Appendix One
The Regulations and Bye-Laws : 1818
Thurso 28 Dec. 1818Preamble
Brotherly love and Unity being the Demand of the Divine Law and the law of Nature, And from a Just sense thereof, a Competent Number of Freemasons, within the Town of Thurso, have resolved to form themselves into a Masonic Society, and have in Contemplation to proceed, in the legal and most speedy way, towards obtaining a Charter for their Establishment as an Operative Lodge, and to raise a fund for the maintenance of such of the Brethren as may, in course of providence,be visited by Sickness. reduced to indigent Circumstances, or arrive at Old Age, And for Relief of Widows and Children of Deceased Brethren, and also for Burying their Dead; and for the future Government of which, the following Regulations and By-Laws were unanimously approved of and signed by the Worshipful Master Treasurer and Secretary.******************************
Article 1st.
Times of Meeting
1st. That the Brethren of St.Peter's Operative Lodge of Freemasons shall assemble within the town of Thurso at such place as shall be fixed on at their General Annual Meeting to be held Annually on the anniversary of St.John the Evangelist.
2nd.
That besides the General Annual Meeting their shall be Lodges held quarterly, upon the last Wednesday of March, June, and September at seven O'clock in the evening, Independent of which the Master and Office Bearers are empowered to Convene the Brethren whenever it may be Necessary for the Dispatch of Business.
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Article 2nd.
Admission of Members
1stThat those who are desirous of being admitted into this Lodge must have one of the Brethren to propose them at a public meeting, and that by Petition and Certificate in form as hereunto Annexed and if approved, of by the Lodge they shall go through the usual Ceremonies.
2nd
That every such person must be under forty five years of age of a good moral Character not in a declining State of health free from any. secret Bodily diseases and able to provide for themselves and families by handy labour, and if it shall be found at any time here-after that any imposition has been practised on this Lodge by persons not answering the above description he or they together with the persons recommending him or them shall be expelled the Lodge.
3rd
That Members Sons are to be admitted on paying one half of the Stipulated fees at the time of their Admission provided their age does not exceed twenty five years and that they answer the description given in the second Section of this Article, but should doubts arise in respect of age Satisfactory Certificates in all cases must be produced
4th
That from and after the 29th Day of March 1820 every person who shall apply for the love of Masonry and the Benefit of a Diploma shall be admitted upon paying the sum of one pound Six Shillings exclusive of other charges, for being passed to fellowcraft seven Shillings and sixpence and for being raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason ten Shillings and Sixpence Sterling.
5th
That persons of this description shall be considered as Honorary Members and are not to vote in the Lodge neither shall they, their Widows or Children be entitled to any benefit from this fund.
6th
That if such Honorary Members or any of them at any time thereafter express a wish to be admitted to the Benefit of the Lodges Funds he or they shall be so admitted on paying the additional sum of three shillings Sterling. provided they answer the description of those specified in the Second Section of this Article.
7th
That if any person who has been entered passed or raised in any other Lodge is desirous of becoming a Member and of deriving Benefit from the funds he shall be fully entitled thereto if an entered apprentice on payment of seven shillings and Sixpence, if a fellowcraft ten shillings and Sixpence and if a Master Mason One Guinea, the former Subject however if passed or Raised to the fourth Section of this Article, but if such persons shall be satisfied with the Situation of Honorary Members they shall be continued as such upon regular payment of quarter pence.
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Article 3rd
Election and duty of office Bearers
1stThat members duly qualified be chosen annually to fill the different offices on the quarterly meeting preceding the yearly meeting when each office Bearer shall be duly installed in his respective office and said choice to be made without respect of persons or Connections in Life, the made as follows.
2nd
That the Master and office Bearers for the time being shall nominate Members for the different offices, and a Committee of the Brethren out of office shall be appointed to retire and Nominate in opposition to those set up by the Master and other office Bearers and it shall then be subjected to trial by Ballot when those having most votes shall be declared by the Master as duly Elected.
3rd
That no Brother be Elected an office Bearer who has not been two years a Member of this Lodge and also a Master Mason.
4th
That the Master and office Bearers are the Standing Committee for managing the Business of the Lodge and they must reside within the town of Thurso.
5th
That if any Brother who has not been in office the former year refuse to accept after being duly Elected he shall be liable to a fine as follows: For the Master five Shillings for the Senior and Junior Wardens three shillings and the other office Bearers two Shillings each.
6th
That the duty of the Master shall be among other things to preserve order in the Lodge in which he shall be promptly Seconded by the Wardens and other office Bearers to take the Votes of the Brethren on any question before them and to Sanction their resolutions end Minutes by his Subscription or Signature, In his absence the Chair to be taken by the Depute Master and in case of both being absent the other office bearers to fill their places according to Seniority
7th
That the Treasurer shall pay sick or superannuated Members as he shall be directed by the meetings of the Lodge or their Committee of Management and shall bring in his Accounts of Expenditure quarterly in order to their Settlement.
