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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 1,4 5 6 '^- RULES AND REGULATIONS TO BE OHSKRVED BY ALL (Tbapters anb iprcceptodes MEETING IN BRITISH AMERICA, UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE Grand Black Chapter of Ireland. ^^|K,--'' in mi im " TORONT INTO THE ORDER OF THE Royal Black Knights of Ireland IN BRITISH AMERICA. No person shall be admitted into this Institu- tion unless duly qualified — that is to say, he must be twenty-one years of age, be aljle to read and write, and to keep all matters and things confided to him in the Institution, and not by any means discover or entrust them (unless properly authorized so to do) to another person, except to a brother of the same degree. He must be one who will not initiate any person unless duly empowered so to do by the proper authori- ties, holding a Warrant for that purpose under the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland, the same having been legally transferi-ed into his hands; who will, as far as in his power, aid and assist all Sir Knights of this Royal Black Institution,and not wrong, or see any of them wronged, if in his power to prevent it. He must, to the utmost of his power, support and defend her present Majesty, her heirs and successors, being Protestant, and maintain the Protestant religion and Constitution of 1G88 against all foes, foreign and domestic. He must become a member of this Institution of his own free will and accord ; and he must not debase the Institution by receiving hire or gain for admitting persons into its Preceptories, nor for a less sum than that authorized by the Grand Chapter of British America — viz., Five Dollars* — nor by permitting to be received less than the said sum. He must have such a sense of his duty as a Protestant, that he will not marry a member of the Romish Church, nor stand sponsor for the child of a Roman Catholic, nor permit a Roman Catholic to stand sponsor for his child. And furthermore, should he at any time entertain any speculations regarding the secrets, signs, pass- words, or mysteries of any of the higher degrees in this Royal Black Institution, or should he by accident or otherwise become actually possessed of any knowledge of the same, without their having been regularly conferred upon him, be must be one who will inviolably preserve such knowledge within his own breast, and who will not comment upon, or discuss, nor communicate his speculations or knowledge to any person or persons whatever ; and lastly, he must obey, without scruple or *The above-mentioned terms for Initiation Fee of members not to interfere with the By-Laws passed by any Preceptory for the admission of members, if it sees ht to charge more than the amount named. 5 i^esorve, the Rules and Regulations of tliis Royal Black Institution > of which he is about to become a member. Qualification of Officers. Previous to the installation of officers into their respective offices, the membei's of every Precep- tory or Chapter must further satisfy themselves that such officers respectively posse'^s the sub- joined qualifications : — Preceptor or Deputy Preceptor. That he has attained the Red Cross Degree ; that he is not made a Preceptor or Deputy Pre- ceptor for any private emolument or advantage to himself ; that he will exert his authority to main- tain good behaviour in his Preceptory, &c., and a strict observance of the Rules and Regulations as drawn up and published by the Grand Chapter. Registrar or Deputy Registrar, That he will, to the utmost of his power, keep regular and preserve the papers, books, seals, and other property of the Preceptory, &;c , committed to his care ; and that he will not lend the seal to any person, nor affix it to any paper or document whatsoever, unless by order of the Chapter or Preceptory regularly assembled. » Trecifiurer or DejnityTreafittrer. That he will dilif^ently collect all paymerftn to he made to the Chapter or Preceptory, and fairly account for all moneys which shall come into his hands on account of, or for the use of, the Chapter or Preceptory, whenever the Chapter or Precep- tory shall require the same ; and hand in all balances, or sums of money in hand, to such person or persons as the Chapter or Preceptory shall order or direct. Committeeman. That in all cases which shall come before him as a Committeeman, he will act with fidelity and impartiality, without favor, affection, or personai dislike to any man. 