A digest of masonic law

Introduction

Constitutions.

Digest of Masonic Law.

Index to Constitutions

INTRODUCTION.

The Craft in Massachusetts have long felt the need of an authoritative epitome of the Masonic law of the jurisdiction, a compendium, or collation, of the decisions of the Grand Lodge and the rulings of its Grand Masters for almost one hundred and fifty years. For nearly one-half of that period none of the Grand Lodge Proceedings were published. Its Constitutions were first printed in 1792. Brief circulars are in existence, issued in 1801, containing reports of committees; but it is believed that the publication of Proceedings was not commenced until 1803. They have been issued annually since, with very few exceptions. Until within the last twenty years these abstracts have been very meagre and the editions very small. The lapse of time, negligence, indifference, and destruction by fire have wrought such sad havoc in our archives that not a single complete series of the printed Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is known to exist. Few libraries contain any of earlier date than 1858. Since that period the published abstracts of the record have been full and very liberally distributed. Nevertheless, comparatively few of the Brethren see these reports, fewer still read them, and, even when they are preserved, the best-informed Brethren find it difficult to refer to them for information upon any particular subject.

— vi Introduction.

So pressing became the need of the Fraternity, in this respect, that, at the Annual Communication of the M.W. Grand Lodge in December last, it was voted that a committee be appointed to prepare " a Digest of Masonic Law and the Regulations of this Grand Lodge relating to subordinate Lodges." The M.W. Grand Master was pleased to appoint as such committee the following-named Brethren : —

R.W. Tracy P. Cheever, Past Grand Warden and President of the Board of Commissioners of Trials.

R.W. William S. Gardner, Past Grand Master.

R.W. Sereno D. Nickerson, Past Grand Master.

R.W. Charles Levi Woodbury, Past Deputy Grand Master.

R.W. William F. Salmon, Past Grand Warden and Chairman of the Committee on By-Laws.

The principal part of the labor devolving upon this committee has been performed by the chairman. He has very carefully searched the Records and printed Proceedings of the Grand Lodge and prepared a brief abstract, or summary, of every decision, or ruling, either of the Grand Lodge, or any of its Grand Masters, which was intended to have the force of law, provided it was not incorporated in the Constitutions or subsequently overruled. He has also diligently studied the pages of that treasury of Masonic knowledge, "The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine." The long and varied experience of the editor, R.W. Charles W. Moore, gave clearness and vigor to his opinions, which he supported with the most cogent and conclusive reasoning. While elsewhere regarded

Introduction, vii

with profound respect, in this jurisdiction- his conclusions have long been considered as maxims of Masonic law.

The principles drawn from the two sources above named have been carefully and thoroughly revised by the other members of the committee, and can be relied upon as sound and of binding authority. As nearly as possible the very language of the authority quoted has been retained, the committee knowing that in most cases the writers were aware that they were making law, and that clearness and precision were indispensable. The committee have scrupulously refrained from expressing their own opinions, deeming it their duty to present the law as it is, rather than as they might think it should be.

At the Quarterly Communication of the M.W. Grand Lodge in September last it was "Voted, That the Digest of Masonic Law this day reported by the committee be published by the Grand Lodge, in connection with the revised Constitutions, as an authoritative declaration of the law of this jurisdiction. "

The task of the committee has been attended with considerable labor, and they trust its result may prove acceptable and profitable to their Brethren throughout the jurisdiction.

Boston, October 5, 1878.

CONSTITUTIONS

OF THE

AND

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CRAFT UNDER ITS JURISDICTION.

Containing the Ame?idments to Sept., i8*]8.

ACT OF INCORPORATION

IN THE YEAR ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY-NINE.

AN ACT

TO INCORPORATE THE MASTER, WARDENS, AND MEMBERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: —

Section i. — John T. Heard, Grand Master, and his associates, the Grand Wardens and Members of the Voluntary Association known as the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Massachusetts, and their successors, are hereby incorporated, and made a body politic, by the name of ' 'The Master, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts," for the purpose of managing and administering the charity funds belonging to said voluntary association, with power to have a common seal, to sue and be sued, to make and ordain, from time to time, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, for the government and management of the Corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth ; and that they have all the privileges, and be subject to all the liabilities set forth in the forty-fourth chapter of the

4 Act of Incorporation.

Revised Statutes, so far as the same are applicable to Corporations for charitable purposes.

