Rules and Regulations of The GGC-searchable

RULES AND REGULATIONS
of the
GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
REVISED 2006
Office of the
RIGHT WORTHY GRAND SECRETARY
1618 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-2549
Printed in the United States of America
https://pdfify.app/trial
For the Government Of
SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS UNDER THE

JURISDICTION OF THE
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
Section 1. FORMATION OF A NEW CHAPTER.

A new Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star may be formed
under a dispensation granted by the Most Worthy Grand Pa-
tron, upon the petition of not less than forty persons, who are
members of the Order, or who possess the qualifications for
membership, residing within the jurisdiction of the proposed
new Chapter. Unaffiliated members who have been rejected
for affiliation shall not be eligible to sign such petition unless
one year has elapsed since such rejection. One of the petition-
ers shall be a Master Mason, and not less than thirty of such
petitioners shall be women. (AM 1976) (AM 2000)
The Most Worthy Grand Patron or his Deputy shall conduct
an
election of the eight elective officers of a Chapter formed
under his dispensation; the Worthy Matron shall appoint the
rest of the officers and all shall be installed by the Most Worthy
Grand Patron or his Deputy at the time of the institution of a
new Chapter. (AM 1976)
A Chapter under Dispensation shall operate at least one year
before receiving a Charter and should be prepared to receive
their Charter in not more than two years. (AM 1976)
A Conditional Dispensation may be issued by the Most
Worthy Grand Patron to form a Chapter with at least twenty
resident members (at least fifteen of which are women, and
Rules and Regulations
one a Master Mason); however, there must be thirty-five
resident members by the close of the second year for is-
suance of a Charter. If the thirty-five-member limit is not
met, the Dispensation will be withdrawn and the Chapter
disbanded. (AM 1994) (2000) (2003)
The first eight officers of a Chapter shall be elected annually.
Section 2. ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
By a separate majority ballot, excluding blanks, at the first
stated meeting in December. If trustees are provided for in
the Bylaws of a Chapter, at the first election thereof, one
shall be elected for one year, one for two years and one for
three years, and thereafter at each annual meeting, one trust-
ee shall be elected for a term of three years. (AM 1985)
If the Chapter desires to elect the Sentinel this must be in-
corporated in the Bylaws of the Chapter. The election shall
take place along with the first eight officers and requires a
majority vote to elect.
Section 3. ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE.
A member need not previously have held an office in the
Chapter in order to be eligible to any office there, but no
member who is not in good standing, or against whom charg-
es are pending, shall be eligible to any office in the Chapter.
Section 4. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS.
All officers shall be installed either in open Chapter meet-
ing or in closed Chapter meeting before the Set meeting in
January following their election or appointment, and shall
hold their offices until their respective successors are elected
or appointed and installed. In case of extreme emergency,
a Special Dispensation may be granted to install at a later
date. If for good reason any of the officers cannot be in-
2
stalled at the time of the installation ceremonies, they shall
be installed in their own Chapter as soon as possible there-
after. Objection to the installation of any officer cannot be
entertained by the installing officer. Unless the grounds for
objection be of a very serious nature, affecting the moral
character of the officer, and can be proven when charges are
preferred, which must be done without delay by the objector,
to the Most Worthy Grand Matron. The installing officer
must be a present or Past Matron a or a present or Past Patron
of a regularly chartered Chapter. A Sister or Brother against
whom charges have been preferred cannot be installed.
Section 5. VACANCIES IN OFFICE BEFORE
INSTALLATION.
Any officer failing to be present for installation within three

months after election or appointment shall, by the vote of
the Chapter, forfeit all right to the office and a vacancy be
declared to exist, or in case of refusal to be installed, the
Chapter may proceed immediately without dispensation to
an election, which shall be held at a stated meeting by bal-
lot if an elective office be vacant, the members having been
given ten days written notice on such election.
Section 6. VACANCIES IN OFFICE AFTER
INSTALLATION.
After their installation vacancies in the office of Worthy Ma-

tron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron or Associate Patron,
can occur only 1n case of death, election to another office, fail-
ure to fill their respective offices for six months consecutively,
removal from the Chapter jurisdiction when such removal
prevents the performance of their official duties, or by final
judgment of suspension or expulsion. In such event upon the
properly certified request of the Chapter adopted at a stated
meeting, the Most Worthy Grand Matron may declare the of-
3
fice vacant and issue a dispensation to fill such vacancy at a
stated meeting of the Chapter, the members having been given

ten days written notice of such election. If any other elective
officer IS elected to fill a vacancy, the vacancy caused thereby
may be immediately filled at the same meeting without further
dispensation. If not so filled at the same meeting a dispensa-
tion to hold an election to fill the same shall be obtained from
the Most Worthy Grand Matron, and the members shall be
given ten days written notice of such election.
Section 7. VACANCIES IN OTHER CASES.

All elective officers of any Chapter, except the Most Worthy
Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron and Associate Pa-
tron, may demit from the Chapter or render their resignation
in writing to a Chapter at any regular meeting, and if accept-
ed by a majority vote, the Worthy Matron may declare a va-
cancy in said office, and give the members of the Chapter ten
days written notice of an election to fill any elective office.
Appointive officers shall hold their offices at the discretion
of the Worthy Matron. Any officer under final judgment of
suspension or expulsion, or who shall move from the Chap-
ter jurisdiction, shall automatically forfeit his or her office,
and in such event, or in the event of death, procedure to fill
the vacancy thereby created, in the case of elective office,
shall be filled in the manner here specified.
Section 8. DUTIES AND POWERS OF WORTHY MATRON.

The Worthy Matron shall have and perform duties, and ex-
ercise powers, as follows:
(a) Preside at the meetings except while the degrees are
being conferred.
(b) See that the Constitution, Rules and Regulations, and
the Bylaws of the Chapter are strictly enforced.
(c) See that the officers of the Chapter faithfully perform
their duties.
(d) Appoint all committees not named in the motion or

resolution providing therefore.
(e) Assume charge of the books of the Secretary or Trea-
surer in case of a vacancy therein, and deliver the same
to the duly elected successor thereto.
(f) Have charge of the Charter or Dispensation.
(g) Request the Worthy Patron to preside at any time.
(h) Call a special meeting of the Chapter whenever she deems
it necessary, but she must call a special meeting whenever
required to do by seven members of the Chapter, and any
such special meeting shall be called for the same hour of
the day as that fixed for a stated meeting, unless a different
hour shall be fixed in the Bylaws of the Chapter.
(i) Sign all demits issued by the Chapter.
(j) Make all decisions during the meeting of the Chapter
from which there shall be no appeal except to the Most
Worthy Grand Matron or General Grand Chapter, and
when the official decision of the Most Worthy Grand
Matron is desired, the Worthy Matron shall submit the
question at issue to her, with a full statement of all the
facts relative thereto, under the seal of the Chapter.
(k) Install her successor and the other officers for the en-
suing term, or deputize a Past Matron or present or
Past Patron to install them, if the Worthy Matron-elect
chooses not to exercise her rights to select her install-
ing officer(s). (AM 1982)
(1) Call any Brother to act as Worthy Patron in the absence
of both the Worthy Patron and Associate Patron.
(m) She should not serve in the East for more than two con-
secutive terms. (AM 1976)
(n) With the election of Associate Conductress it is the 1n-
tention that that officer would advance to the office of
Conductress, then Associate Matron, and then to Wor-
thy Matron. This would create continuity in the pro-
gression of the offices of the chapter and give the officer
the proper education and preparation to fill each office
until she has become Worthy Matron where she would
have the proper credentials for the office. (AM 2003)
Section 9. DUTIES AND POWERS OF WORTHY PATRON.
The Worthy Patron shall have and perform duties, and exer-
cise powers, as follows:
(a) Have general supervision of the affairs of the Chapter,
advise with and assist the other officers, preside during
the conferring of the degrees and at other times when
invited to do so by the Worthy Matron.
(b) Have possession of one long form of the printed Secret
Work for the safekeeping of which he shall be responsible.
(c) Take the gavel and assume the responsibilities of the
presiding officer when requested to preside.
(d) Call upon any Sister to preside, preferably a past Ma-
tron, in the absence of both the Worthy Matron and As-
sociate Matron.
(e) Perform such other duties and exercise such other pow-
ers as shall be prescribed by the Ritual of the Order.
Section 10. DUTIES OF ASSOCIATE MATRON.