'I^V 1 GENERAL RULES. I The followinor Bules have heen adopted for the government of the Order in British America. Title, This Grand Chapter shall he known as " The Most Worshipful Grand Black Chapter of British America." Allegiance. This Grand Chapter acknowledges the supre- macy of the Grand Council of Ireland. Rule 1. The Order shall consist of an unlimited number of Sir Knights, all of whom must have been regu- larly initiated Archpurple Men, and be mem- bers in good standing in the Loyal Orange Asso- ciation. Rule 2. No person shall be proposed for admission to this Order unless he have the qualifications re- quired by the next preceding rule, and can be certified to be a believer in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, as held by the established churches ^f England and Scotland. No person can be admitted as a member cf cbis Order, either of whose parents is a Roman Catholic, or who is married to one ; and in case a member afterwards intermarry with a Roman Catholic he shall forthwith be expelled. Rule 4. No person can be admitted as a member of this Order, if either of his parents has been a Roman Catholic, or who has not been born in wedlock, (except by the special sanction of the Oiand Chapter, or by the Grand Master, wKen the Grand Chapter is not in Mession.) Rule 5. No person can be received as a candidate for Uhe Order, unless he has arrived at the age of twenty-one years, except by the special sanction of the Grand Chapter or the Grand Master. Rule 6. The admission of members shall be by Imllot — three black balls to exclude — and no candidate shall be ballotted for without having been pro- posed and seconded at least one month previous to such ballot, and unless he shall have been six months sm Archpurple Man, unless by the special I i I i f 9 sanction of the Grand Chapter, or the Grand Master, Should the ballot be favorable and the candi- date fail to present himself for initiation within the space of six months thereafter, he shall forfeit the sum paid upon making application. V4 Rule 7. A candidate seekinfj admission to the Order niust have resided fur six months within the jurisdiction of the Preceptory to which he seeks admission, except upon a dispensation from the Grand Mastor, Rules. Nothing connected with the proceedings of the Institution, or affecting the character of any member thereof, as such^ shall be printed or circulated, except with the sanction of the Grand Chapter ; and any person acting at variance with this rule shall be liable to expulsion. ii No member of the Grand^ Provincial or County Chapter, shall be entitled to any privilege, or have a se&t of vote therein, until his Preceptory dues shal! have been paid- 10 t ' 1 1 Rule 10. ; No existing BoJy or Association, professing to be of the Black Order, can be recognized as such which is not sitting under the Warrant of the Grand Black Chapter ; and members are strictly forbidden to countenance* by their presence or otliervvise, any such association, on pain of ex| ulsion. Rule 11. — Warrants. ^ No Preceptory can be held without a Warrant from the Grand Chapter, signed by at least five of its officers in due form, sealed with the insignia of the Grand Black Chapter of Ireland, and countersigned by the Grand Master and Grand Registrar of British America. No Preceptory shall assume any distinctive title or name without the express permission of the Grand Chapter or Grand Master. Rule n. All applicants for Warrants must have the signatures of seven applicants, and must receive the sanction of the County Chapter (where such exist), under whose jurisdiction it is intended to open the Preceptory, and through whom the application must be sent to the Grand Registrar. The sum of $12 for Warrant and Rituals must accompany the application* All Warrants issued of or [ve 11 shall always continue to be the property of tfic Grand Black Chapter of British America, which has at all times the power of cancelling, suspending or withdrawing them as may seem fit, and of again issuing the same. Every M^arrant so cancelled, suspended or withdrawn shall be wholly void and inoperative ; and every menil)er v*^ho shall know- ingly use, or act on or sit under any such Warrant, during such period, shall be suspended for a term not exceeding two years. Pending the issue of the Warrant the Grand Master may issue a dis- pensation for the opening of the Preceptory. Ride 13. On application for Renew^al of a Warrant, the sum of Two Dollars must be transmitted for same. Ride H. No Warrant can be exchanged, bought, sold or taken from the County for which it was originally granted, without the approbation of tlie County Grand Master, nor without the sanction of the Provincial Grand Master ; the change in every case to be reported to the Grand Registrar. A Warrant becoming dormant or surrendered may be held by the Grand Registrar and transferred to any other part of the Dominion, such transfer to be reported at the next meeting of the Grand Chapter for their approval. I 12 Rule 16. Each new Preceptory, on being formed, shall receive two sets of