ARTICLE I
NAME OF THE LODGE

This Lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas on the 5th day of June, 1875, and shall be known by the name and style of Arlington Lodge No. 438, of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

This Lodge subscribes to and shall be governed by the Constitution, Laws, Resolutions and Edicts of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF THE LODGE

Section 1. The stated meetings shall be held on Second Tuesday of every month, at 7:30 P.M.

Section 2. Called meetings may be made by the Worshipful Master (or in his absence or inability to serve by the Senior Warden or in the absence of both Master and Senior Warden, then by the Junior Warden), at such times as they, or either of them, having the right to act, may think important, or to the interest of the Craft.

Section 3. As many members as possible should be notified of such called meetings, and no business shall be transacted at same, except such as was specified in the call.

ARTICLE III
OFFICERS OF THE LODGE

The Officers of the Lodge shall be a Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Senior and Junior Deacons, Senior and Junior Stewards, Marshall (optional), Master of Ceremonies (optional), Musician (optional) and Tiler.

ARTICLE IV
ELECTION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE LODGE
Section 1. The Worshipful Master, Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary and Tiler shall be elected, all other officers shall be appointed. (NOTE: appointments by Worshipful Master)

Section 2. In the election of officers, should only one name be placed in nomination, the vote may be taken without ballot, but should more than one Brother be placed in nomination, the members should prepare their ballots, which shall be taken up and counted at the Secretary’s desk and the number of votes received by each Brother reported to the presiding officer, and he shall declare the Brother receiving a majority of all the votes cast duly elected.

Section 3. In the event no Brother has such a majority, the ballot will be repeated until such result is obtained. Blank votes shall not be considered in determining the result.

ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

Section 1. Worshipful Master – It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master to:

• See that the By-Laws of the Lodge, as well as the Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge are duly observed, and that the officers attend strictly to their duties.
• Appoint such committees, as he deems necessary to carry out the various activities of the Lodge

Section 2. Treasurer – Is the Financial Officer of the Lodge and it is his duty to:

• Hold deeds, certificates of stock, notes, bonds, obligations, or other property of financial character, belonging to the Lodge, and to collect and receive the same when directed by the Lodge, to receive all monies from the hand of the Secretary, passing his receipt for the same, and pay out only upon order of the Worshipful Master and consent of the Lodge.
• The Treasurer shall keep a correct account of the same, and report minutely the financial condition of the Lodge at the stated meeting next succeeding the festival of St. John the Baptist and at other times as the Lodge may direct. For his services he shall receive the amount as set by the Lodge from time to time and be exempt from payment of dues.
• Furnish a financial report at each stated meeting to the Secretary and Finance Committee.
• Pay all budgeted items as they become due and report them in the monthly report without further approval of the Lodge.
• Forward any request for non-budgeted items (or vouchers) to the Finance Committee for review before its being presented to the Lodge.
• Furnish a print out of receipts and expenditures for the fiscal year to the Lodge or Finance Committee upon their request for the same.

Section 3. Secretary – It shall be the duty of the Secretary to:

• Carefully observe the proceedings of the Lodge, make a correct record of all things proper to be written and to receive all monies due the Lodge, turning the same over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same.
• Keep all books and paper relating to proceedings of the Lodge.
• Authenticate all official papers and documents emanating from the Lodge with the seal of the same.
• Notify all Brethren of their election to office, if they are not present at the time of election.
• Notify the Grand Secretary as prescribed by law, of the suspensions or expulsion of members, and of the rejection of applicants; to issue all summons, demits and notices, as he may be directed; to make out and transmit to the Grand Secretary the annual returns of the Lodge; remit also to him the Grand Lodge dues; report to the Grand Secretary the names of all Brethren elected to parent or plural membership and perform all other duties appertaining to his office.
• Receive an amount set forth by the Lodge for his services, and be exempt from the payment of dues.

