2
Receive official Excelsior communications by sending your contact information to [email protected] August 2015 Trestle Board Excelsior Masonic Lodge No. 261 Chartered 1867 3900 Litchfield Road Charlotte, NC 28211 www.excelsiorlodge261.org Proposed Amendments to The Code Enclosed are the proposed amendments to The Code, which will be considered at the GL Annual Communication on September 25 26, 2015. For more information, please see the Secretary or come to lodge in August or September for discussion. Amendment Group 1 Proposed by Charles M. Setzer Lodge No. 693. This amendment would allow a member living out of state to serve on a Grand Lodge Board, Committee or Commission. Amendment Group 2 Proposed by Charles M. Setzer Lodge No. 693. This amendment would allow a member living out of state to serve as District Deputy Grand Master. Amendment Group 3 Proposed by Grand Master Douglas Caudle. This amendment would set a standard initiation fee across the state. This fee would be set annually by the grand master and approved by the Board of General Purposes. Amendment Group 4 Proposed by Stump Sound Lodge No. 733. This amendment would allow two past masters of the lodge as additional delegates to the annual meeting of the grand lodge. Amendment Group 5 Proposed by Lebanon Lodge No. 391 and Junaluskee 145. This amendment would allow a lodge to hold an additional fundraiser for lodge use. Amendment Group 6 Proposed by Montgomery Lodge No. 426. This amendment would allow for announcing the degrees of a Fellowcraft or Master Mason. Amendment Group 7 Proposed by Belhaven Lodge No. 509. This amendment would disallow any defeated amendment from consideration for a five year period. Amendment Group 8 Proposed by the Grand Secretary. This amendment is housekeeping and cleaning up a regulation missed in previous approved updates (REG. 742 STATUS) Amendment Group 9 Proposed by NC Masonic Foundation. This amendment would allow the Board to increase the number of directors as specified in its bylaws. NC Lodges and Districts Investigating Committee Checklist For the Committee: I have reviewed the Grand Lodge of North Carolina Guidelines for Investigating Committees. I have reviewed REG. 66-1 QUALIFICATIONS from The Code for the Petitioner. I have reviewed REG. 67-3 DUTY and REG. 67-4 REPORT from The Code for the Investigating Committee. I have reviewed the questions on page two from N. C. Official Form 19, INSTRUCTIONS TO COMMITTEE OF INVESTIGATION. I have reviewed the background report received from the Grand Lodge office. I have reviewed social media for posts that offer glimpses into the petitioner’s personality, interests and character. Suggested questions for the petitioner: Why are you seeking membership in our fraternity? What do you think our fraternity is all about? When did you become interested in joining? In addition to those who recommended you for membership, do you know any other Masons? Do you have family members who are or were Masons? Are there Masons who have made a favorable impression on you? Why are you petitioning at this time in your life? Did our requirement of a background check cause you any reason for concern? You understand from our application that we require a belief in a Supreme Being for membership. Are you aware that our membership is open to all faiths and that we are not a religion? Will that be an issue for you? Are you a member of a faith that might be opposed to your membership in our fraternity? Do you understand that religion and politics are not to be discussed in lodge meetings? Are any family members potentially opposed to your membership in our fraternity? How do you enjoy spending your leisure time? Would your current occupation allow you to attend meetings? What other expertise or skills do you possess? Are you a member of other organizations, and will they interfere with you ability to be an active member in our fraternity? Are any of these institutions opposed to membership in our fraternity? Do you understand that our fraternity does not offer benefits such as unemployment or health insurance or burial coverage? Were you expecting financial benefits from membership? Our lodge’s annual dues are $100. Will this financial commitment be a hardship to you or your family? Do you consider yourself prompt in meeting your other financial obligations? Do you understand that you are required to pass a unanimous ballot to obtain membership? Are you aware that you will be required to commit a significant amount of time working with a coach memorizing catechisms? Do you support charitable organizations as your budget permits? Our lodge supports statewide Masonic charities and local causes and our members contribute time as well as money to charity. Will this be a hardship on you or your family? What questions do you have? www.grandlodge-nc.org/storage/wysiwyg/GLNCInvestigatingcommitteechecklist-July2015.pdf
