The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge

Of

Free and Accepted Masons of Florida

Proposed legislation

2003

M:. W:. James A. Durham Jr., Grand Master

Jurisprudence Committee

Ocala Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Ocala, Florida

Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 9:00 A.M.

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Article VI, Section 5, states it is the duty of the Grand Master, with the assistance of the Deputy Grand Master, or one of the District Deputy Grand Masters to visit the Particular Lodges in his jurisdiction at least once a year, and

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 1, states there will be one District Deputy Grand Master for each District, not exceed thirty-six, and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the District Deputy Grand Master to organize a District Meeting in his jurisdiction for the Grand Master attendance, and

WHEREAS, each Lodge in the District is charged for the cost of the District Meeting, and

WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the Grand Lodge of Florida to save time and expense in the conduct of its duties, and

WHEREAS, Chapter 10, Regulation 10.12, states there shall be ten Zones, and in each Zone there is a Scottish Rite Masonic Service Center available for use by Masonic Bodies.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 36 District Meetings be combined into 10 Zones Meetings, hereby reducing time, labor and expenses to Grand Lodge and individual Lodges. And the arrangements for the Zone Meetings be made by the District Deputy Grand Masters of each Zone in which they are assigned.

Respectfully submitted:

James Leith III, WM Charles C. Hayes, PDDGM

Albert C. Stuck, SW Kermit E. Huff, PM

Randy L. Ziegler, SD George Neven, PM

Gateway Lodge No. 384 Kenneth E. Windsor, Sr., PM

 

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, it is important that the Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge Officers visit as many lodges and districts as possible with any given year, and

WHEREAS, the annual official visit of the Grand Master can place a financial burden on small or economically challenged districts, and

WHEREAS, it would benefit all concerned if the Grand Master could combine several districts within a geographical area to host the official visit.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grand Master may at his discretion set up specific “Area Meetings” which will take the place of the district by district official visits currently used.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. Billy G. Williams, PDDGM

R.W. F. D. Kendrick, PDDGM

Norman F. C. Lowndes, District Instructor

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, under the provisions of Article 26.10 of the Digest of the Masonic Law of Florida, a Brother is elected to Honorary Membership in a Particular Lodge, and

WHEREAS, said Brother is subsequently elected to Honorary Perpetual Member is said Particular Lodge and the $200.00 minimum Honorary Perpetual Membership is paid, and

WHEREAS, the By-Lays of said Particular Lodge provide for Plural Membership and said Brother petitions and is elected to Plural Membership in said Lodge, and

WHEREAS, said Brother then desires to become a Perpetual Member of said Lodge.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Paragraph 3.03 of the Digest of the Masonic Law of Florida be amended by adding as follows: “(a) Any member, or Plural Member, in good standing and possessing a current dues card in a Particular Lodge of this Grand Jurisdiction may become a Perpetual Member of his Lodge pursuant to the provisions of this section.”

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a new paragraph be added to Chapter 24, Paragraph 3.04 of the Digest of the Masonic Law of Florida to read as follows: All monies paid for a Honorary Perpetual Membership of a Brother in a Particular Lodge may be credited toward the purchase by that Brother of a Perpetual Membership in that Particular Lodge.

Fraternally submitted:

Edward L. Bailey, PDDGM, Omega Lodge No. 380

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, procedures for Florida Masons to avail themselves of Plural Membership opportunities were approved by the Craft at the 172nd Annual Grand Lodge Communication as referenced in Article X, Section 15(b) of the Constitution (p.65) and in Regulation 24.3.02.1, 26.04.1 and 26.04.2 (pp 205 and 229) of the Digest of Masonic Law, and

WHEREAS, a Ruling and Decision by the Grand Master issued on June 20, 2002, clarified that any Florida Masons who holds a valid membership in a Florida Lodge may petition another Florida Lodge to become a Plural Member regardless of any action his home Lodge may or may not have taken with respect to accepting Plural Members, and

WHEREAS, the goal of the Plural Membership regulation was to provide for expended opportunities for Florida Masons that world benefit both the members and the Particular Lodges, and

WHEREAS, Florida Masons participating in multiple Lodges as Plural Members extend the hands of friendship, morality and brotherly love that strengthen Freemasonry in Florida, and

WHEREAS, there remains a misunderstanding among the Craft that a Brother may petition another Florida Lode for Plural Membership ONLY if his home Lodge has voted to accept Plural Membership as part of their By-laws, an assumption that is in conflict with both the intent and actual wording of the legislation as published in Article X, Section 15(b) of the Constitution and in the corresponding rules and regulations.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a Brother who holds a valid membership in a Florida Lodge may petition another Florida Lodge to become a Plural Member regardless of any actions that his home Lodge may or may not have taken with respect to accepting Plural Membership as part of their By-laws, provided the receiving Lodge has voted to amend its By-lays to accept Plural Members.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the opening sentences in Article X, Section 15(b) and in paragraph 24.3.02.1 of the Digest of Masonic Law be amended as follows:

Article X, Section 15(b) – Any particular Lodge of this Grand Jurisdiction may adopt a By-law (subject to approval of the Grand Master) permitting a member in good standing of another Particular Lodge in Florida to petition such Particular Lodge for affiliation without demitting from his home Lodge, regardless of any actions that he home Lodge may or may not have taken with respect to accepting Plural Members.

