The document outlines procedures for managing the Lodge in the event of the Master’s death, removal, or inability to perform his duties. In such cases, the Senior Warden, or in their absence, the Junior Warden or Immediate Past Master, is responsible for summoning the Lodge until a new Master is installed or the current Master can resume authority. If the Master is absent, the Immediate Past Master or the senior Past Master present assumes the Chair, or if none are available, the Senior Warden or Junior Warden conducts Lodge business, seeking an Installed Master to open, close, and confer degrees. If no Installed Master is present at a scheduled meeting, the meeting is abandoned and noted in the Minute Book. Should the Master’s absence be temporary, he retains the ability to delegate authority to an Installed Master to preside and confer degrees as needed.
December 4th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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constitutional documents
(a) If the Master shall die or be removed or if circumstances do not permit him to exercise the authority which devolves upon him by virtue of his office, the Senior Warden, or in his absence the Junior Warden, or in the absence of both Wardens the Immediate Past Master, or in his absence the senior Past Master of the Lodge shall summon the Lodge until the next Installation of Master or until the Master shall be able once more to exercise his authority. (b) Save as hereinafter provided, if the Master be not present, the Immediate Past Master, or if he be absent the senior Past Master of the Lodge present, or if no Past Master of the Lodge be present the senior Installed Master who is a subscribing member of the Lodge shall take the Chair and rule the Lodge, or may request any other Installed Master who is a subscribing member of the Lodge to do so. If no Installed Master who is a subscribing member of the Lodge be present, then the Senior Warden, or in his absence the Junior Warden, shall conduct the business of the Lodge but shall request an Installed Master to occupy the Chair to open and close the Lodge and to confer degrees. (c) If, on the occasion appointed for any meeting of a Lodge, no Installed Master is present to occupy the Chair, the meeting shall be abandoned and the fact recorded in the Minute Book of the Lodge. (d) If the Master’s absence be only temporary and circumstances so permit, he may exercise such authority as devolves upon him by virtue of his office. He may request any Installed Master who is a subscribing member of the Lodge to occupy the Chair and to rule the Lodge and confer degrees, or any Installed Master to occupy the Chair to confer degrees, as if he himself were present in the Lodge.