Old Charges

What is said about attendance of a Lodge in old books and papers?

Early manuscript charges, such as the fifteenth-century Matthew Cooke and Regius manuscripts, established that every Mason was bound to attend general assemblies and lodge meetings unless hindered by a valid excuse. The Old Charges of 1722 similarly framed attendance at lodge communications as a duty, holding that no Master or Fellow could be absent—particularly when warned to appear—without incurring severe censure, unless pure necessity prevented him. Where a member was formally cited to appear at a congregation and refused to attend, early regulations allowed the lodge to determine that he forswear or renounce his Masonry.

MackeyAndersonLyon

Lodge Meeting

What types of business are allowed at regular meetings?

Regular communications of a lodge accommodate the general governance, administrative business, and balloting of Craft Masonry. Petitions for initiation or affiliation are presented and read during these stated meetings before being referred to an investigating committee. Investigating committee reports on candidate qualifications must also be presented at a regular communication, as regulations explicitly prohibit delivering these reports or taking the resulting ballot at a special meeting.

MackeyWaite

Masonic Etiquette

can a brother due to personal obligation leave the lodge before a meeting is completed

Can a brother due to personal obligation leave the lodge before a meeting is completed?

India

What does a lodge meeting involve in India today?

Lodge meetings in India today follow structured administrative and ceremonial procedures. Prior to a meeting, members receive a written Summons issued by the Secretary at least 10 days in advance, detailing the agenda, officers, and members. The Grand Lodge of India requires members to wear uniform dress as specified at the foot of this Summons.

grandlodgeofindia.inrglni.org