REGULATIONS
of
the
GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Adopted
May 18, 1886
Revised
May 17, 1955
Revised
May 10, 1980
Revised
May 8, 1993
Revised
May 12, 2001
The
GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
ordains
and establishes the following
REGULATIONS
for
the better government of itself, of the Chapters under its jurisdiction, and of
the Craft of its obedience.
PART 1
GRAND CHAPTER
Section 1.1.1 - General
1.1.1.1 - The Grand Chapter has power and authority to
establish such rules and adopt such regulations for its own government, that of
the Chapters under its jurisdiction, and of the craft under its obedience, as
may from time to time be considered necessary and proper, and to alter and
amend the same in the manner hereinafter provided, consistently with the
Constitution of the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International and
ancient Masonic usage.
1.1.1.2 - The Grand Chapter claims, and of right
enjoys, the sole government and superintendence of all Chapters of Royal Arch
Masons within this State, and the right to settle any controversies arising
therein.
1.1.1.3 - The Grand Chapter may reprimand, suspend or
expel from Royal Arch Masonry in New Hampshire any member of who violates these
Regulations, or is guilty of gross unmasonic conduct.
1.1.1.4 - The Grand Chapter may consider and do all
things whatsoever it may regard as necessary, or appertaining to the well-being
and perpetuation of Royal Arch Masonry in this State; and the enumeration of
powers herein shall not be construed to deprive it of powers not named.
1.1.1.5 - The Grand Chapter Fiscal Year shall be from
April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Section 1.1.2 - Charters and Dispensations
1.1.2.1 - The Grand Chapter has sole authority, within
this State, to grant Dispensations and Charters for holding Chapters of Royal
Arch Masons, with the right to confer therein the several degrees of Mark
Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Mason, and when
justifiable to annul, revoke or amend such Dispensation or Charter heretofore
granted by it. No Dispensation or Charter shall be granted
for instituting a Lodge of Mark Master Mason, Past Master or Most Excellent
Master, except within a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
1.1.2.2 - During recess of the Grand Chapter, the Grand
High Priest may issue a Dispensation to nine or more regular Royal Arch Masons
empowering them to open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and to hold Lodges of
Mark Master Mason, Past Master, and Most Excellent Master. The Dispensation shall bear the signatures of
the Grand High Priest and the Grand Secretary, and shall be affixed with the
Seal of the Grand Chapter. The
Dispensation shall remain in effect until acted upon at a subsequent
convocation of the Grand Chapter. The
fee for each Dispensation to form a new Chapter shall be one hundred dollars
($100.00). Payment of this fee shall
accompany the request to form a new Chapter.
1.1.2.3 - At a subsequent convocation called for that
purpose, a Dispensation to hold a Chapter must be returned to the Grand Chapter
with a request for a Charter. The request shall be supported by a copy of the
records of the acts done under its authority, a copy of the By-laws proposed
for the government of the new Chapter, and a current financial statement.
Section 1.1.3 - Fees and Assessments
1.1.3.1 - The Grand Chapter may assess and collect from
the several Chapters under its jurisdiction such sums of money, annually or
otherwise, as may from time to time be found necessary for the reasonable
support and maintenance of the Grand Chapter.
1.1.3.2 - The fee for a Charter for a new Chapter shall be
$100.00. The fee previously paid for a
Dispensation to hold this Chapter shall satisfy this requirement.
ARTICLE 2 - COMPOSITION
Section 1.2.1 - General Membership
1.2.1.1 - The Grand Chapter is composed of the following:
a) Current Elected and Appointed Grand Officers of New
Hampshire;
b)
Past Elected Grand Officers of New Hampshire;
c)
Past Appointed Grand Officers of New Hampshire who have served for 5 or more
years;
d)
High Priests, Kings and Scribes, or their duly appointed proxies, of the
Chartered Chapters
under this jurisdiction;
e)
Past High Priests of Chapters under this jurisdiction;
f) Any Companion unanimously elected to
permanent membership by the Grand Chapter.
1.2.1.2 - Each member of the Grand Chapter, or his proxy,
has one vote on matters before Grand Chapter.
Section 1.2.2 - Elected Officers
1.2.2.1 - The Elective Officers of the Grand Chapter shall
consist of the following:
a)
Grand High Priest
b)
Grand King
c)
Grand Scribe
d)
Grand Treasurer
e)
Grand Secretary
f) Grand Assistant Treasurer
g)
Grand Assistant Secretary
h)
Grand Captain of the Host.
1.2.2.2 - These Officers shall be elected at each Annual
Convocation of the Grand Chapter, via written ballot and by a majority of the
votes cast.
