Organization
Sec. 1. This Lodge organized on October 3, 1838, under dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri and under the provisions of its dispensation and original charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri under the date of October 8, 1839. The original charter being destroyed by fire during the year 1865, a duplicate charter was issued May 22, 1865.
ARTICLE II
Communications
Sec. 1. The stated communications of this Lodge (holidays excepted) shall be held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 P. M.
Sec. 2. Special communications may be called by the Worshipful Master, or in his absence, by the presiding Warden, when in their judgment, occasion may require, subject to the laws of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 3. When special communications are called, the purpose must be stated and no other business can be transacted.
ARTICLE III
Officers, Election and Appointments
Election to Office
Sec. 1. The Lodge, at its first stated communication in November of each year, or as soon thereafter as practical, [shall] elect by paper ballot by a majority vote of its members present, a Worshipful Master, a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, and a Secretary.
Appointment to Office
Sec. 2. The Worshipful Master elect shall appoint, on or before the first stated communication in December of each year, a Chaplain, a Marshal, a Senior Deacon, a Junior Deacon, a Senior Steward, a Junior Steward, a Tiler, one Trustee to the Masonic Temple Association, two Representatives to the Masonic Board of Relief, a DeMolay Committee, a Relief Committee, a Visiting Committee, and a Refreshment Committee.
Sec. 3. The Worshipful Master may, with the consent of the Lodge, appoint committees for special duties but their powers shall not continue beyond his term of office and any renewal or continuation of such powers, or of such committees, shall be by vote of the Lodge only.
Term of Office
Sec. 4. All officers, elective or appointive, shall be installed on the first stated communication in December or as soon thereafter as practicable.
ARTICLE IV
Duties of Officers
Worshipful Master's Duties
Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master to preside at all communications of this Lodge; call special communications when necessary; appoint all committees, created by the By-Laws or by vote of the Lodge; have general supervision over all matters appertaining to the Lodge and see that harmony is preserved and the Ancient Charges of Freemasonry respected and obeyed; see that all subordinate officers discharge with promptness and fidelity the duties ascribed to them; represent this Lodge in conjunction with Wardens, at all communications of the Grand Lodge; to preserve the Charter of the Lodge with unfailing care and deliver it to his successor in office; to see that the By-Laws and Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri are duly conformed with; to take command of other officers and claims of them at any time, advice and assistance on any business relative to the Craft, to see that the proper officers collect and keep the funds of the Lodge; to see that the furniture and other valuables are not wasted, damaged or lost, and in case the charter of this Lodge should ever be forfeited or surrendered, to preserve these things, subject to the order of the Grand Lodge; to sign and draw warrants upon the Treasurer but not without the consent of the Lodge; to appoint all committees; to see that all unmasonic conduct that comes to his knowledge be faithfully dealt with according to the By-Laws of the Lodge and the general rules of Masonry; to guarantee to everyone charged with unmasonic conduct, a fair trial and an appeal to the Grand Lodge if demanded; to fill all vacant offices by pro-tem appointments; to see that worthy brethren and visitors from other Lodges have courteous attention, and a welcome in this Lodge; to give the casting vote at any time in the event of a tie; to appoint the standing committees; to decide all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Grand Lodge or Grand Master; and finally, on all fitting occasions, to deliver charges and lectures on subjects relating to the general improvement of the Craft and recommend and enforce those moral obligations which beautify the Masonic Temple.
Senior Warden's Duties
Sec. 2. The duties of the Senior Warden are to succeed to the duties of the Worshipful Master in his absence; represent the Lodge in conjunction with the Worshipful Master and junior Warden in the Grand Lodge; to assist the Worshipful Master in having charge of the Craft during the hours of
labor.
Junior Warden's Duties
Sec. 3. The duties of the Junior Warden are to succeed to all the duties of the Worshipful Master in his and Senior Warden's absence; to represent the Lodge in conjunction with the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden in the Grand Lodge; to have charge of the Craft during the hours of refreshments; to present charges against any member of the Lodge who shall have been accused guilty of any violation of Masonic Law.