8th
That the duty of the Deacons or Stewards shall be to visit the Sick Brethren residing within the town of Thurso upon receiving notice to that effect, and they shall report the same to the Treasurer with such observations as they may "be able to make on the Sick Brothers Situation
9th
That the Secretary shall Keep the Lodge Books attend their General quarterly and Committee meetings
10th
That the Tyler shall be at the command of the Master for the purpose of giving notice to the Brethren of the day and hour appointed for meetings, or for attending funerals, he must also attend to other necessary messages and to his Customary duties in the Lodge.
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Article 4th.
Collections
1stThat every Brother shall pay one Shilling and Sixpence at each quarterly meeting as quarter pence.
2nd
That in case the funds of this Lodge by reason of Sick Brethren annuities or otherwise shall be reduced under the Sum Realised at the end of seven years from the commencement each Brother shall pay in Sixpence Sterl. in addition to his quarter pence, or all Benefits in respect to Sick Superannuated or Widows shall be withheld until it accumulate of itself to this Sum and that it be ascertained by Vote which of these methods be adopted.
3rd
That any Brother residing in England or Ireland shall be allowed Eighteen months to remit his quarterly pay ments and any Brother residing in any foreign Country Shall be allowed three Years to remit his quarterly payments without any fine.
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Article 5th.
Funds.
That the Funds of this Lodge shall be Secured in the most eligible way the Brethren may think proper from time to time at their General Yearly meetings.******************************
Article 6th.
Box or Chest.
1stThat a Box or Chest be provided having three locks and three Keys each differing from another, to contain Bills Bonds., Charter or other Securities belonging to the Lodge together with their Books and Extra papers.
2nd
That two Keys shall be Kept by the Senior and Junior Wardens and the other by the Master and the Box or Chest shall be deposited in the Treasurers House.
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Article 7th.
Benefits
1stThat when any Brother falls sick or is otherwise unable to provide for himself or family he shall receive if a Master Mason five shillings Sterling. weekly, for any period not exceeding thirteen weeks in one year in the event of his not recovering before the expiry of that time, if he continues sick longer he shall receive three Shillings Sterling. per week for an additional term not exceeding thirteen weeks but and if he continues sick longer his name shall be put on the Superannuated list to receive two Shillings per week, Fellowcrafts on the same Conditions four Shillings and Sixpence per week for the first thirteen weeks two Shillings and Sixpence for the second thirteen weeks and One Shilling and Sixpence on the Superannuated. list, Apprentices in like manner to be paid four Shillings for the first thirteen weeks, two Shillings per week for the Second thirteen weeks, and one Shilling on the Superannuated. list
2nd
That upon the decease of any Brother, his widow or the person who takes charge shall receive three pounds Sterling. for defraying his funeral Charges providing such Brother had no hand in his Death if he was a Master Mason. If a Fellowcraft the Sum of two pounds fourteen Shillings Sterling. and if only an entered apprentice the Sum of two pounds eight Shillings
3rd
That the Widow of a Deceased Brother Shall be entitled to receive from the funds of this Lodge provided her husband was a Master Mason, the sum of two Shillings Sterling. per week and that to be paid quarterly the widow of a Fellowcraft one shilling and Sixpence per week; and the widow of an apprentice the sum of one Shilling at the same term.
4th
That on the death of a Masters Widow two pounds Sterling. shall be paid, from this fund for defraying funeral Charges. On the death of a Fellowcrafts widow one pound, fourteen Shillings and on the death of an Apprentice widow one pound eight Shillings.
5th
That orphans whose parents are both dead and whose Father continued a member of this Lodge until his Death, Shall receive among them the same allowance which their Mother might have claimed until the youngest arrive at the age of fourteen years, Such allowance to be paid to the person who takes charge of them.
6th
That if a Brother dies and has left a Widow before his name has been seven years on the roll she shall be bound to pay quarter pence regularly for the residue of the time otherwise she shall not be entitled to any benefit arising from this fund.
7th
That the Brethren or their Committee of management reserve to themselves a Discretionary power of granting donations or other assistance to destitute or deserving Brethren who may apply for the same although they may not be members of this Lodge.
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Article 8th.
No Benefits
1stThat no money shall be paid from this fund until the expiry of seven years from its Commencement and no Brother shall receive any Benefit until his name has been seven years on the Roll Burying money excepted
2nd
That any Brother in arrears to the Lodge shall receive no Benefit until such arrears be regularly and fully paid up.
3rd
That any Brother who shall bring disease upon himself by lewd or dissolute life shall receive no benefit from this Lodge during such Indisposition or any after sickness which can be proven to be the result of such disease.
4th
That any Brother or his Widow who shall waste or destroy any part of this fund by pretended Sickness or otherwise he or she upon Conviction shall be deprived of any Benefit arising there-from.
5th
That if any Brother fail to pay his quarter pennies for three quarters successively and does not appear or send in his arrears on the fourth quarter day before the Books are shut his name shall be struck of the Roll immediately unless two thirds of the Brethren present shall otherwise determine.
