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A - Voting

6.1 Abstracts of votes and ballots

6.1.1 Percentage required in Grand Lodge

6.1.2 Percentage required in subordinate lodges

6.1.1 Percentage required in Grand Lodge

SUBJECT SUMMARY TO PASS
CHARTER Charter may be granted to a new lodge by: Constitution, Art. VI, Sec. 1.6.2 Continuance of a dispensation. MAJORITY VOTE
Voting to grant a charter to a new lodge shall be by ballot if so decided by: Constitution, Art. VI, Sec. 1.6.2 Continuance of a dispensation. ONE-FIFTH VOTE
CONSTITUTION Constitution to be altered or amended by: Constitution, Art. VIII, Sec. 1.8.1 Requirements. TWO-THIRDS VOTE
DISPENSATION Dispensation to a new lodge may be continued by: Constitution, Art. VI, Sec. 1.6.2 Continuance of a dispensation. MAJORITY VOTE
Voting to continue a dispensation to a new lodge shall be by ballot if so decided by: Constitution, Art. VI, Sec. 1.6.2 Continuance of a dispensation. ONE-FIFTH VOTE
ELECTION Election of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary by: Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 1.2.4 Procedure for election. MAJORITY BALLOT
GENERAL REGULATIONS General Regulations to be altered or amended by: Gen. Regulations, Art. VI, Sec. 2.6.1 Requirements. TWO-THIRDS VOTE
PAPER BALLOT Voting and balloting on changes to Constitution or General Regulations shall be by secret paper ballot unless waived by: Constitution, Art. VIII, Sec. 1.8.2 Paper Ballot. TWO-THIRDS VOTE
REPRESENTED Subordinate lodge that has not made its annual returns and paid its dues cannot be represented in Grand Lodge except by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.11 Forfeiture of representation. MAJORITY VOTE

 

6.1.2 Percentage required in subordinate lodges

SUBJECT SUMMARY TO PASS
CHARGES Subordinate lodge may at the regular communication next after the presentation of such charges the refer same to the Commissioners of Trial for a trial of the accused by: Constitution, Art. V, Sec. 1.5.1 Masonic Trials. MAJORITY VOTE
Conviction and also to suspend or expel a member shall be by: Gen. Regulations, Art. IV, Sec. 2.4.1.4 Procedure for subordinate lodges. (Rule 4) TWO-THIRDS VOTE
COMMUNICATION DISPENSED WITH Subordinate lodge may at next regular communication preceding June 15th dispense with regular communications to be held between June 15th and September 15th next ensuing by: Standing Order No. 26. MAJORITY VOTE
MEMBERSHIP Subordinate lodge to admit to membership a brother made in another lodge by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.20 Qualification for membership . UNANIMOUS BALLOT
OBJECTIONS Nature of objection after ballot voluntarily made known to lodge may be overruled by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.21 Objection after balloting. TWO-THIRDS VOTE
Subordinate lodge may overrule objection which has been made to passing or raising of a candidate and which has been investigated by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.22 Objection to passing or raising. MAJORITY VOTE
PETITIONS Subordinate lodge cannot act upon the petition of a rejected applicant of another lodge until recommendation has been obtained from lodge holding jurisdiction granted by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.15. UNANIMOUS BALLOT
Subordinate lodge to confer the first degree upon any person by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.20 Qualification for membership . UNANIMOUS BALLOT
Petition for restoration to the rights and privileges of a brother expelled or suspended for any cause other than the non-payment of dues or assessments after lying over one regular communication may be granted by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.23 Restoration of rights and privileges. (Must be approved by Grand Lodge before valid.) UNANIMOUS VOTE
Subordinate lodge to allow petition for the degrees of Freemasonry to be withdrawn in case of unfavorable report of the committee by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.17 Withdrawal of petitions. UNANIMOUS VOTE
Subordinate lodge to allow petition for the degrees of Freemasonry to be withdrawn in case of favorable report of the committee by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.17 Withdrawal of petitions. MAJORITY VOTE
RECOGNIZE AS A MASON Subordinate lodge or member thereof to recognize as a Mason any resident of this State who has received the degrees of Masonry in another jurisdiction without having first obtained the consent of the lodge claiming jurisdiction over him by: Gen. Regulations, Art. II, Sec. 2.2.2 Receiving degrees from another jurisdiction. UNANIMOUS BALLOT
RESTORATION Petition for restoration of the rights and privileges of a brother expelled or suspended for any cause other than the non-payment of dues or assessments after lying over one regular communication may be granted by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.23 Restoration of rights and privileges. (Must be approved by Grand Lodge before valid.) UNANIMOUS VOTE
Subordinate lodge to restore to membership a suspended or expelled brother who has been restored to rights and privileges of Freemasonry by Grand Lodge upon the reversing or abrogating the decision of a subordinate lodge or of the Commission of Trials by: Gen. Regulations, Art. IV, Sec. 2.2.3 Fees for the three degrees. UNANIMOUS BALLOT
Subordinate lodge to restore to membership a suspended or expelled Mason who by Grand Lodge has been reinstated to rights and privileges of Freemasonry by: Gen. Regulations, Art. IV, Sec. 2.2.4 Approved ritual and lectures. UNANIMOUS BALLOT
Subordinate lodge to restore an expelled Mason to rights and privileges of Freemasonry only if expelled by said lodge and only by: Decision No. 42. UNANIMOUS BALLOT
Member stricken from roll for non-payment of dues or assessments may be readmitted to membership at a regular communication upon certain conditions by: Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.27 Non-payment of dues and assessments. TWO-THIRDS VOTE

B - Rescindments

This article contains two sections: 7.1 Rescinded Decisions and 7.2 Rescinded standing orders. There are two subsections containing lists of rescinded Decisions and Standing Orders. Links to the sections are provided here.

