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Tabernacle Masonic Lodge By-Laws

Historical Sketch

The idea of forming a Masonic Lodge in the southeastern part of Fort Worth originated among Brethren A. G. Hanson, J. S. Bates, and W. H. Shamburger. In the early part of September 1922, Brother Bates called a meeting in the Tabernacle Baptist Church to which about twenty-five (25) Brethren responded. It was decided at this meeting to make efforts to complete a preliminary organization toward obtaining a Charter.

Brother Bates was selected as Chairman and Brother Shamburger as Secretary. At a later meeting names for the Lodge were submitted, and proposed officers selected. The name Tabernacle, submitted by Brother W. H. Collins, was selected as being especially appropriate, since the idea of the Lodge was originated by the pastor and several members of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. Brother Felix M. Bransford, Past Master of Polytechnic Lodge No. 925, had agreed to become Worshipful Master of the new Lodge. Brothers H. H. Webb and W. E. Haggard were named Senior and Junior Wardens, respectively. After proper petitions were acted upon, a Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 8, 1922.

During the ensuing time in which our building was being erected, we were tendered the use of the Polytechnic Lodge room, which was gratefully accepted.

Tabernacle Masonic Lodge No. 1195 was set to work on January 26, 1923, in the Polytechnic Lodge Hall by R:.W:. Sam J. Callaway, District Deputy Grand Master of the 64th Masonic District, with Brother Ed McRae, Past Master of Polytechnic Lodge, acting as Marshal.

The following Officers were installed:

• Worshipful Master - Felix M. Bransford
• Senior Warden - H. H. Webb
• Junior Warden - W. E. Haggard
• Treasurer - J. K. Coons, Jr.
• Secretary - T. O. Mayfield
• Senior Deacon - Homer T. Moore
• Junior Deacon - R. E. Musselwhite
• Senior Steward - S. J. Payne
• Junior Steward - N. E. Smith
• Tiler - J. H. Withers
• Chaplain Rev. - J. S. Bates

The following 44 Brethren signed the application for the Charter and are recorded as Charter Members:

BY-LAWS
TABERNACLE MASONIC LODGE NO. 1195
ARTICLE I
NAME

SECTION 1. This Lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 8, 1922, and shall be known by the name and style of “Tabernacle Masonic Lodge No. 1195.”

SECTION 2. This Lodge subscribes to and shall be governed by the Constitution, Laws, Resolutions, and Edicts of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

ARTICLE II
MEETINGS

SECTION 1. The Stated Meetings shall be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

SECTION 2. Meetings may be called as the Worshipful Master may direct (or in his absence by the Senior Warden, or in the absence of both the Worshipful Master and the Senior Warden, then by the Junior Warden) at such times as they, or either of them having the right to act.

SECTION 3. As many members as possible should be notified of such meetings and no business shall be transacted at same except as specified in the call.

ARTICLE III
OFFICERS

The officers of this Lodge shall be a Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Marshal, Master of Ceremonies, Musician, and Tiler.

ARTICLE IV
ELECTIONS

SECTION 1. The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, and Tiler shall be elected by ballot. All other officers shall be appointed by the Worshipful Master. Changed December 2008

SECTION 2. In the election of officers, should only one name be placed in nomination, the vote may be taken without ballot; but should more than one Brother be placed in nomination, the members shall prepare their ballots, which will be taken up and counted at the Secretary’s desk, and the number of votes received by each Brother reported to the presiding officer, and he shall declare the Brother receiving a majority of all the votes duly elected.

SECTION 3. In the event no Brother has such majority, the ballot will be repeated until such result is attained. Blank votes shall not be considered in determining the results.

ARTICLE V
Duties of Officers

SECTION 1. Worshipful Master: It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master to preside over the Lodge and see that the bylaws, rules and regulations of the Lodge, as well as the Constitution, Resolutions, and Edicts of the Grand Lodge, are duly observed; to appoint all officers and committees not otherwise provided for; and to see that the officers and committees attend strictly to their duties.

