CHAPTER 44
Uniform Code of By-Laws for a Lodge
REG. 44-1
NOT ABANDONED OR SUSPENDED.
No lodge shall abandon or
suspend any of its by-laws even by unanimous consent except when specifically
authorized by THE CODE. [44-7 (Art. 21); 45-7;
43-6; 54-1; 82-9].
REG. 44-2 AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS.
The by-laws of a lodge may
be amended only as set forth in this Chapter 44. [44-7
(Art. 24)].
1. Any amendment
to the by-laws of a lodge to change the time or place of its stated
communications shall be reported immediately to the Grand Secretary and the
District Deputy Grand Master of the district.
2. The Committee
on By-laws of the Grand Lodge shall not require any change of a by-law of a
lodge that has been amended that does not conflict with THE CODE and other law
of the Grand Lodge
3. An appeal may
be taken from the decision of the Committee on By-laws to the Grand Master and
the Grand Lodge which shall be referred to the Committee on Masonic
Jurisprudence for consideration and report. [34-1;
34-15.1; 59-12.20; 8-3;
8-3.4].
REG. 44-3
BY-LAWS SHALL CONTAIN.
The by-laws of each lodge
shall contain;
1. The day and hour of its stated
communications,
2. The place where its communications shall
be held,
3. The amount which shall be charged as fees
for the degrees,
4. The amount which shall be charged as
annual dues, and
5. The matters set forth in Regulation 44-7 at
Articles 1, 2, 3, 13, 23, and 24, except that in the by-laws of a lodge U. D.,
Articles 3 and 11 of Regulation 44-7 shall not be used.
REG. 44-4
BY-LAWS MAY CONTAIN.
The by-laws of a lodge may
contain;
1. Such law for its definitely local affairs
as it may deem proper, provided, that such enactment does not conflict
with the laws of the Grand Lodge, and
2. Such other matters as are provided for in
this Chapter 44.
REG. 44-5
BY-LAWS SHALL NOT CONTAIN.
A lodge shall not copy into
the body of its by-laws THE CODE of the Grand Lodge or any part thereof except
as otherwise specifically required.
A by-law of a lodge is void
and of no effect when it conflicts with the law of the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Lodge recommends that
each lodge adopt by-laws conforming to the articles hereinafter set forth.
1. A lodge may adopt an alternative
provision of any article where provided and as set forth hereunder.
2. The notes shown under the several articles
are only instructions explanatory of the action a lodge shall take and they are
not to be construed as a part of the article itself to be incorporated in the
by-laws of a lodge.
3. The form of by-laws contained in this
regulation may be referred to as the Uniform By-Laws.
4. The word SECTION wherever used in this
Chapter as indicating a subdivision of the Uniform By-laws is not a part of the
Constitution of the Grand Lodge, but is a part of the Regulations.
See SECTION 10-3. [9-2 ].
BY-LAWS OF
____________________ LODGE NO. ________ A.F.&A.M.
SECTION 1. The name of this
lodge shall be _______________________ Lodge No. _____, Ancient, Free and
Accepted Masons.
SECTION 2. It shall be
located at (or near) _______________ in
Note: Use the word
"at" or "near," whichever is the more definite.
SECTION 3. It hereby
acknowledges obedience and yields allegiance to The Grand Lodge of Ancient,
Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina.
SECTION 1. Where the term
THE CODE appears in these by-laws, it shall have direct reference to THE CODE
of law of The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North
Carolina.
SECTION 1. This lodge
hereby adopts the following design, an impression of which is made hereon, as
its official seal: [46-4].
(Impress seal of lodge here)
SECTION 1. The officers of this
lodge, their respective qualifications, and their powers and duties shall be
those prescribed in THE CODE, together with such other duties as shall properly
pertain to their respective offices by the usage and customs of the Craft, and
as may be required of them, from time to time or which may be prescribed in
these by-laws. [Chapter 59].
