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)
Copyright
© 2006-2008 Suncoast Masters & Wardens Assn. All Rights Reserved.