SECTION 2. Treasurer: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to hold all deeds, certificates of stock, notes, bonds obligations, insurance policies, or other property of a financial character belonging to the Lodge; and to collect and receive the same when directed by the Lodge, to receive all moneys from the Secretary, passing his receipt for the same, and keep a correct account of same. He shall report in writing to the Worshipful Master and the Lodge at each Stated Meeting as to the financial status of the Lodge. Such reports shall reflect all moneys received and all expenditures made since the last previous report and shall reflect the expenditures by category for comparison to the various items in the approved operating budget. He shall also prepare a written report in the same manner that shall reflect the financial status of all funds up to and including June 24. This annual report shall be submitted to the Lodge at the Stated Meeting in July. His salary and allowances shall be as approved by the Lodge based on the findings and recommendations of the Finance Committee.

SECTION 3. Secretary: It shall be the duty of the Secretary to carefully observe proceedings of the Lodge, make a correct record of all things proper to be written, receive all moneys due the Lodge, and pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same. Further:

3.1 To keep all books and papers relating to the proceedings of the Lodge.

3.2 To authenticate all official papers and documents emanating from the Lodge with the seal of the same.

3.3 To notify all Brethren of their election to office, if they were not present at the time of the election.

3.4 To notify the Grand Secretary, as prescribed by law, of the suspension or expulsion of members, and of the rejection of applicants; to issue all summons, demits, and notices, as he may be directed; to make out and transmit to the Grand Secretary the annual returns of this Lodge, also the Grand Lodge dues; report to the Grand Secretary the names of all Brethren elected to Parent or Plural Membership; and perform all other duties appertaining.

3.5 To maintain a Petty Cash Fund of up to $50.00 for payment and/or reimbursement of small incidental expenses and report such expenditures to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting for ratification.

3.6 His salary and allowances shall be as approved by the Lodge based on the findings and recommendations of the Finance Committee.

SECTION 4. Tiler: It shall be the duty of the Tiler to see that the various articles of furniture are in their appropriate places; to strictly guard the door during all meetings of the Lodge; to summon the members of the Lodge to all called meetings where a summons is necessary, and be punctual in his attendance. For the performance of these and such other duties as may appertain to the duties of his office he shall receive an amount as set by the Lodge.

ARTICLE VI
Standing Committees

SECTION 1. The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden shall constitute a standing committee on Fraternal Assistance, Sickness and Arbitration, a majority of whom may at all times act, and are responsible to the Lodge.

1.1 Fraternal Assistance: It is their duty to examine all claimants for assistance, and, if they deem it necessary, they are authorized to spend and be reimbursed by the Lodge in each instance an amount not to exceed $100.00, reporting the facts in each case to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting. Any Master Mason (In Good Standing) of this Lodge or any family member of a deceased Master Mason (In Good Standing) of this Lodge may apply to any member of this committee for Fraternal Assistance; such applicant’s name shall be kept secret.

1.2 Sickness: To visit all sick Brethren unless it would be dangerous or imprudent to do so and to ascertain their condition and necessities both in regard to the Brother and his family.

1.3 Arbitration: It shall be the duty of this committee to settle all differences between Brethren, unless the parties prefer to bring the matter before the Lodge.

SECTION 2. The Worshipful Master shall appoint a Membership Retention Committee, the Chairman of which shall be the Senior Warden. This committee will make sincere attempts to contact all members of this Lodge who have not paid their dues as of January 1 of each year to encourage such payment and/or determine if a just cause exists for non-payment. The results of such efforts shall be reported at each Stated Meeting beginning with January. All such delinquent members shall be contacted at least once by the Stated Meeting in March.

SECTION 3. The Worshipful Master shall appoint a Finance Committee consisting of three members, the Chairman of which shall be the senior member. Changed December 2008
It shall be the duty of this committee, at the close of each Masonic year, as soon as appointed, and oftener if required, to carefully examine the reports, books and vouchers of the Secretary and Treasurer, and any other financial matters referred to them, and make a full and accurate report at the next Stated Meeting of the Lodge, showing the condition of the books and accounts. Should any inaccuracies be found, the committee shall recommend the necessary steps for their correction. In the matter of ordinary accounts referred to them, they may, if satisfied report at once.

