Missouri State By-Laws
Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association of Missouri
Updated and Adopted 8 Jan 2011
MEMBERSHIP PLEDGE:
It is the pledge of the membership to support the
welfare and general well-being of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders
Association.
We further pledge that as members of the Widows
Sons Masonic Riders Association, we shall set a good example and never
bring dishonor to the Association, Freemasonry or ourselves in general.
We pledge that we will support our brethren in the
Widows Sons regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin, and
will never knowingly bring reproach upon a fellow brother of the
Association.
We pledge to combat any forces, which would seek to
undermine or bring reproach on the Widows Sons Masonic Riders
Association or its members, and we shall always strive to bring respect
and dignity to the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association.
It is the pledge of each member to conduct himself
or his business, when wearing the Widows Sons patch, in direct
co-ordinance to the bylaws of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri and the blue lodge in which
he is a member.
It is the pledge of the Chapter President and
Officers to enhance the welfare and general well being of the Widows
Sons Masonic Riders Association of Missouri.
It is the pledge of
the President and Officers to rule and guide the association with due
and equal regularity in the best interest of the Widows Sons Masonic
Riders Association of Missouri and to base all decisions on the
betterment or improvement of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association.
Article 1
CONSTITUTION
Section 1
This organization shall be known as the Widows Sons
Masonic Riders Association of Missouri a not for profit organization.
The principle mailing address of: Widows Sons MRA, will be set forth by
the presiding State President and will be a mailing address accessible
to him and/ the State Secretary
Section 2
The organization, The Widows Sons Masonic Riders
Association of Missouri (further mentioned as “Widows Sons MRA of
Missouri”) shall be governed by the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri Grand
Chapter until such time as there are 4 or more active chapters
(inclusive of the Grand Chapter), duly granted a charter by the Grand
Chapter within the State of Missouri. Upon chartering of the fourth
chapter a 'President's Governing Board' (State Officers Board) will be
implemented.
The State Officers Board will assume all the responsibilities of the Grand Chapter and will be comprised of Elected State Officers and a Panel of State Trustees comprised of the President or a past President of each chapter and a duly elected chapter member (not holding an office) of each charter holding chapter in the state of Missouri. The State Officers Board shall have jurisdiction over the membership and activities of any and all Missouri based chapters, inclusive of the former Grand Chapter, as prescribed in this constitution.
All actions taken by the State Officers Board will
require a majority vote of the members present. The State President will
vote only in case of a tie, and then, only at his discretion. In the
event of a tie, the State President will hold the option to immediately
veto any motion resulting in a tied vote; or, table the motion for
further discussion; or, assign State Officers Board Members to a
committee to research the subject of the motion; the State President
will be permitted to vote in the election of State Officers Board
officers. In all cases each member will hold one (1) vote.
The State Officers Board will remain the governing
body, once instituted, and authority will not revert to a Grand Chapter
unless the number of active chapters falls to (3) or less. In such a
case, the dominant Chapter, containing the most members, will assume the
duties of the Grand Chapter until such a time as there are 4 active
Chapters and the State Officers Board shall be reinstated.
The right to reserve districts for Chapter
organization throughout the boundaries of the State of Missouri is
reserved for future consideration by the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri
State Officers Board.
The Widows Sons MRA of Missouri, State Officers
Board reserves the right to issue or deny any and all use of the Widows
Sons patch and logo to any chapter that has been designated a chapter of
the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri in accordance with these by-laws, and
also reserves the right to revoke the charter or patches of any
chapter(s), it has issued within the boundaries of the State of
Missouri, who violates the bylaws of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of the State
of Missouri, and/or the bylaws of the Widows Sons, and/or governs
themselves in an un-Masonic manner, and/or brings disgrace or
embarrassment to any chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders
Association and/or any Blue Lodge, Grand Lodge or other recognized body
of Masons.
PURPOSE
Section 1
It shall be the objective of each chapter of the
Widows Sons MRA of Missouri to contribute to the relief of the
widows of Master Masons within the boundaries of their jurisdiction set
by the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri State Officers Board, and to donate
to Masonic related or State Officers Board approved charitable
organizations selected by the President of each chapter. All chapters
will be required to conduct at least one yearly fund raising event where
the proceeds are donated to such a charity.
All chapters will be
required to conduct at least one yearly fund raising event where the
proceeds are donated to such charities.
It shall be required by the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri State
Officers Board that all chartered Widows Sons chapters under its
jurisdiction require their active members to remain in good standing in
the records of their blue lodge and to conduct themselves in accordance
with all state, federal and local laws.
The State Officers Board and all subordinate
chapters shall not engage in political, religious or any activities that
promote separation rather than unity, or cause controversy in the
chapter or within the Widows Sons MRA. It is the duty of the chapter
President to cease any activity within his chapter that may cause
disagreement or controversy inside the chapter or within the Widows Sons
MRA.