Treasurer's Duties
Sec. 4. The duties of the Treasurer are to receive all moneys from the Secretary; to keep just and regular accounts of the same; to pay them out on the order of the Worshipful Master, with the consent of the Lodge; to prepare an official statement of his account with the Lodge and deliver it to the Secretary on the first regular communication in January. The Treasurer shall promptly deliver to his successor in office, all the funds of the Lodge, together with all the books, vouchers and so forth, having any reference to the financial business of the Lodge or his office.
Secretary's Duties
Sec. 5. The duties of the Secretary are to observe the proceedings of the Lodge and record all things proper to be written; receive all moneys due this Lodge, paying them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor; to attend upon trials and meetings of committees for taking evidence; furnish copies of all such evidence when an appeal to the Grand Lodge is demanded; furnish diplomas, dimits, certificates, etc. , by the order of the Lodge, duly signed and sealed, to keep and record in books for that purpose.
First: A journal of the proceedings of the Lodge.
Second: A book containing the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge and the By-Laws and Rules of Order of this
Lodge, together with all standing resolutions, amendments, etc.
Third: A register for recording all material facts relative to the history of each member of this Lodge, together with a record of all suspensions, expulsions, reinstatements and rejections made in this Lodge.
Fourth: A ledger to contain the account of the Lodge with its members, to keep all books in good order for inspection, conduct the correspondence of the Lodge under the direction of the Worshipful Master; issue notices when required, to notify candidates of their election or rejection, make a just and true return to the Grand Lodge at its annual communication, of all members, giving each one his Masonic grade an stating particularly the date of each initiation, passing and raising, ever admission, suspension, expulsion, reinstatement or death of a member, and the rejection of candidates. Furnish the Chairman of every committee with the names of his associates and a copy of the resolution or subject of matter referred to them; prepare a balance sheet of all accounts of the members and furnish an annual statement of the condition of the Lodge up to the first stated communication in January of each year, keep in charge the seal of the Lodge, file and preserve all petitions and documents of every character on the business of the Lodge and properly deliver to his successor all books, papers, seal, voucher, etc. , in his possession, having any reference to the business of his office, and for these services, faithfully performed, he shall be entitled to the sum of one dollar ($1.00) for each member per annum, this to be based on the number of members as shown by the last previous annual report to the Grand Lodge, payable monthly.
Chaplain's Duties
Sec. 6. The Chaplain shall perform the duties prescribed at his installation and the ancient rules and regulations of Freemasonry.
Marshal’s Duties
Sec. 7. The Marshal shall conduct all processions of the Lodge subject to the order of the Worshipful Master.
Senior Deacon's Duties
Sec. 8. The duties of the Senior Deacon are to act as the proxy of the Master in the active duties of the Lodge-, to give fraternal attention to visiting brethren; to conduct candidates in the different degrees of Freemasonry; and to conform to ancient usages and charge given at installation.
Junior Deacon's Duties
Sec. 9. The duties of the Junior Deacon are to act as the proxy of the Senior Warden in the active duties of the Lodge; to have special care to the security of the Lodge; and to conform to ancient usages and charge given at installation.
Stewards' Duties
Sec. 10. The Senior and Junior Stewards shall perform the duties prescribed at their installation and by the ancient rules and regulations Freemasonry.
Tiler's Duties
Sec. 11. The Tiler shall perform such duties as pertain to his office and as may be imposed upon him by the Worshipful Master or, the Lodge.
ARTICLE V
Membership
Sec. 1. The members of this Lodge shall be all persons who have been or may hereafter be, regularly initiated into or affiliated with it and who have not properly withdrawn or [been] expelled or suspended. These only shall be considered members and entitled to any of its benefits.
Sec. 2. Persons who are desirous of being initiated into this Lodge must have attained legal age when the petition is signed, a resident of this state six (6) months last past and of the jurisdiction of this Lodge the six (6) months last past, and shall possess those bodily, mental and moral qualifications required by the Ancient Regulations and have some honorable means of support, and shall not have been rejected in any lodge within twelve (12) months last past, and shall apply according to form of petition as prescribed by the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri, the applicant filling out petition in his own handwriting.
