NAME OF LODGE Section 1. The Lodge shall be known as Euclid Lodge, No. 158, A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of BC and Yukon.

Transcription

1 Euclid By-laws For the purposes of securing order and regularity and with the view of promoting harmony and decorum, the Brethren of Euclid Lodge No. 158, Grand Lodge of BC and Yukon, enact the following by-laws. NAME OF LODGE Section 1. The Lodge shall be known as Euclid Lodge, No. 158, A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of BC and Yukon. COMMUNICATIONS Section 2. The Regular Communications of this Lodge shall be held in Port Alberni, B.C. on the 3 rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 P.M., except in June and during the months of July and August when the Lodge is in darkness. OFFICERS Section 3. The Officers of the Lodge shall be the Worshipful Master, Immediate Past Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary, Treasurer, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Inner Guard, Tyler, two Stewards, Chaplain, Director of Masonic Education, Historian, Director of Ceremonies and two Financial Reviewers. ELECTIONS Section 4. a) Annually at the Regular Communication in January, the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Secretary, Treasurer and Tyler shall be elected by written ballot, but only, if there is more than one nomination for each office. b) The Worshipful Master shall appoint two Brethren as scrutineers who shall examine all ballots and report the number of ballots cast. When a clear majority of votes have been cast for one candidate the Worshipful Master shall declare him elected.

2 APPOINTMENTS Section 5. a) Annually, after the Worshipful Master has been duly installed, he shall appoint an Inner Guard, Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, two Stewards, Historian and Director of Masonic Education and two Financial Reviewers. b) The Worshipful Master shall also at the Regular Communication immediately following the Installation make such other appointments as shall be necessary for the welfare of the Lodge, i.e. Sick and Visiting. INSTALLATION Section 6. The Installation and Investiture of Officers shall take place at a Stated Communication held annually at a time determined by the Worshipful Master and the Lodge. DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 7. a) Worshipful Master That beyond the Ancient Charges and regulations and duties as laid down by the Book of Constitution, the Worshipful Master is responsible for the safekeeping of the Warrant, and with, the Wardens, shall hold all the property of the Lodge in trust for the members. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. b) Senior Warden In addition to the Regular duties appertaining to his office as laid down by the Book of Constitution and outlined in Grand Lodge Forms and Ceremonies Manual (1982), the Senior Warden shall keep an inventory of the Jewels, furniture and other property of the Lodge and shall see to their safekeeping. He will also chair the Board of General Purposes and examine and sign all orders on payable accounts. As well, he will examine and introduce all first time visitors. c) Junior Warden 2

3 In addition to the duties as determined in Grand Lodge Forms and Ceremonies Manual (1982), the Junior Warden shall attend to the necessary arrangements. d) Treasurer The Treasurer shall receive all monies from the Secretary, give receipt therefore and deposit them without delay in a chartered bank selected by the Lodge and in the name of Euclid Lodge No He shall pay the accounts by cheque, signed by himself and countersigned by such other officer(s) as shall be named in a resolution passed by the Lodge, drawn in favor of the party named in the account against all orders duly signed by the Senior Warden and the Secretary. He shall keep books of account showing all receipts and expenditures and have his books of account and vouchers ready for inspection whenever required by the Lodge. At the Regular Communication in February he shall submit an annual statement of all monetary transactions of the Lodge for the previous calendar year, duly certified by the Auditors. At the annual Installation of Officers he shall hand over all books, papers, vouchers and monies to his successor. e) Secretary The Secretary shall issue all notices for communications of the Lodge, advise all petitioners on the result of their respective ballot, and keep a record of all proceedings proper to be written, prepare the returns and transmit them to Grand Lodge, receive all monies payable to the Lodge and remit the same to the Treasurer taking his receipt therefore. He shall issue all dues cards and keep a proper record of same. Annually, in February he shall present a detailed statement on the affairs of the Lodge. After the Installation he shall notify the Bank of any changes to the signing authorities on the Lodge bank account. He shall sign all authorized certificates and affix the Lodge Seal thereto, notify the members of all committees of their appointment and the nature of their duties. He shall discharge such other duties as generally pertain to the office of Secretary. He shall be exempt from Lodge dues and shall receive such other remuneration as the Lodge may direct. f) Chaplain The duties of the Chaplain speak for themselves. g) The Deacons 3

