GRANDVIEW MASONIC LODGE 

                                BY LAWS OF GRANDVIEW LODGE NO. 266 A.F. & A.M.

                                                                                     GRANDVIEW, TEXAS

                                                                        ARTICLE I

                                                                   NAME OF THE LODGE AND DATE OF CHARTER                     

THIS LODGE WAS CHARTERED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS ON THE 14th DAY OF JUNE A.D. 1861 TO BE KNOWN AS THE 

GRANDVIEW LODGE NO. 266 A.F. & A.M.

THIS LODGE SUBSCRIBES TO AND SHALL BR GOVERENED BY THE CONSTITUTION, LAWS, RESOLUTIONS AND EDICTS OF THE

GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS.

                                                                          ARTICLE II

                                                                                  MEETINGS OF THE LODGE

​SECTION 1.  THE STATED MEETING SHALL BE HELD ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 7:30PM.



​SECTION 2. MEETINGS MAY BE CALLED BY THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER OR, IN HIS ABSENCE OR INABILITY TO SERVE, BY THE SENIOR WARDEN, OR IN THE ABSENCE OF BOTH MASTER AND SENIOR WARDEN, THEN BY THE JUNIOR WARDEN, AT SUCH TIMES AS THEY, OR EITHER OF THEM, HAVING THE RIGHT TO ACT, MAY THINK IMPORTANT OR TO THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CRAFT.



​SECTION 3. AS MANY AS POSSIBLE SHOULD BE NOTIFIED OF SUCH CALLED MEETINGS AND NO BUSINESS SHALL BE TRANSACTED AT THE SAME, EXCEPT AS WAS SPECIFIED.



                                                                        ARTICLE III

THE OFFICERS OF THIS LODGE SHALL BE A WORSHIPFUL MASTER, SENIOR WARDEN, JUNIOR WARDEN, TREASURER, SECRETARY, CHAPLIN, SENIOR AND JUNIOR DECACONS, SENIOR AND JUNIOR STEWARDS, TILER AND ANY OTHER APPROVED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS.

                                                                         ARTICLE IV

SECTION 1. THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER, SENIOR AND JUNIOR WARDEN, TREASURER, SECRETARY AND TILER SHALL BE  

ELECTED; ALL OTHERS SHALL BE APPOINTED.

​SECTION 2. IN THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS, SHOULD ONLY ONE NAME BE PLACED IN NOMINATION, THE VOTE MAY BE TAKEN WITHOUT BALLOT; BUT SHOULD MORE THAN ONE BROTHER BE PLACED IN NOMINATION THE MEMBERS SHALL PREPARE THEIR WRITTEN BALLOTS, WHICH SHALL BE TAKEN UP AND COUNTED AT THE SECRETARY'S DESK AND THE NUMBER OF THE VOTES RECEIVED BY EACH BROTHER REPORTED TO THE PRESIDING OFFICER, WHO SHALL DECLARE THE BROTHER RECEIVING THE MAJORITY OF ALL THE VOTES CAST DULY ELECTED.

​SECTION 3. IN THE EVENT NO BROTHER HAS A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES, THE BROTHER WITH THE LEAST NUMBER OF VOTES SHALL DROP OUT AND THE BALLOT WILL BE REPEATED UNTIL SUCH RESULT IS ATTAINED. BLANK BALLOTS SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING THE RESULT.

                                                                         ARTICLE V

​SECTION 1.   WORDSHIPFUL MASTER- IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER TO SEE THAT THE BY-LAWS AND RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THIS LODGE, AS WELL AS THE CONSTITUTION AND REGULATIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS ARE DULY OBSERVED AND THAT THE OFFICERS ATTEND STRICTLY TO THEIR DUTIES.

