Masonic Motorcycle Club International

MMCI Bylaws

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I-NAME

The name of this organization shall be " THE MASONIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED." Also known as " THE MASONIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INTERNATIONAL. Hereafter referred to as M.M.C.I.

ARTICLE II-PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this organization shall be to bring together Master Masons whose common interest is motorcycle riding, promoting good fellowship, encouraging membership in the Fraternity, following the precepts of Masonry and aiding and assisting its members. This organization is a not for profit club and is tax exempt.

ARTICLE III-MEMBERSHIP

Membership of this organization must be a Master Mason in good standing, a member in good standing of a subordinate Chapter of the M.M.C.I. and a member in good standing of the M.M.C.I. ** Hereafter referred to as Active member.

ARTICLE IV-OFFICERS

The elected Officers of the M.M.C.I. shall be, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, 2 year Trustee, 4 year Trustee, 6 year Trustee . The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer will be elected for two one year terms. ( Odd Years. ) The Officers must be elected by a majority vote and must have served as an elected Officer of a subordinate Chapter. Members-at-Large may serve as an elected Officer of M.M.C.I. if they have attended at least two Annual Meetings and served two one year terms on a standing or created committee of the M.M.C.I.

ARTICLE V-LIFETIME TRUSTEES

Richard F. Kovac and Richard J. Morse shall be Lifetime Trustees of the M.M.C.I. They shall hold these positions until they die, resign or decide to run as an elected Officer of the M.M.C.I. Once vacated, these position shall not be filled.

ARTICLE V .01-HONORARY TRUSTEE

The Honorary Trustee position will automatically be filled by the outgoing President at the Annual Meeting. The position shall remain vacant if the out going President is elected to an office or is no longer an Active Member. The Honorary Trustee shall assist the President and elected Officers in the discharged of their duties. He shall hold the office for two one year terms and have one vote at all M.M.C.I. meetings.

ARTICLE VI-EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board shall consist of the elected Officers and all Trustees of the M.M.C.I. with the President serving as the Chairman. Three Officers present at an Executive Board meeting shall constitute a quorum. Any Active Member of the M.M.C.I. may attend any open meetings called by the Executive Board. They alone shall have the authority to approve Committee additions, guide lines and changes.

ARTICLE VII-VOTING MEMBERS

The voting members of the M.M.C.I. shall be all Active members And Executive Board Officers present at the Annual Meeting. Only Executive Board members shall vote at an Executive Board meeting, however Active members may express their opinions when recognized by the presiding Officer.

ARTICLE VIII-AMENDMENTS

The Constitution shall not be altered, amended or repealed until the proposed addition, alteration, amendment or nullification be; (a) sponsored by not less then than three members of the M.M.C.I. or the By-Laws Committee, (b) reduced to writing and filed with the M.M.C.I. Secretary ninety days (90) days prior to the Annual Meeting; (c) entered upon the agenda of the Executive Board for approval; (d) presented to the membership, and if approved by a unanimous vote, will immediately be adopted. (e) If not a unanimous vote, it will be held over to the next succeeding Annual Meeting, and if approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present and voting, it shall be adopted. Each Chapter shall receive one updated copy of the Constitution prior to the next Annual Meeting.

** Since the M.M.C.I. was founded & Incorporated in the State of Ohio and underwritten by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Active Member's State or attending Lodges must be recognized by the Grand Lodge of Ohio located in Worthington, Ohio. Incorporation # 669745. Ohio is the home State of The Masonic Motorcycle Club International Inc. The home address shall be: 1567 Kinsman Rd. N. E. North Bloomfield, Ohio. 44450. % Rex Baker.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I-ANNUAL MEETING

ARTICLE II-ORDER OF BUSINESS

The order of business at all Annual Meetings shall be as follows, but not limited to;

• Call to order. Welcome.
• Roll call of Executive Board Officers and Chapters.
• Opening Prayer.
• Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the Country.
• Reading and Approval of Minutes of the Previous Meeting.
• Report of the Treasurer.
• Death Benefit Fund Report.
• Reading of Correspondence and Action Thereon.
• Report of Officers.
• Report of Committees.
• Old or Unfinished Business.
• New Business.
• Election of Officers as Needed.
• Awards.
• Announcements.
• Closing Prayer.
• Adjournments.
• Installation of Officers. ( Can be done at a separate time. )

ARTICLE III-DECORUM

Except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, all questions of order in the conduct of all meetings shall be decided in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.

