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Suncoast Masters and Wardens

GAVEL RULES

Purpose:

The purpose of the gavel program is to promote visitation of Lodges within Districts 20 & 21 of the Grand Lodge of Florida, thereby promoting cooperation, education and goodwill between the Lodges.

There are two gavels:

The "Hot" Gavel - whereby the Lodge possessing it must travel and present it to another Lodge.
The "Traveling" Gavel - whereby the Lodge in possession of the gavel is visited by one or more Lodges competing to obtain it.

This program is sanctioned and governed by the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association. Only Masonic Lodges in Districts 20 & 21 are eligible to participate.

Rules:

The rules for both the "Hot Gavel" and the "Traveling Gavel" are the same.

Seven (7) Brothers are required to present or obtain a gavel; of these seven brothers, two must be officers, one of which of must be an elected officer.
The gavels can be presented or obtained at either a Stated or Called Communications. The whole team must stay for the complete communications and claim or present the gavel at the close of the meeting.
The gavel cannot normally be obtained or presented to the Lodge that was last in possession of it; at least one other Lodge must have been in possession of the gavel. However, if a Lodge has had a gavel for two months or longer, the last Lodge having it can obtain it if so desired.
Gavels should be passed on A.S.A.P. (within the period of time before the next SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association meeting - currently held bi-monthly).
Gavels are to be prominently displayed in the "East" during all Stated and Called Communications.
For the "Traveling Gavel" - In the event multiple Lodges are present to obtain the gavel, the Lodge with the most Brothers present will be awarded the gavel. In case of a tie, the Worshipful Master of the Lodge in possession of the gavel shall, at his discretion, devise a suitable and fair method to break the tie.
For the "Traveling Gavel" - The visiting Lodge obtaining the gavel shall have at least one meeting scheduled, after claiming the gavel, before going dark for the summer.
The "Hot Gavel" and "Traveling Gavel" cannot be exchanged at the same communications by the same Lodge.
Upon transfer of a gavel, an entry will be made in the accompanying register giving date of receipt, Lodge name and number, and the names of the Brethren involved.

(Rules voted upon and passed: March 17, 2004)