 

 

Paragraph 24.3.02.1 – A member in good standing of a Particular Lodge in Florida may petition this Lodge for affiliation without dimitting from his home Lodge, regardless of any actions that his home Lodge may or may not have taken with respect to accepting Plural Members.

Respectfully submitted:

M.W. James A. Durham, Jr., Grand Master

R.W. Leslie H. Whitman, Grand Marshal

R.W. Zeb E. Blanton, Jr., Grand Orator

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the annual District Meeting in each District of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida is a necessary occurrence, in order that every Regular Mason in this state be afforded the opportunity to

meet and speak with the Grand Master and other Grand Lodge Officers, and it is the usual custom to serve a meal at these occasions, and

WHEREAS, no Mason belonging to any Particular Lodge in the host District should  miss this opportunity because of the burden of a charge being placed on any meal  that is served as a part of the District Meeting, and

WHEREAS, the costs of providing these meals continues to rise, and our membership  is in a decline and the remaining members are aging, with a significant number moving to fixed incomes; and the costs being transferred to the Particular Lodges are rising to an amount this is increasingly burdening their budgets.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that when hosting their annual District Meeting that the host District be allowed to assess a minimal charge, (not to exceed the actual costs of the meal), to the guests at their Annual District Meeting.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no member of any Particular Lodge of the host District nor any elected Grand Lodge Officers be charged or assessed any fee for the meal.

Respectfully submitted,

R.W. J. Michael Hartman, PDDGM, Sanford Lodge No. 62

R.W. William J. Evans, PDDGM, Halifax Lodge No. 81

R.W. Bradley L. Raugh, PDDGM, Halifax Lodge No. 81

Wor. Phillip A. Hudson, PM, New Smyrna Lodge No. 149

R.W. Harry A. Rosenthal, Jr., PDDGM, Daytona Beach Lodge No. 270

R.W. James A. Nash, PDDGM, Landmark Lodge No. 383

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the present Digest Regulation 24.05, Section 10.02, Finance 2 Committee, only allows the Senior Warden and two appointed members of the Lodge on this Committee, and

WHEREAS, many Lodges are experiencing financial difficulties due to no having adequate funds or the needed expertise in managing their finances due to lack of experience, and

WHEREAS, Lodges are normally appointing Junior Officers to this Committee, with the idea of giving them experiences in the financial operation of the Lodge, and

WHEREAS, expanding the Finance Committee would create no hardship, but instead give each Lodge the added flexibility to add Brothers with knowledge in financial management, budgeting and investment advice.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lodge Finance Committee be changed to allow expansion to the Senior Warden and up to six (6) members, with one being a Past Master of the Lodge.

Respectfully submitted,

C. Donald Prosser, P.M., PDDGM

Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 F. & A. M.

11

 

Regulation 24.05, Section 10.02, page 212 now reads:

2 10.02 Finance Committee—The Finance Committee shall consist of the Senior Warden

and two members of the Lodge appointed by the Master, whose duty it shall be to examine and report upon all matters relating or appertaining to the financial concerns of the Lodge, which  may be placed in their hands by the Lodge or any member thereof, or other person. They shall  also examine carefully and fully, and report upon in writing within thirty days after the close of  the Masonic year, all the books, accounts, records and vouchers of the Treasurer and Secretary,  or cause all of the same to be done by some competent person recommended by the Committee and approved by the Lodge.

 Regulation 24.05, Section 10.02, page 212 amended to read:

10.02 Finance Committee—The Finance Committee shall consist of the Senior Warden  and up to six (6) members, including a Past Master of the Lodge, appointed by the  Master, whose duty is shall be to examine and report upon all matters relating or appertaining  to the financial concerns of the Lodge, which may be placed in their hands by the Lodge or  any member thereof, or other person. They shall examine carefully and fully, and report  upon in writing within thirty days after the close of the Masonic year, all the books, accounts,  records, vouchers of the Treasurer and Secretary, or cause all

of the same to be done by some competent person recommended by the Committee and approved by the Lodge.

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the lodges of the Grand Lodge of Florida to properly instruct the work, and

WHEREAS, The White, Green and Blue cards all require the opening and closing of the Three Degrees of Freemasonry and the esoteric work of each degree progressively, and

WHEREAS, A District Instructor should be proficient in catechism of the Three Degrees.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Regulations be amended to include in eligibility of the District Instructor the requirement to hold a Silver Card and Blue Card of Proficiency.

