This Lodge was chartered
by the Grand Lodge of Texas on the 9th day of December 1921, and shall
be known by the name and style of ALBERT PIKE Lodge No. 1169, of Ancient
free and Accepted Masons. This Lodge subscribes to and shall be governed
by the Constitution, Laws, Resolutions, and Edicts of the Grand Lodge
of Texas. top
ARTICLE
II
Meetings of the Lodge
Section 1. The stated meetings
shall be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7:30
o'clock p.m.
Section 2. Called meetings may be made by the Worshipful Master (or
in his absence or inability to serve by the Senior Warden, or in the
absence of both Master and Senior Warden, then by the Junior Warden),
at such times as they, or either of them,, having the right to act,,
may think important, or to the interest of the Craft.
Section 3. As many members as possible should be notified of such called
meetings, and no business shall be transacted at same, except such as
was specified in the call. top
ARTICLE
III
Officers of the Lodge
The officers of this Lodge
shall be a Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer,
Secretary, Chaplain, Senior and Junior Deacons, Senior and Junior Stewards,
and Tiler. top
ARTICLE
IV
Election of Officers
Section 1. The Worshipful
Master, Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary and Senior and Junior Deacons
shall be elected, all other officers shall be appointed.
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 shall 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 cast 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 estimating the result. top
ARTICLE
V
Duties of Officers
Section 1. Worshipful Master-It
shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master to see that the By-Laws of
the Lodge, as well as the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand
Lodge are duly observed, and that the officers 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, 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 hands of the Secretary, passing his receipt for the same; and pay
them out only upon receiving a warrant, signed by the Worshipful Master
and Secretary, and consent of the Lodge,
Section 3. He shall keep a correct account of the same, and report minutely
the financial condition of the Lodge and report to the Lodge upon his
finances whenever directed by the Lodge to do so. He shall balance his
books and turn same over to the Finance Committee at the end of June
each year* For his services he shall receive an amount as set by the
Lodge from time to time and be exempt from payment of dues,
Section 4. Secretary-It shall be the duty of the Secretary to carefully
observe the proceedings of the Lodge; make a correct record of all things
proper to be written, and to receive all moneys due the Lodge; turning
them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same.
Section 5. It shall also be the duty of the Secretary:
To keep all books and
papers relating to the proceedings of the Lodge.
To authenticate all official
papers and documents emanating from the Lodge with the seal of the
same.
To notify all Brethren
of their election to office, if they were not present at the time
of election.
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 dimits, and notices
as he may be directed; to make out and transmit to the Grand Secretary
the annual returns of this Lodge; remit also to him the Grand Lodge
due report to the Grand Secretary the names of all Brethren elected
to Resident or Dual Membership; and perform all other duties appertaining
to his office.
To report to the Lodge,
through the Treasurer, the amounts and items of his receipts and disbursements
in the General Working Fund at the end of June each year and whenever
directed by the Lodge to do so.
For his services he shall
receive an amount as set by the Lodge from time to time and be exempt
from payment of dues.
Section 6. Tiler-It shall
be the duty of the Tiler to see that the Lodge room is kept clean and
in order; and that the various articles of furniture are in their appropriate
places; to strictly guard the door during the sitting 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 his office, he shall
receive an amount as set by the Lodge from time to time and be exempt
from payment of dues. top
ARTICLE
VI
Standing Committees
Section 1. The Worshipful
Master, Senior and Junior Wardens 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. Their duties
are as follows:
Fraternal Assistance-
It is their duty to examine all claimants for assistance, and, if
necessary, they may draw upon the Treasurer, in each instance, for
an amount not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00), reporting the
facts in each case to the Lodge at its next stated meeting thereafter.
Sickness- It shall be
their duty to visit all sick Brethren (unless it would be dangerous
or imprudent to do so), and ascertain their condition and necessities;
and to take such action as they may deem proper and necessary, both
in regard to the Brother and his family.
