(1) A society is operating on the lodge system if it has a supreme governing body and subordinate lodges into which members are elected, initiated, or admitted in accordance with its laws, rules, and ritual. Subordinate lodges shall be required by the laws of the society to hold regular meetings at least once in each month in furtherance of the purposes of the society.
  (2) A society may, at its option, organize and operate lodges for children under the minimum age for adult membership. Membership and initiation in local lodges shall not be required of the children, nor shall they have a voice or vote in the management of the society.

Terms Used In Michigan Laws 500.8165

  • Laws: means the society's articles of incorporation, constitution, and bylaws, however designated. See Michigan Laws 500.8161
  • Lodge: means the subordinate member units of a society, including camps, courts, councils, branches, or other similar designation. See Michigan Laws 500.8161
  • month: means a calendar month; the word "year" a calendar year; and the word "year" alone shall be equivalent to the words "year of our Lord". See Michigan Laws 8.3j
  • Rules: means all rules, regulations, or resolutions adopted by a society's supreme governing body or board of directors that are intended to have general application to the members of the society. See Michigan Laws 500.8161