Grand Lodge Legislation, 2015 by Mike Miller, Junior Warden
Several of our Brothers recently made the trip to the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in San Francisco. The sessions are open to all Master Masons and all members are encouraged to attend. An important part of this meeting is the election of the Grand Lodge Officers and voting on a variety of proposed resolutions. Each lodge is allocated four votes, the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens and one Past Master. Additional votes are also given to past and present Grand Lodge officers.
The 2015 legislation consisted of eleven Grand Master’s decisions and recommendations, five carry-over resolutions from 2014 and twelve new resolutions proposed by the membership. The new resolutions and recommendations require a yes vote of a 5/6ths majority to pass and will fail with a vote of less than 50%. Measures that neither pass nor fail will carry-over for reconsideration in 2016. Carry-over resolutions must pass in the next year with at least a 2/3rds majority.
Each proposal is read during the meeting, along with the recommendations of the appropriate Grand Lodge committees. Time is then allowed for speakers pro and con to be heard before balloting.
Of the Grand Master Decisions and Recommendations presented this year, eight passed and three were carried over. Three of the 2014 carry-overs passed this year and two failed. Three of the 2015 Resolutions passed, four failed and four were carried over for consideration next year.
Legislation that was passed became effective after the closing ceremonies of the Annual Communication.
Details of this legislation are posted on the Grand Lodge Website under Member Center / Forms / 166th Annual Communication. Every member should to review the resolutions and final voting results.
Fraternally,
Mike Miller,
Junior Warden
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