Attendance at the communications of one's Lodge is considered a fundamental duty of every Freemason. The Old Charges of 1722 state that “in ancient Times no Master or Fellow could be absent from it [the Lodge], especially when warned to appear at it, without incurring a severe censure, until it appeared to the Master and Wardens that pure Necessity hindered him.”
Historically, fines were imposed to enforce attendance, with early Lodge By-Laws listing penalties for absence, swearing, and drunkenness. However, this practice has been discontinued, and attendance at ordinary communications is no longer enforced by legal sanctions.
Today, attendance is considered a matter of personal responsibility. However, in cases of a positive summons for specific purposes, such as standing trial or showing cause, neglect or refusal to attend may be treated as contempt and addressed accordingly.
The absence of an officer is also significant. In the case of the Worshipful Master or Wardens being absent, the inferior officer assumes the duties of the vacant office. In the United States of America, if the Master is absent during the opening of the Lodge, the Senior Warden, if present, will open the Lodge. If the Senior Warden is absent, the Junior Warden will do so, and the business transacted will be regular and legal.
In contrast, under the Grand Lodge of England, Rule 141 of the Book of Constitutions stipulates that in the absence of the Worshipful Master, the Immediate Past Master should take the chair. If the Immediate Past Master is not present, the Senior Past Master of the Lodge, or if none are available, the Senior Past Master who is a subscribing member of the Lodge, will officiate. If none of these are present, then the Senior Warden or, in their absence, the Junior Warden will rule and govern the Lodge. However, they will not occupy the Master's chair, and no degree can be conferred unless a Master or Past Master in the Craft presides over the ceremony.
Thus, the general rule regarding absence and the handling of Lodge affairs varies between countries.