Arbitration- It shall
also 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. Committee on Finance-It
shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master, at the first stated meeting
after his Installation, to appoint a Standing Committee on Finance,
to be composed of three discreet Master Masons, members of this Lodge,
and, if possible, men practically acquainted with bookkeeping.
Section 3. 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 and check up
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. And should any inaccuracies be found, recommend
the necessary steps for their correction. In the matter of ordinary
accounts referred to them, they may, if satisfied, report instanter.
Section 4. The reports of
said Committee on Finance thus made, shall be read in open Lodge and
spread upon the minutes, noting the action taken by the Lodge; and all
accounts and claims against the Lodge, when demanded by any Brother,
shall first be referred to this committee, before being allowed.
Section 5. Budget Committee-It
shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master, at the first stated meeting
after his Installation, to appoint a Standing Committee on Budget, to
be composed of three discreet Master Masons, members of this Lodge,
and, if possible, men practically acquainted with budgeting.
The fees for the degrees
of this Lodge shall be an amount not less than prescribed in Article
307 of the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas. Fees
for degrees in this Lodge shall be as follows: For Initiation $60.00,
which shall in all cases accompany the Petition; for Passing $50.00;
for Raising $50.00 to be paid into the hands of the Secretary, who
must in all cases declare himself satisfied before any degree can
be conferred. In addition to the regular fees collected by the Lodge
a $25.00 contribution to the Masonic Home and School shall be collected
from each applicant for the Master Mason's Degree. (Art. 307 and
163-5) Also in addition to the regular fees a $5.00 contribution
to the George Washington Masonic Memorial shall be collected from
each applicant for the Entered Apprentice Degree. top
ARTICLE
VIII
Dimits
A member is chargeable with
the pro rata portion of his dues as provided in Art. 317. top
ARTICLE
IX
Lodge Dues
Each member of this Lodge
(unless herein exempted) shall pay dues from the time of his raising
or affiliation, an amount set by the Lodge not less than prescribed
in Article 311 of the Constitution and Laws.. The dues of this Lodge
shall be $30.00 per calendar year, payable in advance to the Secretary
on or before the first day of January each year. A member in arrears
for dues on the 24th day of June of such year shall be automatically
suspended according to Grand Lodge Law, Article 319. Upon payment
of
all dues within one year after suspension, the Brother shall be reinstated
without action of the Lodge. One Life Membership per year may be
given
by the Lodge in compliance with Grand Lodge Law. top
ARTICLE
X
Visiting Brethren
Section 1. A visitor shall
not be admitted except upon due examination or lawful avouchment.
Section 2. In the event that the visiting Brother is a stranger and
hails from some Lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction, it shall be the
duty of the Secretary to notify the visitor's Lodge that we have had
the pleasure of a visit by one of its members, giving the name and date.
top
ARTICLE
XI
Miscellaneous Regulations
Section 1. Weapons- Weapons,
either offensive or defensive, shall not be carried into the Lodge rooms,
Section 2. This Lodge shall
present each Worshipful Master with an Endowed Membership, Past Master's
Jewel, and a Past Master's Apron, at the expiration of his term of office,
and the Senior and Junior Wardens shall be a standing Committee to select
such jewel and apron.
Section 3. Endowment Fund-
A permanent "Endowment Fund" has been created over the years
from funds contributed to or earned by the Lodge from the sale of assets
owned by Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169, A.F. & A.M. All such funds
have been set aside in a seperate fund to be known as the "Endowment
Fund" and shall be kept seperately in the ledger of the Lodge and
be deposited in Federallyinsured accounts. The principal in the "Endowment
Fund" shall be expended ONLY for some special or urgent need, and
such need shall be determined by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of
the Lodge present at a Communication, only after the Membership of the
Lodge shall have been mailed a notice of such Communication and its
purpose at least fourteen (14) days prior to said Communication. Up
to one-half (1/2) of the interest earned 2 during the previous twelve
(12) months on the principal in the "Endowment Fund" MAY be
budgeted by the Budget Committee for the operation of the Lodge during
the subsequent 1 July through 30 June Budget and fiscal year. The remaining
interest on the principal in the "Endowment Fund" shall be
expended ONLY for such expenditures that shall be determined by a simple
majority vote of the Lodge present at a Communication, only after the
Membership of the Lodge shall have been mailed a notice of such Communication
and its purpose at least fourteen (14) days prior to said Communication.