SECTION 1. In addition to
the duties prescribed in THE CODE for the Treasurer he shall prepare and file
with the lodge at the first stated communication in January each year a report
showing the receipts, disbursements, and financial condition of the lodge for
the preceding year ending December thirty-first. He shall make and file a
similar report at any other time the lodge or the Master directs. His reports
shall be referred to the Committee on Finance and Budget. [59-11].
SECTION 1. In addition to
the duties prescribed in THE CODE for the Secretary, he shall make and file
with the lodge at the first stated communication in January each year a report
of the work done, condition of the accounts of the lodge with its officers and
members, and other matters relating to the finances and business of the lodge
which may be under his care. He shall make and file a similar report at any
other time the lodge or the Master directs. His reports on financial matters
shall be referred to the Committee on Finance and Budget. [59-12;
Chapter
59].
SECTION 1. In addition to
the duties prescribed in THE CODE for the
SECTION 1. A stated
communication of this lodge shall be held on _______________ of each month at
_______M.
A. Except that for the
months of ________________________ the hour shall be ___________ M.
SECTION 2. By a majority
vote at a stated communication the lodge may dispense with stated
communications during either or all of the months of June, July and August, and
those falling on legal holidays, except the annual communication which shall be
governed by THE CODE. [45-2].
First Alternative Form for Section 3
SECTION 3. All
communications shall be held at __________________ Street, in the County of
_________________
Second Alternative Form for Section 3
SECTION 3. All communications
shall be held at the lodge hall in (or near) ____________________ in the County
of _________________,
NOTE 1: In Section 1 the
day and time of the stated communications shall be shown only in the following
manner: "Every Monday of each month at seven P.M. " or "the
first and fourth Mondays of each month at seven-thirty P.M." or "the
first Monday and the third Saturday of each month at eight P.M." or
"the first Monday at eight P.M. and the third Saturday at three P.M.
" as the case may be; but shall not be shown as the day depending upon
some other event, such as "the first Monday after (or before) the full
moon." The weekday shown must be certain and definite as
illustrated in the foregoing examples.
NOTE 2: Section 1 A of
this article may be omitted; but if it is included in the by-laws, it must not
vary from the printed text.
NOTE 3: Section 2 of
this article may be omitted; but if it is included in the by-laws, it must not
vary from the printed text.
NOTE 4: Section 3 shows
two alternative forms, the first being for use where streets are named and
numbered, and the second for rural territory only. Use only the form that
applies to the particular lodge. Section 3 shall not be omitted in its
entirety.
SECTION 1. The fees for the
degrees in this lodge shall be ______________ dollars ($______), all of which
must accompany the petition and be paid in full before the petition shall be
received by the lodge.
SECTION 1. The annual
membership dues in this lodge shall be ______________ dollars ($______) plus
Grand Lodge per capita tax as specified in Regulation 20-1.1 of The Code which
each member shall pay in advance on or before the first day of January.
NOTE: An amendment to
Section 1 of this article shall not become effective until January first next
following the date it is approved by the chairman of the Committee on By-laws
of Subordinate Lodges. [77-2; 77-3].
(This article amended, effective
7/31/2000)
Alternative Form for Section 1
SECTION 1. The annual
membership dues in this lodge shall be ______________ dollars ($______) which
each member shall pay in advance on or before the first day of January.
NOTE: An amendment to
Section 1 of this article shall not become effective until January first next
following the date it is approved by the chairman of the Committee on By-laws
of Subordinate Lodges. [77-2; 77-3].
(This Article amended, effective
SECTION 1. The fee for
affiliation with this lodge shall be _____________ dollars ($______) which must
accompany the application for affiliation and be paid in full before the
application shall be received by the lodge. NOTE: If no affiliation fee is
desired, then leave this article blank and mark it obsolete. See Regulation
44-8.5. [39-11; 75-13].
SECTION 1. The standing
committees of this lodge together with their respective duties shall be as
prescribed in Chapter 61 of THE CODE.
SECTION 1. The Master and
Wardens shall constitute the Committee on Charity as provided in Regulation 61-2 of
THE CODE, and during the recess of the lodge they shall have power to draw
orders on the Treasurer for any sum, not to exceed ______________ dollars for
any one case, to relieve the distress of a worthy brother or those dependent
upon him.
