THE GRAND CHAPTER
OF ROYAL
ARCH, MASONS
OF
DELAWARE
STANDING RESOLUTIONS
1.
REJECTED, SUSPENDED AND EXPELLED (1871)
Chapters
are directed to forward to the Grand Secretary the names of all persons
rejected, suspended or expelled, immediately thereafter, and that the Grand
Secretary be directed to notify all Subordinate Chapters of the same.(Rescinded
1973)
2.
EXPENSES OF REPRESENTATIVES (1877)
That
the Grand Secretary, hereafter, upon ascertaining the amount due each
representative of the Subordinate Chapters for actual expenses in attending the
Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter shall
draw orders on the Grand Treasurer for the several amounts aforesaid, payable to
their respective orders, and transmit as early to them as practicable; provided,
however, that no more than one Representative from the same Chapter shall be
entitled to compensation.(Rescinded
1972, Page 16)
3.
EXPENSES MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST (1831)
That
the M.E. Grand High Priest is authorized to draw on the Grand Treasurer for the
amount of his actual expenses incurred in the discharge of his official duties,
subject to approval of the Finance Committee.(Amended 1972, Page 16)
4.
FAILURE TO HOLD CONVOCATION (1883)
Subordinate
Chapters in this jurisdiction failing to meet at least in four Convocations in a
year shall be summoned to show cause why their charters shall not be withdrawn.
5.
COURTESY CONFERRING DEGREES (1888)
Any Subordinate Chapter in any adjoining jurisdiction may confer the
degrees of Capitular Masonry on Master Masons of this State who reside nearer to
such chapter than to any Chapter in this State, provided the same privileges be
extended to the Chapters in this State by the Laws of such adjoining
jurisdictions. Rescinded; see Constitution, Article II, Section 14)
6.
GRANTING CERTIFICATES (1890)
The
Right Excellent Grand Secretary hereafter shall grant no certificate to
Companions of the Subordinate Chapters (who have surrendered their charter),
until the said Companions have paid the dues owed to the Chapters to which they
belonged, unless this Grand Chapter remit the same.
7. PETITIONS
PENDING (1891)
Secretaries
of Subordinate Chapters shall notify the different Chapters when petitioners are
pending in their respective Chapters for initiation and membership.(Rescinded
1972, Page 16)
8. DEPOSITING
OF FUNDS (1893)
All
moneys for current expenses belonging to this Most Excellent Grand Chapter shall
be deposited in the Security Trust and Safe Deposit Co., in the name of the
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Delaware, to be drawn subject to the signature of
the M.E. Grand High Priest, R. E. Grand Treasurer and R. E. Grand Secretary.
(Constitution, Article I, Section 9B, as amended 1972)
9. EXEMPT FROM DUES
(1895)
Subordinate
Chapters of this jurisdiction may, if by them deemed expedient, be permitted to
exempt from dues all Companions who have been members in good standing of their
respective Chapters for a period of twenty-one years.
10.
BOOK OF MARKS (1895)
All
Mark Master Masons are required to adopt a Mark, have the same recorded in the
Book of Marks, in ink. Officers of
Subordinate Chapters using all endeavors to have those who are at present
members and who have not chosen for themselves a Mark, to do so.
11.
MEMBERSHIP COEXISTENT (1896)
Membership
in a Chapter (shall) be coexistent with membership in a Blue Lodge; i.e., that a
Companion who is demitted from a Blue Lodge for more than one year forfeits his
membership in his Chapter.
12.
SIGN FULL NAMES (1896)
Applicants
for degrees are required to sign their names in full to their petitions, and
that Secretaries are instructed to see that their names are so signed to the
By-Laws.
13.
STANDARD WORK (1896)
This
Most Excellent Grand Chapter having adopted the work as promulgated by the
General Grand Chapter International Subordinate Chapters in this Jurisdiction
are required to use this as their standard work, thus insuring uniformity.(See
Standing Resolution No. 44)
14. INSTRUCTION
OF CANDIDATES (1897)
The
Excellent High Priests of the several Subordinate Chapters are instructed to
cause all candidates to perfect themselves in the essentials of the preceding
degrees before being advanced to the degree of Royal Arch Mason.
