Lodge

BY-LAWS

Mt. Washington Lodge Number 614

Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons

Independence, Missouri

816-866-6146

ARTICLE I – COMMUNICATIONS

Section 1 The stated Communications of this lodge shall be held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at the Lodge building located at 9515 Independence Avenue, Independence, MO. The hour of the meeting for stated communications shall be at 7:00 o'clock P.M.

Section 2 No meeting shall be held the 4th Fridays in November and December.

Section 3 No meeting shall be held the 2nd Friday in October to allow for a pubic installation of officers if such date is chosen by the Master elect. If an alternative installation date is selected, a regular communication shall be held. (Per Grand Lodge By-law 8.090)

Section 4 No meetings shall be held during the month of October if the Haunted House Fundraiser is being hosted at the building.

ARTICLE II - OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1 The elective officers of the lodge are the Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary.  The appointive officers are the Chaplin, Marshal, Senior and Junior Deacons, Senior and Junior Stewards, and Tiler.  

Section 2 The annual election of offices shall be held on the first stated communication of September of each year, at which time there shall be elected by paper ballot the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Secretary. A majority of all votes cast being necessary to elect. 

Section 3 The appointive officers and all members of committees shall be appointed by the Worshipful Master elect on or before the time of his installation. He shall also appoint a Masonic Home Information Representative and a Lodge Education Officer. 

Section 4 The installation of officers shall be held during the month of October. The Worshipful Master elect may select an alternative installation date any day after the second stated communication of September and before the end of October . 

Section 5 The officers will serve from the time of their installation until the next regular installation of officers, or they resign their office, in writing. 

Section 6 Within ten days after the installation, the Secretary will make report of the installation to the Grand Secretary. (Per Grand Lodge By-law 8.130) 

ARTICLE III - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1 Annually, ALL elected officers MUST read or reread the Mt. Washington by-laws in their entirety. They must also review the Grand Lodge By-laws, specifically Sections 7, 8, and 9.  It is recommended that this be done at some point after the election and before the installation.  The Secretary shall ask that each elected officer, individually, affirm that they are “in compliance with Article III, Section 1 of the Mt. Washington by-laws”.  Affirmation of such shall be entered into the minutes on the second stated communication of October. 

Section 2 Officers duties are those appropriate to the respective offices, as prescribed by law, the ancient usages of Freemasonry, and the charge given to them at their installation.  No person may hold more than one office within the lodge at the same time.  (See Appendix) 

Section 3 It is the duty of each officer to learn their respective roles and duties as well as those of the officer above them so that they may discharge those duties at request or in the absence of an officer.  

Section 4 Junior Warden shall provide for the accommodations of the Brethren at refreshment.  He shall be reimbursed for receipted expenses up to the limit set in the annual budget.

Section 5 Treasurer shall see to the execution of the finances at the direction of the Master and the lodge. The Treasurer, Master, Secretary, and one other member of Mt. Washington Lodge No. 614 will be authorized to sign checks on the account, two (2) signatures being required on a check. The Treasurer shall keep a current and accurate account book, which will be provided by the Lodge.  At request this account book should be made available for review by any member of the Lodge.  This account book and the Bank Statement will be compared each month for accuracy, and at the close of the year or term of office, a report will be made in said book properly signed by the Treasurer and Secretary with the attest of the auditing committee. 

Section 6 Secretary shall keep a record, in a cashbook, of all cash received by the Lodge, with the date received, from whom received, for what purpose money was paid, the amount received, date paid over the treasurer, and Treasurer’s receipt. At request this cashbook should be made available for review by any member of the Lodge.  At the close of the year or term of office, a report will be made in said book properly signed by the Treasurer and Secretary with the attest of the auditing committee. 

Section 7 The Secretary will keep in charge the Seal of the Lodge, file and preserve all petitions and documents of every character on the business of the Lodge and promptly deliver to his successor all books, papers, seal, vouchers, etc., in his possession, having reference to the business of his office. For these services, faithfully performed, he shall be entitled to a fee of thirty seven dollars and fifty cents, ($37.50) per month and such fee shall be paid on the fourth Friday of each month. For meetings he does not attend, the Worshipful Master will appoint a Brother present to take notes of the proceedings the Secretary will write the minutes of said meeting from said notes.

Section 8 Stewards, under the direction of the Master or Wardens, shall attend to the accommodation of the Brethren at refreshment.   

Section 9 Deacons shall see to the preparation of the lodge equipment for communications and conferment of degrees.  They shall then see that the equipment is properly disposed at the end of the communication. 

