Valley Of Danville
Degrees and Bylaws
Supreme Council
Valley of Danville By-Laws – Amended 5/14/2014
THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE BODIES OF THE VALLEY OF DANVILLE BY-LAWS RULES AND REGULATIONS
* * * * * PREAMBLE TO THE GLORY OF THE GRAND ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE......
DANVILLE LODGE OF PERFECTION
WALTER A. STEVENS COUNCIL OF PRINCES OF JERUSALEM
GEORGE E. BUROW CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX
DANVILLE CONSISTORY
of the Valley of Danville, Illinois, and operating coordinately as the ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE BODIES OF THE VALLEY OF DANVILLE, an Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation, under Charters granted by the SUPREME COUNCIL OF SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTORS GENERAL OF THE THIRTY-THIRD AND LAST DEGREE OF THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREE-MASONRY FOR THE NORTHERN MASONIC JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in order to promote the betterment of Scottish Rite Masonry; provide a more efficient administration of its affairs, especially the taking title to, holding and managing interests in real estate, funds and other property; and provide proper regulation of other matters not specifically encompassed by the Revised Constitutions of the Supreme Council, do jointly and severally make and adopt the following By-Laws, Rules and Regulations for the government of our aforestated Four Coordinate Bodies, in accordance with and pursuant to the provisions of Article 306 of the Constitutions of the Supreme Council as revised September 28, 1992.
ARTICLE I. NAME, ALLEGIANCE AND JURISDICTION
Section 1. The Four Coordinate Bodies shall be known as and operate under the name of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Danville, located at 109 W. North Street, Danville, Illinois, 61832.
Section 2. Said Four Coordinate Bodies, and each of them, hereby acknowledges and reaffirms allegiance to the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and Last Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America and shall be governed by the Revised Constitutions of the Supreme Council as they now exist or may hereafter be amended or repealed, the applicable laws, rules, orders and regulations of the Illinois Council of Deliberation, so far as they are applicable, and by these By-Laws, Rules and Regulations.
Section 3. Said Four Coordinate Bodies respectively shall have full authority over and power to confer the degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite as set forth and specifically named in Article 347, Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4, of the Revised Constitutions. (ART. 347)
Section 4. The geographical jurisdiction of said Four Coordinate Bodies shall be as set forth in the standing resolutions of the Illinois Council of Deliberation.
ARTICLE II. MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held on thesecond Wednesday of each month of each year at 7:00 o'clock p.m. The regular meetings will be held at 109 W. North Street, Danville, Illinois, unless otherwise determined bythe Board of Directors, with approval of the Deputy, and with proper notice to the membership. The regular meeting in May shall be designated as the Annual Meeting. All times are prevailing time in Danville, Illinois. (ART. 325)
Section 2. Each Coordinate Body shall meet at least four times annually. Special meetings of his Coordinate Body may be called by the Presiding Officer of any one of the Four Coordinate Bodies at any time he may deem necessary, and in his absence or disability, the officer entitled to preside in such absence may call such a special meeting.
Section 3. Each of the Four Coordinate Bodies shall observe as many traditional meetings as shall be convenient and advisable. (ART. 322)
Section 4. Unless otherwise provided by the Illinois Council of Deliberation, notice of all regular and special meetings shall be given to the members of the Four Coordinate Bodies at least five days prior thereto. Such notice shall be written or printed and may be mailed by ordinary mail to the residence or place of business of the member. Such notice, if included in a regular publication of the Valley of Danville sent to all members, shall be deemed sufficient. Such notice shall not be required for meetings called only for the conferring of degrees. (ART. 323)
ARTICLE III.FISCAL AUTHORITY- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The ownership and control of all real property interests, properties, funds and control of financial affairs shall be vested in a fiscal Body to be known as the Board of Directors of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Danville, an Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation. (ART. 341)
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of seven voting and two non-voting members: The seven voting members are the Presiding Officer of each of the Four Coordinate Bodies and three members to be elected at large jointly by the members of the Four Coordinate Bodies at the Annual Meeting in May. The three At-Large Directors shall serve a term of three years each provided that no At-Large Director shall serve more than two consecutive terms. The two non-voting members are the Secretary of the Four Coordinate Bodies and the Treasurer of the Four Coordinate Bodies. Provided, however, if the Four Coordinate Bodies do not elect the same Secretary or the same Treasurer, then the other members of the Board of Directors may elect a Secretary or Treasurer of the Board of Directors.
Said Board of Directors shall have all of the powers and duties authorized for Corporate Directors by the Statutes of the State of Illinois, and in addition thereto, is charged with the specific duty of creating an operating budget for each fiscal year, to be approved in advance of that fiscal year by the members of the Board of Directors at the Annual, Stated or Special Meeting.
The Board of Directors, by appointment, shall fill any vacancies on the Board of Directors during the year caused by death, disability or resignation. Resignation may also be defined as missing three consecutive meetings or attendance at fewer than nine meetings per year, defined as the twelve-month period between Annual Meetings.
Section 2. The Board of Directors shall annually elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman from among the Board of Directors who are Presiding Officers of the Four Coordinate Bodies. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings; and the Vice-Chairman will serve in the absence or disability of the Chairman.
Section 3. The Board of Directors shall regularly meet on the second Wednesday of each month, or such other time as may be agreed upon, and shall meet in special sessions upon call of the Chairman of the Board of Valley of Danville By-Laws – Amended 5/14/2014 3Directors. The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held on the second Wednesday of May in each year, and may be held jointly with the Annual Meeting of the Four Coordinate Bodies.