1.2.2.3 - No Companion shall be elected to the office of
Grand High Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe or Grand Captain of the Host who is
not a Past High Priest of a Chapter under this jurisdiction. No Companion shall
be elected to any other Grand Office unless he is a member of a Chapter under
this jurisdiction.
1.2.2.4 - No Companion shall serve as Grand High Priest
for more than three successive years.
Section 1.2.3 - Appointed Officers
1.2.3.1 - The appointed Officers of the Grand Chapter
shall consist of the following:
a)
At least two Grand Chaplains
b)
Grand Principal Sojourner
c)
Grand Royal Arch Captain
d)
Three Grand Masters of the Veils
e)
Grand Lecturer and Three Grand Deputy Lecturers
f)
Three Grand Deputy Captains of the Host
g)
Grand Organist
h)
Grand Sentinel
i) Such other officers as the Grand High
Priest may from time to time deem necessary.
1.2.3.2 - These officers shall be appointed by the Grand
High Priest Elect prior on his installation.
Each Grand High Priest shall give serious consideration to equal
representation of all constituent Chapters in the Grand Line.
1.2.3.3 - No Companion shall be appointed to any Grand
Office unless he is a member of a Chapter under this jurisdiction.
1.2.3.4 - The Title of each Grand Chaplain, the Grand
Lecturer and each Deputy Grand Lecturer is Right Excellent. The title of each other appointed officer is
Excellent.
Section 1.2.4 - Officer Installation
1.2.4.1 - Every Companion elected or appointed to an
office in this Grand Chapter shall, if present, be installed at some suitable
time before the final closing of the convocation at which he may have been
elected or appointed. Should any
Companion elected or appointed to an office be unavoidably called away before
being installed, it shall be his duty to present himself to the High Priest of
his own Chapter for installation. Immediately
thereafter, he shall cause a certificate of such installation to be filed
promptly with the Grand Secretary.
1.2.4.2 - Each officer of the Grand Chapter and of each
constituent Chapter shall, at the time of his installation, make the following
declaration: " I …….. do most solemnly promise on the honor of a Royal
Arch Mason that to the utmost of my knowledge and ability I will strictly
comply with all the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
New Hampshire, and will support and maintain the Constitution of the General
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International and all other Masonic
usage."
1.2.4.3 - Each Grand Chapter Officer shall hold his
office and discharge his duties until his successor is duly installed.
Section 1.2.5 - Officer Succession
1.2.5.1 - In case of the permanent absence of the Grand
High Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe, or Grand Captain of the Host, the
elective officer next in rank shall replace his superior. In the event the
Grand Captain of the Host progresses to the office of Grand Scribe, the Grand
High Priest shall make a temporary appointment to fill the office of Grand
Captain of the Host. In the absence of all the above listed officers, the
senior Past Grand High Priest present shall preside.
Section 1.2.6 - Proxies
1.2.6.1 - The appointment of a proxy for the High Priest,
King or Scribe in a Chapter, to represent that officer in Grand Chapter, shall
be in writing on the form provided for that purpose. The Form shall be signed by the principal,
shall designate at what convocation of the Grand Chapter the proxy shall act,
shall be valid for that convocation only, and shall be voided if the principal
appears in person.
1.2.6.2 - No Companion shall be appointed a proxy for any
Officer unless he is a member of the same Chapter as his principal.
ARTICLE 3 - CONVOCATIONS
Section 1.3.1 - Annual Convocation
1.3.1.1 - The Grand Chapter shall hold a Convocation
annually on the second Saturday in
May, at a location agreed
upon by the Grand High Priest and the Grand Master of the Grand Council of
Cryptic Masons of New Hampshire. The Annual Convocation shall be held in
conjunction with the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of
New Hampshire and on a rotational basis.
That is, a morning convocation one year, and an afternoon convocation
the next.
1.3.1.2 - Any
business may be conducted at the Annual Conclave.
Section 1.3.2 - Annual Business Convocation
1.3.2.1 - The Grand Chapter shall hold a Business
Convocation annually within 30 days prior to the second Saturday in May. All reports of the Grand Chapter may be given
at this Annual Business Convocation with the exception of the following
reports, which MUST be given and approved at the Annual Convocation:
The
Reports of the Grand Secretary
Grand Treasurer
Jurisprudence Committee
Credentials Committee
Finance Committee
1.3.2.2 - Any business may be conducted at the Annual
Business Convocation.
Section 1.3.3 - Special Convocations
1.3.3.1 - The Grand High Priest may call Special
Convocations, as he may deem proper.
1.3.3.2 - The only business to be transacted at a Special
Convocation shall be that stated in the notice therefor, which shall be issued
at least 30 days beforehand, and include the time and place of the Convocation.