7.1.1 Purpose and scope

7.2.1 Purpose and scope

7.1 Rescinded Decisions

7.1.1 Purpose and scope

This section provides a repository for all Decisions which have been rescinded for one reason or another. They are printed here for reference only. See Section 7.2 for a list of rescinded Standing Orders.

NO. 05. Recommendations from rejecting lodges
Decision, A profane, rejected by a lodge which has not legal jurisdiction over him, is not obliged to apply to that lodge for a recommendation to the lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides. The first rejection is null and void.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.15. May 15, 1871. (Doyle, GM)
Rescinded November 20, 1978.

NO. 06. Implicit reference to demitted members
Decision: Our Constitution does not explicitly refer to applicants for membership who have once been demitted from the lodge; but as it does provide for members of other lodges, or unaffiliated Masons, these provisions must apply to the class first named.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.20. November 16, 1868. (Doyle, GM)
Rescinded November 16, 1985.

NO. 16. Participation in processions
Decision: That a lodge could not unite in a procession on the fourth of July, or appear in public as a lodge except for the burial of a brother or for the performance of some Masonic work.
November 19, 1866. (Doyle, GM)
Rescinded May 14, 1989.

NO. 28. Communication particulars not in by-laws
Decision: In answer to the question as to how a lodge that had no by-law on the subject could change the evening of its regular Communications? I replied that the lodge by a majority vote at any regular Communication could do so.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.24. May 15, 1882. (Freeman, GM)
(date rescinded Not available)

NO. 43. Clarification St. Andrews' jurisdiction
Decision: That the intention of the Grand Lodge, as deducted from its order of May 20, 1895 (See Standing Order No. 39), was to locate St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 39, at least for the purpose of determining the territory over which the lodge should have jurisdiction, in the settlement commonly and colloquially known as the village of Riverside.
That the subordinate lodge having been so located by Grand Lodge, it is not within the power of the subordinate lodge, nor of the Grand Master, to change the territory over which the subordinate lodge shall exercise jurisdiction; that power resides only in Grand Lodge, and there, subject to constitutional restrictions.
A lodge having been, by order of Grand Lodge, located in a specified village, communications held outside of the confines of that village, without a dispensation, are irregularly so held.
There being no such corporate body as a village known to the law of Rhode Island, a charter locating the lodge in a village will be construed as locating the lodge in the community or compact settlement colloquially and generally known by the name appearing in the charter.
Standing Order No. 39. November 15, 1897. (Van Slyck, G. M)

NO. 49. Clarification of residence requirements
Decision: That the residence of a petitioner for the degrees within the State must be continuous during the year next preceding the presentation of the petition.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.16. May 15, 1899. (Van Slyck, GM)
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 54. Suspension without notice
Decision: A subordinate lodge cannot suspend a member for non-payment of dues without first serving him with a notice to appear and show cause why he should not be suspended according to Article VII, Section 1.7.27 of the Constitution.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.27. November 20, 1899. (Livsey, GM)
(date rescinded Not available)

NO. 56. Full accrued dues required
Decision: Where a member who was suspended for non-payment of dues was re-instated upon the payment of two years' dues, when several years' dues had accrued, decided that as the action of the lodge was contrary to the provisions of Section 1.7.27, Article VII of the Constitution, said action was null and void, and that the relation of the brother to the lodge was the same as before said action was taken.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.27. November 20, 1899. (Livsey, GM)
(date rescinded Not available)

NO. 65. Number of petition signatures
Decision: The provision of the Constitution requiring a petition for the degrees to be signed by at least two members of the lodge to which the applicant applies, cannot be waived by the lodge.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.13. May 19, 1913. (Davis, GM)
Rescinded November 19, 1988.

NO. 69. Masonic funerals and cremated remains
Decision: I held that it was proper to conduct a Masonic funeral where the body had been cremated, provided the ashes were to be entombed or interred, but not otherwise.
Gen. Regulations, Art. II, Sec. 2.2.5. May 21, 1917. (Scott, GM)
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 71. Refusal to grant release of jurisdiction
Decision, Refusal to grant a release of jurisdiction over an applicant does not give exclusive jurisdiction to the lodge so refusing, and an application may be received by any of the lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with said lodge, without requesting a release, or by the lodge which previously refused the release.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.12. November 21, 1927. (Sweet, GM)
(date rescinded Not available)

NO. 75. Not available

NO. 76. Not available

NO. 77. Not available

NO. 79. Title for Grand Chaplains and Associate Grand Chaplains
Decision: I ruled that the Grand Chaplain and the Associate Grand Chaplains carry the title RIGHT WORSHIPFUL (R:.W:.), without the requirement of being Master or Past Master of a lodge, and they continue to use the title R:.W:. (except in the case of the Grand Chaplain and the Associate Grand Chaplains who hold Grand Lodge membership), only during their term of office.
Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 1.2.1. November 21, 1961. (Allen, GM)
Rescinded November 18, 1989.

