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Officer Aprons & Jewels

Plustax

Registered User
Is there somewhere in the GLoT Law book that states when performing "pro temp" officer station/place what can and can not be worn? ie... Only the jewel of the office and NOT the apron (just reg white apron). I've been told that "elected" station aprons are not to be worn by the "pro tem" and only the Jewel. However, "appointed" places Officer's aprons CAN be worn as these positions are "appointed". Just wondering if there is any type of "official" guidance on this.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Bro. Jerry,

First, you've been told wrong. There is no difference between elected & appointed officers when it comes to "pro-teming" their positions.

Secondly, you're looking in the wrong place. Grand Master's Decision-2008-NO. 14 holds that only installed officers may wear the aprons of their offices. A Brother "pro-teming" an office or working in a degree conferral is to wear the jewel of the office, but NOT the apron.

Many Brethren seem to be unaware that GM's Decisions, once approved by the Grand West and published, have the force of law unless & until overturned by a subsequent GM's Decision, and we swore in our Obligations to abide by them. Any Lodge that does not have at least one copy of the GM's Decisions, kept properly updated, needs to get one from the Grand Secretary's office.

Hope this helps.
 

Plustax

Registered User
Tnx Bro. Is there a place where I can go and download all GM'S Decisions. I'd like to get them & keep up with them myself.
 

Plustax

Registered User
I see your info about Grand Secretary. I was just wondering if it was available for download somewhere.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
AFAIK, it is only available, in hard copy or CD, through the Grand Secretary's office.
 

Keith C

Registered User
Jurisdictional differences are interesting.

At my Lodge in PA the officers acting in given roles wear both the jewel and apron of the office. We recently had 2 EA degrees conferred in one night and most of the positions changed between them. There was quite a flurry of exchanged aprons and jewels taking place between the two degrees.
 

Plustax

Registered User
Bro Bill,
I asked about the Grand Master's Decision-2008-NO.14 and was told that although that was the case, that a Grand Master's Decision is only good for the year while he is in office or until it is approved in to GL Law. Is this correct? Logically, it kinda makes sense, but I'm still a little confused. In other words... when a Grand Master's Decision is made during any given year does that become law for the rest of time or just during his year? Or does that GM decision move forward OR must it be submitted the following year to make it GL law? Just trying to learn brother and any help is appreciated.
Fraternally,
Jerry

Bro. Jerry,

First, you've been told wrong. There is no difference between elected & appointed officers when it comes to "pro-teming" their positions.

Secondly, you're looking in the wrong place. Grand Master's Decision-2008-NO. 14 holds that only installed officers may wear the aprons of their offices. A Brother "pro-teming" an office or working in a degree conferral is to wear the jewel of the office, but NOT the apron.

Many Brethren seem to be unaware that GM's Decisions, once approved by the Grand West and published, have the force of law unless & until overturned by a subsequent GM's Decision, and we swore in our Obligations to abide by them. Any Lodge that does not have at least one copy of the GM's Decisions, kept properly updated, needs to get one from the Grand Secretary's office.

Hope this helps.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I asked about the Grand Master's Decision-2008-NO.14 and was told that although that was the case, that a Grand Master's Decision is only good for the year while he is in office or until it is approved in to GL Law.
Same here in Kentucky. I had this same question not long ago and asked a Past Grand Master.
 

crono782

Premium Member
Bro Bill,
I asked about the Grand Master's Decision-2008-NO.14 and was told that although that was the case, that a Grand Master's Decision is only good for the year while he is in office or until it is approved in to GL Law. Is this correct? Logically, it kinda makes sense, but I'm still a little confused. In other words... when a Grand Master's Decision is made during any given year does that become law for the rest of time or just during his year? Or does that GM decision move forward OR must it be submitted the following year to make it GL law? Just trying to learn brother and any help is appreciated.
Fraternally,
Jerry
IIRC, what you are talking about is a GM Edict vs a GM Decision. Edicts are good for their year only and expire once they leave office, Decisions work like law, but can be subsequently overturned by another Decision or appropriate Resolution.
 

Plustax

Registered User
So it seems that law book gets annual updates, but one must check GM decisions as they may be more current on a particular topic than the law book which may also never make it in to law book since Decision is set forever until overridden by resolution or another Decision. Correct?
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
In my other jurisdictions the description we vote on includes the new coding numbers that would apply if we approve. As such the memory of what sections came from what source get forgotten unless you read through Proceedings books.

It was my impression that in Texas GM Decisions get voted upon for approval or rejection just like in any other state, but that in Texas once approved they are still listed in the book of constitutions as GM Decisions. If this is the case then in Texas it's only a matter of how they are written into the book, not on whether they were voted on and approved.

GM Decision - In effect for that year. Intended to be voted on to be made permanent.
GM Edict - In effect for that year. Only extended if the next GM issues a similar edict.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
In my other jurisdictions the description we vote on includes the new coding numbers that would apply if we approve. As such the memory of what sections came from what source get forgotten unless you read through Proceedings books.

It was my impression that in Texas GM Decisions get voted upon for approval or rejection just like in any other state, but that in Texas once approved they are still listed in the book of constitutions as GM Decisions. If this is the case then in Texas it's only a matter of how they are written into the book, not on whether they were voted on and approved.

GM Decision - In effect for that year. Intended to be voted on to be made permanent.
GM Edict - In effect for that year. Only extended if the next GM issues a similar edict.

The GM's Decisions are stated in the GM's report for the year. We then vote either to accept or reject his report. If accepted, his Decisions remain in force as law unless & until superseded by a following GM's Decision or a resolution approved by the members of Grand Lodge. The main difference is that, once a Resolution is approved by the members of Grand Lodge, it can only be changed by another vote by the members of Grand Lodge. Decisions are intended to be interpretations of the GL Law, not new law.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
So it seems that law book gets annual updates, but one must check GM decisions as they may be more current on a particular topic than the law book which may also never make it in to law book since Decision is set forever until overridden by resolution or another Decision. Correct?
That is correct.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Bro Bill,
I asked about the Grand Master's Decision-2008-NO.14 and was told that although that was the case, that a Grand Master's Decision is only good for the year while he is in office or until it is approved in to GL Law. Is this correct? Logically, it kinda makes sense, but I'm still a little confused. In other words... when a Grand Master's Decision is made during any given year does that become law for the rest of time or just during his year? Or does that GM decision move forward OR must it be submitted the following year to make it GL law?
Every year @ Grand Lodge, the GM makes his report in which his Decisions are listed. We then vote to either accept or reject his report. If we accept his report, we have thus ratified his Decisions & they then have the force of law unless and until they are superseded either by a subsequent GM's Decision or a resolution submitted to & approved by the members of Grand Lodge.
 
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