Section 4. The Board of Directors shall be vested with the ownership, custody and control of all real estate interests, funds and properties now or hereafter to be held by the Four Coordinate Bodies and shall receive all funds for all purposes, and distribute them in accordance with such budgets as may be established. All action of the Board of Directors shall be by a majority vote of the Directors present. Four or more of the seven voting Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a regular meeting. Five or more of the seven voting Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a special meeting.
Section 5. Business of the Board of Directors may be conducted via email in the following manner:
1. The chairman of the Board shall send an email to the email address of each board member (it shall be the responsibility of the board member to send the Secretary of the Board any change in email address) with the subject line "Call to order of the Board of Directors". The body of the email shall begin with "This email meeting will come to order." The purpose of the meeting should then be stated.
2. Board members wishing to discuss the issue(s) stated in the email shall do so by replying to all email addresses to which it was sent. Any voting board member wishing to make a motion or second a motion regarding the issue(s) stated in the email, shall do so by replying to all email addresses to which it was sent with a statement of his motion or second. If duplicate motions are made, the first motion received shall be the motion and all subsequent motions shall be seconds to that motion.
3. Once there is a motion and a second to that motion, the chairman may send an email to the email address of each board member with the Subject line "Motion". The body of this email shall restate the motion and second and state that the chairman will call for a vote on the motion at some specified time and date.
4. Once the specified time for the vote has arrived, the chairman may send an email to the email address of each board member with the Subject line "Ballot". The body of this email should restate the motion and second and ask the board member to vote yes or no. The body of the email should also state when the chair will close the balloting. In order for a vote to be valid a quorum of five ballots must be returned.
5. Once the balloting has been closed, the chair will tabulate the votes and announce the results of the ballot and whether the vote is valid. 6. All of this email correspondence shall be retained by the Secretary of the Board and entered as meeting minutes.
ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR AND OTHER EMPLOYEES
The Board of Directors may appoint an Administrative Director who shall have such duties as are prescribed by the Board of Directors, and generally to coordinate and direct the administrative functions of the Four Coordinate Bodies, including the employment and direction of any additional personnel approved by the Board of Directors. The Administrative Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and shall receive for his services such remuneration as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. The Administrative Director may also serve as the elected Secretary of any or all of the Four Coordinate Bodies. The Board of Directors may authorize the employment of such additional personnel as may be necessary or expedient to assist the Administrative Director in fulfilling his duties.
ARTICLE V.OFFICERS-ELECTION-TENURE- RANK AND DUTIES
Section 1. The officers of the Four Coordinate Bodies shall be styled and take their rank as provided for and specified in Article 346-1, 2, 3, 4 of the Revised Constitutions.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the Presiding Officer of each of the Four Coordinate Bodies to preside at all meetings thereof, and he shall discharge the duties prescribed for him by the Revised Constitutions and Rituals of the Supreme Council and the usages and customs of the Scottish Rite. He shall also enforce the laws of the Illinois Council of Deliberation so far as applicable and these By-Laws, Rules and Regulations. (ART. 340)
Section 3. The first three officers of each of the Four Coordinate Bodies, together with the Treasurer and Secretary of each of the Four Coordinate Bodies, shall be elected by the membership. The Presiding Officer shall appoint all other officers of his respective Body who are not required by these regulations to be elected. (ART. 329)
Section 4. The election of officers in each of the Four Coordinate Bodies shall take place at the Annual Meeting of each respective Body. The election of officers in the Lodge of Perfection, the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and the Chapter of Rose Croix shall be held annually; and in the Consistory, biennially.
Section 5. No one shall be elected as Presiding Officer who has not previously served in one of the first three offices of the same Body of the Rite, provided, however, that this requirement may be waived by the Deputy for the State of Illinois. (ART. 330)
Section 6. The election of officers shall not be conducted in a joint meeting, but shall occur at the Annual Meeting in a separate meeting of each Body concerned, held consecutively on that day. (ART. 321)
Section 7. Any member wishing to stand for elected office at the annual meeting in May, must declare himself a candidate for a particular office at the March or April stated meeting. Any member wishing to stand for elected office may submit a resume or curriculum vitae, not exceeding one page in length, to be published on the Valley's website. Said resume or curriculum vitae shall not explicitly solicit support. Any member declaring himself for a presiding office shall read his entire slate of elected offices for that particular Coordinate Body. All voting for contested elections shall be conducted by secret paper ballot, prepared in advance by the Secretary. If a declared candidate for an elected office is unable to run due to death, resignation, or any other reason, nominations for his office will be taken from the floor at the annual meeting. The Chairman or Presiding Officer of the meeting at which the contested election occurs shall appoint election judges as needed to conduct the election, count the ballots and certify the outcome to the meeting.
Section 8. If, from any cause, the election of officers in any of the Four Coordinate Bodies is not held at the time prescribed by these regulations, the incumbent officer shall hold over until the election can be held.
