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Masonic Motorcycle Club International

Ohio Chapter #1 - Bylaws
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AND
MASONIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INTERNATIONAL, CHAPTER NO. 1.

CONSTITUTION, BYLAW AND RESOLUTIONS.
FOUNDED, APRIL, 1982.

ADOPTED JANUARY 9, 1983.
REVISED APRIL 10, 1995.
AMENDMENT ADDITION JANUARY 13, 1991.
REVISED & REPUBLISHED APRIL 19, 1998.
AMENDED AND REPUBLISHED MARCH 14, 1999.
REVISED FEBRUARY 8, 2004.

MISSION STATEMENT
OF THE
MASONIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF OHIO INC.

The Masonic Motorcycle Club of Ohio Inc. members share the common interest of motorcycling, motorcycle safety and promotes the brotherhood of the Masonic Order. To provide support to several non profit charities and to aid and assist worthy and distressed brothers, widows and orphans. To follow the Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio and the Masonic Motorcycle Club International Inc.


CONSTITUTION

Article I - Name

The name of this Organization will be; The Masonic Motorcycle Club of Ohio Inc. And; The Masonic Motorcycle Club International, Chapter #1.

Article II - Purpose and Object

The purpose of this Organization will be to bring together Masons whose common interest is motorcycle riding, promote good fellowship, encourage membership in the Fraternity and to aid and assist its Members. This Organization is a not for a profit club and will be tax exempt.

Article III - Membership

Active Members will be composed of Master Masons in good standing in a Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, Free and Accepted Mason or a person who has petitioned, been investigated, accepted and is waiting for degrees by a Lodge. All Members will belong to the Masonic Motorcycle International Inc.

Article IV - Classification of Membership

  1. Active Member ( Article III )
  2. Associate Member - Wives of Active Members. Associate Members will not be entitled to hold an elected office but can be appointed to a Committee and entitled to a vote.
  3. Honorary Member - Honorary Members will be any Master Mason worthy of the honor. Honorary Members will not be entitled to hold an office nor entitled to a vote.
  4. Lifetime Member - Past Presidents or elected Officers of The Masonic Motorcycle Club International Inc. Founding Members or any Active Members' worthy of the honor will be eligible to become a Lifetime Member with the approval of the Members present at an Annual Meeting. Lifetime Members are entitled to hold an elected office and will be entitled to a vote.
  5. Duel Member - A Member who is an Active Member of another Chapter of The Masonic Motorcycle Club International Inc. but not an Officer of that Chapter. Duel Members are entitled to hold an elected office an will be entitled to a vote.

Article V - Officers

The elected Officers of this Organization will be; President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, or Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Road Captain, Road Captain # 1, Road Captain # 2 and Three Trustees. ( 1, 2 & 3 year Trustees ). All Officers will be elected by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting for the term of one year. The exception being the three Trustees.

Article VI - Executive Board

The Executive Board will consist of all the Officers and Trustees of this Organization with the President serving as Chairman of the Board.

Article VII - Amendments

The Constitution may be amended, altered or repealed at any regular meeting of the Organization by a vote of three-fourths of the Members present and voting. such amendments, alterations or repeals having been proposed in writing and read at the previous regular meeting.


BY-LAWS

Article I - Meetings

The monthly stated Meeting will be on the second Sunday of each month and at the time and place designated at the previous meeting or scheduled ride. Special Meetings of this Organization may be held on call of the President or upon request of the Executive Board. All Members will be advised of all Monthly Meetings.

Article II - Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be on the second Sunday in January at a place designated by the President with the aid of the Entertainment Committee. At that time Nominations, Election of Officers and Installation of Officers will take place. Also, all final reports will be given by the Officers and Committee Chairmans.

