CONSTITUTIONS AND
REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ORDER OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS
DUTY: As a citizen every Royal and Select Master has a duty to maintain and uphold the law of the land. As a Royal and Select Master he also has a duty to uphold the integrity and good repute of the Order.
SECTION A
GRAND COUNCIL
1. The Order shall be governed by a body styled “THE GRAND COUNCIL OF THE ORDER OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS OF ENGLAND AND WALES AND ITS DISTRICTS AND COUNCILS OVERSEAS”, consisting of the companions listed in Regulation 4(i) below, which body is hereinafter referred to as “GRAND COUNCIL”.
2. Grand Council possesses supreme authority over the Degrees of Select Master, Royal Master, Most Excellent Master and Super-Excellent Master, together with the additional degrees of Thrice Illustrious Master or Silver Trowel, and Excellent Master, and alone has the inherent power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Order, and of altering, repealing, and abrogating them.
3. (i)
Grand Council has also the power of investigating, regulating and deciding all matters relative to the Order and alone possesses the authority for erasing Councils and expelling members.
3. (ii)
In all cases of expulsion by the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and its Districts and Lodges Overseas or any of the Orders administered from Mark Masons’ Hall, the Supreme Grand Chapter of England or under the constitution of any Sovereign Grand Council recognised by Grand Council or other Masonic Order with whom Grand Council is in amity of a Companion who is a member of the Order of Royal and Select Masters he shall thereby be expelled from this Order unless the Grand Master on the advice of the Executive Committee shall otherwise direct.
3. (iii)
In the case of the general suspension of a Companion under any of the jurisdictions named in 3.(ii), being a member of the Order of Royal and Select Masters he shall thereby be suspended from the Order for a like period and on like terms unless the Grand Master on the advice of the Executive Committee shall otherwise direct.
3. (iv)
The resignation by a Companion from the United Grand Lodge of England under Regulations 183A or 277A of the Book of Constitutions shall take effect as a resignation from the Order of Royal and Select Masters.
4. (i)
Members of Grand Council, and their precedence, shall be as follows:
1. Grand Master .................................................................................................... G.M.
2. Pro Grand Master ........................................................................................Pro G.M.
3. Past Grand Masters ........................................................................................ P.G.M.
4. Past Pro Grand Masters ............................................................................ P.Pro G.M.
5. Deputy Grand Master Dep.G.M.
6. Past Deputy Grand Masters P.Dep.G.M.
7. Grand Principal Conductor of the Work G.P.C.W.
8. Past Grand Principal Conductors of the Work ......................................... P.G.P.C.W.
9. Order of Service to Cryptic Masonry......................................................... O.S.C.M.
Erasing Councils and Expelling Members Members of Grand Council, and their precedence
10. Custodian of the Ninth Arch IX
11. District Grand Master.............................................................................. Dist.G.M.
12. Past District Grand Masters (and Past Divisional Grand Inspectors)..... P.Dist.G.M.
13. Grand Chancellor ....................................................................................... G.Chan.
14. Past Grand Chancellors P.G.Chan.
15. Grand Councillor G.Coun.
16. Past Grand Councillor ............................................................................. P.G.Coun.
17. Grand Inspector ............................................................................................ G.Insp.
18. Past Grand Inspectors ............................................................................... P.G.Insp.
19. Grand Chaplain G.Chap.
20. Past Grand Chaplains P.G.Chap.
21. Grand Treasurer ......................................................................................... G.Treas.
22. Past Grand Treasurers ............................................................................. P.G.Treas.
23. President of the Executive Committee ......................................................Pres.E.C.
24. Past Presidents of the Executive Committee P.Pres.E.C.
25. Grand Recorder G.Rec.
26. Past Grand Recorders ................................................................................. P.G.Rec.
27. Grand Director of Ceremonies ..................................................................... G.D.C.
28. Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies......................................................... P.G.D.C.
29. Grand Lecturer G.Lect.
30. Past Grand Lecturers P.G.Lect.
31. Grand Historiographer ................................................................................. G.Hist.
32. Past Grand Historiographer....................................................................... P.G.Hist.
33. Deputy Grand Chaplain ......................................................................Dep.G.Chap.
34. Past Deputy Grand Chaplains P.Dep.G.Chap.
35. Deputy Grand Recorder Dep.G.Rec.
36. Past Deputy Grand Recorders ............................................................ P.Dep.G.Rec.
37. Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies ................................................ Dep.G.D.C.
38. Past Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies ..................................... P.Dep.G.D.C.
39. Grand Captain of the Guard G.Capt.Gd.
40. Past Grand Captains of the Guard P.G.Capt.Gd.
41. Grand Conductor of the Council ............................................................ G.Cond.C.
42. Past Grand Conductors of the Council.................................................P.G.Cond.C.
43. Assistant Grand Chaplain ....................................................................... A.G.Chap.
44. Past Assistant Grand Chaplains P.A.G.Chap.
45. Assistant Grand Recorder A.G.Rec.
46. Past Assistant Grand Recorders ............................................................. P.A.G.Rec.
47. Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies ................................................. A.G.D.C.
48. Past Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies ..................................... P.A.G.D.C.
49. Grand Sword Bearer G.Swd.B.
50. Past Grand Sword Bearers P.G.Swd.B.
51. Grand Standard Bearer ................................................................................. G.St.B.
52. Past Grand Standard Bearers .................................................................... P.G.St.B.
53. Grand Organist ..............................................................................................G.Org.
54. Past Grand Organists P.G.Org.
55. Deputy Grand Organist Dep.G.Org.
56. Past Deputy Grand Organists ............................................................. P.Dep.G.Org.
57. Grand Steward ........................................................................................... G.Stwd.
58. Past Grand Stewards ................................................................................ P.G.Stwd.
59. Grand Manciple G.Man.
60. Past Grand Manciples P.G.Man.
61. Grand Sentinel .............................................................................................G.Sent.
62. Past Grand Sentinels ................................................................................. P.G.Sent.
63. Masters, Past Masters who are qualified under Regulation 5, Deputy Masters and Principal Conductors of the Work of Private Councils ..... M., P.M., Dep.M., P.C.W.
4. (ii)
Officers of the Grand Council, holding or having held identical active or past ranks, take rank amongst themselves in order of appointment, provided that Officers of the year take precedence of those holding corresponding past rank.
4. (iii)
Officers of the Grand Council appointed to the rank of Grand Marshal or Past Grand Marshal, on or before 18 April 2000, will take precedence immediately after Past Grand Organists.
5. Every Companion regularly elected and installed as Master of a Council, who has filled the office for the period from one regular date of installation to the next, or who is deemed under these Regulations to have filled such office for that period, shall so long as he continues to be a subscribing member of a Council be qualified to be a member of Grand Council, but if for twelve months he has ceased to be a subscribing member of a Council he shall no longer be so qualified, nor can he regain qualification for the right of membership of Grand Council as a Past Master until he has again become a subscribing member of a Council.
6. (i)
The Grand Master, Pro Grand Master, Past Grand Masters and Past Pro Grand Masters, are entitled to the prefix “Most Illustrious” (M.Ill.).
6. (ii)
The prefix “Right Illustrious” (R.Ill.) is accorded to and shall be used only by the Deputy Grand Master and Past Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, Past Grand Principal Conductors of the Work, Custodians of the Ninth Arch, District Grand Masters and Past District Grand Masters, Past Divisional Grand Inspectors, Grand Chancellor and Past Grand Chancellors, Grand Councillor and Past Grand Councillors.
6. (iii)
The prefix “Very Illustrious” (V.Ill.) should be used only by Present and Past Grand Inspectors, Present and Past Grand Chaplains, Present and Past Grand Treasurers, Present and Past Presidents of the Executive Committee, Present and Past Grand Recorders, Present and Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies, Present and Past Grand Lecturers, and Present and Past Grand Historiographers.
6. (iv)
The prefix “Illustrious” (Ill.) is to be used by the rest of the Present and Past Grand Officers, by the Present and Past Masters of Councils, and is also accorded to Masters and Past Masters of Councils of any recognised Constitution.
6. (v)
The prefix “Thrice Illustrious” is to be used when addressing the Master of a Council.
6. (vi)
The prefix “Companion” (Comp.) shall be used by all other members.
6. (vii)
Salutes shall be: Most Illustrious Companions, 11; Present and Past Deputy Grand Masters, 9; Present and Past Grand Principal Conductors of the Work, 9, other Right Illustrious Companions, 7; Very Illustrious Companions, 5; other present and Past Grand Officers, 3. Representatives of the Grand Council of England and Wales near to foreign Grand Councils, 3.
6. (viii)
Deputy District Grand Masters and Past Deputy District Grand Masters, District Grand Principal Conductors of the Work and Past District Grand Principal Conductors of the Work shall be entitled to 5; other District Grand Officers, present or past, to 3, within their own Districts.
Regular Meetings of Grand Council
6. (ix)
No Companion when acting in a higher office may receive a salute other than that to which he is personally entitled.
7. (i)
An assembly of Grand Council shall be holden in each year, on the third Tuesday in the month of April. Provided that if such regular day of meeting be proclaimed as a public holiday, or if for any reason it should be impracticable or inconvenient to hold the meeting on such day, the Grand Master may direct that the meeting shall be held on some other day.
7. (ii)
Such Grand Council shall normally be held in London, but, should the Grand Master think fit, the Grand Council may be held elsewhere.
Special Meetings of Grand Council
Notice of Business for Meetings of Grand Council
8. The Grand Master, or, in his absence, the Pro Grand Master or, in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master, or in his absence, the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, may summon special Grand Councils whenever the good of the Order shall, in their opinion, require it. The summons for a special meeting of Grand Council shall state the purpose for which it is convened, and no other business shall be entered on at such meeting.
9. (i)
All matters of business to be brought under the consideration of Grand Council shall be made known previously to the Executive Committee, that through it all the representatives of Councils may be apprised of such business, and be prepared to decide thereon. A member of Grand Council other than a member of the Executive Committee intending to submit a proposition for its consideration shall state in writing the nature of his intended motion or business, which statement shall be laid before the Executive Committee.
9. (ii)
No other matter shall be discussed in Grand Council without the express permission of the Grand Master
Agendas and Minutes of Proceedings of Grand Council
Absence of Grand Master at Grand Council
Opening and Closing of Grand Council
Irregular Proposition Brought Before Grand Council
Adjournment of Grand Council
10. Copies of the Agenda for each meeting of Grand Council, together with the Report of the Executive Committee and the minutes of the proceedings of the preceding meeting of Grand Council, shall be sent, a minimum of 14 days before the meeting, to all Grand Officers, present and past, who are subscribing members of a Council, and two copies shall be sent to the Recorder of each Council, of which one shall be for the use of the Master. Copies of the Agenda shall also be available for other members of Grand Council attending the meetings thereof.
11. If at any meeting of Grand Council the Grand Master be absent, Grand Council shall be ruled by the Pro Grand Master, or in his absence, the Deputy Grand Master, or in his absence, by the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, or in his absence, by the member of Grand Council present who shall be senior in rank according to the table of precedence contained in Regulation 4.
12. Grand Council is declared to be opened or closed in ample form when the Grand Master or Pro Grand Master presides, in due form when a Past Grand Master or Past Pro Grand Master or the Deputy Grand Master or Grand Principal Conductor of the Work presides, at other times in form, yet always with the same authority.
13. If it shall appear to the Grand Master that any proposed resolution contains anything contrary to the good of the Order, he may refuse to permit the same to be discussed.
14. The consideration of any business before Grand Council may, if the Grand Master so directs, be adjourned to the next regular meeting of Grand Council or to a special meeting to be convened for that purpose.
15. Questions under discussion in Grand Council shall ordinarily be decided by show of hands. The numbers shall be ascertained by the Grand Director of Ceremonies.
16. Whenever the Grand Master shall call to order, there shall be general silence.
17. Every speaker shall rise, addressing himself to the Grand Master
18. The proposer of an original motion shall have the right of reply, but no other Companion shall speak twice to the same question, unless by permission. This rule shall not apply to the President of the Executive Committee, Grand Treasurer or the Grand Recorder.
19. Royal and Select Masters of any recognised Constitution, not members of Grand Council, may, by permission of the Grand Master, be present as visitors, but shall not speak to any question without leave of the Grand Master, or be permitted to vote.
20. (i)
Save as herein specially provided the Executive Committee shall have control and management of all the property of Grand Council. The moneys of Grand Council shall be paid to the current account thereof and all investments shall be made in the names of Trustees (being not less than two nor more than four in number) who shall be elected by Grand Council and hold office during the pleasure of Grand Council. A Trustee and his estate shall be kept fully indemnified by Grand Council in respect of any losses occasioned to the property and assets of Grand Council otherwise than as a result of his wilful neglect, default or fraud. A nominee company which is a Trust Corporation registered in the United Kingdom may be appointed by such Trustees to act on their behalf for the purchase, holding and sale of the investments of Grand Council.
20. (ii)
The accounts of Grand Council shall be audited annually by a professional firm of Chartered Accountants which must be registered Auditors, be presented to Grand Council, and be available for inspection in the office of Grand Council.
20. (iii)
21. (i)
The auditors shall be elected at the annual meeting of Grand Council.
Amendments to the Ritual are the sole prerogative of the Grand Master acting on the advice of the Executive Committee as appropriate.
21. (ii)
The latest edition of the rituals promulgated for the use of the Order shall be adopted uniformly by every Council.
