Companions:
Please find the guidelines for operation of constituent councils during the COVID 19 pandemic below.
The following shall remain in effect from the publication of this letter until notice of rescission or modification of the Order by the Most Illustrious Grand Master.
In Person Meetings are permitted with the following provisions:
Councils will adhere to orders and limits enacted by the civil authority and Grand Master of Michigan. Any limits on occupancy of a building must be upheld as well as social distancing, masks, handwashing, and other precautions in place. (As of this writing, ten or fewer at a gathering)
The Thrice Illustrious Master must be confident that the meeting location is thoroughly cleaned, and all safety and health precautions have taken place.
Members who are currently ill or susceptible to illness, especially COVID19, should stay home.
Virtual stated meetings are allowed and encouraged to slow the spread of COVID 19 and to protect the health of our members, especially those who may be more susceptible to the effects of COVID-19.
No ritual opening, closing, or conferral of the Royal, Select, or Super Excellent Master is permitted virtually
All Virtual “Stated” meetings should take place on the day and time indicated in the Council by-laws
There should be a quorum of six or more members present on the virtual meeting to conduct business
Officer Elections and Installations are permitted by virtual means, if a quorum.is present.
It is encouraged that the council share an invitation to their virtual meetings with the Grand Recorder and Grand Lecturer so it can be distributed to Grand Officers, Arch Deputies, and Assistant Arch Deputies. Also, reach out to the Grand Officers if you need assistance organizing a virtual meeting.
This is a challenging time for us all. We must remember we are Masons, please make every effort to teach out to your members on behalf of your council and Cryptic Masonry. Check in on their wellbeing. Keep their safety and their family's safety in mind. Additionally, let us be the best examples of the tenants of our Craft and Cryptic Rite to our fellow Companions, our Brothers, our families, and our Communities.
Fraternally,
Corey F.G.L. Curtiss, MIGM