The Associate Matron shall perform the duties pertaining to
her office; and in case of the death, absence or disability of
the Worthy Matron, or a vacancy in her office, succeed to
her position, prerogatives and duties.
Section 11. DUTIES OF ASSOCIATE PATRON.
The Associate Patron shall perform the duties pertaining to
his office; andin case of the death, absence or disability of
the Worthy Patron or vacancy in his office, succeed to his
position, prerogatives and duties.
Section 12. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.
The Secretary shall in addition to the duties indicated in the
Ritual of the Order, perform the following duties:
(a) Certify and affix the seal of the Chapter to all official
documents, and attest the official signature of the Wor-
thy Matron when necessary.
(b) Keep such books as may be necessary to show the ac-
count of each member with the Chapter, and the re-
ceipts of all money and payments of same to the Trea-
surer, classified by proper dates.
(c) Preserve the books of Constitution and Rules and Reg-
ulations of the General Grand Chapter and all printed
proceedings thereof, together with all the papers and
documents belonging to the Chapter.
(d) Send to the Right Worthy Grand Secretary, immedi-
ately after each installation, in triplicate, a correct list
of the officers and their addresses.
(e) Prepare on blanks furnished by the Right Worthy Grand
Secretary, a statistical report of the Chapter for the preced-
ing calendar year, and forward same to the Right Worthy
Grand Secretary on or before the first day of March of each
year, accompanied by the General Grand Chapter dues,
such report to be prepared by the outgoing Secretary and
7
signed by the outgoing Worthy Matron. Although a Chap-
ter changes the time of its fiscal year (other than the calen-
dar year) the Annual Reports are still to be completed on
the calendar year - that iS. January 1st through December
31st. Failure to file this statistical report will result in loss
of representation at the subsequent General Grand Chapter
Assembly. (AM 1976)
(f) Notify the Right Worthy Grand Secretary immediately
of all deaths of members, suspensions and expulsions
from, and restoration to membership.
(g) Inform in writing, twice between the first day of June
and the first day of November of each year, all mem-
bers indebted to their Chapter for the current years
dues, of the state of their account and of the provisions
of Section 62 of these Rules and Regulations.
(h) Send triplicate copies of Bylaws, repeals and amend-
ments, to the Most Worthy Grand Matron for approval.
(i) Receipt of dues. The Secretary may receive money
from members in payment for dues at any time, and she
shall not refuse to give a blank petition to a member.
(j) The Secretary shall inform the Right Worthy Grand
Secretary of any change in the office of the Secretary
immediately, giving the name and address of the new
Secretary. If possible, it is suggested that each Chapter
should have a permanent Post Office address.
Section 13. DUTIES OF OTHER OFFICERS.
The other officers shall perform the duties indicated by their
titles and stations, in conformity with the Ritual and under
the direction of the Worthy Matron.
Section 14. FEES FOR DEGREES.
No Chapter shall confer the degrees for a less sum than Two
Dollars ($2.00), which amount shall accompany the peti-
tion. The fee shall be for all petitioners.
Section 15. PETITION FOR DEGREES OR MEMBERSHIP.
Each petition for degrees or membership shall be signed by
the petitioner, and be recommended by two members of the
Chapter; upon its reception by the Chapter, it must be referred
to a committee of three, appointed by the presiding officer, one
of whom shall be a Brother, whose special duty it shall be to
ascertain the Masonic qualifications of the petitioner.
Section 16. RESIDENCE OF PETITIONER.
No petition for degrees shall be received by any Chapter unless
the petitioner shall have actually resided immediately preced-
ing the date of such petition atleast six months within the juris-
diction of the Chapter to which the petition is presented; pro-
vided, however, that suchresidence requirement shall not apply
to sea-faring Masons, where home is ontoboard ship and without
persons who are, and
a definite place of family residence, not
for six months next preceding the date of petition have been,
1n the United States naval or military service, not to the female
relatives of such persons. A Chapter may refuse for good cause
to receive a petition. If the actual residence of a petitioner for
degrees is within the jurisdiction of a Chapter, the petition shall
be received, though the petitioner is temporarily absent.
Section 17. JURISDICTION OF CHAPTERS.
The j u ri s di c ti
point geographically
o n of Chapters
halfway
for al l
between
purposes
the
shal
halls
l
in
extend
which
to
the
a
meetings of said Chapters are held, except that in incorporated
cities and towns where more than one Chapter exists, they shall
be concurrent jurisdiction. The distance between Chapters lo-
9
cated in incorporated cities and towns, or within the concurrent
jurisdiction limits thereof and Chapters located outside such
concurrent jurisdiction, shall be measured from the hall of the
nearest Chapter within the concurrent jurisdiction to the hall
in which the outside Chapter holds its meetings, provided, that
the division point shall not be within the city limits of the city
wherein said Chapters are located, and, provided further, that
adjacent Chapters may agree as to jurisdictional boundaries be-
tween themselves, when approved by the Most Worthy Grand
Matron, in case of chartered Chapters, and by the Most Worthy
Grand Patron, in case of Chapters under dispensation.
Every Chapter should have jurisdiction defined when it is
instituted, to be placed in its Chapter records.
Section 18. WAIVER OF JURISDICTION.

A Chapter may receive the petition of a person residing
within the jurisdiction of another Chapter, but such petition
shall not be referred or balloted upon without the consent
or waiver of the Chapter having jurisdiction. Such consent
or waiver may be granted upon a majority vote; provided,
however, that if the person applying to such together Chapter
shall have been previously rejected, the consent or waiver
shall be granted only upon a two-thirds vote. Any Chapter
desiring a waiver of jurisdiction over a petitioner residing
within the concurrent jurisdiction of several Chapters, shall
not be required to obtain the waiver from more than one of
the Chapters; provided, that the applying Chapter shall have
been given notice of such request to all the Chapters having
concurrent jurisdiction, and if the petitioner has been re-
jected, shall obtain the waiver from the rejecting Chapter.
Section 19. QUALIFICATION FOR DEGREES.
Affiliated Master Mason in good standing, the wives, daugh-
ters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, widows, sisters, half
10
sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters, stepsis-
ters, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, great granddaughters,
nieces, great nieces, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and daugh-
ters of sisters or brothers of affiliated Master Masons in good
standing, or if deceased were in good standing at the time of
their death; as well as members - either active for three (3)
years or majority of the International Order of the Rainbow for
Girls or of the International Order of Job's Daughters, each of
whom shall have attained to at least the age of eighteen (18)
years, are eligible to membership 1n the Order of the Eastern
Star. (AM 1997) (AM 2000)
Section 20. EVIDENCE OF QUALIFICATION.
At the time of petitioning evidence of qualification shall be
furnished as follows:
(a) A male petitioner for degrees or membership must pres-
ent with his petition a certificate, or its equivalent, of af-
filiation and good standing in a regular lodge of Master
Masons. A regular lodge of Master Masons is defined
as a lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge wherein
the Chapter petitioned is located. A common source is
the list of lodges Masonic issued by the Grand Lodge.
This list is supported by the Conference of the Grand
Masters of North America. Only the Brother has any
right to inquire as to the standing of a Masonic Brother.
It shall be understood that the current year's dues card of
such Master Mason is considered as the equivalent of a
certificate of affiliation and good standing.
(b) Each female petitioner for the degrees, must be at least
eighteen (18) years of age and must present, with her
petition, either a certificate of qualification by proper
Masonic relationship of membership in a regular lodge
of Master Masons or a dues receipt or certificate of
11
majority membership in the International Order of the
Rainbow for Girls or in the International Order of Job's
Daughter's as proof of membership. It shall be under-
stood that the current year's dues card of the Master
Mason upon whose Masonic relationship such female
petitioner claims eligibility, shall be considered as a
certificate of qualification. (AM 2000) (AM 2006)
(c) Where it is impossible to obtain the information in writ-
ing, the Brother on the Investigating Committee shall
assure himself that the petitioner possesses the required
Masonic eligibility.
Section 21. NOTICE TO PETITIONER & RETURN OF FEE.

