THE GRAND LODGE OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND HONORABLE SOCIETY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS FOR THE STATE OF VERMONT
For the current General Order No 1,
please contact Grand Lodge
General Order No. 1
49 East Road
Barre, VT 05641-5390
Series of 2008-2009
July 1, 2008
To all brethren of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Vermont. Pursuant to the authority in me vested by virtue of §206.1(a)(11) of bylaws of the Vermont Masonic Code, I issue this general order for the government of the Craft.
THIS SUMMARY IS TO BE READ TO THE BRETHREN OF EACH SUBORDINATE LODGE AT THE FIRST REGULAR COMMUNICATION FOLLOWING ITS RECEIPT.
(All that is necessary to be read is the following few lines)
Summary
General Order No. 1 contains a list of the Grand Lodge officers, committee chairmen, decisions and orders of the Grand Master. This summary is to be read to the Brethren of each Subordinate Lodge at the first regular communication following its receipt. The entire general order shall be on file in the lodge secretary’s office and it must be made available to any brother upon request.
I
Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, Past Grand Master
and Grand Lodge Committee Appointments
Officers of the Grand Lodge, District Deputy Grand Masters, and Committeemen are appointed as listed in the appendix to this General Order. They are admonished to conform their conduct and performance of their duties in strict accord with the ancient customs, usages, and landmarks of the fraternity and with the Vermont Masonic Code.
II
Recognition of Freemasons In Sister Grand Jurisdictions
WHEREAS, sister Grand jurisdictions have the right, responsibility and authority to determine those persons whom they recognize as Freemasons within their territorial jurisdictions.
WHEREAS, all of the persons recognized as Freemasons by sister Grand jurisdictions may or may not be recognized as Freemasons if within this Grand jurisdiction.
WHEREAS, Freemasons have always been encouraged to participate in the Masonic affairs of sister Grand jurisdictions while sojourning in their realms and to thus enhance the vitality, strength and harmony of Freemasonry wherever practiced.
WHEREAS, Vermont Freemasons should not be compelled to inquire into the regularity of Freemasons who have been determined qualified by sister Grand jurisdictions when they sojourn within their territory.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby ORDERED that:
- A Vermont Freemason sojourning in a sister Grand jurisdiction, which has been recognized by this Grand jurisdiction, may participate in any Masonic communication or activity therein.
- A Vermont Freemason has no burden to inquire into the regularity of Freemasons duly recognized by such sister Grand jurisdictions in order to participate in Masonic meetings and activities.
III
Use of Alcoholic Beverages
The guiding principles of our Craft dictate that we govern our affairs with temperance, harmony and respect. In order to abide by these principles, it is appropriate to issue guidelines on the use of alcoholic beverages.
- Each Freemason shall, at all times, be circumspect in his use of intoxicating beverages so as not to bring disrepute to himself or to the Craft.
- No Freemason shall consume any alcoholic beverages on lodge premises prior to or during any subordinate lodge communication, session or meeting, without a prior dispensation from the Grand Master.
- No Freemason shall consume any alcoholic beverages while participating in a parade as a Freemason.
IV
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in the lodge room at any time. Smoking is restricted to such other rooms of the lodge building as may be lawful under the law of the jurisdiction.
V
Fund Raising
A subordinate lodge may engage in charitable and fraternal fund raising activities provided that such activities are in full compliance with the law of the land. Further:
- Each fund raising activity must contain factual information on its solicitation material disclosing the use of the proceeds.
- Every fund raising activity which is not entirely for charity shall prominently state on its solicitation material that “payments are not deductible as charitable contributions.”
VI
Ceremony of Recognition of the Flag
The Ceremony of Recognition of the Flag is a mandatory part of our ritual and floorwork and is to be observed at each regular communication of a subordinate lodge and each special communication of importance. The ceremony, while simple, shall be impressive and reverent.
VII
Vermont Masonic Code
The Vermont Masonic Code contains provisions governing all masons, all subordinate lodges and the Grand Lodge in this jurisdiction. The import of its provisions cannot be overstated and are to be adhered to in all circumstances.
Specific attention should be directed to the provisions relating to the following: Petitions for the degrees and advancement of a candidate; mentors duties; mandated committees of subordinate lodges; lodge bylaws and their amendments; official correspondence outside this jurisdiction; public processions and display of regalia.
VIII
Ritual and Floorwork
The esoteric ritualistic work of this Grand Lodge is the Webb Work as most recently revised in 1995 and reaffirmed in 2001. The instructions, provisions and work as published in the Ritual and Floorwork are mandated in this jurisdiction unless otherwise sanctioned or authorized.
IX
Dress In Lodges Of Sorrow
It is vitally important to the dignity of lodges of sorrow, Masonic funerals and burial services, and the respect being accorded to the family that all officers be dressed in a manner that will not diminish or detract from the solemnity of the occasion or the memory of the deceased brother. Therefore, all participating officers are to be dressed in suits and ties, or jackets and ties, as well as aprons and jewels appropriate for the occasion.
