CAMOSUN LODGE A. F. & A. M. 60 G.R. B.C. & Y. VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA BY-LAWS with History of Formation 1
FOUNDERS OF CAMOSUN LODGE (Charter Members) Surname Name Rank Lodge Hailed From Location Adams Carl M.M. Phoenix No.129 Clear Lake, South Dakota Adye Walter M.M. Edmonton No.7 Edmonton, Alberta Brown Edward M. M.M. Vermillion No.24 Vermillion, Alberta Byers Isaac M.M. Vancouver & Quadra No.2 Victoria, British Columbia Cameron James O. M.M. Eddy No.21 Carlsbad, New Mexico Compton Charles M.M. Clearfield No.314 Clearfield, Pennsylvania Dilworth John M.M. St. George s No.41 Kelowna, British Columbia Duncan William A. S. M.M. Treherne No.51 Treherne, Manitoba Duperow William E. M.M. Unity No.376 Huntsville, Ontario Gilchrist Neil M.M. Progress No.873 Glasgow, Scotland Gordon Thomas M. M.M. St. George s No.190 Aberdeen, Scotland Griffith James A. M.M. Tuscan No.47 Arrowhead, British Columbia Hearnden Charles M. M.M. Vancouver & Quadra No.2 Victoria, British Columbia Jackson John J. P.M. Shuniah No.287 Port Arthur, Ontario Johnson Edward E. C. M.M. Acacia No.22 Vancouver, British Columbia Linnell Sidney M.M. Innisfail No.8 Innisfail, Alberta Lloyd John L. M.M. Victoria-Columbia No.1 Victoria, British Columbia Marshall John M.M. Free Operative No.167 Biggar, Scotland Martin Owen M.M. Cumberland No.26 Cumberland, British Columbia Morrison Frances M.M. St. John s No.25 Vegreville, Alberta Pattison George M.M. Vancouver & Quadra No.2 Victoria, British Columbia Raynor Melbourne M.M. Star in the East No.164 Wellington, Ontario Shaw Alfred S. M.M. Hedley No.43 Hedley, British Columbia Taylor Thomas W. M.M. Mountain No.11 Golden, British Columbia Thompson William F. H. P.M. Vermillion No.24 Vermillion, Alberta Thomson Albert E. M.M. Killarney No.50 Killarney, Manitoba Tibbitts George M.M. Vancouver & Quadra No.2 Victoria, British Columbia Tomlinson James H. P.M. Perfection No.9 Calgary, Alberta Walter Frederick W. M.M. United Service No.24 Victoria, British Columbia Watts Charles E. M.M. Unity No.613 Southport, England Weston Edward O. M.M. Lakeside No.739 Chicago, Illinois Wilson Robert C. M.M. Cumberland No.26 Cumberland, British Columbia 2
HISTORY OF FORMATION Chronology Received Dispensation Instituted Under Dispensation Charter Granted Constitution August 17 th, 1911 September 25 th, 1911 June 20 th, 1912 July 15 th, 1912 Formation It was Worshipful Brother John James Jackson who took the initiative to form Camosun Lodge and, at that time, was Past Master of Shuniah Lodge No. 287, Port Arthur, Ontario. As a distinct preference for what was then known as the Antient York Rite (now styled Ancient) was shown by those interested in forming another lodge in Victoria, Worshipful Brother J.J. Jackson agreed to its adoption. However, as he was unfamiliar with the work of the Antient York Rite, and realizing that to acquire the requisite knowledge would involve much hard study, he declined the office of Worshipful Master in favour of one better instructed in the work. Worshipful Brother James Hickling Tomlinson, a Past Master of Perfection Lodge No.9, Calgary, Alberta, which practiced the Antient York Rite work, was eminently suited to fill the office of Worshipful Master and thus became the first Worshipful Master. Worshipful Brother J.J. Jackson was the first affiliated Past Master. A meeting was held at 736 Fort Street February 17 th, 1911. There were present: Worshipful Brother s J.J. Jackson, J.H. Tomlinson, Gordon Stewart; Brother s Tibbitts, Adams, Court, Duncan, Walls, Grohe, Johnson, Hearnden, Wilson, Dilsworth, and Morrison. Worshipful Brother Gordon Stewart was appointed Secretary, pro tempore. It was agreed to name the new lodge Camosun and that all charter members pay the sum of five dollars and, later, be assessed to defray all expenses connected with the formation. The first committee to formulate by-laws was held at 637 Fort Street on February 21 st, 1911. On May 8 th, 1911, Brother W.A.S. Duncan was appointed the first Secretary and the third Monday in each month was adopted as the regular meeting night of the lodge. The first work exemplified was done on August 7 th, 1911, before Right Worshipful Brother Riddell, District Deputy Grand Master, and Worshipful Brother Carey Pope. Right Worshipful Brother Riddell expressed his satisfaction of the manner in which the brethren had put on the work and assured them a dispensation would be granted without delay. Dispensation was granted by Most Worshipful Brother F. J. Burd on August 17 th, 1911. A meeting of Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the Grand Region of British Columbia was held in the Masonic Temple, Victoria, British Columbia, on September 25 th, 1911, for the purpose of instituting Camosun Lodge by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother F.J. Burd. The first officers to be installed were: Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Secretary Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Senior Steward Junior Steward Treasurer Worshipful Brother J. H. Tomlinson Brother F. Morrison Brother G. Pattison Brother W. A. S. Duncan Brother R. C. Wilson Brother E. E. Coady-Johnson Brother C. M. Hearnden Brother G. Tibbitts Brother J. Dilsworth 3