Any member who disregards or disobeys
a direct order by the President of his chapter to cease any activity
will have his membership in the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri is subject
to termination pending a review of all facts by the officers of his
chapter. The facts will be presented by the Chapter President to his
officers within thirty (30) days of the violation, in writing, and
action will require a majority vote of the Chapter's officers. The
Chapter Secretary in the Chapter’s records will keep a full record of
the proceedings and a copy of the proceedings shall be forwarded to the
Board Secretary within thirty (30) days of the proceedings.
It shall further be an object of this organization to receive,
manage, invest, expend or otherwise use the funds and property of this
organization to achieve the objectives set forth in this constitution
and for such additional purposes and objects not inconsistent therewith
as will further the interests of this organization, and its members
directly or indirectly.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
The Widows Sons MRA of
Missouri and its chapters shall limit active membership to only Master
Masons (AF&AM or F&AM) who are members in good standing of a Blue Lodge
recognized by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of AF&AM of the state of
Missouri.
No chapter shall include
in their active membership anyone who is not a Master Mason in good
standing in the records of his lodge, nor shall they accept into any
form of membership anyone who is a member of a clandestine lodge, or
lodge that is not recognized by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges AF&AM
of the State of Missouri.
Each member to this organization shall have equal
rights and privileges in connection with attending meetings and the
participation in the deliberations of such meetings. Each Chapter may be
required from time to time to send representative officers to special
meetings called by the State Officers Board.
The formation of a new chapter requires 5-10 Master
Masons in good standing, written by-laws in accordance with state
provisions, and Masonic name for said chapter. All chapters have a
probationary period of 90 days, starting from the date the Missouri
State board approves the charters proposed by-laws.
OFFICERS
Section 1
The officers of the
Chapters shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and/or
Treasurer. In addition the Chapters may have a Chaplain, Sergeant at
Arms, Guardian of Membership, and Road Captain. Officers are elected
annually and may be in office for no more than two (2) consecutive
years. Chapter elections are to be held in October. All vacant offices
must be filled within thirty (30) days of vacancy.
The President of the
State Officers Board shall enforce all provisions of the Constitution
and Bylaws. The President shall authorize the disbursement of all funds
from the accounts of the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri as approved by the
Board. Funds may only be spent after a vote of the elected membership of
the State Officers Board.
The Vice-President, in absence of the President,
shall preside and perform all duties pertaining to the office of the
President, and render such assistance as may be required.
The Vice-President shall coordinate all
committees and supervise plans for all assn. events.
The Vice-President shall act as an intermediary between the
President and the Members.
All questions or comments concerning any assn. business not specifically
related to the duties of the other officers should be brought to
directly to his attention. This Officer will maintain
accountability and control of Membership, Merchandise and Property of
the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri.
The Secretary and/or Treasurer shall countersign
all notices/checks for the expenditure of funds from the accounts of the
chapter and together with the President, shall exercise joint custody
and control over all Chapter assets. They shall act in accordance with
the wishes of the membership as laid out in these by-laws. The
State Officers Board will in similar
fashion handle and disburse funds under its control. "Membership" in
this case will be defined as members of the
State Officers Board.
The State Chaplain will
be responsible for leading prayer at appropriate times during chapter
activities. The Sergeant-at-Arms will be responsible for maintaining
order during Board functions and providing security during these
functions as needed. The Sergeant-at-Arms should also act as a liaison
between the State Officers Board and Chapters.
MEETINGS
Section 1
Chapters will have the
right to schedule their own meetings to fit their purposes. Chapters
will be required to have a minimum of six (6) meetings per year
(scheduled group rides will qualify as a meeting).
Members are encouraged
to wear their patches at all meetings and events. Meetings may be
attended by members, prospective members, spouses, significant others,
and family members when business is being conducted. Any business being
deemed as sensitive business shall be heard by members only, or in an
executive session, and this at the discretion of the President.
All chapters shall submit an annual report to the
Widows Sons MRA of Missouri Grand Chapter, by Jan 1st. The
report shall include the following: Members name, Lodge name & number,
Office held by members within the Chapter and Lodge of all regular
members. The report shall also include dates and times of all meetings.
Also should include notable Chapter events from the preceding year.
Article 6
Motorcycles
All active members who own motorcycles must operate
a legally licensed (for street use) motorcycle. They must also
possess a valid motorcycle operator’s license and insurance and comply
with all laws governing the operation of said motorcycle. Motorcycles
must be kept in legal and safe operating condition at all times.
Any member operating an unsafe motorcycle or operating in an unsafe
manner may be excluded from group rides for the safety of other riders
for a period determined by the Chapter President.