Respectfully submitted:

Virgil N. Salisburg, Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124

R.W. Bernard R. Silva, DDGM of Dist. 35, Coral Gables Lodge No. 260

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the lodges of the Grand Lodge of Florida to improve the proficiency of the work, and

WHEREAS, The White, Green and Blue cards all require the opening and closing of the Three Degrees of Freemasonry and the esoteric work of each degree progressively, and

WHEREAS, it would better serve the Craft to advance in the proficiency of the work separately Begging with the Entered Apprentice Degree advancing to the Fellow Craft Degree and then The Master Mason Degree, and

WHEREAS, The qualifications for the proficiency cards will fill the same requirements and only separate the cards by degrees.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Regulations be amended to accommodate the change of requirements for White, Green and Blue cards to require the following White Card Entered Apprentice, Green Card Fellow Craft and Blue Card Master Mason Degree and be obtained progressively beginning with the White card. And the requirements to be a Master Mason when proficient in the ceremonies of opening and closing and the esoteric work of conferring of the degree assigned to each card.

Respectfully submitted:

Virgil N. Salisburg, Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124

R.W. Bernard R. Silva, DDGM District 35, Coral Gables Lodge No. 260

 

 

Chapter 37 Initiation and Advancement

Proficiency, Regulation 37.16, page 281 now reads:

(b) The Committee on Work shall issue a white card certificate of proficiency to a Master Mason when proficient in the ceremonies of opening and closing the Three Degrees of Freemasonry and in the esoteric work of the Entered Apprentice Degree.

(c) The Committee on Work shall issue a green card certificate of proficiency to a Master Mason when proficient in the ceremonies of opening and closing the Three Degrees of Freemasonry and in the esoteric work of the Entered Apprentice Degree and the Fellow Craft Degree.

(d) The Committee on Work shall issue a blue card certificate of proficiency to a Master Mason when proficient in the ceremonies of opening and closing the Three Degrees of Freemasonry, and in the esoteric work of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degree.

Proficiency, Regulation 37.16. page 281 amended to read:

(b) The Committee on Work shall issue a white card certificate of proficiency to a Master Mason when proficient in the ceremonies of opening and closing an Entered Apprentice lodge of Freemasonry and the esoteric work of conferring The Entered Apprentice Degree.

(c) The Committee on Work shall issue a green card certificate of proficiency to a Master Mason when proficient in the ceremonies of opening and closing a Fellow Craft lodge of Freemasonry and the esoteric work of conferring The Fellow Craft Degree and holding a White Card of proficiency.

(d) The Committee on Work shall issue a blue card certificate of proficiency

to a Master Mason when proficient in the ceremonies of opening and closing of Master Mason lodge of Freemasonry, and the esoteric work of conferring the Master Mason Degree and holding a Green Card of Proficiency.

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the ratio of proficiency cards issued, vary by color, which have been earned by many of our more dedicated and studious Brethren, and vary considerably with regard to the degree of difficulty and participation, and

WHEREAS, the Brown card has apparently been very difficult to earn since the understanding is that only very few Brothers have achieved the brown card because of its difficulty, and

WHEREAS, both the Gold and Brown cards deserve considerable recognition from those who have yet to earn them, and

WHEREAS, the Gold card is issued for life, and the Brown card for 3 years, as a reward for the tremendous memorization effort expended and a source of considerable pride of achievement by its recipients, and

WHEREAS, the Brown Card with its multitude of different and relatively unrelated activities is only granted for 3 years which puts this labor intensive card on the same level as the White, Silver, Green, and Blue cards, which rewards appear to be slightly unbalanced in relation to the type and similarity of the memorization requirements.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that any Brother who takes on the mastering of such a magnitude of various subjects as required by the Brown Card, should be granted a 10 year time period card in order to fully perform in all of the required and various activities.

Respectfully submitted,

W. Jimmie B. Crowder, Worshipful Master, High Twelve Lodge No. 317

W. J. Bruce Moore, PM, High Twelve Lodge No. 317

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the presentation of a lambskin apron to keep permanently is at the option of the Lodge, and

WHEREAS, the Digest of Masonic Law states if a lambskin apron is to be presented it shall be after the Brother has passed satisfactory examination of the catechism of the Master Mason Degree, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Florida has extended the option for one day classes and degrees not requiring a brother to stand satisfactory examination upon the catechism of the preceding degree of the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Degrees.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Digest of Masonic Law be changed to require satisfactory examination upon the catechism of all three degrees in order to be permanently presented a lambskin apron.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. Gerald H. Powell, PDDGM, PDI 26 Masonic District

R.W. James A. Johns, PDDGM

R.W. Raymond L. Brewer, DDGM 26th District, Canaveral Lodge No. 339

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS. Freemasonry is composed of men from all walks of like and religions, and

WHEREAS, every man has the right to pray according to his belief, and

WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge of Florida has prescribed Prayers to be used at the opening and closing of the Lodge. However this should not preclude a brother from adding to the prescribed prayers so long as the addition is not offensive to any brother or prescribe to a singular religion.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the monitor and all other Grand Lodge information booklets that now refer to the prayers to be used at closing or opening be amended at the next printing to exclude any reference that would preclude a brother from adding to the prayer and allow a brother to pray as described herein.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chaplain under direction of the Worshipful Master may include prayerful and meaningful statements such as those of healing, protection and guidance, for example, “we ask for the protection of our armed services in harms way” and “we ask for your healing hand on those in need”, etc. All of this will always be nonsectarian and non-offensive to any individual person or religion.

