Lodge France
BY-LAWS
PRESENTED TO
BRO
/ /20xx
By-Laws define the specific rules by which an enterprise, organization, society or any other legally constituted
group operates. The By-Laws are an extension of the legal framework under which the the enterprise,
organization or society was constituted, but must not be contrary to any specific section of that legal framework.
The legal framework under which these By-Laws have been framed are:
The Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth of Australia
The Laws of the State of New South Wales
The Constitution and Regulations of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital
Territory.
These By-Laws conform to the above requirements
Lodge France No. 1021
By-Laws
CONTENTS
1.
Designation ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.
Time,Place and Content of Meetings ........................................................................................................................................ 4
3.
Language adopted in Meetings .................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.
Lodge France Jewel and Banner ................................................................................................................................................. 5
5.
Election and Installation of Officers .......................................................................................................................................... 5
6.
Minutes ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
7.
Fees and Dues ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
8.
Arrears of Dues .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
9.
Treasurer’s Duties ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
10.
Investment of Funds .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
11.
Audit Committee ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
12.
Nominations Committee ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
13.
Management Committee ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
14.
Membership........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
15.
Fraternal Correspondents ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
16.
Lodge Historian ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
17.
Acceptance of New Members................................................................................................................................................ 9
18.
Relief .................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
19.
Notices of Motion ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
20.
Rules of Discussion............................................................................................................................................................... 10
21.
Tyler ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
22.
Changes of Residence or Communications Details .............................................................................................................. 10
23.
Real Estate and Lodge Trustees ........................................................................................................................................... 11
24.
Non-Profit Status ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
25.
Dissolution ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
26.
Alteration of By-Laws ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
27.
Declaration of Adherence .................................................................................................................................................... 12
28.
Opening of a Lodge France General Meeting ..................................................................................................................... 13
. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
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29.
Closing a Lodge France General Meeting ............................................................................................................................ 17
30.
Opening of a Lodge France Agape Meeting . ...................................................................................................................... 18
i.
The Masonic Toasts........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
ii.
1st Toast ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
iii.
2nd Toast (Only proposed if the GM or a Representative is present) .................................................................. 19
iv.
3rd Toast ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
v.
Discussions of the Evening.......................................................................................................................................................... 22
31.
Closing a Lodge France Agape Meeting ............................................................................................................................... 22
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1. DESIGNATION
1.1
This Lodge shall be known as Lodge France, No. 1021 on the register of The United Grand
Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
2. TIME,PLACE AND CONTENT OF MEETINGS
2.1
The Lodge shall hold eleven [11] meetings each year. The meetings in February, May, August
and November shall be designated Ritual Meetings for the conduct of degree work and the
remainder of the meetings as General Meetings for the conduct of Lodge business and
discussions on matters Masonic.
2.2
Every Lodge meeting shall be followed by Agape.
2.3
The Worshipful Master may elect that any General Meeting may be declared a Ritual Meeting
and defined as such on the Notice Paper that must be issued as per section 2.10.
2.4
Every Meeting will conduct Lodge business. Any Lodge business conducted at a General
meeting must be ratified at the next Ritual meeting of the Lodge.
2.5
Ritual meetings of the Lodge shall be held at The Sydney Masonic Centre, Castlereagh Street,
Sydney on the third Monday of the designated month, at 6.30 pm or such other time as the
Worshipful Master may direct and shall be opened in proscribed Masonic manner for Regular
Meetings.
2.6
General Meetings shall be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre or at any other private location,
not open to the public, , but not in a tyled Lodge Room, as the Worshipful Master may
determine, provided at least seven [7] days notice is given to Brethren of any change in venue.
Regalia shall NOT be worn at General Meetings.
2.7
General Meetings will be conducted in a formal manner as set out in Appendix A.
2.8
The Worshipful Master shall, each year, nominate a symbolic theme and all planches delivered
during that year should relate to that theme.
2.9
The Lodge will conduct Emergency Ritual meetings with appropriate issue of a summons to
members when the load of ritual work cannot be contained in the four standard or seven
General meetings decreed as Ritual Meetings by the Worshipful Master.
2.10
Summonses for each meeting of the Lodge shall be issued at least seven clear days before the
day of the meeting. Summonses may be issued by email.