​SECTION 2.   TREASURER- IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE TREASURER TO HOLD ALL DEEDS, CERTIFICATES OF STOCK, NOTES, BONDS, OBLIGATIONS OR OTHER PROPERTY OR DOCUMENTS OF FINANCIAL CHARACTER  BELONGING TO THE LODGE AND TO COLLECT AND RECEIVE THE SAME WHEN DIRECTED BY THE LODGE; TO RECEIVE ALL MONIES FROM THE HANDS OF THE SECRETARY, GIVING HIS RECEIPT FOR THE SAME; AND PAY THEM OUT ONLY UPON THE ORDER OF THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER AND THE CONSENT OF THE LODGE.

​SECTION 2a. HE SHALL KEEP A CORRECT ACCOUNT OF THE SAME AND REPORT MINUTELY THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE LODGE AT THE STATED MEETING PRECEDING THE FESTIVAL OF THE St. JOHN THE BAPTIST AND AT SUCH OTHER TIMES AS THE LODGE MAY DIRECT.

​SECTION 3.  SECRETARY- OT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE SECRETARY TO CAREFULLY OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LODGE, MAKE A CORRECT RECORD OF ALL THE THINGS PROPER TO BE WRITTEN AND TO RECEIVE ALL MONIES DUE THE LODGE, TURNING THEM OVER TO THE TREASURER, TAKING HIS RECEIPT FOR THE SAME.

​SECTION 3A. IT SHALL ALSO BE THE DUTY OF THE SECRETARY TO:

                          1. KEEP ALL BOOKS AND PAPERS RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LODGE.

                          2. AUTHENTICATE ALL OFFICIAL PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS EMANATING FROM THE LODGE WITH THE SEAL   

                               OF THE SAME.

                          3. NOTIFY ALL BRETHREN OF THEIR ELECTION TO OFFICE, IF THEY WERE NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME OF THE 

                              ELECTION.

                          4. NOTIFY THE GRAND SECRETARY, AS PRESCRIBED BY THE LAW, OF THE SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF 

                               ANY MEMBER AND THE REJECTION OF APPLICANTS; TO ISSUE ALL SUMMONS, DEMITS, AND NOTICES, AS

                               THEY MAY BE DIRECTED; TO MAKE OUT AND TRANSMIT TO THE GRAND SECRETARY THE NAMES OF ALL 

                              BRETHREN ELECTED TO RESIDENT OR PLURAL MEMBERSHIPS; AND PREFORM ALL OTHER DUTIES                   

                             APPERTAINING TO HIS OFFICE.

​SECTION 4.  TILER- IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE TILER TO SEE THAT THE LODGE ROOM OS KEPT CLEAN AND IN ORDER AND THAT THE VARIOUS ARTICLES OF FURNITURE ARE IN THEIR APPROPRIATE PLACES, TO STRICTLY GUARD THE DOOR DURING SITTINGS OF THE LODGE; TO SUMMON THE MEMBERS OF THE LODGE TO ALL CALLED MEETINGS WHERE A SUMMONS IS NECESSARY AND TO BE PUNCTUAL IN HIS ATTENDANCE.

                                                                         ARTICLE VI

SECTION 1.  THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER, SENIOR AND JUNIOR WARDEN SHALL CONSTITUTE A STANDING COMMITTEE 

​ON THE CHARITY AND FRATERNAL ASSISTANCE, SICKNESS AND ARBITRATION, A MAJORITY OF WHOM MAY AT ALL TIME ACT;  AND ARE RESPONSIBLE TO THE LODGE. THEIR DUTIES SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS:

                      A.  CHARITY AND FRATERNAL ASSISTANCE- IT IS THEIR DUTY TO EXAMINE ALL CLAIMANTS FOR ASSISTANCE

                           AND, IF NECESSARY, THEY MAY DRAW UPON THE TREASURER, IN EACH INSTANCE, FOR AN AMOUNT

                           NOT TO EXCEED $200.00; REPORTING  THE FACTS IN EACH CASE TO THE LODGE AT ITS NEXT STATED 

                          MEETING.