No. 82. Separate Ballot for Each Petition.
Decision: In Article VII, Section 1.7.25, of the Grand Constitution, the implications and the intent are very definite that each petition “for the degrees—or for membership” must be voted on separately. However it is not stated clearly that only one petition may be acted upon in any one ballot. Therefore, I ruled that a ‘separate ballot must be taken upon each petition for the degrees or for membership.’
Rescinded February 3, 2011

 

7.2 Rescinded standing orders

7.2.1 Purpose and scope

This section provides a repository for all Standing Orders which have been rescinded for one reason or another. As with the previous section, they are printed here for reference only.

NO. 03. Concurrent jurisdiction of Jenks and Union lodges
Resolved: That Jenks Lodge No. 24, shall hold and exercise concurrent jurisdiction with Union Lodge No. 10, in the same as though both lodges were located in the same town.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 19, 1866.
Rescinded November 15, 1969.

NO. 04. Boundary between Granite and Friendship
Resolved: That the southerly and easterly jurisdictional line of Granite Lodge No. 26, F. & A.M., as between it and said Friendship Lodge No. 7, be delineated and established as follows:
As per the present boundary line between Burrillville and Glocester from the State line of Connecticut, easterly to the Boston road (so called), thence northeasterly, in line of said Boston road, to the northwesterly corner of Glendale bridge, and thence by true meridian line north to its intersection with the southwesterly jurisdictional line of Morning Star Lodge No. 13.
Thus leaving the villages of Mohegan and Nasonville, as at present situated, with the jurisdiction of said Friendship Lodge, No. 7.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 16, 1885.
Rescinded November 15, 1969.

NO. 06. Distribution of the proceedings
Resolved: That the number of copies of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge to which the subordinate lodge shall hereafter be entitled, shall be: one copy for each of the first three officers; one copy for the Secretary, to be retained in the archives of the lodge, and an additional number of copies, equal in all to one-tenth of the membership of said lodge. Also three copies to each Grand Lodge in correspondence with this Grand Lodge; one copy to each representative of this Grand Lodge; one copy to each public Library as heretofore sent; so many copies as are necessary to make exchanges for the library of Grand Lodge, and for all other copies the Grand Secretary shall exact the sum of thirty cents each.
November 19, 1883.
Rescinded May 19, 1947.

NO. 18.1. Relocation of Redwood
Ordered: That the charter of Redwood Lodge No. 35, now of Providence, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in location of said lodge to Cranston, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
April 17, 1975.
Re-designated from No. 98 November 16, 1996.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 20. Charter of Nestell lodge
Ordered: That a charter be issued to Nestell Lodge, to be located at Providence, and to be numbered 37.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. May 17, 1880.
Amended November 15, 1969.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 20.1. Relocation of Nestell
Ordered: That the charter of Nestell Lodge No. 37, now of Providence, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in location of said lodge of Greenville, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
May 28, 1975.
Re-designated from No. 99 November 16, 1996.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 20.2. Second relocation of Nestell
Ordered: That the charter of Nestell Lodge No. 37, now of Greenville, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in location of said lodge to Cranston, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
July 18, 1983.
Re-designated from No. 102 November 16, 1996.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 25. Notice to those in arrears
Resolved: That each subordinate lodge shall cause a copy of Section 1.7.27, of Article VII, of the Constitution, to be given to each member of the lodge whose non-payment of dues it is intended to take action upon.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.27. May 17, 1880.
Rescinded May 15, 1939.

NO. 29. Jurisdiction of Narragansett Bay Islands
Report of Commission on Jurisdictional Lines: We have, with two exceptions, so drawn the lines as to leave each person in the State under the jurisdiction of the lodge whose place of meeting is nearest in an air line to his place of residence. In case where two or more lodges have concurrent jurisdiction, the place of meeting of the oldest lodge has been taken as the center of the jurisdictional territory.
Certain islands in Narragansett Bay, from which communication is limited or difficult, have been, as a matter of convenience, marked as being under the concurrent jurisdiction of all the lodges whose jurisdictional territory bounds on the salt water. A small part of Little Compton, which would, if the lines were drawn with strict accuracy, be left in the jurisdiction of St. John's Lodge No. 1, has been for the same reason included in the jurisdiction of Eureka Lodge No. 22.
WHEREUPON, it is Ordered: That the report be received, and the recommendations of the Commission adopted.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. May 21, 1883.
Rescinded November 15, 1969.

NO. 32. Power of finance committee chairman
Ordered: That the Chairman of the Finance Committee be authorized to represent the Grand Lodge at all meetings of The Freemasons' Hall Company, and that he have power to appoint a substitute, if unable to be present.
Constitution, Art. IV, Sec. 1.4.7.1. May 19, 1884.
Rescinded November 15, 1969.