First Alternative Form for Section 1
SECTION 1. The Committee
on Finance and Budget shall consist of three members to be appointed annually.
[61-3].
Second Alternative Form for Section 1
SECTION 1. At the first
annual communication after the adoption of this article, the lodge shall elect
three members as the Committee on Finance and Budget; one to serve for three
years, one to serve for two years, and one to serve for one year. At each
succeeding annual communication one member shall be elected to serve for three
years. Until this article becomes effective, the Master shall appoint three
members to constitute this committee. [61-3].
SECTION 2. The duties of
this committee shall be those prescribed in Chapter 61 of
THE CODE. [61-3].
NOTE: Section 1 shows
two alternative forms; use either but not both and do not vary from the printed
text of the one selected. Section 2 shall be used as printed herein.
SECTION 1. The Treasurer,
Secretary, Tyler, and any other officer or member shall receive such
compensation for their respective services as shall from time to time be
prescribed and fixed by resolution of the lodge. [43-3.20].
NOTE: Under this article
there are two different forms for Trustees. A lodge must adopt only one of
them, and adopt it completely and exactly as it is shown.
First Alternative Form
SECTION 1. Not later
than the first stated communication after the adoption of this by-law, the
lodge shall elect by a majority vote three members, qualified as provided by
THE CODE of the Grand Lodge, as trustees, one to serve one year, one to serve
two years, and one to serve three years. At each succeeding election of
officers one trustee shall be elected by a majority vote to serve three years;
he shall be qualified as provided by THE CODE. [Chapter
60].
Second Alternative Form
SECTION 1. Not later
than the first stated communication after the adoption of this by-law, the
lodge shall elect by a majority vote five members, qualified as provided by THE
CODE of the Grand Lodge, as trustees, one to serve one year, one to serve two
years, one to serve three years, one to serve four years, and one to serve five
years. At each succeeding election of officers one trustee shall be elected by
a majority vote to serve five years; he shall be qualified as provided by THE
CODE. [Chapter 60].
SECTION 1. The powers
and duties of the Trustees shall be those prescribed in THE CODE, and those
prescribed in Article 18 of these by-laws.
NOTE: If Article 18 is
not used or is omitted, then this Section I shall read as follows: SECTION 1.
The powers and duties of the trustees shall be those prescribed in THE CODE.
NOTE: Under this
article, the lodge may specify additional duties or rules for trustees, but not
in conflict with THE CODE. As many sections or subsections may be used as are
needed . If this article is not used, then see Regulation 44-8.5,
leave this article blank and mark it obsolete.
NOTE. Under this article
the lodge may provide law for definitely exclusive local matters not in
conflict with THE CODE, but no part of THE CODE shall be repeated here. The
lodge may make as many sections under this article as may be required to meet
the need of such exclusively local law. If this article is not used, then see
Regulation 44-8.5, leave this article blank and mark it obsolete.
NOTE. If the lodge
desires to elect both Deacons and both Stewards or both Deacons as provided in
Regulation [54-2.1], use the following form as the
by-law giving it the proper section number under this article. Do not change
the text of the form.
NOTE: If the lodge
desires to authorize its Master, in his discretion, to appoint a Chaplain for a
full Masonic term as provided in Regulation 53-1.1 use the following form as the
required by-law giving it the proper section number under this ARTICLE.
F O R M
First Alternative Form
SECTION—. All of the
officers of this lodge, except the Tyler, shall be elected as provided in
Regulation 54-2.1 of THE CODE.
Second Alternative Form
SECTION—. All of the
officers of this lodge, except both Stewards and the Tyler, shall be elected
as provided in Regulation 54-2.1 of THE CODE.
SECTION—. The Master in
his discretion may appoint a Chaplain, under the provisions of Regulation 53-1.1, as adopted
SECTION 1. The Secretary
shall furnish a surety bond in the sum of ____________ dollars, and the
Treasurer shall furnish a surety bond in the sum of ______________ dollars for
the faithful performance of their respective duties. [59-11.7;
59-12.2].