A petitioner for the degrees or affiliation shall be notified by
the Secretary of the action of the Chapter on her or his peti-
tion, and if the is petition is rejected, the fee shall be returned.
Section 22. PETITION BY REJECTED PETITIONER.
No rejected petitioner for the degrees shall again petition any
other Chapter until two months after rejection, and a second
petition must be filled out and presented in regular form.
Perpetual jurisdiction over rejected petitioners by the chapter
in which such rejection is had in not recognized. (AM 2000)
Section 23. DEGREES BY COURTESY.
By request of a Chapter in which a petitioner has been elected,
another Chapter may confer the degrees upon such elected pe-
titioner if living in its jurisdiction. Such petitioner becomes a
member of the Chapter in which he or she is elected. The fee
belongs to the Chapter where the application is made. The
authority herein granted shall not apply to Chapters working
under Grand Jurisdictions not using the Ritual of the General
Grand Chapter or one approved by it. (See Bylaws G.G.C.
Degrees by Courtesy.)
12
Section 24. PETITION FOR AFFILIATION OR
DUAL MEMBERSHIP.
All Petitions for Affiliation must be accompanied by a demit
ora certificate of good standing (and it is understood that the
current year's dues card, now in general use, shall be con-
strued as the equivalent of a certificate of good standing.) A
petitioner for affiliation if rejected, may apply again, to the
same or any other Chapter at any subsequent stated meet-
ing. No residence qualification is required for affiliation. A
demitted member who wishes to affiliate with the Chapter
from which demitted, must sign a petition accompanied by
demit the same as any other Member. Any Chapter may ac-
a cept a petition for affiliation from any member of the Order,
when accompanied by a demit or certificate of good standing
granted by any chapter existing under the immediate juris-
diction of the General; Grand Chapter or any Grand chap-
ter of its obedience or any Grand, Supreme or United Grand
Chapter recognized as such by the General Grand Chapter.
Provided further that whenever a member is elected by af-
filiation, upon the presentation of a petition accompanied by
a certificate of good standing, such membership shall not be
completed nor they permitted to sign the Bylaws until a de-
mit is filed.
All petitioners for affiliation or dual membership from New

York or New Jersey seeking to become members in subordi-
nate Chapters under the General Grand Chapter Order of the
Eastern Star, and all Grand Chapters using the Ritual of the
General Grand Chapter, be required to stateto the investigat-
ing committee before said petition comes to ballot, the Ma-
sonic relationship upon which their Eastern Star membership
is based, and if such does not conform to the requirements of
the General Grand Chapter that such petition for affiliation or
dual membership shall not be considered. (AM 1976)
13
Section 25. DUAL MEMBERSHIP.
Membership in two Subordinate Chapters under the imme-
diate jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter is permis-
sible under the following conditions:
1. The Bylaws of any such Chapters must be amended
to provide for Dual Membership before accepting peti-
tions for such Dual Membership.
2. No petition for Dual Membership shall be received un-
less the Chapter in which the petitioner holds primary
membership also permits Dual Membership.
3. The procedure in receiving and acting upon any peti-
tion for Dual Membership shall be the same as that of
any other petition for affiliation.
4. Dual Members must pay dues in both chapters and
shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of mem-
bership in both, except that such Dual Members shall
not hold any one of the four principal offices or that of
Secretary in more than one Chapter at the same time.
Loss of membership by suspension for non-payment of
dues in primary Chapters, or expulsion in either chap-
ter, carries with it the loss of membership in the other.
5. No subordinate Chapter under the immediate jurisdic-
tion of the General Grand Chapter shall receive a peti-
tion for Dual Membership from a member whose pri-
mary membership is held in a Chapter under a Grand
Chapter not permitting Dual Membership.
6. Dual membership may be permitted with Australia,
New York, New Jersey and Scotland if the chapters in
those jurisdictions allow Dual Membership and if the
Masonic affiliation is in order with the General Grand
Chapter requirements. (AM 1994)
14
Section 26. CEREMONY FOR AFFILIATING
MEMBERS.
Members who have been elected to membership by affiliation

should be escorted into the Chapter Room by the Conductress
after a formal announcement of their presence in the reception
room has been made to the Worthy Matron. Standing back of
Esther's chair, with he candidate on her right the Conductress
will say: "Worthy matron, I have the pleasure of introducing
to you Sister (or Brother) formerly of Chapter, who has been
elected to membership in this Chapter." The Worthy Matron,
after a few words of welcome, will instruct the Conductress to
escort the member to the Secretary's desk where she (or he)
shall sign the Bylaws of theChapter and thus become entitled
to all the privileges of membership.
Section 27. APPOINTMENT AND DUTY OF THE
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE.
It shall be the duty of the InvestigatingCommittee to make
inquiry as to the character and standing of the petitioner, and
if a woman, also that of the Master Mason through whom she
claims to be entitled to membership, and make report in writ-
ing. No action shall be taken on any petition until such a report
of committees on investigation must
is made. Appointment
be made at a stated meeting, in open Chapter, in order that all
members may have due notice thereof.
Section 28. PERSONNEL OF INVESTIGATING
COMMITTEE.
A committee on investigation on petitions must consist of
brother, but at
three members, preferably two sisters and one
least one brothershall be on such committee. A petitioner for
degrees or for affiliation must not be informedtheof themember
person-of
nel of the Investigating Committee, except by
such committee when investigating the petitioner. (AM 1982)
15
Section 29. PREPARATION OF BALLOT BOX.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron
to see that the ballot box is properly prepared. A properly
prepared ballot box must contain at least six black cubes
and enough white balls for the membership.
Section 30. DESTRUCTION OF BALLOT.
After the ballot has been declared by the Worthy Matron,
she shall destroy such ballot to prevent any member from
inspecting it.
Section 31. NUMBER OF BALLOTS TAKEN.

If no more than three (3) black cubes appear onthe first sep-
arate ballot taken on a petition, the Worthy Matron, without
announcing the result, shall order another ballot immedi-
ately and such second ballot shall be final. (AM 2000)
Section 32. BALLOTT CONTINUOUS WITH DEBATE.

A ballot once commenced must be continuous, without post-
ponement or debate, and when completed must be announced.
Section 33. SECRECY OF BALLOT.
No inquiries or statements as to the reason of a member's
ballot shall be permitted. Members are forbidden from dis-
closing how they voted, discussing the rejection of a peti-
tioner, or informing a rejected petitioner whom they think
cast the black cube.
Section 34. BALLOT REQUIRED ON EVERY PETITION.

A ballot must be taken on every petition whether the report of
the committee on investigation is favorable or unfavorable, and
all ballots upon petitions must be taken at stated meetings.
16
Section 35. COLLECTIVE BALLOT.
Whenever two or more petitions are to be voted upon at the
a same meeting, a collective ballot may be had in chapters un-
der the immediate jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter,
but a petition for affiliation cannot be combined with one
for initiation in the same ballot. Should three black cubes
appear in the collective ballot, it shall not operate to reject
any one particular candidate but in such case the ballot shall
be segregated and all names in the collective ballot shall be
separately voted upon again at that meeting. If, upon the first
separate ballot three black cubes shall but

be case,
shall
the presiding
immediately
officer shall not announce the result,
order another ballot to be taken, the result of which shall be
declared. When the result of the ballot has been declared by
the presiding officer, it cannot be taken again or reconsidered,
except as may bedirected by the Most Worthy Grand Matron
or Worthy Grand Matron,as the case may be, whenever an
appeal may be taken pursuant to law. (AM 2000)
Section 36. INHERENT RIGHT TO BALLOT.
It is the inherent right of each member of a Chapter to cast
a ballot according to her or is best judgment shall
and nobeone can
allowed
question that right. No discussion or inquiry
by the Worthy Matron.
Section 37. NOTICE OF BALLOT.
except under
It is not proper to give notice throughthebemail
sealed communication that a ballot will taken on the ap-
plication of a person named in such notice.
Section 38. MODE OF CONDUCTING THE BALLOT.
The Worthy Matron directs
bear
the
it
Associate
to the
Conductress
East. The Associate
to
prepare the ballot and