NO. 36. Jurisdictional map
Resolved: That the Grand Secretary be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause to be prepared a map showing the jurisdictional lines of the lodges within this State, and that such map be the official guide when approved by the Grand Master.
Constitution, Art. IV, Sec. 1.4.5. May 16, 1891.
Rescinded November 15, 1969.

NO. 37. Authorized ritual for the three degrees
Ordered: That the ritual of the three degrees, as presented by the special committee April 13, A.D. 1892, and amended by this Grand Lodge, be, and the same is, hereby declared to be the authorized work of this jurisdiction, and no other shall be permitted in the subordinate lodges.
April 13, 1892.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 41. How dues accrue
Dues continue to accrue during a suspension for a definite period.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.27. November 21, 1898.
(date rescinded Not available)

NO. 45. Omission of past master's degree
Resolved: That the conferring of the Past Master's degree be omitted from the ceremony of installation.
November 18, 1907.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 54. Charter of Roosevelt lodge
Ordered: That a charter be issued to Roosevelt Lodge to be located at Providence, to be numbered 42.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. May 15, 1922.
Amended November 15, 1969; November 16, 1996.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 54.1. Relocation of Roosevelt
Ordered: That the charter of Roosevelt Lodge No. 42, now of Providence, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in location of said lodge to Centredale, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
Feb. 24, 1975.
Re-designated from No. 97 November 16, 1996.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 54.2. Second relocation of Roosevelt
Ordered: That the charter of Roosevelt Lodge No. 42, now of Centredale, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in location of said lodge to Cranston, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
Aug. 15, 1977.
Re-designated from No. 101 November 16, 1996.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 55. Not available

NO. 56. Masonic service board members
Resolved: That the Masonic Service Board, created by resolution adopted May 16, 1921, shall hereafter consist of three members to be appointed by the Grand Master, one to serve one year, one for two years and one for three years, and at each Annual Communication thereafter there shall be appointed one member to serve for three years.
May 21, 1923.
Rescinded May 17, 1976.

NO. 60. Rhodes lodge
Ordered: That a charter be issued to Rhodes Lodge to be located in the City of Cranston, to be numbered 44.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. May 21, 1928.
Amended November 15, 1969.
Rescinded November 18, 1989.

