Officers

All Officers shall

  • be proficient all the work of his office with 60 days of installation

It is recommended that All Officers

  • take the 24 Inch Gauge course
  • attend meetings of the District Association
  • be familiar with the duties of all officers


Nominations and elections shall be by ballot. Whenever a vote shall be taken and ballots cast for more than two candidates for any one office, the name of the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be dropped upon taking another vote.

A vacancy in an elective office, except that of Master and Wardens, may be filled by ballot at any Stated Communication upon due notice to the members. This notice may be by electronic mail, and/or through the Post Office. A vacancy in an appointive office may be filled at any time. In case the office of Master and Wardens become vacant, the Secretary shall immediately notify the Grand Master of that fact.

Elective Officers Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary and three Trustees, who shall be elected, at the first communication following the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge by ballot and by a majority vote, unless there be but one candidate in nomination, when an election may be had by a show of hands. Said officers shall be installed on or before the next Stated Communication thereafter and, except the Trustees, shall hold office for one year or until their successors are elected and installed. The Trustees, one of whom shall be elected each year, shall hold office for three years or until their successors are elected and installed.
Appointive Officers Chaplain, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Master of Ceremony, Junior Master of Ceremony, two Stewards, Marshal, Tiler, Musician, and Librarian. Who shall be appointed by the Master at the time of the installation of the elective officers and shall hold office during his pleasure or until their successors are appointed.

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Table of contents:

LodgeCommittees

Master

The Master of the Lodge has power, and it shall be his duty:

  • To congregate the members of his Lodge upon any emergency.
  • To issue summons, which must be issued over his name, by his order, and attested by the written signature of the Secretary under the seal of the Lodge, and the original inserted in the Lodge minutes. A copy of such summons must be served upon the brother summoned, either personally or by electronic mail or by mail through the Post Office to his address last known to the secretary.
  • To see that the duties of the Secretary are faithfully and punctually performed and that all reports and returns are promptly made.
  • To discharge all the executive functions of the Lodge.
  • To remove any appointed officer for cause deemed sufficient by the Master.
  • At his first Communication, the Master will:
    1. Certify that the assets of the Lodge and its records, papers, curios, etc. are safely in possession of the of the Lodge. This certification to be recorded in the minutes of the Lodge Communication.
    2. Appoint an Assistant Treasurer and an Assistant Secretary.
    3. Entertain a motion to empower the Trustees to draw, transfer, exchange, or deposit any funds in their custody.

In the case of the death, absence, or inability of the Master, or a vacancy in his office, the Senior and Junior Wardens shall, in succession, succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all purposes except as pertains to the installation of officers.

The Master or his elected proxy shall represent the lodge at the Annual Grand Communication. The lodge shall provide an allotment for his travel expenses.

In addition the Master shall

  • be proficient all the work of his office including conferring the 3rd Degree
  • appoint the 3rd Degree team
  • see to the proficiency of the 3rd Degree team
  • see that his committees are performing heir assigned tasks and cause them to give appropriate reports to the lodge
  • Attend meetings of the District Association (Masters & Wardens)

Customs

  • Is on all committees unofficially
  • Appoints all committee members unless By-Laws specify
  • Sets dates of various Lodge activities: ie degrees, highway clean-up; rehearsals for degrees etc.
  • Fixes go-to church date (usually at the church he attends and 1st Sunday in November)
  • Appoints Investigating committee: usually a Past Master, a line officer and a Brother.
  • Confers all three degrees in Fall and then the Sr. Warden confers the FC Degree in spring and the Jr. Warden confers the EA degree in spring.
  • The Master is MEKS in fall conferral of MM degree
  • Assigns Past Masters in drama (second section) in spring.


On Stated Communications when there is no other work, a portion of some degree can be exemplified. This would be equivalent to having another rehearsal, but only part of the degree would be exemplified. The JD could indicate i.e. the first section of the FC degree will be exemplified, in his information to the paper.