Rituals and two copies of the Constitutions (free of charge) ; any additional copies received to be paid for at the prescribed rate* Rule 16, — Certificates, Red Cross, Certificates may be granted by the Grand Registrar of Ireland (or his acting Deputy) to Sir Knights who have taken all the Degrees of the Order, under the following regulations : (1). That application for each certificate be made on a form to be supplied for that purpose by the Grand Registrar. (2). Each application shall be signed in open Preceptory, by the Preceptor or Deputy Preceptor, and Registrar, with the consent of the members present, or the majority of them, and shall be sealed with the seal of the Preceptory. (3). Each application shall be transmitted to the Grand Registrar of British America. (4). Should any Preceptory refuse to pass an application, the applicant may, within fourteen days after such refusal, lodge an appeal with the Registrar of the next superior Chapter, which at its next meeting may pass and seal it. (5). That the sum of seventy-five cents be paid by the applicant, when the application is passed by the Preceptory, which shall be transmitted in postage stamps, or other. u 13 wise, tc the Granii Registrar. (6). On receiving the application and fee, the Grand Registrar shall enroll the name of the applicant in a book, to be kept by him for that purpose, provided that if he see cause, he may (with the consent of the Grand Master) hold it over till the next meeting of the Grand Chapter, when he shall refund the fee if the certificate be not granted. (7). Each certificate shall be sent direct to the Preceptor of the Pre- ceptory which passed the application, and shall by him be delivered to the proper person in open Preceptory. (8). That any member using his certificate for improper purposes shall be liable to expulsion. Rule 17. — Certificates, Clearances. In every case where a member wishes to leave his Preceptory, he shall first give intimation thereof by applying either in writing or person- ally in open Preceptory for a Clearance Certificate, which shall be sent from the Preceptory he is about to leave to the Preceptory he is about to join, except when he is leaving the Dominion of Canada, when it may be given into his own possession. A Clearance Certificate shall not be refused except for improper conduct or non- payment of dues. Clearance Certificates must be signed by the Preceptor and Officers, with the sanction of the Preceptory ; a charge of not less I 14 than twenty -five cents to be made for each. Any Preceptory granting such certificate to any in- dividual not a member of the same, or not properly entitled to it, shall be liable to be suspended by the County, Provincial or Grand Chapter. All Clearance Certificates must bear the signature of the Grand Registrar. ■■-:'. Rule IS. In case any Preceptory shall refuse a Clearance certificate without sufficient cause, the County, Provincial or Grand Chapter shall, on appeal have power to grant it. Rule 19. A Sir Knight desiring to deposit his certificate in a Preceptory, such certificate shall be subject to a ballot, — a majority vote to decide. ..,.'• Rule 20. In every case of a charge against a member, the complaint must, in the first instance, be inves- tigated by his Private Preceptory, unless such cases as the Grand Chapter shall see fit to have tried otherwise, or cases mentioned in Rule 22 ; and eight days previously the charge must be furnished in writing to the member complained of, and to the Registrar of the Preceptory in which the trial is to take place. 15 ;' Rule 31 In case any Private Preceptoiy, County or Provincial Chapter, neglect or refuse to try and decide on any charge or oflenee which such Pre- ceptory or Chapter ought to try, then the Chapter to which an appeal shall have been made shall have the power of trying the case and deciding thereon. , RvXe 22, Any offence allege*! to have been committed by a member or officer of the Grand Chapter, or of a Provincial or County Chapter, as such, may be tried and determinerl by any such Chapter, subject to an appeal in the usual way. Rule 23, In cases where a charge or complaint is made against a Preceptory, the Grand, Provincial, or County Chapter may refuse to investigate the matter until the Warrant of the Precejitory is deposited in the custody of the Officer presiding at such trial or investigation, to abide the decision thereon. , . =■■ '-'^ .