NO. 63. Not available

NO. 64. Boundary between St. Johns and Union
Ordered: That the jurisdictional line between Saint Johns Lodge No. 1, Providence, and Union Lodge No. 10, Pawtucket, and all lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with said lodges shall be as follows:
Beginning as heretofore at the Massachusetts-Rhode Island State Line at its intersection with Newman Avenue in the town of East Providence and continuing through the center of the following streets: Newman Avenue, North Broadway, Greenwood Avenue, Wilson Avenue, Bourne Avenue to the high water line of the Seekonk River; thence northwesterly in a straight line to the intersection of Blackstone Boulevard and Westford Street in the City of Providence; thence along Westford Street, Holly Street, Fifth Street, North Main Street, Frost Street, Cemetery Street, Smithfield Avenue, Silver Spring Street, DePinedo Street, crossing Windmill Street to Jasper Street, Charles Street, Hagen Street, Langdon Street to the North Providence-Providence boundary line; thence along said line to the point on Woodward Road where said Woodward Road intersects the North Providence-Providence boundary line.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 17, 1930.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 65. Boundary between St. Johns and Roger Williams
Ordered: That the jurisdictional line between Saint Johns Lodge No. 1, Providence, and Roger Williams Lodge No. 32, Centredale, and all lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with said lodges shall be as follows:
Beginning at the intersection of the North Providence-Providence boundary line with Woodward Road and continuing through the center of the following streets: Woodward Road, Veazie Street, Caxton Street, Wild Street, Henrietta Street, Douglas Avenue, General Street, Phebe Street, Admiral Street, Sharon Street, Walton Street, Enfield Avenue, Smith Street, Academy Avenue, Whitford Avenue, Standish Avenue, Chalkstone Avenue, Hunnewell Avenue, Manton Avenue, Glenbridge Avenue, Grimwood Street, Ceaser Street, Rolando Avenue to the Johnston-Providence town line; thence southeasterly along Neutaconkanut Road so-called, to a point where the present jurisdictional line intersects the Johnston-Providence boundary line; thence following the old jurisdictional line to a point where it meets the jurisdictional line of Warwick Lodge No. 16.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 17, 1930.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 66. Boundary between st. johns and harmony
Ordered: That the jurisdictional line between Saint Johns Lodge No. 1, Providence, and Harmony Lodge No. 9, Pawtuxet, and all lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with said lodges shall be as follows:
Beginning as heretofore at a point where the jurisdictional line between Harmony Lodge No. 9, and Warwick Lodge No. 16, crosses Phenix Avenue and continuing through the center of the following streets: Phenix Avenue, Cranston Street, Park Avenue, Midwood Street, Gleason Street, Hornbine Street, Speck Avenue, Reservoir Avenue, in the City of Cranston to Roger Williams Avenue in the City of Providence to Melrose Street; thence in a straight line to the intersection of Niagara Street and Detroit Avenue; thence along Detroit Avenue, Broad Street, Baker Street, Allens Avenue, and following the old line to the high water line of the Providence River.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 17, 1930.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 67. Boundary between st. johns and st. andrews
Ordered: That the jurisdictional line between Saint Johns Lodge No. 1, Providence and Saint Andrews Lodge No. 39, Riverside, and all lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with said lodges shall be as follows:
Beginning as heretofore at the high water mark of the Providence River and proceeding to the intersection of Barrington Parkway with South Broadway in the town of East Providence; thence continuing through the center of the following streets: South Broadway, Martin Street, Brown Street, and Warren Avenue to the Rhode Island-Massachusetts State Line.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 17, 1930.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 68. Boundary between union, roger williams and unity
Ordered: That the jurisdictional line between Union Lodge No. 10, Pawtucket, and all lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with it, and Roger Williams Lodge No. 32, Centredale, and Unity Lodge No. 34, Lonsdale, shall be as follows:
Beginning at the angle point in the Massachusetts-Rhode Island State line south of the Crown Manufacturing Company, thence westerly by the Central Falls line to the Blackstone River, thence northerly and westerly by said river and city line to Lonsdale Avenue at Althea Street; thence southwesterly by said city line and extension thereof to the easterly end of Gardner Avenue; thence westerly by Gardner Avenue and northerly by Smithfield Avenue to Parker Street; thence in a generally westerly direction by Parker Street, Wood Road, Olney Avenue and Cobble Hill Road to the Louisquisset Pike; thence south to Woodward Road and along said Woodward Road to the intersection of the North Providence-Providence boundary line; thence along the northern jurisdictional line of Saint Johns Lodge No. 1, Providence, to the point of beginning in accordance with Standing Order No. 64.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 17, 1930.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 69. Concurrent jurisdiction of mount moriah and unity
Ordered: That Mount Moriah Lodge No. 8, Lime Rock, and Unity Lodge No. 34, Lonsdale, shall enjoy concurrent jurisdiction in the territory hereafter assigned to them, and that the jurisdictional line between said lodges and Union Lodge No. 10, Pawtucket, and all lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with it, and Morning Star Lodge No. 13, Woonsocket, Temple Lodge No. 18, Greenville, and Roger Williams Lodge No. 32, Centredale. shall be as follows:
Beginning at the angle point in the Massachusetts-Rhode Island State line south of the Crown Manufacturing Company, thence northerly and westerly along the Massachusetts-Rhode Island State line to West Wrentham Road, so-called; thence through the center of West Wrentham Road in a somewhat southerly direction to the Diamond Hill Road; thence through the center of the Diamond Hill Road in a southerly direction to the Tower Hill Road, so-called; thence through the center of Tower Hill Road in a general westerly direction to the Wrentham Road; thence through the center of the Wrentham Road in a generally southerly direction to Mendon Road; thence a short distance through the center of Mendon Road in a southeasterly direction to the Manville Hill Road, so-called; thence through the center of the Manville Hill Road in a southwesterly direction to the Old River Road, so-called, in the village of Manville.
Thence through the center of the Old River Road a short distance in the village of Manville in a northwesterly direction to Cross Road, so-called; thence through the center of Cross Road in a southwesterly direction to the Louisquisset Pike; thence through the center of Louisquisset Pike in a southeasterly direction to the Lincoln-North Smithfield town line; thence along the Lincoln-North Smithfield town line to the North Smithfield-Smithfield town line to the Branch Pike, so-called; thence through the center of Branch Pike in a southerly direction to the Douglas Pike; thence through the center of the Douglas Pike in a southeasterly direction to Whipple Road, so called; thence through the center of Whipple Road in a northeasterly direction to the Georgiaville Road, so called; thence through the center of the Georgiaville Road in a northeasterly direction, to Angell Road, so called; thence through the center of Angell Road in a generally northeasterly direction to the Jenckes Hill Road, so called; thence through center of the Jenckes Hill Road in an easterly direction to the Louisquisset Pike.
Thence through the center of the Louisquisset Pike in a southeasterly direction to Cobble Hill Road; thence along the northern jurisdictional line of Union Lodge No. 10, Pawtucket, and the lodges holding concurrent jurisdiction with it, to the point of beginning as established in Standing Order No. 68.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 17, 1930.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 70. Jurisdiction of hamilton over temple
Ordered, The jurisdiction of Hamilton Lodge No. 15, shall include that portion of the jurisdiction heretofore held by Temple Lodge No. 18, lying southerly of the Danielson Pike, so-called, and westerly of the North Scituate-Hope Road, so-called, in the town of Scituate, which said territory shall no longer by a part of the jurisdiction of Temple Lodge No. 18.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 17, 1930.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 71. Charter of berlin lodge
Ordered, That a charter by issued to Berlin Lodge to be located in the United States Sector of Berlin, Germany, for the duration of the occupation of the same by the United States Forces, to be numbered 46, the jurisdiction of the lodge to embrace the limits of the United States and British Zones of occupied Germany, together with the United States and British Sectors of Berlin, with the right to accept petitions from the personnel of the occupying forces, only, including both civilians and servicemen stationed in the said occupied territory; and provided that all petitioners so accepted shall hold citizenship in one of the Allied Nations or in one of the Nations which remained neutral during World War II.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. May 17, 1948.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 75. Not available

