THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

assumption of powers that have never existed, and which are not
recognized
by the ancient constitutions, nor the general usages of the fraternity.
A
subordinate lodge tries its delinquent member, under the provisions
which
have already been stated, and, according to the general usage of lodges
in
the United States, declares him expelled. But the sentence is of no
force
nor effect until it has been confirmed by the Grand Lodge, which may,
or
may not, give the required confirmation, and which, indeed, often
refuses
to do so, but actually reverses the sentence. It is apparent, from the
views already expressed on the judicial powers of the Grand Lodge, that
the sentence of expulsion uttered by the subordinate is to be taken in
the sense of a recommendatory report, and that it is the confirmation
and
adoption of that report by the Grand Lodge that alone gives it vitality
and effect.
The expelling power presumes, of course, coincidently, the reinstating
power. As the Grand Lodge alone can expel, it also alone can reinstate.
These constitute the general powers and prerogatives of a Grand Lodge.
Of
course there are other local powers, assumed by various Grand Lodges,
and
differing in the several jurisdictions, but they are all derived from
some
one of the three classes that we have enumerated. From these views, it
will appear that a Grand Lodge is the supreme legislative, judicial,
and
executive authority of the Masonic jurisdiction in which it is
situated.
It is, to use a feudal term, "the lord paramount" in Masonry. It is a
representative body, in which, however, it constituents have delegated
everything and reserved no rights to themselves. Its authority is
almost
unlimited, for it is restrained by but a single check:--_It cannot
alter
or remove the ancient landmarks_.
Book Second
Laws of Subordinate Lodges.
Having thus succinctly treated of the law in relation to Grand Lodges,
I
come next in order to consider the law as it respects the organization,