ARTICLE IV-FEES

1. Fees for starting a Chapter shall be one hundred dollars ( $100.00 ). Each Chapter will be assessed ten dollars ( $10.00 ) per Active Member per year for M.M.C.I. dues effective at the Annual Meeting in 2005. These assessments will be due the day of the Annual Meeting. New Chapters will not be assessed M.M.C.I. dues for the next year 6 months prior the Annual Meeting. One dollar ( $1.00 ) of the yearly dues will put into the Death Benefit Fund.
2. All dues paid to the M.M.C.I. shall be in the equivalent to United States Currency.
3. Chapters and/or Active Members not paying their annual dues by the Annual Meeting shall loose their voting privileges at the discretion of the International Executive Board. Members not paying their dues within six (6) months after the Annual Meeting will be suspended upon notification. To be reinstated, The present years dues must be paid with a roster of Active Members.

ARTICLE V-FUNDS

1. All funds shall be deposited in a U.S. federally insured bank or savings institution. No debts shall be incurred by or for the M.M.C.I. by any Officer, Committee member or members except as authorized by a vote of the Executive Board with the exception of the Secretary and Treasurer, who are authorized to contract for all current expenses such as postage, stationary, printing, newsletters Etc., as established in a budget approved by the Executive Board.
2. The President shall be authorized to expend up to $100.00 for any purpose pertaining to M.M.C.I. activities only. Such expenditures shall be approved at the following Executive Board meeting.
3. For faithful performance of his duties, the President of the M.M.C.I. shall receive a gift of $100.00 per year to be used as needed. For faithful performance of his duties, the Secretary shall receive a gift of $100.00 per year to be used as needed. For faithful performance of his duties, the Treasurer shall receive a gift of $50.00 per year to be used as needed. For faithful performance of his duties, the Membership Chairman shall receive a gift of $50.00 per year to be used as needed. For faithful performance of his duties, the Web-Site Chairman shall receive a gift of $50.00 per year to be used as needed. This money is to be paid at the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE VI-EXPULSION

Any violation of the M.M.C.I. Constitution, By-Laws or Resolutions or any misconduct by a Chapter or an Active Member that bring discreditable behavior upon its Chapter, the M.M.C.I. or the Masonic Fraternity in general, would be subject to disciplinary action by the M.M.C.I. Grievance Committee, which could be expulsion, temporary suspension or probation of any Active Member or an entire Chapter.

ARTICLE VII-DUTIES OF OFFICERS

President.

The President shall preside at all meetings of this organization with the exception of the Death Benefit Committee. He shall appoint committees and non elected Officers. He shall at all times enforce a due consideration and observance of the Constitution, By-Laws and Resolutions and shall preserve order and harmony within the M.M.C.I.

Vice President.

The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President and discharge such duties of the President in case of his disability or vacancy of his office. He shall be responsible for money raising projects for the M.M.C.I. he shall assist the host Chapter in coordinating the Annual Conference and report back to the Executive Board.

Secretary.

The Secretary shall attend all meetings, keep a record of all proceedings, attend to all correspondence, keep the membership informed of all organizational activities and functions and inform all members of By-Laws amendments. At the expiration of his term. He shall transfer all books, papers, monies and other organizational property to his successor in office.

Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall attend all meetings, receive all monies from the Secretary keeping a record of the same and pay all bills when approved by the Executive Board. At the Expiration of his term, he shall transfer all books, papers, monies and other organizational property to his successor in office.

Executive Board.

The Executive Board shall exercise a general supervision over the interest and affairs of the Organization, shall prepare an annual budget, shall procure and prepare suitable quarters for Executive Board Meetings and the Annual Meeting, supervise all organizational activities, property and equipment and meet when deemed necessary.

Trustees.

The Trustees will oversee the operations and functions of the Organization, in accordance with the Constitution, By-Laws and Resolutions. The Trustees shall meet and assist the Executive Board when Executive Board Meetings are called.

Chaplin.

The International Chaplin should attend as many International meetings as possible and especially the Annual Meeting at the Annual Convention. His duties shall consist of leading the Club in prayer and giving guidance when requested. He will represent the Club at funerals when asked, giving words of comfort. If available, he will install the new officers at the Installation of Officers. The Chaplin will be appointed by the President at his discretion. He shall also be an advisor of the Grievance Committee.

ARTICLE VIII-STANDING AND OTHER COMMITTEES

The following Standing Committees will be appointed by the President;

• By-Laws Committee.
• Safety Committee.
• Audit and Finance Committee.
• Nomination Committee.
• Conference Committee.
• Grievance Committee.
• Membership Committee. ( Chapter # 8 )
• Death Benefit Fund Committee.
• Web Page Committee
• Web Page Committee

Other Committees may be appointed by the President when deemed necessary.