Section 4. Tiler – it shall be the duty of the Tiler to:

• See that the Lodge room is kept clean and in order; and that the various articles of furniture are in their appropriate places, to strictly guard the door during the sitting of the Lodge, to summons members of the Lodge to all called meetings where summons is necessary, and be punctual in his attendance.
  Shall receive an amount set forth by the Lodge from time to time for his performance of these duties, and be exempt from payment of dues.

ARTICLE VI
STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens shall constitute a Standing Committee on fraternal assistance, sickness and arbitration, a majority of whom may at all times, act, and are responsible to the Lodge.

1. Fraternal Assistance – It is their duty to examine all claimants for assistance and, if necessary, they may draw on the Treasury in each instant, for an amount not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) and report the facts in the case to the Lodge at the next stated meeting, thereafter.
2. Sickness – It shall be their duty to visit or see that all sick Brethren are visited (unless it would be dangerous or imprudent to do so), and to ascertain their condition and necessities; and to take such action as they deem proper and necessary, both in regard to the Brother and his family.
3. Arbitration – It shall be the duty of this committee to settle all differences between Brethren, unless the parties prefer to bring the matter before the Lodge.

Section 2. Finance Committee – There shall be a Finance Committee composed of five (5) members of the Lodge, in good standing and who agree to serve. The Committee members should have some knowledge of finances and or bookkeeping. This Committee shall advise the Lodge on all financial matters and recommend action that should be taken to insure the well being of the Finances of the Lodge. It shall have no authority to receive or expend any Funds of any kind. Financial matters are the sole responsibility of the Worshipful Master with the consent of the Lodge. Some of their duties are as follows:

1. Prepare an Annual Budget derived from:
   A. Income and Expenditures of previous year
   B. Input from the “incoming Worshipful Master”.
   C. Input from Members.
2. Present a preliminary budget at the July Stated Meeting for discussion by the Lodge, and to allow modification.
3. Present the Budget for the year at the August stated meeting for approval.
4. Furnish a line item (or category) Budget to the Treasurer and Secretary as guidelines for their vouchers to coordinate with the line items or category.
5. The Committee shall assist the Audit Committee, appointed by the Worshipful Master, in auditing the records of the Treasurer and Secretary of the previous fiscal year, and assist, if required, in completion of the Minimum Audit Form No. 71 as required by Grand Lodge.
6. When non-budget funds are requested, the Committee shall review the request and report to the Lodge the funds are, or are not available.
7. The Committee shall advise the Lodge on any additional Funds or Financial matters from time to time.
8. Members of the Committee should not be members of the Investment or Audit Committee.

Section 3. Investment Committee – There shall be an Investment Committee composed of three (3) Master Masons, who are members of this Lodge, in good standing and who agree to serve. The Investment Committee members should be versed in financial matters and it is their responsibility to advise the Investment Broker, Investment Advisor, Banker, or Agent who physically transacts the purchases or liquidations of the investments in the Lodge account(s). The Investment Committee will recommend prudent investments and provide liquidity in the portfolio(s) as needed upon the request of the Finance Committee. The Committee seeing the need for expeditious transactions requires the Investment Committee Chairman to communicate to the Worshipful Master and the Finance Committee by the settlement date of all investment transactions.

The purpose of and the management style of each portfolio will be defined in the Investment Policy Statement. The investment Policy Statement can be revised by the Lodge at any time the Investment Committee makes recommendations to better fit the needs of the Lodge. A review of the Investment Policy Statement is required in the months of August and February of each Masonic year. The review of the Investment Policy Statement is to ensure the investment portfolio is managed in a manner suitable to the Lodge’s current needs. Members of this Committee should not be members of the Finance or Audit Committee.

Section 4 – Audit Committee – The Worshipful Master shall appoint an Audit Committee Composed of three (3) Master Masons, members of the Lodge, who are versed in financial matters. As soon as appointed they will carefully examine the reports, books and vouchers of the Secretary and Treasurer, and any financial matters referred to them, and make a full and accurate report to the Lodge showing the condition of the books and accounts. Should any inaccuracies be found, recommend the necessary steps for the correction. Their report thus presented will be spread upon the minutes with copies made available for viewing. They shall assist, if requested, in completion of the Grand Lodge Minimum Audit Form No. 71. Members of this Committee should not be members of the Finance or Investment Committee.

