Meeting Formats

The official communication is usually preceded by a Grand Secretary’s Workshop on Saturday for all Lodge Secretaries who would like to attend; and a opportunity on Sunday to take a bus trip to the Masonic Home at Union City (near Hayward 30 minutes away by bus) where, in addition to the tours, a breakfast/brunch/lunch is provided. There is an informal opening of Grand Lodge on Sunday afternoon, usually at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM which is open to the public and at which all of the representatives of organizations which cannot visit a tiled Grand Lodge Session are received (Eastern Star, Amaranth, youth groups, etc.) There is also, frequently but not always, a Grand Lodge vesper service (non denominational) held either in the Grand Lodge building or across the street at Grace Cathedral.

The Annual Communication begins at precisely 9:00 AM on Monday, breaks for lunch and usually calls off somewhere near 5:00 PM. There is frequently some sort of entertainment event on Monday evening. The Grand Lodge calls back on at 9:00 AM on Tuesday and, breaking again for lunch, continues until the necessary business is transacted, usually somewhere in the area of 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. During these two days the Grand Master reports fully on his year and presents any decisions or recommendations for ratification or rejection by Grand Lodge. Committee reports are received, resolutions are debated, and voted upon. Visitors are introduced and received and representatives of the male Masonic organizations are presented and welcomed. The next-to-last item of business on Tuesday afternoon is the adoption of the Grand Lodge budget and the setting of the per capita for the following year. The last item of business is the election of the new Grand Lodge officers.

Grand Lodge is again called off on Tuesday afternoon, and on Wednesday morning, usually at 10:00 AM the installation of the new Grand Lodge officers takes place. It is followed by a reception. Grand Lodge is then closed.

The Semi-Annual Grand Communication is held in October in Pyramid Shrine Temple, Milford. After opening at 9AM, the main report delivered is that of the Masonicare Foundation regarding our home, hospital and related facilities. We also hear who have been awarded the Pierpont Edwards awards for outstanding Masonic service. This is usually followed by the election of officers for the next year, which gives the GM-elect time to get his program in order for action after his installation. The session ends with the roll-call of lodges somewhere prior to noon.

The Grand Lodge then meets for its annual session the 2nd Saturday in December, starting at 10am. The Grand Master gives his extensive report on his year. Then, again, committee reports are presented, resolutions can be received, debated, and voted on, and at 2pm elections are held. The session usually ends right after elections.

There is a 3rd official meeting, the 3rd Saturday in December, at 6-7pm. The purpose is only to hear and vote on the Jurisprudence Committee’s report on the actions of the outgoing GM, which is usually pro-forma, and then to install the new officers. This session is usually over by 8-9pm, depending on how much everyone wants to say.

The GL of NM meets at 9:30 am on the third Friday in March for the Annual Communication.. The Grand Master’s address is the first order of business followed by a reading of Resolutions and Recommendations. A booklet of all committee reports, other than those requiring action by the delegates, is given to the delegates at registration. In the afternoon election of officers is held. That evening is the GL banquet followed by the installation of officers. A memorial service starts the Saturday session. The Accounts Ways and Means, Ritual, Grand Masters’ Address, and Jurisprudence committee reports are received and acted upon. Declaration of Installation, from the previous evening, is given to conclude GL at which time the incoming GM makes his remarks and GL is then closed.

Quarterly communications are also held but no business is conducted other than the Board of Directors which hold meetings in conjunction with the quarterlies.

The Grand Master-elect and other grand officers are installed at an emergent communication called for that purpose the first Saturday in December.

Emergent communications of the Grand Lodge are called by Grand Master or on written application by the Masters of not less than ten chartered lodges, setting forth the cause which demands it.

The next day, starting again at 10am, the Grand Lodge votes on resolutions and recommendations from committees, and holds elections. This is usually completed after lunch. During the afternoon there is time for photos and rehearsals for installation, and that evening installation of new officers takes place.