15.
LEGAL RESIDENCE (1901)
No
subordinate Chapter shall receive and act upon the petition for Capitular
Degrees unless the applicant has resided within the jurisdiction of this said
Chapter six months.(See also Constitution, Article II, Section 14, 1973)
16.
COMMISSION OF REPRESENTATIVES (1901)
Commissions
issued to Companions to represent this Most Excellent Grand Chapter near other
Grand Chapters, as well as those issued to Companions to represent other Most
Excellent Grand Chapters near this, shall be limited in each case to the close
of the succeeding Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of the
United States.(Superseded. See Standing Resolution No. 37, 1925)
17.
RECEPTIONS OF REPRESENTATIVES (1903)
That
hereafter each year during the session of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter, at
such times as the M. E. Grand High Priest may direct, the Representatives of
Most Excellent Grand Chapters of Sister Jurisdictions near the Most Excellent
Grand Chapter of Delaware be received in amp1e form in open Chapter, showing
courtesy to and honoring our Sister Grand Jurisdictions and those representing
them.
18.
USE OF THE CIPHER (1904)
The
use of cipher is hereafter forbidden in open Chapter
19.
WAIVER OF JURISDICTION (1904)
When
a waiver of jurisdiction is desired, the Chapter nearest to which the applicant
may reside shall have jurisdiction, and such waiver shall be granted when said
Chapter unanimously consents.
(Rescinded
1973; see Constitution, Article II, Section 14, 1973)
20.
COMMITTEE ON PRINTING (1907)
A
Standing Committee on Printing shall be appointed to attend to all printing of
this Most Excellent Grand Chapter and the Right Excellent Grand Secretary shall
be Chairman of the same.
21.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE IN GRAND CHAPTER (1907)
None
but Excellent High Priests or Past High Priests shall be eligible to election to
any elective office in this Most Excellent Grand Chapter. (Constitution, Article
I, Section 5, 1973)
22.
PAST MASTER DEGREE (1907)
Chapters
are required to Work the Past Master's degree in accordance with the provision
of the ritual in use before the adoption of the work of the General Grand
Chapter.(Rescinded 1959; see Standing Resolution No.44)
23.
CHARGES (1907)
That
the Chapters be requested to use the charges for the several degrees as offered
by the system in use in this State previous to the adoption of the work of the
General Grand Chapter. (Rescinded 1959; see Standing Resolution No. 44)
24.
FEE IN FULL (1908)
Chapters
shall not confer the degrees without payment of the usual fee nor any part
thereof be remitted. (Rescinded 1973; Constitution, article II, Section 12,
1973)
25.
FAILURE TO PAY DUES (1908)
Any
Subordinate chapter under the jurisdiction of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter
may suspend by a majority vote of the Companions present, at any Convocation,
any Companion who shall fail to pay his dues for two years; provided that no
Companion shall be suspended until he shall have had at least one month's notice
of the intention of the Chapter to take action upon his delinquency and of the
penalty to which he renders himself liable by failure to liquidate his
indebtedness as specified by Chapter.
(Constitution,
Article II, Section 16, 1973)
26
MEMORIALS (1909)
Upon
the death of a member of this Most Excellent Grand Chapter, the Memorial
Committee shall prepare a suitable memorial with all their Masonic History,
which shall be read at the regular Convocation of all Subordinate Chapters next
following, and upon the death of a Past Grand High Priest, all sister
jurisdictions be officially notified.(Rescinded; see Standing Resolution No. 41,
1931)
27.
HOLDING TWO OFFICES (1909)
A
Companion elected to office in his Chapter cannot hold an appointed one except
temporarily
28.
DEMIT (1909)
A
Companion wishing to demit from his Chapter must apply in writing for the same.
29
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD (1913)
The
Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Delaware makes it obligatory that every High
Priest-elect must first become an Anointed High Priest before he can regularly
officiate as High Priest of his Chapter
30.
