VISITATION GAVEL

Rules for 30th Masonic District
Traveling Gavel
The Traveling Gavel is for members of the Texas 30th Masonic District Lodges only.
To capture the gavel, a visiting Lodge must have at least 8 members visit the host Lodge on the host Lodge's stated meeting night.
In case there are more than 2 visiting Lodges having 8 or more members present, the Lodge with the greatest number of members present will receive the gavel. In case more than one Lodge has the same number of visiting Brothers:
" The Lodge with the highest ranking officer takes home the gavel . if both Masters are present, then look to the Senior Warden, then Junior Warden, and finally to the Treasurer and Secretary until the tie is broken.
" If all 5 elected officers are present for both tied Lodges, then the Lodge that travels the greatest distance will receive the gavel. Distance will be measured Lodge to Lodge. If a Brother is a plural member with a visiting Lodge and the host Lodge, his membership will be considered with the host Lodge and not with the visiting Lodge.

If a Brother is a plural member of more than one visiting Lodge, he will have to declare himself a member of just one of the visiting Lodges.

EA' s and FC' s may be counted only if the host Lodge opens in the respective degree.
The visiting Lodge should contact the host Lodge a few days before the host Lodge' s stated meeting night and inform the Worshipful Master (or Secretary) of the intentions to visit. This will allow the Stewards time enough to prepare for the additional visitors. The person contacting the host lodge should also find out what degree the Worshipful Master will hold business in the Stated Meeting to find out if the EA' s or FC' s may be counted.

Fraternally,
Jerry Jones

713-252-3993