SECTION 2. The
_____________________ shall furnish a surety bond in the sum of ______________
dollars for the faithful performance of __________ duties.
SECTION 3. The lodge shall
approve all such bonds and pay the premium thereon.
NOTE: Use Section 2 to
provide for bonding any other brother than the Secretary or the Treasurer.
Section 3 must be used as printed above, in case Section "1 " or
"2" is used. Provided no bonds are required, the sections of this
article may be omitted and the article marked obsolete. [44-8.5;
60-1.3.H].
SECTION 1. When the lodge
is opened on a stated communication, the following order of business shall be
observed subject to change or modification by the lodge or the Master, that
will adapt it to a proper disposition of the business of the lodge. [44-2.1].
A. Reading
of the minutes of the last stated and all intervening communications. [45-21.1].
B. Unfinished
business. [45-21.2].
C. Reading
and acting on correspondence. [45-21.3].
D. Reports
of investigating committees. [45-21.4].
E. Balloting
on petitions and applications. [45-21.5].
F. Reception
of petitions for the degrees and applications for membership, restoration, or
advancement. [45-21.6].
G. Reports
of standing committees: [45-21.7].
(1) On Charity. [61-2].
(2) On Finance and Budget. [61-3].
(3) On Reference. [61-4].
(4) On the Masonic Home for
Children at Oxford. [61-5].
(5) On Masonic and Eastern
Star Home. [61-6].
(6) On Masonic Education. [61-7].
(7) On Demolay
[61-8]
H. Reports
of special committees. [45-21.7].
I. New
business. [45-21.8].
J. Motions
and resolutions. [45-21.9].
K. Informal
communications affecting the Craft. [45-21.10].
L. Degree
work, including examination of candidates. [45-21.11].
M. Reading
and approval of minutes, except when opened in ample form. [45-21.12].
N. Closing
the lodge. [45-21.13].
SECTION 1. Miscellaneous
laws are as follows:
A. The
Master shall put all questions distinctly; if any division is called for, he
shall request those who voted in the affirmative to rise and he shall count
them; and then the negative, then he shall declare the result. [45-23.9].
B. In
case of a vote on any question the majority of those present voting for or
against shall be necessary to a decision except when more than a majority is
required by law for a decision, in case of a tie the presiding officer shall
decide; provided, he has not already voted. [59-2.25;
63-13; 63-16; 45-23.18;
45-23.19].
C. When
a brother is about to speak, he shall rise from his seat and respectfully
address the Worshipful Master. [45-23.2].
D. If
any brother in speaking or otherwise shall transgress the rules of the lodge,
the Master or any member may call him to order; he shall immediately take his
seat, and the member calling him to order shall state the point of order. The
Master shall decide the question of order without debate except that the
brother called to order may be allowed to explain. If the decision be in favor
of the brother, he shall be at liberty to proceed if he continues to be in
order. [45-23.2].
E. When
two or more members rise at once, the Master shall name the one entitled to the
floor.
F. No
visitor shall address the lodge without leave being first obtained or unless he
be called on by the Master.
G. When
the Master is stating a question or addressing the lodge or when a brother is
speaking, no person shall enter, go out of, or cross the room, nor shall one be
permitted to enter into private discourse. [45-23.14].
H. No
motion for reconsideration shall be made, except by a member voting in the
majority and at the same communication when the question shall have been
decided. [63-13; 45-23.18; 45-23.19].
I. When
a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated by the Master; and if it be
in writing, it shall be read by the Secretary before debate.
J. Every
motion shall be reduced to writing if a member requests it. In filling in blanks
the largest sum or number and the longest time shall be first stated. [45-23.5].
K. Any
motion may be withdrawn by the mover before decision or amendment, but not
thereafter. [45-23.6].
L. No
new motion or proposition shall be admitted while a question is pending before
the lodge. [45-23.12].
M. No
brother shall speak more than twice on the same subject or question unless he
obtains the permission of the Master. [45-23.7].
N. Every
member appointed on a committee must serve unless, for reasons given, he shall
be excused by the Master. [61-9].
O. No
brother shall interrupt another when speaking except by permission of the
Master and the brother then speaking. [45-23.7].