Section 9. Provided the Presiding Officers concur, joint installations of all officers, elected and appointed, for the Four Coordinate Bodies shall be held. Such installations may be open to non-members to the extent provided by the Revised Constitutions. (ART. 333.1,2)
Section 10. Officers, when duly installed, shall continue in office until the installation of their successors; provided that any officer may resign his office and further provided that appointed officers hold their positions at the pleasure of the Presiding Officer. (ART. 336)
Section 11. When a vacancy in any elected office occurs by reason of death, resignation, advancement or action by the Deputy for the State of Illinois, an election to fill such vacancy shall be held at a regular meeting upon due notice to the members. Provided, however, that when such vacancy occurs in the first or second elective office, the officer next in rank shall succeed to and be vested with the title and all of the powers and prerogatives of such office until the next regular election, unless the Deputy for the State of Illinois directs that the vacancy be filled at a special election for the unexpired term. (ART. 338)
Section 12. With the approval of the Deputy for the State of Illinois, a Presiding Officer may fill a vacancy in any elective office, other than those provided in Section 9 hereof, by appointment until such time as it shall be filled by election by the Body. (ART. 339)
ARTICLE VI .SECRETARY
Section 1. The Secretary of each of the Four Coordinate Bodies, within ten days after each election of officers, whether regular or special, shall transmit to the Deputy for the State of Illinois and to the Grand Secretary General a certificate setting forth the result of each election with complete residential addresses (not a Post Office Box) of the Presiding Officer and Secretary. (ART. 342)
Section 2. The Secretary shall keep a book or records which shall contain the Oath of Fealty and Allegiance to the Supreme Council, signed by each brother initiated, except those brethren on whom degrees are conferred by courtesy. A brother admitted or affiliated from another Jurisdiction must sign the Oath of Fealty. (ART. 343)
Section 3. The Secretary shall keep a correct register of all initiations, specifying the time and place of admission, the age of the candidate, place and date of birth, residence, occupation, and date of Oath of Fealty, and report so much thereof as may be required by the Supreme Council annually, to the Deputy for the State of Illinois and the Grand Secretary General, together with a report of all affiliations, restorations, deaths, suspensions, demits, and expulsions for the past fiscal year.
Section 4. The Secretary shall prepare in triplicate the annual returns to the Supreme Council as required by Article 345 of the revised Constitutions. Such return shall be in the form prescribed by the Grand Secretary General and shall embrace the transactions for the fiscal year ending on the thirtieth day of June. One copy of the return shall be filed in the archives of the Four Coordinate Bodies for which the return is made, and not later than the fifteenth day of July in each year one copy shall be forwarded to the Deputy for the State of Illinois and the original with the annual dues and fees shall be forwarded to the Grand Secretary General. (ART. 345)
ARTICLE VII.TREASURER
The Treasurer of the Four Coordinate Bodies shall review the disbursement of the funds of the Four Coordinate Bodies and shall be responsible for the financial records of the Valley which shall be maintained in the corporate office.
ARTICLE VIII.BONDS OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
The Secretary and Treasurer of each of the Four Coordinate Bodies, and such other officers and/or employees of the Board of Directors and the Four Coordinate Bodies, as may be determined by the Board of Directors, shall give bond to secure the faithful performance of their duties, which bond shall be executed with corporate surety. The cost of such bonds shall be paid by the Four Coordinate Bodies. (ART. 319)
ARTICLE IX.CANDIDATES
Section 1. Members in good standing in a regular Symbolic Lodge under the jurisdiction of a generally recognized Grand Lodge shall be the only Masonic status required for the purpose of petitioning for Scottish Rite Degrees. (ART. 500)
Section 2. All petitions for the degrees in any of the Four Coordinate Bodies must be in the form prescribed by the Supreme Council with such additions, not inconsistent therewith, as may be permitted by the Deputy for the State of Illinois, signed by the petitioner's own hand with his name in full and accompanied by such evidence of Masonic membership as shall entitle him to petition. (ART. 506)
Section 3. A petition may be withdrawn at any time, if the petitioner requests it in writing. When a petition is so withdrawn all fees which the petitioner has paid shall be returned promptly by the Secretary. (ART. 507)
Section 4. No member of any of the Four Coordinate Bodies shall give information to any person not a member of the Rite concerning petitions for degrees, or communicate the postponement of the question or the rejection of the petition, except as provided in Article 508 of the Supreme Council By-Laws in relation to the duties of Secretaries. (ART. 508)
Section 5. A single petition shall suffice for all degrees conferred in the Valley of Danville and may be acted upon successively in the several Bodies; provided, that it shall become inoperative two years after the date it has been received in the first Body, unless the candidate has stated in writing his intention to proceed and the time is extended by the Deputy for the State of Illinois. (ART. 510 and ART. 511)
Section 6. When a petition for the degrees is rejected or withdrawn, the fee which accompanied the petition shall be returned promptly by the Secretary. (ART. 513)
Section 7. A petition for degrees, having been rejected, shall not again be received within three months from the date of rejection. (ART. 514)
Section 8. Objection made to a candidate must be made at least three days before the conferring of any of the degrees in the Body to which he has petitioned. Such objection shall be made in writing signed by the objector and delivered to the Presiding Officer who shall transmit it to the Secretary. (ART. 512-1)
Section 9. When objection is made to the advancement of a member of one of the Four Coordinate Bodies to a Body conferring advanced degrees, the Presiding Officer of such Body shall order that the further advancement of said initiate shall be stayed. (ART. 512-2)
Section 10. In the event of an objection under either Section 11 or Section 12 hereof, the Presiding Officer shall appoint a committee whose duty it shall be to hear the objector; to consider the grounds of the objection; and to make its report within no more than sixty days to the Four Coordinate Bodies which shall determine by majority vote of those present whether or not the petitioner shall be advanced or rejected.