Respectfully submitted:

M.W. Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M., Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124

R.W. John R. Givens, Deputy Grand Master, Saint Andrews Lodge No. 212

R.W. Vance E. Larkins, Jr., Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124

R.W. F. D. Kendrick, Santa Rosa Lodge No. 16

R.W. Paul M. Richman, Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124

R.W. Zeb E. Blanton, Sr., Coral Gables Lodge No. 260

W. Douglas Bridges, Sr., Royal Palm Lodge No. 100

W. Walter S. Graham, Sr., Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Florida in 1997 had a parade float built for the purpose of bringing the fraternity to the notice of the general public by participating in holiday and civic parades, and

WHEREAS, this float has been in continuous service since the date of construction, and

WHEREAS, the float has not been maintained properly for many reasons, and

WHEREAS, it is in the continuing best interest of the fraternity to facilitate the maintenance of the float so as to continue its future use and operation, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Florida has no funds available for this repair and maintenance.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Public Relations and Publicity Committee be empowered to have a pin designed and made, after the approval of the Corporate Board, with funding provided from the current Public Relations Budget, and that the funds necessary for that design and purchase will be replaced after the sale of the pins, and returned to the Budget and that all other monies received from the sale of the pins be retained thereafter, by The Grand Lodge, for the express maintenance and repair of the float.

Respectfully submitted:

Wor. Steven A. Sagal, PM Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, some Grand Lodges of other States are now showing their pride in our great fraternity by using MASONIC tags on their automobiles, and in doing so, are contributing to the welfare of their Grand Lodge and their individual Lodge and thereby promoting Masonry, and

WHEREAS, these special license tags can be personalized to show both pride in the fraternity and past or present positions held within “The Craft”, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Florida can manage the sale and use of these tags by requiring the members who wish to purchase the tags to apply through the Grand Lodge of it’s representative (ie;DDGM’s) for the permit to obtain the “Masonic tag”, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge can charge a fixed amount ($20.00, or other acceptable premium) for each member to receive a permit for application to purchase said tag and thereby be assured that only members of “The Craft,” are able to acquire the special tag, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge could then return $5.00 (or 1/4th of the premium charge, which ever amount is larger) to the purchaser’s individual Lodge as a reward, the remainder being contributed to the Grand Lodge Fraternal Endowment fund, The State would charge an extra $20.00 for the specialty tag which would also be returned to the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grand Lodge of Florida approve the purchase and use of Masonic license tags in the State of Florida; advancing all funds necessary, to establish the program, and recover the same amount after the program starts, before any funds are distributed to either the individual members lodge or to the Grand Lodge Fraternal Endowment Fund, using the suggested restrictions and rewards to all lodges that have members purchasing them.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. Jack A. Carpenter, PDDGM, Zone 9 Chairman Fraternal Endowment Fund, Lantana Lodge No. 372

Wor. Nick Bradley, PM Lantana Lodge No. 372

Wor. Brian Bell, PM Lantana Lodge No. 372

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, some Grand Lodges of other States are now showing their pride in our great fraternity by using MASONIC tags on their automobiles, and in doing so, are contributing to the welfare of their Grand Lodge and their individual Lodge and thereby promoting Masonry, and

WHEREAS, these special license tags can be personalized to show both pride in the fraternity and past or present positions held within “The Craft”, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Florida can manage the sale and use of these tags by requiring the members who wish to purchase the tags to apply through the Grand Lodge of it’s representative (ie;DDGM’s) for the permit to obtain the “Masonic tag”, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge can charge a fixed amount ($20.00, or other acceptable premium) for each member to receive a permit for application to purchase said tag and thereby be assured that only members of “The Craft,” are able to acquire the special tag, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge could then return $5.00 (or 1/4th of the premium charge, which ever amount is larger) to the purchaser’s individual Lodge as a reward, the remainder being contributed to the Grand Lodge Fraternal Endowment fund, The State would charge an extra $20.00 for the specialty tag which would also be returned to the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grand Lodge of Florida approve the purchase and use of Masonic license tags in the State of Florida; advancing all funds necessary, to establish the program, and recover the same amount after the program starts, before any funds are distributed to either the individual members lodge or to the Grand Lodge Fraternal Endowment Fund, using the suggested restrictions and rewards to all lodges that have members purchasing them.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. Jack A. Carpenter, PDDGM, Zone 9 Chairman Fraternal Endowment Fund, Lantana Lodge No. 372

Wor. Nick Bradley, PM Lantana Lodge No. 372

Wor. Brian Bell, PM Lantana Lodge No. 372

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Endowment and Investment Committee of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida, acting in conjunction with the Corporate Board and the professional fund managers, have worked diligently to counter the current economic conditions and to reposition Grand Lodge investments to better reflect the Fraternity’s needs, but such efforts have not and could not provide the necessary operating funds for our Masonic Home for 2003-2004, and

WHEREAS, there are not sufficient funds otherwise available for the Masonic Home budgetary needs for the coming year without using a portion of the Masonic Home Endowment Funds, and

WHEREAS, the Finance and Accounts Committee has made every effort to submit the smallest possible budget for the Masonic Home for the coming year, and

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge has no other source of revenue with which to fund the Masonic Home budget.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2003-2004 Annual Grand Communication authorized the use of the minimum necessary funds from the principal and accumulated income of the Masonic Home Endowment Funds to meet the Masonic Home annual budget for the 2003-2004, and that this resolution shall take precedence over all existing Regulations.

