Membership in a Lodge ceases if a member's subscription remains unpaid for two full years. Upon this expiration, the Lodge must report the cessation at the next regular meeting and record it in the minutes. Reinstatement requires a formal proposition and ballot, as per Rule 163, with the condition that all arrears are paid prior to election. Lodges retain the right to pursue dues for shorter periods under Rule 181, as specified in their by-laws. Additionally, when a member ceases membership or later pays their arrears, this must be communicated to the Grand Secretary and, if applicable, to the Metropolitan, Provincial, or District Grand Secretary. The provisions of Rules 9, 163, 175, and 182 apply as if the member had been excluded by vote.
December 4th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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Should the subscription of a member to his Lodge remain unpaid for two full years, at the expiration of that period he shall cease to be a member of the Lodge, which fact shall be reported to the Lodge at the next regular meeting, and recorded on the minutes. He can only become a member again by regular proposition and ballot according to Rule 163, and the Lodge shall require payment of the arrears as a condition precedent to his election. This Rule shall not prevent any Lodge proceeding against any of its members under Rule 181 in respect of sums due for a shorter period than two years, if so provided in its by-laws. When a Brother ceases to be a member under this Rule, and also when a Brother subsequently pays his arrears of subscription the fact shall be notified to the Grand Secretary and, if the Lodge be within a Metropolitan Area, Province or District, also to the Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Secretary. The provisions of Rules 9, 163, 175 and 182 shall apply in the case of a Brother ceasing to be a member under this Rule as if he had been excluded by vote.