4 The Deacons shall attend to the Gt. Lts. at the opening and closing of Lodge, and take such part in the ceremonies as the Worshipful Master may direct. The Deacons shall assist the Director of Ceremonies in preparing the Lodge and in seeing all Lodge regalia, ornaments and jewels are properly put away after each meeting for safekeeping. They shall assist the Senior Warden, shall keep an inventory of the Jewels, furniture and other property of the Lodge and shall see to their safekeeping. h) Director of Ceremonies In addition to the duties as determined in Grand Lodge Forms and Ceremonies Manual, the Director of Ceremonies (1982) will see the Lodge room is properly prepared and that all the Brethren are properly clothed; that every Brother when in Lodge or at refreshment is stationed according to his rank and perform such other duties of like nature as the Worshipful Master may direct. (i) Organist The Organist shall preside over the musical part of the ceremonies and perform such other duties as the Worship Master may direct. (j) Inner Guard The Inner Guard shall attend all meetings punctually at the hour named in the Notice, to guard the interior of the Lodge and give directions to the Tyler. He shall assist the Deacons in putting the Lodge regalia away. (k) Stewards The Stewards shall prepare the Lodge and the candidate for the various Degrees. Under the direction of the Senior Warden they shall attend to the safe keeping of the jewels, furniture and other property of the Lodge. Under the direction of the Junior Warden they shall assist with the serving of refreshments. (l) Tyler The Tyler shall diligently watch the exterior of the Lodge; shall assist the Junior Steward in preparing the candidates for admission; that the Brethren sign the Porch Book and are properly clothed; perform such other duties as the Worshipful Master may direct. (m) Director of Masonic Education 4

5 The Director of Masonic Education shall develop a yearly program of instruction and enlightenment for the Lodge as recommended by the Board of General Purposes and approved by the Worshipful Master. He shall arrange to have interesting and informative material presented at the Regular Communications of the Lodge. The Program can consist of either Masonic or non-masonic literature. MEMBERS DUTIES Section 8. (a) Punctuality and regular attendance are essential by all Officers and members. It is every member s duty to ensure that his dues are paid in advance. It shall be the responsibility of each member to keep the Secretary informed of any change in his postal or residential address. (b) All differences of a Masonic nature between Members that can not be reconciled by the Lodge shall be laid before the Grand Lodge of British Columbia at the earliest opportunity. FINANCIAL REVIEWERS Section 9. The Financial Reviewers shall review all the accounts of the Lodge and present an annual Audit report at the Regular Communication in February or as directed by the Lodge stating the financial status of the Lodge together with any other recommendations. The Worshipful Master shall appoint two Financial Reviewers, annually, at the Regular Communication in March. BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES Section 10. The Board of General Purposes shall consist of all elected and appointed officers, all Past Masters, and two members of the Lodge appointed by the Worshipful Master. It shall meet monthly on the 2 nd Thursday of the month or whenever summoned by the Senior Warden, who shall preside over all meetings. Five members will be required to form a quorum. It shall have charge of the finances, examine all accounts and recommend the same for payment. It shall have authority to inspect all books and papers relative to the accounts of the Lodge and report any alterations required therein. It shall report on all such matters as may be 5