Section 5 – Temple Restoration and Maintenance Board – There shall be a permanent Temple Restoration and Maintenance Board composed of six Master Masons elected to a three year term. These Masons shall serve staggered terms, so each year, two members rotate off of the Board and two are elected to a three year term. No Mason may serve two consecutive terms.

In the year this by-law becomes effective, two Master Masons shall be elected to a one year term, two to a two year term, and two elected to a three year term. The elections to this board will take place at the June Stated Meeting, following the election of the Lodge Officers. The duties of the newly elected board members will commence on the same date as the installation of the newly elected Lodge Officers. Before the July Stated Meeting of each year, the Temple Board shall elect a Board President to preside over this board. The president will report to the Lodge, the condition of the Temple and advise what action shall be taken. The president shall provide input to the preparing of the Lodge’s annual budget.

The purpose of this Board is to oversee the maintenance and structural integrity of the Arlington Masonic Temple. This board is charged with keeping the building and property safe and in working condition. Their duties include supervision of all major appliances including, but not limited to air conditioning, stoves, refrigeration, freezers, plumbing, landscaping, sprinkler systems and the like.

ARTICLE VII
FEES FOR DEGREES

Section 1. The fees for Initiation, Passing and Raising shall be an amount not less than that prescribed in Article 307 of the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M. and set by this Lodge from time to time.

Section 2. At the time of Raising, each candidate is required by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to make a donation of $25.00 to the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation for which he will receive the Official Certificate of Acknowledgement. This donation is in addition to the fee charged for the Master’s Degree.

Section 3. In addition to the regular fee for initiation, a $5.00 donation to the George Washington Masonic Memorial shall be collected from each applicant for the Entered Apprentice Degree.

ARTICLE VIII
DIMITS

Section 1. A member applying for a demit shall be charged the unpaid pro-rata part of his dues up to the time the demit is granted; which sum must be paid before his application therefore is granted. If he has already paid his dues the Lodge shall, upon granting the demit, refund to him the pro-rata part of his dues up to the time the demit is granted; which sum must be paid before his application thereof covering the unexpired portion of the period for which he has theretofore paid.

ARTICLE IX
LODGE DUES

Dues of this lodge are payable in advance. The dues paying period of this lodge will be from January 1, through December 31. Each member affiliated or raised shall pay the current years dues prorated on a quarterly basis. The dues of this Lodge (unless herein exempted) shall be an amount set by the Lodge from time to time provided that they are not less than prescribed in Article 311 of the Constitution and Laws. A member, however, shall not be required to pay such dues if he purchases an Endowed Membership in accordance with the Laws of Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE X
VISITING BRETHREN

A visitor shall not be admitted except upon due examination or lawful avouchment, or as permitted by Grand Lodge law. In the event that the visiting Brother is a stranger and hails from some Lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to notify the visitor’s Lodge, that we have had the pleasure of a visit by one of its members, giving the name and date.

ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

Section 1. Weapons – No weapons, either offensive or defensive, shall be carried into the Lodge rooms.

Section 2. Food and Drink – No food or drink shall be consumed in the Lodge rooms.

Section 3. Smoking – The use of tobacco products of any kind is prohibited in the Lodge rooms and anterooms.

ARTICLE XII
BUSINESS

At stated meetings after opening the Lodge in due and ancient form, a quorum being present, the order of Business, unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge or the Worshipful Master shall be as follows:

• Reading, correcting and approval of Minutes of previous meetings.
• Receiving and referring to Committees of Petitions and Applications.
• Reports of Special Committees
• Balloting on Petitions and Applications.
• Reports of Standing Committees and action thereon.
• Communications from the Grand Master and the Grand Secretary of the
• Grand Lodge of Texas.
• Unfinished business.
• New Business, Motions, Resolutions, etc.
• Examinations of Candidates in the proper degree.
• Voting on Proficiency.
• Claims and Accounts.