Seventy two brethren were present. Refreshments for the occasion cost $17.15. The first regular communication of Camosun Lodge, under dispensation, was held on October 16 th, 1911, when ten petitions for initiation were presented and, on November 20 th, 1911, Mr. Ernest Fairey and Mr. Harry Worswick were the first to be initiated. The warrant of the lodge was issued June 20 th, 1912, by Most Worshipful Brother J. M. Rudd. A communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M., of the Grand Region of British Columbia, was held in the Masonic Temple, Victoria, British Columbia, on July 15 th, 1912, for the purpose of consecrating and constituting Camosun Lodge, A.F. & A.M. No. 60, by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother J. M. Rudd. The following brethren were installed: Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Chaplain Treasurer Secretary Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Director of Ceremonies Inner Guard Senior Steward Junior Steward Tyler Worshipful Brother J. H. Tomlinson Brother F. Morrison Brother G. Pattison Brother J. J. Jackson Brother J. Dilsworth Brother W. A. S. Duncan Brother R. C. Wilson Brother E. E. Coady-Johnson Brother J. O. Cameron Brother E. O. Weston Brother C. M. Hearnden Brother G. Tibbitts Brother F. Hiligar The first By-Laws were read and approved in open Lodge at an Emergent Communication held in the Masonic Temple in Victoria, B.C. on September 23 rd, 1912. The last meeting of the lodge under dispensation was held on May 27 th, 1912, and the first regular communication, after the lodge had been constituted, was held on August 19 th, 1912. The first by-laws were read and approved in open lodge at an emergent communication held in the Masonic Temple, Victoria, British Columbia, on September 23 rd, 1912. 4
PREAMBLE WITHOUT laws and regulations no body of men can subsist, either with comfort to themselves or with reputation among others. Holding this as a fundamental principle of progress, Freemasonry has always been characterized by that order and system necessary to cement lasting friendship among the brethren, to promote decorum and harmony in the lodge and to aid at all times in the proper exemplification of the principles of the ancient craft. To obtain this end, Camosun Lodge, A.F.&A.M No. 60, which is held under and by virtue of a Charter granted June 20, A.L. 5912, A.D. 1912, by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of British Columbia, A.F.& A.M., from which it derives all its powers and privileges, and to which it will, at all times, pay respect and obedience in the matter of laws, rules, orders, and regulations, have agreed to, and adopted, clause by clause, the following by-laws: BY-LAWS No.1 - Name of Lodge This Lodge shall be known and distinguished as Camosun Lodge, A.F.&A.M. No. 60, Grand Registry of British Columbia and Yukon. No.2 - The Work The work practiced by Camosun Lodge, A.F. & A.M. No.60, shall be that known as "Ancient." No.3 - Behaviour in Lodge After every adverse ballot, or suspension for NPD, the Worshipful Master shall cause the following to be read, so that no brother, ever after, may plead ignorance: No member or visiting brother shall disclose or make known, by any means whatsoever, out of the lodge, any of the proceedings, either of labour or refreshment, or any of the decisions or business of any kind transacted in the lodge, unless required to do so by competent authority, and for the purpose authorized by the constitution of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, and the landmarks of the craft; nor shall any member or visitor presume in open lodge, either at labour or refreshment, to make use of any profane, irreverent, or improper expressions or sentiments, or to introduce any conversation or remark tending to cause a difference of opinion on national, political, or religious subjects. Any breach of this by-law will subject the offender to trial, and such punishment as the lodge or any higher masonic authority may direct and have power to inflict. No.4 - Communications Regular communications of the lodge shall be held in the Masonic Temple, Victoria, British Columbia on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 in the evening except; for the months of July and August or on any date and time as called by the Worshipful Master with suitable due notice, not to be less than two weeks, unless an emergency exists. No.5 - Officers of the Lodge The officers of the lodge shall consist of the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Immediate Past Master, Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Director of Ceremonies, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Inner Guard, Director of Music, Tyler, Historian, Director of Masonic Education, and two Financial Review Officers. No.6 - Election of Officers Annually, at the regular communication in November, by written ballot, the lodge shall elect the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary; and, by open vote, two Financial Review Officers. All members in good standing are entitled to vote; and a majority of the votes cast shall be necessary to elect. As per Grand Lodge regulations, where there is but one member nominated for an elected office, the rule requiring the ballot shall be suspended and the officer shall be declared elected by acclamation. 5