Senior Warden

The Senior Warden shall

  • prepare to be Master
    • have taken the 24 Inch Gauge course
    • take the Master in the Chair course
    • interview candidates for all of his appointments
    • before election present his plan for the ensuing year to the Past Masters
    • attend the Investiture Service after election as Master
    • Clear his personal calendar to give priority to the lodge
  • attend meetings of the District Association (Masters & Wardens)
  • be proficient all the work of his office including conferring the 2nd Degree
  • appoint the 2nd Degree team
  • see to the proficiency of the 2nd Degree team
  • See that all candidates for degrees are proficient
  • Examine visiting brethren when there is no one to vouch that he knows him to be a Mason. They shall be examined for in the signs and tokens and given the Master Mason's oath.

Customs

  • Brotherhood fund chairman from June through the end of May.
  • Confers FC degree in spring
  • SW is HKT in fall conferral of MM degree

Junior Warden

The Junior Warden shall

  • be the chairman of the refreshment committee
  • be proficient all the work of his office including conferring the 1st Degree
  • appoint the 1st Degree team
  • see to the proficiency of the 1st Degree team
  • prepare to be Senior Warden
  • prepare to be Master
    • take the Road to the East course
    • take the 24 Inch Gauge course
  • attend meetings of the District Association (Masters & Wardens)

Customs

  • Confers EA degree in spring.

Treasurer

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of the Lodge;

  1. To receive from the Secretary, all money paid into the Lodge and give his receipt therefor.
  2. To keep a just and regular account thereof and to pay money out by order of the Lodge when so certified by the Master and the Secretary.
  3. The receipt of vouchers from the Secretary and the reporting at each Annual Communication of his receipts and disbursements by item and the amount of money in his charge. Also provision is made for withdrawals of funds by signature of the Master, Secretary or Treasurer.

The assistant treasurer shall assist the treasurer in his duties.

The treasurer and the assistant treasurer shall be able sign checks and warrants to disburse lodge funds. Only one signature shall be required.

Secretary

Per the By-Laws it shall be the duties of the Secretary of the Lodge:

  1. To record the proceedings of the Lodge, under the directions of the presiding officer.
  2. To receive all monies paid into the Lodge and pay the same to the Treasurer.
  3. To keep a register of the members of the Lodge with a permanent number affixed to each name corresponding with the return for registry required by Grand Lodge.
  4. To register alphabetically, in a suitable book, all expulsions, suspensions, and rejections.
  5. To report immediately, to the Grand Secretary, the name, age (date of birth), occupation, nativity, and residence of every rejected candidate for initiation, with the date of each rejection.
  6. To make a full and correct return to the Grand Lodge annually of all Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Master Masons made during the year for which the return is rendered, with the Lodge number, date of birth, occupation, nativity, residence, and dates of receiving such degrees: also of all affiliates during the year, with the Lodge number, age, occupation, nativity, date of affiliation, and name, number, and jurisdiction of the Lodge from which demitted, together with full information as to all changes that occurred in the membership of the Lodge during the year, which return shall be made upon blanks furnished by the Grand Lodge, be certified by the Secretary, approved by the Master, and transmitted to the Grand Secretary before the date specified by Grand Lodge.
  7. To transmit, immediately after each election, a certificate of the names and residences of the officers elected, to the Grand Secretary, and to the District Deputy Grand Master of the District in which the Lodge is located.
  8. To make a full and correct return annually to the District Deputy Grand Master of the condition of the Lodge (on the 31st day of December), in the form prescribed by the Grand Lodge, to be transmitted on or before the date specified by Grand Lodge.
  9. To report immediately, to the Grand Secretary, the expulsion or suspension of a member, by the Lodge, stating the cause of such expulsion or suspension.
  10. To certify and affix the seal of the Lodge to all returns and certificates of election made to the Grand Lodge, and to the District Deputy Grand Master: and
  11. To attest the official signature of the Master to all other Masonic documents when necessary.

