembers,andpreparehistoricalandinterestingMasonicfactsabouttheLodgebystudyingtheminutes.ManyitemscanbeusedbytheWorshipfulMasterinthepreparationofaninterestingmeeting.

F.NATIONAL,STATEANDLOCALISSUES

ThiscommitteeshouldassembleallavailableinformationonanyoftheseissuesandinformtheLodge.Ifspeakersaretobeobtainedtogivefurtherinformation,thecommitteecanmakethearrangementsfortheMaster.

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G.YOUTHGROUPS

ThiscommitteeshouldcontacttheadvisorofDeMolay,Job’sDaughters,andRainbowGirls,havingthemextendinvitationstoLodgememberstovisitandwitnesstheirdegreework.TheorganizationsshouldalsobeinvitedtoexemplifytheirworkintheLodgeroom.Carefulstudywillprovetheyouthorganizationsneedencouragementratherthanfinancialassistance.Havethemparticipateactivelyatsomeofthe“Open”meetings—FlagDay,Constitution Day, Salute to Oregon, Veterans Day, ushers forchurchservice,etc.

VI. MASONIC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Whenwethinkofparliamentaryprocedure,wegenerallythinkofRobert’sRulesofOrder.WhileRobert’sRulesarewidelyacceptedbymostorganizations,manydonotapplyinaMasonicmeeting.

Robert’sRulesaredesignedtogivethechairtheauthoritytogovern,butthepowertomakefinaldecisionsisvestedinthehandsofthegoverned.Thisistoensurethatthechairdoesnotgoverntheorganizationinadictatorialmanner.

InaMasonicLodgeitisnecessarythatthefinalauthoritybevestedintheWorshipfulMaster.Heischarged,athisinstallation,withtheresponsibilitytocarryouttherequirementssetforthintheCodeoftheGrandLodgeofOregonandtheBy­Lawsofhis

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Lodge.HeisalsochargedwiththeresponsibilityforensuringthatnothingthatisinconsistentwithMasonicteachingisdiscussedorvotedonintheLodge.WhiletheMasterhaswidepowersforgoverninghisLodge,thesepowersarenotunlimited.

HemustruleandgovernhisLodgeaccordingtotherulessetforthintheCode,theStandardManual,andtheBy­LawsofhisLodge.

SomeofthemajordifferencesbetweenRobert’sRulesandtheMasonicRulesofOrderare:

1.TheMastercannotacceptamotionfromthefloortolayanitemofbusinessonthetable.Amembermayrecommendthatanitemofbusinessbedeferreduntilalatermeeting,butonlytheMasterhastheauthoritytodeferit.

2.TheMastercannotacceptamotionfromthefloortoadjournorcloseameeting.ThetimeofclosingisdeterminedsolelybytheMaster.

3.TheMastercannotacceptamotionfromthefloortopost­poneanitemofbusiness.

4.TheMastercannotacceptamotionfromthefloorthatlim­itsorextendsdebate.TheMastersolelydecidesthelengthofdebate,oriftherewillbedebate.

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5.TheMastercannotacceptamotiontovotebyvoice.TherearenovoicevotesinMasonry.

6.TheMastercannotacceptamotiontowaivetheBy­LawsoftheLodge.

7.TheMastercannotacceptamotionthatsetsthetimeoffuturemeetings.ThetimesanddatesofStatedCommunicationsaresetintheBy­LawsoftheLodgeandcannotbewaived.SpecialCommunicationsareatthediscretionoftheMaster.

8.TheMastercannotacceptamotionfromthefloortoreferanitemofbusinesstoacommittee,exceptasstatedintheCodeconcerningaPetitionfortheDegreesofMasonry.InallotherinstancestheMastermustdecidewhatisreferredtoacommitteeforhealonehasthepowertoappointcommittees.

9.TheMasterhasthepowertointroduceanitemofbusinessandcallforavotewithoutdebate.Whilethisshouldbedoneonlyinrarecircumstances,itisstillwithinhisauthority.

TheMastershouldneverruleorgovernhisLodgeinanarbitrarymanner,butwithmoderationanddecorum.ForthisreasonhemustbethoroughlyfamiliarwiththeserulesoforderaswellasthecodeoftheGrandLodgeandtheBy­LawsofhisLodge.HehasbeengivenwidepowerstogovernforthegoodofMasonry,andhemustkeephisobligationeverbeforehimashegovernshisLodge.

82

Type Motion Purpose Master Second Debatable Amendable Vote Accept Req’d Req’d

1.Mainmotion Introduce Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes business

2.Topostpone Suppressaction No

3.Toamend Modifya Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes motion

4.Amendan Modifya Yes Yes Yes No Yes amendment motion

5.Refertoa Forfurther No committee study

6.Tolimitor Modify No extenddebate freedomof debate

7.Previous Forceanim­ No question mediatevote

8.Layonthe Defer No table action

9.Toreconsider Considera Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes defeated motion

10.Torescind Repealpre­ Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes viousaction

11.Suspendthe Waivethe No rules by­laws

12.Todividea Considerpart Yes Yes No Yes Yes motion separately

13.Objectto Supress Yes No No No No consideration action ofamotion

14.Tocallfor Verifya No arollcallvote voicevote

15.Risetoa Toaska Yes No No No No pointoforder question

16.Risetoa Makea Yes No No No No questionof request privilege duringdebate

17.Torecess Temporarily No dismiss meeting

18.Toadjourn Dismiss No meeting

19.Fixtimefor Arrangetime No futuremeeting fornext meeting

PARLIAMENTARYNOTICES

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