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3. LANGUAGE ADOPTED IN MEETINGS
3.1
At the discretion of the Worshipful Master, this Lodge may conduct all or part of the Ceremonial
of the Lodge in the French Language, notice of which shall appear on the Notice Paper.
The Ritual then used will be a direct French translation of that adopted by the United Grand
Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territories.
3.2
Lectures may also be delivered in the French language provided that a summary in English,
previously reviewed by the Management Committee, is available for the attendees at the
meeting.
3.3
When necessary, visitors may be examined and vouched for in the French language. A Masonic
document and/or Certificate from a Grand Lodge recognized by the United Grand Lodge of
N.S.W. and the A.C.T. should be presented.
4. LODGE FRANCE JEWEL AND BANNER
4.1
A breast Jewel representing the logo of the Lodge or the same Jewel on a blue/white/red
ribbon should be worn by every member during any Lodge meeting. Collarettes that are not
approved by the Board of Management are not permitted.
4.2
During meetings, the banner with the logo of the Lodge should be exhibited.
5. ELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
5.1
The Worshipful Master and Officers shall be elected at the regular meeting in May each year for
an office term commencing with their installation and investiture at the regular August meeting
and ending with the installation of their successors.
5.2
The Worshipful Master shall be installed and the Officers invested at August meeting unless
there has been no change in the Officers of the Lodge, in which case an Installation and
Investiture will be carried out each second year.
6. MINUTES
6.1
The Minutes of the Lodge shall be reviewed by the Senior Warden and he shall testify as to their
correctness and, if satisfied, move that they be adopted..
6.2
The Secretary shall display the minutes of the previous meeting for any member to review prior
to the opening of the Lodge.
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7. FEES AND DUES
7.1
The Fees and Dues payable to the Lodge shall be those fixed from time to time by the Lodge in
accordance with Regulation 14.3 Book of Constitutions (B of C) and approved by the Board of
Management.
7.2
Lodge Dues shall be set on a yearly basis and levied in two tranches payable on the first day of
July and January.
7.3
The Lodge Dues shall have a separate component for Grand Lodge Capitation charges to recover
from each member, those charges levied by Grand Lodge against that member. This separate
component will include any voluntary contributions for the Grand Charity and will be levied in
July.
7.4
The Worshipful Master may grant partial or total relief from Fees and Dues when so requested
by a Member.
7.5
The Worshipful Master may recognize valuable service to the Lodge by exempting a Brother
from payment of all Lodge dues apart from charges levied by Grand Lodge. Once granted
exemption, the exemption will continue whilst the Brother remains a member of the Lodge. No
more than two Brethren may hold this exemption at any one time.
7.6
A resolution fixing Fees and Dues does not need to be confirmed at a subsequent meeting of the
Lodge.
8. ARREARS OF DUES
8.1
Lodge Dues shall be deemed to include all UGL Charges, Lodge Dues and other charges incurred
by a Member.
8.2
All arrears of Dues shall be paid by the end of June each year.
8.3
Any member whose dues are six months or more in arrears shall be disqualified from being
elected to any office in the Lodge, or from voting in any election of officers
8.4
Any member whose dues are twelve months or more in arrears may be excluded in accordance
with Section 11.2.8 (B of C) and Regulation 11.2.8.
9. TREASURER’S DUTIES
9.1
The financial year shall start on July 1 of one year and end on June 30 of the following year.
9.2
At the regular meeting in the month of November, the Treasurer shall present a balance sheet
and profit and loss statement for the preceeding financial year signed by the Worshipful Master
for the preceeding year, the Treasurer for the preceeding year and the Audit Committee for the
preceeding year.
9.3
The statement shall include the value of the property of the Lodge, and all outstanding liabilities
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and assets as at the balancing date.
9.4
A printed copy of such statements shall be sent to each member and to the Grand Secretary with
the summons for such meeting.
9.5
The funds of the Lodge shall be deposited in such Financial Institution as the members may
decide, in the name of the Lodge or its Trustees, and all cheques shall be signed by any two of
the following: (a) Worshipful Master; (b) Secretary; (c) Treasurer; (d) Immediate` Past Master.