SOVEREIGN GRAND COUNCIL
22. It shall be lawful for any Council or Councils situate overseas to make representations to the Grand Master, in the cases of Councils in a District or Inspectorate Overseas through the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, as to the desirability of forming a Sovereign Grand Council of which such Council or Councils shall form part, and the Grand Master may grant dispensation to such Council or Councils, and to any other Councils which in his opinion might conveniently be grouped with such Councils in forming a Sovereign Grand Council to consider, either separately or by joint meetings, the desirability of its formation, and thereafter, should he think fit, he may, with the assent of Grand Council, give permission for the formation of a Sovereign Grand Council and grant recognition to such Sovereign Grand Council when formed. Provided always that, save as provided in Regulation 23, no Sovereign Grand Council shall be recognised as having jurisdiction over any Council in a District or Inspectorate Overseas without the assent of the District Grand Council or Inspectorate, or as having jurisdiction over any Council which has not expressed its desire to be transferred to its jurisdiction when formed. The Grand Master may give such directions as he may think fit for the ascertainment of the wishes of individual Councils in these matters, and as to the conditions of transfer.
23. After the recognition of a Sovereign Grand Council no Warrant shall be granted for the formation of any Council within its territory without the assent of such Sovereign Grand Council.
24. (i)
The Grand Master shall be first elected and proclaimed at the annual meeting of Grand Council, and may thereafter be so re-elected and proclaimed at the next annual meeting of Grand Council to be held not more than fifteen months after his first or last election and if not so elected his office shall expire.
24. (ii)
Subject only to the provisions of 24 (v) below the prerogative of the Grand Master excisable by direction or dispensation, shall extend to all matters whatsoever.
24. (iii)
For the avoidance of doubt and without prejudice to the generality of 24 (ii) in the exercise of the said prerogative the Grand Master may:
(a) Give such directions as to any matter whatsoever as he shall think fit, including (a) any matter of or relating to ritual and (b) the temporary suspension variation or amendment of any of the provisions hereof.
(b) Determine any question of recognition or regularity.
24. (iv)
A direction or dispensation may by oral or by deed or instrument under hand, and may have retrospective effect or be varied as in 24 (iii).
24. (v)
Nothing herein shall entitle the Grand Master to cause one annual Grand Council to be held more than fifteen months after the last.
24. (vi)
Notwithstanding anything else in these statutes, the Grand Master may by direction delegate any of his powers and discretions to such companion or companions, and for such time or times, as he shall think fit.
25. The Grand Master, if a Prince of the Blood Royal, may appoint a Pro Grand Master, who shall in all respects rank as Grand Master.
26. (i)
Should the Grand Master die or resign during his Mastership, the Pro Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master, or Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, or in their absence a Senior Grand Officer nominated by the President of the Executive Committee, shall assume the duties and powers of Grand Master and shall summon a meeting of Grand Council to elect a Grand Master.
26. (ii)
The Grand Master elect shall at once assume the duties and powers of Grand Master and shall be installed at the next regular meeting of Grand Council, or at aspecial Grand Council, as he may desire.
27. (i)
The Deputy Grand Master shall be appointed annually by the Grand Master on the day of his installation, and shall possess all the powers and privileges of the Grand Master or Pro Grand Master in their absence.
27. (ii)
The Grand Principal Conductor of the Work shall be appointed annually by the Grand Master on the day of his installation and in the absence of the Grand Master, the Pro Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, shall possess all the powers and privileges of the Grand Master.
28. (i)
The Grand Recorder shall be appointed by the Grand Master, and shall hold office without re-appointment during the pleasure of Grand Council.
28. (ii)
A Deputy Grand Recorder may be appointed by the Grand Master, and shall hold office without re-appointment during the pleasure of Grand Council.
28. (iii)
Two Assistant Grand Recorders may be appointed by the Grand Master, and shall hold office without re-appointment during the pleasure of Grand Council.
29. The Grand Sentinel shall be appointed by the Grand Master, and shall hold office without re-appointment during the pleasure of Grand Council.
30. (i)
Upon the annual installation of the Grand Master he may appoint any or all of the following Grand Officers, who shall thereupon be invested:
Grand Chancellor
Grand Councillor
Grand Chaplain
President of the Executive Committee
Grand Director of Ceremonies
Grand Lecturer
Grand Historiographer
Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies
Deputy Grand Chaplain
Grand Captain of the Guard
Grand Conductor of the Council
Assistant Grand Chaplain
Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies
Grand Sword Bearer
Grand Standard Bearer
Grand Organist
Grand Steward
Grand Manciples
30. (ii)
If a Grand Officer is absent from a meeting of Grand Council, the Grand Master may appoint any member of Grand Council to act in his place.
30. (iii)
Grand Officers must be Installed Masters.
30. (iv)
A Companion shall not hold more than one office in Grand Council at one and the same time, save that a District Grand Master and, in special circumstances, and at the discretion of the Grand Master, some other Grand Officer may hold one other office.
30. (v)
Casual vacancies may be filled by the Grand Master.
30. (vi)
The Grand Master may from time to time appoint Companions to such Past Rank as he may deem advisable.
30. (vii)
The Grand Master is empowered to confer on Companions who have rendered special service to the Order the honour and prestige of one of two distinctions: “Order of Service to Cryptic Masonry” or “Custodian of the Ninth Arch”. The honorific will be appended to a Companion’s existing Grand Rank and hold position in the Order of Precedence as shown in Rule 4.
31. The Grand Master may by Patent appoint a Companion to represent him at another Grand Council.
32. (i)
The Grand Treasurer shall be nominated, elected and invested at Grand Council.
32. (ii)
The election of the Grand Treasurer shall be by ballot, and be conducted in a similar manner to that of the elected members of the Executive Committee.
33. The Grand Master may require any of the Grand Officers of the year to attend him when visiting District Grand Councils, District Inspectorates or private Councils.
34. (i)
The Grand Recorder, or if he not be available the Deputy Grand Recorder or an Assistant Grand Recorder, shall issue certificates, issue summonses for all meetings of Grand Council, and of the Executive Committee and its Sub Committees, and attend and take minutes of proceedings thereof, receive returns from private Councils, and enter them in the books of Grand Council, receive fees and contributions payable by Councils or Companions, and pay or cause the same to be paid to the Bank account of Grand Council; transmit to all Councils accounts of the proceedings of the meetings of Grand Council, and all papers and documents which may be ordered by the Grand Master, Grand Council, or the Executive Committee, receive all petitions, memorials, etc., and submit them to the Grand Master or other proper authority; attend the Grand Master with any books or papers he may require; and generally do all such things as heretofore have been done or ought to be done by a Grand Recorder. He shall affix the Seal of Grand Council to patents, warrants, certificates or other documents. He shall also have the care of the Seal, regalia, clothing, insignia and jewels of Grand Council.
34. (ii)
Applications to the Grand Master concerning Masonic business shall be made through the Grand Recorder
35. The Grand Director of Ceremonies shall have the arrangement and direction of all processions and ceremonies of Grand Council.
36. The Grand Sentinel shall attend every meeting of Grand Council, preserve order within the porch, and see that none be admitted except those properly clothed, and act under the instructions of the Grand Director of Ceremonies.
37. Should the Grand Master be dissatisfied with the conduct of any Grand Officer he may displace such Grand Officer and appoint another, or in the case of a Past Grand Officer he may deprive him of his rank and privileges.
INSPECTORATES, DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS AND DISTRICT GRAND COUNCILS
38. The Grand Master has power to constitute any specified area a District/ Inspectorate, and to create a District Grand Council/Inspectorate having jurisdiction within such area, and to combine, divide, or re-arrange Districts/Inspectorates or direct that a District/Inspectorate shall cease to exist. The Grand Master may direct that an existing Council under the jurisdiction of Grand Council shall form part of an existing District/Inspectorate, or may direct that a Council or Councils in a District/ Inspectorate shall cease to form part of such District/Inspectorate.
39. (i)
A District Grand Master/Grand Inspector shall be appointed by the Grand Master by Patent to hold office for a period of five years, which appointment may be extended for further periods each not exceeding five years. He must be qualified as an Installed Master of a regular Council and must also be a subscribing member of a Council in the District/ Inspectorate. By such Patent he shall be granted powers and jurisdiction similar to those possessed by the Grand Master, except as in these Regulations may be otherwise provided, but shall not assume such powers and jurisdiction until he has been invested and installed. He shall be invested and installed at the next regular District Grand Council/Assembly of Inspectorate, or at a special District Grand Council summoned for that purpose, and after installation shall in his District/Inspectorate take precedence over all save the Grand Master, Pro Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.
39. (ii)
If a Patent is lost, destroyed, improperly withheld, or so injured as to be wholly or in part illegible, a Patent of Confirmation may be issued by the Grand Master bearing the date of the original Patent or such later date as the Grand Master may think proper. Should the original Patent subsequently be found or restored, the Patent of Confirmation shall be surrendered unless the Grand Master otherwise directs.
39. (iii)
All applications to the Grand Master or the Executive Committee by Councils or Companions in a District or Inspectorate shall be made through the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector.
40. (i)
To ensure the regular performance of the duties of his office, a District Grand Master shall by Patent appoint a Deputy, to hold office during his pleasure, who must be qualified as an Installed Master of a regular Council and must also be a subscribing member of a Council in the District, to execute all the functions of the office in his name, but he shall not assume such powers until he has been invested and installed at a meeting of District Grand Council.
40. (ii)
In his District the Deputy shall rank immediately after the District Grand Master
40. (iii)
To ensure the regular performance of the duties of his office, a District Grand Master shall by Patent appoint a District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, to hold office during his pleasure, who must be qualified as an Installed Master of a regular Council and must also be a subscribing member of a Council in the District, to execute all the functions of the office in his name, but he shall not assume such powers until he has been invested and installed at a meeting of District Grand Council.
40. (iv)
In his District the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work shall rank immediately after the Deputy District Grand Master.
41. The District Grand Master shall transmit, in writing, the name and place of abode of the Deputy District Grand Master and the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, to all the Councils of his District, and also to the Grand Recorder for registration, within one month of the appointment.
42. (i)
In the event of the death, resignation, removal or suspension of a District Grand Master, the Deputy District Grand Master or in his absence the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work or in the case of an Inspectorate, the Inspectorate Recorder shall act in his place until another Companion has been appointed and installed as District Grand Master or the suspension removed, and shall be designated by the title of his office with the addition of the words “in charge”.
42. (ii)
If at any time the District Grand Master be not available, the Deputy District Grand Master or in his absence the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work shall exercise his functions subject to any directions he may give.
42. (iii)
If there shall be no Deputy District Grand Master, or District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, or if they be not available, the District Grand Officer next in rank and then available, shall act accordingly.
43. A District Grand Council consists of the District Grand Master with the District Grand Officers present or past, and the Masters, Deputy Masters and Principal Conductors of the Work of every Council in the District, together with Masters of Councils, and Past Masters qualified under Regulation 5, who are subscribing members of Councils in the District.
44. (i)
A District Grand Master/Inspector shall hold an annual Assembly of District Grand Council/Inspectorate, at which the appointment of the District Grand Officers/ Inspectorate Officers shall be made, and shall also hold such other meetings of the District Grand Council or Inspectorate as he shall consider necessary. All such meetings shall be held within the District or Inspectorate, unless a dispensation is granted by the Grand Master.
44. (ii)
Should a District Grand Officer be absent from any such meeting, the District Grand Master may direct any member of the District Grand Council to act in his place.
45. (i)
Should the District Grand Master be absent the Assembly of District Grand Council shall be ruled by the Deputy District Grand Master, or in his absence, the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, or failing him by such member of the District Grand Council (being an Installed Master) as the District Grand Master may designate.
45. (ii)
When a District Grand Master presides District Grand Council is to be declared open in due form; if the Deputy District Grand Master or District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, or any other Companion presides, in form only, yet always with the same authority.
45. (iii)
Should the Grand Inspector be absent the Assembly of the Inspectorate shall be ruled by the Senior Grand Officer present.
46. (i)
A District Grand Master is empowered to appoint annually the following District Grand Officers, all of whom must be subscribing members of a Council in his District:
Address of Deputy Grand Master and District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work Death or Resignation of District Grand Master/Grand Inspector
Membership of District Grand Council Meeting of District Grand Council/ Inspectorate
Absence of District Grand Master from Meeting of District Grand Council
District Grand Council Officers
(a)
Deputy District Grand Master Dep.Dist.G.M.
District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work ................ Dist.G.P.C.W.
District Grand Chaplain ........................................................Dist.G.Chap.
District Grand Recorder .......................................................... Dist.G.Rec.
District Grand Director of Ceremonies.................................. Dist.G.D.C.
District Grand Lecturer .......................................................... Dist.G.Lect.
District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Dist.Dep.G.D.C.
District Grand Captain of the Guard Dist.G.Capt.Gd.
District Grand Conductor of the Council.......................... Dist.G.Cond.C.
District Grand Almoner (or Dist.G.Man.) ................................... Dist.G.Alm.
District Assistant Grand Recorder ...................................... Dist.A.G.Rec.
District Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies ...............Dist.A.G.D.C.
District Grand Organist ........................................................... Dist.G.Org.
District Grand Steward Dist.G.Stwd.
District Grand Manciple (or Dist.G.Alm.) Dist.G.Man.
District Grand Sentinel Dist.G.Sent.
(b) In the case of a District containing more than 2 but less than 7 Councils:
Deputy District Grand Master............................................ Dep.Dist.G.M.
District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work ................ Dist.G.P.C.W.
District Grand Chaplain ........................................................Dist.G.Chap.
District Grand Recorder .......................................................... Dist.G.Rec.