Tasks of the Secretary of Record

  • Review voucher list and receipts; sign & have Master sign
  • Receive & read Petitions unless Master wants to. Make copies for committee. File.
  • If dues, record on MORI, record on dues card stub, and sign, seal & mail card.
  • To attest the official signature of the Master to all other Masonic documents when necessary.
  • To certify and affix the seal of the Lodge to all returns and certificates of election made to the Grand Lodge, and to the District Deputy Grand Master

Tasks of the Recording Secretary

  • Receive correspondence and list for minutes
  • Prepare draft/agenda minutes with input from the Master and the administrative staff
  • Distribute draft/agenda minutes to
  • Record minutes of all communications (the Assistant or Administrative Secretary shall substitute as needed)
  • Distribute recorded minutes to Master, Assistant Secretary and Administrative Secretary
  • Print & place in minute binder with correspondence and copy of vouchers and receipts.
  • Provide copy of signed vouchers to treasurer.

Tasks of the Administrative Secretary

  • Send notifications via mail and/or email as appropriate
  • Compile and send trestleboard and newsletters with the assistance of the Deacons. Copy the webmaster for posting .
  • MORI: Enter new EA. update after each degree. Candidate response time limit 3 years. This keeps a register of the members of the Lodge with a permanent number affixed for Grand Lodge.
  • To register alphabetically, in a suitable book, all expulsions, suspensions, and rejections.
  • To report immediately, to the Grand Secretary, the name, age (date of birth), occupation, nativity, and residence of every rejected candidate for initiation, with the date of each rejection.
  • To make a full and correct return to the Grand Lodge annually of all Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Master Masons made during the year for which the return is rendered, with the Lodge number, date of birth, occupation, nativity, residence, and dates of receiving such degrees: also of all affiliates during the year, with the Lodge number, age, occupation, nativity, date of affiliation, and name, number, and jurisdiction of the Lodge from which demitted, together with full information as to all changes that occurred in the membership of the Lodge during the year, which return shall be made upon blanks furnished by the Grand Lodge, be certified by the Secretary, approved by the Master, and transmitted to the Grand Secretary before the date specified by Grand Lodge.
  • To transmit, immediately after each election, a certificate of the names and residences of the officers elected, to the Grand Secretary, and to the District Deputy Grand Master of the District in which the Lodge is located.
  • To make a full and correct return annually to the District Deputy Grand Master of the condition of the Lodge (on the 31st day of December), in the form prescribed by the Grand Lodge, to be transmitted on or before the date specified by Grand Lodge.
  • To report immediately, to the Grand Secretary, the expulsion or suspension of a member, by the Lodge, stating the cause of such expulsion or suspension.

Tasks of the Assistant Secretary

  • Log & categorize all monies received in KMyMoney and receipt book
  • Deposit in Comm Bank account
  • Receive all bills, record in KMyMoney, and print voucher list and attach receipts for signature by the Secretary of Record and the Master and filing by.
  • Maintain and enter KMyMoney Scheduled Transactions.
  • Perform or assign webmaster duties.
  • Maintain document storage system whereby they are copied & versioned to an off-site server & synced to secretary's computer, lodge room computer, secretary's home computer, etc.

Tasks of the Treasurer

  • Receive copy of signed vouchers from the secretary and write and record checks.
  • Receive and file deposit receipts.
  • Mail or return checks to the corresponding secretary as appropriate.
  • Maintain accounts for general funds, PayPal, and building fund.
  • Maintain PayPal account for dues receipts and online purchases
  • Receive receipts for purchases by debit card holders (caretaker and treasurer)
  • Support the Trustees in the maintenance of the Community Bank Trust account.
  • Manage the preparation of 990 tax returns and file when complete.
  • Prepare lodge budget annually

Task Schedule

June Comm Bank signatures Treasurer
July Lodge Trifold Administrative
Aug Motel Rent COL Treasurer
Sept Arears notices Administrative
Sept Due cards prep MORI, 50 year and last 25 continuous per capita only Administrative
Sept DDGM Visit report: Books & Minutes Administrative
Nov Dues notices Administrative
Nov Dues cards arrive Secretary
Dec Box Of Remembrance Assistant
Dec Compute average age Administrative
Jan Rent bills Administrative
Jan Annual report to lodge MORI Administrative
Jan Annual Report to Grand Lodge MORI Administrative
Mar GL Sends Proxy Certificates Secretary
Mar GL scholarship. Sign & seal applications Secretary
Apr OSD scholarship. Sign & seal applications Secretary
Apr Elect proxy Recording
Apr Form 990 by Peachin Treasurer
Apr 466 Annual Summons MORI Administrative
Apr Awards Dinner prep: MORI reports: YGS, member labels, widow labels Junior Warden
Apr Mail Widow & Award Invites & program Administrative
Apr Lodge Budget - KMyMoney Treasurer
Apr Arrears notices MORI Administrative
Apr Elections Administrative
May Grand Communication Master
May Certificates of Election (MORI) submit certified report to GL Administrative
May PM Photo Assistant

