Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire

Amalgamation of a Lodge / Chapter

LODGE CLOSURE CHECK SHEET

            Once a firm decision has been taken and a suitable timetable agreed for the Notice of Motion and Resolution to be made, the appointed Lodge Closing Committee should start on the following check sheet:-

  • Ensure that all outstanding debts are paid, all dues settled and the accounts brought up to date, audited and closed.
  • Ensure that the Lodge record books are similarly brought up to date and completed.
  • In agreement with the Brethren, provision must be made for the disposal of all surplus funds to charity, or as otherwise decided by the Brethren. [Note: It is suggested that joining fees to new Lodges be paid by the closing Lodge, if the non-charity funds permit. Surplus charity funds must, of course, go to charity or to the receiving Lodge's Charity Account].
  • Inventory of all artefacts and other property must be brought up to date and provision made for their disposal or storage. If stored, insurance provision must be arranged.
  • Records must be kept of the alternative Lodges to be joined or applied to by the Members according to each individual’s choice and Certificates of Good Standing provided where required.
  • Provision must also be made regarding Lodge Widows and other dependants. This should be done through communication and agreement with the Provincial Grand Almoner and  ELMC.

 

[Note:
With the closure of a Lodge it is expected that few (if any) Brethren will be lost to Freemasonry.  Every effort should, therefore, be made to ensure that they go to alternative Lodges, either within or outside the Province.  Hence, the suggestion that Joining Fees should be paid out of the closing Lodge’s funds, if possible. In some cases, particularly where the Members’ homes are widespread, the Brethren may opt to join a more local and hence, convenient, Lodge.

A more desirable alternative, however, may be to remain together (and thus retain friendships) by moving en-bloc to another Lodge, thus considerably strengthening it. 

 

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