District Grand Director of Ceremonies.................................. Dist.G.D.C.
District Grand Lecturer Dist.G.Lect.
District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Dist.Dep.G.D.C.
District Grand Captain of the Guard ................................Dist.G.Capt.Gd.
District Grand Conductor of the Council.......................... Dist.G.Cond.C.
District Grand Almoner (and one District Grand Manciple*) ........... Dist.G.Alm.
District Assistant Grand Recorder ...................................... Dist.A.G.Rec.
District Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies ...............Dist.A.G.D.C.
District Grand Sword Bearer
District Grand Standard Bearer
Dist.G.Swd.B.
Dist.G.St.B.
District Grand Organist Dist.G.Org.
District Grand Steward ......................................................... Dist.G.Stwd. two District Grand Manciples* (or one District Grand Manciple and one District Grand Almoner) ................................................ Dist.G.Man. District Grand Sentinel .......................................................... Dist.G.Sent.
(c) In the case of a District containing more than 6 but less than 10 Councils, the officers as at (b) save that three District Grand Manciples or two District Grand Manciples and a District Grand Almoner may be appointed.
(d) In the case of a District containing 10 or more Councils, the officers as at (b) save that four District Grand Manciples or three District Grand Manciples and a District Grand Almoner may be appointed.
46. (ii)
The District Grand Officers shall be annually appointed in the District Grand Council, and such Officers whenever practicable shall be then invested, together with the District Grand Treasurer.
46. (iii)
A Companion shall not hold more than one office in the same District Grand Council/Inspectorate at the same time.
46. (iv)
The District Grand Master is empowered to confer on any Companion who is a Past Master and a member of a Council within his District and who has rendered service to the Order of Royal and Select Masters, the rank of a Past District Grand Officer, except that of a Past Deputy District Grand Master or Past District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, but no District Grand Master shall have power in any one year to confer such rank upon more than one Companion for every complete three Councils in his District.
46. (v)
Promotion of a Companion already holding District Grand Rank, Present or Past, to a higher rank shall not count as conferment of past rank for the purposes of this limitation.
46. (vi)
Every Companion upon whom such rank shall have been conferred shall be entitled to wear his clothing as a District Grand Officer at all meetings of the Order.
46. (vii)
A return showing all appointments, conferment of Past Rank, and promotions shall be sent to the Grand Recorder, within 14 days of such appointments being made.
46. (viii)
In an Inspectorate a Grand Inspector may only appoint an Inspectorate Recorder, an Inspectorate Treasurer – by election, and an Inspectorate Director of Ceremonies.
47. A Companion cannot be appointed to a rank higher than that of District Grand Conductor of the Council, other than District Grand Recorder or District Grand Chaplain, who is a clerk in Holy Orders, unless he be the Master or a Past Master of a Council. This limitation shall apply also to the conferment of Past Rank.
48. District Grand Officers, present and past, take precedence both for investiture and otherwise amongst themselves in similar order to Grand Officers holding or having held corresponding ranks as provided by Regulation 4, except that Past District Grand Masters take precedence in their own Districts after the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.
49. With the exception of District Grand Masters/Grand Inspectors, present or past, being Officers of Grand Council, District Grand Officers/Inspectorate Officers can claim precedence as such only within their District/Inspectorate.
50. A District Grand Master shall have a like power to remove a District Grand Officer or to deprive a Past District Grand Officer of his rank, as is vested in the Grand Master by Regulation 37 in respect of Officers of Grand Council, but no such action shall be taken without the approval of the Grand Master.
51. Should a District Grand Officer/Inspectorate Officer die, resign, be removed or become incapable of performing the duties of his office by reason of absence or any other cause, the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector may forthwith appoint another Companion to fill the office for the remainder of the year. On completion of the year, such Officer shall rank as a Past District Grand Officer/Inspectorate Officer. An Officer so appointed may, if the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector so directs, be invested in a private Council, and a similar direction may be given in the case of any Officer unable to attend for investiture at the meeting of District Grand Council/ Inspectorate.
52. A District Grand Council/Inspectoratehas the power of framing by-laws, provided that they are not contrary to, or inconsistent with, the Constitutions and Regulations of Grand Council. Such by-laws shall not be valid until approved by the Grand Master.
53. Minutes of the proceedings of a District Grand Council shall be entered in a book, which shall be produced by the District Grand Master for the inspection of the Grand Master, Grand Recorder or their nominee whenever required.
54. A District Grand Council/Inspectorate may establish an Executive Committee or other Committees in such manner and with such powers as the by-laws may provide.
55. (i)
A District Grand Council/Inspectorate may direct payments (exclusive of the contributions payable to Grand Council) to be made by District Grand Officers/ Inspectorate Officers on first appointment to Present Rank, or Past rank in a District, or on promotion, and also by Councils in the District/Inspectorate for the establishment of a local fund for general purposes, in respect of the following:
Inspectorate
Officers
Qualification for Appointment as a District Grand Officer
Precedence of District Grand Officers
Precedence only within the District/ Inspectorate
Removal of District Grand Officers
Casual vacancies within a District Grand Council/ Inspectorate
By-laws of District Grand Council/ Inspectorate
Minutes of District Grand Council
Committees of District Grand Council/ Inspectorate
Finance of District Grand Council/ Inspectorate
55. (ii)
(a) Fees payable by Councils
(i) Registration of a new Council
(ii) For each candidate
(iii) For each joining member
(iv) Registration of by-laws or amendments of by-laws
(v) Dispensations other than those which can only be granted by the Grand Master.
(b) Fees payable by Members
(i) Annual Dues
Such annual dues for every subscribing member on the Roll during any part of the year as the District Grand Council/Inspectorate may prescribe.
(ii) Fees of Honour
Such fees of honour on first election, appointment or promotion that the District Grand Council may prescribe.
Any of the fees or dues set out above may be altered by resolution of District Grand Council/Inspectorate, provided that notice of such resolution shall have been given on the Notice calling the meeting.
55. (iii)
Such fees or dues as the District Grand Council/Inspectorate may prescribe shall not exceed 40% of those charged by Grand Council.
56. (i)
The District Grand Council/Inspectorate shall annually elect a District Grand Treasurer/Inspectorate Treasurer who shall receive all monies due to, or held for, the District Grand Council/Inspectorate and shall without undue delay deposit the same in an account in the name of the District Grand Council/Inspectorate at a bank to be approved by resolution of the District Grand Council/Inspectorate.
56. (ii)
The District Grand Treasurer/Inspectorate Treasurer shall regularly enter a complete record of all monies passing through his hands in the proper books of account, which shall be the property of the District Grand Council/Inspectorate and which, together with all District/Inspectorate funds and property in his possession, shall be transferred to his successor as District Grand Treasurer/Inspectorate Treasurer upon investiture or to the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector.
56. (iii)
The District Grand Treasurer/Inspectorate Treasurer shall prepare a statement of accounts annually, to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the District Grand Council/Inspectorate duly audited by two or more auditors (who shall be elected annually by the District Grand Council/Inspectorate) and, following the approval and adoption of the audited statement of accounts by the District Grand Council/ Inspectorate, a copy thereof shall be transmitted to each Council within the District/ Inspectorate, and one copy thereof transmitted to the Grand Recorder
56. (iv)
The same procedure of annual accounts, audit and presentation to the District Grand Council/Inspectorate shall, subject to any necessary amendments, be followed in relation to any other funds maintained by or in connection with the District Grand Council/Inspectorate, whether by the Treasurer or other Officer and whether relating to General or Charitable purposes or otherwise.
57. The Grand Master has power to confer the Rank designated Cryptic Overseas Rank on Past Masters of Overseas Councils not under a District, who have rendered long and meritorious service to the Order and are members of Grand Council in accordance with Regulation 5. The holders of such Rank are entitled to wear the regalia prescribed in these Regulations at all meetings of Grand Council, District Grand Councils, Inspectorates and Private Councils, but can claim precedence by virtue of their rank only in Overseas Councils not under a District. The fee of honour in respect of Cryptic Overseas Rank shall be as prescribed in Regulation 141.
58. (i)
PRIVATE COUNCILS
Every application for a Warrant to hold a new Council must be by petition to the Grand Master. In all cases the petition must be signed by at least nine Royal and Select Masters regularly registered under the Constitution of the Grand Council of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas and in the case of Councils to meet in England, Wales or the Channel Islands all other signatories to the petition must be so registered, but in other cases Royal and Select Masters registered under a Constitution recognised by Grand Council may be signatories to the petition provided that their number does not exceed one-third of the total number of signatories. Each signatory must specify the Councils or, if such signatory is not registered under Grand Council, the Councils working the Ritual under a recognised Constitution, of which he is or has been a member, and must produce clearance certificates from each such Council, if still in existence, for transmission to the Grand Recorder, unless the Grand Master or the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector excuses such production in any particular case. Petitioners who are not registered under Grand Council must also apply for a certificate, which will be issued on payment of the prescribed joining fee. In the case of a Council in a District or Inspectorate, the petition and certificates are to be sent to the District Grand Master/ Grand Inspector or the Deputy District Grand Master or the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, who is to forward such petition, with his recommendation or opinion thereon, to the Grand Recorder for the decision of the Grand Master.
58. (ii)
The following is the form of petition for a new Council:
To The Most Illustrious Grand Master of The Order of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas
The under-mentioned petitioners being Select Masters, Royal Masters, Most Excellent Masters and Super-Excellent Masters, having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, and being willing to exert their best endeavours to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Cryptic Masonry, respectfully represent that they are desirous of forming a Council to meet at the .............. on the .............. in the months of .............. in the town of .............. County of .............. to be named the .............. Council.
They therefore pray for a Warrant of Constitution, to empower them to assemble as a lawful Council, to discharge the duties of Cryptic Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the Order and the Constitutions and Regulations of the Grand Council.
They have nominated and do recommend Comp. A. B. ................ to be the first Master, Comp. C. ................ D. ................ to be the first Deputy Master, and Comp. E. ................ F. ................ to be the first Principal Conductor of the Work of the said Council. If the prayer of the petitioners be granted, they promise a strict conformity of the Constitutions and Regulations of the Grand Council.
Dated ................ A.Dep. ................ A.D. ................
The above Petition must be signed by not less than nine Select, Royal, Most Excellent and Super-Excellent Masters.
58. (iii)
The nominated Officers of a Council cannot be altered except by special sanction of the Grand Master.
59. In order to avoid irregularities, every new Council shall be consecrated according to Antient usage, by the Grand Master, or in his absence, and with the approval of either the Grand Master or President of the Executive Committee, by the Pro Grand Master or the Deputy Grand Master or Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, or other Grand Officer or Master or Past Master of a Council acting as deputy for the time being. A Council shall not be acknowledged, nor its Officers admitted as such into Grand Council, District Grand Council, Inspectorate, nor shall any of its members as such be entitled to other privileges of the Order, unless it has been regularly constituted and consecrated.
60. Councils rank in precedence for all purposes, including precedence in a District Grand Council/Inspectorate, in order of their numbers as registered in the books of Grand Council. Certain Time Immemorial Councils shall not have a number but shall be placed at the head of all other Councils. Every Council shall also bear a name, which shall not be changed without the permission of the Grand Master.
61. (i)
Save as hereinafter provided a Council cannot meet without its Warrant of Constitution, specially entrusted to the Master at his installation, who shall be responsible for its safe custody, and who shall produce it at every meeting of the Council. Such Warrant remains the property of the Grand Master and shall be surrendered to him on the dissolution of the Council, and it cannot in any circumstances be transferred. No endorsements or other marking shall be made on a Warrant.
61. (ii)
Should a Warrant be lost, destroyed or improperly withheld from those lawfully entitled to hold and use the same, or withheld by competent Masonic authority, the Council must suspend its meetings until a new Warrant or Warrant of Confirmation has been applied for and granted by the Grand Master in such terms or on such conditions as he may think proper, or until the Warrant be found or restored. Provided that the Grand Master, Pro Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master or Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, but no other authority, may grant a dispensation to a Council to meet without its Warrant on such occasions, and subject to such conditions, as the dispensation may provide.
62. If a Warrant is lost, destroyed, improperly withheld, or so injured as to be wholly or in part illegible, a Warrant of Confirmation may be issued by the Grand Master bearing the date of the original Warrant or such later date as the Grand Master may think proper. Should the original Warrant subsequently be found or restored, the Warrant of Confirmation shall be surrendered unless the Grand Master otherwise directs.
63. (i)
The regular Officers of the Council are the Master, Deputy Master, Principal Conductor of the Work, Chaplain, Treasurer, Recorder, Director of Ceremonies, Captain of the Guard, Conductor of the Council, Steward and Sentinel.
63. (ii)
The Master may also appoint to any of the following additional Offices, an Almoner, an Assistant Director of Ceremonies, an Assistant Recorder, an Organist and not more than four Manciples.
63. (iii)
Save by dispensation from the Grand Master, or in a District Grand Council, from the District Grand Master, no Companion shall hold more than one regular office, but a Companion may hold one of the additional offices together with a regular office.
63. (iv)
As among the Officers of the Council, the order of precedence for investiture and otherwise shall be as follows; the Master, Deputy Master, Principal Conductor of the Work, Chaplain, Treasurer, Recorder, Director of Ceremonies, Captain of the Guard, Conductor of the Council, Almoner, Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Assistant Recorder, Organist, Steward, Manciple and Sentinel.
63. (v)
The Immediate Past Master as such is not an Officer of the Council but shall take precedence immediately after the Principal Conductor of the Work. In the event of the death or absence of the Immediate Past Master, the Senior Past Master of the Council present shall act in his place.