Section 10 TRUSTEES: It shall be the duty of the Mt. Washington Building Association Inc. (a not for profit corporation), Board of Directors to act as the trustees of this Lodge; (NOTE: The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens and Secretary are automatic members of this board) to manage and all real property of the lodge with full power to keep it in repair in such manner and to such extent as, in their judgment, will be for the best interests of the Lodge; The report of the Board of Directors to the Mount Washington Masonic Building Association at the annual meeting of the association members, held at 6:30 on the 4th Friday of January each year, will constitute a report to the Lodge. 

Section 11 Vacancies in the offices of Master and Wardens are filled by election at the next stated communication more than ten days after the vacancy appears, after notice to resident members.  (Grand Lodge By-law 8.140) 

Section 12 For full and faithful, attendance and representation, at the communications of the Grand Lodge, the Wardens and Secretary shall receive from the Lodge a per diem equal to sixty six percent of that received by the Worshipful Master from the Grand Lodge; except that in the event of receipt of a per diem from the Grand Lodge, then no payment shall be made by the Lodge. 

ARTICLE IV - PETITIONS AND FEES

Section 1 All petitions for the degrees, affiliation, either by demit or transfer, advancement, and for reinstatement after suspension for non-payment of dues shall be on the official forms prescribed by the Grand Lodge and must be signed by the petitioner with all his names written in full and must be recommended by two members in good standing of the Fraternity, one must be a member of this Lodge.

Section 2 Each petition or application, if received by the Lodge, shall be referred to a committee of three members who shall diligently investigate the character and standing of the applicant and make a report at the next stated meeting of the Lodge thereafter provided that for adequate reasons further time may be granted the committee. 

Section 3 Section 34. The fees for the three degrees shall be $135.00 plus any fees payable to the Grand Lodge. In 2024, the fees were $20.00 for the Masonic Home of Missouri and $5.00 for the George Washington Memorial fund. The full amount for the fees shall be submitted with the petition. 

Section 5 Should the applicant be rejected, all monies shall be returned to him. His petition cannot be entertained again, by the Lodge, for the space of one year from the time of his rejection. 

ARTICLE V – BALLOTING

Section 1 Balloting upon candidates for the degrees, affiliation, or reinstatement shall in all respects be conducted in the manner and form as prescribed by the By-laws, Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Missouri (See Missouri Grand Lodge By-laws Article 15)  

ARTICLE VI - DEMIT

Section 1 Any non-officer, in good standing, and whose dues are paid may demit at pleasure on giving notice in writing or in person at a stated communication. 

Section 2 Any officer in good standing, and whose dues are paid may demit, only after first resigning his office in writing.  After the resignation of office has been received, they may demit at pleasure on giving notice in writing or in person at a stated communication.  (Cross reference Article III, Section 8) 

ARTICLE VII - DUES, TRIALS AND PENALTIES

Section 1 Each member shall pay yearly dues of sixty dollars ($60) plus current Grand Lodge per capita tax and all other assessments the Grand Lodge may from time to time may assess the Lodge; fifty (50) year members shall be exempt paying Grand Lodge Per Capita tax and assessments, but will be asked, to make a suggested voluntary donation of fifteen dollars ($15.00) in lieu of dues, but they will not be suspended for non-payment of dues in any case. 

Section 2 Lodge dues shall be payable January 1st and shall become delinquent January 2nd each year. If unpaid by April 1st said member shall automatically stand suspended. 

Section 3 The Lodge will charge a $10 delinquent fee upon any member who has not paid his dues by February 1st.

Section 4 At the first stated communication of March, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to furnish to each member of the committee on delinquency, the name, address, phone number and email address, is possible, of each delinquent member.    

Section 5 Neither the Master nor the Lodge can refuse to entertain the petition for reinstatement of a Master Mason who has been suspended for nonpayment of dues.

Section 6 The trial code shall be as provided in the by-laws of the Grand Lodge. 

Section 7 All deference's between members shall first be referred to the committee on grievances previous to charges being referred. 

ARTICLE VIII - MONEY: HOW INVESTED

Section 1 All moneys received shall be handled as the Lodge may direct, aided with the semiannual reports and recommendations of the investment committee. 

ARTICLE IX - CHARITY

Section 1 The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary and one member appointed by the master at the time of his installation, shall be a committee on charity in cases having claims on this Lodge. The Lodge Secretary will act as secretary for this committee.