Conductress, after securing the ballot box, will present it,
17
first to the Worthy Matron, then to the Worthy Patron, for
inspection, returning it to the Worthy Matron for her ballot,
then to the Worthy Patron. Then she passes down north
side of the room to the Associate Matron, Associate Patron,
Warder and to the Organist, who ballot, after which the box
shall be carried to every member present or placed on the
Altar and the Star officers are directed to cast their ballot.
After the Star appointive officers have balloted, the Worthy
Matron requests all the members on the south side to ballot.
Following the balloting of the south side members, they re-
turn to their places and are seated. The Worthy Matron then
requests the members on the north side to ballot. After this
movement has been completed, they return to their places and
are seated. The use of the gavel is mentioned only three times
in both the Ritual and General Grand Chapter Book of Instruc-
tion for balloting. On all balloting the Worthy Matron strikes
one blow of the gavel and declares the ballot closed. One rap
of the gavel is never used to call up Chapter members.
Section 39. SENTINEL TO ALLOT.
The Sentinel should be invited into the Chapter Room to
ballot. He may, however, request to be excused and when
such request is made, he, or she, need not ballot.
The Worthy Matron will state to the Chapter that the Senti-
nel does not wish to ballot at the time in the Ritual when the
Associate Conductress reports that all have voted except the
Sentinel. The Sentinel having previously told the Worthy
Matron he did not wish to ballot.
Section 40. WITNESSING INSTRUCTIONS

THROUGH LABYRINTH.
After taking the Obligation, if there is good reason for so
doing, a candidate may be seated and watch others receive
18
instructions through the Labyrinth, but the final instructions
and Secret Work must be received from the Worthy Patron.
There is no abridged form of initiation. The candidates must
be given the full ceremony as prescribed in the Ritual.
Section 41. NUMBER OF CANDIDATES LIMITED.
Eight candidates shall be the numerical limit to be initiated
at one meeting, except upon dispensation, and forty candi-
dates shall be the minimum numerical limit for admission at
the institution of a Chapter.
Section 42. OBJECTION TO INITIATION.

An objection to the conferring of degrees upon a candidate
who has been elected may be made by any member of the
Chapter who was not present at the meeting when the can-
didate was elected. One objection to initiation has the same
effect as one black cube. A minimum of three objections,
which are not withdrawn within three months after election,
shall debar the conferring of degrees upon an elected candi-
date. An objection to an elected candidate shall be made to
the presiding officer. When an objection to the initiation of an
elected candidate is made, the Worthy Matron shall announce
the same to the Chapter but shall withhold the name of the
objector, and the reason, if known. An objection cannot be
entertained by the Worthy Matron unless the grounds for the
objection be of a very serious nature affecting the moral char-
acter of a petitioner which can be proven. (AM 2000)
Section 43, STATED MEETINGS.
Chapters must hold at least one stated meeting a month ex-
cept stated meetings may be omitted two months of the year,
upon majority vote of the members present and voting, pro-
vided at least ten (10) stated meeting are held. (AM 1985)
19
Section 44. CHANGE OF MEETING HOUR.
The business of a Chapter cannot be transacted at a stated
meeting before the hour fixed by the Bylaws.
Section 45. HOLIDAY MEETINGS.
All stated meetings falling on legal holidays are legal.
Section 46. FORMAL DOCUMENTS.
All formal documents emanating from a Chapter must be
signed by the Worthy Matron and Secretary. This does not
include ordinary notices or correspondence.
Section 47. USE OF ROBES.

Officers may wear robes during the opening and initiatory
ceremonials.
Section 48. SOURCE OF CHAPTER REVENUE.
The revenues of a Chapter are derived, ordinarily, from fees

for initiation and affiliation and annual dues, as provided for
in the Bylaws of the Chapter. Dues shall accrue annually
and shall be prorated at the rate charged per year from the
date a petitioner is initiated or a member is affiliated or de-
mitted. Funds derived from entertainments given under the
auspices of and for the benefit of a Chapter should first be
received and recorded by the Secretary and by such officer
immediately turned over to the Treasurer.
Section 49. ASSESSMENTS.
Should the treasury of a Chapter at any time become ex-

hausted, the Chapter shall have the right to levy upon its
members an equal assessment to provide for necessary cur-
rent expenses of the Chapter and the demands of charity
only. Notice shall be given to the Chapter of such contem-
20
plated assessment at a stated meeting, and the amount of
assessment shall be determined by a majority vote of the
members present at a subsequent stated meeting.
Section 50. DEMITS.
Any member of Chapter in good standing, who is not indebt-
ed to the Chapter and against whom no charges are pending,
may therefore be granted a demit upon written application
at any stated meeting. Upon such application being made,
the Worthy Matron shall ask if there is any objection to the
granting thereof, and none being made she shall direct the
Secretary to issue the same. If objection is made, the objec-
tor must prefer charges before the next stated meeting and
the demit will be withheld until that time. If charges are
not preferred, the demit must be granted. A member whose
dues are paid to December 31st and who applies for a demit
at the first regular meeting in January following shall be
deemed to be clear of the books and entitled to demit. A
Bylaw requiring dues to be paid in advance shall not apply
to a member demitting as referred to in this paragraph. The
signatures of the Worthy Matron and Secretary, together
with the seal of the Chapter must be affixed to every demit
granted by a Chapter.
Section 51. AGE OF DEMITS.
There is no time limit for demits, but demitted members can
visit Chapters for one year only.
Section 52. AVOUCHMENT.
Avouchment in a Subordinate Chapter can be made only
by a member who has sat in an open Chapter with the visi-
tor, or by an examination by a committee a appointed by the
presiding officer.
21
Section 53. VISITATION.
The general right of visitation in the absence of objection, is
recognized. A non-affiliated member may be permitted to
visit, but cannot demand such right. It is for the Chapter, in
its discretion, either to admit or to refuse admittance. Previ-
ous to examination, visitors must be required to take the test
oath prescribed by the Ritual. A visitor must, upon request,
show a receipt for dues or a membership card when visit-
ing a Chapter. An objection by a member of the Chapter to
the admission of a visitor is sufficient to debar such visitor;
such objection shall be made to the presiding officer.
Section 54. OPENING CHAPTER.

Every officer of a Chapter should be in his or her proper
station during the opening and closing ceremony. One of
the first four officers must be present to open a Chapter and,
unless otherwise provided, but the presiding officer may
call upon any sister or brother to preside or fill a vacancy.
When only a quorum is present, the offices most essential to
be filled are the Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate
Matron, Secretary, Conductress, Warder and Sentinel.
Section 55. INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS.

It is the duty of the Conductress to introduce visitors. She
may call upon the Associate Conductress to assist her in the
performance of her duties.
Section 56. CHARTER MEMBERS.
Only those present and obligated at the time the Chapter is
instituted, are Charter Members. (AM 1976)
Section 57. VOTING.
A majority of the members present decided any question

before the Chapter unless otherwise provided. In the elec-
22
tion of an officer of Chapter, if there are more ballots
cast than members present, the ballot is illegal and shall be
declared void. Blank ballots are not votes and should not
be considered in determining the result of an election. In
case of a tie vote on any question, the Worthy Matron or
the presiding officer shall cast the deciding vote. It is not
expected that the Worthy Matron or the presiding officer
shall otherwise vote except upon the election of candidates
for the degrees or members for affiliation, and the election
of officers. (AM 1982)
Section 58. BYLAWS.
Every Chapter must prepare and adopt a set of Bylaws,

and every member should be familiar with the same. Ev-
ery Chapter has the inherent right to make its own Bylaws,
provided they do not conflict with the Constitution, Rules
and Regulations of the General Grand Chapter and are 1n
substantial accord with the form prescribed by the General
Grand Chapter, and all amendments thereto must be ap-
proved by the Most Worthy Grand Matron before they shall
be in force. The Bylaws of a Chapter cannot be suspended,
but they may be amended as provided for in said Bylaws.
Section 59. SEAL.
Every Chapter shall, within thirty days from the date of re-
ceiving its charter, procure a seal with the name, number
and location of the Chapter and such other device as may be
deemed proper engraved thereon. No document emanating
from any Chapter shall be deemed authentic unless such
seal is affixed thereon.
Section 60. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP.

