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

in the period of time for which it is inflicted.
The punishment of definite suspension is the lightest that can be
inflicted of those which affect the relations of a Mason with the
fraternity at large. It must always be preceded by a trial, and the
prevalent opinion is, that it may be inflicted by a two-thirds vote of
the
lodge.
Section V.
_Of Indefinite Suspension._
Indefinite suspension is a punishment by which the person suspended is
deprived of all his rights and privileges as a Mason, until such time
as
the lodge which has suspended him shall see fit, by a special action,
to
restore him.
All that has been said of definite suspension in the preceding section,
will equally apply to indefinite suspension, except that in the former
case the suspended person is at once restored by the termination of the
period for which he was suspended; while in the latter, as no period of
termination had been affixed, a special resolution of the lodge will be
necessary to effect a restoration.
By suspension the connection of the party with his lodge and with the
institution is not severed; he still remains a member of his lodge,
although his rights as such are placed in abeyance. In this respect it
materially differs from expulsion, and, as an inferior grade of
punishment, is inflicted for offenses of a lighter character than those
for which expulsion is prescribed.
The question here arises, whether the dues of a suspended member to his
lodge continue to accrue during his suspension? I think they do not.
Dues
or arrears are payments made to a lodge for certain rights and
benefits--the exercise and enjoyment of which are guaranteed to the
member, in consideration of the dues thus paid. But as by suspension,
whether definite or indefinite, he is for the time deprived of these
rights and benefits, it would seem unjust to require from him a payment
for that which he does not enjoy. I hold, therefore, that suspension
from
the rights and benefits of Masonry, includes also a suspension from the
payment of arrears.
No one can be indefinitely suspended, unless after a due form of trial,
and upon the vote of at least two-thirds of the members present.
Section VI.