Internet banking is permitted.
9.6
All payments from the funds of the Lodge shall be presented to and approved by the
Worshipful Master.
9.7
At the May meeting, the Treasurer shall present the Lodge with a budget for the ensuing year
for approval.
10.
INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
10.1
Surplus funds of the Lodge may be invested in any manner provided or permitted by the
Trustee Act, 1925, as amended, or in the purchase of any shares of or deposit with any
prescribed building society or other institution, corporation, society or body as the Lodge shall
by resolution approve from time to time.
10.2
Such funds shall be invested in the joint names of the Worshipful Master, the Secretary and
Treasurer and shall be held in trust for the Lodge.
10.3
The Worshipful Master shall, if necessary, appoint the persons to be recorded as the
shareholders, depositors or investors of any such invested funds.
10.4
Where the Lodge has appointed Trustees under By-Law 22, By-Laws 10.2 and 10.3 shall not
apply.
11.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
11.1
The Audit Committee shall consist of two members, not being the Worshipful Master, Wardens,
Secretary or Treasurer, but may be a Registered Company Auditor, who need not be a member
of the Lodge or a Freemason, who shall be elected at the regular meeting in the month of May
and who shall audit the accounts for the financial year commencing on the following 1st July.
11.2
They shall have the power to examine all records, vouchers, books, securities and the furniture
and jewels of the Lodge, and shall report upon the same to the Lodge at least once in every year
when the Annual Statement of Accounts is presented.
11.3
The Lodge may fill any casual vacancy on the Audit Committee at the next or any subsequent
regular meeting.
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12.
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
12.1
The Worshipful Master, Past Masters, Secretary, Wardens and Deacons shall form the
Nominations Committee to inquire into the moral and general character, home life, health and
financial fitness of all candidates.
12.2
Four members being present shall form a quorum.
12.3
The Committee shall report to the Lodge at the next regular meeting upon any business it may
have had before it for consideration.
13.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
13.1
The Lodge Management Committee shall consist of the Worshipful Master, Wardens and
Secretary with other Officers to participate. The Worshipful Master may invite any other
members of the Lodge and Brethren from other Lodges to attend the meeting.
13.2
The Management Committee shall meet on the nights of a General Meetings, or at any other
time or place as determined by the Worshipful Master.
13.3
Four Members of the Committee shall form a quorum.
14.
MEMBERSHIP
14.1
The Lodge shall consist of Regular members and Honorary Members.
14.2
No new Honorary Member may be appointed if the number of Honorary Members exceeds
two.
14.3
Regular Members are those Members who are initiated or affiliated into the Lodge and have not
been accorded Honorary Membership status
14.4
Regular Members who absent themselves from more than two Lodge meetings without prior
apology must be advised personally that if a third meeting is missed without apology, they
shall be deemed to have submitted a resignation and will be removed from the Membership
register. If the Member after having missed two or more meetings is not advised, then no
action shall be taken until he has missed a further meeting after having been so advised.
They may apply to be re-admitted to the Lodge.
14.5
HonoraryMembers may elect to become Regular Members.
14.6
Honorary Members are not entitled to take office in the Lodge.
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15.
FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENTS
15.1
The Lodge shall recognize Brethren with whom it has a special fraternal relationship and
shall designate then Fraternal Correspondents.
15.2
Fraternal Correspondents status may be granted to a Regular Member of the Lodge who
applies for to become a Fraternal Correspondent and who has moved over 150 kilometres
away from Sydney and is consequently able to show that he is unable to attend Lodge
meetings on a regular basis.
15.3
Fraternal Correspondents must pay Lodge Dues to cover the cost of administration associated
with their special status as set out in the approved budget.
15.4
Fraternal Correspondents may elect not to be registered on the records of the United Grand
Lodge as long as they remain a members of a Lodge in a jurisdiction in harmony with our
Grand Lodge.
15.5
Fraternal Correspondents may elect to become Regular Members.
15.6
Fraternal Correspondents are not entitled to vote or take office in the Lodge.
16.
LODGE HISTORIAN
16.1
The Worshipful Master may appoint a Lodge Historian for his term of office. If no Historian is
appointed, the Lodge Secretary shall act in this capacity.