Any Chapter shall have the right to elect to Honorary Mem-
bership any well-known sister, or brother not a member of
23
the Chapter by unanimous vote of the members present and
voting. It shall not be necessary to ballot upon Honorary
or af-
Membership as in the case of candidates for degrees
filiation. Such membership shall not entitle the member to
make motions, enter into discussion, unless called upon by
the presiding officer, to vote orhold office in the Chapter.
Section 61. LIFE MEMBERSHIP.
Any Chapter may elect a member a Life Member, provided
such member has been, for twenty-five years or more, a
member of the Order in good standing. Life members shall
be exempt from the payment of dues but their rights and
privileges as members are not otherwise affected.
Section 62. SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES.
A member of a Chapter may be suspended for non-payment of
dues and assessments by the following procedure.
Any member of a Chapter who iS in arrears for one or more
years is delinquent and may be suspended from membership.
At some stated meeting during the year, the Secretary shall
report the names of all members who are delinquent, after
which notice shall be served upon the delinquent to appear at
a stated meeting and show cause why she or he should not be
suspended.
If the delinquent fails to appear, or appearing fails to show
good cause for such delinquency, she or he may be suspended
by a majority vote of the members present; provided, however,
that the Chapter may in its discretion remit the dues of any
delinquent for good cause, or extend the time of payment of
the same.
Suspension for non-payment of dues shall deprive a member of

all privileges and benefits of the Order.
24
Section 63. REINSTATEMENT.
Upon the payment of the dues accrued at the time of suspension
and the current year's dues, a member may petition a Chapter
for reinstatement by majority vote.
After a member has been suspended, a Chapter may remit the
dues of such member and thereby restore her or him to member-
ship if such payment is made within six months of suspension.
A member suspended for non-payment of dues cannot be re-
ceived by another Chapter until after reinstatement and the is-
suance a of a demit.
Section 64. DISCIPLINE.

The precepts of the Holy Scripture should guide and govern the
conduct of members of this Order, and a breach of good morals,
or a violation of the laws of the State or of the United States, or
the Country where the Chapter is located, is an offense against
the principles ofthis Order and should be dealt with promptly.
Officers and members who violate their Obligation, disclose the
Secret Work of the Order, and willfully malign or slander mem-
bers shall be liable to discipline. Any member who disobeys
the order of the presiding officer, or in any manner disturbs the
harmony of a Chapter must be held strictly accountable there-
fore and upon a repetition of the offense dealt with in such a
manner as the Chapter may determine.
Section 65. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS.
Each Chapter shall take cognizance of the conduct of every
member of the Order within its jurisdiction, for the purpose of
enforcing obedience to the laws of the Order and maintaining its
good name. Any member, whether affiliated or not, may be tried
in the jurisdiction wherein he or she may reside, or in which the
offense was committed; provided, that a member shall be tried
in his or her Chapter if residing within its jurisdiction.
25
Section 66. PENALTIES.
The Order recognizes five penalties:
(a) Expulsion.
(b) Suspension for an indefinite time.
(c) Suspension for a definite time.
(d) Reprimand by the Chapter.
(e) Suspension for a definite time, but not beyond the next
General Assembly of the General Grand Chapter, by
the Most Worthy Grand Matron or Most Worthy Grand
Patron, or by her or his Deputy, for insubordination or
for offenses admitted or committed in her or his pres-
ence; provided, however, that a statement of the facts
pertaining to such suspension shall be reported at the
next General Assembly of the General Grand Chapter,
and the General Grand Chapter shall have power to
continue such suspension either for a definite time, or
indefinitely.
Section 67. PROCEDURE.

Except as provided in subdivision (e) of the preceding Sec-
tion, no member shall be reprimanded, suspended or expelled
except on written complaint setting forth the charges filed
with the Secretary of the Chapter and signed by the member
preferring such charges. Such charges shall be read in open
Chapter at a stated meeting, and if the Chapter by a majority
vote of the members present entertain such charges they shall
be spread upon the minutes. All trials, except for insubordi-
nation or for offenses admitted or committed in the presence
of
the Most Worthy Grand Matron or Most Worthy Grand
Patron, as provided in the preceding Section, shall be had
before the Chapter, and in no case shall this be left to a com-
mittee; provided, however, that when a brother is indefinitely
26
suspended or expelled from his Masonic Lodge the Worthy
Patron of his Chapter shall investigate and verify the same,
and. upon verification thereof, he shall be automatically sus-
pended or expelled, as the case may be, from the Chapter.
Section 68. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
A member of any chapter in good standing has the right

to prefer charges, but in no case can this right be extended
to one who iS not affiliated with a Chapter. When charges
shall have been presented, and accepted, the presiding offi-
cer shall set a time for trial, and order the Secretary to serve
a true copy of the charges upon the accused, and notify her
or him of the time set for trial. The Secretary shall serve the
charges and notices upon the accused, either in person or by
registered mail; twenty days shall elapse before the accused
is brought to trial. Charges shall specify with reasonable
certainty the character of the accusation and time and place
it is commission, including the names of witnesses.
Section 69. WITNESSES.

The attendance of witnesses on either side, when members
of the Order, may be enforced by summons, to be issued by
the Secretary when ordered by the Worthy Matron or Chap-
ter. The accused shall be a competent witness, but shall
not be required by the Chapter to give evidence unless she
or he shall offer to testify. Affirmation shall be required of
witnesses.
Section 70. DEPOSITIONS.
When a witness is a non-resident and cannot attend in person

before the Chapter, her or his evidence may be taken before
a Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron, certified by the Secre-
tary under the seal of the Chapter within whose jurisdiction
the witness may reside, both the accuser and the accused
27
having due notice of the time and place of taking testimony.
The evidence of resident members of the Order who may not
be able to attend the trial and persons not members of the
Order, shall be taken in writing by a committee appointed by
the presiding officer, of which the accuser and accused shall
have notice. At the time and place appointed the committee
shall proceed to take the evidence of such witnesses, and
after reading to each her or his evidence in the case, request
her or him to sign the same. The evidence thus taken shall
be read before the Chapter at the time of trial.
Section 71. PROCEDURE IF ACCUSED FAILS TO APPEAR.
At the time set for the trial, if the accused fails to appear in per-
son or by counsel, or has absconded before notice 1S served, the
presiding officer may continue the case until some future time,
or appoint a competent member to appear for the accused and
hear and decide the case as though the accused were
present.
Section 72. PLEA OF GUILTY.

Should the
accused appear and plead guilty to the charge
and specifications, no further evidence are necessary, and
the Chapter shall at once proceed to fix the penalty.
Section 73. COUNSEL.
Any affiliated member may act as counsel for the accused
or the Chapter.
Section 74. ACCUSED DOES NOT VOTE.

The accused, when on trial, shall not be allowed to vote on
any questions growing out of her or his case.
Section 75. COURTESY.
Upon the trial of A Sister, at therequest of a majority or the
Sisters
present, the Brothers shall retire, and upon the trial
28
of a Brother, at the request of the majority of the Brothers
present, the Sisters shall retire.
Section 76. ADMISSIBILITY OF TESTIMONY.
The presiding officer shall decide as to the admissibility of
testimony offered, and all points of law and order thatmay
be raised. The rules of evidence shall be, so far as appli-
cable, the same as in courts of law, but mere technicalities
shall not be permitted to obstruct a trial.
Section 77. TESTIMONY IN WRITING.
In all trials the substance of the evidence given must be re-
duced to writing and preserved by the Secretary.
Section 78. CHARGES WITHDRAWN.

Charges may be withdrawn by the accuser at any time before
a vote is taken, with the unanimous consent of the Chapter.
Section 79. ARGUMENTS.

After the evidence shall have been presented the plaintiff
and defendant or their counsel shall have the opportunity
to be heard.
Section 80. CONVICTION.

After the arguments have been concluded, the defendant shall
retire and the Chapter shall proceed to take a separate ballot
upon each specification; first, whether the accused is guilty
or
not guilt as charged. The members present shall decide
upon the guilt or innocence of the accused and in voting each
member shall deposit a ballot upon which is written "guilty"
or "not guilty". A two-thirds vote of the members present
shall be required for conviction. If the defendant is found
guilty, penalty shall be fixed, commencing with the highest
29
grade, until one of the penalties prescribed is determined
upon. A majority vote of those present shall be required to
determine the grade of punishment. Neither the vote to con-
vict nor to fix the grade of punishment shall be retaken.