Section 2 The lodge shall have an Alms box in the banquet hall, in clear view, for all communications, for the purpose of voluntary contributions of amount from members and visitors. The money contributed will be used for charitable purposes. The secretary will collect all monies from the Alms box and pay it over them over to the Lodge Treasurer for deposit in an interest bearing account. The Treasurer will keep a separate cash book on the account and show all money and interest collected, all checks written, for how much and to whom and any other necessary disbursements. At request this cash book should be made available for review by any member of the Lodge. 

Section 3 Masonic Affiliation - The committee on charity shall attend to all applications for relief from all true worthy Brothers, their widows and orphans in sickness or distress. Provided they deem it necessary, they may draw from the funds of the Lodge, once a year, per case, the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) from the alms fund, without action of the Lodge. The committee shall report their actions to the Lodge at the first stated communication after the action has been taken. 

Section 4 Non-Masonic Affiliation - The committee on charity shall attend to all applications for relief; persons, not organizations, in the Independence vicinity that are in need due to circumstances beyond their control. These persons need not be Masons. The committee will direct how the money will be used, from the alms fund, subject to the approval of the Lodge in all cases. 

ARTICLE X - VISITING BROTHERS

Section 1 A transient brother desirous of visiting this Lodge shall present his name, the name, number and location of the Lodge of which he is a member, together with such necessary credentials as the Grand Lodge may require and shall not be admitted until duly examined by order of the Worshipful Master or properly vouched for by a Brother. The Tiler shall keep record of such visitation. 

ARTICLE XI - COMMITTEES

Section 1 Audit – Chairman shall be appointed and is to be comprised of three or more Master Masons of this Lodge.  It shall be their duty to audit the records, accounts and reports of the Secretary and Treasurer as well as the property of the Lodge.   Audit report to be completed and presented to the Lodge during the first stated communication of January. 

Section 2 Budget – Chairman shall be the Worshipful Master and is to be comprised of the Secretary, Treasurer, and two (2) additional Master Masons of this Lodge. It shall be their duty to budget the expenses of the Lodge for the ensuing year based on the previous year’s income. Budget shall include the per capita tax and liability insurance assessment owing to the Grand Lodge.  Such budget shall be reported at the first stated communication in January and if adopted, no expenditure shall exceed such budget so made; except in an emergency and with the consent of the Master, both Wardens and upon a vote of two thirds of the members present at any stated communication. 

Section 3 Charity – Chairman shall be the Worshipful Master and is to be comprised of Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary and one (1) additional Master Masons of this Lodge.  It shall be their duty to receive all applications for relief having claims on this Lodge. A report their actions to the Lodge shall be made at the first stated communication after the action.  

Section 4 Delinquent Dues – Chairman shall be appointed and is to be comprised of the Secretary, and two (2) to five (5) additional Master Masons of this Lodge.  It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the lodge at the second stated communication of February to furnish each member of this committee the names and addresses of the members to whom notices were sent.  This committee shall have contacted in person or by phone each delinquent member no later than March 11th.  The committee shall report their efforts to the lodge on the 2nd stated communication of March. 

Section 5 Entertainment – Chairman shall be the Senior Warden and is to be comprised of three (3) additional Master Masons of this Lodge. It shall be their duty to arrange for speakers, etc. on all proper occasions. 

Section 6 Grievances – Chairman shall be the Worshipful Master and is to be comprised of the Junior Warden, and one (1) to three (3) additional Past Masters in good standing of this Lodge. It shall be their duty to receive and investigate all differences previous to charges being referred. 

Section 7 Investment Committee - Chairman shall be the Treasure and is to be comprised of the Master, Secretary, Senior Warden, and two (2) additional Master Mason of this Lodge. It shall be their duty to review and oversee all Lodge financial investments.  This committee shall report to the Lodge it’s finding biannually, at the second stated communications of February and August.

Section 8 Picture – Chairman shall be appointed and is to be comprised of two (2) additional Master Masons of this Lodge.  It shall be their duty to ensure that the Worshipful Master has his picture taken and properly framed with sixty (60) days after his installation. 

Section 9 All committees are to be appointed by the Worshipful Master prior to the time of his installation, unless stated otherwise in these by-laws, and will serve for one year.  All committees and members shall be announced at Second stated communication of October. 

ARTICLE XII - DUTIES OF MEMBERS

Section 1 It shall be the duty of each member of this Lodge to notify the Secretary of any change in his address in writing or update his information in the Masonic Portal accessible through momason.org . 

Section 2 Each visiting Brother shall be required to register at each communication of this Lodge, when he attends, in the official register which shall be kept in the anteroom of the Lodge and such register shall be a part of the record of this Lodge. 