16.2
The Historian shall maintain a record of the Master’s term in the following format:
Section 1–Worshipful Master and Officers with photos if available
Section 2-Details of Candidates and Affiliates with photos if available
Section 3 - Notable events with photos if available.
Section 4 – Planches delivered throughout the year.
16.3
The Historian shall provide the record of the term to the Secretary who shall:
- Submit to the Worshipful Master for approval;
- After approval by the Worshipul Master, add to the previous term’s record and write to a
removable form of electronic recording to be stored in the Lodge’s storage area at Castlereagh
Street;
- Deposit a second copy in electronic form with the Grand Archivist.
17.
ACCEPTANCE OF NEW MEMBERS
17.1
In all cases where a ballot is called for and taken for the acceptance of an Applicant for Initiation
or for the admission of an Affiliating Member two black balls shall reject. The candidate/s so
rejected shall not be proposed again until six months shall have elapsed.
17.2
All Initiates and Brethren seeking advancement are required to deliver a Planche that conforms
to the Worshipful Master’s theme as set out in section 2.8.
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18.
RELIEF
18.1
At all meetings of the Lodge, a Tronc de la Veuve [Alms Box] collection will be made for Lodge
charitable works .
18.2
All applications for relief from the Tronc de la Veuve Fund shall be dealt with in open Lodge, but
no sum exceeding $500 shall be voted without notice being given.
18.3
The Worshipful Master may authorize up to $250 to be paid from the Tronc de la Veuve Fund to
a Brother in need without prior reference to the Lodge.
19.
19.1
NOTICES OF MOTION
All Notices of Motion shall be in writing, and delivered to the Secretary at least fourteen days
before the Regular Lodge Meeting and appear on the Summons.
20.
RULES OF DISCUSSION
20.1
Every Brother (including a visiting Brother) who desires to speak shall clap and raise his left
hand. If granted permission to speak, he shall stand, addressing himself to the Worshipful
Master. He shall not be interrupted unless out of order. Any Brother wishing to reply must wait
until the last speaker shall have resumed his seat.
20.2
No Brother shall speak twice on the same question except in explanation, or the mover in reply.
21.
TYLER
21.1
The Tyler shall prepare the Lodge at every meeting in sufficient time for the Worshipful Master
to open at the appointed hour.
21.2
The presence book and banquet attendance book shall be under his control .
21.3
The Tyler shall not leave his duties during Lodge hours, without seeking replacement..
21.4
In the absence of the Tyler, the Senior Warden shall arrange for a Brother to perform his
duties.
22.
22.1
CHANGES OF RESIDENCE OR COMMUNICATIONS DETAILS
Every member shall promptly notify his change of address , phone number or email address to
the Secretary in writing or by email.
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23.
23.1
REAL ESTATE AND LODGE TRUSTEES
The real estate and personal property of the Lodge (subject to the provisions relating to
furniture and jewels contained in Section 14.12 (B of C) hereinafter referred to as “the Trust
property” may be vested, by resolution of the Lodge, in either:
three (3) personal Trustees elected by the Lodge,
or
the Corporate Trustee created under Section 14.15 (B of C)
23.2
Each personal Trustee shall hold office for life, unless he shall retire, or resign or be displaced by
resolution of the Lodge. The Corporate Trustee may be displaced by resolution of the Lodge.
23.3
Where one or more of the Trustees ceases to be a Trustee, a new Trustee or Trustees shall be
elected by the Lodge. The Worshipful Master for the time being of the Lodge shall be the
person who shall execute any Deed of Appointment of new Trustee or Trustees.
23.4
Terms and Conditions of Trust:
The Trustees shall hold the Trust property of the Lodge upon trust for the benefit of the Lodge
until sold or otherwise dealt with.
The Lodge shall pay or provide for all payments required in respect of the rates, taxes, repairs,
painting, maintenance and other renewals and outgoings of all kinds in respect of the Trust
property and shall indemnify the Trustee/s in respect thereof.
The said Trust property shall be insured in the names of the Trustees with an insurance
company approved by the Lodge against all risks as the Lodge shall by resolution direct and for
such sum as the Lodge may nominate.
