A Special Deputation reaches the Moon
Brother Buzz Aldrin, a member of Clear Lake Lodge No. 1417 in Seabrook, Texas, lands in the Sea of Tranquility carrying Grand Master J. Guy Smith's Special Deputation — full power to represent the Grand Master and claim Masonic territorial jurisdiction for the Grand Lodge of Texas on the Moon. Aldrin later certified the deputation had indeed made the trip.
The Grand Lodge charters Tranquility Lodge No. 2000
At the Grand Annual Communication, the Grand Lodge of Texas adds Article 201a, authorizing a new Lodge — Tranquility Lodge No. 2000, seated in the Sea of Tranquility, and, for now, sitting in Waco, Texas — to commemorate the landing and formalize Texas Masonic jurisdiction on the Moon.
Bylaws adopted
The Grand Lodge Trustees approve the Lodge's own Bylaws on June 30, 2002; the Lodge formally adopts them on July 20, 2002 — the anniversary of the landing.
A working charity Lodge
Tranquility Lodge 2000 holds stated meetings quarterly, rotating through Texas lodges, with its annual meeting held in Waco each July, timed close to the anniversary of the landing. Membership dues fund assistance to Masonic and other worthy organizations helping children worldwide.
Until the Lodge can meet where it's seated
By its own charter, Tranquility Lodge 2000 operates from Texas "until such time as it can relocate to its rightful place in or near the Sea of Tranquility" — at which point it will apply to the Grand Lodge for a regular charter, and Article 201a will retire.
Read more about Brother Aldrin's role → Past Masters
Grand Lodge of Texas law
Article 201a — the section of Grand Lodge law that creates and governs the Lodge.
Tranquility Lodge No. 2000, whose seat is in the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon of the planet Earth, now sitting in Waco, Texas, is established to promote, encourage, conduct, and foster the principles of Freemasonry, and to assist in promoting the health, welfare, education, and patriotism of children — subject to the following regulations.
- The Lodge is at all times under the control of the Grand Master and the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Texas, subject to the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Lodge, operating under the same provisions specified for the Research Lodge (Article 201) regarding officers, dues, fees, jurisdiction over degrees, Masonic trials, funerals, and related matters, except as modified here.
- The Lodge may adopt and amend Bylaws, provided they're consistent with its founding purpose, submitted in writing per Article 218, and approved by the Grand Lodge Trustees.
- Any Master Mason in good standing — in this jurisdiction or one in fraternal relations with it — may join by a one-time fee of $100, plus annual dues set by the Lodge, for as long as he remains in good standing.
- Membership cards may be issued on Grand Secretary–prescribed forms, but do not themselves avouch good standing for visitation or membership elsewhere.
- Lodge funds may be used only for its own operation and founding purposes.
- The Lodge holds at least four stated meetings a year, called by the Worshipful Master (or in succession, the Wardens); at least one is held in Waco, and the Annual Stated Meeting — to elect and install officers — falls as close as practical to July 20.
The Lodge operates under this Article until it can relocate to its rightful place in or near the Sea of Tranquility — at which point it will apply for a Regular charter, and this Article becomes void. (Revised 2004.)
Historical documents
The paper trail behind the charter — held by the Lodge and available on request.
Lunar property registration
Registration data pinpointing the Lodge's tract in Mare Tranquillitatis — the Sea of Tranquility — recorded by the Lunar Republic Society.
The Proclamation
The formal proclamation asserting sovereign claim to the tract of Luna where the Lodge is seated.
The Lunar Deed
The Registered Claim & Deed recording Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 as owner of five acres in the Sea of Tranquility.
Declaration of Citizenship
The Lunar Republic's Declaration of Citizenship, part of the Lodge's founding archive.