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The Freemasons of America contribute almost
two million dollars every day to charitable causes which they,
alone, have established. These services to mankind represent
an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and
concern of unique and honorable Fraternity.
The idea of forming a Masonic Lodge in the
southeastern part of Fort Worth originated among Brethren
A. G. Hanson, J. S. Bates, and W. H. Shamburger. In the early
part of September 1922, Brother Bates called a meeting in
the Tabernacle Baptist Church to which about twenty-five (25)
Brethren responded. It was decided at this meeting to make
efforts to complete a preliminary organization toward obtaining
a Charter.
Brother Bates was selected as Chairman and
Brother Shamburger as Secretary. At a later meeting names
for the Lodge were submitted, and proposed officers selected.
The name Tabernacle, submitted by Brother W. H. Collins, was
selected as being especially appropriate, since the idea of
the Lodge was originated by the pastor and several members
of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. Brother Felix M. Bransford,
Past Master of Polytechnic Lodge No. 925, had agreed to become
Worshipful Master of the new Lodge. Brothers H. H. Webb and
W. E. Haggard were named Senior and Junior Wardens, respectively.
After proper petitions were acted upon, a Charter was granted
by the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 8, 1922.
During the ensuing time in which our building
was being erected, we were tendered the use of the Polytechnic
Lodge room, which was gratefully accepted.
Tabernacle Masonic Lodge No. 1195 was set
to work on January 26, 1923, in the Polytechnic Lodge Hall
by R:.W:. Sam J. Callaway, District Deputy Grand Master of
the 64th Masonic District, with Brother Ed McRae, Past Master
of Polytechnic Lodge, acting as Marshal.
The following Officers were installed:
Worshipful Master Felix M. Bransford
Senior Warden H. H. Webb
Junior Warden W. E. Haggard
Treasurer J. K. Coons, Jr.
Secretary T. O. Mayfield
Senior Deacon Homer T. Moore
Junior Deacon R. E. Musselwhite
Senior Steward S. J. Payne
Junior Steward N. E. Smith
Tiler J. H. Withers
Chaplain Rev. J. S. Bates
The following 44 Brethren signed the application
for the Charter and are recorded as Charter Members:
M. A. Arnald T. O. Mayfield
J. S. Bates C. E. Moore
C. W. Bailey H. T. Moore
J. H. Campbell C. W. Morrison
A. C. Bechtol H. B. Snedeker
F. M. Bransford J. A. Walker
B. Cameron I. M. Wilson
W. H. Collins J. H. Withers
J. K. Coons, Jr. H. W. Graves
H. M. Duncan C. V. Morrison
N. E. Smith R. E. Musselwhite
R. J. Steagall W. H. Nash
H. H. Webb J. H. Nordman
T. G. Willis S. J. Payne
W. E. Haggard M. F. Ramsey
A. G. Hansen A. E. Reed
R. C. Hansen C. L. Robertson
G. A. Hines W. H. Shamburger
William Hogan E. C. Spinks
J. E. Johnson G. L. Walker
J. W. King G. L. Wilkinson
SECTION 1. This Lodge was chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Texas on December 8, 1922, and shall be known
by the name and style of “Tabernacle Masonic Lodge No. 1195.”
SECTION 2. This Lodge subscribes to and shall
be governed by the Constitution, Laws, Resolutions, and Edicts
of the Grand Lodge of Texas.
SECTION 1. The Stated Meetings shall be held
on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.
SECTION 2. Meetings may be called as the Worshipful
Master may direct (or in his absence by the Senior Warden,
or in the absence of both the Worshipful Master and the Senior
Warden, then by the Junior Warden) at such times as they,
or either of them having the right to act.
SECTION 3. As many members as possible should
be notified of such meetings and no business shall be transacted
at same except as specified in the call.
The officers of this Lodge shall be a Worshipful
Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary,
Chaplain, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior
Steward, Marshal, Master of Ceremonies, Musician, and Tiler.
SECTION 1. The Worshipful Master, Senior and
Junior Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, and Tiler shall be elected
by ballot; the Junior Deacon shall be appointed by the Senior
Warden; the Senior and Junior Stewards by the Junior Warden;
and all other officers shall be appointed by the Worshipful
Master.
SECTION 2. In the election of officers, should
only one name be placed in nomination, the vote may be taken
without ballot; but should more than one Brother be placed
in nomination, the members shall prepare their ballots, which
will be taken up and counted at the Secretary’s desk, and
the number of votes received by each Brother reported to the
presiding officer, and he shall declare the Brother receiving
a majority of all the votes duly elected.