The Trustees shall not be required to pay the insurance premiums or any outgoings of the said
Trust property. If the Trustees shall in their discretion, make any such payments, they shall give
notice thereof to the Lodge and shall forthwith be reimbursed by the Lodge.
Subject as aforesaid, the Trustees shall, as far as practicable in any dealing with the Trust
property, act in accordance with any resolution or direction of the Lodge of which they have
notice.
24.
NON-PROFIT STATUS
24.1
The property and income of the Lodge shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the
objects of the Lodge and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by
way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of profit to the members of the Lodge.
24.2
Nothing herein shall prevent the payment in good faith of remuneration or expenses incurred to
any member of the Lodge for any services rendered to the Lodge
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25.
DISSOLUTION
25.1
The Lodge shall not be dissolved except at a meeting specially convened for that purpose and in
accordance with the provisions of the Book of Constitutions.
25.2
Upon the dissolution of the Lodge any property remaining after the satisfaction of all its debts
and liabilities shall be transferred to the Grand Lodge as provided in Section 12.10 (B of C).
26.
ALTERATION OF BY-LAWS
26.1
Notice of Motion to add to or alter these By-Laws shall be delivered to the Secretary in
accordance with By-Law 18.
26.2
Particulars of the proposed additions or alterations shall be inserted in the summons for the
next regular meeting, or for a meeting specially called to consider the same.
26.3
Additions or alterations to these By-Laws shall only be valid and effective when:
1] the Notice of Motion is duly passed at such meeting by a majority of the members present,
and
2] the Motion has been submitted to and approved by the Board of Management.
27.
27.1
DECLARATION OF ADHER ENCE
Every Brother on subscribing his name to these By-Laws, solemnly pledges himself to submit to
them. He also acknowledges the supremacy of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and
the Australian Capital Territory and agrees to abide by the Constitution, Established Customs
and Ancient Landmarks of the Order as promulgated by the Grand Lodge.
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28.
OPENING OF A LODGE FRANCE GENERAL MEETING
.
D of C
Mes Frères, please assemble around the
table.
WM gavels:
SW gavels*:
JW gavels*
D.C.
The 1er Surveillant will sit on the left facing the VM
and the 2éme Surveillant on the right.
WM:
Mes Frères, has every Brother signed the
attendance book? Any Brother who has not
done so must do so now before we proceed.
Frère 2éme Surveillant, what is the hour?
JW:
It is the twelfth hour, VM.
WM:
To Order, mes frères. Unite with me in this
General Meeting of Lodge France
All:
Adopt S of F.
WM:
To the Glory of the Great Architect of the
Universe and by virtue of the power which I
have received, I open the labour of this
Lodge France General Meeting.
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WM gavels*:
SW gavels*:
JW gavels*..
WM:
Unite with me, mes frères.
WM:
Mes Frères, à la Gloire du Grand
Architecte de l’Univers, je déclare la Loge
normalement ouverte et dédiée à la
Franc-maçonnerie
ALL:
Ainsi soit-il!
WM:
Be seated Mes Frères.
WM:
Frère Secrétaire, May we have the
minutes of the previous meeting?
Secretary:
Venerable Maître, the minutes of the
previous meeting having been circulated
to members by email and tabled tonight
prior to the opening of this Table Lodge
and all amendments noted, I move that
they be accepted as a true and correct
record of that meeting’s proceedings.
SW:
VM, I second the motion.
WM:
Mes Frères, you have heard the motion
that the minutes be accepted as a true
and correct record of our previous
meeting’s proceedings. I shall ask all
those in favour to signify in the usual
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Masonic manner.
WM gavels*:
Any against? Carried.
They shall now be ratified at the next
Ritual Meeting of the Lodge.
The Brethren, having accepted the motion, the WM will initial as
confirmation that he can sign at the next ritual meeting..
WM:
Frère Secrétaire, is there any business
arising from the minutes?
The Secretary will then introduce with any business arising from
the minutes
WM:
Frère Secrétaire, will you please read the
correspondence.
The Secretary will read appropriate correspondence and note any
actions required.
WM:
Mes Frères, you have heard the
correspondence. I will thank some
brother to move and another to second
that the correspondence as read be
received and all matters contained
therein dealt with.