NO. 77. Jurisdiction of washington lodge no. 3
Resolved: That Washington Lodge No. 3, F. & A.M., located at Warren, R.I., shall have jurisdiction over all territory falling to the south and east of the line herein described, and that Saint Andrews Lodge No. 39, A.F. & A.M., located at Riverside, R.I., shall have jurisdiction over all territory falling to the north and west of said line, and that wherever a street shall be used in the description of said line, the line shall be deemed to lie in the center of the street named.
Starting at a point in the center of the entrance to Mushechuck Creek - easterly to Washington Road, thence northerly along Washington Road to South Lake Drive, thence along South Lake Drive to Middle Highway to Upland Way, thence along Upland Way to Federal Road across County Road to the westerly shoreline of the Barrington River, thence along the westerly shoreline of the Barrington River and the Runnins River to the East Providence town line.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. May 18, 1953.
Rescinded May 15, 1969.

NO. 80. Relocation of corinthian
Ordered: That the charter of Corinthian Lodge No. 27, be amended to allow it to locate in the City of Cranston, R.I.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
November 15, 1954.
Amended May 21, 1979.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 81. Concurrent jurisdiction of the third masonic district
Ordered: That those lodges which have in the past normally constituted the Third Masonic District, Namely Mount Moriah Lodge No. 8, Union Lodge No. 10, Jenks Lodge No. 24, Barney Merry Lodge No. 29, Unity Lodge No. 34, and E. L. Freeman Lodge No. 41, shall henceforth enjoy concurrent jurisdiction in the territory assigned to any one of them or group of them as defined in Standing Order Nos. 64, 68 and 69.
Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 1.7.3. November 21, 1955.
Rescinded May 21, 1962.

NO. 85. Not available

NO. 87. Relocation of mount vernon
Ordered: That the charter of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 4, now of Providence, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in the location of said lodge to Harmony Temple in the city of Cranston, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
Oct. 18, 1963.
Amended November 15, 1969.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 89. Relocation of rhodes
Ordered: That the charter of Rhodes Lodge No. 44, now of Cranston, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in the location of said lodge to Warwick, County of Kent, State of Rhode Island.
All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
November 1, 1963.
Rescinded November 18, 1989.

NO. 93. Charter of al hasa
Ordered: That a charter be issued to Al Hasa Lodge No. 49, to be located in the City of Dhahran, within the Country of Saudi Arabia.
May 16, 1966.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

NO. 96. Relocation of what cheer
Ordered: That the charter of What Cheer Lodge No. 21, now of Providence, State of Rhode Island, be amended to allow a change in location of said lodge to Cranston, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island. All other provisions incorporated in the original charter are hereby continued in effect.
Rescinded November 16, 1996.

C - Selected Ritual

8.1 Annual Communication And Election

8.1.1 The role of the Senior Warden

The presiding Senior Warden at the Annual Communication must be aware of his role relative to the completion of the reading of the Master's annual report. Rising, he shall announce:

Brethren, you have heard the annual report of our Worshipful Master; what is your pleasure?

Following a motion and second (preferably by the Junior Warden) that the Master's report be received, recorded and placed on file, he shall further announce:

Brethren, you have heard a motion made and seconded, that the Master's report be received, recorded and placed on file. All those in favor will vote by the usual sign of the Craft; all those opposed?

After reporting the voting results aloud, he may call up the lodge to applaud the Master's efforts of the past year at his discretion.

8.1.2 Ritual for the outgoing master

The outgoing Master must know the ritual expected of him in closing his term of office:

Right Worshipful, I have now closed my term of office and return to you the gavel, the emblem of my authority; also the jewel with which I was invested. The charter of this lodge I am prepared to surrender to my successor.

8.1.3 Lodge of sorrow

A Lodge of Sorrow is closed by the outgoing Master just prior to the presentation of his annual report, and the incoming Master is encouraged to open a Lodge of Sorrow for the ensuing year as follows:

  1. SEMI-PUBLIC INSTALLATION - in the tiled lodge, preceding the Semi-Public Section, immediately following his invitation to the East as Master-Elect, presented the gavel and his hat, is seated in the Oriental Chair and given Private Honors.
  2. CLOSED INSTALLATION - upon completion of all ceremonies and immediately after the District Deputy places the lodge in his care.

8.1.3.1 Opening a lodge of sorrow

Prior to its opening, the Master shall inform the brethren that a Lodge of Sorrow will relieve the lodge of opening a lodge of Master Masons in the lodge or in a funeral home when a Memorial Service is to be performed. A Lodge of Sorrow is opened just prior to the closing of the Annual Communication while in a tiled lodge.