Section 1.3.4 - Business Discipline
1.3.4.1 - For each motion not otherwise provided for in
these Regulations, the Presiding Officer shall ensure that the motion presented
for consideration is clearly understood before the vote is taken. In case of
doubt he may require that the motion to be presented in writing.
1.3.4.2 - Any motion to reconsider a vote shall lie over
until the next convocation.
ARTICLE 4 - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1.4.1 - Grand High Priest
1.4.1.1 - The Grand High Priest shall preside in the
Grand Chapter. He shall exercise and
discharge executive functions thereof when Grand Chapter is not in session, and
render watchful care and supervision over the constituent Chapters in this
jurisdiction.
1.4.1.2 - The Grand High Priest may suspend any Grand
Officer for just cause, and appoint a suitable person to act instead until the
next convocation of the Grand Chapter.
1.4.1.3 - During periods of recess, the Grand High Priest
shall temporarily fill each vacancy that occurs in any office of the Grand
Chapter, except those covered in ¶ 1.2.5.1.
1.4.1.4 - The Grand High Priest may convene any Chapter,
preside therein, inspect its proceedings, and require conformity to Masonic
law, usage and custom.
1.4.1.5 - The Grand High Priest may for good cause
suspend the labors of a constituent Chapter by arresting its Charter until the
next convocation of the Grand Chapter.
1.4.1.6 - The Grand High Priest shall, in person or by
proxy, duly constitute and consecrate newly chartered Chapters.
1.4.1.7 - The Grand High Priest may for good cause
suspend the High Priest of a constituent Chapter from the exercise of the
functions of his office until the next convocation of the Grand Chapter. In such case he shall furnish the suspended
High Priest with a copy of the charges filed against him, and summons him to
appear at the next convocation of the Grand Chapter.
1.4.1.8 - Whenever the offices of High Priest, King, and
Scribe of a Chapter all become vacant, the Grand High Priest shall appoint a
High Priest, King and Scribe from the members of such Chapter to act as such
until replacement officers are elected by the Chapter.
1.4.1.9 - The Grand High Priest may direct any elective
officer of the Grand Chapter to perform an official Visitation of any
constituent Chapter. Such officer shall
have the powers of the Grand High Priest during such Visitation.
1.4.1.10 – The Grand High Priest shall have the power to
grant dispensations for all purposes within the scope of his duties.
1.4.1.11 - The Grand High Priest shall recommend the
appointment of a Grand Representative to each Grand Chapter recognized by this
Grand Chapter. If any Grand
Representative does not attend the Annual Convocation of this Grand Chapter for
three consecutive years, the Grand High Priest shall consider recommending a replacement.
1.4.1.12 – The Grand High Priest shall consider, and
approve as appropriate, each recommendation from another jurisdiction for the
appointment of a Grand Representative to New Hampshire from their Grand
Chapter.
1.4.1.13 - The Grand High Priest shall perform such other
duties and exercise such other powers and prerogatives as properly pertain to
his office, consistent with these Regulations, the Constitution of the General
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International, and ancient Masonic usage.
Section 1.4.2 - Grand Treasurer
1.4.2.1 - The Grand Treasurer shall manage all property
and funds of the Grand Chapter. He shall
receive all monies belonging to the Grand Chapter from the Grand Secretary or
other sources. He shall pay all bills consistent with the budget, or ordered
paid by the Grand Chapter.
1.4.2.2 - At each Annual Convocation the Grand Treasurer
shall include in his Annual Report an account of all monies received and paid
out since the last Annual Convocation; an inventory of all funds assigned to
him by the Grand Chapter including the General Fund and the Triennial Fund; and
an inventory of any Grand Chapter equipment necessary to the functioning of the
office of Grand Treasurer.
1.4.2.3 - The Grand Treasurer shall receive in payment
for his services the sum of fifty dollars per year as salary, and fifty dollars
per year for use of his facilities, which will be paid annually.
Section 1.4.3 - Grand Secretary
1.4.3.1 - The Grand Secretary shall maintain and manage
the Archives of the Grand Chapter. He
shall keep a fair record of all the transactions of the Grand Chapter, cause
the same to be printed immediately after the close of each Annual Convocation,
and distribute the same as directed by the Grand Chapter.