SW:
VM. I move accordingly
JW:
VM, I second the motion.
WM
Mes Frères, you have heard the motion. I
will thank all those in favour to signify in
the usual Masonic manner. Any against?
Carried.
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This will be ratified by reference to the
minutes of this meeting at our next Ritual
Meeting.
WM:
Frère Trésorier, may we please have the
Financial Report?
The Treasurer presents the financial report & any accounts for
payment.
SW:
VM, I move that the financial report be
received.
JW
VM, I second the motion.
WM:
Mes Frères, you have heard the motion. I
will thank all those in favour to signify in
the usual Masonic manner.
WM gavels*:
Any against? Carried
This Financial Report will be ratified at
the next Ritual Meeting of the Lodge.
WM
Frère Secrétaire, is there any further
business?
Secretary
The Secretary will then introduce any
further business on the Notice Paper
WM
Mes Frères, Does any Brother have
anything to propose concerning the
lodge before the closing of the labour
Brethren
Brethren may rise and make comment
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29.
CLOSING A LODGE FRANCE GENERAL MEETING
WMgavels*:
SW gavels:
JW gavels:
WM:
Frère 2ème Surveillant, what is the hour?
JW:
It is low twelve, Venerable Maître
WM gavels*:
To order mes frères. Unite with me.
All
Adopt the S of F.
WM:
Assist me to close this Lodge France
General Meeting:
All
Adopt the S of F.
WM:
To the glory of the Great Architect of the
Universe and by virtue of the power
which I have received, I close the labours
of this Lodge France General Meeting.
WM gavels
SW gavels:
JW gavels:
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And closed it is accordingly until the
third Monday in xxxxxx, emergencies
excepted, of which all Brethren will have
due and timely notice.
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30.
OPENING OF A LODGE FRANCE AGAPE MEETING .
When the Brethren are all in place and there is silence
WM gavels:
SW gavels*:
JW gavels*
WM:
To Order, mes frères. Unite with me in this
Agape Meeting of Lodge France
All:
Adopt S of F.
The Worshipful Master gives the following prayer.
WM:
Great Architect of the Universe, You who
provides for the needs of Your creatures. We
receive this nourishment from Your hands
with gratitude. Through this fraternal meal
let us remain united as one family and let us,
in holy joy and unending friendship,
celebrate Your glory and our happiness with
this joyful union.
ALL:
Ainsi soit-il!
I.
THE MASONIC TOASTS
The following toasts will be proposed by the Worshipful Master
immediately following the opening.
WM:
Mes Frères, I invite you to join with me in
the three Masonic toasts.
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The brethren stand and are silent, leaving their glasses on the
table.
II.
WM:
1ST TOAST
Her Majesty, the Queen of Australia **
or
The Queen
**The Board has been advised that as UGL is a private organization, the two approved
forms of the loyal toast ‘Her Majesty, Queen of Australia’ and ‘The Queen and People of
Australia’ may be replaced by “The Queen”. The Grand Master has asked that for
uniformity, the latter form should be used if agrred to by Lodge.
The Brethren raise their glasses, drink the toast and replace
glasses on the table without comment.
III.
WM:
2ND TOAST (ONLY PROPOSED IF THE GM OR A REPRESENTATIVE IS
PRESENT)
This toast is to our Most Worshipful Grand
Master.
The Brethren raise their glasses, drink the toast and replace
glasses on the table without comment. There is no response to the
toast, unless there is present one of the Grand Dignitaries
referred to in this toast.
WM:
Let us celebrate this toast by the Grand
Master’s honours – feint one, twenty one,
last time, hand and foot don’t forget the feint
The Brethren are led in the ‘honours’ by the Director of
Ceremonies.
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IV.
WM:
3RD TOAST
This toast is to our visiting brethren present
at this meeting and to the lodges to which
they belong; to brethren travelling on land,
on sea or in the air, [to our newly
initiated/passed/raised Brother xxxx] and
principally to those who are travelling for
the good and prosperity of the Craft; and to
those who are sick, in pain or adversity. Let
us celebrate this toast by triple fire with all
the honours of Freemasonry
Brethren being honoured in the toasts remain seated and do not
drink.