ARTICLE IX-AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws shall not be altered, amended or appealed until the proposed additions, alterations, amendments or nullifications be;

1. sponsored by not less then three members of the M.M.C.I. or the By-Laws Committee.
2. reduced to writing and filed with the M.M.C.I. Secretary ninety ( 90 ) days prior to the Annual Meeting;
3. entered upon the agenda of the Executive Board for approval;
4. presented to the membership and if approved by unanimous vote, it would be immediately be adopted;
5. if not a unanimous vote, it would be held over to the next succeeding Annual Meeting and if approved by two thirds ( 2/3 ) of the voting members present and voting, it shall be adopted.

Each Chapter shall receive one updated copy of the By-Laws prior to the next Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE X-LOGO

The Masonic Motorcycle Club International emblem shall be the club logo. It shall consist of the Square and Compass with two stared wheels and several symbolic characters with the outward appearance of a motorcycle. Around the emblem shall be a full circle with the words, " MASONIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INTERNATIONAL" on the inside of the circle. The color of the logo shall be blue with a white background. The Square ,Compass and letter " G ", may be gold in color. This logo has been registered and shall be used only with the approval of the M.M.C.I. Executive Board. There shall be no variation or alteration of the club logo other then color. Only its use shall be subject to approval. Items or articles using the M.M.C.I. logo that are sold at the Annual Meeting and/or the Annual Conference by outside vendors, shall be subject to a 10% tax to help support International. The Trustees shall maintain control of the Club logo.

ARTICLE XI-MEMBERSHIP- AT- LARGE

Members in an area with an insufficient number to form a Chapter will be assigned to Chapter -at- Large. ( Chapter # 8 ). The Chapter -at- Large shall be overseen by the M.M.C.I. Executive Board and the Membership Committee. Chapter # 8 may elect their own Officers at an Annual Meeting. Members-at-Large are Active Members.

COMMITTEES

COMMITTEES

Committees of the MMCI are not a part of the International Constitution and By-Law's and may be added to, Revised, Deleted or Changed at the discretion of the International President and the International Executive Board, collectively. How ever, all Committees shall operate within the guidelines of the International Constitution and By-Law's. The President may change the Chairman of any Committee as described in the Committee outline. Any Committee or Committee Chairman being terminated will turn over all records to the International Executive Board at a regular meeting or at the Annual Meeting. All Committees shall submit a written report of their activities at the Annual Meeting. Any Member who would like to be on a specific Committee should make his wishes known to the President of International for his review and approval.

BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

The By-Laws Committee shall keep the By-Laws, Constitution and Amendments current with changing times and situations. They shall meet once a year before the Annual Meeting to review any suggested or submitted changes. Changes must be submitted three months prior to the Annual Meeting to the Executive Board for their review and acceptance. The Executive Board may reject By-Laws changes and resubmit them to the By-Laws Committee for further evaluation. Clerical mistakes, punctuation, Grammar and other minor clarifications may be made by the Committee without Membership approval. All changes must be ready for the membership to vote on at the Annual Meeting i.e. changes, forms, ballots, Etc. the By-Laws Committee shall be composed of three members of the M.M.C.I. with a Lifetime or regular Trustee as Chairman. Minutes of all Committee Meetings will be kept and presented at the Annual Meeting.

SAFETY COMMITTEE

The Safety Committee of the M.M.C.I. shall concern themselves with riding procedure, safety classes, accident information and safety statistics. They shall publish standard riding procedures to be made available to the membership upon request. They shall publish safety statistics in the M.M.C.I. newsletter as they are compiled If possible, they shall make themselves available or furnish assistance to teach riding procedure and safety classes to subordinate Chapters as needed. This Committee shall meet in the fall and in the spring to discuss various riding and safety procedures to be presented to the Executive Board three months prior to the Annual Meeting. There shall be three members on the Committee. The Chairman shall be elected by the Chapter Road Captains at the Annual Meeting with a member of the Executive Board as a member of the Committee. Minutes of all Committee meetings will be kept and presented in writing at the Annual Meeting.

AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Audit and Finance Committee shall examine and audit the account of the M.M.C.I. Treasurer at each Annual Meeting and report the results during the Annual Meeting. The Executive Board may also call for an audit at any time as deemed necessary. They shall also examine and audit the accounts of any subordinate Chapters if requested by a member of the subordinate Chapters Executive Board or by a unanimous vote of the M.M.C.I. Executive Board. It shall be the duty of the M.M.C.I. Executive Board to take proper actions in case of any discrepancy of financial matters with a subordinate Chapter or the International treasury. The Audit and Finance Committee may recommend placing of funds of the M.M.C.I. if requested by the M.M.C.I. Executive Board. This Committee shall consist of three members of the M.M.C.I. Minutes of all Committee meetings will be kept and presented an writing at the Annual Meeting.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Nomination Committee shall receive names of members for the purpose of running for an elected office of the M.M.C.I. Members interested in running for an elected office of the M.M.C.I. shall submit their names to the Nomination Committee May 1st before the Annual Meeting. Nominees shall have served as an elected Officer for their subordinate Chapter and be in good standing. The Nomination Committee shall review, investigate and submit the names of eligible members to the M.M.C.I. Executive Board by June 1st. before the Annual Meeting. If the Executive Board accepts the eligible members, the Committee shall prepare written ballots for the Annual Meeting. If names have not been submitted by May 1st, the Committee shall interview eligible members in an attempt to seek possible nominees. Nominations will be accepted from the floor at an Annual Meeting. The Committee shall consist of three members of M.M.C.I. appointed by the President. Minutes of all Committee meetings shall be kept and presented in writing at the Annual Meeting.

GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE

The Grievance Committee shall concern themselves with all major problems and grievances to come before the subordinate Chapters if necessary and the M.M.C.I. as requested. This Committee shall consist of four members. They shall be one International Officer and two Officers of Subordinate Chapters. The Chaplin shall also be an advisor to this Committee. Minutes of all Committee Meetings will be kept and presented at the Annual Meeting.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee shall be responsible for setting up new Chapters at the request of the M.M.C.I. President. All prospective Chapter applications must be submitted to the President and Secretary of the M.M.C.I. prior to any action thereof. This Committee shall oversee the operations and record keeping of Chapter # 8 ( Members-at-Large ), and report all actions or problems of that Chapter to the Executive Board. The Membership Committee shall visit or communicate with all prospective Chapters, explain the functions and procedures of setting up a new Chapter and review how the M.M.C.I. can assist them. If membership and attendance is a problem with a subordinate Chapter, the Committee may assign one member of the Committee to help with the problem. Any excessive costs to members of the Committee shall be submitted to the Executive Board for their review and payment made if approved. The President may appoint as many members to this Committee as he feels is needed to make it function properly. One Executive Board member will be a member of the Committee. The Chairman will keep the President informed of any problems that may arise. Minutes of all Committee meetings will be kept and presented at the Annual Meeting.

WEB-SITE COMMITTEE

The Web-Site Committee shall oversee and maintain the MMCI Web-Site in a fitting manner as described in the Constitution and By-Law's. They shall keep the Executive Board informed of any problems that arise as a result of the Web-Site. They shall pass along any E-Mail or messages that are sent specifically to Officers, Chapters or Members. All information concerning MMCI going on the Internet shall go through the MMCI Web-Site unless otherwise approved. It is the only Web-Site approved by the International Executive Board. Any Chapter or Member wishing to have their own MMCI Web-Site shall have it approved by the Committee and the International Executive Board. Chapters of the MMCI may use the MMCI Web-Site to inform their own Chapters of activities and meetings. The cost of the International Web-Site will be absorbed by MMCI. Chapters shall work with the Committee prior to setting up their site so that they will conform to the Committee's format. No financial reports of International or Chapters shall be published on the Web-Site. The Death Benefit Plan shall not be published on the Web-Site. The Committee shall pay the Web provider from International funds and give all receipts to the Treasurer for his records. All expenditures of this Committee shall be approved by the International Executive Board per Article V, Section A, of the International By-Laws. The Membership shall be kept informed of any changes or revisions on the Web-Site through the International newsletter. The Web-Site shall be reviewed at every Annual Meeting to see if it needs upgrading or revised. There may be as many members on this Committee as it takes it to run efficiently. The President of International shall appoint the Chairman and Members of this Committee. Until further notice, the Web-Site address is, www.masonicmotorcycleclub.org.

DEATH BENEFIT FUND COMMITTEE

The Death Benefit Committee has their own set of By-Laws that is controlled by the Committee. Copy is available upon request. Approved 2/10/2001. All books shall be made available to the Audit and Finance Committee prior to the Annual Meeting and a status report shall be read at the Annual meeting.

INTERNATIONAL RIDING PROCEDURE GROUP RIDING.