1.4.3.2 - The Grand Secretary shall maintain an inventory
of the following:
Grand
Chapter Charter
The Official Seal of the Grand Chapter
Grand
Officers' jewels, collars, and aprons
Past
Grand Officers jewels
Service
pins
Insurance
policies
Fidelity
bonds
Plain
text rituals
Grand
Chapter Properties (Paraphernalia)
Such
office equipment as may be needed for Grand Chapter operations
All unused properties resulting from discontinued
constituent Chapters
1.4.3.3 - The Grand Secretary shall execute and maintain
a $25,000 ($100.00 deductible) fidelity bond covering the following:
a)
The Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary, Grand Assistant Treasurer, and Grand
Assistant
Secretary of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter
of New Hampshire, and the Treasurer,
Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, and
Assistant Secretary of each constituent Chapter;
b)
The Grand Treasurer, Grand Recorder, Grand Assistant Treasurer, and Grand
Assistant
Recorder of the Grand Council of Cryptic
Masons of New Hampshire, and the Treasurer,
Recorder, Assistant Treasurer, and
Assistant Recorder of each constituent Council;
c)
The Grand Treasurer, Grand Recorder, Grand Assistant Treasurer, and Grand
Assistant
Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights
Templar of New Hampshire, and the
Treasurer, Recorder, Assistant Treasurer,
and Assistant Recorder of each constituent
Commandery.
1.4.3.4 - The Grand Secretary shall provide constituent
Chapters with Annual Returns Forms, and Credential/Proxy Forms. (See Appendix for Forms)
1.4.3.5 - The Grand Secretary shall transfer all Grand
Chapter monies received by him to the Grand Treasurer taking his receipt
therefor.
1.4.3.6 – The Grand Secretary shall maintain a safe
repository in the name of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Hampshire and of
sufficient size to accommodate certificates of deposit, stock, deeds and such
other items as he shall deem of sufficient value to be placed therein.
1.4.3.7 - The Grand Secretary shall attend to such other
duties as may be required by his office.
1.4.3.8 - The Grand Secretary shall receive in payment
for his services the sum of $400.00 per year as salary, and $400.00 per year
for use of his facilities, which will be paid annually.
Section 1.4.4 - Remaining Grand Officers
1.4.4.1 - The remaining Grand Officers shall perform such
duties as are traditionally appropriate to their respective stations, and as
may be assigned to them by the Grand High Priest or the Grand Chapter.
ARTICLE 5 - COMMITTEES
Section 1.5.1 - Standing Committees
1.5.1.1 - The Finance Committee shall consist of at least
three members, who shall be elected at each Annual Convocation.
1.5.1.2 - The Grand High Priest immediately after his
installation shall appoint the following Standing Committees:
Credentials
Doings of Grand Officers
Correspondence
Jurisprudence
Unfinished Business
Hiram Wales Johnson Charity Fund
Section 1.5.2 - Special Committees
1.5.2.1 - The Grand High Priest shall appoint such other
Special Committees, as he deems necessary.
(See Appendix for Committee membership requirements and duties).
ARTICLE 6 - DEGREES RECOGNIZED
Section 1.6.1 - Listing
1.6.1.1 - The only degrees recognized by this Grand
Chapter are the following: Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and
Royal Arch Mason. These degrees must be
conferred only in the order enumerated.
ARTICLE 7 - VISITATIONS
Section 1.7.1 - Purpose
1.7.1.1 - The purpose of Visitations is to assist
the constituent Chapters in gaining and maintaining proficiency in the
administration of Chapter affairs, and the performance of ritual. The Visiting Officer shall attend to the
administrative segment, and the assigned Lecturer shall attend to the ritual
segment.
Section 1.7.2 - Performance
1.7.2.1 - The Elected Line Officers shall perform
official Visitations of constituent Chapters as assigned to them by the Grand
High Priest. During each Visitation, the
Visiting Officer shall inspect for the presence and condition of the following:
Charter, Warrant or Dispensation
By-laws
Secretary Records
Most recent Treasurer Annual Financial Statement
Chapter Book of Marks
The Plain Text Ritual
Chapter Properties (to ensure minimal ritual
requirements)
1.7.2.2 - Each Visiting Officer shall report his findings
to Grand High Priest, with a copy to the Grand Secretary, within 10 days of his
Visitation and on the official form provided for that purpose by the Grand
Secretary. The report shall attach a
copy the most recent Chapter Annual Financial Statement.
1.7.2.3 - The Grand Lecturer shall oversee ritual
performed by constituent Chapters in order to promote uniformity and
exactness. He shall be assisted by three
(3) Grand Deputy Lecturers appointed by the Grand High Priest. The Grand Lecturer shall assign a Grand
Deputy Lecturer to each Visiting Officer.
The Grand Lecturer shall accompany the Grand High Priest during each of
his official Visitation(s), and personally perform the Lecturer’s duties on
those occasions.