The Triple Fire is given as follows:
WM
Take your arms in your right hand!
Brethren
Place their right hand on the canon (glass)
without moving it from the table.
WM
Presenter Arme!
Brethren
The arm holding the glass is raised to the
level of the chin, with the arm held out.
WM
En Joue!
Brethren
Bring the canon (glass) to the mouth.
WM
Feu!
Brethren
Drink and carry the canon (glass) forwards
again.
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WM
Grand Feu!
Brethren
Drink and carry the canon forwards again.
WM
Parfait Feu!
Brethren
Drink, empty glass and carry canon forwards
again.
The Brethren then trace a square with the
canon by carrying it against the left shoulder,
then the right shoulder and then forwards
again, repeated three times.
WM counts
1,2,3.
Brethren
On the 3rd count, the Brethren bring the
canons to the table in unison
Brethren
Clap the hands three times three and then the
word VIVAT is exclaimed without any hand
movement
WM
Mes Frères, I now declare this Agape
Meeting of Lodge France has ceased labour
and refreshments may now be served.
WM
Mes Frères, Dinner will now be served.
During dinner, we shall commence our
discussions for the evening. I remind you
that there is 3 minute limit on speeches and
they should be directed to the subject
matter on the table.
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V.
DISCUSSIONS OF THE EVENING
The WM will introduce the subjects for discussion
31.
CLOSING A LODGE FRANCE AGAPE MEETING
WMgavels*:
SW gavels:
JW gavels:
WM:
Mes Frères, will you please stand for Le
Tronc de la Veuve.
Frère 1er. Trésorier, will you please carry
the collection bag around the table so that
our Brethren may deposit or collect
according to their will and afterwards, will
you please account for it at our next
meeting.
The Treasurer will then perambulate around the Table with the
Collection Bag.
WM:
Frère 2ème Surveillant, what is the hour?
JW:
It is low twelve, Venerable Maître
WM gavels*:
To order my brethren. Unite with me.
All
Adopt the S of F.
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WM:
Supreme Architect of the Universe, we give
You thanks for Your kindnesses, and in
particular for the nourishment which
providence has just granted us. Bless our
efforts to assist the needy, who we
commend to Your paternal goodness .
We pray You to patronise our labours, that
they may bear fruit to Your greater glory
and for our prosperity.
All:
So mote it be!
WM-Taking his
gavel in his right
hand:
To the glory of the Great Architect of the
Universe and by virtue of the power which I
have received, I close the labour of this
Lodge France Agape meeting.
WMgavels*:
WM:
What is now the hour?
JW:
It is XXXX o'clock, VM.
WM:
Frère 2ème Surveillant, you will render our
parting words to the Brethren
JW:
Mes Frères, see your glasses charged for our
parting toast:
“Are your glasses all charged in the West and
South?”The Worshipful Master cries,
“All Charged in the West” “all Charged in the
South”
were the Wardens prompt replies,
“Then with our parting toast tonight, your glasses fairly
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drain”
[All Brethren] “Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, Happy
to Meet again”.
The Mason feels the noble truth that the Scottish peasant
told,
That Rank is but a Guinea stamp, the man himself the
Gold.
With us the rich and poor unite and equal rights
maintain,
[All Brethren]
“Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, Happy
to Meet again”.
Dear Brethren of the Mystic tie, the night is waning fast,
our work is done, our feasting oer, this toast must be our
last, again and again once more, repeat that farewell
strain,
[All Brethren] “Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part, Happy
to Meet again”.
[All Brethren]
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The Worshipful Master hand the gavels and banquet protocol to the
brethren assigned to look after the lodge chattels and all gather for
the Chain of Union.
Brethren, I invite you to unite our hands to create The Union Chain.
This circle is a symbol of Eternity that has neither a beginning nor
an end.
Brethren, may the force and our Perseverance mark our
contribution to work so that this Masonic Lodge is perpetuated from
generation to generation and, having been received tonight in our
chain of brotherly Love, may you not leave this Honorable ring until
time shall be no more.
Great Architect of the Universe, make us Artisans of Peace.
We now take a moment of silence to remember our absent Brethren.
Brethren, we are now taking leave of one another – but we are not
breaking this Union Chain.
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