Lodges possess the authority to create by-laws for their governance, but these by-laws, along with any amendments, require approval from the Grand Master before becoming effective. For Lodges located in Metropolitan Areas, Provinces, or Districts, proposed by-laws and changes must be submitted to the respective Grand Secretary for the approval of the Metropolitan, Provincial, or District Grand Master. If the by-laws align with the model by-laws issued by the Grand Master, the local Grand Master may grant approval on behalf of the Grand Master. In other instances, submissions go directly to the Grand Secretary for the Grand Master's approval. Once approved, by-laws must be printed, and copies sent to both the Grand Secretary and, where applicable, the local Grand Secretary. This process ensures that all by-laws adhere to the established standards and regulations of the Masonic organization.
December 4th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
boc constitutional
constitutional documents
Every Lodge has the power of framing proper by-laws for its government, but no by-law nor any alteration thereof shall come into operation until approved on behalf of the Grand Master. In the case of a Lodge in a Metropolitan Area, Province or District, the by-laws and every alteration thereof shall be sent to the Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Secretary for the approval of the Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Master, who may, in the case of by-laws or any alteration thereof conforming to the model by-laws from time to time issued on behalf of the Grand Master, also grant approval on behalf of the Grand Master. In every other case, the by-laws and every alteration thereof shall be sent or forwarded (as the case may be) to the Grand Secretary for the approval of the Grand Master. When finally approved, the by-laws must be printed, and a copy sent to the Grand Secretary, and also in the case first beforementioned to the Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Secretary.