X
Prohibited Balloting
The Master should inform the brethren, prior to balloting on a petition for the degrees or for affiliation, that they may not cast a negative ballot based upon race, color, creed or national origin, nor out of personal pique or malice. A brother doing so is guilty of unmasonic conduct.
XI
Uncoded Ritual and Floorwork
At the 1998 annual communication of the Grand Lodge, a resolution was adopted regarding obtaining, using and securing a completely worded Ritual and Floorwork Book. The provisions of the resolution and the rules published through the Grand Secretary’s Office relating to the same shall be rigorously observed and the security of the Ritual assured . A copy of the resolution and rules is appended to this general order.
Any violation of that resolution and rules shall be considered unmasonic conduct and subject the offender to Masonic discipline.”
XII
Programs of Grand Master Adopted At Annual Communication
I invite your attention to the remarks of your Grand Master to the Annual Communication on June 11th, 2008, an excerpt of which is appended hereto. I further invite you attention to the Masonic License Plate Program and the Scholarship Funding Program. Information may be obtained from the Grand Secretary’s office. I direct your effort and support of the goals outlined in these recommendations.
XIII
Reports
All Grand Lodge officers and committees are to file their annual reports with the Grand Secretary by the tenth day of May. This will enable the Grand Secretary to make copies thereof for the annual communication Book of Reports. The Book of Reports is part of the registration packet provided to each member of the Grand Lodge at the time he registers for the annual communication.
Admonition
I am confident that the full import, significance and authority of this general order will be understood by all brethren of the Craft.
Summary
General Order No. 1 contains a list of the Grand Lodge officers, committee chairmen, decisions and orders of the Grand Master.
THIS SUMMARY IS TO BE READ TO THE BRETHREN OF EACH SUBORDINATE LODGE AT THE FIRST REGULAR COMMUNICATION FOLLOWING ITS RECEIPT.
The entire general order shall be on file in the lodge secretary’s office and it must be made available to any brother upon request.
_____________________________________
Calvin K. Keyler, M.W. Grand Master
ATTEST: _____________________________________
Cedric L. Smith, R.W. Grand Secretary
Appendix A:
Excerpts of the Remarks of the Grand Master Elect
on June, 11, 2008
Pursuant to Article 204.1 of the Bylaws of the Vermont Masonic code, it is my privilege and responsibility to first thank you for reelecting me to the office of Grand Master for the 2008-2009 term. I will do my best to continue to be a steward of your Grand Lodge and to move Vermont Freemasonry forward in a positive way. Second, I now offer my recommendations which will be referred to the appropriate committees for evaluation and reports, and action by you, at this annual communication.
I make the following recommendations which I will summarize as most have been described in my Grand Master’s Address:
CARE: As we all know the goal of CARE is to identify adolescents whose behavior, attendance or grades indicates that they have problems related to substance and other abuses. In 2008 we held a very successful CARE Seminar utilizing professionals from The National Masonic Foundation for Children to train our educators and administrators to recognize the symptoms of children at risk. We had many letters of appreciation from teachers and the highest of compliments relating to the program from the Governor of Vermont and other state officials. I recommend that we continue CARE.
Scholarships: Vermont Freemasons Scholarships is our fastest growing charity program. As pointed out in my address earlier, we had our biggest year this Spring. As Grand Lodge matches local lodge scholarship payments up to $500.00 we form a partnership together with the students of Vermont as the beneficiaries. I recommend the continuation of our Scholarship Program.
Grand Master’s Appeal: To help fund the Scholarship program your Grand Master has sent an appeal to each Vermont Mason. The response has been overwhelming. Last year you donated almost $20,000.00 to help Vermont students. I recommend the continuation of the Grand Master’s Appeal.
Cribbage Tournament: In the past we have conducted a statewide Cribbage Tournament to assist in raising funds for scholarships. In response to popular demand from brothers and the public I recommend that we conduct a Grand Lodge sponsored state tournament in 2009.
Memorial Donations: I ask each brother to remember Vermont Masonic Charities when you are doing estate planning. Masonic Charities of Vermont Inc. is a 501 ( c ) (3) charity under the Internal Revenue Code and therefore entitles the donor to a charitable deduction. I recommend that this year’s Endowments and Gifts Committee develop a formal program to encourage gifting to Masonic Charities of Vermont and have it printed and ready for distribution as soon as possible.
Awards: Recognition is an excellent way to motivate activity within the lodges. Grand Lodge currently recognizes lodges and brothers with the following awards: Trestleboards Awards to lodges with outstanding trestleboards, Membership Achievement Awards, for raising the most or largest percentage of new masons, Citizens of the Year Awards to outstanding masons working in the communities and The Young Mason of the Year Award to our finest mason under the age of 40 years. I strongly recommend the continuation of all of these important awards.
Round Table: Each year the Grand Master calls together the heads of all Fraternal Bodies within the Masonic Family. The purpose of this event is to effectively communicate with one another, to listen and understand and to be sensitive to each others needs. To make progress we must all work together for a common goal. I recommend the continuation of these meetings.