^ . Rule 2i. v;;''.. .. •■. In every case of appeal, sufficient notice in writing must be given, by the party appealing, to every member directly concerned therein, and to the Registrar of the Preceptory or Chapter ap- pealed from, and Chapter appealed to. 114 If 11 !l il Rule 25. — Appeals, No appeal can be entertained by the Grand Chapter unless it havS been duly forwarded (see Rule 47) to, and received by, the Grand Registrar, fourteen clear days previous to the meeting of the Grand Chapter, so as to enable all parties inter- ested to be duly notified thereof. In all cases where penalties are imposed, either party shall have the right to appeal to the next highest Chapter, and so on, to the Grand Chapter. All decisions shall be final, unless appealed from within two months to the next highest Chapter, stating the reasons for appealing. Rule U,-^ Re- Ballot \ '^' In order to guard the Institution against the possibility of improper persons continuing mem- bers thereof, it shall be competent for the Grand Chapter or Grand Master to order that any member or members of a Preceptory shall under- go a new ballot, for which the Sir Knights shall be specially summoned ; a two-third majority to decide. Application for such re-ballot to be made by the Private Preceptory to which such meraber belongs, under seal of the Preceptory. Rule ^7. In all questions on which there is a ballot, should the result of such ballot prove to be a tie, it shall md see rar, the er- ses all est yi )ru er, ^le a- td r- II ;0 '6 il ill il Pi i i 8 ( a 17 be considered to liave a negative effect, and be so declared by the Preceptor or presiding officer. Ride ^'9. — Lkgrees. No person shall receive on the same evening more than one degree, except by special permission of the Grand Chapt(?r or Grand Master, the date of initiation to be duly registered in a book for the inspection of the Grand Censors, who, in case of complaint, shall report thereon to the Grand Chapter. I Order in which the Degrees are to Jje given. 1, Black ; 2, Scarlet ; 3, Ro3'al Mark ; 4, Apron and Royal Blue ; 5, White ; G, Green ; 7, Gold ; 8, Star and Garter ; 9, Crimson Arrow ; 10, Link and Chain ; 11, Red Cross. Rule 29. — The Grand Chapter. The Grand Chapter shall consist of the follow- ing : — A Grand Master, all Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Master, Associate Deputy Grand Master, Grand Chaplain, Deputy Grand Chaplains, Grand Registrar, Deputy Grand R3gi6irar, Grand Treasurer, Deputy Grand Ti^asurer, Grand Lec- turer, four Deputy Grand Lecturers, Grand Cen- sor, Deputy Grand Censor, Grand Marshal, two Grand Standard Bearers, two Grand Pursuivants, and a Grand Committee of seven members, B \ 1 1 lii li i 1 together with Provincial Gniiid Ofticcrs, Past Pro- vincial Oiand Masters, Past l)('|)titv (Irand Masters, Past Orand Registrars, PastCJiand Trea- surers, and Past Grand Lecturers, of the Grand Chapter, who are in good stantling in the Order ; also Masters, Past Masters, Deputy Masters, Chaplains, Registrars, Treasurers and Lecturers of Counties, Preceptors and Past Prece[)tors of Private Preceptories. No member of this Order shall be eligible for the office of Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master, in either the Proviiicial Grand Chapters or this Grand Chapter, unless he has passed as Preceptor through the chair of a Private Preceptory, and has taken all the degrees of this Order. Rule SO. This Grand Chapter shall meet annually at the same place, and on the day previous to the meet- ing of the M. W. Grand Orange Lodge of B. A. Emergent meetings may be called when the Grand Master, on a requisition signed by seven members of the Grand Chapter, shall authorize the Grand Registrar to convene the same. Rule 31, No meeting of the Grand Chapter shall be held without the presence of the Grand Master, or a Deputy Grand Master, and seven members. I!) Rule 3':l The Grand Oiricers of the Grand Cljaptei' sliall cuuu'i into oiHce as soon as elected and installed. Ride J J. In order to estaVilish regularity of attendance at the meetings of the Giand Chapter, each Pro- vincial oi C^ounty Chapter may he Hned the sunj of Five J)ullars, if there sliall not be present at each Meeting of the Grand Chapter at least one member .;f each such Provincial or County Chapter, Everv member of the Order iselii^ible for oHlco in the Grand Chapter or subordinate Chapters, subject to Rules and 29, provided he is entitled to a vote therein. Rule o4" All ofiicers of the Grand Chapter are members of every Chapter or Private Preceptoiy, and are entitled to vote on all questions except the distri- bution of funds, formation of By-Laws, and elec- tion of officers. Rule 35. — Grand Master, Besides the duties laid down in the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Chapter, he shall sign all orders on the Treasurer, and be ex-ojfficio a member of all Committees of the Grand Chapter. Rule 36, — Deputy Grand Master, The Deputy Grand Master shall occupy the 20 Deputy Chair, and assist the Grand Master in the discharge of his duties. In the event of the death, resignation, or absence of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Mas: or shall act as Grand Master. Rale 87, — Grand Chaplain. The Grand Chaplain shall conduct the religious service of the Grand Chanter. t i Rule 38. — Grand Registrar. The Grand Registrar shall have custody of the seal of the Grand Chapter, and shall affix the same to all Warrants, Certificates and other Documents issued by the Grand Chapter; issue summonses for all meetings of the Grand Chapter, Central Committee, and of any Committee of which he shall be directed by the Grand Master ; to receive the returns of the Chapters and Pre- ceptories ; keep a proper register of same, to transmit to all Chapters and Preceptories the proceedings of the Grand Chapter, of all expelled, restored and suspended members for the year; to furnish the Central Committee with all proper documents and information that they may require; to receive all petitions, &c., and lay them before the Grand Master or other proper authority ; to conduct the correspondence of the Grand Chapter; to receive, credit and record all moneys of the Grand Chapter, and pay over same without delay a 21 ter ; *re- to the led, ear; oper ire; fore to iter; the ;lay to the Grand Treasmer, and annually roport the amount received. Rule 39, — Grand Treasurer. The funds of the Grand Chapter shall be lodged in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, who shall produce his books and vouchers at eyery annual meeting of the Grand Chapter, to be examined and audited by the Central Committee ; and in no case shall he retain more than the sum of Forty Dollars in his possession, the surplus to be deposited in a Bank in the name of the Grand Master, Grand Registrar and Grand Treasurer, as Trustees for the Grand Black Chapter of British America He shall furnish sureties to be ap- proved by the Grand Master. Rale 40. — Grand Lecturer. The duty of the Grand Lecturer is the care and preservation of the Rituals of the Order. He is expected x,o be perfectly conversant with the lectures, and repeat same at the annual meeting, and give instructions in tlie nianner of rendering them most striking and effective. Upon the teachings of the Grand Lecturer depend not only the uniformity and perpetuity, but the character and impressiveness of our rites, and shall be imparted by oral communication and example. The Grand Lecturer must be punctilious and exacting on the anouracv of the work and lectures, ill ' i ■ I j '. ) '■ I ' i 1 I' 22 and no rash or innovating hand will be tolerated in the office. Rule Jf,l. — Grand Censors. Til c Grand Censors shall; at the instruction of the Grand Master, take up the Annual, and perform such other duties as may be assigned them. Rule Jt!2. — Grand Standard Bearers. The duties of the Grand Standard Bearers shall be to pass the ballot on all occasions,and perfoi'in such other duties as may be assigned them. Rule 4-3. — Grand Marshal. The duty of the Grand Marshal is to attend io marshalling and ordering processions, solemnities. funerals and interviews ; his place in Grand Chapter is to the right of the Gi'and Standard Bearer. It is also his duty to see that every Sir Kniijht is clothed in the suitable insignia of his office and degree, and no other. No Sir Kninht shall be eligible for election to the office of Grand Marshal unless he have all the degrees. Rule 44' — Grand Pursuivants. The duties of the Grand Pursuivants shall be- as provided for in the Ritual. , Rule 45.- -Grand Committee. The duties of the Grand Committee shall follows : — be as '^ II ii 23 UK I be a;* 1. The Committee has autliority u^ hear and report to the (irand Chapter on all subjects of com- plaint or irregularity respecting Preceptories or indivi- dual members of the Order when regularly brought before it, and shall reportby resolution the proceedings they would recommend the Crand Chapter to adopt. 2. The Committee may summon any Precep- tory or Sir Knight to attend its meetings and to produce the warrant, books, papers and accounts of the Pre- ceptory, or the certificate of a Sir Knight; if such Preceptory or Sir Knight do not comply or give sufficient reasons for non-compliance a peremptory summons shall be issued, and in case of contumacy they shall report the Preceptory or Sir Knight for suspension to the Crand Chapter. 3. When the Committee has investigated and decided on any case which in its judgment requires admonition, fine, suspension or expulsion, the fact alleged as the offence shall l)e fully stated in the minutes, shall be declared proven, the law relating thereto quoted, and the recommendation for the Gr^nd Chapter to adopt recorded. 