                      B.  SICKNESS- TO VISIT ALL SICK OR AGED BRETHREN 9 UNLESS IT SHOULD BR DANGEROUS OR IMPROPER TO 

                           TO DO SO) AND ASCERTAIN THEIR CONDITION AND NECESSITIES AND TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS THEY MAY

                            DEEM PROPER AND NECESSARY; BOTH IN REGARD TO THE BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY.

                      C.  ARBITRATION- IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THIS COMMITTEE TO SETTLE ALL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 

                             BRETHREN UNLESS PARTIES PREFER TO BRING MATTERS  BEFORE THE LODGE.

                                                                          ARTICLE VII

                                                                                                  FINANCE

​SECTION 1.  COMMITTEE ON FINANCE- IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER, AT THE FIRST STATED MEETING AFTER THE 24th OF JUNE EACH YEAR, TO APPOINT A STANDING COMMITTEE OF FINANCE TO COMPOSED OF THREE (3) DISCREET AND COMPETENT MASTER MASONS, MEMBERS OF THIS LODGE AND IF POSSIBLE, MEN PRACTICALLY ACQUAINTED WITH ACCOUNTING.

​SECTION 2.  IT SHALL BR THE DUTY OF THIS COMMITTEE, AT THE END OF EACH MASONIC YEAR, AS SOON AS APPOINTED AND OFTENER, IF REQUIRED, TO CAREFULLY EXAMINE CAREFULLY AND VERIFY THE REPORTS, BOOKS, AND VOUCHERS OF THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER, AND ANY OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS REFERRED TO THEM; AND MAKE FULL AND ACCURATE REPORT AT THE NEXT STATED MEETING OF THE LODGE; SHOWING THE CONDITION OF THE BOOKS AND ACCOUNTS. AND SHOULD ANY INACCURACIES BE FOUND , THEY SHALL RECOMMEND THE NECESSARY STEPS FOR CORRECTION. IN THE MATTER OF ORDINARY ACCOUNTS REFERRED TO THEM, THEY MAY IF SATISFIED REPORT SOONER.

SECTION 3.  THE REPORTS OF SAID COMMITTEE IN FINANCE THUS MADE SHALL BE READ IN OPEN LODGE AND 

RECORDED IN THE MINUTES, NOTING THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE LODGE. ALL ACCOUNTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST THE LODGE, WHEN DETERMINED BY A BROTHER, SHALL FIRST BE REFERRED TO THIS COMMITTEE BEFORE BEING ALLOWED.

                                                                            ARTICLE VIII

                                                                                             FEES AND DEGREES

​SECTION 1.  THE FEES FOR THE DEGREES OF THIS LODGE SHALL BE AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN PRESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 307 OF THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS AND SET BY THIS LODGE FROM TIME TO TIME. IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR FEES COLLECTED BY THE LODGE A $25.00 CONTRIBUTION TO THE MASONIC HOME AND SCHOOL SHALL BE COLLECTED FROM EACH APPLICANT FROM THE MASTER MASONS DEGREE.(ARTICLE 307 AND 163-5 )AND $5.00 BE COLLECTED FOR THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL(ARTICLE 307)

                                                                              ARTICLE IX

                                                                                LODGE DUES

SECTION 1.  EACH MEMBER OF THIS LODGE (UNLESS HEREIN EXEMPTED) SHALL PAY DUES FROM THE TIME OF HIS RAISING OR AFFILIATION IN AN AMOUNT SET BY THE LODGE FROM TIME TO TIME IN AS MUCH AS THEY ARE NOT LESS THAN THAT 

PRESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 311 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF LAWS.

                                                                                ARTICLE X

                                                                                               VISITING BRETHREN

​SECTION 1.  A VISITOR SHALL NOT BE ADMITTED EXCEPT UPON EXAMINATION OR LAWFUL AVOUCHMENT.