P. No
brother shall engage in conversation during the conferring of the degrees except
when it is necessary to facilitate the work. [71].
Q. No
brother shall smoke in the lodge room while a degree is being conferred. [45-20]
SECTION 1. THE CODE, laws,
edicts, and resolutions of The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons
of North Carolina, and all future revisions, amendments, additions or changes
made thereto by said Grand Lodge are hereby made a part of these by-laws as
fully as if set forth herein; and no part of these by-laws which conflict
therewith shall be valid or effective.
SECTION 1. These by-laws
shall be amended only in the following manner: [44-2.1]. The proposed amendment shall
specify the affected section or subsection and shall contain the entire section
or subsection rewritten in such form as to express the law as intended, and
shall be submitted in writing and read at a stated communication as a
substitute for the existing section or subsection, or as an addition thereto,
or as a change in the seal of the lodge, as the case may be; after which it
shall lay over for one lunar month when it shall again be read and submitted to
a vote, and adopted by not less than two-thirds affirmative vote of the members
present. While such amendment is under consideration, it may be amended if the
amendment thereto is germane to the subject. After the adoption of such
amendment or revision, two complete copies thereof with two copies of a
Certificate on Official Form 60 under the seal of the lodge shall be forwarded
to the Grand Lodge Committee on By-laws of Subordinate Lodges and no amendment,
revision, or change in the by-laws shall be effective until the date it is
approved by the Grand Lodge Committee on By-laws of Subordinate Lodges; an
amendment providing for an additional subsection shall be lettered as a section
or a subsection but not as an additional article. [43-10;
45-3.4.E].
Article 1 of the Uniform
By-laws shall not be amended by a lodge unless the Grand Lodge has first
approved a change in either the name or location or both of the lodge.
1. Article 8, Section 1-A
may be omitted entirely. If used, it may be amended as provided in Article 24 and
Regulation 44-8.2.
2. Only the day,
hour, or meeting place stated in Section 1, 1A, and 3 of Article 8 and the
sums of money stated in Articles 9, 10, 11, and 13 may be amended by the lodge. The
remaining text of each shall be amended only by the Grand Lodge.
3. Articles 18 and 19 may be
amended in whole or in part as provided for in Article 24. Articles 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8(2), 12, 14(2), 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24 and the printed text of all other articles
or alternative forms thereunder shall be amended only
by the Grand Lodge.
4. Article 8, Section 3,
Article 14, Section 1, and Article 16 may be amended by adopting as an
amendment one of the alternative forms shown therefor
in the respective article.
5. If a lodge
does not use, in its by-laws, Articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22, the number of the omitted article
should be shown in the by-laws, the space immediately underneath left blank,
and the word obsolete inserted in the blank space. The number and context of
each article appearing in the by-laws shall fully agree with the form of
by-laws set up in this chapter, and no article therein set up shall be omitted
completely from the by-laws of a lodge.
6. Articles 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 23, and 24 of
Regulation 44-7 shall be used as set forth therein and Articles 3 and 11 shall not
be used in the by-laws of a lodge Under Dispensation while it is under dispensation.
[44-4].
7. The printed
text of any article, or alternative form, or any part thereof, of the Uniform
Code of By-laws shall be changed only by the Grand Lodge, which shall
have the effect of automatically amending or changing the by-laws of a lodge
that uses the Uniform Code of By-laws as set up in Regulation 44-7, to the
extent of such change and without action by the lodge.
REG. 44-9
AMENDMENTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
A revision of, or an amendment
to, the by-laws of a lodge which has been presented and read as provided in
Regulation 44-7, Article 24 Section 1, being unfinished
business of the lodge until it has been approved by the Grand Lodge Committee
on By-laws of Subordinate Lodges as therein set forth, may be further amended
if the amendment thereto is germane to the subject and adopted at any
subsequent stated communication, but not after the date the said Committee
shall have approved the same.
REG. 44-10 MEMBERS DO
NOT SIGN BY-LAWS.
Members shall not be required to sign the by-laws of the lodge. [71-3].