PRIVACY POLICY

Mount Mark Lodge No. 50

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: January 1, 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the website of Mount Mark Lodge No. 50 (“we,” “our,” or “the Lodge”), operating under the Grand Mark Lodge of India. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website [www.mountmark.org] (the “Site”).

Mount Mark Lodge No. 50 is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our members, visitors, and all individuals who interact with our Lodge. We recognize the importance of maintaining the fraternal bonds of trust that are fundamental to Freemasonry.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the Site.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

Express interest in becoming a member of Mount Mark Lodge No. 50
Register for events or meetings
Contact us through the website
Subscribe to our newsletter or communications
Make donations or contributions to charitable causes

This personal information may include:

Full name
Date of birth
Email address
Postal address
Phone number
Mother Craft Lodge name and number
Masonic rank and registration number
Grand Lodge registration details
Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

2.2 Masonic Information

For members and prospective members, we may collect:

Date of advancement as Mark Master Mason
Date of joining Mount Mark Lodge No. 50
Officer positions held
Grand Lodge and Regional Grand Lodge ranks
Attendance records at Lodge meetings
Committee memberships
Long Term Service recognition details

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Pages visited and time spent on pages
Referring website addresses
Date and time of access

This information is collected through cookies, log files, and similar tracking technologies.

2.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our Site and hold certain information. Cookies are files with small amounts of data which may include an anonymous unique identifier.

Types of cookies we use:

Essential cookies: Required for the Site to function properly
Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Site
Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
Performance cookies: Analyze Site performance and user experience

You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Site.

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Lodge Operations

Processing membership applications and maintaining member records
Organizing and managing Lodge meetings and events
Communicating about Lodge activities, meetings, and important announcements
Maintaining accurate attendance and officer records as required by the Grand Mark Lodge of India
Managing subscriptions and dues payments
Administering Long Term Service Jewel awards and Grand Lodge honors

3.2 Communication

Sending newsletters, bulletins, and Lodge updates
Responding to inquiries and providing member support
Distributing summons for Regular and Emergency Meetings
Notifying members of important Lodge business

3.3 Event Management

Managing registrations for Lodge events, installations, and celebrations
Coordinating Golden Jubilee and special ceremonies
Processing RSVP responses for banquets and social gatherings

3.4 Website Improvement

Analyzing Site usage to improve functionality and user experience
Monitoring and analyzing trends and usage patterns
Detecting and preventing technical issues

3.5 Charitable Activities

Processing donations and contributions
Providing tax receipts where applicable
Reporting charitable activities to regulatory authorities

3.6 Legal Compliance

Complying with applicable laws and regulations
Maintaining records as required by the Grand Mark Lodge of India Constitution
Responding to legal requests and preventing fraud

4. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

4.1 Within the Masonic Community

We may share your information with:

Grand Mark Lodge of India: For registration, rank conferment, and official records
Regional Grand Mark Lodge of Southern India: For regional administration and honors
Other Mark Lodges: When you visit or transfer membership, with your consent
Your Mother Craft Lodge: To verify Master Mason status for advancement purposes

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

Website hosting and maintenance providers
Email service providers for newsletters and communications
Payment processors for dues and donations
Event management platforms
Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)

These service providers are bound by contractual obligations to keep your information confidential and secure.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
Governmental requests
Protection of our rights and property
Emergency situations involving safety

4.4 Business Transfers

In the unlikely event of a merger, acquisition, or transfer of Lodge assets, member information may be transferred to the successor organization, subject to the same privacy protections.

