“The Other Blue Book” The Code Book of Masonic Law

Table of Contents 1.Act of Incorporation of the Grand Lodge Constitution of the Grand Lodge Charges of a Freemason By Laws of the Grand Lodge Resolutions of the Grand Lodge 2.Code for Government of Lodges 3.Trials and Trial Procedures 4.Ceremonies 5.Forms 6.Index

Since 1995, we have… … recognized the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio as a legitimate organization. … recognized the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio as a legitimate organization. … changed the age of majority to 19 years. … changed the age of majority to 19 years. … approved Plural Membership. … approved Plural Membership. … made changes in the requirements of catechism. … made changes in the requirements of catechism. … eliminated the requirement that a Petition be held over for a certain number of meetings before it can be balloted upon. … eliminated the requirement that a Petition be held over for a certain number of meetings before it can be balloted upon. … allowed a Past Master to carry a proxy for one of the three principal officers of a Lodge. … allowed a Past Master to carry a proxy for one of the three principal officers of a Lodge. … eliminated the requirement that a Masonic meeting be opened before an social event. … eliminated the requirement that a Masonic meeting be opened before an social event. … changed our code to read “I would be proud to sponsor you for membership.” … changed our code to read “I would be proud to sponsor you for membership.”

Code or By-Law Amendments MUST be… …sponsored by not less than five members of the Grand Lodge. …sponsored by not less than five members of the Grand Lodge. … reduced to writing and filed with the Grand Secretary … reduced to writing and filed with the Grand Secretary …entered upon the minutes of the Grand Lodge …entered upon the minutes of the Grand Lodge …laid over until the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. It may, however, be acted upon immediately if no more than 25 of the members of the Grand Lodge object. …laid over until the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. It may, however, be acted upon immediately if no more than 25 of the members of the Grand Lodge object.

2003 Proposed Legislation 2003-A – Mandatory retirement for Lodge Secretaries over 70, or after 10 years of service 2003-A – Mandatory retirement for Lodge Secretaries over 70, or after 10 years of service 2003-B – Changes the SNPD effective date from 12/31 to 03/ B – Changes the SNPD effective date from 12/31 to 03/ C – Allows business in the EA Degree 2003-C – Allows business in the EA Degree 2003-D – Allows alcohol in any room not dedicated to Freemasonry 2003-D – Allows alcohol in any room not dedicated to Freemasonry 2003-E – Allows the Grand Master to suspend a Brother who has committed a crime until he has been tried 2003-E – Allows the Grand Master to suspend a Brother who has committed a crime until he has been tried 2003-F – Institutes an “Historical Lodge” system 2003-F – Institutes an “Historical Lodge” system 2003-G – Requires all Ohio Lodges to include “Masonic” in their names 2003-G – Requires all Ohio Lodges to include “Masonic” in their names 2003-H – Limits frequency of a Grand Master’s Class to no more than one every four years 2003-H – Limits frequency of a Grand Master’s Class to no more than one every four years

Sections Masonic Trials

Conviction of a Felony WM appoints a committee to obtain a certified copy of the Judgment Order and determine if the person named is a Lodge member. WM appoints a committee to obtain a certified copy of the Judgment Order and determine if the person named is a Lodge member. Upon verification, the WM charges the Brother in writing of UnMasonic Conduct and forwards it to the Grand Secretary. Upon verification, the WM charges the Brother in writing of UnMasonic Conduct and forwards it to the Grand Secretary. Grand Secretary transmits the charges to the Trial Commissioner-in-Chief, RWB Morton Negin, for proceedings. Grand Secretary transmits the charges to the Trial Commissioner-in-Chief, RWB Morton Negin, for proceedings.

Charges Other than a Felony An oral or written complaint of UnMasonic Conduct is made to the WM. An oral or written complaint of UnMasonic Conduct is made to the WM. The WM, at the next meeting, refers the complaint to committee. The WM, at the next meeting, refers the complaint to committee. The committee must attempt to reconcile the matter with the parties involved. The committee must attempt to reconcile the matter with the parties involved. If the matter requires action, charges are reported and entered in the minutes. If the matter requires action, charges are reported and entered in the minutes.

Trial Commission Trial Commissioner-in-Chief Trial Commissioner-in-Chief 10 or more Trial Commissioners 10 or more Trial Commissioners 7 Judge Advocates 7 Judge Advocates

The Trial Process

Penalties of UnMasonic Conduct Reprimand Reprimand Suspension Suspension Expulsion Expulsion