Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176, § 2: Lodge system

Section 2. A society having a supreme legislative or governing body and subordinate lodges or branches by whatever name known, into which members are elected, initiated or admitted in accordance with its constitution, by-laws, ritual and rules, which subordinate lodges or branches are required by the by-laws of the society to hold regular meetings at least once in each month, shall be deemed to be operating on the lodge system.