Allen Lodge Committees

Standing Committee on Fraternal Assistance
Standing Committee on Sickness
Standing Committee on Arbitration
(As prescribed by Grand lodge Law)

Chairman – Sandy Moore
Co-Chairs – Toby Roberson, Jason Rhyne

Fraternal Assistance - It shall be the duty of the committee to examine all claimants for assistance, and if necessary, draw upon the Treasury in each instance an amount not exceeding ten dollars.  The facts in each case shall be reported to the Lodge at the next Stated Meeting.

Sickness - It shall be the duty of the committee to visit sick Brethren (unless it would be dangerous or imprudent to do so) and ascertain their condition and necessities; and to take such actions as they may deem proper and necessary, both in regard to the brother or his family.

Arbitration - It shall also be the duty of this committee to settle all differences between Brethren, unless the parties prefer to bring the matter before the Lodge.

Committee on Finance
Chairman – Jerry McNair
Co-Chairs – Jason Rhyne, Dennis Dlabaj

It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master, at the first stated meeting after the 24^th of June, of each year, to appoint a Standing Committee on Finance, to be composed of three Master Masons, members of this Lodge, and if possible, men acquainted with bookkeeping. The Committee on Finance is responsible for creating a realistic budget for each Masonic year. It should be presented in a Stated Meeting, as soon as practical after the Lodge Officers are Installed and then voted upon unchanged in the subsequent Stated Meeting.  The Finance Committee shall meet at least semi-annually, and more often, if necessary, to:

• Make recommendations on any needed changes in Lodge fees and dues.
• Make recommendations on moving funds between the Operating Fund and the Building Maintenance Fund such that we maintain a proper reserve in the in the Building Maintenance Fund.
• Make recommendations on making or changing Lodge Investments.
• Make recommendations on any needed changes in splitting Concession Stand income.
• All the reports of the Committee on Finance shall be read in open Lodge and included in the Lodge the minutes, noting any actions taken by the Lodge.
• The Finance Committee is directed to monitor the completion of the IRS Form 990, 990-N or 990 EZ, or such other form as may be hereafter defined by the IRS (See Art. 284a).

Committee on Audit
Chairman – Jim Nyfeler
Co-Chairs – Toby Roberson, Joel Haka

It shall be the duty of the Worshipful Master, at the first Stated Meeting after the 24^th of June each year, to appoint a Standing Committee on Audit. This committee shall be composed of three Master Masons, members of this Lodge, and, if possible, men practically acquainted with bookkeeping. It shall be the duty of this committee, at the close of each Masonic year, as soon as appointed:

• To carefully examine and check the reports, books, vouchers of the Secretary and Treasurer, and any other financial matters referred to them.
• To make a full and accurate report at the next stated meeting of the Lodge, showing the condition of the books and should any inaccuracies be found, recommend the necessary steps for their correction.
• The actions taken by the Lodge of said report of the Committee on Audit, shall be noted in the minutes of the Lodge.
• To ensure that a properly completed and signed copy of the Minimum Audit Form 71, prepared by the Treasurer, examined, and approved by the Committee on Audit, shall be delivered to the Grand Secretary no later than September 15^th of each year.
• It shall be the duty of the Committee to audit all books and accounts of the Treasurer and Secretary to make a prompt report thereof in writing to the Lodge as required by Grand Lodge Law. (See Article 284).

Special Committees for the benefit of the Lodge

Vanguard Committee
Chairman – Joel Haka
Co-Chairs – Sandy Moore, Alan Robertson

The Vanguard Committee is responsible for recording and maintaining a progress report on all activities and functions as outlined in the 2022-2023 Vanguard Lodge Application Form. This Committee should:

• Provide progress reports with dates at each stated meeting.
• Provide quarterly reports for DDGM review.
• Submit report no later than 2 weeks before deadline.

Bylaws Committee
Chairman – Robert Black
Co-Chairs – Toby Roberson, Kevin Berry

Allen Lodge is governed by Grand Lodge of Texas Standard Form 23 – Bylaw’s. This Committee will:

• Review existing Lodge-approved bylaws and determine if it is prudent to alter, adjust, or correct any of the existing bylaws as written.
• Make recommendations for any such changes.
• Provide updates to GLOT in accordance with the deadlines prescribed by the Grand Secretary’s office and Grand Lodge Law.

Community Builder Award Committee
Chairman – Dennis Dlabaj
Co-Chair – Sandy Moore

It is the duty of this committee to:

• Nominate should be a deserving member of the community who is NOT a Mason.
• The Nominee should be well known for their service to the community, to the local, state, or national governments, to their Church or Synagogue, or to humanity.
• Presentation shall be made at an open meeting of the Lodge, or such other place deemed appropriate by the Worshipful Master and the consent of the membership as per Title I, Chapter 5, Art. 14d of the Laws of The Grand Lodge of Texas.
• If no deserving member of the community can be ascertained, the award will lay over to the next Masonic Year.