No.7 - Officers Appointed As soon as possible after his election, and prior to the regular communication in January, the Worshipful Master-elect shall appoint a Chaplain, Tyler, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Director of Ceremonies, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Inner Guard, Director of Music, Historian, and a Director of Masonic Education. The installation of the Worshipful Masterelect, and the investiture of the other officers elected and appointed shall take place at the regular communication in January. No.8 - Installation of Officers The ceremony of Installation shall be arranged for and under the supervision of a committee composed of the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Master-elect (Chair), Senior and Junior Wardens-elect, and Secretary. No.9 - The Worshipful Master The powers and duties of the Worshipful Master are such as are stated in the Book of Constitutions, and such as he agreed to on his installation. No.10 - The Senior Warden It shall be the duty of the Senior Warden to assist the Worshipful Master in the discharge of his duties and to perform all those duties which ancient usage has assigned to his station. No.11 - The Junior Warden Beyond the regular duties which ancient usage has assigned to his station, the Junior Warden shall attend to the necessary arrangements for refreshments on all ordinary occasions, and shall, ex officio, be Chief of the Stewards. No.12 - The Treasurer (1) The Treasurer shall receive from the Secretary all the monies and securities of the lodge, and pay all accounts and orders, when within the approved budget or amended budget or approved by an open vote in lodge, and shall sign all cheques. (2) He shall keep the books, in which his accounts of receipts and disbursements shall be regularly entered, so as to exhibit the balance in his hands, and these books shall be open for the inspection of the members at every regular communication. (3) He shall perform such other duties appertaining to his office as the Worshipful Master of the lodge may from time to time direct, and at the expiration of his term of office he shall transfer all the property of the lodge in his possession to his successor. (4) He shall deposit all monies received to the credit of the lodge, as soon as possible after his receipt of the same, into a Victoria branch of an approved financial institution as recommended by the Financial Committee and as approved by open vote by a majority of the members in attendance. (5) He shall deliver, before the regular communication in February, to the Financial Review Officers for examination his books, vouchers, and statements so that they may be properly reviewed immediately after December 31 st of each year. (6) He shall present a statement of the finances of the lodge whenever required and shall submit a balance sheet, statement of receipts, and all expenditures for the preceding calendar year under their proper headings, duly reviewed, at the regular communication in February. (7) He shall prepare a budget for the next fiscal year and present it at the communication in October. (8) For the faithful and proper discharge of his duties, he shall have his dues remitted and receive such remuneration as the lodge may direct from time to time. 6
No.13 - The Secretary (1) The Secretary shall keep a faithful record of all proceedings of the lodge, proper to be written, in the regular minute book, in accordance with the form in the Book of Constitutions. The said minutes shall be confirmed at the next regular communication and signed by the Worshipful Master and Secretary. (2) The Secretary will act as the Lodge Privacy Officer. (3) He shall preserve in order, all written motions, papers, and documents relating to the affairs of the lodge. (4) He shall keep a correct register of the members, showing their names in full, their ages and occupations, the dates of their initiation, passing, and raising, of their joining, death or removal, and any other necessary or desirable information. (5) He shall keep a book showing the accounts of the members with the lodge, the account with the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, and any other lodges, institutions, or individuals with which the lodge may have business transactions. (6) He shall prepare and forward, immediately after the regular communication in February, duly signed by the Worshipful Master and under the seal of the lodge, all returns and statements required by Grand Lodge. (7) He shall sign all authorized certificates and affix the seal of the lodge thereto, issue all necessary notices and summonses for communications, notify all applicants for membership of the disposal of their applications, notify members of committees of their appointment and their duties, attend to the correspondence of the lodge, receive all monies paid by the members or others to the lodge, and pay the same at once to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. (8) He shall present, at each communication, to the Worshipful Master a statement of the business to be conducted. He shall perform all other duties as may be stated in the Book of Constitutions, or as the Worshipful Master or the lodge may from time to time direct, and at the expiration of his term of office he shall transfer all property of the lodge in his possession to his successor. (9) For the faithful and proper discharge of his duties, he shall have his dues remitted and receive such remuneration as the lodge may direct from time to time. No.14 - The Chaplain The duties of the Chaplain speak for themselves. It is most desirable to have in this office one with a deep sense of the sacredness to his duties and to