The Grand Lodge Committees: Our newly created structure of committees has begun to bear fruit for the assistance of your lodges. Just a few examples are The Lodge Rejuvenation Program, The Lodge Education Officer Program and the vast work of our Information Technologies Committee. We must continue to encourage the work of these committees as it is the very fiber on which our future growth depends. I recommend the continuation of the important work of all of the committees.
The George Washington Masonic Memorial, The Masonic Foundation For Children and the Masonic Service Association: These are all well known organizations and have long received our support. I recommend a continuation of our current financial donations to these very worthy recipients
Membership: The improvement of our membership situation is always of concern to Grand Lodge as well as the lodges. As more new candidates are approaching our fraternity we must move faster to work them through the degrees so that they can enjoy the benefits of the sublime degree of a Master Mason. This year we will focus on assisting the lodges in this regard through the work of the District Deputies.
The “Proud To Be A Mason” Program: Earlier today I reported to you of the success that this program is having in building confidence and pride among our members.
In the next year we will take this initiative to an even higher level as more and more brothers participate. I recommend the continuation of the program.
OTHER SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
In addition to the recommendations included and implied previously in this address I specifically recommend the following:
1. The continuance of the work of the Grand Lodge Committees, especially in the areas of Masonic Education and other lodge assistance programs; this to include the development of an improved endowments and gifts program.
2. The passage of the amendment to the Masonic Code, Article 318.1, Lodge Government, which would allow lodges to open and close and conduct communications on the EA and FC Degree, without a dispensation from the Grand Master.
3. That the finance committee strongly consider an annual donation from our Charity Operating Budget to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA in addition to the standard $5.00 per Entered Apprentice fee which we now collect from the lodges.
The continued progress of Vermont Freemasonry rests with each one of us. By uniting our Grand Lodge, our lodge leaders and every member into one Band of Brothers seeking the same objective and living the same code of conduct we can shine our light to the world around us. We can be the image of a fraternity that will be attractive to fine young men seeking a ray of good in today’s civilization. We can be “Proud To Be Masons” in our great state and around the world. I will do my best to serve you in the year ahead.
Calvin K. Keyler, Grand Master
Appendix B: Resolution and Rules pertaining
to the Uncoded Ritual
At the 1998 annual communication of the Grand Lodge, the following resolution was adopted.
“RESOLVED, that each secretary of a subordinate lodge, upon written request to the Grand Secretary, and upon execution of a form consenting to the following conditions, shall receive one completely worded Ritual And Floorwork book; and further resolved that:
- It shall be and remain the property of the Grand Lodge of Vermont and shall be immediately returned to the Grand Secretary upon the order of the Grand Master as a result of its improper use or for any other reason he deems masonically proper.
- It shall remain under the exclusive control of the lodge master or secretary in a secure place in the lodge.
- In case there is no secure place in the lodge, it may be secured in the home of the lodge master or secretary, with special dispensation by the Grand Master.
- It shall be made available to the lodge officers, for use within the lodge room, for the sole purpose of learning the ritual and practicing the floorwork.
- It shall not be available for public use or general perusal.
- It shall not be used for any other purpose without the express written consent of the Grand Master.
- It shall not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever.
- Any violation of this resolution shall be considered unmasonic conduct and subject the offender to Masonic discipline.”
In accordance with the action of the members of the Grand Lodge in adopting the foregoing resolution, I issue these rules for the guidance of the lodges and brethren.
- The trustees of the Grand Lodge shall, from time to time, determine the reasonable cost of reproducing a copy of the uncoded Ritual And Floorwork.
- Any lodge requesting an uncoded copy shall send a written request therefore to the Grand Secretary. The Grand Secretary shall send the form consenting to the conditions of the resolution to the lodge secretary for execution by the master and secretary and he shall inform the lodge secretary of the cost for the uncoded copy. The lodge secretary shall return the executed consent form and payment to the Grand Secretary.
- The district deputy for the district shall personally deliver the requested uncoded copy to the lodge secretary. The district deputy is to satisfy himself that provisions have been made for the security of the uncoded copy and for its use strictly in accordance with the adopted resolution. The district deputy shall obtain, annually, the signature of the current custodians (lodge Master and Secretary) attesting their continued consent to the conditions of the resolution.
- No more than one uncoded copy shall be delivered to, or be in the possession of a lodge.
- The uncoded copy shall be used as a reference book only; it does not replace the coded Ritual And Floorwork book which is presented to each brother upon the completion of the third degree; it does not replace or supersede the mentor system of guidance and instruction of a candidate; it does not lessen the district deputy’s responsibilities but is an addition to them; and it shall not be used in opening or closing a lodge or in the exemplification of a degree.
- The Grand Secretary shall maintain a record of lodges in possession of an uncoded Ritual and Floorwork book.
Appendix C and D
See list of Grand Lodge Officers and Grand Lodge Committees
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