top
ARTICLE
XII
Order of Business
At stated meetings after
opening the Lodge in due and Ancient form, a quorum being present, the
Order of Business, unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge, or the Worshipful
Master, shall be as follows:
Reading, correcting and
approval of Minutes of previous meetings
Receiving and referring
to Committees of Petitions and Applications
Reports Of Special Committees
(including reports of committees on petitions)
Balloting on Petitions
and Applications
Reports of Standing Committees
(including reports on sickness and distress)
Communications from the
Grand Master and the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Texas
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:
Section 1. When a question is decided, the same matter shall not again
be acted on during that meeting, unless on motion to reconsider, which
can only be made by a member voting in the majority.. and at that or
the next stated meeting, when there must be an equal or greater number
of members present than when the action was had.
Section 2. All questions of order shall be decided by the Worshipful
Master without appeal or debate; but the Master may ask the advice of
any member before deciding; and he has the right., at any time, to declare
the Lodge closed or called off, for the purpose of stopping angry debate
or confusion.top
ARTICLE
XIV
Amendments of By-Laws
Section 1. No amendments
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 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 the Lodge it shall again be
considered and voted on without further amendment; and if approved by
a majority of the votes of the members present, it shall become a part
of the 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.
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 Art. 309.
Adopting its own regulations
as to the payment of its Treasurer, Secretary and, Tiler.
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.top
ARTICLE
XV
Approval
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. 1986 , for adoption; this is to certify that Albert
Pike Lodge No. 1169, A.F. & A.M. located at
San Antonio., Texas, has on this the 13th day of May A.D. 1986 adopted
the same.
By order of the Lodge, Richard A. Brown
Secretary
These bylaws supersede
the bylaws approved by the M. W. Grand Lodge of Texas at its Annual
Communication, December 5th, 1956.
BYLAWS
AMENDMENTS
AMENDMENT #1
Article III was changed to read from "The officers of this Lodge
shall be Worshipful Master......................and Tiler." to
"The officers of this Lodge shall be Worshipful Master.....................Tiler,
and at the option of the Worshipful Master, Marshal and Master of Ceremonies."
Adopted October 23, 1990.top
AMENDMENT
#2
Article IX was changed raising the annual Lodge dues from $30.00 per
year to $32.00 per year. Adopted October 23, 1990.top
AMENDMENT
#3
Article XI was changed to once again grant the outgoing Master of the
Lodge a Life Membership (this wording was removed from the By-laws in
1985 when Endowed Memberships were established). The Lodge would now
present each retiring Master with a Life Membership as well as an Endowed
Membership. Adopted October 23, 1990.top
AMENDMENT
#4
Article II, Section 1. The amendment changes the Stated Meetings of
the Lodge from the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month to only
meeting on the second Tuesday of each month. The amendment is to take
effect 12/1/91. Adopted November 12, 1991.top
AMENDMENT
#5
Article II, Section 1. The amendment changes the TIME of each Stated
Meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The amendment is to take effect
3/1/92. Adopted February 11, 1992.top
AMENDMENT
#6
Article II, Section 1. The amendment only changes the time of each Stated
Meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The amendment is to take effect
10/12/93. Adopted September 14, 1993. top
AMENDMENT
#7
Article IX. The amendment increases the annual dues of the Lodge from
$32.00 to $36.00 and takes effect January 1, 1996. Adopted October
10, 1995. top
AMENDMENT
#8
Article III. Article III was changed to read from:
"The officers of this
Lodge shall be Worshipful Master.............................Tiler,
and at the option of the Worshipful Master, Marshal and Master of
Ceremonies."