64. (i)
Every Council shall annually, at the regular meeting next before the day named in its by-laws for the installation, elect its Master. Unless there is more than one regularly proposed candidate, or there is a demand for a ballot, the regularly proposed candidate shall be deemed and declared to have been elected. The Companion so elected shall, if he be able, willing and qualified to serve as Master, be regularly installed in the Chair at the next regular meeting according to Antient usage. A Master elect shall not assume the Master ’s Chair until he has been regularly installed. The Master shall be presented with a current copy of the Constitutions and Regulations and, if applicable, the by-laws of the District Grand Council/Inspectorate together with the by-laws of the Council.
64. (ii)
No Companion shall be installed as Master, except by special dispensation from the Grand Master, unless at the date of installation:
(a) he shall have served, or be deemed to have served the office of Master or Deputy Master or of Principal Conductor of the Work in a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters for one complete year, that is to say from one Installation meeting till the next;
(b) he shall be a Super-Excellent Master.
64. (iii)
Petitions for such dispensations, setting forth fully the matters thought to justify the grant of a dispensation, must, in a District/Inspectorate, be forwarded through the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector to the Grand Recorder and in other cases direct to the Grand Recorder.
65. Every Master elect, before being installed, shall solemnly pledge himself to preserve and faithfully observe and support the Constitutions and Regulations, and to enforce them strictly within his own Council.
66. The Master is responsible for the due observance of the by-laws of the Council over which he presides, a copy of which shall be presented to him on his installation.
67. If not less than seven days before the date of the regular installation meeting the Master elect should die, or become disqualified or incapacitated, or send to the Master or Recorder a notice in writing of his intention not to accept the office of Master, or if he shall not, at least seven days before such date, have obtained any dispensation necessary for his installation, notice shall be sent to each member of the Council stating the fact, and stating also that on the said date the Companions will again proceed to elect a Master, who, if then present and willing and qualified to serve, shall be immediately installed and shall forthwith appoint and invest the Officers. If the Companion so elected is not present, or if he is not eligible under Regulation 64 without a dispensation, the installation shall be postponed and the provisions of Regulation 69 shall apply, but if he is not able or willing to accept the office of Master then the outgoing Master shall continue as Master till the next regular installation meeting, and shall appoint and invest the Officers, either forthwith or at a regular or emergency meeting to be held within five weeks, and the Deputy Master or the Principal Conductor of the Work appointed and invested at such meeting shall at the date of the next installation meeting be deemed to have filled their offices for one year.
68. If less than seven days before the date of the regular installation meeting the Master elect should die, or become disqualified or incapacitated, or send to the Master or Recorder a notice in writing of his intention not to accept the office of Master, the outgoing Master shall continue as Master till the next regular installation meeting, and shall appoint and invest the Officers as provided in Regulation 67.
Election and Installation of Master of Council
Obligation of Master of Council
Enforcement of Council By-laws
Death or incapacity of Master Elect of Council not less than seven days before Installation Meeting
Death or incapacity of Master Elect of Council less than seven days before Installation Meeting
Absence of Outgoing Master Direction in case of difficulty with Election or Installation of Master of Council
of date of Election or Installation of Master of Council
69. If the Master elect, though ready and willing to act as such, is not present at the regular installation meeting, the installation shall be postponed to a regular or emergency meeting, to be held within five weeks of the regular day of installation. Should the Master elect be also absent from such meeting, the outgoing Master shall continue as Master till the next regular installation meeting and shall forthwith appoint and invest the Officers. A Master installed, or a Deputy Master or a Principal Conductor of the Work appointed and invested at such a meeting, shall at the date of the next regular installation meeting be deemed to have filled his office for one year.
70. Should the outgoing Master be absent from the regular installation meeting or a meeting held under the provisions of Regulations 67 to 69, or should the outgoing Master so request, the Immediate Past Master, or failing him the Senior Past Master of the Council present, or an Installed Master selected by the outgoing Master shall act in his place.
71. Should circumstances arise with regard to the election or installation of a Master, or as to the appointment or investiture of an Officer, which are not covered by the provisions of Regulations 64 and 67 to 70, or which render doubtful the procedure to be adopted under those provisions, the Council, or the Master thereof, may ask for a direction from the Grand Master, or in a District Grand Council/Inspectorate the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, as to the procedure to be followed. There shall be no appeal against any such direction, nor shall any question be subsequently raised, as to the regularity of anything done according to such direction.
72. (i)
If in any Council it should become impracticable to hold the election or installation meeting upon the day named in the by-laws for that purpose, the Grand Master, or in a District Grand Council/Inspectorate the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, may grant a dispensation for the holding of such meetings, or either of them, upon a day which, in the absence of special circumstances, shall be not more than fourteen days before or after that fixed by the by-laws, which day shall for all purposes be deemed the regular day of meeting.
72. (ii)
In every case of such dispensation being granted by a District Grand Master/ Grand Inspector, a report shall be forwarded to the Grand Recorder forthwith.
73. Should a Prince of the Blood Royal honour a private Council by accepting the office of Master, he may appoint a Pro Master who shall be regularly installed and entitled, when in office, to all the privileges of actual Master and, after he has served his period of office, to those of a Past Master.
74. A Companion shall not be Master of more than one Council at the same time, nor shall he continue as Master of the same Council for more than two years consecutively, without a dispensation from the Grand Master: provided that this Regulation shall not apply to an outgoing Master continuing in office under the provisions of Regulation 67, 68 or 69, or to a Master entitled to appoint a Pro Master under Regulation 73, but it shall apply to a Pro Master as if he were the Master of the Council.
75. The Treasurer shall be elected annually on the regular day of election of the Master. Unless there is more than one regularly proposed candidate or there is a demand for a ballot, the regularly proposed candidate shall be deemed and declared to have been elected. The Sentinel shall be chosen by show of hands on the same day, provided that a Council may by resolution decide that a member of the Council shall act as Sentinel without remuneration, and in such case the Sentinel shall be appointed by the Master and shall have the same status as other regular Officers of the Council. Should the Treasurer or the Sentinel be disabled from discharging his duties through absence, ill-health or other special cause the Master may appoint any subscribing member of the Council or in the case of the Sentinel any other Companion to act for him so long, during the remainder of the year, as he is so disabled. Absence of Master Elect
76. (i)
After his installation the Master shall appoint the Officers, other than those elected, and invest all Officers present. All Officers other than the Sentinel must be subscribing members of the Council.
76. (ii)
Should a vacancy occur in any office the Master may appoint a Companion to serve in such office for the remainder of the year.
77. If the Master die, be removed, or be rendered incapable of discharging the duties of his office, the Deputy Master, or in the absence of the Deputy Master, the Principal Conductor of the Work, or in the absence of both the Deputy Master and the Principal Conductor of the Work, the Immediate Past Master, or in his absence the Senior Past Master of the Council, shall direct the Council to be summoned until the next installation of Master.
78. In the Master ’s absence, the Immediate Past Master, or if he be absent the Senior Past Master of the Council present, or if a Past Master of the Council be not present, then the Senior Past Master present who is a subscribing member of the Council, shall take the chair. If no Past Master who is a member of the Council be present, then the Deputy Master, or in his absence the Principal Conductor of the Work, shall rule the Council. When a Deputy Master or Principal Conductor of the Work rules the Council, he shall not occupy the Master ’s chair, nor can a ceremony take place unless the Chair is occupied by an Installed Master
79. (i)
The Degrees conferred by Councils are: Select Master; Royal Master; Most Excellent Master; Super-Excellent Master; and the Degrees of Thrice Illustrious Master and Excellent Master which may only be conferred in a Council whose Warrant has been endorsed permitting that Council to work the Degree.
79. (ii)
A Council must be opened and closed in the degree of Select Master
79. (iii)
A Council of Royal Masters or a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters or a Council of Super-Excellent Masters or a Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters or a Lodge of Excellent Masters may only be opened for the reception of candidates and for no other reason or purpose.
79. (iv)
The Officers of a Council of Royal Masters are the Thrice Illustrious Master, Deputy Master, Principal Conductor of the Work, Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, Captain of the Guard, Conductor of the Council, Steward and Sentinel.
79. (v)
The Officers of a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters are the Right Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Inner Guard and Tyler
79. (vi)
The Officers of a Council of Super-Excellent Masters are Most Excellent Companion Gedaliah, the First Keeper of the Temple, Second Keeper of the Temple, Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, Captain of the Guard, Herald, Third Keeper of the Temple and Sentinel.
79. (vii)
A maximum of two candidates may be received into the degree of Royal Master at any one rendition of the ceremony.
Appointment and Investiture of Council Officers
Death or Incapacity of Master of Council Absence of Master of Council
Degrees Conferred in Council
Council
Opened/Closed
Officers
79. (viii)
Where two candidates are received into the degree of Royal Master, each candidate must take the ceremony individually up to the point of retirement after the perambulation. The first candidate may remain to witness the ceremony being conducted on the second candidate.
79. (ix)
A Council of Royal Masters may be adjourned after the admission of two candidates, and resumed after an appropriate interval, as many times as circumstances demand, to enable the admission of further candidates, having due regard for both the comfort of those present at the meeting and the decorum of the ceremony.
79. (x)
The Officers of a Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters are King David, Zadok the High Priest, Nathan the Prophet, Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, Organist, Benaiah, and Sentinel.
79. (xi)
The Officers of a Lodge of Excellent Masters are Right Worshipful and Excellent Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, Captain of the First Veil, Captain of the Second Veil, Captain of the Third Veil, Conductor, Organist, Inner Guard, and Tyler.
By-Laws
80. (i)
Every Council has the power of framing by-laws for its government provided that they are not inconsistent with the Constitutions and Regulations. Three copies of the by-laws must be submitted in District Grand Councils/Inspectorates through the District Grand Recorder/Inspectorate Recorder, for approval in the first instance by the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector and then forwarded to the Grand Recorder for approval by the Grand Master.
80. (ii)
No alteration of, or addition to, the by-laws of a Council shall be made unless notice of a motion for such alteration or addition be given at a meeting of the Council, and the summons for the next meeting, which shall be circulated at least seven days before the date of such meeting, contain or be accompanied by a copy of such alteration or addition. If such alteration or addition is approved, with or without amendment, at such meeting, the by-laws as amended shall forthwith be submitted to the Grand Recorder as above, and if approved they shall thereupon become of force without need for confirmation at a subsequent meeting, unless the existing by-laws require such confirmation or the Grand Recorder directs that they shall be submitted for confirmation.
80. (iii)
Should the new by-laws as passed by the Council differ from the copy on, or sent with, the summons, the Grand Recorder may, if he thinks fit, require the by-laws to be submitted for confirmation to a further meeting of the Council.
By-Laws
81. The regular dates and place of meeting, the date of the installation meeting, the date on which the annual subscription becomes due and the dates of the Council’s financial year shall be specified in the by-laws. The by-laws may also provide that the Recorder shall be excused payment of subscription in recognition of his services, in which case all dues in respect of his membership shall be defrayed from the funds of the Council; that one or two black balls shall serve to exclude a candidate; that a member whose subscription is in arrears for a specified period, which shall not be less than six months, shall not be eligible for appointment or election to office, or be entitled to attend the banquet; or may be excluded from the Council by resolution of the Council, carried by not less than two thirds of the members then present.
82. A Council shall determine the amount of the annual subscription and of the fees to be paid to the Council by candidates for reception, joining or rejoining, by resolution in open Council from time to time, after notice on the summons for any regular meeting.
83. Every Companion on admission as a member of a Council shall be supplied with a printed copy of the Constitutions and Regulations of the Order, the by-laws of the District Grand Council/Inspectorate and the by-laws of the Council and his acceptance thereof shall be deemed a submission thereto.
84. The Grand Master, or a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, may by dispensation authorise a Council to hold a specified meeting or meetings at a specified place other than its ordinary place of meeting. Should the specified place be within the jurisdiction of an Authority other than the Authority granting the dispensation, a further dispensation shall be required from the Authority within whose jurisdiction the specified place may lie.
85. A permanent alteration of the regular dates or place of meeting of a Council can only be effected by an amendment of its by-laws under the provisions of Regulation 81, provided that a change of place of meeting of a Council in a District Grand Council/Inspectorate to a place without such District/Inspectorate shall not be made without the special leave of the Grand Master
86. (i)
Copies of the Summons for each meeting of a Private Council shall be sent, a minimum of fourteen days before the meeting, to all members.
86. (ii)
All Councils in Districts/Inspectorates shall send to the District Grand Recorder/ Inspectorate Recorder a copy of the Summons for every regular and emergency meeting of the Council at the same time as it is issued to the members.
86. (iii)
All Councils designated Unattached shall send to the Grand Recorder a copy of the Summons for every regular and emergency meeting at the same time as they are issued to the members.
86. (iv)
No meeting shall be held on a Sunday or on Good Friday or Christmas Day. Should the specified date of a regular meeting fall on one of these days, or on a public holiday, the meeting may be held on such day, not more than 14 days before or after the regular day, as the Master may determine, which day shall for all purposes be deemed the regular day of meeting.
86. (v)
If in any Council it should become impracticable or inconvenient to hold the regular meeting upon the day named in the by-laws for that purpose, the Grand Master, and in a District Grand Council/Inspectorate the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, may grant a dispensation for the holding of such meeting upon a day which, in the absence of special circumstances, shall not be more than fourteen days before or after that fixed by the by-laws, which day shall for all purposes be deemed the regular day of meeting.
