How do the dues affect membership status?
The dues play a crucial role in determining the membership status of a Mason within the Grand Lodge. According to Rule 124, if a member's dues remain unpaid for one full year, they shall cease to be a member of all Lodges. This cessation of membership will occur if the member has been duly served with a notice regarding their arrears and fails to make payment within 30 days of receiving that notice. Additionally, the fact of cessation must be reported to the Lodge at the next meeting and promptly notified to the Grand Secretary.
Furthermore, a member who has ceased to be a member under this rule can only return to membership by regular proposition and ballot, contingent upon having paid all arrears of dues from all Lodges, which acts as a prerequisite for re-election. This emphasizes the importance of fulfilling financial obligations to maintain active membership within the Craft.