Article III - Order of Business

The Order of Business at all Meetings will be:

  1. Call to order.
  2. Opening prayer.
  3. Introduction of Members and guests.
  4. Approval of Minutes of the previous meeting.
  5. Reading of correspondence and action thereon.
  6. Report of the Secretary/Treasurer or Secretary and Treasurer.
  7. Report of Officers, - President, Vice President, and Road Captains.
  8. Report of Committees.
  9. Reading of ballots of applications for Membership.
  10. Unfinished Business.
  11. New Business. ( Election of Officers.)
  12. Presentation of bills and action thereon.
  13. Announcements.
  14. Adjournment.

Article IV - Decorum

Except as otherwise provided in these BY-LAWS, all questions of order in the conduct of meetings will be decided in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

Article V - Quorum

  1. Five Members in good standing will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at meetings of this Organization.
  2. Three members of the Executive Board will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Board.

Article VI - Application of Membership

All applications of membership will be made upon the prescribed form and presented at a regular meeting, signed by the applicant in person giving his full name and will be accompanied with the necessary fees and dues. A ballot will be taken upon every application for Membership and must receive two-thirds approval of the voting members present. If an applicant is declared rejected, the same procedure that the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, F. & A.M. uses in its regulations will take effect.

Article VII - Fees and Dues

  1. The initiation fee for this Organization will be $2.00 and the payment of one years dues in all cases, will accompany the application for Membership.
  2. The annual dues for all Active and Duel Members will be $ 18.00 per annum. Dues will be payable on or before the Annual Meeting in January each year. Dues of applicants who are elected to Membership after September 1st of any year will be applied to the following years dues.
  3. Associate members will not be required to pay any dues.
  4. Honorary Members and Lifetime Members will not be required to pay any dues.
  5. All Members owing dues at the conclusion of the calender year will be notified in writing by the Secretary. Any Member whose dues are unpaid after eleven months subsequent to the Annual Meeting will stand suspended and cease to enjoy the privileges of the Organization until one year of back dues are paid and they are properly reinstated.
  6. All Active Members will receive a Membership card at the time their dues are paid.
  7. All Associate, Honorary and Lifetime Members will receive their Membership cards at the Annual Meeting or soon thereafter.
  8. All Charter Members in good standing will have their Membership cards stamped as such.

Article VIII - Funds
  1. All funds will be raised by fees, dues, donations and such other means as the Organization will from time to time deem necessary staying within the guidelines of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, F. & A. M. and the Masonic Motorcycle International Inc.
  2. All funds exceeding normal operating expenses will be deposited in a regular savings account and withdrawn as deemed necessary.
  3. No debts will be incurred by or for the Organization by any Officer, Committee Members or Member except as authorized by vote of the Members present at a regular meeting of this Organization, with the exception of the Secretary who is authorized to contract for all expenses such as postage, stationary, printing, newsletters, Etc.

Article IX - Expulsion
  1. Any member who is found guilty of un-Masonic conduct, or who has been suspended by his Blue Lodge, or any Member who is in arrears for dues as previously set forth will be dropped from the Membership rolls.
  2. All grievances will be disposed of according to the rules and regulations set forth by the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, F. & A. M.

Article X - Duties of Officers:

President.

The President will preside at all meeting of the Organization, appoint Committees and non elected Officers. He will, at all times, enforce a due consideration and observance of the Constitution, By-Laws and Resolutions and will preserve order and harmony within the Club.

Vice-president.

The Vice-President will preside in the absence of the President and discharge such other duties of the President in case of his disability or vacancy of his office. He will be responsible for money raising projects for the club and working with the International Convention Committee.

Secretary.

The Secretary will attend all meetings when possible, keep a record of all proceedings, attend to all correspondence and receive all bills. After all bills have been properly approved by the Membership, upon receipt, all monies and checks will be turned over to the Treasurer. He will pay all bills with the assistance of the Treasurer keeping records of the same. He will render monthly reports to the Organization, Keep the Membership informed of all Organizational activities and functions and inform all members of the Constitution and By-Laws amendments or changes. At the expiration of his term, he will transfer all books, papers, and other Organizational property to his successor in office. The Secretary with the assistance of the Treasurer will forward the per capita dues of all Active Members to the Masonic Motorcycle Club Inc. on or before their Annual Meeting.