Section 81. REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO REPRIMAND.
A member refusing to submit to the penalty of reprimand
shall be subject to discipline and upon conviction thereof
may be suspended or expelled.
Section 82. EXPIRATION OF DEFINITE SUSPENSION.
A member who has been suspended for a definite time is re-
stored to all the rights and privileges at the expiration of the
term of suspension. Should definite suspension be decided
upon, the time must be fixed upon motion, but the longest
time must be voted upon first.
Section 83. PENALTY FOR REFUSAL TO INFLICT

SENTENCE.
If, after conviction, the Chapter should refuse by majority

note to inflict any penalty, the Secretary shall within three
days certify the fact to the Most Worthy Grand Matron, who
may arrest the charter of the Chapter.
Section 84. NEW TRIALS.
The Chapter that tried and convicted a member may grant a

new trial in the following cases:
(a) Upon the presentation of new evidence which would to
a reasonable certainty, cause a change in the sentence
imposed by the Chapter.
(b) When the findings of a Chapter are contrary to the evi-
dence, law or usage, or the penalty imposed is excessive.
30
(c) Application for a new trial shall be addressed to the
Chapter and must be presented within ninety days after
the accused is informed of the action of the Chapter. In
all cases where a new trial is granted the same rules in
all particulars shall govern as in the first trial.
Section 85. APPEAL.
In case a Chapter refuses to grant a new trial, an appeal may
be taken to the Most Worthy Grand Matron who may order
a new trial, if after careful investigation she finds conditions
warrant same.
Section 86. RESTORATION TO MEMBERSHIP.

A Chapter which has expelled or indefinitely suspended a
member may restore such member to membership. To restore
a member, who has been indefinitely suspended for causes
other than non-payment of dues, shall require a petition.
Such petition shall be received and read at a stated meeting
and referred to a committee of investigation. Such commit-
tee shall report at subsequent stated meeting. It shall then
require a two-thirds vote of the members present to restore
such suspended member. To restore a member who has been
expelled shall require unanimous vote. The same proce-
a
dure shall be followed as that required to restore a member

who has been indefinitely suspended for causes other than
the non-payment of dues. If the Chapter has ceased to exist,
then such suspended or expelled member may be restored by
the General Grand Chapter in its discretion.
Section 87. MODEL FORM OF BYLAWS.
Every Subordinate Chapter under the immediate jurisdiction
of the General Grand Chapter shall adopt Bylaws in substan-
tially the form and substance as herein set forth, making only
such modifications therein as maybe necessary to meet local
conditions.
31
BYLAWS of CHAPTER NO
Rule 1. NAME. The name of this Chapter shall be

Chapter, No
Rule 2. WARRANT. The warrant under which this
Chapter is held is a Charter granted on the day
of Month 20 by the General
Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
Rule 3. MEETINGS. All meetings of this Chapter
shall be held on the evening of each
month. The hour of all meetings, (except those called
to conduct the funeral of a member), shall be at
o'clock P.M. from the first of October to the first of
April and o'clock P.M. from the first of April to
the first of October. When special meetings are called
the purpose shall be stated in the call therefore no other
business shall be stated in the call therefore no other
business shall be transacted thereat.
Rule 4. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of this Chap-

ter shall commence on January first and end on Decem-
ber thirty-first.
Rule 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS. This Chapter, un-
less otherwise directed shall proceed with its business
in the following order:
1. Opening Ceremonies.
2. Introduction of Distinguished Visitors.
3. Reading of the Minutes.
4. Approval of the Minutes.
5. Communication and bills.
6. Reading and referring of Petitions.
7. Reports of Committees on Petitions.
8. Balloting.
9. Reports of Special Committees.
32
10. Unfinished Business.
11. New Business.
12. Conferring of Degrees.
13. Sickness and Distress.
14. Good of the Order.
15. Closing Ceremonies.
This Order of Business may be transposed or dispensed
with at the discretion of the Worthy Matron, except items
#1 and #15, and providing the Minutes have been read and
acted upon. (AM 1976)
Rule 6. TRUSTEES. This Chapter shall elect three Trust-
ees who shall have general supervision over the finances
and property of the Chapter. They shall have the custody
of all the bonds, obligations and securities belonging to
the Chapter. They may loan any surplus funds of the
Chapter, and all the property and assets, together with all
moneys belonging to the chapter entrusted to the Board
of Trustees for care and investment shall at all times be
subject to the direction and control of the chapter. The
Board of Trustees shall, at the first stated meeting in Janu-
ary each year, make a detailed report of all moneys which
have been turned over to them by the Chapter for invest-
ment, together with an inventory of all property and as-
sets belonging to the Chapter, together with a statement
showing any and all cash in their hands or in the bank.
The Trustees shall examine the books and vouchers of
the Treasurer and Secretary from time to time and make
an annual detailed report to the Chapter at the first stated
meeting after the installation of officers, and at such times
as may be deemed expedient or the Chapter may direct.
The Trustees shall not be installed, but shall assume their
office at the same time that the other officers of the Chap-
ter are installed. The Trustee having the shortest term to
serve shall be chairman of the Board, and the other two
33
members shall be designated Treasurer and Secretary, re-
spectively, thereof by the Board.

Rule 7. OFFICIAL BONDS. The Treasurer and Secre-
tary shall each, before entering upon the duties of office,
execute and file with the Worthy Matron of thiswith
Chapter,
such
an official bond in the penal sum of $
surety company as shall be approved by the Trustees as
surety, conditioned for the faithful performance of their re-
spective official duties. The expenses of such bonds shall
be paid by the chapter. The Board of Trustees is hereby
directed to require an official bond from the member se-
lected to perform the duties of the Treasurer of the Board.
Such bond to be with such surety company as shall be
approved by the Worth Matron and Worthy Patron of the
Chapter, and in such sums as the Chapter may prescribe
conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties. It
shall be filed with the Worthy Matron of the Chapter and
the expense of such bond shall be paid by the Chapter.
Rule 8. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Worthy Matron
shall appoint a Finance Committee of three members
which shall examine all bills and accounts of indebted-
ness rendered against the Chapter, and when found cor-
rect, make a report of the same to the Chapter, with such
recommendations as to the finances as, in their judgment,
are for the best interests of the Chapter.
Rule 9. COMMITTEE ON RELIEF. The Worthy Matron
shall appoint three members of the Chapter as a Commit-
tee on Relief, whose duties shall be to investigate all ap-
plications for relief made to the Chapter and report the cir-
cumstances of the case at the first meeting after receiving
notice of the application. If the case be one of pressing ne-
cessity, the Worthy Matron may, on the report of the com-
mittee, draw an order upon the Treasurer for the amount
34
not to exceed $ and the order so drawn shall be
sufficient voucher to the Treasurer to pay the same.
Rule 10. VISITING COMMITTEE. The Worthy ma-
tron shall appoint, quarterly, a committee of three whose
duty it shall be to visit all members reported sick, and if
needing watchers, to see that they are provided.
Rule 11. FEES AND DUES. The fee for initiation shall
be $ A petitioner who has been elected to receive
the degrees in this Chapter and shall fail for the space of
one year to attend for the purposes of initiation, shall at
the discretion of the Chapter, forfeit his or her petition
fee, unless such petitioner can give satisfactory reasons
to the Worthy Matron for the delay. A petitioner for de-
grees in this Chapter who has been rejected shall have
the fee accompanying the petition returned by the Chap-
ter. The annual dues in this Chapter shall be $
payable in advance, and when a member demits the dues
shall be pro-rated at the same rate per year up to the time
the demit is granted. Dues shall be delinquent at the end
of the year, provided such dues may be remitted or the
time of payment is extended by action of this Chapter.
Rule 12. NON-PAYMENT OF DUES AND ASSESS-
MENTS. Any member of this Chapter who shall ne-
glect or refuse to pay her or his dues or assessments as
herein provided, may be suspended as provided by the
Rules and Regulations governing Subordinate Chapters
under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter.
Rule 13. AMENDMENTS. These Bylaws may be
amended at any stated meeting. Such proposed amend-
ments shall be in writing and lie over until a subsequent
stated meeting, when if two-thirds of the members pres-
ent and voting, vote in the affirmative, the amendment
shall be adopted.
35
Section 88. RULES OF ORDER.
Subordinate Chapters under the immediate jurisdiction
of the General Grand chapter shall observe the following
Rules of Order:
Rule 1. The business of the Chapter must not be di-
vulged outside of the Chapter room.
Rule 2. The manner of voting upon all questions com-
ing before the Chapter shall be as provided in the Rules

and Regulations.
Rule 3. Reports of all committees shall be made in
writing.
Rule 4. All resolutions shall be submitted in writing
and read by the Secretary before they are considered
by the Chapter.
Rule 5. When a question is under debate no motion
shall be entertained except to commit or amend.
Rule 6. No member shall leave her or his seat when
the Chapter is in session, without permission from the
presiding officer.
Rule 7. Members shall not pass between the Altar and
the East after the Chapter has been declared open for
the transaction of business.
Rule 8. Wraps should be removed before entering the

