Landmarks, Constitutions, and the Grand Lodge

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Vocabulary · 6

Ancient Landmark: A peculiar mark of identification of the Fraternity which is so universal and so unchangeable that the consent of no body of Masons can alter it. The Landmarks are the unwritten constitutions of Masonry.
Grand Lodge: The supreme governing body of Masonry within a defined geographical jurisdiction, composed of its officers and the representatives of its constituent Lodges. Its authority over the Craft within that jurisdiction is final.
Constitution: The written fundamental law of a Grand Lodge, defining its officers, its powers, and the rights and duties of its constituent Lodges and members.
By-laws: The local laws of a constituent Lodge, subordinate to the Constitution and Code of its Grand Lodge and effective only with that Grand Lodge's approval.
Code: The compiled body of regulations and edicts of a Grand Lodge, supplementing the Constitution and governing day-to-day Masonic practice in the jurisdiction.
Exclusive Jurisdiction: The principle that within a defined territory only one Grand Lodge is recognized as the legitimate Masonic authority. This is a foundational element of mutual recognition between Grand Lodges.

Practice questions · 4

Which body holds supreme Masonic authority within a defined geographical jurisdiction?
- a. A constituent Lodge
- b. The Grand Lodge ✓
- c. The local Masonic district
- d. The Grand Master alone
According to Mackey, what may no body of Masons alter?
- a. The published bylaws of a Lodge
- b. The Ancient Landmarks ✓
- c. The Grand Lodge edicts of past years
- d. The order of business in open Lodge
What is the relationship of a Lodge's by-laws to the Grand Lodge Constitution?
- a. By-laws supersede the Constitution within the Lodge
- b. By-laws are independent of Grand Lodge approval
- c. By-laws are subordinate to the Constitution and effective only with Grand Lodge approval ✓
- d. By-laws apply only to Past Masters of the Lodge
The principle of exclusive jurisdiction holds that:
- a. Each Lodge has its own jurisdiction over its town
- b. Only one Grand Lodge is recognized within a given territory ✓
- c. Past Masters retain jurisdiction over their former Lodges
- d. Grand Masters share jurisdiction across state lines