ARTICLE XIII
RULES OF BUSINESS

The rules of conducting the business of this Lodge shall be as nearly as possible the same as those prescribed for the Grand Lodge, and in addition as follows:

Section A. When a question is decided, the same matter shall not again be acted on during that meeting, unless on motion to reconsider, which can only be made by a member voting in the majority, and at that or the next stated meeting, when there must be an equal or greater number of members present than when the action was had.

Section B. All questions of order shall be decided by the Worshipful Master without appeal or debate: but the Master may ask the advice of any member before deciding, and he has the right at any time, to declare the lodge closed or called off, for the purpose of stopping angry debate or confusion.

ARTICLE XIV
AMENDING OF BY-LAWS

Section A. No amendment to these By-laws, either by alteration or addition, shall be made, unless in the following manner:

1. The proposed amendment must be in writing, signed by the proposers and presented and read at a regular stated meeting of this Association, at which time it may be discussed and amended, if necessary.
2. At the next regular stated meeting of this Lodge, it shall be considered and voted upon without further amendment: and if approved by a majority of the votes of the Members present, shall become a part of these By-Laws, upon compliance with the other provisions of this Article.

Section 2. All amendments of these By-Laws must be submitted to the Grand Lodge for it’s approval before they take effect, except the following:

1. Fixing, raising or lowering the fee for each degree, or the annual dues, within the minimum limitations fixed by the laws of the Grand Lodge, except as provided in Art. 309.
2. Adopting its own regulations as to the payment of its Treasurer, Secretary, and Tiler.
3. The day and hour of meeting, or the number of stated meetings per month may be changed to suit its convenience. Whenever a change in the number of meetings per month, or of the day of the meeting, is made, the Grand Secretary must be notified at once.
4. Adopting its own regulations to perform charitable work or public service which enables the Lodge to qualify for tax exemption as permitted by the Texas Property tax Code.

ARTICLE XV
AMENDMENTS

Section A – No amendments to the By-Laws, wither by alteration or addition, shall be made, unless in the following manner:

1. The purposed amendment must be in writing, signed by the proposers, and presented and read at a regular meeting of this association, at which time it may be discussed and amended, if necessary.
2. At the next regular meeting of this Association, it shall again be considered and voted upon.

AMENDMENTS

• The above By-Laws, having been approved by the M:W: Grand Lodge of Texas on the 8th day of December 1960 for adoption, this is to certify that Arlington Lodge No. 438, AF&AM, located at Arlington, Texas, has on this, the 13th day of December 1960, adopted the same.
• Article XI Section 2 and Section 3 were added by approval of the Lodge on the 13th day of April 1971, and subsequently approved by the M:W: Grand Lodge of Texas on the 2nd day of December 1971.
• Article V Section 5(4), Article VII Section 1, and Article IX Sections 3 and 4 were revised and approved by the Lodge on the 13th day of September 1994, and subsequently approved by the M:W: Grand Lodge of Texas on the 12th day of December 1994.
• Article V Section 3 and Article V Section 6 were revised and approved by the Lodge on the 14th day of March 1995.
• Article III, Article VI Section 1(1), Article X Section 1, and Article XII, item 10, were revised by the Lodge and subsequently approved by the M:W: Grand Lodge of Texas on the 2nd day of December 2000, and accepted by the Lodge on the 12th day of December 2000.
• Article V Section 2; Article VI Section 1(1), Section 2, Section 3, and Section 4; Article VII Section 2; and Article XIV Section 4 were revised and approved by the Lodge on the 13th day of May 2008, and subsequently approved by the M:W: Grand Lodge of Texas on the 6th day of December 2008.
• Article VI Section 4, was added and approved by the Lodge on the 23rd day of August 2011, and subsequently approved by the M:W: Grand Lodge of Texas on the 14th day of May, 2012.
• By order of the Lodge,

Rickey L. Montey

Secretary