XIII. A Lodge has the right to select a name for

itself This is apparently a very unimportant pre- rogative ; still, as it exists, it is necessary that it should be enumerated. The Grand Lodge selects the number, because it is by this that the Lodge is to be recognized in the registry of the jurisdiction. But the choice of a name is left to the members.
* See Landmark 13, ante p. 28. f See ante pp. 60 and G2.
X As the records of every Grand Lodge contain instances in which this right of appeal has been exercised, it will be unnecessary to cite authorities here.
UNDER WARRANTS OF CONSTITUTION. 333
This right is, however, subject to one restriction, that it shall be approved by the Grand Lodge * that the credit of the fraternity in every jurisdic- tion may be guarded from the assumption of absurd or inappropriate designations by ignorant brethren. Unless, however, there is something very palpably objectionable in the name, the Grand Lodge will hardly ever interfere with its selection. For the same reason no name can be changed after having been once adopted, unless with the consent and ap- probation of the Grand Lodge. t
XI V. A Lodge lias the right to designate and change its time and place of meeting. As the regula- tion designating the time of meeting is always in- serted in the by-laws, it is evident that no change can be made with respect to it, except with the ap- probation of the Grand Lodge. But there is also another restriction on this subject which is derived from the constant usage of the Order, that a Lodge shall statedly meet once a month at least. There is no specific regulation on this subject ; but the
* The Constitution of England says the Grand Master.
f While on this subject of names, it may be remarked, as an historical fact, that the designation of Lodges by names is a comparatively modern practice. Formerly they were known by their number, and the place at which they were held. Thus we find in the Book of Constitutions, such titles as these : " No. 9, at the Kings' Arms in New Bond Street," and " No. 19, at the Vine iu Long Acre," or " the Turk's Head Lodge, No. 67," and " the Kings' Arms Lodge, No. 38," where the nanres are pimply those of the taverns at which the Lodges met. Thus, in a registry of one hundred and six Lodges, contained in the second edition of Anderson', there is not a single one which has any other designation than that of its number, and the tavern where the meetings were held. Iu America, distinctive names began to be given at a much earlier period than in England.
334 POWERS OF LODGES WORKING
general custom of the fraternity, from the beginning of the last century, has made it obligatory on the Lodges not to extend the interval of their regular communications beyond that period. Besides, the regulations in respect to the applications of candi- dates for initiation or membership, which require " a previous notice of one month/' seem to infer that that was the length of time which intervened between two stated meetings of the Lodge. In some jurisdictions it is frequently the case that some of the Lodges meet semi-monthly ; and indeed instances are on record where Lodges meet weekly. This is permissible, but in such cases the regulation in relation to the petitions of candidates must be strictly interpreted as meaning that they are re- quired to lie over for one month, and not from one regular meeting to the other, which in such Lodges would only amount to one or two weeks.
A Lodge has also the right to designate its place of meeting, which, being confirmed by the Grand Lodge, is inserted in the warrant, and cannot again be changed, except with the consent of the Grand Lodge.. This refers, of course, to the town or vil- lage in which the Lodge is situated.* But unless
* " A Lodge may not remove its place of meeting from the city, town or village named in its warrant ; nor from one place to another in the same city, town or village, except by a concurrent vote of two-thirds of the members present, at a meeting to be appointed by the summons to attend such meet- ing, stating its object, and which summons must be served at least ten days previous to such meeting ; and such removal from the city, town or village, must receive the sanction of the Grand Lodge previous thereto."— C