ADDRESS, PORTRAIT
AND RECORD OF M. E. GRAND HIGH PRIEST (1914)
In
all future publications of the proceedings of this Most Excellent Grand Chapter,
a page, opposite to that of the portrait of the M. E
Grand High Priest, shall contain a biographical sketch and record of his
Masonic career, and his address.
31.
CONFERRING DEGREES (1914)
Resolution
adopted January 16, 1907, which reads, "That the conferring of any degree
of the Capitular systems under the authority of the M.E. Grand Chapter be
confined to a High Priest or Past High Priest", be rescinded; and in the
future the Scribe may confer the Mark Master's Degree, the King may confer the
Most Excellent Master's degree, and the High Priest or Past High Priest the Past
Master and Royal Arch degrees.
32.
NON-AFFILIATED (1915)
A
Companion who becomes non-affiliated and remaining so for a period of one year
shall be denied the privilege of visiting any Chapter in this jurisdiction.
33.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP (1917)
The
several Chapters in this jurisdiction are permitted to issue life membership for
such a sum as may be agreeable to said individual Chapter, and that certificates
of membership, when issued under this ruling, be limited to one year with
privilege of renewing the same annually so long as said Companion holds
membership in a Blue Lodge, unless a Companion holds life membership in a Blue
Lodge, then life certificate may be issued to said Companion in the Chapter. In
other words, the issuing of a life certificate in the Chapter be coexistent with
the life membership in the Blue Lodge
34. PRINTING
NAMES OF COMPANIONS (1920)
Names of Companions in good standing only shall be printed in the
proceedings. Past High Priests are to be returned in the order in which they
served their Chapters; deceased Past High Priests to be so designated
35. OPENING
AND CLOSING CHAPTERS (1920)
High Priests are required to open and close their Chapters in full
form; the Mark Master, Most Excellent Master degrees may be opened and closed in
short form if it should be necessary.
36. LAPSE OF TIME BETWEEN CONFERRING DEGREES AND
INSTRUCTION OF CANDIDATES (1920)
Except by dispensation, a period of one lunar month shall
elapse between the conferring of each Capitular degree upon each candidate, with
the exception of the Past Master's degree, which may be conferred in conjunction
with either the Mark Master or Most Excellent Master's degree.
And that the resolution of 1897 be strictly enforced. That is, all
candidates shall be instructed in the essentials, viz: the signs, word, steps
and obligations of each degree, before being advanced to the degree of Royal
Arch Mason.
37. GRAND
REPRESENTATIVES (1925)
The appointment of Grand Representatives shall be permanent
and the Commissions of said Representatives shall only be withdrawn for
cause.(Rescinded 1986)
38. PAYMENT OF
BILLS (1925)
The M. E. Grand High Priest, Grand Treasurer and Grand
Secretary, collectively, are authorized to pay all bills as they come due.
(Constitution, Article I, Section 9E, 1973)
39. CERTIFICATES
OF ELECTION OF HIGH PRIESTS (1926)
Certificates of election of High Priests shall be forwarded
annually by Secretaries of Subordinate Chapters to the Grand Secretary
immediately after the election has taken place, for use at the Annual Meeting of
the Order of High Priesthood
40. GRAND
REPRESENTATIVES (1928)
Whenever a Grand Representative misses two consecutive
meetings of the M E. Grand Chapter, without reasonable cause, his position may
be declared vacant, and the vacancy thereby created shall be filled by the M E.
Grand High Priest.
41.
MEMORIALS (1931)
Upon
the death of a member of this Grand Chapter, the Memorials Committee shall
prepare a suitable memorial with all his Masonic History which shall be read at
our Annual Convocation and become a part of our record; and, in addition, upon
the death of a Past Grand High Priest, the Grand Secretary have printed a
suitable card announcing the same and mail a copy to each sister jurisdiction
with whom we hold fraternal relations.(Rescinded 1986)
42.
MEMBERSHIP CARDS (1936)
Beginning
1937, the following words be added to our membership card:
"and has paid his dues to ______________".