3.1 The annual operating budget for the Lodge for the coming Masonic year shall be prepared by the incoming Worshipful Master with the assistance of the Treasurer and Secretary, referred to the Finance Committee for their recommendations to the Lodge. The proposed budget shall be presented to the Lodge for consideration, amended as may be necessary, and approved by the Lodge. After approval by the Lodge, the budget becomes operative and no changes in expenditures should be made without approval of the Lodge. Such changes should be referred to the Finance Committee. The committee shall in all instances expedite their : review and make their recommendations to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting; however, in all instances, the decision of the Lodge shall prevail.

3.2 All investments of any funds of the Lodge shall be referred to this committee. It will advise the Worshipful Master and the Lodge for reasonable and prudent investments consistent with safety.

3.3 This committee shall make reports as required by the Internal Revenue Service to maintain tax exempt status.

3.4 Should any one of the members of this committee become non-available due to death, extended illness or for any other reason, he shall be replaced by another member to be appointed by the Worshipful Master at the first Stated Meeting following such non-availability. The member so appointed shall serve the remainder of the term of the member he, replaces. Changed December 2008

3.5 Any member who has served three consecutive years on this committee will not be eligible for reappointed for a period of one Masonic year following the year in which he last served. Changed December 2008

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SECTION 4. The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Secretary will be ex-officio members, without voting privileges, of all standing committees except as provided for herein.

ARTICLE VII
PETITIONS

All petitions for initiation must be actually signed by the applicant and must state his age, occupation, and residence. He shall have resided in the state for twelve months and the city or jurisdiction of this Lodge for six months before the date of his petition. He must be recommended by two brethren in good standing and members of this Lodge who are acquainted with him. The petition shall be referred to an investigating committee of three members of this Lodge and shall lay over for a period of one month. The committee will report in writing on the character and qualifications of the petitioner; each report must be signed by the investigator. A ballot shall be taken and, if found favorable as prescribed by Grand Lodge Law, the applicant shall be declared elected to receive the Degrees in Masonry and be initiated as soon thereafter as convenient.

ARTICLE VIII
DEMITS

A member is chargeable with dues until his application for a Demit is granted. He cannot be required to pay per capita to the Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE IX
ANNUAL DUES AND FEES

SECTION 1. Annual dues will be an amount not less than the minimum established by the Grand Lodge of Texas. They may be changed by a majority vote of the Lodge at a Stated Meeting.

SECTION 2. This Lodge can at any Stated Meeting remit the dues of a member, either for meritorious service or whenever it is satisfied that a Brother is unable to pay the same.

SECTION 3. Endowed Memberships.

3.1 Any member of this Lodge may purchase an Endowed Membership from the Grand Lodge of Texas for the full amount as stipulated by the Grand Lodge, provided his dues are current for the year in which the Endowment will take effect.

3.2 Endowed Memberships may also be purchased on an installment plan by making an “Application and Agreement to Purchase Endowed Memberships on Installment Plan” to the Lodge in accordance with the plan established by the Grand Lodge and as approved by the Lodge.

3.3 Any individual, group, organization, or Lodge may purchase an Endowed Membership in honor or memory of any Master Mason (living or deceased) who is or was at the time of his death a member in Good Standing of Tabernacle Masonic Lodge No 1195. This Lodge may make such purchases only after a favorable vote of the Lodge.
Changed December 2008

3.4 Funds collected on an installment basis shall be segregated from other accounts of the Lodge. The Lodge may, however, deposit the sufficient funds as established by the banking institution to maintain this segregated account.

3.5 Lodge regulations concerning the purchase of Endowed Memberships shall in all cases be subject to the provisions and terms of Article 318a of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

3.6 When an Endowed Membership is fully funded, it shall be transmitted to the Grand Lodge in accordance with Grand Lodge requirements.

3.7 Endowed Members will be relieved from any further payment of annual dues to this Lodge after acceptance of the Endowed Membership by the Grand Lodge.

