CONSTITUTION,

By-Laws and Rules of Order,

OF THE

GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES,

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS,

With all Amendments adopted to September, 1843, imbodied therein.

CONSTITUTION.

WHEREAS, it has been found expedient, and of great im- Preamble. portance to mankind, to perpetuate those institutions which confer on them great and essential benefit. Therefore, the GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, for the more effectual purpose of binding each other in the bond of one common Union, by which we will be enabled to insure a co-operation of action, and of providing for the best interest of our beloved Order, based, as it is, upon the permanent principles of Universal Benevolence, Friendship and Philanthropy, and to secure unto ourselves and posterity more effectually the blessings which are to be derived from so valuable and beneficial an institution, do ordain and establish the following as the Con STITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES, OF THE INDEPENDEnt Order of ODD FELLOWS.

Done in the city of Baltimore, in the state of Maryland, Date of adoption. on this fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.

ARTICLE I.

This Lodge shall be known by the name, style and title Style, title, and jurisdiction. of the "Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the United States of America," and possesses original and exclusive jurisdiction in Odd Fellowship, over the territories comprising the Federal Government of the United States. It is the source of all true and legitimate authority in Odd Fellowship in the United States of America. All state, district and territorial Grand Lodges and Encampments assemble under its warrant, and derive their authority from

it. With it is placed the power to enact such laws and reg- General powers. ulations as shall be for the good of the Order in general. It is the ultimate tribunal to which all matters of general importance to the state, district and territorial Grand Lodges and Grand Encampments are to be referred, and its decisions thereon shall be final and conclusive-and with the consent of the Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment of a state, district or territory, may receive an appeal of a subordinate lodge or Encampment, from the decision of its Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment. To it belongs the power to regulate and control the work of the Order, and the several degrees belonging thereto; to fix and determine the customs and usages, in regard to all things which concern Odd Fellowship. This Grand Lodge has inherent power to establish Inherent powers.

Membership.

Officers elective.

When installed.

ed.

lodges and Encampments in foreign countries where no Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment exists. Such lodges and Encampments shall work by virtue of a warrant granted by this Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE II.

The members of this Grand Lodge shall be, the Grand Sire, Deputy Grand Sire, Grand Recording Secretary, Grand Corresponding Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Marshal, Grand Guardian, Grand Chaplain, and the Representatives from state, district or territorial Grand Lodges and Grand Encampments, acting under legal, unreclaimed warrants granted by this Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE III.

The elective officers shall be, Most Worthy Grand Sire, Right Worthy Deputy Grand Sire, Grand Recording Secretary, Grand Corresponding Secretary, and Grand Treasurer, all of whom shall be elected biennially, at the stated meetings of this Grand Lodge, in September, except the Grand Corresponding Secretary, who shall be elected during the pleasure of this Grand Lodge; and who shall be duly installed, and enter on the duties of their office, at the stated meeting next ensuing their election. The Right Worthy Grand MarOfficers appoint- shal, Right Worthy Grand Guardian, and Right Worthy Grand Chaplain, shall be nominated by the Grand Sire, if approved of by the Grand Lodge, they shall be installed at the stated meeting next ensuing the election of Grand Officers. If, however, any of the above elective officers shall fail to appear to be installed into their respective offices at the time provided, the particular office shall be declared vacant, and the Grand Lodge shall, in that event, proceed to a new election to fill such vacancy, and the officer or officers so elected, shall be accordingly installed. They shall attend each meeting of the Grand Lodge, and perform such duties as are enjoined by the laws and regulations of the Order, and such as may be required by the presiding officer.

When installed.

Consequence of failure to install

Attendance cessary

Of Grand Sire, duties.

ne

ARTICLE IV.

The Grand Sire shall preside at all meetings of the Grand Lodge, preserve order, and enforce the laws thereof. He shall have the casting vote whenever the Lodge shall be equally divided; but shall not vote on any other occasion. During the recess of this Grand Lodge he shall have a general superintendence of the interests of the Order, and make report to the next stated meeting of his acts and doings in relation thereto. He shall not hold any elective office in any ive office in other state, district or territorial Grand Lodge or Grand Encampment, while acting as Grand Sire.

Not to hold elect

branches of the

Order.