Sec. 3. The petition must be recommended by two (2) members of this Lodge and delivered to the Secretary with the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00), which amount pays for all three (3) degrees, or fifty dollars ($50. 00) may accompany the petition and twenty-five dollars ($25. 00) due before receiving the Fellowcraft degree, and twenty-five dollars ($25. 00) due before receiving the Master Mason degree, in 1983; and in 1984 and thereafter, one hundred and twenty- five dollars ($125. 00), which amount pays for all three (3) degrees, or seventy-five dollars ($75. 00) may accompany the petition and twenty-five dollars ($25. 00) due before receiving the Fellowcraft degree, and twenty-five dollars ($25. 00) due before receiving the Master Mason degree. If received, it must be referred to a committee of three (3) members who shall diligently investigate the character and standing of the applicant and make a report at the stated communication of the Lodge four (4) weeks thereafter. The nature of said report be recorded,
Sec. 4. No petition for initiation can be withdrawn after it shall have been received and referred, but must be acted upon within two (2) months after its presentation or further time be granted by a vote of the Lodge.
Sec. 5. A petitioner for the Mysteries of Freemasonry who fails to present himself for initiation within twelve (12) months after the date of his election, his election shall be void and all fees may be returned to him. An E. A. or F. C. who fails to present himself for advancement within one (1) year after having received the E. A. or F. C. degree, shall regularly petition for advancement without payment of fee but his petition shall take the regular course of petition for the Mysteries of Freemasonry.
Sec. 6. Should the applicant be rejected, the deposit fee shall be returned to him by the Secretary and his petition cannot be again entertained by the Lodge for the space of one (1) year.
Sec. 7. The conferring of degrees of F. C. and M. M. on initiates of this Lodge will be on verbal application majority vote of the Lodge, and in all cases the members shall be satisfied of a brother's proficiency in the preceding degree in open lodge before another degree is conferred upon him.
Sec. 8. In no case shall a degree be conferred upon credit, but the amount prescribed must be paid over to the Secretary before the degree is conferred, and no degree shall be conferred on a brother who has been initiated in another Lodge unless by a majority vote of this Lodge.
Sec. 9. Application for membership must be made according to the form of petition prescribed by the Grand Lodge, accompanied by a dimit or some other documentary evidence of the good standing of the applicant, and must be recommended by two (2) members of this Lodge and delivered to the Secretary. If the petition be received by the Lodge, it shall be referred and reported on as in case of petition for initiation.
Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of each member in proposing a candidate under this article, to exhibit to the petitioner a copy of these By-Laws.
Sec. 11. The committee of investigation on the character of any applicant for membership is charged with the duty, among others, of making such examination and inquiry as to be able to report whether or not they find the applicant to be a Master Mason. No ballot shall be spread on petition for membership without satisfactory evidence of this fact and include this in their report.
Sec. 12. Every member of this Lodge present when a motion is stated or a question put (in which he is not personally interested) or on taking the ballot for membership or degrees, must vote.
ARTICLE VI
Balloting
Sec. 1. In balloting for the degrees or membership, if more than one black cube appears the candidate should be declared rejected; but if on the first ballot one negative only appears, a second ballot must be immediately taken and if on a second ballot one negative still appears, the candidate shall be declared rejected and no further balloting can be had for the applicant within one (1) year except by dispensation of the Grand Master.
Sec. 2. In balloting for membership, the candidate shall be declared elected unless there shall be one or more unfavorable ballots against the applicant, in which case he shall be declared rejected. He may again apply after one (1) year by a new petition which shall take the same course as though he had not previously petitioned.
Sec. 3. If on casting a ballot for an applicant for degrees or membership, it shall appear that he is rejected, no member or visiting brother shall inquire into or discover, [by] any means whatsoever, who opposed his election, nor imprudently or improperly divulge the proceeding of the Lodge.
