As we approach the end of another month in our Masonic journey, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the officers and members of Humboldt Lodge No. 79. Your steadfast dedication, faithful attendance, and brotherly support continue to strengthen the pillars of our beloved Lodge.
I am profoundly honored to have represented Humboldt Lodge No. 79 at the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. This responsibility speaks to one of our most fundamental principles—the Twelfth Landmark of Masonry: the right of every Mason to be represented in all general meetings of the Craft and to instruct his representatives. While our ancient Brethren once gathered individually at General Assemblies, the Craft evolved in 1717 to representation through Masters and Wardens for practical convenience. Yet the Landmark’s integrity remains uncompromised—the sacred principle of representation endures. As your representative, I carried forward not merely my own voice, but the collective wisdom, concerns, and aspirations of every Brother in our Lodge. We now await with bated breath the results of these important deliberations that will shape the future of our Craft in California.
Fraternally,
Davin Bowerman, Worshipful Master, Humboldt No. 79
2025 Annual Communication Legislation
Voting Requirements: New legislation and Grand Master’s Recommendations require a 5/6 vote (83.3%) to pass on first presentation. Carryover legislation (items that received majority support but did not reach the 5/6 threshold) requires a 2/3 vote (66.7%) to pass. Grand Master’s Decisions require only a simple majority as they are already in effect and voting codifies them into the California Masonic Code.
Grand Master’s Decisions and Recommendations:
- GM Decision No. 1: Clarifies the esoteric or secret portion of the Ritual
- GM Decision No. 2: Installation of Lodge Officers Not Included in the Ritual
- GM Recommendation No. 1: Updates Grand Lodge Committee Membership, Duties, and Tenure
- GM Recommendation No. 2: Eliminates Code Provisions Relating to Officers Associations
- GM Recommendation No. 3: Centralized Notifications for Suspensions of Non-payment of Dues
- GM Recommendation No. 4: Updates the Duties of the Lodge Secretary
- GM Recommendation No. 5: Permits Charges to Be Withdrawn During Pre-trial Phase
2024 Carryover Legislation:
- 2024 GM Recommendation No. 4: Updates required applicant contributions and contribution amounts (2024 Result: 74.53%)
- 2024 GM Recommendation No. 6: Modifies lodge vote required to restore a Mason suspended for non-payment of dues (2024 Result: 83.15%)
- 2024 GM Recommendation No. 8: Clarifies procedures to approve alternate rituals (2024 Result: 77.84%)
- 2024 GM Recommendation No. 11: Permits a secretary to serve as master, warden, or secretary of another lodge (2024 Result: 74.14%)
- 2024 Resolution No. 24-01: Makes third degree proficiency a prerequisite for nomination to the office of master, senior warden, or junior warden (2024 Result: 78.73%)
New Legislation for 2025:
- Resolution 25-02: Allows Cicero Research Lodge to Hold a Single Stated Meeting Annually
- Resolution 25-04: Changes the Offices of Grand Organist, Assistant Grand Organist, and Organist to Grand Musician, Assistant Grand Musician, and Musician
For detailed explanations of each item, visit https://freemason.org/the_leader/september-2025/