New Jerusalem Masonic Lodge #29 Jackson, Mississippi By-Laws M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Mississippi F& AAYM, Prince Hall Origin National Compact USA
Article I - COMMUNICATIONS The Stated Communications of New Jerusalem #29, Free and Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons, shall be held at the Masonic Temple, 1130 W. Capital St., Jackson, Mississippi, on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The Prince Hall Grand Lodges fiscal year starts in July. On the first meeting night all members are required to wear the traditional outfit (Black suit, white shirt, black bow tie, and all black shoes). The second meeting members are required to wear, slacks, shoes (no sandals), and a polo style shirt. Article II - TYPES OF MEMBERS Section 1. Active members are those members who are actively involved in lodge operations and functions. Active members are expected to attend all regular communications. Section 2. Inactive members are those members, for work or family reasons, are incapable of performing active member duties on a regular basis. Inactive members will not be required to attend regular communications, but may do so when available. Financial obligations are covered in Article III section 4. Inactive members must have a sponsor (study partner of active member status, assigned by the W.M.). The inactive member and his sponsor are responsible for getting together to study. Study sessions are encouraged to be once a month, but at least once every two months. Sponsors are required to report quarterly on the well being of the inactive members. Section 3. Out of Jurisdiction members or out of state members are those members who are no longer in the state, but wish to remain a part of New Jerusalem Masonic Lodge. Financial obligations are covered in Article III Section 5. Article III - DUES 2
Section 1. Every member of this lodge must pay dues and taxes, except members who have a lifetime membership. Dues and taxes can be paid in full on the first meeting of September or any day before the third meeting in November. If not paid be then an excuse must be reported to the secretary and recorded in the books. Section 2. Lifetime members pay $58.00 a year, this covers taxes. All members who are given Lifetime Member status are voted on by the lodge at regular communications. This title is bestowed upon members after major contributions to the lodge, or after continuous extended service of 25 years or more. Section 3. Active members pay $118.00 a year, this is dues and taxes. Section 4. Inactive members pay $150.00 a year, this covers dues and taxes and inactive member status. Inactive members will incur no fines or penalties for participation. All fines under noted under Article VII Masonic Punishment are applicable. Section 5. Out of Jurisdiction members pay $118.00 a year, this covers dues and taxes. Section 6. Any member owing previous year dues, taxes, fines, outstanding fines, or any assessments, must pay these monies before any current dues and taxes will be accepted. Section 7. All money earned by or given to New Jerusalem Masonic Lodge shall be presented in the lodge and recorded by the Secretary. Article IV - ELECTED OFFICERS The elected officers of this lodge shall be: Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary. Article V - DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 1. The Worshipful Master shall preside over the meeting of the Lodge and enforce due observance of the laws of the Lodge and Order, see that all 3
officers discharge their duties: convene special meetings when deems it necessary; appoint all committees, whose appointment is not otherwise provided for; have the casting vote in all cases of a tie; issue notices to members to sit up with the sick when necessary; sign all authorized drafts on the Treasures and other legal documents presented for his signature; appoint the Senior Deacon, Chaplain, Tyler and Marshall. Section 2. The Senior and Junior Wardens shall assist the Worshipful Master in the discharge of his duties, and in his absence perform them according to custom. The Senior Warden shall appoint the Junior Deacon, and the Junior Warden shall appoint the Stewards at the time he is elected. We hereby declare that these REVISED by-laws have been properly prepared, examined, voted upon and adopted in due and ancient form in a duly constituted and just Lodge of such. On this day December 15, 6007 A.L., (2007) Bro. Robert Williams Worshipful Master Section 3. The Treasurer shall receive all money and money bill from the Secretary, giving his receipt for the same; pay all orders signed be the Worshipful Master and attested by the Secretary with the seal attached, and none other, carefully numbering and filling all vouchers of receipts and disbursements; shall render a report of moneys received and disbursed, and shall submit his books for examination at least one week before the expiration of his term of office, of before his successor is installed, to the Board of trustees for their approval. Section 4. The Secretary shall keep a full and impartial account between the lodge and its members, record in full its proceedings, write all documents required of him by virtue of his office, and draw all authorized orders by the lodge, on Treasure, signed by the Worshipful Master attested by himself with the seal attached. He shall have the seal in his exclusive possession and be responsible therefore, should it be used unlawfully. Receive all money dues, taxes and assessments combined; number and file all voucher of receipts and disbursement; submit a report quarterly; submit a full and complete report of the statistical conditions of the lodge and all moneys received and expenses paid during the meeting paid during the year, number of members, admissions, suspensions, expulsions, delinquents, etc., at the first regular meeting in September of each year, and be prepared to surrender all books and property belonging to the lodge at least one week before the expiration of his term of office, or before his successor has been installed. Article VI - MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Brother Daryl Hawkins Secretary Lodge Seal Section 1. All applications for initiation shall be made in writing, signed by 4 9