to:
"The officers of this
Lodge shall be Worshipful Master.............................Tiler,
and at the option of the Worshipful Master, Marshal, Master of Ceremonies
and Musician." Adopted September 15, 1997. top
AMENDMENT
#9
Article IX. The amendment increases the annual dues of the Lodge from
$36.00 to $50.00 and takes effect January 1, 1999. Adopted October
13, 1998. top
AMENDMENT
#10
Article II, Section 1. The amendment only changes the time of each Stated
Meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The amendment is to take effect
10/14/03. Adopted September 9, 2003.top
AMENDMENT #11
Article VI, Section 6. It shall be the duty of this committee,
at the beginning of each Masonic year, to prepare a budget for
the Lodge for the ensuing Masonic year and submit the same to the
Lodge at a stated or called communication for that purpose, not
later than the last day of January each calendar year, for approval
by the Lodge. Adopted August 9, 2005.top
ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING
PROCEDURES OF ALBERT PIKE LODGE
NO. 1169 AF & AM
RELIEF FUND
1. PURPOSE
To aid and assist needy members of Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169, their
widows and orphans.
2. ADMINISTRATION
Administrative Committee will be composed of five members, appointed
for two year terms. Appointments shall be arranged in such a manner
that two appointments will expire each even number year and three appointments
will expire each odd number year. Administrative Committee appointments
shall be made by the Worshipful Master at the first stated meeting after
June 24.
3. FINANCES
Operating funds will be obtained through voluntary contributions from
the lodge membership. Contributions will be in order at any time; however,
a Charity Fund reminder note will be included with lodge dues notices
each year.
4. AUDIT
During each audit of lodge funds, the Relief Fund will also be audited
by the Finance Committee and presented to the lodge in the same manner
and at the same time as the lodge fund audit.
5.
OPERATION
All applications for relief must be submitted to the Worshipful Master,
or in his absence the senior lodge officer available. When an application
is received, the following procedures will be implemented:
The Worshipful Master,
or in his absence, the senior lodge officer, will advise the Administrative
Committee of pertinent facts and cause necessary investigation to
be conducted.
After thorough investigation,
the Administrative Committee will submit a written report outlining
its findings and recommendations. At least three members of the Committee
must sign this report.
When the Committee presents
its recommendation, the floor will be open for discussion. After discussion,
a motion will be entertained, seconded, and an entry made in the Minutes
reflecting the action taken.
If application is approved
by vote of the lodge, a check will be drawn against the Relief Fund
account and forwarded to the applicant. The check will require the
signature of the Worshipful Master and the treasurer.
Each donation will not
exceed $100; however, applicant may receive additional donations if
circumstances justify and committee recommends.
6. AMENDMENTS
No amendment of these
procedures, either by alteration or addition shall be made unless
in the following manner.
The proposed amendment
must be in writing, signed by the proponent, and presented at a stated
meeting, at which time it may be discussed and amended if necessary.
At the next stated meeting
of the lodge it shall again be considered and voted on. Further amendment
to the original proposed amendment may be made if necessary. If the
proposed amendment is approved by a twothirds vote of the members
present, it shall become a part of these administrative and operations
procedures. top
ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING PROCEDURES
OF ALBERT PIKE LODGE NO. 1169 AF & AM
SAM GREENBERG
MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND
1. PURPOSE
To create, establish and maintain a permanent Memorial Education and
Endowment Fund to be named the Sam Greenberg Memorial Education Fund.
The Sam Greenberg Memorial Education Fund will begin and continue its
existence with contributions and donations in memory of deceased brethren
of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons and other loved ones.
The aggregate of said contributions and donations shall be expended
only for the purpose of providing educational opportunities for children
of the members of Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169 AF & AM who are financially
unable to provide such opportunities, and for providing a permanent
endowment for the maintenance of said educational fund.
2. ADMINISTRATION
The Administrative Committee will be composed of the five most recent
Past Masters of Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169 AF & AM. The term of
office for the five shall be for five years, with the term of one committee
member expiring each year; provided however, that the initial five committee
members shall be any four Past Masters of the Lodge, who shall be appointed
by the Worshipful Master and the Retiring Worshipful Master of the Lodge,
who shall hold membership on the Administrative Committee as follows:
the Retiring Worshipful Master for five years, one Past Master for four
years, one Past Master for three years, one Past Master for two years,
and one Past Master for one year.
Each year hereafter the Retiring Worshipful Master shall assume membership
on the Administrative Committee for a five year term on the date of
the installation of his successor in office and shall replace the committee
member whose last year on the Administrative Committee has expired;
provided, however, that any committee member may be removed from office
with or without cause, by a two-thirds majority of the committee members
then qualified and acting as such. In the event of the death, resignation
or removal of a committee member, his successor shall be appointed from
the ranks of the Past Masters of Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169 AF &
AM by the Worshipful Master. Each successor or substitute committee
member shall hold office on the Administrative Committee for the balance
of the unexpired term of office, and under the provisions as hereinbefore
provided in this section. The Committee member beginning his last year
on the Administrative Committee shall act as Chairman of the Administrative
Committee.
3. FINANCES
Funds for the Sam Greenberg Memorial Education Fund will be obtained
through voluntary contributions and donations from anyone. Contributions
and donations in memory of a deceased member of the Fraternity of Free
and Accepted Masons or other loved ones, which are of Ten Dollars ($10.00)
or more, shall be memorialized by having the name of the subject of
the contribution or the donation enscribed upon a suitable plaque which
will be displayed in the lodgehall of Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169 AF
& AM. Contributions and donations will be in order at any time;
however, a Sam Greenberg Memorial Education Fund reminder notice may
be included with lodge dues notices each year.
4. AUDIT
During each audit of lodge funds, the Sam Greenberg Memorial Education
Fund will also be audited by the Finance Committee of Albert Pike Lodge
No. 1169 AF & AM and presented to said lodge in the same manner
and at the same time as the lodge fund audit.
5. OPERATION
All requests for expenditures from the Sam Greenberg Education Fund
shall be submitted in writing to the Worshipful Master of Albert Pike
Lodge No. 1169 AF & AM. When said request is received, the following
procedures will be implemented:
The Worshipful Master,
or in his absence the senior lodge officer, will refer the request
to the Administrative Committee and cause said committee to conduct
a thorough study.
After a thorough study,
the Administrative Committee will submit a written report to the lodge
outlining its findings, conclusions and recommendations within 60
days of receipt of written request. At least three members of the
Administrative Committee must concur In and sign said report.
When the Administrative
Committee presents its findings, conclusions and recommendations,
the floor of the lodge will be open for discussion. After discussion,
a motion will be entertained, received, recorded, a ballot spread,
and an entry made in the Minutes of the Lodge reflecting the action
taken.
If the findings, conclusions,
and recommendations of the Administrative Committee are approved by
a majority vote of the lodge, the expenditure will be approved and
the necessary checks drawn against the Sam Greenberg Memorial Education
Fund. Checks drawn against the Sam Greenberg Memorial Education Fund
must bear the signatures of the Worshipful Master, Treasurer and Secretary
of Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169 AF & AM.
All requests for expenditures
from the Sam Greenberg Memorial Education Fund shall be funded in
an amount not to exceed $250.00.
6. AMENDMENTS
No amendment of these
procedures, either by alteration or addition shall be made unless
in the following manner.
The proposed amendment
must be in writing, signed by the proponent, and presented at a stated
meeting, at which time it may be discussed and amended if necessary.
At the next stated meeting
of the lodge it shall again be considered and voted on. Further amendment
to the original proposed amendment may be made if necessary. If the
proposed amendment is approved by a twothirds vote of the members
present, it shall become a part of these Administrative and Operation
Procedures. top