SECTION 3. In the event no Brother has such
majority, the ballot will be repeated until such result is
attained. Blank votes shall not be considered in determining
the results.
SECTION 1. Worshipful Master: It shall be
the duty of the Worshipful Master to preside over the Lodge
and see that the by-laws, rules and regulations of the Lodge,
as well as the Constitution, Resolutions, and Edicts of the
Grand Lodge, are duly observed; to appoint all officers and
committees not otherwise provided for; and to see that the
officers and committees attend strictly to their duties.
SECTION 2. Treasurer: It shall be the duty
of the Treasurer to hold all deeds, certificates of stock,
notes, bonds obligations, insurance policies, or other property
of a financial character belonging to the Lodge; and to collect
and receive the same when directed by the Lodge, to receive
all moneys from the Secretary, passing his receipt for the
same, and keep a correct account of same. He shall report
in writing to the Worshipful Master and the Lodge at each
Stated Meeting as to the financial status of the Lodge. Such
reports shall reflect all moneys received and all expenditures
made since the last previous report and shall reflect the
expenditures by category for comparison to the various items
in the approved operating budget. He shall also prepare a
written report in the same manner that shall reflect the financial
status of all funds up to and including June 24. This annual
report shall be submitted to the Lodge at the Stated Meeting
in July. His salary and allowances shall be as approved by
the Lodge based on the findings and recommendations of the
Finance Committee.
SECTION 3. Secretary: It shall be the duty
of the Secretary to carefully observe proceedings of the Lodge,
make a correct record of all things proper to be written,
receive all moneys due the Lodge, and pay them over to the
Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same. Further:
3.1 To keep all books and papers relating
to the proceedings of the Lodge.
3.2 To authenticate all official papers and
documents emanating from the Lodge with the seal of the same.
3.3 To notify all Brethren of their election
to office, if they were not present at the time of the election.
3.4 To notify the Grand Secretary, as prescribed
by law, of the suspension or expulsion of members, and of
the rejection of applicants; to issue all summons, demits,
and notices, as he may be directed; to make out and transmit
to the Grand Secretary the annual returns of this Lodge, also
the Grand Lodge dues; report to the Grand Secretary the names
of all Brethren elected to Parent or Plural Membership; and
perform all other duties appertaining to his office.
3.5 To maintain a Petty Cash Fund of up to
$50.00 for payment and/or reimbursement of small incidental
expenses and report such expenditures to the Lodge at the
next Stated Meeting for ratification.
3.6 His salary and allowances shall be as
approved by the Lodge based on the findings and recommendations
of the Finance Committee.
SECTION 4. Tiler: It shall be the duty of the Tiler to see
that the various articles of furniture are in their appropriate
places; to strictly guard the door during all meetings of
the Lodge; to summon the members of the Lodge to all called
meetings where a summons is necessary, and be punctual in
his attendance. For the performance of these and such other
duties as may appertain to the duties of his office he shall
receive an amount as set by the Lodge.
SECTION 1. The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden,
and Junior Warden shall constitute a standing committee on
Fraternal Assistance, Sickness and Arbitration, a majority
of whom may at all times act, and are responsible to the Lodge.
1.1 Fraternal Assistance: It is their duty
to examine all claimants for assistance, and, if they deem
it necessary, they are authorized to spend and be reimbursed
by the Lodge in each instance an amount not to exceed $100.00,
reporting the facts in each case to the Lodge at the next
Stated Meeting. Any Master Mason (In Good Standing) of this
Lodge or any family member of a deceased Master Mason (In
Good Standing) of this Lodge may apply to any member of this
committee for Fraternal Assistance; such applicant’s name
shall be kept secret.
1.2 Sickness: To visit all sick Brethren unless
it would be dangerous or imprudent to do so and to ascertain
their condition and necessities both in regard to the Brother
and his family.
1.3 Arbitration: It shall be the duty of this
committee to settle all differences between Brethren, unless
the parties prefer to bring the matter before the Lodge.
SECTION 2. The Worshipful Master shall appoint
a Membership Retention Committee, the Chairman of which shall
be the Senior Warden. This committee will make sincere attempts
to contact all members of this Lodge who have not paid their
dues as of January 1 of each year to encourage such payment
and/or determine if a just cause exists for non-payment. The
results of such efforts shall be reported at each Stated Meeting
beginning with January. All such delinquent members shall
be contacted at least once by the Stated Meeting in March.
