Commonwealth Lodges' Association

History of the CLA

Welcome to the website of the Commonwealth Lodges’ Association.

​The Commonwealth Lodges’ Association (CLA), was formed in 1972 with the intention of linking lodges under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England who had a connection to the Commonwealth.

​The idea behind the CLA was to promote inter-lodge visitation, mutual support for Commonwealth Lodges, to promote special Lodge events and commemorations, and to raise funds for small scale charitable projects in Commonwealth countries.

​As with all masonic activities, the CLA is a purely voluntary organisation, involving members who share common interests in Masonry and charitable goals. 

CLA Constitution & Rules

Revised: 10 July, 2023

CONSTITUTION

1. The Association shall be called “The Commonwealth Lodges’ Association”, herein referred to as “the Association”.

• Subject to the Book of Constitutions of the United Grand Lodge of England, the objects of the Association shall be:-

1. To ensure continued liaison between member Commonwealth Lodges for the organising of the Commonwealth Lodges’ Festival to be held in 1976 and biennially thereafter.

• To promote the interests of Freemasonry amongst members of the Commonwealth Lodges.

• To promote closer fraternity among Brethren having similar interests.

• To encourage Masonic contacts between members of Commonwealth Lodges, whether they be members of the Association or not.

• Commonwealth Lodges agreeing to accept the following Rules shall be eligible for membership of the Association.

RULES

1. The expression “Commonwealth Lodges” in these Rules shall mean any Lodge of Freemasons warranted by the United Grand Lodge of England or by any Constitution recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England, that are closely connected with the Commonwealth Lodges forming part of the Association shall be called “Member Lodges”.

• a) The Annual Subscription to the Association of each Member Lodge due and payable on 1st April annually, shall be such sum as may be decided by the Annual Business Meeting under para. 3. d).

• No liability shall attach to any Member Lodge beyond the current Annual Subscription aforesaid.

• a) The affairs of the Association shall be governed by a Committee which shall comprise of one member of each Member Lodge, who should be the WM, the Secretary of the Lodge or other nominee of the Member Lodge.

• The Committee shall elect annually at the July Annual General Business Meeting the Office Bearers of the Association, viz. Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer.

The Chairman shall not stand for re-election after serving three consecutive years in the Office, except by special resolution.

• The Committee may, at its discretion, co-opt other Association members as it deems appropriate.

• The Committee shall meet at such times as may be considered necessary by the Officers (usually in March, July (AGM) and November), for the purpose of carrying out the business of the Association. At least 21 days’ notice shall be given to all members of the Committee, and three members shall form a quorum.

• The Annual General Business Meeting of the Association shall be held every year on a date in July to be fixed by the Committee.

• Notice of resolution to be moved at the Annual General Business Meeting shall be given to the Secretary by 30th June each year.

• Distinguished Freemasons may be elected as President and Vice-President and a retiring President may be elected a patron of the Association on the nomination of the Committee, at the Annual General Business Meeting.

• Application for membership of the Association shall be made in writing to the Secretary who will place such applications before the Committee. “Associate Members” will be admitted by the same process, but will pay no annual subscription. Associate Membership will include Lodges located abroad, with specific links with the Commonwealth, past and current and recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England.

• Membership shall take effect from the date of compliance with Rule 2.a) after election.

A Lodge may discontinue its membership of the Association at any time by giving notice in writing to the Secretary not later than 30th June in any year, but shall be liable for the full year’s subscription for the last year of membership.

• a) A Festival shall be held biennially under the auspices of one or more of the Member Lodges (to be selected by the Committee) from amongst those who have indicated their willingness to sponsor the Festival. Arrangements for the Festival shall be made by the Host Lodge, or Lodges, in consultation with, and with the approval of the Committee.

• No expense, other than the financial obligations of membership set out in Rule 2.a) shall fall on the Lodge, or Lodges, selected to arrange the Biennial Festival, which shall be self-supporting, and each Brother attending (being a member of a member Lodge) shall pay pro- rata cost in respect of himself and any guests (within limits set by the Committee) invited by him to attend.

• A Bank Account shall be opened in the name of the Association, cheques shall be signed by the Treasurer and/or the Chairman/Secretary.

• Two account examiners shall be elected at each Annual General Business Meeting to report at the next Annual General Business Meeting on the Accounts of the Association prepared by the Treasurer up to 31^st March.

1. In the event of it being necessary to close the Association, all accounts and Minute Books shall be forwarded to the United Grand Lodge of England for retention.

All funds standing to the credit of the Association shall be donated to a Commonwealth related Charity.

1. No alteration to this Constitution and Rules shall be made except by a Resolution passed by two-thirds majority of those present and voting at the Annual General Business Meeting, after notice has been given in pursuance of Rule 3, and its terms set out in the Business Paper for the meeting.

1. If so decided at an Annual General Business Meeting a Benevolent Fund may be established in a form so approved at that Meeting.

1. A Benevolent Fund having been established in conformity with Rule 12, donations of not less than £1,000.00 per year (subject to availability of funds) will be made to related charities each year upon request and approved by the Committee.

Approved as the revised Constitution and Rules by Resolution with at least two-thirds majority of those present and voting at the Annual General Business Meeting dated 10th July 2023.