My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Photography in the Lodge Room

Ol Kev

Registered User
Can anyone point me to either Masonic Law or GM decisions regarding photography in the Lodge Room?
Either at Labor or at Refreshment?
I really need some firm guidance and references to this.

THANKS IN ADVANCE
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
GM's Decision 2011-#5 states the following:

Question: Under what circumstances is it permissible to photograph activities in a tiled meeting of a subordinate Masonic Lodge?

Held: It is not permissible to record any portion of a tiled meeting, be it Stated or Called, of a subordinate Lodge in Texas, either on film, video camera, still camera, audio recorder, cell phone, or by any other mechanical or electronic means of recording. Note: This decision updates GM Decision Number 4 in 1991, by adding cell phone and electronic technology recordings.

As I read this it would only apply while a Lodge is at labor- Lodges are not "tiled" while at refreshment.
 
Last edited:

Companion Joe

Premium Member
I don't know what is "official" in my state, but I think regardless of jurisdiction, a little freelance common sense goes a long way as far it's concerned. Don't photograph/record any degree work. If there is some kind of presentation (50-year pin, some kind of certificate, etc.) then there is nothing wrong with it. By the same token, the same photo could be staged after the meeting.

I say that because for us, there is an audio recording (as I understand it) of all the reports given at Grand Lodge, and the Grand Photographer is as busy as a one-armed paper hanger taking photos of every presentation the GM makes. Neither is done during the opening/closing of the GL, but once it gets down to just business they are.
 

Ol Kev

Registered User
GM's Decision 2011-#5 states the following:

Question: Under what circumstances is it permissible to photograph activities in a tiled meeting of a subordinate Masonic Lodge?

Held: It is not permissible to record any portion of a tiled meeting, be it Stated or Called, of a subordinate Lodge in Texas, either on film, video camera, still camera, audio recorder, cell phone, or by any other mechanical or electronic means of recording. Note: This decision updates GM Decision Number 4 in 1991, by adding cell phone and electronic technology recordings.

As I read this it would only apply while a Lodge is at labor- Lodges are not "tiled" while at refreshment.

Thanks Bro. Bill!
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
GM's Decision 2011-#5 states the following:

Question: Under what circumstances is it permissible to photograph activities in a tiled meeting of a subordinate Masonic Lodge?

Held: It is not permissible to record any portion of a tiled meeting, be it Stated or Called, of a subordinate Lodge in Texas, either on film, video camera, still camera, audio recorder, cell phone, or by any other mechanical or electronic means of recording. Note: This decision updates GM Decision Number 4 in 1991, by adding cell phone and electronic technology recordings.

As I read this it would only apply while a Lodge is at labor- Lodges are not "tiled" while at refreshment.

Carefully worded as to not apply to the annual communication as described by Companion Joe. Skillful wording IMO.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I don't know what is "official" in my state, but I think regardless of jurisdiction, a little freelance common sense goes a long way as far it's concerned. Don't photograph/record any degree work.
As you say, just use common sense. The above statement does just that.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
It is in our Constitution - if the lodge is open (tyled) - you cannot take photographs. The rule is very clear but often broken for presentation of Jewels - esp the 50 year jewel... I guess if you've been in for 50 years, no one feels like admonishing you for recording that special moment.

I take a huge amount of photos on the evening of lodge meeting, but if I'm taking one in the lodge room, I always include evidence the lodge is closed (a downed SW pedestal, closed tools, closed TB, officers in positions they would not normally be, woman in the lodge etc etc) something to show I'm in the clear. I was not very popular at GL for a time because I was being critical and was told a GL officer was pouring over my photos to see if I'd broken the rule. I've stopped bros taking pics of presentations when in the Chair, but only mention it in passing. I'm sure there are many FB pics of lodge rooms here in operation (without "secrets" of course) but never heard of any action being taken.

Me, I think it should be NO PHOTOS but with the exception of the presentation of a Jewel. A good way around this is to call off and record "the lodge was called off to allow photos on the occasion of the presentation of a 50 year jewel to Bro X"... when I get mine in 37 years, that's my plan :)
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Hmmm.. it is actually not in our Constitution (I love the fact I have it as a PDF).. must be an edict from the GM or direction from the Grand Sec..
 

Joe Ellis

https://UniqueFreemason.com
Premium Member
I have myself have photographed and used video camera recording inside a lodge, but only during wide (white) table events.
 

The Traveling Man

Registered User
I don't recall seeing anything about photography in my Constitution. I believe it is just a generally accepted practice to not record degree work. After Lodge its OK to take pics. I have pics of my Lodge room, Charter, myself in Lodge, etc. Just not during a tiled Lodge meeting. As installations are usually public, cameras and video cams are allowed.
 
Last edited:

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I don't recall seeing anything about photography in my Constitution. I believe it is just a generally accepted practice to not record degree work. After Lodge its OK to take pics. I have my pics of my Lodge room, Charter, myself in Lodge, etc. Just not during a tiled Lodge meeting. As installations are usually public, cameras and video cams are allowed.
Similar here in Kentucky.
 

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
as other bros have said, usually no, but for special occasions such as 50 yr pin and things like that, as long as the alter isnt in the shot
 

Derinique Kendrick

Registered User
I personally don't see an issue with pictures being taken in the Lodge room. As long as it isn't during a tiled meeting it should be fine, unless your Grand Lodge/Lodge bylaws state otherwise.
 

Derinique Kendrick

Registered User
My lodge took photos after our meeting last night for Grand Session (Communication) add purchase purposes. We did this inside the lodge room, after the Lodge was closed of course.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
20160229_104316.jpg


:)
 

acjohnson53

Registered User
of course after it was closed, it ain't knowbody business on what we do up in there.....The only they probably know is the sing and pray a lot...
 
Top