4.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

5. DATA SECURITY

5.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against:

Unauthorized access
Alteration, disclosure, or destruction
Accidental loss
Unlawful processing

Security measures include:

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
Encrypted storage of sensitive information
Access controls and authentication requirements
Regular security assessments and updates
Secure backup procedures

5.2 Payment Security

All payment transactions are processed through secure, PCI-DSS compliant payment gateways. We do not store credit card information on our servers. Payment details are encrypted and processed by:

Indian Bank (for direct bank transfers)
Authorized payment processors for online transactions

5.3 Limitations

Despite our security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

6. DATA RETENTION

6.1 Member Records

We retain member information for the following periods:

Active members: Indefinitely, as required for Lodge operations and Masonic records
Resigned or demitted members: 10 years after resignation/demitting
Deceased members: Permanently, as part of Lodge historical records
Rejected candidates: 5 years after rejection

6.2 Financial Records

Financial records, including subscription payments and donations, are retained for a minimum of 7 years as required by Indian tax and accounting regulations.

6.3 Website Data

Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized data may be retained indefinitely
Cookie data: Varies by cookie type (see cookie policy)
Contact form submissions: 2 years after inquiry resolution

6.4 Event Records

Records of Golden Jubilee celebrations, installations, and special events are retained permanently as part of Lodge history.

7. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

Access your personal information we hold
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
Update your contact details and preferences
Request a copy of your membership records

To exercise these rights, contact our Secretary at thungagopinath@gmail.com or +91 93810 17648.

7.2 Communication Preferences

You may:

Opt-out of promotional emails (Lodge business communications may still be sent)
Unsubscribe from newsletters using the link in each email
Update your communication preferences by contacting the Secretary

7.3 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

Accept or reject cookies
Delete existing cookies
Block third-party cookies

Please note that disabling cookies may affect Site functionality.

7.4 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used format.

7.5 Withdrawal of Consent

Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.

7.6 Lodge Membership Rights

Members have additional rights under the Lodge By-Laws:

Access to Lodge records (subject to By-Law provisions)
Participation in Lodge governance
Privacy of Masonic proceedings and discussions

8. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Mount Mark Lodge No. 50 does not knowingly collect information from individuals under the age of 21 (the minimum age for Masonic membership). Our website and services are directed to adult Master Masons who meet the membership requirements.

If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from someone under 21, we will delete such information promptly.

9. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, including:

Grand Mark Lodge of India (grandlodgeofindia.in)
Regional Grand Mark Lodge of Southern India (rglsi.org.in)
Grand Lodge of India websites
Charitable organization sites
Event registration platforms

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

While Mount Mark Lodge No. 50 operates primarily in Chennai, India, some of our service providers may be located outside India. When we transfer data internationally:

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place
We comply with applicable data protection laws
We require service providers to maintain adequate security

11. MASONIC CONFIDENTIALITY

11.1 Fraternal Privacy

In addition to this Privacy Policy, all members are bound by Masonic obligations of confidentiality regarding:

Identity of fellow Masons (unless publicly disclosed)
Private discussions and proceedings in Lodge
Personal matters shared in confidence
Voting and ballot results

11.2 Public Information

The following information may be publicly disclosed without consent:

Names of Lodge officers (as published in summons and Grand Lodge records)
Public events and celebrations (e.g., Golden Jubilee)
Charitable activities and donations to community causes
Historical information about the Lodge

11.3 Meeting Privacy

Communications regarding Lodge meetings (summons, minutes, agendas) are confidential to members and should not be shared with non-members without authorization.

12. GDPR COMPLIANCE (European Visitors)

If you are accessing our Site from the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

12.1 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

Consent: For newsletters and marketing communications
Contractual necessity: For membership administration
Legitimate interests: For Lodge operations and Masonic purposes
Legal obligations: For compliance with regulations

12.2 GDPR Rights

EEA residents have the right to:

Access personal data
Rectification of inaccurate data
Erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
Restriction of processing
Data portability
Object to processing
Withdraw consent

12.3 Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries, contact:
Secretary, Mount Mark Lodge No. 50
Email: thungagopinath@gmail.com

13. UPDATES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

Changes in our practices
Legal or regulatory requirements
New technologies or services
Feedback from members and users

13.1 Notification of Changes

We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our website
Updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
Sending email notifications to members (for significant changes)
Announcing changes at Lodge meetings