SECTION 3. The Worshipful Master shall appoint
a Finance Committee consisting of three members, the Chairman
of which shall be the senior member. Each subsequent Worshipful
Master will appoint one new member to this committee who will
serve for a period of three years.
It shall be the duty of this committee, at
the close of each Masonic year, as soon as appointed, and
oftener if required, to carefully examine the reports, books
and vouchers of the Secretary and Treasurer, and any other
financial matters referred to them, and make a full and accurate
report at the next Stated Meeting of the Lodge, showing the
condition of the books and accounts. Should any inaccuracies
be found, the committee shall recommend the necessary steps
for their correction. In the matter of ordinary accounts referred
to them, they may, if satisfied report at once.
3.1 The annual operating budget for the Lodge for the coming
Masonic year shall be prepared by the incoming Worshipful
Master with the assistance of the Treasurer and Secretary,
referred to the Finance Committee for their recommendations
to the Lodge. The proposed budget shall be presented to the
Lodge for consideration, amended as may be necessary, and
approved by the Lodge. After approval by the Lodge, the budget
becomes operative and no changes in expenditures should be
made without approval of the Lodge. Such changes should be
referred to the Finance Committee. The committee shall in
all instances expedite their review and make their recommendations
to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting; however, in all instances,
the decision of the Lodge shall prevail.
3.2 All investments of any funds of the Lodge
shall be referred to this committee. It will advise the Worshipful
Master and the Lodge for reasonable and prudent investments
consistent with safety.
3.3 This committee shall make reports as required
by the Internal Revenue Service to maintain tax exempt status.
3.4 Should any one of the members of this
committee become non-available due to death, extended illness
or for any other reason, he shall be replaced by another member
to be appointed by the Worshipful Master at the first Stated
Meeting following such non-availability. The member so appointed
shall serve the remainder of the term of the member he replaces.
No member shall be reappointed to this committee for a period
of one year following the year in which he last served.
SECTION 4. The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden,
Treasurer, and Secretary will be ex-officio members, without
voting privileges, of all standing committees except as provided
for herein.
All petitions for initiation must be actually
signed by the applicant and must state his age, occupation,
and residence. He shall have resided in the state for twelve
months and the city or jurisdiction of this Lodge for six
months before the date of his petition. He must be recommended
by two brethren in good standing and members of this Lodge
who are acquainted with him. The petition shall be referred
to an investigating committee of three members of this Lodge
and shall lay over for a period of one month. The committee
will report in writing on the character and qualifications
of the petitioner; each report must be signed by the investigator.
A ballot shall be taken and, if found favorable as prescribed
by Grand Lodge Law, the applicant shall be declared elected
to receive the Degrees in Masonry and be initiated as soon
thereafter as convenient.
A member is chargeable with dues until his
application for a Demit is granted. He cannot be required
to pay per capita to the Grand Lodge.
SECTION 1. Annual dues will be an amount not less than the
minimum established by the Grand Lodge of Texas. They may
be changed by a majority vote of the Lodge at a Stated Meeting.
SECTION 2. This Lodge can at any Stated Meeting
remit the dues of a member, either for meritorious service
or whenever it is satisfied that a Brother is unable to pay
the same.
SECTION 3. Endowed Memberships.
3.1 Any member of this Lodge may purchase
an Endowed Membership from the Grand Lodge of Texas for the
full amount as stipulated by the Grand Lodge, provided his
dues are current for the year in which the Endowment will
take effect.
3.2 Endowed Memberships may also be purchased
on an installment plan by making an “Application and Agreement
to Purchase Endowed Memberships on Installment Plan” to the
Lodge in accordance with the plan established by the Grand
Lodge and as approved by the Lodge.
3.3 Any individual, group, organization, or
Lodge may purchase an Endowed Membership in honor or memory
of any Master Mason (living or deceased) who is or was at
the time of his death a member in Good Standing of a Lodge
in any Grand Jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge of
Texas. This Lodge may make such purchases only after a favorable
vote of the Lodge.
3.4 Funds collected on an installment basis
shall be segregated from other accounts of the Lodge. The
Lodge may, however, deposit the sufficient funds as established
by the banking institution to maintain this segregated account.
3.5 Lodge regulations concerning the purchase
of Endowed Memberships shall in all cases be subject to the
provisions and terms of Article 318a of the Constitution of
the Grand Lodge of Texas.