Section 3 All members shall refrain from such practices as may detract from, or cause embarrassment to the Masonic Fraternity: such as habitual drunkenness, gambling, blasphemy and profanity. 

ARTICLE XIII - PRESENTATIONS

Section 1 The Lodge shall present to each Past Master, at the termination of his term of office, a Past Master apron and case or some other suitable token of his choosing, up to the amount specified in the annual budget, provided however, if the outgoing Master wishes a more expensive token, he shall pay all costs over and above said budgeted 

Section 2 The Officers shall present to each Past Master, at the termination of his term of office, a suitable token (traditionally a past masters jacket). The Senior Warden shall take up a collection from the current officers to pay for this token. 

Section 3 Each newly installed Worshipful Master must have his picture taken within sixty days after his installation at the expense of the Lodge, to be placed in its customary place within sixty (60) days of his installation. 

Section 4 The Lodge will present a twenty five (25) year lapel pin to each member who shall have completed twenty five years (25) of continuous membership in the Fraternity, this includes affiliated members. 

Section 5 The Lodge will present a fifty (50) year lapel pin to each member who shall have completed fifty (50) years of continuous membership in the Fraternity, this includes affiliated members. 

Section 6 The Lodge will present a sixty (60) year lapel pin to each member who shall have completed sixty (60) years of continuous membership in the Fraternity, this includes affiliated members. 

ARTICLE XIV - RULES OF ORDER

Section 1 The Master shall put all questions distinctly, if a division is called for, he is to request those who voted in the affirmative to rise and count them and then the negative and shall declare the result. In the case of a tie he will cast the deciding vote, in case of a vote, the majority of those present shall be necessary to a choice. 

Section 2 When a member is about to speak, he shall rise from his seat and respectfully address himself to the Worshipful Master. 

Section 3 If any member, in speaking or otherwise, shall transgress the rules of the Lodge the Master or any member may call him to order, he shall immediately sit down (unless permitted to explain). The Master shall decide the question of "order" without debate. If decision be in favor of the member he shall be at liberty to proceed. 

Section 4 When two or more members rise at once, the Master shall name the one entitled. 

Section 5 No visitors shall address the Lodge without permission being first obtained, or without being called on by the Master. 

Section 6 No member shall vote on any question in the result of which he is immediately interested. 

Section 7 Any motion may be reconsidered at the same or the next succeeding stated communication; provided that the same has not gone into effect. 

Section 8 When a motion is made and seconded it shall be stated by the Master, recorded in writing by the Secretary before debate. 

Section 9 Every motion shall be reduced to writing if a member desires it.

Section 10 Any motion may be withdrawn by the mover before decision or amendment. 

Section 11 No new motion or proposition shall be admitted while a question is pending before the Lodge. 

Section 12 When the reading of any paper etc. is called for by any member except the Master, it shall be determined by the Master. 

Section 13 No member shall speak more than twice on one subject unless he obtains the consent of the Master and then only for explanation, in which case he shall confine himself strictly thereto. 

Section 14 Every member appointed on a committee must serve unless for reason given he is excused by the Master. 

ARTICLE XV - ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1 Unless otherwise decided by the Master, the order of business shall be as follows:

The unapproved minutes shall be read.

• Unfinished business.

• Report of standing committees.

• Examples:

• Treasurers Report

• Charity 

• Entertainment 

• Grievances 

• Report of select committees.

• Examples:

• Audit 

• Budget 

• Delinquent Dues

• Investment 

• Picture

• Communications from sister Lodges.

• Other Communications

• Sickness and distress.

• Motions and resolutions in writing.

• Miscellaneous business.

• Petitions presented.

• Report of committees on petition.

• Balloting.

• Good of the Order

.

ARTICLE XVI - AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS

Section 1 At all times the Secretary shall have available for review by any Master Mason, a current copy of these by-laws and the Grand Lodge by-laws.

Section 2 All amendments to these by-laws shall be proposed in writing at a stated communication of the Lodge and signed by two of more members. After being read it shall lie over to the next stated communication after which, if approved by two thirds of the members present at a stated communication, in open Lodge, it shall become a part of these by-laws. 

Section 3 If at any stated communication of the Lodge a committee shall be appointed to revise these by-laws, they may report at a stated communication after four (4) weeks has elapsed and such revised by-laws may be adopted, in whole or in part, or rejected as the Lodge may determine by majority vote of those present; provided due notice has been given by the announcement and duly record in the minutes of such meeting. (Due notice shall be by mail per Grand Lodge 7.140)

Section 4 All matters pertaining to the operation of this Lodge which are not fully covered by these by-laws shall be governed by the by-laws of the Grand Lodge. 