87. No regular meeting of a Council may be cancelled, or held otherwise than at the prescribed place and on the prescribed day, except as otherwise provided in these Regulations, and not more than one meeting may be held on one day. No meeting of a Council may be adjourned, but consideration of any matter of business may by resolution be postponed for consideration at a later meeting.
88. An Emergency Meeting of a Council may only be called by order of the Master, or, in his absence, the Deputy Master, or, in his absence, the Principal Conductor of the Work. The business to be transacted at such Council shall be stated in the summons, and no other business shall be transacted.
89. No Council shall be opened unless six Companions are present in addition to a Sentinel, and no business shall be transacted at a meeting unless at least three members of that Council are present, but an entry of the meeting shall be made in the minute book. Any items of business on the agenda for such meeting, other than the election or installation of a Master, may be considered at the next meeting
By-Laws for Presentation Temporary change of meeting place of Council Permanent change of dates or meeting place of Council
Meeting dates of Councils falling on a Public Holiday Temporary change of date of Council
Cancellation of Meetings of Council Emergency Meetings of Councils Council Meeting Quorum
of the Council. If the meeting in question be the election or installation meeting a special report shall be made to the Grand Master, or the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, and his direction taken as to the course to be pursued.
90. (i)
A Council shall keep a minute book in which the Recorder shall regularly enter a record of all business transacted or considered at each meeting of the Council, and in particular the names of Companions received or elected for reception, or elected as joining or rejoining members, at any meeting, with the names of their proposers and seconders, and all particulars required for the purpose of returns under Regulation 91.
90. (ii)
The names of all members present at each meeting of the Council, together with those of all visiting Companions, with their Councils and rank in the Order, shall also be entered in the minute book.
90. (iii)
91. (i)
Minutes can only be confirmed at a regular meeting of the Council.
Every Council shall keep a register of its members and once in each year, before 30 September, transmit to the Grand Recorder on the prescribed form details of the subscribing membership of the Council and of changes in membership during the preceding twelve-months period ending on 31 August. With such return shall be transmitted the Annual Dues payable by the Council in respect of every Companion who has been a subscribing member of the Council during any part of the preceding twelve-months period, whether or not such member shall be in arrears.
91. (ii)
This list shall also show the names of all Companions who have ceased to be subscribing members of the Council during such year, stating whether by reason of death, resignation, cessation, exclusion, or election to Honorary Membership.
91. (iii)
Each Council shall also, immediately after any Companion has become a member of such Council, make a return together with the appropriate fee to the Grand Recorder showing the names, and address of such Companion, and also in the case of a Companion who has been received, the name and number of at least one regular Mark Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter of which he is, or has been, a subscribing member or an honorary member or a serving Companion, or in the case of a joining member the number of some regular Council of which he is or has been a member or, if he has never been a member of a regular Council, then the name and number of some Council working the Ritual under a recognised Constitution to which he belongs or has belonged.
91. (iv)
Each Council shall also, immediately after any Companion has been admitted to the Degrees of Royal Master, Most Excellent Master, and Super-Excellent Master, make a return to the Grand Recorder showing the names, of the Council(s) in which and dates on which the respective Degrees were received.
91. (v)
No Companion elected as joining or rejoining member of a Council shall be deemed to be a subscribing member until he shall have paid the fee for joining or rejoining.
92. (i)
Councils in District Grand Councils/Inspectorates shall, in addition to the returns to be made to the Grand Recorder, make similar returns to the District Grand Recorder/Inspectorate Recorder and transmit therewith all monies payable to the District Grand Council/Inspectorate.
92. (ii)
In a District Grand Council/Inspectorate returns and fees for Grand Council required by Regulation 141, and also any other monies due to Grand Council, may, if the Grand Master so direct, be sent or paid to the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, who shall transmit the same to the Grand Recorder.
93. (i)
Every Council shall annually, immediately after the installation of the Master, make a return to the Grand Recorder of the Master, Deputy Master, and Principal Conductor of the Work.
93. (ii)
In a District Grand Council/Inspectorate all returns shall also be made to the District Grand Recorder/Inspectorate Recorder.
94. (i)
Should a Council fail to make any returns or payments to Grand Council for the space of six months after the same are due, the Executive Committee may admonish, fine, or suspend such Council, or any Officer or member thereof responsible for the default, or may recommend that such Council be erased or such Officer or member be expelled from the Order.
94. (ii)
A District Grand Master/Grand Inspector shall have such like powers in case of failure to make returns or payments to a District Grand Council/Inspectorate.
95. Should a Companion be deprived of the privileges of the Order through the neglect of a Council in not making the necessary returns, or not remitting the fees to Grand Council, he shall, on producing the required proof to competent authority, be entitled to all such privileges, and the offending Council shall be reported to the Executive Committee.
96. (i)
All moneys due to, or held for, the Council shall be paid or remitted to the Treasurer, who shall without undue delay deposit the same in an account in the name of the Council at a bank to be approved by resolution of the Council.
96. (ii)
The Treasurer shall make such payments as are duly authorised, or have been sanctioned by the Council. All cheques must bear the signature of the Treasurer and (unless the Council resolves to the contrary) of at least one other member authorised by the Council.
96. (iii)
The Treasurer shall regularly enter a complete record of all moneys passing through his hands in the proper books of account, which shall be the property of the Council, and which, together with all Council funds and property in his possession, shall be transferred to his successor upon investiture.
96. (iv)
The Treasurer shall prepare a statement of accounts annually, at a date to be determined by the members, showing the exact financial position of the Council, which statement shall be verified and audited by at least two members of the Council annually elected for that purpose. Copies of the accounts and of the certificate signed by the members, so elected, that all balances have been checked and that the accounts have been duly audited shall be sent to all members of the Council with the summons convening the meeting at which they are to be considered and, following the approval and adoption of the audited statement of accounts by the Council at least one copy thereof shall be transmitted to the District Grand Recorder/Inspectorate Recorder who shall forward it to the District Grand Treasurer/Inspectorate Treasurer for verification. In the case of Councils not under Districts/Inspectorates, one copy of the audited statement of accounts shall be sent to the Grand Recorder.
96. (v)
The books of accounts shall be produced for inspection in open Council at such meetings, and on any other occasion if required by a resolution of the Council. The same procedure of annual accounts, audit and presentation to members of the Council shall, subject to any necessary amendments, be followed in relation to any other funds maintained by or in connection with the Council, whether by the Treasurer or other Officer, and whether relating to General or Charitable purposes or otherwise.
96. (vi)
The Council may by resolution authorise the Treasurer, but on no pretence any other Brother, to make payments from the Council’s account by electronic means; in the absence of any such resolution all payments from Council funds shall be made by cash or by cheque.
96. (vii)
The Council shall each year at the Installation Meeting elect two subscribing members of the Council (other than the Treasurer, Master, Wardens, and the Recorder) to act as auditors.
97. A Council may appoint one or more Committees for the purpose of considering and reporting to the Council on any matters connected with the management of its affairs, or the suitability of candidates proposed for reception or joining, but no such Committee shall have any executive powers unless the same have been conferred on it by resolution of the Council.
98. (i)
When any Master Mason, who has been Advanced to the Degree of a Mark Master Mason, and Exalted as a Companion in the Royal Arch, or a Companion of the Order is a candidate for membership of a Council the following particulars shall be sent to all members of the Council seven clear days before the meeting at which he is to come up for election:
(a) in all instances:
(i) Full name
(ii) Date of Birth
(iii) Place or places of abode
(iv) Names of Proposer and Seconder, both whom must be subscribing members of the Council or Honorary Members who are Past Masters of the Council.
(b) in the case of a Candidate for reception:
(i) Name, number of the Craft Lodge in which the candidate was Raised, together with the date of Raising and his current Rank.
(ii) Name, number of the Mark Lodge in which the candidate was Advanced, together with the date of Advancement and his current Rank.
(iii) Name, number of the Royal Arch Chapter in which the candidate was Exalted, together with the date of Exaltation and his current Rank.
(c) in the case of a Candidate for Joining or rejoining
(i) Name(s) and number(s) of all Councils of which the candidate is or has been a subscribing member, or an honorary member, or a serving Companion and his current Rank.
(ii) Or if he has never been a member of a regular Council then the name and number of a Council working the Ritual under some recognised Constitution, to which he belongs or has belonged.
99. (i)
(iii) (a) A candidate cannot be chosen as a Select Master unless he is a Master Mason, a Mark Master Mason and a Royal Arch Mason.
(b) A candidate cannot be honoured as a Royal Master unless he is a Select Master
(c) A candidate cannot be received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master unless he is a Royal Master
(d) A candidate cannot be received and acknowledged as a SuperExcellent Master unless he is a Most Excellent Master.
(iv) A candidate may be received as a Royal Master, or Most Excellent Master or Super-Excellent Master in a Council other than the one in which he was received as a Select Master, with the acquiescence of the Masters of the two Councils concerned.
(v) When any Select Master is a candidate for the degree of Royal Master, or a Royal Master is a candidate for the degree of Most Excellent Master, or a Most Excellent Master is a candidate for the degree of Super-Excellent Master, the following particulars shall be sent to all members of the Council seven clear days before the meeting at which he is due to take the Degree:
Date of reception into the degrees of Select Master, Royal Master, and Most Excellent Master, together with the name and number of the Council in which the Candidate was received, if different from the Council in which he was received as a Select Master.
A person shall not be accepted as a candidate for reception or for joining or rejoining unless he has been proposed and seconded.
99. (ii)
No person shall be received in a Council, other than that in which he has been proposed and elected without the special dispensation of the Grand Master.
99. (iii)
A candidate for reception shall produce:
(a) his Grand Lodge Certificate as a Master Mason or a Certificate from the Secretary of the Lodge in which he was Raised;
(b) his Grand Lodge Certificate as a Mark Master Mason or a Certificate from the Secretary of the Lodge in which he was Advanced;
(c) his Grand Chapter Certificate as a Royal Arch Mason or a Certificate from the Scribe Ezra of the Chapter in which he was Exalted;
99. (iv)
A candidate for joining a Council shall produce his Grand Council Certificate or a Certificate from the Recorder of the Council in which he was received. Should such Certificate be from a body other than the Grand Council, the Recorder of the Council shall, before the ballot is taken, satisfy himself that the body granting the Certificate is recognised by Grand Council, as the case may be, and in case of doubt shall make any necessary inquiries of the District Grand Recorder/Inspectorate Recorder, or the Grand Recorder.
99. (v)
A candidate for joining or rejoining shall also produce to the Recorder a Clearance Certificate from every regular Council of which he is or has been a member, provided that such Council is still working.
100. (i)
A candidate for joining not already registered on the books of Grand Council, shall before the ballot is taken sign the following declaration:
To the Master, Deputy Master, Principal Conductor of the Work and Members of the Council of Royal and Select Masters, No. .............
I, , do declare that should I be admitted as a member of the above Council, I hereby solemnly pledge myself to maintain and uphold the authority and dignity of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas, to pay strict obedience to its Constitutions and Regulations, and to conform to all the Antient usages and established customs of the Order. I further solemnly promise to submit to, and observe, the by-laws of the Council from time to time made for its government.
Signed by my hand, this ................ day of ................ 20......
Witnessed by .........................
100. (ii)
A candidate for joining from a Constitution under which the Degree of Most Excellent Master is not worked, shall before the ballot, and a visiting Companion from a Constitution under which the Degree of Most Excellent Master is not worked, shall prior to the ceremony, unless he is a candidate for the ceremony, take the following obligation:
I, ..........................of ....................... Council, No. .......... in the ..................... Constitution solemnly swear that I will for ever keep and conceal the Secrets belonging to the Degree of Most Excellent Master and that I will not communicate them to anyone in the world not lawfully entitled to them.
All this I promise on my honour as a Cryptic Mason. So help me the Supreme Master of the Universe and keep me steadfast in this my solemn Obligation.
Signed by my hand, this ................ day of ................ 20......
Witnessed by .........................
100. (iii)
In either case the signature of the candidate should be witnessed or certified by a member of the Council.
100. (iv)
These declarations must be carefully preserved by the Council.
101. If, on a ballot, two black balls shall appear against a candidate for reception, joining, or re-joining, he shall not be admitted. Every private Council has the power to diminish this number by its by-laws; provided that if less than five members vote when the ballot is taken, a single black ball shall exclude.
102. (i)
Should a candidate elected for reception not attend for reception within one year, his election shall be void, as shall be the election of a Companion as a joining or re-joining member if he shall not have paid the requisite fee within one year of his election.
102. (ii)
For the purpose of this rule “a year” shall mean the period from the meeting at which the candidate was elected, up to and including the corresponding meeting of the Council in the next year. Should the election be at an emergency meeting, the year shall commence to run from the succeeding regular meeting.
103. (i)
A Companion who has rendered good service to a Council or to the Order may be elected an Honorary Member of a Council. His name must be proposed and seconded in open Council and must appear on the summons for the following meeting at which he must be balloted for, and two black balls shall exclude. Should the Companion be a member of the Council concerned, acceptance by him of Honorary Membership shall be deemed notice of immediate resignation.
103. (ii)
An Honorary Member may attend the Council as such, but he shall not hold any office therein, or vote, or propose or second any resolution, provided that if he is a Past Master of the Council he may propose or second a candidate.
103. (iii)
An Honorary Member shall pay no subscription, but shall remain liable for any arrears of subscription at the date of his election as an Honorary Member. No dues shall be payable by the Council in respect of an Honorary Member for any period after the year of his election as such, nor shall his name be shown on any return save in respect of dues accrued before that date, or as required by Regulation 91.