1. All motorcycles will be licensed motorcycles of 350 cc or larger and be in safe operating condition to include lights, brakes, tires, Etc.
2. The Chapters and Members shall obey all state laws of the state being ridden in.
3. A Road Captain or Safety Officer shall be in charge of the group when it's on the road.
4. Riding procedure is in a staggered formation except as directed by the Road Captain or Safety Officer.
5. The outside left lane leads in formation and leads going into turns and corners.
6. Only 15 motorcycles will travel in a group unless prohibited by laws.
7. The following universal hand signals will be used. All signals will be given by the left hand except for road obstruction. *
1. Left Turn - Left arm straight up, then dropped pointing left.
2. Right Turn - Left arm straight up, then bent over head pointing right.
3. Emergency Stop - pat top of head with left hand.
4. Single File - Left arm straight up, moving front to back in a straight line.
5. Speed Up or Traffics Clear - Left arm straight up and moving in a circle.
6. Stop or Slow Down - Left arm pointing in a downward angle with hand flat.
7. Something on the Road - Point with either foot on the side of obstruction.
8. The use of working directional signals may be used in place of turning hand signals.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS.

1. All motorcycles should be insured or have a statement of financial responsibility.
2. Long paints, closed shoes and at least short sleeve shirts should be worn.
3. Helmets and eye protection for both rider and passenger should be worn.
4. Road Captain or Safety Officers should check motorcycles for safety hazards prior to rides.
5. There shall be a $ 50.00 cap on Convention Registrations until such a time the International Executive Board approves a conditional change. Effective 9 /1/2002.
6. Convention pins and shirts shall not be subject to the 10% tax if sold by a Chapter or International. Outside vendors who wish to sell their products at the Conventions may be liable for space rent at the discretion of the International Executive Board .
7. All References of money or funds in this document shall be in United States funds.
8. There shall be no alcoholic beverages made available or consumed in the hospitality rooms at the International Conventions. Hotel bars, Members private rooms and open bars at the Banquet are available for that purpose.

The original Constitution, By-Laws and Resolutions were adopted by the membership on August 14, 1985. It was created by a Committee from the Masonic Motorcycle Club of Ohio. ( Ohio # 1 ). The Committee consisted of the following;

• Richard Kovac. Chairman.
• Rex Baker
• Curt Stone
• Herb Collins
• Bill Hixon
• Michael Demyan
• Richard Morse

Over the years, they have been revised and updated. The last major revisions were accepted at the Annual Meeting on August 12, 1995. This current revision was presented and accepted at the Annual Meeting in Fort Erie, Ontario Canada, August 17, 2002

• Richard Morse, Chairman.
• Rex Baker
• Douglas Kelley

BRIEF HISTORY

The Masonic Motorcycle Club of Ohio was formed on May 16, 1982 at the Shaker Heights Masonic Temple in Shaker Heights, Ohio. There were ten Masons present along with their wives. Officers were elected and a meeting/ride schedule was set up. D.D.G.M. Richard F. Kovac, Founder, was elected the first President.

In 1984, it was decided to make the Club an International Organization by President Robert Coffman. A Committee was created, By-Laws worked on, rules set up and fliers sent out. On August 10, 1985, the first International Conference was held in Loudenville, Ohio under the direction of then President, Gene McKinstry. International Officers were elected and the first Chapter outside Ohio was formed. We welcomed the Masons from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.( Chapter # 6 ). We received our Incorporation papers and registered the Club Logo in the same year.

In 1991, a Member -at -Large Chapter was created for members in areas with an insufficient number to form a Chapter. In 1993, the Club became a sanctioned A.M.A. Chartered Chapter and the Founders Conference was held. In 1995, the first International Open House was hosted by the International Officers in Lake George, New York at Americade and had 50 members and guests attend.

In 1998, the Club qualified and applied for Federal Income Tax exempt status. In 1999, we received our tax exempt number. Also in 1999, the Executive Board approved the International Web- Site which made the Membership almost double.

At the Executive Board Meeting on February 10, 2001, the Board approved the creation of the Death Benefit Plan to aid and assist the families of a fallen Member. In 2002, our first Chapter was formed in Canada, making us truly an International Club. Also a Chaplin classification was added to the By-Laws.

During the past years since our inception, we have had some great International Conferences. They have been in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Fort Erie ,Ontario. Canada. They were all well planned and the Membership enjoyed them, discovering new areas and attractions.

We continue to search out more new Chapters and Members-at-Large thru word of mouth, flyers, Web-Site, advertising and visual contact.

These By-Laws are a guide line for International. When your Chapter sets up your own By-Laws, we want you to use these as a guide and incorporate our concept into your By-Laws. The intent is to promote Masonry, a good motorcycle image and fellowship.

SO MOTE IT BE.