(ART. 512-3) ARTICLE X.INTERRUPTION OF MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Suspension from membership in any of the Four Coordinate Bodies shall exclude the former brother, while it is in effect, of all his rights and privileges as a member in good standing of the Body which suspended him and of all other Bodies of the Rite. (ART. 408)
Section 2. A member of any of the Four Coordinate Bodies, who is clear upon the books and against whom no charges are pending or impending, and as to whom no official investigation or inquiry which might result in such charges has begun, may voluntarily withdraw from membership in the Body and shall be entitled to a demit upon application thereof. Said demit shall date from the receipt of the application by the Secretary and shall be signed by the Secretary under seal of the Body and shall be reported to the next meeting of the Body. (ART. 419)
Section 3. If the holder of a demit returns it within two years to the Body by which it was listed, with a request that it be canceled, such Body shall reinstate the brother's name on the membership roll and adjust his record to show continuous membership. A brother so reinstated shall be required to pay all dues for which he would have been obligated had the demit not been issued, and the Body shall remit to the Supreme Council the per capita fees for the years involved. (ART. 420-1)
Section 4. If the holder of a demit retains it longer than two years and desires reinstatement to membership in the Body or Bodies by which the demit has been issued, he may present a petition for reinstatement along with his demit and the current year's dues to the Secretary of the Body or Bodies which issued the demit, and he shall be reinstated to full membership. (ART. 420-3)
Section 5. Suspension from membership in the Four Coordinate Bodies for non-payment of dues may be voted by the Body after notice by mail to the last known address of the brother, notifying him of the date of the meeting at which such action is proposed to be taken, to be held not earlier than thirty days after the mailing of such notice. (ART. 410)
ARTICLE XI.MEMBERS
Section 1. No Fee for affiliation shall be imposed by any of these Bodies.
Section 2. Any member who has been suspended from membership in a Coordinate Body for non-payment of dues and whose dues have been paid or remitted to date of his suspension together with payment of dues for the current year, shall be restored to membership therein. (ART. 415-1)
Section 3. A member who has been suspended or unaffiliated in Symbolic Freemasonry for non-payment of dues or who has become non-affiliated in Symbolic Freemasonry, and whose suspension, unaffiliation or non-affiliation therein has been terminated shall be reinstated to the full rights and privileges in the Coordinate Bodies of the Rite upon his written application therefore. (ART. 415-2)
Section 4. One who has been restored in Symbolic Freemasonry after suspension for a reason other than non-payment of dues, or after expulsion, may be restored to membership in the Bodies of the Rite only upon his written petition therefore and by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at a regular meeting of such Bodies. (ART. 415-3)
ARTICLE XII. COMMITTEES
Section 1. The following standing committees and their chairmen shall be appointed by the Presiding Officers of the Four Coordinate Bodies. Said appointments shall be made by August 1st of each year. The committees shall have the duties indicated by their respective titles: 1. Reunion 2. Greeters 3. Degree Production 4. Membership and Fraternal Relations 5. Appendant Organizations 6. Planning 7. Ancient Craft Degree TeamThere shall be a Chairman of each committee whose duties shall be to carry out the instructions of the Presiding Officers and to make reports to the membership at such meetings as the Presiding Officers may direct. The Presiding Officers of the Four Coordinate Bodies may appoint such other and additional committees as they may from time to time find necessary or expedient.
Section 2. The following standing committees and their chairman shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. At least one At-Large Director shall serve on each committee. 1. Finance and Audit 2. Building 3. Legal and Insurance 4. Personnel and Salaries 5. Public Relations, Publications and Publicity 6. Development 7. HospitalerThere shall be a Chairman of each committee whose duties shall be to carry out the instructions of the Board and to make reports to the membership at such meetings as they may direct. The Board of Directors may appoint such other and additional committees as they may from time to time find necessary of expedient.
ARTICLE XIII.APPENDANT ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1. All organizations, clubs, and societies founding their membership upon affiliation in the Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction which are situated in the jurisdiction of the Valley of Danville shall hold allegiance to the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville and be subject to the direction of its Four Coordinate Bodies.
Section 2. All By-Laws and amendments thereto of all such organizations and societies shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The above shall include, but not be limited to, organizations such as the Double Eagle Scottish Rite Club, Apple Butter Scottish Rite Club, Golden Eagles Scottish Rite Club, Prairie Meadows Scottish Rite Club, Highland Scottish Rite Club, Southeastern Scottish Rite Club, Meritorious Service Award Club and Thirty-third Degree Club.
ARTICLE XIV.
Section 1. The fees for the degrees conferred in these Bodies shall be as follows: Lodge of Perfection The greater of $50.00 or one-half of the total annual dues.Council of Princes of Jerusalem The greater of $50.00 or one-half of the total annual dues.Chapter of Rose Croix The greater of $50.00 or one-half of the total annual dues.Consistory The greater of $50.00 or one-half of the total annual dues. The petition must be accompanied by the fee in full for the degrees applied for, unless the Board of Directors shall provide for a deferred payment plan. Section
2. The annual dues shall be three times the sum of the per capita for the Illinois Council of Deliberation and the per capita of the Supreme Council. Dues are payable in advance on the first day of July in each year. Life membership plans and annuity membership funds may be established pursuant to Article 313 by the majority approval of members voting at the Annual Meeting.