Sect. 2. — The said Corporation may take by purchase, gift, grant, or otherwise, and hold Real Estate not exceeding the value of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars [since increased to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars^ and personal estate not exceeding the value of Fifty Thousand Dollars.

Sect. 3. — John T. Heard is hereby authorized to call the first meeting of said Corporation, by advertisement in two newspapers printed in Boston one week previous thereto, and appoint the time and place thereof, at which meeting the mode of calling future meetings shall be regulated.

Sect. a. — This act shall take effect on and after its passage.

House of Representatives, March 1, 1859.

Passed to be enacted.

CHARLES HALE, Speaker.

In Senate, March 1, 1859.

Passed to be enacted.

CHARLES A. PHELPS, President.

March 1, 1859.

Approved.

N. P. BANKS.

Secretary's Department, Boston, March 2, 1859.

A true copy.

Attest, OLIVER WARNER,

Secretary of the Commonwealth,

CONSTITUTIONS

OF THE

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

PREAMBLE.

HEREAS, the voluntary association known by the title of "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,'' has obtained and accepted an Act of Incorporation from the General Court of Massachusetts, dated March I, 1859, with power " to make and ordain, from time to time, By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations for the government and management of the Corporation, provided the same be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of this Commonwealth" :

Now, therefore, the said Grand Lodge doth hereby make, ordain, and promulgate the following as the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Master, Wardens, and Members of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.

i [Part I.

$art jFtrst*

ARTICLE I.

Seal. — Board of Directors.

Section i. — The seal heretofore used by the Grand Lodge, when acting as a voluntary association, shall be the Seal of the Corporation, to be kept and used by the Recording Grand Secretary.

Sect. 2. — The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Grand Master and eight other members, of whom four, at least, shall be permanent members of the Grand Lodge, and four may be chosen from the members of the subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth, who shall, while they are Directors, be members of the Grand Lodge. At each Annual Meeting or Communication four Directors shall be chosen for two years. Vacancies may be filled at any Stated

Part i.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 7

Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge, for an unexpired term. The Board of Directors may appoint its own Clerk, who shall be Clerk of the Corporation, and shall remain in office until his successor is elected and qualified. The Grand Master shall be President of the Board, and, in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master shall act and preside in his place. New members of the Board shall enter upon their duties after the annual installation of the Grand Master. Meetings of said Board shall be called and notified in such manner and at such times as it shall determine ; and the action of a majority of the Board shall be binding; said Board, however, shall be at all times subject to the direction of the Corporation. In the absence of directions by the Corporation, said Board shall have full power to do and transact any and all business of the Corporation in any way relating to its property, real and personal ; but shall not exercise any powers of the Grand Lodge not expressly given to it, and shall make a full report of its doings at each Annual Meeting or Communication of the Grand Lodge.

8 Constitutions of the [Part t.

ARTICLE II.

Officers and Members. — Rank and Titles. «

SECTION i. — The officers and members of the Grand Lodge, and their rank and titles, shall be as follows : —

i. M.W. Grand Master.

6. R.W. Past Deputy Grand Masters.

11. R.W. District Deputy Grand Masters.

12. W. and Rev. Grand Chaplains.

13. W. Grand Marshal.

14. W. Grand Lecturers.

15. W. Senior Grand Deacon.

16. W. Junior Grand Deacon.

17. W. Grand Stewards.

18. W. Grand Sword-Bearer.

19. W. Grand Standard-Bearer.

20. W. Grand Pursuivants.

21. Bro. Grand Organist.

22. Bro. Grand Tyler

All of whom, together with the Worshipful Masters, the Senior and Junior Wardens, and

Fart l] Gra?id Lodge of Massachusetts. 9

proxies of Lodges, under this jurisdiction, shall be entitled to vote as members of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Organist and Grand Tyler excepted.