6 referred to it by the Lodge. A report of its proceedings shall be kept and presented to the Lodge at the next regular communication. BENEVOLENT COMMITTEE Section 11. The Worshipful Master and two Wardens shall be the Benevolent Committee and shall have the power to draw upon the Treasurer for the immediate or temporary relief of a distressed brother, his widow or orphans a sum of $ at any time, reporting the same to the Lodge at its next Regular Communication. SECRECY OF BALLOT Section 12. When a Candidate for Initiation or Affiliation is rejected or a Brother is reprimanded, suspended or recommended for expulsion, no member or visitor shall reveal, either directly or indirectly to such Candidate or Brother or to any other, any transactions which may have taken place on the subject; nor any proceedings of the Lodge, not proper to be made public, be disclosed outside thereof, under penalty of reprimand, suspension or recommendation for expulsion as the Lodge may determine. That no Brother may plead ignorance, the Worshipful Master shall direct Section 12 of the Bylaws be read immediately after such a rejection, reprimand, suspension or recommendation for expulsion. FINANCIAL YEAR Section 13. The financial year of the Lodge shall be the calendar year. ANNUAL DUES Section 14. (a) The annual dues for membership shall be established by the Lodge at its regular communication in October and shall be stated in the November Lodge Notice. They are payable, in advance, by December 31 st of each year. The first year s dues of every member shall be apportioned by 1/12 th from the time of his Raising or Affiliation to the end of the current year. (b) The annual dues for membership will be separate from the assessments by Grand Lodge and invoices shall be itemized to show each component of a member s dues. 6

7 (c) In accordance with Grand Lodge Regulations, any member may be suspended if his dues are not remitted by April of the following year. (d) The Secretary, Honorary members and Charter members of the Euclid Lodge are exempt from annual Lodge dues including the annual Grand Lodge per capita fees and Cancer Car assessment. Section 14. Annual Dues cont d (delete this line) Detail Amended Date Amended Amount Budget review Oct 18, 2007 $100 & GL assessments Blue is an addition ** FEES Section 15. (a) The fees for Initiation will be set by the Lodge from time to time and will be stated in Lodge Notice for the Regular Communication in November. A deposit of 50% of the fee shall accompany the Petition and the remainder will be paid to the Secretary prior to being Initiated. This fee shall cover a Master Mason apron, Grand Lodge Certificate, a copy of the Lodge By-Laws, a copy of the Book of Constitutions, a Lodge Pocket Badge and Ritual Book. The name Pocket Badge will be provided once the individual has attended his ceremony of Initiation. (b) The fee for Affiliation shall be $50.00 which will include a Lodge Pocket Badge. (c) An Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft affiliating shall pay $ for each Degree Conferred plus the cost of a Master Mason apron. 7

8 RETURN OF FEES Section 16. Should an applicant be rejected, his deposit shall be returned. DISPOSAL OF FUNDS, PROPERTY, etc Section 17. (a) No part of the funds of the Lodge shall be expended except for the monthly or necessary expenses for the running of the Lodge, or monies required for Benevolent purposes, unless first approved by the Lodge at a Regular Communication of which one month s notice is given, when if by two-thirds (2/3) majority of members present, approved, the expenditure may be authorized. Emergency situations are exempt and the principal officers may authorize payment. (b) No portion of the furniture, jewels or other property of the Lodge shall be sold, alienated or disposed of in any way except by the direction of the Lodge at a Regular Communication. (c) The Past Master s jewel which is presented to a Worshipful Master after his term of office, and when he becomes a Past Master, shall remain the property of Euclid Lodge and must be returned to the Lodge if the Member demits from the Craft or upon his death. (d) Each Past Master receiving such a jewel shall have his name and year installed as Worshipful Master engraved on the jewel or engraved on gold plate and attached to the jewel so that it will become a memorial to all previous Past Masters who have worn that particular jewel. ORDER OF BUSINESS Section 18. When the Lodge is opened the following Order of Business shall be observed at all Regular Communications. 1. Reading and confirming minutes of previous Communications. 2. Receiving report of the Board of General Purposes. 8

9 3. Education. 4. Reading correspondence. 5. Passing of accounts. 6. Presentation of Petitions. 7. Reports of Committees. 8. Balloting for Candidates. 9. Unfinished Business. 10. New Business. 11. Notice of Motion. 12. Conferring Degrees. 13. Enquiry by the Worshipful Master if any Brethren are known to be ill or in distressed circumstances. 14. Good and Welfare of Freemasonry. 15. Closing of Lodge. Section 19. RULES OF ORDER No Motion shall be open for discussion until stated to the Lodge by the Worshipful Master. 1. Any Brother making a Motion shall produce the same in writing, if so requested by the Worshipful Master. Such Motion will be read by the Secretary before being put to the Lodge. 2. A Notice of Motion may be given at any Regular Communication of the Lodge. A copy of the Notice of Motion shall be given to the 9