4. All charges or appeals shall be made in writing and forwarded to the Crand Registrar, (see Rule 50) who shall hand the same to -the Cirand Commi tee to be reported on at the next regular or emergent meeting of the Crand Chapter. The (irand Registrar shall notify the p^rty charging or appealing and charged or appealed against, of the })lace where, and time when the Committee will meet to investigate the matter, and summon them to appear. The Com- j in 1 ^(^ in 24 mittee shall investigate the merits of the case, atid report its conclusions by resolution at the next meeting of the Grand Chapter for the members to deal with. 5. In the case of any charge or complaint affect- ing a member of the Committee or the Preceptory ot Chapter to which he belongs, such member shall with* draw whilst the Committee considers its decision. Hule Jfi. — Defuiy Grand Officers. The Deputies of the Grand Chaplain, Grand Registrar, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Lecturer, shall assist those officers in the discharge of their respective duties. Rule 47. Every Officer of the Grand Chapter shall be prepared to produce, at each Yearly Meeting, the property of the Chapter committed to his care. Male Jf,8> In the event of the resignation or decease of anv of the Grand Officers, other than the Grand Master, the Grand Chapter shall (if necessary), at its next meeting, fill up such vacancy or vacancies, but the duties of the office until such next meet- ing shall be discharged by such Grand Officer a» may be appointed by the Grand Master. Rule 49. • No official communicationa can be received in the Grand Chapter unless sealed with the proper seal ; and every Preceptory, County and Pro- vincial Chapter shall provide itself with a seal, an 25 1(1 lat It- n impression of which must be lot]f]jed with the Grand Registrar. Ride SO. All appeals and special communications shall be sent from the Private Preceptory to the County, and from the County to the Piovincial Grand Chapter, and fi-om the Provincial Grand Chapter to the Grand Chapter of B.A., tlie sau^e to be transmitted throuujh theii respective Re^ns- trars, sealed with the seals of the Preceptory and Chapters. Ride 5L The Grand Chapter shall issue a report of it.» proceedings from time to time when ordered by resolution, and furnish a copy to the Grand Registrar of Ireland, one to each of its own mem- bers, and to each Provincial and County Chapter, and Private Preceptory ; such report to specify the nameSyPreceptories and Counties of all persons who have been rejected, suspended or expelled, and the cause of such rejection^ suspension oi- expulsion. And after each annual meeting the Grand Treasurer shall remit to the Grand Trea- surer of Ireland the sum of One Pound Sterlinor as dues for all Preceptories working in British America. Rule 5^. The Grand Cha^^tcr shall, by a two-thirds vote, have the power of making such alterations ii> I 2G M ;! and additions to the rules as may from time to time be found necessary, provided that two months' notice of motion be given to the Grand Registrar, such notice to be inserted in the summonses convening the meeting at which it is to be discussed. Rule 5S. — Central Committee, There shall be a Central Committee, which shall consist of the Grand Master, Past Grand Masters in good standing, Provincial Grand Masters, Deput}^ and Associate Gi'and Masters, and the Grand Chaplain. DUTIES OF Sec. I. The Central Committee shall have control of the finances, shall audit all accounts, and when found correct recommend same for payment. They shall have full power to inspect all books and papers relative to the accounts, and shall give orders for any alteration required therein. Sec. 2. The Committee has likewise the care and regulation of the concerns of the Grand Chapter, and may recommend for its adoption whatever it shall deem necessary or advantageous to the welfare and good government of the Order in its jurisdiction, and may originate plans for the better regul ition of the Grand Chapter and the arrangement of its general '■ansactions. 1 27 Sec. 3. The Committee shall meet whenever sum- moned by the Grand Registrar by the command of the Grand Master, three to form a quorum ; but the Annual Meeting shall be held at 2 p. m, on the same date^ at the same place in which the Grand Chapter meeting is held, when the Grand Master's Report shall be pre- pared, which shall embody corres[)ondence, finance, statistics, suspensions, expulsions, progress of the Order, numbers of all Preceptories in arrears, with suggestions for the good of the Order as they may deem advisable. Sec. 4. No expense shall be incurred, unless by a vote of the Grand Chapter previously obtained, nor shall any account be paid until it has been approved by the Central Committee and sanctioned by the Grand Chapter, and no account shall be paid without the signature of the (xrand Master and Grand Registrar. This will also apply to Provincial Grand Cha[)ters. Rule 54^. No member who has resigned, been suspended or expelled, for any cause other than non-payment of dues, can 1x3 re-admitted, except by permission of the Grand Chapter or Grand Master. I Rule 55. — Dormant Preceptory. In case of a preceptory becoming dormant, Sir Knights who were members in good standintr may apply to the next higher Chapter for a certificate. — the cost of same not to exceed $1.00. I 'I' I S8 ti i: (!