104. No dues shall be payable by a Council in respect of a Sentinel who is not a subscribing member of such Council.
105. (i)
A Companion on reception, or a Companion joining from another Constitution, shall be presented with a current copy of the Book of Constitutions and Regulations; and subsequently a Certificate of registration in the Books of Grand Council, for which Certificate and registration the Council shall pay to Grand Council the prescribed fee. A Companion to whom a Grand Council Certificate is granted must sign his name in the margin thereof, or it will not be valid.
105. (ii)
A Companion’s Grand Council Certificate should be presented to him in open Council, and the fact entered on the minutes, but, in cases where this cannot conveniently be done, the Certificate shall be sent to him by registered post, or by recorded delivery, and the Recorder shall report the fact at the next regular meeting of the Council so that it be duly recorded.
105. (iii)
Should a Certificate be lost or destroyed, of which satisfactory proof must be adduced, the Grand Recorder may issue a duplicate on payment of the prescribed fee.
106. A Companion may give notice of resignation of his membership either in open Council or by letter or email to the Recorder, and such notice, unless withdrawn, shall take effect as from the date on which it is given, unless the notice itself states some other date in the current Council year. A notice by letter or email may be withdrawn prior to its communication to the Council, and if when notice of resignation is communicated to the Council, whether by the member or the Recorder, the Council pass a resolution asking for its withdrawal, it may be withdrawn at or before the next regular meeting of the Council. Provided that if notice has been served on a member under Regulation 128 that a complaint against him will be considered by the Council, no subsequent notice of resignation shall (a) take effect until after the date of the meeting called for the consideration of the complaint; (b) prevent the Council from considering the complaint and, if thought fit, passing a resolution for the permanent exclusion of the member, (c) be withdrawn unless the Council at such meeting passes a resolution asking for its withdrawal.
107. Should a Companion behave in such a manner as to disturb the harmony of the meeting of a Council, he shall be formally admonished by the Master. Should he persist in his irregular conduct, he shall be punished by exclusion for the remainder of the meeting, and the matter may be reported to the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector or, in the case of an Unattached Council, the Grand Recorder
108. (i)
Should a member be two years in arrears, he shall thereupon cease to be a member of the Council, and can only become a member again by regular proposition and ballot according to Regulations 98 to 102. This Regulation shall apply also where the by-laws provide that a member shall be excluded if he is in arrears for a shorter period than two years. If the by-laws provide that in such case he may be excluded, then the Council may at any time when a member is in arrears for the stated period exclude him by resolution, and no prior notice to the members of the Council of such resolution shall be necessary. In all cases where a member may become liable to cessation or exclusion under this rule it shall be the duty of the Recorder of the Council to send to him, at least fourteen days before the date when he may become liable to cessation or exclusion, a letter by registered post or recorded delivery, plainly marked “Private and Confidential” warning him that unless the arrears or a sufficient part thereof, are paid by such date he will be, or may be, excluded, and unless that has been done the Companion may apply to the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector or the Executive Committee, who may, notwithstanding anything in these Regulations or the by-laws, order that the Companion be reinstated on payment of all arrears.
108. (ii)
Provided also that in time of war the Grand Master may direct that subscriptions shall be excused, or arrears remitted, in the case of a Companion who is on active service, or a prisoner of war, or in enemy occupied country. Such direction may be given either as to individual Companions or as to classes of Companions.
108. (iii)
No dues shall be payable by a Council in respect of Companions whose subscriptions are so excused and where arrears are remitted, dues paid in respect of the periods to which such arrears relate shall be refunded to the Council.
109. The Recorder of a Council shall:
(a) if so required by a member grant a certificate stating that he is a member and whether or not he is indebted to the Council;
(b) if so required by an ex-member grant a certificate stating the circumstances of the termination of his membership, whether at the date of such termination he was indebted to the Council, and if so whether such indebtedness has since been discharged. Any such certificate shall be dated, and either handed to the Companion or sent by registered post or by recorded delivery in an envelope plainly marked “Private and Confidential”. No other form of certificate shall be given by a Council or any Officer thereof.
110. (i)
Should the Grand Master, Pro Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master or Grand Principal Conductor of the Work visit a private Council, he shall have the right to preside.
110. (ii)
A District Grand Master or his Deputy or his Principal Conductor of the Work, or a Grand Inspector shall have a like right when visiting a Council in his District/Inspectorate.
110. (iii)
The Grand Master and the Grand Recorder respectively shall have the right to depute one or more Grand Officers to visit a private Council who shall have the right to attend the Council and speak therein.
110. (iv)
A District Grand Master shall have the right to depute one or more District Grand Officers to visit a private Council in his District Grand Council who shall have the right to attend the Council and speak therein.
111. (i)
A visitor to a Council shall give the name and number of some Council, which may be a Council working the Ritual under any recognised Constitution, of which he is a subscribing member, of if he is not a subscribing member of any such Council, shall describe himself as “unattached”. An unattached Companion may not visit the same Council on more than one occasion.
111. (ii)
A visitor shall not be admitted into a Council unless he be vouched for by one of the Companions present, or shall have produced his certificate, and, after due examination, shall have proved himself a Royal and Select Master. Should any doubt arise as to the regularity of his reception, he shall not be admitted.
111. (iii)
It is within the power of the Master of every Council to refuse admission to any visitor whose presence he has reason to believe will disturb the harmony of the Council.
111. (iv)
A visitor, during his presence in the Council, is subject to its by-laws, and cannot address the Council, save by permission, and he shall withdraw from the Council should the Master so direct.
112. If any Council shall pledge its jewels or furniture or any part thereof, or permit or suffer any charge or lien to be created or to arise thereon, it shall become liable to suspension or erasure.
113. (i)
A proposal for the surrender of the Warrant of a Council must be set out, with the names of the proposer and seconder, in a summons dispatched to members not less than fourteen days before the date of the meeting at which such proposal is to be considered. If such resolution is carried by a majority of those voting, a report of the proceedings shall be forwarded to the Grand Master, in a District through the District Grand Master/Inspectorate through the Grand Inspector and the Grand Master shall decide whether he will accept the surrender of the Warrant, or whether the Council shall continue, and if so under any and what conditions. Provided that members unable to attend the meeting may by letter inform the Recorder of the Council whether they support or oppose the proposal for the surrender of the Warrant, and any such letters shall be forwarded to the Grand Master with the above mentioned report.
113. (ii)
Should the number of members of a Council at any time become less than three the Council shall cease to meet save by dispensation from the Grand Master, and after the expiration of six months the Council shall become extinct and be erased unless the Grand Master otherwise directs.
113. (iii)
Should a Council fail to meet for one year, it shall be liable to be erased.
114. (i)
Should two or more Councils pass resolutions desiring amalgamation the Grand Master may give effect to such desire, either by granting a new Warrant, which may be ante-dated to a date not earlier than that of the earliest Warrant of the Councils concerned, or by directing that certain of the Councils shall cease to exist and that their members shall, if they so desire, automatically become members of the surviving Council on such conditions as he may think fit. The Grand Master may give directions as to change of the name or number of a Council, disposal of Council property, and any other matter incidental to such amalgamation.
114. (ii)
The provision of Regulation 113 shall apply to resolutions for amalgamation.
115. Upon the dissolution of a Council, the Warrant, together with all the books and papers relating to the affairs of the Council, must be delivered up to the Grand Master. Its other property shall be disposed of as the Council may, prior to its dissolution, have resolved, or in default of or subject to any such resolution, as the Grand Master may direct. A Warrant cannot in any circumstances be transferred.
116. (i)
A Council which has completed one hundred years of uninterrupted existence shall be entitled to receive a centenary warrant, provided that at least one meeting of the Council shall have been held, or deemed to have been held, in each of the one hundred years of its uninterrupted existence.
116. (ii)
An application for the grant of a centenary warrant may be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval by the Grand Master not more than four months before the date on which the one hundred years of uninterrupted existence shall have been completed.
116. (iii)
The fee for a centenary warrant shall be as prescribed in Regulation 141.
116. (iv)
Every subscribing member of a Council to which a centenary warrant has been granted may wear a commemorative centenary jewel of the design prescribed by Regulation 146.
117. (i)
A Council which has completed fifty years of uninterrupted existence shall be entitled to receive a jubilee warrant, provided that at least one meeting of the Council shall have been held, or deemed to have been held, in each of the fifty years of its uninterrupted existence.
117. (ii)
An application for the grant of a jubilee warrant may be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval by the Grand Master not more than four months before the date on which the fifty years of uninterrupted existence shall have been completed.
117. (iii)
The fee for a jubilee warrant shall be as prescribed in Regulation 141.
117. (iv)
Every subscribing member of a Council to which a jubilee warrant has been granted may wear a commemorative jubilee jewel of the design prescribed by Regulation 146.
118. (i)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee shall consist of the Grand Master, Pro Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, Grand Chancellor, Grand Treasurer, a President, Grand Director of Ceremonies, and four other members, all of whom shall be Masters or Past Masters of Councils, two of such members being appointed as requisite by the Grand Master at the Annual Assembly of Grand Council, the remaining two being elected by ballot by the members of Grand Council present at the same meeting. Vacancies on the Executive Committee may be filled as directed by the Grand Master.
118. (ii)
Each of the two appointed members may be appointed for a period of up to five years, and may be re-appointed for a similar period of up to five years.
118. (iii)
A member who has served two consecutive periods of appointment shall not be eligible for a further period of appointment until twelve months after the ending of his second period of appointment.
118. (iv)
Each of the two elected members shall be elected for a period of three years and may be re-elected for two further consecutive terms each of up to three years.
119. (i)
Nomination papers for candidates for election to the Executive Committee shall be signed by not fewer than three members of Grand Council as proposers, and shall show the rank in the Order and the Council or Councils of the candidate and his proposers. Nomination papers shall be delivered to the Grand Recorder not later than 30 January.
119. (ii)
In the event of more than two candidates being nominated, their names and those of their proposers shall be printed on voting lists which shall be delivered to all members attending Grand Council. Scrutineers shall be nominated by the Presiding Officer and be pledged to make a correct report as to the result of the ballot. The ballot shall be opened one hour before the time fixed for the meeting of Grand Council and shall remain open for such time, not less than one hour, as the Presiding Officer may direct. In case of equality the Presiding Officer shall have a casting vote.
120. The Executive Committee shall elect one of its members to be Vice-President.
121. (i)
A meeting of the Executive Committee may be convened by command of the Grand Master, or by the President.
121. (ii)
Should the President and Vice-President be absent, the Executive Committee shall name one of its members to preside.
121. (iii)
Three members shall constitute an Executive Committee except when considering masonic complaints, disputes or matters of discipline, when five members must be present.
122. Except as otherwise expressly directed by resolution of Grand Council or by these Regulations the Executive Committee shall have the control and regulation of all the business of Grand Council, and in particular the Executive Committee: Membership
122. (i)
Shall have the direction of everything relating to the furniture, and other property of Grand Council.
122. (ii)
Shall have control of the finances of Grand Council, examine all demands thereon, and authorise payment of the same.
122. (iii)
Shall conduct the correspondence between Grand Council and its subordinate Councils and Companions. Communications with other Sovereign Grand Councils or with Councils, or Companions of recognised Constitutions, shall be conducted by the Grand Recorder under the direction of the Grand Master, and be reported to the Executive Committee.
123. The Executive Committee shall make a report to Grand Council, which shall set out any proposals for the good of the Order, and any other matters which in the opinion of the Executive Committee should be communicated to Grand Council. Copies of such report shall be distributed as provided in Regulation 10.
124. The Executive Committee may appoint Committees for such purposes it may deem proper, but no such Committees shall have any executive powers unless they are expressly given to them by resolution of the Executive Committee.
125. Recommendations, petitions, memorials and representations to the Executive Committee can only be received in writing and signed by the Companion or other person addressing the Executive Committee.
126. Official communications from the Executive Committee shall be made in writing.
127. All transactions and resolutions of the Executive Committee shall be duly recorded in the minute book.
128. (i)
COMPLAINTS, IRREGULARITIES AND DISPUTES
A District Grand Master/Grand Inspector shall hear and determine all subjects of Masonic complaint or irregularity respecting Councils or individual Companions within his District/Inspectorate. He shall send to the Grand Recorder a report, stating the complaint or alleged irregularity, and any circumstances relevant thereto, and his decision thereon.
128. (ii)
The Executive Committee shall have similar Powers in regard to all subjects of complaint or irregularity:
(a) regarding Councils or Companions not within a District/Inspectorate;
(b) relating to returns to Grand Council or payments in respect of such returns.
128. (iii)
A District Grand Master/Grand Inspector or the Executive Committee may in any such case admonish or suspend an offending Council, or an Officer or member thereof, or an offending Companion, subject to an appeal to the Grand Master.
128. (iv)
Notwithstanding the reporting of matters under Regulation 129 it is the duty of a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector to report to the Grand Recorder each custodial sentence (immediate or suspended) and any sentence in respect of dishonesty, violence, or moral turpitude imposed by any civil power, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, on a member of a Council within his District/ Inspectorate. And it is his duty to report to the Grand Recorder other conduct which is likely to bring the Order into disrepute.
129. (i)
Should any Masonic question, dispute, or difference arise which cannot be settled between the parties thereto, any party may apply in writing for its determination.
129. (ii)
If such question, dispute or difference arises in a place not within a District/ Inspectorate, to the Grand Recorder who shall lay the matter before the Executive Committee.