ARTICLE III.

Time and Place of Communications.

SECTION i. — The Regular Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge shall be held in the city of Boston, on the second Wednesday in December, March, June, and September, at 2 o'clock, P.M. A Communication shall also be held annually on the 27th of December, commencing at 4 o'clock, P.M., or at such earlier hour as the Grand Master may direct, for the Installation of the Grand Officers, and the celebration of the Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist.

Sect. 2. — The Communications of the Grand Lodge, whether Regular or Special, shall be notified by publication in one or more newspapers printed in the city of Boston at least one week prior to the time appointed for holding such Communications. Special Communications may be called at pleasure by the presiding officer of the Corporation.

i o Constitutions of the [Part i.

ARTICLE IV.

Powers of the Grand Lodge.

SECTION i. — By virtue of the ancient Constitutions and usages of Freemasonry, the Grand Lodge, as the supreme Masonic authority in this Commonwealth, is invested with certain original, essential, and unalterable powers and privileges. Among these is the power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Craft, and of altering, repealing, and abrogating them ; of establishing and preserving a uniform system of Work and Lectures ; of issuing Dispensations and Charters for new Lodges, and of suspending or revoking the same for unmasonic conduct, the non-observance of the Regulations of the Grand Lodge, the non-payment of dues, or other neglect of duty.

Sect. 2. — The Grand Lodge has also the inherent power of investigating, regulating, and deciding all matters relative to the Craft, or to particular Lodges, or to individual Brothers ; which power it may exercise either by itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom and discretion, it may appoint; but in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power of revoking the Charters of Lodges and expelling or suspending

Part i.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 1 1

Brethren from the rights and privileges of Masonry.

ARTICLE V.

Qualifications of Grand Officers.

SECTION i. — No Brother shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Recording Grand Secretary, Corresponding Grand Secretary, or District Deputy Grand Master, unless he be a Past Master of a subordinate Lodge, under the jurisdiction of some Grand Lodge, or has heretofore held one of the aforesaid offices in this Grand Lodge ; and neither of the officers here specially enumerated shall, during his continuance in office, be Master or Warden of a subordinate Lodge.

SECT. 2. — No Brother shall be eligible to an office in Grand Lodge except he be a permanent member thereof, or a member of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction.

ARTICLE VI.

Election of Grand Officers.

SECTION i. — The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Recording Grand

Secretary shall be elected by ballot, on the second Wednesday in December, annually; the election to commence at 3 o'clock, P.M. Two-thirds of the votes collected shall be necessary to a choice. *

SECT. 2. — In case of the death, resignation, or declination of any of the above Grand Officers, the Grand Lodge may proceed to elect and install a successor at any Regular Communication after such event. In case of the death, resignation, declination, or disability of the Grand Treasurer or Recording Grand Secretary, the Grand Master may appoint and qualify a suitable Brother to act in the office thus vacated, until an election by the Grand Lodge.

SECT. 3. — The Grand Master and Grand Wardens shall not be eligible to their respective offices for more than three years successively, except by unanimous vote of Grand Lodge, taken by ballot, at the Annual Meeting, on the question of renomination. If the ballot be clear in the affirmative, they may again be put in nomination for reelection.

SECT. 4. — All Grand Officers not herein designated for election shall be appointed by the Grand Master.

SECT. 5. — In all elections by ballot, every member of the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to part i.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 1 3

one vote, and one only, unless he be a representative of a subordinate Lodge. A member cannot delegate his right of voting to another.

SECT. 6. — No officer or permanent member of the Grand Lodge shall be entitled to more than one vote, unless he be also a Master, Warden, or Proxy, of a subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction. A permanent member, resuming office in Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to one vote only.

ARTICLE VII.

Installation of Grand Officers.

SECTION i. — The officers of the Grand Lodge shall be annually installed on the ensuing Anniversary of Saint John the Evangelist. When that festival shall happen on a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, the installation shall take place on the following Tuesday. The Grand Master shall be installed by his immediate predecessor; or, in his absence, by the Senior Past Grand Master present; and, in the absence of such Past Grand Master, by the Senior Past Master present.