Article XII - MASONIC MISCONDUCT Section 1. Any member who shall be found guilty of the following specifications will be charged with Un-Masonic conduct. Revealing or attempting to reveal any of the secrets of this order or lodge. Feigning himself sick for the purpose of obtaining relief from this lodge or its members. Filing a false report of unfounded charges against a member for the purpose of gratifying private malice or revenge. Speaking disrespectfully of the lodge or its members. Any member that is guilty of obscene or indecent language, oppressive conduct towards his family or any member of the lodge, neglect of duty, or expressing the signs. Upon satisfactory proof of any of these offenses a member shall be reprimanded, or expelled, as the lodge may determine. Article XIII - COMMITTEES Section 1. The following Committees will follow this format, five members with two of the members having a term of three years, two more with terms of one year and the last member with a term of two years. A. Budget Committee (Chaired by the Treasurer) B. By-laws Committee (One member has to be a Past Master) C. Investigation Committee (Chaired by the Senior Warden) Section 2. The Investigation Committee will do investigations in the homes of potential candidates. The Investigation Committee will do these investigations in appropriate attire; Masonic attire when possible.. Section 3. The Budget and By-Laws Committees will convene once a year. Section 4. The Worshipful Master is ex officio of all committees. He also has the authority to form any other committees he deems necessary. 8 the petitioner specifying his age, residence, and occupation and be recommended by one member of the lodge. The applications shall be presented at a regular meeting, and if received, be referred to a committee for investigation, for inquiry and report, and lay over until the next regular meeting. Section 2. Masons coming from other lodges or jurisdictions must have Birth Certificate, most recent traveling card and/or demit letter. All transferring Masons must go through strict trail and due examination. Prerequisite: Be a man, freeborn and at least 21 years of age, member of a church, and no felony convictions. Application fee is $150.00. The money collected will be for the candidate s ritual, apron, gloves and wall pattern. Balloting: When a candidate is reported favorable, a ballot shall be passed, but to elect said candidate the ballot must be unanimous, and if the candidate so elected fails to present himself for degree affiliation within three months after being duly notified he shall forfeit all claims on the Lodge as regarding money and degrees, unless sickness prevented him, in case the ballot being foul to the extent of one ballot, a second ballot may be taken, but no case shall a third ballot be had at any communications. Article VII - MASONIC FINES All members are responsible for knowing and obeying all rules and regulations of the by-laws of this Lodge, New Jerusalem Masonic Lodge and of this state, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Mississippi Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons, Prince Hall Origin, National Compact. $5.00 for any of the following: 1. Talking in the Lodge. A. Without being on your due guard. B. When not recognized by the Worshipful Master or whoever has the floor. C. Profane Language. 2. Walking about the Lodge. A. Without being on your due guard. 5
B. Making wrong turns in the Lodge. C. Without permission. (Members can approach the Secretary after the Opening Ceremonies for financial reasons at any time.) 3. Coming to the Lodge. A. After the lodge is opened (except when previously notified). B. Without proper attire (except when cleared by the Worshipful Master). C. Without proper Masonic attire (except when cleared by the Worshipful Master). 4. Outburst in the Lodge. A. Cell phones ringing out loud. B. Obscene body noises C. Obscene gestures. $10.00 fine for coming to the lodge under the influence of drugs and alcohol. $25.00 fine for not yielding to the gavel of the W.M., first offense, $50.00 second offense. All fines can be paid at the time of the fine, but must be paid after the reading of the minutes at the next meeting. All fines will be paid prior to any money or money bills being accepted for Dues or Taxes. Article VIII - MASONIC INCENTIVES Any member of New Jerusalem Masonic Lodge that participates in 80% of all the charitable and fundraising events for the fiscal year will have the lodge pay their dues and taxes for the following year. If no profitable fundraisers come to fruition, this Article shall be null and void. Article IX - LOANS Section 1. Loan request should be brought before the craft. In the case of an Emergency the Conflict Resolution Committee should be notified and the results reported in the next communication. 6 Section 2. Loan repayment will be on an individual payment plan. Members in debt with the lodge that are not gainfully employed will not be required to make loan payments, until gainfully employed. Section 3. Any adjustments needed for a loan repayment plan should be brought before the brethren. Article X - DONATIONS Section 1. Donations asked for by an individual for a personal charity or non-profit organization shall not exceed $500.00 or 25% of our current bank balance. In addition no donation shall exceed the limit set by our Budget Committee for that fiscal year. Section 2. Any request for donations must be accompanied by documentation from the charity or non-profit organization. Article XI - SUSPENSION Section 1. Any member whom has incurred a debt to the lodge in the amount of $118.00 (1 year no dues and taxes) or more, having had a written notice of said debt served upon him by the secretary of the lodge, ten days before any regular communication, may be subjected to suspension by the Worshipful Master Section 2. Any member against whom charges have been lodged against shall not have the right to withdraw his membership from the lodge until said charges have been properly resolved or closed. Section 3. Any member, who has been suspended, or expelled, shall not be admitted to this lodge while under this punishment. Any member who has been convicted of fraud or any other felony shall be subject to punishment decided by a majority of the brethren in this lodge. Should any member recommend for membership a man guilty of any of the above named felony, having knowledge of the same, he shall be dealt with as the lodge may determine. 7