6th
That should a Widow marry a second Husband or be chargeable of any immoral action she shall be instantly deprived of any further Benefit from the funds of this Lodge.
7th
That if any Superannuated Brother who receives Benefit from this fund, shall be afterwards capable of earning a livelihood his name shall be immediately struck of the Superannuated. list to be however Subsequently replaced when Circumstances may render it Necessary.
8th
That persons residing beyond the limits of the Stewards as specified in the third article of these Regulations are not to receive any Benefit from this fund until they shall have transmitted to the Treasurer a certificate of their inability to provide for themselves and family, duly attested by the Minister of the parish and two elders or by a Surgeon or physician and two elders.
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Article 9th.
Funerals
1stThat the Brethren residing within the town of Thurso shall be punctual in their attendance at the Funeral of a Deceased Brother his wife or Widow when duly warned by the Tyler under the penalty of Sixpence Sterling.
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Article 10th.
Disputes
That should any dispute arise between any of the Brethren of this Lodge persons holding office or acting under these articles in the management of the Lodge affairs the matter so in dispute shall be submitted to the Master by the respective parties who shall lay it before the Lodge at their first meeting and take the sense of the Brethren upon its merits by Vote and in case these be found equal the Master to have the casting vote and the judgement then obtained to be final.******************************
Article 11th.
Attendance
1stThat all office Bearers be punctual in their attendance at every meeting to the hour for which they may have warned by the Tyler Unless prevented by Sickness or other lawful reasons under the penalty of Sixpence Sterling.
2nd
That if any Brother residing within three miles of the Town of Thurso is absent from the General Yearly meeting Similarly he shall be fined the sum of Sixpence Sterling.
3rd
That the Brethren have at least six hours warning previous to the hour of meeting otherwise they are not to be subjected to fines for absence.
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Article 12th.
Clothing
1stThat every Brother regularly warned of a meeting by the Tyler, and who makes his appearance in the open Lodge shall appear properly clothed with the apron of his order Under the penalty of threepence Sterling.
2nd
That Entered apprentices shall have one Knot of Dark Blue Ribbon in the left Corner of their aprons
3rd
That the Apron of a Fellowcraft shall have two Knots of Dark blue Ribbon one in the Left Corner and the other in the Centre at the Bottom.
4th
That Master Masons are entitled to three Knots of Dark Blue Ribbon one in the left the other in the Right Corner and a third in the Centre but they the Fellowcrafts and apprentices are at liberty to ornament these aprons in any other respect as they may see proper.
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Article 13th.
Behaviour in the Lodge
1st
That it is incumbent on every Brother as a polite duty when he comes into the Lodge to pay his respects to the Master and rest of the Brethren and to take his seat in an orderly manner likewise to give intimation to the Master if he is to leave the meeting before the Business is over and every Brother who Neglects the said duty shall forfeit the sum of sixpence Sterling.
2nd
That if the Business of the Lodge be not over before eleven O’clock at night any Brother except an office Bearer shall be at liberty to depart without being subject to any fine.
3rd
That all speeches must be addressed to the Master and one Subject ended before another is begun.
4th
That if any Brother interrupts another while speaking he shall be rebuked and admonished by the Master for the first offence fined in the sum of sixpence for the Second and on a repetition of such Conduct immediately dismissed the Lodge for that evening
5th
That any Brother who shall curse Swear or take the Divine name in vain while in the Lodge shall for the first offense "be severely .reprimanded by the Master and fined in the sum of Sixpence Sterling. and on a repetition of such impiety fined in the further sum of five Shillings Sterling. and instantly dismissed for that evening.
6th
That if any Brother come into the Lodge intoxicated with Liquor so as to occasion any quarrel or interrupt the business of the meeting by his Stupidity he shall be fined in the Sum of Sixpence Sterling. if he still continue refractory he shall be forthwith dismissed for that evening and on a repetition of such disgraceful and degrading practice at any after period he shall forfeit the Sum of one Guinea or be altogether expelled the Lodge as the Brethren then present shall see cause to determine.
7th
That as Irregularities may occur which cannot be foreseen or provided against by this by-laws it shall be instantly decided by vote of the Brethren present what punishment may be adequate to the offence and immediately inflicted.
8th
That a Ballot Box be provided for the adjustment of votes.
9th
That all fines forfeitures and penalties shall be instantly paid upon conviction or on next quarter day otherwise the money of the person so refusing will not be received or he any more accounted a member.
10th
That every fine Etc. so levied shall be regularly brought to account of the Lodge fund.
11th
That from and after the day on which these rules for behaviour shall have been read and approved of by the Brethren they shall be considered legal authority and acted upon as such at every subsequent meeting.
12th
That it shall be in the power of the Brethren to make or add new articles or alter or amend those already made, but such articles or amendments must be subject to a General Yearly meeting before they can be put in force and every Brother must be served with a written notice prior to their passing into a law and finally this Lodge shall not be dissolved while seven of the Brethren continue to support the institution.
(signed by 20 of the founders and 12 others who were admitted before the end of 1821)
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