129. (iii)
If such question arises in a District/Inspectorate, to the District Grand Recorder/Inspectorate Recorder who shall lay the matter before the District Grand Master
129. (iv)
The decision of the Executive Committee or of a District Grand Master/ Grand Inspector shall be binding on all parties, subject to an appeal to the Grand Master.
129. (v)
In any such case a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector shall send to the Grand Recorder a report showing the nature of the question, dispute or difference, with any circumstances relevant thereto, and his decision thereon.
130. A Companion sentenced by any civil power whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere to a custodial sentence (immediate or suspended) or any sentence in respect of dishonesty, violence or moral turpitude shall report the same within 28 days to the Master of his Council or, if he be Unattached, to the Grand Recorder.
Complaints and Irregularities
Disputes and Differences Report of Criminal Action
131. Subject to the provisions of Regulation 128 the Executive Committee may for just cause suspend any Council, or may suspend any Companion from any or all of his activities within the Order, and a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector may suspend any Council within his jurisdiction, or any Companion within such jurisdiction from any or all activities within the Order in such District/Inspectorate. Suspension may be for a definite or indefinite period and may include terms appropriate to the case.
132. (i)
The Executive Committee may summon the Officers of a Council to attend and produce the Warrant, books, papers and accounts thereof, and to answer questions relative to its affairs, or a Companion to attend and produce his Certificate and to answer questions regarding his conduct, and a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector shall have similar powers with regard to a Council or Companion within his District/ Inspectorate. Provided that if by reason of distance or other sufficient cause personal attendance would impose great difficulty, it shall suffice if the Council or Companion send the documents required, and answer in writing questions put by the Executive Committee or the District Grand Master.
132. (ii)
If the summons be not complied with, and no sufficient reason given for noncompliance, the Council or its Officers, or the Companion, may be suspended, and the proceedings reported to Grand Council.
133. Grand Council, the Executive Committee, the Grand Recorder or District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, may appoint a Committee consisting of one or more Companions to investigate and report on any matter which may come before them respectively, and may adopt and act on such report wholly or in part. A Committee appointed by a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector shall consist of a Companion or Companions of his District/Inspectorate unless in any case the Grand Master may be pleased to direct otherwise, but a Committee appointed by the Executive Committee or the Grand Recorder need not consist of, or include, a member or members of that Executive Committee.
134. (i)
GENERAL REGULATIONS
The property of Grand Council, a District Grand Council, an Inspectorate, or any private Council, not vested in special trustees, shall be held as set out below in trust for the members of the respective Councils.
134. (ii)
In the case of Grand Council by the President and Vice-President of the Executive Committee.
134. (iii)
In the case of a District Grand Council by the District Grand Master, Deputy District Grand Master and District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work. In the case of an Inspectorate by the Grand Inspector.
134. (iv)
In the case of a Private Council by the Master, Deputy Master and Principal Conductor of the Work, unless the by-laws otherwise provide.
134. (v)
Documents or other property in the possession or under the control of a Companion by virtue of his office in a Council shall be delivered to his successor in such office, or as the Master may direct. In case of dissolution of a Council such documents or other property shall be delivered to such person as the Council by resolution or, failing such resolution, as the Grand Master may direct.
135. No Council, or Executive Committee or Committee appointed by a Council or body of the Order, shall have power to pledge the credit of any Companion, nor shall it have power to pledge the funds of the body appointing it except in so far as such body has given such power expressly.
136. Any body within the Order may by resolution require its minute books, books of account, or any other documents relating to its property or affairs which are in the custody or control of any of its Officers or members as such, to be produced for its inspection.
137. Where in these Constitutions and Regulations anything is to be done within a fixed number of days or weeks from the happening of any event, e.g. the receipt of a notice or the giving of a decision, the day on which such event happens shall not be counted. Where a notice is to be given a fixed number of days before a meeting, neither the day of posting the notice nor the day of the meeting shall be counted.
138. (i)
Summonses, notices or other documents may be served by letter addressed to a Companion at his last known address, or when directed to a Council or the Master or Deputy Master or Principal Conductor of the Work of a Council by being addressed to the Recorder.
138. (ii)
In cases where service by these means may be difficult or impracticable the Grand Recorder or a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector may give directions as to the method of service or if he think fit, give direction that services of any such summonses, notices or other documents be dispensed with.
138. (iii)
Documents so addressed and dispatched shall be deemed to have been duly served.
139. A Companion shall not appear clothed in any of the jewels, collars, or badges of the Order at any public place unless the Grand Master or District Grand Master shall have previously given a dispensation.
140. No Companion shall publish the proceedings of any Council, or of any other body of the Order, without the leave of the Grand Master, or of the District Grand Master/Grand Inspector, but this prohibition shall not apply to publication to a superior Authority in the Order, or for any purpose authorised by these Regulations.
SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
141. Every Companion on first appointment to Grand Rank/Cryptic Overseas Rank or to any corresponding past rank shall pay a fee of honour appropriate thereto as from time to time determined by resolution at Grand Council, provided that:
141. (i) on promotion to an office or rank for which a higher fee is appropriate he shall pay the difference between the fee payable for the former rank and that due for the higher rank.
141. (ii) on an appointment to an office or rank for which the same or lower fee is appropriate he shall pay no further fee.
141. (iii)
The Fees and dues payable to Grand Council for the financial year ending 31 August 2025 shall be as follows: Warrants
(a) For a new Warrant ................................................................................ At cost
(b) For a Warrant of Confirmation ............................................................. At cost
(c) For a Celebration Warrant .................................................................... At cost Patents fee (£)
(d) For a District Grand Master/Grand Inspector ...................................... At cost
(e) For a Patent of Confirmation At cost
Dispensations
Fees shall be payable to Grand Council for dispensations of such respective amounts, as shall be determined by resolution at Grand Council, in respect of the following:
(f) To install a Companion as Master (not properly qualified) 30.00 (g)
Any request for dispensation received less than 21 days before it is required will be treated as a nunc pro tunc dispensation and charged accordingly
(q) Registration of an Excellent Master after completing the Ceremony of the Excellent Master ...................................................75.00 (r) Registration and recognition of
141. (iv)
Annual Dues
The Annual Dues and Fees payable by each Council for each year ending 31 August in respect of every Companion who has been a subscribing member of that Council during any part of that year are due on 31 August of that year. They shall be such amounts as shall have been determined by resolution at Grand Council to take effect from 1 September following that Grand Council.
The Executive Committee shall have power to vary any or all of the Dues and Fees payable by Councils Overseas.
141. (v)
Value added tax
The Standard current rate is payable on all fees and dues to Grand Council by Councils and all Companions resident in the United Kingdom. Fees pertaining to members in the European Union will be advised accordingly.
INTERPRETATION, AMENDMENT AND COMING INTO FORCE OF REGULATIONS
142. In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:
142. (i)
‘Recognised Constitution’ a Supreme Grand Council of an Order working the Ritual which shall have been accorded recognition by Grand Council:
142. (ii)
‘Subscribing Member ’ a member of a Council liable to pay a subscription, or a Recorder excused from paying a subscription by the by-laws in return for his services:
142. (iii)
‘Regular Craft Lodge of Freemasons’ a private Lodge under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England, or under the jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge which is recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England:
142. (iv)
The section headings and the marginal headings do not form part of these Regulations:
142. (v)
A ‘Chartered Accountant’ is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.
143. No additions to, or amendment of, these Constitutions and Regulations shall be made unless notice of such proposal has been sent out in the summons for the next regular meeting of Grand Council and the proposal considered and approved at such meeting. If it be desired to move an amendment to such a proposal notice in writing shall be given to the Executive Committee seven clear days before the next regular meeting of Grand Council. If the terms of the proposal appear in the minutes of the summons it shall not be necessary to set them out in full in the agenda of subsequent summonses, except in respect of any item covered by the original proposal which has been amended.
144. These Regulations shall come into force on 18 April 2000, and from that date shall replace and supersede any previous Regulations. Provided that nothing in these Regulations shall render invalid any act done before such date in accordance with the Regulations then in force.
145. All matters affecting the government of the Order not expressly or implicitly provided for in these Regulations shall be determined according to the Constitutions for the time being in force of the United Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of England which shall be applied subject to any necessary amendments so far as applicable to the Order of Royal and Select Masters.
Jewels
146. (i)
REGALIA, CLOTHING, INSIGNIA AND JEWELS
Grand Officers
Grand Officers shall wear suspended from a collar as detailed in Regulation 148 or, when worn, a chain as detailed in Regulation 147, a jewel of gold or gilt, encircled by a garter bearing the inscription “Gd. Council of R. & S.M.”, the whole not to exceed 2 3/4” in diameter. (Plate No. 1)
(a) Grand Master Square, Compasses extended to 60° with Trowel in the centre (Plate No. 2).
(b) Pro Grand Master Square, Compasses extended to 60° with Trowel in the centre (Plate No. 2).
(c) Deputy Grand Master Trowel and Level (Plate No. 3).
(d) Grand Principal Conductor of the Work Trowel and Plumb (Plate No. 4).
(e) Order of Service to Cryptic Masonry Ark of the Covenant within a triangle. (Plate No. 32).
(f) Custodian of the Ninth Arch A representation of the Arches. (Plate No. 33).
(g) District Grand Master and Past Divisional Grand Inspector Compasses extended to 60° with Trowel in centre. The name of the District, abbreviated as necessary, is substituted for the words “Gd. Council of R. & S.M. England”, on the garter (Plate No. 5).
(h) Grand Chancellor Trowel and Jewel of the Order surmounted by a Crown (Plate No. 6).
(i) Grand Councillor Trowel and Rolled Scroll (Plate No. 7).
(j) Grand Inspector Compasses extended to 60° with Trowel in centre. The name of the Inspectorate, abbreviated as necessary, is substituted for the words “Gd. Council of R. & S.M. England”, on the garter (Plate No. 5).
(k) Grand Chaplain Trowel and Open Book (Plate No. 8).
(l) Grand Treasurer Trowel and Crossed Keys (Plate No. 9).
(m) President of the Executive Committee Seal of Grand Council. An Ark of the Covenant superimposed on an inverted equilateral triangle and the letters AΩ (Plate No. 10).
(n) Grand Recorder Trowel and Crossed Pens (Plate No. 11).
(o) Grand Director of Ceremonies Trowel and Crossed Batons (Plate No. 12).
(p) Grand Lecturer Trowel and Scroll (Plate No. 13).
(q) Grand Historiographer Trowel and a Quill surmounting an Open Book (Plate No. 13a).
(r) Deputy Grand Chaplain Trowel and Open Book (Plate No. 8).
with “Deputy” above Trowel
(s) Deputy Grand Recorder Trowel and Crossed Pens (Plate No. 11).
with “Deputy” above Trowel
(t) Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Trowel and Crossed Batons (Plate No. 12).
with “Deputy” above Trowel
(u) Grand Captain of Guard Trowel and Battle-axe (Plate No. 14).
(v) Grand Conductor of the Council Trowel (Plate No. 15).
(w) Assistant Grand Chaplain Trowel and Open Book (Plate No. 8).
with “Assistant” above Trowel
(x) Assistant Grand Recorder Trowel and Crossed Pens (Plate No. 11).
with “Assistant” above Trowel
(y) Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Trowel and Crossed Batons (Plate No. 12).
with “Assistant” above Trowel
(z) Grand Sword Bearer Trowel and Sword (Plate No. 17).
(aa) Grand Standard Bearer Trowel and Crossed Standards (Plate No. 18).
(ab) Grand Organist Trowel and Lyre (Plate No. 19).
(ac) Past Grand Marshals Trowel and one Baton (Plate No. 20).
(ad) Grand Steward Trowel and Crossed Swords (Plate No. 21).
(ae) Grand Manciple Trowel and Cornucopia (Plate No. 22).
(af) Grand Sentinel Trowel and Scimitar (Plate No. 23).
146. (ii)
Past Grand Officers
Past Grand Officers shall wear suspended from the collar a jewel of gold or gilt, encircled by a garter bearing the inscription “Gd. Council of R. & S.M. England” as detailed in Regulation 146 (a), but with the addition of an irradiated plate one and seven-eighths inches in diameter behind the centre of the jewel (Plate No. 24).
146. (iii)
District Grand Officers
(a) Shall wear suspended from the collar the jewel of a Past Master (Plate No. 25) provided he is a Past Master.
(b) Shall wear suspended from the collarette a jewel of gold or gilt composed of the emblem of Office, being similar to that of a Grand Officer (District Grand Almoners: refer to Plate No. 16 – Almoner), placed on a double circle enclosing a plate bearing the name of the District on the lower segment. The whole shall not be more than two inches in diameter (Plate No. 26).
146. (iv)
Holders of Cryptic Overseas Rank
Shall wear suspended from the collarette the jewel of a Past Master (Plate No. 25).
146. (v)
Past Master
Trowel and Compasses extended upon an arc of 60º (Plate No. 25)
146. (vi)
Officers of Councils
Shall wear suspended from the collar jewels of gold or gilt, with the handle of the Trowel to the right.
(a) Master Square, Compasses and Trowel (Plate No. 2).
(b) Deputy Master Trowel and Level (Plate No. 3).
(c) Principal Conductor of the Work
Trowel and Plumb (Plate No. 4).
(d) Chaplain
Trowel and Open Book (Plate No. 8).
(e) Treasurer
Trowel and Crossed Keys (Plate No. 9).
(f) Recorder
Trowel and Crossed Pens (Plate No. 11).