Sec. 4. No one shall inspect the ballot except the Worshipful Master and Wardens, and no brother shall make known to another or to the Lodge, in what manner he has or intends to cast his vote, nor shall any brother question respecting it.
Sec. 5. After the report of the committee of investigation on application for membership or for the degrees has been received, the Worshipful Master may, on the written request of a member who is unavoidably absent, or for other good cause, postpone the ballot on such applicant until the next stated communication only, but after the balloting has begun it cannot be postponed or delayed but must be at once completed and the result thereof announced.
Sec. 6. At any time before the degree of F.C. or M.M. is conferred, any member of the Lodge has a right to object and such objection shall stand as a bar for sixty (60) days unless sooner withdrawn by the objector and the objection shall not be renewed by any one, but charges may be preferred against the candidate.
Sec. 7. A candidate for advancement, against whom an objection has been made, cannot receive a certificate of dimission, nor can the Lodge waive its jurisdiction over him, while the objection remains in force.
ARTICLE VII
Fees and Dues
Sec. 1. The fee for initiation in this Lodge shall be one hundred dollars ($100. 00) for the year of 1983, and one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125. 00) for 1984 and thereafter. No credit can be extended in any event.
Sec. 2. A rejected candidate shall have his petition fee returned to him through the Secretary.
Sec. 3. The regular Lodge dues shall be twenty-five dollars ($25. 00) per annum for 1983, and thirty dollars ($30.00) per annum in 1984 and thereafter, payable on or before January lst of each year.
Sec. 4. There shall be no fee for affiliation by dimit.
Sec. 5. The dues of any member who is sick or in distress may be remitted by a unanimous vote of the Lodge.
Sec. 6. The dues shall be remitted to a member when a member has attained 50 years of Masonic membership.
Sec. 7. Non-Payment of Dues: When a member shall fail to pay his dues on or before the lst day of April any year, it shall be the duty of the Secretary within ten (10) days after said April
1st to notify said member, in writing, of his delinquency, and if said member shall fail to pay his dues on or before June lst, thereafter, he shall automatically stand suspended for nonpayment of dues, without action of the Lodge, and such suspension shall be recorded by the Secretary in the minutes the meeting on that date or at the fir meeting of the Lodge thereafter.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to notify, by written notice, all members automatically suspended for non-payment of dues, said notice to be g ten (10) days after said suspension.
Notification as above provided for shall be by mailing a written notice to said member at his last known post office address by United States mail, in sealed envelope, with sufficient postage thereon. Failure of the Secretary to give the above notices or to record the suspension shall not affect the automatic suspension of said member.
Dues, if paid before suspension: Payment of dues before June lst of each year shall avoid automatic suspension, and payment of said dues within one year after suspension shall reinstate the brother. The Secretary shall report the same to the Lodge and the fact shall be noted in the records of the Lodge.
ARTICLE VIII
Committees
Sec. 1. On the first regular communication in December the Worshipful Master shall appoint eight (8) committees to consist of at least three (3) brothers each, to hold office during the same time as the elective officers or until their successors are appointed.
On the following four (4) committees a Past Master shall be the Chairman:
DeMolay Committee
Masonic Board of Relief Committee
Masonic Education Committee
Charity Committee
Sec. 2. A Relief Committee of which the Worshipful Master shall be the Chairman, to whom shall be referred all applicants for relief and who shall act during the intervals between the communications of the Lodge.
Sec. 3. A Budget and Financial Committee, consisting of five (5), of which theTreasurer shall be the Chairman, the other members shall be the Master, Secretary, and two other Master Masons; whose duty it shall be to audit all bills presented to the Lodge, examine into all financial reports and act in such other matters of finance as the Lodge may from time to time direct; provided, however, the, Chairman shall have no say in auditing the accounts of the Treasurer and Secretary. It shall be the duty of this committee to make the budget.