Treasurer.

The Treasurer will receive all monies and checks from the Secretary keeping a record thereof. He will open and maintain an interest bearing, free checking account in a Federally Insured Bank or Lending Institution of his choice. He will pay all bills submitted by the Secretary only after being approved by the Membership. He will give a report at stated meetings when requested by the President or any member. He will make his books available to the Audit Committee at the Annual Meeting and approved by the membership present. At the expiration of his term, he will transfer all records, checking and savings account, and other organizational property to his successor in office.

Secretary/Treasurer.

At the will of the Membership, the duties of the Secretary and Treasurer can be combined into one office. The President will be involved in all financial transactions in this case.

Chief Road Captain.

The Chief Road Captain will be responsible fordirecting the movements of the Club while traveling together in a safe and lawful manner. His direction will be followed until such a time that any problems that may arise can be resolved. He will be responsible for the other Road Captains and the Trip Coordinator seeing that all are informed of proposed trips and scheduled stops. The Chief Road Captain can also assume the Trip Coordinators' duties.

Road Captain #1 & # 2 .

The Road Captains will answer to the Chief Road Captain unless the Chief Road Captain is absent; they will then assume the duties of the same. They will assist in the movements of the Club while traveling together in a safe and lawful manner. Communication is vital between the Road Captains and the Trip Coordinator so all trips can be safe and smooth. The Road Captains can also assume the Trip Coordinators' duties. All Road Captains will review riding procedures with the Membership prior to a trip.

Trip Coordinator.

Trip Coordinators can volunteer or be appointed by the President at the preceding meeting. Their duties will consist of setting up a trip, running the proposed route prior to the trip, ( check for detours and hazards ) making arrangements for rest stops, meals and meetings. Trips will be kept within reason, i.e., miles, meals, dirt roads, time, Etc. the Trip Coordinator will Inform the Secretary of the trip and he in turn will inform the Membership. He will also inform the Road Captains of the route that is proposed prior to the trip for their approval. Trip Coordinator will ride in front of the group with a Road Captain, riding in a safe and lawful manner.

Executive Board.

The Executive Board will exercise a general supervision over the interest and affairs of the Organization. Shall procure and prepare suitable quarters for meetings in the winter months? Supervise all Club activities, property and equipment. They will meet when deemed necessary.

Trustees.

The Trustees will oversee the operations and functions of the Club in accordance with the Constitution, BY-LAWS and Resolutions. The Trustees will meet and assist the Executive Board when the Executive Board meetings are called. The Trustees will serve as members of the Grievance Committee.

Article XI - Standing and other Committees

The following Committees will be appointed by the President at the Annual Meeting;

All Committees may set up their own By-Laws if they feel it's needed. Otherwise, all Committees will operate the same as the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, F. & A. M.

Article XII - Conduct

All Members will conduct themselves in a prescribed manner befitting that of a Master Mason and Member of this Club. They will be held accountable to all rules, laws and regulations of this Club, Masonic Motorcycle Club International and of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, F. & A. M.

Article XIII - Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended at a regular meeting of the Organization by their three fourth vote of the voting Members present. All proposed amendments must be in writing at least one regular meeting prior to action thereon, with the Membership being notified as to the substance of the amendment.


