Samuels v. Attorney General

The question before us is whether funds of the Massachusetts Pythian Relief Fund (Fund) can properly be used for the purchase of land and the construction of a regional hall for the use of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of the Domain of Massachusetts (Lodge). A judge of a Probate Court ruled that the Fund is subject to the principles and rules applicable to charitable trusts, and that it may not be so used. Appeals were taken, and we allowed the Attorney General’s application for direct appellate review. We affirm the judgment entered in the Probate Court.

On December 12,1974, the Grand…