Blood Drive Committee
Chairman – Doug Hardwick
Co-Chair – Joby Almero

It shall be the duty of this committee to:

• Schedule Blood Drives that will benefit Masonic Hospitals or any brother or his immediate family (if needed).
• Committee shall inform Brethren of each upcoming drive.
• This committee shall enlist the help of the Brethren needed to assure success of blood drive.
• Committee shall inform the Worshipful Master of the date and time for each drive.

Scholarship Committee
Chairman – Toby Roberson
Co-Chair – Doug Hardwick

It shall be the duty of this committee to:

• The Chairman, after consulting the Treasurer, sets the number and dollar amount of scholarships to be awarded based upon available funds, subject to Lodge approval.
• The Scholarship Fund is not to be depleted in the award of scholarships to applicants.
• Chairman sets the date and time for Scholarship Presentations with approval of Worshipful Master.
• Chairman has responsibility of developing the Scholarship Application and sending it to Allen and Lovejoy High Schools.
• Any application that is not fully completed or void of any information requested shall be deemed incomplete and not in consideration for scholarship award.

Lamar Award Committee
Chairman – Dennis Dlabaj
Co-Chair – Sandy Moore

The Chairman may, at his discretion, appoint a committee to search for a deserving Teacher, Administrator, etc. who is deserving of the Lamar Medal & Certificate.

Fantastic Teeth Club Committee
Chairman – Lane Worthen
Co-Chair – Robert Black

It is the duty of this committee to administer the “Fantastic Teeth Club” Program by:

• Contacting all 4 Allen Title I Elementary schools and getting a head count of all First Grade Students.
• Ordering enough “Fantastic Teeth Club” tooth kits so all First Grade Students may receive one.
• Assembling the kits provided.
• If possible, make presentations to all 4 first grade classes schools.

Take Time to Read Committee
Chairman – Lane Worthen
Co-Chair – Robert Black

It is the duty of this committee to administer the “Take Time to Read Program” to all Allen Elementary Schools by:

• Contacting all Allen Elementary Schools and getting a head count of all eligible students.
• Ordering enough March “Take Time to Read Program” calendars for the Elementary students.
• Delivering calendars to all participating schools.
• Collecting the names of the students and their teachers who read during March.
• Ordering enough “Take Time to Read” book bags from the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and printing the student certificates.
• Distribute book bags and certificates to all student participants.

Service Awards Committee
Chairman – Sandy Moore
Co-Chairs – Toby Roberson, Alan Robertson

It is the duty of this committee to:

• Work with the Secretary and compile a comprehensive list that will include contact information of Brethren who are due to receive their Twenty-Five, Forty-, Fifty-, Sixty-, and Seventy-Year Service Awards.
• The Worshipful Master will set the date and time for the Award Ceremony to be held in open Lodge.
• Once the list is compiled, the committee will contact the members due to receive their service awards.
• The committee may enlist as many additional Brethren to assist in contacting members as they deem necessary.
• Worshipful Master will contact the DDGM to present service awards of fifty years and above.
• The Worshipful Master will arrange for the awards to be presented to those brethren who are unable to attend Lodge due to ill health or immobility.
• The Committee will verify that we have a current Email address, cell phone number, wife’ s name (if applicable) and mailing address for each of the Service Award Recipients.
• The Committee will compile the information and forward to the Worshipful Master and Secretary for their records and the Secretary shall make any necessary corrections to the Grand Lodge Data Base.

Golden Trowel Award Committee
Chairman – Gary Rock
Co-Chair – Dennis Dlabaj

It is the duty of this committee:

• To consider and nominate, if applicable, a brother they deem worthy of the Golden Trowel Award.
• Nominee shall meet Grand Lodge requirements as outlined by the Committee on Masonic Education and Service and is contained in the Golden Trowel Application.
• Presentation shall be made at a Called Meeting with the award presentation being the only business transacted per Title I, Chapter 5, Art. 14c of the Laws of The Grand Lodge of Texas.
• The Golden Trowel Award does not need to be awarded if no worthy Brother can be identified.

