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Parlimentry proedures in open lodge, Roberts rules of order?

Tx4ever

Registered User
I'm sorry but I recently moved and my law book is boxed up somewhere. Story/Question- Lets say
a brother jumps to his feet and hollers "Point of Order" during a motion made, and then starts explaining how this motion can not have discussion with out a second ,bla , bla, bla. Question- Can the WM proceed anyway he sees fit? Where is the answer located in the law book?
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Can't help you with TX law, but in NM he'd have been gaveled down instantly. Also, in NM Robert's hold no sway.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
Can't help you with TX law, but in NM he'd have been gaveled down instantly. Also, in NM Robert's hold no sway.

Well, there is an aspect to Roberts Rules in Lodge, but the WM is always in charge. I would no sooner "jump up" there as at Town Meeting (a peculiar form of government known only in New England and by the way, Town Meeting is a legislature, not just a meeting). If I want to speak in Lodge, which I occasionally do as an officer, I respect protocol--especially since our current and outgoing master is a Past Deputy Grand Master. However, at least in our lodge, we do call for discussion and occasionally have it. We remain in order and in due form. If we want to speak in discussion in open lodge, we stand and give the sign and ask the WM for permission to speak. He always grants it.

Our Trustee meetings are governed the same. Order and respect is part of how we get our business done and give voice to all Brethren who have their piece to say if they are so inclined.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
Roberts rules of order hold no sway in Oklahoma. The WM has complete control, though his actions are guided by the C&C and Ritual.
Of course our rules are different, but in general, parliamentary procedure is followed, at least in the Lodges under the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge. Motions must be made, seconded, and discussed (if any discussion) and then voted upon. While you are correct that pretty much everywhere the WM has complete control, I've been to a lot of other lodges that are not my personal Blue Lodge, as well as been a proxy to the annual Grand Lodge Communication in my state and parliamentary procedure has been pretty strictly followed, especially when it comes to votes. We may do it our own way, but we like order. After all, we had a lot to do with creating how our own government works in this country. Though, we could all do with more meeting on the level and parting on the square.
 

RedTemplar

Johnny Joe Combs
Premium Member
In my lodge, The WM opens, rules, and governs his lodge. This also means he interprets the constitution while presiding. On occasion, however, some WMs have been known to "abdicate" their authority to the PMs.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Robert's Rules of Order are not applicable in GLoTX Lodges- we have our own rules of parliamentary procedure as follows:

PARLIAMENTARY LAW IN CONSTITUENT BLUE LODGES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS

INTRODUCTION

Parliamentary law consists of accepted rules, both written and unwritten, by which organized assemblies govern their deliberations. The term “parliamentary” refers to the British parliament; but it is derived primarily from the French word “parler”, meaning “to speak”. Parliamentary law, therefore, is concerned with proper procedures controlling speaking in a deliberative assembly.

The purpose of parliamentary law is to (a) maintain decorum, (b) ascertain the will of the majority, (c) protect the rights of the minority, and (d) assist the assembly toward its goal: the orderly, expeditious, and equitable disposition of business.

Legislative bodies (such as the Congress and state legislatures) have developed highly complex parliamentary procedures peculiar to their particular needs. Most organized assemblies, however, transact business under a blend of rules prescribed by their own bylaws, established by tradition, decreed by the presiding officer, and delineated by a parliamentary text such as Roberts’ Rules of Order, Sturgis’ Code of Parliamentary Procedure, or De Meter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure.

Masonic Lodges are not bound by the usual and customary parliamentary rules of order because the entire structure, purpose, and function of Freemasonry is unlike that of any other organization. The background, history, customs, and usages of Freemasonry are enough unlike those of other voluntary associations so as to require special rules of order. Although some of these rules are in the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas, many others are in the edicts and decisions of Grand Masters and reports of Committees, approved by the Grand Lodge of Texas and reported in its Proceedings as far back as 1837. Even the codified rules reflect Masonic landmarks, ancient customs and traditions, and Grand Lodge actions for 138 years.

Such parliamentary texts as Roberts, Sturgis, or De Meter, therefore, have no place in the Blue Lodge because they are not consonant with basic Masonic principles; consequently, it would be inappropriate to rely on such texts for guidance in parliamentary procedure for a Masonic Lodge.

THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER

The parliamentary focal point in the Masonic blue Lodge is the East. The Worshipful Master, unlike the presiding officer of any other deliberative assembly, is vested with virtually limitless parliamentary power- so much power, in fact, as to be awesome. It is his paramount duty to preserve order and decorum in the lodge room, and he may take just about whatever steps he deems necessary to fulfill this duty.

The WM has the right- indeed, the responsibility- to preside; however, at his pleasure he may request and permit another Brother to do so, provided that the Brother is a current Warden or a Past Master of the WM’s Lodge. The WM may then resume the gavel whenever he so desires.