1.7.2.4 - At each Official Visitation, the assigned Grand
Deputy Lecturer or the Grand Lecturer shall observe and comment on the ritual
performed. He shall report his findings
on the official form provided for that purpose by the Grand Secretary. The Report shall be sent to the Grand
Lecturer within 10 days, with copies to the Grand Secretary and the Chapter
Secretary.
ARTICLE 8 - AWARDS
Section 1.8.1 - Meritorious
1.8.1.1 - The General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service
Medal Meritorious Award in bronze may be presented by the General Grand Chapter
each year to one Companion from this jurisdiction, usually based on a
recommendation by the Grand High Priest submitted prior to February 1. The recommendation normally shall be derived
from nominations received from constituent Chapters. Each nomination should include Masonic/Civic
accomplishments and a full explanation of qualifications. Past Grand High Priests and current Elected
Grand Officers are not qualified for this award.
1.8.1.2 - One Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Hampshire
Distinguished Service Medal may be awarded annually to one worthy Companion of
a constituent Chapter. The recipient of
this award shall be selected by the Grand High Priest, normally derived from
recommendations from constituent Chapters.
Each recommendation should include a description of exceptional service
to Capitular Masonry.
1.8.1.3 - Each constituent Chapter may present annually
one David A. Dean Memorial Quarry Award to a Companion of that Chapter who has
exhibited outstanding service to that Chapter.
The Grand Chapter shall supply this award to constituent Chapters at
cost.
Section 1.8.2 - Longevity
1.8.2.1 - The Grand Chapter shall provide at cost to
constituent Chapters a suitable lapel pin to recognize a Companion who has held
Chapter membership for a period of twenty years.
1.8.2.2 - The Grand Chapter shall award a suitable lapel
pin as a token of recognition to a Companion who has been a Chapter member for
a period of forty years.
1.8.2.3 - If requested by a constituent Chapter,
certificates are available from the Grand Secretary to recognize 20, 40, and 50
years of membership and at increments of five years thereafter.
PART 2
CONSTITUENT CHAPTERS
ARTICLE 1 - DISPENSATIONS AND CHARTERS
Section 2.1.1 - Requirements
2.1.1.1 - Each Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in this jurisdiction
shall have a Dispensation or a Charter issued by this Grand Chapter.
2.1.1.2 - Dispensations and Charters to constituent
Chapters shall include the power to hold Lodges of Mark Master Mason, Past
Master and Most Excellent Master, and to confer the associated degrees.
2.1.1.3 - Each petition for a Charter for a new Chapter
shall be signed by at least nine regular Royal Arch Masons. The fee for such
Charter shall accompany the petition (See ¶ 1.1.3.2).
2.1.2.1 - Grand Chapter may arrest the Charter of any
Chapter if:
a)
the Chapter failed to make Annual Returns in the prescribed form during a
period of three
consecutive years; or
b)
the Chapter was not represented at either the Annual Convocation or Annual
Business
Convocation of Grand Chapter during a
period of three consecutive years.
2.1.2.2 - Each Charter surrendered or arrested by the
Grand Chapter shall be returned to the Grand Chapter together with the Chapter
Seal. Chapter Records, By-laws,
costumes, funds and other property of the Chapter of every description normally
shall be returned to Grand Chapter for disposition. If this action is unacceptable to a majority
of the surviving members of that Chapter, a special committee from Grand
Chapter shall meet with them to resolve this matter.
ARTICLE 2 - BY-LAWS
Section 2.2.1 - Requirements
2.2.1.1 - Each Chapter must adopt By-laws for its own
special regulation and government, and may revise, alter or amend the same.
Such By-laws must not be contrary to the Constitution of the General Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International, these Regulations, or the ancient
usage of the craft. No revision, alteration or amendment shall be made to the
By-laws until such action shall have been presented in writing at a Stated
Convocation, entered on the Chapter Record and laid over until the next Stated
Convocation. The Grand High Priest shall approve such change before the same
shall take effect.
Section 2.2.2 - Life Membership
2.2.2.1 - A constituent Chapter may offer Life Membership
to its members providing the By-laws of that Chapter specifically state that
Life Memberships are permitted in that Chapter. (See Life Membership appendix
to these regulations).
ARTICLE 3 - CONVOCATIONS
Section 2.3.1 - Annual Convocation
2.3.1.1 - The Annual Convocation of each Chapter in this
jurisdiction shall be held during the month of March.
Section 2.3.2 - Special Convocations
2.3.2.1 - A Special Convocation of a Chapter may be held
at such time as the High Priest may direct and upon due notice to the
members. No business shall be in order
at a Special Convocation except as stated in the notice.