have his punctual and regular attendance at the communications of the lodge. He shall also be chairman of the Outreach and Fellowship Committee, with power to add to his committee and report at each regular communication. No.15 - The Deacons The Deacons shall attend the Worshipful Master and the Wardens in the opening of the lodge at the appointed time and in all other ceremonies and duties as the Worshipful Master and Wardens may direct. No.16 - The Director of Ceremonies The Director of Ceremonies shall see that the lodge room is properly prepared, that everything necessary for the different ceremonies are in their proper place, that the brethren appear in lodge in the clothing prescribed in the Book of Constitutions and, to the best of ability, he shall see that every brother, whether at labour or refreshment, is stationed according to his rank. He shall have charge of all public processions of the lodge, and it shall be his duty to become proficient in the proper manner of conducting such processions. He shall perform such other duties appertaining to his office as may be directed by the Worshipful Master or the lodge may direct. 7
No.17 - The Stewards The Stewards shall prepare candidates for initiation, passing, and raising in accordance with the ancient customs of the craft. They shall have the ordering and arrangement of refreshments, under the direction of the Junior Warden, and shall perform such other duties appertaining to their office as the Worshipful Master or the lodge may direct. No.18 - The Director of Music The Director of Music contributes to the harmony of the lodge; ergo, a punctual and regular attendance is necessary. He shall take such part in the ceremonies as the Worshipful Master may direct. For the faithful and proper discharge of his duties, he shall have his dues remitted. No.19 - The Tyler (1) The Tyler shall punctually attend, and diligently guard, the exterior of the lodge. He shall see that all members, as well as visitors, register their names in the porch book for that purpose and ensure that they are properly clothed before they enter the lodge. If an examining committee is required, refer the request to the Worshipful Master or such brother as the Worshipful Master may have appointed to that duty. (2) He shall see to the safe and careful keeping of the jewels, furniture, banners, and all other property of the lodge. (3) He shall perform any duties appertaining to his office as the Worshipful Master, or any officer of the lodge whom the Worshipful Master may appoint, for that purpose, or the lodge, may direct. No.20 - The Historian The Historian shall preserve the archives and record the history of the lodge for the benefit of future generations; and, be prepared to present such history, when requested to do so, during the term of his office. No.21 - The Director of Masonic Education The Director of Masonic Education shall be prepared to provide an education program at every regular communication, unless otherwise directed by the Worshipful Master. No.22 - The Financial Review Officers The Financial Review Officers shall conduct a thorough examination of all books, statements, vouchers, securities, budget, and all other documents relating to the financial affairs of the lodge and report to the Lodge by the February Communication each year. No.23 - Application for Membership (1) Every candidate for initiation shall be recommended by two members of the lodge, in good standing, at a regular communication and on the form suggested by the Book of Constitutions. With such petition, the sum of one-half of the current lodge initiation fees shall be deposited with the Secretary (which sum, if the petition proves unfavorable, shall be returned to the applicant); and, should the applicant be accepted, the Worshipful Master shall refer the petition to a special committee for their consideration and report. On the receipt of a favourable report, a ballot shall be conducted. Members recommending the applicant shall be responsible for the fee, which must in all cases, be paid before initiation. (2) Every candidate for affiliation shall be recommended by two members of the lodge, in good standing, at a regular communication and on the form suggested by the Book of Constitutions. Should the applicant be accepted, the Worshipful Master shall refer the petition to a special committee for their consideration and report. On the receipt of a favourable report, a ballot shall be conducted. The affiliation fee shall be one-quarter of the annual dues. Additionally, the balance of the year s dues (pro-rated each month being one-twelfth of the current year s approved annual dues) shall accompany the application (which sum, should the ballot prove unfavorable, shall be returned to the applicant). Applications for affiliation must 8