Chapter room.
Rule 9. Hats and gloves are not worn in the Chapter
room, including Open installation or meeting.
Rule 10. Form recommended for the introduction of
Grand Officers and visiting Grand Matrons and Grand
Patrons:
36
(a) Immediately after the opening ceremonies, visitors
who are entitled to seats in the East should be invited
forward in order of their rank in office, escorted by the
Conductress.
(b) If necessary, the Conductress should callupon the

Associate Conductress to assist her in the performance
of these duties.
(c) General Grand Chapter Officers, General Grand

Chapter Committees, Worthy Grand Matrons, Worthy
Grand Patrons, Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Pa-
trons are entitled to receive Grand Honors.
(d) Visiting Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons
should be introduced and invited to seats in the East.
Section 89. SPECIAL DISPENSATIONS TO

SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS.
Special dispensations may be issued by the Most Worthy

Grand Matron or her Deputy to Subordinate Chapters under
the immediate jurisdiction of General Grand Chapter upon
proper application for the following purposes.
1. To change date of stated meeting nights in cases of ex-
treme emergencies.
2. To change place of meeting from one town or city to an-
other.
3. To elect and install officers at a time other than that pro-

vided in the Bylaws.
4. To hold a special election for filing a vacancy in an
elective office.
5. To suspend the stated meetings for a definite period.

6. To hold one or more meetings in a building other than the
regular place of meeting.
37
7. To change place of meetings permanently from one build-
ing to another.
8. To initiate a petitioner on the same date elected to receive
the degrees; to be issued only in case of emergency.
9. To change time of stated meeting night in case of emer-
gency. Each member must be notified of such a change.
10. In cases of emergency, to authorize a Chapter to accept the
resignation of one or more of the first four officers.
11. To permit a Past Matron or a Past Patron of any Chapter
under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter to
preside during the ceremony of initiation.
Applications for special dispensation shall be made under
the seal of the Chapter. (AM 2006)
Section 90. CONSISTENCY WITH RITUAL, ETC.
Nothing in these Rules and Regulations shall be construed as
conflicting with the Ritual or with the Constitution and By-
laws of the General Grand Chapter, and in case of any such
conflict, these Rules and Regulations shall be inferior thereto.
Section 91. CONSOLIDATION.
Any two or more Chapters directly under the supervision of the

General Grand Chapter maybe consolidated with the assistance
of the Most Worthy Grand Matron or her Deputy. (AM 1976)
Section 92. AMENDMENTS.
All proposed amendments, alterations or additions to these Rules

and Regulations, as promulgated by the General Grand Chapter,
shall be submitted in writing to the Right Worthy Grand Secre-
tary no later than eight (8) months prior to date of the opening of
the General Assembly. Immediately upon receipt, the proposal
shall be sent to the Jurisprudence Committee.
38
If a proposal is not in proper form when received, it will be
returned to the proponent with suggestions from the Jurispru-
dence Committee for corrections as to form.
The Jurisprudence Committee will make any suggested chang-
es for proper form within thirty (3) days after receipt and the
proponent shall have thirty (30) days to resubmit to the Right
Worthy Grand Secretary's office the corrected Resolution. If
the proponent has not resubmitted within thirty (3) days it shall
be deemed submitted as originally proposed, and could be de-
clared out of order at the Assembly.
The Right Worthy Grand Secretary shall cause all such pro-
posed amendments, alterations and additions to be printed and
mailed to each Grand Secretary of each member Grand Chapter
and to the Secretary of each Subordinate Chapter under the im-
mediate jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter at least six
(6) months before the date of opening the General Assembly.
It shall be the duty of each Grand Secretary and Secretary of
each Subordinate Chapter under the General Grand Chapter to
send notice of all such proposed amendments, alterations or
additions to all voting members of the General Grand Chapter
in her of his Jurisdiction not less than two (2) months prior to
said opening date of the General Assembly.
At the ensuing Assembly all such amendments, alterations or
additions previously sent to the Jurisprudence Committee in
a timely manner will be reported on with recommendations
made by the Committee. A vote shall then be taken and all
such amendments, alterations or additions which are approved
by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting, shall
become a part of the Rules and Regulations immediately upon
the close of the Assembly. (AM 1994)
39
Rules and Regulations Index
GOVERNING SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS UNDER THE
IMMEDIATE JURISDICTION OF THE
Section Page
Accused does not vote 74 28

Admissibility of testimony 76 29
Adopted daughter, legally, eligibility 19 10
Affiliation or Dual Membership 24 13
Ceremony for 26 15
New York and New Jersey 24-25(6) 13
Age of demit 51 21
Amendments, Bylaws 87 31
Amendments of Rules and Regulations 92 38
Annual election of officers 2 2
Annual Reports 12e 6
Appeal 85 31
Appointment and Duty of -
Investigating Committee 27 15
Argument 79 29
Assessments 49 20
Associate Matron, duty of 10 6
Associate Patron, duty of 11 7
Avouchment 52 21
Ballot -
Ballot box preparation 29 16
Collective 35 17
Continuous with debate 32 16
Destruction of 30 16
Inherent right to 36 17
Mode of conducting 38 17
Notice of 37 17
Number taken 31 16
Preparation of ballot box 29 16
40
Section Page
Required on every petition 34 16

33 16
Secrecy of
Sentinel to ballot 39 18
When taken 34 16
Bonds, Official 87 Rule 7 31

Bylaws of chapter 12h, 58,87,20,27/8,23,35
Amendments 12h 7
Model form of 87 31
Candidates, number limited 41 19
Ceremony for Affiliated Members 26 15
Change of meeting hour 44 20
Chapter -
Bylaws 12h, 58,87,20,27/8,23,35
Conditional Dispensation
Under Dispensation -P- -
Formation of new Chapter
Jurisdiction of 17 9
Opening of 54 22
Seal 59 23
Source of Revenue 48 20
Charges withdrawn 78 29
Charter Members 56 22
Committee
Duty of Investigating 27 15
Personnel of Investigating 28 15
Conduct of members 65 25
Consistency with Ritual 90 38
Consolidations 91 38
Conviction 80 29
Counsel during trial 73 28
Courtesy
Degrees by 23 12
At trial 75 28
41
Section Page
19 10
Daughter, eligibility
Daughter-in-law, eligibility 19 10
Daughters of Sisters or Brothers,

Eligibility 19 11
Definite Suspension, expiration of 82 30
Degrees
Petitions for 15 9
By courtesy 23 12
Fee for 14 9
Depositions 70 27
Destruction of Ballot 30 16
Demits
Demits, age of 4g 21
21
Diagram - Secret Work 9b 6
Discipline of members 64 25
Documents, requisites of formal 46 20
Dual Membership 25 14
New York, New Jersey, Scotland
Australia 25(6) 14
Suspension 25(4) 14
Petition for 24 13
Dues -
Receipt for, visitation 53 22
Suspension for non-payment of 62 24
Duties -
Of Associate Matron 10
Of Associate Patron
Of Secretary
Of Other Officers
11
12
13
x0
8
Powers of Worthy Matron 8 4
Powers of Worthy Patron 9 6
Eligibility
Adopted daughters, legally 19 10
42
Section Page
:= 5
Daughters 19
Daughters-in-law 19
Daughters of Sisters and Brothers 19
Granddaughters 19
Grandmothers :2
19
Great Granddaughters
Half sisters 19
2 0 = 5N
Master Masons 19
Mothers 19
Mothers-in-law
Nieces
Sisters
Sisters-in-law
Stepdaughters
Stepmothers
Stepsisters
Widows
Wives
Eligibility to Office
Evidence of Qualification 20
Expiration of definite suspensions 82 30
Fee
For Degrees 14 9
Initiation 14 9
Return of 21 12
Fees and Dues 87 Rule 11 33
Finance Committee 87 Rule 8 34
Fiscal Year 87 Rule 4 32
Formal Documents, requisites of 46 20
Formation of a new Chapter 1 1
General provision relating to Trials 68 27
Granddaughters, eligibility
Grandmothers, eligibility
19
19 ==
43
Section Page
Grand Honors 88 (10) (c) 36