Dimits

DimitForm
Any Brother in good standing, except the Worshipful Master, may request a dimit, but it must be done in writing. His request is to be read in Lodge for informational purposes only. If the Brother is in good standing you cannot refuse his request, although you may inquire of him his reason if not specified, to see if there is something the Lodge can do to get him to not dimit. If he insists then you must grant it. Attached is the official form from Grand Lodge to use for issuing a dimit. You must fill out the front and on the back you need to print the Brothers Masonic profile from MORI (shows his dates of initiation, passing & raising, plus any offices he has held and his current status. You then sign and seal it and send it to the Grand Secretary. He will sign it and affix the Grand Lodge seal and send it back to you and you will get it to the requesting Brother.

Trustees

The Trustees and their successors in office shall be empowered and are hereby authorized to take, hold, and convey, and to have in charge and in trust for the Lodge, by and under the direction of the Lodge for the use and benefit thereof, all the temporalities and property belonging thereto, whether consisting of real or personal estate and whether the same shall have been given, granted, or devised to said Lodge or to any person or persons for its use, benefit, or in trust thereof. The said trustees shall also have in charge all funds which have been paid to them by order of the Lodge, and accrued interest thereon, and shall have power to draw, transfer, exchange, or deposit the same or any part thereof when so required to do so. The Board of Trustees shall be invested with full right and power to sign, execute, acknowledge, and deliver all necessary deeds or conveyances and any and all necessary papers relating to either real or personal property belonging to the Lodge in the sale, transfer, or disposition thereof when directed and required to do so by a two thirds vote of the members present at any Stated Communication of the Lodge. The Master shall cause written or printed notice of such Stated Communication to be mailed through the Post Office, to each member of the Lodge at his address as the same appears on the records of the Lodge or by electronic mail. Such notice shall contain a statement of the proposition to be submitted at such Communication.

The Trustees shall make an annual report to the Lodge of all funds and other property in their possession and under their control belonging to the Lodge at the meeting next succeeding the annual election of officers.

Senior Deacon

The Senior Deacon shall

  • be proficient all the work of his office
  • Give the Middle Chamber Lecture in FC degree
  • chair the Committee of Instruction
  • prepare to be JuniorWarden
  • the first craftsmen in the drama of the MM degree.

Junior Deacon

Chaplain

Marshal

Masters of Ceremony

The Masters of Ceremony shall

  • see to the maintenance of degree paraphernalia including garments
  • prepare the preparation room for degrees
  • prepare candidates
  • store paraphernalia after degrees
  • assist the Senior Warden as he may direct
  • Member of Instruction Committee
  • Help the Junior Warden with meals setting up and clean up.
  • SMC
    • Questions in lectures
    • second craftsman in FC team in MM degree.
  • JMC
    • Working Tools for each degree
    • and answers in lectures
    • third craftsman in FC team in MM degree.

Stewards

The Stewards shall

  • members of the Refreshment Committee
  • assist the Junior Warden as he directs
  • Help the Junior Warden with meals setting up and clean up.
  • Member of Instruction Committee
  • Watch and listen!
  • Participate in FC team in MM degree.

Historian

Chairman of the History Committee

Musician

Tiler

Ritual Director

The lodge ritual director shall

  • perform the duties at prescribed by Grand Lodge
  • appoint officer coaches
  • assist the officers is becoming proficient in their work
  • examine all officers in the proficiency of their work

Webmaster

The webmaster shall maintain the web site at https://osdmasons.org/Oneonta466.