No. 31. Determining The Masonic Year

Decision: The Acting Master of a lodge decided that members assessed for dues on the 22nd of April, 1880, were a year in arrears on the 14th of April, 1881, on the ground that it was a "Masonic year." He also decided that a notice issued on the 14th of April, requiring the delinquent to appear for trial on the 9th of June, was two months' notice as required by the by-laws of the lodge, on the ground that it covered two regular communications, which was what was intended by the by-laws.

I decided both these questions in the negative, on the ground that we know no such thing as "Masonic" years or months. That a year in the by-laws meant what it said, and in the case under consideration extended from April 22nd, 1880, to April 22nd, 1881. Likewise, that the two months, referred to in the by-laws, must be taken to be two full months, and not the time from one regular communication to the next but one succeeding.

Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.27. May 15, 1882. (Freeman, GM)

No. 32. Residents With Out-Of-State Residences

Decision, A lodge cannot lawfully receive a petition for the degrees from a profane, who, although he has lived for more than a year within the jurisdiction of the lodge, yet has maintained a legal residence in another State, and within the year next preceding the time of making application for the degrees, has exercised the right of suffrage in that State.

Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.13. November 20, 1882. (Vincent, GM)

No. 33. Affiliation Without Certificate Of Demit

Decision: A lodge can receive and act upon the petition of a brother for affiliation before he has applied for or obtained a demit from the lodge of which he is a member.

Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.20. November 20, 1882. (Vincent, GM)

No. 34. Written Application For Re-Admission

Decision: It is unnecessary for a Mason, stricken from the roll for non-payment of dues, and desiring re-admission, to make a written application.

If a written petition is presented it need not be recommended, referred or lie over. At any regular communication of the lodge, if a brother whose name has been struck from the roll for non-payment of dues shall have paid all dues as required by Article VII, Section 1.7.27 of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, it would be proper for any member of the lodge to move that he be re-admitted to membership, or it would be proper for the Master to put the question without a motion.

Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.27. November 29, 1882. (Vincent, GM)

No. 35. Applications Following Rejection

Decision: A Master Mason in good standing, whose application for membership has been rejected by a lodge, may at once make a new application to the same or to any other lodge.

Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.20. November 19, 1883. (Vincent, GM)

No. 36. Withdrawal Of Ballots

Decision: In a case where a ballot, upon the petition for the degrees has been taken, and the box ordered to be presented for examination, a brother stated that though mistake he had deposited a black ballot, and requested the Worshipful Master's permission to withdraw the same.

We decided that although it was proper for the brother to make known to the lodge his mistake, yet he could not be allowed to withdraw his ballot; neither could the Master declare the ballot clear, but that the remaining ballots must be collected in the same manner as usual in case of a rejection, and another ballot taken.

Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.25. November 17, 1884. (Klapp, GM)

No. 37. When A Master Is Considered Such

Decision: We decided that a brother having been duly elected Master of a lodge, and having taken the oath of office, administered by lawful authority, thereby becomes its Master.

Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.4. November 15, 1886. (Klapp, GM)

No. 38. How Charges Affect Other Rights

Decision: The fact that charges have been preferred against a brother should not debar him from voting, or holding office in his lodge.

General Regulations, Article IV, Sec. 2.4.1. May 20, 1889. (Ackley, GM)