What is the procedure to start a new Lodge?
The procedure to start a new Lodge involves the following steps:
Every application for a Warrant to hold a new Lodge must be initiated by a petition to the Grand Master, signed by not less than seven Master Masons who are regularly registered under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge.
The petition must specify the Lodges to which each signatory belongs and must be accompanied by a certificate from these Lodges indicating that the signatories are not indebted to them.
A recommendation signed in open Lodge by the Master and Wardens of a regular daughter Lodge, approved by a majority of the Brethren present, must accompany the petition. Notice of the petition's submission for approval must be provided in advance.
The petition is then transmitted to the Regional Grand Secretary, who will obtain observations from the Regional Grand Master and forward them to the Grand Secretary for the Grand Master's decision.
Once approved, every new daughter Lodge must be solemnly constituted according to the antient usages and registered proper to enjoy Masonic privileges as detailed in Rule 77 to Rule 84.