SECT. 2. — In case the Grand Master elect cannot attend at the time appointed for his installation, he may be installed by proxy, on signifying his acceptance of the office. But such proxy must be a Past Grand Master, or the Senior Past Master present.

SECT. 3. — The Grand Master, if present, shall install the elective officers and his Deputy. If absent, his proxy shall install the Deputy Grand Master, who shall install the remaining officers. The appointed officers may be installed by the Deputy Grand Master. In the absence of the Deputy Grand Master, either of the Grand Wardens, the Grand Treasurer, or Recording Grand Secretary, they may be installed by proxies, who shall be past officers of corresponding rank, or Past Masters of subordinate Lodges and members of the Grand Lodge. The proxies for all other officers, except Grand Chaplain and Tyler, must also be members of the Grand Lodge.

Sect. 4. — The several Grand Officers, previous to their installation, shall make the following declaration : —

I solemnly promise, upon the honor of a Mason,

that, in the office of , I will, according to the

best of my abilities, strictly comply with the Constitutions and Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and all other ancient Masonic usages, so far as the same shall come to my knowledge.

SECT. 5. — All Grand Officers, when installed, shall be proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, and

Part i.j Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 1 5

shall retain their stations until their successors are duly elected and installed.

Sect. 6. — No elected officer of the Grand Lodge shall act as such until he is duly installed.

ARTICLE VIII.

Power and Duty of Grand Officers.

SECTION i. — The Grand Master enjoys ex officio all the powers and prerogatives conferred by the ancient Constitutions and the usages and landmarks of the Craft. He may convene any Lodge within his jurisdiction, preside therein (with his officers or otherwise), inspect its proceedings, and require its conformity with the regulations of the Grand Lodge ; and for dereliction of duty, or other unmasonic conduct, he may suspend a Brother, or a Lodge, until the ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, when he shall present the reasons for such suspension in writing. He may also grant Dispensations for processions and conferring the degrees, and do all such other acts and deeds as are warranted or required of him by the regulations and the ancient usages of the Fraternity.

Sect. 2. — The Deputy Grand Master shall, in the absence of the Grand Master, preside in Grand Lodge, and perform such duties, and possess such authority, while the Grand Lodge is in session, as appertain to the Grand Master ; and in case of the inability of the Grand Master to attend, he may call Special Communications of the Grand Lodge, should the interest of the "Craft, in his opinion, at any time require it. He may also, by permission of the Grand Master, in writing, call meetings of the Grand Officers, and such experienced Brethren as they may think proper to invite, for consultation o;i matters relative to the Grand Lodge and its interests. All such meetings, however, not having the approbation of the Grand Master, shall be deemed irregular.

SECT. 3. — In case of the death or resignation of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master shall be, ex officio. Grand Master, until a successor be chosen.

Sect. 4. — The Grand Wardens shall assist the Grand Master, in the Grand Lodge, and, whenever required, shall attend him ; and, while he presides in any particular subordinate Lodge, shall act there as his Wardens.

SECT. 5. — In the absence of the Senior Grand Warden, the Senior Past Grand Warden present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of the Junior Grand Warden, the Junior Past Grand Warden parti.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 17

present shall wear his jewel. In the absence of all Past Grand Wardens, the Senior Past Master present shall act pro tempore.

Sect. 6. — In the absence of the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden shall preside ; and, in his absence, the Junior Grand Warden. In the absence of each of them, the Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, and Grand Wardens, according to seniority; and if no officer of either grade be present, the Senior Past Master shall preside, unless he waive his right in favor of another Past Master. In either of these cases the presiding officer (unless he be a Past Grand Master) shall wear the jewel of the Deputy Grand Master.