                                                                              ARTICLE XI

                                                                                     MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

A.  WEAPONS- EITHER OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE SHALL NOT BE CARRIED INTO THE LODGE ROOM

                                                                              ARTICLE XII

                                                                                                      BUSINESS

​SECTION 1.  ALL BUSINESS MATTERS SHALL HAVE PRECEDENCE IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER, UNLESS OTHERWISE ORDERED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT:

(1).   READING, CORRECTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS.

(2).   RECEIVING AND REFERRING TO COMMITTEES OF PETITIONS AND APPLICATIONS .

(3).   REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES.

(4).   BALLOTING ON PETITIONS AND APPLICATIONS.

(5).   REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES.

(6).   COMMUNICATION FROM THE GRAND MASTER AND THE SECRETARY OF THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS.

(7).   UNFINISHED BUSINESS,

(8).   MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND NEW BUSINESS.

(9).   EXAMINATIONS FOR PROFICIENCY IN THE PROPER DEGREE.

(10). VOTING ON PROFICIENCY.

(11). CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS

                                                                           ARTICLE XIII

                                                                                            RULES OF BUSINESS

​SECTION 1.  THE RULES OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS OF THIS LODGE SHALL BE AS NEARLY AS POSSIBLE THE SAME AS THOSE PRESCRIBED FOR THE GRAND LODGE AND IN ADDITION, AS FOLLOWS:

A.  WHEN A QUESTION IS DECIDED, THE SAME MATTER SHALL NOT AGAIN BE ACTED ON DURING THAT MEETING UNLESS ON MOTION TO RECONSIDER, WHICH CAN ONLY BE MADE BY A MEMBER VOTING IN THE MAJORITY, AND AT THAT OR THE NEXT MEETING WHEN THERE MUST BE AN EQUAL OR GREATER NUMBER OF MEMBERS PRESENT THAN WHEN THE ACTION  AS HAD.

B.  ALL GREATER OF THE ORDER SHALL BE DECIDED BY THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER WITHOUT APPEAL OR DEBATE; BUT THE MASTER MAY ASK THE ADVICE OF ANY BEFORE DECIDING AND HE HAS THE RIGHT AT ANY TIME TO DECLARE THE LODGE CLOSED OR CALLED OFF FOR THE PURPOSE OF STOPPING ANGRY DEBATE OR CONFUSION.

                                                                         ARTICLE XIV

                                                                                   AMENDMENTS OF BY-LAWS

SECTION 1.  NO AMENDMENTS OF THESE BY-LAWS, EITHER BY ALTERATION OR ADDITION, SHALL BE MADE UNLESS IN 

THE FOLLOWING MANNER:

​SECTION 2.  THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MUST BE IN WRITING, SIGNED BY THE PROPOSER, AND PRESENTED AND READ AT A STATED OR CALLED MEETING OF THIS LODGE, AT WHICH TIME IT MAY BE DISCUSSED AND AMENDED, IF NECESSARY

​SECTION 3.  AT THE NEXT STATED OR CALLED MEETING OF THIS LODGE, IT SHALL AGAIN BE CONSIDERED AND VOTED UPON WITH FURTHER AMENDMENTS; AND IF APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT, IT SHALL BECOME A PART OF THE BY-LAWS UPON COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.

​SECTION 4.  ALL AMENDMENTS OF THESE BY-LAWS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE GRAND LODGE FOR ITS APPROVAL BEFORE THEY TAKE EFFECT,EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:

     A.  AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE TIME OF HOLDING STATED MEETING

     B.  AMENDMENTS RELATING TO DUES, AND ALSO AS TO FEES, PROVIDED THEY ARE NOT LESS THAN THE MINIMUM PRESCRIBED BY THE GRAND LODGE.

                                                                           ARTICLE XV

                                                                                CERTIFICATION OF THE BY-LAWS

THIS IS TI CERTIFY THAT GRANDVIEW MASONIC LODGE NO. 266, LOCATED AT GRANDVIEW, TEXAS, HAS ON THIS______ DAY

OF ________________,A.D.                     _______________________________________ADOPTED THE ABOVE BY-LAWS.