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

degree affect the masonic standing of the one censured, nor for a
moment
suspend or abridge his rights and benefits, I have no doubt that it may
be
done on a mere motion, without previous notice, and adopted, as any
other
resolution, by a bare majority of the members present.
Masonic courtesy would, however, dictate that notice should be given to
the Brother, if absent, that such a motion of censure is about to be
proposed or considered, to enable him to show cause, if any he have,
why
he should not be censured. But such notice is not, as I have said,
necessary to the legality of the vote of censure.
A vote of censure will sometimes, however, be the result of a trial,
and
in that case its adoption must be governed by the rules of masonic
trials,
which are hereafter to be laid down.
Section II.
_Of Reprimand._
A reprimand is the next mildest form of masonic punishment. It should
never be adopted on a mere motion, but should always be the result of a
regular trial, in which the party may have the opportunity of defense.
A reprimand may be either private or public. If to be given in private,
none should be present but the Master and the offender; or, if given by
letter, no copy of that letter should be preserved.
If given in public, the lodge is the proper place, and the reprimand
should be given by the Master from his appropriate station.
The Master is always the executive officer of the lodge, and in
carrying
out the sentence he must exercise his own prudent discretion as to the
mode of delivery and form of words.
A reprimand, whether private or public, does not affect the masonic
standing of the offender.
Section III.
_Of Exclusion from the Lodge._
Exclusion from a lodge may be of various degrees.
1. A member may for indecorous or unmasonic conduct be excluded from a