ORGANIZATION
A Lodge is an organization of seven or more Master Masons duly assembled,
with the Holy Bible, Square and Compass, and a Charter or warrant empowering
them to work, where they may confer the three degrees of Masonry and carry on
such activities as are necessary to its proper administration.
Authority is conferred by a Charter issued by a Grand Lodge, in our case, it
was issued to us by the United Grand Lodges of Germany.
A Lodge may retain its Charter only as it obeys the laws of the Grand Lodge
and works according to the traditions and ancient usage’s and customs of the
Masonic Fraternity.
A Lodge is governed by the Grand Lodge according to laws laid down in the
Constitution or Code. Local
regulations and rules of its self-government are embodied in its by-laws.
Each Lodge in this jurisdiction has at least eleven officers, five of whom
are chosen by ballot. These are the
Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Secretary.
They are elected at the first stated communication in September of each
year. Prior to the installation,
the Master-elect appoints the Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Chaplain, two
Stewards, and Tiler. Additional
officers such as Marshall, Master of Ceremonies and Organist may also be
appointed. Each Lodge will have
several Committees which are also named by the Master-elect. The
primary executive power of the Lodge is vested in the office of
Worshipful Master.
The Senior Warden is the second ranking officer.
If the Worshipful Master is absent, the Senior Warden presides in -his
place; if, through absence or inability, the office of Worshipful Master becomes
vacant, the Senior Warden succeeds to all his prerogatives and duties until the
regular election is held. The
Senior Warden has other duties which you will learn at another time.
Next in rank is the Junior Warden, who governs the Lodge in the absence or
inability of the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden, and has charge of the
Craft during refreshment.
In addition to its officers a Lodge has various standing and special
committees. A Lodge may also have a
board of trustees. The trustees are
elected.
The meetings of the Lodge are called "Communications," and are of
two kinds, Stated (or Regular), Special (or Called).
Stated Communications are held at regular intervals on dates set by the
by-laws of the Lodge. Called or
Special Communications convene at the will and pleasure of the Worshipful
Master.
In brief outline and to the extent to which you can now understand it, such
is the machinery and form of organization of a Masonic Lodge.. It conveys only a
hint of the rich life and manifold activities of a Lodge as a member knows them.
To be able to fully integrate yourself into our fraternity, you must
understand How
the fraternity is organized
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