Sect. 7. — The Grand Treasurer shall have the charge of the personal property and funds of the Grand Lodge ; shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of his trust, in such sum and with such sureties as the Grand Lodge shall require ; and shall from time to time invest all unappropriated funds in his hands in such manner as the Board of Directors shall direct. He shall receive all moneys from the District Deputy Grand Masters, as well as all other moneys paid to the Grand Lodge ; shall pay all bills passed by the Board of Directors ; and shall have in his care all'the regalia not entrusted to the Senior Grand Steward, and all charters, records, seals, and regalia returned to the Grand Lodge. He shall keep an accurate account of all money by him received and paid ; shall annually render an account thereof, with a schedule of the funds of the Grand Lodge, to the

Board of Directors ; and shall deliver to his suecessor in office the funds and all other property of the Grand Lodge entrusted to his care, taking duplicate receipts for the same, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Recording Grand Secretary.

SECT. 8. — The Recording Grand Secretary shall give seasonable notice, in a public paper, of each Regular Communication of the Grand Lodge ; and shall notify, by letter, all officers and permanent members of the Grand Lodge, together with the Master and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges through their respective Secretaries. Special Communications may be notified in the manner above provided. He shall make a correct record of all the transactions of the Grand Lodge ; receive petitions, applications, and appeals, and lay them before the Grand Master; shall fill, attest, and affix the Grand Seal to all Warrants, Charters, Commissions, and Certificates, by order of the Grand Master; and shall keep a list of all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, according to seniority. He shall present the chairman of every parti.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 19

committee with a copy of the vote of his appointment, shall attend all committees, and produce such documents as are in his possession, when required ; and shall record all reports of committees which may be accepted by the Grand Lodge. He shall annually, in the month of January, forward to each member of the Grand Lodge one copy, and to each District Deputy Grand Master such number of copies of the edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, which have been passed the preceding year, as the Grand Master shall direct, and of all such other transactions of the Grand Lodge as may be necessary for the information and regulation of the subordinate Lodges, in which shall be included a correct list of the officers of the Grand Lodge and District Deputy Grand Masters for the current year. He shall make a transcript of the records in the month of September annually, immediately after the Communication of the Grand Lodge.

SECT. 9. — The Corresponding Grand Secretary shall, if required by the Grand Master, answer, under his direction, any foreign communication made to the Grand Lodge ; and when present, if desired by the Grand Master, read all such communications to the Grand Lodge. It shall also be his duty, from time to time, to lay before the Grand Lodge such matters of Masonic interest as may come to hisknowledge. He shall also be the custodian of the original record books of the Grand Lodge, receiving from the Recording Grand Secretary each volume, as soon as completed, and keep the same in some secure place, to be approved by the Board of Directors.

SECT. io. — The District Deputy Grand Masters shall visit the Lodges in their respective Districts, and inspect their By-Laws, Records, and mode of work, once a year at least, and before the last week in November; but, if they deem it for the interest of Masonry, they may delegate their duties in distant Lodges to some suitable Brother. They shall have power to grant Dispensations for initiation, and, in cases of emergency, for public processions ; shall communicate to the Lodges all edicts and regulations of the Grand Lodge, and furnish them with all such diplomas as they shall be entitled to ; shall receive and receipt for all dues to the Grand Lodge ; receive the returns of the Lodges, and make comments thereon. They shall annually transmit such returns, and all moneys in their hands, to the Grand Treasurer, on or before the first day of December ; and if they shall fail to comply with this regulation, unless prevented by sickness, or by some other cause beyond their control, they shall not be eligible to reappointment. They

Part i.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 2 1

shall be reimbursed their necessary expenses in visiting the Lodges ; but shall present their accounts to the Board of Directors for allowance ; and each District Deputy Grand Master, on receiving from the Grand Treasurer the jewel of his office and the records of the District over which he is appointed, shall give to the Grand Treasurer a receipt in the following form, viz. : —

Whereas, I, , have been appointed and

duly commissioned District Deputy Grand Master of

Massachusetts, for the Masonic District, and

have received the collar and jewel appertaining to said office, and the book of records of said District, I hereby promise to return the same, at the expiration or revocation of my Commission, to the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts ; and, in default thereof, I promise to pay on demand, to the order of said Treasurer, or his successor, the sum of fifty dollars.

Sect. ii. — Two Grand Chaplains shall be appointed by the Grand Master on the day of his installation, who shall attend the Communications of the Grand Lodge, and perform such clerical duties as are suitable to the occasion and as are established by the usages of the Fraternity.