43.
DEPUTY GRAND HIGH PRIEST (1948)
Resolved
that the office of Deputy Grand High Priest be eliminated from Article I,
Section 5, of our Constitution. (This was an amendment to the Constitution not a
Standing Resolution.)
44.
STANDARD WORK (1959; REVISED 1984)
Resolved
that the Standing Resolutions of the M E. Grand Chapter adopted in 1907 as
follows:
"1.
Chapters in this Jurisdiction are required to work the Past Master degree in
accordance with the provisions of the Ritual in use before the adoption of the
work of the M. E. General Grand Chapter
2.
That the Chapters in the Jurisdiction be requested to use the charges for the
several degrees as offered by the system in use in this State previous to the
adoption of the work of the M. E General Grand Chapter.
BE
RESCINDED, and the following resolution be adopted:
"Resolved:
That this M. E. Grand Chapter adopt the Ritual of the M. E. General Grand
Chapter in conferring all degrees."
That
the Past Masters degree conferred in Delaware, whether by Delaware Chapter or by
Chapters from Sister Jurisdictions, be the Virtual Past Master degree as set
forth in the General Grand Chapter ritual.
45.
ANNUAL RETURNS AND
DUES TO GRAND CHAPTER (1969)
BE
IT RESOLVED by this Grand Chapter to continue the Special Assessment of $0.25
Annually on each Royal Arch Mason of the Subordinate Chapters of Delaware to
defray the expense of our Annual Grand Convocations. (To effect the
recommendation of M.E. Chester G Dahlstrom, made in 1967)(Constitution, Article
II, Section 17, 1972)
46.
F. IRVING CROW YORK RITE AWARD OF HONOR (1979)
Whereas
this Grand Chapter and all York Rite Masonry in Delaware has been richly endowed
by the labors of our devoted and lately departed Most Excellent Companion F.
Irving Crow and
Whereas
this Grand Chapter wishes to perpetuate his name, memory and service forever,
and
Whereas
it is desired to make this a living monument, as exemplified in the lives and
services of those he left behind to serve, now therefore be it Resolved that we
do hereby and herein establish the "F. Irving Crow York Rite Award of
Honor”, to be awarded according to the criteria established at the 111th
Annual Convocation of this Grand Chapter.
Criteria
for Award:
The
"F. Irving Crow York Rite Award of Honor" has been established in
memory of a devoted beloved Companion. This
award is to be given no more often than annually, and not necessarily that
often, by this Grand Chapter to that Companion who has, through years of long
service to the York Rite, best exemplified the teachings of the lessons of York
Rite Masonry. The award, although made to an individual, is to remain the
property of this Grand Chapter and is to be displayed in the York Rite Body
designated by the current recipient. The selection of a nominee for this award
shall be by unanimous consent of a Committee composed of the three immediate
living Past Grand High Priests, based upon deliberations with previous
recipients, the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council, the
Commanders of the subordinate Commanderies (or Grand Commander should one
prevail) and the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. The presiding Grand High
Priest may accept, or decline, to make the award. In no instance may he make a
recommendation for the award.
In
all instances it must be remembered that the award is made in honor of a
distinguished Delaware Mason who served the York Rite for almost sixty years
with the deepest of love. It should never be awarded to one
who has not, in his own service, exemplified the service and love
demonstrated by him for whom it is named.
47.
GRAND SECRETARY DUTY (1979)
That
within 45 days following Grand Chapter", the Grand Secretary submit to each
Subordinate Chapter, a summary of the activities of Grand Chapter, as well as
the incoming Grand High Priest's program for the year - And further, that this
report be read aloud in each Subordinate Chapter. (Moved to Article I, Section
9C & Revised, 1986)
48.
MASTER'S PINS (1979)
That
this Grand Chapter present to each Master-elect of the Delaware Blue Lodges a
"Master's pin" with the year engraved thereon. (Rescinded 1988,
Proceedings - page 26)
49.
