Consolidation
Abbreviations of Craft Ranks
Book of Constitutions Craft & RA
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Consolidation of Lodges
Consolidation of Chapters
Cornerstone Society
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Framed Photographs
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MQ Magazine
Personal 50ths
Photographs - Legal
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Rule 158
Scribes E
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Toast Lists
CHECK SHEET
Once this 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.
- The lodge record books are similarly brought up to date and completed.
- By agreement with the Brethren, that provision 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].
- Inventory of all artefacts and other property brought up to date and provision made for their disposal or storage.
- Records 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 constructed where appropriate.
- Provision made regarding Lodge Widows and other dependants.
[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 be dispersed 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.