■ Rule 56. — Provincial Grand Chapters. The Provincial (jfrand Chapters shall consist of the following : — A Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, two Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Chaplain, Grand Registrar, Grand Treasurer, Grand Lecturer, two Grand Censors, two Grand Standard BearerSj Grand Pursuivant, Deputy Grand Chaplains, Deputy Grand Registrar, Deputy Grand Treasurer, Deputy Grand Lecturer, and a Grand Committee of seven members, together with the officers of the Grand Chapter of B. A., Past Deputy Grajid Masters, Past Grand Registrars, Past Grand Treasurers, and Past Grand Lecturers of the Pro^ vincial Grand Chapter, being in good standing in the Order; also, Masters, Past Masters, Deputy Masters, Chaplains, Registrars, Treasurers and Lecturers of County Grand Chapters ; Precept(>r8 and Past Pieceptors. Rule 57. Officers of Provincial Grand Chapters shall come into office when elected and installed, unless appealed against Rule 58. Provincial Grand Chapters shall meet once in every year, wdiich meeting shall be held at least one month befoi'e the annual meeting of tlie Grand Chapt<^r. 29 Rule 50. The Provincial Grand Mnster for cacli Province shall be elected by the majority entitled to vote at the Annual Chapter, when he shall be installed. He must be a Preceptor or Past Preceptor, and belong to a Preeoptory in the Province for which he is elected. He may preside in every County Grand Chapter and Preceptory within his juris- diction. It shall be the duty of the Provincial Grand Master to see that all County Grand Chapters and Preceptories in his Province are working in accordance with the Ritual adopted by the Grand Chapter, and that their returns have been regularly forwarded with all fees and dues that may have accrued ; and in refusal or neglect on the part of any County Grand Chapter or Pi eceptory to make such returns and payments, he may suspend such Chapter or Preceptory. Ho shall have power to grant dispensations for festivals and public processions. The Grand Master, whenever he shall think it necessary shall have power to convene a County Chapter or Private Preceptory. ' Rule 60. Every Provincial, County Grand Chapter and Private Preeoptory, shall hold a special meeting whenever required by the next superior Chapter, by order under seal, and shall proceed therein as directed by said order ; and shall be in all things 30 '■\ 11. III !ll' 1 - W subject to the autliority, and obey all the onlei-s of such superior Chapter, which is entitled to suspend any inferior Chapter or Preceptory, or member thereof, disobeying or resisting such authority. Hale 61. The duties of the Committees of the several Chapters an;! ^f t i(i! 36 Rale For Grand Marshal. — The same with cross baton and sword. For Grand Pursuivant. — The same with cross sword and trumpet. For Grand Tyler — -The samj with cross swords. For Provincial Grand Chapters, the same jewels, suspended with a sky-blue ril)bon fo^ir inches wide. For County Grand Chapters, the same in silver, sus- pended with a dark blue ribbon four inches wide. For Preceptories. the same in silver, suspended with a black ribbon four inches wide. . Past officers' jewels i ^2 inches in diameter, to be attached with above colors to the breast. Past Preceptors. — Gold triangle 2^ inches, with 12 stones, four on each side of triangle, and crown and cross in centre, suspended from a black ribbon i ^ inches wide by 2^ in length surmounted by two gold bands with name of Pre^eptory engraved, and number in centre of ribbon, to be attached to the breast. Members* Regalia. — A black sash of watered silk, ^1/2 inches wide, and 2)^ yards in length, with scarlet stripe down sides, and emblems of degrees worn on front. Sash to be worn from right shoulder to left side. V, ,, ; . V. v». ^•■; 6n f-UOCESSTONS. )e No public processions shall on any pretence be al- lowed without the permission of the Provincial (Irand Master, except a funeral, the urgency of which will not admit of the delay necessary to conmiunicate with the Grand Master. Such funeral shall be immediately re- ported by the Registrar of the Preceptory to the Grand Registrar through the usual channel of communication. If any Preceptory shall offend, their warrant may be taken from them. If any Sir Knight shall attend clothed in the insignia of the Order at any public pro- cession other than an Orange or Black procession he shall be liable to suspension. Order of Processions.