CANDIDATES INFORMATION (1979)
That
since we are obligated to convey as much light to our Companions as is within
our power, this Grand Chapter provide each newly exalted Companion with a
keystone decal, a Royal Arch Triple Tau lapel pin, and an historical information
package of the four degrees.
50
MEMBERSHIP PLAQUE
(1982)
That
this Grand Chapter purchase a plaque to be presented to the Chapter which each
year obtains the most new members The plaque will have a place for the engraving
of the name of the Chapter and the year.
CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD:
(1982, REVISED 1983)
The
Chapter to receive the Grand Chapter Plaque (for membership) in any given year
shall be determined from the figures in the Annual Returns from the several
Constituent Chapters, received by January 31st.
The
plaque shall be presented to that Chapter which reports the highest number of
Exaltations in the year, unless two or more Chapters report the same number of
newly-Exalted Companions, resulting in a "tie" in that category, which
is to be resolved.
In
the event of a "tie" the Award shall go to that one of the
"tied" Chapters which, according to the Annual Return shows:
The
largest gain, or smallest loss, (numerically) in members for the year, applying
this formula:
Exaltations
plus Reinstatements minus Demits, Suspensions and those Companions owing two
years dues and those owing more than two years dues, if any such - In case a tie
still exists, then the plaque shall go to that one of the "tied"
Chapters whose Demits and Suspensions together with that number of Companions
owing two years dues and those owing more than two years dues, if any such,
combined in number, constitute the smallest percentage of its membership at the
start of the year. Any "Tie" remaining after this step shall be
decided by lot. Assisted by the Grand King and Grand Scribe, the Grand Secretary
will prepare the lots, each bearing the number of one of the "tied"
Chapters, and in the presence of these three Grand Officers, the Grand High
Priest shall draw the (winning) number of the Chapter to receive the plaque for
the year. (Affiliations, Deaths, and Dual Members are to be excluded from All
computations in arriving at the determination of the Chapter to be honored.)
51.
PUBLICATION OF "STILL FURTHER LIGHT" (1983)
That
this Grand Chapter proceed with and continue to publish the newsletter
"Still Further Light" in conjunction with the Grand Council of Cryptic
Masons of Delaware. The number of issues is to be determined by agreement of the
Grand High Priest, the Most Illustrious Grand Master, and the Editor; and that
the Grand Chapter of Delaware is to pay two-thirds of the cost of publishing and
distributing the same, to the limit of $100.00 per annum. Additional
expenditures above that limit are to be approved by the Grand Chapter Finance
Committee.
52. VACANCY IN OFFICE (1989)
In
the event of a vacancy in the Elected Officers, the Most Excellent Grand High
Priest shall have the power to advance the remaining progressive Officers and to
fill the vacancy in the station of Captain of the Host thus created. Preference
for appointment to the station of Captain of the Host shall be given to an
Excellent Companion from the same Chapter which filled the original vacancy.
Such advancement and appointment shall not affect the future rotational
appointment preference previously established by this Grand Chapter This
resolution to be effective at the close of the 1989 Annual Convocation.
53.
GRAND CHAPTER REGALIA (1995)
Recognizing
that confusion might arise regards the ownership of the Grand Chapter Regalia
used by the officers of this Grand Chapter, and that presented to Past Grand
High Priests, the following ‘Acknowledgment of Ownership’ is to be signed by
each Grand Presiding Officer prior to his investiture with this Regalia. A copy
of same to be retained by the Grand Secretary until such time as the regalia is
rightfully returned to Grand Chapter.
Acknowledgment
of Ownership
I,
_________________________, in the State of Delaware HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE that the
Masonic Regalia hereinafter described,(e.g. Past Grand High Priest Jewel, Apron
with Case, Collar Chain with Jewel, etc.) are the property of the Grand Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons of Delaware, and that the same have been placed in my
possession IN TRUST to be used by me at the pleasure of the said GRAND CHAPTER
and until I am requested to return the same to the GRAND CHAPTER, or until my
death. AND I HEREBY AGREE to return
the said Masonic Regalia to the said GRAND CHAPTER upon request.
