Traveling Gavel

The Traveling Gavel is a cherished symbol of camaraderie and friendly competition among Masonic Lodges. Designed to encourage visitation and strengthen fraternal bonds, it moves from Lodge to Lodge according to a set of time-honored rules. Any Lodge has the opportunity to claim, give, or receive the gavel during Stated Communications, creating a lively tradition that fosters participation and unity across the jurisdiction. Each transfer of the gavel is recorded in its accompanying history book, ensuring the legacy of this tradition is preserved for future generations of Freemasons.

Here are the rules of the Traveling Gavel:

A Lodge retains possession of the gavel until a new Lodge gains control based on these rules. The gavel changes hands in any one of three ways. It can be taken, it can be given away, it can be reclaimed by the Grand Lodge:

The gavel may be taken from any Lodge during any Stated Communication of the host Lodge. In order to take the gavel, a Lodge attending the Stated Communication with at least 5 Brethren and declare their intention to claim the gavel during the aforementioned meeting. If an equal or greater number of Brethren are present from another Lodge and announce their intention to take the gavel, the gavel will be awarded to the Lodge with the most Brethren present. In the event of a tie, the visiting Lodge with the greatest percentage of their membership present will win.

The gavel may be given away to any Lodge during any Stated Communication. In order to give the gavel away, at least 5 Brothers from the giving Lodge must attend the Communication and present the gavel during the meeting. The receiving Lodge is required to accept the gavel.

Whatever Lodge is in possession of the gavel must present it to the incoming Grand Master during the first Grand Lodge session of the year. The Grand Master will deliver the gavel to his home Lodge prior to their next Stated Communication. The gavel may be taken or given away from that Lodge at any Stated Communication after they receive it.

The gavel may only change hands once during any Communication. It can not be both given and taken during the same meeting.

Any Lodge that takes possession of the gavel must report to the Grand Lecturer within 24 hours with the new location of the gavel. In all circumstances, it is necessary to report prior to any Stated Communication of the new holder.

A Lodge can not take the gavel during their own Stated Communication or during a joint Communication with another Lodge.

The gavel travels with a book with it’s history. Whenever the gavel changes hands, both the presenting and receiving Lodges should fill out a page in the book documenting the exchange.

Any Lodge that is asked if they currently possess the gavel must answer truthfully. If they have recently lost possession they must truthfully report the new status.

Final decision on all rules is made by the Grand Lecturer. Final decision on all matters during a Stated Communication, including those involving the gavel, are to be made by the sitting Worshipful Master of the host Lodge.