Section 5 All By-laws heretofore in force and not embodied herein are hereby replaced. .

Appendix 

Important Dates 

• September

  • 1st Stated Meeting – Election of Officers

  • 2nd Stated Meeting – ALL Officers Elect, MUST read or reread Mt. Washington and review Grand Lodge Bylaws.

  • 2nd Stated Meeting – All committees filled by WM elect.

• October

  • Installation of Officers

  • Secretary to report installation to Grand Secretary

• November

  • 1st Stated Meeting –Audit committee provided with all needed info and records

  • 1st Stated Meeting – All committees and members are to be announced to the Lodge

• January

  • 1st Stated Meeting – Audit committee to complete Secretary’s audit and sign off on cashbook

  • 1st Stated Meeting – Audit committee to complete Treasurer’s audit and sign off on cashbook

  • 1st Stated Meeting – Budget committee to present completed budget 

• February

  • 2nd Stated Meeting – Investment Committee to report findings and make recommendations

  • 2nd Stated Meeting – Secretary shall provide the contact information of delinquent members to the committee on delinquency. 

• March

  • March 11, on or before – Secretary must notify delinquent members, in writing, of their delinquency.

• April

  • April 11 on or before – Secretary must notify member suspended for nonpayment, in writing, of their suspension

• August

  • 2nd Stated Meeting – Investment Committee to report findings and make recommendations

Charge

Master 

• You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law.

• You agree to be a peaceful citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside.

• You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the Government, but patiently to submit to the law and the constituted authorities.

• You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men.

• You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their stations; and submit to the awards and resolutions of your Brethren, in lodges convened, in every case consistent with the Constitutions of the Order.

• You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess.

• You agree to be cautious in your behavior, courteous to your Brethren, and faithful to the lodge.

• You promise to respect genuine Brethren, and to discountenance impostors and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry.

• You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the mystic art.

• You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being and to his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge, or General Assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles and ground-work of Masonry.

• You admit that it is not in the power of any man or body of men to make innovations in the body of Masonry.

• You promise a regular attendance on the Committees and Communications of the Grand Lodge, on receiving proper notice; and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry on convenient occasions.

• You admit that no new Lodge shall be formed without permission of the Grand Lodge; and that no countenance be given to any irregular lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to the Ancient Charges of the Order.

• You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge without previous notice, and due inquiry into his character.

• You agree that no visitors shall be received into this Lodge without due examination, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a regular lodge.

• The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read in the lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts It enjoins.

• You will now receive in charge the Charter, by the authority of which this Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve it, and duly transmit it to your successor in office. You will also receive in charge the By-laws of your lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually executed.

Senior Warden

Your regular attendance of our stated meetings is essentially necessary.  In the absence of the Master, you are to govern this lodge; in his presence, you are to assist him in the government of it. 

Junior Warden

To you is committed the superintendence of the craft during the hours of refreshment; it is therefore indispensably necessary that you should not only be temperate and discreet in the indulgence of your own inclinations, but carefully observe that none of the Craft be suffered to convert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance or excess. 

Treasurer

It is your duty to receive all moneys from the Secretary; keep just and regular accounts of the same; and pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master and the consent of the Lodge.  

Secretary

It is your duty to observe the proceedings of the Lodge; record all things proper to be written; receive all moneys due the Lodge; and pay them over to the treasurer.

Chaplin

It is your duty to perform those solemn services which we should constantly render to our Infinite Creator.

Marshal

It is your duty to arrange all processions of the Lodge, and to preserve order according to the forms prescribed. 

Deacons

It is your province to attend on the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the Lodge, such as in the reception of candidates into the different degrees of Masonry, the introduction and accommodation of visitors, and in the immediate practice of our rites. 

Stewards

You are to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their respective duties.

Tiler

As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tiler to enable him effectually to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass bus such as are duly qualified.

ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE

*A guideline for expected attendance during the hours of refreshment. Figures will vary*

• Regular stated ........................................... 15

• Called - EA or FC Degree ............................20

• Called - MM Degree ..................................25

• Stated with Speaker ..................................25+

• Elections ....................................................15

• Installation – Closed ..................................20

• Installation – Public ....................................30 - 50

• DDGM's Official Visit .................................20

• District or Region School of Instruction......75

• Study Club ..................................................10

• GM's Official Visit to the Lodge ..................50

By-Laws Committee 2024-2025

These bylaws have been revised and approved effective January 10, 2025