dispensation

A Masonic dispensation is a temporary authority granted by a Grand Master setting aside standard statutory requirements or enabling brethren to act under his direct proxy 12. Most prominently, it is the instrument used to establish a temporary lodge and authorize its officers to enter, pass, and raise Masons before a permanent warrant or charter is granted 12. A lodge operating under dispensation is legally a creature of the Grand Master, who may revoke its authority at any time 12. Although all Masons made within it are recognized as true and lawful, the lodge itself cannot enact by-laws, elect officers, conduct installations, or admit permanent members 2.

To obtain a dispensation for a new lodge, a petition must be submitted to the Grand Master, signed by at least seven Master Masons 213. While Frederick Dalcho held that three signatures were sufficient, standard Masonic law requires seven to ensure a full quorum for opening an Entered Apprentice lodge 2. The petition must specify the proposed lodge name, meeting location, and nominated Master and Wardens 213.

The petition must also carry a formal recommendation certifying the suitability of the new body 2. General usage in the United States requires the recommendation of the nearest lodge 21. Other jurisdictions historically varied: William Preston records a requirement for recommendations from three adjacent lodges, the Grand Lodge of Scotland requires the officers of the two nearest lodges, and the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England require the officers of any regular lodge 23.

Once signed and recommended, the petition is delivered to the Grand Secretary, who presents it to the Grand Master 23. Upon approval, the Grand Secretary issues the dispensation document 23. This authority remains in effect for a limited period—historically forty days in Preston's account, but generally until the next communication of the Grand Lodge, when the dispensation is either revoked or replaced by a permanent warrant of constitution 23.