The document outlines key procedural points adopted by the Grand Lodge regarding the use of Masonic symbols and certificates, after-proceedings conduct, and design approvals. It emphasizes that membership should not be leveraged for personal or business gain, prohibiting the use of 'Masonic' in advertising without prior permission from relevant Masonic authorities (Rule 229, Book of Constitutions). Displaying Masonic certificates in a manner that promotes personal advantage is also condemned, with potential disciplinary action for violations. Regarding after-proceedings, the Master is advised to limit 'taking wine' to maintain decorum, avoiding challenging toasts. Additionally, Rule 241 mandates that designs for jewels and Lodge emblems must receive approval from the Grand Master, with guidance available from the Grand Secretary's office. These regulations aim to uphold the integrity and reputation of Masonry.
December 2nd, 2025
February 10th, 2026
manual
uncategorized
Points of Procedure: Page 1
Recommendations adopted by Grand Lodge, 1916-2021 (see Rule 229 Book of Constitutions)
Advertising and the Exhibition of Masonic Certificates
It should be understood by every Brother - and made clear at an early stage to every Candidate for Initiation that membership of the Craft is not to be used as a means of promoting his personal or business advantage. The word 'Masonic' or any symbol or words with a Masonic significance that is obvious to members of the Craft are not to be used in advertising or promotional material unless permission has first been obtained from the appropriate Masonic authorities. Applications should be sent to the Provincial (or District) Grand Secretary if such material is to appear in a single Province (or District) and to the Grand Secretary in all other cases, through Provincial (or District) Grand Secretaries if appropriate. Similarly, the Board emphatically condemns the display of Masonic certificates, especially on business premises or in public places in such a way as to be likely to promote business, professional or personal advantage. Any conduct which infringes the rulings set out above will be deemed un-Masonic and the Brother or Brethren concerned will be liable to disciplinary action. (Extract from Report of Board of General Purposes adopted 10 June 1981)
After-Proceedings (see also Lodge After-Proceedings, P. 22; Non-Masons at After-Proceedings, P. 29; Precedence of Toasts, P. 32)
The practice by the Master of 'taking wine' at dinner becomes detrimental to congenial conversation unless kept to a minimum, and should be confined to Brethren in their Masonic status. The Board wishes to emphasise that Masonry can be brought into disrepute unless the Master ensures that after-proceedings are conducted with decorum. Challenging and cross toasting should not be permitted. (Extract from Report of Board of General Purposes, adopted 6 June 1956)
Approval of Designs
The Board wishes to remind Brethren of the requirement in Rule 241, Book of Constitutions, that the designs of jewels must have been approved or allowed by the MW The Grand Master. By long-standing custom, and for similar reasons, approval is also required for any design used as the emblem of a Lodge, whether on summonses, Lodge stationery, or as a Lodge banner. Notes for guidance on designs are available from the Grand Secretary's office. (Extract from Report of Board of General Purposes, adopted 13 March 1996)