LOGOS
Section 1
The Presidents of the chapters will order logos
(patch) for their new members only from the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri
State Vice President, or a supplier
designated by such. The logo (patch) will always remain the property of
the Widows Sons MRA of Missouri State
Officers Board and will be returned to the Association upon
demand with reimbursement dependent upon the condition of the patch and
the State Officers Board Discretion.
Only active members will be allowed to wear the full logo (patch).
The full logo (patch) will consist of the chapter
name below the logo or Northern Jurisdiction (Modern patch), and the
traditional Square and Compass patch on the top left shoulder. Only the
State Officers Board will use the
terms State Officers Board and no
Chapter will designate a location on the back of their vest whatsoever.
Chapter location may be worn on the front of the vest at each Chapter’s
discretion in the form of a Chapter patch. All references to location
must be approved by the State Officers Board.
All new chapters will consult to the State
Officers Board on proper patch placement.
Each chapter will be required to receive approval
from the Vice-President of the Missouri State
Officers Board prior to having any promotional materials printed,
sewn, made or distributed that includes the Widows Sons logo or any
representation thereof.
The State Officers Board will govern what is or is
not appropriate for display on the vest of a Chapter or a Chapter member
in the event that Chapter or Chapter Member displays subject material
that is offensive or un-Masonic in content. No member or Charter will
display any device or material on their Widows Sons vest that contains
nudity or profanity, affiliate or support to a 1% Club, or a device or
material that has been officially banned and recorded in the
Constitution of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of AF&AM of the State of
Missouri.
FUNERALS
Section 1
Each Chapter shall have a Funeral Committee made up of three (3) members. When requested, the Chapter shall be available for assisting the family members with all arrangements.
Section 2
All members are
encouraged to attend the funeral of any member of their Chapter or his
immediate family. Attending members shall wear the Widows Sons patch.
When possible, the members of the funeral committee will see that the
Chapter is represented at the funeral of a member of any other Chapter.
Article 9
FINANCES
Section 1
Initiation fees and
yearly dues will be set by each Chapter.
Each Chapter shall
submit a per capita fee by Jan 1st, or upon receiving a new Charter, to
Board Secretary or Treasurer. The current per capita rate is $5.00 per
member.
CHARGES AND
DISPUTES
It is the intent of these by-laws to keep peace and
harmony between all members and chapters. In the event there is a
dispute between members or chapters all parties involved will be
directed to meet and resolve the dispute to the benefit of the Widows
Sons in general and the Masonic fraternity in particular.
This failing, the dispute will be brought to the
attention of the Missouri Grand Chapter, or the State Officers Board as
appropriate, by submitting it in writing to its Secretary. A meeting
will then be convened by the Guardian of Membership of the Grand
Chapter, or the State President of the State Officers Board as
appropriate, to include all involved parties. It is fully expected
that peace and harmony will prevail and that all parties involved will
work together to reach consensus and resolve the issue. If a
resolution is not reached to which all parties agree, the issue will be
resolved by a vote of the officers of the Missouri Grand Chapter, or the
State Officers Board as appropriate. Their ruling will be final
and not subject to further appeal.
PROPERTY
The Board has the
authority to suspend, trustee, or revoke any Chapter. In the event the
Chapter is suspended, trusted, or revoked, all of its funds, books,
paper, assets, and other properties shall be forwarded to the Secretary
of the Board who shall inventory and hold them for reorganization. If no
reorganization occurs within a period of two (2) years, any funds,
books, paper, assets, or other property that has been transferred to the
Board may be distributed at the Board’s discretion.
General
Conditions
The Missouri Grand Chapter, or the
State Officers Board as appropriate,
reserves the right to amend or change any or all by-laws listed in this
document at its sole discretion. Any subordinate chapter not
wishing to comply with any changes may at any time dissolve its charter
by a majority vote of its membership and returning to the Missouri Grand
Chapter, or the State Officers Board
as appropriate all logos, patches, and materials relating to its
operation or obtained from the Missouri Grand Chapter, or the
State Officers Board as appropriate,
or any other Widows Sons chapter from any jurisdiction.
Affiliated Chapters may amend these by-laws for
their use only in so far as their changes add to the conditions
and terms set forth in these by-laws. No change will be permitted that
materially changes the intent or purpose of these by-laws.
Interpretation of any changes will be solely at the discretion of the
Missouri Grand Chapter, or the State Officers
Board as appropriate.
Proposed changes to a chapter's bylaws will be
submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Grand Chapter, or the
State Officers Board as appropriate,
for approval prior to implementation. The President/State
President will hold a vote of his officers to decide whether to accept
or reject the proposed change at the next State Meeting or at within 60
days if the proposal is of a time sensitive nature. The submitting
chapter will be notified in writing of the decision. In all cases
e-mail will be considered an appropriate method of communication.
Membership
Pledge
We pledge that as members of the Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association, we above all others, shall set a good example
and never bring dishonor to the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association,
Freemasonry, or ourselves.
Sean P. Petet - State President, Widows Sons
MRA