Whenever a member of any of these Bodies on the first day of July in any year shall be in arrears for more than one year's dues, the Secretary within four months thereafter shall notify such member in writing of the amount of said dues and that, unless such dues are paid by the first day of December following such notice, he will be reported as delinquent. When a brother has been reported as delinquent, the Body shall take appropriate action at the next regular meeting, such action being remission of dues or suspension for nonpayment thereof. (ART. 411) Suspension from membership in a Body for nonpayment of dues shall be voted by the Body after notice by mail to the last known address of the brother, notifying him of the date of the meeting at which such action is proposed to be taken, to be held no earlier than thirty days after the mailing of such notice. (ART. 410)
ARTICLE XV.GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the first three officers of the Consistory and the Chapter of Rose Croix, and the first four officers of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem and the Lodge of Perfection, to attend the meetings of the Council of Deliberation for Illinois, and assist in promoting the welfare of the Rite. The Board of Directors shall make reasonable allowances for travel and out-of-pocket expenses of those attending such meetings.
Section 2. No visitor, other than members of the Supreme Council, shall be admitted into any Body of the Rite unless he be an affiliated member of a Body of the same degree, except by special invitation of the Presiding Officer of such Body. Bodies of the Rite shall require of those attending acceptable proof of membership and present good standing.
ARTICLE XVI.AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Under no circumstances or pretext whatever shall any of these By-Laws, Rules and Regulations be suspended, but they may be repealed or amended as hereinafter provided.
Section 2. All other and former By-Laws, Rules and Regulations are hereby repealed.
Section 3. Any action of the Supreme Council or of the Illinois Council of Deliberation, which may affect or alter these Rules and Regulations in any respect, shall be regarded as an amendment to them, and these Regulations shall thereafter be formally amended to conform therewithin.
Section 4. These By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, together with all repeals and amendments thereof, shall be submitted to the Deputy for Illinois and approved by him before they shall take effect. (ART. 306)
Section 5. These By-Laws, Rules and Regulations may be altered, modified, amended or repealed upon recommendation made by a majority of the Board of Directors and upon a vote of two-thirds of members present at a regular meeting of which proper notice was provided in accordance with these Rules. The proposed alterations, modifications, amendment or repeal shall have been presented in writing and read at a regular meeting prior to the meeting at which the vote thereon may be taken, and a copy of the proposed action shall have been mailed in its entirety to the membership at least ten days prior to any meeting where they shall be voted upon. These By-Laws, Rules and Regulations may also be altered, modified, amended or repealed upon any written recommendation by a member, presented to the Secretary by March 1st, and upon a two-thirds vote of the members present at the annual meeting of which proper notice was provided in accordance with these Rules.
ARTICLE XVII.INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. This Corporation shall indemnify or agree to indemnify any member, agent, director, officer or employee of this Corporation or any person who is serving at the request of this Corporation as a member, trustee, director, officer or employee of another association or corporation (whether nonprofit or for profit) against expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense of any pending or threatened action, suit, or proceeding, criminal or civil, administrative or investigative to which he is or may be made a party by reason of being or having been such a member, agent, trustee, officer, or employee, provided (1) he is adjudicated or determined not to have been negligent or guilty of misconduct in the performance, of his duty to this Corporation of which he is or was a member, agent, trustee, officer, or employee, (2) he is determined to have acted in good faith in what he reasonably believed to be the best interest of this Corporation, and (3) in any manner subject of a criminal action, suit, or proceeding, he is determined to have had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. The determination as to (2) and (3), and, in the absence of adjudication as to (1) shall be made by the Board of Directors of this Corporation acting at a meeting at which a quorum consisting of Directors who are not parties to or threatened with any such action, suit, or proceeding is present. Any Director who is a party to or threatened with any such action, suit, or proceeding shall not be qualified to vote and, if for this reason, a quorum of Directors cannot be obtained to vote on such indemnification, no indemnification shall be made except in accordance with Sections 2 and 3 hereof.
Section 2. The Corporation shall through its By-Laws or by any agreement authorized or by resolution adopted by the officers of the Four Coordinate Bodies at a meeting held for such purpose by affirmative vote of the majority of the voting officers present if a quorum is present, indemnify or agree to indemnify such member, agent, director, officer, or employee against expenses, judgments, decrees, fines, penalties, or amounts paid in settlement in connection with the defense of any pending or threatened action, suit, or proceeding, criminal or civil, to which such member, agent, director, officer, or employee is or may be made a party by reason of being such a member, agent, trustee, officer, or employee, provided that a determination is made by the Directors in accordance with the manner set forth in Section 1 hereof or is made by or in accordance with a method to be established by the By-Laws, such agreement or by such resolution: (1) that such member, agent, director, officer, or employee was not, and has not been adjudicated to have been negligent or guilty of misconduct in the performance of his duty to this Corporation of which he is a member, director, officer, or employee, (2) that he acted in good faith in what he reasonably believed to be the best interest of this Corporation, (3) that in any matter the subject of criminal action, suit, or proceeding, he has no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful, and (4) the termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation.
Section 3. This Corporation shall advance funds to pay for the defense of any member, director, officer, or employee including all costs and attorney's fees provided the member, agent, director, officer, or employee who is the subject of any such action for which this indemnification policy applies, provided such member, agent director, officer, or employee executes a document stating that he shall reimburse the Corporation for all such funds advanced should it be determined that he was not entitled to indemnification under this Article XVIII. In this connection the Corporation shall have the burden of proof to show that the member, agent, director, officer, or employee is not entitled to the indemnification which is provided in the Article XVIII.
Section 4. The provisions of this Article XVIII are to be retroactive to any and all events which occurred prior to the adoption of this Article XVIII and shall continue to exist after any future rescission or modification of the Valley of provisions to this Article XVIII which are more restrictive with respect to events occurring prior to said rescission or modification.