Calling Committee
Chairman – Jason Varvel
Co-Chairs – Grant Haka, Chris Pitcher, Jason Tentativa

It is the duty of this committee to:

• Contact the brethren and notify them of upcoming Stated, Open, and Called Meetings and notify the brethren about other Lodge functions and Funerals.
• This committee shall at such other times, under the direction of the Worshipful Master or the Senior or Junior Warden in his absence, contact the brethren.
• A call from the Calling Committee Brother may be the only non-sales call a brother may receive during any given month.  These calls provide a vital communication link between every brother and the Lodge.
• The duties of the Phone or Calling Committee should include, but are not limited to:
  • Calling EVERY Brother. This should include Lodge Officers, a few days before EACH Stated Meeting, Called Meeting & Special Event.
  • Inform the brother about upcoming items of interest and possibly the menu (if we are dining).
  • Asking if the brother is coming to the meeting/event, and if not, why not?
  • Asking if the brother needs or would like transportation to and from the Lodge.
  • Asking if the brother has any sickness, distress, or good news he would like to share with the Lodge.
  • Asking if the brother would like or needs any help, aid, or assistance; sort of a brother’s welfare/well-being check.
  • Verifying that the brother’s contact information (Address, Email, Wife’s Name & Phone Numbers) is correct, and then reporting to the Secretary any changes, in addition to reporting non-working or bad phone numbers.
  • If you are unable to make the calls, then ask a newer Entered Apprentice or another brother to make the calls for you.  This will help acquaint them with the brother's) Names and will help build relationships.
  • Report back to the Worshipful Master and Secretary anything that needs to be brought to their attention and/or to the attention to the Lodge.
  • Provide a head count to the Senior Steward so that he can get an idea on how much food to prepare.
  • Ask if a Brother prefers to receive "Text" Messages instead of/or in addition to calls, then ask him for the cell phone number upon which he would like to receive "Texts". Make the Secretary aware of his preference.

Committee on Arrears
Chairman – Sandy Moore
Co-Chairs – Alan Robertson, Roby Robertson

It shall be the duty of this Committee to work with the Secretary to contact all members in arrears on their dues and ascertain the reason for non-payment and if they need assistance or to have their dues remitted to become current and bring the matter before the Lodge for a vote on remission of dues.

Attendance Committee
Chairman – Jason Varvel
Co-Chairs – Grant Haka, Chris Pitcher, Jason Tentativa

It shall be the duty of this Committee to:

• Contact Brethren that have not attended Lodge in the past six months and, if possible, find out why.
• Committee shall invite these brethren to attend the next scheduled meeting.
• See if the brother needs assistance getting to and from Lodge - such as being picked up and returned home.
• The Committee shall arrange for transportation for members who need such assistance.

Degree Committee
Chairman – Miguel Sereno
Co-Chair – Matthew Whalin

It shall be the duty of the committee to:

• Assemble Degree Teams.
• Work with the Candidate, Worshipful Master, Secretary, and Instructor (if applicable) in finding a suitable date and time to confer the degree.  The date and time of the degree conferral shall be broadcast to the Lodge Brethren.

Entered Apprentice Degree:

• Schedule a time for petitioner and spouse, if applicable, to visit the Lodge and receive the first book in the Lodge System of Candidate Information prior to the Degree being conferred
• Ensure that the petitioner also receives the second book in the Lodge System of Candidate Information prior to receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree.

Fellowcraft Degree:

• Ensure that the petitioner also receives the third book in the Lodge System of Candidate Information prior to receiving the Fellowcraft Degree.

Master Mason Degree:

• Ensure that the petitioner also receives the fourth book in the Lodge System of Candidate Information prior to receiving the Master Mason Degree.
• The committee shall ensure that the candidate receives the Additional Lodge Light (A.L.L.) Activity book after the Candidate’s Master Mason Degree is conferred.

History and Education Program Committee
Chairman – Doug Hardwick
Co-Chair – Sandy Moore

It shall be the duty of the committee to:

• At the request of the Worshipful Master, to provide Masonic educational programs and Masonic History Programs at either Stated, Special or Called Meetings.
• To provide Masonic Education programs that are explanatory of the many esoteric symbols, words, numbers, etc. concerning the three degrees.
• To provide Masonic History programs about the founding of Masonry, the advancement of Masonry throughout history or any other information the presenter deems of interest to the members.
• To enlist other speakers as desired to deliver a program.

Candidate Instruction Committee
Chairman – Miguel Sereno
Co-Chair – Matthew Whalin

It shall be the duty of the committee to:

• When asked or appointed, to instruct the candidates in the esoteric work of the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason Degrees, i.e., Trial Lecture of the three degrees.
• Committee members should be able to answer any Masonic question posed to them from the candidate regarding their degree. Candidate may be referred to any Masonic scholar’s book or website that can assist in answering their question.

Keep Allen Beautiful Committee
Chairman – Dan Melamedorf
Co-Chair – Doug Hardwick

It shall be the duty of the committee to coordinate all efforts in conjunction with the City of Allen to provide timely service on the assigned streets) for the “Keep Allen Beautiful” project (Quarterly).