Section 2.3.3 - Other Requirements
2.3.3.1 - Each Chapter must meet for the transaction of
business at least four times during the Capitular year, at the place specified
in the Dispensation or Charter, and at such time as may be determined by the
Chapter By-laws. Should any Chapter fail to meet for the space of one year,
without the consent of the Grand Chapter or the Grand High Priest, Grand
Chapter may arrest the Charter of that Chapter.
2.3.3.2 - All business of the Chapter must be conducted
in an open Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS
Section 2.4.1 – Elective Officers
2.4.1.1 – The Elective Officers of a constituent Chapter
shall consist of the following:
a)
High Priest
b)
King
c)
Scribe
d)
Captain of the Host
e)
Treasurer
f)
Secretary
g)
Assistant Treasurer (Optional)
h)
Assistant Secretary (Optional)
2.4.1.2 - These officers shall be elected at the Annual
Convocation of the Chapter, by a written ballot, and by a majority of the votes
cast.
Section 2.4.2 - Appointed Officers
2.4.2.1 - The Appointed Officers of a constituent Chapter
shall consist of the following:
a)
Chaplain
b)
Principal Sojourner
c)
Royal Arch Captain
d)
Master of the 3rd Veil
e)
Master of the 2nd Veil
f)
Master of the 1st Veil
g)
Sentinel
h)
Such other officers as the High Priest may from
time to time deem necessary.
2.4.2.2 - These officers shall be appointed by the High
Priest Elect prior to his installation.
Section 2.4.3 – Titles
2.4.3.1 - The title of the High Priest is
Excellent. The title of each other
officer is Companion.
Section 2.4.4 - Duties
2.4.4.1 - The duties of Chapter Officers are prescribed in
the Appendix.
2.4.4.2 - Each officer shall hold his office and
discharge his duties until his successor is duly installed.
Section 2.4.5 – Officer Succession
2.4.5.1 - In the case of the permanent absence of the
High Priest, King, Scribe, or Captain of the Host, the elective officer next in
rank shall replace his superior. In the
event the Captain of the Host progresses to the office of Scribe, the High
Priest shall make temporary appointment to fill the office of Captain of the
Host. In the absence of all the above
listed officer, the Senior Past High Priest present shall preside.
ARTICLE 5 - CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Section 2.5.1 - Prerequisites
2.5.1.1 - A Chapter may confer the degrees within its gift
only upon a petitioner who has been elected to receive the degrees and has paid
the required fee.
2.5.1.2 - A Royal Arch Mason from without this
jurisdiction who has not received one or more Chapter degrees required by these
regulations may receive the missing degrees from any constituent Chapter, free
of charge, and thereby satisfy our regulatory requirements of a Royal Arch
Mason.
Section 2.5.2 - Ritual
2.5.2.1 - Each High Priest shall see that the degrees are
conferred according to current New Hampshire Grand Chapter Ritual.
ARTICLE 6 - PROPERTIES
Section 2.6.1 - Requirements
2.6.1.1 - Each Chapter shall have a seal, which seal
shall be affixed to all Official communications. An impression of each seal,
with a written description of the features thereon, shall be transmitted to the
Grand Secretary as a permanent record.
2.6.1.2 - Each Chapter shall have a suitable Lodge Book
of Marks (See Appendix for format) in
which shall be recorded the mark of each member. Each Mark Master Mason
attached to a Chapter under this jurisdiction must before his exaltation select
his mark and have the same recorded in the Lodge Book of Marks. Each candidate
for affiliation must provide a copy of his mark to the petitioned Chapter and,
if elected, the same shall be recorded in the Lodge Book of Marks before he is
permitted to sign the By-laws.
ARTICLE 7 - DUES, FEES, AND ASSESSMENTS
Section 2.7.1 - Collection
2.7.1.1 - Each Chapter has the right to assess and collect
from its members such dues, fees, and assessments as shall be necessary to pay
the Grand Chapter obligations, defray the ordinary expenses of the Chapter, and
keep up its Charity Fund. If any Companion shall neglect to pay such dues and
assessments he may be suspended from membership in the same manner as
prescribed by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. A Companion suspended under
this section may be restored to membership in accordance with the Chapter
By-laws.
2.7.1.2 - The fee for conferral of Chapter degrees shall
be at least twenty-five dollars.
Section 2.7.2 - Payment
2.7.2.1 - Each Chapter in this jurisdiction shall pay
annually to the Grand Secretary, on or before the fifteenth (15th)
day of April, the following:
a)
Three dollars ($3.00) for each candidate exalted
in that Chapter during the year ending March 31st.
b)
Four dollars ($4.00) for each member of that
Chapter, which shall include all General Grand Chapter International fees and
assessments.
c)
Each Special Assessment approved by this Grand
Chapter.