WM Brethren, I am about to open a Lodge of Sorrow. You will give your attention and assistance.
WM *
WM Brother Junior Deacon.
JD Worshipful Master.
WM You will inform the Tiler that I am about to open a Lodge of Sorrow within this lodge of Master Masons, and direct him to tile accordingly.
JD * * *
Tiler *
JD Brother Tiler, the Worshipful Master is about to open a Lodge of Sorrow within this lodge of Master Masons, and directs you to tile accordingly.
JD Worshipful Master, we are duly tiled.
WM * * *
WM Brother Marshal, you will conduct the Chaplain to the Altar for Prayer.

Chaplain gives the following Prayer:

Our Heavenly Father, as we prepare to commemorate the departure of our beloved Brethren, we pray that Thou wilt make us deeply sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of human life. Grant that when we shall have served Thee in our generation we may be gathered into the Great Lodge Above, having the testimony of a good conscience and in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope, and in favor with Thee Our God, and in perfect charity with the world. All which we ask in Thy Holy Name. Amen

WM I now declare a Lodge of Sorrow open within this Lodge of Master Masons, and to remain open in memory of all departed Brethren until the next Annual Communication of this lodge. Brother Junior Deacon, you will inform the Tiler.
JD * * *
Tiler *
JD Brother Tiler, the Worshipful Master declares a Lodge of Sorrow open within this lodge of Master Masons, and directs you to tile accordingly.
JD Worshipful Master, we are duly tiled.
WM *

8.1.3.2 Closing a lodge of sorrow

A Lodge of Sorrow is closed just prior to the Master's report in a tiled lodge.

WM Brethren, I am about to close a Lodge of Sorrow. You will give your attention and assistance.
WM *
WM Brother Junior Deacon.
JD Worshipful Master.
WM You will inform the Tiler that I am about to close a Lodge of Sorrow, and direct him to tile accordingly.
JD * * *
Tiler *
JD Brother Tiler, the Worshipful Master is about to close a Lodge of Sorrow, and directs you to tile accordingly.
JD Worshipful Master, we are duly tiled.
WM * * *
WM * * *
WM Brother Marshal, you will conduct the Chaplain to the Altar for Prayer.

Chaplain gives the following Prayer:

Our Heavenly Father, as we close this Lodge of Sorrow, we pray that Thou wilt make us deeply sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of human life. Grant that when we shall have served Thee in our generation we may be gathered into the Grand Lodge Above, having the testimony of a good conscience and in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope, and in favor with Thee Our God, and in perfect charity with the world. All which we ask in Thy Holy Name. Amen

WM I now declare a Lodge of Sorrow closed, and the work of this Annual Communication resumed. Brother Junior Deacon, you will inform the Tiler and direct him to tile accordingly.
JD * * *
Tiler *
JD Brother Tiler, the Worshipful Master declares a Lodge of Sorrow closed and the work of this Annual Communication resumed, and directs you to tile accordingly.
JD Worshipful Master, we are duly tiled.
WM *

8.1.4 Teller's ballot results announcement

The appointed tellers at the Annual Election are to use the following ritual when directed to count and announce the ballot by the District Deputy:
Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master, there have been (number) ballots cast for the office of (office) in this lodge. Necessary for a choice: (number). Brother (last name) has the necessary majority.

8.2 Semi-public installation of officers

8.2.1 Opening prologue and reception

Semi-public installations are distinguished from closed in that we are able to share our ceremony and achievements with our friends, families and loved ones. Additionally, it affords an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our ritual skills to those normally without the lodge. The following procedure, often called the Prologue to the Installation, is to be conducted from memory by a Past Master or other Master Mason, or the Assistant Grand Lecturer of the district in cases where a Past Master or Master Mason is Not available In any case, he shall be referred to as the SPEAKER in the following procedure.

The Speaker accompanied by his selected Marshal and Chaplain (not those of the Lodge) shall enter and assume their respective stations.

Speaker:

Since no Masonic Lodge or gathering of Freemasons should be opened without the benefit of prayer, Brother Chaplain, you will lead us in prayer. Brother Marshal, you will conduct the Chaplain to the Altar. (done)

Speaker:

Brothers, ladies and friends, you will please be seated.
This evening you are to witness the Semi-Public Installation of the Officers of (name) Lodge. Before you meet the installing officers and witness this ceremony, I would bring your attention to the following brief statement of our institution.
No living person knows when Masonry began. Many of the symbols of the organization go back to the very childhood of civilization; back to the days when the written word was rare, if it existed at all. During the Middle Ages and the rise of Gothic architecture are found two distinct classes of Masons: The guild Masons, who like the guild carpenters or weavers or merchants, were local in character and strictly regulated by law, and the Freemasons, who traveled from city to city as their services were needed to design and to erect marvelous churches and cathedrals which stand today inimitable in beauty. These operative Freemasons were the artists, the leaders, the teachers, the mathematicians, and the poets of their time.
In the beginning only craftsmen were admitted. But with the reformation great buildings were not being erected and the craftsmen came to a standstill. To preserve the organization of Freemasons, learned men continued to meet and take in others as Òspeculative MasonsÓ who were outstanding men in their communities. From this has developed the present day Ancient and Accepted Society of Free and Accepted Masons. Men who are dedicated to the building of temples in the heart of man. Many of the great leaders of this world have been and are Freemasons. Freemasons have fought and died for our country and for the honor of their craft. And why?
Masonry teaches man to practice charity and benevolence, to protect chastity, to respect the ties of blood and friendship, to adopt the principles and revere the ordinances of religion, to assist the feeble, guide the blind, raise up the downtrodden, shelter the orphaned, guard the Altar, support the government, inculcate morality, promote learning, love man, fear God, and implore His mercy and hope for happiness.
Thus fortified, a Freemason can face the future with confidence, walking uprightly in his various stations before God and man.
Tonight, we are to install those who have been chosen to rule and govern this lodge for the ensuing year. They are men who value friendship, morality, brotherly love and true faith in God and immortality.
Brother Marshal, you will escort the installing officers into the lodge room.