Respectfully submitted by the Corporate Board:

M.W. James A. Durham, Grand Master

R.W. John R. Givens, Deputy Grand Master

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Senior Grand Warden

R.W. Elmer G. Coffman, Junior Grand Warden

M.W. J. Roy Crowther, P.G.M., Grand Treasurer

M.W. D. Hayward Stuckey, P.G.M.

R.W. Zeb E. Blanton, Personal Secretary to Grand Master

M.W. Roy C. Sheppard, P.G.M., Grand Secretary

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Regulation 14.17.1 (u) is specific and has been a very useful and effective regulation during upward trending investment markets, and

WHEREAS, from time to time the Endowment and Investment Committee recommends the sale of under producing or failing investments, which is in the best interest of our Fraternity to divest ourselves of, and

WHEREAS, it then becomes the responsibility of the Corporate Board to make an informed decision as to the effect such sale would have on future earnings as well as on current investment gains when funding the budget, and

WHEREAS, the effectiveness of the aforementioned regulation could be greatly enhanced to provide fallibility by establishing a two year emergency operating reserve fund from which investment income could be made available to fund and shortfall in the budget, giving the Endowment and Investment Committee and Corporate Board the ability to make the necessary financial business decisions in a timely manner during downward trends, and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The Investment Income remaining after the 75% that is considered expendable income, shall first be added to an emergency operating reserve fund. The total of said fund is not to exceed the previous two years of investment income needed to fund the budget. The remainder is to be added to principal.

Respectfully submitted:

M.W. James A. Durham, Jr., Grand Master

R.W. John R. Givens, Deputy Grand Master

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Senior Grand Warden

R.W. Elmer G. Coffman, Junior Grand Warden

M.W. J. Roy Crowther, P.G.M., Grand Treasurer

M.W. K. Hayward Stuckey, P.G.M.

R.W. Zeb E. Blanton, Jr., Grand Orator

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the purpose of Proficiency Carts is to not only to become proficient, but to encourage the Brethren to become involved in the Ritualistic Work of the Lodge, and

WHEREAS, it does involve many hours of time and hard work by the individual Brother to become proficient in the Florida Adopted Work, and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the Proficiency Cards is to assure that the Brother follows the Adopted Florida Work, and

WHEREAS, the Proficiency Card as designated under Regulation 37.16(i) is almost impossible to qualify for since it involves many prayers and monitorial work not normally done on a regular basis. Such as the Flag Prayer, and all the parts in one or more of the Funeral/Memorial Services, and

WHEREAS, this constitutes almost as much to learn and qualify for as the Gold Card.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, to change Regulation 37.16(i) to cover only those prayers used in Lodge; and to add proficiency cards for former items contained in Regulation 37.16(i).

Respectfully submitted,

C. Donald Prosser, PDDGM, Hillsborough Lodge No. 25

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the usual application for the Masonic Home is made by financially distressed Brothers or their wives, however there are some who enter the Home in a distressed situation brought on by illness and are not in a financially distressed condition, and

WHEREAS, the resident who is not financially distressed, upon entering the Home is allowed to keep 10% over $10,000 to be placed in his or her personal account for withdrawal or deposit, whichever is appropriate, and

WHEREAS, in some cases, the regular retirement income of the Resident far exceeds the monthly maintenance cost, which increases the residents Trust fund to which the Masonic Home is the beneficiary at his or her demise, while the personal bank account with approx. 1% interest being earned is slowly being depleted, and

WHEREAS, every Resident receives $25.00 per month so that no one is penniless, and

WHEREAS, those with lifetime income exceeding the cost of maintenance, should at least realize 10% of that excess which is currently being deposited to the Residents Trust fund.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that an additional sentence be added to Paragraph 7.04 (a) (2) to reflect that 10% of the Residents monthly excess income over maintenance cost be deposited in the Residents personal account and 90% of the excess be deposited in the Residents Trust fund.