Sec. 4. A Visiting Committee, the Chairman of which shall be the Senior Warden, whose duty it shall be to visit such brothers of the Lodge or of Sister Lodges, temporarily residents in this city, as shall have been reported to them as ill, and report their doings in person or in writing at each regular communication after such visits shall have been made.
In contagious diseases, the Visiting Committee is not expected to serve, but may employ a competent person or persons to watch with and nurse sick brothers and keep the Lodge informed as to their condition.
Sec. 5. A Refreshment Committee of which the Junior Warden shall be Chairman, whose duty it shall be to provide such refreshments as the Lodge may elect from time to time.
Sec. 5.1. A DeMolay Committee, whose duty it will be to serve on the DeMolay Advisory Committee along with the DeMolay Committee of Hannibal Lodge #188, and to see that all laws and rules of the Masonic Order are abided by so that the DeMolay Chapter may not embarrass or disgrace the Lodge, and to report any action of the Chapter to the Lodge as may be necessary.
Sec. 5. 2. A Masonic Board of Relief Committee, whose duty it will be to serve with the Masonic Board of Relief Committee of Hannibal Lodge #188, and according to the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge A. P.& A.M. of Missouri.
Sec. 5. 3. A Masonic Education Committee, whose duty will be to bring before the brethren the High Ideals and Standards of Masonry.
Sec. 5. 4. Immediately after his installation, the Worshipful Master shall appoint three (3) or more members of the Lodge as a standing Committee on Charity. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Charity to make arrangements to relieve and assist distressed brothers, their families, as the needs may be determined; to aid brothers, their wives or widows, with the preparation of applications for admission to the Masonic Home of Missouri; to prepare requests for financial assistance from the Relief and Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge.
The Committee on Charity may, from time to time, promote money-making projects and programs or solicit funds to be used for charitable contributions, n accordance with the Standing Resolution of the Grand Lodge (Constitution and By-Laws - 1958, page 121). The funds for the charitable contributions shall be separate and apart from the regular funds of the Lodge. The Committee on Charity may make disbursements from the Charitable Contributions Fund to the extent of one hundred dollars ($100.00), without the vote of the Lodge for any single purpose. Disbursements from the Charitable Contributions Fund in excess of one hundred dollars ($100. 00) shall be made only by majority vote of the Lodge at a stated communication, or at a special communication properly called.
The Charity Committee may make charitable contributions to needy persons other than Freemasons and to agencies functioning to administer emergency or temporary relief due to national and local emergencies and disasters, whether the recipients be Masonically affiliated or not. Contributions, special fund-raising projects, and solicitations of donations from the membership may be made for the foregoing purposes, but the Lodge shall not expend any of its other funds nor assess dues therefor.
Funds received for any of the foregoing purposes shall be kept in an account separate and apart from other Lodge accounts, but shall be subject to like reporting, recording and accounting procedures. Such funds will be administered in accordance with the By-Laws of the Lodge.
Sec. 6. Special committees may be appointed upon any item of business and may consist of as many members as the Lodge in its discretion may deem proper.
Sec. 7. In case of the neglect of the chairman to call session in proper time, any member or members of a committee shall have power to call together as many members of the same as are accessible and to consider the matter submitted by the Lodge, and they shall be empowered to report their conclusions to the Lodge, either jointly or individually.
Sec. 8. All members of committees, after notice of their appointment, shall give patient and diligent attention to the business entrusted to them and report to the Lodge at the next stated communication subsequent to their appointment, unless otherwise allowed by the Lodge.
All reports (except reports of progress) shall be made in writing and signed by a majority. If a minority report be made, it shall be presented at the same session with the majority report.
ARTICLE IX
Trials and Appeals
Sec. 1. All trials and appeals shall be had in pursuance of the Trial Code of
the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri.
ARTICLE X
Rules of Order
Sec. 1. The Worshipful Master shall put all questions distinctly; and if a division be called for, he is to request those who voted in the affirmative to rise, and count them, and then the negative, and shall declare the result.
Sec. 2. When a member is about to speak, he shall rise from his seat and respectfully address himself to the Worshipful Master.
