No. 33. Affiliation Without Certificate Of Demit
Decision: A lodge can receive and act upon the petition of a brother for affiliation before he has applied for or obtained a demit from the lodge of which he is a member.
Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.20. November 20, 1882. (Vincent, GM)
No. 34. Written Application For Re-Admission
Decision: It is unnecessary for a Mason, stricken from the roll for non-payment of dues, and desiring re-admission, to make a written application.
If a written petition is presented it need not be recommended, referred or lie over. At any regular communication of the lodge, if a brother whose name has been struck from the roll for non-payment of dues shall have paid all dues as required by Article VII, Section 1.7.27 of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, it would be proper for any member of the lodge to move that he be re-admitted to membership, or it would be proper for the Master to put the question without a motion.
Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.27. November 29, 1882. (Vincent, GM)
No. 35. Applications Following Rejection
Decision: A Master Mason in good standing, whose application for membership has been rejected by a lodge, may at once make a new application to the same or to any other lodge.
Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.20. November 19, 1883. (Vincent, GM)
No. 36. Withdrawal Of Ballots
Decision: In a case where a ballot, upon the petition for the degrees has been taken, and the box ordered to be presented for examination, a brother stated that though mistake he had deposited a black ballot, and requested the Worshipful Master's permission to withdraw the same.
We decided that although it was proper for the brother to make known to the lodge his mistake, yet he could not be allowed to withdraw his ballot; neither could the Master declare the ballot clear, but that the remaining ballots must be collected in the same manner as usual in case of a rejection, and another ballot taken.
Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.25. November 17, 1884. (Klapp, GM)
No. 37. When A Master Is Considered Such
Decision: We decided that a brother having been duly elected Master of a lodge, and having taken the oath of office, administered by lawful authority, thereby becomes its Master.
Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.4. November 15, 1886. (Klapp, GM)
No. 38. How Charges Affect Other Rights
Decision: The fact that charges have been preferred against a brother should not debar him from voting, or holding office in his lodge.
General Regulations, Article IV, Sec. 2.4.1. May 20, 1889. (Ackley, GM)
No. 39. Objections From Non-Members
Decision: That while objections to a candidate by a brother Mason of another lodge than that in which the candidate has received a clear ballot, though having no legal force, should be entitled to moral weight, and that for the good name of Masonry, and to guard against the reception of unworthy material the Master should give due heed to any statements bearing on the case, if in his judgment they are worthy of serious consideration.
Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.21. May 20, 1889. (Ackley, GM)
Amended November 16, 1996.
No. 40. Rejection And Demits
Decision: That a brother holding a demit, and applying to a lodge for membership one day previous to the expiration of a year from the time of receiving the demit, but being rejected, is in the same status as at the moment of receiving the demit, and is entitled to such rights as appertain to an unaffiliated Mason for one year from the date of his application.
Constitution, Article VII, Sec. 1.7.28. May 20, 1889. (Ackley, GM)