Respectfully submitted:

J. Bruce Moore, Past Master, and currently Treasurer of High Twelve Lodge No. 317, and I am a Resident of the Masonic Home

 

 

Appendix, Masonic Home Rules and Regulations

Regulation 7.04 (a) (2), page 366a now reads:

(2) Grand Lodge shall create and maintain separate ledger accounts reflecting the disposition of the liquid assets of the residents. The first ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall be credited to the Resident Members Trust Account. The balance of the residents liquid assets shall be divided and credited as follows: ninety percent (90%) to the Resident Members Trust Account, and ten percent (10%) for the use and benefit of the Resident. The amount held for the use and benefit of the Resident may be withdrawn by the Resident at any time from time to time and used in any manner the Resident determines. The balance remaining in said account at the death of the Resident shall be transferred to the Resident Member’s Trust Account. Quarterly statements reflecting the balance in each of these accounts shall be provided to the respective residents.

Regulation 7.04 (a) (2), page 366a amended to read:

(2) Grand Lodge shall create and maintain separate ledger accounts reflecting the disposition of the liquid assets of the residents. The first ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall be credited to the Resident Members Trust Account. The balance of the residents liquid assets shall be divided and credited as follows: ninety percent (90%) to the Resident Members Trust Account, and ten percent (10%) for the use and benefit of the Resident. The amount held for the use and benefit of the Resident may be withdrawn by the Resident at any time from time to time and used in any manner the Resident determines. The balance remaining in said account at the death of the Resident shall be transferred to the Resident Member’s Trust Account. Quarterly statements reflecting the balance in each of these accounts shall be provided to the respective residents. Ten percent (10%) of the Residents monthly excess income over maintenance cost be deposited in the Residents personal account and 90% of the excess be deposited in the Residents Trust fund.

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the State of Florida is a desirable place to live, and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 200,000 Master Masons who originally joined in other Grand Jurisdictions currently reside in Florida, and

WHEREAS, the majority of the Master Masons from other Grand Jurisdictions that reside in Florida have not affiliated with Florida Lodges, and

WHEREAS, the particular Lodges could benefit from increased membership through the affiliation of dual members, and

WHEREAS, the current Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Florida do not allow dual members the right of admission to the Masonic Home of Florida, and

WHEREAS, many Master Masons from other Grand Jurisdictions might become dual members of Florida Lodges if they were allowed to become residents of the Masonic Home of Florida.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that dual members shall receive the same Masonic Home privileges enjoyed by regular Florida Masons.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Senior Grand Warden

M.W. John R. Thomas, P.G.M.

James L. Worrell

Gene E. Pike

William L. McDaniel, Jr.

Ronald L. Tallmadge

J. Michael Hartman

William F. Wyllie

Robert T. Langford

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the fathers of many of our current Master Masons were not also Master Masons, and

WHEREAS, it would be a benefit to every Master Mason to know that his mother and never-wed sister or daughter could receive comfort and security if he were unable to provide them, and

WHEREAS, it is the solemn obligation of every Master Mason to honor and respect a Brother Master Mason’s family, particularly his wife, mother, sister and daughter, and

WHEREAS, the traditional purpose of the Masonic Home of Florida has been to provide a place of comfort and security for needy, distressed worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a worthy Brother Master Mason’s mother and his never-wed sister or never-wed daughter shall receive the same Masonic Home privileges enjoyed by worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Senior Grand Warden

M.W. John R. Thomas, P.G.M.

James L. Worrell

Gene E. Pike

William L. McDaniel, Jr.

Ronald L. Tallmadge

J. Michael Hartman

William F. Wyllie

Robert T. Langford

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, modern man has benefited greatly from improved medical care and physical conditioning, and

WHEREAS, life expectancy has reached an all-time high and continues to increase, and

WHEREAS, the largest growing segment of the population is made up of individuals above the age of 55, and

WHEREAS, our great Fraternity has, for many ears, attracted mature, retired men who have the time to devote to their particular Lodges, and

WHEREAS, at the present time, any applicant to the Masonic Home must have become a member of a Florida Lodge before his sixty-sixth (66th) birthday.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that any applicant to the Masonic Home must have become a member of a Florida Lodge before his seventieth (70th) birthday.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Senior Grand Warden

M.W. John R. Thomas, P.G.M.

James L. Worrell

Gene E. Pike

William L. McDaniel, Jr.

Ronald L. Tallmadge

J. Michael Hartman

William F. Wyllie

Robert T. Langford

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the traditional purpose of the Masonic Home of Florida has been to provide a place of comfort and security for needy, distressed worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows, and

WHEREAS, many worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows are not needy but have substantial assets, accumulated throughout a lifetime of industry, thrift and good fortune, and

WHEREAS, many worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows that are not needy but have substantial assets would enjoy the companionship of their brethren in the Masonic Home of Florida, and

WHEREAS, it is the time honored right of all worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows to apply for admission to the Masonic Home of Florida, and

WHEREAS, the traditional price of admission to the Masonic Home of Florida for worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows entails forfeiture of ninety percent of the accumulated earnings of a lifetime, thereby depriving the families of such worthy Brother Master Masons of their rightful inheritance, and

WHEREAS, many worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows do not apply for admission to the Masonic Home of Florida in their declining years but choose to reside in commercial life care establishments, and

WHEREAS, the fees paid to the commercial life care establishments could be added to the resources available to the Masonic Home of Florida if such worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows were admitted to the Home on a financial arrangement similar to that available at commercial life care establishments, and