3.6 When an Endowed Membership is fully funded,
it shall be transmitted to the Grand Lodge in accordance with
Grand Lodge requirements.
3.7 Endowed Members will be relieved from
any further payment of annual dues to this Lodge after acceptance
of the Endowed Membership by the Grand Lodge.
SECTION 4. Fees for the Degrees may be changed
by a majority vote of the Lodge at a Stated Meeting. The $5.00
donation to the George Washington National Memorial collected
from the candidate for the Entered Apprentice’s degree is
in addition to the regular fee for that degree. The $10.00
donation to the Masonic Home and School collected from the
candidate for the Master Mason’s degree is in addition to
the regular fee for that degree. These donations will be forwarded
to the Grand Lodge of Texas in accordance with Grand Lodge
requirements.
SECTION 1. A visitor shall not be admitted except upon due
examination or lawful avouchment.
SECTION 2. In the event the visiting Brother
is a stranger and belongs to a Lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction,
the Secretary should notify the visitor’s Lodge that we have
had the pleasure of a visit by one of its members giving his
name and date.
SECTION 1. Weapons – Weapons, either offensive
or defensive, shall not be carried into the Lodge Room.
SECTION 2. Every check issued by this Lodge
shall be signed by any three of the following officers: Worshipful
Master, Senior Warden, Treasurer, or Secretary.
SECTION 3. Checks are issued only by vouchers,
signed by the Secretary, and countersigned by the Worshipful
Master.
SECTION 1. All business shall have precedence
in the following order, unless ordered by the Lodge, or by
the Worshipful Master:
1.1 Reading, correcting and approval of Minutes of previous
meetings.
1.2 Receiving and referring to Committees
of Petitions and Applications.
1.3 Reports of Special Committees.
1.4 Reports of Standing Committees.
1.5 Balloting on Petitions and Applications.
1.6 Communications from representatives of
Grand Lodge of Texas.
1.7 Unfinished Business.
1.8 Motions, Resolutions, and New Business.
1.9 Examinations for Proficiency in the proper
degree.
1.10 Voting on Proficiency.
1.11 Claims and Accounts.
SECTION 1. The rules of conducting the business of this Lodge
shall be as nearly as possible the same as those prescribed
for the Grand Lodge and in addition as follows:
1.1 When a questions is decided, the same matter shall not
be acted upon again during that meeting unless to reconsider.
This can only be made by a member voting in the majority.
There must be an equal or greater number of members present
than when the action was first decided.
1.2 All questions of order shall be decided
by the Worshipful Master without appeal or debate. The Worshipful
Master may ask the advice of any member before deciding. He
has the right at any time to declare the Lodge closed or called
off for the purpose of stopping angry debate or confusion.
SECTION 1. No amendment of these By-Laws, either by alteration
or addition, shall be made, unless in the following manner:
SECTION 2. The proposed amendment must be
in writing, signed by the proposer, and presented to the Secretary
or Worshipful Master and read at a Stated Meeting of this
Lodge, at which time it may be discussed and amended, if necessary.
SECTION 3. At the next Stated Meeting of this
Lodge, it shall again be considered, discussed and voted on.
If approved by a majority vote of the members present, it
shall become a part of these By-Laws upon compliance with
the other provisions of this article.
SECTION 4. All amendments of these By-Laws
must be submitted to the Grand Lodge for its approval before
they take effect except the following:
4.1 Fixing, raising, or lowering the fee for each degree,
or the annual dues, within the minimum limitations fixed by
the Laws of the Grand Lodge, except as provided in Article
309.
4.2 Adopting its own regulations as to the
payment of its Treasurer, Secretary, and Tiler.
4.3 The day and hour of meeting, or the number
of Stated Meetings per month may be changed to suit its convenience.
Whenever a change in the number of meetings per month, or
of the day of meeting, is made, the Grand Secretary must be
notified at once.
4.4 This Lodge is required to perform such
charitable work, or public service, which will enable the
Lodge to qualify for exemption from Ad Valorem taxes, as provided
by the laws of Texas.
SECTION 1. The above By-Laws having
been approved by the M:.W:. Grand Lodge of Texas, on the Second
day of December, A.D. 1994 for adoption, this is to certify
that Tabernacle Masonic Lodge No. 1195, A.F.&A.M., located
at Fort Worth, Texas has on the Eleventh day of April, A.D.
1995, adopted the same.
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