Sec. 3. If any member, in speaking or otherwise, shall transgress the rules of the Lodge, the Worshipful Master, or any member, may call him to order. He shall immediately sit down (unless permitted to explain). The Worshipful Master shall decide the "question of order, " without debate. If the decision be in favor of the member, he shall be at liberty to proceed.
Sec. 4. When two or more members rise at once, the Worshipful Master shall name the one entitled to speak.
Sec. 5. No member shall vote on any question in the result of which he is immediately interested.
Sec. 6. Every motion shall be reduced to writing, if a member desires it. In filling blanks, the largest sum or number and the longest time shall be first stated.
Sec. 7. No new motion or proposition shall be admitted while a question is pending before the Lodge.
Sec. 8. Every member appointed on a committee must serve, unless for reason given he be excused.
Sec. 9. The Lodge shall be guided in its deliberations by the usual parliamentary rules and practices. It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master determine and decide the same, provided he shall permit an appeal to Grand Lodge from his decision.
ARTICLE XI
Miscellaneous
Provisions
Sec. 1. No spirituous liquors shall be admitted into the Lodge or adjoining rooms, nor any brother under the influence of the same be used at our festivals.
Sec. 2. Smoking [shall] at all times be prohibited in the Lodge Room and preparation room, and it shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master to see to the enforcement of this prohibition.
Sec. 3. When a brother, whose dues are paid and who is not under charges or indebted in any manner to this Lodge, shall apply in writing at a stated communication for a dimit, his application shall, unless objection is made, be immediately granted, and the fact entered of record.
Sec. 4. The Worshipful Master shall be empowered at any time to draw a warrant on the Treasurer of the Lodge for the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) to be expended as he in his judgment may determine; provided, however, that the Lodge shall have the power to suspend the operation of this section in any subsequent event.
Sec. 5. Every newly made Master Mason shall pass a satisfactory examination in open Lodge in the proficiency lecture of the first section of the Degree of Master Mason. No newly made Master Mason who fails or refuses to stand such examination shall be permitted to vote, hold office in the Lodge; provided, however, if he shall fail or refuse to stand such examination within six (6) months after being notified by the Lodge to do so, he shall be subject to Masonic discipline.
Sec. 6. Each line officer, upon his election or appointment, shall provide himself with a tuxedo or comparable blue suit in time for installation. He shall be reimbursed in the amount of $75. 00 by the Lodge upon his installation as Worshipful Master. Officers shall wear tuxedo or comparable blue suit at stated and special communications when degree work is to be conferred or when distinguished visitors are to be received. The Worshipful Master may suspend this ruling discretion, during the month and August. The Worshipful being installed shall receive an amount not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) for programs, flowers and refreshments for the Installation and Reception of the Lodge Officers.
Sec. 7. Each Worshipful Master upon retiring from office shall be presented with choice of a Past Master's Jewel, a Past Master's Ring, or a Past Master's Apron. The Lodge will reimburse the Worshipful Master in the amount of $75. 00 toward the purchase of a Past Master's Jewel, a Past Master's Ring, or a Past Master's Apron.
Sec. 8. The Senior Warden, Junior Warden and Secretary shall be representatives of this Lodge at each Grand Lodge Annual Communication and receive the same mileage and per them as the Worshipful Master draws from the Grand Lodge, but these three (3) officers' mileage and per them will be paid by this Lodge.
ARTICLE XII
Amendments
Sec. 1. These By-Laws may be altered by a majority vote of the members present, provided such motion shall be made in writing at a stated communication of this Lodge. Said amendment cannot be voted upon for at least four (4) weeks following presentation.
Sec. 2. All previous By - Laws heretofore adopted by this Lodge are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. These By-Laws shall be in force from and after their adoption.
Committee on Revision of By-Laws.
*Clarence F. Houser
*Frederick E. Norman
John W. Rethorn
Daniel Carter
William F. Tillitt
Glenn R. Harrison
*Co-Chairmen