13.2 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. CONTACT INFORMATION

14.1 Privacy Inquiries

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information:

Secretary
W Bro Thunga Gopinath
Mount Mark Lodge No. 50

Email: thungagopinath@gmail.com

Meeting Location:
Freemason’s Hall
14 Ethiraj Salai, Egmore
Chennai – 600008
Tamil Nadu, India

14.2 Worshipful Master

For Lodge-related matters:

Worshipful Master
W Bro Jagannath Badrinath
Mount Mark Lodge No. 50

14.3 Grand Lodge

For matters related to Grand Lodge regulations:

Grand Mark Lodge of India
Freemasons Hall
Janpath Lane, Janpath
Connaught Place
New Delhi – 110001

14.4 Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may:

Contact our Secretary (details above)
File a complaint with the Grand Mark Lodge of India
Contact the appropriate data protection authority in your jurisdiction

15. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

15.1 Member Directory

Our Member Directory contains:

Names and contact information of active members
Lodge officer positions
Grand Lodge and Regional Grand Lodge ranks
Years of service

Access: Restricted to Lodge members only
Purpose: Facilitate fraternal communication and Lodge administration
Security: Password-protected member portal

15.2 Photography and Videography

At Lodge events, we may take photographs and videos:

Use: Lodge records, website, newsletters, social media
Consent: By attending events, you consent to photography unless you opt-out
Opt-out: Notify the Director of Ceremonies or Secretary
Sensitive Content: Ritual work and private ceremonies are not photographed

15.3 Email Communications

When you provide your email address:

Lodge Business: You will receive summons, minutes, and official communications
Newsletters: Optional subscription (you may opt-out)
Event Invitations: Notices of Lodge events and celebrations
Frequency: Approximately 4-6 Lodge communications per year, plus newsletters

15.4 Charitable Donations

When making charitable donations:

Tax Receipts: Provided for eligible donations under Indian tax law
Recognition: Donors may be acknowledged in Lodge publications (unless anonymous)
Financial Records: Maintained per Indian accounting standards
Privacy: Donation amounts remain confidential unless you consent to disclosure

15.5 Emergency Contact Information

We may request emergency contact information for:

Use during Lodge meetings and events only
Emergency medical situations
Notification of next of kin if necessary

This information is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with third parties except in actual emergencies.

16. CONSENT

By using our website and services, you consent to:

Collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy
Transfer of data to service providers and Masonic organizations as specified
Use of cookies and tracking technologies
Communication from the Lodge regarding meetings and events

For members, additional consent is provided through:

Signing the Declaration upon joining (Appendix A or B of Lodge By-Laws)
Accepting the terms of membership
Participating in Lodge activities

17. LODGE BY-LAWS REFERENCE

This Privacy Policy is supplementary to the Mount Mark Lodge No. 50 By-Laws, chartered by the Grand Mark Lodge of India on August 16, 1974. In case of any conflict between this Privacy Policy and the Lodge By-Laws, the By-Laws shall prevail with respect to internal Lodge governance and member rights.

18. DISCLAIMER

This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes and represents our current data practices. We strive to maintain the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality consistent with Masonic principles of fraternity, honor, and trust.

Nothing in this Privacy Policy creates or is intended to create any rights enforceable by third parties, nor does it modify or supersede any obligations under the Constitution and Book of Constitutions of the Grand Mark Lodge of India.

19. GOVERNING LAW

This Privacy Policy and any disputes relating to it shall be governed by the laws of India. Any legal proceedings shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

20. LANGUAGE

This Privacy Policy is written in English. If translated into other languages, the English version shall prevail in case of any discrepancies.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By accessing and using the Mount Mark Lodge No. 50 website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.

Mount Mark Lodge No. 50
Under the Grand Mark Lodge of India
Chartered: August 16, 1974
Consecrated: November 18, 1974

“What we do for ourselves dies with us; what we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” — Albert Pike

Document Version: 1.0
Review Date: January 1, 2027

END OF PRIVACY POLICY