WHEREAS, continuously over the past ten years the Masonic Home of Florida has had unused space that has not been applied for or utilized by needy, distressed worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives or widows.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that admission for residency in the Masonic Home of Florida shall be allowed based upon a monthly fee schedule, which will be established by the Board of Trustees and will be comparable to fees charged by commercial life cares establishments doing business in the State of Florida. Residents admitted under this program will not be obliged to convey any of his property interest to the Grand Lodge except for the monthly fees.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the existing admission for needy, distressed worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows shall remain unchanged, and all needy, distressed worthy Brother Master Masons, their wives and widows shall have preference for admission to the Masonic Home of Florida over individuals who are in need.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that residents of the Masonic Home of Florida admitted under either program shall have the right to convert to the other program after payment to the Grand Lodge of Florida an amount equal to any additional charges that would have been paid while a resident in the Masonic Home of Florida at any previous time had the resident been admitted under other program. No refund shall be paid by the Grand Lodge of Florida upon conversion from one program to the other, and spouses must be admitted and maintain residency under the same program.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Jr., Senior Grand Warden

M.W. John R. Thomas, P.G.M.

James L. Worrell

Gene E. Pike

William L. McDaniel, Jr.

Ronald L. Tallmadge

J. Michael Hartman

William F. Wyllie

Robert T. Langford

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Florida provides numerous services and programs for the particular Lodges, and

WHEREAS, the Craft has periodically increased the services and programs by the Grand Lodge of Florida, and

WHEREAS, the cost of maintaining services and programs for the particular Lodges continues to increase, and

WHEREAS, the last per capita tax increase to defray the cost of programs and services for the particular Lodges was made in 1984.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the amount of the per capita tax shall be increased from its current annual amount to $12.00 in 2005, and to $14.00 in 2006 and thereafter.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Senior Grand Warden

M.W. John R. Thomas, P.G.M.

James L. Worrell

Gene E. Pike

William L. McDaniel, Jr.

Ronald L. Tallmadge

J. Michael Hartman

William F. Wyllie

Robert T. Langford

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the lodges of the Grand Lodge of Florida to improve their financial conditions without having to raise dues, and

WHEREAS, the life blood of any particular lodge is the increase of membership, and

WHEREAS, it is a benefit for potential candidates to meet and be exposed to the Masonic Fraternity in casual and family type settings, and

WHEREAS, the lodges recognize the responsibility of having liability insurance when holding special events, and

WHEREAS, a sincere concern was expressed at our last annual Grand Communication that the use of lodge property for fund raisers could increase the potential of governmental inspections, unsolicited physical plant improvements and unexpected financial expenditures including property taxes.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the particular lodges of the Grand Jurisdiction of Florida be allowed to hold fund raising events and solicit the public for such events, off of Lodge property and comply with the laws, rules and regulations of Grand Lodge and under the qualifications and rules of the Florida Department of Agriculture’s solicitation act and all other laws.

Respectfully submitted:

R.W. C. Edward Gonzalez, Senior Grand Warden

 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the process of nomination for a Grand Lodge Office does not include a background  search of the proposed Candidate, and

WHEREAS, the Delegates accepted the recommendation of the Masonic Jurisprudence Committee to establish a permanent Sub-Committee to perform a background search on all new nominations, and

WHEREAS, this committee shall be vested with the authority to recommend or withhold

recommendation, but not prohibit the nomination, and

WHEREAS, it will be a requirement for all nominees to sign a release form for said check to be conducted. Provided further that any candidate refusing to sign said form will be in nomination and the Craft notified as to his choice.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that our Constitution and Regulations be amended to include a permanent Sub-Committee of the Masonic Jurisprudence Committee for Professional and  Business background check on all new nominations for Elected Grand Lodge Office. The  committee shall be comprised of seven members of which the majority will be comprise  voting delegates to the Grand Communication and determined as follows:

 A. Three members are to be members of the Jurisprudence Committee and appointed by

 the Grand Master, at least one of whom shall be a Past Grand Master and act asChairman of said sub-committee.

       B. Four members are to be selected by the Grand Master from a pool of twenty sitting

Worshipful Masters to be provided to the Grand Master by the Grand Secretary. This

pool shall be determined by random selection from the records of Grand Lodge.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael A. Padron, Jr., P.G.M., Chairman, Masonic Jurisprudence Committee

Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M., Vice-Chairman, Masonic Jurisprudence Committee

 

 

 Article IX, Section 2, page 57 amended to read:

 Section 2. Fraternal Committees - The Fraternal Committees of the Grand Lodge

 as defined in Article I of the Constitution are:

  (1) The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence, which shall be divided into such  subcommittees as shall be prescribedhereinor by Regulations of Grand Lodge and such other subcommittees as the Grand Master shall deem appropriate, but  there shall be a subcommittee designated Committee on Resolutions, a  subcommittee designated Committee on Masonic Digest, a subcommittee designated Committee on Appeals, a subcommittee designated Committee on  Lodge Charters, a subcommittee designated Committee on Appendant and  Allied Orders, and a subcommittee designated Committee on Foreign Relations  and a subcommittee for background search on all new nominations for Grand  Lodge Office.  Subcommittees shall be composed of a Chairman and at least two (2) other  member All Resolutions, except Memorial Resolutions and the subcommittee  for background search on all new nominations for Grand Lodge Office, all  penal appeals, all applications for Lodge Charters, all requests for recognition  or withdrawal of recognition of organizations whose membership is predicated  on Masonic affiliation, all correspondence or reports of recognized foreign  Jurisdictions and all matters of recognition or withdrawal of recognition of  foreign Masonic Jurisdictions and all matters of Masonic Law, customs,  practices, policies and procedures shall be referred to this Committee for report  and recommendation thereon. All Past Grand Masters in good standing shall  be members of this Committee together with such additional members as may  be appointed by the Grand Master.

Regulation 5.02, page 105 amended to read:

 5.02 (a) Except as to incumbent elected Grand Lodge Officers, hereinafter provided  for, all nominations for election to an elective Grand Lodge Office shall be by nominating  petition stating the name of the nominee, his address, telephone number (if any) and the  nominee's Lodge number, and shall be signed by ten (10) Master Masons in good standing in  one or more of the Lodges in the same Masonic District in which the nominee is a dues-paying  member of some Lodge.  The petition shall contain an agreement signed by the nominee that if elected he will accept the office for which he is nominated.  The nominating petition shall be filed with the Grand Secretary on or before January 15.  Upon receipt of the petition the Grand Secretary shall note thereon the time and date of receipt  and shall forthwith deliver to the nominee a form which shall provide for the nominee to  furnish his personal history, Masonic record and other pertinent information. The nominee shall sign the personal information form attesting to the correctness of the information  contained therein and return the same to the Grand Secretary on or before February 1. The Grand Secretary shall note on the personal and Masonic history form the date of delivery to and receipt from the nominee.

 

 

The Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, and Junior Grand Warden shall always be in nomination for the next successive office in the Progressive Grand Lodge line and  the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary shall always be in nomination for re-election;  provided, however, such officer shall file in the office of the Grand Secretary, on or before  January 15 a signed, written statement that he will accept the office for which he is nominated  as herein provided. The Grand Secretary, upon receipt of the signed written statement  aforesaid shall deliver to the nominee a personal and Masonic history form which shall be  completed, signed and attested as to its correctness by the nominee and filed in the office of the Grand Secretary on or before February 1, and the Grand Secretary shall note thereon the  date of delivery to the nominee and the date returned to the Grand Secretary's office.  The Grand Secretary shall send a copy of all nominating petitions and signed written statements of incumbent officers and all personal and Masonic information forms of all  nominees to each Particular Lodge, the Grand Lodge elective officers, the District Deputy  Grand Masters, the District Instructors, and Past Grand Masters on or before March 15. No other written or printed material or matter shall be distributed by mail or otherwise  by, or in behalf of, any candidate or nominee for Grand Lodge Office.  In the event a vacancy or vacancies shall occur in the progressive Grand Lodge line prior to January 15 the signed statement of an incumbent shall designate the office to which he in traditional course of events would be nominated. If the vacancy shall occur after January 15, the signed written statement of incumbent Grand Lodge line officer shall be construed to  be an agreement to accept the highest office to which in traditional course of events he would  be nominated and elected, that is, in event of a vacancy in the office of Deputy Grand Master  the Senior Grand Warden shall be in nomination for Grand Master and the Junior Grand  Warden shall be in nomination for Deputy Grand Master. In the event of more than one vacancy, the signed statements of incumbents shall be construed to be nominations to preserve  the traditional progress of Grand Lodge line officers.  In the event of vacancy in nominations or nominees in the Grand Lodge line officers,  all nominations for office of Junior Grand Warden shall be construed to be nominations for  Junior Grand Warden and next highest office or offices so that each nominee shall be eligible  for election to either office and may stand for election for the highest office and if not elected  he shall be eligible for election to the other office, i.e. all nominees for Junior Grand Warden  shall be in nomination for any or all offices vacant and not filled by nomination as above  provided. The Grand Master shall have authority to formulate and issue such Executive Orders  as shall be necessary or appropriate to insure orderly election for all vacancies and preserve  the traditional progress of Grand Lodge line officers. The Grand Secretary, with the approval of the Grand Master shall prepare form of  nominating petition and form for personal and Masonic history of nominees. Nominating petition shall be furnished to any Florida Master Mason upon request therefor.

 

 

In the event of any vacancy in nominations or nominees and filling such vacancy is not provided for herein, the Grand Master shall issue Executive Order setting forth the method and  time for qualifying to fill such vacancy. (1983)

It will be a requirement for all nominees to sign a release form for a background check

 to be conducted. Provided further that any candidate refusing to sign said form will be in  nomination and the Craft notified as to his choice. (2002)

 

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