be accompanied by a demit or certificate of standing from the lodge whence the applicant was last or is a member. No.24 - Fees and Dues (1) Every candidate before being initiated into this Lodge shall pay the remaining one-half of the initiation fee, which amount shall be full payment for the three degrees of ancient craft masonry, for the Grand Lodge certificate and registration, a copy of the by-laws, a white Lambskin apron, and a Master Mason apron. (2) Every Brother affiliating with this lodge, and before he can be fully admitted into membership, shall pay one-quarter of the affiliation fee which shall include his registration fee and entitle him to a copy of the Book of Constitutions and a copy of the by-laws. No.25 - Non-Payment of Dues (1) All members whose dues are in arrears shall be dealt with in accordance with the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. (2) Should any brother become responsible for the dues of a delinquent member, he shall state so to the Secretary in writing and the amount of the dues of the delinquent member shall be charged to him on the books of the lodge. No.26 - Re-Admission of Members (1) No member who has demitted shall be re-admitted to membership without conforming to all the regulations prescribed for affiliation. (2) The restoration of members suspended for non-payment of dues shall be as provided for in the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. (3) Any member who has been suspended for a definite period shall be restored to membership without ballot at the expiration of the period defined in his sentence. No.27 - Visitors No visitors shall be admitted to the lodge, unless he is personally vouched for, or after due examination as prescribed by the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. No.28 - Finance Committee (1) The Finance Committee consists of the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary and Treasurer. (2) The committee shall superintend the financial interests of the lodge, and all accounts shall be referred to it for investigation and report. (3) The committee shall meet at least once annually. Three members shall constitute a quorum. The proceeding of each meeting shall be entered by the Secretary of the lodge in the minute book of the committee. At the next regular communication of the lodge, the minutes shall be submitted for approbation, and signed by the Worshipful Master. (4) The annual budget shall constitute the authority for the authorized lodge officers to make commitments and approve expenditures for payment. Expenditures not included in or exceeding the annual budget shall be approved in open lodge. (5) Financial records shall be kept for the current year and preceding six years. After which, records shall be destroyed following approval at a regular communication. Records to be destroyed are: bank statements, cancelled cheques, and invoices. (6) Any member may, upon request, review the annual budget, commitments and expenditures documents, and supporting invoices. No.29 - Disposal of Funds and Property (1) All books, paper, furniture, jewels, paraphernalia, securities or other property of the lodge shall not be sold without notice of such intention being given to every member of the lodge, and then only by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at the communication called for such purpose. 9
lodge. death. (2) A Past Master jewel is held in trust by the recipient, yet remains the property of the Past Master jewels are to be returned to the lodge upon suspension, expulsion, or No.30 - Signing the By-laws Every brother, on becoming a member, or on his joining the lodge, must sign these by-laws as a declaration of his submission to them, and thereupon he shall be presented with a copy. No. 31 - Alteration of the By-laws No alteration or amendment shall be made to the by-laws, except at a regular communication of the lodge, and then only provided when one month s notice of motion has been given in writing stating the proposed changes, and all members have been given written notice thereof by the Secretary. Any proposed alteration or amendment shall become law when confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the members present, and approved by the Grand Master. No.32 - Infraction of the By-laws For the infraction of any of these by-laws, when not otherwise herein provided for, the offending member shall be liable, by a two-thirds vote of the lodge, after being duly summoned, to such punishment as the members then present shall deem fit and expedient, and as is agreeable with the constitutions, landmarks, and principles of the craft. No.33 - Order of Procedure To secure regularity in the proceedings of the lodge, the following order of procedure is recommended for regular communications, viz:- 1. Reception of visitors. 2. Reading and confirming minutes. 3. Reading and disposing of correspondence. 4. Accounts and bills. 5. Outreach and fellowship. 6. Reports of Finance Committee. 7. Reports of committees. 8. General business, motions, elections, and unfinished business. 9. Presentations of petitions for initiation and affiliation. 10. Reports of committees on petitions. 11. Balloting for candidates. 12. Conferring degrees. 13. Education. 14. Good and welfare. * * * * * The within is a true copy of the revised by-laws of Camosun Lodge, A.F.& A.M. No. 60, Grand Registry of British Columbia and Yukon, in which is contained all the amendments, alterations, and additions which have been adopted by the Lodge. Revised, amended, read in open lodge and approved for reprinting this xxth day of month, year. All previous by-laws are hereby revoked. WORSHIPFUL BROTHER STEVEN ACKROYD Worshipful Master WORSHIPFUL BROTHER RICK CAWSEY Secretary WORSHIPFUL BROTHER LAURENCE JOHNSON Chair, By-laws Committee Approved and certified at the office of the Grand Secretary, 1495 West 8 th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, this xxth day of month, year. MOST WORSHIPFUL BROTHER DONALD E. STUTT Grand Master RIGHT WORSHIPFUL BROTHER GEORGE MOORE Grand Secretary 10