Great Granddaughters, eligibility 19 11
72 28
Guilty, plea of
Half-sister, eligibility of 19 11
45 20
Holiday meetings
60 23
Honorary Membership
Hour, change of meeting 44 20
Inherent right to Ballot 36 17
Initiation
Fee 14 9
No abridged form 40 18
Number of candidates limited 41 19
Objection to 42 19
Witnessing instruction through Labyrinth 40 18
Installation
Of Officers 4 2
At Instituting
Vacancy in office after
Vacancy in office before
6
5 6c
Introduction of visitors 55 22
Investigating Committee -
Duty of 27 15
Personnel of 28 15
Jurisdiction
Of Chapter 17 9
Waiver of 18 10
Labyrinth, witnessing instruction through 40 18
Legally Adopted Daughter 19 11
Life Membership 61 24
Loss of Representation 12e 7
Master Mason, eligibility of 16, 19 9-10
Matron, duties and powers of Worthy 8 4
Meetings -
44
Section Page
44 20
Change of hour
45 20
Holiday
87 Rule 3 31
Subordinate Chapter
Stated 43 19
Members
26 15
Ceremony of Affiliation 56 22
Charter
65 25
Conduct of
64 25
Discipline of
Membership
60 23
Honorary
61 24
Life
86 31
Restoration to
38 17
Mode of conducting the ballot
Model form of Bylaws 87 31
Mother, eligibility of
Mothers-in-law, eligibility of
New Chapter, formation
19
19 =•
New York, New Jersey, Scotland, Australia 24-25(6)
84
14
30
New Trial
19 11
Nieces, eligibility of
Non-Payment of Dues and Assessments87 Rule 12 31
Notice -
Of Ballot 37 17
21 12
To petitioner and return of fee
Number of -
31 16
Ballots taken
41 19
Candidates limited
Objection to - 19
Initiation 42
53 22
Visitor
Office -
3 2
Eligibility to
45
Section Page
Vacancy in after installation 6 3

Vacancy in before installation 5 3
Officers
Annual election of 2 2
Installation of 4 2
Official Bonds 87 Rule 7 31
Opening Chapter 54 22
Order of Business 87 Rule 5 32
Order, Rules of 88 36
Other Officers, duties of 13 8
Other vacancies 7 4
Patron, duties and power of Worthy 9 6
Penalties, enumerated 66 26
Penalty for refusing to inflict sentence 83 30
Personnel of Investigating Committee 28 15
Petition
Ballot required on every 34 16
By rejected petitioner 22 12
For Affiliation or Dual Membership 24 13
For Degrees or Membership 15 9
Petitioner
Age of 19 11
Qualification 19 10
Evidence of Qualification 20 11
Notice to 21 12
Petition rejected 22 12
Residence of 16 9
Plea of guilty 72 26
Preparation of ballot box 29 16
Procedure, Trials 67 26
If accused fails to appear 71 28
To punish member 66-67 226
Qualification of Petitioner 19 10
46
Section Page
Receipt for Dues 12i 7

Reinstatement 63 25
Rejected Petitioner, petition for 22 12

Relief Committee 87 Rule 9 32
81 30
Reprimand, refusal to submit
16 9
Residence of petitioner
Restoration to membership 86 31
21 12
Return of fee
48 20
Revenue, source of Chapter
53 22
Right of visitation
Ritual, superior to Rules and Regulations 90 38
47 20
Robes, use of
88 36
Rules of Order
59 23
Seal of Chapter
33 16
Secrecy of ballot
9b 6
Secret Work
12 7
Secretary, duties of 30
83
Sentence, penalty for refusal to inflict 39 18
Sentinel to ballot
Sister, eligibility of 19 11
19 11
Sisters-in-law, eligibility of 48 20
Source of Chapter revenue
Special Dispensations
89 37
Subordinate Chapter
P9E=&XO
12e
Statistical Report
43
Stated Meeting
19
Stepdaughters, eligibility 19
Stepmother, eligibility 19
Stepsister, eligibility 82
Suspension, expiration of definite 62
Suspension for non-payment of dues 8m
Term of Office - Worthy Matron
Testimony -
47
Section Page
Admissibility 76 29
In writing 77 29
Trial -
Accused does not vote 74 28
Appeal 85 31
Courtesy at 75 28
Counsel during 73 28
Depositions 70 27
General Provisions relating to 68 27
New 84 30
Plea of Guilty 72 28
Witnesses 69 27
Trustees 87 Rule 6 31
Use of Robes 47 20
Vacancies -
In office after Installation 6 3
In office before Installation 5 U
In other cases 7 4
Visitation, right of 53 22
Visiting Committee 87 Rule 10 35
Visitor -
Introduction of 55 22
Objection to 53 22
Vote, accused does not 74 28
Voting 57 22
Waiver of Jurisdiction 18 10
Widow, eligibility 19 11
Wife, eligibility 19 11
Witnesses 69 27
Witnessing instruction through Labyrinth 40 18
Worthy Matron, duties and powers
Worthy Patron, duties and powers
8
9 7O
48

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RULES AND REGULATIONS

For the Government Of

SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS UNDER THE

Section 1. FORMATION OF A NEW CHAPTER.

Any officer failing to be present for installation within three

After their installation vacancies in the office of Worthy Ma-

stated meeting of the Chapter, the members having been given

Section 7. VACANCIES IN OTHER CASES.

Section 8. DUTIES AND POWERS OF WORTHY MATRON.

(d) Appoint all committees not named in the motion or

Section 10. DUTIES OF ASSOCIATE MATRON.

Section 18. WAIVER OF JURISDICTION.

Section 21. NOTICE TO PETITIONER & RETURN OF FEE.

All petitioners for affiliation or dual membership from New

Members who have been elected to membership by affiliation

Section 31. NUMBER OF BALLOTS TAKEN.

Section 32. BALLOTT CONTINUOUS WITH DEBATE.

Section 34. BALLOT REQUIRED ON EVERY PETITION.

separate ballot three black cubes shall but

prepare the ballot and

Section 40. WITNESSING INSTRUCTIONS

Section 42. OBJECTION TO INITIATION.

Section 47. USE OF ROBES.

Section 48. SOURCE OF CHAPTER REVENUE.

The revenues of a Chapter are derived, ordinarily, from fees

Section 49. ASSESSMENTS.

Should the treasury of a Chapter at any time become ex-

Section 54. OPENING CHAPTER.

Section 55. INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS.

Section 57. VOTING.

A majority of the members present decided any question

Section 58. BYLAWS.

Every Chapter must prepare and adopt a set of Bylaws,

Section 60. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP.

Suspension for non-payment of dues shall deprive a member of

Section 64. DISCIPLINE.

Section 67. PROCEDURE.

A member of any chapter in good standing has the right

Section 69. WITNESSES.

Section 70. DEPOSITIONS.

When a witness is a non-resident and cannot attend in person

Section 72. PLEA OF GUILTY.

Section 74. ACCUSED DOES NOT VOTE.

Section 78. CHARGES WITHDRAWN.

Section 79. ARGUMENTS.

Section 80. CONVICTION.

vict nor to fix the grade of punishment shall be retaken.

Section 83. PENALTY FOR REFUSAL TO INFLICT

If, after conviction, the Chapter should refuse by majority

The Chapter that tried and convicted a member may grant a

Section 86. RESTORATION TO MEMBERSHIP.

dure shall be followed as that required to restore a member

Rule 1. NAME. The name of this Chapter shall be

Rule 4. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of this Chap-

spectively, thereof by the Board.

ing before the Chapter shall be as provided in the Rules

Rule 8. Wraps should be removed before entering the

(b) If necessary, the Conductress should callupon the

(c) General Grand Chapter Officers, General Grand

Section 89. SPECIAL DISPENSATIONS TO

Special dispensations may be issued by the Most Worthy

3. To elect and install officers at a time other than that pro-

5. To suspend the stated meetings for a definite period.