10 Secretary for inclusion with/in the next Lodge Notice, except with the March Notice. 3. All motions shall be decided by majority vote unless otherwise provided. In the case of a tie, the Worshipful Master shall have a second or casting vote. 4. The vote of the Members are given by each holding out his right hand, which hand shall be counted by the Worshipful Master or Deacons, unless the number should be so unequal as to render the counting unnecessary. 5. No Brother shall speak more than twice, nor longer than ten minutes, on the same question without the permission of the mover in reply. 6. A Brother desiring to speak or submit a motion, shall rise and remain standing, and, respectfully addressing the Worshipful Master, shall confine his remarks to the question and observe the strictest courtesy, order and decorum. If two Brothers rise at the same time, the Worshipful Master shall decide who is entitled to the floor. 7. On a point of order being raised while a Brother is speaking, or when called to order by the Worshipful Master, he shall at once take his seat, when the point of order shall be stated by the Brother objecting; the Worshipful Master shall decide thereupon without debate, when after having been set right, the Brother may proceed. 8. No amendment to a motion shall be in order after amendment to an amendment. Once an amendment to a motion has been made and seconded then a vote shall be taken on such amendment and following this, a vote on the amendment itself, in its original form or as amended, depending on the outcome of the amending vote. 9. A ballot shall be taken on a question when called for by two members, either immediately before or after the taking of an open vote. 10. If the Worshipful Master indicates a desire to speak while a Brother is on the floor, that Brother shall immediately sit down so that the Worshipful Master may be heard. 10

11 11. All Brethren shall observe the first call of the Worshipful Master s gavel. 12. Whenever a question has been submitted for consideration, it cannot be withdrawn without the consent of the Lodge. 13. A motion that has been declared lost cannot be renewed at the same meeting of the Lodge. 14. All Members present shall vote on any question or when the Ballot is spread unless excused by the Worshipful Master or the Lodge from doing so. BEHAVIOUR Section 20. (a) A Brother violating any of the provisions of these By-laws or behaving in such a manner as to disturb the harmony of the Lodge, may be admonished by the Worshipful Master, or subjected to such censure as the Lodge may have the power to direct; or his case may be reported to a higher authority. (b) All points of order, questions of privilege, precedence or decorum not provided by the Book of Constitution or By-laws, shall be decided, arranged, and settled by the Worshipful Master or presiding Brother in accordance with the established usages of the Fraternity, but always subject to an appeal to Grand Lodge. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP Section 21. (a) Any Brother who the Lodge deems fit may be elected as an Honorary Member. Such election shall be governed by a 2/3 majority vote of the Members present following a duly published Notice of Motion. (b) An Honorary Member is exempt from paying Lodge dues and assessments and will have full voting privileges. (c) The Lodge shall include Honorary Members in its return to Grand Lodge and pay per capita fees similar to those of regular members. 11

12 12

13 MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE of ANCIENT, FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS of BRITISH COLUMBIA and YUKON Office of the Grand Secretary R.W. Bro. George Moore It s a good time to be a freemason! Vancouver Masonic Centre, 1495 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6H 1C9 Canada t: f: e: grand_secretary@freemasonry.bcy.ca 13 December 2012 W. Bro. Roy C. W. Buchanan Secretary, Euclid Lodge No th Avenue Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4P3 Dear Sir and Brother, Please take notice, and so advise your Worshipful Master, that our Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother G. Murray Webster has reviewed the amendments to your lodge by-laws submitted to this office on 13 December 2012, finds them acceptable in form, and approves their adoption by Euclid Lodge No If possible, please forward an electronic copy of your revised and complete by-laws. This letter, read into the minutes of the lodge will act as confirmation of the Grand Master s approval. Yours sincerely and fraternally, RW Bro. George Moore Grand Secretary /twm by 13