The Marshal presents the installing officers before the Altar and introduces them to the presiding Speaker who welcomes them and directs that the District Deputy Grand Master be escorted to the East and his Grand Master of Ceremonies to his station.
Speaker:

Right Worshipful Brother (last name), (number) District Deputy Grand Master, MAY I present to you the gavel of (name) Lodge and ask that you proceed with the installation. (done)

The District Deputy will then proceed with the installation.

8.3 Miscellaneous

8.3.1 The ritual of balloting

Like degree work, balloting is important and serious ritual; there is no place for levity in our ritual. Balloting is always conducted while the lodge is at labor; there should be no talking among members loud enough to disturb this crucial work. Only regular members of a lodge are permitted to vote, and it is the duty of every regular member present to do so. Members may be excused from voting by the Master, and only after due application for such prior to the spreading of any ballots per the Constitution, Article VII, Section 1.7.25.

8.3.1.1 Balloting on an applicant

The following ritual is provided for use when balloting on an applicant for the degrees in Freemasonry. It assumes that all requirements for the petition have been met as specified in the Constitution, Section 1.7.13. The Master may select different brethren for ballot distribution and collection, and can substitute appropriate wording where necessary to use the ritual for other voting issues.

  1. The Secretary will read the completed petition aloud and deliver it to the Master when finished.
  2. The Master will then make the following announcement:
    • Brethren, you have heard the petition and favorable report of the Investigating Committee for Mr. (full name) of (address, city), who has applied to (name) Lodge No. (number) for the degrees in Freemasonry.
    • Before we ballot on this applicant, let me remind you that it is the duty of every regular member present to vote. Members who wish to be excused from voting must make those wishes known now. (done)
    • Brother Junior Deacon, you will spread the ballot; Brother Senior Deacon, you will prepare to collect the ballot.
  3. c. The Junior Deacon will proceed to give each regular member two ballots, one of which shall be white and the other black. He should spread said ballots in the following general order:
    • 1. Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden.
    • 2. Secretary, Marshal and members along the South.
    • 3. Sentinel and Tiler (allow Sentinel to summon Tiler with the usual alarm).
    • 4. Members along the North, Treasurer, and Chaplain.
  4. The Senior Deacon will assume a position west of the Altar with the ballot box in his possession.
  5. When finished, the Junior Warden will return to his station and make the following announcement:
  6. The Master will satisfy himself that all members present have indeed received a black and white ballot, then make the following announcement:
    • Brethren, remember that a white ballot accepts, and a black ballot rejects; please cast your vote for the good of the Craft.
    • I now declare the ballot open for Mr. (full name) of (address, city), who has applied to (name) Lodge No. (number) for the degrees in Freemasonry. (raps gavel)
  7. The Senior Deacon will proceed to the East and hand the ballot box to the Master. The Master will satisfy himself that the ballot box is empty, then deposit his ballot and return the ballot box to the Senior Deacon.
  8. The Senior Deacon will then proceed to collect all ballots in the same general order specified for spreading. When finished, he will resume his position west of the Altar and await further orders.
  9. The Master will satisfy himself that all members present have indeed voted, then make the following announcement:
    • I now declare the ballot closed. (raps gavel)
    • Brother Senior Deacon, you will present the ballot box before the South, the West and the East for examination.
  10. The Senior Deacon will present the ballot box to the Junior Warden who will examine the contents of the box for the presence of a black ballot, and finding none, will return it to the Senior Deacon, and then make the following announcement:
    • Worshipful Master, I find the ballot clear in the South.
  11. The Senior Deacon will then present the ballot box to the Senior Warden who will examine the contents of the box for the presence of a black ballot, and finding none, will return it to the Senior Deacon, and then make the following announcement:
    • Worshipful Master, I find the ballot clear in the West.
  12. The Senior Deacon will finally present the ballot box to the Master who will examine the contents of the box for the presence of a black ballot, and finding none, will return it to the Senior Deacon, and then make the following announcement:
    • And I find the ballot clear in the East. Brethren, you will take due notice that you have elected Mr. (full name) of (address, city) to receive the degrees in Freemasonry. Brother Secretary, you will see that he is so informed.
    • Brother Junior and Senior Deacon, you will collect all remaining ballots. (done)


NOTE: If a black ballot is discovered during the course of examination, the respective announcement(s) will necessarily change from clear to foul, and the petitioner shall be rejected. If, however, only one black ballot is present, the Master may, assuming a mistake, immediately order a second ballot, which shall be final.