Section 5. Any member, agent, director, officer, or employee shall be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by such person as a result of a claim against the Corporation and/or the member, agent, director, officer, or employee is successful either in whole or in part in sustaining the indemnification.
Section 6. This indemnification provision shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to which such member, agent, director, officer, or employee may be entitled under the By-Laws and agreement, any insurance purchased by the Corporation, vote of the members otherwise.
Lessons of the Scottish Rite Degrees
LODGE OF PERFECTION "The Ineffable Degrees"
The Ineffable Degrees, from the Fourth to the Fourteenth inclusive, are conferred in a Lodge of Perfection. They are called "Ineffable" because they are concerned with the ineffable or unutterable Name of God and with man's eager quest for the True Name. In these eleven degrees, there is a profound unveiling of the character and purposes of God — that high and Holy One who inhabits eternity but dwells in he who is of a contrite and humble spirit. In formal ritual and in drama, ten of these degrees, based upon legends of the Solomonic era, elaborate upon the teachings of Symbolic Freemasonry and apply them to practical situations that are faced in everyday life. The Fourteenth Degree summarizes what has been taught and is a moral and philosophical climax. Important practical lessons are taught in the eleven Ineffable Degrees: secrecy and silence in all confidential relationships; respect for a brother's memory, the duty of healing dissensions; justice and mercy in judging others; fair dealing in business by management and labor; the peril of excessive zeal even in a good cause; the honest collection of taxes based upon a just assessment; the mastery of difficulties and dangers in our progress toward Perfection; the honor of Freemasonry is in the keeping of those who seek Perfection in character and who reverence the Ineffable Name of God.
4° Master Traveler. Here begins the Scottish Rite adventure that leads to the thirty-second degree, which is more a beginning than an end, only a milepost on a man's path of personal growth. You are becoming an explorer of Masonry's time-honored wisdom in harmony with any man's faith or creed
5° Perfect Master. This degree teaches that trustworthiness is more precious than life and is the foundation of Masonic honor. It also teaches that due respect should be paid to the memory of a Masonic brother. The 5° comes from Leviticus 10. In the Scripture, the two sons of Aaron, motivated by the desire for wealth and power, neglect the Sacred flame. The lesson focuses on the "strange fire" offered by the two sons and their death as a result of their sin. One interpretation is that attempting to usurp power not belonging to an individual and irreverence toward the Supreme Architect of the Universe will lead to destruction.
6° Master of the Brazen Serpent This degree teaches that devotion to one's friends and zealousness in performing one's duties are rewarding virtues. The Degree of Brazen Serpent reminds all of the frail states of human trust. We must learn to trust in the all-powerful God. The lesson stresses that all of mankind's gifts and talents are nothing without faith in the Almighty.
7° Provost and Judge. This degree teaches to judge righteously and treat all equally, regardless of who that person may be. Let justice be impartial, tempered with deserved mercy. In both the Old and New Testament, justice and forgiveness are emphasized. One must be honest in their everyday life and Masons are charged to live their lives at a standard higher than others. The story is of two friends who are co-workers but are very different. One is a man who is known for his craftsmanship and hard work. The other is able to do good work but does not. The hard worker earns more and is able to support his family while the other is not. The weaker character becomes jealous and claims the work of his friend. Seven judges are chosen to determine what should happen as a result. The weaker man, faced with the truth, admits his actions and the other, exhibiting mercy, forgives him.
8° Intendant of the Building. This degree teaches that each new honor is meant to be a step towards perfection in the moral code; each a development of a particular duty; and that benevolence and charity are necessary virtues of leadership. The allegory of the 8° and the Bible story of how Solomon became King illustrate great lessons for today in the use and misuse of power and trust.
9° Master of the Temple. The lessons taught in this degree are that we should be careful not to be too zealous in executing justice, even in good cause, and that we should avoid injuring or harming any person by hasty or irresponsible action. This degree centers on the completion of King Solomon's Temple to God on the day of dedication. Unlike the Bible, it refers to the inclusion of representatives of all the major theologies of the world. The lesson emphasizes that each person has the right to choose for himself what he will believe. This teaches that a true Mason adopts a philosophy of respect for beliefs of other men, and to do so, strengthen his own faith.
10° Master Elect. The teachings of this degree are that ambition and jealousy can tempt men to evil deeds, that righteousness will eventually triumph over evil, and that evildoer will be punished. This degree focuses on Solomon's weakness. Women, many women, and his pride and arrogance lead to Solomon, a wise man, being betrayed by his own desires. Solomon, who is credited with authoring the Song of Songs (Solomon), Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, is also reported to have had 700 wives and 300 concubines!
11° Sublime Master Elected. This degree concerns good citizenship. Evil doings should be punished. Honesty and respect for others should be rewarded. Be earnest, honest and sincere. The allegory focuses on corruption in office but illustrates how a lack of ethics and corruption can eat away at not only an individual's moral fiber but also a society or organization. This is the story of the tax collector who violated the trust and extorted large sums of money from the citizens. The collector thought that since he was far away from the seat of government, no one would discover his evil doing. The message is that eventually the truth will be known and trust is one of the highest attributes a person can have.
12° Master of Mercy. This degree teaches that the Mason, as he learns to use the tools and instruments of his trade and skill, also learns to contemplate the many aspects of life and deal with them as a child of God, steady and advancing to those heights of experience, which we call "Perfection." This degree is based on the Old Testament story of Joseph, Genesis 37 to 50. It is the well-known story of a young man, a favorite of his father, who suffers from the actions of his brothers. Although they were jealous and treated him very poorly, he forgave them, although he had the power to destroy them. Guilt forces people to live in fear and uncertainty, which prevents them from reaching "Perfection".