2.7.2.2 - Each Chapter
not filing the required Annual Return with the money due the Grand Chapter will
be charged a late fee of $1.00 per delinquent day.
ARTICLE 8 - GRAND CHAPTER REPRESENTATION
Section 2.8.1 - Requirements
2.8.1.1 - Each Chapter shall be represented at every
Convocation of Grand Chapter. Minimum Chapter representation shall consist of
the High Priest, King and Scribe, or their respective legally appointed
proxies. Each Chapter not represented at the Annual Convocation of Grand
Chapter by at least one of the aforementioned officers shall pay a $5.00 fine
to the Grand Chapter (General Fund).
PART 3
INDIVIDUALS
ARTICLE 1 - ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
Section 3.1.1 - Requirements
3.1.1.1 - Any Master Mason may make application for
membership to any constituent Chapter within this jurisdiction provided he has
resided within this State for a period of at least six (6) months next
preceding such application.
3.1.1.2 - Each application for the degrees or membership
in a Chapter must be made in writing.
The application must be signed by the applicant, recommended by two
members of that Chapter, must be accompanied by the required fee, may be
referred to a committee for investigation, and must be accepted by unanimous
ballot, which may be taken the same day the application is received.
3.1.1.3 - Any Chapter shall not consider an application
from a previously rejected Petitioner until six months from the date of that
rejection.
3.1.1.4 - No person shall be admitted a member of any
Chapter who has not regularly received the several degrees of Entered
Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, Mark Master Mason, Past Master, Most Excellent
Master and Royal Arch Mason.
3.1.1.5 - Any Royal Arch Mason in good standing may
become a member of any Royal Arch Chapter within this jurisdiction by
conforming to these regulations and to the By-laws of the Chapters
involved. However, he shall hold an
Elective Office in only one Chapter at the same time.
3.1.1.6 - Membership in a Chapter is voluntary. A member in good standing may therefore at
any time, upon application to a Chapter, withdraw his membership and be granted
a Demit. However, if suspicion of Masonic offense exists, his Demit may be
withheld until a reasonable time for the introduction of charges.
3.1.1.7 - In order to maintain membership in a
constituent Chapter, a Companion must be a member in good standing in his
Symbolic Lodge.
ARTICLE 2 - DECORUM
Section 3.2.1 - General
3.2.1.1 - All Royal Arch Masons in good standing are
welcomed and encouraged to attend all Grand Chapter activities.
3.2.1.2 - Each Companion present in Grand Chapter should
be clothed with the badge of a Royal Arch Mason. Each credentialed Chapter
Officer or his proxy should be clothed with the jewel of his office.
3.2.1.3 - All Masonic communication by any constituent
Chapter or member thereof, or by any regular Royal Arch Mason residing in this
jurisdiction, with a clandestine Chapter, member thereof, or any person
advanced or exalted therein, is forbidden.
3.2.1.4 - Any Chapter may, for cause, deny to an
unaffiliated Companion the privilege of visiting the Chapter or joining in
public processions.
ARTICLE 3 - TRIALS AND PUNISHMENT
Section 3.3.1 - Requirements
3.3.1.1 - Constituent Chapters not only possess the right,
but it is their express duty, to take cognizance of the conduct of all
Companions within this jurisdiction, whether such Companions are members of
constituent Chapters or otherwise, and to suspend or expel from the rights and
privileges of the Royal Craft all within their purview who are found guilty of
unmasonic conduct.
3.3.1.2 - In all cases of trial for any Masonic offense a
Chapter shall proceed substantially in the manner prescribed by the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Hampshire in its Constitution.
3.3.1.3 - Masonic Punishments shall consist of permanent
expulsion, indefinite suspension, or reprimand.
Punishment shall be
administered by the High Priest in open Chapter. Refusal to submit to the
penalty of reprimand leaves the convicted Companion suspended until the
reprimand is administered.
3.3.1.4 - No Chapter can try its High Priest. Any five
members of the Chapter may impeach him to the Grand High Priest, who will order
an investigation of the charges.
PART 4
ARTICLE 1 - PERMANENT FUND
Section 4.1.1 - Purpose
4.1.1.1 - To assist the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New
Hampshire in meeting its general financial obligations.
Section 4.1.2 - Control
4.1.2.1 - The management of the Permanent Fund shall be
vested in the Grand Treasurer, under the purview of the Grand Chapter Finance
Committee. The Grand Treasurer shall
manage the investment of the Funds, normally in the highest paying interest
bearing insured vehicle.
4.1.2.2 - Each addition to the Permanent Fund must be
unencumbered, must be received by the Grand Treasurer, and invested as provided
herein.