(g) Director of Ceremonies
Trowel and Baton (Plate No. 12).
(h) Captain of the Guard
Trowel and Battle-Axe (Plate No. 14).
(i) Conductor of Council Trowel (Plate No. 15).
(j) Almoner
Trowel and Scrip-purse (Plate No. 16).
(k) Assistant Director of Ceremonies
Trowel and Baton (Plate No. 12). with “Assistant” on Scroll above Trowel
(l) Organist
Trowel and Lyre (Plate No. 19).
(m) Steward
Trowel and Crossed Swords (Plate No. 21).
(n) Manciple
Trowel and Cornucopia (Plate No. 22).
(o) Sentinel
Trowel and Scimitar (Plate No. 23).
146. (vii)
Jewel of the Order
The Jewel of the Order is a skeleton equilateral triangle, with point downwards, of white enamel, surmounted by an Imperial Crown in gold or gilt, to be worn on the left breast (Plate No. 27).
(a) Members of the Order, with the exception of Present and Past Grand Officers, wear the jewel suspended from a crimson ribbon one and a quarter inches wide.
(b Present and Past Grand Officers and Representatrives of the Grand Council of England and Wales near to foreign Grand Councils wear the jewel suspended from a crimson ribbon one and a quarter inches in width overall, being one inch crimson with a white edging of one-eighth of an inch either side.
146. (viii)
Past Master’s Breast Jewel
The design to be approved by the District Grand Master, or in the case of an Unattached Council by the Grand Master.
146. (ix)
Silver Trowel
The emblem of the Thrice Illustrious Master or Silver Trowel is a model silver trowel two and one half inches long by seven-eighths of an inch wide which is attached to the centre of the flap of the apron of a Companion vertically with the point of the trowel pointing downwards.
146. (x)
Excellent Master Breast Jewel
The Excellent Master Jewel shall be a gilt pentagram one and three-quarter inches in width suspended from its apex by a tricolour ribbon one and one-quarter inches in width overall coloured light blue, scarlet and purple, with white edging of one-eighth of an inch width on either side. The centre of the ribbon is embellished with a skeleton equilateral triangle with the point downwards, of white enamel bordered in gilt, to be worn on the left breast. The top bar of the Jewel bears the wording “Excellent Master”.
146. (xi)
Centenary Jewel
A Centenary Jewel shall be an equilateral triangle of white enamel, with point downwards and containing a square in the centre, surmounted by an Imperial Crown in gold or gilt, all within a double circle of white enamel. The double circle shall bear the name and number of the Council at the top and the dates signifying the one hundred years of uninterrupted existence (e.g., 1900–2000) shall be in gold or gilt at the bottom. The approved design is given at Plate No. 28.
(a) A Centenary Jewel shall be worn as a breast jewel suspended by a crimson ribbon one and a quarter inches in width.
(b) The ribbon of the jewel shall be attached to a bar brooch of white enamel on the bar of which shall appear the word “Centenary” in gold or gilt.
146. (xii)
Jubilee Jewel
A Jubilee Jewel shall be an equilateral triangle of white enamel, with point downwards and containing a square in the centre, surmounted by an Imperial Crown in gold or gilt, all within a double circle of white enamel. The double circle shall bear the name and number of the Council or District at the top and the dates signifying the fifty years of uninterrupted existence (e.g., 1950–2000) shall be in silver at the bottom. The approved design is given at Plate No. 28.
(a) A Jubilee Jewel shall be worn as a breast jewel suspended by a crimson ribbon one and a quarter inches in width.
(b) The ribbon of the jewel shall be attached to a bar brooch of white enamel on the bar of which shall appear the word “Jubilee” in silver.
146. (xiii)
Distinctive Jewels
Members of Councils desirous of wearing a distinctive Jewel, must obtain the permission of the Grand Master
146. (xiv)
Multiple Jewels
If more than one breast jewel is worn, the Member’s Jewel is worn on the inside.
146. (xv)
The 150th Keystone Jewel
The Jewel may be worn by the Worshipful Master of a qualifying Council or qualifying individuals and suspended on a one and a quarter inch wide collarette of thistle-green. The collarette is further embellished with the 150th button at the apex. These Jewels may only be worn at a meeting of the Order.
Chains
147. (i)
In Grand Council, District Grand Council or an Inspectorate or when appearing in their official capacities, or when the Grand Master so directs, the Deputy Grand Master, Principal Conductor of the Work and District Grand Masters/ Grand Inspectors shall wear chains of gold or metal gilt, as specified below and as given at Plate No. 30, and on other occasions collars of ribbon only, as specified for Officers of Grand Council.
(a) The Grand Master
May wear a Chain of Office as given in Plate No. 29 composed of alternate gilt links, one being the interlaced script letters R. S. M. and the other a circle within which is the Jewel of the Order. The chain is mounted on a crimson velvet backing.
(b) The Pro Grand Master
May wear a Chain of Office as given in Plate No. 29.
(c) The Deputy Grand Master
May wear a Chain of Office as given in Plate No. 30.
(d) The Grand Principal Conductor of the Work
May wear a Chain of Office as given in Plate No. 30.
(e) District Grand Master / Grand Inspector
May wear a Chain of Office as given in Plate No. 30.
(f) Grand Officers
In Grand Council or when appearing in their official capacities, or when the Grand Master so directs or District Grand Master so desires, present Grand Officers may wear a Chain of Office as given in Plate No. 30.
Collars
148. (i)
Grand Officers
(a) Most Illustrious Companions, shall wear collars of crimson ribbon, four inches wide, embroidered with three strips of gold braid and trimmed with gold lace.
(b) Right Illustrious Companions, shall wear collars of crimson ribbon, four inches wide, embroidered with two strips of gold braid and trimmed with gold lace.
(c) Very Illustrious Companions, shall wear collars of crimson ribbon, four inches wide, embroidered with one strip of gold braid and trimmed with gold lace.
(d) All other Grand Officers, Present and Past, shall wear collars of crimson ribbon, four inches wide and trimmed with gold lace.
148. (ii)
District Grand Officers
The Collarette of Past District Grand Office should not be worn by a Grand Officer present or past.
148. (iii)
Holders of Cryptic Overseas Rank
Shall wear Collars of crimson ribbon four inches wide, trimmed with gold braid.
148. (iv)
Past Masters
Shall wear Collars of crimson ribbon four inches wide, trimmed with gold braid.
148. (v)
Officers of Private Councils
Shall wear Collars of crimson ribbon four inches wide, trimmed with gold braid.
Collarettes
149. (i)
Order of Service to Cryptic Masonry
(a) Shall wear a collarette of crimson ribbon, two inches wide, broad edged with gold lace from which is suspended a jewel formed as in Plate 32.
149. (ii)
Custodian of the Ninth Arch
Shall wear a collarette of white ribbon, two inches wide, broad edged with gold lace from which is suspended a jewel not exceeding two inches in height formed as in Plate 33, with the exception that the collarette ribbon shall be scarlet for the Grand Master, purple for the Deputy Grand Master, and sky blue for the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, with jewels coloured gold, silver, bronze, respectively.
149. (iii)
Deputy District Grand Master
Shall wear a plain collarette of crimson ribbon, two inches wide, with two strips of Russia Braid.
149. (iv)
District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work
Shall wear a plain collarette of crimson ribbon, two inches wide, with one strip of Russia Braid.
149. (v)
District Grand Officers
All other District Grand Officers shall wear a plain collarette of crimson ribbon, two inches wide.
149. (vi)
Past District Grand Officer
Shall in addition wear a crimson rosette, two and a quarter inches in diameter, on the apex of the collarette.
149. (vii)
Holders of Cryptic Overseas Rank
Shall wear a plain collarette of crimson ribbon, two inches wide.
Aprons
150. (i)
Grand Officers, Present and Past
Shall wear triangular aprons of white kid, not exceeding eighteen and a half inches wide, and sixteen and a half inches deep, with crimson ribbon two inches wide, trimmed with gold lace, with the emblem of their rank embroidered in the centre thereof. District Grand Masters/Grand Inspectors will have below the emblem of their rank, the name of the District/Inspectorate which may if necessary be abbreviated.
150. (ii)
District Grand Officers, Present and Past, appointed prior to 30 October 1996
Shall wear triangular aprons of white kid, sixteen and a half inches wide, fifteen and a half inches deep, with crimson ribbon silk two inches wide trimmed with gold braid, with the emblem of their rank embroidered in the centre within a Garter bearing the name of the District which may if necessary be abbreviated.
150. (iii)
District Grand Officers, Present and Past
Shall wear triangular aprons of white kid, sixteen and a half inches wide, fifteen and a half inches deep, with crimson ribbon, two inches wide trimmed with gold braid, and if an Installed Master the emblem of the rank of Past Master embroidered in the centre thereof, as given at Plate No. 25.
150. (iv)
Holders of Cryptic Overseas Rank
Shall wear triangular aprons of white kid, sixteen and a half inches wide, fifteen and a half inches deep, with crimson ribbon, two inches wide trimmed with gold braid, with the emblem of the office of Past Master embroidered in the centre thereof, as given at Plate No. 25.
150. (v)
Past Masters
Shall wear triangular aprons of white kid, sixteen and a half inches wide, fifteen and a half inches deep, with crimson ribbon, two inches wide trimmed with
gold braid, with the emblem of the rank of Past Master embroidered in the centre thereof, as given at Plate No. 25.
150. (vi)
Masters of Councils
Shall wear triangular aprons of white kid, sixteen and a half inches wide, fifteen and a half inches deep, with crimson ribbon, two inches wide trimmed with gold braid, with the emblem of the office of Master embroidered in the centre thereof, as given at Plate No. 31.
150. (vii)
Other Companions
Shall wear triangular aprons of white kid, sixteen and a half inches wide, fifteen and a half inches deep, with crimson ribbon, two inches wide trimmed with gold braid.
150. (viii)
Masters Installed in Other Constitutions
A Master installed in any other recognised Constitution, if he is a subscribing member of a Council under this Constitution is not entitled to wear the regalia of a Master or Past Master until he has qualified as such by being installed as Master of a Council of Royal and Select Masters in this Constitution.
Robes
151. Royal Arch robes are worn as follows:
(a) The Grand Master/District Grand Master/Master of a Council shall wear the robe of a 1st Principal.
(b) The Deputy Grand Master/Deputy District Grand Master/Deputy Master of a Council shall wear the robe of a 2nd Principal.
(c) The Grand Principal Conductor of the Work/District Principal Conductor of the Work/Principal Conductor of the Work in a Council shall wear the robe of a 3rd Principal.
(d) Robes are only worn by District Grand Masters, Deputy District Grand Masters and District Principal Conductors of the Work within their own Districts, and then only on occasions when the Chain of Office is worn. On other occasions the Chain may be worn without the Robe.
References are to regulations not to pages
INDEX
The various offices in Grand Council, District Grand Councils and Councils (including past ranks) are separately indexed only for specific references. Others are dealt with under such general headings as Grand Officers, Fees and Regalia.
Plate No. 1 Grand Officer
PLATES
Plate No. 2 Grand Master and Pro Grand Master
Plate No. 3 Deputy Master
Plate No. 4 Principal Conductor of the Work
Plate No. 5 District Grand Master, Past Divisional Grand Inspector and Grand Inspector
Plate No. 6 Chancellor
Plate No. 7 Councillor
Plate No. 8 Chaplain
Plate No. 9 Treasurer
Plate No. 10 President of the Executive Committee
Plate No. 11 Recorder
Plate No. 12 Director of Ceremonies
Plate No. 13 Lecturer
Plate No. 13a Grand Historiographer
Plate No. 14 Captain of the Guard
Plate No. 15 Conductor of the Council
Plate No. 16 Almoner
Plate No. 17 Sword Bearer
Plate No. 18 Standard Bearer
Plate No. 19 Organist
Plate No. 20 Past Grand Marshal
Plate No. 21 Steward
Plate No. 22 Manciple
Plate No. 23 Sentinel
Plate No. 24 Past Grand Officer
Plate No. 25 Past Master
Plate No. 26 District Grand Officer
Plate No. 27 Jewel of the Order
Plate No. 28 Centenary or Jubilee Jewel
Plate No. 29 Grand Master and Pro Grand Master
Plate No. 30 Deputy Grand Master, Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, District Grand Masters, Grand Inspectors and Grand Officers
Plate No. 31 Masters of Councils
Plate No. 32 Order of Service to Cryptic Masonry
Plate No. 33 Custodian of the Ninth Arch
GRAND OFFICER
PLATE NO. 2
GRAND MASTER PRO GRAND MASTER
PLATE NO. 3
DEPUTY MASTER
PLATE NO. 4
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORK
PLATE NO. 5
DISTRICT GRAND MASTER GRAND INSPECTOR
PLATE NO. 6
CHANCELLOR
COUNCILLOR
TREASURER
President of the Executive Committee
ecorder
Director of Ceremonies
Captain of the Guard
CONDUCTOR OF THE COUNCIL
STANDARD BEARER
PLATE NO. 19
ORGANIST
PLATE NO. 20
PAST GRAND MARSHAL
STEWARD
PAST GRAND OFFICER
PAST MASTER
PLATE NO. 26
DISTRICT GRAND OFFICER
GRAND MASTER / PRO GRAND MASTER
DEPUTY GRAND MASTER / GRAND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORK DISTRICT GRAND MASTERS / GRAND INSPECTORS / GRAND OFFICERS
PLATE NO. 31
MASTERS OF COUNCILS
PLATE NO. 32
Order of Service to Cryptic Masonry
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