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 24th 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:
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Make
recommendations on any needed changes in Lodge fees and dues.
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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.
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Make
recommendations on making or changing Lodge Investments.
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Make
recommendations on any needed changes in splitting Concession Stand
income.
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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.
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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 24th 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:
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To
carefully examine and check the reports, books, vouchers of the
Secretary and Treasurer, and any other financial matters referred to
them.
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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.
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The
actions taken by the Lodge of said report of the Committee on Audit,
shall be noted in the minutes of the Lodge.
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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 15th of each year.
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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:
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Provide
progress reports with dates at each stated meeting.
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Provide
quarterly reports for DDGM review.
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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:
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Review
existing Lodge-approved bylaws and determine if it is prudent to
alter, adjust, or correct any of the existing bylaws as written.
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Make
recommendations for any such changes.
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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:
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Nominate
should be a deserving member of the community who is NOT a
Mason.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Schedule
Blood Drives that will benefit Masonic Hospitals or any brother or
his immediate family (if needed).
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Committee
shall inform Brethren of each upcoming drive.
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This
committee shall enlist the help of the Brethren needed to assure
success of blood drive.
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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:
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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.
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The
Scholarship Fund is not to be depleted in the award of scholarships
to applicants.
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Chairman
sets the date and time for Scholarship Presentations with approval
of Worshipful Master.
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Chairman
has responsibility of developing the Scholarship Application and
sending it to Allen and Lovejoy High Schools.
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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:
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Contacting all 4 Allen Title I Elementary schools and getting a head
count of all First Grade Students.
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Ordering
enough “Fantastic Teeth Club” tooth kits so all First Grade Students
may receive one.
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Assembling the kits provided.
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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:
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Contacting all Allen Elementary Schools and getting a head count of
all eligible students.
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Ordering
enough March “Take Time to Read Program” calendars for the
Elementary students.
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Delivering calendars to all participating schools.
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Collecting the names of the students and their teachers who read
during March.
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Ordering
enough “Take Time to Read” book bags from the Texas Scottish Rite
Hospital and printing the student certificates.
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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:
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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.
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The
Worshipful Master will set the date and time for the Award Ceremony
to be held in open Lodge.
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Once the
list is compiled, the committee will contact the members due to
receive their service awards.
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The
committee may enlist as many additional Brethren to assist in
contacting members as they deem necessary.
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Worshipful Master will contact the DDGM to present service awards of
fifty years and above.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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To
consider and nominate, if applicable, a brother they deem worthy of
the Golden Trowel Award.
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Nominee
shall meet Grand Lodge requirements as outlined by the Committee on
Masonic Education and Service and is contained in the Golden Trowel
Application.
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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.
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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:
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Contact
the brethren and notify them of upcoming Stated, Open, and Called
Meetings and notify the brethren about other Lodge functions and
Funerals.
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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.
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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.
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The
duties of the Phone or Calling Committee should include, but are not
limited to:
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Calling EVERY Brother. This should include Lodge
Officers, a few days before EACH Stated Meeting, Called
Meeting & Special Event.
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Inform the brother about upcoming items of interest and possibly
the menu (if we are dining).
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Asking if the brother is coming to the meeting/event, and if
not, why not?
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Asking if the brother needs or would like transportation to and
from the Lodge.
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Asking if the brother has any sickness, distress, or good news
he would like to share with the Lodge.
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Asking if the brother would like or needs any help, aid, or
assistance; sort of a brother’s welfare/well-being check.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Provide a head count to the Senior Steward so that he can get an
idea on how much food to prepare.
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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:
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Contact
Brethren that have not attended Lodge in the past six months and, if
possible, find out why.
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Committee
shall invite these brethren to attend the next scheduled meeting.
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See if
the brother needs assistance getting to and from Lodge - such as
being picked up and returned home.
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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:
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Assemble
Degree Teams.
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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:
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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
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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:
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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:
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Ensure that the petitioner also receives the fourth book in
the Lodge System of Candidate Information prior to receiving
the Master Mason Degree.
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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:
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At the
request of the Worshipful Master, to provide Masonic educational
programs and Masonic History Programs at either Stated, Special or
Called Meetings.
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To
provide Masonic Education programs that are explanatory of the many
esoteric symbols, words, numbers, etc. concerning the three degrees.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
Concessions Committee
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.
Allen Lodge Annual Golf Tournament Fund Raiser
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:
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Lead all
aspects of website development, Social Media Development, and
calendar integration.
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Find a
better ways to communicate with the Lodge membership to include all
aspects of social media.
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Maintain
and make any appropriate changes to the Lodge’s Social Media
Platforms.
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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:
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Post
notices of all Lodge Stated, Called and Special Meetings.
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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:
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Communicate with the Worshipful Master and Wardens regarding any
emergency, and with their concurrence, take steps to remediate the
problems).
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Report
monthly on the status of the building and grounds.
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Develop a
routine maintenance plan and implement it.
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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
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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.
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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.
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The
Worshipful Master will notify as many brethren as possible of the
pending service.
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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:
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Nurture
and care for Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, and Master Masons
who are in danger of not completing their esoteric work.
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Talk to,
encourage, and re-activate all brothers who have not attended Lodge
lately.
Dress Code
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Dress
code for Stated, Called and Open Meetings shall be at least clean
blue jeans and a collared or polo type shirt.
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The
preferred dress for all meetings is Business Casual, i.e., Slacks or
khakis and a collared or polo type shirt.
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Shorts of
any kind are not permitted to be worn in Lodge Room during Stated,
Called or Open Meetings by members of Lodge.
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Shorts
may be worn at certain other times such as meetings for practice of
floor or degree work, clean-up days, etc.
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Coat and
tie are required of Officers for Stated, Called or Open Meetings for
any of the following purposes:
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Official Visit of District Deputy Grand Master.
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Announced visits from other Grand Lodge Officers.
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Presentation of Golden Trowel Award.
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Presentation of Community Builder Award.
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Presentation of Masonic Service Awards.
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Scholarship Presentations.
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Presentation of the Lamar Award.
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Installation of Officers.
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At
any other such time when the Master of Lodge requests or the
Senior or Junior Warden requests in his absence.
Use of Cell Phones in the Lodge Room
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Cell
phones shall be silenced or turned off before entering the Lodge
Room.
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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.
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The only
permissible use of a cell phone during Stated or Called Meetings is
to:
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Check
a text or email that has to do with their occupation.
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Make
a calendar notation of an upcoming event.
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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.
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Check
the status of a message or email related to a family emergency.
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