SECT. 12. — The Grand Marshal shall direct the organization of the Grand Lodge before it is opened; shall collect from the members and petitioners in the Grand Lodge all communications, and place them before the Recording Grand Secretary; shall introduce visitors, direct the formation of processions, call the Lodges at every Communication, and communicate and execute all commands of the Grand Master not otherwise provided for.

Sect. 13. — The Grand Deacons shall communicate messages, and attend the Grand Master in all processions ; and in the absence of either of them the Grand Master shall appoint a member to act pro tempore.

SECT. 14. — Four Grand Stewards shall be annually appointed. The Senior Grand Steward shall have in his charge all the jewels, clothing, and furniture of the Grand Lodge; and at the Annual Communication, and previous to the choice of officers, shall render an accurate inventory of everything committed to his care, and deliver the same to his successor in office, taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of which receipts he shall deposit with the Grand Treasurer. He shall, with the assistance of his brother Stewards, properly distribute the jewels and clothing, and collect the same at the closing of the Grand Lodge.

SECT. 15. — The Grand Sword-Bearer shall

Part i.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 23

take rank as assistant Grand Marshal, and, in the absence of his principal, shall act as his substitute.

Sect. 16. — Two Grand Pursuivants shall be annually appointed. Their station shall be at the inner door of the Grand Lodge ; and, under the direction of the Grand Marshal, they shall attend to the admission, seating, and proper clothing of the officers, members, and visitors. They shall also assist the Grand Marshal, and precede in all public processions of the Grand Lodge.

SECT. 17. — Three Past Masters shall be annually appointed Grand Lecturers, who shall exemplify, for the benefit of the Brethren generally, the Work and Lectures of the several degrees, at such times and in such places as the Grand Master shall direct. They shall also impart instruction to any Lodge requiring their services, — the Lodge paying them a reasonable compensation therefor. They shall also visit and instruct any Lodge, under this jurisdiction, at the expense of the Grand Lodge, whenever it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Grand Master that said Lodge is unable to bear the expense ; and shall report to the Grand Master, in writing, whenever they shall discover any deviations, either in the Work or Lectures, from the system adopted by the Grand Lodge.

SECT. 18. — The M.W. Grand Master shall annually appoint a Library Committee, who shall have sole charge of the Library.

SECT. 19. — The Grand Tyler shall guard the outer door, and see that none enter previously to the opening of the Grand Lodge, except the officers and members, unless by special permission of the Grand Master.

Part ii.] Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 25 Part <&ec0ttU*

GRAND CHARITY FUND,

ARTICLE I.

SECTION i. — The Charity Fund established by this Grand Lodge shall be styled " The Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts/' and shall consist of FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.

SECT. 2. — The Charity Fund shall be held in the name of the Grand Lodge, and shall be under the direction of a Board of Trustees ; which Board shall be styled " The Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts."

Sect. 3. — The interest arising annually from this fund shall be appropriated, as the Grand Lodge shall direct, for the relief of such poor and distressed Brethren, their widows and orphans, as may be deemed worthy of assistance ; but all interest unappropriated at the end of each year shall be paid over by the Trustees to the

26 Constitutions of the |Part n.

Treasurer of the Grand Lodge. Provided, nevertheless, That if this fund shall at any time be reduced below the sum prescribed in Section I, all such unappropriated interest shall be added yearly to the principal, until it shall again amount to Fifty Thousand Dollars.

Part Efjirtu

GENERAL REGULATIONS.

ARTICLE I.

Auditi?ig Committee.

Section i. — At each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, an Auditing Committee, consisting of three members of the Grand Lodge, shali be chosen by ballot, who shall audit the accounts of the Treasurer and report to the Grand Lodge, at the ensuing Annual Communication, and before the election of officers, an account of the receipts and expenditures of the preceding year, with a statement of all funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer. They shall also, annually, in November, examine the Records of the Recording Grand Secretary, see that they are properly kept and accurately transcribed, and report thereon at the Annual Communication.