SECTION 4. Fees for the Degrees may be changed by a majority vote of the Lodge at a Stated Meeting. The $5.00 donation to the George Washington Masonic Memorial collected from the candidate for the Entered Apprentice’s degree is in addition to the regular fee for that degree. The $25.00 donation to the Texas Masonic Charity Foundation collected from the candidate for the Master Mason’s degree is in addition to the regular fee for that degree. These donations will be forwarded to the Grand Lodge of Texas in accordance with Grand Lodge requirements. Changed December 2008

ARTICLE X
VISITING BRETHREN

SECTION 1. A visitor shall not be admitted except upon due examination or lawful avouchment.

SECTION 2. In the event the visiting Brother is a stranger and belongs to a Lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction, the Secretary should notify the visitor’s Lodge that we have had the pleasure of a visit by one of its members giving his name and date.

ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

SECTION 1. Weapons - Weapons, either offensive or defensive, shall not be carried into the Lodge Room.

SECTION 2. Every check issued by this Lodge shall be signed by any three of the following officers: Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Treasurer, or Secretary.

SECTION 3. Checks are issued only by vouchers, signed by the Secretary, and countersigned by the Worshipful Master.

ARTICLE XII
BUSINESS

SECTION 1. All business shall have precedence in the following order, unless ordered by the Lodge, or by the Worshipful Master:

1. Reading, correcting and approval of Minutes of previous meetings.
2. Receiving and referring to Committees of Petitions and Applications.
3. Reports of Special Committees.
4. Reports of Standing Committees.
5. Balloting on Petitions and Applications.
6. Communications from representatives of Grand Lodge of Texas.
7. Unfinished Business.
8. Motions, Resolutions, and New Business.
9. Examinations for Proficiency in the proper degree.
10. Voting on Proficiency.
11. Claims and Accounts.

ARTICLE XIII
RULES OF BUSINESS

SECTION 1. The rules of conducting the business of this Lodge shall be as nearly as possible the same as those prescribed for the Grand Lodge and in addition as follows:

1.1 When a questions is decided, the same matter shall not be acted upon again during that meeting unless to reconsider. This can only be made by a member voting in the majority. There must be an equal or greater number of members present than when the action was first decided.

1.2 All questions of order shall be decided by the Worshipful Master without appeal or debate. The Worshipful Master may ask the advice of any member before deciding. He has the right at any time to declare the Lodge closed or called off for the purpose of stopping angry debate or confusion.

ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. No amendment of these By-Laws, either by alteration or addition, shall be made, unless in the following manner:

SECTION 2. The proposed amendment must be in writing, signed by the proposer, and presented to the Secretary or Worshipful Master and read at a Stated Meeting of this Lodge, at which time it may be discussed and amended, if necessary.

SECTION 3. At the next Stated Meeting of this Lodge, it shall again be considered, discussed and voted on. If approved by a majority vote of the members present, it shall become a part of these By-Laws upon compliance with the other provisions of this article.

SECTION 4. All amendments of these By-Laws must be submitted to the Grand Lodge for its approval before they take effect except the following:

1. Fixing, raising, or lowering the fee for each degree, or the annual dues, within the minimum limitations fixed by the Laws of the Grand Lodge, except as provided in Article 309.
   
2. Adopting its own regulations as to the payment of its Treasurer, Secretary, and Tiler.
   
3. The day and hour of meeting, or the number of Stated Meetings per month may be changed to suit its convenience. Whenever a change in the number of meetings per month, or of the day of meeting, is made, the Grand Secretary must be notified at once.
   
4. This Lodge is required to perform such charitable work, or public service, which will enable the Lodge to qualify for exemption from Ad Valorem taxes, as provided by the laws of Texas.

ARTICLE XV

SECTION 1. The above By-Laws having been approved by the M:.W:. Grand Lodge of Texas, on the 6th day of December, A.D. 2008 for adoption, this is to certify that Tabernacle Masonic Lodge No. 1195, A.F.&A.M., located at Fort Worth, Texas has on the 10 day of March, 2009, adopted the same. Changed December 2008

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