13° Master of the Ninth Arch. This degree teaches that difficulties and dangers should not deter the true and faithful Brother from progressing onward to Perfection. It teaches the great truth that the finest things in life come only as of the result of constant and often painful effort. In this degree, King Solomon sends three craftsmen to find artifacts from an ancient temple on the very grounds of Solomon's new temple. The three find evidence of the temple and face great danger as they pursue their quest. They rely on their faith in God and their willingness to face risks in their search for the Truth. They reach the Ninth Arch where they make a precious discovery. Some say the Symbolism of this degree is about making the discovery of the very existence of God. As the craftsmen descended into the earth, so must we descend to the depths of our hearts and allow ourselves to put away our earthly cares and see the face of God. Facing adversity leads to a strengthening of faith and the love of God.
14° Grand Elect Mason. In the Scottish Rite, this degree is the summit of Ancient Craft Masonry which began with the First through Third Degrees. As the crowning degree of the Lodge of Perfection, its essence is the holiness of God and reverence for his Holy Name. God will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. Genesis 2 states that man was created in the image of God and as such we are his chosen. This degree takes place in a Lodge Room with various items found in the sacred temple of Solomon. This reminds the candidate and member that the Lodge Room is a place of honor and should be respected. The items or elements from the Temple are to teach man about God's covenant with us. Deeply religious, but not stressing any particular Creed, the 14° calls each man into a covenant with God and his fellow members.
COUNCIL PRINCES OF JERUSALEM "The Historical Degrees"
The Fifteenth and Sixteen Degrees are sometimes referred to as the Historical Degrees, constituting an allegorical narrative presenting the story of a captive people who "wept beside the rivers of Babylon." When liberated they were consecrated to the task of building the second temple or rather of rebuilding the original temple of Solomon, which had been destroyed by marauding Assyrians. The entire pageantry and symbolism of Freemasonry devolve about the construction of the four temples of Jahweh, by a brotherhood dedicated to the erection of a perfect edifice at Jerusalem and later to build a temple on the hearts of men. In the characters of Daniel, Joshua, and Zerubbabel and his companions, the earlier virtues of patience, courage, and fortitude are contrasted with the disillusionment and loss of zeal which developed as the rebuilding of the temple proceeded. The motif of this spiritual struggle is portrayed against a tapestry representing a scene of oriental and pagan splendor in the court of one of the most imposing empires of history. This was the Achaemenian dynasty at the height of its power. The ancient authority of Assyria and Babylon, of Syria and Sidonia and of all the fabulous empires of the East had been overthrown and the Persians ruled supreme. Contrasted with the hauteur of these imperious monarchs is the humility of the little group of those born in bondage pleading for the redress of an ancient wrong. The lessons of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Degrees are from these elements of the historical drama which transpired during the reigns of the great Kings, Cyrus and Darius.
15° Knight of the East. This degree teaches the important lesson of loyalty to conviction and devotion to right. In this degree, Cyrus receives a vision from God. Daniel is called to interpret it. When the test comes, honor and integrity are chosen over wealth and success. One must be loyal to one's convictions; one must show fidelity to one's duty, and one must be devoted to the truth.
16° The Prince of Jerusalem. This degree teaches loyalty to truth and fidelity to duty. The source of this degree is the Apocrypha, the "hidden", or "lost" books of the Bible which covers the time from the close of Malachi to the New Testament. Three of King Darius' bodyguards propose a debate to entertain the King, who was suffering from insomnia. He liked the idea and a debate was held at the King's Banquet. They debate the power of wine, the power of Kings, and the power of women. However, Zerubbabel argues for the ultimate power of truth. The lesson is that a Mason must live for truth; for God is the ultimate truth.
CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX "The Philosophical & Doctrinal Degrees"
The Seventeenth and Eighteenth Degrees, known as the Philosophical and Doctrinal Degrees, are conferred in a Chapter of Rose Croix. They open a new development of Masonic teaching and are a distinct departure and advance from the symbolism and teaching of the Symbolic Lodge and of the preceding Scottish Rite Degrees. These deal with the first Temple and its supporting columns, and the attempt to restore and maintain the old worship in a second temple reared upon the ruins of the first. Neither endured. The Seventeenth Degree is designated "Knight of the East and West" and is presented as the first degree in a Chapter of Rose Croix. The degree centers around the wandering neophyte, an earnest seeker for Truth, and is an indispensable prelude to the Eighteenth Degree. It inspires the hope that the Day of Truth will dawn at last, that the knowledge and worship of the One living and true God shall spread from East to West, and that one Spiritual Brotherhood shall extend across the world. The Eighteenth Degree is designated "Knight of the Rose Croix" and is presented as the second and last degree in a Chapter of Rose Croix. The man had to have a new Temple, a new Law, a new Word. The degree sets forth a law of the heart, a law of warm and intimate human virtues, a law which the simplest and humblest may practice. It symbolizes a perfect life that every man can understand and take for the guide, inspiration, and model of his own. The Rose Croix Degrees are the spiritual center and among the most important in the whole body of Freemasonry.
17° Knight of the East and West. The lessons of this degree are that loyalty to God is man's primary allegiance, and the temporal governments not founded on God and his righteousness will inevitably fall. King Solomon's Temple is finally rebuilt, but that second Temple is defiled by King Herod. The Temple is abandoned as the faithful seek new meaning beyond material walls.