-— k Preceptory in procession is to be strictly under the discipline of the encampment room, therefore no Sir Knight can enter the proces- sion or leave it without express permission from the Preceptor, conveyed through the Marshal. If a M.W., R.VV. or V.VV. Sir Knight should join the procession of a Private Preceptory, proper attention must be paid to them. ^ This also refers to processions of County Grand, Provincial and Grand Black Chapters. 54 If Form of Applicatiop^ for Warrant. ROYAL BLACK KNIGHTS OF IRELAND. To the Officers af the Grand Black Chapter of British Amen We the undersigned, members of the Royal Black Associit bemg desirous of forming a Preceptory under you^'urSion' herewiUi enclose the requisite fee fti2), and re.^3ectfilly rlq^^^^^ tjiat a Warrant may be granted to us, made out in the^nar^e of as Preceptor, to be held at.. ... . tea : ion, Sir in the District of and County of! •••••.•« •..«.......(. Dated at ..'. This.... day of.... i8.. .'.W'.V.;; .'.".'.*!.'.'.*.*.* Signatures of Applicants, not less than Seven Sir Knights, 55 on, on, lest of of s, lan r Form of Application for Membership. To the Worshipful Preceptor of Royal Black Preceptory, No '^|R.— It is my wish to become a member of tiie Royal Black Institution of Ireland by joining Prcceptory No and to state that I am not induced to join the Royal Black Institution through any sordid or pecuniary motive, hut through a sincere desire to receive further light and knowledge ; and that I will, if admitted, conform to all the establir.hed usages, rules and regulations of the Grand Black Chapter, and to the By-Laws of Preceptory, No.. .. D'lted at this day of i8, Place of Birth Age Occupation Residence ' '. Religious Denomination Signature of Applicant Signature of \^ Proposer. Vouchers, f Seconder. Application Received , Registrar. .18... To the Worshipful Preceptor of Royal Black Preceptory, No We, the Censors of the Royal Black Preceptory, No...., re- spectfully report that we have investigated into the character of •/ and having read over 10 him the quali- fications find him .... worthy of membership. . . 1st. Censor. .2nd. Censor. I 56 » '- Form of Ordinary Summons. ROYAL BLACK INSTITUTION. PKECEI10RY NO G. B. C. B. A. Sir Knic;ht and Brother, — Vou are hereby summoned and reciuired to attend a Meeting of your Tre- ceptory, No , (encarnqx^d at ,) to be held at on the day of , A.D. i8 By order of the W. P. Registrar, To Sir, Dues. Form of Reply in Case of Unavoidable Absence. , * day of i8 Dear Sir Knight, — I regret to say that I shall not be able to attend the Meeting of the Preceptory on Evening next, the . < day of . . You will therefore be kind enough to convey my apology to the Knights assembled, — I remain, dear Sir Knight, faithfully yours, Registrar of No Preceptory. '■Vs % II \ I ^w Form of Charge. GRAND KLACK CHAPTER OF BRITISH AMERICA. To the IV, Preceptor of R. B.P. No (or County Master of as the case may be). Sir and Brother,— I (or we) hereby charge Sir Knight • : • • ,• •. ; of R B. !*. No (or if an officer state his official cai>acity) with having violated the rules and regulations of the Royal (Irand Black Chapter of British America, as follows, that IS to say (here give date of offence as near as possible and state particulars of offence) and pray that investigation may be had in this matter. (Signed) Dated at this , day of f8. Form of Summons for Trial of a Member. * GRAND BLACK CHAPTER OF B. A. To Sir Knight and Brother.— You are hereby summoned and required to appear before the Committee of R. B. P. No (or before the County Chapter as the case may be) at.. ..... •• ,•; •••on the day of iS'. ".'.'.,' ^t o clock, . . m. , and make answer to the charge hereto annexed. [Seal of Private w. Preceptor of PreceptoryorCo. Preceptory, or Co. Chap. Chapter, as the Registrar of Precep- case may be] tory, or Co. Chapter. r>ated at this day of i8 (Here follows copy of charge :) 58 I NDEX A « *!■ I Allegiance Admission, mode of Not eligible for, Rule. K (( (< except by dispensation. . . -,.. <« it > u u M It fl Holy Trinity, all candidates must believe in 2 . . Initiation Fee, respecting. « Insij^nia, ". , . . , Members must belong to private Freceptories. 94* • Members not to mention objections 95 • • Members not to speak in public, etc 96. . Order of Opening loi . . OlTence.s, Alleged to have been committed 22. . Prayers, etc IVecedence Preceptories, how composed 73 . . Election and Installation of Officers... . .. 74.. Initiation and confering degrees 75 . . Annual returns 76 . . Duties of Censors 77 . . Registry to be kept 78... Registrar to communicate 79. . Quorum 81 . . When open, etc 90. . Not to be held in public house 91 . . Printing or publishing procee