In
the event of my death, I hereby instruct my Heirs, Executors, Administrators,
Successors and Assigns to deliver the said Masonic Regalia to the GRAND CHAPTER
OF DELAWARE and I hereby agree to append a copy of this Acknowledgment of
Ownership to my last Will and Testament so that my Heirs, Executors,
Administrators, Successors and Assigns will be aware that the said Masonic
Regalia is/was held by me IN TRUST.
Executed
this ______________ day of ___________________ , AD ____
REGALIA
CONCERNED ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
WITNESS
MY SIGNATURE __________________________________
IN
THE PRESENCE OF ______________________________________
(Proceedings
1995, page 36)
54.
GRAND YORK RITE ANNUAL MEETING COMMITTEE (1997)
Resolved:
that the Grand Chapter in conjunction with the Grand Council and Grand
Commandery create a Standing
Committee to be known as the Grand York Rite Annual Meeting Committee.
The duties of said Committee to be:
* Make
all necessary arrangements for the facilities for the annual York Rite Meetings,
for the lodging of the Guests of the Grand Bodies, for the Annual Banquet and
for the Ladies and Mens lunches. For the negotiation of costs and the execution
of any contracts to accomplish these objectives.
* Plan
and conduct all operations for the Meetings including publicity, solicitation of
attendees, receipt and management of all funds, payment of all obligations,
Banquet seating arrangements, and rendering a just and true account of the same
to the Finance Committees of the several Grand Bodies for Audit within four
weeks of the meetings.
* Assist
the Grand Presiding Officers in obtaining Entertainment for the Annual Banquet:
and for providing amenities, such as Hospitality rooms, Ladies programs, decorations etc. that the Presiding officers
wish to sponsor.
* Manage
the Annual Meeting with a Revenue Neutral objective with the Grand Bodies
paying for, or causing to be paid for, the out-of- pocket cost for the food and
lodging for their invited guests. Further,
that any excess revenue or cost shall be the responsibility of the Grand Bodies
on a pro-rata basis of the invited guests attending.
*The
committee shall be composed of three members, one from each of the three Grand
Bodies. Their term of service shall
be for three years except for the initial appointments, where the member from
Grand Chapter shall be for one year, Grand Council for two years and Grand
Commandery for three years. The
chairmanship shall rotate annually through Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and
Grand Commandery so that the longest service member is the Chair.
The Grand Presiding officers are ex-officio members of the committee.
The committee may, and is encouraged to, recruit additional support to
accomplish the objectives of the committee. (Proceedings 1997, page 34)
55.
GRAND
CHAPTER OF DELAWARE PERMANENT FUND (1999)
1.
This Fund shall be known as the Grand Chapter of Delaware Permanent Fund.
2.
The purpose of this Fund is to assist in offsetting the expenses of the
Annual Convocation and the Grand High Priest during his term of office.
3.
The principal of this fund may not be spent and must remain for growth.
The investment income may be used only in accordance with No.4 below.
4.
When the Fund reaches the amount of five thousand dollars ($5000.00), 50%
of the annual investment income may be spent; 25% annually and 25%
accumulated for three years to
assist in offsetting the cost of attending the Triennial Sessions of the General
Grand Chapter International by the Grand High Priest or his designated Proxy.
When the Fund accumulates to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), 75% of the
annual investment income may be spent; 50% annually and 25% accumulated
for three years to assist in offsetting the cost of attending the Triennial
Sessions of the General Grand Chapter International by the Grand High Priest or
his designated Proxy. At no time, regardless of how large the fund grows, can
more than 75% of the annual investment income be spent. There must always be 25%
of the annual investment income rolled over into the fund for growth.
5.
This Fund shall be managed by a committee of three (3) Companions, from
the Constituent Chapters, to serve staggered terms of three years each. The
Grand Treasurer shall be ex-officio
member of this committee responsible for the accountability of the Fund and the
disbursement of any monies from the Fund.
6.
The incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint one (1) Companion, to serve
a three year term on this Committee.
7.
The Committee members shall select a Chairman from its members.
8.
The Committee's duties shall be: