HS
TORAGE
1045
.A342
W322
1884
A 58332 4

GENERAL LIBRARY
-OF-
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.
PRESENTED BY
Prof. Geo W. Hempl
3. Nov.
1894--


HS
1045
A342
W322
1884
()
CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS
2016
AND
RULES OF ORDER
OF
WASHTENAW LODGE, NO. 9
I. O. O. F.
As Amended 1884.
LODGE INSTITUTED MARCH 25, 1845.
ANN ARBOR:
REGISTER PRINTING HOUSE.
1884
28 Mar'16
REMARKS.
Odd Fellowship was introduced into this coun-
try in 1819, and we now number the Fraternity by
hundreds of thousands. During the lapse of time
its blessings have been everywhere acknowledged
and commended. The sick have been relieved,
the destitute comforted, the widow made happy,
and the orphan educated. Wherever our Order
flourishes, it will be found that the virtues of
benevolence, economy and harmony are culti-
vated. A member of the Order can always count
on "troops of friends," who will never leave him
in adversity or affliction. Wheresoever he goes,
he is surrounded by brethren, who, at a word,
will hasten to do him good. The chronicles of
our Order contain numerous illustrations of the
beneficence of the institution. Many virtuous
but indigent families have been saved from de-
spair and crime by the munificent charity of our
lodges. This charity is, indeed, secret, and there-
fore more gratefully efficient. No sense of mor-
tification is attendant on relief furnished by the
iv
REMARKS.
Lodge. The benefit is a right, not a boon. No
matter how long the recipient of our good offices
has been an invalid, the relief given is never
grudgingly bestowed. It is as much a duty to re-
ceive as it is a duty to give. We expect no grati-
tude for our favors; for every member of our
Lodge has an undisputed right to demand them.
Such mutual giving and taking preserve a man's
soul in independence. An Odd Fellow takes but
his own when he receives anything from his
lodge; for his own contributions have constituted
the fund he draws from. He must be worthy,
however. No invalid, through intemperance or
immorality, can participate in our bounty. The
dissipated man, if known to be such, can never
enter among us; but should any such unworthy
individual be introduced, by successful fraud, into
the fraternity, he will soon be taught that his own
inventions will return to plague him. We can-
not undertake to exhibit, at this time, all the pe-
culiar excellencies of our Order. An examination
of the following pages will present many of them
in detail, and initiation into the mysteries will,
in due season, display to the candidate the beau-
tiful uses of Odd Fellowship.
DISPENSATION.
I. O. O. F.
WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: We, WILLIAM DU-
TOAL WISON, MOS Worthy Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State
of Michigan, and the jurisdiction thereunto belonging:
FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH.
KNOW YE, That, by virtue of the powers in us vested, we do
hereby authorize and empower our trusty and well-beloved
brethren, JAMES E. PLATT, JAMES M. WELCH, N. H. EGGLES-
TON, M. D. HOWARD. and WILLIAM J. WELLES, their successors,
duly and legally elected, to constitute a Lodge in the town of
Ann Arbor and County of Washtenaw, to be known and
hailed by the title of "WASHTENAW LODGE, No. 9." And we
do further authorize and empower our said trusty and well-
beloved brethren and their successors, to admit and make Odd
Fellows, according to the ancient usages and customs of the
Order, and not contrariwise; with full power and authority to
hear and determine all and singular, matters and things re-
lating to the Order, within the jurisdiction of the said Lodge,
according to the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of
the State of Michigan: Provided always, That the said above
named brethren and their successors, pay due respect to the
Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan, and the ordinances
thereof otherwise, this Dispensation to be of no force or
effect; and provided also, That this Dispensation shall be ap.
proved by the said Grand Lodge at the next meeting thereof.
GIVEN under our Hand and Seal, at the City of De-
troit, in the State of Michigan, this twenty-fifth
day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight
hundred and forty-five, and of our Order in the
United States the twenty-sixth.
L. S.
WM. DUANE WILSON,
Grand Master.
GENERAL LAWS
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF SUBORDINATE
LODGES OF THE INDEPENDENT ORDER
OF ODD FELLOWS OF THE STATE OF
MICHIGAN, AS AMENDED TO THE CLOSE
OF THE FEBRUARY SESSION, 1883.
PREAMBLE.
For the purpose of effecting as much uniformity
as possible in the administration of the privileges,
honors and benefits of the Order, within its juris-
diction, the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan,
the supreme tribunal of Odd Fellowship in this
State, without whose sanction and control no
Lodge can exist within its limits, ordains the fol-
lowing articles for the government of Subordinate
Lodges:
ARTICLE I.
Lodges shall be constituted by at least five
members, who shall have attained the Scarlet
Degree, and shall be hailed and entitled
2
Lodge No.
-, I. O. O. F., and shall possess the
full power and privileges of a subordinate Lodge,
holding a legal, unreclaimed dispensation or Char-
ter duly granted, and formally presented by the
Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan.
2
GENERAL LAWS.
ARTICLE II.-OF MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION FIRST.
Admission, etc.
CLAUSE 1. No person shall be permitted to be-
come a member of any Lodge unless he be a free
white male, not under twenty-one years of age,
of good moral character, who believes in a Su-
preme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the
Universe; be free from disease, and have some
known, reputable means of support, nor for a less
sum than five dollars; nor (unless by deposit of
card) until he shall have been a resident of this
State, and the territory over which the Lodge has
jurisdiction, six months last preceding the time
of his making application.
CLAUSE 2. The territorial jurisdiction of a
Lodge shall extend half way from its place of
meeting or Lodge room to the nearest Lodge by
an air line, except when there are two or more
Lodges located in the same city or village, in
which case they shall have concurrent jurisdic-
tion. And no Lodge shall receive a petition
from, or admit to membership any person living
within the jurisdiction of another Lodge, without
the consent of the Lodge under whose jurisdic-
tion the applicant resides, such consent to be in
writing and under seal, and any Lodge violating
the provisions of this clause, shall, on conviction,
pay to the Lodge under whose jurisdiction the
applicant resided at the time of admission, all
moneys received from such applicant for initia-
tion or admission and degrees up to the time of
conviction.
GENERAL LAWS.
3
CLAUSE 3. Applications for membership by
initiation shall be made in writing, and signed
by the applicant, setting forth his age, occu-
pation and residence, and signed by two Broth-
ers as reference, which must be entered upon the
record, and the subject referred to three Brothers
for investigation, who shall make diligent in-
quiry as to the character and qualifications of the
applicant, and report at the succeeding regular
meeting, unless further time be granted them by
action of the Lodge. Upon the report of the com-
mittee, the applicant shall be balloted for with
ball ballots: Provided, That the Lodge shall have
power by a two-thirds vote to postpone the bal-
loting until the next regular meeting after that
upon which the committee report. Upon the
ballot being taken if less than two black balls
appear the applicant shall be elected; but if two
or more black balls appear he shall be rejected,
and so declared, and no further balloting shall
be allowed unless all the Brothers who cast the
black balls, within four weeks, voluntarily move
for a reconsideration of the same, when the vote
shall be taken by ball ballot, when if all the balls
be white the reconsideration shall be had, where-
upon the application shall lie over till the next
regular meeting, when another ballot shall be
had, and if the same be unanimously in favor of
the applicant, he shall be elected; but if one or
more black balls appear in either ballot, the ap-
plicant shall be rejected, and in no case shall a
reconsideration be had except upon the voluntary
motion of all who cast the black balls, and never
more than one reconsideration in the same case
shall be allowed.
4
GENERAL LAWS.
CLAUSE 4. When a candidate has been rejected,
notice thereof shall be sent without delay to all
the Lodges having concurrent jurisdiction, and
no person so rejected shall be again balloted for,
in any Lodge, for the space of six months: Pro-
vided, That the provisions of this clause shall
not apply to a rejected applicant by card, who
may renew his application at any time within the
lifetime of his card.
CLAUSE 5. A Brother of the Order, wishing to
become a member, shall present a Petition, to-
gether with his Card from the Lodge of which he
was a member, which shall be referred to a com-
mittee of three, and in all other respects disposed
of as provided by Clause 3 for applicants, and, on
being admitted, shall pay a sum not less than
one dollar.
CLAUSE 6. An Ancient Odd Fellow, whose card
is out of date, or the holder of a Dismissal Cer-
tificate, may be admitted as provided in Clause
5, by paying into the Lodge Fund" a sum not
less than five dollars, conforming to the "Special
Direction" of the work of the Order, and to such
other regulations as the N. G. may direct.
CLAUSE 7. Any non-affiliated Odd-Fellow, hold-
ing a regular Withdrawal Card, expired or in
date, or a Dismissal Certificate, and who has held
a membership in the order for at least five con-
secutive years, and who at the time of making
application is over fifty years of age, may be ad-
mitted as a non-beneficial member, and shall be
subject to such dues as may be fixed in the By-
Laws of the several Lodges for non-beneficial
GENERAL LAWS.
5
LO
members, and enjoy all the rights and privileges
of other members, except the right to benefits,
sick or funeral. Any person entitled to and de-
siring membership under this clause shall pre-
sent a petition setting forth the facts, accom-
panied with his Withdrawal Card or Dismissal
Certificate, which shall be referred to a commit-
tee of three, and in all other respects disposed of
as provided in Clause 3 of this section, and on
being admitted shall pay not less than five dol-
lars.
CLAUSE 8. When an applicant shall have been
elected under the provisions of clauses 5, 6 or
7 of this Section, it shall be the duty of the N. G.,
upon such applicant presenting himself in the
ante-room during the session of the Lodge, to ap-
point a committee of three, one of whom must be
the V. G., or some P. G. known to be in posses-
sion of the A. T. P. W., who shall examine the
applicant in the A. T. P. W., and the work of the
Order, and upon the report of the committee that
he is correct, he shall be introduced and sign the
constitution, after which he shall be entitled to
all the rights and privileges of membership:
Provided, That if the applicant be an Ancient
Odd Fellow, or the holder of a Dismissal Certifi-
cate, he shall not be required to be in possession
of the A. T. P. W.
CLAUSE 9. A Lodge having elected a person to
membership, who is, prior to his admission,
found to be unworthy, may reconsider his elec-
tion by a two-thirds vote of the members present.
When the election of an applicant is recon-
sidered, he shall be again balloted for under the
provisions of Clause 3 of this section.
6
GENERAL LAWS.
SECTION SECOND.
Contributions and Benefits.
CLAUSE 1. The regular contributions to the
Lodge Fund, shall be determined by the By-
Laws, as well as the amount for Education Fund
and Funeral Tax: Provided, That should there be
insufficient in the Lodge Fund to pay the dues
and assessments made by the Grand Lodge,
the Lodge may assess the sum necessary to pay
the same upon its members, and such assessment
shall be immediately due and payable.
CLAUSE 2. Every bona fide member who shall
be qualified as required by the By-laws, shall, in
case of sickness or disability, be entitled to re-
ceive such weekly benefits as may be fixed by
the By-Laws, from the funds of the Lodge.
CLAUSE 3. In case of the death of a Brother
who shall be qualified as provided in Clause 2,
there shall be allowed from the Lodge a sum not
less than fifteen dollars to defray the expenses
of burial, which shall be paid over without delay
to the deceased Brother's nearest of kin. The
N. G., in the absence of competent relations, shall
take charge of the funeral, and receive accounts
of disbursements.
SECTION THIRD.
Suspensions and Re-instatements for Non-payment of
Dues.
CLAUSE 1. Any member being in arrears for
dues to the amount of eleven months' dues, shall
be notified thereof by the Secretary having in
GENERAL LAWS.
7
charge the accounts between the Lodge and its
members, and if such arrearages are not paid
within one month, the member so in arrears
shall be suspended.
CLAUSE 2. Any member under suspension for
non-payment of dues or assessments, applying
for re-instatement, may be re-instated by a two-
thirds vote of the members present at any regu-
lar meeting: Provided, That the Lodge may, if
they desire information as to the character or
health of the applicant for re-instatement, refer
the application to a committee to report at the
next regular meeting. All members re-instated
within one year of date of suspension, shall pay
the amount of one year's dues. After one year
from date of suspension, a member re-instated
shall pay the same amount as an initiate of the
same age, or such less sum as may be fixed in the
By-Laws of the Lodge.
CLAULE 3. Any member over 50 years of age
who is under suspension for non-payment of
dues, and who has held membership in the Order
for at least five consecutive years, may be re-
instated by a two-thirds vote of the Lodge sus-
pending, as non-beneficial member, on the pay-
ment of three dollars, and shall be entitled
to the rights and privileges and subject to
dues as prescribed for non-beneficial members
by Clause 7, Section 1, of this Article.
CLAUSE 4. A Lodge resuscitated on the appli-
cation of a legal number of the former members
of such Lodge, has jurisdiction over all the mem-
bers of the Lodge who were in good standing or
under suspension at the time the Lodge ceased
8
GENERAL LAWS.
to work (except those who may have received
cards from the Grand Lodge), and may re-instate
them in the manner prescribed in Clause 2 of
this section. Members so re-instated within one
year of the resuscitation of the Lodge, shall pay
the amount of one year's dues as fixed by the
By-Laws of the Lodge. After one year from date
of resuscitation, members re-instated shall pay
the same amount as an initiate of the same age,
or such less sum as may be fixed by the By-Laws.
CLAUSE 5. Any member under suspension for
non-payment of dues, on being refused re-instate-
ment, shall be entitled to a Dismissal Certificate
on making application therefor and the payment
of one dollar, without any action on the part of
the Lodge.
CLAUSE 6. Any member under suspension for
non-payment of dues, desiring to join a Lodge in
this jurisdiction, may be re-instated and granted
a Withdrawal Card any time within five years of
suspension, upon the payment of one year's dues
and the usual price of a card, or the Lodge may,
on proper application and the receipt of $1.00, at
its discretion, and by a majority vote of the mem-
bers present, grant such suspended member a
Dismissal Certificate to enable him to join a
Lodge in this jurisdiction before the five years
have expired. After five years from date of sus-
pension, a member desiring to join a Lodge in
this jurisdiction, shall be entitled to receive, and
the Lodge shall grant, upon proper application, a
Dismissal Certificate on the receipt of one dollar.
CLAUSE 7. A member suspended for non-pay·
ment of dues desiring to join a Lodge in any
GENERAL LAWS.
9
other jurisdiction, shall be entitled to receive,
and the Lodge shall grant on proper application,
a dismissal certificate on the receipt of one dollar.
SECTION FOURTH.
Penalties and Trials.
CLAUSE 1. Any member who shall violate any
of the principles of the Order, or offend against
these Articles or the By-Laws, shall be subject to
be fined, reprimanded, suspended, or expelled,
as the By-Laws may direct, ancient usage re-
quire, or the Lodge determine.
CLAUSE 2. Every member shall be entitled to
a fair trial for any offense involving reprimand,
suspension or expulsion, except where made
liable by non-payment of dues; but no member
of a Lodge shall be put on trial unless charges,
in the following general form be submitted to
the Lodge in writing, signed by two Brothers:
1st. The general charge shall be an averment
of conduct unbecoming an Odd Fellow. 2d.
The specification or specifications on which the
charge is based, shall state definitely the time,
place and circumstances connected with the al-
leged offense or offenses, and each offense alleged
shall be the subject of a separate specification.
CLAUSE 3. When charges are preferred against
a member they shall be read in full by the Sec-
retary, when the N. G. will decide [subject to
appeal to the Lodge] whether they are in ac-
cordance with the general provisions of the pre-
ceding clause. If the charges are held to be
improper in form they shall be returned to the
Brother presenting them, but if they are held to
2
3
4
10
GENERAL LAWS.
be in proper form the Secretary shall enter them
in full on the record, and transmit a certified
copy to the Brother accused, and at the same
time notify him to be present at the next regular
meeting of the Lodge, at which time the N. G.
shall, under the head of unfinished business, ap-
point a Committee of Trial, to consist of five (5)
inembers, who shall be appointed, if possible,
from among those who have attained the same,
or a higher Degree than the accused, and such
committee or any member thereof may be chal-
lenged for reasons given by either party inter-
ested or their counsel. If any member or mem-
bers of the committee are objected to, the Lodge
shall hear the parties interested, and determine
by a majority of votes whether the member or
members objected to shall be confirmed as mem-
bers of the committee, The committee being
appointed and confirmed, the Secretary shall
furnish the first named member of the commit-
tee with the original copy of the charges certified,
and under seal, together with a list of the mem-
bers of the committee, He shall also notify each
member of the committee of his appointment,
and furnish the accused a list of the Committee
of Trial. Should the By-Laws so provide, the
minority of the committee will be appointed by
the V. G.
CLAUSE 4. The Committee on Trial shall or-
ganize, notify the parties, proceed with, and
conduct the trial in accordance with the code for
trials. Having concluded the trial and
agreed upon a report, they will submit it to the
Lodge, and if not involving suspension or expul-
sion, and if no appeal be taken from their decis-
GENERAL LAWS.
11
ion, it shall be final, without action of the Lodge.
Should the committee deem it necessary to expel
or suspend the accused they shall submit a reso-
lution for that purpose to the Lodge for action.
Within three days after the report of the com-
mittee is presented to the Lodge the Secretary
shall present the accusers and accused with a copy
thereof.
CLAUSE 5. When a trial committee submits a
resolution for the suspension or expulsion of the
accused for contempt, it shall be competent for
the accused to appear before the Lodge at any
regular meeting before final action is taken at
the time designated in Clause 6 of this Section,
and purge himself of contempt by affirming that
his failure to appear before the committee to
answer to the charge was occasioned by his not
receiving notice of time and place, or not receiv-
ing it in time, or from some other cause beyond
his control, and that he desires to appear before
the committee and make answer to the charge
against him. In which event the case shall be
re-committed to the committee, and they shall
proceed to hear and determine the case as if the
accused had appeared at the first citation. When
the committee report that the accusers failed to
appear and prosecute the charge at the time desig-
nated, the report shall lie upon the table for two
weeks, or until the second meeting after its pre-
sentation, at which time the charge shall be dis-
missed unless the accusers shall appear before the
Lodge and object on the ground that their failure
to appear before the committee and prosecute
the charge was occasioned by not receiving no-
tice of time and place, or not receiving it in time
12
GENERAL LAWS.
or from some other cause beyond their control,
and that they desire to appear and prosecute the
charge. In which event the case shall be re-
committed to the committee, and they shall
proceed to hear and determine it the same as if
the accusers had appeared at the first citation.
CLAUSE 6. When a motion for expulsion or
suspension of a Brother shall have been sub-
mitted in due form, it shall be announced at two
regular meetings previous to the action being
taken, and shall be acted on at the third regular
meeting after its presentation, and the Secretary
shall in writing, and under seal, summon the
accused to be present at such meeting, at which
time, whether the accused be present or not, the
Lodge shall proceed under the head of unfinished
business to consider and determine it. If the
accused or accusers be present either in person or
by counsel, they shall be fully heard, in the order
named; and the committee shall also be heard, and
at the request of any member, the evidence taken
before the committee shall be read in whole or in
part, as desired. The parties having been fully
heard, and the discussion closed, the accused
Brother shall withdraw from the Lodge, and the
members shall proceed to ballot without further
debate. Two-thirds of all the members present,
and entitled to vote, voting in favor of the reso-
lution, it shall be adopted. But if the resolution
fail to receive the necessary two-thirds vote,
the Lodge shall immediately proceed to vote on
the next Order of Punishment, and continue
until the necessary, vote is received, or the Order
of Punishment gone through with, and a fail-
ure to impose any of the Orders of Punishment
GENERAL LAWS.
13
shall be an acquittal. If the vote be in favor of
suspension, the Lodge shall immediately by res-
olution fix the duration of the same, which must
be for a definite period not exceeding one year,
and the penalty of suspension or expulsion shall
take immediate effect. An appeal to G. L. shall
be a stay of proceedings in case the penalty is a
reprimand or fine.
CLAUSE 7. The Orders of Punishment shall be
expulsion, suspension, or reprimand, and where
the By-Laws so provide, fine. The first two shall
only be imposed by a two-thirds vote, the last
two by a majority vote, in all cases to be by
ballot.
CLAUSE 8. When the report of a trial com-
mittee [not involving expulsion or suspension]
is not satisfactory to all parties, either of those
interested shall have the privilege of an appeal
to the Lodge: Provided, Such appeal be pre-
sented at the first regular meeting after the re-
port of the committee is received by the Lodge.
At the time appointed for trying the appeal,
which shall not be more than two weeks after its
presentation to the Lodge, the committee shall
present to the Lodge, in writing, the grounds on
which their decision was founded, and the parties
shall have the privilege of being heard before
the Lodge, and the Lodge shall determine the
correctness of the decision of the committee by
a majority of votes of the members present and
entitled to vote. The vote to be by ballot, and a
failure to sustain the decision of the committee
shall be an acquittal, except in cases where the
committee have dismissed the charge on the
ground that the alleged offense is not within the
14
GENERAL LAWS.
legal jurisdiction of the Lodge, or that the com-
plaint contained in the specifications is frivolous,
in which case, if the decision of the committee is
not sustained, the case shall be re-committed to
them and they shall proceed to hear and deter-
mine it.
CLAUSE 9. When the Lodge shall have taken
final action upon the report of the Trial Commit-
tee the Secretary shall at once notify the accused
Brother of the result of such action, and any
Brother feeling aggrieved by the decision of the
Lodge against him, may within ninety days after
being informed of such decision give notice to
the Lodge of an appeal to the G. L., which appeal
shall be taken, and disposed of in the manner
prescribed in article IV of the By-Laws of the
Grand Lodge.
CLAUSE 10. Any Brother having been suspend-
ed or expelled, notice thereof shall be sent to all
Lodges in the vicinity, and a Brother who has
been legally expelled shall not be again admitted
to membership without the consent of the Grand
Master.
CLAUSE 11. When a person who has been regu-
larly expelled from the Order, desires to be re-ad-
mitted to membership therein,such expelled mem-
ber may present a petition to that effect, to the
Lodge expelling. When such Lodge shall refer
the application to a committee of three, who
shall investigate and report as to the propriety
of re-admitting to membership such applicant
upon the report of the committee. The appli-
cant shall be balloted for under the provisions of
clause 3, section 1 of article 2, of these laws. If
the ballot be favorable to the applicant, the N.
GENERAL LAWS.
15
G. and Secretary shall prepare and forward to
the Grand Master, a statement of the case, giv-
ing the cause for which the applicant was ex-
pelled, and the reasons why the Lodge desire to
re-admit to membership, and asking his approval
of the action of the Lodge, and consent to the
re-admission to membership of such applicant.
If the Grand Master approve the action of the
Lodge, and grant the consent asked, the appli-
cant upon the payment of not less than five dol-
lars, and signing the Constitution, shall become
a member of the Lodge, and shall be entitled to
such rank in the Lodge as he held previous to ex-
pulsion. If the ballot above provided for should
be unfavorable to the applicant, or the Grand
Master disapprove the action of the Lodge, and
refuse his consent to the re-admission of the ap-
plicant, he shall be so informed, and his petition
shall not be again received for the space of six
months.
ARTICLE III.-OF OFFICERS.
SECTION FIRST.
Elected and Appointed Officers.
CLAULE 1. The elective officers of a Lodge
shall consist of N. G., V. G., Secretary and Treas-
urer, and when the By-Laws so provide, a Perma-
nent Secretary, who shall serve a regular term
each except the Permanent Secretary, who shall
serve for one year, and such number of Repre-
sentatives of the Grand Lodge of the I. O, O. F.
of the State of Michigan as the Lodge may be
entitled to under the Constitution of said Grand
16
GENERAL LAWS.
Lodge, to serve for one year from the third Tues-
day in February ensuing. their election.
CLAUSE 2. The appointed officers shall consist
of a W., C., I. G., O. G., R. S. N. G., L. S. N. G., R. S.
V. G., L. S. V. G., and R. and L. S. S., who shall
serve a regular term each; and the N. G. may,
at his option, appoint a Chaplain.
SECTION SECOND.
Duties of Officers.
CLAUSE 1. The duties of the various officers
shall be laid down in the charges of their office,
and as specified by these Articles and the By-
Laws of the Lodge.
CLAUSE 2. A Permanent Secretary, when one
has been chosen by the Lodge, shall take charge
of the accounts between the Lodge and its mem-
bers; and make out the annual report for the
Grand Lodge required by clause 2, section 2 of
article IV.; but the Recording Secretary shall
record the proceedings and perform all other
duties of the office.
SECTION THIRD.
Elections, etc.
CLAUSE 1. No Brother shall be eligible to the
chair of the N. G. unless he has served a regular
term as V. G.; nor shall any Brother be eligible
to the chair of the V. G. unless he has served
twenty-six nights in some inferior office.
CLAUSE 2. Nominations for the elective offices
shall be made only on the two meetings imme-
diately preceding that of the elections, except
when the nominees of an office all decline.
GENERAL LAWS.
17
CLAUSE 3. All past officers shall be eligible to
re-election.
CLAUSE 4. The elective officers, except Perma-
nent Secretary and Representatives to the Grand
Lodge, shall be elected at the last regular meet-
ing of the Lodge in the months of June and
December of each year. The installation of of-
ficers shall take place at the first regular meet-
ings in July and January. The election of Per-
manent Secretary (when one is provided for by
the By-Laws) and Representatives to the Grand
Lodge shall take place at the last regular meet-
ing in December of each year.
When at the
time of election there is more than one nominee
for an office, the voting shall be by printed or
written ballots, and a majority of the valid votes
cast shall be necessary to elect. Should no can-
didate have such majority on the first ballot, the
candidate having the smallest number of votes
shall be dropped at the next ballot, and so on at
each successive ballot until an election is had.
All ballots cast for Brothers not in regular nomi-
nation shall be excluded from the count. When
there is but one candidate in nomination for an
office, the election may take place on motion.
CLAUSE 5. Any officer, except Representative
to the Grand Lodge, absenting himself for more
than three successive meetings, his seat may be
declared vacant by a vote of the Lodge. Any
office becoming vacant shall be filled by a person
who was eligible thereto on the commencement
of the term during which the vacancy occured.
Nominations except for Representative to fill
vacancy, shall be made on the meeting previous
to election, and officers so elected and serving
18
GENERAL LAWS.
shall alone receive the honors of such office for
the term, provided, that should a vacancy in the
office of Representative to the G. L. occur and
but one Lodge night shall intervene between the
occurrence of the vacancy and the time of the
assembling of the Grand Lodge, the office of
Representative may be filled by nomination and
election at the same evening.
ARTICLE IV.-TERMS AND RETURNS.
SECTION FIRST.
Terms.
Regular annual terms shall commence on the
first regular meeting in January, and the regular
semi-annual terms shall commence on the first
regular meetings in July and January of each
year; and all terms shall end on the day on
which the succeeding ones commence.
SECTION SECOND.
Returns.
CLAUSE 1. It shall be the duty of the last
past-officers to prepare and forward to the Grand
Lodge, immediately, a regular report of the work
of the term, including the names of those in-
itiated, admitted by card, rejected, withdrawn
by card, suspended, or expelled, and the cause
thereof, re-instated, and deceased; together with
the number of degrees conferred, the whole num-
ber in membership, and the result of the election
of officers, accompanied by whatever amount
may be due to the Grand Lodge.
GENERAL LAWS.
19
CLAUSE 2. It shall also be the duty of each
Subordinate Lodge to forward to the Grand Lodge
the Annual Report, up to the first day of January
of each year, which report shall contain the fol-
lowing, as required by Clause 3, Section 1, Article
5, of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge :
Name of county, town, or city where the Lodge
meetings are held, together with the night of
meeting; number initiated, admitted by card, and
Dismissal Certificate, as Ancient Odd Fellows,
and re-instated during the year; number with-
drawn by card, suspended, expelled and died
during the year, number of members in good
standing, ranked according to degrees taken,
and number of Past Grands; number of Brothers
relieved, number of widowed families relieved;
number of weeks' sick benefits paid during the
year; amount paid for sick benefits; amount paid
for relief of widowed families; amount paid for
burying the dead; amount paid for the educa-
tion of orphans; amount paid for charity, and
amount paid for current expenses during the
year; total amount of income from all sources
during the year, together with Past Grands' and
Representatives' certificates in the form required
by the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, such cer-
tificates to be duly signed and sealed.
CLAUSE 3. The above-mentioned reports to the
G. L. shall be delivered to the D. D. Grand Mas-
ter previous to installation, and the dues for-
warded to the Grand Secretary. If there is no
D. D. Grand Master, the reports shall be for-
warded to the Grand Secretary, with the dues.
20
GENERAL LAWS.
SECTION THIRD.
Forfeiture of Charter.
Should a Lodge fail to make its returns, as re-
quired by the second section of this Article, for
two successive terms, it shall thereby forfeit its
charter and become extinct; and it shall become
the duty of the last installed officers to transmit
or surrender to the Grand Secretary (or such
other Brother as may be appointed by the Grand
Lodge to receive them), the charter, books,
papers, furniture and funds of the Lodge.
ARTICLE V.-DEGREES.
SECTION FIRST.
Eligibility for Degrees.
Brothers shall be eligible to degrees one week
after initiation, but not more than one degree
shall be conferred on a brother at the same meet-
ing, unless the most urgent necessity is proven,
such necessity to be determined by the Lodge.
SECTION SECOND.
Rates of Degrees.
No Degree shall be balloted for until the appli-
cant shall have paid the amount required there-
for, which shall not be less than three dollars for
each Degree: Provided, That until the first day
of July, 1882, Subordinate Lodges may confer any
or all of said degrees on brothers now in mem-
bership, or who may become members previous
to the first day of April 1882, upon the payment
of such amount as the Lodges may severally de-
termine (any provision of their By-Laws to the
GENERAL LAWS.
21
contrary notwithstanding); but no member tak-
ing any or all of the degrees under the conditions
of this proviso, at such reduced rates, shall be
entitled to claim any additional pecuniary bene-
fits over and above the amount allowed by the
By-Laws of his Lodge to members of the degree,
from which he has been advanced, at such reduced
rates; but if, at a subsequent time, he shall pay
into the Treasury of his Lodge such additional
sum as will make up the full amount charged by
the By-Laws of his Lodge for the degrees, he
shall thereafter be considered and become a full
benefit member.
When proper application is made for degrees,
it shall be announced and the ballot taken on
the night the application is made, and when the
Lodge is open in the Third or Scarlet Degree,
where two black balls will cause the applicant to
be rejected. When an applicant for degrees is
rejected, his application shall not again be re-
ceived until after the expiration of three months.
ARTICLE VI.
OF AMENDMENTS.-Amendment.
SECTION FIRST.
CLAUSE 1. When doubts arise of the true
meaning of any part of these Articles, it shall be
determined by the Grand Lodge.
CLAUSE 2. No alteration or amendment shall
be made to the General Laws, except by motion
or resolution, submitted in writing, at a regular
session of the Grand Lodge; nor unless such
motion or resolution assume upon its face to
22
GENERAL LAWS.
make such alteration or amendment, and state
distinctly the clause, section and article to be
affected, when such alteration or amendment
may be adopted by a majority vote of the mem-
bers present.
SECTION SECOND.
By-Laws.
Lodges shall stand fully invested with power
to adopt such By-Laws and Resolutions, from
time to time, as may be deemed expedient, pro-
vided they do not in any wise contravene any
part of these Articles, the Laws or Constitution
of the Grand Lodge, or the principles of the
Order.
BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE I.-MEETINGS.
SEC. 1. The Stated meetings of the Lodge shall
be held on Friday evening of each week. Spec-
ial meetings shall be called by the N. G., at dis-
cretion, or on the written request of five mem-
bers, due notice to be given as the N. G. shall
direct.
SEC. 2. The hour of meeting shall be at half-
past seven o'clock.
SEC. 3. The Lodge shall be opened at pre-
cisely the hour appointed. In the absence of
the Ñ. G., the V. G. shall act as N. G. pro tem, and
in the absence of the N. G. and V. G., a P. G.
shall preside.
SEC. 4. At a stated meeting of the Lodge five
members shall constitute a quorum for the trans-
action of business, one of them being qualified
to fill the chair.
SEC. 5. No brother shall be permitted to enter
the Lodge unless in proper regalia.
SEC. 6. It shall be the duty of the officers and
members of the Lodge, carefully to fold and re-
place their regalia, under the direction of the
Warden.
ARTICLE II.-OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.
SEC. 1. The elective officers of this Lodge
shall consist of those enumerated in Clause 1,
24
BY-LAWS.
Section 1, Article III, of the Constitution, and
the Lodge may elect a Financial Secretary
annually. They shall be voted for, separately, by
ballot.
SEC. 2. All appointed officers shall consist
of those mentioned in Clause 2, Section 1, Art-
icle III of the Constitution, and of a Chaplain,
and shall be appointed by the N. G. immediately
after his installation, except the R. and L. S.
of the V. G, who shall be appointed by the V.G.
SEC. 3. All officers must be clear of the books
at their installation.
SEC. 4. The N. G., shall preside at all meet-
ings of the Lodge, and preserve order and
decorum therein; but all questions of order shall
be subject to appeal from his decision to the
Lodge. He shall appoint the majority of every
committee, (unless it be otherwise ordered by
the Lodge,) leaving the appointment of the
minority to the V. G. He shall be entitled
to his vote as a lay member, on all questions
of membership and the election of officers; but
on all other questions, to the casting vote only.
He shall give the charge of his office, on the in-
itiation of a candidate, and thereupon present
to him a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws
of the Lodge. He shall see that all officers of
the Lodge perform their respective duties, as en-
joined by the several charges and these laws.
He shall, in conjunction with the V. G., inspect
the result of all ballotings for membership;
and he shall announce the result of all votes.
He shall safely keep the charter, and always
have it in the Lodge while in session. He shall
draw upon the Treasurer for all sums which have
BY-LAWS.
25
been voted for by the Lodge, or which may
be required to pay the benefits provided for
by these laws. And he shall perform all other
duties which appertain to his office by the cus-
toms of the Order and its usages.
SEC. 5. The V. G. shall assist the N. G. to
preside in the Lodge. He shall appoint the
minority of every committee, unless it be other-
wise ordered by the Lodge. He shall, in con-
junction with the N. G., inspect the result of all
ballotings for membership, and shall announce
the same to the N. G. He shall have special
charge of the inner door during the ceremony of
initiation; and he shall perform all other duties
required by the charges and usages of the Order.
SEC. 6. The Recording Secretary shall keep
an accurate record of the proceedings of the
Lodge. He shall write all communications; fill
up all certificates and cards granted by the Lodge;
issue all summons or notices required; attest all
moneys ordered paid at a regular meeting, and
none other. He shall have and safely keep the
Seal of the Lodge; and shall perform such other
duties as may be required of him by the Lodge
and his charge, and deliver up to his successor
all books, papers and other properties belonging
to his office, and at the end of each term assist
the P. S. in making out the Reports to the G. L.
SEC. 7. The Financial Secretary before his
installation, shall execute to the N. G. and V. G.,
a bond in the penalty of three hundred dollars
with at least two sureties to be approved by the
Finance Committee and held by them, for the
faithful performance of his duties as Permanent
Secretary. He shall keep just and true accounts
26
BY-LAWS.
between the Lodge and its members. He shall
pay over all moneys received by him each week
to the Treasurer, and shall give to said Treasurer
a statement showing-1st. The amount received
for initiation fees; 2d. The amount received for
degrees; 3d. The amount of fines collected; 4th.
The amount of dues received, at the same time
stating from whom they were respectively re-
ceived, showing the amount and date; and he
shall, at the next regular meeting of the Lodge,
deliver said statement to the Lodge under the
head of "the good of the order, "at which time
any Brother may have an opportunity of point-
ing out any error, (if any,) and said statement
and receipt shall be filed by the Secretary, and
kept by him with the books of his office until
examined and acted upon by the Finance Com-
mittee. He shall make out a semi-annual report
to the Lodge under the following heads, viz:—
1st, Amount received for Initiation Fees; 2d,
amount received for deposits of cards; 3d,
amount received for Degrees; 4th, amount re-
ceived for Fines; 5th, amount received for Dues;
6th, amount received for Cards. He shall also
embrace in his report-1st, the amount of dues
remaining on his books unpaid, and from whom,
and 2d, the amount of fines remaining on his
books unpaid, and from whom they are due. He
shall, at the close of each term, notify every
member who is thirteen weeks in arrears, of the
amount due by him to the Lodge; and at the
end of his official term, make out for the Lodge
a statement of all moneys received and paid by
him to the Treasurer, and deliver up to his suc-
cessor all books, papers, etc., appertaining to his
}
BY-LAWS.
27
office, in his possession. He shall keep and pre-
serve the printed Constitution and By-Laws, and
shall, with the assistance of the R. S., make out,
at the end of each term, for the G. L., a full
return of the Lodge during that term.
SEC. 8. The Treasurer, before his installation,
shall execute to the N. G, and V. G., a bond, in
sufficient penalty, with at least two surettes, to be
approved and held by the Finance Committee, for
the faithful performance of his duties as Treasurer.
He shall receive and safely keep the moneys and
funds of the Lodge, and make such investments
of the same, from time to time, as the Lodge
shall require. He shall pay all orders drawn on
him by the N. G., and duly countersigned by the
Secretary, or Relief Committee, and none others.
He shall keep the accounts in a fair and legible
manner, exhibiting the sources, with the purpose
and amount of disbursements. He shall keep a
record of all warrants paid by him, and immedi-
ately upon paying any warrant, cancel the same
by marking "paid" across the face thereof, and
place the same upon the file with the books of
his office until called for by the Finance Com-
mittee. His books shall be opened for the in-
spection of the members at every regular meet-
ing; and at the end of each term, he shall have
his account closed, and shall submit a full state-
ment thereof to the Lodge; and deliver to his
successor in office, when legally called upon, all
moneys, books, vouchers, etc., belonging to the
Lodge.
SEC. 9. The Warden shall take charge of the
properties of the Lodge, and shall report any
damages done to them, to the N. G. He shall
2
28
BY-LAWS.
canvas all votes on motions and resolutions, and
be the messenger of the Lodge.
SEC. 10. It shall be the duty of the Junior P.
G. of this Lodge, to attend and act in the
capacity of P. G., and deliver the charge of the
office to candidates, or see that the same is done;
and perform all other duties appertaining to the
office.
SEC. 11. The I. G. shall admit no brother un-
less he be in proper regalia. He shall announce
to the Lodge the names of the candidates in
waiting; and he shall faithfully perform all
other duties prescribed for him by the customs
and usages of the Order.
SEC. 12. Every officer who may be required
to explain his duties, or deliver a charge in the
Lodge, shall commit the same to memory within
six weeks from the time of his assuming the
office if possible.
SEC. 13. All other officers shall perform such
duties as are prescribed for them by the regula-
tions and charges of the Order, and such as may
be required of them by the presiding officer.
SEC. 14. Every officer shall fill his station
during the space of twenty-six Lodge nights.
ARTICLE III.-ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
SEC. 1. At all elections of officers, it shall be
the duty of the N. G. to appoint two tellers, who
with the Warden, shall canvass the votes given,
and declare the result to the N. G., by whom it
shall be announced to the Lodge. Any candi-
date to be elected, must receive a majority of all
the votes given.
BY-LAWS.
29
SEC. 2. No Brother, either before or after his
nomination, shall ask the suffrage of any Broth-
er, or cause the same to be done, for any office in
this Lodge; and upon conviction of having done
so, he shall, for the first offense, be fined $5, and
for the second, suspended during the pleasure of
the Lodge.
ARTICLE IV.-MEMBERSHIP AND INITIATION.
SEC. 1 No person shall be permitted to be-
come a member of this Lodge, unless he believes
in a Supreme Being; sustains a good moral char-
acter; be free from disease, and has some known
reputable means of support; nor unless he shall
have been a resident of the city of Ann Arbor, or
the vicinity over which this Lodge has jurisdic-
tion, for the space of six months next preceding
his application for membership; nor shall he be
under twenty-one years of age.
SEC. 2. All persons desirous of becoming
members of this Lodge shall transmit a petition
in the following form, recommended by two
members of the Lodge, and accompanied by the
initiation fee:
Form of Petition.
To the Officers and Members of Washtenaw
Lodge, No. 9, of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows:
The petition of the subscriber respectfully
showeth, that he is desirous of becoming a mem-
ber of your benevolent and honorable Order. He
has examined your Constitution and By-Laws,
30
BY-LAWS.
and is ready and willing to yield obedience
thereto. His age is years; his occupation
and his residence
(Signed.)
Recommended by
CD & EF
A B
SEC. 3. A committee of three shall thereupon
be appointed, who shall make diligent inquiry as
to the qualifications of the individual petitioning
to become a member, and shall report either for
or adverse thereon at the next stated meet-
ing.
SEC. 4. If the committee report favorably or
unfavorably of an applicant, he shall be duly
balloted for, and if no black balls appear, (or if
no more than one) the candidate shall be declar-
ed elected. Any applicant, who prior to his ii-
tiation is found to be unworthy, shall be refused
initiation by the Lodge, and they may by a two-
thirds vote, reconsider their previous vote and
reject him.
SEC. 5. Should two black balls be deposited,
the applicant is absolutely rejected. And when
an applicant is rejected, his petition shall not
again be received until after six months have
elapsed.
SEC. 6. When a person has been proposed
for membership, the fact that such proposition
has been made, shall not be mentioned by any
brother to any person whatever, except he be a
brother, until a decision shall have been had on
the proposition; nor then, except the decision be
favorable.
BY-LAWS.
31
SEC. 7. Any member willfully and knowingly
violating any of the above sections of this article,
shall be suspended from all weekly benefits in
case of sickness, and shall not be permitted to
vote or debate in this Lodge for six months.
SEC. 8. No person shall be initiated, who
shall fail to present himself within one month
after his election, to the right of membership,
unless he shall reside more than ten miles from
the place of meeting of the Lodge, or upon good
cause being shown that he could not present
himself sooner; but he shall be again proposed
as if he had not been elected.
SEC. 9. In balloting for candidates, the ballot-
box, having first been offered to the N. G.
and V. G., in their respective chairs for their
ballots, shall be placed in full view of the N. G.,
and the members shall deposit their ballots
therein, and the result of the balloting having
been inspected by the N. G. and V. G., the V. G.
shall announce the result to the N. G., who shall
declare the same to the Lodge.
SEC. 10. Every member, on being admitted,
shall sign the Constitution and By-Laws of this
Lodge, and thereby agree to support the same,
and pay all legal demands against him so long as
he remains a member.
ARTICLE V.-FEES, DEGREES, ASSESSMENTS AND
APPROPRIATIONS.
SEC. 1. All persons initiated into this Lodge,
shall pay as follows: for every person under the
age of 45 years, $5; and an additional sum of $1
32
BY-LAWS.
per year when over 45 and under 50; and such
additional sum as the Lodge may determine,
when over the age of 50 years.
SEC. 2. The Degrees conferred by this Lodge,
with their cost, shall be as follows: The first, or
Degree of Friendship, $4.00; The second, or De-
gree of Brotherly Love, $4.00; The third, or De-
gree of Truth, $3.00; the fee to accompany the
application.
SEC. 3. All applications for degrees shall be
made to the secretary; such applications to be
determined when open in the third degree,
where wo black balls will cause the candidate
to be rejected, and when so rejected his applica-
tion shall not be again received within three
months.
SEC. 4. Brothers admitted to membership by
deposit of Card, shall pay $3, and for each degree
thereafter conferred, the sum set forth in section
two of this article.
SEC. 5. Any Brother admitted to membership
in this Lodge, as an Ancient Odd Fellow, shall
pay the sum of $5. Subject to section one as to
age.
SEC. 6. Every member of this Lodge shall
pay into its General Fund, the sum of 75 cents
quarterly.
SEC. 7. When a funeral Benefit has been paid,
or the Lodge made liable therefor, if there is
less than two hundred dollars in the Treasury,
a sufficient sum to refund the same shall be as-
sessed by the P. Secretary, upon all the members
of the Lodge, equally; and such assessment
shall be at once due and payable.
BY-LAWS.
33
SEC. 8. No appropriation of moneys to an
amount exceeding twenty-five dollars shall be
made by this Lodge, except for funeral benefits,
unless one week's notice shall have been given
of an intention to move the same. Action to be
had on such notice at the regular meeting after
the expiration of that time.
ARTICLE VI.-BENEFITS.
SEC. 1. Weekly Benefit.-A worthy brother who
shall have been a contributing member of this
Lodge for six months, shall be deemed a benefit
member. If such benefit member shall be disa-
bled by sickness or bodily infirmity, from pursuing
his daily business for one week or more, he
shall be entitled to receive the sum of one dol-
lar and fifty cents per week, if he be a member
of the Initiatory Degree, and two dollars per
week if of the Scarlet Degree; Provided such
sickness or disability be not occasioned by intem-
perance or other immoral conduct; and provided
further, that he be not under the restrictions or
prohibitions of the 3d section of this article. If
there be not sufficient funds in the treasury to
meet this appropriation, the Secretary shall
weekly assess upon all the members of the
Lodge equally, such a sum as shall be needed to
supply the deficiency; such assessment, as soon
as made, to be due and payable.
SEC. 2. Family of a Brother.-If a deceased
brother, who at the time of his death was a
benefit member, shall leave a family unprovided
for, without a protector or guardian, it shall be
the duty of the Visiting Committee to endeavor
34
BY-LAWS.
to place them in a situation where they may be
made comfortable, and be preserved from vice
and infamy.
SEC. 3. No member shall be entitled to the
benefits of this Lodge who is in arrears for dues
of more than thirteen weeks, or who is other-
wise indebted to the Lodge; or who, having
been suspended or expelled, had not been re-in-
stated at least thirteen weeks prior to such sick-
ness; nor can he come in while sick and pay his
dues so as to make him a benefit member during
such sickness.
SEC. 4. On the death of any worthy brother,
who is a benefit member, the sum of fifty dollars
shall be allowed as a Funeral Benefit, which
shall be disposed of as provided for by Clause 3,
Sec. 2, Article II. of the Constitution, and the
Secretary shall notify the members of this
Lodge of the death of a worthy brother, and
they shall, if the Lodge so determine, attend the
funeral in full regalia, if agreeable to the friends
of the deceased.
SEC. 5. On the demise of the wife of a benefit
member of this Lodge, he shall be entitled to
twenty-five dollars, as a Funeral Benefit.
SEC. 6. If a member from a distant Lodge
apply to this Lodge for relief, his case shall be
referred to the Committee of Relief, to investi-
gate his circumstances, and they may in their
discretion draw on the Treasurer of the Lodge
for such sum as they may deem the case re-
quires, not exceeding ten dollars. The same rule
shall also apply to the wife or widow of a brother,
but in no case shall the donation exceed that
amount, unless by vote of the Lodge.
BY-LAWS.
35
SEC. 7. It shall be the duty of any benefit
member who shall be taken sick, to inform the
Visiting Committee, or the Lodge, of his illness,
inside of two weeks, if within five miles of the
city, a neglect of which shall be a forfeiture of
his benefits.
SEC. 8. It shall be the duty of a brother at a
distance from the city of Ann Arbor, in case of
sickness to send a true statement of his case to
this Lodge attested by the N.G. under the Seal of
the Lodge nearest to the place where he may be, or
if no Lodge be near, his case, complaint, condition
and circumstances shall be certified by a practic-
ing physician. A failure to comply with the re-
quirements of this section within four weeks
from the commencement of such sickness, shall
be a forfeiture of benefits up to the time such re-
port shall be made.
SEC. 9. Aged and indigent members of this
Lodge who are clear on the books may receive
from time to time, such aid as may be deter-
mined by a majority vote of all the members pres-
ent at any regular meeting: Provided, such broth-
ers are not at the time, drawing weekly benefits.
ARTICLE VII.-CARDS.
SEC. 1. When any worthy brother desires to
withdraw from this Lodge, he shall signify his
desire in open Lodge; and if he is clear of the
books, he may receive a card of clearance, if
granted by a majority vote with ball ballot, the
expenses of which shall be 50 cents.
SEC. 2. When a worthy brother of this Lodge
may desire a Visiting Card, he shall, if clear of
the books, be entitled to it if upon paying up his
36
BY-LAWS.
dues, etc., to the end of the time for which it is
given; the charge for which shall be 30 cents,
and if applied for in writing, the N. G. and Sec.
may issue the same when the Lodge is not
in session, to be reported to the Lodge at the
first meeting thereafter.
ARTICLE VIII.-STANDING AND SPECIAL COM-
MITTEES.
SEC. 1. The N. G. shall, immediately upon
his installation, appoint (subject to the approba-
tion of the Lodge,) the following standing com-
mittees, to serve one term, viz: Finance Com-
mittee, Committee of Correspondence, and Com-
mittee of Relief.
SEC. 2. The N. G., V. G., T., the R. and L. S. to
N. G., and R. and L. S. to V. G., shall constitute
a Visiting Committee, whose duty it shall be to
visit the sick within twenty-four hours after re-
ceiving information of the same, and continue
to render them during their sickness, such assist-
ance as the law provides; and it shall be the duty
of the N. G. so to arrange that the sick brothers
shall be visited at least once a day during their
illness; and he shall have a correct roll of the
members of the Lodge, for the use of the Visit-
ing Committee; and, if need be, and the cir-
cumstances require it, the Visiting Committee
shall notify two of the members, as they stand
on the roll, to attend such members during the
night, and to render such assistance as may be in
their power: Provided always, That the disease be
not contagious, infectious, or dangerous to others;
in which case the Committee shall, if necessary,
BY-LAWS.
37
employ a nurse, to be paid from the funds of the
Lodge.
SEC. 3. The Committee of Finance shall con-
sist of three members. It shall be their duty to
superintend the financial concerns of the Lodge;
to inspect and audit, semi-annually, the accounts
of the Secretary and Treasurer, or other officers
or committees charged with the receipt or ex-
penditure of moneys of the Lodge; and they
shall be authorized to examine the books and ac-
counts of any officer or member of committee of
the Lodge, whenever they think proper, and to
report as speedily as possible on all matters they
may have in hand. And they shall receive
from the Treasurer, at the end of each official
term, all warrants paid by him, and together
with the Secretary, shall examine and check the
same on the record kept by him, and report
such warrants to the Lodge to be destroyed by
fire before witness.
SEC. 4. The Committee of Correspondence
shall consist of three members. It shall be
their duty to take into consideration such com-
munications as shall be referred to them, and re-
port thereon to the Lodge.
SEC. 5. The Committee of Relief shall consist
of three members in regular attendance, one of
whom to be in possession of the A. T. P. W., to
whom shall be referred all claims for relief or
donations, who shall investigate the same and
report to the Lodge-except as provided for
in Sec. 6 of Art. 6-and no claim rejected by
them shall be allowed by the Lodge except by
a two-thirds vote of members present.
38
BY-LAWS.
SEC. 6. Every Special Committee,
Committee, unless
otherwise ordered, shall consist of three mem-
bers.
SEC. 7. Any member or members of any com-
mittee, having official notice of their appoint-
ment, excepting the Visiting Committee, failing to
attend to the duties of his or their appointment,
shall be fined not less than twenty-five cents, un-
less excused by the Lodge.
SEC. 8. Any failure of duty on the part of the
Visiting Committee shall subject the delinquent
to a fine of fifty cents, unless satisfactory excuse
be given and received by the Lodge.
ARTICLE IX.-FUNDS.
SEC. 1. There shall be but one fund of the
Lodge-the General Fund, which shall consist of
all the money belonging to the Lodge.
ARTICLE X.-PENALTIES.
SEC. 1. Any member of the Lodge who is in
arrears over thirteen weeks, for dues, or fines
amounting to 75 cents, shall not be privileged to
vote or speak in the Lodge, except in explana-
tion.
SEC. 2. Every member who shall refuse or neg-
lect to pay his dues and arrears to the Lodge for
the space of eleven months,shall be officially noti-
fied thereof by the P. Secretary, attested by the
R. S., if his address is known; and if, after four
weeks, his account still remains unsettled, he
shall be suspended during the pleasure of the
Lodge; and on re-instatement, shall pay the
amount standing against him at the time of his
suspension, if within two years; if after two
years, such sum as the Lodge shall determine.
BY-LAWS.
39
SEC. 3. Every elected officer who shall be ab-
sent fifteen minutes after the time of meeting,
shall be fined ten cents; every appointed officer
who shall be absent shall be fined ten cents.
Should either the Secretary or Treasurer, fail to
have his books in the Lodge beyond the time
last specified, he shall forfeit the sum of twenty-
five cents in addition. Should any person having
charge of the keys of the Lodge room fail to be
present with them, or to have the keys there, he
shall pay a fine of two dollars for every such neg-
lect. But a reasonable excuse for any such absence
or delay, may be received by the Lodge, in lieu
of the fine imposed.
SEC. 4. Any member who shall, in the Lodge,
make use of any profane or indecent language,
or refuse to obey the commands of the N. G.
when called to order, or use disrespectful ex-
pressions toward the officers, or members of the
Lodge, shall be subject to a fine for each offence,
not exceeding five dollars.
SEC. 5. Any member who shall be guilty of
improper conduct, in or out of the Lodge, or
shall bring charges against a brother, which he
knows he is unable to prove, or designedly
propose persons of unworthy character for mem-
bership, shall subject himself to fine, suspension
or expulsion, according to the enormity of the
offense.
SEC. 6. Any member being guilty of drunken-
ness, or of henious offences against the laws of
the land, or of feigning himself sick, with a
view to abuse the benevolent intentions of the
Order shall be expelled.
UgrM
40
BY-LAWS.
SEC. 7. No smoking or refreshments other
than water, shall at any time be allowed in the
Lodge room.
SEC. 8. Any member who shall accept an
office in this Lodge, and who shall refuse to per-
form the duties of such office, shall be fined not
less than five dollars, or expelled, at the option of
the Lodge.
SEC. 9. If any member divulge the name of a
brother who shall think proper to speak or vote
against a candidate proposed for initiation; or if
any brother make public any business which
should be confined to the Lodge, he shall be
fined or expelled, at the pleasure of the Lodge,
such fine to be, in no case, less than $5.
SEC. 10. If it be established to the satisfaction
of the Lodge, that the answers to the questions
signed by a member previous to his admission
be untrue, the offender shall forfeit all claims to
benefits, and after a fair trial be subject to sus-
pension or expulsion.
SEC. 11. Every member who has been regu-
larly notified to attend a sick brother during the
night, and shall neglect the duty, or neglect to
provide a substitute, shall be fined $1; nor shall
any excuse be deemed sufficient, unless two-thirds
of the members present shall by their votes pro-
nounce it so.
SEC. 12. For any failure by the Financial Sec-
retary to notify brothers of their fines and
arrearages, as provided for by these By-Laws, he
shall be fined $2.
BY-LAWS.
41
+
SEC. 13. Any guardian, by neglect, permitting
a brother or stranger to enter the Lodge, contrary
to the rules of the Order, shall be fined or sus-
pended as the Lodge may determine.
SEC. 14. The Lodge may remit, either in
whole or in part, any of the fines or penalties
enumerated in these By-Laws by a two-thirds
vote of the members present at any regular
meeting, except in the case provided for in sec-
tion 11 of this article: Provided, the motion or
excuse be made at the next regular meeting at
which the delinquent shall be present, under
the proper head.
SEC. 15. All fines and penalties enumerated
in these By-Laws shall be disposed of as pro-
vided for in Sec. 3, Clause 3, Art. 2 of General
Laws, except Sec. 4 and 12 of this Art., which
shall be decided by a two-thirds vote of the
Lodge.
ARTICLE XI,-FRATERNAL COURTESY.
It is particularly enjoined by the Lodge, that
all its members treat each other, during its sit-
tings, with due consideration and respect; that
every brother carefully avoid all ungenerous re-
marks, personal allusions, and sarcastic language,
by which the feelings of any brother may be
wounded, or those proverbial and prominent ob-
jects of the Order-Friendship, Charity and Har-
mony-lessened or in anywise interrupted; and
that all the discussions be conducted in that
lovely spirit of candor, which inevitably leads
men to the practice of good fellowship-the
cousin-german of Odd-Fellowship divine.
42
BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE XII.-AMENDMENTS.
Any proposed amendments to these By-Laws
shall be offered in writing to the Lodge, at the
last regular meeting in any term; and at the next
regular meeting, the action of the Lodge may be
taken on such amendment. Two-thirds of the
members present shall constitute a majority to
decide on amendments thus proposed: Provided,
however, That any amendment of which notice
shall have been given, in writing, at two regular
meetings in succession, and which shall be
acted upon at the first regular meeting after
the second notice, may be adopted if sanctioned
by a unanimous vote of all the members present,
and go into effect as soon as approved by the
Grand Lodge.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
1. Opening of the Lodge.
2. The proceedings of the last meeting read,
and if no objection be made to any part thereof,
they shall stand approved without vote.
3. Reports of Visiting Committee.
4. Reports of Committees on Candidates.
5. Balloting for Members.
6. Candidates admitted for Initiation.
7. Propositions for Membership.
8. Reports of Committee on Correspondence,
and disposed of.
9. Reports of Committee of Finance.
10. Reports of Special Committee, by seniority.
11. Unfinished Business, by priority.
12. New Business.
13. Has any Brother anything to offer for the
good of the Order.
The order of business as herein arranged, may,
at any time for an occasion, be dispensed with,
by a special two-thirds vote of the Lodge.
3
DECORUM.
RULE 1. During the continuance of the meeting,
the officers and members shall retain their re-
spective seats, and no one shall leave the room
without the permission of the V. G., or enter
without the consent of the N. G., or V. G.
2. Every officer and member shall be desig-
nated in debate, or otherwise by his proper office
or title, according to his standing in the Lodge.
3. No member shall be permitted to vote or
speak unless clothed in regalia appropriate to his
rank or station.
THE CHAIR.
RULE 1. The N. G., while presiding, shall state
every question coming before the Lodge, and
immediately before putting it to vote, shall ask:
"Is the Lodge ready for the question?" Should no
one rise to speak, he shall rise to take the ques-
tion; and after he has risen, no member shall
speak upon it, unless by consent of the N. G. He
shall pronounce the vote and decision of the
Lodge on all subjects, except on a ballot for mem-
bership, when the V. G. shall announce the re-
sult to the N. G. His decisions on questions of
order shall be without debate, unless, entertain-
ing doubts on the point he invites it; and he shall
have privilege of speaking only on such questions
from the chair. When his decision has been ap-
DECORUM.
45
pealed from, the question shall be put thus-
"Will the Lodge sustain the Chair in its decision ?"
DEBATE.
RULE 1. Every member, when he speaks or
offers a motion shall be standing, and shall re-
spectfully address the Chair; and when finished
he shall resume his seat. While speaking he
shall confine himself to the question under de-
bate, avoiding all personality and indecorous
language, as well as any reflection upon the Lodge
or its members.
2. Should two or more members rise to speak
at the same time, the Chair shall decide which
shall be entitled to the floor.
3. No member shall interrupt another in his
remarks, unless to call him to order for words
spoken.
4. If a member, while speaking, be called to
order at the request of the Chair, he shall cease
speaking and take his seat until the question of
order is determined, when, if permitted, he may
again proceed.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
on the same question (unless in explanation),
without the permission of the Chair.
QUESTIONS AND VOTES.
RULE. 1. When any communication, petition or
memorial is presented, before it is read or any
vote taken on it, a brief statement of its contents
46
DECORUM.
shall be made by the Chair; and after it has
been read, a brief notice of the purport shall be
entered upon the Journal.
2. No motion shall be subject to action till
seconded and stated by the Chair; and, at the
desire of any member, such motion shall be re-
duced to writing.
3. When a blank is to be filled, the question
shall be taken first upon the highest sum or
number, and the longest or latest time proposed.
4. Any member may call for division of a ques-
tion, when the sense will admit of it.
5. When a question is before the Lodge, no
motion shall be received, unless To ADJOURN;
THE PREVIOUS QUESTION; TO LAY ON THE TABLE; to
postpone indefinitely; to postpone to a certain period;
to refer; or to amend; such motions shall have
precedence in the order herein arranged; the
first three to be decided without debate; but no
motion to adjourn, shall be in order until after
the reports of Special Committees, and imme-
diately after the passage of such a motion, the
Lodge shall proceed to close in the usual form.
6. After any question, except one of indefinite
postponement, has been decided, any two mem-
bers who voted in the majority, may, at the same
or next succeeding meeting, move for a reconsid-
eration thereof.
7. The previous question can be called for by
two members, if seconded by a majority, and
shall be put in this form-" Shall the main question
be now put?" If carried, all amendments not
DECORUM.
47
already adopted shall be precluded, and the
main question taken without further debate.
8. When one-fifth of the members present rise
in favor of taking a question by yeas and nays,
they shall be ordered to be so recorded.
9. Every member present shall vote on any
question before the Lodge, unless personally in-
terested in the result, or otherwise incapacitated.
10. All further rules for the government of the
Lodge, shall be the common parliamentary law
as laid down by Cushing in his Manual.
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