Fund Raising Committees
It is the duty of the following Committees to perform fundraising activities for the Lodge. The Chairman may appoint such other Brethren as he may deem necessary to assist with ideas for fundraising activities and enlist any assistance that may be necessary to perform such activities.

Chairman – Jerry McNair
Co-Chairs – Dan Melamedorf, Billy Davidson

It is the duty of this committee to communicate with the Allen Independent School District relating to all concession activities. Drawing upon all Lodge Members as necessary to fulfill the requirements for this important community function and fundraiser. Concession Stand Proceeds are to be split as defined in our Lodge Rules & Regulations.

Chairman – Dan Melamedorf
Co-Chairs – Alan Robertson, Jason Rhyne

It is the duty of this committee to plan, prepare and conduct the annual Allen Masonic Lodge’s Golf event.

Technology Committee
Chairman – Scott Thompson
Co-Chair – Joby Almero

It is the duty of this committee to:

• Lead all aspects of website development, Social Media Development, and calendar integration.
• Find a better ways to communicate with the Lodge membership to include all aspects of social media.
• Maintain and make any appropriate changes to the Lodge’s Social Media Platforms.
• Work with the Worshipful Master and other committees to place documents and information that are of interest to the membership on the website.

Publicity Committee
Chairman – Robert Black
Co-Chair – Sandy Moore

It is the duty of this committee to:

• Post notices of all Lodge Stated, Called and Special Meetings.
• Advertise in the City of Allen, surrounding areas, and any print media that do not require a fee for posting.

Building and Property Committee
Chairman – Jason Rhyne
Co-Chairs – Chris Pitcher, John Wilkerson, Mark Wilkerson

This Committee shall:

• Communicate with the Worshipful Master and Wardens regarding any emergency, and with their concurrence, take steps to remediate the problems).
• Report monthly on the status of the building and grounds.
• Develop a routine maintenance plan and implement it.
• Request approval from the Lodge to make repairs or improvements to the Lodge Building or grounds.

Masonic Burial Service Committee
Chairman – Jerry McNair
Co-Chairs – John Wilkerson, Dennis Dlabaj, Toby Roberson, Kevin Berry

• It is the duty of the members of this committee, when requested to render the last Masonic Rites to a deceased Brother and his family.
• Any member that has been asked to perform a ceremony shall verify that the Worshipful Master of the deceased Brother’s Lodge is informed of the pending service.
• The Worshipful Master will notify as many brethren as possible of the pending service.
• The Secretary of Lodge, when possible, will furnish deceased Brother’s Masonic Record.

Mentorship Committee
Chairman – John Wilkerson
Co-Chairs – Jerry McNair, Kevin Berry

It shall be the duty of this Committee to:

• Nurture and care for Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, and Master Masons who are in danger of not completing their esoteric work.
• Talk to, encourage, and re-activate all brothers who have not attended Lodge lately.

• Dress code for Stated, Called and Open Meetings shall be at least clean blue jeans and a collared or polo type shirt.
• The preferred dress for all meetings is Business Casual, i.e., Slacks or khakis and a collared or polo type shirt.
• Shorts of any kind are not permitted to be worn in Lodge Room during Stated, Called or Open Meetings by members of Lodge.
• Shorts may be worn at certain other times such as meetings for practice of floor or degree work, clean-up days, etc.
• Coat and tie are required of Officers for Stated, Called or Open Meetings for any of the following purposes:
  • Official Visit of District Deputy Grand Master.
  • Announced visits from other Grand Lodge Officers.
  • Presentation of Golden Trowel Award.
  • Presentation of Community Builder Award.
  • Presentation of Masonic Service Awards.
  • Scholarship Presentations.
  • Presentation of the Lamar Award.
  • Installation of Officers.
  • At any other such time when the Master of Lodge requests or the Senior or Junior Warden requests in his absence.

• Cell phones shall be silenced or turned off before entering the Lodge Room.
• Cell phone use is prohibited during the conferral of degrees unless it is necessary. If a brother’s cell phone rings during a degree, he owes the Lodge a $ 50.00 fine. If a brother’s cell phone rings during a Degree Obligation, he owes the Lodge a $ 100.00 fine. Fines are to be put in the New Lodge Building Fund.
• The only permissible use of a cell phone during Stated or Called Meetings is to:
  • Check a text or email that has to do with their occupation.
  • Make a calendar notation of an upcoming event.
  • Make a notation of an upcoming event or, when asked by one of the principal officers, to check the availability of dates for an upcoming event or, when requested by the Worshipful Master.
  • Check the status of a message or email related to a family emergency.