Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodge

Vocabulary · 6

Grand Lodge

The sovereign Masonic body of a defined territory: almost always, in the United States, one per state. The Grand Lodge alone may grant charters, make law for the Craft within its borders, recognize other Grand Lodges, and discipline its constituent Lodges.

Subordinate Lodge

A particular Craft Lodge holding a charter from its Grand Lodge. Subordinate Lodges open, confer degrees, and conduct local business, all within the framework set by the Grand Lodge to which they are subordinate.

Jurisdiction (territorial)

The published principle that one (and only one) Grand Lodge governs the Craft within a given political territory. Pound calls this the "American doctrine of exclusive territorial jurisdiction"; it is the rule under which U.S. Grand Lodges recognize each other.

Recognition

The published act by which one Grand Lodge acknowledges another as regular and lawful, opening the way for their members to visit and intervisit. Recognition is granted, withheld, or withdrawn by published resolution of Grand Lodge.

Grand Master

The elected presiding officer of the Grand Lodge. Within his jurisdiction the Grand Master holds extraordinary published powers: to convene any Lodge, to arrest a charter, to make Masons at sight in some jurisdictions, to issue edicts of law during recess.

Annual Communication

The published yearly meeting of the Grand Lodge: every chartered Lodge represented, every grand officer elected or re-elected, every change to the Code voted. The Annual Communication is the legislative body of the Craft for the year.

Practice questions · 5

1. In the United States, how many Grand Lodges typically govern Craft Masonry in a state?

   • a. One per state (exclusive jurisdiction) ✓
   • b. Several, by region
   • c. One per major city
   • d. None; Lodges are independent

2. What does the published "American doctrine of exclusive territorial jurisdiction" mean?

   • a. Only U.S. Grand Lodges are regular
   • b. One (and only one) Grand Lodge governs the Craft within a given political territory ✓
   • c. American Lodges may not visit foreign Lodges
   • d. The Grand Master rules without an Annual Communication

3. What is recognition between Grand Lodges?

   • a. A treaty of mutual defense
   • b. The published act by which one Grand Lodge acknowledges another as regular, allowing intervisitation ✓
   • c. A roster of dues-paying members
   • d. A petition by a candidate

4. Which is an extraordinary published power of a Grand Master?

   • a. To collect dues directly from members
   • b. To arrest a charter and suspend a chartered Lodge ✓
   • c. To overrule the Volume of the Sacred Law
   • d. To name his own successor without election

5. What is the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge?

   • a. A monthly newsletter to the Lodges
   • b. The yearly published meeting where every Lodge is represented and the Code is amended ✓
   • c. A private dinner of Past Grand Masters
   • d. A degree conferral held once a year