RESOLUTIONS
  1. There will be at least* one ride a month starting in April and ending in October at the discretion of the President. The first ride of the month will be the regular stated meeting as stated in the By-Laws.
  2. An active Member may invite a guest for three trips. The children of Active Members may ride as passengers at any time. Members will be responsible for their guests and children's actions and conduct.
  3. There will be a minimum of 350 c.c. engine size limit to take trips with this Club. Ownership of a Motorcycle is not a requirement to be a Member of the Club.
  4. Motorcycles are to be reasonably well maintained and clean on all trips. All members are required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers licence.
  5. The President will be authorized to expend up to $ 100.00 for any emergency at his discretion. Payment to be approved by the Membership at the following Stated Meeting.
  6. The President will be reimbursed for long distance phone calls concerning Club business and activities.
  7. The Secretary will be reimbursed for long distance phone calls concerning Club business and activities.
  8. Honorary Members will be elected by a unanimous vote of the voting Members present at any stated meeting.
  9. Members of this Club will not commit this Club or its Members (other then what the BY LAWS allow,) to any thing or anybody without the consent of the voting Members present at any stated meeting.
  10. Trips should be presented at the meeting prior to the trip and have required commitments approved at that time.
  11. Any products or services being presented to the Membership at a meeting must first be approved by the Executive Board.
  12. If a Member or a Member of the immediate family ( son, daughter, Or spouse ) passes away, a gift of $ 25.00 will be sent in their name to the Masonic Home in Springfield, Ohio.
  13. Dress Code. Members are asked to dress in a clean and neat manner at all Club functions and rides. Some type of shirt will be worn on all rides. No tank tops or shorts will be permitted. As for other Masonic related functions that this Club attends as a Club, each Member will dress appropriately for that function.
  14. The Masonic Motorcycle Club of Ohio Inc. emblem will be the Club logo inside the outline of the State of Ohio. It will have a blue border, blue lettering and blue logo with a black or gold Masonic emblem. The lettering may be inside the State emblem or on a scroll above and below the State emblem. This logo has been registered and will only be used with the approval of the Executive Board. Only Members are to wear this emblem. Family Members may wear the emblem on trips only. ( See Emblem on the front of this document.)
  15. The Masonic Motorcycle Club of Ohio Inc. has been Incorporated and filed with the Secretary of State of Ohio as of April 1983. All members shall be responsible for their own motorcycle and personal medical insurance.
  16. Riding procedures will be set forth by the Safety Committee with the approval of the Road Captains. Riding procedures will be briefly explained to all Members before all trips. New riders will be paired off with experienced riders. The laws of the State of Ohio shall be followed when riding as a Chapter. All laws of other States shall also be adhered to when riding as a Chapter in those States.
  17. Any additional Constitution, BY LAWS or Resolution not covered herein will revert back to the Masonic Motorcycle Club Internationals Inc. Constitutions, By-Laws and Resolutions.
  18. Wives of deceased Active Members will remain Social Members at their discretion and enjoy all the benefit's of a Social Member.
  19. These Resolutions may be altered, amended or repealed at any Regular Meeting of the Organization by a majority vote of the voting Members present. All proposed amendments must be presented in writing at least one Regular Meeting prior to action thereon with the Membership being notified as to the substance of the amendment.
  20. New Active members shall receive a 3" MMCO or MMCI patch and an International lapel pin along with a current dues card

* There can be more then one ride a month as long as all members are notified.

The Original Constitution, BY LAWS and Resolution were approved by the general Membership present at the Annual Meeting on January 9,1983.

BY-LAWS Committee:

It was revised by basically the same Committee and accepted at a Stated Meeting April 10, 1985.

On January 13, 1991, several amendments were added and Articles changed. Committee unknown!

At the Annual Meeting January 11, 1998, President Douglas asked that the By-Laws be reviewed and updated. They were read to the Membership on March 8, 1998 and voted on April 19, 1998. Reviewed, Updated and Published by Richard Morse.

Amended by Richard Morse, February 14, 1999. Published & Accepted March 14, 1999.

Polished with no revisions January 13, 2002.

Amended Resolution 15 and added Resolution # 20. April 13, 2003. Reviewed, January 11, 2004 and Approved February 8, 2004.

Founding Members.
Past Presidents.
Lifetime Members. ** Deceased