18° Knight of the Rose Croix of H.R.D.M. The lessons taught in this degree are that man must have a new temple in his heart where God is worshiped in spirit and one truth. He must have a new law of love which all men everywhere may understand and practice. This degree affirms the broad principles of universality and tolerance. This is frequently described as the spiritual center of Scottish Rite, in a centuries-old degree centered on Jesus of Nazareth as an example.
CONSISTORY "The Traditional & Chivalric Degrees"
The Consistory Degrees, the Nineteenth through Thirty-Second Degrees, known as the Traditional and Chivalric Degrees of Scottish Rite, are conferred by a Consistory. These degrees portray memorable lessons of brotherhood, compassion, discipline, dignity, duty, equality, excellence, faith, goodwill, justice, love, mercy, moral character, patriotism, purity, service, spirituality, toleration, and unity that range in settings from the time of chivalry through the 20th century.
19° Brothers of the Trail. This degree, rewritten entirely in 2010, takes place at Register Cliff near Guernsey, Wyoming. Pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail used knives to carve their names on Register Cliff's massive sandstone wall. Many of these markings have stood the test of time and remain legible today. Travelers considered the site an important stop on their journeys because it allowed them to inform those who followed that they had survived until that point. Unfortunately, some who stopped at Register Cliff made the site their final resting place. Those who perished there used Register Cliff to ensure that they would not pass away without a trace. This degree tells a compelling story about the importance of fellowship, integrity and keeping promises. The principal author of the degree is James L. Tungate, 33°, Active Resident of the Valley of Danville.
20° Master Ad Vitam. This degree commonly referred to as the "George Washington Degree" is a drama of the American Spirit confronting the challenge of disloyalty and treason. Masonic principles and leadership are subjected to a crucial test. The degree demonstrates the Masonic condemnation of all who conspire against the security of this nation and the happiness of our people. Several well-known historical characters, such as George Washington, Marquis De Lafayette, and several British Masons are portrayed at an American Lodge meeting.
21° Patriarch Noachite. This degree teaches that Freemasonry is not a shield for evil doing and that justice is one of the chief supports of the fraternity. The degree portrays a meeting of the Grand Chapter of Patriarch Noachites, the successors of a Secret Society known in the Middle Ages as the Holy Vehme. Kings, Princes Potentates, and Chivalric Knights were leagued together in this Grand Chapter in order to punish crime, reward virtue, render protection to the innocent, and aid and assist the needy and afflicted.
22° Prince of Libanus. In this degree, the dignity of labor is demonstrated. It is no curse, but a privilege, for man to be allowed to earn his sustenance by work. Idleness, not labor, is disgraceful.
23° Knight of Valor. This degree teaches that impure thoughts and selfish, unworthy ambitions are corrupting and destructive and that a man who forgets his duty to family, country, and God will be morally and spiritually destroyed. Commonly referred to as the "Four Chaplain's Degree", this degree is based on the tragedy of the loss of four Chaplains on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester during World War II.
24° Brother of the Forest. This degree teaches that a mutual belief in one true, living God should bind men together in the service of humanity and in a worldwide brotherhood. The "Indian Degree" exposes the misunderstandings between the white man and the red man through the petition of an American Indian to a Masonic Lodge.
25° Master of Achievement. This degree teaches that there are desert stretches in every individual life in the history of every nation, with a resultant breakdown of discipline and loss of faith. This degree is a clarion call to faith – in ourselves, in each other, and in God. Utilizing the format of the television show, "This Is Your Life", the "Benjamin Franklin Degree" centers on the life of one of our country's greatest scientists and Masons.
26° Friend and Brother Eternal. This Degree teaches us that partisan strife, even when it descends to the level of armed conflict, does not dissolve our obligations as Masons. There is a second lesson to be learned. The virtues of brotherhood give rise to the practice of good citizenship.
27° Knight of Jerusalem. This degree teaches that Scottish Rite Free Masonry believes in the concept of a free church in a free state, each supreme in its own sphere, neither seeking to dominate the other, but cooperating for the common good. There is also a secondary lesson, the importance of full communication, or better yet, the lack thereof, between leaders of our community, country, or the world.
28° Knight of the Sun. This degree, using the symbolism of the tools and implements of architecture teaches that by building high moral character among its adherents, Freemasonry may advance man's determined quest for the achievement of unity and goodwill throughout the world. It shows the Fraternity in transition during the seventeenth century from an operative craft guild to a speculative moral science.
29° Knight of Saint Andrew. This degree emphasizes the Masonic teachings of equality and tolerance. We are reminded that no one man, no one Church, no one religion, has a monopoly of truth; that while we must be true and faithful to our own convictions, we must respect the opinions of others.
30° Grand Inspector. This degree sets forth the tests and ceremonies that symbolize the experiences we must undergo in the building of excellence in character.
31° My Brother's Keeper. This degree is a fictional adaptation of lessons found in the Old Testament and a parable in the New Testament. It dramatically exemplifies two of the Scottish Rite Core Values; Integrity, and Service. It serves to remind us of our Masonic obligation which all of us have taken in some form, "…that I will help, aid, and assist all brother Master Masons…"
32° Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. This degree, the culmination of the degrees of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, is a representation of each of the Scottish Rite Bodies, with a traditional obligation and a stirring call to Patriotism and the triumph of "a worldwide brotherhood of Man."
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