The WM must supervise both the business and the work of the Lodge. He is the custodian of the Lodge Charter, is responsible for its proper display in his Lodge, and is charged with its safekeeping. He is also responsible for the accuracy of the minutes, and may order any correction thereto at the next stated meeting.

When the WM raps the gavel, he takes charge of his Lodge demanding silence in the room and requiring every Brother to be properly clothed and seated. Any Brother who disobeys the gavel may be reprimanded by the WM and/or may be ordered from the room.

Unique among presiding officers, the WM may propose any motion; may second any motion (except an incidental motion (1)); may initiate, participate in, and terminate debate; and, subject to Grand Lodge Law and his own Lodge Bylaws, may open and close Lodge at his will and pleasure. The WM, furthermore, may reject any motion which he deems to be in violation of The Grand Lodge Constitution and Laws, in conflict with the landmarks and customs of Freemasonry, or in danger of jeopardizing the peace and harmony of the Lodge itself.

Under Grand Lodge Laws the WM may require every member of his Lodge present to vote upon any pending question (2). The WM himself is not empowered with a casting vote, i.e., a second vote. If he has already voted and there is a tie, the proposition under consideration is defeated.

The WM decides and rules on all points of order, and there is no appeal from his decision except to the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge (3). Such an appeal must be in writing and signed by three members of the Lodge, pursuant to the provisions of Grand Lodge Law, Article 283.

The Worshipful Master is indeed vested with supreme authority; fortunately, however, Masons hold this office in such high esteem that most WM’s need to exercise only a minimum of authority in conducting the Lodge. In addition, WM’s themselves appreciate the honor and significance of the office and generally evidence a sincere desire to preside justly, fairly, impartially, and courteously (4).

LODGE BUSINESS

Grand Lodge Law Article 333 provides that “each Lodge shall conduct its business as nearly as possible according to the rules of order established in Articles 168 to 176, inclusive”.

Article 333 delineates the order of business for a stated Lodge meeting but also allows the WM and/or the Lodge to alter the prescribed order. The model bylaws (Form 23) in Article XII delineate the same order of business “unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge or the WM.” Thus, the conduct of Lodge business is vested in the WM, and he may alter the order of business as he deems appropriate.

Article 170 governs the actions of members who speak in Lodge. The member must rise, address the WM (not the Lodge) (5), await recognition, and then speak to the issue under consideration. If two or more members rise simultaneously, the WM determines who shall speak first; and there is no appeal on this point.

A member may not speak more than twice on a given subject at the same meeting, unless to explain or unless the WM specifically grants him permission to speak again.

When a member is speaking, there must be no interruption unless the speaker himself is willing to yield for a question; however, he must not digress from the subject under consideration and he must never become personal in his remarks. (6) A speaker who has been reprimanded for violation of the rules may not proceed without permission of the W M; and if a member is twice reprimanded, the WM may order him to leave the lodge room. (7)

It is not in the best interest of the Lodge to introduce an original motion, resolution, or proposition orally from the floor; and the WM is not obligated to accept it if so introduced. (8) Such new business is best presented in writing, read aloud by the Secretary, and then referred by the WM to the proper Committee tor subsequent study and ultimate recommendation to the Lodge. (9) A motion, when properly framed, is always in the affirmative- never in the negative. (10)

After a resolution or proposition has been submitted to a Committee or the motion has been presented to the Lodge by the WM, it cannot be withdrawn over objection unless the Lodge votes to permit withdrawal. (11)

When a resolution or proposition is ready for consideration, only the following motions are acceptable: (12)

Postpone temporarily (not debatable)

Postpone definitely

Refer to a Committee

Amend

Adopt

The precedence of these motions is in the order listed above, the motion to adopt being of the lowest rank. (13) Although they do not require a second, they may be seconded by the WM.

Incidental motions to divide or to withdraw are also acceptable, but they require a second other than the WM. (1)

All questions of order are decided by the WM, without debate and without appeal to the Lodge; (3) however, the WM may seek the advice of any member before ruling. If the debate becomes acrimonious and threatens the peace and harmony of the Lodge, or if a member violates the proprieties of parliamentary and fraternal courtesy, the WM may rap the gavel, order the member to cease speaking, and terminate debate. (7)

Article 336 states that “no order made, resolution adopted, or other vote on any business matter shall be reconsidered except at the same or next stated meeting of the Lodge, nor unless an equal or greater number of members are present than were present when the action was taken”. It is permissible, however, to amend, revoke, or rescind previous action at any subsequent stated meeting.

Since only those motions previously listed are permitted in the Lodge, the following motions are never acceptable: (14)

Adjourn

Recess

Vote immediately

Limit debate

Postpone indefinitely (15)

Furthermore, the Lodge cannot act as “a Committee of the Whole”. (16)

Lodge meetings are of two types: “stated” and “called”. A Stated Meeting is a regular meeting of the Lodge as provided in its bylaws; a Called Meeting is any other meeting. Articles 234, 235, and 415 specify that all lodge business must be voted upon at stated meetings only, except (a) the vote on proficiency in trial questions and answers, and (b) the vote to adopt proposed bylaws for a newly-chartered Lodge. (17)

The WM should be familiar with the prescribed manner of voting (whether by ballot or by show of hands); the percentage of votes required for adoption; (whether unanimous or lesser) and when the vote can be taken (whether at the meeting when proposed or at a subsequent meeting).