4.1.2.3 - The Grand Treasurer is authorized to withdraw
annually from the Permanent Fund an amount not to exceed one-half of the
current annual earned income (interest) of said Fund and transfer the same to
the General Fund. The remainder of the
annual earned income of the Permanent Fund shall be invested until the
principal of the Permanent Fund reaches the amount of thirty thousand dollars
($30,000). Thereafter, the Grand Treasurer is authorized to withdraw the total
amount of the annual earned income and transfer the same to the General Fund.
4.1.2.4 - By a three-fourths vote of the members present
at any Annual or Special Convocation of the Grand Chapter, funds may be
withdrawn from the Permanent Fund in any amount found justified and proper.
ARTICLE 2 - HIRAM WALES JOHNSON CHARITY FUND (Established in 1963)
Section 4.2.1 - Purpose
4.2.1.1 - To fund an annual donation(s) to some worthwhile
cause(s).
Section 4.2.2 - Control
4.2.2.1 - The management of this Charity Fund shall be
vested in the Grand Treasurer, under the purview of the Grand Chapter Finance
Committee. The Grand Treasurer shall manage the investment of the funds,
normally in the highest paying interest bearing insured vehicle.
4.2.2.2 - Each addition to the Hiram Wales Johnson
Charity Fund must be unencumbered, must be received by the Grand Treasurer, and
invested as provided herein.
4.2.2.3 - The annually accrued interest or any part
thereof may be donated to some worthwhile cause.
The selection of a
recipient(s) to receive monies from this Fund shall be made by the Hiram Wales
Johnson Charity Fund Committee. This Committee shall be appointed by the Grand
High Priest at each Annual Convocation.
Payments from the Fund shall be made upon unanimous approval of the
Committee members.
ARTICLE 3 – J. LAWRENCE HALL MEMORIAL FUND (Established in 1985)
4.3.1.1 - By the will of
M.E. Companion Hall, PGHP, the Grand Chapter was bequeathed the sum of
$1000.00. Disbursements from this fund
are limited to interest only, for general expenses.
4.3.2.1 - The management of this fund shall be vested in
the Grand Treasurer, under the purview of the Grand Chapter Finance
Committee. The Grand Treasurer shall
manage the funds normally in the highest paying interest bearing insured
vehicle.
4.3.2.2 - Any addition to the fund must be unencumbered,
must be received by the Grand Treasurer, and invested as provided herein.
4.3.2.3 - The annually accrued interest or any part
thereof may be applied to any general expense.
ARTICLE 4 – GRAND CHAPTER TRIENNIAL FUND (Established in 1955)
4.4.1.1 - To help defray the expenses of the Grand
Chapter Voting Representative(s) associated with attending the Triennial
Session of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International.
Section 4.4.2 - Control
4.4.2.1 - The management of this fund
shall be vested in the Grand Treasurer, under the purview of the Grand Chapter
Finance Committee. The Grand Treasurer
shall manage the investment of the funds normally in the highest paying
interest bearing insured vehicle, and shall ensure that the fund remains above
$1000.00.
4.4.2.2
- A budgeted sum shall be
applied to this fund annually.
4.4.2.3 - Upon a consolidated written
request by the attending Representatives(s) to the Grand Treasurer, and with
the agreement of the Finance Committee, the request may be fulfilled within the
resources available in the fund.
PART 5
ALTERATIONS
ARTICLE 1 - ALTERATIONS TO THESE REGULATIONS
Section 5.1.1 - Requirements
5.1.1.1 - The Grand Chapter shall have full power and
authority to make such amendments, alterations, and additions to these
Regulations at any Convocation, as they shall find proper and expedient. Each amendment, alteration or addition shall
be proposed in writing at any Convocation of the Grand Chapter, and be filed
with the Grand Secretary. The written proposal should be forwarded to the Grand
Secretary at least 45 days prior to the Convocation so that it can be included
in the notice for that Convocation. Each
proposal published in the notice for a Convocation shall be considered at that
Convocation, and shall require a three-fourths favorable ballot to accept. Otherwise the proposal shall be abandoned. A proposal presented at a Convocation but not
published in the notice for that Convocation may be considered at that
Convocation, but shall require a unanimous ballot to accept. Otherwise, the proposal shall lie over until
the next Convocation, at which a three-fourths favorable ballot is required to
accept.
5.1.1.2 - Amendments, alterations and additions to the
Appendices of these Regulations may be approved at any Convocation by a simple
majority vote.
PART 6
PRECEDENTS
ARTICLE I - OTHER MATTERS
Section 6.1.1 - General
6.1.1.1 - On any matter not mentioned in these Regulations,
the Constitution of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Ancient and
Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Hampshire
shall determine such question in conformity with accepted Masonic usage.