It should be emphasized, however, that although knowledge of Grand Lodge Law and of parliamentary procedure is invaluable to the WM, it is not a substitute for good judgment and common sense. Some business items must be decided by the WM according to his own conscientious concept of what is right, no matter how urgently he is pressed to the contrary; otherwise, he is not worthy to occupy his station in the East. The Brethren should accept the decisions and rulings of the WM unless and until he is overruled by the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge. In turn, the WM should so rule and govern his Lodge as to merit the admiration, the respect, and perhaps even the affection of his fellow Masons; thus, every lodge meeting begun in order may be conducted in peace and closed in harmony.


EXPLANATORY NOTES


(1) Incidental motions are:

(a) Withdraw a motion under consideration.

(b) Divide a motion under consideration.

(2) When all Lodge members present are required to vote, the secrecy of the ballot remains absolute; this is especially important in balloting upon petitions for the Degrees or for affiliation.

(3) Only the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge can remove a Worshipful Master from office; the Blue Lodge itself cannot do so. The WM, therefore, is accountable to only the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge.

(4) Although the WM is not required to do so, he would be well-advised to render his decisions in such a manner that no Brother “loses face” or is made to feel “put down”. A soft word of explanation from the WM may make all the difference. Perhaps the worst reply that could come from the WM, when questioned about a ruling, would be the curt comment, “Because I said so!”

(5.) Ordinarily, a rising Brother addresses the Lodge, “WM, Wardens, and Brethren”; but when a parliamentary item is under consideration, the rising Brother addresses only the WM.

(6) Personalities must never be any part of parliamentary discussion or debate; moreover, the WM must lower the gavel in no uncertain terms if personalities are ever so introduced.

(7) The WM must not permit any Brother to disrupt the peace and harmony of the Lodge,

(8) The freedom and the license of the WM to accept or reject a proposed motion is not clearly understood by many Brethren; suffice it to say that the primary charge of the WM is to maintain order, peace, and harmony by whatever means he deems most appropriate.

(9) When the Committee renders its report, it will prevent confusion if the report is written in the affirmative rather than the negative. See below.

(10) A motion framed in the negative invites chaos and confusion because the Brethren would be uncertain regarding the ultimate effect of their vote, whether it be “Aye” or “Nay”; therefore, all motions should be framed in the affirmative.

(11) When a proposed motion has been seconded, it no longer belongs to the proposer but to the Lodge; consequently, only the Lodge can permit withdrawal of the motion.

(12)(a) The motion to postpone temporarily is also known as the motion to table. In most deliberative bodies this motion is used to kill the item under consideration. In the Blue Lodge, however, the correct purpose of this motion is to defer action temporarily; but if the WM suspects otherwise, he is not obligated to accept the motion.

(b) The motion to postpone to a definite time is less offensive than the motion to postpone temporarily. (Table)

(c) The motion to postpone indefinitely is never acceptable in Masonry because it infringes upon the immemorial right of the WM to conduct the affairs of the Lodge as the G/L Constitution and Ancient Charges require.

(13) It is important that the WM respect the precedence of motions. Whenever a proposed motion is under consideration, a motion of higher rank may be accepted but a motion of lower rank cannot be accepted.

The main motion ‘to adopt” is of the lowest rank. Next highest is the motion to amend, but not more than two amendments may be under consideration at any one time. When amendments to the main motion are proposed, they are voted on in reverse order, the second amendment being disposed of before the first amendment, then finally the main motion. The total number of amendments may be unlimited so long as not more than two are pending simultaneously.

(14) Only the WM may decide when to adjourn, recess, vote, or terminate debate.

(15) See (12) (c) above.

(16) Only the WM “rules and governs” the Lodge and he cannot delegate this authority to the Lodge itself.

(17) Obviously a newly-chartered Lodge must adopt bylaws at a special or called meeting.
 

Tx4ever

Registered User
While some of these are easy to understand , some require you to be a lawyer and are open to interpretation. Such as "Furthermore, the Lodge cannot act as “a Committee of the Whole”. (16) which is exactly what happens when you are allowed to hold discussion on a motion without a second, I wish they would just say the WM is in charge, enough said.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
While some of these are easy to understand , some require you to be a lawyer and are open to interpretation. Such as "Furthermore, the Lodge cannot act as “a Committee of the Whole”. (16) which is exactly what happens when you are allowed to hold discussion on a motion without a second, I wish they would just say the WM is in charge, enough said.
That would certainly make things easier.
 
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